Invaded !

The Annual Pirate Rendevous in Damariscotta was a huge success. The fact that the weather cooperated was a little miracle, it was a perfect hot and sunny Summer day. Torrential rain the day before AND the day after, the great day was beautiful. How did we get so lucky ? The event raises funds for The Lincoln County Family Holiday Wishes program, as well as funds for the local home heating program. The folks who gave generously of their time and talents are to be congratulated, everyone from the fantastic pirate actors, musicians, shop keepers, restaurants & local law enforcement. The list goes on and on. Many people donated hours of their time fundraising for the event to take place at all. The organization is monumental, and when you see the program in action during the actual holiday season, it's just as amazing. It is a wonderful example of community, and the thought that if everyone did one small thing to help someone else, the impact is nothing short of heroic.

I truly love where I live and feel blessed to be here every day. I hope you do, too.

Chris

As promised

As it turns out, my graduation pictures did not. Lot's of shots of the back's of heads of folks I don't know. One very good shot of my son's girlfriend with her tongue out as her cap tassel blew into her mouth, the best and most clear picture of course, but not very flattering. Probably best not to include that one in the post. That brings us to baccalaureate, the night before graduation as we watched our seniors march down Main St. and up the hill to Lincoln Academy one final time as students.

So inspiring. We are with them, every one.


Chris

graduation interrupted...pom poms instead

I can't seem to LOCATE my graduation shots...so enjoy another of the scarves to arrive in the shop. Available in so many fun, bright cotton florals, with the current fave wrinkled texture. The best part, they are embellished along the edges with tiny, bouncy pom-poms ! You like ?

I love.

chris

endings & beginnings

We had a lovely High School Graduation this past week in our town. Great young adults speaking & performing with passion. Hundreds of family members and friends there to support and cheer on the group.Perfect weather. I know so many people that attend graduation every year here, whether they have a child or know someone in the class, just to hear the speeches and be inspired.

We have had three of our kids graduate from Lincoln Academy with one to go, and I know that when our last bird flies, I'll still walk up the hill to be inspired by these young people headed out to do EVERYTHING.

Pictures tomorrow. Hope you had a great weekend.

See you tomorrow with more beautiful scarves.

Chris

shoulder cloud scarves

That is what a little girl told me in the shop yesterday, " these blue scarves feel like a cloud on my shoulders ". Well, I think she was right, this series of 100 % cotton scarves are as light as a feather and soooo soft. The size is what cinches it, at 36"x 72" the possibilities are endless in terms of style. As a wrap around neck scarf they keep you covered but not over heated, a great light weight shawl accenting a Summer sun dress for a cool Maine afternoon or evening out. A breezy beach wrap, you can have it all with this scarf. Four predominant colors available, blues, pink, aqua and an earthy red. Everyone should have two.

Our 2009 Lincoln Academy Graduating class marched up Main St. last night, an annual tradition the night before graduation that makes me cry, the promise and excitement of the future. These young people can accomplish anything. Wonderful.

See you tomorrow after graduation !

Chris

Yo Yo, Adrien

These are not your Grandmother's bed covers. I couldn't resist these, I know they will not be for everyone, a little old fashioned maybe, but the tiny 3/4" yo yo's spilling over your shoulders with just enough give will be the perfect compliment to a simple comfortable blouse or soft summer tee. Comfort, that is the word. The application of an old craft visually must have been the draw for me. I have just a few and the colors shown above give you an idea of your choices, deep purples or more subtle green tones. No two are alike, so if I ship them, you'll have to trust me. Each scarf is approximately 68 inches and I think a true find at only $42.00 each.

Back to shop keeper duty, lots of new inventory coming in today, and a kiln to unload.

Have a great day and stop by for a chat if your in town.

Chris

Double the Fun

It has been too much fun ordering scarves for the shop. A little bit of an obsession, I think. Hard to stop, so many choices and wonderful companies. A scarf is a great accessory, year round. It is the perfect gift for a friend, or when you need a little gift for yourself. A reward for a job well done !

We are currently featuring shawls, pashmina's, tiny neck scarves, bulky, but very light cottons, silks and soft gauzes, and much more. A nice range of fabrics, weights and pricing. Starting at $16.00 for a pretty selection of Summer light weight cottons, you can't go wrong.

You need a scarf.

I am showing my current favorite. Seventy two inches of sassy summer stripes. These are available in three colors. Each scarf is two pieces, a wonderful selection in bright aqua, grey or deep sage stripe and a contrasting companion scarf. Wear them alone or together. Two scarves in one. The five inch width is a nice compliment to any casual summer outfit, and At $22.00, you may need more than one.

