Annual Holiday Art Fair at Let Them Eat Chocolate

Come out and see the wares!  Fantastic gifts, life music and some of the best chocolate and gelato ever. 


Where:  Let Them Eat Chocolate, 5306 N. Damon, Chicago

When:  Saturday December 13, Noon - 4pm

Sweetest Little Girl Quilt

Dear friends of mine just had a gorgeous little girl in late November. When I learned that they were expecting, I knew what I would be making. My friend and I are fans of Amy Butler's fabric designs so I knew which fabric I would be using for this quilt. Strip quilts are some of my favorites to make and perfect for a little girl's room. 

Here it is.  I fell in love with the quilt and thoroughly enjoyed making it and the matching pillow. Now I know she's too little to use a quilt yet, but it's big enough for mommy to snuggle with her now and later on she will use it as she grows and throughout her life. 

Welcome Sylvie!  

Boo! Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Autumn is in the Air

 

  

Since the actual season and weather are reinforcing that it is Autumn, I was compelled to make some new pumpkin decorations.  

Today I spent the day roasting vegetables and making homemade ice cream.  How did you spend your weekend?

CLASS - Flourishing Careers for the Renaissance Soul

Many of you have heard me talk about the career coaching I have had after corporate life to figure out my next step. One of the great things I discovered was that I'm a Renaissance Soul. That was instrumental for me in taking the steps to lay out my path for Twisted Fiber Studio (among other incredible things). It solved a few mysteries about myself and how I plan and do things. But what does Renaissance Soul mean?

Well, on Wednesday, October 15th, Theresa Maria Napa and I will be co-leading a FREE session on Flourishing Careers for the Renaissance Soul at Creative Co-working in Evanston. Event details are in the event section and below. We do ask for people to RSVP so we can ensure we are setup to accommodate.Of course there will be a creative aspect to it! I'm involved.  It is immediately after work so we know that may be a challenge for some but what if this is the key to unlocking your next step?  What if?

Another Installment: Happiness - what is it for you?

Tell me what happiness means to you.  

http://eepurl.com/2DTAX

Christmas in September? Really? Really!

Yes really.  This Saturday, I'm participating in an Arts & Crafts Fair  with other local artists in Evanston.  I've been working on some pieces for it including several Christmas & holiday trees made from recycled book pages.  Aren't they adorable?  Come see them, and other recycled book page items, in person from 2-6pm this Saturday (address below).

Fall is round the corner and that means...

only four months until the holidays!  I hear the boos, hisses, and "oh mys."  I agree.  I'm already thinking I'm not ready.  But we always manage, right? 

We'll I'm here to start you off on the right foot.  On Sept. 6, I'll be at a new craft fair.  Full details are here:  Art & Craft Show.

My theme will be book page art.  So you know I have to preview some of the items I'll have there. 

Stop by and then head to one of the many fabulous restaurants in Evanston.  Enjoy!

Christmas in July?

Just preparing samples for classes but aren't the "toys" just adorable?  SO fun to make!

There's a Prize...

Twisted Fiber Studio is partnering with Right Track Coaching to offer workshops/webinars that inspire, motivate, and bring clarity to our lives through experiential and creative sessions.  To gauge your needs, we are asking each of you to participate in the following survey.  One lucky, randomly selected, respondent will receive a prize – a handmade journal from Twisted Fiber Studio and “21 Day Leadership e-Course – From Passion to Mastery.

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DRPZWCT

Celebrate!

This week's newsletter is a reason to celebrate!  Read on...

http://eepurl.com/YTIqz

Summertime Fun!

How is your summer going?  What have you done so far this summer?  What does the rest of your summer hold?  Teaching classes and taking classes are my top activities for the next few months. 

In August, I am taking several classes at the Create Mixed Media Retreat sponsored by Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine in Lisle, IL.   This is the fifth year of the retreat and I've gone to all of them.  My best friend Sue and I do not miss this retreat.  In fact as soon as it finishes we are already looking forward to next year.  Check it out!  There are still classes available.  

In July and August, I am teaching over a dozen classes throughout the Chicagoland area (see schedule here). On August 1-3, the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Festival will take place at the Lake County Fairgrounds, where I will teach the afternoon of August 1st.    

