Speaking with Tapestry Artist Erin M. Riley

Erin at work in her studio (photo by Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts)

The other day I was visiting my friend Cortney in Milwaukee and noticed a rad postcard on her fridge. Amongst the typical refrigerator decor of baby pictures, wedding invites and shopping lists, there was an image of a woven tapestry—featuring a chick sitting on a couch, smoking a bong next to a laptop. Say what!? As it was unlike anything I have seen in this lifetime, I asked Cortney about it, who exclaimed it was by “the lady that does the naked woman tapestries!” She then not only gave me the postcard, but also opened me up to the world of Erin M. Riley, a contemporary tapestry artist, based out of Philadelphia. Upon Cortney’s urging, I contacted Erin to see if she would be interested in sharing with C.L.A.P. her experience as an artist and was totally stoked to hear back from her almost immediately.

Keep reading to find out Erin’s thoughts on utilizing amature internet porn pics for tapestry subject matter, the struggles creative types face and advice for female artists. Be sure to check out our Fall 2012 issue for Erin's complete interview, and erinmriley.com for more on what Erin is up to.

Shots (All following photos by Erin M. Riley)

C.L.A.P: Your latest collection is amazing. What kind of reactions did it receive from folks? How did it come about? How does it differ from past work that you've done?

Erin M. Riley: This newest work is the most nude I have ever done. I had been collecting "party girl" pictures for a while but then started getting really disillusioned and was looking for more personal imagery. I have always loved the images women take of themselves to pass along, newage keepsakes or tokens of love that end up on the internet for mass consumption. I can completely relate to taking a photograph in which you think your body looks great, only for a suitor to say, "show me your tits", or "take off your pants". I am completely interested in need for constant updated visual stimulation, which I think is a result of the internet. I am also so so so interested in the trends in pornography that end up in the minds of young men and women and become regular behavior. And that is where the images of girls being cummed on comes from.

C.L.A.P.: How does your creative process work?

EMR: I am constantly thinking of things to weave, so I collect images, take images or search out something specific and print it out. I trace the image, blow it up using an overhead projector and trace it to scale and i I use that as a template when weaving. I am really inspired by everyday stuff, by interactions with lovers, reality tv, life, etc.

C.L.A.P.: What do you think is the biggest misconception when it comes to how people view artists?

EMR: I find lately that young adults think being an artist is easy or because someone has gotten an MFA they deserve something. Being an artist requires a lot of hard work, people skills, business skills, organization, paper work!!, etc. And just because you might make something that is cool, if you never show anyone or apply for anything, you might never get anywhere. I am in my studio every day, from 2pm to 2am sometimes longer, very rarely shorter, but I am in my studio every day.

C.L.A.P.: I read a statement from you in which you attributed going to school for art as a major factor for being able to do what you do. In the face of difficulties getting paid work and dealing with student loans, do you have any advice for people considering going (or returning) to school to follow their passions?

EMR: I think for me, I was really young going to grad school, 21, and it gave me a really hard kick in the butt. It was hard, I had an assistantship at Tyler School of Art, so for the first year I had free tuition and a stipend but I was pretty much working 20-30 hours on top of going to grad school. I napped a lot in the studio. I think it really helped me get into a rhythm of making work despite being busy and having other things to focus on. I do think student loans are something to consider when you are getting any education, for me I make so little income that the IBR program has allowed me to pay very little each month. I may never pay off my student loans, but its manageable and I would rather pay a little each month than work two jobs to pay a huge sum to pay it off. Dont get loans from Sallie Mae if you can avoid it, government loans and try to get low interest loans obviously.

C.L.A.P.: Who are some other female artists you would recommend that people check out?

EMR: I have always loved Louise Bourgeois, Kathy Acker, Sheila Hicks and I am showing with the fantastic painter Pakayla Rae Biehn coming up, I also have a thing for Marisa Sciabarrasi's photograph/video.

C.L.A.P.: What do you have coming up?

EMR: Right now I am working on self portraits, working to keep the backgrounds and dye lots the same so that the colors are matching, trying to create a series of pieces that seem to have been taken on the same day wearing the same clothing, or undergarments. Creating pieces that are body shots, images that I think are flattering and beautiful but also images that are pure presentation. I started a series called Presenting, of images of just the front image of the vagina. The beautiful unique W shape, thinking about how in those images it feels like you're giving away a lot.

