On Saturday Mark and I went with his parents to the 19th annual Midwest Salute to the Arts. Wow! There were six tents jam-packed with great artists. The food court offered yummy items and I tried Jamaican jerk chicken for the first time. Fantastic! The live music was good...honestly, everything was good. Even the weather.
We splurged and came home with a few treasures. We fell in love with Sandi Finney's pottery. She makes items that are intended to be used, and she encourages you to pick up the pieces she has on display and "try them out". We came home with several beautiful (and useful) items.
When we discovered the Village Pewter booth, I knew we were in trouble. Mark loves pewter and I must confess, I really like it too. We picked up a pair of candle holders, very colonial looking with the ring shaped handle on the side. The pewter just shines and begs to be handled. At the last minute I noticed they had chicken napkin rings. They will go on my Christmas wish list!
Sugar Grove Pottery also had beautiful pottery, along with the cutest pins and magnets. I found a fantastic acorn magnet. Unfortunately it did not photograph very well.
None of this had anything to do with needlework...until we came across Tree of Life Art Works. Oh my goodness! Beautiful scrimshaw done on fossil materials and polymer resins. I found two that are great shapes to use as thread winders. They also mount these on boxes or in frames. They are absolutely fantastic and I think the prices are so reasonable. Check them out!
Here they are with a nickel, for perspective.
I've been stitching quite a bit lately, some over one and some gigantic stuff over 2 on 18 ct fabric. In anticipation of the cross stitch show in October, I took 15 projects to Jeanne last week for framing. I intend to enter 11 pieces in the show. I'm stretching the definition in some of the categories, but I don't think it will be a problem. The show benefits hospice, so they'll either find a way to include them and accept my donation/entry fee or they won't. None of them are particularly well stitched, so I won't be in the running for ribbons. I just love to see my work hanging next to the beautiful work that other stitchers submit!
Many of you have probably read on various cross stitch bulletin boards that Sue lost her battle with cancer Friday morning. This is the first time we've lost a member of our stitching group, and it sure is difficult. Sometime soon I'll share a few pictures of Sue during the fun times, like stash trips and stitch-ins. She will be missed!
3 comments:
I hadn't heard about Sue. I'm sorry.
I did enjoy your pictures, and I'm looking forward to seeing your projects! :)
I love going to Art Fairs - especially when you find some really unique things. Looks like you were successful!
I didn't know Sue, and didn't make the connection with Abbey Lane Designs until I read about her on of the boards. I'm sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace!
I'm sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I'm sure that she will be dearly missed.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the art festival and found some wonderful things!
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