Spring Clean and Let Go

The other day I followed my intuition to walk into the bookstore. I'm usually drawn to the magazines when I'm in need of inspiration.  I happened across a new "Cloth, Paper, Scissors - Studios" magazine that had the most scrumptious photos about 25 different artists and their amazingly organized art studios.  If you are feeling a deep desire to reinvigorate your workspace, I highly recommend this issue!  There are so many creative ideas on how to rethink your space, including an article entitled "Clutter Out, Creativity In", that offers great suggestions.

One tip that I found especially helpful is when you are wanting to clear out some of your old work, take a digital photo, so you can keep a record of it, then you won't feel the need to hang on to the piece.  

That simple reminder helped me feel good about my decision to let this piece go: 

I've never really had a spot for it in my home, however, I couldn't bare to let it go because it is my one and only welded creation - an amazing accomplishment for someone who doesn't really like using big "power tools", let alone working with a flame!  I'm usually more drawn to "softer, warmer" kinds of medium, so I was surprised to learn how much I enjoyed welding.

Yet, ever since I cleaned out my basement this spring, letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose in my life, has become a whole lot easier.  And making space for new things has become an exciting new hobby of mine.  The more I let go - the simpler my life is becoming. That feels so much better to me these days than hanging on to things just "because".

So, thanks for allowing me this opportunity to share photos of my welded shelf.  I love it and it's time to say goodbye. 

What are you ready to let go of to make more space for your creativity?

Completing Work

I find beauty and inspiration in every season, and have to grab snippets of time for production. This piece, has some stamped leaves, and fabric I dyed. I enjoy including textural qualities.  Even tho we are past my favorite season of autumn, I felt satisfied in completing this piece.  I've got a few other pieces in process, and look forward to making the time to add to them and complete them!!

mpkinney

Spring is in the Air

This is a work in progress - a hand and needle felted wall hanging made of wool. The spring flowers blooming all around inspired me to pull it out today.

Is anyone else inspired by the beauty that comes with this change of season?

art day

I have officially made today my art day... first one in a long time. I was "supposed" to run a few errands and visit a girl that I mentor, but I was feeling drained. Feeling like I had hit a wall, and I think this is the perfect way to move past that wall. I can't feel guilty for changing plans, or taking time for me. There is a list of other things I could be doing, and I won't let it get in the way, maybe other days, but not today. This is a piece I made a while ago, trying new stitches sewing and a half printed picture on fabric.

Tweet, Tweet.

Wow, this "social network" thing is exploding and I'm trying my best to keep up with it all. Blogs, Facebook, Ravelry, Flickr, YouTube, Etsy and now...Twitter! My goal is to not get overwhelmed by all of this and to simply have fun connecting in new ways.

Is anyone else on Twitter, yet? If not, check it out and see if you are interested in "twitting". The more I learn about it the more potential I see with it. Once you're on, let me know, and I'll share some cool sites that teach you how to post little 12 second videos, pictures and more.

Come tweet with me. My user name is: FreeSpiritKnits.

Also, I wanted to share that in addition to this site, I've restarted my own personal blog:
http://freespiritknits.blogspot.com/

How do you feel about all of these new ways of connecting to people across the globe?

p.s. I have to thank my hubbie, Chris, for all the cool photographs. This is a sculpture he made for our local Children's Mercy Hospital. It hangs in their lobby and is 9 x 11 feet.

Brooch and Folk School

Hi y'all. This will be a quick post but at least there will be a pic of what I have been working on. I'll write more about the process later.

Right now I am in overwhelm getting ready for a class tomorrow and then I soon leave for two weeks of teaching at the Folk School in NC. If you want to check out this magical place- you will not believe the classes they offer - click here!

Spring into Action

Present Magazine is a great online publication that just published one of my articles. Click on "Spring into Action" to take a look. Happy spring!