Opportunity

I'm still pinching myself, still trying to settle into the blessing of such an opportunity. A couple phone calls over the past two weeks, found me back in Sharon Springs....

Josie, Tim and I fell in love with the village and the people here. They hold that small town magic and pride in their village that I remember as a child. They ARE what Main St. USA is all about and encourage everyone to support and shop Main Street stores, wherever yours may be.......

I received a call from store owner, Joe. Store space had become available in the building he was in. He had an idea and wanted to try something.....would I be willing to put my work in some shop space and rent it with a few other Artisans from the Harvest Festival? Of all of the vendors that September weekend and so many wonderfully creative people, I was one of several selected... We are 7 Artisans strong right now. Each unique and from different areas. 

Yesterday, we started bringing in our wares. I quickly found these gentlemen are so giving  and friendly. I had so much fun learning about my colleagues and these gentlemen of Main Street. Doug, the Mayor (if you've seen The Fabulous Beekman Boys, you have met Doug) stopped in to see us. I had met him in September ~ he is funny, warm and welcoming. This village is amazing and you quickly feel like family. I feel hugged by Sharon Springs and it reminds me so much of home.

I am truly blessed......

Today is the "soft opening" but this weekend will have us truly open, "Pop Up" style through the Holiday Season. From there we will gather and see...one never knows what an opportunity will do, until you walk through the door. If you are in or near Sharon Springs, our works are at 197 Main Street, behind "The Finishing Touch".  

Putting On The Olde

The day before offerings are due, the Cottage on Curry Road becomes bustling with extra activity. Today was a little more special as Early Works celebrated the holiday season....

I can't tell you how much I enjoy being a part of this group of artists with the same love of olde.

As the year draws to a close, I always reflect upon my year of creating. There is never enough time to do it all, and this year has been no exception. 

I look at my offering for this month and it is only when it is complete; that I see memories.

I look at the colors and I am reminded of a favorite Professor, that would ask me to get bold with color..."just splash some red in there", he would say. 

I look at her face...those eyes that capture her kindness of heart....and I realize that she looks like my beloved friend, Becky. How does that happen? It always does... whether from a sketch or simply my mind's eye....when I set it down as finished, my piece often looks like someone that I have a personal connection with.

I love the inspiration of the Queen Anne style~ I never know just how they will turn out. Not just the sculptures, mind you, but the clothing. I'm very basic with my patterning and self taught. Every bodice is patterned and stitched to the piece. I never know how it will end. There is never anything drawn out or fabrics picked...they come when the piece is painted and aged...only then do we visit the fabric laden sewing room.

This time, the fabric choices weren't up to my liking.. they were what "spoke", but they needed to be tweaked. The usual warm brown tones of coffee dye were not what I wanted, there was too much warmth....I needed grays.

I tried a different technique and oh how I love it. This could be another addiction ....

another technique of olde to wrap up in~ 

Let the Show Begin~

I was in a bit of a tizzy this year as I booked shows. Some of my favorites overlapped each other for the Holiday Season. I have been on the waiting list again this season for Hadassah and did not get a spot~ I will keep trying tho for next year, so keep fingers crossed!

This Saturday  November 9th, I will be at the Ballard Elementary School, just off the Northway at Exit 16 in Wilton. Last year I saw so many Granville friends and I hope that I will do so again~ it's like coming home! Look for me in the Hallway by the Office. 

My Wee Folk will be very limited but there will be some fun new friends as well as some favorites such as Rappin Rude E Reindeer above. Come early and enjoy the array of Artisans and Craftsmen ~ it is one of my very favorites to do!

November At The Door

Tis the busy season at our Wee Cottage. The trees on Curry Road have been dressed in their finery, awaiting November, to dance their final dance. 

November arrived promptly in a stern and no nonsense way. At dawn she was dark and brooding and rain fell hard to accentuate her mood....by late morning, her mood changed sharply, as if someone drew back curtains to let in the morning sun. Gray gave way to cobalt and fresh air comes through the kitchen window....perhaps for the last time before Spring. I'm soaking up the smell of leaves....it is intoxicating.

Skeletons and tombstones give way to turkeys and all things snowy as the next couple of weeks will finish off my very busy year.

I'm ready to fully settle in. Hot Chocolate with a dash of Almond milk will take the place of my afternoon tea and movies are lined up to welcome Grandfather Winter. He's not far now and in the upcoming weeks, he is sure to whisper into Miss November's ear and ask her to dance.

My friends here can be seen on Olde Primitive Peddler. Sky has found her home, but Wee Martha hopes to find her family before the snow flies.