In and Out of the studio and home...

Shasta Compact and working studio

2012-02-12T09:05:00.001-05:00

Shasta Compact and working studio, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

A view from our bedroom towards the artisan jewelry studio and Claire, a 1971 Shasta Compact.
The addition will come out from the greenhouse window out towards you about 20 ft. and then a few feet deeper than the existing 10'x10' space.
An openhouse is being planned the second weekend in June during the Art on the EDGE, artisan trail event and tour. The 'Shasta' will be decked out also with a vintage style striped awning which is where the studio will serve refreshments out of along with some Atomic Garden Vintage mid century modern . retro . vintage . reclaimed items.

February Studio Tour

2012-02-11T18:54:00.001-05:00

left corner of the working studio with pliers, dapping set, disc cutter, sheet metal, hammer collection, anvils, etc. I am not that excited about the Dremel and can't wait to invest in a Foredom hand drill.
I have closed up the gallery as of February 1st in preparation for opening up my own studio and shop in the gardens at our home. An addition is in the planning stages with being completed by the end of May, is what dh is telling me anyway. I believe him though for I know that he is quite frightened with all the gallery 'stuff' that is now hanging about our home. He made room for the larger pieces such as the antique furniture and display pieces including a fab, very large, case for the jewelry and the gorgeous horse hair couch and carved velvet chairs.

beading section and wirewrapping along with a dvd goodstuff

I still have space to move about and not pull my hair out trying to be organized even though I have been adding more to the mix from the gallery. Here is the set from the beginning if you want to see it a bit more spare.

This is a portion of the semi-precious and Czech beads stash for future work

I can come in during the day to work getting lost until my youngest comes home from school. It is a dream come true having it all at home and will have to pinch myself all the time when the addition is finished and actually out my back door. What is really going to blow my mind is having 'Claire' our vintage travel trailer as part of the experience also combined with the working studio, artisan jewelry and fiberware shop and her, our Shasta Compact, to sell atomic vintage from or lunches when openhouses or receptions are scheduled.

HOOT, HOOT!!!!! :) :) :)

Yesterday I also assembled this bracelet more on the way along with quotes and riveted rings.

enjoy,
xoxo

Creating a nest

2012-01-31T11:07:00.001-05:00

dress form and poodle pins, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

We all need someplace to rest our heads but, also a place to escape to... mine at the moment is our bedroom. This post will have a multitude of photos taken within the last couple of weeks of this process.
I have been organizing the house to make room for all that is coming from the closing of the gallery including our bedrooms, closets, attic, laundry...just all of it, lol..

Cockatiel Bath Time

2012-01-09T17:06:00.001-05:00

IMG_2437, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Pretzel decided that the only place he would not fly from a good misting was on Herb's shoulder, lol....so...I misted him over and over and over.. ;)

Thoughts on the New Year

2012-01-04T13:04:00.001-05:00

Illinois highway 39, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

As we were heading home from my daughter's a couple days back my thoughts were on goals. What goals should I state to keep and strive to keep as the months fly by and they do fly.
Let's start in the studio with techniques or skills to build on or a skill that I have not yet sunk my teeth into and then a little on home, moving then to social networking.

studio:

work more 3 dimensional in building pieces up and out using cold connections and soldering.
save money to build a 12'x18' addition off of the working studio. This addition should have room for displays, classes, openhouses, working on very large projects and a reading area with the furniture from my old Gallery. I am so excited that I could spin!!! I have started a design board on Pinterest to compose these plans. This board will get huge as the weeks go by, so check back often.
fusing pure silver wire and precious metal clay....perhaps also glass fusing
more wire basket weaving
bezel work
quality tool investing with Fretz hammers, Foredom Flex Shaft, Foredom grinder/lathe, rolling mill and large mandrels.

home:

first and foremost...learn to make SUSHI!!!!!! I love it so much and will go broke.
organize the upstairs including restructuring the sewing/shipping room
sort through vintage and retro stash for online shop

online:

start listing on Atomic Garden Vintage (etsy shoppe) filling it with mid century modern . vintage . retro and reclaimed/upcycled. The reclaimed part will be salvaged boards made into serving and cutting boards adding to your cooking/serving experience that will grow as the need grows.
list the bulk of every hammered out piece in each line of jewelry I create +++++

etsy bag gifting...for me :)

2011-12-28T14:56:00.001-05:00

etsy bag gifting...for me :), a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

I received a gift from ETSY this year for being an team captain of PA Wilds Artisan Trail Etsy Street Team. The canvas tote from ecobags is really well made. I have been using it during this buying season for carrying packages to the Post Office mailing them along to new and exciting clients from my shop www.stephaniedistler.etsy.com .

