and the show will go on...

Yet another week plus has past since the last post. I have one more event to get ready for before I can catch my breath. Next weekend I will be in Richmond, for the Craft + Design show at the Science Museum of Virginia, along with over 70 talented artists and artisans from all over the country. Many of you are pros when it comes to shows of this caliber, but this is only the second time in my career that I am participating in a juried event like this. I am grateful to have been accepted and invited, but I have to admit that I am terrified. I am feverishly working on new inventory, as well as booth design, and promotional materials. I want everything to be perfect, and I am fretting over every little detail which drives both me and my lovely family crazy. It is the bane of being a perfectionist, an overachiever, and slightly neurotic when it comes to quality control... I'll bring along these new appliqued pillows, created entirely from soft vintage linens, with the raw edges left to be touched. I will also have new wall pieces on display and a series of table runners. I wish all of you could join me. If you are in Richmond, VA this weekend I would love to see you. Thank you for all your encouraging comments about the studio tour! It was a great success. We had lots of visitors and good sales. Thanks to everyone who came to visit. It made the weekend very special.

joining the tour

Frantic preparations are underway as I am getting ready for the annual Artisans Studio Tour this weekend. 15 studios in the Charlottesville area will open their doors and a total of 30 artists will showcase their work and craft. I will be at The Barn Swallow along with potters Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burk, and textile artist Enid Adams. I'll bring a stack of fresh leaves to demonstrate my leaf printing technique and I am introducing new bags, art quilts, and pillows. The fun fig market totes are also available in the shop. The studios are open from 10 - 5 both days. For more information, directions, and other details visit the tour website. The weather is supposed to be glorious and I hope you will join us if you are in the area!

imogene + willie

If it was not so far, I would take my lovely husband by the hand jump in the car and head over to imogene + willie. We would get there in time for some shopping, and I would finally find that perfect pair of jeans I have been searching for. Then we would stay for supper and song by the bonfire in the back yard, hanging out with other imogene + willie friends and Lalai the lab.

Imogene + willie is a boutique/design studio/manufacturing center housed in an old gas station in Nashville, TN. The company was founded by husband and wife team Matt and Carrie Eddmenson, who after working for years developing denim wear for big brand names wanted to branch out on their own. Imogene + willie is a unique concept where creativity, craftsmanship, and authenticity is flourishing under one roof. Person to person interaction is at the core of their business model, as is utilizing local talent for production, marketing, and photo shoots. The store is filled with their jeans, dresses, and t-shirts, mixed in with vintage finds and other expertly crafted goods. If you can't make it to Nashville I encourage you to visit their website (don't miss the fantastic introductory video by John Moessner), browse their look book, or contact them to find out how to get your hands on those perfect cuffed jeans.

happy all hallows' even

Halloween is around the corner. None of my big boys will be out there tricking or being treated. We are focusing on decorations, and stocking up on candy for all those scary little creatures who are planning to come by our house. Have a fun, fright filled weekend.

lovely leaves and cat sickness

The leaves are coming down in droves here in our little town. They pile up everywhere. I love this season and I am even looking forward to some leaf raking. On a sad note, our 19 year old kitty is ailing. She has received a grim cancer diagnosis and we now nurture her along day by day. I usually don't let our pets into my studio, but have made an exception for her lately. She just wants to be nearby, ands sleeps quietly most of the time. Having animals is sometimes nothing but heartache and sorrow...

loam, new preston, ct

I have written before about my ongoing conflict with wholesale orders and the complexity of re-selling and mass producing handmade goods. My doubts are always diminished when I connect with a store owner who is brimming of enthusiasm for her shop, its mission, and the objects that are sold within. Beth Fowler in New Preston, Connecticut is definitely that kind of person.

Beth opened her store Loam just a few weeks ago as an endeavor to pursue her passions for the environment, treasure hunting, decorating, and social responsibility. She wants to make choosing fair trade, small artisans, organic, and recycled or vintage goods as common as buying mass produced. She wants everyone to know the story behind what they buy, and who a purchase is feeding or supporting. She offers an intriguing mix of handmade goods, art, fair trade objects, and vintage treasures. Art shows will be a regular feature and throughout the year she will highlight, contribute, and bring awareness to a variety of charitable causes. I am proud to be included in Beth's new venture. Loam is a destination, so if you are in or near New Preston, Connecticut, please stop by for a visit. Loam, 13 E. Shore Road, New Preston, CT 06777, 860 619 0707.

art show debut

The reception for my show leaves and layers at The Barn Swallow this past weekend was a great success. We had more guests than I could ever imagined. I was encouraged by the interest in my work and it was delightful to see so many new faces. A great thank you to all and everyone! The light in the barn does not work well for photography, so I don't have as many images as I had hoped, but here are a few that illustrates the beautiful set up in the gallery.

I will most likely be a bit scarce in the next week or so, as I am determined to catch up on a pile of projects that has been pushed aside for way too long. I'll return soon and I promise to catch up with everyone else too.

apple pickin' fun

We spent this brilliant fall morning picking apples on Carter's mountain. The whole family joined in – wee ones, grand parents, and some reluctant teenagers too...

thousands of hearts

Early this morning I discovered that my etsy shop now has recevied over 3000 hearts! I am thrilled and flattered that so many visitors have decided to make my little etsy corner a favorite. A big thanks to all of you! The most resent heart came from 13 threads in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am so glad she found me, because I have now discovered her expertly made and stunning dresses, robes, and tops. I have already made several of them favorites of my own.

leaves, leaves, everywhere

Autumn used to be my favorite season. I still love the cool weather, crisp air, and the bright colors, but this time of year is also a source of panic for me. The fresh leaves I use for printing are rapidly dwindling, and I scurry around collecting as many of them as I possibly can. There are bowls and platters with water submerged fronds, leaves and seed pods everywhere in my house. After soaking I pack them up between moist paper towels in zip-lock bags and stack them in the refridgerator. If I am lucky they will stay fresh for another 3 - 4 weeks, extending my precious printing season a while longer. I admit that there is a bit of grumbling from other family members around here, when the plant packages exceed the amount of food in the fridge...