Where Women Create

The last two days have been very good for me. First, while on the airplane to Houston yesterday, I read a brand new magazine called Where Women Create from cover to cover--something I rarely do! But with the launch of this new magazine and my studio being one of the creative spaces featured in the premiere issue, I thought it best to read about the women who I would be "signing" with--and about their creative spaces. I absolutely enjoyed soaking up the stories of these women and studying the details of their spaces!

Let me give you some history. It started months ago when a friend of mine, Jo Packham (over the years she's written several popular books that my Mom Heather adored), called and asked if my studio could be featured in a new magazine she was planning.

Of course I was pleased and honored she would ask and was happy to share one of my favorite places with other creative women. I love my studio--a place I go to stamp and relax, to play and create, and sometimes just to be. When I'm in my studio, time slows down and I'm surprised at how filled I am when I leave it. That's another entire entry...

Back to my story. Jo also asked if I would be willing to join her and some of the other women featured in the magazine in launching Where Women Create at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. Again, I was more than happy to oblige. It was a pleasure visiting with and getting a glimpse into these women as we signed hundreds of copies of the magazine together.

I also enjoyed visiting with women from around the world who quilt and craft--a group of women that I'd love to introduce to stamping...

Another thing I had the opportunity to do during these couple of days was to walk the show and view all the beautiful quilts--works of art, every single one of them. I found myself strolling up and down the aisles with tears welling up in my eyes, because my Mom Heather (who passed away last December) also quilted and had a collection of fabrics and notions that still amazes me. I was glad to be walking alone among the crowd so I could just wander through the memories of my mom. In fact, I enjoyed rummaging through and buying vintage ribbons that reminded me of her. Someday I'll make little gifts for my girls--like Mom used to make for me--using those precious pieces of the past.

Well, I could write so much more about my trip to Houston and the feelings it evoked...maybe some other time. I'm on the plane ride home as I write this (tears streaming down my face--the guy next to me must think I'm a nut case), and I've promised myself that I'll read more magazines (Mom loved to pore over magazines), and I'm going to make more time to create. Mom would be so proud!

Oh, by the way, if you want to see my studio in its most pristine condition (a rare thing indeed!) and be inspired by other women's creative spaces, go to www.stampington.com and order your copy of Where Women Create. You should also be able to find the magazine quarterly at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Joanne's, Lowe's. . . .. Enjoy!

Comments

[Caroline Counsell]

I'll have to see if a USA lady will get this for me as I am in the UK but would love to take a glimpse into your space! Me I have a 10 foot x 8 foot chalet in the garden called "My Crafty Palace" named after my Dads love for Crystal Palace the football team, he sadly passed last December too. I dont get enough time in my Palace, my 5 yr old a 2 yr old make sure of that ;0) But its always there when I need it. (that and my dining table... last seen in the family room, but cant see it now for stamping stuff!)

[Nancy Hendel]

I look forward to reading the article and seeing your personal space. My craft room is my 'calm in storm' that can be in the life of a SAHM. It is my place to connect with my creativity and reconnect with myself! We just moved to Wisconsin and when house looking, one of the top considerations was did it have a craft room for me! Thank you for sharing.
Nancy

[Maggie Mathern]

I actually ordered this online a couple of weeks ago and look forward to receiving my copy in the post soon. My main reason for purchasing was to see your space. I am sure it is elegant and inspirational, just like you are.
I am currently slowly converting what was the 3rd (smallest) bedroom of my house into my craft studio. It will be good to get further ideas. I love the IKEA bookcase I purchased recently. I change my mind almost daily on the colour scheme I wish to introduce.
Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us all. I got a little teary when you spoke of your mother and the memories evoked by things she cherished.

[Jennifer]

How exciting! I get such inspriation from seeing where everyone creates. Thanks for sharing.

[Selene Kempton]

How Fabulous! It makes me want to go create something in my space! Thank you for sharing!

