Wow! Was it a HOT one! The Spring/Summer show season has wrapped up. I don’t know if it was just my age, but it was so hot in the tent this year. Almost as hot as the amazing artwork I was privileged to be around. So far, I was in seven shows this year. From Ohio to Pennsylvania, and north to New York, I had a blast meeting new friends and seeing friends from previous years. I’m so very thankful for those of you who came to support me and for new clients too! Encouraging you with jewelry that celebrates the gifts of God is the reason I’m here. Even though it was hot and sweaty, along with the rain and thunderstorms, I’m already looking ahead to next year.
It’s also very inspiring to meet so many talented artists and craftsmen. From modern scrimshaw to treenware, work at the shows was amazing. Here are some of the stand-outs:
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Hyper-realistic Painting by Mike Schiavone Mike lives, paints, and works in the North Side of Pittsburgh. His hyper-realistic work is inspired by the transformative nature of light's interaction with glass and other common, everyday objects, encouraging the viewer to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. I’m amazed at the way he captures glass in his painting. I spent a lot of time unashamedly gawking at his work and brought the "Precarious" print home with me. You can purchase his work here: Michael P. Schiavone. Click here to find him on Instagram! |
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Riverwood Trading Co. - Treenwear I had never heard the term treenwear before meeting Desiree from Riverwood Trading Co. She and her partner Jake work with his father Gregg to create beautifully constructed primitive tools from fallen trees found on their property. “Treenware"comes from the word treen, the plural of tree. I use one of their teaspoon/tablespoons every day to make my coffee. It’s a joy to use. Their work is thoughtful and feels like it becomes an extension of yourself when used. Some of their kitchen utensils even come in right or left-handed versions. Purchase their utensils at Riverwood Trading Co. and follow them on Instagram at @riverwoodtradingco. |
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Fallen Aspen Farm - The Lard Bar Desiree also makes Fallen Aspen Farm’s Lard Bar soap and Luxe Lard Balms. She and Jake started the farm in 2012 and began raising livestock with the intention of changing the system from within through thoughtful management, humane and respectful handling and consumer education. She sees to it that every animal is well cared for, healthy and content. All of her skincare products are made by hand with lard from pigs raised on the farm. I’ve been using the Lard Bar soap for a few months, and my skin has never been better! The Clove Sweet Orange is my favorite. Purchase her skincare at Fallen Aspen Farm and follow them on Instagram @fallenaspenfarm. |
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Valerie Holliday - Handcrafted Crepe Paper Flowers Valerie creates handmade flowers that are amazingly realistic. A snap decision led her to make hundreds of flowers for her daughter's wedding. In the process she learned that, not only did she love making them, but crepe paper blooms make people happy. Valerie decided to keep creating flowers and honing her skills as an artist. Visit Floralsmith Studio to view her portfolio and contact her for a commission or classes. You’ll be amazed at what she can do with such humble materials. Follow Valerie on Instagram here. |
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Megan W. Walker - Fine Art Photographer If you love stunning photography, Megan’s work is for you! She is a fine art landscape, nature and astrophotographer who loves travel and exploring new places. Megan has had a passion for photography ever since she was given her first point-and-shoot camera in middle school. She does extensive planning, travel, and hiking to capture the most beautiful places on earth…along with some whimsey. (Giant yellow duck anyone?) All the planning and meticulous timing of shots pays off in her amazing prints. Purchase her work at MW Walker Photography. You can follow her on Instagram at @mwwalkerphoto. |
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J.Charles.W - Wood Turner I fell in love with the soft, organic forms Charles coaxes out of the wood he uses in his work. It’s in stark contrast to the analysis, categorizing, and structuring of his profession and education. He likes to say that he turns wood to quiet the mind. It shows in the peaceful and sometimes raw bowls and vases. His work embodies a sense of patient oneness with the material while allowing the wood to be what it is. Many of his pieces have live edges or bear the markings of use in another life. Visit J.Charles.W Woodworking to purchase his work. Follow him on Instagram too! |
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Tree of Life Artworks - Scrimshaw Kim and Katherine McClelland are the husband/wife/artists/owners of Tree of Life Artworks, creating original scrimshaw since 1976. They work with organic materials such as shed antlers and fossil ivories dating back thousands of years, plus sculptural-casting resins. No endangered animals visit their art studio. Their work is so inspiring! I have one of their Tree of Life pieces with life-giving words woven into the branches. In addition to art their scrimshaw is also featured in jewelry and ornaments. You can purchase their work at Tree of Life Artworks. |
It was a pleasure to share spaces with these talented artisans and so many more! I really appreciate the promoters too…it’s such a huge amount of work to produce a juried show.
I always feel so honored to have my jewelry be part of someone’s life. My goal is that my work should help you remember, reconnect and rejoice in the gifts of God. Things like His love, peace, and joy. These intangible gifts are the things that keep us going and enrich our lives. And I’m here for it!
As for my clients, overall, the Greater Love Collection was most popular. The designs include sterling silver and bronze branches, bloodstone, red cubic zirconia, and moonstone. It was created to remind us of the gift of God’s passionate and sacrificial love. Jewelry from this collection is a reminder for you of the love God has demonstrated and an open door to share the love with others. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend." John 15:13 The most popular pieces from the collection were the Branch Heart Necklace and Woodgrain Hoops.
Clients also chose several one-of-a-kind pieces from the Flowers of the Field Collection. This collection tells the story of the Holy Spirit guiding God's people on the Exodus. Today, the Christian has the same guide through life. Whether it's for a graduate or someone starting any new season, jewelry from the Journey collection helps us to remember, reconnect and rejoice in God's perfect guidance and amazing blessings that are ahead.
I have two shows left this year: Winterfair! in Columbus, OH and Capital Arts in Chantilly, VA. I’d love to see you if you can come! I’m looking ahead to next year too. I’ve started submitting my applications for next year and can’t wait to see old and new friends! In the meantime, we can get to know each other online!
Do you attend art shows? Drop your favorites in the comments and maybe I’ll see you there!
Blessings!
P.S.
My 2025 Annual Thank You Sale is on Thursday, November 20 for VIPs only. This is my biggest sale of the year. Join at the bottom of this page!