Terasol Artisans will be hosting a holiday artisans show on Saturday, Dec 5th, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The show, which will feature the work of several talented local potters and woodworkers (as well as my handcrafted bath and body products), will be held in the Chevy Chase section of DC, at 3216 Patterson Street NW, Washington, DC 20015.

For more information, you can call Terasol owner Sabrina Ousmaal at (202) 237-5555 or visit www.terasolartisans.com.

Évènement: Salon d’artisans

Lieu: Café l’Innocent, RDL

Heure: 17h00 à 23h00

À travers l’ambiance décontractée du café l’Innocent, des artistes et artisans de la région vous invitent à découvrir leurs créations. Vous y trouverez certainement des idées pour les cadeaux des fêtes comme des bijoux, des jouets, de la poterie, du verre soufflé…

Pour plus d’info: fleuve.net

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I recently returned from a visit to San Diego where I spent Thanksgiving with my aunt and several cousins. Before I headed down south, I researched Farmers’ Markets in the area that we might be able to visit. I found an evening market in Ocean Beach that sounded pretty good so I proposed the idea of a visit the eve before Thanksgiving to the gang. “Sounds good” was the reply.  And, so it was that we headed out on the eve before Thanksgiving to explore the Ocean Beach Farmers\’ Market.

The first thing we saw as we approached the market was the llamas. If you’ve got little folks with you, who are under 75 lbs & 4 ft tall, they can take a llama ride. We didn’t have anyone who fit that description. But, there were some little folks who did and they were already taking a ride  so we spent a few minutes watching them before we headed out to explore the rest of the market. Like so many of the evening markets, this one has a festive atmosphere, like that of a street fair. There was a wonderful mix of things to see, to taste, to smell, to touch, and to hear.

There definitely was some incredible produce to choose from, we bought some green beans, baby carrots and baby chard. We also tasted humus from a vendor who had so many choices you could get full by just tasting. As we wandered along, I saw a sign for tamales, which I love. But, then I saw they also had something called a chili relleno taco. OK, even though we were going out to dinner, I said to myself, I have to try this. It was sooooooo yummy. I’m still thinking about that taco and hoping that I’ll get another chance to try one again.
We stopped several times to listen to various musicians and chat with vendors offering samples to taste. Half way down the block we marveled at the people gathered around the mini donut booth. We didn’t try any but from the length of the line they must be a favorite. My cousin ventured down a little side street lined with artisans with hand crafted items. She bought a beautiful hand crocheted hat that was her favorite color.

If you looking for a great way to spend an evening in San Diego check out the Ocean Beach Farmers’ Market. I know I’ll be headed back next trip down that way.

Art Glass in the Making

I noticed  the ad for Oulu Glass in Duluth’s Reader Weekly several times, intrigued by the pictures and more so by the fact that no one I know seemed to know anything about it.   My Dad was visiting from Chicago, always a good reason to act like a tourist and see some of the more interesting parts of life in the Northland. So we set out for Oulu, Wisconsin on Friday afternoon.

It’s a nice drive on US-2 from Duluth over to Brule, Wisconsin (pop. 627), where we had  a hearty lunch in a local bakery, bar, and restaurant.  The directions on the website took us 2 miles further east, then 5 miles north.  Were it not for the little handmade signs – “Oulu Glass: 3 miles” – I probably would have thought I was lost.

A last turn brought us in sight of – well, one of the most unusual buildings I have ever seen in my life. round, stone, with round windows and a roof that looks like the cap of a mushroom.  The entryway took us directly into the workshop, where the artisan and his helper were resting and preparing for the next round of glass blowing demonstrations.  The path into the studio and shop is, essentially, a spiral that occasionally opens out into rooms and display areas.  The walls on both sides are filled with glass objects of all sorts: goblets and glasses; bowls and vases in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors; perfume bottles ; hanging ornaments, jewelry, stained glass, even handmade marbles (with handmade glass stands to display them).  In the largest gallery at the top of the spiral were desktop lamps, oil lamps, hummingbird feeders, and a variety of larger objects.

