Collage experiments...

Sometimes you need to just paint and create whatever is in your head and heart. This past week gave me a lot of time to do so.  So what was in my head you ask?  Take a look and enjoy.

The glasses from Michael's inspired this one.

I absolutely love dresses  - to paint, to wear, to collage.

2013 -- Opportunity, dreams, hardwork...

Well most people do a recap of the prior year at New Year's and to be honest I'm trying to be more present and look towards the future. 2013 is what it was and brought incredible change to my husband and I. However, a quick recap on 2013 is in order to provide context for what is coming in 2014. 

2013 was full of unexpected opportunities that obviously were known by the greater universe.  My teaching schedule for art classes increased by 50% over 2012.  Word was getting out about my fun classes.  I also created more art than ever.  One of the biggest changes was having my position at the day job eliminated in July, creating an opportunity for me to fully explore the potential of Twisted Fiber Studio.  You know me ... full steam ahead.  Goal setting began, a class on running an arts and crafts business, coaching for all aspects of working (entrepreneurship and more), trademark research, class development, teaching, networking, learning new skills, business plan writing and visualization, dreaming, and more.  It has been a busy, busy 5 months. 

2014 will be full of hard work and new personal growth to bring Twisted Fiber Studio to bloom and grow.  I am looking forward to every step of it...even the data entry! So many fibers and tendrils to follow and see where we go from here.  Each day brings new opportunities, new friends, new dreams, new insights into myself, new confidence, and new ideas.  Check in here often to see what happens! 

As for today, the first day of the new year, it's a snowy start in the Chicago area -- 6" and counting, encouraging my husband and I to spend a perfect relaxing day together. 

Happy New Year to all!  

Shari

P.S. In the meantime, check out my holiday sale. 

Painting on the Go.... Vino Van Gogh that is...

So best friend from university, Lisa and I took a great class last Saturday with Vino Van Gogh at Splinters Sports Pub in Palatine.  EXCELLENT class and such fun. 

We have an annual tradition of doing something at Christmas time. It's been a 48 hr cookie baking marathon since her kids were little and such fun.  But our collective knees can't take it like that anymore.  Going gluten free has cut back on that need for baking on my side so we came up with something different.  The price was right on a snowy Chicago afternoon.  We loved it!. So much laughter.   And you were able to order adult beverages and food.  Yum, hot toddies were a perfect accompaniment. 

I highly recommend them for an outing.  We'll do it again for sure.

I present "Dancing Poinsettias..."

The Website has arrived!

It's here!  I am just so excited and tickled as a friend would say.  

Welcome to www.twistedfiberstudio.com.  I know you have always found the blog at that address but now you can see the blog as one part of the overall website.

You will be able to inquire about and book craft parties for special occasions or just for fun.  Handmade items are also now available online for your gift giving needs (or something special for yourself).  Of course I will be adding new merchandise and class ideas regularly.  Custom orders are always an option. 

Please visit www.twistedfiberstudio.com and let me know what you think!

Classes this week!

The past two days provided me an opportunity to teach two more fantastic groups of women.  On Tuesday, I was at Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien.  Librarian Cindy Kline had asked me to come teach Felt Flower Pins and I must say it was a fun night and a great facility.  Ladies - you made me laugh and I sincerely thank those that came out not feeling their best!    I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.  Check out a couple photos from that class on the library Facebook page.  Indian Prairie Library Facebook Page

Recycled book page Christmas Trees was the star attraction last night at the Lisle Library.  We had a full house, a lot of fun, and oh yeah some gorgeous trees.  Adult Librarian Mike Monahan took the photos. Aren't thye great?

Thanks Mike!  and thanks to all of you. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Next Steps

Twisted Fiber Studio is going through a growth period.  I have been working on the nuts and bolts of making TFS a full fledged wonderful business rather than the fun hobby it has been.  Among the many things we have in the works, the full website will launch in early December and have a host of arts and crafts classes to choose as well as holiday gift items available for purchase. 

These "classes" are also available as party themes for ages 10 and up - think birthday, book club, holiday, bridal shower, baby shower.  Don't see what you have in mind on the class list, let's work together to meet your needs.    The classes come to you at your home or in a venue of your choice.  Need a venue, I can help with that too. 

NO need to wait for the website to book a class.  The current brochure is available on the blog here  Class Brochure.   I look forward to hearing from you! 

I've gotten so much support from friends and family -- THANK YOU and I love you all. 

Fall Decor - Pumpkin!

A bit delayed in posting this photo but well, it's still fall, right? 

I made this in October and I have to tell you all that it was so quick and easy to make -- you too can have one for a centerpiece for the upcoming US Thanksgiving holidays. 

What you need:  one foam pumpkin I found at the $1 store, old sewing patterns, small foam brush, gloss matte medium (or watered down white glue if you have it on hand), flowers or fall decorations of any kind and straight pins or hot glue to attach them.

Use a foam brush to put the glue on the pumpkin and then layer the sewing patterns over the glue, pressing it in to the curves of the pumpkin think decoupage.  Even cover the stem.  Brush more glue over the paper.  Let dry! 

For the decorations, you can use leaves from the yard (yes you can) or small pine cones, silk flowers, felt flowers and the like.  I had a silk leaf and some fall colored felt to make the flowers. To attach these, I used straight pins through the center of the flowers into the pumpkin itself.  Done!  So easy and fast! 

FYI you can use the plastic pumpkins (candy buckets) for the base too and put flowers into it as an autumn bouquet.  

Enjoy!

Saucy...New Collage Art!

Felting Class Thank you!

Tuesday night was a great time at the Geneva Public Library.  One person was overheard saying on her way out:  “This is the best Library program I have attended.”

You are a fantastic group of people. Did you imagine we'd make that many suds?  Enjoy your soaps and pins!

Happy Halloween!