Quilts, Aprons, Softies, GreenCraft, and More! by Jenny Doh
Photo from left to right; Jenny Doh and Amanda Belle Nolan.
I'm thrilled to be launching Art Quilt Studio, which will provide a playful and informative forum where quilt enthusiasts from all walks of life can cross-pollinate to share techniques, ideas, and inspiration. The very first quilt that I ever made (more than 12 years ago) was pieced and quilted entirely by hand — primarily because I didn't own a sewing machine! The quilts I've made since then have been aided by my trusty Bernina sewing machine but I still like to make small quilts by hand. Whether you quilt by hand or machine; with fabrics or paper, I hope you'll join me on this journey where everyone is invited to share in the joy of quilting.
GreenCraft Magazine is another new title that we are very excited about. It will feature work that involves materials that are repurposed, recycled, and reused. It's the old T-shirt that is cut into strips and then knitted into a purse. It's the cereal box that gets painted and decorated to transform into a gift box. It's about creating today while preserving tomorrow. Editor Morgan McLaughlin is delighted to be providing leadership for GreenCraft Magazine. Says Morgan: "It is hard to throw a stone and not hit something that is "Green" these days. Greener cars, green energy, the "Green" movement has hit hard as our environment continues to suffer. GreenCraft Magazine is a fun and responsible way to make art, using old items that are discarded and forgotten. One's trash is truly another's treasure in this instance. Americans alone throw away more than 68 pounds of clothes and textiles a year. And the amount of paper tossed rivals that. GreenCraft Magazine makes recycling artistic and cool. It is the modern artists way of being a responsible citizen — and I am sure our Earth appreciates it too."
Editor Morgan McLaughlin
Managing Editor
Amanda Belle Nolan
Morgan will also be working with me to provide leadership on apron•ology — a magazine dedicated to showcasing "aprons with an attitude." The promotional flyer for apron•ology was inspired by our Managing Editor Amanda Belle Nolan, who modeled an apron made by Bari J. Ackerman. Says Amanda: "People are no longer just making or wearing aprons to shield themselves from messes; fantastic prints and trendy designs are making aprons a fashion statement. Since the styles are becoming so fun and flirty, you can't help but feel that way when you wear an apron."
Our Managing Editor Christen Olivarez has many interests. She is an avid reader, rubber stamper, knitter, and an astute observer of the world around her. If you want to know what's hot right now or what's going to be hot tomorrow, just ask Christen.
Christen will be launching a brand new magazine titled Stuffed … a magazine that will feature the "softies" doll creations that are all the rage these days. Says Christen: "The softies revolution is undeniable. They are showing up in art galleries, books and stores everywhere. Though I don't make them, I absolutely love them. I've made a few softie attempts, but my lack of sewing skills really limits me to making stuffed rectangle shapes. There is just something about the innocence and notion of fun behind them that speaks to me. Some people may ask, ‘Why make a stuffed donut?' My answer to them is, ‘Why not?'"
Managing Editor
Christen Olivarez
"I hate to sound cliché, but I feel happy when I see a softie. They make me smile. Whether it's a hideous sock monster or an adorable amigurumi bird, they really do bring joy. I love that there is a community of very imaginative people dreaming up these creations and that they are being sold to fellow adults. I think softies have brought back a sense of fun to the craft world that is much needed."
Managing Editor
Staci Dumoski
Managing Editor Staci Dumoski is not only an artist and crafter, but she is a writer. A serious writer. After a full day's work, she tends to her family-related duties and then disciplines herself to get back to the keyboard and write, write, write. It's no wonder that she will be launching our new publication titled Tapestry — a magazine with stories and poetry that are uniquely illustrated. Says Staci: "Tapestry is about weaving words and images together to tell stories. Every story that we feature — whether it's fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, or memoir — will be illustrated with original artwork that will complement the written words, adding that extra, visual dimension to increase the emotional and imaginative impact of the narrative itself. It's a picture book for grown-ups, filled with stories that capture the heart, poems that move the soul, and artwork that delights the eye."
"Everyone has a tale to tell. Already (in my work on Artful Blogging and Life Images) I've been privileged to read some of the most amazing, heart-touching stories penned by people who don't necessarily consider themselves writers. But I've discovered that when you're writing honestly and from your heart, the words just sort of take care of themselves. I'm looking forward to including stories like these in Tapestry, stories that maybe aren't the next Hemingway or Fitzgerald, but really connect us on the most human level."
And just like Life Images, Somerset Life and Artful Blogging have already done, Morgan excitedly observes that "Tapestry will venture our company into a newer world, exposing our artists to writers and vice versa. This literary publication will bring new readers into the Stampington & Company family."
SOMERSET APPRENTICE
Managing Editor Jana Holstein demonstrates to our entire staff every day that with determination, anything is possible. Last year, she launched the very successful Somerset Digital Studio, even though she confessed to having almost no knowledge about digital scrapbooking. What impressed all of us is that rather than running away from this challenge, she met it face on by enrolling in a design course to gain the knowledge needed to lead this publication. In 2009, Jana will be handing over Somerset Digital Studio to be led by Amanda Belle Nolan. (By the way, it will be coming out twice in 2009.)
Managing Editor
Jana Holstein
So what will Jana do with the free time? Launching Somerset Apprentice — a magazine that provides a much more basic and thorough understanding of techniques geared toward people who aspire to make Somerset-esque art but need to learn the fundamentals through easy-to-understand instructions and close-up photos. Says Jana: "I'm very excited about launching our new publication Somerset Apprentice. This magazine will focus on the basic how to's of amazing artwork. Many artists love the artwork in Somerset Studio, and even though we give clear, concise instructions, they want more in-depth details about how the techniques are done. Somerset Apprentice will show our readers how to do projects, call out specific products and how to use them, and take you by the hand as you learn how to make lovely works of art Somerset-style."
Editor & Art Management Supervisor Jennifer Jackson
ART MANAGEMENT
In order to prepare ourselves for these added publications, Jennifer Jackson will serve not only as Editor of Somerset Studio Gallery and Handcrafted, but also as our Art Management Supervisor.
Art Management Coordinator
Michelle Nolan
Michelle Nolan (twin sister of Amanda Belle Nolan!) has joined our team as full-time Art Management Coordinator to ensure that the art you submit to us is handled with the best care. Says Jennifer: "We take pride in each and every package that we open and send back and are committed to managing each and every piece that passes through our doors here at Stampington & Company. We give all artwork the greatest respect and care that it deserves. I want to thank our artists for working with me and Michelle as we continue to grow and make continued improvements in art management."
Editor Morgan McLaughlin
