These days it seems to take very shiny objects to hold my attention. During this terrible pandemic we find ourselves fighting off anxiety while trying to make productive use of the time inside. I have to limit the amount of news I watch and audio books are my favorite escape as I dither around way too much. Focus has been somewhat elusive. Friends say how great it is to be creative at this time holed up inside, but I'm finding it difficult to follow through. Starting now, however, I vow to do better and work towards building up inventory for that day when life returns to normal (whatever new normal is) and hopefully art shows with it. If we can muster some concentration, its a good time to try new techniques. Ever hopeful, I'm keeping my show schedule up on the events page of this website. But every week I'm changing the entries as spring and early summer shows continue to cancel. Producers of fall shows have slowed down jurying and sending out results, somewhat wisely. We are all figuring this out as we go. We are staying in and following all the rules. We are wearing masks and gloves to go grocery shopping, buying what we need and not hoarding. I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and holding fast. This too shall pass and I can't wait to see all your smiling faces soon. 

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for all the support this past year. We did 16 shows in six states. It was so great to see so many of our collectors and meet so many new fans of our work. We appreciate your enthusiasm and support more than I can say. 
Once again it was challenging keeping the webstore stocked. But with the very slow-going handmade nature of our work, I find I need all the inventory for the road. Since our last show in early December in NYC, I am slowly listing a few things. Our earring inventory is nearly depleted! (thank you !) One task at hand, is to make a new collection of work for jury photos. I hope to be invited to all the shows we did last year, but our category is very competitive with lots of good work, and only so many spots. So keeping my fingers crossed.
Bill and I wish you all the happiest of holidays and we hope to see you in the new year. XO

While in New York City in March for a trade show, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was blown away by a new exhibit: Art of Native America - The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection. This exhibit of master crafts from fifty cultures across North America opened last fall and is ongoing. The most beautiful bead embroidery, weaving, baskets, sculpture and more that I have ever seen. The work spans pre-European settlement in the Americas to the early 20th century. My photos don't do any of it justice, but I'm hoping I'll entice you to either go see it live, or get the book. If you are a seed bead enthusiast, weaver, woodworker - and craftsman or lover of fine crafts of any sort - this is for you. 
My advice whenever you go to the Met is get there first thing as the doors open. This is an exhibit that will lure you in and you will want to marvel and savor each item. More enjoyable in some solitude than elbowing for a better look. By the time we left the museum early afternoon, the whole building was just mobbed. 

I hope some of you will be able to join us in New York City the end of November for Crafts at the Cathedral - Nov 29 - Dec 2. It is being held in the Cathedral of St. John the Devine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave, at 112th Street. Like last year, the booths are in the center of the Cathedral Sanctuary itself, making for a beautiful holiday setting. Refreshments and light food are available for purchase. It was so fun to see my customers from around the mid-Atlantic region show up for that event last year. It is a tradition for many folks around the east coast to make a trip to NYC at the holidays. So come to the event at the Cathedral and then go to the holiday village at Bryant Park, Union Square Holiday Market & Grand Central Holiday Fair. 

We had such a fun weekend at the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival. The weather was picture perfect, and everyone was in a great mood because of it after the long, hot, wet, nasty summer we've had. We received some totally unexpected recognition for our work, for which we are so appreciative. Now its back to work to get ready for Occasion for the Arts in Williamsburg, Virginia next weekend. 

Show this at the gate for $2.00 off admission. One of my favorite shows on the shady grounds of the "old Chautauqua" in PA. Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 9-5. Find us in space #11. 

Dodge the heat and thunderstorms at this weekend's Fine Craft Fair at the Chase Center on the Wilmington, DE riverfront. No sales tax in Delaware. Print  this pass for $3 off to the regular $8 admission. Free self-parking and some fun restaurants right there. Hope to see you this weekend! 

Wow, I didn't realize its been about 3 months since my last entry. Bad me. We carved out some time this summer away from shows to do some exterior work on our house, but then a death in the family and a resulting few cross-country trips curbed some of the time to get that all done. So we will continue with more of that next year. Tending to family was more important.
I'm looking forward to our next show at the Riverfront Chase Center in Wilmington, DE July 28-29. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Craft Show. I love being in all the guild's shows, but in the heat of July, being inside the air-conditioned convention center is especially sweet. 

We have been having a lot of fun with hollow blown glass beads made on the tippy tip end of hollow stainless steel mandrels. The round pancake shaped ones are great alone on a neck wire and the long ones are part of assemblages with other shapes. It's a contemporary style of lampwork popular in Europe. If you like statement jewelry try some of these on this summer. We look forward to seeing you soon!