Minnesota Magpie

I did something out of character for me and said 'yes" to a last minute trip in September to Minnesota and attended the Creative Connection Event. I went and had such a good, good time. I just kinda let go, let go of worries and frets.

One thing I did was just got on a bus to Shakopee, Minnesota to Junk Bonanza. I lost my mind there. I had two hours. Devon was my bank and sent me with twice as much cash as I had asked for. I have to drive next year so I can get thoroughly in to this shopping event.

I bought this suitcase right away. Then I had to navigate the Saturday crowds with

this big base drum.

Let me just say, I have always thought the people in Oklahoma are nice. However, just try going through a WalMart. People just stand in the middle of their aisle, on the phone, with small sticky children. It's a mess. Not so at Junk Bonanza in Minnesota! So very nice. I would whisper "Excuse me, I am coming behind you with this big suitcase." Every time the Minnesotan would say "Oh sure, let's just baaaack up here." The best, the best crowds ever!

I bought this scale at Junk Bonanza. Now if I could only find balance...

A young German girl's lesson book..

Bits and baubles. Arg, I hate when people say that!

And if all that was not enough, I picked these up in Oklahoma City in September...

Dear Devon made these for a very special September birthday.

Some final shots of Minnesota. I saw so very little of it, but it was clean and smelled good.

A big 'ol city like that!

There is something fabulous about coming in to your room and finding this at the sink...

I think I will return next September to Minnesooooootah...

Handmade Acquistions

There was a most delicious Handmade Market open throughout The Creative Connection Event. While the vendors may not have appreciated the many days of feast and famine, I did enjoy running through the market over and over. I also was able to spend far more than had it only been open for a short while. These are the things that live with me now...

Rebecca Sower. Ahhhhhh... Devon found this robin and surprised me with it...

From the Art Is You booth, although I regret to say I am not sure which of their artists created this piece. I have worn this so often already, I use hold things back. I want a memorable debut for something I really especially love.

Why, though, should we ever own something we do not especially love? I believe it was William Morris who said we should live with things that are both beautiful and useful. I really try to adhere to that philosophy. Which works for me as I view tools such as envelopes, brooms and sponges as beautiful.

The Oh Sweet Sadie Girls were so funny. Did you know Mormons can be so hilarious? My ignorance, inexperience and Sister-Wives made me think maybe not. Wrong. This necklace was a tutorial and I enjoyed spending time sitting with them and bending wire while they bended my ear...

I rarely pass up bird books. And I simply went crazy for Lisa Souers' work. This was so beautifully packaged, I haven't even opened it yet!

People went quite nuts for Hutch and her cardboard chic, simple and familiar style. If you only click one link on this post, let it be this one, her watercolors are so dear...

Amy Barickman, whom I have a special affection for...

Oh dear Carloyn of Gypsy Threads.

This is a stack of felted wool pieces from Rose Mille, a local Minnesotan.

 I also bought a stack of kits from Glass Garden Beads. 

I will just have to let you know how that turns out.

I opened this post with Rebecca and will close with Kaari Meng. They are my greatest inspirations really. I loved my classes with them at Silver Bella last year, love my purchases from them. Love their blogs. It is really something to love a person's work and also to take their class and own their things. I will never quit saying it. This internet and these workshops are providing connection that women need, are truly hungry for, don't you think?

 

I Said Yes...

When Devon called to say she and her workshop partner were considering The Creative Connection Event and would I like to go, I said "no." I cannot possibly leave in a week and a half for that. I am too responsible. I have too many people in the boat I keep afloat.

And then a YES happened...

So off I went to Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago. Devon had made all the plans, I only needed to pay and pack. I had the best time I may have ever had. I just took classes and shopped and visited and ate. No one to please. No one to wait for or on. Just me and my fun.

I busted out some gifts first...

I have figured out how much time I need alone. What I didn't fully realize how much I needed really must shake off the big girl attitude and just have fun.

For days on end.

I liked it.

I took a Folk Art painting class from Laurie Meseroll.

We started out with this naked plywood and materials.

After many, many layers, most of which looked like hell, until ultimately, like all good life stories, I was able to create this girl with her robin in only 3 hours.

There was Betz White's Felted Wool ornament class.

She is adorable and so is felted wool.

A kit, an instructor and time is such a luxury.

Ruth Rae taught the Family Keepsake Album class.

My tool rolls...

Supplies for my album...

Ruth's act of binding...

My album is a work in progress. It features all the ladies that built me.

For now, Ruth and me...

I was not as interested in the Panels regarding marketing, Etsy and blogging so I opted for additional classes with Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray, of course. I took a Display Your Creativity Necklace and Keepsake Class.

Also this Art and Coronation class. I had not been much on glitter prior to this. But this glass glitter has such a weight and brilliance. The process of pouring it over the pieces with a spoon was very pleasant.

So very pretty...

I shopped and shopped. There are so many pictures of shopping. Stay tuned for that.

For now, looks like I might follow these ladies anywhere...