hey, I’m back!

I got sucked into the giant vortex that is Christmas. Now I’m back- phew! I can not wait to get back to work.

Let’s see… since I was here last, we had 2 snowstorms that left us with 17 inches of snow and made driving very exciting, just when I was finally getting around to doing some Christmas shopping. Luckily we live within walking distance of most of the important places- like the grocery store.

The house was full of people and activities. It was great having Eleanor and Julian home. Actually getting Eleanor home was a bit exciting since she arrived in one of those aforementioned snowstorms. Lots of activity centered in the kitchen. The dishwasher was getting a great workout.

The day before Christmas, we went for a family soak in a hot tub in Inman Square. I am hoping it will become a new family tradition. It was wonderful.

Christmas Day was pretty quiet- everyone relaxing.

Then, down to Connecticut for an insanely full day of family and friend visiting. Yesterday, (12/27), Eleanor and Julian left- we miss them already.

Here is one of my handmade presents- a lap blanket, approximately 4 ft x 4 ft. and made out of cashmere knit samples that I got from Jen, one of my Boston Handmade friends. It is now with Julian in Portland, OR.

here is a lighter photo so you can see the details better-

I have at least one more project to show, but it is not finished yet… that is what happens to the loved ones who are at home- their gifts trickle in.

weekend report

It went pretty well. People who were there last year said it was down by half and so, taking that into consideration, it was great! As always, it is lots of fun in the South End of Boston. I knew many of the other vendors. I met new people- other vendors and buyers. And loved when friends stopped by. It is a long weekend though and exhausting. I am beginning to feel like myself again.

Here was my booth before we opened on Friday night-

I didn’t bring any tiny worlds because I only had one finished. I had 3 in progress so I finished them yesterday and put them in my shop.

Now it is time to make Christmas happen around here. Of course first I have to get all that laundry done, go food shopping, spend some quality time at the post office, uncover the beds for the kids who will be arriving in the next few days, see if I can find the floor in my studio, uncover surfaces all over the house… things do get neglected when I am preparing for a show!

South End Holiday Market

Today is the day! I will be setting up, later this afternoon. Then there is a charity opening event tonight and open to the public tomorrow. I feel ready but nervous.

All the info here.

I am going to unlist all my one-of-a-kind pieces from my Etsy shop- just for this weekend event. I am always nervous that something will sell in 2 place at once. Then, on Monday I will put it back along with whatever else I’ve got. I will be putting the new work in the shop starting at noon, eastern standard time. Unless there is very little work left (unlikely), or I totally have my act together (also unlikely), the work will dribble into my shop during the afternoon as I write up the listings- not all in one bunch like I usually do.

See you then! Have a great weekend.

gentleman pirate

the coat with tails made me think of Mr. Darcy– Mr. Darcy gone bad. Although, if any of Austens heroes were going to go the pirate route, it would more likely be Captain Wentworth from what I must admit is my favorite one of her books.

I like him without his hat on-

He can carry it under his arm.

I had to underexpose these photos so you could see the details.

I love this guy! He has been waiting to be made for a long time. There were a lot of fiddly bits to figure out which is actually what makes it fun to work on.

summer flower baby in December

this baby is the antithesis of todays weather!

So I got mentioned on Design Sponge last Friday- Thanks so much Camilla! Unfortunately I am working flat out for my show this weekend and won’t be putting any new work into my Etsy shop until next Monday. So- that is the word- shop update on Monday, December 15 starting at 12, eastern standard time. I have no idea what I will be posting because it will be what I have after the show. And one never knows about shows.