Thank-you, xoxo

new finds for the studio

2011-12-27T17:33:00.001-05:00

new find chair, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

My dh came home from a friend's house the other evening with this wonderful chair and upon further inspection I see that it is a Vintage Industrial Remington Rand Adjustable Chair . This makes sense for the Grandfather sat in it while reloading.

another addition to the studio, love it!

A Holiday Hello from the Distler's and Sevin!!!

2011-12-26T14:47:00.001-05:00

chistmas sevin card, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

freeshipping coupon code

2011-12-16T08:59:00.002-05:00

Just type in the coupon code when checking out from my ETSY 'cyberfreeshipping' and have a lovely hand created piece of artisan jewelry delivered to your door.

Have a fabulous Holiday!!!

Copper Swirl Safety Pins

2011-12-05T20:40:00.001-05:00

safety pins in copper, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Fibula pins are ancient in design.and I love making them. While I was at the Gallery last Saturday I made 12 of them for online, shops and galleries. I wll make smaller pins at some point but, these 2.5" ones are a user friendly size.

Promotion this Saturday at The Gallery

2011-12-01T16:37:00.001-05:00

jingle bell sale, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Vintage brass jingle bells purchased back in the day from a Department Store in St. Marys, Pa. called Grants. I have had them in my stash for quite a few years picking them up at a household sale.

The sizes vary from 6.5 to 8.5 wrapped with a wonderful antique brass looking coated wire that works beautifully with my pliers. This is the only day they will be for sale.

Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio

600 Market Street

Johnsonburg, Pa. 15845

Saturday Dec 3rd

11-4

www.stephaniedistler.com

Post 30 for November

2011-11-30T22:46:00.001-05:00

Delilah Marta Vanilla is her name...she came to us in 2007 after our Marta passed on.

I know, I know and do realize some of you perhaps don't think I kept up with a post a day..but, in my brain I needed to post 30 times this month once for each day in November.

I accomplished what I intended, to wrap myself around ritually posting once again.
I am hoping that this little exercise will increase productivity and eventually substance in posting such things as instruction, techniques, documenting, photography and inspirations.

Thank-you for following my ramblings during November!

What I did for the last day of November....

2011-11-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

gift certificate $25, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Mailed out orders...
created gift certificates...
finished Christmas decorating...
listed on ETSY..
made more rings...
and the everyday drudgery of laundry, cleaning, supper, etc.

Here is one of the scarves that were photographed today also

I will list a few of them soon on ETSY :)

What's up morning glory?

2011-11-29T11:05:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful feel good movie that includes not only a fabulous cast but, also extremely talented director and producers.
Roger Michell was director of movies like Notting Hill and the producers include J.J. Abrams of Lost fame and Bryan Burk also of Bad Robot Productions in which both are involved with so many of my favorite projects.
The cast is a fantastic blend of actors that play off of each other beautifully including Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson and Jeff Goldblum. If you have not watched it yet and have Netflix, it is streaming now.
One of my favorite reviews is: Andrew O'Hehir of Salon described the film as "a brash, lightweight backstage comedy that looks lovely, doesn't insult its audience and uses its stars, both young and old, to terrific effect.

Love it!
enjoy,
xoxo

Cyber Monday Promotion

2011-11-27T23:30:00.001-05:00

Boston Terriers, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

For Cyber Monday I have a coupon code for customers to use tomorrow on the 28th all day 12am to 12pm.
Please go to my ETSY Shop then at checkout use the code 'cyberfreeshipping' to pay nothing for shipping your items :)

If you are a repeat customer you may also use the code 'holidaygarden' to receive 20% off of your purchases, but, remember only use this coupon if you have shopped with me before.

