Creative Connection…
I have been a bit MIA. For a few weeks. It seems like longer I think. I have been prepping for one too many events I do believe.
Quilt Market at the end of October. Our only retail quilt show of the year, Pacific International Quilt Festival, in the middle of October. And The Creative Connection in Minneapolis this past weekend. Wow that's a lot of prepping, a lot of activity, and just so it doesn't sound like I'm whining, a lot of amazing fun. Remind me of this insanity the next time I eagerly say yes to an event scheduled in September, would you?!
First Up… The Creative Connection
The Creative Connection was a 4 day whirlwind of classes, panels, keynotes, parties and get togethers. Yes, lots and lots of get togethers! I had such a wonderful time catching up with good friends and sharing meals with Camille, Lissa, Kaari, Jennifer, Nancy, Mary & Connie, Amy and others that I am now in my "post event haze" probably blanking on!
It was also such a great opportunity to meet many wonderful women that I had admired for a long time or only "knew" online like Jen, Serena, and Heather. My classes were chalk full of wonderful conference attendees and I had so much fun with Melanie, Heather, Paige, Shasta, Carrie & Jana and others who I know will join the blog world soon! I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Wendy, Marcia from Tinsel Trading, and to admire the beautiful work of others such as Jennifer, the ladies at Hutch Studios, April [fell in love with her owls-especially the ones she had made from our Whimsy fabrics] and others.
I got a chance to teach these little yummies to rooms filled with eager students. You gotta love folks who really want to learn a new skill or hone an old one! Thank you ladies for joining me this past weekend!
At the HANDMADE MARKET…. I fell in love with Jen O'Connor's Earth Angels booth. See the beauties below.
Note: All the ladies mentioned below are linked in the lists above so go take a look at all of their inspiring businesses and blogs….
… I am now the proud owner of that quilt. It will soon be a pattern so stay tuned. I just couldn't resist it from the moment I saw it.
… these little blackbirds had so much personality!
… painting by Jennifer Lanne that I fell in love with several years ago and have them hung all over my studio walls!
… the charming Country Threads booth of Mary and Connie. Just makes me think of fall.
… the sweet work of the Hutch Studios. It was instant love at first sight for me.
And of course there were so many more that I just didn't get a chance to take pictures of. See other posts for more info.
Of course, when I arrived back home exhausted and worn out, this is what was waiting for me.
And then I really did wonder why I had ever left to begin with.
Talk to you soon.
About The Author
cori | 22nd Sep 10
Thanks for the photos and the info. Sounds trying but fun
Sandra Davidson | 22nd Sep 10
I would love to go to something like that . Is the public invited or is it just for bloggers? I would love to hear
Rea speak she is a favorite of mind. Anyway ,sounds like fun. Glad to hear from you again and see that sweet little face of your daughter. God Bless to you and family. Sandra
Kaari Meng | 22nd Sep 10
Joanna! I had fun seeing you for a minute here and there – but no time to catch up! I’ll miss you in Houston – but we’ll plan on a night of trouble in Salt Lake City!
mas | 22nd Sep 10
Love that face…so sweet! thanks for sharing your trip and all those goodies. I am thinking about coming up to Pacific quilt show since a few of you never come down to join us in SoCal!
Joanna | 22nd Sep 10
Re: TypePad: [Fresh Figs] mas submitted a comment on Creative Connection…
Oh you should definitely come up and see us! Our booth will be chalk full of goodies!!
Joanna
Joanna | 22nd Sep 10
Re: TypePad: [Fresh Figs] Sandra Davidson submitted a comment on Creative Connection…
It is definitely for anyone creative although I doubt that they will have the same speakers if they do it again next year. Someone else fun probably though!
Joanna
Joanna | 22nd Sep 10
Re: TypePad: [Fresh Figs] Kaari Meng submitted a comment on Creative Connection…
I know! It was too little. Although I will never forget your reaction at our dinner table to the speakers comment on Thursday night. You know exactly what Im talking about!
Will catch up for real in Salt Lake for sure!
Joanna
Lori | 22nd Sep 10
I love that little scarf with the owl. So cute.
I like to have my own time too but I love being around my girls. What a blessing.
Kathryn | 23rd Sep 10
Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to visit all the links you’ve posted! I’m so glad for an update, I’ve been knee deep in your fabric this week and its been heaven, so its nice to hear from you and to find some more inspiration in the blog world! Welcome home~
Dawn | 23rd Sep 10
Welcome home… Your time away seems like it was heaps of fun… but like always when moms return home, its the faces of the babies that keep us closer to home…their so precious and sweet…. thanks for the inspiration … one day I will visit your beautifully inspiring country and enjoy some Quilty times, chatting and eating yummy meals too..
Hugs Dawn x x x
Susanne | 23rd Sep 10
WOW! Is that little face all Eric or WHAT?!
Great to see you again. And next month, we do it all again! Are you attending PIQF? Booth, walking the show?
Sally Keller | 23rd Sep 10
Such an inspirational post, Joanna!! I’m saving my pennies so I can attend TCCE next year!! But first, I shall hunt you down in Houston (where I live, teehee) at Market!! Wait, was that too stalker-ish??? LOL!! And I have to say, that sweet face got me, too!! and she’s not even mine!! what a blessed momma you are!! hugs!!
Jennifer Maroney | 24th Sep 10
Joanna,
I didn’t get a chance to meet you at Creative Connection, I was a vendor (lady with the giant blue lily), but I have to say I got your swatch packet of “Breakfast at Tiffanys” in our swag bags at the gala dinner… I love your pattern designs! CCE was incredible and inspiring, and maybe I’ll meet you there next year! A new fan of your beautious work, Jennifer
Joanna | 24th Sep 10
Re: TypePad: [Fresh Figs] Susanne submitted a comment on Creative Connection…
In fact we are. We have the same double booth towards the front of the show [great spot] so come on by and visit us. I will be in the booth for sure on Thursday and Saturday! See you there!
jAne | 25th Sep 10
oh my goodness, your daughter is every bit of adorable! you’re blessed!
love the owl scarf. well, love most everything
actually. ;o) love that your links will keep
me busy most all afternoon. hehe.
hey – i sent you an email offering up my address
for my big giveaway win. did you receive it?
i’m so excited that i won a giveaway – almost unheard
of! and i’m thrilled to get started on some
patterns. you’re so sweet to have offered the giveaway. :o)
blessings,
jAne from tickleberry farm
Cate Tuten | 25th Sep 10
Joanna, what fun I had in your class at TCC. This is Cate with a C from Louisiana….Thank you for all of your patience in helping me, this non-sewer- sew the pumpkin pin cushion!…I hope you WILL consider going back next year in Sept. If you do I will sign up for your class first!! And maybe by then I’ll be able to sew a straight stitch! Blessings to you and your precious family!! Cate
SuzK | 30th Sep 10
Handmade Market looks like so much fun! I love the quilt you got – I’m very jealous. Thanks for sharing the photo of your daughter-she’s such a lovely young lady!
Heather | 30th Sep 10
I had so much fun with you too, and I’m still kicking myself for missing your class. But thank you again for making sure I got my kit. Looking forward to seeing you at QM in Houston!