It is going to be a fantastic rest of the summer! Leave me a comment and let me know what fun your summer holds. 

Pillows - Crochet - Stitch - Done

Most recent creation from my stash.  Love it!

Best not to ask...

My latest newsletter is ready for your reading pleasure.  Enjoy!  It is a good giggle.

Have a great day from a gorgeous blue sky Chicago.  

http://eepurl.com/X842T

Dress Up: Newest class - Make your own Doll Dress Mannequin

A sample of my newest class.  Details will be available on twistedfiberstudio.com soon.  

The Power of Overwhelm! Really?!! -- a workshop

Feeling Overwhelmed??

On July 12th, my good friend, Theresa Maria Napa and I will be collaborating on a hands on workshop on July 12th in the Chicago area, "The Power of Overwhelm!! REALLY?!!" 

Who hasn't felt overwhelmed, now or in the past?  Its power over our lives is incredible.  Come find out how to eliminate its power over you.  Theresa is an amazing coach who works with her clients to explore, dream, and discover the true path for their life and career. 

This class is open to everyone and you can register here.  At the end of the class you will walk away with a handmade journal for success, and new tools to handle feelings of overwhelm in your life.

Development of New Classes

The newest installment of my newsletter.  Enjoy and have a fantastic day!


http://eepurl.com/VXLrf

I've been working on several journals recently for samples and new class ideas.  This first one is a sample.  It's simple, clean and very me.  That's what I want to convey to the people that take my classes.  Everyone makes something that reflects their creativity, taste, and ideas. 






The next one is a 10" album cover (the actual LP is so damaged it is not playable) but I LOVED the cover, francophile that I am.  Imagine if you found or have that album you loved to death but the LP is scratched or you don't have a turntable anymore.  Well, if you can stand to alter it and create something that will be with you longer and remain part of your life, let's make a journal!  Would you like to take this class?  Let me know! 

Off to make something else.

What is felting?

Notes from Shari

During the past two weeks, celebrations have been the main theme around our house with our 5th wedding anniversary and my husband's birthday (a significant one).  So first a weekend away for us and then a fabulous bowling party with our family and friends to ring in hubby's birthday!  He loved it.  
 

Where to find Shari

May 20   Lisle Memorial Public Library -- Petite Images (Book Page Collage)
May 27   Inverness Park District -- Introduction to Felting

August 1 -- Midwest Fabric & Folk Art Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds -- Fabric Painting with Fruit & Veggies (Public Show)
continue reading...http://eepurl.com/TQYNb

Newsletter: Discovering Passion

A new mentor of mine shared her story of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.  Neither of us chose to leave our respective corporate jobs --we were asked to do so.  Her story mirrored mine in many key ways, giving me the realization that I’m not alone (rationally I knew that, of course).  While my initial feelings were fear and anger, I also felt joy and relief.  It took me several months and lots of help to identify why.  I hadn’t been honoring my passions or taking care of myself.  I had been passionate about my job for many years, but the stress from many things in that environment had eroded the joy and negatively affected my health. During the last year and a half while working full time, Twisted Fiber Studio developed into existence.  It was where I did honor my passions by teaching arts and crafts classes nights and weekends. If I had listened to my soul, I would have made the change earlier.  I view it as a kick in the pants from a higher power....

Continue reading the newest installment at http://eepurl.com/S_FB1

Class at the Mt Prospect Park District

On May 6th, come join me at The Studio in Mt. Prospect to make a book page wreath and fabulous dish towel decorated with stamps made from fruits and veggies!  Just in time for Mother's Day!  Check out the link below for registration information. 

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0294/7817/files/MPPD_interest_in_pinterest_single_class_1.pdf?534

Twisted Fiber Studio's Twisted Newsletter No. 2

My next installment is available for reading.  Click here for Newsletter No. 2. 

http://eepurl.com/Sa9bH

Thanks for stopping by!

Shari

And the winner is...

Rachel S. of the journal I was offering yesterday.  Congratulations Rachel.  Contact me via email at sharilynn@twistedfiberstudio.com and I will get that journal to you asap.

