Whimsies are rocking it!

These beautiful Whimsies
continue to amaze me.
This one was created by
Kristi Steiner using
batiks, sparkly fibers
and a rhinestone button.

In order to make it quick and easy
we have prepared "Whimsie" kits
that include 3 graduated sizes
that can add layers of fun and texture,
a pin back and a trio of velvet leaves.
All you need is silk ribbons, fibers
or luscious fabrics plus
the creative urge to "wow"
the crowd.

Who is KC Willis?

K.C. is best known for her Collage Camps that she holds online with students from around the world as well as her studio workshops in Colorado. People travel from near and far to take workshops from her and learn the story telling that surrounds each piece.


Her work has been featured in galleries across the globe and in all the popular publications including Somerset. A video was filmed a few years ago when she lived in Santa Fe by a crew from HGTV and it is a good piece that shows how fabric can carry a house and you can make your own unique fabric art using transferred images and words.

Why all this about K.C. Willis?

Because, she is coming to Saluda to teach a 2 day workshop on October 22nd and 23rd titled

" Textured Legacies".

We'll create a piece using a cherished family photo and making it look worn and wonderful using her techniques for aging and layering. K.C.'s classes are as much about inspiration as they are technique. You will leave the class full of technical know-how, but flying high from the motivation that she delivers through storytelling. You will also learn to "listen" to the people on their photo and let them help create the piece.

This is a great opportunity to be in the presence of such a talented artist. We are all looking forward to this big event with KC.
Why come to a workshop when you can do an online class?

First of all, it's more fun to get out of the house

2nd - the inspiration that you absorb in a classroom setting ROCKS!

3rd - having the instructor front and center to answer questions ....well, that answers that!

4th - the relationships that are formed with other likeminded women is second to none.

5th - Ever hear of the "quilting bee"? It's an opportunity to be with your friends and get away from the everyday chores.

6th - you get to meet KC and have more fun than if you stayed home.

7th - Random Arts is opening it's doors to you and inviting you into their new studio space.

8th - Great food from the Saluda Grade Cafe for lunch
•••••••••••••••
Check out KC's blog to see more of her work

Register by email.
Workshop dates: Oct. 22nd and 23rd
Cost: $265
Includes: 2 full days of instruction, continental breakfast in the studio, catered lunch and afternoon snacks.

Junkman visits Saluda

With his handcrafted " steel guitar" in
hand, our friend Jeff from Chicago
shows off his latest creation.
Though an unconventional wedding gift
for his niece, we both thought this
would be the best gift ever.
Leave it to Jeff to come up with something like this.
Way to go!!!

Saturday morning in Saluda at Ward's Grill.
Newly opened and back in the hands of
it's rightful owners, The Grill food was
at it's finest and honestly, I forgot
how good that homemade sausage really was!

See you on Aug 6th, 7th & 8th

In Asheville, NC

at the
Rotary Club Mixed Media Sale & Show along with the Quilt Show at the Biltmore Square Mall


Fri and Sat 9-5
Sun. 10-5
(North end of the mall near Dillards)

Just some of what you will see at our booth

Vintage spools of ribbons to tempt the senses...


to rusty patinas and finishes



to photo transfers and copper mesh,
stencils, organic mica sheets,


found objects, batiks,
and ongoing demonstrations

This was our booth in Concord, NC this past May.

A few weeks ago I attended an "unveiling"
of stained glass triptych
that was created by Nancy Gruber of Saluda.
She was commissioned by Savannah Canfield
(our beloved bookbinding teacher)
to create a 3 part piece for a door in her home
along with 2 side lights.

Needless to say it is one of many amazing works of art
on Savannah's property,
Savannah is quite proud of her gardens, plantings,
decks, dining areas and seating areas.

About 30 people attended that event
in the early evening hours that started with
tasty hors d'oeuvres, and sparkly libations.

The Artist of the evening, Nancy Gruber
told those gathered of her process, some of the
technical difficulties of creating a piece that large
and her extreme delight in the finished piece.
Nancy was glowing with happiness
as she thanked everyone for complimenting her beautiful work.

I know that I can do it!

These are just a few of Jane LaFazio's journal pages that she is
sharing with us on her blog.
I have been afraid of drawing ever since I can remember
thus the reason for my start in rubber stamping.

After I saw what Kristi had to say about Jane LaFazio's workshop
in Italy, I decided that I CAN DO IT TOO!!!!
So, needless to say, I am going to take this workshop too.
She makes it look so easy and from what Kristi said, the beginners
were wildly excited about their results.

Just think of what I can add to my journals now... From a bird, to a flower, to my garden plants,
to.... a simple leaf that has fallen from a tree.
Jane LaFazio! I am ready for you to show me the way to simple sketching for my journal.