Absolutely LOVE working with Birch Bark!

This past winter, I was able to collect beautiful pieces of peeling birch bark from trees in Michigan.  I've been creating all new spring pieces with incorporating the birch bark in them.
I'm also creating a line of fall baskets as well with the birch!

NEW SPRING CREATIONS FROM THE ART STUDIO

YIPEE AND WOOHOO Confirmation received on three shows!!!!

Triple good news for me this week! I've made it into the May 12th Craftstravaganza show at the MN State Fair Grounds and the November 17th show in Norwood Young America.
The Craftstraviganza show will be held in two buildings And the Norwood Young America show will be held in three schools with bus transporation back and forth for free.  And the Anoka RiverFest show as well!!!!!
I have one more show I'm waiting to hear back on for November.
LIFE IS GOOD!!! Now I need to get crankin' in the studio!!!!

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

Start early on submitting applications to art/craft shows!!!!!

 PENDING SHOWS FOR 2012!

May 12th- Craftstravaganza - MN State Fair Grounds

July 14th- Anoka RiverFest -Down Town Anoka

November 3rd- Champlin Woman of Today- Champlin Park High School

November 17th- Norwood Young America Craft Fair


I will once again be submitting my application for the 2012 MN STATE FAIR FINE ARTS COMPETITION.  I think this year I will submit a colored pencil drawing.

Finnlander Custom Rods- My neighbor Dave

Meet my friend and neighbor Dave Saukkola. Dave makes beautiful hand made custom fishing rods. You can customize your rod right down to the thread colors, guides, blank and wooden handles.  He does beautiful work and my husband and I personally have several of his ice and spinning rods.   If you're interested in purchasing a custom rod by Dave, let me know!!!    

2011 MN State Fair Fine Arts Competition

I finished my dried flower/ nature artwork piece (18x24) for submission on Friday, July 29th to be judged.
 http://www.mnstatefair.org/competition/fine_arts.html
I named this " My Godmother's Garden" in memory of my Godmother who passed away last December.  She was my inspiration for arts/crafts and gardening.  I will find out the first week of August if I've been accepted or not.  I was accepted last year with my photograph of the Swallowtail butterfly on my cone flowers.
Wish me luck and I will keep you posted.  Thanks!  :)

The Anoka Riverfest Show was AWESOME!!!

I had a wonderful time at the Anoka Riverfest show and will certainly be doing it again next year!  I'm going to ask for the same spot, if possible, as it was off the main drag of congestion and in a nice breeze spot with the Mississippi river just around the corner by the bridge.
I sold quite a few items and met many wonderful people who admired my work and made nice comments.
I even had two people who purchased two pieces as they couldn't decide which one to choose!  I like those kinds of customers!!!!