Season's Greetings

MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON BE WITH YOU!

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a joyous New Year!

Our Darling

 

I am extremely lucky to have good friends around me, who always have insightful tips for me. Like this one from a fantastic graphic designer I know. A while back, he said to me: "Your work is great, but you really need to improve your photography." I took his work to heart and bought a new camera. Got some clip lights and created some white drapes. The result...I have to say, I am very happy with....

This is a new, soon to be listed on ETSY piece, called Our Darling. Part of my latest Soul House series that uses old bird houses as foundations for mixed media assemblages.This one is has a little different feel than some of the others. But I love the way the inside came to life with just a little light shining in from the side.

And finally.... A hearty congratulations are in order for.....Laurel Martin. The winner of my giveaway, who's name was chosen at random by my son Henry! If you didn't win, don't worry, there will be other giveaway in the next few months. You'll just have to stay tuned... there's a lot more fun in store for 2011!

 

Today is the Day!



Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

                                                                            
You may have heard...I am doing a special giveaway today. After all the chores are done, cookies baked, gifts wrapped, cards made and packages packed... I will be drawing someone's name out of a hat.

So cheer me on as I take on my holiday to do list. Leave me a comment to tell me how you get through your holidays and you will be entered to win this one of a kind signed collage.  "A boy."

I've been playing with my blog layout and even added some new features. Sign up for my newsletter and mailing list. I've got some great things planned for 2011, don't be left out.

Don't forget if you spend $50 or more on my ETSY site you get FREE SHIPPING any where in the US. I'll even gift wrap your purchase!

Fast times - looking to slow down

It finally feels like winter here in the beautiful Green Mountain State. It's cold and blustery outside, the days are shorter, the ground is covered with snow and our German shorthair  pointer will not go outside without his sweater on. In the morning, the boys are bundled up waiting for the bus in the morning donned in hats and mittens, huddling close to their hot chocolate. Salad days have ended and hearty soups and hot sandwiches are staples in my lunch box.  The buzz all around is about driving to the mountain, shredding and sledding, getting out to enjoy the white stuff. And then of course, there's the Holiday Parties, cookie swaps, shopping and decorating... so much to think about and so much to do. There are so many things to prepare for the end of the year holidays, it feels that if I don't slow down, just a bit, it will fly by without me being able to enjoy any of it. How quickly it can change from a magical to stressful.  I  want to sit back and relax and enjoy the beauty of it all, but the nagging feeling of all the "stuff" that has to get done, can be overwhelming.

So what are the things you do to keep yourself engaged in the spirit of winter? How do you find balance in all the holiday hustle and bustle? 

Anyone who posts a comment this week will be entered in a special drawing on Sunday.... More details to come.... stay well.

LR

South End Holiday Hop Artist: Jackie Mangione

Shop Local! Shop Hand Made. Support the ARTS!

South End Holiday Hop!

December 10,11,12

Throughout the South End of Burlington Vermont

4th Annual South End Holiday Hop. Artist Market and Open Studio. Shop local, support your community, see your neighbors and buy amazing wonderful goods for all your holiday needs.

 

Location: All along Pine Stree, starting at Maple St. going past The Soda Plant, from the top of Kilburn and St. Paul including Howard St. all the way down to Lake Side



Burlington



Burlington,

Friday: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sun:12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

While you are out doing your Holiday Hop, make sure you stop by the Soda Plant to check out the work of my dear friend and neighbor, Jackie Mangione. Jackie has a tremenous joie de vie, that is embedded in her work and her personality. She is a joy to know and a huge supporter of the South End Art scene.  



Abundance





Jackie is a fantastic painter and teacher. Her recent passions in art includes the use of acrylic and watercolor paints to bring out the vibrancy of colors. She paints with a quest for detailed brushstrokes in her work. As of late, she has been painting the Burlington skyline, wild and native birds of Vermont. She is also inspired by lesser recognized great artists of the 18th century, Jean Honore Fragonard.



Mountain Flurries



Hope to see you out and about this weekend! Happy Hopping!