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

Winter has arrived...

The snow has been falling steady since early this morning.

Turning the view out my studio window into a winter wonderland.



I wish the pups and I could go out and play in it but there is just to much work to be done.
The show went so well last weekend (thank you for the well wishes):) that I have decided to do another one this Saturday in Boyne City, MI.
I should have my head examined!
Oh well no time for that now maybe after the New Year. LoL!

Here are some photos from my booth,


and of me and my Mom Rita Roo!

We even made it on the front page of our local paper,

Big thanks to the owners of the paper, Kathy and Scott Swanson!
You guys are sweet but sneaky:) Tee hee!

Okay enough silly pictures of me here is the good stuff...
the latest yum, yums out of the elf factory.

Ta Da,
please meet the Elf Elders Gate Keepers to the Land of Glee.


If you are pure of heart and on a true quest for Glee,
access they will grant to thee.

A little FYI, legend has it they can be bribed with peppermint bark
from the Forest Of Fa La La.




I have also been working on a new collection called Christmas at the Cottage.

Images of holly berry, cardinals, snow capped roof tops and festive wreaths
are depicted in a vintage pallet of vanilla, antiqued red and cheery greens.

I wrote this little verse to compliment the collection:

Christmas At The Cottage.

Cardinals flit about with winter on their wings.
Then huddle in the holly when bells begin to ring.

Horses trot through the deep,
past frosted trees fast asleep.

Beyond the branches a dim light gleams,
while skaters dance on crystal streams.

Snow begins to fill the air,
now over the bridge you're almost there!

Past the pines through the gate,
Where your cottage faithfully waits.
Copyright 2009 Mary Wadsworth

This is my favorite piece so far.
This wall pocket is sooo "cottagie" with its scalloped edge and polka dot sash.

Hand made from paper pulp and paper clay.



A stocking hung with care...
And a cozy cottage for two,

I love this color palette and imagery so much
I know this collection is going to grow and grow.

Hope all of your holiday projects are coming along.
I will be checking in with all of you later.
So until then happy holiday creating my little elves.
Peppermint wishes,
Mary