I am going to do some diptychs, comparing images. I have so many tapestries to weave, its kind of insane but thats a good thing. Ideas are flowing. I am showing in Los Angeles, Boston, Prague, and Brooklyn coming up and I have a residency at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in October.

C.L.A.P.: What advice do you have for women who want to work professionally as artists?

EMR: I think that all I can say is be authentic and real. Trust your gut and don't let anyone talk down to you or push you around. Get used to rejection, its just part of the life.


For more of Erin's interview, pick up our Fall 2012 "Peace, Love and Happiness" issue, available NOW on our Double Peace Etsy website and soon to come at select awesome vendors in Minneapolis and Iowa City. 

Presenting...The Coathangers and Heavy Cream!

The Coathangers: (in no particular order) Crook Kid-guitar, Minnie- bass, Rusty- drums, BeBe- keyboard. Photo by Jason Travis

For the second year in a row, C.L.A.P. was proud to sponsor Alanta band The Coathangers at the Triple Rock. This year, they were joined by Nashville's Heavy Cream and favorite local band Cadette. Even though it was a hot, sweaty Monday, these ladies knew how to bring it. For more on The Coathangers and Heavy Cream, check out their band pages and their thoughts on touring, why we shouldn't talk about female vs. male musicians, and why next time they are in town, you should check them out.

Part of Heavy Cream's line up (the whole band= Jessica McFarland: vocals, Mimi Galbierz: guitar, Olivia Scibelli: bass and Tiffany Minton: drums)

Coathangers: You describe yourselves as not being able to play your instruments when you first started as a band. We just ran a piece by a female musician who talks about how she just "faked it until she made it," in the same capacity. Why do you think it is important for women to just go for it if they want to make music? 

Julia (AKACrook Kid Coathanger) of the Coathangers: No one knows what they are doing when they first start making music. It's important to just go for it....male or female.

What is your creative process like? 

CKC: We hang out with each other and see what come out...brainstorming; jamming; drinking pbr, fireball whiskey, and cherry juice.

Olivia Scibelli of Heavy Cream: We just get together and jam out. Sometimes someone will bring a riff to practice or an idea for a song, but usually we just play what we like and make it a song.

How your hometowns in terms of artistic, especially music, scenes? 

CKC: [Atlanta is] Awesome. Check it out.

OS: Nashville is a wonderfully creative city. Musically, there are great venues (including house spaces) tons of bands from every genre, and a nice supportive crowd for everyone. It's not just a town for country music, it's a town for any musician; it's Music City!

How do you feel about touring? Some musicians seem to love it, others hate it, and now some view it as no longer relevant (or cost effective) in today's world—what are your thoughts on it?

CKC: Tour is the most relevant thing you can do. We are road warriors. Live shows are an extension of an artist's expression. it's the truest representation of the music....a real interactive experience.

OS: We absolutely love touring. We try and tour as much as possible. Like a lot of bands in Nashville, we have built our lives around it. From our jobs to living situations, we have made it so we can tour as often as we like. It is very important and necessary for us to tour. We want people to hear our music and watch us perform. It's also a source of income for us.

What things get you totally amped?

CKC: SF Red Bull, wal-phed, huffing kittens and puppies, the grand canyon, and playing shows.

OS: Treasure trolls

Any advice for women who want to be in a band?

CKC: Don't be scurred. Do it.

OS: Just go for it. There's no wrong way to play music. Unless what you're playing isn't fun. That's definitely wrong.

Even though there seems to be a growing number of all female bands, rock continues to be male dominated. How (if at all) has being an all female band shaped your experience? 

CKC: Being in a band is a subjective experience. Every individual experiences and processes it differently. we are women in a band...that's the only way we can experience this. Continuing to focus on male/female differences perpetuates the division.

OS: Being an all female band is pretty much the same as when we had dudes in our band. We get some attitude every once in awhile, but we always have. Gender and genitals don't dictate talent or ability, and the places we play and the people that we surround ourselves with understand that, so mostly it's great! Sometimes people still say they've never seen an all-female band before, which is shocking because in 2012 it isn't uncommon to see women as musicians. It's time to start treating that as matter-of-fact by not having to constantly remind people that we are female and begin retiring the gendered modifiers like "girl band" etc.

Why should people come see your live shows?

CKC: See answer #4. It's fun!

