Happy to be "in the hands" of a Top Chef! 

My Handwoven Textiles are featured in an

"Artisan to Table" Collection by Tom Collichio 

for DaraArtisans (November 2014)

Recent Feature!

My Red Plaid Mug Cozy is featured 

 

in Envie de saison #4 : une touche écossaise ! 

Blog by Passion Lectures & Co (Sept 28, 2014)

Seasonal Blessings

"Bless the Master of this House,
and the Mistress, too,
And all the Little Children..."

Remember Those Near and Far Away,
Those Who Have, and Those Who Have Not,
Friends and Family,
Neighbors,
Enemies, and Adversaries.

Blue Blessings

The World is not Black & White,
and the Winter Holidays
are not just Red & Green!

More...

Labor Day

What does it mean to you?  End of summer? A break from work? a long weekend for the beach? Back to school time?   Sales, sales, sales?

To me it should be a day of less work.  Conveniently it is scheduled for Monday, which is the beginning of my weekend anyways.  At least I get a day off the same time the rest of the world is off, though  they have been off for 2 days already.  I will try to work less.  Being self employed and liking what I do makes it hard to NOT work, but I will NOT be going into the Studio & Gallery.  We should celebrate our own labors and those of others.  I don't think it should be a day of focus on retail.  I know some people will have to work and sometimes it's a nice convenience when a store is open if you need something, but other than that, do you really need to shop and/or work ALL the time.  The world is open 24/7, and thinks it should be open or opportunities will be missed.  Most folks don't even take a day of rest each week.  Because their lives are so "busy" they have to spend their off time trying to make up things that don't get done.  What is really important?

I think it should be a day of relaxing and re-energizing, family & friends, picnics and parties.  How are you going to celebrate your labors and that of those around you? Today and every day?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Value

This word has been in my mind lately...  Value yourself, value your work, value your time and others will value it as well.

I see artists who don't give themselves credit where credit is due, or don't think others will value their work for it's worth.  Unfortunately, we are being blasted with consumption and commercialism, especially now around the holidays, with marketing and sales everywhere.   Large companies are also trying to get more profit through selling quantity of sales and "pretending" to cut prices to move product when they are really still profiting or they wouldn't be able to do it.  More isn't always better, just as bigger isn't always better.  Many people don't realize that manufactured items are not always made to last, but it has to feed into changing fashion, and product demand to keep the cycle going.  Sometimes the right thing for the right time for the right use for the right person can mean much more than product for product's sake.  As I heard once, do we own the things we have (and want) or do they own us...  Get more bang for your buck by savoring things that mean something, acknowledging efforts around you, giving credit where credit is due, and investing in yourself and others.

December

Brrr. It's cold out!  Great weather for scarves and blankets.  Wouldn't it be cozy to curl up under one with a good book and hibernate...or bundle up and go out for a walk in the brisk air.  Oh, it would be nice to take the time.  I'm trying to pace myself this busy holiday season looking forward to getting a break in January...Meanwhile, I have thoughts of the aromas of warm, fresh baked goods in the air and the tastes in my tummy.  Holiday cookies anyone?  Time to satisfy in the senses all around and savor the gifts given to us.

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

I've been busy around the Studio & Gallery.  Though it is just Thanskgiving, I have to start celebrating Christmas to compete in the retail world and keep up with the consciousness of the consuming customer.  I also chomp at the bit to get it over with.  Yesterday, at the end of the day, I put out the Christmas tree and more holiday decorations so that I would have things ready for Friday.  In some ways it was festive, perhaps because of the anticipation.  Maybe I am just brainwashed by society.  Today I will enjoy Turkey, give Thanks for all that I have (health, home, friends, family), and take a moment from all that production and consumerism.  Kudos to the chefs and cooks, too, who serve up the bounty we shall enjoy.  The right tool in the kitchen is priceless.  Make it an artful accent as well. 

Seasonal Thoughts

"tis the season"...Well, it seems early to be thinking of the Holidays, but also like they have almost passed by already.  The hype has started (actually a while ago).  Commercials began before Halloween in October and decorations started to appear in the home stores after Labor Day in September.  Yesterday, I turned on the radio to listen as I was working in the studio and they were playing Christmas songs in November, before Thanksgiving, and not the very good ones.  I'll be tired of them before December even rolls around.  I'm in a bit of a quandry because I, too, have to be in the Holiday mode for the Gallery.  I have to market with the messages that everyone is hearing and try to attract sales before it is too late.  I also have to step up production to have things made in time, or it will be too late and they will have to wait until next year.  It's hard to push the practical side when, as an artist, I would just like to let the creative energy flow in it's own direction.  Sometimes,  I would like to relax and ride the wave with others rather than to make it.