Traditions

2011-11-27T23:17:00.001-05:00

IMG_1990, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

One of our Thanksgiving holiday traditions is to put together a puzzle :) The girls really enjoyed it as well as dh and it keeps everyone off of video games too what more could one want.
Here I started to put it away...Tameryn was upset, lol.
The girls weren't there when Herb and I put the last piece in so on their on I caught them taking some pieces out to put them back in.

I am Participating in Small Business Saturday TOMORROW :)

2011-11-25T22:30:00.001-05:00

Small Business Saturday
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday created by American Express, held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First celebrated on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.
In 2010 the holiday was promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign. That year Amex bought advertising inventory on Facebook, which it in turn gave to its small merchant account holders, and also gave rebates to new customers to promote the event.
American Express publicized the initiative using social media, advertising, and public relations. At least 41 local politicians and many small business groups in the United States issued proclamations concerning the campaign,which generated more than one million Facebook "like" registrations and nearly 30,000 tweets under the Twitter hashtags #smallbusinesssaturday (which had existed since early 2010) and #smallbizsaturday.
Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 Project, was a national spokesperson for Small Business Saturday. The 3/50 Project encourages consumers to commit to spending $50 of their current monthly budgets with independently owned small businesses they care about.
The Twitter hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday has existed since early 2010 and was used to promote small businesses on any Saturday (not solely that Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday). The hashtag was used in a manner similar to #FollowFriday to highlight favorite local businesses.

Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio

600 Market Street

Johnsonburg, Pa. 15845

I will be open 11 to 4 tomorrow

What did you have for Thanksgiving Dinner?

2011-11-25T18:21:00.001-05:00

Our menu consisted of roast turkey stuffed with aromatics including carrots, celery, thyme and sage, cornbread/sourdough stuffing, mashed potatoes/gravy, apple and bacon oven roasted brussel sprouts, candied sweet potatoes with berbere' spices, coleslaw w/carrots, celery and sunflower seeds, cranberry and the for dessert gooey butter pumpkin cake & apple pie.
It 'twas a great day filled with the parade, puzzle piecing, the Westminster Dog Show and cooking :) Later that night our friends from Indiana stopped by until late, late and then today I finally finished the clean-up, lol.

I hope everyone had a grand turkey day!!

xoxo

Pretzel Snacking on Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T18:18:00.001-05:00

Pretzel Snacking on Thanksgiving, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

He is such a sweet Cockatiel that needs to be with his family quite a lot during the day. Here he is on the counter with a seed treat before the big meal.
They can eat just about anything we would eat so of course loved his mix of Thanksgiving foods :)

My Record Blogging Month...

2011-11-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

I was curious this morning if November 2011 would be the month with the most posts but, as I looked through, September 2005 held the record with 84 posts.

These posts talked about beadart, Grimm's, my lovely daughters, my eldest dd's felting, doing shows with Pat, Kara's Tree People, Fall shows, Vignette Thursdays, Self-Portrait Tuesdays, etc.

Larissa, Thea and Thea's friend Nicki keeping busy at a show a friend and I were doing at The Forest Nook in Cook Forest during the Fall.

2005

~enjoy,

xoxo

:) Trust me, I'm the Doctor

2011-11-21T16:47:00.001-05:00

treasury dr. who, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

I was just treasured in this cool collection by a fellow Etsian .
Love it!!
Thanks, Heather D.

new rings

2011-11-21T16:23:00.001-05:00

IMG_1740, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

18 gauge sterling silver sheet riveted with square 16 gauge brass wire and a bark texture hammered in.
A couple loved a copper ring I created a while back and then requested 2 in silver with the brass.
Love the look :)

Today's Holiday Openhouse at The Flemish House Art Gallery

2011-11-20T08:23:00.001-05:00

IMG_1774, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

We have Stacie Leske's Pottery displayed all through the gallery, new artisan leather work for the season and Pat Eckstrom will have many new excited framed botanicals added to set-up in the gallery.

Come and see the new designs fresh off the bench also!
Little gifts are awaiting to be tucked in your purchases along with discounts on selected items.
See you today 1pm to 6:30pm!!

Holiday Openhouse and PA Wilds Artisan Initiative

2011-11-19T08:26:00.001-05:00

In the www.ridgwayrecord.com are all 3 articles on Holiday Openhouse with The Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio and the Historic Johnsonburg Community Center, PA Wilds Artisan Initiative jurying session and one of the new artists from that session Stacie Johnson Leske.