It is scarf week, stay tuned for more great styles.

Chris

what's wrong with this picture ?

I am grateful every day for several thing's. One I mention here often, the place I live and work. How lucky I am to start my day with a view of the beautiful Damariscotta River and lovely village. Another thing ( that I probably take for granted ) is my partners sense of humor. A funny guy. He has a great sense of humor, a quick wit.

See photo...Flowering Thyme.

Get it ?

Have a fun Sunday. It is bright and sunny here in town, and of course, the river looks beautiful and the River a sparkling gem.

Enjoy,
Chris

CHIRP !

Back at last ! Our favorite wallet is back in stock in 5 bright and cheery colors. This piece is fun and functional with multiple card slots, a long envelope for bills and a zippered coin section. These wallets are the perfect companion piece to the large vinyl totes, alone, a great gift at only $29.00.

It seems like the rain may let up today, what a trying week weather wise. The dismal weather does not help the end of school year fever, everyone is ready for summer to begin. I'm with the kids, bring on the beach day's !

Have a great weekend !

Chris

Damariscotta River Stones

It seems our glass Damariscotta River Stones have found a permanent place in our shop. It was such a fun series to work on and so gratifying to find how much people like them. The best part about this series is the process continues to be a fun studio project for both of us. The hand mixed glass is always different and really, until the kiln is unloaded, I never am quite sure or what I have. It has been a little over a month since we introduced this line and already we can't keep up. The element of time, 24 hours, the "stones" spend in the River extends the production period, but we believe makes this necklace worth the wait. It's real.

It will be nice when school is out and my lovely daughter is here to assist in the shop. We are really looking forward to summer two in our new shop space. So much has changed in the last 12 months, really, it seems as if we have been here much longer.

Here's to a fun and busy Summer !

Chris

so close, again

We are closer to a new format for SHOP TALK. My intention is to keep everyone updated on shop happening's via the shop journal, specifically because this can be done often, unlike web site updates. So, as I said we are closer, not quite there yet.

I recently read on a blog that I enjoy, something I took too personally, but agree is true and annoying. The author said she was wiping her links to all of the people who were too random with their post's. They were lazy and not worth the effort. Pretty harsh, wouldn't you say ?

Of course, she is right, I too find it annoying when I take five to catch up on news and the creative world w/ artist's I admire only to find it has been weeks since they have written. I do feel less than happy about not posting, but also feel strongly that blah blah randomness is everywhere on the internet and as tempting as it is to post beautiful pictures of nature ( like Main St. Damariscotta tulips ) and puppies, there is more than enough of that to go around. This is why my title is SHOP TALK. I want to keep our customers and readers current with new arrivals and creative studio bursts. I may still tag on a few inspirational pictures. I probably will.

But I am only one human w/ way too many job's. Maybe the Summer fairy will bring me a few extra hours a week so I can work on this issue. Also, a new server and tools will be helpful.

I guess this is an apology and a request wrapped into one. Sorry for not posting shop news and asking not to be wiped from your favorites.

I can tell you the shop is chock full of really fun summer hats for men and women, three new scarf companies w/ prices that will knock your socks off, new hair ornaments, four new bag companies, and fresh new Spring designs from our current bag designers. Several new glass earring styles from our studio and some pretty cool Damariscotta Glass River Stones and Pebble necklaces, also from our studio. You already know I am a pearl fanatic, so many fun new strands, on silk, of course. I love to mix and match silk colors and pearls, if you don't see what you are looking for, just ask us. We tend to get busy this time of year when it comes to special requests, but will always make an effort to work with you on an acceptable time frame.

Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to call us anytime w/ questions @ 207 563 1919 or requests on products. We are more than happy to send you quick photo's via email, and as always, no shipping charges when you order from our web site.

Have a great afternoon ! It's beautiful here in Damariscotta, but I won't post a picture.

Chris

Beauty on Main St.

The perfect welcoming entrance to our down town art center. Spring is here in full bloom, even on this cloudy morning taking in the beauty of these blossoms as I headed for work made for a sunny day.

I hope your day was full of blooms.

Chris

progress

Time to put away the paint brushes and tools until Fall. We had a long to-do list of shop display improvements and painting lined up for the Winter months, and now that Spring is peeking through the clouds and wind it's time to take stock of our renovations. I feel like we made tremendous progress in terms of utilizing our existing space while maintaining an open feeling as you wander through the shop. It was fun to tear things up and build new pieces with the wood, freshen old pieces up with lots of paint. Creative recycling !

