Coming to Terms! And Happy Mother's Day!

Two weeks of laying low, going slow, and missing the glow.....I decided to come to terms with my (limited) limitations and pick up my life!  So....I went to work at my gallery on Friday, had an excellent day selling, rearranging displays, incorporating new work, interacting with customers, and feeling a new kind of peace settle over me.  An evening social gathering with friends and new acquaintances was exactly what I needed.  There IS life without tennis!

Sounds so trivial, I know!  I've worked hard to improve my tennis, help my team to a second place spot in the league standings, and I've so enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and teammates.  And I have to believe that I'll get back to it after a time (unknown at this time!)  In the meantime, other priorities will take its place and those priorities would have taken my tennis time away anyway.

We'll be away for possibly several weeks starting in early June while our youngest daughter has  cochlear implant surgery, healing time, and then ACTIVATION, and hopefully a whole new life.  I wouldn't miss that for the world.  To be able to travel to New England safely and painlessly to witness a miracle (that I've held hope for for the last 40 years!) will mean everything to me!  To be able to help her with her recovery, driving, appointments, her animals, her house, etc. is far more important than ANYTHING else in my life.  And then, of course, there'll be lots of time for knitting (and even visiting my favorite yarn shops in person!)

LIFE IS GOOD!

In my down time during the last two weeks, I've worked on some new designs.  Besides lariats and brooches (see flickr), I've worked on this crochet pattern.  It's taken me DAYS of crocheting time, the result being a (too) long scarf that takes far too long to complete.  And it's too heavy too!  I even eliminated one side row/side of fleurettes (too much time and yarn!)  I'll try again with a MUCH shorter version and perhaps a mesh triangle with the fleurette trim.  So much fun to play with crochet!

In addition, I finished the scarf pictured above on Mother's Day!  It's nostalgic and sad, because I finished the scarf using some of my mother's crochet cotton for which she had been making a bedspread over many years and never finished it.  I used it for those fleurettes and only just now realized the significance of it.  My mother passed away many years ago (1987), so you can just imagine how old this vintage cotton is.  Love it and miss you, Mom!  I hope this and my other artistic endeavors make you proud!

SEEKING NEW IDEAS!!!

A first freeform crochet flower brooch - others not yet photographed.

I thought I was onto something, thanks to a creative friend who sparked my imagination about felted flower napkin rings (see previous post), but that has had to change.  A whole day and a half was to be devoted to this idea.  

LITERALLY STOPPED IN MY TRACKS!

What happened has absolutely nothing to do with my creative endeavors, but a lot to do with the  normal aging process (that SUCKS!) and the other side of my life (tennis and other more recent physical activities).  No point describing the entire episode - literally and figuratively too painful! 

I RUPTURED A DISC!

And ended up in the ER (by ambulance!) and a whole new life! After a week of CT, x-Ray, MRI, and follow-up appointments (still on Prednisone), here's the deal:

• NO tennis (for a long time!)
• NO P.T.
• NO exercise - other than walking!

So....one must adjust!  We're at the tail end of the tennis league season, and my team is in 2nd place for the first time EVER!  I'll miss the activity, the time, and the camaraderie with a group of lovely and FUN women.  I've been playing tennis 4 - 5 times a week for the past several years - and LOVING it!

But not to belabor my woes (yes, I know.....it could be worse!),  I need a new plan!  I have residual numbness and weakness in the affected leg.  The weakness is improving, and the healing has begun.  Avoiding any thoughts of surgery, I will be a good girl and plan some other projects that have been on the back burner for a long time (like really going through drawers and cupboards, my desk and files, etc.)  I CAN DRIVE!  I can now do stairs without pulling myself up and holding on - if a little awkwardly, so my studio is accessible!

I hesitate to try any wet/hand felting at the moment, but here are some of my creative ideas going forward during the tennis drought.

• I had ordered a Kumihimo kit several weeks ago - haven't yet looked at it!
• I have a Tunisian Crochet online class that I haven't gotten very far in!  Thanks, Craftsy!
• I have an online mini-class on short rows. Thanks again, Craftsy!
• I've been wanting to try some ideas on 3-dimensional freeform crochet for brooches/pin/headbands/hairclips. Thanks, Pinterest!

HAVE YOU GOT OTHER IDEAS FOR ME????

I'm really looking for smallish projects in fiber and/or mixed media that don't require LONG hours of sitting or standing.  Please send any such thoughts to FB or Pinterest, where I have a board called "Inspire me!"  

Much appreciated!

How About Napkin Rings WITH Flowers?

A few months ago (maybe a year!) I made some really cute knitted and felted bangle bracelets and napkin rings!

