Art and Soul... it sure was fun!

So, I hope all of you who were artisans enjoyed your experience at Art and Soul. I really enjoyed getting to know a number of you better, and hope to get to know even more of you next year. Although this year's sale is over and done, the blog is going to continue.

We're going to keep this blog as a "meeting place" for all of us. First off, send me pictures and comments about the sale so I can post them here. Second keep us posted throughout the year on your new projects or skills. Finally, maybe we can even plan some Art and Soul get togethers in order to spend some time together just creating, or teaching, or hunting down supplies at flea markets, auctions and sales.

All in all, let's keep this blog going year round and not lose touch. AND... let's let people know we're already planning for next year so that their excitement builds and builds as the year goes on.

Thanks everyone for a great show! Thanks Vickie, April and Hope for all the behind the scenes work that you do to make this event a success. Hope has been working on keeping signage up for all of us, April keeps contacts going, ideas flowing and encouragement growing and Vickie... well, you ALL know Vickie... she's the soul of love and compassion and caring and she keeps our heart alive. (Not to mention arriving early, staying late, and generally making all the community contacts for locations, ads and commercials!) Thank you ladies for your care for us!

Blessings,
Kim

p.s. Here are a few photos we managed to capture of the "during" and "after" phases of Art and Soul. Sorry I don't have names to go with all the booths... or pictures of all the booths. Help me out.. send names, send pictures, send ideas!

Midwest Magpies... April Strasler
She always has cool vintage finds and wonderful creations.

Whimsy and The Word
I was blessed with a lot of space and being able to show
off the Happy Trees. 

Hope's table is ALWAYS a treat to view and visit!

"Made for You" is a new booth by Missy  Cooper. 

The remaining pieces from "The Little Red Porch"... 

Bella Luce... bravo LeAnn and Janet... it was a lovely booth!

Purely tuckered out by all the shopping!

Bella Luce

I would like to introduce LeAnn Luce of Bella Luce. Here is what she has to share about her business.

"Bella Luce means beautiful light, and because my name is LeAnn Ernst Luce I thought it would be a nice tribute to my artistic gift that God has given me. I consider myself and Artist and Purveyor of Whimsy and Charm... Taking all things of the past into consideration.

Bella Luce specializes in a Recycled, Repurposed, Decoupaged, Collaged, Entourage of found objects and especially sought after home and lifestyle decor with particular Vintage Vavoom.

I don't like the word Antique, preferring instead to call my findings with a past, artistic treasures in the making...that are even more cre-artive the second time around. My work is a mixed media conglomeration in which I use tons of *Gobbledygook. I love WORDS ... so much of what I create is inspired by a *Hodgepodge of quotes from history, poetry, literature and signs that I have seen or things that people say. I carpetbag images of and the artwork of impressive muses of history, literature and music. I have shopped consignment, estate sales and Goodwill stores for years ... I picked up this habit honestly from Mother, grandmothers, and aunts (and even uncles). Most of my career I have worked in academic settings as a history teacher, and as a program manager for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. I am a living history interpreter, gardener and herbalist, Wife, Mother, Grandmother. I dabble in writing, reading, cooking, daydreaming, and fantasizing about times and things of the past.

I cre-arte using various medias such as *Gobbledygook: door keys, old photos, heirloom china or silver bits, tiaras of all shapes and sizes, vintage dinnerware and plates, artificial birds, homegrown flowers, herbs and forest botanicals, salt and pepper shakers, apothecary or mason jars filled to the brim with buttons, ribbon, knick-knacks, old time pieces, tea towels and linens, tablecloths and napkins, lacy pillow cases, lunch boxes or picnic baskets, used books, baskets and bulbs, vintage photographs, mirrors, kitchen collectibles, shells, starfish, sea glass, small boxes and picture frames, ephemera, strands of pearls, brightly colored costume jewelry, postcards, glittering eye glasses, feathers, fur textiles ... *Hodgepodge: Beatrix Potter, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Joel Chandler Harris, James Whitcomb Riley, Madeline L'Engle, William Shakespeare, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Amelia Earhart, William Morris, Jane Morris, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Queen Elizabeth I, William Henry Harrison, Anna Harrison, Thomas Jefferson... and the list goes on!"