Just about the time when we had seen most of the glass, the call went out: another demonstration was about to begin. Jim Vojacek and a helper were going to make a bowl.  Jim asked two women in the group that gathered to help him, but his instructions to them were so vague and incoherent that the conversation quickly became humorous.  “Do you think I should that one?” he would say. “Which one?” they would ask. “Oh, you think I should use the other one!”  At first, I wondered it this was bad stand-up comedy.  As Jim kept working with the glass – and making use of the glass shards and threads that his helpers provided, I realized that this schtick was a way of keeping people interested and involved while he carried out the many steps involved in creating this piece.  He added texture and color (with powdered, colored glass) which, after much swirling at high heat, spread through the glass in a really beautiful pattern.

Oulu glass bowl

When it seemed the piece, though small, must be almost done, he pulled on parts of it with some giant tweezers, snipped through the glass to create feel to flanges, and began to work from the other side.  Always keeping up the repartee with the two women – who were remarkably good sports – he would put the piece into the flames, pull it out to shape it or blow it a bit larger, or add more glass, working swiftly and confidently.  The doors were wide open – and the 45 degree breeze felt cool – but by the ovens, Jim was working in shirt sleeves.

All of a sudden, a few swirls of the rod to which the bowl was attached and the sides flared out in beautiful waves, with the feet now turning into an elegant base.  With a brief flourish, Jim said, “Looks like a bowl!” then detached it from the rod, wiped it a little, and placed it into a special container to cool more slowly.  All told, it probably took 30 minutes or more to make the bowl – but it was interesting to see the entire process.

Oulu Glass only has these demonstrations during November and December.  If you find yourself in the Northland, I can certainly recommend a visit.  Small children would probably get bored, but older children – and adults – would probably be as fascinated as I was.

Arts & Harvest Sleigh Rides Saturdays 8 am until noon …handmade toys, Kitchen Show, handmade jewelry, soaps, hats, scarves, artisan breads, pies, candies, split-oak firewood, apples, Christmas trees, Hot Pepper Jellies, Blue Ribbon Apple Butter, Dickey Farms Pickled Peaches, Greens, and much more for your happy handmade Farmers Market Christmas.

Take an arts and harvest sleigh ride with us!

This Eco-Friendly Doll furniture is lovely and would be a perfect addition to your special child’s nursery for Christmas.  Here is a sneak peek of what Elves are bringing to Bluebird Market this week and will have in Jolly St. Nick’s bag in the coming weeks.

This is another great opportunity to visit local artisans at their place:

The City Streets Christmas Artisan House Tour in which visitors tour North Bay homes, meet area artisans and sample their goods takes place on Saturday, November 28, 2009 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Seven houses are open and offerings range from pottery, paintings, jewelry, candles, textiles and knitted goods, photography, woodworking, stained glass, hand-woven baskets, soaps, preserves, cakes and puddings, floral designs, vrought iron works, folk art, dolls and other products.

The homes are:

- 443 Bell Street
- 871 Bourke Street
- 1465 Beechwood Road
- 766 Algonquin Avenue
- 5 Mapleview Place
- 285 Greenhill Avenue
- 36 Littledown Lane

What a great way to check this places out and may be find the right Christmas present for a loved-one

-
Rockview Camp Cottage Resort
André and Susanne
www.rockview.on.ca

We treasure the arts because of unspoken expressions of creative hometown people that draw us together in a collective artistic experience.

When I was trained to give children’s tours at the High, we were taught to invite the students to explore the stories behind the painting or art piece.   When you give handmade art, it comes with the story of the work and the artist, their peacefulness to create, and their expressions through the arts.  I invite you to look openly at the photographs, clay creations, woodworks, baby clothes, paintings… and discover the expressions from the artist in the piece.  

We are delighted and thrilled for our Middle Georgia self-taught folk artisans to be invited by the local Arts Council to display and sell their artwork in the TUAC Gift Shop Gallery over the Christmas season.

Part of our Heirloom Recipes Series, featuring foodies, artisans & fabulous folks willing to share their stories, recipes and photos in an effort to help preserve and share these family recipes for generations to come.

Amy Deaver is the owner & jam maker at Lemon Bird Handmade Jams. I found her delightfully packaged and beautifully designed jams online and instantly fell in love. I adore their simple design, beautiful photography and their dedication to using seasonal and local fruits. Here is what Amy had to say:

What recipe are you sharing with us?
I found this recipe in my Grandmother’s file, and I also scanned in the front of the recipe book.

