A new kind of trade!

I LOVE trading things. Anything really. Services, sewing, baking, food... it's so much more satisfying than using money. My favorite trades in the past have been a homemage lasagne I made for getting my computer fixed and hemming pants for home-brewed beer. I've got to trade a lot of great stuff at craft markets over the years which is always wonderful. There have been many others, but today I have a new one!Jen - the creative writer and blogger behind a popular blog called Haute Whimsy approached me with a trade offer; 1 month of advertising on her site for a T-shirt of mine. I'm very excited to be a part of what she does to support small, artistic businesses like my own. Thank you Jen! Check out her blog at http://www.hautewhimsy.com/

In other news I'm getting my tattoo colored today!!! I'm really excited for this! The photo is of what it looks like now, without color, but I'll be sure to post the after shot soon.

Festive Wallets!

I've been neglecting the blog, since I've taken a teaching position at Olds College in their Fashion Design Program. It's truley been a rewarding and interesting experience. I love my students and it's so exciting to help them prepare themselves to be on the way to exciting career choices. Most of all, I love seeing their creativity flourish and being able to help them bring their creations to life.

I have got back into the studio and am working on some little winter themed wallets.

These are just in time for Christmas if you're looking for a little gift to put in someone's stocking or maybe just to tell a co-worker or friend that you think they're special. They're padded and great for ipods (which is waht I use mine for)! I've have fun making little miniature screenprints on each one.

I'm planning on working on a lot of new prints this weekend, so watch for more soon!

Front Page of Etsy!

It's been a little while since I've written. I've been a busy little bee - working full-time, yet still making time to do artistic things every day. Oh the news, the news!

First off, my Sailor Skirt just made the front page of etsy today!

Secondly, I am off to Calgary today to put a bunch of shirts I've printed in to The Art Gallery of Calgary's SHOP. This is a big step for me and I feel honored to have my designs amoung other amazingly talented artists and craftspeople in the retail space. Check it out here: http://www.artgallerycalgary.org/galleryshop/index.htm

I hope everyone is enjoying spring (now we just need the nice weather back in Alberta)!

ART SHOW: LIVE!

Here is a link to a little video interview about my current show at Gallery IS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XurVditAOYY

Those of you who are far away can still check out my show (I don't know how good I am at answering questions towards the end...hehe).

First Art Show

Here is the little poster for the art exhibit I'm having in March. I am frantically finishing up all of my pieces this week. I can't wait to see it up and together in the space when it's all done! Find out more at http://isgallery.blogspot.com/. Hope you'll come check it out!

Taking Action

My friend Bobbie and I have been working on putting together a craft show fundraiser in conjuction with the Red Cross to raise money for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort. I wanted to do this because I feel so lucky to be living in a safe, first world country right now. The stories and struggles I see and hear (mostly hearing on CBC radio) are so heartbreaking. People there need the help of more fortunate communities... SUCH AS CENTRAL ALBERTA!

I find it hard to be a social activist in this place I'm currently living. People move here to make money and work oilfield jobs. Why I'm here is still remaining in question. Let's just say I travel A LOT. I'm glad the show has come together to link a local and global perspective, and we can only hope for success! Each vendor will be donating a portion of sales to the relief effort and hopefully I can drum up some good door prizes from local businesses! All in all, I'm looking forward to working with some amazing people and organizations.

This may just be MY year so far...

I know, I know. 2010 has just begun.

I've definitely had my share of the bad years in my life. Folks, I have tested the fates many a time in ways one maybe shouldn't. This year, however, feels like it's going to be an exciting and positive one.

First off, I have just confirmed a month long art exhibit during the month of March at a great gallery here called Gallery IS. I'm planning on doing some major screen printed art and showing some of my printed clothing designs. Title of the show: "Fashion Becomes Art : Screen Prints and Clothing by Valerie Turbak". The gears are definitely turning inside my brain and now it's just time to get cracking.

Secondly, I have partnered up with an awesome person and friend to do some touring over the summer to various events, shows and music festivals to "hawk our wares" as someone I know might say. This has been a dream of mine for a long time and I have finally found someone to go on this adventure with. I can't wait to collaborate, travel and meet new people this summer. In case you didn't know, I own a green 1975 VW campervan that will hit the road in style.

Until next time, happy creating to everyone!