To see more of LeAnn's Cre-artians come visit her booth on Saturday, from 10-3 at Chapman's. 

More Scarf It!

Here are a few more glimpses of Jay's work... again, many thanks to her beautiful sister for modeling these for us!

I believe this is one of the infinity scarves.

and another one... while you're at the booth ask Jay to show you how to tie  these lovely pieces

a gorgeous fringed scarf

I love the rich shades of rose in this scarf.

a simple loop that allows the fringe to show

this is nice for when the days are cooler and you want something warm at your throat

For more scarves visit Jay's booth, Scarf It, this Saturday at Chapmans, from 10-3. 

Whimsy and The Word... The Spa Feeling

No exciting pictures, but some news... I began experimenting last year and have come up with some fun products for this year. 

• Dead Sea Salt scrubs
• Epsom Salt Scrubs
• Sugar Scrubs
• Dead Sea Salt Bath Salts 
• Soaps... glycerin, coconut oil and Shea butter

I've managed to create some nice pairings here:

Rose soaps and rose sugar scrubs

Lemon and Lavender Soap and Bath Salts

Peppermint Scrubs and Peppermint Soap

Citrus Soap and Orange Scrub

and, just for the holidays...

Cocoa Peppermint Sugar Scrub

I hope you'll enjoy using these as much as I enjoyed researching and making these. 

Look for me at "Whimsy and The Word" on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapman's. 

TIME CHANGE

I have no idea how I've messed up... but the show is 10-3, NOT 10-4 as I've been listing. Going to change each listing, but pass the word... oy... I really messed up!!!! So sorry. 

Kim

Kleindorfer's Crafts

Barbara likes to keep things simple. When she was deciding on a name for her business that was her inspiration, simplicity, hence the name "Kleindorfer's Crafts."

"I love crafting!" 
says Barbara. "I enjoy knitting, crocheting
 and hand sewing. I started crafting by teaching myself to knit and crochet before my oldest son was born."

 In anticipation of having a lot of time on her hands she stocked up on yarns and needles. She jokingly comments, "Well, you know how that turned out! I still had time, but not near as much as I thought I would. Two kids and many years of working out of the home later... crafting has helped me keep my sanity! Creating something or recycling something that is not used any more is just fun!"

One of Barbara's felted purses.

If you'd like to see a bit of Barbara's fun then stop by her booth this Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapman's. 

Scarf It

This marks Jay's third year with Art and Soul. Jay is a very talented artist, with a degree in textiles. 

Jay's business is "Scarf It" which is self-explanatory... she designs scarves. These aren't your every day, run-of-the-mill scarves, these are wearable art. I own several of her first scarves and receive many compliments each time I wear one. They are gorgeous, of excellent quality and a joy to wear!

When asked how she started creating Jay had this to say, "Now there is a long and twisted story. It might sound cliche but I've always loved making things from stories to images. When I was younger I did a lot of cross stitch and other fiber related work; however, it was only more recently that I came back to the fiber scene. I took a textiles class at IU and discovered all of the other wonderful things that are possible with fabric. Scarves are something that I love to look at and they allow me to simply play with the material and colors. It's simply a pleasure for me to make them."

I loved Jay's reply when asked about her favorite medium. "I guess it would be hypocritical of me to say something other than textiles, since that's what I have my degree in. However, I find that the medium I prefer to work with depends on my mood. Sometimes images appeal to me more than fabric and at other times words speak. In the end though, textile processes seem to be the form that truly does what I want it to, artistically and not merely for fun.