Have a great weekend, get outside and have fun looking for Spring, little bits of green popping through.

Chris

River Homage

Our town sits on the edge of a river. A beautiful tidal river that provides so much to the people who live here and who visit throughout the year. During the summer months there are many boats in the harbor, moored here for pleasure, but there is also a large contingent of working vessels, throughout most of the year. Our family has enjoyed boating on the river for many years, and consider ourselves among the lucky group who have a mooring, and are able to enjoy a ride or row on the river without the chore of launching in and out each time. Our schedule is tight, especially during the summer season, so our time is usually limited to sunset jaunts after work. So pretty and relaxing at the end of a busy day to take a ride and take in the beauty all around us.

We have made some pieces of jewelry that contain stones from the river, but have never found anything that made us feel connected. Until now. Our new collection we have been working on pays homage to the river by recreating in glass, one of the simple treasures of the river. Our Damariscotta river stones are handmade with Italian glass, annealed in the kiln and then spend two cycles of ebb & flowing tides in the river. The "stones" are then retrieved, sleeved in sterling silver and put together on a sterling chain. Simple. Quiet jewelry. I love them and am so happy that each one is truly unique. Just like the river and the stones that lie beneath the waves.

Chris

NOT going to mention

The weather. If it was not for the oodles of garden supplies bursting from the local hardware shelves, I might begin to wonder about the season we are supposedly in.

The new scarves that arrived yesterday are a fun , not so serious collection. Lot's of color and pattern, most 100% cotton . Great for summer, terrific prices, too. Look for them on the site soon. I have photographed the silk beauties shown here. Supremely soft and delicate in design and to the touch, reminiscent of soft floral pastels.

That's all for today. I am alone in the shop today with a list a mile long. Who made that list, anyway ?? I think I may re-think dropping my afternoon cup o'joe...I love tea, I love tea, I love tea...

Have a good day,

Chris

Hat's off to Spring !

It's back ! Spring has arrived, I'm sure of it, what a beautiful day. A quick look at a two new caps for spring. Light weight cotton and linen, very stylish with nice detailing. I am partial to the black and grey w. the pretty floral applique' and contrasting visor. The button detail on the olive cap is just right. I just noticed the leaf detail on both. Pretty. I have the pleasure of unpacking a BIG box of light and airy silk scarves. So soft, lot's of volume and length.

I had a great morning in the studio, the kiln is full. I have been working w/ glass for a while, but it is still a thrill to come into the studio in the morning and open the kiln. You never know exactly what you might find. Fun.

See you tomorrow.

Chris

Springy shots

It certainly was not Spring-like today, we had everything from driving rain, thunder + lightening, snow and even hail. I keep reminding myself that all of this will actually help get rid of the dirty snow walls that are still hanging on. Our town has a certain magic about it when the sun is shining and the river sparkling. I do welcome rainy days, but we all need the sun after this fantastic Winter.

So, I decided to multi- shoot new product from the outside looking in, all perched perfectly on our new window installations. Ignore the fact that you can see Main St. reflected, and focus on the birdies ! I love these new suspended shelves, so much easier and fun to display multiple pieces at one time.

I am studio gal now for a week...a new jewelry series has been taking shape over the last several weeks, honoring the river we love so much and we are anxious to get pieces in process.

Great new scarves are coming this week, and I have two, count em' two, days this weekend w/ our web mistress. Very exciting !

Chris

new techniques

I should stop blog-promising shots of new items...we did web work Sat., but the shop was JUST busy enough to keep me away from the computer. Isn't that nice ? A valid and welcome excuse for not posting. Sunday found us on our knee's at the shop. Praying for customers....just kidding. We painted Spring in the front windows. It was Bernie's idea, and I was skeptical at first, but it was fun, and after I stopped criticizing my bird images, even more fun. The best part was the many Sunday walkers laughing and smiling, enjoying the show. At one point we had a mini snow squall and then the sun came back out.

Spring

What a welcome day ! It is so pretty here in Damariscotta today. I am almost done w/ my tedious paperwork. I have been breaking every half hour or so to sharpen my Ticonderoga's and take some pictures of new shop goodies. Tomorrow my web mistress is here and we will have fun pumping images into the site. Fun things for everyone to peruse after they come in from a long day of outside fun, the weather is supposed to be beautiful. Here's to breathing in the fresh Spring air and sunshine. Enjoy !

