Year’s ago I read a book and took a course called The Artist’s Way. About all I remember is what they called Artist Dates. Here is how the author, Julia Cameron describes it
“The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore
something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the
imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the
play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well
of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask
yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.
I still take Artist Dates occasionally, my most recent jaunt was a trip to Midwest City. I visited Alouette Bead Shop, it is a lovely shop jam packed with every kind of bead you could possibly desire. The vivid colors pulled me toward them, I was enamoured with the mirrored beads and then went to the dark, murky colors that seemed to have so much depth to them. There was a young lady who helped me with my purchases, and gave me a wealth of information. One of the things she told me is that beading needles are not like sewing needles, the eye is stamped out, so if you have trouble threading it turn it in the opposite way and it may solve the problem. I didn’t know that! I have attached Marlene’s picture so you could see her and a very small amount of the beads she offers. I don’t think Marlene is the owner, but her knowledge was vast. This is the same quality that so many customers of Prairie Quilt comment on, that it is a pleasure to have a knowledgeable person assisting you with your choices.
I have not used beads on my quilts yet but after the visit I am anxious to try it. Have you used beads before? If so, what type of thread did you use? I am thinking I will use hand quilting thread for durability, does that sound right?.
My Artist Date did feed my artist soul, I completely understand when folks come in to Prairie Quilt and say they don’t even sew but want to look at the quilts just to soak in the beauty. An Artist Date is for everyone, whether they consider themselves an artist or not, the “eye candy” of beads or fabric both fill the spirit with beauty, and who doesn’t need more of that?
“The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore
something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the
imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the
play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well
of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask
yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.
I still take Artist Dates occasionally, my most recent jaunt was a trip to Midwest City. I visited Alouette Bead Shop, it is a lovely shop jam packed with every kind of bead you could possibly desire. The vivid colors pulled me toward them, I was enamoured with the mirrored beads and then went to the dark, murky colors that seemed to have so much depth to them. There was a young lady who helped me with my purchases, and gave me a wealth of information. One of the things she told me is that beading needles are not like sewing needles, the eye is stamped out, so if you have trouble threading it turn it in the opposite way and it may solve the problem. I didn’t know that! I have attached Marlene’s picture so you could see her and a very small amount of the beads she offers. I don’t think Marlene is the owner, but her knowledge was vast. This is the same quality that so many customers of Prairie Quilt comment on, that it is a pleasure to have a knowledgeable person assisting you with your choices.
I have not used beads on my quilts yet but after the visit I am anxious to try it. Have you used beads before? If so, what type of thread did you use? I am thinking I will use hand quilting thread for durability, does that sound right?.
My Artist Date did feed my artist soul, I completely understand when folks come in to Prairie Quilt and say they don’t even sew but want to look at the quilts just to soak in the beauty. An Artist Date is for everyone, whether they consider themselves an artist or not, the “eye candy” of beads or fabric both fill the spirit with beauty, and who doesn’t need more of that?
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