OS: The energy of our music is more easily felt in the live show.

Describe your "sound:"

CKC: We can't separate ourselves from it. You tell us. [Editor's note: Awesome].

What are you currently promoting? 

OS: Our new LP called "Super Treatment" is out on Infinity Cat Records. We also have a split 7" record coming out on Suicide Squeeze w/ The Coathangers. Look for that announcement soon.

Guerrilla Girls Benefit! This Saturday! Art=Power!

As you may have noticed from our Facebook feed, there is an off-the-charts awesome event happening this Saturday in Minneapolis. Cult Status Gallery will be hosting the "Guerrilla Girls Benefit," to raise money for a Guerrilla Girls Billboard Campaign against the marriage and voter ID amendments, which is quite literally, the coolest thing we have ever heard of.

In addition to a silent auction featuring local art (including a four-pack of C.L.A.P.s and a future subscription to our zine!), the event will include jams, eats and guerrilla masks. In other words, it is going to be amazing. 

 Keep reading to find out how event creators Joan Vorderbruggen, Freelance Storefront Designer and Arts Coordinator for Artists in Storefronts, and Erin Sayer, Owner/Operator of Cult Status Gallery hatched the plan to make this event happen, what is in store for the event and why YOU should vote "no" on the marriage and voter id amendments this coming November.

Tell us about yourselves and how you got involved with the Guerrilla Girls Benefit:

JV: I wrote the Guerrilla Girls a letter via their website describing the hateful amendments on our ballot this November, Marriage and Voter ID. I asked if they would consider participating in the MN electoral process in any way they wished to help us defeat them. Honestly, I didn't think they'd respond, I sent the email out like a little wish in a bottle tossed in the ocean. I nearly fell off my chair when one week later I listened to a voice mail from "Frida Kahlo of the Guerrilla Girls" stating that they were intrigued by my letter and to call her back. Several phone calls later we had coordinated a billboard campaign and are now hosting a benefit!

ES:I have been following Joan's meteoric success with the AIS program, and when she said she wanted to work with the GGs, I thought CSG would be the perfect venue for the event. I contacted her, and the rest is history.

How have the Guerrilla Girls influenced you? 

JV:They demonstrated the power of public art in protest of something you need to speak out against. Not only that it can be done but that it can affect change.

ES:The GGs have been tantamount to my development as a woman in art. I went to an all women's college, and of course studied the GGs in art history. Their message (about under-representation of women and minority artists) really spoke to me, and I have been very aware of the role of women in art, and the changes to our society and the perception of women artists, and how that has changed since the GGs came onto the scene in the 80s.

Why is what you are aiming to do with this campaign important? 

 
JV:These amendments aim to create hateful and discriminatory changes in our states constitution that will eliminate the possibility for same sex marriage in the State of MN as well as exclude members of our community from the voting process.

ES:This is so important on so many levels. a) If the marriage amendment is defeated, Minnesota will be the first state to do so in the country. I believe marriage equality is a human right, a civil right, and I have dozens of close friends who will be directly affected by it. Our society is so close to being ready to accept the natural progression of gay coupledom, gay parenting, and gay rights, it is hanging in limbo; and we have an opportunity to say to the nation that Minnesota has a very forward thinking, compassionate, and intellectual voter base. 

b) The Voter ID amendment is poll taxing in sheep's clothing. How would the government finance state issued IDs to hundreds of thousands of people? Obtaining an ID is a hardship for many people who have a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to vote. And everyone tends to forget, the US denounced the USSR in the 60s and 70s for making their citizens have a government issued ID. They considered it a harbinger of 'totalitarian communism.' And now, they want to do it to our citizens, not 30 years later. A voter ID would contain information that our current regular driver's licenses are missing, e.g. whether you are a felon or not. Also, having to prove where you live? How many people have the wrong address on their IDs right now (hundreds of thousands)? How much does it cost to change ($40), and how much of a pain is it to get done (a total pain)? Essentially, thousands upon thousands of people will be asked to shill for their own government tracking device. How long will it be before they start implanting babies with computer chips? Also...I can't believe the GOP is on to this, considering the vast government intervention and funding needed to get this program going. And, as far as voter fraud goes, it's hard enough to get people out to vote ONCE. Who will be riding around to different polling stations to vote multiple times?? OMG I could go on an on about this....  