Chris

I know, I know

I can't believe how quickly a week has gone by and no shop up-date, sorry ! Time has picked up the pace as we approach Spring. The sun feels so good, so much stronger than even a few days ago. I have been been bogged down with paperwork for days, it's THAT time of year. Such a time & energy drain. Especially difficult for individuals who can't sit still for long periods of time. We know who we are. My partner has been able to steal a few moments here and there at the bench, so at least I can hear things happening in the studio, even if it isn't me making them happen. A little more organizing and I'll be out in the shop w/ the camera to report on the new goods that have been arriving. We have also been working on a new series that we are excited about, and hope to unveil in a few weeks.

See you tomorrow.

Really.

Chris

Local Color

Well, there really isn't any color today...more snowy rain and a gray sky, but yesterday was so beautiful, sunny, warm, and heading home while it is still light reminds me that we are very close to green. I mention local color because as I walked to the post yesterday I noticed that several shops that take a well deserved Winter break are getting ready to re-open soon. I know this not because of a sign in the door, but because their windows are decorated in beautiful Spring like colors and images. I love this time of year, the weather change boosts everyone's spirit. We all need a boost this Spring more than any other Spring in recent memory.

There is hope in the air, I feel it today and I hope you will too.

Have a great day.

Chris

Goin' Dottie !

I have never been a polka dot gal, but suddenly this Spring, I can't resist them. I love my job, almost every aspect of it is creative, some area's LOT'S more fun than others, That is why they call it work, as my Father would say. My second favorite place to be is a fabric shop. I prefer the smaller, independently owned shops, and in our immediate area we are very lucky to have two. Each shop has a different flavor and feel, tons of beautiful fabrics to choose from, every notion you could imagine and great classes, too. I speak of Alewives Fabrics @ alewivesgallery.com and Maine-Ly Sewing @ mainelysewing.com Both shops are located in Nobleboro, on either side of town. When I need a quick work break, I head out for a visual vacation in textiles.

Two perfectly polka dotted fedora's to choose from here, and lot's of other fun new styles to choose from at the shop. We are working steadily on the web site, and will have more hats available there this weekend. Enjoy one of the last day's of winter.

See you tomorrow.

Chris

I know I promised....

I did promise not to post any more snow shots, but I believe this one is pleasant, and Spring is so close, I thought I should share the image. We did receive fun hats late this afternoon, I will post a few tomorrow if the day goes as scheduled ( ! ).

Chris

Berries & Sweeps

green fashion function fashion

More recycled bags are making their way to the shop. The satchels are great, and the bags pictured here are equally as fun, but beyond the great colors and construction ( and price ) they are highly functional. Check these out !

More tomorrow,
chris

Satchels are back

So glad to report the recycled satchels are in for Spring. A great bag in any weather, but particularly handy on a rainy day, actually, I'm sure they will do well in snow, too. We seem to be unable to stop the stuff from coming this year. The very popular smaller red style is here as well as the much larger more utilitarian totes. My daughter the fish says these are the perfect swim gear bag. I'll post more shots tomorrow as new pieces continue to arrive. We are looking for several hat companies this week.

See you then,
Chris

Chirp, chirp

Keeping our web site current has always been a challenge for us, and almost everyone we know that has a multi-faceted business. Two people keeping up with daily shop duties, display ordering + receiving inventory, creating inventory, advertising, shipping, clerking, cleaning, the accounting, well, you get the picture. The list goes on and on and when you add web site to your day, which includes the photography and data entry, it seems impossible to maintain a fresh presence. I have tried many times to schedule this in, but the to-do list tends to shuffle and at the end of the day, the items on the list that float to the beginning of the next days list, web site work is the piece that didn't make the checked off catagory. So, yesterday, we harnessed the energy of our creative daughter and she dove in, taking shots of a fresh and fun new line of bags and bag accessories, working the data and transferring new items to our accessory offerings on the site. We chose to feature this line as it is new for Spring and so appealing visually. The design title is Chirp ! The happy little bird on the pieces sings of Spring, the pieces are 100% vinal and washable, the bright colors are irresistable, even the cream colored large bag, for the more timid fashion ladies include a spring green lining, just peeking from the inside, out (this bag morphs into 5 shapes...more on that later, check it out on the site ). The ph0to here features the small wallet (very cute, lite + only $ 24.00 ) is a perfect size for any bag, particularly handy for all of the new clutche styles out there this season.

Onto a fun day off, our big kids from Portland + their little kid, he's really OUR little kid are arriving for lunch and an impromptu birthday part for my Mom. So glad the newest snowfall is holding off another day. It is March, right ?

I'll try and hold off posting any more snowstorm pictures. See you later.

