June 30, 2008
Sometimes I get so caught up in the quilt world I forget how pitiful my wardrobe has become, but I’m freshly inspired by the need for a dress for an event on July 12, so here goes… in Philly I found this cotton print with just enough stretch to keep things interesting but comfortable. Even before that I bought the shoes for inspiration, so I knew I was wearing some kinda black thing. Last night I finally settled on Butterick 6582 (the blue view - absolutely no poufiness or shoulder bows!!) and cut it out, so this is one of today’s goals…I’m also inspired by the total cost - fabric $10.60 including tax, pattern $1.99 at a JoAnn sale. I guess now you’d like to see a photo of it finished…yeah, me too!
Coming soon - our Embellished African Mini Quilt Workshop comes to the Newark Museum on Friday, July 11. Here’s a detail from one of the samples, a mix of jacquard batiks, silk douppioni, beads, cowries, fabric accents and novelty yarns. And of course, a tree branch is inserted into the rod pocket. You can bring your own fabrics & trims (and tree branch!), or purchase your selections in class from a variety of batiks, bogolan (mudcloth) and more, not to mention Cutlured Expressions growing assortment of embellishments…
Register today (see page 4, Quilting) and hang out with me at the Museum from 10-4. While we work, we’ll discuss the current exhibit, Glass Beads of Ghana, and even sneak out during what will be a well-deserved creative break, to take a peek at it.
I recently returned from four days of vending at QSDS - the annual Quilt Surface Design Symposium - held in Columbus, OH. It was inspiring on many levels, being surrounded by both not-so-famous and nationally-known quilt artists alike; it was a rare and interesting opportunity to view their works-in-progress, as they were immersed on classes that varied from 2 days to 9 days long — canustandit?? So I was peddling my newest group of jacquard batiks, brass and bead embellishments, my books and more and still had time to work on my own projects. It was also good to catch up with some familar faces in a select group of about 10 vendors, each with very unique and culturally inspired merchandise - not a plain ol’ calico in sight ; )
Above: a part of my hotel room display.
In town at the same time was “Material Matters,” an excellent quilt exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art, which included work by some of the symposium instructors and attendees, very cool (through August 31). And if that weren’t enough, I had a chance to check out the NQA quilt show as a regular consumer this time, another rare treat (Cultured Expressions exhibited at this show in 2007 and as a vendor you never really get to see much of it). So thanks to my odd-looking rental car (ever hear of a Chevy HHR?) and my Blackberry navigation system, I took in the pertinent fiber art sights and enjoyed a day of actual leisure on Friday, before opening up for business on Saturday morning.
But back to QSDS, the 2009 schedule is set and I’m planning to check it out again next year…maybe I could even squeeze in a class (?)
June 18, 2008
It ws good to be back as a vendor at the NJ Quilt Convention. (I missed it last year to attend a publishing event to launch African Accents ON THE GO!) The book was well received, along with the newest brass embellishments, bead packets, and oversized sadza batik panels. Not to mention our latest jacquard batiks! I had also had the privilege of seeing three former students who reported that they are now hooked on fiber arts as a result of one of my African Mosaic classes at the Newark Museum at least two years ago! One (Janice) is now an accomplished doll maker, and I’ve asked her to come up with a beginner’s dolll class so I can now learn from her — at Cultured Expressions, the inspiration comes full circle!! Check out Janice’s blog. I’m so proud of all of all of my students and I’m honored to have played a part in their new-found self expressions - very cool!!
And, as always, the show was one of my own best sources of inspiration for new products & ideas. Watch this blog for a quick, easy and very cute carryall, an idea that incorporates repurposed clothing, and in the tradition of Cultured Expressions, a slice of bogolan (mudcloth) here or there… I’ll try to post it before leaving for QSDS on Friday!
June 9, 2008
My amulet energy was transferred to my quilt block for the Fiber Artists for Obama group project. Following the Newark Museum workshop, I decided that an amulet would be the perfect finish for my Obama block. The parameters were to use shades of blue/purple/violet, and to include one buzzword from the Obama campaign so far. I chose “FistBump”, and incorporated a photo transfer of the future First Family as they bumped fists. Inside the gold fabric amulet patch is a message of protection for the power couple.
To join Fiber Artists for Obama, visit our page on the Obama website.
