Next to my beloved autumn, this is probably my favorite time of year. I consider us so fortunate to live in one of the few remaining places in the country where life passes in tune with the seasons, and where there are daily reminders of this cycle, this turning of the year. Leaves have long since flown, birds gather at the feeder, and we gather sprigs of holly from our little tree out back. Inside, candles burn, and kettles simmer.
And of course, there's *Christmas*; the season of peace and goodwill, of smiles and kindness, of presents and most of all of *SuRpriSes*!! I love, love, LOVE surprises, don't you?
Even some rather major challenges and setbacks (car trouble, computer trouble, etc) can't dampen my elf-like holiday spirit. ;)
The season began with a little road trip to West Virginia, where I had a chance to exhibit at Paul Gordon's annual "Friends in Christmas" show. What a fabulous experience! Dear friend and super talented photographer Jennifer MacNeill Traylor helped out at the show and captured some wonderful photographs (you can see more on her flickr page). This is the cozy little front room of Paul's studio, with my small display in the corner...
And this is our wonderful host, in the living room of his enchanting home in Martinsburg...
Paul is not only an incredibly talented artist, but one of the dearest people I've ever met, and I'm so honored he included me in his show. I also met some truly wonderful collectors, people whose enthusiasm for holidays and for folk art is just infectious, and I feel truly blessed my pieces found such good homes. ♥
Our dear friend Ann, who had driven up to the show from the Carolinas, had planned to return with Jen and I to Lancaster County for a Thanksgiving visit, but alas, the weather did not cooperate, so she returned home - and just in the nick of time, as we hit quite the snow squall coming home on 81! A few flurries one minute, then a near white-out the next...scary stuff, but such is winter in the northeast. ;)
Since returning, I've been working like one of Santa's helpers, burning the midnight oil to complete holiday commissions, and to offer a few pieces in the Etsy shop. There's La Befana, of course - the beloved character of Italian folklore...
....and quite a few smaller pieces as well. I just want to cuddle this little guy...
and I want to take a bite out of these cupcakes too, but that would be a bad idea given the sparkly glass glitter, hehe...
There's more of course, and if you'd like to give any of these pieces a home, be sure to enter the coupon code HOHOHO at checkout - it will give you 10% off your purchase. :)
And there's much more in progress too...a painting for Tuesday's PFATT Marketplace (sneak peek on Facebook soon), and the last batch of ornaments as well - I've been accepting a few orders for custom ornaments this week (pet portraits), and I think there are one or two spots left, so if anyone is interested, please message or email me. The rest will, as always, be limited edition designs.
Speaking of which, I've been away from the work table far too long here, lol...must get back to it! The Mice President is very kindly making supper while I paint, so I should take advantage of the time and set the paintbrush flying. ;)
If you've made it all the way through this, I thank you for your interest, and I wish you a blessed and joyous season! I'll be back very soon with another peek at some winter inspiration and winter work...and maybe even a little winter play!
Until next time, stay warm...
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee
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