Those involved in the arts and crafts field are concerned about the decrease in funding during this economic slowdown.  Many museums, galleries, arts societies and individual artisans are helped with government, corporate and private funding. However, much of this is becoming less or non-existent these days.
Some museums and societies are drawing upon reserve funds (if they have them).  Employees are being laid off.  Grants to individuals are ceasing or decreasing in amount.
One fabric artist has said, “No matter what, I’m continuing with my art.”
How is the decrease in funding affecting your organization…and you personally?  What do you see as solutions?
One example …read more

Flowers have inspired artists and craftspeople for centuries.  Quilt designs often have floral names.  Think about looking at the floral quilt patterns for ideas.  They can inspire other crafters, too. 
Quilters might follow the traditional patterns exactly or develop variations from them as my daughter does. 
 You could use floral designs in: 

Rug hooking (My husband’s grandmother made lovely hooked rugs with floral patterns.)
Crocheting & knitting  (My mother-in-law used flowers in some of her crocheted afghans.)
Painting & sketching (I’ve always enjoyed painting flowers, in fields and meadows, as well as in vases.  I’ve often used them in notecard designs, too.)
Latch hooking (My cousin has …read more

Thanks to Olivia Brown, who commented on my blog the other day, for sharing the information about her custom made journals. Lesley Herger of Comfortable Shoes Studio makes custom journals to your specifications. Although you can probably contact her through her Comfortable Shoes Studio Blog, here’s the link to her Etsy store and also on Ebay if you’d like to have a journal created for you.
If you create similar journals, please contact me and I’ll mention you on this blog, too. You’ll need some kind of web contact for me to write about you, though. If you know anyone …read more