"It's Just Hair"

Another component of the Fiber Tales Exhibit is that each piece has an accompanying 'story'. This is what goes with mine.

It’s just hair

Curly, kinky, natural, straight, wavy, nappy, relaxed, tangled, fine, thick, thin, receding.

Red, black, gray, brown, blond, fried, dyed laid to the side.

God-given, store bought, borrowed, sewn, glued.

Wet, dry, shiny, dull, wrapped, clean, dirty, flaky.  

Good, bad.

Love it, hate it, cover it, shake it, tie it up, tie it back, cut it off.

Braid, twist, curl, tease, ponytail.

Discussed, complimented, laughed about, pointed at, envied.

It’s just hair.

~Denise Smith, October 2014

HAIR

HAIR

That's the title of my latest and biggest art piece.  It was created for the upcoming Fiber Tales Art Exhibit.
This idea popped into my head a year ago.  It wasn't until this past August that I drew it.  I then created a chart from which to crochet it from.
I think this is the piece that I've most felt like an artist while creating it.  It took about 40 hours in total.  One week I worked on it practically nonstop for 3 days. That meant very little sleep and no shower.  It was a good thing I didn't have anywhere else to go :)

I also realized that the closer I got to finishing it I felt like it wouldn't be mine anymore.  The vision that had only been in my head all this time would now be out there for others to see.  That was a strange but liberating feeling.  When I finished the actual crocheting, without thinking I had a BIG exhale.  I felt so proud of myself for finding a way to bring my vision to life.
The next big moment will be seeing it hanging in the Garfield Park Arts Center along with the works of other more established artists.  The exhibit is on display from November 1-15.

The Opening  Reception is Saturday, November 1 from 5-7 pm.  It is a FREE and Family Friendly event that ALL are welcome to attend.

For behind the scenes pictures that show my work on this from start to finish, click on the Fiber Tales tab above.
~Denise

Kids Crochet and Weaving Classes

Did you know that I teach the kids crochet and weaving classes at the Avon Michaels?  5 of the 6 classes are $15 and last 1 1/2 hours.

The weaving scarf class is 2 1/2 hours and costs $25.00

Students learn the basics of crochet and weaving and create fun projects that they can make for themselves or give as gifts.

This Saturday, October 25th from 2:00-3:30 I will offer a demo where I will be working on the projects.  I will have information about the dates and times of the classes.

Stop by if you're interested or know someone who might be!

You know you've made the right decision when....

 Women in Art

D. DelReverda-Jennings, DeAnna Cannon, Laura Levine, LaShawnda Crowe-Storm, me, Jarica Passi.  Not pictured Norma 

I may have said this before, but since choosing to focus completely on creating, selling, showing and teaching , I have been blessed with more opportunities than I could have dreamed of!

Today I was on a panel of women artists who spoke to a class of students at Ivy Tech Community College.  Women in Art.  We shared our journey's, where we get our inspiration and advice for getting into the field of art.
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Yarn Tasting

Saturday,October 25th

10:30-12:30

@

Art by Melissa Cain

68 S. Jefferson St., Danville, IN

Explore different yarns, needles and hooks.

Bring old T-shirts to learn how

to make your own yarn.

Denise Smith

UntangledStitcher@gmail.com

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My next event is a "Yarn Tasting" this Saturday.  Participants will have the opportunity to explore different yarns, needles and hooks.  I will also demonstrate how to make yarn from T-shirts.  It will give potential students the chance to meet me and learn about the knit and crochet classes that I will be offering there.

Join us if you're in the area!
~Denise

YOU are invited!

The last reception for the Flava Fresh Art Show is this Friday, October 17 from 6:30-8:30.  Come out to meet the artists.

This is an informal gathering that is FREE and family friendly.

   

 

Pretty Purple  & Flowers 

These are the 2 pieces that I have on exhibit at the

 College Avenue Library

Arm Knitting at Studio B Creative Exchange

Today was quite a day for me!

