Flora.... and Little Winter A Handmade Market

The "Survivor" :)

Relief print on hand-painted paper

18" x 24"

Our little pumpkin made it through Halloween unscathed and, therefore, able to cheerily see us through the Thanksgiving holiday!   (I can't believe the holidays are now just around the corner...time to take action! )

Today, I'm heading into downtown Portland to spend  some quality time at flora, a most lovely --and very artful--gift store and gallery.  Jenna Robertson's wonderfully graphic nest "collages," made from recycled sweaters and wool are featured there, and I was only able to take a quick look at them when I breezed through the store on Friday.  Among several other artists, my friend, Hadley Hutton, is also showing at flora, and if for some reason, you're not yet familiar with Hadley's work and you're not able to make it to this show, I highly recommend taking a peek at her various online venues.

 

flora's announcement

But the fun and enjoyment will not end at flora, because from there, I'll be heading around the corner to The Cleaners, the old laundry that's been remodeled and has become quite the pop-up store venue. Abby Powell Thompson, of Abby Try Again and Chelsea Fuss, of Frolic, have put together a stellar cast of local and distant artists and crafters for Little Winter A Handmade Market.  Many of them are Etsy sellers and I'm really looking forward to meeting them and seeing all of their goods. Then, it's off to Portland's own Art Media, to have some custom mats cut for a few little items I'm planning to add to my Etsy shop. 

And when I return??  Well.... there does happen to be one 36" x 36" painting that's got me a just a little bit stumped!! 

It's an absolutely gorgeous morning in Portland, after a night of torrential rain.  The sky is a brilliant blue with white and grey billowy clouds.  The light is variable, and the fall foliage is resplendent!!  Can't wait to head out!!

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for visiting!

Celebrating with Flora and Space Design Botanicals

I'm looking forward to attending the opening of Flora in their new, larger storefront in downtown Portland on Thursday night. Owned by Jewelie, a self-professed "herbalist and alchemist," this very current gem-of-a-store's offerings include cards, jewelry, tea, local art, home decor, botanical scents, personal accessories, soaps and candles, as well as lotions, balms and potions made in-house. Flora features the beautiful work of the prolific Portland artist, Flora S. Bowley (yes, the store name is merely a coincidence), and the jewelry of Bend, Oregon artist, Heather Beeson-Straw, of Nashelle Jewelry Designs. To add to this mix, the expanded Flora will house a separate store, Space Design Botanicals, on its mezzanine level. The latter is owned by my friend, Martie, who is "style" personified, and who has a long list of residential and commercial clients who avail themselves of her design services and her lovely, spare, floral arrangements. If you're in town, join in the celebration from 5-8pm at 917 SW Washington St.