What makes this recipe meaningful to you?
I was really surprised when I found this card in my Grandma’s collection of recipes.  The recipe is for a barbecued brisket and this has been our family meal on Christmas Day for as long as I can remember.  My Dad gets up early and gets the brisket ready to roast in the oven all day long.  While it cooks, we spend the entire day together as a family opening gifts and enjoying our time together.  In the late afternoon, we all sit down at the formal dining table for a meal of the brisket and cheese grits.  This is the one day out of the year when we eat this meal and everyone in the family loves it.  It’s a really special day and time for all of us to be together since we all live far apart.  On Christmas day we all cook together, eat together, and celebrate together.

What photos are you sharing with us?
To save my family (and self) the shots of us in our PJ’s all day on Christmas Day – I’ll instead include a photo of the Great Snow Storm of 2008.  We live in the mountains of Southern California and last year we received about 3 feet of snow in one week.  We were actually snowed away from home for a few days.  Here’s a photo of some of our beautiful snow coming down.

Special thanks to Amy. We hope you’ll check out their delightful line of handmade jams at lemonbirddesigns.com!

The Telephone Factory Art Show is happening on Sat/Sun Dec 5th & 6th.  Artists are hosted by the generous folks that  live in the lofts at the Telephone Factory, 828 Ralph McGill Boulevard, NE (intown, near the Carter Center).  Hours: Sat 11A-7P, Sun 1-6P.  This show is in it’s 14th year and it’s gonna be big FUN!  There will be 40+ artists in spaces on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd floors of this fantastic bldg. You will find me (along with notorious writer and teller of tales Hollis Gillespie and painter extrodinaire Lisa Shinault) we  are being hosted by the fabulous Grant Henry (aka Sister Louisa) in space # 106.  Sangria will be flowing freely.  Hope you can join us…

more info: www.thetelephonefactoryartshow.com

For an exquisite yet affordable luxury, handmade soaps by Crafter’s Cottage are an absolute delight. 

Find lucious lip balms, milk baths, handmade footies, eye pillows, hats and so much more by this talented and dedicated local artisan.  Welcome to Bluebird Market for our holiday season!

Khalifeh business hit hard as new highway curbs traffic along old costal road
By Dalila Mahdawi
Daily Star staff
Saturday, November 21, 2009

Glass at the Khalifeh shop in Sarafand

The potters and glass blowers have long gone, with mechanics and kebab vendors taking their place. Lebanon’s once thriving glass trade hasn’t completely died out, however. One family is determinedly keeping the ancient tradition alive, albeit with considerable difficulty.

The Khalifeh family has been blowing glass for about 40 years, selling their goods in a local shop or to wholesalers. In happier times, says shop manager Nisrine Khalifeh, her grandfather taught apprentices the painstaking trade and employed several dozen locals.

The family had a thriving business, helped along by exposure at international craft fairs and friendly tour guides who would bring generous-spending Beirutis to the shop.

Today, Nisrine’s father Hussein runs the business but the locals aren’t interested in working with glass. “No one likes to do it because it’s so hard,” Nisrine says with a sigh. “Many people have asked to learn but then they can’t handle the heat.” She points to her father, who at 55 years old looks more like 85.

His face has been leathered and shoulders hunched by years sweating it out in front of the oven, designing and shaping glass in 140 degree heat. The future of Lebanon’s glass-blowing heritage now rests in the hands of Hussein, Nisrine and seven other family members.

The dearth of trained glass blowers has been accompanied by decreasing sales at the Khalifeh’s shop in Sarafand. Despite the undeniable appeal of the shop’s colorful interior, with its rainbow of ornate standing candle holders, hanging decorations, water jugs and vases, hardly anyone ever visits.

When the southern coastal highway opened a few years ago, business at the Khalifeh shop, which is situated on the old coastal road, was hard hit.

Now, says Nisrine, the only people that come to the shop are foreign clients who might not have visited in a few years or soldiers from UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL looking for presents to take home. “When the autostrade was closed a few months ago and people had to travel on the coastal road, a lot of people came in and bought things,” she says. With only the most motivated clients bothering to make the journey, the Khalifeh family’s glass products are one of Lebanon’s best-kept secrets.

Ever-rising fuel costs are also taking a toll. Because of the exorbitant prices, the Khalifehs only turn on the ovens for big orders to highbrow boutiques in Beirut who then sell the glass products for double or triple the original price.

The oven costs $500 each day to run and takes 24 hours to reach 1,500 degrees, the temperature where glass finally turns to liquid. “Sometimes we stop for two or three months because there’s no work,” Nisrine says. When The Daily Star visited, the ovens had been off for some time.

