tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30123537497060173582024-03-13T12:39:51.418-04:00The Folk Art TreeThe Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-67697428776651510322012-07-10T22:09:00.000-04:002012-07-10T22:09:46.096-04:00Fairy Houses and Making Buttons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;">I told my friend I would never make another fairy house....but guess what I was doing during our local Summerfest celebration. OK, I <i>helped </i>making fairy houses and didn't actually make my own. But it sure felt like I was making Fairy Houses. (I'm beginning to think someone has some 'splaining to do) Some wonderful hardworking and able bodied volunteers gathered the makings for the houses and one very kind gentleman secured house forms onto wood bases so people could just start with the base and commence to decorating their houses. Anyone who wanted to invest a little time could make their own. Judging by the smiling faces as people carried their treasures home, it was a wonderful success once again.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fairy House components</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fairy House Builders</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: white;">Fairy House with 2 levels</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Fairy House with a swing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">I spent the day with my creative friend H. She is a wonderful potter who has been teaching me some techniques and skills I need to start making the jewelry ideas I have in my brain into actual pottery pieces. She has wanted to make buttons for a while, so today we made buttons. Lots and lots of them.<span style="background-color: black;"> It is so great to have someone to share ideas with and push each other with "what ifs". I have an open invitation to come whenever I want as she is throwing most days. I like to pick her brain while she works. Her husband just built her a studio (still under construction but we used it anyway) and we looked out over her gardens and watched the chickens wandering through as we talked and played with clay. I enjoy my creative life!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VvHI_PApAE/T_zZFQCsF1I/AAAAAAAAAc8/D0_64RI7fcs/s1600/P1390879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VvHI_PApAE/T_zZFQCsF1I/AAAAAAAAAc8/D0_64RI7fcs/s320/P1390879.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Lovely gardens and fun stuff to play with</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sN_qCf3lg4/T_zZHjxlWUI/AAAAAAAAAdE/VffTysBA82o/s1600/P1390880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sN_qCf3lg4/T_zZHjxlWUI/AAAAAAAAAdE/VffTysBA82o/s320/P1390880.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">tools and ideas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GB4q7JTaTLs/T_zZKZibN4I/AAAAAAAAAdM/JRzpB3j253k/s1600/P1390882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GB4q7JTaTLs/T_zZKZibN4I/AAAAAAAAAdM/JRzpB3j253k/s320/P1390882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">buttonholes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJosvxFPgq0/T_zZM3I_PMI/AAAAAAAAAdU/AvTp4qjV5kQ/s1600/P1390890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJosvxFPgq0/T_zZM3I_PMI/AAAAAAAAAdU/AvTp4qjV5kQ/s320/P1390890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">buttons and pins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWY3JTmzjUo/T_zZRy4p4TI/AAAAAAAAAdk/2iaXjmyFsNc/s1600/P1390894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWY3JTmzjUo/T_zZRy4p4TI/AAAAAAAAAdk/2iaXjmyFsNc/s320/P1390894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">crazy chickens</span></td></tr>
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<br />The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-12516608316450988922012-07-04T17:33:00.000-04:002012-07-04T17:36:02.148-04:00Craft Show at Maple Meadow Farms<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4GbnYRPClA/T_SvbRIzSnI/AAAAAAAAAaw/vGGgVhUxwLk/s1600/aP1390711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4GbnYRPClA/T_SvbRIzSnI/AAAAAAAAAaw/vGGgVhUxwLk/s320/aP1390711.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Folk Art Tree Booth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xVf7TMnbAU/T_SvgOjJy2I/AAAAAAAAAa4/4ECoaIhjvWg/s1600/aP1390767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xVf7TMnbAU/T_SvgOjJy2I/AAAAAAAAAa4/4ECoaIhjvWg/s320/aP1390767.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Pins</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-ceVU00aRE/T_Svk89e2GI/AAAAAAAAAbA/gbUoS9QdIDc/s1600/aP1390772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-ceVU00aRE/T_Svk89e2GI/AAAAAAAAAbA/gbUoS9QdIDc/s320/aP1390772.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">My lovely assistant</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRHcsh-dbic/T_Svpa3-S_I/AAAAAAAAAbI/jP0BgiSd-qU/s1600/aP1390774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRHcsh-dbic/T_Svpa3-S_I/AAAAAAAAAbI/jP0BgiSd-qU/s320/aP1390774.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">Apple Cozies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBFrZG6yHBA/T_SvuOm_xfI/AAAAAAAAAbU/h-G92wAdZi8/s1600/aP1390783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBFrZG6yHBA/T_SvuOm_xfI/AAAAAAAAAbU/h-G92wAdZi8/s320/aP1390783.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Indian Drumming</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-eu7f7OUI/T_SvyfFMyJI/AAAAAAAAAbc/DrpxUp6ccp4/s1600/aP1390786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-eu7f7OUI/T_SvyfFMyJI/AAAAAAAAAbc/DrpxUp6ccp4/s320/aP1390786.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Children's Activity Area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzG9HpIFMAw/T_Sv3HbOzJI/AAAAAAAAAbk/4K8k8xAbZB8/s1600/aP1390788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzG9HpIFMAw/T_Sv3HbOzJI/AAAAAAAAAbk/4K8k8xAbZB8/s320/aP1390788.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Inside Folk Art Tree Booth</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVx1tDsS2zk/T_Sv7UQ3jCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/ijdyvXoolkM/s1600/aP1390789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVx1tDsS2zk/T_Sv7UQ3jCI/AAAAAAAAAbw/ijdyvXoolkM/s320/aP1390789.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Buntings, Vintage Hankies and Pom Pom Garland</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVeIhWVe904/T_Sv_Q8xHBI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zs8hTs3fHlM/s1600/aP1390790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVeIhWVe904/T_Sv_Q8xHBI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zs8hTs3fHlM/s320/aP1390790.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Lots of Rides</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVMvSclQRXA/T_SwC_XQkXI/AAAAAAAAAcA/hD7CwOM8l0E/s1600/aP1390793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVMvSclQRXA/T_SwC_XQkXI/AAAAAAAAAcA/hD7CwOM8l0E/s320/aP1390793.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Tractors For Sale</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVHJA-ttc58/T_SwGI7xpeI/AAAAAAAAAcI/rKho0OwndZQ/s1600/aP1390797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kVHJA-ttc58/T_SwGI7xpeI/AAAAAAAAAcI/rKho0OwndZQ/s320/aP1390797.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">More Booth</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an eventful weekend at <a href="http://www.maplemeadowfarms.com/" target="_blank">Maple Meadow Farms</a>. We had a microburst thunderstorm that took out a lot of my inventory (picture about $500 worth laying in a mud puddle!) but I sent some wonderful customers home with some free stuff (albeit covered with stinky mud!). They were hoping to salvage the damaged dolls. Can't get any more primitive than mudstained, eh? Saturday was pretty hot and my niece and I didn't plan our seating arrangement very well so we scored some great sunburns....luckily, the flies were few, the people plenteous as they were happily enjoying the (finally!) summer weather. The Gregg family works so hard to make the Farm ready for this weekend long event and it is always a wonderful family experience. </span>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-88093897345235982062012-06-29T09:39:00.000-04:002012-06-29T09:39:29.735-04:00Busy Once Again!