To all of my followers out there, please note that my blog link has changed. You can find ArtSense and all of the other Ecronicles blogs are now under EricksonTribune.com. For the direct link to my blog, click here. See you there!

Patchy bead work? Beaded patchwork? I can’t really explain what this next project is, nor can I foresee how it will turn out! After being inspired by the last two artists I blogged about, I felt the urge to work with seed beads and make patterns on cross-stitch fabric like patchwork. I’m really having fun with this. It makes me feel like I’m being productive while sitting on the couch and relaxing at the same time. Is there such thing as productive relaxation? The best part about this is it’s such a low budget project. Five dollars can go a long way when it comes to buying seed beads. At craft stores you can choose plastic or glass beads depending on how much you want to spend. I lucked out when I went to Beadazzled in Baltimore. All of the Czech seed beads were 25% off. I think mixing nice beads with some of the cheaper ones isn’t such a bad thing. It’s kind of like wearing a shirt from Old Navy and carrying a Coach purse!

In between the snow storms and my trip to Miami were deadlines at work. The fun part about working for a newspaper, other than designing it, is being a part of the whole process. I sometimes get the chance to go out in the field to take pictures and meet the people that we write the stories about. I was asked to come along with one of the writers for one of the stories covered in the April edition. It was about a Charlestown resident artist. I love meeting residents, especially crafty ones!

Three years ago, JoWynn Johns started a blog about her passionate hobby: embroidery. What started as a yearlong stitching challenge soon transformed into a therapeutic online journal about all of her stitching projects as well as stories about her family and some personal essays that she has posted. Now in recovery from a 17 year hiatus of a sedentary way of life due to chronic fatigue, the blog has helped her reconnect with people and maintain an active lifestyle.

It was so inspiring to meet JoWynn in person and hear her story. I think we have similar viewpoints when it comes to certain subjects, and it made me feel empowered to know that she also went through certain things that I am experiencing in my life as a crafter and as a woman. I didn’t think to get any good shots of her craft room/studio. Maybe one day I will have the chance to revisit her to take pictures and blog about her creative space. To read JoWynn’s story that was posted in the April Tribune, go to http://ericksontribune.com/2010/02/my-life-in-stitches/.

New to the Baltimore craft scene and one of my favorite exhibitors this year was Tristyn Albright. My jaw literally dropped when I came across her booth, number 2006. The craftsmanship, color, and amazing detail of her series of Beaded Vessels drew me in to take a closer look. There wasn’t much of a crowd on Thursday, which is why I chose to go before the weekend chaos hit. However, her little corner sure did draw in an impressive amount of people. As I patiently waited my turn, everyone had nothing but positive things to say. Tristyn was there, standing off to the side, soaking in the scene of gawkers with slight apprehension and grace in her eyes. I was impressed by how young she was and how much she has accomplished already. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the future.

Another newcomer whose work caught my attention was Anne Barone. She had an award winning piece from the Smithsonians jewelry and craft show on display, which was quite impressive.

This year there are more items that are priced below $100. I’m not the only one who noticed, as The Baltimore Sun points it out as well. I bought a glass necklace designed by Caitlin Burch for $58. And to be even more accommodating, tickets are half price tonight if you arrive between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.

The American Craft Council Show will be at the Baltimore Convention Center this week from Thursday to Sunday. We get a whole extra day this year, and they have added a new category called “Lawn and Garden”, which will feature artists who have focused their craft specifically on outdoor decor. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I don’t think of it as a craft fair, it’s more like an exhibit of exhibitors. I can honestly tell you that after going last year, it’s almost impossible to see everything in one day. This year I’m sure it will take me at least two days. After being so inspired last year, I’ve become a fan and have been following some of the artists blogs (Lauren Schlossberg)—so considering that some of these artists are like celebrities to me (Karen Gilbert), and that I will actually get a chance to meet them and speak with them (JacQueline Sanchez), who knows how long it will take me. But then again, I am quite shy, so I guess it depends on how cheeky I am feeling that day!