Gifted Hand Show Receives MAC Grant

I'm pleased to announce that the Gifted Hand Show has received an Arts Visibility Grant from the Maine Arts Commission. The grant will be used for a special invite program for Maine gallery owners, members of Maine State Government, arts patrons and collectors, members of the media, and Maine museum directors. The goal is to benefit Show Artisans by connecting them with new outlets for their work. We also seek to spread information about the creative economy to those in leadership positions in State Government. It is an honor to receive this grant, which was sought after by applicants throughout the State. It is a testament to the quality of the Gifted Hand Show and the Artisans involved to win this grant. The Maine Arts Commission is a State agency that seeks to encourage public interest and participation in the cultural heritage programs of our State. The agency also strives to expand the state's cultural resources, as well as encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression for the well being of the arts. The Gifted Hand Show is an annual fine art, craft and gift show taking place in Ellsworth. Now in its seventh year, the show features works by sixty five juried Maine Artisans. Including pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, glass, wood, and paintings, the show has become a Holiday shopping tradition in the area. This year's show will take place at the Ellsworth Ramada on November 9 and 10. Cleonice Bistro will also be at the show selling meals and snacks. For more information visit www.giftedhandshow.com or email show organizer Christina Heiniger at fernhousestudio@roadrunner.com

Fall Bead, Jewelry and Fiber Show Coming Soon

Beads, Baubles & Fleece Downeast: Fall Bead, Jewelry & Fiber show 4th Annual Show, happening Autumn Gold weekend in Ellsworth. Friday September 28, noon-7pm Saturday September 29, 9am-4pm Ramada Inn (Schoodic room, off lobby) 215 High Street, Ellsworth, Maine Doorprize of over $150 of beads and goodies. $1 Admission Adults, children 12 and under free. 25 Vendors will be participating in the show, including Bead Shops, area jewelers and fiber artists. Something for everyone: Featuring both supplies and finished work. BEADS: Czech glass, gemstones, vintage, porcelain, crystal, pearls, lampwork, findings, and more. JEWELRY: Handcrafted by talented artisans. FIBER SUPPLIES: Handspun and hand dyed Yarn, Roving, Buttons, felt beads and more. FINISHED FIBER ART: Knit, woven and felted clothing, accessories and more. FMI: www.giftedhandshow.com/events.htm or call Christina at 664-2404 Beads, Baubles and Fleece Downeast is part of Ellsworth’s Autumn Gold weekend of family events and fall sales. For more information about Autumn Gold visit www.ellsworthchamber.org Throughout the weekend many businesses will be offering specials and Autumn Gold Savings, the Grand Theater will be featuring the World’s Only Global Film Festival, Home Depot will host the 29th Autumn Gold Car Show, and the Downeast YMCA will present a 5 and 10k road race, among the many activities.

Spring Bead & Jewelry Show Coming Up

The 4th Annual
Beads & Baubles Downeast
Spring Bead & Jewelry Show



Friday May 4, Noon – 7 pm
Saturday May 5, 9 am – 4 pm
At The Ramada Inn (Schoodic Room – off Lobby)
215 High Street, Ellsworth, Maine

$1.00 Admission for Adults
Children 12 & Under FREE
Door Prize of over $100 worth of beads!
Sweet treats and coffee available at the show from Yummy Perfection

The Show features the largest selection of beads and handmade jewelry in the area.

Beautiful and unique
Mother’s Day gifts!

These exceptional artisans and bead shops will be selling their wares at the show:
Priscilla Wentworth (polymer clay beads & jewelry), Margaret Hagopian-Slack (beads & handcrafted jewelry), Kathleen Henderson (Lampwork glass beads), Butterfly Beads (Bead Shop), Sharon Broom (hand crafted jewelry in fine silver with gems),
Sihaya Hopkins (Lampwork glass beads, buttons & jewelry), Jennifer Miller (Beads), Janelle Delicata (handcrafted jewelry in gold & silver), Jenny King (Beads and beaded jewelry), Leslie Jones (Beads and beaded jewelry), Downeast Sticks ‘n Stones (Bead Shop), Eyrlynne Kitagawa (handmade beads & jewelry), Christina Heiniger (Beads – specializing in pearls & porcelain beads), Mira Coleman (Fair Trade beads, buttons & handmade jewelry), Jackie Haines (gemstone, glass & seed beads and hand crafted jewelry), Emily Delfin (handcrafted jewelry in silver & gold wire, and Swarovski Crystal), Tina Beachy (Lampwork beads and jewelry), Beads from Ginger Manna’s collection, and Veronica Espinoza of Yummy Perfections (Coffee, delish cupcakes & cookies, plus other treats).