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X89Ld3fEtJw/T-2t4GiDqyI/AAAAAAAAAaE/KKqhljEsafA/s1600/P1390572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X89Ld3fEtJw/T-2t4GiDqyI/AAAAAAAAAaE/KKqhljEsafA/s320/P1390572.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old book pages wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYO_Q0-KNJA/T-2t6_npbBI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Ecl-D-iMnUI/s1600/P1390582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYO_Q0-KNJA/T-2t6_npbBI/AAAAAAAAAaM/Ecl-D-iMnUI/s320/P1390582.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double wrap braided bracelets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcGEPp7Jn00/T-2t9E5AuFI/AAAAAAAAAaU/qbYVh5QvKPw/s1600/P1390587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcGEPp7Jn00/T-2t9E5AuFI/AAAAAAAAAaU/qbYVh5QvKPw/s320/P1390587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purse tissue keepers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEmG-RbtNeY/T-2t_Kmjo4I/AAAAAAAAAag/N6hncOYEGdw/s1600/P1390605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEmG-RbtNeY/T-2t_Kmjo4I/AAAAAAAAAag/N6hncOYEGdw/s320/P1390605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several kinds of buntings in bright colors or my favorite, primitive!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">Getting Ready for <a href="http://www.maplemeadowfarms.com/" target="_blank">Maple Meadow Farm Festival</a> this weekend. Here are some things I've been working on.</span></h2>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-478615441378609542012-04-03T16:28:00.003-04:002012-04-03T16:39:24.070-04:00I've Been on Vacation<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPZgFpSTpog/T3teNGQnxoI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Og5U1H-rIbc/s400/IMG_20111207_152006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727274930243356290" /><div>I've been on vacation in Florida for the past 5 months...I have to say it was rough....the pool, the warm sun, the shopping, the family....I have enjoyed every moment but I am ready to get home and do some WORK! I have a couple of shows this year and a few gardens to tend to and I'm planning on making a Raku kiln with a friend this summer so I can make some jewelry in it...and perhaps I will have time for a boat ride or two. I have a long ride home at the end of April with my two cats in the car but I am anxious to get home to garden and create and play. I miss my Maine peeps!</div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-83543339272265308962011-03-22T13:55:00.016-04:002011-03-23T10:13:32.568-04:00Round Robin Reveal<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I posted the premise and inspiration of this Round Robin Challenge below, in a previous post.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center; ">...Here is the beginning of my bracelet before <a href="http://www.beadsandbotanicals.blogspot.com/">Carla</a> and <a href="http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com/">Steph</a> added their magic...</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wnyMjOF8U0/TYjjDysmIWI/AAAAAAAAAYg/R4YC99H-G20/s1600/P1310826.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wnyMjOF8U0/TYjjDysmIWI/AAAAAAAAAYg/R4YC99H-G20/s400/P1310826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586964992041034082" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Round Robin began a couple of months ago, and during that time our three bracelets have been shipped across the country, pondered over and creatively expanded.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">~~~~~Here is my finished Bracelet!~~~~~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqVsQU1JqN8/TYjw5RTs_vI/AAAAAAAAAZI/CDLuEqS_hC8/s400/P1330414.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586980204442353394" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnbLI9AEaUQ/TYjwYDXklCI/AAAAAAAAAZA/69X2766DIpc/s400/finished%2Bbracelet%2Bcopy.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586979633764799522" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I can't stop looking at it and rolling it around my arm and appreciating all the little bits of it! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span">It is soooo gorgeous and it is already one of my most favorite pieces of jewelry. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span">And the personal feeling it gives me, knowing my friends thoughtfully labored and created;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span">warm emotions just overflow my heart. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Steph added some fabulous metal daisies near the closures that I just adore! A world char</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; ">m, to represent the distance between us, a snowflake (appropriate for Maine!), a C Koop enameled ring and some bright colors that are showcased in aquamarine, swarovski crystal and Lucite that are so very Steph! The colors mesh so well with the other vintage bits!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwjjqKjGhBI/TYj1n6uWyuI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/29cAJzuLgOo/s400/P1330409.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586985403880491746" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; ">Carla added some silver with an oxidized silver anchor that represents hope, a beach stone bead from her own beloved lakeshores, and aquamarine because she knows I adore the color! As is Carla's style, it is simple and understated. Carla is my hero when it comes to simplicity and restraint!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2bwdywnNQkc/TYj2BK5sbRI/AAAAAAAAAZY/cCrgQInCaac/s400/P1330412.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586985837719743762" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I loved getting their unfinished bracelets but I anguished over adding to them, since both ladies have such different styles than mine. Carla is earthy and outdoorsy and loves order. Steph is bright and colorful and sparkly. I was hoping I had <i>something</i> in my stash that would honor their styles, but still reflect my vintagey feel. As soon as they have posted their bracelet on their blog I will post their links so you can see all three finished pieces. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I am still blown away by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and care used to pick and design each other's pieces.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Then there was the journaling aspect of this project...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I began with watercolor paints and markers and stamps and everything I think I own in my scrapbooking stash...heaven forbid I keep it simple....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here is my first page.....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCveRRe1kdA/TYj70pMQ6yI/AAAAAAAAAZg/mqX0DYzK4Fo/s400/aP1330428.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586992219582163746" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Steph has 25 jobs, runs 48 businesses (yes, I'm slightly exaggerating) and has a wonderfully artistically talented young teen daughter and husband. She must have a cache of elves to keep her household running because she is juggling so much in her life, I am amazed how she does it all! As we began this project, she was leaving on a bead-buying trip to Tuscon and had barely a moment to begin her journal. But she added a beautiful page to mine! It even has glitter! Oh, I may love the old rusty part of me, but glitter does something to make the girly in me happy! (I did some photoshop editing to the picture of her page to highlight my favorite part)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8IUXBO9bvI/TYj-ZjXjJjI/AAAAAAAAAZo/3GlpfIeaS4E/s400/aP1330433.