I'm a late bloomer when it comes to appreciating poetry... let alone writing it. If it wasn't for a friend regularly passing along a poem every once in a while... I would never be the admirer I am today. And... Y'all... it has grown to be a reliable support for my creative process. Let's talk about it. First, here's the creative practice I've been using: At the end-ish of every day, sit down and write a haiku that captures your day. That's it. Reminder: a haiku is a poem whe

Greetings from the studio! For those not familiar, my small artist studio is located in Turtle River, MN. Overlooking the woods and a mossy swamp, where trails from every direction converge. Frequented by local animal traffic, including deer, bears, turkeys, lynx, squirrels, and, if we're lucky, Chuck the Woodchuck. Many folks know me as a Hattersley weaver, and I'm a proud one! People also know me as the owner and operator of Bare Cloth, a lovely little arts business that s

The first Bare Cloth shawl was a complete accident. I rolled off the first woven warp from the loom and a scrap of fabric just happened to be the perfect length to drape around me as an extra layer. I quickly learned it also worked folded over as a blanket when sitting by the fire, and I found myself wrapped in it for my morning meditations. This accidental piece turned into the best serendipitous wrap and the birth of the go-to companion, the Bare cloth shawl. After having

Night Otter - Handwoven Wool Twill, woven on a Hattersley Loom How to sew, design, and create with Bare Cloth: Bare Cloth fabric is handwoven in the northern woods of Minnesota. It is designed to be worn, loved, and durable, ready for any event or adventure. Below are my recommendations both as the weaver and designer of this fabric! I love using my own fabrics in my designs and also enjoy getting to live in Bare Cloth fabric throughout the year.    Bare Cloth's Core Collecti

The weaver's skirt was inspired by the fabric. I started weaving the dark wool weft with the cream warp and I instantly knew this was...

A current personal goal has been building a daily routine where creativity is inspired naturally. H ow can I build habits, set up my...

We've made it! This blog has been well over six years in the making! Bare Cloth has been a soul project filled with serendipity,...

The Artist Way. Yep, I finally did it. Have you?? I never heard about this until only a few months ago. None of y’all told me about this!? I love how when I mention it, people instantly have this knowing nod… and then I either hear “Oh, I did that years ago!” or “Oooooooh, I still have that book on my shelf, maybe I need to pull it out and finally read it.” The Artist's Way - Creative Practice Well, my friends, let’s see if it’s time for this creative journey for the first ti

I have been wondering what it means to be a creative and am starting to think that the sole defining benchmark is whether or not we are willing to say goodbye to our current selves. To evolve, reshuffle, and welcome a newer, different version of who we are.  Honestly, I don’t think someone makes or creates without change. Is this a hot take? Do you agree with that? Do I agree with that?  I know someone who may have the answer! Frozen’s Elsa! If you haven't seen Disney’s Froz

Soil to Spirit Have you paused to feel That natural, grounding pull Of gravity, earth? It's always present Continuously calling Soil to...

As this year comes to a close and we dive into a fresh 2024, I have been reflecting on the past 12 months…  Specifically, what a year can hold in all of its wonder, confusion, and life! I’m normally not much for resolutions or New Year being tied to new beginnings, but this year has held a different story than most and something about it needs a little special attention. Below are three things that are sticking with me from 2023 that I can’t seem to shake and don’t want to as

Timeless silhouettes Carnivorous in fashion Pitcher plants aplenty Accessories. Beetles, twigs, stones set in moss Timeless luxuries....

The quick story of why I've been away from the loom: It's simple. While on a beautiful hike in Sedona, Arizona at the very end of the...

I think marketing can be overwhelming, overcomplicated, and overdramatic (I really just like the rule of threes, feel free to dismiss...

I once attended a Compassionate Communication (NVC) training with a welcome that has stuck with me for years. This greeting is also what has me thinking about how much of who we are is present in our creative work. Here's the Welcome: You are welcome here. Every part of you is welcome in this space. - Your excitement to be here is welcome - Your caution and nerves of being here is welcome - Your gender is welcome here - Your race, ethnicity, color of your skin, hair texture

If you are like me, you freeze, bulge your eyes while twitching, and slowly exit the room when ever someone asks you for an artist...

My studio has finally returned to being used for weaving, creating, and running a small arts business. For the past year and a half, I have been working from my studio for my day job, a Social and Emotional Learning Specialist. I have taught well over 720 classes from this space, ranging from Kindergarten to university level students. Around 30 presentations or trainings have taken place in my little kitchenette with Fiona the Orchid and the old Red Pine visible through the w

People often think I like to shop. People often think I love clothing. I get it, I went to fashion design school, I still stay up to date...

Can we talk about jeans for a little bit? This past September I bought my first pair of jeans in seven years from Imogene and Willie. I...

If you love to read, like myself, you probably have a few good books you can always turn to when a friend is looking for a...

Consumption is a highly subjective subject and practice. Each person has their own process of coming to the conclusion that they need to...

SO YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT BUYING SOMETHING… What to look for and consider after you have decided to buy: 1) Quality over quantity. This is...

A Simple Guide to Minimizing your Wardrobe. You already have the clothes you need for a minimalist wardrobe. Start by getting rid of half...