Alabama Girls and more...

Left to right
Pat, June, Deborah
All from Birmingham, Al
••••••••
Just look at that pose! These gals just blew into
Saluda and took it by storm! Right girls?
I am sure they broke just a few speed limits trying to get here
before 5:00 but left with promises to
return bright and early the next day.

We spent an entire day "playing" in the studio
with new techniques with transfers, while doing some
Artist Trading Cards, collage, painting and so much more.
All they had to do is ask, & their request for
a "private party" was met.
They also got to meet Meg and soak up some
of her amazing creativity.

Luckily for them, our friends at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast
had a great studio guest apartment ready
and waiting after their long drive from Birmingham, AL.

We met these great gals a couple years ago
at Donna Downey's Inspired Artist Retreat
in Concord and ever since they were planning
their trip to Saluda to see us again.

Deborah actually participated in both of our
journal challenge books by sending her
art work for the collaboration.

Guess what? We had so much fun
that I am actually inviting them back again.
Do you see that girlfriends? YOU are invited back!!!

• • • • •
Ettamarie's Unique Sterling & Gem Creations

It's a long story but I met Ettamarie about
5 years ago when she came to take a PMC
workshop with Lisa Blackwell here at the shop.
She returned in a strange turn of events
with an overflowing inventory of
beautiful sterling jewelry that she has
been making & selling since that time.

I was mesmerized as l looked through her
bounty of gorgeous jewelry and carefully chose several
of her pieces to sell in the shop.
She uses alot of gem stones such
as Jasper, Onyx, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz,
Turquoise, Labradorite, and others
as well as Hill Tribe Sterling Silver from Thailand.

You will see me wearing some of this next time you stop by.
In the mean time, I will have to talk her into creating a blog so
you can link to see more.

Daddy Long Legs

Just minding my own business while
I stroll down Main Street .....
So, what do I do?
Stop in and see Amy at

Biddies Antiques
(828-749-9254)
in Saluda
I came across these
unusual dolls that she has for sale.

Are any of you doll artists familiar
with the work of Karen Germany
from Southlake, Texas?

These 3 dolls still have their original
tags on them and were made in 1992.
Not that old but to a doll artist and
collector I can only presume that
there are no 2 alike.

The couple are James & Olivia on their wedding day
and the other "soldier"
is James.
Amy told me that these sell for $900. on eBay
and I think that I saw a price of $150
on each of them.

They just caught my attention
and wanted to share with all of you.

Believe Retreat

There still might be openings at the Believe in Yourself Retreat
in Blowing Rock, NC
Sept 9th - 12th

I can't help but post more thoughts about the
upcoming Believe in Yourselfretreat
Blowing Rock, NC. Some of you are familiar
with this retreat that is coordinated by
Kristi Steiner and Susan Edmonson.
This, I think, is the 4th annual event
and our 4th time as a vendor.
We just love Susan and Kristi and the inspiring
and creative group of 50 artists gathering together.

This is the outside cover of Kristi's box
that gently holds the "Field guide to creativity journal"

Inside the journal are field notes
from nature walks created with copper mesh,
patina, fabrics and stitching.

Fern transfers onto Lutradur along with
special quotes make each artists work
unique and original.

r e - b o u n d

Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials

by Jeannine Stein

Available at Random Arts
FREE SHIPPING
in continental US

Re-Bound is a beautiful book on bookbinding with a fun green twist-all the projects use recycled and upcycled materials. This book shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores, and hardware stores and turn them into clever and eye-catching hand-made books.

Jen tackled the cover project using little Starbuck cards for the cover, strips of text paper for the pages, misc. ribbons and embellishments, including die cuts from her last book class.

It was fast, easy and fun and I must say that she was quite happy with the results.

Check it out....

I've known this talented woman, Fulvia Luciano,
for a few years now and even though I don't
see her that often, it always feels like it was just
yesterday that we connected.

Fulvia is a mixed media fiber artist living in
Rock Hill, SC however her work reaches
world wide recognition.
Check out her blog to see more of what
she is creating. It's awesome.