sentimental me

I'm feeling especially sentimental this holiday season, but haven't done much in the way of setting the mood around the house to be very Christmas-y. I have been on the look out for things that would convey the magic of the season to Mabel...and not by way of over-the-top piles of gift wrapped toys. One fine bit of magic comes from the pop-up book Follow the Star. Since M loves to find stars in the sky, I knew the silver stars would grab her attention and the modern graphics and intricate pop-ups would appeal to both C and me.



 
The message is religious (Christmas...duh) but not literally so, it's more a spiritual reflection. And you know what? M does love it! We read it twice yesterday and once this morning before work. It's finally beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!


After spending an hour at a big box toy store yesterday I'm in need of a little bit of handmade relief. Lucky for me, this is a good weekend to feel that way. Not only is Ephemeralization tonight and tomorrow, but Mani Designs and Foundling Studio are having an open studio Saturday and Sunday!

Not only are both of these women extremely talented, they're both trendsetters in their field. I first noticed foundling many years ago, when I wanted to add a little pizazz to my hair. She was the only person on etsy selling singed edge poppy hair pins at the time. Look what she started! I met Amber at a craft show here in Charlotte {put on by sophisticated taste-makers themselves: Lark & Key} and we've kept in touch ever since. The girl has serious talent, and I love that each piece captures a moment in nature.
If you're in the Asheville, NC area, it would be a terrible mistake to miss these events. If you need info on how to get there, shoot me an email {link in sidebar}.
Wolfie and the Sneak hope to see you there!

the fun{gi} times

Ha! So much for regular programming. I guess there's not a lot of that around here anyway. I've been working on a piece for a studio/open house/holiday party this weekend. If I get some time this evening** I might set them up to take some pictures. In the gallery space they'll have mushrooms growing from the "logs". The felt is polyester (for those who aren't familiar with fabrics, felt was originally made from animal hair/wool).  I love toying with the idea of synthetic natural environments.


About the show: 

Regional Artists and Back to the Roots are presenting "Ephemeralization", a show of extreme mushroom growing! Each artist will be designing a unique housing for oyster mushroom kits. Join in this sustainable event and taste the future of growing food from art. There will be crafts for kids as well as entertainment, food trucks and chef demos. Event takes place in The French Broad Studios on friday December 9 beginning at 5 pm - 9 pm and Sat. Dec.10 from 10am -2 pm.


If you're close to Asheville and want to take part in the fun{gi} times, shoot me an email and I'll send you the details!

**Yeah, I know, that's a real gut buster. Who has free time in the middle of December?!

a few links and back to regular programming tomorrow...

Oh boy, we're back from Boston and I can't stop smiling. What a great show, fantastic people and incredible organizers {they had a table in a Vendor Only area with all the little emergency things that are often forgotten--ponytail elastics anyone??}


Check out Amelia Presents online! Such a great shop!


The Morran Book Project is now available. Camilla Engman recently lost her farmdog Morran to lung cancer. Morran lives on in this incredible book of portraits by over 200 artists touched by her sweetness.

A few more Made in the USA suggestions:
LL Bean Boots (made in Maine)

Sorry for the short and sweet post, but we've had a crazy week and the crazy doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon! Hope you have a great weekend, and for those of you in Boston, come see Wolfie and the Sneak at Bazaar Bizarre. 

If you're in Chicago, this weekend is Renegade Craft Holiday market!

Have a good one!