  

Several of the bracelets sold, but neither of the napkin ring sets did.  So now I've gotten an idea from one of my most creative friends, metalsmith Arlene Weinrich.  She had seen (and neglected to purchase) some felted napkin rings with HUGE felted flowers attached to them at an ACC show.  When I told her I had some that I could experiment with, she was excited.  And so was I!

So....thinking of my recently created wet-felted brooches, I thought "What FUN!" to make new flower brooches and affix them to the napkin rings.  Arlene will be able to select her flower and napkin ring choices before putting them together.

YOUR THOUGHTS?

And the ones she doesn't select will be available at Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts.  

The Bangles are still available there now.

Thank You, Pinterest!

It's happened again! I've said it for about a year - that Pinterest is going to be the next FB in terms of popularity. But it's also the BEST source of inspiration and learning that I've seen in MANY years!  It's become my "go-to" over Google when it comes to seeking to be inspired, but also to actually LEARN to do something new!

Here are some of my NEW 3-dimensional flowers.

  

I scour Pinterest in search of some term(s), as with my most recent forage for tutorials and videos for "wet-felting in three dimension.  I've wanted to make some felted flowers (really any kind of flowers in fiber) that are 3D and that have that spiky, jagged edges in many layers.  I had no clue how to do it.  Having recently retaken a valuable class in wet-felting using a resist, I began to realize that resists just have to be utilized in creating such a 3-dimensional object.  Lo and behold, I found several tutorials online that address this.

Within my Pinterest Board called "It Felt SO Good!" you'll find these helpful photos and tutes.  Click on each of the links below and then click on the photo in Pinterest to find the tutorials:

• http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106108712691/  

• http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106108718515/  

There are other tutorials there as well.  My next learning project will be a felted vessel, thanks to these:

• http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106108620375/

• http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106108718527/  

• http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106108718699/  

Inspiring Others! Is there any better feeling?

I've spent most of my adult life in education of sorts, as foreign language teacher (middle and high school), career counselor (with undergrads, grad students, and alumni in higher ed), as a volunteer career counselor (non-profit organizations), and more recently as a fiber artist!

There are indeed very few original ideas in the arts, but that is the nature of the beast; art evolves as we build upon our own and others' ideas from meetings with other fiber artists, workshops, photos online, from nature, etc.  I LOVE it when I know I have personally inspired someone to continue their education, to find a job or satisfying career, to change careers, or to create something wonderful and unique from their own head, heart, and fingers.

I've been selling on Etsy since 2006.  With some success and a whole lot of hard work, I tried to build that business, finding that selling in my B & M gallery was far more gratifying. Women who like my designs really want to touch and try them on.  At this point, I've only got two patterns in my Etsy shop and nothing else.  From time to time, they sell, but most of the time I hear nothing from the buyers, although I always offer email advice and responses to any questions should they need it.  Rarely does this happen!

The Cachecol is an original design, very freeform in nature, unstructured, and randomly knitted.  I thought the word was French (meaning hide the neck), but actually it is simply a Portuguese word for scarf.  In any event, it works beautifully to hide the neck, provide a little warmth without weight.  It can be worn in many different ways.

The second pattern, called the Angel Scarflette, is both knitted and crocheted.  Included are directions for freeform crochet edging or a simple crocheted finish.  It too can be worn a number of ways, depending on how you adjust the buttons - or not use buttons at all, as my most recent customer did.  And she is the inspiration for this post.

Kanani ordered this pattern about a week and a half ago.  She and I have been in a running dialog ever since!  Never have I had a customer so excited about one of my patterns.  And she has created the most adorable scarflettes, omitting the buttons altogether, and using either a shawl pin or pin to attach the scarf around the neck.  Here is some of that dialog:

"Just left you very positive feedback.

In addition, I made this amazing scarf in one day with left over yarn. Different sources with the following fiber contents: cotton, rayon, silk and acrylic. When I made the body (P1K1), the length stretched a little bit too much. So I ran three rows of ribbon lengthwise to slightly take up the excess. 
I couldn't feel happier! Instead of buttons, I use various items to fasten the front. 

This pattern is exactly what I have searched for. People LOVE hand knitted/crochet items. My friends will fight each other over this!!!"

Then she made this one: 

And she followed up with this:

"You made my day yesterday; please take credit for this joy!

I found your pattern on Ravelry. Looking for a collar scarf that is unique took hours. Your delicious pattern appeared near the very end of my search. The minute I saw this freehand creative masterpiece, I erased all the other options and purchased your invention.

We are individuals and I am able to express my character through art. Thank you for helping me to further my goal and my bliss!

Nicky Epstein has a great book called, "Crocheting on the Edge."  Since I tend to lean on my knitting skills, many ideas have flooded my brain in regards to embellishing your design with crocheting.

