Getting Ready for Surtex

Drawing, designing, applying, ordering... it's prep time for Surtex tradeshow.  I'll be exhibiting my art for the second time May 20-22nd at the Javits Center in New York City and will be at my same booth #453.  Last year was a great experience and I'm applying what I learned to make this year even better.

My new collections include blueberries, acorn and oak, lotus and cherries among others.  These evolved into patterns with coordinates for product applications showing ideas for manufacturers attending the show.    I'm also mixing collections for a fresh look in category themes like Lodge.  

My earthy nature based designs are very flexible for many product categories, so I'm showing them on

products like tote bags, as well as dishes, pillows, bedding and rugs in my portfolio this year. It's amazing how a few shadows bring these line drawing to life!

I'm very excited by the progress I've made and look forward to meeting manufacturers at Surtex.

The Linden Tree Shop

My section

 The Linden Tree in Minneapolis has been consigning my work for over a year and a half.  Melissa, the owner and seamstress, has been so supportive of my work and fun to work with.  I have met so many wonderful artists and customers during my visits to drop off my art work.

This Spring Melissa shifted the store layout around and I have my own section to display my cards, art prints, and custom fabric.  Yes, even my own card rack.  We just finished up arranging everything and hanging price tags.  It is so fun to have a retail place to have people buy my work besides online at my Etsy shop and at Art Events spread out thru the year.

The work will be presented seasonally so right now everything is for Spring with Lily of the Valley, Jack in the Pulpit, Lady Slippers along with local landmarks. I'll be bringing in new designs throughout the year.

Trolley art and trolley applique

Melissa is encouraging me to sell more of my fabric and to show what can be made with my fabric.  One thing we've done is made fabric appliques of my Trolley art and sewn them on children's t-shirts.  Those are only available at the Linden Tree and are so cute.

Another project we did together was a vendor apron for me to wear at Art Events.  I gave her two of my ginkgo fabrics and zig zag fabric and Melissa made a wonderful apron with pockets to hold my receipt book and iPhone.  I wore it already at the Gabbert's Event a couple weeks ago and it worked great.

In the works, is a pillow using my Pomegranate image blown up to 18".  It's going to have some piping around the edges and a solid fabric on the flip side. The Linden Tree has a fantastic supply of wonderful fabric and a wonderful group of women who love fabric and sewing.  I've learned a lot from them and look forward to creating new projects with them.  We're thinking about table runners, napkins, more fun pillows, a skirt out of my dandelion fabric and a little girl's dress out of my firefly fabric.

vendor apron

Be sure to stop in at The Linden Tree at 4404 Beard Avenue South in     Minneapolis. Besides my creations, you'll find lots of designer fabric and other items by local handmade artists. Ask them about sewing classes, too. It's very inspiring!