The 2013 Amarica’s Gift Mart in Atlanta is scheduled for this week. I’ve gone back and forth seems like, a million times, on my decision to attend this year. I’m due to depart for there today. Still on the fence. I guess I won’t know until I’m out the door. God willing, is my guess. 😉
A sincere thank you to Christy Starr, the proprietor at Helen’s Hen House quilt shop in Florissant Missouri. Christy was kind enough to invite me to share my fabric designs with customers at the shop’s annual open house event.
This was my first visit to the historic Meyers House & Barn where I spent a delightful afternoon. Upon my arrival, my mouth agape with surprise, I quickly realized it was going to be a FULL (Hen) house! Although filled with nervous excitement, my eyes attempted to take in all of the charming details of the building, grounds and goodies inside as I prepared to set up. The creaking wide planked floor boards added that much more to the authenticity and ambiance of the 1860’s building.
Christy and her staff had several projects made from three of my new fabric lines that were featured throughout the shop.
“Bakers Dozen” snowmen apron and table topper.
“Creepers Peepers” and “Sewing Seeds” in a welcoming room (prepared especially for me)!
This is where I enjoyed visiting with a wonderful group of creative and kindred patrons. Among them, I was surprised to learn, an art teacher, card designer, ceramic artisan, thread artist and quilt/sewing enthusiasts of course. For an added treat I became re-acquainted with a couple who have been collectors (former customers) of my hand painted Christmas ornaments made long before I broke into art licensing.
Stories of projects using my Hungry Animal Alphabet (& other former children’s collections) for grands were shared. One gram brought in a particularly special project for me to sign. I was honored, And grateful.
It was a privilege to be a part of such a warm group and inviting shop.
Congrats Christy!
Additional Hen House Quilt Shop photos on Facebook.
A Welcome site – Just returned from Quilt Market Wednesday, Halloween, and in plenty of time for tricks and treats. Although the event was fun filled, inspiring and informative, our homecoming from this trip, was especially appreciated. Only two (of the thirteen) hours out of Houston, three deer dashed onto the (75 mph zone) interstate, right in front of us without warning. With no time to react, we struck one of the deer head on. The impact was traumatic. Fortunately however, we stayed upright, on the road and were able to pull off to the safety of the shoulder where we tried to settle nerves.
Looks like I caught a glimpse of our guardian angel’s wing in this photo:
I also think . . . we are finished with road trips for 2012.
The lighter side of our quilt market experience can be seen at
Tidings of Great Joy, LLC on Facebook.
This past week I was asked to help construct a display as part of a local, home school group’s Spring Art Show. We were shown an (tiny photo) example using a large cardboard box as the exhibitor’s show space. So, pretty much, I was winging it.
Spray painting a cardboard box was a first for me and harder than it sounds. I recommend brushing the paint on, for anyone interested.
Not knowing the exact space size, I thought adjustable walls might be the way to go. So, I rigged a simple system using brass brads, cardboard buttons and string.
Then it was time to select the art, mount on to poster board and assemble.
The rewarding results above, considering however, that the art teacher rearranged my precise placement of the original pieces! Always an art director that decides, they know better, eh?
And . . . our proud artist exhibitor, John.
Yikes, a friend recently pointed out that I hadn’t updated the Joy Studio since Valentines Day! I’ve had my nose down, diligently painting and designing, mostly. Having plenty of work is good so, no complaints here. Juggling two new fabric collections back to back, with new and established group follow ups, has been a bit tricky though. And busy . . . also good.
We did manage however, to take a week for some fun & fantasy with the fam in Florida. Disney and Universal Studios provided lots of artful inspiration (& some sun) in the process. It was a great get-away, although a fading (cherished) memory I’m afraid, along with my tan. 😉
These photos taken at my daughter’s last evening, show off her husband’s latest handiwork/project and the family’s newest additions. I’m thinking, cute coop and new subjects! And EGGS, of course.
Chickens/hens were among the first images I created after being introduced into art licensing several years ago. Although intending to, I never got around to further exploration of the popular poultry since. This offers the perfect time and opportunity to re-visit this fun feathery focus.
