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...