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BLOG TIME: For the Maker in You
Whether you identify as a maker or are an admirer of the handmade life, this space is for you. Here we explore the creative process, some honest questions, our hopes and joys (sometimes with a dash of sarcasm), and the uncomfortable messy parts of creativity while making space for the raw, real, and authentic in each of us.
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The Keila Ba Deila Welcome! Exploring a Creative Life and Saying Goodbye to Bare Cloth
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
Keila McCracken
Jan 45 min read


Sewing with Bare Cloth: How to Sew with Handwoven Fabric
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
Keila McCracken
Jul 28, 20243 min read


Is it Time for 'The Artist's Way'? - 3 Reasons it's Time, 3 Reasons it's Not
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
Keila McCracken
Feb 29, 20247 min read


'Into the Unknown' and the Creative Process, Will You Ever Be the Same?
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
Keila McCracken
Jan 30, 20245 min read


What's Sticking With You From 2023 That You're Bringing Into 2024?
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
Keila McCracken
Dec 30, 20237 min read


What's WELCOME in Your Creative Work?
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
Keila McCracken
Feb 18, 20223 min read


Keeping Creative Spaces Creative: Advice That Forever Changed the Way I Think About Creativity and Space
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
Keila McCracken
Sep 6, 20214 min read

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