FADLA Artist: Penny Richards

This will be my fourth year joining in on Fun a Day LA, and every project I’ve done has been a real joy. It’s a time to think, what have I always wanted to get around to? and an excuse to DO THAT THING, NOW. It’s also a time to notice all the best clutter -- the interesting fabrics, the bags of yarn, the inks and paints and cardboard — they’re patiently waiting to be used, taking up space. It’s a new year, let them finally become something!

I’ve done two crochet projects, because after we put away the Christmas decorations, I realize how much yarn fills the closet where we store the ornaments and tree. One year, I made a square a day, and had a new blanket by February. One year, I made a stripe a day, and… you guessed it, had a new blanket by February. And a little less yarn stashed in bins.

One year, I wrote Wikipedia articles, which isn’t easy to display at an art show, so I also made postcards featuring the subjects of those articles, 26 women, with first names from A to Z. The postcards recycled some old cereal boxes, and gave me an excuse to play with paint and modpodge and metallic markers and rubber stamps.

This year, I’m making myself a few outfits. They can’t all be crocheted, and I’m not a great seamstress or milliner, but practice helps, and I’m having a grand time making trousers from old curtains, and hats from old sweaters.

Do you need an excuse to play? Are your crafting supplies growing weary, waiting for their day in the spotlight? Do you want to learn a new skill, or practice a rusty one? Fun a Day is a great place to start.

Stop by meet Penny, see her new capsule wardrobe and check out the fun!
Show location: blu Prints Gallery 300 E 4th St Unit 104 Long Beach CA 90802
Show dates: 
Friday: Soft Opening January 31 ( 2-7pm)
Saturday: Opening February 1 (11am-7pm)
Sunday: Closing  February 2 (2-6pm)