Valley Fiber Life started as an online fiber arts magazine in March of 2009, and has been growing each month since then. If you are one of our regular visitors, you've probably noticed that there have been very few new entries recently. That is because we've been developing a new resource               ...and now it's ready.

Fiber Art Now is a quarterly magazine that features contemporary fiber arts & textiles. The premier issue just went to print, and we're already planning for the next issue. We invite you to subscribe if you would like to receive Fiber Art Now in your mailbox. 

Regardless of whether or not you decide to become a subscriber of Fiber Art Now, please continue to visit often and enjoy the resources here. We have an archive of over 70 articles for you to browse, textile-related videos, and we are launching a new "Fiber Greats" series which will feature fiber artists, educators and organizations that are responsible for shaping contemporary fiber arts & textiles. 

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Warmly,

Marcia Young

It has been inspirational to watch her lovingly produce original paintings, then frame prints, produce cards, and work through the process of applying to the fair, building a booth, and setting up.  Finally, I was able to walk through the whole fair, and find her (and Tony, her partner in crime) having a very successful weekend, and enjoying the whole process along the way.

I can't tell you how exciting it is to watch someone step out, try something new, and do so well. 

She has inspired me to start making new plans for Valley Fiber Life.  Stay tuned, everyone.  Valley Fiber Life may be adding a paper-version magazine. By Fall, you can all get your hands on the first issue.  I can't wait to share it with all of you!!

Best,

Marcia

Attempting to connect personally with a large group can be a challenge, but I'm determined.  Wish me luck. 

I hope you all have a stellar week.  I continue to enjoy each story that we publish here at Valley Fiber Life, and the new Fiber Videos section gives me even more creative juice.  I hope it does the same for you, too!

Best,

Marcia

editor-at-large

Full Cold Moon 

This night
All light
Full still moon

Lamp lit
Silhouette
Full still moon

Many faces
Secret places
Full still moon

Supernal eye
In the sky
Full still moon

Big stone
Cold Alone
Full still moon

In reverie
A memory
Full still moon

Only one
You are
gone

Only night
to dream
upon  Full Cold Moon

by ari' anna arena

The experience was unexpectedly taken to another level when my sister won  Viewer's Choice in the wall hanging category at the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Show! 

Even more, my mother reorganized my fabric stash, carefully trimming and ironing each piece, then categorizing it by color.   I'm so grateful, and in the last two days I've spent more time sewing than I have in the last two months! 

Valley Fiber Life continues to thrive and grow, thanks to all the  contributors, whether they are writers or artists themselves.  Look for more interesting stories from some well-known as well as new fiber artists and organizations.

I hope you all have a creative day, and are able to spend at least part of it doing what you love.

Best,

Marcia

The seeds of Valley Fiber Life were planted over 20 years ago in the Montana home of an elderly Native American woman who taught me about traditional beadwork.  Since then (okay, a few years have passed), I've connected with countless equally unique and inspiring people.

This Friday afternoon I'm going to share stories and experiences that have led me to be so passionate about the fiber arts. 

How do we choose stories for Valley Fiber Life, and what kinds of fiber arts get featured here? How do people become part of our Contributing Team? Where are we actually located?

I can't wait to cover all these topics and more this week on Blog Talk Radio (Friday, 2/18 at 4:00 EST/3:00 CST/2:00 Mountain/1:00PST) Whether you are working, sewing, weaving,  or maybe you will be winding down your week with a glass of wine or cup of coffee. 

Take a few minutes to relax and listen to a conversation about creativity, fiber arts and the back story behind Valley Fiber Life. However your week plays out, give yourself a break, and tune in.

What's up next for Valley Fiber Life?  We'll talk about future plans, too!

Click Here to listen online! 

Marcia

Weather like this lets people in this area enjoy the guilty pleasure of a "snow day."   

The facebook Fiber Arts group has had lively discussions about how to know when your work is ready for sale or show, which gave birth to an article by Linda Ruel Flynn on this compelling subject. 

Stay tuned for the next installment, which will include ideas on how to price your work, too. 

VFL also found out the back story behind the Felter's Fling, an exciting gathering for felters from around the world.  

I am pleased to tell everyone I know about the ONE auction that is coming up, February 18. Don't miss your chance to own a collage created by your favorite fiber artist and donate to the American Cancer Society at the same time.  

Finally, this morning I learned about Neil Pasricha, whose parents emigrated to the US from India in the 1960s.  Sometimes a video like this shows up just when I need it.  If you need a shift in your life today, I'd like to pass this link on to you, too.

 Now I have to go stoke the fire!

Stay warm, everyone (or cool, depending on where in the world you are today),

Marcia

Remember, your ability to connect is a direct result of your authenticity, and willingness to be seen by others.  Step into your vulnerability and watch your creative work blossom.

...Don't forget that we have surprising stories being published each week, and I am thankful to all of you for making VFL a regular stop when you sit down at the computer. 

The eye candy of new stories on the home page grabs people every time, but don't forget to hunt down your favorite fiber, inspiration, technique or artist by looking through the Articles, Artist Gallery, or by doing a good old fashioned key word search.  You are sure to find something that piques your curiosity or creativity. 

Warmly,

Marcia

marcia@valleyfiberlife.com

The week got underway, and what special time it was! In between the full days of teaching, I was able to meet new people at every meal (all of whom had a story or insight to share), peruse the other studios, including the woodshop, outside raku kiln and drawing studio, amongst others. - what a luxury!  Since then, I've been living on the creative juices fostered at Snow Farm, and can't stop sewing.

Now we're heading into the holiday season, and Valley Fiber Life has a number of interesting stories coming up, so stay tuned, and remember to give yourself time for creativity!

Warmly,

Marcia

PS I'm leaving you with a shot of the early morning foothills outside of the Snow Farm farmstead.  As always, I am grateful that you stop here to browse the current articles and the archives of fiber arts-related materials.  You may not realize it, but you are part of a community of over 2,000 people who make Valley Fiber Life a regular stop when they sit down at the computer each month.  I look forward to sharing more fiber arts-related stories with you in the coming months. 

Namaste.

As I enter my office/studio each day, I'm reminded of how free I feel when supplies are organized and preparation for the day's work has been done the evening before.  It means I am ready to start producing, whether it is writing or fiber arts-related.  What do you do to get ready for a productive and creative day?

The new article about firing up waning passions by resident zen master Mary Jaksch, really struck a cord with me.  She says it more eloquently than I can, but the bottom line is that a waning passion requires you to lean into a task or project; the more you work on it, the sooner you will find yourself re-engaged. 

If you are a weaver, dyer, or colorist in any area, you will enjoy the latest articles on Valley Fiber Life. Don't forget that we have an archive of over 70 fiber arts-related topics!  To get your dose of inspiration or ideas, you can look through the Articles index or simply do a keyword search.  You never know what might turn up.

Piece,

Marcia