Chicago is an amazing town. So much to see and do. My best friend of 33 years Beth, was with me. We learned to navigate the train system. I must say, if there was a hidden camera somewhere, the folks watching us were probably peeing their pants with laughter! Let's just say, "country came to town." In fact, at one point a $20 bill flew out at me from a ticket machine! It was the closest I have ever come to winning the lottery! hee,hee,hee.
I had the most wonderful time teaching my Folk Art Fusion (TM) flower. I made lots of new friends!
Here I am on Friday teaching my first class. The cute lady, in the fabulous quilted jacket, to the left of the photo is my friend dear friend Sharon. She drove all the way from Pennsylvania to meet me! She even brought her darling sister Mary Ellen. I was so excited to hug their necks! :) :) :)
Look what Sharon made me! Hannah and Harrington mug rugs! Sweeeeeeeeeeet! She used a razzle dazzle thread in the bobbin. It makes the stitching look so cool! Thank you Sharon! You and Mary Ellen made my day!
Of course, back home in Bunnyville, this is what the employees were doing while I was away. Yep, napping. Lots and lots of napping.
I made some new friends at Open Studios. Hi to Joan doing the Harrington and Hannah blocks! I know the perfect little, sprite of a girl will come your way! Keep me posted!
I also got to meet my friend and fellow designer, Missie Carpenter! Uhhhh....Missie? Why didn't we take a darn photo???? Oh that's right, we were too busy eating pizza and talking about menopause! hee,hee,hee. Missie and her friend Renee, drove from Iowa to meet me. We all went out for dinner. It was so awesome!
One of the biggest highlights of my trip was meeting the incredible, fabulous, and oh so very sweet, Pokey Bolton of Quilting Arts TV. Pokey is also the Creative Director for the International Quilt Festivals. (Isn't it cool how our outfits look so good together?) Her fun artwork is on the wall behind us.
I've been a quilter since 1989. In 2005 I fell in love with art quilting and it's all because of Pokey. I made my first ATC (Artist Trading Card) and it was published in her book. Major happy bunny dancing there!
As usual in my life, there is always some kinda crazy crap that happens to me. It really is never smooth sailing. This trip it was gloves. Yep gloves. See those gloves in the plastic bag I'm pointing to? Well, as I was unpacking my suitcase, I found those in my UNDERWEAR compartment!!!!!! Eeewwwwwwwww!!! Dirty work gloves in a plastic bag in my underwear! I admit, I did the heeby geeby gross out dance for a few seconds. Then I kinda laughed as I thought to myself, did you not see all the quilts and fabric and threads in my suite case? Do you really think I would have Victoria Secret fancy underwear? Heck man! These suckers are from Walmart! After that I kinda freaked out again thinking of a guy who thought Walmart, boring underwear was sexy. Heeby geeby gross out dance ensued again.
Well now, let's move onto something a little more pleasant shall we? Alrighty! Between now and July 15th I am having a PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT OF 20% ON MY BOOK! All you have to do is send me an email saying you want to pre-order. I will send you a paypal invoice (or you can send a check) and you will get the book for 20% off. The book will then be mailed to you in mid October.
The 20% discount is only available until July 15th, so send me an email and I'll put you on the list. There are 10 fun Folk Art Fusion (TM) projects for you to play with.
Thanks Chicago Quilt Festival, Pokey, Kim, Jill and the entire staff. I had a blast! It was a dream come true to teach there.
It's back to work for me. I have some fun, new designs hopping around in my head. More on those soon.
Hugs and friends,
Michelle and the Bunnies
23 comments:
That looks like a great experience! Wish there were some Quilt Festivals in my neighbourhood.
So much fun!!
If I was that utterly gorgeous I would spend my days napping too!! :)
sounds like you had soooo much fun... in spite of finding dirty gloves in your underwear!!
Hugz
Book looks great, love the cover!
Glad you had a good time!
Sue
Glad you had fun. Kinda grossed out myself about the work gloves. ewww. Hugs,x
Glad to hear you had a great time, Shell.
felicidades!!!! Que Viaje Maravilloso ....
saludos
You are sooooo funny!
I'm pleased for you Shell, it looks like it was worth all the effort and great fun too and how lovely that so many people travelled so far to come and see you. I think the bunnies coped okay, amazing how chilled they can be when we can be so stressy.
I love the book cover ~ so very you and it would catch my eye immediately if I were out at the bookstore.
Have a good week
Jane, Tilly & Oscar xxx
It looks like an amazing and fun trip! Those mug mats are fabulous :)
Glad you are back all safe and sound and ready to create new fun stuff. Also glad you had such a wonderful time.
Most darling friend.....
We just drove back yesterday (through horrific weather) from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin! We were in a wedding there and what a beautiful place. I thought of you as I saw on the interstate highway signs for CHICAGO! I knew you were there, and dreamed of seeing you.
OK, now for this post. Look at you....what fun to sit under your instruction! Isn't it fun to share your passions? I love teaching French and I can only imagine that you bubble with excitement when you teach your art. LOOK AT YOUR EMPLOYEES! ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH! Well, momma's back home, so Hannah-Banana and Sir Harrington....HOP TO IT! tehehehehe
Much love! Anita
OH, those mug coasters are divine, just DIVINE!
Looks like you had a wonderful time, shell! Love the picture of you and Pokey. It's like you planned the polka dot theme! As for the gloves, ick.
I love your designs - so graphic and original... and what's not to love about bunnies? Congratulations on teaching in Chicago, and your new book. Can't wait to see it!
I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say hi while I was at the show. Looks like you had fun.
Glad you had a good time in Chicago! It looked amazing. Also, wanted to let you know I received my yummy bundle of felt today - thank you so much for such a wonderful present!! Thanks you!!
good to see you had lots of fun too!xx Rachel and Speedy
You truly look like you enjoyed your Chicago Quilt teaching experience. I have emailed you to pre-order your Fabled Fusions book. So exciting! When Shell's away the bunnies will nap must be the new way to hold down the office. Happy Hopping to Catch Up...
oh the joys of psa...NOT!
Glad the rest of the trip was fun and such a success.
Can't wait for the book! Thank you for the pre-sale!
Chicago will never be the same ....
Love those bunns - take advantage of the break and rest up while they can!
Looks like you had a lot of fun!
Are you hand stitching or machine stitching your folk art projects?
how cool that you got to meet Pokey. I watch her show all the time. Did she by chance interview to be on her show?
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