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586995052697298482" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carla is a wonderful photographer and she shared her thoughts and processes with me in pictures and newly acquired scrap booking supplies. As usual, Carla's eye for balance and symmetry was reflected throughout the pages she created even though this was a medium she had never played with before. I appreciated her thoughts about the challenges and learning experiences she experienced. It was like a revelation when she said this was a group project and she mostly works alone. Huh. Me too. Us artists can be a solitary bunch. All the more reason to participate in things like this Round Robin. It reshapes our creative ways!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> (This photo is also photoshopped!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcnXxNmZ0jg/TYj_jdVxBiI/AAAAAAAAAZw/xDSz7VkM24I/s400/aP1330439.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586996322389526050" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know we all have grown as artists. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Every bead, charm and embellishment was thoughtfully placed and every page is full of the essence of who we are. I have learned new things about my long-distance friends and gained an insight into their character and lives. It is amazing how you can discover such incredibly extraordinary people through such an impersonal vehicle as the internet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Through this Round Robin Challenge, not only have I acquired a bracelet, I have gained friendships with two very wonderful women. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And THAT, dear reader, is the real treasure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please check out Stephanie's Journey here at <a href="http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/03/round-robin-bracelet-project-reveal.html">Pixybug Designs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-42504256823329294472011-02-28T10:14:00.006-05:002011-02-28T11:13:01.144-05:00Fiddlehead Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SY6C02Rej5Q/TWvDmyfj3xI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/SfU9FsP4Z28/s1600/P1330284.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SY6C02Rej5Q/TWvDmyfj3xI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/SfU9FsP4Z28/s400/P1330284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578767634585083666" /></a><br />I have finished my sewing project and today I am indulging in some clay playtime. I get lots of requests for these little fiddlehead pins and necklaces so I am gearing up for the spring rush. <div>For those unfamiliar with fiddleheads:</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wHTDp8LaSY/TWvEonMiSZI/AAAAAAAAAYY/9Prt2TM1gsU/s400/fiddleheads.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578768765423864210" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Fiddleheads, an early spring delicacy in Maine, are the young coiled leaves of the ostrich fern</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">. Ostrich fern fiddleheads, which are about an inch in diameter, can be identified by the brown papery scale-like covering on the uncoiled fern, as well as the smooth fern stem, and the deep ”U”-shaped groove on the inside of the fern stem. They emerge in clusters of about three to twelve fiddleheads each on the banks of rivers, streams, and brooks in April and May. You must cook fiddleheads thoroughly before consuming them.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">With another 9" of snow arriving today, it seems these tasty treats will be hibernating underground a few more weeks.... I am anticipating the spring day when the first bag of fiddleheads are dumped into my extra large sink for the 3 or 4 washings before cooking. Spring will truly be here!</span></span></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-70485497656891073142011-02-07T17:35:00.007-05:002011-02-07T18:06:55.673-05:00A Jewelry Round RobinInspired by an article in my last issue of <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/ba_jewelry_sp08.html">Belle Armoire Jewlery</a> I decided to ask a couple friends I have met online to join me in an exciting Round Robin. The premise is, you begin a piece of jewelry and begin a journal as you create. You send the unfinished piece and journal onto one of your friends and they add to your jewelry and journal in your journal, while you receive one of your friend's pieces and add to it and journal in their journal. It continues around until all the friends have added their part to everyone's jewelry and you get a finished piece at the end of the project!<div><br /></div><div>So my friend C sent her piece to me for the first round.<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TVB3a77zgsI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Qz7jffgejuM/s400/rr9.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 361px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571084043706139330" /></div><div>She lives on the shores of Lake Michigan and is an outdoor kind of gal. (She sells those gorgeous blue beads in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadsandbotanicals">Etsy shop</a>.) So I have been pondering what I can make that is unique to me that would be a compliment to the style she has begun. I began a little experiment this afternoon and I think it is going to work. I can't show you pics, since we want the bracelet reveal to be a nice surprise, but it is earthy and beachy!</div><div>My bracelet was mailed to my friend S. Here is the foundation for my bracelet. You know it HAD to be old stuff, didn't you?<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TVB47nZhCII/AAAAAAAAAYI/KpRMP-esc88/s400/P1310824.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571085704640923778" /></div><div>Lovely old buttons and trinkets. I like to imagine who the original owner of these little baubles were. They are such silly things, but so pleasant to gaze upon. I will update our progress as we move along in our journey!</div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-16374609857229961482011-01-18T11:49:00.009-05:002011-01-18T12:15:04.266-05:00Organized and ready for Creativity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXKASRe7nI/AAAAAAAAAXw/M28prSwTt4s/s1600/P1310391.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXKASRe7nI/AAAAAAAAAXw/M28prSwTt4s/s400/P1310391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563575020940095090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIv557OKI/AAAAAAAAAXo/EerRHPJL-7c/s1600/P1310408.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIv557OKI/AAAAAAAAAXo/EerRHPJL-7c/s400/P1310408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573640009300130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIv7URfAI/AAAAAAAAAXg/TqkwEEYY1Tg/s1600/P1310400.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIv7URfAI/AAAAAAAAAXg/TqkwEEYY1Tg/s400/P1310400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573640388246530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfzZS__I/AAAAAAAAAXY/KF-iH31aWAw/s1600/P1310390.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfzZS__I/AAAAAAAAAXY/KF-iH31aWAw/s400/P1310390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573363383926770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfvikIVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/XxS2h8XHlIc/s1600/P1310396.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfvikIVI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/XxS2h8XHlIc/s400/P1310396.