Learn with Susan Sorrell, The Creative Chick

"Teacup Bulldog" by The Creative Chick

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Arts List grew out of a group that I had formed on Ning, a platform that hosts independent groups who organize themselves around a theme.  I had been looking for a community that was interested in the international side of fiber arts and textiles and when I couldn't find it, I started a group called "Fiber Focus" on Ning.  Through that and as I kept learning about social media, I kept bumping into The Creative Chick (Susan Sorrell).  She joined my group and I joined hers, Fiber Arts/Mixed Media.  Once I launched TAFA, I realized that I would not be able to lead Fiber Focus anymore, so I closed it down.  And, I have also not had the time to get involved on Fiber Arts/Mixed Media, also known as FAMM.

BUT, Susan is a diva of knowledge and if you are looking to learn more about how to network, learn, teach, then you need to connect with Susan and FAMM.  I am serious...  whenever I go check out a site that is art or social media related, there she is, burning the paths ahead of me.  I know a lot and she knows way more!

The Creative Chick will help you focus on your art.

Connect and Share

If you are looking for a creative community that focuses on edgy and innovative interpretations of fiber art and mixed media, join her group on Ning.  You will meet other artists and see many, many techniques explored in great ways.

Learn and Teach

Susan teaches several different workshops that zoom in on creativity, embroidery techniques, color and other topics.  See a list of her classes here.  She has also encouraged FAMM members to teach and Spring classes have just been announced.  If you are interested in also teaching and have never taught an online class, Susan suggests taking a class from someone else first so that you understand the process.

The Creative Chick is also a TAFA Member!  See her Member Profile here.  If you are looking for a creativity boost, do check her out.  She is contagious!  And, if you are a member of FAMM or have taken one of her classes, share your experience here with us. 

CraftGossip, A Great Resource for Etsy Crafters

Are you familiar with CraftGossip?  Their editors are charged with finding what is going on in the craft world, offering daily snippets that point to great tutorials, trends, new products and whatever else is happening on the web.  Denise Felton, editor of the Needlework section, has been a staunch supporter of my doings for years now.  She just posted a nice bit on TAFA's first birthday. 

Developing a relationship with CraftGossip is a good business move, especially if you have an Etsy shop.  Take a look at the different editors and see what they focus on, find the one that best fits you and introduce yourself.  They are always looking for new material to post and will guide you on how to go about making your news their news.

Thanks to both Denise and CraftGossip for such steady support!

A Pageful of Craftgawker Submissions

Maybe I have a future in product photography! I now have a full page of photos in Craftgawker. Here is the link to my photo gallery Dharmakarmaarts Gallery. As you know, Craftgawker is a highly curated craft photography site and it is a challenge to take photos that are CG worthy. I take a lot of photos of my art ad craft items and whenever I find something that looks good I submit to Craftgawker. It is always a thrill when my photos get accepted. As of yesterday, I have a full page of accepted submisisons. Hopefully, the streak will continue.

with a little help from my friends

ETSY URBANBOUTIQUE BY JEAN CARTE

I know I am a friendly type of person. I befriend easily and I do not feel like some people who claim that after a certain age people have no new friends. What are they talking about?

Since I have started my ETSY experience and joined TAFA group I found so many new and valuable friends. It might again be the question of sharing.  I always believed that sharing ones feelings, knowledge, experience and ideas bring back openness, inspiration, tools and warmness I would have never dreamed of. It is like having wings and fly rather than being glued to the earth.

One of my amazing friends who is not only very gifted but also wishes to share her experience and knowledge with other is Jean Carte of ETSY URBANBOTIQUE.

She has recently posted a list on her blog -The hand made life style I thought might be useful to each and every one of us titled Artists Invented ....Marketing in the Neighborhood!

http://thehandmadelifestyleblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/artists-invented-marketing-in.html

Jean's posts are great fun to read, full of enthusiasm and contain her amazing life experience in marketing her handmade crafts. Don't miss it!!!

Art Hash, A Great Resource for Artists

Fabric Photo Box by Fairytale Incorporated

One of our TAFA Team members, Lesa Werme of Fairtytale Incorporated, was recently interviewed on Art Hash, an online resource for artists which uses a blog format.  She announced it and I took a look.  "Hmmm....", me thinks to me self....  "I want to be on there, too."

It turns out that it's a pretty easy process.  The only thing that they ask for is that you follow the blog and spread the word, a fair exchange in my book.  Once you follow them, you send an email asking for the questions they use, they send it to you, you fill it out and return it and then they post it.  And, spreading the word about Art Hash is a pleasure as it really does have a lot to offer to artists and I hope it keeps growing.  Aside from the interviews, they list "Calls to Artists" by state and have other posts with info for artists.  So, if you want some publicity, go knock on their door and let them know you would like to be interviewed, too.  And, if you are a TAFA member, don't forget to plug us!

My interview (Rachel Biel) 

Interview with Fairytale Incorporated