Art for Artists

I consider myself a fiber artist, but I've only recently started using the title when describing my job to people. It seems a little strange still, but running my own business helps boost my confidence. And yet, the question remains: when was this a hobby and why am I now an artist? I don't think sales defines art, I don't think a finished item defines art (ie: something created for the sole purpose of being admired and not used).

So what does? And who exactly is an artist?

I'm continually adapting my definition of art and being an artist as I explore my own art and that of others. And I find myself in an interesting place, along with many other dyers and spinners: our art is a supply for other artists. We don't create a finished product (well, unless you count all my un-knit handspun hanging as decoration on hooks in my back studio): we create to help others create. But we're no less artists!

Oh the layers. Oh the depth.

With that being said, I'm often in awe of some of the things my customers make, so here I go bragging on them . . .

This is Debra Poth's felt work.

It's just amazing how she's able to catch movement and texture with wool. Her shop is Deebs on Etsy, and she's definitely on my short list for Christmas! I can't wait to see what she does with my little 'ol batts. I'm humbled.

And check out this new fiber artist (well, new to felting anyway!). This is Joyce Deming's felted scarf that she made from one of my BFL/mohair batts:

The original batts:

I really wish I could touch it!! It was only her third attempt at wet felting, and I think she nailed it! She has a site where she sells her necklaces and gorgeous ID tag holders: JD Handmade.

I'm no closer to defining art, artists and where I stand, but if I help inspire women like this, then my work is done!!

I hope everyone had a great Fiber Friday, and check out the link to Wisdom Begins in Wonder's blog to get more fiber-y fill!

And in Duck News . . .

My very first post on my blog was about my ducks and their aversion to water. Seriously. They wouldn't go in. You can read about it here: Awww Ducks.

Well, I'm pleased to announce that my ducks have seen the light! Or, as the case may be, the water!

Check it:

 I'm so proud. It's only taken 6 months and freezing cold weather to tempt them into the water.

OK.

So, now a confession:

Yup. That's as deep as they go. But their feet aren't touching; I think that counts for something! Hey . . . baby waddles, ya know?

And they're REALLY enjoying the water. Here's a few more shots of them frolicking.

Splashin'The only drake we have stretching for the ladiesTaking a nap with one look out at the readyQUACK!!I hope they're able to take a few swims around the pond before it starts freezing over. Keeping my fingers crossed.

In fiber news, I have a lot of new batts up in the shop, with more to come. Check them out! And I'll be working to update the blog with breed information; my goal is to have an info page for each breed that goes into the batts. It'll take me a while, but I still think it's important to keep spinners educated!

Take care everyone--and I'd love some comments about my gifted ducks!!

Phat Fiber Samples!

I've decided to join in the fun and send samples in to the Phat Fiber Box. For those of you out side of the fiber world, the Phat Fiber box is a fiber festival sent through the mail to customers.

Independent fiber artists send samples in, and then 200 boxes are made from the samples. Every box is different because each artist only sends in about 20-100 samples (depending on how ambitous they are!). At a secret time every month (but you can get a heads up through the website), the boxes go on sale through the Phat Fiber etsy store. They are sold out in a matter of seconds!

But througout the month, there's lots of fun in the Ravelry group and many prizes through the Phat Fiber blog (a lot of artists send in full-size products to be given away on the blog).

So now I'm going to be a part of it all, and I'm so excited!! I sent my samples off last week, but I want to show them off here! The theme for November is "Seasons of Light."

They're hand-pulled roving wrapped around battery-operated tea lights! I just love them ;)

Here's a few more pics

All wrapped up for the box

A full-sized batt to show off the fibers.

The fibers included are Merino, BFL, Silk, Corriedale, Romney and Firestar. Super soft!!

Zombies at the Mall (and a Phat sneak peek)

I've been writing this post in my head since Sunday, and can't wait to get it out there to my blogging groups because I know of a few people who would enjoy it! But today has been filled with Halloween parties and birthday party prep. So now it's almost 4 and I need to start cooking, but here I am writing to all of you!

Happy Fiber Arts Friday and Crafty Friday!

I'm a big Anita Blake fan. Love the Buff. Can't wait for Karen Marie Moning's next book. And have seen everything by Joss Whedon (except Firefly which is in my Netflix queue, but including Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog!). I'm terribly sad that I missed the Phat Fiber group's Ravelry "Surviving a Zombie Apocolypse" swap. But cheer myself up with another viewing of "Zombieland."

If you know what I'm talking about, we must be kindred spirits. If you don't, my best friend Petra has a book and movie list for you (she rolls her eyes at all this stuff).

As an aside, I know this doesn't really fit in with my Christian beliefs, but it's a vice I'm aware of and am working through.

So there's my street cred. I have a dark side that I keep quiet, but my spirit rejoices when I find another zombie/vampire/Faye/Highland Berserker fan. However, I don't live out my dark obessions like some people, and that may put me at a disadvantage when I encounter something like this in my mall parking lot:

Wow. I know.

So here's where I'm at. . . I thought I was up on all my sub-culture dark stuff, but what is this? Is this a group I'm not familiar with (gasp!) or some individual who lives out their fantasy life a little too much?

It's pretty awesome, but when we (my boys and I) peeked into the back seat, there's actually a slaying kit in there!!! No kidding. They had a large canvas bag (maybe for the bodies?), an ax, a shovel and a gun case. That's when we continued walking into the mall and made sure no one saw me taking pictures!

However . . . since the response vehicle was at the mall, were we walking into our own zombie apocolypse?!!! Next time I go shopping, maybe I need to bring some salt and a little voodoo with me!

On a fiber-y note, I'm participating in the Phat Fiber box for the first time ever this November. All my samples are done, and here's a sneak peek:

The theme is Seasons of Light. I'll have pictures of the actual samples in a week or two; closer to when the videos are done.

I can't wait to hear what everyone's take is on the zombie outbreak response vehicle, or to be educated on this group!!!

Have a Happy Halloween!!!

Kats Galore!

Kitty's real nickname, in real life is Kat for the very reason I explain here. By the time she's old enough to understand, she'll be sick of cat T-shirts, cat stuffed animals and cat pictures. But until then, I love cat-ting her up!

In honor of her first birthday today, here's a Kitty-rific photo-loaded post dedicated to her!!

Kitty and Garfield

Plotting to get the cats.

Who's got who? Kat, Willow and Garfield