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573362349056338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfNT0fEI/AAAAAAAAAXI/Knsf8GRarsc/s1600/P1310387.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIfNT0fEI/AAAAAAAAAXI/Knsf8GRarsc/s400/P1310387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573353160408130" /></a><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIe_yZbmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4mq01r9XXtU/s400/P1310404.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573349530562146" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIeuIzX4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/HDCnSqiFCds/s1600/P1310395.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TTXIeuIzX4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/HDCnSqiFCds/s400/P1310395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563573344792698754" /></a><br /><div><div>It is done. I love to be organized and sitting in a space that makes me feel happy. Now I want to get to work!</div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-17602511264929987392011-01-10T14:30:00.008-05:002011-01-10T15:42:17.856-05:00The Great Reorganization<div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TStkrVx6QFI/AAAAAAAAAVg/bnnjmuwKNcQ/s320/P1310134.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560648860662644818" /></u></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TStkrVx6QFI/AAAAAAAAAVg/bnnjmuwKNcQ/s1600/P1310134.JPG"></a></div><span><span>With children leaving the nest, hubby and I have been doing some home renovations which included moving my studio from the upstairs to the first floor. Having worked in the same room for 15 years, you can imagine the accumulated dearth of "stuff" collected over all that time. It has been wonderful to clean out and reorganize, assess some needs (like new tools!) and rearrange my workspace into a more user-friendly configuration. </span></span><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TStkrVx6QFI/AAAAAAAAAVg/bnnjmuwKNcQ/s1600/P1310134.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a></div><div><div>Although there are still piles of stuff stacked on the floor and desk waiting for their new home on the 12 ft wide wall of shelves (thank you, my helpful hubby), I have organized things to within an inch of it's life and the "done" stage is almost in sight. The room has beautiful blue/green walls, chocolate velvet curtains and</div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TStlj3KoDKI/AAAAAAAAAVw/MjT3OATy23s/s200/P1310136.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560649831697353890" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TStljP8WKkI/AAAAAAAAAVo/3KfcmWuY5gE/s200/P1310138.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560649821168478786" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>some gorgeous primitive watercolors done by my friend H..... I have surrounded myself with colors, creative inspiration, and objects I love to look upon. I may never want to leave this room again. When it is finished and looking properly organized, I'll post some more pics. I love this organized life. </div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-58153750544872772242010-12-31T11:38:00.004-05:002011-01-01T10:30:16.630-05:00It is a New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TR4Ie1I_SdI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cdCo95jujbM/s1600/P1250360.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TR4Ie1I_SdI/AAAAAAAAAVY/cdCo95jujbM/s320/P1250360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556888315975649746" /></a>As 2010 sweeps gently over into 2011, I have purposed within myself to make some changes. I have been watching my children slowly leave the nest, and every trip they make home becomes shorter and more bittersweet. They are truly becoming men, with their own lives and responsibilities. As much as I sometimes long for a few moments to have them as young children again, I am filled with joy as I watch them grab hold of who they are and what they stand for. A mother's heart can't get any bigger than mine. With less child rearing, I have found more time to reconnect with myself as an individual. "Mom" and "Wife" have been my job titles for 25 years. I will always be a mom and wife, and I will never regret the commitment I made to nurture my family. I have left a part of me within each of them but I wish to re-discover parts of me long buried. It is quieter now, a more suitable time for introspection and rebirth, and I am longing to discover a depth of creativity within myself that defines me as an artist. Therefore, I must diligently listen and respond to that quiet voice. My creative voice. The voice that communicates who I am through works made with my hands. I am mom and wife, but I am also an artist. It is this part of me that I wish to nurture in this season of my life. I must plant new seeds of possibilities and reconnect my hands, my heart and my vision. 2011, I joyfully greet you.The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-214260826597897102010-06-27T19:24:00.023-04:002010-06-27T22:17:25.764-04:00Maple Meadow Farm Festival<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TCfv6EeYwpI/AAAAAAAAAU0/TdTS2pXm5y0/s400/P1270263.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487618451886883474" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>I bundled up the leftovers of my booth and left the <a href="http://maplemeadowfarms.com/index.html">Maple Meadow Farm Festival</a> in Mapleton, Maine with a smile today. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Baskerville Old Face';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Gregg family graciously opens their farm to the public and introduces them to past farming practices, including the tools, machinery (or horsepower) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Baskerville Old Face';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and a</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Baskerville Old Face';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> way of life that is slipping into the annals of time. </span></span></span> The squeals of children playing rang through the air and the bustle of farm life demonstrations occupied the entire property.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TCfuylixhuI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Roa10pFl7qY/s400/P1270268.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487617223813072610" /></div><div>I watched hundreds of families wander the grounds shopping for antiques or Maine made handmade goods, riding horse drawn carriages or just talking "farming" with the demonstrators. The family aspect of this event is heartwarming. I appreciate the Gregg family's vision and the commitment to do the work necessary to hold this event. The past is honored, family is celebrated and communities are knit together. It was a wonderful weekend. Thank you Gregg family!</div></div><div><div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TCfvaFna_0I/AAAAAAAAAUs/yqCZbXUB5ww/s400/P1270189.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487617902437400386" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/TCfwtA8R5VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/TYNaQX0_d6c/s400/P1270308.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487619327111849298" /></div></div></div><div><br /></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-68747543567840797282010-04-09T14:14:00.003-04:002010-04-09T14:22:37.070-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S79vuV9r0KI/AAAAAAAAATg/C_CeU3y6RJI/s1600/blog+banner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S79vuV9r0KI/AAAAAAAAATg/C_CeU3y6RJI/s320/blog+banner.