A strange weather week, it has been. The clouds have hung low with sounds that almost sounded like growls. Nothing manifested, but it put me on edge, and I was already there as I’d been in recent communication with my “Alabama son.” He was spending time hunkered down (safely) in a neighbor’s basement (thank you, kind neighbor!).
We’ve also had calm with windows of sunshine, so I’ve taken full advantage as nature has “allowed” all week; but there’s been that “understatement” and anticipation of things coming. So, to be able to dip in that blue and putting pieces on the line outdoors has had its meditative aspects. At least it has been soothing.
The garden is also in bloom with some favorites – much anticipated and cheering.
The weekend weather holds promise as there is that fest ahead on Saturday. Looking forward it!
Our booth’s banner perhaps? It’s still in the making obviously. I don’t really know if it will work…some experimentation will be called for I’m sure. It was fun to make and it might be a little foreshadowing of what’s to come in another couple of weeks (you have to check out my “Workshops” page!).
There are so many different ways to express the concept of handcrafts or the handmade in Japanese. In trying to find the most appealing and easy (to the western ear) to say (and remember?) while staying in context was a bit of a challenge. I still can’t be sure that 手技・shugi, the “umbrella” name I chose for Dana’s and my small business venture at Herbfest is the appropriate one, but it does convey the meaning well enough.
手技・しゅぎ・Shugi defines as craft or the handcrafts as the kanji 手・て・te means ‘hand’ and 技・ぎ／わざ・gi/waza refers to skill, art or technique. I thought using “日本の。。。／Japanese” in the title would only be redundant (and also long), but some might wonder. I’ve been thinking that some kind of signage might be appropriate. I’m still giving that some thought.
Dana Watson (From My Wandering Mind & Tanabata Wishes) is bringing her Temari (literally hand balls), intricately patterned, thread wrapped balls. You can ask Dana about their history and the stories involved in the making of each one.
I plan to keep my palette limited for this fest (indigo & white). I’ll bring scarves and other sundries in shibori. I’m looking forward to it and hope for a classic North Carolina spring day.
I’d say we had a good time and were successful, each in our own context. Barb sold a lot of her books and both she and Dana raised awareness of the beauty of Temari here in NC. A lot of folks were intrigued with the art.
Personally, I enjoyed meeting and conversing with the many folks (craftspeople & visitors) I encountered – exciting, thought-provoking…just good fun.
There was a lot to take in – weavers, spinners, dyers, knitters…and lots of color.
I’m so grateful to my customers and really appreciate the compliments on my work – very affirming. If all goes well, we will look forward to participating again next year.
Readying for the Carolina Fiber Fest took me to the fixture shop, a warehouse full of goodies related to display – store/shop display. I rarely have need for things like this, but I can get lost walking the aisles here.
Some of it is the usual seen in most department stores, but then, there are those odd pieces….The ‘stuff’ changes from day to day or week to week…but I never know what’s to be found there. I don’t get there often enough.
I love seeing the context of the textiles I dye…when someone buys a scarf and I can see it worn. It brings it to life. Then again, when someone takes the cloth and turns it into a different product – it’s very satisfying.
In this case, Dana turned some of my fat quarters into some very precious items to sell in a crafts fair last weekend. I love the results.
Just a little ‘tidbit’ here. Woolettes, an Etsy shop is featuring items in my favorite color in a treasury called Aglow with Indigo and believe it or not, that blue does radiate.
By the way…you’ll also find a little rabbit in the collection…
Holiday Art Sale: Times:
Friday, Nov. 19th at 2-7 pm. and
Saturday, Nov. 20th from 11 a.m. – 4 pm.
Place: Meredith College’s Gaddy Hamrick Building (the art building on the 1st floor)
I am also joining friends, students and faculty to participate in this event.
Available for sale are affordable works of art made by Art Department students and faculty from all disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, fibers, graphic design, ceramics, and sculpture. Although organized by the faculty, the sale is primarily staffed and operated by the students. The goal for the sale is to improve the professional growth of the students as well as to generate interaction with the community. Most of the proceeds will go to the artists, but a portion has been set aside to fund grants for independent student art projects.
It’s a small holiday crafts festival that takes place every year. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it for more that several years now. It’s coming up this weekend and am looking forward to it.
Jewelry by NaLa has included one of my pieces in a more than lovely treasury on Etsy. I really hope you’ll take your time meandering through her selections.
糸で/ Ito de/ By Thread 
