May 21, 2026

Art, Money and Making it

May 21, 2026/ Laverne Zabielski

How many ways are there to make art? Do we do it for ourselves? Do we make it for family and friends? Do we make it to sell? And if we do, how do we decide what to charge for it?

Can we sell art today for anything close to the value of the time and the supplies and the energy you put into making it? Can the price of your art sustain itself in boutiques and galleries that also sell imports for much lower prices. Is it true when some say, “get a real job and make art on the side?

Laverne Zabielski

Laverne Zabielski, artist, designer and writer, studied fiber art with Arturo Alonzo Sandavol at the University of Kentucky, Lexington and received her MFA in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

PRAISE FOR LAVERNE

Finished Mariposa. Nothing short of spectacular!

Mariposa. . . it, by far, is the most meaningful poetry I’ve ever read! I can visualize every word; and I can empathize with your feelings.

Laverne, Your book, Mariposa, Opioid Abatement Poems. Both subtle and powerful.

I thought your performance of Mariposa, Opioid Abatement Poems was amazing. It was so powerful. Seriously, Laverne, it had me in tears.

Mariposa, Opioid Abatement Poems is one of the loveliest and most loving things I have ever seen.

“The saying goes, ‘when the student is ready the teacher will appear.’ It feels like so much synchronicity that we reconnected at this time. This student is ready, and I can't wait to be a part of your Creativity Membership Club. Your life practice of living a layered life speaks to me in a deep way. Like you said, we don't have any time to waste, and I'm looking forward to experiencing all the ways of living my creative life fully.”

“Being in your studio relaxes me.”

“Laverne! I'm still soaking in our connection, the shades and tones and textures, the relationship between infinite possibility and boundary.”

“Thank you for the Self-Publishing class. I enjoyed it and I learned so much. It has prompted me to move forward with more confidence and it gave me some tools to tap into along the way.”

"Everything about your email newsletter gave me a lift. It makes me happy and gives me hope for our world knowing people like you are living and creating beauty and sharing what you know."

"I rekindled my interest in journaling after attending your writers' retreat. Your wisdom that emotions can only be transcribed by personal reflections sank deeply with me."

"What a beautiful gift of silk! Even more than the gift, I loved the note card and the note itself! I’ve reread it several times! Thank you thank you thank you!"

"What an incredible, mouth dropping open, delightful surprise I got in the mail. When I opened it in the lovely wrapped tissue, with even a shiny cord around that, I was tickled, with a one sided Popeye squint. The scarf is luxuriously lovely. The colors are Perfect. The rich deep brilliance of the blues make me smile all the way from inside. And the purple always feels royal to me."

" I so appreciate your insights on us women who can dress and lead a beautiful fufilling life after 70. I love my life now. It is free, open, enchanting, beautiful, and each blessed morning is a grand delight."

"As always, I think your work is stunning, beautiful, full of life, spirit, soul and united with the universe. These new botanical prints are just that. United to the universe."

"Thank you Laverne - the workshop was great and I have lots of thoughts and ideas about future ambitions on the FeltLoom. It was so much fun, the time just slipped away and you were a real inspiration for discovery and process."

"I feel wonderful and special each time I wear your art."

"Not only are you; a true inspiration and love your philosophy, but your work is stunning! Keep it up! Go girl go!"

"Thanks for making me feel young and lovely!"

“Your beautiful scarf arrived and it some of your best work. It truly is magic. I am proud of you and delighted to have had a front row seat in observing your metamorphic evolution as a fabric artist. Laverne, you truly astound me.”

“Thank you for the very personal journal. It arrived at a time most needed as transcendental things often due. We all have work to do, if we are alive and growing and your inspiration continues to help me peel my onion.”

"Your color palette is unmatched by anyone and your passion and spirit means a great deal to me. I feel ablessed to have something worked by your hands and heart. I am by no means a beauty queen, but your work makes me feel lovely and wonderful. You may receive expressions of gratitude but maybe not as heartfelt as this... Thank you so much for your time and energy."

"I love your words and writings as much as I adore your clothing.......You are a rare raven...spreading your wings and embracing creative flair as you travel thru the Universe."

"I want to thank you for the compliments I received when I wore the scarf I purchased at the fashion show event. I went to a meeting in Louisville and at least six people came up to me to comment on my beautiful scarf. The work you do is amazing and I appreciate the attention it brings to the wearer! Thanks Laverne!"

"This past Saturday, I wore the floral jacket I got from you a few years ago, to a Gala. It was gorgeous! It was just the right touch to my long black dress. Thank you for making me feel like a “hit” at such a joyous occasion. I truly enjoyed wearing your art to this fancy, black tie event."

“Having an interest in felt after dappling in wet and nuno felting, I took two FeltLoom classes under the guidance of Laverne Zabielski. Inspired, I also have completed the Sibori dying class. More than a teacher, Laverne Zabielski mentors and guides her students through art theory and color theory while demonstrating the process of the art form she is teaching.

“Laverne’s teaching methods are based upon sound educational pedagogy, demonstrating, explaining, and collaborating. After displaying examples of FeltLoom products and listening to her students, Laverne introduced some wool rovings, silk, and ribbon embellishments that could be incorporated into the silk and wool batting scarf that would be created in the beginning FeltLoom class. Reminding students of the color wheel and simple art theory concepts to help guide us in designing our pieces.

“I left my first class with Laverne, inspired and empowered, believing in myself as a creator of art.

“Since the first class, with guidance from Laverne and the magic of the FeltLoom, I’ve made a shawl and then repurposed nuno felting scarves, I completed a 4’ x 6’ wall hanging. I’m looking forward to expanding my Sibori dying abilities. Laverne Zabielski is unique, being a creative, skilled artist and teacher.” —Peggy W.

Laverne Zabielski

Laverne Zabielski

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Laverne Zabielski

Laverne Zabielski