[Cheryl Ondrias]

Good Morning Shelli-

I looked this magazine up on-line and found the "sneek peak" of your studio. It is simply beautiful. I just wonder how you leave it.

I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of this magazine.

Thanks for sharing with us!

Happy Halloween,
Cheryl O

[Karen Fontinelle]

I'm so glad you got to experience the International Quilt Festival in Houston! It used to be my favorite thing in the whole world to do until I discovered Stampin' Up!. I'm not a quilter but loved seeing all the projects, merchandise, and quilts at the show. My friend and I for years used to consider it a major victory to break away from our families and all our responsibilities for just one day to walk in the doors at the Quilt Show and just see everything sparkle! Now I get my creative "fix" from stamping...but the Quilt Show is still beautiful. I hope I can find that magazine soon. Congratulations on being featured in it.

[Betsy Z]

I can't wait to find the magazine to see your space! Living in Spokane, my Barnes and Noble seems to be last in line for new magazines, but I know it'll be worth however many trips it takes to get it...

[Jacki McHale]

I agree that I can just go to my room and just be. Sometimes I just take my coffee there and just enjoy the room.

I have yet to see yours, I am dying to get a hold of that magazine! I can't wait to see your room and others.

Mine was just built, it's half my basement. It's post-it note yellow! I needed to brighten up such a dark space.

Well it's a place for me, and the kids to go create. Sorry to be rambling. I am off to find that magazine!

Happy Halloween Shelli!

Jacki McHale

[Brenda Bromen]

Oh, how I wish I would have known you were going to be at the International Quilt Festival! A friend of mine invited me to go and I seriously considered going, but felt the trip over from San Antonio would be too much time away from my family. Especially since I had just spent an entire day and most of an evening at the Friday regionals & dinner with demo friends in San Antonio last week and next week I have plans to go to a fiber/yarn festival. (yes, I'm a multi-crafter) Well, had I known you were going to be there promoting & signing the Where Women Create magazine, I would have definitely gone! Oh well, I'm glad you enjoyed your time there. I'm hoping to go next year.

I can't wait to get the magazine so I can see your creative space. I'm hoping one day to have a dedicated space of my own. But for now, I have to share a space with my 2 boys and their video/computer games... Too bad Guitar Hero doesn't have any ballads... or, if if does, my kids never seem to play them.

Hugs,
Brenda

[Alise Van de Bruinhorst]

Shelli,

I am wondering if you know whether or not we can purchase this magazine in Canada? Otherwise I will have to hope that I can still get one in a week when I head down to visit my fiance in Washington! :)

Thanks, Alise

[Joyce Ellen]

I can't wait to get a copy of this new magazine and see your creative area Shelli. I recently just started blogging and posted photos of my stamping and sewing rooms. Actually, with a few tears I gave my stamping room to my son and soon will be sharing photos of my new room, so stay tuned. I love your blog and thank you for taking the time to do it.

[reluctantfarmchik]

Shelli - can't wait to see your space. I am ready to get my new room all fixed up - it's going to be dreamy. Thanks for sharing your time and space so willingly! Have a wonderful weekend.

[Lydia Fiedler]

I can't really type a lot - I'm being smothered by piles of craft supplies! :)

Can't wait to see it. Thanks for the tip!

[Jules]

Greetings from the UK, I would love to get hold of the magazine but not sure if we will be able to over here! Been following your blog since the start. I met you at the Leeds Open Evening back in July, love reading your blog. You might remember me, I was telling you about my little boy who got Hilary Clinton mixed up with Hilary Duff!!!! Take care, Jules

[Kay Kalthoff]

How fabulous, Shelli!! I can't wait to get a copy. My space is very special to me, too, and time slows down when the moment I walk into my "stampin' room" so I can relate very well to what you were writing about. It sounds like you are really missing your mom. Oh, sweet hugs to you. My mom passed away when I was 33 ... 12 years ago. But she loved to crochet and we have her quilts keeping us warm all over our house. Keeping warm gets to be a pastime come January in MN!! lol! The memories get sweeter with time and your mom is always with you in some way every day. Hugs.
Kay

[Elizabeth]

Oh, I bought mine weeks ago and WOW it's a great read! Sooo inspiring!