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458204115356864674" /></a><br />Carla, one of my delightful customers and fellow <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadsandbotanicals">Etsier</a> posted a lovely blog post about Folk Art Tree on her <a href="http://bycboutique.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. I tried to be normal....<div><br /><div>Carla has another <a href="http://www.bycboutique.com/">shop </a> selling delicious beads for you jewelry makers! </div><div>Thanks Carla! </div><div><br /></div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-30987958473182620562010-04-07T10:31:00.005-04:002010-04-08T17:32:16.637-04:00Early Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S7yYqQ9G5vI/AAAAAAAAATY/8K_qFu4wwbU/s1600/P1250941.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S7yYqQ9G5vI/AAAAAAAAATY/8K_qFu4wwbU/s200/P1250941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457404700339398386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S7yYcPQ13aI/AAAAAAAAATQ/ygznGuO9Uuo/s1600/P1250926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S7yYcPQ13aI/AAAAAAAAATQ/ygznGuO9Uuo/s200/P1250926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457404459367128482" /></a><br />In the spring, at the end of the day, one should smell like dirt....<div><br /></div><div>We have an early spring here in northern Maine, and I've been drooling over flower and veggie catalogs. Nothing like the faint wisp of muddy earth to bring out the farmer in me! </div><div>So I have been playing with some old seed packet images and came up with these little earrings. I just love them!</div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-7180008117011228152010-02-03T14:51:00.008-05:002010-02-03T15:29:00.076-05:00Simple Joys<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S2na7spAjuI/AAAAAAAAATA/5swUN7bcm1Y/s1600-h/P1240527.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434115144529514210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S2na7spAjuI/AAAAAAAAATA/5swUN7bcm1Y/s200/P1240527.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434115285681071586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/S2nbD6eKZeI/AAAAAAAAATI/-JCvS6kL_YU/s200/P1240520.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>You know, sometimes the simplest things can bring us such joy. I have been selling my little art projects for over 20 years. I could create every day and be content. But the real satisfaction comes when what I make actually connects me to another person. When someone tells me what I made brought a smile to their face, or was a gift for someone special, that moment satisfies and elicits such joy in me. I have met some truly beautiful people through the selling of my work. I refrain from listing you by name, but you know who you are. We may have never met in person, but through a simple purchase, we have connected. Thank you, my dear customers, for the opportunity you have given me to interject my world into your life. I am so honored and so amazed and so grateful. </div><div>Thank you.</div><div>Pam</div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-60569656632598916252009-11-27T20:34:00.016-05:002009-11-27T21:38:27.231-05:00It is All About the Ride<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SxCGvpkIT0I/AAAAAAAAASs/klI62tqKLGI/s1600/Bobsled.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408971305641332546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SxCGvpkIT0I/AAAAAAAAASs/klI62tqKLGI/s320/Bobsled.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Thanksgiving dinner is tucked in the fridge into a myriad of plastic containers. The "good" dishes are all packed back into their boxes until Christmas dinner. We are on the verge of tipping into December. Christmas preparation time. For most, it is like a bobsled ride, high velocity, twisting and turning and 'tucking in' to maneuver the holiday sled faster and smoother. We plummet through the starting gate on Black Friday shoving into stores at 4 a.m. looking for the perfect Christmas gifts. We build up speed, writing out Christmas cards, reconnecting with friends we haven't heard from in a year. Half way through the month we shift ourselves once again, preparing for and attending parties, spending more time with our co-workers, friends and family than we have in months. As we get closer to the 25th we become more conscious of the time left...we need to increase the pace! Wrapping gifts, last minute shopping, stocking stuffers, baking, wrapping, shopping, cooking,...and suddenly...it is Christmas. We crossed the finish line in record time. With wrapping paper and ribbons in shreds around us and empty boxes stacked high, the day is</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SxCHE9XPW2I/AAAAAAAAAS0/WRONEMYDEho/s1600/sleigh-ride-richard-de-wolfe.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408971671733230434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SxCHE9XPW2I/AAAAAAAAAS0/WRONEMYDEho/s200/sleigh-ride-richard-de-wolfe.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"> over. I try to remember the days that led to Christmas. It went too fast. I didn't get to spend time with people I wanted to. I hardly had a moment to reflect or appreciate the beauty of the season. I was too busy! The last month is all a blur...the twinkling lights, the smiling faces, the dinners and family visits....they are a dull roar and blinking lights as I passed through it. It makes me sad. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">I realize I need to change my mode of transportation. Maybe a sleigh ride would be more appropriate. I don't have to drive. I can sit in the sleigh with a warm blanket wrapped around me, sipping hot chocolate, singing carols to my heart's content and watching the landscape pass with an appreciative eye. I could even stop and visit a friend I haven't seen in months. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;"><strong>A sleigh ride. Not a bobsled race. </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong>May your December be a wonderfully meaningful and pleasant ride.</strong></span></p><br /><br /><div align="left"></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-40661780369538893812009-11-13T12:08:00.001-05:002009-11-13T12:12:57.524-05:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sv2TNh15apI/AAAAAAAAASU/oc340AHRMlQ/s1600-h/4083194950_dd427ec5d5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403636988546476690" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sv2TNh15apI/AAAAAAAAASU/oc340AHRMlQ/s400/4083194950_dd427ec5d5.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">Go to <a href="http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/">Etsy Maine Team Blog </a>to find the list of participating team members. </div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-35407334992198504162009-10-05T12:30:00.006-04:002009-10-05T13:31:43.830-04:00Transitions<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SsotRsTICyI/AAAAAAAAASM/10nfGmTSCrc/s1600-h/P1210018.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389169686074624802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SsotRsTICyI/AAAAAAAAASM/10nfGmTSCrc/s400/P1210018.JPG" /></a><br /><div>As fall begins to change the natural world around me, I realize I , too, have begun a transition. Usually at this time of year I am gearing up for seven or eight craft shows over the next couple of months, making my life very busy and chaotic. This year I have one. My life has become more manageable and peaceful. I have taken time to stroll through fallen leaves and smell the crisp fall air. I am doing more volunteer work and trying to eke out as much time with my youngest child as he readies for graduation in the spring and college next fall. Even while I create, my focus isn't on what will sell, but on what I really want to make today. I have made a list of new skills I have determined to learn and I am working on some new projects that I intend to submit for publication. All new and exciting, but without all the stress and chaos of my usual fall itinerary. I am settling into a new season of my life. I think I really like this season.