thankful

Giving thanks has never been easier. I am thankful for so many things that it was hard to get it all out during our annual go-around-the-table-and-tell-us-what-you-are-thankful-for ceremony. My amazing sons, my husband (the love of my life), my fantastic extended family, the dogs, health, happiness, my art, my friends, and the privileged life I am allowed to live. 

Right now I am most grateful for my mother and my sister who are visiting from Sweden. They arrived the day after Thanksgiving and will be here for a couple of weeks. We will have time for many delicious meals, giggles over wine, adventurous outings, and some work... My mom is a master seamstress, and she always helps me with sewing projects when she is here, and my sister is a computer-whiz. Again, I am thankful...

etsy love

Just a few lovely things I recently discovered on etsy.

1. liberty vintage wallpaper lamp shade by drawflowers

2. poppy pod necklace by esdesigns

3. large moonscape felt cushion by modernwool

4. blue and brown plaid bias skirt by sohomode

Thank you to pia for featuring my japanese maple bag. This week is all yellow over at her wonderful blog, and I am grateful to be included. Many thanks also to Beth over at Sew, Mama, Sew! who included my geranium sachets in their holiday gift extravaganza. I feel honored. 

refreshed and restocked

Today was one of those almost perfect days. After a hectic but successful artisans studio tour weekend (big thanks, to everyone who came out to visit) I managed to joyfully complete a bunch of tasks that's been on my to-do list for a long time. I ordered printing supplies, photographed, edited, and uploaded several new pieces to the etsy store, did laundry, organized my studio, and cleaned the boys bathroom...  All of this may not seem that fun, but it was refreshing to get it all done without guilt over not doing something else or worrying about another deadline. Which usually is how my life goes...  

robust roses

The summer season is certainly over. But throughout our neighborhood the roses carry on despite frosty mornings and blustery winds, blooming their hearts out in mid November... 

artisans studio tour

I am gearing up for this year's artisans studio tour. 33 artists in 17 studios in the Charlottesville area will open their doors to show and sell their work this weekend. Many of the participants will offer demonstrations, so there will be opportunity to learn about wood turning, forging, and leaf printing... I will be exhibiting at The Barn Swallow together with potters Mary Ann Burk, and Janice Arone, and textile artist Enid Adams. The tour is an exciting event where visitors are treated to incredible art as well as edible goodies from local gourmet stores and caterers. For details about the tour, studio maps, schedules, and directions visit the tour website. 

  

taubman museum of art

A new art museum is opening in Roanoke, Virginia, this weekend. Taubman museum of art is an architectural masterpiece as well as a transcending space for art in all forms. Among the inaugural exhibits are beaded handbags by Judith Leiber, Pens and Needles: Drawings for tattoos, and 17th century Florentine paintings. My work is represented in Taubman's museum shop, along with creations by other regional as well as national artists and designers. Plenty of festivities are planned for this weekend's opening celebration. Visit the museum website for schedules and more information.

glorious day

Somehow the world looks much brighter this morning!

vote

Remember to vote tomorrow. Prepare yourself for long lines. Bring granola bars, thick sweaters, and determination. Encourage your fellow citizens to cast their vote, drive someone to the polls if you have the time. This is your day. Make sure you have a voice. Vote.

wedding favors

One of my favorite projects during these past weeks were the clutches I made for my friend Lynn, as gifts to the bridal party at her daughter Lauren's wedding this weekend. I had never tried to make framed purses before, but got inspired by red ruby rose's beautiful creations on etsy. They are leaf printed on organic hemp, and lined with vintage cotton. The sewing part was easy, at least compared to the trickery and patience it took to attach the purse to the frames. I do have it down by now, at least I think so... It is always fun to explore something new, and I am pleased with the final result.  Lauren and her soon to be husband Lincoln are renowned wedding photographers in Portland, Oregon. They are getting married this evening, among friends and family. I know it it will be a beautiful event and I wish them the best of luck and all the happiness that married life brings.