I held at FREE arm knitting workshop Studio B Creative Exchange today.  It was a lot of fun.  I have art on display for another week at this location so stop by to see it and meet NaShara and Sylvia. They are doing great things!

The ladies posing with their scarves that they made.
And yes, that's my art work in the background.

 I began the day by participating in a 5k.  I planned to walk the entire distance but felt up to running some of it.  According to the official race results I finished 7th out of the 9 women in my age group; 97th out of 118 females and 159th out of 190 finishers.  My time was 48:08 (15:30 per mile)!

I didn't start in the right place, I was mixed in with the 2k'ers which made it look like I was in last place when I left the 2k loop.  I was determined to not be the last person to cross the finish line.  I know that it was all about the time I crossed the finish line and not my position among the crowd, but it felt good when I caught back up with some of the 5k'ers!  Now I want to do another 5k this month!!

Now to finish the piece I'm creating for an upcoming art show.  My next FREE event will be a "Yarn Tasting".  More details coming soon.
~Denise

I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide it!

Me crossing the finish line of a 5k in September.

There are sooooo many positive and uplifting songs going through my head, so if I'm having a conversation with you and I suddenly burst into song, you'll have to excuse me :)

I have "turned my  life over to yarn" as Clara Parkes says in her book The Yarn Whisperer, and things have changed right from the start!  I'd made this change and then started reading the book.

Do you know that feeling when you realize that you've made the right decision at the right time?  Multiply that by 10 and that's how I feel.  All the time.

I am no longer working at The Childrens' Museum.  I am focusing on my knit & crochet career as an instructor, artist and entrepreneur.

How do I know I made the right decision?  I'm glad you asked!

Since doing so I've...

• Had 5 new students sign up for Sept/Oct classes at Michaels
• Added an afternoon class to my schedule at Michaels
• Been asked to be part of an artist panel speaking to college students
• Applied to be a Teaching Fellow with Trade School Indianapolis
• Been asked to do a window display at the College Avenue Library (I'd already agreed to do one at the Eagle Library in November.

I'd already agreed to the following...

• Conduct an Arm Knitting workshop at Studio B Creative Exchange on Oct. 11 from 2-4
• Teach 2 classes a month at Melissa Cain Art Studio in Danville, IN (I hope to add to that now that my schedule is open)       And I'm selling items at her studio
• I'm working out on a regular basis again (it helps me to be calm) 
• I walked 2 5ks in September and have registered to do one each in October, November and December.
• I'm running again on the treadmill.
• I have the joy and privilege of volunteering with my grandchildren's schools.  
• I have the honor of spending Friday's with all of my grandsons
• I am truly blessed!

And thank you to each of you who has supported me in ways that you may not be aware of.  It means so much to me to know such creative, positive, honest, happy, artistic, caring, loving, enthusiastic, motivating, inspiring, and dedicated people who are full of life and not afraid to share it.

Thank you!

~Denise

Remember...

To see pictures of the projects, click above on "Michaels @ Avon - Class Schedule & Projects w/Pictures.

As you scroll through the pictures, if you see something that was previously offered that you'd like to make, be sure to let me know ahead of time.

To see details about the classes, click on the specific dates on the calendar to the right.

~Denise

50% Off!

Register for any Knit and Crochet class between Thursday October 2nd - Saturday October 4th and you will receive 50% off of the original price!

This applies to any class that is scheduled.  I have my classes scheduled through December AND I have added Wednesday afternoon classes!

      
New knit projects

         
New crochet projects

     
New Kids crochet projects

    
Kids Weaving projects

Click on the calendar to the right to see which class is offered when.

AND I will be leading a FREE Arm Knitting workshop on Saturday, October 11th from 2-4 pm at Studio B Creative Exchange located at 613 N East Street in Indianapolis.  You can bring your yarn or purchase it from me for $5.00.

I hope to knit or crochet with you soon!
~Denise