Thistle Hill Glass Spreads Bead Love!

A package of fabulous beads was donated to the Ladies Underground Tea and Arsenic Society (LUTAS) at the University of Southern Maine.

LUTAS is an organization founded by a couple of students (including myself!) who work in the Women's Resource Center on campus.

The beads were a huge success - everyone couldn't help but "ooh" and "aah". I saw some really awesome necklaces and earrings made with Thistle Hill Glass focal beads.

a couple new goodies ...

at the request of
Sweet Caroline


















and push pins (does anyone
still use bulletin boards?)

Took me longer than I planned to get back, but I've been putting my time to good use (uh, except when it comes to my schoolwork -- the pressure is building!) doing some new designs. Enjoying the farmer's markets . . . as a venue they're great when there's a crowd, not so hot in a downpour! Is it October yet?

My work is in the gift shop at Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council now, and I'll be back there for their Christmas shop extravaganza (always a good gig for me).

Other than that, it's reading, scheming, napping, sortin' my beads and playing with Timmy. (I should be working on my website, shouldn't I?) I'm bereft w/out Aman at theCasa Via, but I've got MChris and Wilco to look forward to.

Thanks for stopping by visitors, and for your comments. I'll be on vacation for the next several days -- see you when I return!

Tracy

I know you're out there!

My stats tell me alot of folks are visiting the blog, but alas, only lurking! I'd be interested to know how you found the blog. So if you stop by, leave me an occasional comment and let me know how you found me so I won't feel so lonely here in blogville!

Tracy

Another market on my schedule!

After disappointing news that the Farmers Markets in Troy, Colonie and Saratoga weren't taking artisans, I stumbled upon the Capital District Farmers' Market, which serves the Capital District with a daily wholesale market, and a Saturday public market. They've been in business since 1933 and have a steady following. Talked to their general manager, Fred Cole, today and he sounded very excited about having me join the market. And I can do my shopping!

Im hoping also to add the Sunday market in East Durham.

Cohoes Farm to City Festival

The Farm to City Festival in Cohoes yesterday was a great event. Well attended, good sales, live music (and tap dancing!) and critters! Of course I didn't get to see the animals as I was chained to the booth, but I hear there were goats, alpaca, baby chicks -- I did see the Clydesdales pulling the trolley cart around the block all day. Cohoes is a little post-industrial city (they call it Spindle City, after the once booming textile factories powered by the Cohoes Falls) doing an impressive job of revitalizing their downtown. There are still many empty storefronts, but the main drag in town, Remsen Street, is looking well renovated. There's a great sense of a community of people devoted to the resurgence of the town, and the Farmers Market seems a central part of that effort. This is a pic of the Cohoes Falls at a VERY high water mark. This is the point at which the Mohawk River joins the Hudson, and the picture doesn't it do it justice -- it's spectacular. There' s a hydro power plant on the falls now, but back in the day it powered a booming textile industry. (The mills have been recently converted to condos, overlooking the falls.)

I'm getting alot of repeat customers at the Market, and the gals at BeauKnits are sending a steady stream of fiber aficionadas my way, for which I am most grateful! My best customer has been Danielle and her folks, who have visited my booth every week to add new beads to Danielle's choker necklace. I have a great fan base among the kids, who really appreciate the color and tactile nature of glass.

Now if I could just break in to the other local Farmers Markets, I'd be all set! People seem to like the opportunity to see handmade art as they stroll the produce booths -- it adds to the festive atmosphere, and there's a real affinity between people who appreciate locally grown food and locally created art. I shall continue my campaign to find new farmers markets!






This is my latest inspiration -- these tabs have been a big hit, and I love making them. Especially gorgeous as earrings.