Field Trip Friday...Historic Senoia

This past Saturday I did something that quite honestly I've not done in a long time.  A girlfriend and I decided to spend the day together.  It's not that I don't have friends....don't get any funny ideas that I'm some sort of freaky recluse that only makes art and blogs about it.  Its just that...well...honestly I don't know how it is that you get to a certain age and your kids get to a certain age and the kids seem to have a more fabulous social calendar than you do.  I seriously think we adults should schedule more "play dates".  Anyhoo, we batted around different ideas, and ultimately decided to spend the day in Historic Senoia.  Why Senoia you ask?  Well, Southern Living is hosting one of its two design homes there.  And Senoia just happens to be in my beautiful Coweta County.  First stop however, was the American Legion Yard Sale.....I mean, who doesn't love a yard sale ( Amber and I do!!).

Yard Sales....I'll admit I don't attend many.  But I do love a good yard sale.  My Mother-in-law promised this would be a good one, so we started our jaunt here.  I mean, where else but in a yard sale could you find such treasures such as this artistic treat?

And how ironic that I would find treasures like this sitting right by Mr. Frowny face?  I left $20 short in my pocket and a treasure chest full of goodies.  In fact, I'm not gonna make you jealous by showing them off, just yet.  :)

After loading the truck with our treasures and bellies with amazing soft sugar cookies we headed out to Senoia.  One of the prettiest little cities in our County.  Mrs. Wendy's below I could literally just move right in.  And live that is.

We toured the Southern Living Home first, which I totally blanked on taking any pictures of, super sorry!  I think I was too mesmerized that the kitchen counter tops were the IKEA butcher block ones I desperately want...in fact the entire kitchen was IKEA (counter tops, cabinets and appliances...yep).  Floored me.  My favorite room by far in the house was the basement (four story walk up).  It had my coveted brick floors, horizontal planked wood walls, loft doors and furniture to only dream about with my 4 cats, dog, two children and hamster (OK, hamster doesn't really count I suppose since she doesn't climb on the furniture). Amber and I headed to Founders for an amazingly yummy lunch where the atmosphere and company made me feel less like a Newnan housewife and more like a diva on Park Avenue.

Here's another view of this quaint little town.  Senoia has come a very LONG way since Billy and I moved here.  They have done an unbelievable job of renovating the town and promoting tourism.  Of course it helps that a major movie production company is housed here....and Drop Dead Diva is filming here as well.  But honestly, without the true Southern hospitality, generous spirits of it's people and down home charm the city has to offer, we'd not be enjoying our Saturday here.  So kuddos Senoia!  I'm proud you're a part of our Coweta County family.  And I highly recommend you grabbing a girlfriend and spending the day here as well.  I know our day together was such a special way to reconnect.....

Memorial Day Fun

Memorial Day. What do you think of when you hear these words? Super sales, banks close, a vacation day, cook-outs, heading to the lake, no school, swimming pools opening, etc. Yep, those are fairly synonymous with the Memorial Day Monday. For our family, especially since Billy has taken state office, this day is set aside for attending local ceremonies and local celebrations for our fallen soldier. We attended a dedication in downtown Newnan for an amazing Memorial Plaza in the morning. The speaker I could have listened to all day. His patriotism is something I can only aspire too. One fact he stated that really caught my attention was that there are over 300 million people in the USA. Less that 10% protect those 300 million. Wow. So next time you see a man or woman in a uniform you should give them a heartfelt thank you for serving and protecting you. Next we headed to Senoia for their annual Memorial Day Celebration. People come out in droves to line the streets as period costume soldiers, tractors, horses, etc. parade on by. It is one of our favorite events to participate. This year, we had the privilege of riding in this hot red car owned by Chad Caldwell. I had all this stuff to put on the car- new bunting and flags. But once we saw this, we had to leave it be!

Having my camera ready this year, I thought it'd be fun to get some pictures from the view of the car. Ahead of us were 3 jeep Willis' loaded down with period costume soldiers and the parade leader Honorable John Yates. Of course, we still find the time to be with family on this day. My belly was full of good old BBQ ribs, corn and apple pie by the time the sun went down. I hope you had a lovely day with your families as well.

