Fiddlehead Fever

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.

For those unfamiliar with fiddleheads:

Fiddleheads, an early spring delicacy in Maine, are the young coiled leaves of the ostrich fern. 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.

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!

Maple Meadow Farm Festival

I bundled up the leftovers of my booth and left the Maple Meadow Farm Festival in Mapleton, Maine with a smile today. The Gregg family graciously opens their farm to the public and introduces them to past farming practices, including the tools, machinery (or horsepower) and a way of life that is slipping into the annals of time. The squeals of children playing rang through the air and the bustle of farm life demonstrations occupied the entire property.

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!

New Etsy Shop

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!

folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com

My First ACEO "Abandoned Ways"

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".

Uncommon Jewelry: Etsy Maine Team

The first installment featuring my etsy team members .....

A somewhat wayward artist, Sidney is trained in color theory, painting and art history but has always fostered a not so minor fascination with personal adornment. Her work is born from a love of unusual combinations and proportions, and each time she finishes something the outcome is utterly balanced and wearable. Each piece is named for a goddess, or a wonderful woman who has brought some small meaning to her life. She believes every woman is beautiful and deserves a little something to remind her of just how perfect she is. Her work is also sold at Abacus Gallery in Portland, Maine so if you're ever in the neighborhood stop on by.Visit her on Etsy at http://www.uncommonjewelry.etsy.com/ or www.myspace.com/uncommonjewelry to see more photos and past work.