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SsotIAUvSmI/AAAAAAAAASE/d5AdhFhg2SU/s1600-h/P1210033.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389169519651408482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SsotIAUvSmI/AAAAAAAAASE/d5AdhFhg2SU/s400/P1210033.JPG" /></a></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-78201194563144829482009-07-03T09:51:00.003-04:002009-07-03T09:55:17.038-04:00Etsy Maine Team Supports Fundraiser<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sk4NgNLu6bI/AAAAAAAAARE/acMAqD2dZzA/s1600-h/auction.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354231853935946162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sk4NgNLu6bI/AAAAAAAAARE/acMAqD2dZzA/s400/auction.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Jennifer Collins, the owner of <a href="http://allsey.etsy.com/">Allsey</a> on Etsy, orchestrated the <a href="http://team.etsy.com/profilest/me.shtml">Etsy Maine Team’s</a> and Etsy.com’s sponsorship involvement in <a href="http://rmhportland.org/">Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Portland’s</a> fourth annual “fun-raiser”, <a href="http://rmhportland.org/news/fourth-annual-purses-with-purpose-etc">Purses with Purpose, etc.</a><br /></div><br /><div>Jennifer’s teammates rallied to help her with this off-line community effort to raise financial support, increase local community awareness and recruit volunteers for RMH. Shannon Hanley of <a href="http://thecleverkitty.com/">The Clever Kitty</a>, Jennifer Lisa of <a href="http://quenchmetalworks.etsy.com/">Quench Metalworks</a>, and Kellie Smith of <a href="http://kelliejsk.etsy.com/">Wordysmith</a>, worked together with Jennifer to create the Etsy Maine Team (EMT) promotional materials.<br />Heather Desimone, of <a href="http://leetie.etsy.com/">Leetie Lovendale</a> and <a href="http://www.beadinpath.com/">The Beadin’ Path </a>stuffed <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25368965@N06/3620664674/in/photostream/">"eco friendly tote bags</a>" that were donated by Etsy and given away to attendees.<br /></div><br /><div>An amazing number of EMT artists, fifty (50) to be exact, donated items they created for the silent auction. The list includes:<br /><a href="http://allsey.etsy.com/">Allsey</a> <a href="http://appletreejewelry.etsy.com/">Apple Tree Jewelry</a> <a href="http://askey.etsy.com/">Askey Illustration</a> <a href="http://avaloos.etsy.com/">Ava-Loo's</a> <a href="http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com/">Backwoods Creations</a> <a href="http://beadinpath.com/">Beadin' Path</a><a href="http://beadsonhand.etsy.com/">Beads On Hand</a> <a href="http://beantreepottery.com/">Beantree Pottery</a> <a href="http://bluemoose.etsy.com/">Blue Moose</a> <a href="http://dreabunny.etsy.com/">BunnyBeads</a> <a href="http://calobee.etsy.com/">Calobee / Six Hours</a> <a href="http://thecleverkitty.com/">Clever Kitty</a> <a href="http://cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com/">Coco & Milkweed</a> <a href="http://cozink.etsy.com/">Cozink</a> <a href="http://debdonnellydesigns.etsy.com/">Deb Donnelly Designs</a> <a href="http://dirtgirlpottery.etsy.com/">Dirt Girl Pottery</a> <a href="http://doodadsmith.etsy.com/">DooDadSmith</a> <a href="http://earthlygirl.etsy.com/">Earthly Girl Designs</a> <a href="http://fitzu.etsy.com/">Fitz-U</a> <a href="http://folkarttree.etsy.com/">Folk Art Tree</a><a href="http://goodquillhunting.etsy.com/">Good Quill Hunting </a><a href="http://jamieribisi.etsy.com/">Jamie Ribisi Art </a><a href="http://judyb.etsy.com/">Judy B </a><a href="http://junquerevival.etsy.com/">Junque Revival </a><a href="http://karhumoon.etsy.com/">Karhu Moon </a><a href="http://kariherer.etsy.com/">Kari Herer Photography </a><a href="http://kreatus.etsy.com/">Kreatus</a> <a href="http://kristasharppottery.etsy.com/">Krista Sharp Pottery </a><a href="http://kelliejsk.etsy.com/">Lauren Kennedy Photography</a><br /><a href="http://lindalayden.etsy.com/">Linda Layden Scrimshaw </a><a href="http://louisiana1966.etsy.com/">Louisiana1966 </a><a href="http://lynneforrest.etsy.com/">Lynne Forrest Pottery</a> <a href="http://oceanhouse.etsy.com/">Oceanhouse </a><a href="http://onewomanstudio.etsy.com/">One Woman Studio </a><a href="http://knitster23.etsy.com/">Paige's Beaded Designs</a> <a href="http://phoenixfarm.etsy.com/">Phoenix Farm</a> <a href="http://posystudio.etsy.com/">Posy Studio </a><a href="http://psandqs.etsy.com/">Ps and Qs</a> <a href="http://purplebeanbindery.com/">Purplebean Bindery</a> <a href="http://quenchmetalworks.etsy.com/">Quench Metalworks</a> <a href="http://scire4.etsy.com/">Scire4</a> <a href="http://silverdustis.etsy.com/">Silverdust Is…</a> <a href="http://suzeesjubileez.etsy.com/">Suzee's Jublileez </a><a href="http://moebius.etsy.com/">The Knitted Brow / Moebius</a> <a href="http://threebridgessewingco.etsy.com/">Three Bridges Sewing </a><a href="http://tuizui.etsy.com/">Tuizui </a><a href="http://jdixonmyers.etsy.com/">Veldie's Remakes </a><a href="http://woodsheddesigns.etsy.com/">Woodshed Designs </a><a href="http://kelliejsk.etsy.com/">Wordysmith</a> <a href="http://yummilicious.etsy.com/">Yummilicious </a><br /></div><br /><div>Angela Clark, a RMH staff member, designed the "Purses with Purpose, etc." Logo. Shannon Heckethorn, Community Manager of RMH, along with many other RMH volunteers also played key roles. The fundraiser was advertised in several publications and numerous radio spots, and formal invitations were sent to past guests and RDH donors.<br /></div><br /><div>Both the EMT and Etsy.com produced <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25368965@N06/3619842187/in/photostream/">5x7 sponsorship ads</a> for the program, which were distributed to the 200 attendees. Those who came to the event had the chance to bid on a wide variety of one-of-a-kind handmade items crafted by Maine artists and artisans. The participating Etsy Artists enjoyed working together and having an impact on the community while sharing their artistic talents with a local audience.<br /></div><br /><div>Jennifer was impressed and grateful for the response of her teammates. She said, “I would like to thank all the Etsy artisans that participated in this year’s fundraiser especially during the current economic climate. I am speechless at the sheer generosity demonstrated by our team members. I’m already looking forward to 'Purses with Purpose, etc. 2010'.”<br /></div><br /><div>No grass is growing under Jennifer’s feet. Planning for the "2010 Purses with Purpose, etc." is already in the works. For more information about next years event, contact Jennifer by going to her Etsy Shop, <a href="http://allsey.etsy.com/">Allsey</a>, and clicking on her contact link. RMH is accepting donations and sponsorships now. If interested, please click on this link to <a href="mailto:community@rmhportland.org?subject=2010%20Purses%20with%20Purpose%2C%20etc.">email Shannon</a>, the Ronald McDonald House Community Manager.<br />If your group is holding a promotion on or off line, email Coco the "scoop" at <a href="mailto:coco@handmadenews.org?subject=Here">mailto:coco@handmadenews.org?subject=Here</a>.<br /></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-51658789765680302742009-05-16T09:48:00.002-04:002009-05-16T09:52:40.592-04:00Etsy Maine team Artists featured in Bangor Daily News<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sg7FHXdz-WI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/edOmSW43gek/s1600-h/1242429941_82c9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336419338829429090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sg7FHXdz-WI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/edOmSW43gek/s320/1242429941_82c9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>5/16/09<br />Handcrafted in you backyardEtsy.com one click away for a wealth of locally made, unique gifts or personal items<br /><a href="mailto:eburnham@bangordailynews.net">By Emily Burnham</a>BDN Staff<br /><a id="fullres_link" href="http://bdnimages.sprintout.com/uploads/large/1242429941_82c9.jpg" target="_new"></a><br />When you’re decorating your home, or you’re decorating yourself, you have two options when it comes to where to buy such things.