Senoia Wrap-Up

I always like to share after an event. It helps me to step back and look at the show, ponder the next and how to improve on my appearance. I love the city of Senoia and what they have done to revitalize the community. Kudos to Anne Busey for all her efforts with the event as well! She is super kind and so encouraging about my work. But, the event was not very well attended, and my sales definitely reflected this. But, with every step back, there is a silver lining. I got to spend a whole day with BFF Valerie, which really made the day fly by. Also, I now have everything ready for the Wesleyan School 3 day event coming up this Thursday and Serenbe May Day this Sunday. This feeling of relief that all is packed away in my storage unit ready to go Thursday morning is awesome! I can go to bed at a decent hour and take time to get a pedicure with Jill this week! My toes are happy about this one too. I used some old suitcases from the attic for a different look on the table instead of the white bookcase. I also added a fun stripey cloth and aprons to the mannequins.

My art work is taking on such a different appearance....much bolder and brighter colors. The whole set-up had a brighter feel. I am all about details. The yellow scalloped hand stamped signage was a great finshing touch.

I only brought small pieces to this show. I've got about 15 larger pieces to show at Wesleyan.
And more in my head to go! I'm off to post all my new work in flickr if you'd like to check it out!

Ooo...also Paper n Stitch opens a new table tomorrow! Be sure to stop by this week and see the new talented artist on the list!

Collage Therapy

I have decided that doing collage work is serious therapy for a painter in need of change. Man, I am having so much fun putting my new SEI paper and other vintage paper goodies into these compositions. I made these four birds to fit the lovely blue frames Phillip made. I just may not be able to release them for sale. You know, sometimes as an artist you just fall in love with a piece and can't part with it. I have walls of my own work to prove that. Maybe one day... I always say. I do have four more on the desk awaiting frames. They will all be priced under $100. All will be available (I think) this weekend in Senoia. Come on out and see me!! "Morning Whistle"
"Three Sisters", "Morning Whistle", "Renewed", "Lady Diane in the Mums"

Going Green?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am participating in the Art of Green show in Senoia this Saturday. When asked to do the show originally I thought really? Me? Paint is not exactly an eco-friendly medium, and I am a painter. What on earth would I sell? I was politely reminded that the frames around all my paintings and tiles are made from recycled barnwood. And my little felty friends are quite the green art. Hmmm.......okay. So here's a sampling of what you'll see this weekend: Felted bird sculptures on stands made from vintage jello molds. I found some recycled cages too- old industrial mixing beaters and a light bulb cage.

I finished up about 50 new framed tiles yesterday. This is my favorite of the printed products.

The one item missing from my booth however was jewelry. The little porcelain pendants are a great seller, but not exactly eco-friendly. While in Alabama over break I found the glass curtain rings pictured above. I immediately thought of jewelry when I saw them. I've always loved the Smart Glass line of jewelry. So I scooped the set up and here's what I've made with them:

I had some brass hand-patinae chain left over from my nest jewelry line as well as some hand patinae vintage charms. Overall I am super excited about revealing these recycled products to shoppers on Saturday. I'll show off my sculptures from recycled parts tomorrow. I've got some antennas to attach before they can be revealed! Have a creative Tuesday!

What I'm Up to Right Now

Well, for starters I've got a bin full of freshly made birdies! I can't resist a car trip project. So to and from Tennessee I made these little darlings, which Mailey laid all out last night and named. I just hope I can remember which name goes with which bird (she had me write them all down). Upcoming events are drawing near. So here's the low down on when and where you can find these birds, new paintings, framed tiles and a few surprise goodies!

Celebrate Earth Day: The Art of Green

Saturday, April 25th from 10-6PM

Historic Senioa, GA

Wesleyan School Joie de Vivre

Thursday, April 30th-May 2nd

Norcross, GA

Serenbe May Day Celebration

Sunday, May 3rd

12-5PM

Serenbe Community

I hope to see some of you at these events! Have a great week.