New Vendor–Mary-Gail Russ

Welcome to the shop Mary-Gail!  Mary-Gail has made all kinds of unique pieces for all of us to enjoy! 

Here is her entire space.  Mary-Gail has a double shelf and has managed to utilize every single square inch!  I LOVE IT!

Altered books – these three examples of her work are just beautiful!  I love the celtic knot one so much!  (those of you who know me best, are really not surprised by that at all!)

Darling bird houses made from upcycled license plates.  They are so cute!

How can these little critters not make you smile?  Mary-Gail has several sock monkeys to share – all with individual characters that have been developed.  So fun!

These scrap knot rugs are amazing.  Have you ever seen one of these being made?  So much work goes into them.  And WOW these are great!!

I love the colors and designs of the fabrics Mary-Gail used on this small quilt. 

The other item she has for sale in her booth are her fun cork memo boards – but my photos didn’t turn out very well, so you will have to come and see those – and those cute sock monkeys in person!

See you downtown!

Flash, Glam & Porcelain

LilyBelle Antiques has an addiction – but that is ok, cuz it seems many of our customers do too – to vintage cameras.  This one is still inside the box with extra bulbs

Guy has added this adorable doll baby bed in his booth.  Perfect for most doll babies or American Girl dolls.  At an amazing price for handmade!

White painted ladder back chair in the Loose Potter booth and this green and white quilt.  I also have an addiction to quilts.  My husband has cut me off for the time being – and since it is 100 degrees outside today I think I can live with that a while longer. Also new in the Loose Potters booth – she has been feeling the creative bug in the jewelry arena lately.  Saturday she brought in lots of new pieces – and these are my 2 favorites – hope you like them too!  I love all the different colors and shapes of the top necklace – this style is very popular right now (this is a save me from myself please piece!).

Then the piece below with the wonderful orange and turquoise

Also by Loose Potter – this delicate porcelain plate. The delicate leaf designs is so unique and just lovely!

See you downtown!

National Quilting Day

Did you know it was National Quilting Day this past weekend? I have asked a few people today as they came in and out of the shop - I've heard many yes's, but far more no's. I even received a "And I care because?..." Well, let me tell you why! (aren't you glad HE asked?!)

Quilts not only are amazing arts of work, but a piece of our history. They can include family history, stories of our family background, pieces of clothing that our families members once wore, etc. Quilting folklore dates back to colonial times. And today's quilt artists can start an entirely new story for you and your family. For me - I just love them. I collect them, use them, and abuse them. I don't buy the really nice ones because I want to use them and it would kill me to see them ruined by careless children and myself.

Anywhoo - in celebration of National Quilting Day - I wanted to share some of the quilts we have at ARTifacts.

Starting with this amazing art quilt by Mevyn Designs, "Circle Quilt". The detail of this quilt is so spectacular! The fabrics are Asian in design and have amazing color. This small snapshot of this wall hanging quilt doesn't do it justice. Come in and see the fine detailing.
This is a wonderful country piece! Junky Monkey took an old window and attached a vintage quilt to the back of the window making a very fun and unique display piece. Perfect for a hallway or bedroom - gives a very warm welcoming feeling.

This bedding quilt has the traditional flower quilt design is a good piece too! Have it for an extra snuggle blanket on the chilly evenings we are still going through or for your bedroom or guest room.

Crazy Quilt Art. I have featured these crazy quilts on frames before - but it still fit the theme for today, so I wanted to include it again. They are fun, and we have 3 designs and quotes to choose from.

The final quilt for sharing is by Happy Trails. Lesa has made a fun wall hanging quilt with very intricate ocean animals embroidered on the quilt. Would be a great addition to a child's room.