A Woman Filled with Creativity-Part 1
It was June 1994. Quilt America in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was intrigued with the hooked hugs in Janet Brandt's booth. I bought a kit, hooked in the airport, while watching the OJ Simpson slow-speed chase, and all the way home. That little rug is in my bedroom so I can see it daily. But that first meeting turned into a fascination with Janet's creativity--a creative genius I say! She paints, she stitches, she quilts, she makes dolls, she collects books (I mean LOTS of books), she knows how to use embroidery machines to make incredible things, and she inspires! Her Wow! Wool-on-Wool books helped create my own addition to wool applique. I still love her I Love You wool project that appeared in American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.
Over the years, I was able to work with her many times as editor of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Her work is unique, fresh, and always colorful. But despite our many meetings at quilt events, I'd never had the pleasure of seeing where she makes all of these creative things.
This past month, while attending the IQF show in Cincinnati, Janet came over to see the show and have a visit. One thing led to another and the next thing I know she is offering for me (and my friend, Maureen, also a former APQ staffer) to stay at her house on our way home from the show. Well, we couldn't pass that up!
Her studio was on the second floor. Wonderful afternoon light. A door to a porch for a little break during the day. Walls and shelves filled with treasures and bits of inspiration.
Oh, and Grandmother's bed is at one end of her studio. And, I got to sleep in her bed! This was a fantasy sleeping spot. I slept so good I didn't even hear the thunderstorm that passed in the night.
Instead of looking into a sky of stars, I fell asleep under a flirting sky of colorful fabric pieces. My dreams were in full color that night!
Besides bowls of buttons, she had this little rod of clips and bags filled with just the little treasures she likes to create with.
Her work is so folk art and I love it. When you enter her studio these tulips and heart are on the wall in front of you--a greeting that must say "come on in and be creative." Because Janet is doing that--being creative.
Watch for Part 2--the story of The Red House.
Oh Heidi! You are too kind and too sweet! What a joy to open the newest Hen and Chick blog post and see your photos of my studio.It is always such a joy to share my work and my workshop with a kindred spirit, which you most certainly are.
Janet
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Kindred spirits we are! I love being able to share your creativity with others!
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