February?

The last time I posted was February??

Shame on me. I’ve been distracted by the new job, overwhelmed by everything in my head that wants to be stabbed into existence, and sick (nothing serious, just ick)…still no excuse for ignoring the blog. I will try to do better.

NEW PROJECT-I’ve decided to create a number of Heads in Jars ala Futurama, and am taking suggestions for the heads to be created. Thus far, I will be stabbing the following heads into existence: Trump, Brownback (governor of KS), Kobach (sec. of state KS), Hillary, The Koch Bros (as cojoined heads, or a double headed serpent, can’t decide), David Cameron, Prince, and a Kardashian of my choice.

Who do YOU want me to create?

POLITICS-I’m still all Bernie, still prepared to vote all the KS legislature out of office, am calling for Option 4 as a way to save our beautiful state from the arrogant and ill-advised poor excuse for a governor we have in Kansas. We just need to be kind and to do the right thing instead of lording our choices over others. Agree to disagree, but don’t legislate who can love who, where they can go pee, or how/who/if they believe in a higher power. I, for one, am on God’s team, and I try to live my life according to the commandments Jesus confirmed to the Pharisees as the most important: love God with all my heart, soul and mind; love my neighbors as myself. I don’t have all the answers, and anyone who says they do, doesn’t either.

CLASSES-I’ll be scheduling classes as soon as I confirm a location. While my usual spot at Potwin Presbyterian as a member of the Potwin Fiber Artisans is still available, it does present challenges that make teaching classes more difficult for me, aka lugging cases of materials and supplies up a flight of stairs, through the sanctuary, up another couple of steps and into a beautiful room. The room is great-getting there with all my stuff is not so fun. So I am looking at other options within Topeka, and you’ll be the first to know when I have it confirmed!

PERSONAL-Life is good, hoping to be house hunting before the end of the year (and yes, I’ll be looking for studio/classroom space as part of that new home), hoping to launch a couple of young men into their lives. For those of you that pray, I always accept them, especially over my boys, and my grandson. Still have areas where I am walking in faith that all will be sorted out and reconciled someday, but know that I’m trying to do the right thing. I posted something on FB this week, and I’m holding on to it tightly on those days when I am caught by memories:

My hope is that they will remember mommy tried.

Even when she was tired, even when she was stressed. I hope they will know that I did it all for them. That I had every intention of being great, good, and grand, but some days all I could be was okay.

fb.com/wakemeupwhenuactuallymissme

I’ve made the decision to reschedule the March 5th Felt Painting class, and will announce the new date shortly, but wanted to let you know why.

Now, more than ever before, it is key for each of us to do our civic duty and be counted to remind our government that WE the people want a government FOR the people. As March 5th is caucus day here in Kansas, not only do I want to ensure that I’m able to line up and caucus, I do not want to be a prevention for anyone else to do the same. So I’ll reschedule class.

But do this for me:

Caucus.

If you’re a Democrat leaning individual, find your caucus site here:

If you’re a Republican leaning individual, find your caucus site here:

http://www.ksgop.org/#!caucus/cl95

Not registered? No problem as you can register at the caucus. Won’t be 18 until later this year, but will be by the November elections? No problem as you can caucus as long as you’ll be 18 by November 1. Don’t let these prevent you from coming out to caucus.

And we will felt that painting shortly after the caucus, I promise!

Anna

My next felting class will be on Thursday, February 18, 2016:

Create a Creature: As you can see from the happy students above, Create a Creature needle felting class is fun and all up to you and your imagination! Create a small creature of your choosing-bring a picture for inspiration, or just your mind and I will help you put your creature together shape by shape! The class will be held at 712 Innovations, Topeka’s maker space located at 712 S. Kansas Avenue. Go here to purchase your ticket and reserve your space at class:

https://www.facebook.com/events/539034682923169/

6-8pm, $25 per person, all supplies included

I have discovered that wet felting classes don’t do very well during the winter in Kansas-Who Knew?? So the class scheduled for next Saturday, which was the follow up class to January’s wet felt with a resist class, will be rescheduled for later in spring. Which means, the next wet felting class will be held on March 5, 2016 from 9am to Noon at the Potwin Presbyterian Church located at 400 SW Washburn.