If you needed to convince someone to vote no on these amendments, what would you say? 

JV:This is a defining moment in our states history, the next chapter of civil rights in America. This isn't conservatives versus liberals. It's discrimination versus human rights. It's as simple as that.

ES: See above!

How did you get involved in political activism as an artist? 

JV:This is my first foray, however I am a public artist in very many respects with both my storefront designs and my large scale public art project in Whittier. I am also a professional nurse so marrying my concerns for the community and human rights with a public art campaign is a natural evolution of much of what I do.

ES:I haven't been involved in activism myself, but it is an area I think I could explore in the future. It would be a natural direction for me to take my work. For many years I subscribed to the 'art for art's sake' school of thought, but now I know how powerful art can be, and adding depth of meaning to my work is something I would like to explore further.

What do you have planned for the event? 

JV:We will have an incredible silent auction with over 30 pieces donated by various local artists! DJ Ladyheat and Venus DeMars will spin, we will have live mural painting as well as a food truck, body painting, and gorilla masks!!!!

ES:We have a ton of local artists putting their talent where their heart is! We will have a silent art auction, awesome music, a food truck, and a photographer so you can get your picture taken either in a gorilla mask, or with one of us wearing a gorilla mask, and a lot of great company all organizing and coming together in support of our friends, loved ones, and our immigrant neighbors.

If people want to attend, or get involved, what should they do?

JV:Come out to the benefit Saturday August 7th at the Cult Status Gallery from 7-1am 2913 Harriet Avenue. If you simply want to make a tax deductable donation you can send an inquiry to info@artistsinstorefronts.com and I can tell you how to do that! :)

ES:To get involved creatively, all art will be accepted from 7-9 tonight and Wednesday night. Otherwise, show up in support!

What are you most excited about in terms of the event, and if you achieve your goals, the campaign? 

JV:You know I realize that this campaign would be more effective if it were addressed in a rural area versus the city, that whole preaching to the choir notion. Still I feel that bringing the local arts community together to have a voice regarding these issues in this way that is so energizing and exciting with legendary artists like the Guerrilla Girls as our collaborators, that if we can see what we created together to stand up and speak out, my hope is that will inspire people to continue to create and affect change through public art. And I want to make a stamp where I live that screams, hey we refuse to stand for these hateful agendas, and we want the community to see that! I mean, we are artists after all, with much power in our talents.

ES: First, I am excited to work with and get to know Joan, I love her enthusiasm and unending well of energy. Secondly, it has always been a dream of mine to work with or to be involved with the GGs in some way. I also can not wait to see what they come up with for us!

Is Saturday night a one-time shot? Or is there a way for people to contribute if they aren't able to make it to the event? 

JV: The benefit is a one night shot but we are contemplating doing an indie go go campaign to fund as many billboards as possible for the month of October. You can also send a check to the Whittier Alliance with a note that it is to fund this project, or Artists in Storefronts.


For more information on the Guerrilla Girls Benefit, or to RSVP, check out the event invite here!

Lisa Luck Talks Yeti on Wheels Fundraiser

As you may have heard, our favorite local record store (and major C.L.A.P. supporter), Yeti Records, is raising funds to transform their brick and mortar storefront to a mobile record shop. There are a bunch of great incentives packages that you can claim for donating (including an extra special C.L.A.P. music-themed limited addition!), and plus you get the satisfaction of supporting an awesome independent business! You can find more out about the fundraiser here. You can also check out how even the mainstream news is into it here with this sweet clip from KSTP on the shop and the fundraiser.

And now for the super fun part! A Q&A with Yeti co-owner, and C.L.A.P. contributor, the amazing Lisa Luck! 

1. What is the Yeti fundraiser and how did it come about?

Thanks for asking :) Our fundraiser project “Yeti Records on Wheels” was put together in an effort to raise enough funds to help our brick and mortar record store transition into a mobile store or “record truck”.

We are an all used record shop specialising in vintage vinyl and have been in business at our store front location (35th and nicollet in South Minneapolis) for the about 2 years now. Although it’s been a radical time, our overhead is nuts. We can barely make the payments and that is with us both having other jobs to try to supplement the costs. We love our shop. We love our customers. We love the community that is so supportive to us. We simply can’t afford the rent, the inflexibility of having a store front and we are simply not interested in being an online business. We don’t want to shut down and we don’t have to. We are just changing our approach and making it work for us.