This show and sale of Beads, Beading Supplies and artisan created jewelry includes:
Pearls, gemstones, lampwork glass beads & buttons, vintage beads & buttons, seed beads, Czech glass, findings, porcelain beads, Fair Trade beads, Swarovski Crystal, felt beads, handmade polymer clay beads, and so much more!

Beads, Baubles & Fleece Downeast

Beads, Baubles & Fleece Downeast:Fall Bead, Jewelry & Fiber show
3rd Annual Show. Newly Expanded!
Friday October 14, noon-7pm
Saturday October 15, 9am-4pm
Ramada Inn (Tennis Court area)
215 High Street, Ellsworth, Maine

Doorprize of over $150 of beads and goodies.
$2 Admission Adults, children 12 and under free. Admission will be donated to The Ginger Manna Scholarship Fund, in loving memory of the show's co-founder, Ginger Manna, who passed away on June 21, 2011.

45+ Vendors will be participating at the show, including Bead Shops, area jewelers and fiber artists.
Something for everyone:
Featuring both supplies and finished work.
BEADS: Czech glass, gemstones, vintage, porcelain, crystal, pearls, lampwork, findings, and more.
JEWELRY: Handcrafted by talented artisans.
NEW! FIBER SUPPLIES: Handspun and hand dyed Yarn, Roving, Buttons and more.
NEW! FINISHED FIBER ART: Knit, woven and felted clothing, accessories and more.

Snacks + light meals available at the show from Cleonice Bistro.
FMI: www.giftedhandshow.com/events.htm or call Christina at 664-2404

Bring your ticket from the Beads, Baubles & Fleece Show to The Grand Box office on October 14th or 15th, and receive $2 off admission to see the movie Handmade Nation, playing at The Grand Theatre in Ellsworth Fri. Oct. 14 at 7:30pm and Sat. Oct. 15 at 7:00pm

July Gifted Hand Shop is Opening For Biz

I will be opening a Gifted Hand Pop-Up Shop for the month of July in downtown Ellsworth. This fabulous shop will feature work by 20 Maine artisans. We'll have something for everyone, and it's a great shopping destination for your summer guests. We'll also feature a bead shop downstairs. The shop is located at Gallery Grand, 169 Main Street, downtown Ellsworth (between the Sugar 'n Spice Bake Shop and The Grand Theater). We are open six days a week: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday by appointment. Shop phone number is: 460-1243. (the earrings above are by Emily Delfin.)

You can find work by the following talented artisans at the shop:

Barbara Fleming (Silverdust) • Beaded Jewelry
Jodi Clayton (One Lupine Fiber Arts) • Felted Accessories and Clothing
Jim Crampton (JHC Wood & Glass) • Woodwork
Emily Delfin (Reflections Jewelry) • Jewelry
Kendra Haskell (Whimsy) • Adult & Children's Clothing
Christina Heiniger (Fern House Studio) • Fine Art, Puppets and Cards
Sihaya Hopkins (Blossom Studio) • Lampwork Glass Jewelry
Leslie Jones (Tangled Web Designs) • Beaded Jewelry
Jenny King • Jewelry and Beads
Christine Leith (Eggemoggin Textile Studio) • Handwovens and Shibori Dyed Scarves
Kaitlyn Metcalf (Moss Keep Studio) • Acrylic Paintings on Maps
Jennifer Miller (Undercover Concepts) • Quilts, Doll Clothes and Other Sewn Goods
Linden O'Ryan (Linden O'Ryan Studio) • Watercolors and Lampshades
Lindsay Pinchbeck (Pinch Me Cards) • Handmade Cards & Upcycled Kids T-shirts
Rebekah Raye • Fine Art Cards and Prints
Jane Story (Good Impressions Pottery) • Pottery
Betsy Thompson (Betsy Thompson Studio) • Fine Art: Mixed Media Collage
Anna Woolf (Wild Card Pottery) • Pottery
Kirsten Hardy (Anabelfuzz) • Children's clothing and other sewn goods
Ken Carpenter (Maine Hooked Rugs) • Hand-hooked Rugs, Housewares & Furnishings

New Logo for The Fall Bead, Jewelry & Fiber Show

I'm choosing a logo for our exciting expanded Bead, Jewelry & Fiber show in Ellsworth on October 14 and 15. Help me choose by leaving a comment about which logo you prefer, and you may win a 4pack of Fern House Studio cards. One person who posts their opinion will be randomly chosen as the winner, so please leave your feedback. We'll call the first one the ball of yarn and beads and we'll call the second one the rectangular logo. Thanks for your help.

