Fiberarts for a Cause. I'm one of "The 100" Artists!

(Above:  Me holding Key XI, my Fiberart for a Cause donation.  Click on any image in the blog post for an enlargement.)

I am very honored to be among "The 100" invited artists donating work to Virginia Speigel's Fiberart for a Cause benefiting the American Cancer Society.  It's a unique way to raise $10,000 in a single day.  Why does Virginia do this?  Well, Virginia's sister Nancy Spiegel Rosman was the chair of the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" in Forest Lake, MN ... for years and years. Virginia figured out a way for fiber artists to get involved as well.  After all, their Dad is a colon cancer survivor!  In less than a decade, Virigina's Fiberart for a Cause has raised over $240,000 ... and is now (with your help! Hint, hint!) about to add another $10,000 in a single, exciting day! CLICK HERE for more information about this initiative!

One hundred artists were asked to donate a fiber art creation worth at least $100.  The first 100 people pledging $100 on Wednesday, February 4th after 10:00 AM CST, will receive one of the art works ... selected by a random drawing!  Awesome!

Because I might be mailing my donation to someone in England, Italy, Australia, or South Africa ... etc., I knew that my artwork, if framed, needed Plexiglass.  I also knew that I wanted to donate something that really speak to my work.  What could be more perfect than one of my old, rusted keys in a most unique, framed presentation?  Key XI fits the bill ... though it is a bit difficult to photograph due to the glare from the Plexiglass.  I adore kilim rugs, assorted beads, and using my Embellisher to turn scraps of material into original fabric.  All the stitching was done by hand.


(Above:  Key XI.)

I also love turning picture frame moulding "on its side" for unusual shadow-box presentations.  The Plexiglass was installed with copper nails inserted through brass nuts and pre-drilled holes.

(Above:  Key XI, detail.)

I'm really pleased to know this piece will have a new home!

 
(Above:  Me ... this morning at the American Red Cross ... donating platelets.)

When my husband Steve took the photo at the head of this blog post, I didn't realize that I was still wearing the American Red Cross identification sticker.  Why?  Well, it's Christmas.  This is a time for GIVING ... and I'm a regular donor.  This morning I gave platelets.  This is the photo I posted on Facebook ... encouraging others to "give the gift of life".  How appropriate for a day during which I'm blogging about Virginia's generosity and the project she has made available for others to help by contributing!

(Above:  Laura-Jane Gibson as Clara in Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcraker.)\

While on Facebook, I found this great photo of my future daughter-in-law ...

(Above:  My son, Mathias Lenz Dingman as the Nutcracker Prince and his dancing partner ... one of my favorite's at BRB ... Arancha Baselga as the Sugar Plum Fairy.)

... and this amazing photo of my son and his dancing partner, Arancha Basel.  Nutcracker!  Yes, it is definitely CHRISTMAS. 

I am also linking this post to Nina-Marie's "Off the Wall Fridays", a site for sharing fiber art work.