Create!

 

What is it about creating things that’s so compelling? Last weekend I participated in a North House Folk School course and came home with a stunning new leather shoulder bag—and I made it myself! Not only that, but the process was both fascinating and fun. Now I’m hooked on yet another craft.

A few years ago, I indulged in a bead painting class from Jo Wood (engrossing), and I’ve taken a few pottery classes from Joan Farnum (challenging). I enjoy making bead jewelry, too, but mostly I knit. I’m a knitting fiend, as you may know if you’ve ever attended a meeting or workshop with me. My hands crave engagement along with my head.

This weekend we have the opportunity to experience an annual celebration of creativity: the Grand Marais Arts Festival, sponsored by the Grand Marais Art Colony (held in the school parking lots). I always find holiday and birthday gifts at the arts festival, and last year I ventured beyond the artists’ booths for a new adventure.

 

A few years ago, I read about the Felted Forest, a project funded by a Great Places Grant. I’d seen the sign and thought it a bit peculiar, so I never took time to investigate it. (Oh, so busy.) Big mistake.

Better late than never, though. Last July when my husband Jerry and I had time to spare after perusing the artist tents, we found the Felted Forest sign by the entrance to the high school parking lot. We ventured in, meandering along a wood-chip path through the trees below the elementary school and ACA. Within moments we were startled by a felted critter peering down at us from a tree branch. Our meander soon transformed to a treasure hunt, each of us marveling and calling to the other as we discovered yet another felted creature frequenting the magical woodland. In the maze of paths, we located a mushroom, an owl, a pileated woodpecker, a nest of colorful eggs, and a plethora of other prizes, including a sheep that might have felt a titch out of place in the north woods. Oh, well— adaptation. I was totally charmed. We also encountered a few unidentifiable creatures that piqued our curiosity. When we looked at the “key” to the critters in the Felted Forest, I learned that six of the 18+ creatures were created by Marlys Johnson. Impressive! I just hope they all weathered our difficult winter OK. It was a doozie.

 

Speaking of creativity, the Grand Marais Art Colony is celebrating 75 years of promoting the arts in Cook County, an impressive accomplishment. I’ve taken a number of their classes, all of which have been rewarding. I feel fortunate to live in an arts community where creativity and classes abound, thanks to our two great “schools”—the Grand Marais Art Colony and the North House Folk School. If you haven’t explored your creative side, now’s the time; opportunities abound here in Cook County.

So…Create!