<br />Option No. 1: Go to a big-box store and buy all of the mass-designed, mass-produced, made-in-China stuff you want. Option No. 2: Point your Web browser to <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a>, look around and buy a handmade, one-of-a-kind necklace, picture frame or set of thank-you cards made by someone in your backyard. Literally. It gives new meaning to “buy local.”<br /></div><br /><div>The Web site, which provides artists and artisans the world over a way to sell their wares to the public, was launched in 2005 and now boasts tens of thousands of sellers. Most items are priced between $10 and $30, but the selection runs the gamut from crocheted baby booties made by a grandmother to handblown glasswork from a professional artist.<br /></div><br /><div>There’s a plethora of folks from across Maine who sell their stuff on <a href="http://etsy.com/">etsy.com</a> — too many to name here, though a visit to <a href="http://www.etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/">http://www.etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/</a> turns up a long, well-organized list of Etsy-ites working here in 207.<br /></div><br /><div>One of the items most available on Etsy is jewelry. In Bangor, the ironically named husband-and-wife design team of (1) Buy My Crap (<a href="http://buymycrap.etsy.com/">buymycrap.etsy.com</a>) sells molded resin rings and earrings, such as the striking white-and-red ring, A Little Drop of Bella, inspired by the book and movie “Twilight,” which retails for $35. Gerry and Elaine Bard of By My Crap have been making resin jewelry out of their home for the past year, and it’s anything but crap.<br /></div><br /><div>Farther north, (2) Folk Art Tree maven Pamela McFarland sells her work at <a href="http://folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com/">folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com</a>. At her home in Ashland, McFarland uses found art, vintage materials and other unique items to make an assortment of accessories, including the Intense Earth Vintage Celluloid Button necklace ($22), made of glass beads, jasper, metal chains and a vintage celluloid button.<br /></div><br /><div>Moms and moms-to-be can find a wealth of baby stuff on Etsy, including wee things from (3) Coco and Milkweed (<a href="http://www.cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com/">http://www.cocoandmilkweed.etsy.com/</a>) out of Portland. Husband and wife Evan and Lila Maleah and their daughter Coco handmake bibs and blankets, including this sweet, funky gift set featuring Woodsy and L’il Hootie, two big-eyed owls, a soft but very durable bib and blanket, which retails for $52.<br /></div><br /><div>Niche markets find a home on Etsy. For example, the gaming community has a friend in Amy Provost of Cornish, whose (4) Broake and Thumb Studios (<a href="http://www.sparrowhawk9.etsy.com/">http://www.sparrowhawk9.etsy.com/</a>) makes nerd-tastic, Dungeons and Dragons and medieval-inspired crafts, such as this little drawstring bag, perfect for holding 20-sided dice — or other small items you might need to hold together. It sells for $11.<br /></div><br /><div>Unique is the name of the game on Etsy. Case in point: Mary Robbins of South Portland makes T-shirts, hats and bags inspired by her Moroccan family and years spent abroad. She sells them on her Etsy shop, (5) Moth Designs (<a href="http://www.mothdesigns.etsy.com/">http://www.mothdesigns.etsy.com/</a>). This T-shirt, which retails for $22, features an Arabic phrase meaning “Whales in love”— sweet, funny and a wonderful way to bring together East and West.<br /></div><br /><div>Personal care products are another big Etsy item, like the felted soaps from (6) Becky Rose Designs (<a href="http://www.beckyrosedesigns.etsy.com/">http://www.beckyrosedesigns.etsy.com/</a>). Rose, based in Bar Harbor, creates soaps mixed with felt, which works as a built-in washcloth, like this mango and cocoa butter soap that sells for $8.<br />(7)Long Winter Farms (<a href="http://www.longwinterfarms.etsy.com/">http://www.longwinterfarms.etsy.com/</a>) out of Alna is the brainchild of Amanda Nolan, and in addition to soaps and body creams, she sells luxurious lip balms, like this three-pack that sells for $8.50.<br /></div><br /><div>If you’re searching for the funniest, sweetest birthday, thank-you or holiday card, then surf over to (8) Sock Monkey Cards (<a href="http://www.sockmonkeycards.etsy.com/">http://www.sockmonkeycards.etsy.com/</a>), a line of hilarious prints and cards made by Laurie Jenson de Paolo of Cape Elizabeth. De Paolo takes your average sock monkey and puts it in interesting situations — going camping, getting a massage, going surfing or playing scrabble are just a few. The cards are $3 each.<br /></div><br /><div>You can decorate your fridge with handmade magnets by (9) Kristina Meyers of Auburn. Meyers, a teacher and mom of three, makes jewelry and magnets, including these cute dinosaur bottle cap magnets retailing for $7 on her Etsy site, <a href="http://www.kristinamyerscrafts.etsy.com/">http://www.kristinamyerscrafts.etsy.com/</a>.<br /></div><br /><div>Jennifer Payson of Warren has seemingly mastered the art of origami. One look at her Etsy page, (10) Whimsidoodle (<a href="http://www.whimsidoodle.etsy.com/">http://www.whimsidoodle.etsy.com/</a>), reveals an assortment of handcrafted paper lanterns that are perfect for affixing to white string lights to hang indoors or out. A pack of 50 origami boxes sells for $50, but Payson sells packs of 20 for $20-$24.<br /></div><br /><div>If you’re buying gifts for others, or you’re just casually looking for a little something for yourself, you can support the work of people in Maine by buying on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a> — and in these tough economic times, every little bit helps.</div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-20467779338511148202009-05-04T09:12:00.005-04:002009-05-04T09:30:18.842-04:00Haiku Monday on The Etsy Maine Team Forum Thread<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sf7sUpUHHEI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/6g20V_BE7S8/s1600-h/maineteamblogbanner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331958848284990530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sf7sUpUHHEI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/6g20V_BE7S8/s400/maineteamblogbanner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Remember English class? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grammar</span>, punctuation, haiku? The Maine Team has begun conversing in the Team Forum on Mondays in Haiku. Can you Haiku? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are the how-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tos</span> of Haiku:</div><br /><div><br />Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. It often centers around nature.<br />Haiku poems don’t rhyme; they follow a pattern. </div><br /><div>Line 1: 5 syllables<br />Line 2: 7 syllables<br />Line 3: 5 syllables</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Come on, try Haiku</div><div>Twist your mind around some words</div><div>Count your syllables</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Leave your Haiku here</div><div>on this blog you must create</div><div>word picture <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haikus</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-60868128678886362732009-04-30T11:18:00.004-04:002009-04-30T11:24:04.229-04:00Watching the Red Sox and Making Faces<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SfnCVTnblBI/AAAAAAAAAQs/T9iWf_E7o9Q/s1600-h/P1140277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330505305268392978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SfnCVTnblBI/AAAAAAAAAQs/T9iWf_E7o9Q/s400/P1140277.