I’ve always loved amulets - small pouches that may or may not contain tiny treasures. They can be made of fabric, leather, metal or other materials. Sometimes plain, sometimes ornately embellished, always powerful….The amulet theme has crossed my path twice now in as many weeks, which I consider significant. First, through my work on the board of directors of Harlem Needle Arts (more to follow on that!), I learned about the Condom Amulet project, where a talented needlework artist paired her crochet & knitting skills with the need for safe-sex awareness. Very interesting. Since Anciency, amulets provide a form of protection, whether spiritual, physical or emotional, so it’s easy to see why the project is successful.
Then, just yesterday at the Newark Museum’s bead program, I was introduced to the work of artist Sonya Clark, whose Beaded Prayers Project pays homage to and continues the spirit of the amulet. In the workshop, we created simple fabric amulets, 
inserting our own written prayers/affirmations/messages.
This is one of my earliest amulets, now about 10 or 11 years old. Suede and cotton with glass and metal beads, and rattail cording. It measures about 2″ wide and 2.75″ long. I feel like I need to make some new ones. Mudcloth and leather make great amulets… this would be a great workshop for Cultured Expressions >> stay tuned!
May 26, 2008
Yay!! 
I would like to take this opportunity to share the good news that my brother Paul’s new business venture, Shepard Strategic Communications, LLC, is up and running. After working in the news media and public relations for more than 20 years, he decided to branch out on his own and help smaller non-profit organizations get their issues, products and services to wider audiences.
May 22, 2008
Need some creative inspiration, a fun diversion or just some good old-fashioned Retail Therapy? Here’s what’s coming up on the Cultured Expressions Spring/Summer schedule:
- June 12-14 - Vending at NJ Quilt Convention
- June 20-24 - Vending as QSDS - Quilt & Surface Design Symposium, Columbus, OH
- June 28 - African Mosaic Quilting Workshop, Yara Int’l, Harlem, NY
- July 11 - Embellished Mini Quilt Workshop, Newark Museum, Newark, NJ
- July 19 - Seminar “Branding 101 for Desginers” - (Trade Only) Chicago, IL
- July 26 - Lisa’s Bangle Bag Workshop, Yara Int’l, Harlem, NY
- August 7-10 - Vending at Lowell Quilt Festival, Lowell, MA
- August 20-23 - Vending at AQS Quilt Expo, Nashville, TN
- August 24 - Gallery Talk & Reception, Falcon Feather Fibers, Nashville, TN
I remember when summer used to be a time to relax & slow down. Relax!!?? Yeah, right! I better place another order to Ghana for more Jacquard Batiks and get those African Mosaic Kits together, check hotel reservations, etc…! See you soon ; )
If not, come visit me and a panel of distinguised quilt artists at the African American Museum in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 23 for a roundtable discussion of our work from 1 to 3pm, and to view the current exhibit, “Warm Spirits: Contemporary African American Quilters”. The exhibit lasts thru June 1, but it’s always better when you can talk to the artists as you view the work…shown here is a detail from my quilt “AFRIKALEIDOSCOPE”, done with 7″ jacquard batik squares from Ghana.
Then, on Sunday, May 24, join Cultured Expressions as we crash the Yara Imports booth for a day at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)’s weeklong DanceAfrica event. You can find African fabrics and my books and get the details of our upcoming classes at Yara. Lots of other vendors too, in an open-air market setting. The weather forecast is “gorgeous” so come hang out from 12 noon to 8pm! It’s a 3-day event but I’ll be there only on Sunday, since I’ll be in Philly on Saturday (see above), and sleeping in on Monday. 
Event Details
May 19, 2008
Thanks to all those who shared with us your favorite ways to bring culture to your crafting! We’ve enjoyed reading about your many creative expressions, and we are pleased to announce the winner of our first YMIB Sewing Circle Giveaway:
- CAT LEWIS of Leesburg, VA chose to receive a copy of my new book, On The Go!
Congratulations to Cat, who I know will be whipping up some great new acessories this summer, like “Lisa’s Bangle Bag”! I recommend sewing it up in a colorful batik (it only takes a fat quarter of fabric…) or earthy bogolan Mini Cut ; )
Whatever you decide to sew this season, stay tuned to the YMIB Sewing Circle for new inspirations & ideas, and for details of our next great Giveaway!