Thanks again all!

Great event - Skokie's Spring Greening

Wow! I'm exhausted but what a great event -- Skokie's Spring Greening. Got to meet lots and lots of people. The winner of the drawing for the journal will be notified via email! Thank you to all who stopped by, made something, and/or took information. I look forward to talking to you all.

 

Thanks again to the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, the Skokie Library and the Skokie Park District!

Pinterest always grabs my attention!

As many of do, I was scrolling through many different things on Pinterest.  Last night it was all about tutorials!  They are endless.  I'm always on the lookout for new techniques for just about anything! 

So last night I saw tutorials on hair sewing, jewelry making, dying, cooking, makeup, drawing, gardening, braids, paper crafting, bird feeders, origami, bow making, beading, quilling, photo editing, toys, polymer clay, accessories, sweaters, baskets, upholstery, shelving, handbags, photography, stenciling, doll making, and upcycling ANYTHING! 

Yes I want to do them all!  I need more free time, don't we all? 

Follow my board on Pinterest at Twisted Fiber Studio

Twisted Fiber Studio's Twisted Newsletter #1

Last week I did it... my first newsletter. It was something on my list that seemed insurmountable and yet with a little encouragement and a lot of direction from an expert (Thank you Suzanne Tregenza Moore) it happened. 

You can read it here! http://eepurl.com/Q6SPf 

Please!?

Next week #2 comes out.  

For daily photos, inspiration and other tidbits, follow me on Facebook.

Latest fun in the studio...

Before

And After

Recycled materials contributed to this version.  Her belt is a tea bag -- yes one I used, emptied and dried.  I think she needs jewelry, doesn't she?  Thoughts?

For daily pictures and motivation, please follow me on https://www.facebook.com/twistedfiberstudio.

Pulling the covers over my....notebook

Last week I posted about making a notebook cover that I'd made from an experiment with fusible web and scrap fabric.  I love it and have received many compliments and several "how do I make that" comments.  So that led me to thinking -- "hey I should teach a class on this!"  I will and have added it to my offerings.

That got me thinking I have to make another one.  I have a standard composition notebook that needs some dressing up.



Not over-thinking it, I pulled scrap strips of fabric - all sorts including silks and ribbon.  You know it wouldn't be me if there wasn't a little French on it somewhere.

Fused together

Voila!  Finished. 

Trash-filled Craft day

I’ve been thinking that my standard paper notebook needed a cover.  It’s another way to show my creativity when introducing people to Twisted Fiber Studio.  And it needed to look pretty, cause I like pretty. 

Months ago, while experimenting, I had made this new fabric from scraps of some of my favorite fabrics that I just couldn’t part with.  It is 50% recycled (new thread, lining material and new muslin used for base of fabric).  I fused the fabric to the muslin and then quilted it to some bamboo/cotton batting, added in some buckram, finishing it with some Amy Butler fabric (LOVE IT). I can reuse this over and over as I fill up notebooks.  Knowing me, I will embellish the cover more and more as time goes on.    

Recycling craft materials is relatively new to me.  The people at Cloth Paper Scissors and Interweave Press encourage it and do it in their projects and magazines.  What a great way to give new life to typically discarded items.  

In fact, I have several cereal boxes awaiting a new fate (great source of lightweight cardboard). 

Happy Wednesday!  

Shari

Snow, Life, and Generalities

Already it is time for the clocks to change this weekend.  And not soon enough in my mind after this winter! It's a sign of spring. Like all of us I am tired of dealing with the snow.  At least condo living means we don’t have to shovel.  That’s the up side of condo living.  

So what am I doing to look forward to spring?  Buying potting soil to re-pot indoor plants. And yes re-potting them.  

And trying some new ideas for classes…

These sweet sequined broaches are adorable and glam up any outfit!  I see them on my jean jacket soon.

Fabric painting wasn’t done!  I had to dress up the ones I had made for a class as my sample and add more stamps (using Claudine Hellmuth STUDIO stamps) to add in more graphic details.  I will be making more!  (Yes the flowers were made with celery as a stamp.)

Enjoy your Wednesday!