Here's to the best therapy on the planet: CREATING!!

Always,
Kanani"

And finally: 

"Thank you for inspiring the love of our craft!"

I think that says it all!   I am always grateful for my customers, but especially those who take the time to let me know their joy at creating something that I've inspired!  THAT is MA JOIE!!!!

Thank you, Kanani!

A Felting Class (refresher course!) with Cynthia Mollenkopf of Artifelts!

Several years ago, I took a weekend workshop with Cynthia Mollenkopf at The Independent Art Company in Wilmington NC. It was a fabulous intro to wet/hand felting - creating a seamless purse using a resist.  Felting was familiar to me, having done knitted felt and nuno felt (another wonderful workshop with Jean Gauger of Sugar Plum Originals).  But I wanted to learn how to make a seamless felted bag.  I loved the bag so much that I put a photo of it on this blog, asking if I should sell or keep it.  Within several minutes someone posted a comment that she wanted to buy it.  So it went!

The bag has been a part of my business card ever since.

I had left-over roving from that project and made another similar one, but without the resist.  I brought that one to my local gallery, and one of the owners bought it immediately.  So that one went too!

But I never did another seamless one using the resist, so I contacted Cynthia and arranged a private class at her studio this past week.  I came away with this bag, adding some curly locks and a vintage button once home.

I decided to devote the next day at home to creating yet another wet-felted bag on my own - using a resist.  I must admit that I had my difficulties, but persevered.  Whether or not I actually followed the "correct" procedure is questionable, but it worked (except for the strap that never quite felted onto the bag!)

So here it is sans strap.  I attempted to needle-felt the strap onto the bag, but it too seemed to be unreliable.  And then I attempted to re-felt the strap.  I'll sew it next to ensure its sturdiness.  Still haven't figured out why it wouldn't felt during the original felting process!

But still not satisfied with the way it looked, I realized it still needed something!  I resorted to what has become a "signature" of sorts for my knitted felted bags: freeform needle felting that makes it "pop!"

I think it still needs a "WOW" feature, like a fabulous pin or button on the flap.  I haven't got the perfect piece, so the hunt will now ensue for such a feature.  Any other ideas?  I am also thinking of felting it again to be sure the needle felting sticks.  I learned from Cynthia that you can actually re-felt anything even after it dries, and even YEARS later if so desired.  Never knew that, so it's tempting to try doing that with this bag.

But for now I need to move on to other things, since felted anything is really not the thing for upcoming Spring and Summer.  Hope I remember how to do it when I return to it!

Host a Home Show!

I've been asked to re-post this information.  I've now successfully done three of these shows at my home in the last several years and plan to host one annually at the holidays.  But there really is no reason not to host one at your own home or at a friend's periodically.  It's a great way to move inventory, offer discounts, gifts, and incentives to buyers and hosts, keep inventory fresh and new, keep the creative juices flowing, and remind people that you're still around!

Here is an article I wrote a couple of years ago, thought I had posted it on this blog, but I can't find it now.  If you hold such a show, be sure to invite ME!!!  ;)

Hosting a Holiday Gift-Giving Trunk Show

Want to sell hand-crafted items at a home trunk show / open house!  It can be an effective way to demonstrate products in a welcoming, cozy environment where friends gather round at leisure, handling, trying on, and experimenting with the wearable art for sale.  As the owner/ creator of Scarf It Up! Wearable Fiber Art in Knit, Crochet and Felt, I have been blessed with periodically using this sales and marketing method to boost sales and earn loyal fans. And what better way to accomplish holiday shopping than to hold or host one sometime between October 1 and December 15 (or so)? I recommend trying this format to sell your own handcrafted items and those of selected other artists; it’s a win-win-win for sellers, buyers, and hostess!

The whole idea of Scarf It Up! actually started with such a show – at my daughter’s home in Massachusetts about ten years ago.  In July 2010, we threw yet another “party” at her place.  She invited colleagues from her current and former school districts, friends, and neighbors, and asked them to bring friends as well.  She provided beverages and finger food (non-greasy/non-messy!), and I provided the products, arranged them using whatever worked in her living/dining areas, and we opened the doors to her guests from 4 – 6PM.  

For holiday trunk shows, I suggest asking one or two non-competing artists to join the event, bringing their goods to the hostess’ home to offer an array of gifts for holiday gifting. Be sure to clear this with the hostess; space may be limited. Be selective about the artists you invite; quality of work and integrity are essential.

Every guest filled out a door prize form as they entered, and every half-hour we drew a name for one of several door prizes – I gave Embracelets (convertible chokers/bracelets): http://www.flickr.com/photos/scarfitup/4730440407/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/scarfitup/4727161871/in/photostream/.  We collected phone numbers (in case the winner had already left) and email addresses (so I could send thank you notes to all the attendees and to invite them to join my email list). 