Spring Bead and Jewelry Show

There’s no two ways about it: beads are hot! Beading and jewelry making have exploded in recent years as both a hobby and vocation. Keeping on trend, Ellsworth has it’s own Spring bead & jewelry event. The Third Annual Beads & Baubles Downeast Bead & Jewelry Show is taking place at The Ramada Inn on April 8 + 9 this year. The show will feature about 25 vendors showing and selling beads, gems, buttons & beading supplies as well as lovely finished jewelry by local artisans. The most popular types of beads will be well represented: Czech glass, freshwater pearls, Swarovski Crystal, lampwork glass, and gemstone beads.

There will be a large selection of locally created lampwork glass by Sihaya Hopkins of Brooklin, Ray Cooper of Blue Hill, Beverly Lamoureux of Franklin, Kathleen Henderson of Penobscot, and Debrae Bishop of Sargentville. Lampwork glass is a traditional form of glasswork with roots in Murano, Italy. Beads are formed from colorful glass rods that are melted over the open flame of a torch into beads and buttons with sparkling color and texture. Lampwork beads can also be formed into shapes such as animals, and there will be many fine examples of lampwork glass beads in all shapes and colors at the show.

The Bead Show will also feature artisan created polymer clay beads and buttons, created using a millefiori caning technique. The variously colored polymer clay is mixed to create various patterns and sliced to show the cross section of the design. Both Priscilla Wentworth of Searsport and Suzanne Anderson of Yikes! Studio in Lucerne will offer their polymer clay beads, buttons, and jewelry at the show.

Several bead shops will be on hand to offer advice as well as offer a large selection of new and vintage beads and buttons. Bennett’s Gems of Belfast will display an impressive selection of gems and gemstone beads. The Beaded Moose of Bangor, which specializes in Czech glass, will bring a selection of beads for sale. Downeast Sticks 'n Stones of Brewer and Butterfly Beads of Old Town will also be on hand with a large selection of beads from their shops.

For those who prefer to purchase finished jewelry, several local artisans will be on hand with their beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings and stash beads. Emily Delfin of Holden specializes in pieces created with Swarovski Crystal and gemstone, while Lisa Salsbury of Ellsworth works in precious metal clay (PMC) and a variety of beading techniques. Janelle Delicata of Prospect works in PMC as well. Diane Allen of Blue Hill has won National awards for her intricately beaded pearl and crystal jewelry. Leslie Jones of Tangled Web Designs in Southwest Harbor will display her beaded jewelry featuring cabochons.

This year folks attending the show can also purchase snacks and light meals right at the show. Sassafrass Catering of Bar Harbor will be onsite selling sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, and more to fortify shoppers.

Also at the show: artisan created dichroic glass by Nancy Tang of Glass Orchids, porcelain beads, felt beads, focal beads and pendants and findings. This will be the largest selection of beads and buttons available in the area until the Fall Bead Show returns in October. This will be a fun event and I hope you all can join us.

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.

2010 Gifted Hand Show this weekend

Please join us for the 2010 Gifted Hand Show this weekend, Nov. 12 & 13. Friday Show hours are 11am -7pm and Saturday hours are 9am-4pm. The Show is held at the Ramada Inn on 215 High Street in Ellsworth. The Show features 60 artisans and Cleonice Bistro will offer light meals for sale. More info at the Show website: www.giftedhandshow.com

Beads and Baubles Downeast Fall Bead and Jewelry Show.

Hi Everyone,

The Fall Bead & Jewelry Show is coming up in two weeks. It will be held on October 22 and 23 in Ellsworth (Maine) at the Ramada Inn on High Street. You can enter at the lobby entrance and the Bead Show will be in the Schoodic Room to your right. Hope you can all make it.

Picnic Arts and Music Festival

The Picnic Arts and Music Festival will be happening this weekend in Portland. I'm showing and selling my work there.

The 3rd Annual Picnic Music+Arts Festival will take place on
Saturday, August 28, 2010! This juried indie craft fair will be held outdoors
at Lincoln Park on Congress Street and Franklin Arterial, in Portland ME.
The festival will run from 11am to 6pm, rain or shine.

