Here is what Jean had to say about her studio:

Since my studio was nothing more than a big chunk of empty basement, I knew it was destined to become a space I would love!  Finding your perfect art form is hard enough, but creating the ultimate workplace can be even more challenging!  After much measuring, drawings of floor plans, chalk marks on the floor, selection of just the right carpenter, and a long wait, Charmed I’m Sure Studio was finally complete just over a year ago.

What I enjoy the most about my creative space are the work and classroom areas, the colors and openness of the room, and the natural light and view of the woods.  

 My favorite tools are a Paragon enameling kiln, Bonnie Doon hydraulic press, and a myriad of metalworking tools.   I like to surround myself with an eclectic mix of music – Bluegrass, Rock, Classical – and also books, magazines & art from friends and fellow guild members.  Those things, plus the raw materials of my enameling, call me happily back in to my creative space.

This is an image of the lovely work Jean creates in her studio:

A big thanks to Jean for sharing her awesome studio! 

If you have a studio,  send your images to Jenny:  jenny@pacrafts.org.

Thank-you so much to everyone who participated in our ticket giveaways!!  Congratulations to our winners, Amanda Bowman, Maureen Sopko and Paula Lewis!  For those of you who didn’t win tickets to the July 31st and August 1st fine craft fair, be sure to buy your tickets on our website where we are offering great discounts up until the show.   Buying your ticket online or leaving a comment on our giveaway posts  enters you to win a $50 gift certificate towards a craft purchase at the show.  Double your chances to win and do both!

An 80,000 square foot plaza where culture and community converge. Free to all, the Piazza features a never ending stream of live programming. From funk to films, yoga to Yo Yo Ma, dance to Dj’s, or the Phillies to the philharmonic.  The market is located on
2nd & Germantown Avenue, Northern Liberties in Philadelphia. 

The Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from May to September. It includes

 *weekly expos featuring a different type of vendor

*a 100% handmade market

*a farmers market from 10am-3pm

*a piazza flea market

On July 10 and 11, the Market will have a grand opening with OVER 250 vendors!!!

If you are looking for something fun to do with your family, this is it!  There is something for everyone. 

For more information, visit their website.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor,  email vendor@towerdev.com or call 215-467-4603.

Last weekend my husband and I were walking to Central Market and  noticed a random bejewled piano by Steinman park….interesting.  Later, as I stopped into Prince Street Cafe, I saw a group of kids sitting at another piano, some had guitars, some were singing and another playing a lovely tune.  Further down the street I saw another piano…

I later found out it is a part of a new exhibit called “Keys For The City“, put on by a Lancaster non-profits, Music For Everyone and the Society of Design. 

Their mission, to

raise awareness and resources to strengthen the role that music plays in our schools and communities.

That they did.  It was wonderful to see groups of people huddled around pianos making music together.

Check out this video for more information!

Wow.  It was not what I had expected.  What a beautiful space. 

I am so impressed with this building.  The openness, the modern and chic lines.  The way the walls are at an angle–creating a unique tension in the room.  If you haven’t seen it, you are in for a treat.  I stood in the Governor’s hall, imagining it filling with booths of lovely artwork.  What a perfect setting to compliment an artist’s  work. 

After we left the Chase Center, we did a little bit of reconnaissance in the area–dropping off postcards to local art spots.  We stopped by the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, the Delaware Childrens Museum (which was awesome!) as well as the Delaware College of Art and Design.  One of the best places we stopped at was the Hotel DuPont. 

It had a lovely facade but when I went inside, I felt like I had arrived.  We stopped there because they gave us a great deal for our craftsmen stay during the Chase Center Show.  We brought publicity information to drop off and some advance show tickets.  I wanted to stay forever because I couldn’t take in all the ornate details at once.  The building itself was art. 

I cannot wait to stay there!!!  Just look at that ceiling…amazing.

I am so excited to bring you this weeks Member Monday–Sara Meadows!  Sara of Kennett Square, PA is a ceramic artist who has created her own unique cast of characters. 

Her sculptures are so whimsical and fun.  I delight in her vibrant and liberal use of contemporary color and texture.  So does my entire family!  When my Dad  saw her work, he immediatly bought several pieces.  He keeps the cat he bought in an antique birdhouse in his garden. 

Sara has a very special talent for creating art that people want to touch and hold and play with. 

For more information, check out Sara’s website!

You will learn about expanding into new markets, controlling your schedule and revenue flow, and increasing your income. 

 In this workshop, you will gain valuable information for tackling wholesale including setting your terms and policies, developing your wholesale line sheet, catalog and promotional materials, and finding and exhibiting at trade shows.  

For more information, head on over to our website!

Margaret Almon’s Glass Mosaic workshop is a must for those of you hoping to learn to mosaic.  In this two day beginner workshop, you will be taking a piece from start to finish, working with the design and placement as well as gluing, grouting and finishing a piece. 

This workshop will be held at the Goggleworks in Reading.  Sign up today!

Sign up now on PAcrafts.org for Mitch Lyons monoprinting workshop.

On her website, Bev says:

“I hope to convey an honest simplicity in my work”

From her choice of inspiration to her organic forms and soft color palette, her work evokes a peaceful simplicity the is both comforting and beautiful. 

If you like her work as much as I do, come see it in person at our Guild Store!  252 N. Prince St.  Lancaster, PA 17603