2. What is happening with your business seems to be a reflection of the difficulties facing many small, independent businesses today—especially in the creative field! How do you see communities like ours supporting each other and evolving to ensure such culture still exists?

Gosh. What a question. The thing about businesses like ours... is that we aren’t business people. Our goal was never to make a ton of cash and if it was we would have gone into a different business. We just wanted to do something we loved and hopefully break close to even at the end of the day. Without “the man” in charge, big loans, investors.. that sort of thing running a small business where you can actually support yourself can just seem impossible. 

Oh gosh. Again. Hard hitting questions... I think the most important part of keeping independent business and culture alive is to simply support it. Eat at local restaurants. Shop at local shops. I’m not saying go nuts and never walk into a big box store again. Just remember that the unique shops you love can only sustain themselves if you actually shop at them. The independent magazines you love can can only survive if you buy them.. that sort of thing.

3. You’ve lived in quite a few places around the country—what do you think is unique and special about the Twin Cities in terms of creativity and community? 

Oh Minneapolis. Minneapolis is really one of my favorite places ever. There are so many creative and inspirational people here. For one thing, the music scene is fantastic. Now that I’m all super pregnant I don’t make it out to shows nearly as much.

That said, there are just so many great bands to see and a really welcoming music scene. One of the first places I have lived where I have felt that the music scene wasn’t exclusively a boy’s club. That in itself is special. As a woman, it’s an amazing feeling to be surrounded with so many other creative women. I have never been around so many confident and talented females in my life.

4. What are your future plans for Yeti and yourself as an artist?

The Yeti Records storefront will remain open throughout the summer. We hope to get the mobile store going by the beginning of July. This of course is dependent on whether we can raise the essential funds to get this thing going. We are already midway to our goal, so I’m feeling hopeful!

As for myself, independent of Yeti. I find myself transitioning back into working as a freelance illustrator and have recently gotten back into screenprinting. You can take a peek at a screenprint of mine on our indiegogo funraising page as we are offering some of these an donation incentives.

Now that I’m becoming a mother, a few things have changed for me. The first of which is the desire to work more from home, which is where my new home screenprinting studio comes in. The second is to make art and illustration work geared towards children.

While looking for decorative ideas for my baby’s room, most of the affordable (nursery friendly) art out there made want to “barf” a little bit. There were some gems out there but I see a need for better options. I’m sure a lot of other parents out there feel the same way.

5. What are some of your favorite female artists and musicians? Anyone you look to for inspiration?

My number one favorite female band in minneapolis is Cadette. They channel a part of me that hasn’t been awake since my chelsea cut days. Love them. Also Mother of Fire’s Naomi Joy is kind of girl crush of mine. Evident in this picture of us --->

Lisa and Naomi

 from Record Store Day 2012. Lets not forget Littlefoot in all her dreamy and weird glory. Love her. I could go on...

6. What advice do you have for would-be small business owners?

Do it! Plan ahead. Keep your chin up and don’t be afraid to promote yourself.

7. Why do you think business like Yeti are important?

Shopping at small independent businesses goes hand in hand with my philosophy on listening to Vinyl instead of digital files. It’s tangible. You can hold in in your hands. You can interact with it. Both are so much more rewarding then the other options. Independent business hold personal history and stories just as records do. It just feels more human.

8. You and Jake are about to be new parents—how do you see little Ira fitting into your creative lifestyle? 

He will be in charge of all future finances.

Think what Lisa is talking about is worth saving/doing? We do! To contribute to the cause, check out the fundraiser here! 

Girls Got Rhythm Fest: Q&A with founder Dana Raidt

One of our favorite local lady writers/podcaster/lady music aficionado Dana Raidt of Metro Magazine and Girl Germs is one of the brains behind the fabulous Girls Got Rhythm Fest, taking place this weekend in St. Paul. It's going to rule, so you should check it out. For info can be found at the event page here or on the event's blog here. 


HERE, however, Dana was gracious enough to answer some quick questions about the fest, her experience planning it and women in rock for C.L.A.P. Check it: 

How did the Girls Got Rhythm Fest come about?

