Check out some excerpts from a recent interview, where I talked about Cultured Expressions’ upcoming Textile & Craft Tour of Ghana.
Registrations are moving along well (we’re more than halfway full!) and we’re still accepting applicants at this point. There’s room for you too, so check out the details & register today!
The BAD NEWS: due to the threat of a major snow storm, we had to postpone our first Fasturn Fanatics workshop here at the CE Studio today.
The GOOD NEWS: due to the threat of a major snow storm, we had to postpone our first Fasturn Fanatics workshop here at teh CE Studio today. Which means we’ll be rescheduling it soon, so you’ll have another chance to register if you couldn’t make it today! Details to follow…
Last week’s Craft Super Show was a huge mix of activities, techniques and materials. I traveled on Friday so I was only there for Saturday but there seemed to be a good turnout and people were having fun learning and shopping. Best of all, I was in Anaheim for the only three sunny days it has seen in weeks, and the rain was due to return on the Monday that I was leaving! Anyway, here are a few pictures from my free Amulet Pouch Necklace workshop…Participants made thier version of this original Cultured Expresisons design in bogolan (mudcloth), and viewd a mini trunk show of other CE designs in African fabric.
Our thoughts are with the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and their family members awaiting word here, including artist and longtime friend of CE, Nadine LaFond. To learn how you can help, check out her website at www.ArtLives.net.
Yesterday, one of my favorite suppliers for African fabrics made a HOUSE CALL to Rahway, NJ, to show me a new shipment of Kuba cloths. And he traveled in near zero-degree weather, no less — Canustandit!!?? The visual of kubas all over the floor was too good to keep to myself, so here’s a sneak peek. Some will be available for purchase at upcoming Cultured Expressions events, others will be made into custom handbags some similar to those shown in African Accents On the Go!
Attention, Fellow Stylemakers: Did you catch this article “Suddenly, Africa is Everywhere” in the NY Times of Dec 30, 2009? In it, fashion editor Ruth LaFerla discusses some of the many current examples of how African textiles, art & design are influencing trends from movies to fashion to Broadway and more. Interesting piece, though we lovers of African fabrics have always appreciated and enjoyed their beauty, versatility and cultural value. So, for us, the textile riches of the Continent aren’t so much a “sudden” thing, but it’s always fun to read about the latest incarnations of the “trend” ; )
Cultured Expressions will take part in the upcoming Craft SuperShow in sunny Anaheim, CA, Jan 22 – 23, 2010. On the Saturday (Jan 23), I’ll be sharing craft ideas & inspirations using African fabrics & trims, and teaching you to make your own bogolan / mudcloth amulet pouch necklace! The event is free with show admission and more details will follow soon, so stay tuned.
On Dec 5, I met with five creative ladies at the Newark Museum to show them how to make their own gorgeous Color Block Batik handbags. They did beautiful work with unique african fabrics from Ghana and embellishments, learned a few great tricks and we laughed a lot through the dreary “Nor’easter” rain/snow storm. Plus, we showed those Bernina machines who was boss! ; ) Here are a few pics. The next Newark Museum class is set for Saturday, March 13, 2010. Watch the Cultured Expressions calendar for additional workshops & other events.
I rarely do commissioned quilts, but I was honored to be asked to create something special for NJPAC in Newark, NJ. It will be unveiled next Friday, December 18 at NJPAC’s Kwanzaa event, a Tribute to the Elders. The challenge was to create a design that could be expanded in the future, to accommodate new Elders that are added to the distinguished list each year. I”ll publish some photos of it after the event, but here’s a tiny sneak peek…naturally, in true Cultured Expressions style, it involves some of my favorite African fabrics. NJPACs’ Kwanzaa events also include performances, a kid’s craft day, and a vendor marketplace where you can find our friends Yara Fabrics and Global Linkages among the vendors.
I just learned that he is graduating tomorrow from Virginia Commonwealth University. Here’s a link to his story… you can also check him out on Facebook. Congratulations, Awer!