Many of the guests had supported my work and me in the past, and I welcomed those I hadn’t met before.  It was indeed a party atmosphere, but the most fun was demonstrating my pieces that have multiple wearing options (and most of my work DOES!) – and helping the women try on scarves, shawls, cachecols, vests, etc.  with their many variations.  

Here are tips for a successful home trunk show:

• Offer your hostess a special piece of your work or a percentage of sales.  I gave my daughter a shawl that she loved AND some money to help defray the costs of refreshments.

• Have your hostess send a “Save the Date” email to guests a month in advance.  Follow up with a formal email or printed invitation.  Print some to stick in neighborhood doorways or mailboxes.

• Set aside an area of the home for refreshments.  White wine, iced tea, and water are perfect. Food offerings included pretzels with hummus, veggies with dip, baked chips with salsa, and fruit with a dip.  NO chocolate or anything greasy or sticky!  You want to protect the furniture as well as the products!

• Use the entire remaining space for product set-up in various areas with mirrors.  I used hangers with scarves on the curtain rods; shawls and wraps on hangers from the bookcases (use poster gum to hold the hangers on); bags and purses on other bookcases and a bench; hangers with items on the backs of doors or on door casings or hinges; jewelry on tables and neckwraps over the TV, backs of chairs, etc.  I flew to MA and so was unable to bring any form of display material with me.  My advice:  BE CREATIVE and use whatever is available!  It works!

• I am able to accept cash, checks, or PayPal, and this was announced in advance.  If you can accept credit/debit cards, do so. Wear an outfit with pockets or use a fanny pack.  Do NOT leave money around; set up an area for payments, wrapping, and record-keeping.

• Set up a separate area for the door prizes (collection and display) near the door.  Gather that info as soon as the guests enter.  Send a thank you email to EVERYONE who attended, whether they purchased something or not.  I never want people to feel they have to buy something, but often they do.  So it helps to have smaller, less expensive items (I had a supply of choker/embracelets at $20) for that purpose and will have felted buttons for future shows.

• I had announced through my Scarf It Up! newsletter that this open house was to take place, providing the place, date, and time, and inviting anyone in the area to attend.  When I blogged about my summer plans in New England (two separate trips), a friend offered to do another trunk show for me in RI in August.  And so it goes (grows!)  Ask YOUR friends to consider hosting.

Was it successful?  How do you measure that?  Well, let me put it this way…..in TWO hours, I was able to realize more money than I had during the entire month in my two local B&M venues in NC and/or online.  At the very first SIU party 10 years ago, I had doubled that, and so at first I was a little disappointed this time.  BUT…..I needed to remember that this is a totally different economy and my prices were quite a bit lower when I first started.  So yes, I would have to say that it was very successful and indeed very gratifying to know that my work is still valued and marketable.

Several years ago, I hosted my own holiday trunk show at home, with my husband’s work (he’s a potter) and two other jewelry designers. I live in a tennis and golf community on the coast of NC, where we relocated about seven years ago. Through various activities both within this community and in the region, I am blessed to know a huge number of people who are supportive of my work and the arts in general. They were thrilled to be able to shop at my home nearby and indeed they SHOPPED! I never want anyone to feel they must buy from me, but they did, and they do! I frequently get calls from people wanting a hand-crafted accessory to accompany a special outfit. They bring their clothes, explore my ubiquitous stash, and we discuss styles, proportion, color, texture, and more so I can design a special accessory just for them. I love it!

The value of the home trunk show is self-evident, I think.

• There is little or no commission (except what you arrange with your hostess and THAT will inevitably be far less than you’d pay in any retail boutique, gallery, or museum).
• You can organize the event at a mutually convenient time. At my home I offered two days of shopping for several hours each day, including one evening. At another’s home, I suggest at least a three-hour span including evening hours to accommodate working women. 5 – 8 pm works.
• Use as much of the house as possible. Provide ample mirror space.
• Offer a discount if feasible. Instead of marking things down, I simply offer 10% off all tags.
• Email addresses and thank you notes soon after the event remind people of the fun they had, show your appreciation, and add new names to your mailing list. I use Constant Contact to send out periodic messages to my mailing list of customers, past and potential, with Scarf It Up! news, photos, promotions, and other announcements. I recommend Constant Contact for its ease of use, very responsive support, and useful statistics.
• And the final benefits: it’s an easy way to earn considerable financial rewards, socialize with your friends and reward them with discounts, expose your talents, and grow your following.

I plan to host my own Holiday Trunk Show again this year! I hope you’ll try it too!

Questions/comments: scarfitup@ec.rr.com