National League of American Pen Women

The Muncie, IN Branch is a part of the National League of American Pen Women

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Interview with Jan Lewis

I recently had the opportunity to visit a local meeting of Sigma Delta Pi, a teacher's sorority, where I heard our very own Jan Lewis speak about her quilted purses. Jan did a wonderful job and showed off a few of her beautiful pieces of work. I decided to interview Jan for our blog! So here you go .....

Welcome to Jan Lewis!




Please tell me some background information about you.
I grew up with five sisters on a farm in Jay County.  I graduated with a B.S and M. A. from Ball State University. 

Please tell me some background information about your artistic endeavors.
I taught Family and Consumer Science for several years and took up quilting after retirement. 

How did you get started making purses?
.  I have constructed quilts for all four of my children, as well as all six grandchildren.  Many friends and family have received my quilted purses. 

How do you go about designing a purse?
.  The inspiration often comes from a certain fabric, a picture, a request from a client.  The purse usually begins in my mind, tossed around and analyzed from all angles.  I love this part immensely but also enjoy seeing the idea become reality. 

Are the purses washasble?
My creations ultimately become durable, hand washable items of functional art. 

 Do you sell at any sort of craft shows?
Many friends and family have received my quilted purses.  I have sold a few and bartered with purses for services.

How would you describe the creative process of purse-making?
While I sew I listen to IPR radio, music, and often scripture on tape.  I make sketches and notes of ideas that inspire me.  Added to these are pictures from magazines that spur ideas. 


What do you like most about sewing?
My creative instincts are constantly active and often result in great personal satisfaction for me.

Where do you work on your projects?
My sewing room is the smallest bedroom in a small house but I enjoy spending time there. 

Thank you, Jan, for sharing with us about your hand-made purses and your thoughts about the creative process!

I feel honored that you asked me.


Monday, October 22, 2012

November 2012 Meeting Information



November
November 10, 2012 NOON
At the home of Jane Beekman
4044 W. Kings Row

Cost: bring a salad or desert

RSVP: email: riverwrites@yahoo.com
or call River at (765) 212-9802


On the Agenda
  • Business Meeting

· This year’s meeting schedule
· Writing Contest Update
· Scholarship 

Program
· Paula Gast, Inspirational Speaker




Thursday, October 11, 2012

Author Alicia Erian

Please join us for an evening with author and screenwriter Alicia Erian.

Wednesday, October 17, 7:30 P.M.
Letterman Building, Room 125

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served and the reading will be followed by a booksigning and reception.

Alicia Erian's novel TOWELHEAD was made into a movie by Alan Ball in 2007. She is also the author of THE BRUTAL LANGUAGE OF LOVE, a book of short stories. Erian wrote the screenplay for the short film HAMMER AND ANVIL, which was developed at the Sundance Institute's 2008 January Screenwriters Lab, and directed by Michael Greif. She was the Newhouse Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at Wellesley College from 2004-2008 and currently teaches at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.

Monday, October 8, 2012

September 2012 meeting notes

Introducing Two Muncie Branch Guests

We were blessed with beauty and hospitality when we met at Barb Kehoe's house last month for our meeting. As always, she laid out an elegant table setting with a delicious menu which we all flavored with interesting topics of conversation.

We had two very talented guests who showed us samples of their work:
Sharon Davy who has just published God's Stories (Seeing the Hand of God); and Jill Palumbo who "paints with clay". Below are some pictures:


Sharon Davy


Jill Palumbo

Keep posted for updates regarding where these women will be showing their work in the future so you can see more and support them with your presence at upcoming events!