Chris

Men

We have been ignoring men for too long at the shop.The poor guys, not fair, they need equal shopping right's, goods with substance and style. Happily, the first component of the new MEN'S DEPARTMENT at Darling & De lisle has arrived. ( I love calling it a department, makes me feel like I am a big time player, like Macy's ) The centerpiece of the department will be this cool barber's chair, on loan from Bobby Whear of The Mill Pond Inn, located in Damariscotta Mills. Bobby and his partner Sherry run a beautiful B & B, and are terrific host's, known far and wide for their hospitality. Check them out @ millpondinn.com

So, with vintage red leather & porcelain inspiration, we are on our way to supplying the men in our area with interesting and functional pieces. Belt buckles, hats, scarves, cuff links, some very interesting rings and cuffs, with new ideas coming in all of the time Who knows where this may lead ?

I'll keep you posted.

Chris

Not Chris

Chris is making whining sounds about not blogging tonight so I guess it's up to me to save the day.
But I don't mind doing her job after working sooo hard all day and never complaining, nope you wont hear me even mention that I have to blog tonight. So what if Chris is just drinking tea and reading comfortably in bed while I slave over the computer doing HER blog but you don't hear me complaining. Ok here are some pictures of the storm Sun/Monday I'm sure everyone has similar pictures.

eye candy

Don't you wish that phrase was never coined ? I can't believe I used it....

To start your day off, I thought a shot of the beautiful Damariscotta River was in order. Driving in today, everything was covered with a freshly applied fluffy snow, against the background of a beautiful blue & cloudless sky. Didn't have my camera, so you may for fun and inspiration click on Camerascotta, presented to you by our local bookshop, specifically by Mr. Barnaby Porter mainecoastbookshop.com

Enjoy,
more later,
Chris

Shifting Islands 2

Well, after finally getting back to the journal on Wed., a snaffu...my post is floating in cyber heaven. I had cleverly written about the long and eventful life of a few book cases that were given to us 18 years ago by a family member. Knowing I can't repeat the clever banter of Wed. afternoon, I will tell you these 2 cases have had many lives and served multiple purposes and have been, last count, 6 colors. Last Fall Bernie added glass doors, so our jewelry would remain dust free and the latest change has been adding glass shelves to serve as the new home for our island series, which are made of glass. It works well, and having lit the cases last year, it's actually perfect. What a clever guy !

So, here are the book/jewelry case shots, before and after. I'll post more shop changes this weekend, and I am hoping by next week to be talking about our new studio jewelry lines, for men and women. Still in R & D for a few weeks, but I will try and post a few things here and there until as we move toward permanent line choices. Also, new accessories have been slowly arriving for Spring, I'll post those as well.

See you tomorrow,
Chris

shifting islands

wall work

A little tweaking to go ( and lots of new Spring inventory on the way ), but we are basically up and running with our new wall treatments. The changes are bright and clean and will offer so much more freedom for display. It feels like the space itself is breathing, simply by removing the free standing shelf units & creating a pleasant open atmosphere. I think of the new areas as blank canvas's, back round for new jewelry and fun fabric accessories. We just can't wait to be getting crazy in the studio again. Not that carpentry and painting are not creative, honestly, figuring out what and how to build the new pieces out of all of the old pieces was the best part. But, I am ready to move on.

Still to complete: new case for our glass island series and shelving for hair ornaments. To be installed tomorrow if the paint is dry, new free standing units that Bernie built to hold our large "cube" jewelry cases. Oh, and all of the canvas shelf liners. I think I may wait to tackle those when the weather turns a bit warmer. No fun varnishing floor cloth's with the heat on and doors and windows closed. It was 50 degrees and beautiful here all day, I took my time on my run's to the hardware store and glass shop. Really felt like Spring. I can't wait.

Time to head out.

See you tomorrow.

Chris

so close

Almost done with phase one of painting. I hesitate to take pictures of the new shelving until they have cured, much prettier to see full of stylish goods. The weather has been so cold these past two days, but the sunshine beautiful. So beautiful, in fact you can almost forget the frigid temps. Our loyal customers have braved the chilly weather to come in and peruse our Valentine special we are running on all of our beautiful handbags & pearl jewelry. I can see mental notes being taken for alternate flower and candy love tokens. So many to choose from, you can't go wrong !

One more coat of paint on my Grandmother's pretty vine shelves, which we have put to use and enjoyed in our last two shop spaces. Grandma Knapp displayed her pieces from her Hummel collection on them, above a pretty bamboo shelf. It's so nice to see them everyday.

Off to the market for dinner supplies, see you tomorrow.

Chris