classic

OK... I just can't help myself. I'm a total sucker for pretty theatrical sets and men in tights.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/66548/nutcracker-the-motion-picture?c=Family

more folks I find fun...

Over the river and through the woods... On my recent trip up to the old family farm for Thanksgiving, tradition has it that my family makes the annual outing to the Troy Shirtmakers Building in Glens Falls, NY. What used to be a factory where ladies in old black and white photos would sit elbow to elbow sewing together men's shirts is now home to a thriving community of artists and other creative types. Over the years it has been fun to watch the dilapidated building come to life with new and exciting things. This year there were more new faces, renovations, and expansions from previous years despite the economic climate. Tom Myott Gallery had a wonderful show full of ceramics made by local artists including several talented folks I graduated high school with!! Another FABULOUS discovery was Flux Silver - a gallery/boutique housing exquisitely crafted silver jewelry and objects by a small group of artisans that have banded together... I was lucky to stumble upon this little gem as it celebrated its Grand Opening. Around the corner my mom and I signed up for a weekend crash course on natural fiber dying, and one floor down visited a very busy little tea shop... A few more winding stairs will land you at the queen bee of all quilting supply shops, and if you go around another bend you can experience holistic healing, massage, and reiki. I'm still not sure how many artists are there total at any given time, but it is definitely worth the trip if you yearn for a uniquely different afternoon.

http://www.shirtfactorygf.com/id4.html
http://fluxsilver.com/
http://www.tmyottart.com/
http://www.joannamonroe.com/
http://visit.cityofglensfalls.com/thingstodo/
http://www.larac.org/Organ_of_Month/2005/Elements_of_Art.html

Meet KittyKatKards!

One of my newest favorite card designers and my very first ever exclusive Interview!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36274311
This card is a new addition to KittyKatKards for Valentine's Day... check it out on Etsy! FREE SHIPPING for this item, simply put "blogpromotion" in the message to seller. Yay!
Straight from the source:
"... just finished up doing 3 crafty events. They were my first ones ever, and I had such a good time that I'd like to continue doing them in 2010. My newest items in my shop are the origami troll Valentine's day cards. :)
**About KittyKatKards**
I have always really liked doing origami. Hallmark makes really nice things, but I feel that homemade/handmade gives everything a whole personal touch. I decided to put my two loves together by making cards that feature origami, and thus, KittyKatKards was born. I also using rubber stamps so some of my work features stamped images. I'm currently researching other origami that I can create to expand my horizons..."
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKatKards

cards du jour...

So it all started about a month ago when a coworker was thinking about her holiday gift-giving needs... Suddenly I find myself knee-deep in customized dog note card orders! They are very time consuming to make (each one is hand painted as you know) but at least they're fun and super cute!

the end is the beginning...

Greetings Friends!

As we wind down 2009, I've decided to ramp up my online presence going into the new year.  Drop by my etsy shop, follow my every move on Twitter, fan/friend me on facebook, and remind me to update my other blog!  And of course, email me!!  I'd love some suggestions and plan to start posting "interviews" on here...  C'mon, expose yourself in a good way and become a part of my blogging journey.

;-)  D