Art Fairs this Summer

Early Spring I decided that if I truly want to pursue my passion in Art that I need to step it up and begin producing more work and really put myself & my jewelry out there for people to see. There are several different ways to describe my experiences so far....The 1st festival was called DIY Unraveled and it was truly THE most stressful, frustrating experience I have ever encountered...some of this caused by myself & some by uncontrollable circumstances. In fact I almost turned my loaded up vehicle around and headed home because I was so beside myself....burning tears running down my warm cheeks. However, I made it to the venue and simply did the best I could considering the unpleasant situation and it was well worth it when several supportive, wonderful friends stopped in to say *HEY* & show me some luv. I was truly grateful to see each one of their smiling faces and to share my comical saga of that day.

In fact one of the couples, commissioned me to design / fabricate a wedding band for them for their June wedding. Congratulations Rachel & Di! I am truly flattered to have been asked to play a part in the union of two very special individuals.

July - Caffetto Craft Fair

Definately not as anxious or nervous about this show...I learned that my work is better defined as fine art. I am not so much a crafter. I need to charge prices that reflect the quality, design skills & technique of my work. I cannot compete with someone who's capitalizing on the "trendy," selling jewelry for $8 - $20. I create work that has longevity & stylish because it is Art - the pieces are unique. I've met wonderful artists that are humble & in all stages sharing their work with others. Whether the public purchases my work or not I will continue to create because selling is not the reason I do this. If I was to stop creating I truly think a HUGE part of me would die. There is nothing in life that I find more fulfilling then making art & truly connecting with individuals through sharing your life experiences, story over time - "you connect with me & I connect with you". We get one another & you can be every part of human with these people & it's okay.

Felting Team: FELTED VESTS. Step-by-Step Guide

Felting Team: FELTED VESTS. Step-by-Step Guide: "As a Felter, the book captured my attention. The cover is bright, and fresh and the title is exactly what it says “Felted Vests A S..."

FELTED VESTS. Step-by-Step Guide

As a Felter, the book captured my attention. The cover is bright, and fresh and the title is exactly what it says “Felted Vests A Step-by-Step Guide.” I have read the book from cover to cover and will tell you why I like it, aside from Phyllis Hoffman being my sister!
1. When she writes and gives descriptions it is as though she is speaking to her reader.

2. She gives the names of equipment required. Important especially for pattern making.

3. The layout it is clear and concise and it is easy to navigate the book.

4. She shows graphically how to draft a basic pattern and take measurements.

5. She also shares how to make silk paper and illustrates decorative stitches.

Now let me tell you something about my sister Phyllis Hoffman. She recently told me that she has shrunk centimetres since we last met 2yrs ago. That is expected, as we are both in our senior years but her shrinkage has been sizable.So what has her newly released book “Felted Vests” got to do with her body shrinkage? Strangely enough, a lot. One day, when we were kids, our older sister Elizabeth who was 10 yrs old took her pocket money and decided to treat us to a bus ride to the Big City to go shopping without telling our parents. The next thing we were shipped off to St Dominics Academy, Newcastle, Natal, a Catholic boarding school for girls, far away from home. I found friends, and caused havoc with midnight feasts and ghost stories. Elizabeth became a model student and played the violin, while 7 year old Phyllis was taken under the wing of and nurtured by Sister Clare, the Dormitory nun. She taught Phyllis to knit and sew and created in her a lifelong creative passion for handiwork. After 4 yrs we left the Convent, but the die was cast for Phyllis’s creative passion. As a teenager she suffered from severe back pain which ultimately turned out to be Scoliosis. Besides the pain, Phyllis couldn’t find clothes that fitted her unaligned body, so she started making her own clothes and, as commercial patterns didn’t fit, she started adjusting and making her own patterns, while bringing up children, studying, teaching, sewing and writing books.Over the years, Phyllis relocated with her growing family from Rhodesia ( Zimbabwe) to South Africa and finally to Melbourne, Australia where all her creative skills have culminated in her latest book. Although Phyllis's bones may have shrunk, her latest book will surely expand interest in sharing with her the art of making elegant felted clothes.