Students from last year’s Wet Felt Painting, or Painting with Wool, class produced some amazing paintings, and I’m looking forward to seeing what YOU create!

Wet Felt Painting: Learn to create a beautiful painting from wool prefelt and other fibers.Saturday, March 5, 9am-Noon, at Potwin Presbyterian Church, Memorial Hall, $45 per student ($25 materials fee included). If students wish to bring their own materials, please consult with instructor for materials list. CLASS MINIMUM 6, MAXIMUM 12

To pay your class fee and reserve your spot in this class, email your PayPal address to me at annasplaceofholding@gmail.com

So, let’s kick off your creativity with a felting class!

If you’ve ever taken a felting class from me, I would greatly appreciate you taking a few moments to fill out the short survey below. My goal in 2016 is to bring more and better felting classes to you, and to do so, I need to know what you think.

https://form.jotform.com/60146302401135

Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think-I hope to see you soon! Until I do, go stab something into existence!

Anna

I sure hope that you will join us as we meet for Open Stitch on Wednesday, January 27, from 6-9pm. We are trying a new venue out-712 Innovations, Topeka’s own makers space, who has graciously offered to host our Open Stitch for January. They are located at 712 S. Kansas Ave., right in downtown Topeka, and there is parking along Kansas Avenue as well as on 7th and 8th Streets. Please come join us!

And, if you’ve ever attended Open Stitch before, I’d like to know what you think! Please take a moment to fill out the survey below and I’ll report your answers to the board members at our retreat later in the month. Just click the thank you below and you’ll be taken to the survey page!

Thank you for your thoughts!

A few examples of what you might decide to do after you’ve taken this Thursday’s Class, Needle Felt Embellished note pad pouch. This class is an excellent introduction to embellishing items with needle felt, and I’ll have several examples with me to give you ideas for your post class exploration.

Come Stab Things into Existence with me Thursday at 712 Innovations!

resist

fiber

soapy

vessel

Have you wondered how to make felt vessels? Hats? bags? If so, then come explore felting with a resist and decide if you want to continue this exploration with a bigger project later.

We will use a simple resist to create a cup cozy (or simple vessel, tealight holder). You’ll get a feel for making even felt layers as you build the cozy over the resist. We will work with undyed wool as the primary felting material, but you will have access to a fiber bar with colors and textures to add a design to your project.

Wet Felt with a Resist:

Beginner level class, creating a cup cozy, learn to work with a resist

Saturday, January 9, 2016, 9am-Noon , at Potwin Presbyterian Church, Memorial Hall, CLASS MINIMUM 6, MAXIMUM 12

$30 per person, all supplies included

And-if you want to continue to explore felting with resists, then be sure to sign up for the February wet felting class where we will up the game and create a clutch bag or ereader pouch with a resist!

To register for the class, email your paypal address to me at annasplaceofholding@gmail.com and I’ll invoice you for the class fee-then show up on Saturday the 9th at 9am! I hope to see you at class!

NEEDLE FELTING CLASSES (HELD AT 712 INNOVATIONS, REGISTER AT 712 INNOVATIONS FACEBOOK PAGE)

Needle Felted Snowman Ornament: Thursday, December 17, 2015, 6-8pm, $20 all supplies included

Needle Felt Embellished Note Pad Pouch: Thursday, January 21, 2016, 6-8pm, $25 per person, all supplies included

Create a Creature: Thursday, February 18, 2016, 6-8pm, $25 per person, all supplies included

Needle Felted Flower Brooch/Headband: Thursday, March 19, 2016, 6-8pm, $25 per person, all supplies included

WET FELTING CLASSES (HELD AT POTWIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-REGISTER VIA EMAIL TO annasplaceofholding@gmail.com)