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