I then asked Jay about her favorite piece for Art and Soul. "I think my favorite thing this year are the new infinity scarves that I found. I'm also quite fond of a few of the new projects that I tried this year including sewing some of my own scarves, one of which happens to be my sister's new favorite. :)"

Don't miss Jay's booth. I'm sure you'll find an amazing array of textiles, colors and styles. Be sure to stop by on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapmans',  for the Fourth Annual Art and Soul. 

Thanks to Jay's model, sister Anna, she did a great job of showing the beauty of Jay's work!

Hope Ellington Designs

Hope Ellington has been showing at Art and Soul regularly. As a matter of fact Hope has been around since the start! 

Hope Ellington Designs is the official name of Hope's business. She started creating when she was a child and this love grew as she reached adulthood. As Hope's husband began to hunt more Hope realized she had time to enjoy her passion, creating. 

Hope loves to make many things, but currently her favorite is silver soldering. Along with her love of solder Hope brings a love of vintage rhinestones, wallpaper and memorabillia. Somehow she manages to create the most lovely pieces from bits and pieces that others would overlook. Many of her finds come from auctions, estate sales, flea markets, antique malls and Etsy. 

Her inspirations are derived from magazines, Pinterest, friends and blogs. 

Last year Hope was published in an E-zine. While it was a lot of work, it was also a lot of fun she tells us. Her next goal is to be published in a national magazine. . 

Hope says, "It never ceases to amaze me tht when I use my God given talents  that the beauty I create is my best work. I wake up each day with a renewed sense of inspiration ready to create more and more. It is like a domino line...tumbling down...always more and more to create. I really love that I am able to create on a daily basis and that I have a studio to work in that is inspiring and is a creative environment to to work in. I have such a wonderful supportive husband who honors and cherishes my work. Currently he is building me a barn for which to house my creative endeavors and those of my friends. We will have gatherings monthly and call them "Girlfriends on the Farm" where we can sell our wares and socialize and network amongst ourselves and the community. If this is something you are interested in, connect with us through my blog, or link to my blog, "Thoughts of Whimsy."

Be sure to stop in and see Hope's booth at the Fourth Annual Art and Soul, this Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapmans'. 

The Happy Tree

This year I'll be hosting one or two additional artisans at my table.

Clara Hogan, a dear lady from church, is VERY gifted with her hands. I've seen her knitted work, but what she's going to be displaying will be wire wrapped trees. When I asked how she came up with them she answered, "Well, I saw them and went home and made them." Yep, no patterns or how-to books, she just saw it and re-created. WOW! The pictures simply don't do these justice, so be sure to stop by my booth where they will be featured.

 This one is done in copper and black. The price will be $80. 

 This is the one I've seen in person. It is breathtaking...

The metal is gold tone craft metal and the tiny glass beads are a rainbow of colors.

I love that Clara has "signed" her piece in wire... note her initials woven into the sculpture next to the tree trunk! The price for this sculpture is $120.00. 

Look for The Happy Trees at my booth, on Saturday, November 17, at Chapman's from 10-3. 

Peacetree Mountain Truffles

Welcome back Peacetree Mountain Truffles. This is their second year at Art and Soul and they are making a name for themselves in this community. From very  humble beginnings they are now being carried by several wineries, Bloomingfoods and The Underground.

These were the original truffles that started it all!

The idea for Peacetree Mountain Truffles was born on the family homestead in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Indiana.  With 7 children and a large extended family, specialty desserts and chocolate dipped treats became an expected showing at every holiday! Family and friends encouraged Linda Armes to develop and market her specialties.

While enjoying these treats at the weekly homeschool co-op lunch several of the moms suggested new flavors and Linda shared her dream... start a truffle business. With the help and support of Lisa Marte and Gretchen Handlos the business was born.

The newest line: Balsamics. You can find these at "The Olive Leaf."

The original truffles were all cookie based and soon found a market in Bloomington. As their experience grew so did the truffle offerings. There are now wine, balsamic, fruit and cookie truffles. These are all amazing, hand made, and of the highest quality.