The ovens themselves are also expensive to keep, as they can only be used twice before the intense heat turns the bricks to sand.

Apart from the high fuel consumption, the Khalifeh’s glass production is environmentally sound, using only recycled glass. Behind the shop, rusty bath tubs and old oil vats groan under the weight of shattered beer and wine bottles, mirrors and windows.

The road ahead looks discouraging for Lebanon’s last remaining glass blowers. Assistance from the government has not been forthcoming, though the Khalifeh’s say they don’t expect help. If mounting costs and falling demand finally force the family to close shop for good, Nisrine doesn’t know what her brothers will do: they left school when they were 12 to learn the trade. “My brothers only know glass-blowing. There’s no work for them except this.”

Here’s my booth set-up for the Artisans of the Okanagan Holiday Exhibition and Sale held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna, BC on November 13-15, 2009. For those who missed out, there was lots of great art and fantastic background live holiday music. Great weekend!

I have received another great idea to help promote the website. That is to send out press releases to the magazines where the products on the website would fit. I will have to research writing excellent press releases and locate magazines that I think would be appropriate for the products. Of course, I’ll have to start finding suppliers now. I would like to go to at least a few of the craft sales that should be coming up from now until Christmas. That would be a great place for me to start locating those artisans and craftsmen that may be interested in coming on board. Of course, I’ll have to have a bit more information as well as a well written business plan before I can really approach anyone with the idea. I also have to decide if I want just artisans and craftsmen, or if I want to expand, as mentioned before, to local businesses. I believe that would be an excellent way to encourage growth in this area, be it the North Fork only or if it includes the tri-county area of Montrose, Delta and Mesa counties. And as the other website uses a specific logo to help promote their businesses, we could do the same. There are a lot of excellent ideas out there. I am continually searching for ways to make this all worth while, and I know I’m on the right track.

I imagine there will be a few instrument related posts here. Let’s start with a classic though, the making of a violin.

NOVICA offers incredible, unique finds from artists and artisans around the world. As one of their missions, NOVICA states that they wish to provide a global platform for artisans in developing countries to express their artistic talents and spur their creativity. In return, consumers are offered unique and hard-to-find items at great prices.

NOVICA features thousands of products, ranging from area rugs, mirrors, tablewear, jewelry, handbags, paintings, and carved chess sets. I have spent hours just browsing through all the merchandise, which doesn’t feel like wasted time at all. Instead, it feels like I’m browsing through art in a museum or gallery! Some of my favourite finds include a necklace made from rice that’s been covered in 24-carat gold, beads made from compacted recycled paper, hand blown juice glasses in gorgeous colours, and hand-painted jewelry boxes. One-of-a-kind finds! And perfect for the holiday season.

NOVICA is a National Geographic endeavour and is approved by Green America.

***
images from NOVICA.

Le site de la Mairie annonce que Monsieur Thierry Cosmo, commerçant au marché de Bois-Colombes, a reçu le prix des meilleures tripes d’Ile-de-France.

Je ne sais pas ce qui me met en joie dans cette nouvelle.

De constater le savoir-faire des artisans bois-colombiens ?
De savoir que les tripiers des communes avoisinantes ne valent pas tripette face à notre tripier à nous de notre marché ?
D’apprendre qu’il y a une Fédération de la boucherie-charcuterie d’Ile-de-France qui organise un concours des meilleures tripes ?
De constater qu’il y a encore des gens qui mangent des tripes ?

J’en profite pour féliciter Cédric Niel de notre belle cité qui a explosé la concurrence en décrochant un premier prix d’artisan-boulanger des Hauts-de-Seine (meilleure baguette, meilleur croissant, meilleur pain de campagne).

Allez, tous en chœur, y’a pas de raison qu’il n’y en ait que pour les sportifs : “On est les champions, on est les champions ….”

Mise à jour : Il suffit que je publie ce post pour que je tombe sur ce site : www.produitstripiers.com . Décidément, “les produits laitiers tripiers sont nos amis pour la vie” .

Broken Roses Mosaics will bring stunning mosaics and stained glass works to the Sleighbell Arts Market.  These exquisite works of art are created by a talented local stained glass artisan.  We are fortunate to have these lovely pieces at the Sleighbell Arts Market on December 5th from 8 am until noon, 215 Barnesville Street, Thomaston.