My friend Travis Ramin and I are/were both doing podcasts. I was doing Girl Germs and he does Jazzed Up and Bonkers with Dan Henry (of Soviettes/Awesome Snakes fame). We have a lot in common musically, so we were trying to think of ways we could collaborate. Travis had put on a festival called Rock Action at the Turf a few years ago, and brought up the idea of organizing one together. We started asking around and gauging interest, and it kind of just snowballed from there! Next thing we knew, we were talking to Ronnie Spector’s people and she was totally into the idea. It all sort of came together after that.

What can fest attendees expect this weekend?  What are some of the “highlights”?

One of my favorite parts of the fest is how cohesive yet diverse the lineup is. It all fits together, but everything is really unique at the same time. Generally speaking, Friday is a little more rock and Saturday is a little more pop. I can safely say that L’Assassins are going to rock this thing. They are perfect for this bill and the local press has really latched on to them recently—for good reason. They are super fun and talented and are a perfect up-and-coming counterpoint to the more established acts like Ronnie Spector and The 5.6.7.8’s. The 5.6.7.8.’s haven’t performed in the Twin Cities since 2003 and they are making the trip just to play the fest, which is mind-blowing. Of course Ronnie Spector will be amazing.

What are you most excited about for the fest?

I think seeing Ronnie Spector is going to change my life. Lately I’ve been on a kick of seeing older acts I love (like Stevie Nicks, Wanda Jackson and Tom Petty), and seeing Ronnie will be amazing. As Travis has said, “You’ll probably cry.” I was at The 5.6.7.8’s last show in the Entry, so it will be great to see them in a completely different setting. They have really great energy. I’m really into White Mystery as well, and always love seeing Pierced Arrows.

Why do you think it is important to have lady-friendly fests like GGR in this day and age?

While I think there has been a lot of progress made regarding women in the music industry, there’s still subtle, or even subconscious, sexism. Talented female acts don’t always get the attention they deserve, partially because some people project all their latent sexist crap on to them—sometimes without even realizing they’re doing it. It’s tricky though, because while we want to celebrate, empower and showcase these women, we don’t want to turn the whole thing into a novelty—nor do we want to book a band only because there are women involved. We booked all these musicians because we think they are the best of the best, and they all just happened to be ladies. It made for a cool theme, and hopefully it inspires and empowers some ladies out there. And maybe enlightens some dudes, too.

Anything else you would like to share about GGR and your experience planning it?

This festival is pretty much my baby at this point. (Seriously, we started planning in August so it’s been nine months. It really feels like I’m preparing to give birth.) I have learned so much. If all goes well, I hope that the fest will become something people flock to every year and that helps them get exposed to some amazing, well-curated music.

Want to see what Dana is giving birth to? You can get info on tickets for the Girls Got Rhythm Fest here! Also don't forget that tonight at 7 p.m. is going to be our very special Brainstorming Session for our "Weird Things" summer issue! You can check out more details on that here. Hope to see you there! 

C.L.A.P. Features: Miller Upholstering

In the spirit of supporting and promoting creative women, we are starting a new project on the C.L.A.P. blog called "C.L.A.P. Features." For it, we will be showcasing independent female-friendly businesses, organizations and individual creative types that are hip to the C.L.A.P. mission. 


I am very excited to present, for our first "C.L.A.P. Features" post, Helen Miller of Miller Upholstering. I first met Helen when she swung by the C.L.A.P. booth at a show we were sponsoring at the Kitty Cat Klub a few months ago. She was very enthusiastic about the zine and bought a couple to send to her daughter in London. A while later, she contacted C.L.A.P. about carrying the zine at her shop, Miller Upholstering, and is now one of our vendors. 


With that, I am pleased to present one of C.L.A.P.'s biggest supporters, Helen Miller of Miller Upholstering! 

The shop!

How and when did you start your business?

2001 – started as a result of not being able to be “hired”  in an established interiors/upholstery workroom at a living wage.  Also wanted more authority and creative license than such a position would have afforded.  Wanted to combine professional workroom practices with a craft/fiber-arts approach and see both disciplines have a place in home decoration.

A sample of the fabrics Miller Upholstering carries

What services or products do you offer that readers of C.L.A.P. would be interested in?

•FABRIC ! (new and vintage) and a go-to source of know-how in interior/domestic arts.

I assist the DIY’er with supplies and instruction as well as take custom orders for upholstery and soft home furnishings.  Vintage restored furniture and one-off cushions and fabric are for sale in shop and millerupholstering store on etsy. 

