March News

• Great News! The Gifted Hand Artisan Shop will be open for an extended run through March. I originally popped up the shop just for February, but I had an opportunity to continue on in the space for another month, so...The shop will be open until March 30th. Our fabulous downstairs BEAD SHOP will be open through March as well. All this located at Gallery Grand, 169 Main Street, Downtown Ellsworth.

• I'm currently also making preparations for our 3rd Annual SPRING BEAD & JEWELRY SHOW, which will take place on April 8 & 9 @ the Ellsworth Ramada . I've ordered new beads for this event, and I'm putting them out at the downstairs BEAD SHOP at Gallery Grand as they arrive, so stop in for a "first look and grab." Arriving March 1st -3rd: real freshwater pearls in lots of shapes and colors (and my usual excellent prices!), unique freshwater cluster pearl beads (very limited supply!), gorgeous vintage-style Czech glass buttons, delicate silver plate filagree beads and so much more.

• If you visit the Spring Bead & Jewelry Show on April 8 & 9, you'll find lots of Maine artisan created beads in lampworked glass, polymer clay and and dichronic glass, as well as a large selection of Czech glass, gemstones, porcelain beads, seed beads, and the most beautiful array of artisan created beaded jewelry in the area. It's truly a treat to visit this fun event. This year the Spring Show will be happening at the Ramada Inn (in the Schoodic Room - off the lobby) 215 High St., Ellsworth. There will be about 25 vendors - a real "kid in a candy store" selection. We have some new vendors this year. I hope you can join us. If not, stop by the BEAD SHOP for a small taste of what you'll see at the show, and upstairs at The Gifted Hand Shop we have incredible jewelry by Maine artisans.

• I'll also be offering my Art + Craft Marketing Basics Class thru Ellsworth Adult Education. The class will meet on Wednesday 6-8pm for 4 weeks, starting March 9th (ending March 30th). This is a really useful series of presentations and discussions to help artisans, artists and craftspeople in marketing their work. Topics include: working with digital images, photographing your work, writing press releases, direct mail campaigns (postcards, mailing lists and graphic design options) and working with The Press. To sign up for this class contact RSU#24 (Ellsworth) Adult Ed at 422.4794. The class costs $45 for all 4 weeks and will meet at Ellsworth High School.

Studio Clean-out Sale Coming Up!

Join us for our 4th Annual studio clean-out sale of fine crafts by local artisans at deep discounts (up to 75% off).

We have an awesome NEW LOCATION: Gallery Grand, 169 Main Street, Downtown Ellsworth (between The Grand Theatre and Sugar & Spice Bakeshop).
Days and Times:
Friday February 4th, 3-8pm.
Saturday February 5th, 10am-4pm.
Featuring Work by Linden O'Ryan, Christina Heiniger, Heather Murray, Beverly Lamoureux, Jennifer Miller and Jodi Clayton.
Snowdate: Sunday February 6th, noon-5pm & Monday February 7th, 11am-5pm (same location). Please call Christina Heiniger at 664-2404 for more information.

My shadowboxes, like the one above, will be 50% off. Also great discounts on my cards, puppets and paintings.

Open House Events This Weekend

Fern House Studio is involved in two open house events this weekend.

Jodi Clayton is having an open studio at One Lupine Fiber Studio at 170 Park Street in Bangor. The open studio will happen on December 3rd and 4th (Friday and Saturday). Visit her website to learn more about her shop and studio. She will be exhibiting and selling work by twelve artisans at this fun annual event.

I will be holding an Arts in the Afternoon Open House at my new Holiday Shop in Downtown Ellsworth. The Gifted Hand Holiday Artisan Shop is located at Gallery Grand on 169 Main Street in Ellsworth. Join us on Saturday December 4th from 1-4pm for the open house. Refreshments will be served and everyone who attends will receive a free pack of Holiday cards. The shop features work by 20 Maine artisans.

Bead Show and a New Picture

Just a quick reminder to visit the wonderful bead show next weekend at The Maine Grind in Ellsworth, Maine.

April 16th + 17th, 2010: Beads + Baubles Downeast, 2nd Annual Spring Bead + Jewelry Show.
The focus is on beads and lovely beaded jewelry at this spring bead show. Featuring over 20 vendors including bead stores, lampwork glass artisans, jewelers working in the beading medium and individuals selling beads and buttons. Among the beads available for purchase will be vintage beads, artisan beads, Czech glass, Swarvoski crystal, pearls, felt beads, porcelain beads, gemstones, seed beads, findings and much much more. I will be on hand selling beads from my stash as well as buttons and findings. At the Maine Grind building, upstairs (second floor) 192 Main Street, Downtown Ellsworth, Maine. Friday April 16th noon-6pm and Saturday April 17th 10am-4pm.

I also finished another piece for the Creature Feature III show in Ellsworth at The Grand Theatre. The show will go up May 1st and we're having a special sale May 21st, 3-7pm. More info to come at this blog or visit the Gifted Hand Site. The piece above is called City Bird and is inspired by graphics from the '60's and '70's.