ANG Seminar, Reno. Sept 28 - Oct 4 - 2004

My trip to Seminar was a trip of 'firsts'.

For the first time . . . I submitted my works to the ANG Seminar Exhibit (three entries in fact), I shipped pieces from Canada to the US, and I stitched and donated a piece for the Live Auction.

When I arrived at Seminar, my first visit was to the Exhibit to assure myself that my pieces had arrived and were in good condition after their travels. Seeing two of my pieces proudly wearing winning ribbons had me staring happily in disbelief. It was a feeling somewhat similar to being 'surprised' at a surprise party given in my honor (except this one was most welcome). Moonshine had been awarded a 'first'prize and In My Elements a 'third'. This truly exciting moment extended all through seminar as everyone seemed to know about my awards and they were so generous in their praise!

Later that same evening, I had the wonderful 'first' experience of having my Stitching Lady presented at Live Auction and being part of the tension and anticipation. Then I had the unique 'first' experience of buying my own creation! You can read all about that evening by clicking onto the image of Stitching Lady

This being my second seminar, I felt much more 'at home'. I'm now a member of Sun Stitchers in Sarasota so I had a wonderful reunion with Bette Hicks. Bette most generously invited me for dinners with her friends and introduced me to other members of my Sun Stitchers Guild. (You can see samples of Bette's beautiful stitching in the Guest Gallery)

I also enjoyed finding the 'Canadian delegation' and Barbara Kershaw, President of my Toronto Guild of Stitchery. I felt a part of an International group of very special stitchers!

My course with Kay Stanis, silk and metal threads on canvas, was wonderful. I really enjoyed Kay's easy style of teaching. She was so patient with me when I questioned most of her techniques for use on my works of Canvas Collage and painted canvases. At this stage of my work, I do workshops for new techniques and don't think about completing the piece. It's really a great way to learn and the supplies end up in my ever growing stash. (Kay recently held a workshop at The Needlework Guild of Minnesota - Traditional Japanese Embroidery ).

I'm very grateful to Janet Mitchell Fischel for presenting slides of my work at the 'Compelling Creativity' evening prior to my arrival at Seminar. Many people told me of how they enjoyed her fabulous reading of my stories. I thanked her in person and her generous reply was " You write the way I speak so it was easy and fun!". What a gracious lady!

An important lesson learned at Seminar is 'don't shop at the Needlepoint Expo with a credit card!' It's a cash or check event! Good thing that I didn't 'need' any more threads!

I always love to shop at Ruth Kern's Books. I'm very happy that Ruth agreed to sell me her last 'sample' copy of Twyal Tharp's book, 'The Creative Habit'. I began reading it immediately and it actually inspired me to start creating my next Canvas Collage while I was still in Reno! I was making sketches before leaving for class in the mornings. What a blessing!

So, at Reno, I thoroughly enjoyed renewing former friendships and creating new ones. Learning new skills with Kay Stanis was a highlight of the trip.

And now . . . . 'Moonshine' and 'In My Elements' are back in their usual positions on my walls with their ribbons proudly attached. Emails to friends have slowed their frantic pace. New creations and older pieces are in work with new inspiration!

Rosalyn.
December 2004.

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