Helen at work

What is the best thing (or things!) about your job?
 

Full-on, hands-on arts and crafts every day, the study of interiors, furnishings, textiles thru the ages, the endless surprise of weave and pattern and how they work for or against certain frames (clothing constructionists know about this too), finding notes, photo’s, money and toys in furniture, redecorating the shop, THE WINDOWS!, playing great music in the shop, not having a boss make me listen to KQ or BOB-what is that?102?, counting my moneybags, watching my bank account rise (and fall – witnessing and learning the direct result of my endeavors) – oh and so I don’t sound completely self-indulged,  the sight of people reunited with their restored/reupholstered piece of furniture  - tears of joy, gasps of disbelief, pride of ownership and pleased with their decision to reupholster (no buyer’s remorse here!)

More of Helen's cute space

What advice do you have for other creative women interested in starting their own business?

Be ready to hunker down for a long slog – plan, and have as much capital as you can, because if you shoe-string it, you will be hating life.  But if you shoe-string it anyway – try and have a good time…enjoy yourself 100% or it ain’t worth it.  Have your support systems in place, i.e. mentors,  smart advisors (as opposed to ignorant advisors – and know the difference!), friends, etc.  Be adaptable, pay attention, cross-promote and be friends with other businesses, be good to your customers, treat them like gold,  KNOW WHO LIKES YOU ON FACEBOOK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM – if they are fellow or neighboring businesses LIKE THEM BACK if you deem them worthy.  Eat well and get a good nights sleep.  Don’t forget to exercise.

Anything else you would like to add?

Have no regrets – it’s a journey, not a destination, right? 


To find Miller Upholstering:  


Miller Upholstering

3614 E. Lake St. Mpls MN 55406

612-729-1841

helen@millerupholstering.com

www.millerupholstering.com

C.L.A.P. Sponsors: Girl A Whirl!

Mark your calendars for the second Girl A Whirl THIS SATURDAY, November 5th! From 5 pm to 10 pm, Yeti Records will be rocking with the sounds of local lady bands Jaded Matron (Gibbous & Tabitha Sheets), IS/IS, Littlefoot, Cadette and Brute Heart! Hear dj sets by the fabulous (and regular C.L.A.P. contributor) Jen Hughes of Hot Roxx and Carol (Double Trouble)! AND....witness the unveiling of Yeti Record's new ZINE SECTION!!!!! It is going to be totally bodacious. 


 C.L.A.P. is sponsoring this sweet  FREE event, curated by the fabulous artist/record store owner/regular C.L.A.P. contributor Lisa Luck. Since she is the mastermind of this event (and really funny), I wanted to get the inside scoop on Girl A Whirl, how it came about and what attendees can expect. We were finally able to catch up and I got it! The scoop!

Q.How did Girl a Whirl come about? A. Well Holly, let me tell you. The first Girl A Whirl came to be  on Yeti Record's first Record Store Day. It just so happened, that  my business partner (aka my husband) was out of town. I knew  I wanted to do something with pizzaz. I also knew I love girl  bands. So tada! I put together "Girl A Whirl". A rad lady band extravaganza! Q. When was the first one, what happened at it? RSD, 2011. April 16th. 4 radical instores occured. Girl Germs DJed.  We gave away some raffles.... and had a big ole 45' Sale. It was  awesome. Q. What can we expect from this Girl A Whirl? More Awesome, this year 5 radical lady bands. Also the unveiling of  our new Zine Section. 4. What are you most excited about for Girl A Whirl? I am excited to hear the bands! Something great about having a  record store is getting to put together shows. I get to see 5 of my  fave bands perform and host a party. I like hosting. In fact  every time someone comes to the store, I feel like they are at my  house and I want to offer them a martini. Also the Zines. I mean come on. How great are Zines! 5. How do Girl a Whirl and C.L.A.P. fit together? How do they not? Creative Ladies are powerful dudes and dudettes.  Also some of the contributors to C.L.A.P. are involved musically.  Jen Hughes is Djing and Steph Onasis Nelson plays in Cadette. Cool right? 6. Tell me about Yeti’s new zine collection! So many people have been bringing them in. It is so exciting! From  cooking, to music interviews, fashion.. art .. humor. It's so great  and it's so local. For more info on Girl A Whirl, check out the event page here and  stay tuned for a recap of all the radical happenings that took place!