Wednesday, August 29, 2012

...stretching my creative wings...


Just back from Create Chicago and decompressing from all the artful energy and excitement.  Love the art girls in the midwest, so warm and gracious, you feel like you've known them forever.  To all my new friends and students, thanks for that!
In the midst of teaching my five classes, i treated myself to taking a class and "being the student".  I had an all day workshop, "Mixed Media Needle Felting" with fiber artist Rebekah Meier.  It was magical.  We even got to use the needle felting foot on the Bernina sewing machines, which was right up my alley.  So fun!

 I've always loved needlework, sewing and fabric.  When it was all the rage In the late 80's, i was a mad cross stitcher and haven't done anything like that in years.  Here are my "work in progress" creations, two felted silk pieces started in Rebekah's class.  I'm making the covers for two handmade watercolor art journals.  I'll post the completed journals when they're done.

 I'm still adding hand stitching, words and embellishments to the surfaces.  I absolutely love the "art trance" that envelops me while stitching and arranging felted fibers, fabrics, ribbons, dyes and textures.  Ahhhhh.........................
  For me, trying new things helps me grow and make new art with fresh vision and curiosity.
It always feels so good to stretch your art wings, doesn't it?

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18 comments:

  1. Cherry47August 29, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    Beautiful work Joanne. I haven't taken my sewing machine in a while. I even doubt it has a felting foot. I'm glad you had fun. I wish I could have been there.

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  2. lindsay ostromAugust 29, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Amazing... and now, addicted i bet. I love Rebekah... one of my idols. So cool.... you did awesome. Can't wait to see what else you do now with a needle and thread

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  3. Gayle BodineAugust 29, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    Love these Joanne!

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  4. Linda KittmerAugust 29, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    Joanne, those pieces are stunning! I absolutely LOVE them! ❤

    Hugs,
    Linda

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    1. joanne sharpeAugust 30, 2012 at 12:14 PM

      Thanks Linda! Do you know i am coming to teach in Canada in February?? At the Art House Studio. Are you near there??

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  5. mauihumv@gmail.comAugust 30, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    So beautiful!! Glad to see you got to play too:)

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  6. Meghan ThimjonAugust 30, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    We had a great time in your marker class! I am still playing in mine! Love the needle felting!
    It was so nice to meet you!

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    1. joanne sharpeAugust 30, 2012 at 12:15 PM

      You too!!! And thanks for saving me with the watercolor paper! xoxoxoxo

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  7. Sarah AndersonAugust 30, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    it does indeed! And these pieces are gorgeous! Glad you got time to be a student as well as a teacher. Look forward to seeing these pieces as book covers

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  8. joanne sharpeAugust 30, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    thanks!

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  9. Maureen Carroll Sebek August 30, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    Wow! I love your work and your "play" that turns into something gorgeous! I just discovered you online. Would love to take some classes. Can you send me some information for next time you have these in Chicago. I live just south of there!

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  10. Lorinda.C.FAugust 30, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    There's such a thing as a felting foot?! Just one more reason to get a sewing machine! Beautiful work Joanne. Glad you had so much fun

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  11. CarolAugust 30, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    These are so awesome!!! I love needle work... embroidery and crochet have been loves of mine since I was a small child....I so want to do some felting REAL soon :0)

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