The Picnic Music+Arts Festival will feature over 100 vendors selling clothing,
jewelry, prints, accessories, bags, plush, stationery, photography, housewares,
fine art, vintage goods, and more. The Picnic Booth will be handing out goody
bags to the first 25 shoppers. This year we’re thrilled to host a book signing by
Kari Chapin, author of The Handmade Marketplace. There will be live music
all day and tasty food by Verbena Cafe and Skinny Cart BBQ. Hope to see
you there!

New Paintings at Upcoming Audubon Show

I'll be exhibiting at the Audubon Show at Gilsland Farm this coming Saturday and Sunday, August 21 and 22. Among the work I'll be showing are several new pieces featuring foxes. I hope you can stop by my booth under one of the big tents on the grounds.

Gifted Hand Show Postcard

Just ordered 7,000 postcards for The Gifted Hand Show! The most ever. Participating artisans will be getting their postcards in early August. Here is what our lovely 2010 card looks like.

Gifted Hand Announces Media Sponsors

As many of you know I organize a Fine Art and Craft Show in Ellsworth called The Gifted Hand. This year's show will be November 12 and 13 at The Ramada Inn in Ellsworth. I'm pleased to announce that Maine Magazine and Maine Home + Design are media sponsors for this year's show. They will be running some lovely ads for the show in their beautiful magazines. They will also be sending a photographer to the show to take pictures and feature the show in a later issue. They'll be having a media booth at the show, so you can meet the folks from the magazines and also purchase subscriptions. I'm looking forward to having them involved with the show.

Thanks Maine Magazine! Thanks Maine Home + Design!

Open Studio this Weekend

Linden O'Ryan, Jackie Haines and myself are hosting an Open Studio with artist demos this Friday and Saturday. I hope you can stop by! The image above is one of my new pieces. I'll have some of this work at the Open Studio.

What: Open Studio: Art + Craft Sale and Artist Demos. Refreshments Served.

When: Friday June 25th, 12 noon to 7pm and Saturday June 26th, 10am to 3pm.

Where: Linden O'Ryan Gallery, 92 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor, Maine. (Directions at the end of this post).

Info: For more info call 244.6463 or visit the Fern House Studio Website

Jackie Haines • Beaded Jewelry
Christina Heiniger • Puppets, Art + Cards
Linden O'Ryan • Watercolors + Lampshades

Demos: Beading techniques, puppet making, felting and watercolors.

Directions: At the top of Mount Desert Island follow the signs for Southwest Harbor (approximately 11 miles) through Town Hill and Somesville. As you come down the hill into Southwest Harbor and after the shell gas station, look for the D.O.T sign for Linden O'Ryan Gallery. Take a left onto Herrick Road and go 4/10ths of a mile to 92 Herrick road on your right. The gallery is a natural shingled house with light blue trim.

Help me chose my next card design

It is time to print up a new Fern House Studio Card. I have it narrowed down to two designs featuring owls, since I'm almost sold out on two of my old owl designs. I hope folks can take a look at these two images and tell me which you would like better as my next card design. The first design is called Slow Lane and the second design is called Chatting.

Open Studio with Linden O'Ryan

Area artisans Linden O’Ryan, Jackie Haines, and Christina Heiniger will be hosting an Open Studio and Art Sale at Linden O’Ryan Gallery in Southwest Harbor. The event will feature beading, puppet making and felting demos throughout both days on a rolling basis. Visitors to this working studio will also be able to view a large selection of watercolor paintings by Linden O’Ryan and Christina Heiniger, as well as intricately beaded jewelry by Jackie Haines of Blue Leaf Designs in Lamoine. Christina Heiniger will also display and sell her well known hand-sculpted hand and finger puppets and Linden O’Ryan will feature her handmade paper lampshades and lamps. The public is warmly invited and refreshments will be offered. The event takes place on Friday June 25th, noon-7pm and Saturday June 26th, 10am-3pm at Linden O’Ryan Gallery, 92 Herrick Road, Southwest Harbor. For more information please call Linden O’Ryan at 244.0463 or visit fernhousestudio.com .

Directions: On the top of the island follow the signs for Southwest Harbor through Town Hill and Somesville. As you come down the hill into Southwest Harbor after the shell gas station look for the D.O.T sign for Linden O'Ryan gallery, or the Wendell Gilley Museum. Take a left on to Herrick road and go 4/10ths of a mile to 92 Herrick road with an oval sign on the right. It is a natural shingled house with light blue trim.

Etsy Shoppe

My Etsy Shoppe updates are admittedly spotty, so I wanted to let you all know The Fern House Studio etsy shoppe has some new items for sale. I've recently listed my new sticker sets, some of my latest artwork and some new card mixes (like my Owl Mix Card set, which is popular at shows).