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SfnCNKCW_WI/AAAAAAAAAQk/6XZecZ2Y44Q/s1600-h/P1140293.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330505165258030434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SfnCNKCW_WI/AAAAAAAAAQk/6XZecZ2Y44Q/s400/P1140293.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I spend my evenings watching the Celtics and Red Sox, so in order to justify the "down time" I prepare things for the day to work on at night. This week it has been some more primitive ladies. I've been sewing them closed and making their faces with embroidery thread. I stop every once in a while when the game gets really intense, but the ladies gradually appear as a little audience in front of me. I know they are wanting my teams to win too. </div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-58838994392858337242009-04-08T11:33:00.007-04:002009-04-08T11:51:09.112-04:00My Jewelry Making SpaceFor you, <a href="http://threebridgessewingco.blogspot.com/">Peggy</a>...<br />My jewelrymaking workspace I procured from a space in my hallway on the first floor. I have been so happy here in this warm part of the house, working on jewelry, scrapbooking and encaustic painting. It needs to get cleaned up before hubby gets home, though! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdzEPmvanpI/AAAAAAAAAP8/5wkP94lwbrc/s1600-h/P1130389.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322344632021589650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdzEPmvanpI/AAAAAAAAAP8/5wkP94lwbrc/s400/P1130389.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdzEIleXI6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/g4iZYDZe6vE/s1600-h/P1130386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322344511422538658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdzEIleXI6I/AAAAAAAAAP0/g4iZYDZe6vE/s400/P1130386.JPG" border="0" /></a> Encaustic paints and griddle and 20 cat foods cans are under the desk...My studio is in the cold upstairs, so I will photograph it later, on a warmer day. </div><div>My new shop <a href="http://www.folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com/">http://www.folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com/</a> has been filled with products made from this very spot.<br /><br /><div></div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-83364048171726480752009-04-03T17:39:00.003-04:002009-04-03T18:00:42.598-04:00New Etsy Shop<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdaCWmGHQiI/AAAAAAAAAPs/n300mBXmgwk/s1600-h/P1120317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320583334479741474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SdaCWmGHQiI/AAAAAAAAAPs/n300mBXmgwk/s400/P1120317.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have opened a new shop called Folk Art Tree Fandangle dedicated to my jewelry. I have found I am really enjoying making wearable art with old buttuns, charms and beads mixed with new findings for fabulous adornments. So come check it out!</div><div><a href="http://folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com/">folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com</a></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-35600322401272924902009-03-23T10:57:00.011-04:002009-04-03T18:02:31.044-04:00My Donation to the Ronald McDonald House Auction<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/ScekUxNhjkI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ov1GlFbJUwQ/s1600-h/P1120348.JPG">On June 4, the Ronald McDonald House of Portland will be hosting its fourth annual Purses with Purpose, etc. ‘fun-raiser’ at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth. At this patio event, guests will bid on purses, jewelry and accessories donated by celebrities, designers, businesses and craftspeople in the much-anticipated silent auction; then guests will be invited to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and watch as the fashion show and live auction festivities continue. Admission to the event is by ticket only: $40 per person.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316403201276476306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/Sceoi0bVe5I/AAAAAAAAAPk/6B25lmE6O6g/s400/P1120355.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>---------------------------------------------------------------------ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP THE HOUSE--------------------</div><br /><div>Become a VOLUNTEER:<a href="http://www.rmhportland.org/volunteers/volunteer-get-involved">http://www.rmhportland.org/volunteers/volunteer-get-involved</a></div><br /><div>Help cut House costs by donating common household items or services:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.rmhportland.org/giving/donate-items-our-wish-list">http://www.rmhportland.org/giving/donate-items-our-wish-list</a>- </div><br /><div>Stay connected. Sign up for the House enewsletter:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.rmhportland.org/volunteers/volunteer-get-involved">http://www.rmhportland.org/volunteers/volunteer-get-involved</a> </div><br /><div>QUESTIONS? Email Jennifer at</div><br /><div><a href="mailto:purseswithpurpose@gmail.com">purseswithpurpose@gmail.com</a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316398561848561218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/ScekUxNhjkI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ov1GlFbJUwQ/s400/P1120348.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/ScejtvvlEpI/AAAAAAAAAPM/-1ARimocQ-I/s1600-h/P1120404.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316397891439628946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/ScejtvvlEpI/AAAAAAAAAPM/-1ARimocQ-I/s400/P1120404.JPG" border="0" /></a> I hope this fundraiser is a huge success! Let's lighten the load for people who are dealing with the stressful situation of a sick loved one.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012353749706017358.post-57178293734963453762009-02-19T20:19:00.013-05:002009-02-19T23:23:57.700-05:00My First ACEO "Abandoned Ways"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SZ4uaRQgE6I/AAAAAAAAAPE/5qGGCJF5dng/s1600-h/P1120114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304728439933113250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 373px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SZ4uaRQgE6I/AAAAAAAAAPE/5qGGCJF5dng/s400/P1120114.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Etsy Maine Team has challenged it's members to create one (1) ACEO with a “Maine” theme using re-cycled or up-cycled materials. So in keeping with the challenge, I used a copier to resize an 8 x 10 image of a barrel I had photographed in 1982. I copied it onto scrap paper I had in my 'stash' and cut it down to an appropriate size. Using a paint chip card I had saved from earlier house renovation days, I used it as a mat for my photo and layered it atop a scrap of black cardstock. I used chalks to hand color the photo. Voila, my entry for the Maine team challenge..."Abandoned Ways".<br /><a href="http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304683572121393714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SZ4FmnolWjI/AAAAAAAAAO8/rkQ5yAZrmOw/s400/P1120112.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SZ4Ffm-yRYI/AAAAAAAAAO0/3AALdPrQdi4/s1600-h/P1120110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304683451686995330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_acXV3Tf1v0U/SZ4Ffm-yRYI/AAAAAAAAAO0/3AALdPrQdi4/s400/P1120110.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>The Folk Art Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11070116379971801731noreply@blogger.com6