What a weekend!

The Kootenay Fibre Fest this past Saturday was a memorable event filled with incredible colour,

 cascades of fibre,

nuances in grey,

wonderful contrasts,

braided rainbows,

 cocoons,

and baskets of sunshine.

It was impossible to stay hands off!

The try-it station presented by the local quilting guild was luscious (and very busy),

and an indigo-dyed display by Anne Fetterly was rich with a range of soft blue to midnight sky.

I was endlessly fascinated  by the spinning that was going on behind me on the stage,

while at the table in front a needle felting try-me joint project by attendees was pure delight in its evolution.

The mono-printing station I occupied was busy enough that this is the only photo I have, taken just before the gates opened.

Even our local sasquatch got in on the act, getting dolled up for the occasion.

I believe this photo is by Mel Hadiken-Joy

All in all, it was an immensely successful day, compliments of Carmen Ditzler and her team.  Plan a road trip for the next year - you'll be so glad you did!

Things are flying...

...in the studio, and it's obvious there's something afoot.  Luckily, you get to hear about it first!

This coming Saturday is the Kootenay Fibre Arts Festival and I'll be there doing mono-print demos on the Gelli Plate.  Best  part?  If you attend, you get to try it too!

Creating a mono-print is great fun, whether on paper

Gelli-print on paper using masks, stencils and bubble wrap

or fabric, (sorry, we're not showing any printed body parts in this family-friendly post, no matter what the poster infers)

Gelli print on fabric using cheesecloth as stencil

and it starts to get really interesting when you add Inktense Pencils

Inktense pencil work on fabric Gelli-printed with fun foam template

and/or the incomparable Art Foamies  (created right here in Creston, BC!) to the mix.

ArtFoamie stamped on Gelli-printed fabric

Want some even better news about this Saturday and the Kootenay Fibre Arts Festival?  When you attend, and register for this upcoming playshop

you'll get your choice of an added bonus.  Choose from a selection of  hand-cut stencils (yes, that's yours truly slaving over a hot stencil burner and sheets of cold house wrap), or an ArtFoamie stamp (Remember above where I told you they're incomparable?  Truth!)

One of eight house-wrap stencils to be given away - each unique

Only on Saturday, April 22 and at the Kootenay Fibre Festival will you have this opportunity - unbelieveable (barely), not to be repeated (this year anyway), and truly totally amazing!  

The benefits are legion.  The playshop is highly entertaining whether you're a fibre freak, a creative looking for a place to play and learn, or an established artist in any medium.  After making some 800+ prints for my own entertainment, I can safely say that it's more fun than you can possibly imagine!  You say you don't have any experience in creating art?  You don't need it!  No skills? They come in the learning package - no extra charge - and heavily disguised as fun.

If you've taken any of my other playshops, you'll know they are stress-busters that promote a desire for more, more and more creative fun.  If you're a newbie, you're going to love it!  This Saturday - come and register.

Fibre?....

...You've just got to love it!  There are SO many ways to play, and attending the Kootenay Fibre Arts Festival was like being a kid in a candy store with unlimited funds! For the nominal entry fee, you could try your hand at wet felting, indigo dying, weaving, needle felting, Gelli printing and so on. And the colour!

Everywhere I looked was a feast for the eyes.  For starters, Andrea Revoy's bowls were filled with it.

 Susan Chamberlain of Riverstone Yarns was right next to me, and her wool was gorgeous, of course!

Anne Fetterley did some fabulous indigo dying - more POW! colour.

Susan 's Riverstone Yarns

I must admit that when I got my area set up, I actually felt I was letting down my side in terms of colour, a rare feeling for me.

Had I the energy, brains or foresight to take a photo at the end of the day, it would have been a different thing altogether.  The area behind my tables above was filled with scores of Gelli-plated fabrics, brayer papers, and first prints on paper that rivalled the other areas for pizazz.  Those attendees had a blast with the Gelli plate, and I was beyond impressed with the way they took to it.

A highlight of the day was watching three artists attempt knitting with/on giant knitting needles. It reminded me of a jousting tournament from King Arthur's Court, with women defending their turf.

Carmen (organizer extraordinaire), Andrea and Susan go at it!

All in all, the attendees and shoppers were delighted, the 'try it' areas were a blast, and it was an amazing event that I hope will be the first of many!

The Kootenay Fibre Arts Festival...

...is tomorrow, and I've downright pumped.  I get to play there with my Gelli plates, showing newbies the amazing things that can be done with paint, textile and and these wonderful plates.

I've been making samples like someone possessed, playing with the Gelli plate, ArtFoamies, stamps and stencils till the cows came home (we've got seven cows in the back yard now, vying for room with the two dogs, and I've NO idea who they belong to).

I've printed on coloured broadcloth,

 on linen-coloured UFO (Unidentified Fabric Originating-from-goodness-knows-where) ,

 and on white lining.

 As always, I've way too much fun,

 and apparently I've no idea when stopping might be a good idea!

We were asked to bring an epic fail, and I have to say this was my all-time favourite.  This owl takes wonky to new levels.

The Kootenay Fibre Arts Festival is an event not to be missed.  If you're anywhere in British Columbia, Alberta or the Northwestern US, I suggest you get here tomorrow and play.  There will be indigo dying, felting, silk colouring, drop spindling (??!) and far more to try, to say nothing of wonderful articles to purchase and giant knitting needles to wield.  Come and play.  10 am at the Wynndel Hall.  You'll be so glad you did!