Feet up in front of the fire. Sipping cappuccino. Catching up reading blogs. Remembering the people who wandered in over the last three days. Thinking of how carefully each person searched for and found just the just right piece. This is the aftermath of participating in the Artisans Tour in the Camden/Rockport, Maine area, a tiring but rewarding three days.
For weeks my work spaces have been chaotic as new pieces were created and finishing touches were put on handwoven pieces. There was a side benefit to sitting, working with my hands for hours on end. I watched all 46 episodes of Breaking Bad on Netflix. That program is topic for a whole other discussion!
Most of the artists participating in the tour actually host in their studio. Mine is upstairs in my home and with stairs being a little worrisome, the entry and dining room are converted into a mini shop. Actually, using these areas provides a warm and inviting background for the displays.
Every surface is covered with my work and that of my friend Sasha, a most talented potter. Our work is complementary, and a special bonus is spending time with her over the three days. I couldn’t do this without her.
Everything in the house is potentially a prop. My very high heeled purple, fuschia and orange shoes came in handy
as did the antique spice tins. They were perfect display units for scarves and necklaces. Amazing what a little ingenuity can do!
While the primary focus of our show is handwovens and handmade pottery, there are a few little whimsies like these cuddly little blankies and onesies, also handmade.
On the woven front, these hand towels were new this year and sold first thing. As many years as I’ve been weaving, I’ve never done anything like these, and it was such fun sitting at my loom creating the different borders. Since this was an experiment, there was only a short warp on the loom, but next time there will be more as there are more borders and colors floating in my head!
For both Sasha and me, this show represents hours and hours of work and a bit of fear over putting it out there. It is not uncommon for artists to experience some shyness and vulnerability, and it is an incredible reward to receive positive feedback. It provides the incentive to keep you going. Any of you who create understand that I’m betting.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Sharing at
Lulu's Musings 
I know that everyone must have been drawn to your beautiful work. I has to be nice to have the show behind you so that you can relax a little. Great job!
Oh my goodness…your woven pieces are magnificent!…and the pottery too!…You two did a spectacular job on the display….you are so very talented..I just love your woven creations…love, love the towels…so very beautiful!
LOVE your artistry! Would you consider a show in Houston?
I want to do a show in Houston but I need a talented buddy. Having more than me takes the pressure off. Any ideas?
Sent from my iPhone
I’m super jealous of creative people who can make stuff like this. I have problems even folding a paper airplane!! I’ve nominated you for the “Wonderful Team Member Readership Award” . For details, just visit my most recent post. I will understand if you do not participate, I just wanted to show my appreciation for what you do!! Have a great day!
Thank you so much for the nomination and for visiting my blog. It means a lot.
you are very welcome, I enjoy your blog!!
All your creations are so artfully displayed and this is SO my cup of tea or cappuccino in this case 🙂 LOVE your shoes and that wonderful cinnamon tin as a prop! I used to help my partner display her jewelry using unexpected collected props depending on the season or theme~ fun! Glad your show was a success!
I can only imagine how everything would have been displayed had you been here to lend your creative eye!
How wonderful !! To make and create these beauties and then open up to showcase and sell. Congratulations, I know how hard it must be, I have friends who are artists and we have a season of open studios here and it is wonderful to go and visit artists in their spaces and see how and where they work. But as you say opening yourself up to others is really tough. Bravo !
Oh and those shoes are outrageously gorgeous !!
Oh Claire, you are right on. It’s hard to get started, but once a show is over you are generally glad to have put yourself out there. Now that it’s done, I’ll tidy up my garden today!
Great looking hand towels! I would’ve told you to make more of those for SURE! People love to have things like that to give as gifts. Way to go, mom!
So, how do I do a fleur de lis for a gal who likes all things French or now should I be thinking about a tractor?
So glad it was a success, but I never wondered. Just your displays are a work of art!
Thank you for your sweet comment.
Love, love, love the hand towels!!!
Sent from my iPad
Hmmm, wouldn’t they look great at a farm?
I’ve always been passionate about textiles, but I have no creative ideas about weaving them. Thanks for doing it for me; I love just seeing these pieces from afar!
One of these days, maybe they’ll be a little closer. I’m trying to figure out how to do a Houston show.