Fiber Art Contest Winner!!

I'm thrilled to share some pretty exciting news for me!  I recently entered our annual community art "Open Regional", at the Pendleton Center of the Arts, and won a second place fiber art prize sponsored by our local quilt guild, the Krazy Horse Quilters!!  The judge wasn't even a friend / local quilter, but an art professor from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon!

I knew initially that I wanted to do something with my fiber art postcards, but wasn't sure how to pick which ones, or how to display them.  The thought of a collection of them on a ribbon board came to me, and I kind of figured out via the Internet, how to make one. 

The theme / title of "Wish You Were Here" has many different meanings.  It's the most commonly used phrase on postcards that are sent from vacations, as well as the thought I have every time I send one of these to friends and family for birthdays, holidays, and support.  Of course I also wish I could be there for them, but at least I'm sending a little bit of myself each time I pop one of these into the mail.  Finally, as soon as I wrote the phrase on the back of my art postcard, I thought of my dad, who passed away in May of 2008.  Even though it was 5 years ago, moments like these make it feel like it happened yesterday.

I am very honored, and equally surprised.  It takes a lot of guts to enter something like this.  I didn't even mention it on my blog until now.  Winning a prize makes me feel a little odd too, as there were some pretty incredible pieces and artist who didn't win. It's a reminder of how subjective art judging is.  I'm really surprised at the mixed feelings... a little bit of guilt, but also just the encouragement that I needed.  I'm a rather shy person, so the extra bit of attention is a bit challenging for me too, but I'm also pinching myself and grinning from ear to ear!

Have you ever had this happen to you?  Are these feelings totally normal?

No matter what, I want to thank my readers here, who have encouraged me in ways that many people in my "real world" can't.  Truth be told, my husband and boys are supportive, but don't really quite "get" my love of sewing.  Many of my close friends don't either, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!  Many of you have given me advice and encouragement that has lifted me up and validated what I love to do!  You all rock!!