[vada]

I was able to purchase the book yesterday at a bookstore here in beautiful Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. And I have to say it was the most inspiring book, I have read in a long time. When I bought the book I sat down for a cup of pumkin spice latte,and read it until the store closed, drove home and finished reading at 1:00 a.m. Thank you!! Vada

[Jodi]

Shelli

How fun to read your blog today. My mother is a VERY talented quilter/artist. So talented in fact, that it is intimidating. She does needle turn aplique and has won local awards for her work. I was so glad to find stamping for my outlet as this is an area she is not interested in. We always joked about all the fabric she had and when we questioned it she told us she was "building her palette". I cherish all the quilts and wall hangings I have recieved from her and have them all over my home and in my office at work. In return for her wquilts, I get to make her cards and gifts to give to her vintage quilting group and other friends. She is my inspiration and I am so thankful I got some of her artistic abilities. I will look for your studio in the magazine. Thanks for sharing about the quilt show. I saw my mother this weekend and being with her is like having my own personal show. PS. I am buliding my own "palette" of stampng stuff.

[Chris]

Thanks so much for sharing your heartfelt thoughts about your mom, there is something very special about the love and the bond between a mother and daughter. Your post brought tears to my eyes. My mom passed away this summer, and your sweet words about your mom really touched my heart. My mom loved to sew, and create things with her hands. She made us such beautiful keepsakes, as a matter of fact she made my wedding dress and my sister's too. I can only hope to make such special lovely keepsakes for my family. With both my parents gone, I realize even more now how much keepsakes, cards, handmade things, pictures and memories can mean to a family and what comfort they bring. I miss her lots, but I treasure the things she made, and the memories of her are such a comfort. She was such a wonderful mother, wife, person, friend and so much more. Thanks for your inspirational words, they were just what I needed to hear.... Just wanted to let you know how much your sweet words about your mom touched my heart....Mother's are truly a gift from God.

p.s. I can't wait to go over to hobby lobby today and buy the magazine, and read it and see all the great stories etc.! I just LOVE your blog, you are such an inspiration! Thanks!

[Chris]

Shelli,

I meant to say in my above post how very very sorry I was for your loss....

Sincerely,
Chris Thorson

[Angie Tieman]

I just bought this publication last Thursday and LOVE it! What creative, inspiring spaces! I actually just posted about it on my blog this afternoon, urging others to run out and get it! I didn't realize you were going to be in Houston at the Quilt Festival, I definitely would have driven down to attend! And vintage ribbon? I'm so jealous! Thanks for sharing your space with us!

[Jenny Doh]

Shelli,
Your story in Where Women Create is very inspirational and I am so honored to have had the time to visit with you in Houston. Thank you for all that you do and all of your generous support.
Warm regards,
Jenny :)

[Diane McVey]

That is so awesome! I must get that publication, what an interesting thing to see!!
I know the memories from the quilts was special, and also difficult...I think quilts are one of the most wonderful things there are! I will never forget seeing a quilt show when I was in college, in 1975...those gorgeous works of art hanging on the walls brought me to tears, too! It was so long ago, yet I will never forget how impressed I was with the fabrics made into art...absolutely stunning.
I hope you have a wonderful week! And thank you for letting us know about the magazine! :D

[Mary Ellen Scheiber]

Hi Shelli,
I had wondered when this magazine would be discussed here... A former Stampin' Up! demonstrator who owns a stamp store called me when she received copies of this magazine in her store. She knew I would love to see your 'space' where you create such wonderful items to share with all of us. Of course, I rushed to her shop and couldn't wait to get home and read it. Thank you so much for opening your home and your heart to all of us. You are such an inspiration!!