Earlier this year when I launched the ethniciti blog, I noted that during my over 30-year-long career devoted to understanding consumer needs and designing environments to make their lives easier and more fulfilling, not once have I been called upon to create a design or merchandise strategy directed to the modern African-American consumer.

I started my business, ethniciti, to fill the unmet needs of African-American consumers and enable them to acquire quality home fashion goods that truly reflect their lifestyle, culture, knowledge, and sense of fashion.

ethniciti offers a new way of thinking, a feeling of organized ecleccticism.  Our exciting, African-inspired collections embody a new vision of the African-American style – how African-Americans see themselves and how they want others to see them

Now I am pleased to announce the launch of the ethniciti online catalog.  Take a look at the collections which we have carefully drawn from throughout the Diaspora, featuring works of Pan-African artisans and their representatives.

Bill Sands

VIRGINIA STORE LOCATIONS

Ten Thousand Villages features products from more than 130 artisan groups in an about 38 countries. This fair trade network contains more than 150 retail outlets in the United States that sell Ten Thousand Villages products. Seven stores are located in Virginia. Below are the locations, hours of operation, and upcoming events for our retail outlets located in Alexandria, Dayton, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Richmond and Staunton.

Alexandria

Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria

 Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria  is a fair trade retailer of hand crafted home decorations, personal accessories and gift items produced from artisans around the world. Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria is Northern Virginia’s oldest Fair Trade retailer, since 1994. Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria is on Facebook

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Saturday 11-7

Sunday 12-6.

Events:

Dec. 03 Shopping Night

Dec. 05 Shopping Night

Dec. 06 International Craft Fair

Dec. 12 Shopping Night

Dec. 13 International Craft Fair

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Dayton

Dayton's Rug Gallery

 The Dayton Farmers Market for Ten Thousand Villages is one of two retailers in the US to sell Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rugs. There are six rug stores. The other four are located in Canada.

Hours of Operation:

Thursday - Saturday 8-6

Events:

Nov. 17 Holiday hours begin

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Bag Sale

 Fredericksburg

Transportation Ten Thousand Villages in Fredericksburg is available for UMW students during the academic year. Ten Thousand Villages in Fredericksburg is on Facebook.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday 10-7

Saturday 10-9

Sunday 12-5

Events:

Nov. 14 Holiday Bag Sale

Nov. 15 America Recycles Day Celebration

Dec. 02 “More with Less” Origami

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 Newport News

Ten Thousand Villages sell Equal Exchange fairly traded products

Ten Thousand Villages in Newport News carries fairly traded products from Putumayo (music) and Equal Exchange (coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa)

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Saturday 10-9

Sunday 12-6

Events: 

Nov. 14 Holiday Bag Sale

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Richmond 

Recyled & handcrafted gift

Ten Thousand Villages in Carytown was awarded Best Eco-Friendly Home Accessories by Richmond Magazine’s reader survey. The Richmond store is walking distance from Virginia Commonwealth University and has jewelry, gifts, and home decore all throughout the shop. Ten Thousand Villages in Richmond is on Facebook

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday 10-6

Friday & Saturday 10-7

Sunday 12-5

Events:

Nov. 19 Volunteer Shopping Night

Nov. 25 Happy Thanksgiving!

Dec. 03 Presentation

Dec. 02 Presentation

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 Harrisonburg

TTV sells Equal Exchange goods, including chocolate

 Artisans’ Hope in Harrisonburg sells handicrafts and food items from countries across the globe. They purchase from many fair trade retailers, including Ten Thousand Villages.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Wednesday 10-6

Thursday & Friday 10-7

Saturday 10-4

Events:

No events have been posted.

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Staunton

TTV tapestry

East to West gifts, located in Staunton, opened up in 2008. The store sells handmade home decor, personal accessorie and gift items. 

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Saturday 10-5

Events:

Dec. 03 Community Shopping Night

Just in time for the holidays, a new addition to the ArtFare family – Tami’s Treasure House.  If you’re looking for Christmas ornaments, decorations for your home, an office gift for exchange or a personal piece of downtown art for yourself, visit Tami’s Treasure House, only a few steps from Burger City.  Many items are handcrafted by Tucson artists, and you will find gently used collectibles and new merchandise in especially for the holidays.  Go down to the block and meet Tami.

Dept 56 Christmas Village Collectibles