Another show...

The show went okay,
not as well as the first but that is okay because I learn something new every time:)
My booth for this show was considerably smaller and tested my display skills for sure.


I was thankful for the years I had spent working for a design boutique in Temperance, MI.
The store was small but my bosses purchasing habits were not!
Every Christmas was the same story how do we fit 400 yards of goods into a 20x40 space?
With a lot of imagination, coffee, humor and little sleep.

The booth still needs lots of tweaking and
I have started sketching out some new ideas for the next show.

So many people commented on my hand painted floor cloth, that I may add these to our
product line next year, in a much smaller version of course:)
The other comments that we found interesting were
how many people thought my ornaments were decorations for baby rooms.
I guess it must be my color pallet and whimsical
style?
Lots of folks also wanted baby's first Christmas and personalized ornaments.
I had a few pieces that accommodated their needs.

Like this fun little hat ornament.
I brought it back to the studio and I
added two little paper clay stars for the name and year of birth.

Of course this got the wheels spinning,
and I am already working on new designs for baby.

I have also received some special request via email for these custom pieces.

Two personalized Quilted Tree ornaments
and a new doggy garland with yellow Labradors.



Now with the shows behind me and the custom pieces completed
I can focus on hand made gifts and my holiday decorating.

As soon as I have some holly jolly set out I will share some photos
of our little nest:)
Hope all your holiday projects are coming along well and you are having a jolly good time.

Until next time my dears,
gingerbread kisses and eggnog wishes!

xoxo
Mary

Giving and Receiving and the Art of Sharing

Who doesn't love being a recipient of something special?
Gifts come in many forms, kind words, a gesture of appreciation, a simple hug, and blog awards!
Just this weekend I was honored with two blog awards, my first ever!

The first one came from a new blog friend who's wonderful work I found via another blog.
You can check out Micah's beautiful art and blog here: http://www.notionsoffancy.blogspot.com/
Following Micah's lead I am listing seven things about myself and listing
seven blog sister's that deserve this award and have made an impact on me through their sharing in blogland.

1. I am not a schedule person, more fly by the seat of my pants kinda of a girl.
2. I like small spaces my main studio is the size of a show box and that is fine by me.
3. I love old music like Billy Holiday and old Black and white films like Arsenic and Old Lace.
4. I am a people person and I adore animals.
5. I have to drink two cups of coffee in the morning in my pj's, I am not a morning girl.
6. I love to shop.
7. I love being and artist and can't imagine any other life.

Now for seven blog sisters who inspire me with their words,wisdom and work.
Donna Liljegren at Brynwood
Julie at Julie King Art
Jenn at Noodle and Lou
Shell in Bunnyville
Julie Heymaker
Silke at Metamorphosis
Cindy of Yapping Cat Studio

The other blog award I received is from my friend and blog sister Silke of Metamorphosis
Her blog is a tapestry of life, and beautiful art filled with color and texture.

I am blessed to call these women my friends.
Thank you Silke and Micah for honoring me.

Speaking of honor I was blessed a few months back to share my artistic gifts
in a very special way.
My brother Michael works for the Red Cross in Petoskey Michigan.
Recently the Petoskey staff suffered a great loss when one of their long time friends and co-worker lost her battle with cancer.
Wanting to honor her life and friendship, they asked me to paint a park bench as a tribute to her.
I was humbled that they would ask me to participate in the remembrance of their dear friend.
The bench is titled the River of Life,
and the painting depicts the various passions she enjoyed.

She was an accomplished pianist as well as an avid windsurfer and cross country skier.



The dedication took place in August at Red Cross of Petoskey where the bench will remain in memorial.


Be blessed my sisters,
xoxo
Mary

Another Trip To the Land Of Glee

We had plans this weekend to go to a local cider mill,

but the weather had other ideas.
It was cold wet and miserable,
so I decided to go to a place where I know the weather is always beautiful.
The Land of Glee.
Such a lovely place is the Land of Glee,
that I just had to bring some of it back with me to share with you.

Okay all silliness aside.
Because of the weather I stayed tucked away in the studio all weekend.
Longing for the colors of fall I decided to make
more trees from the Land Of Glee.

I just put them in my Etsy shop today.


So if your weather is yucky I hope this little trip to the Land of Glee
helped brighten your world.
xoxo,
Mary