Creating a Poet’s Journal

By Molly J. Anderson-Childers

Introducing Cartoonist Jeff Scarterfield
Jeff enjoys helping people with reaching their drawing-related goals by offering free, step-by-step drawing lessons on his Web site How to Draw Cartoons Online.

As a poet and artist, I have learned that inspiration can find you anywhere. When the Muse comes knocking, it’s best to be prepared when you answer her call. How many times have you “lost” a poem simply because you didn’t write it down right away. “I’ll remember it later,” you promise yourself, only to forget about it entirely. A poet’s journal is a valuable tool — a catch-all for the notes and phrases and word-lists and something funny your cousin said last week; a sort of lost-and-found department for pieces of writing that may yet become poems. A faded old map that will surely lead to buried treasure. More »

'The Spirit in the Mat' of Creative Rug Hooking Artistry

By Deanne Fitzpatrick

I always think well if you make a really great mat who knows what might happen, knowing that the real deal is when you can give yourself a shiver with your own work.

That happens every once in a while, right rare it is let me tell you. I remember the first time it happened. It was the rug that I eventually sold to the AGNS for their permanent collection. I looked at it and I thought, “I don’t think I really made that.” It was the first time I understood that art is made by your own spirit as much as it is made by your hands. It was a revelation for me. Now every once in a while I get that feeling that I want to do a little dance because of the way the wools are working together, or the way the thing looks all together. The truth is that is a wonderful motivation. It is the drive for ”the shiver.” More »

Interview with Annette Rose of Maskworx Limited

By Molly Anderson-Childers

This month, dear readers, follow me “Down Under” as I interview Annette Rose. She is a New Zealand wonder — an RN, BA (Anthropology), and earned her Masters of Entrepreneurship at the University of Otago.

Annette is also the Creative Director of Maskworx Limited, which was a Finalist in the David Awards in 2008. She is also co-creator of the Multimask System, and is currently working with schools and communities around the world to bring masking into the mainstream. More »