Chicago Here I Come!

Today was a great day...spending time with old friends, visiting my favorite restaurant, finding a new bead shop (at least for me) and having dinner at the Japanese grocery store/restaurant and visiting the Japanese book store and gift shop.  I'm in heaven...Hope my friends didn't mind me dragging them all over the place.
I am preparing for the Japan exhibit at the gallery which opens on the 15th of this month.

There will be many day to day items as well as some traditional pieces in the exhibit.  On display will be the etched and carved glass table that I (Margie) did.  We will also have a real tea brush that is the design source for my etched table.  Hope many of you can make it.  Our hours have changed..Tues-Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday 11am to 4:30 pm, or by appointment.
Here's a pic of my very first etching class in Japan...not sure why my eyes are closed.

Just for fun

This week I was privileged to take a class from the designer of Bloomin Minds patterns. She did a workshop for Cottonwood Quilters at a local hotel.  Her patterns are so fun.  I am still working on mine.  It's called Tweet, Tweet, Twitter. Picture is of my piece in progress.

Great Day Today....motor coach tour from DesMoines,IA

We had great visitors today from Iowa.  It was a mystery trip for them.  Think they had a good time also. I really get into it when explaining about felting with wool.  I did a "dog and pony show" when I stepped on the bus before they came inside.  I took my olive oil soap, part of a wool fleece, tupperware seal, silk cacoon and silk hankies and explained what they would be encountering once they stepped inside.  I think they liked it.

Sooo excited to have April Kelly's work in our gallery

Yesterday, April Kelly brought two pieces to our gallery for exhibit and sale.  I love her work. Bright red, purple and lime green will be gracing our walls soon. We are pleased to represent this new artist in our gallery.  April is an author and recently retired Senior Vice President of LinkedIN.

GrowNebraska CEO visits our gallery and studio

Great visit with Janell Anderson Ehrke at the gallery and studio a couple of nights ago. Janell lives across the state and just has not been able to stop in until now.  It was great having her visit and share ideas.  Incidently, she loved our place. Janell snapped this shot of me in front of Kitt's lovely scarves and Sharons art quilts.

Bad Girl

I have been a bad girl...or a busy one and haven't posted on my blog since August 22.  A lot has gone on since then. Wedding in San Jose, visited the Textile Museum there and heard a lecture on scrap quilts. Very enlightening. Attended the Creative Felt Gathering in Michigan for the first time, took classes from some outstanding teachers...came away very enthused about felting more frequently.

Design Day Tomorrow....Chicago Botanic Garden here I come

Ok, here it comes....a day working on my new shawl....ideas are coming fast and furious. Hope to enter it in the fashion show at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in November if I'm available to go to the Fine Art of Fiber. Keep your fingers crossed.

GREAT NEWS! Nomination as one of the new or emerging businesses

Whew, just got off the phone with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. We have been nominated along with 4 others as the new or emerging business of the year. This is very exciting...just to be nominated!

The big news in Springfield

Lady Gaga has been in Springfield shooting a new video....it's all the talk of the town. She didn't stop by our place. Maybe next time.

OPEN sign coming soon

We have purchased an OPEN sign for the gallery....Think you'll like it....stop by to see if we got it up yet.

Springfield,NE is all a buzz...Lady Gaga is in town shooting a video

Everyone is excited. Lady Gaga is in town shooting her next video. From all reports her favorite recording studio is in Omaha.

Main Street Springfield opening tonight

Great news, the construction on Main Street has progressed enough for them to open it up again after being closed to auto traffic. Come see us tomorrow. We'll celebrate!

Look for our flower pots on either side of our door.

So much to do, so little time

Yesterday our grandson Michael participated in the Duathalon in Papillion,NE, not far from our studio. He came in 56th...not bad for the first time ever in this type of race. It was a run, a bike ride, a run. There were close to 200 participants. We were there to root him on.

NCAA College World Series in Omaha as we speak

It's a great 2 weeks in Omaha where I live. College World Series brings tons of fans into the Omaha area. Lots to do here, visitors to our city will love a short drive out to our gallery and studio in Springfield....it's only 6 miles off I-80, exit 440, at 183 Main Street, Springfield,NE.

Come on out.

Sarpy County Fair

Mark your calenders for the county fair. it will be August 3-7th and this year they are celebrating their 75 year. Come on up Main Street and visit the shops and restaurants. We're at 183 Main Street on the South side of the street.

Springfield Days a Success

Great fun was had by all over the weekend. I did a felting demo with wool and soap, there were hulu hoop contests, water fights with the fire dept, parade, clogging, barbershop quarted, lots of kids activities....can hardly wait til next years event. We may have a float or car or sheep wagon or ???? who knows what.

Todays a production day...scarves, purses, etc

Today I've been busy making a shawl/scarf and a purse. Shawl is done...will post front and back side photos. It's reversable. Turned out really well.

Busy times

Finally getting in the rythm of creating after two weeks away for some fantastic surface design classes. Jane Dunnewold was a fantastic teacher....good to have Maggie Weiss in the class too. She really inspires me. Got all my pieces washed and ironed yesterday.

My second class was with Kathy Weaver. It was a refresher for me on airbrushing. It is the first time I have airbrushed on fabric. My pieces are very simple. Kathy taught us some great designing ideas. My first piece is neon green on white...I love it.

Surface Design Classes the last 3 days

Had a great time at my classes at the Fine Line, taught by Jane Dunnewold....just the beginning of new surface design work.

Lots of fantastic art from my fellow students. Maggie Weiss and I had a great time exploring with my tree design.

Attended Pre-Conference today in Norfolk,NE

Had a great day learning more about web site optimization......and meeting new Nebraska Grow members. Such great businesses....I loved it. Husker businesses are the best! Visited the Norfolk Grow Nebraska store....lots of great items. Stay tuned for tomorrows report.