Just in case you wondered here are more of the flavors:

Dark Chocolate with Oreo

White Chocolate with Oreo

Dark Chocolate  Chip Cookie Dough

Dark Chocolate with Nutter Butter

White Chocolate with Nutter Butter

Dark Chocolate Keebler Grasshopper (mint)

White Chocolate Keebler Grasshopper (mint)

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

plus a variety of wines, balsamics and fruits. 

Orange and chocolate... YUM!

My husband's personal favorites! Luscious raspberry and rich dark chocolate. 

These make excellent gifts... they come in a variety of sizes to suit your gifting needs!

If you can't make it to Art and Soul you can find Peacetree on Facebook and at their own webpage, along with the locations listed above. But, I'd highly recommend you joins us at the Fourth Annual Art and Soul, on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapman's. 

Whimsy and The Word

Wow... a post about me. What questions should I ask myself?

How did I get started? I've had a love of crafting since I was a small child. My mom used to sew quite a bit, and every year we made ornaments together. She was also always doing "crewel work" projects for people. I have done similar projects in the past, but life overtook me and I saw crafting and creating as something not necessary. Enter my dear friend April... she encouraged me to explore what I liked and what I could do with that. Then David began to encourage me to use my skills to give joy to others. Over the past 4-5 years I've "evolved"... okay, let's be honest... some things were more beginner style, and others just became "not as interesting"... so, I found my loves... vintage, metal, jewelry, words, whimsy...

That's where the business name comes from by the way. "Whimsy" comes from my whimsical flights of fancy that sometimes end up in the creation of something new and beautiful, it also covers my love of "fairies" (which I know aren't real, but hey, they're fun to make!), and "The" refers to The Word, as in "The Word of God" , but word is also just the use of words... anyone who knows me understands this... but The Word is first and foremost.

I love using found things, upcycling, repurposing. The bracelets, ornaments and bookmarks show this love... parts of spoons and old jewelry were my inspiration. My love of old glass, door knobs, and trinkets is displayed in my "Art Bottles"... most of which are inspired from worship songs, and a few of which are inspired by whimsy.

I have also turned my love of words into jewelry styling. I have begun to learn about hammered wire, metal stamping and wire wrapping and to incorporate several of these elements into each piece. Hopefully that incorporation shows more depth than my previous pieces.

This year I made this trio of velvet bookmarks... each is adorned with a piece of vintage jewelry, stamped word tag and wire wrapped bead dangles. These would make great presents!

Once again I'll be selling my art bottles... made with found items... mostly vintage and antique, using soldering, beeswax and encaustic wax. These are lovely pieces inspired by worship music.

Bracelets are a big addition this year. I've added hand stamped metal... aluminum or copper (and I can make them to order as well, just ask at the booth.)

And I've added antique sterling spoon bracelets... the spoons are all vintage sterling, and adorned with hand wired beads. 

 There is a large variety of necklaces... both new and some of the ones I've made in the past.

 I have a few hair clips and boutonnieres left... made from upcycled flowers from a vintage bridal hat.

 These are already seeing a lot of interest... vintage/antique sterling spoon Christmas ornaments. All but one have Swarovski crystal dangles, the spoon bowl is hand stamped with Christmas wishes and thoughts, and the tops are tied with crushed silk. These can also be special ordered. Again, just see me at my booth.

And finally, these are some of the new styles I've been working on using found objects, hand stamping and wire hammering. 

 Sterling silver: "Key to my heart" featuring a sterling silver skeleton key, discs, heart and hand stamping.

 Galaxy: featuring base metal shapes, hammered copper wire along with copper wire coils, hand stamping, and wire wrapped swarovski crystal. 

 earrings to match "Galaxy"... featuring rivets in tri-tone metals.

"Star" featuring base metals... polished till the copper shows through, using rivets, hand stamping and hammering, along with a wire wrapped swarovski crystal.

There will be more at my booth, but this is enough for now. Hope you enjoy and I look forward to seeing you at Art and Soul, on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapman's.