Pick up today's Ridgway Record for the scoop ;)

Quotes on Copper

2011-11-17T15:16:00.001-05:00

Quotes on Copper, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

I love metalprinting and have fallen in love with these wonderful quotes from books and movies.
David Tennant, the 10th Doctor Who, is one of our favorites and I love Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice..who doesn't, lol. Matthew Macfadyen is a perfect Mr. Darcy present, just wrap him up and put him under my holiday tree!

Holiday Openhouse THIS Sunday the 20th

2011-11-16T19:43:00.001-05:00

Christmas Openhouse 2006 with Linda Pontzer, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

November 20th, Sunday 1pm to 6:30pm
600 Market Street, Johnsonburg, Pa 15845
in the Historic Johnsonburg Community Center
I opened the gallery up in 2006. This photo is from Christmas Openhouse 2006 with Linda Pontzer as the feature, the jewelry I was turning out were asymmetrical large stone/glass beaded designs, beaded figure sculptures w/a fiber base and bead embroidered felt brooches and I was also 'focused' on food vignette style photography.

The gallery has gone through quite a few changes in the last 5 years, for instance, initially every two months a new featured artist filled the entire wall space, I was not yet a PA Wilds Trail stop, my studio was on the 3rd floor and I had Stitch and Bitch gatherings on Thursday mornings at 10.

The gallery now has permanent artists with a wall section for features, I am a PA Wilds Trail stop and juried artist, the work studio is in my home garden and I am centric on metalsmithing with cold connections, torch work and fusing.

The gallery played host to 20 featured artists and 4 themed shows during the last 5 years covering many mediums including oils, watercolors, mosaics, photography, beadart, ACEOs and wood carvings.
New Projects:
I have plans on putting together an artisan jewelry show in the gallery with several fabulous bead artists, metalsmiths and mixed media artists.
I want to see more classes in gallery and at my home studio to share the wonderful happiness we jewelry artisans all have found in creating from beginner to advanced levels given by different artisans including myself.

a photo of the nook in 2006, this lovely little spot now is home to a sitting area composed of an antique sofa and a lovely hand carved chair donate from the Cotters of St. Marys.

~enter via 2006

2006

I hope you enjoyed our little flashback

Treasured in a Geekery Collection

2011-11-16T08:07:00.001-05:00

Treasurys are marvelous ways on ETSY to get your name out there with making new friends and creating artist clients relationships. Molly of MollysMuses is a very, very prolific treasury creator compiling very artful and thought provoking collections.

I will write more on treasurys soon!

Thanksgiving Organizing

2011-11-14T21:13:00.001-05:00

thanksgiving 2005, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Here is a photo from 2005's Thanksgiving. The kitchen is a jumble of foods being prepared and hors d'oeuvres being set out for guests.
The table setting for that year was Jackson China and Ironstone restaurantware.
The menu: that awesome Jamie Oliver Turkey and stuffing recipe, baked brussel sprouts with bacon and apples, lemon asparagus and of course mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry and coleslaw.

My Mother, Claude and Thea

My oldest daughter Larissa was still home, Claude was still alive, Tameryn was 5 and Thea was 13.

Larissa and Tameryn playing games during that day

Relocation

2011-11-13T22:01:00.001-05:00

Shasta Compact making it in the yard, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

The Shasta is now in the yard finally, where it will be slumbering until Spring. This new location will be quite wonderful for the upcoming Spring camping season and needed renovations. The renovations will include interior and exterior fixes from fan-tastic vent installations to reupholstring and cabinet repairs.

Treasuring

2011-11-12T23:55:00.001-05:00

I have been loving making treasurys on Etsy lately, actually just started treasuring with in the last month or so compiling from random searches and also the wonderful teams I am in.
The latest is a Christmas hodge podge titled Hitting the Mark.

I included a wonderful jelly, pickle and relish assortment from Ellipsis Books and More in my treasured Christmas goodies. They are as beautiful as the most perfect stones and beads I use in my designs!

~Enjoy

Gala Attending for a Superb Evening

2011-11-11T10:23:00.001-05:00

Did you know that your Gala ticket includes.... open bar from 7-8, $10 in betting chips, unlimited Casino Punch, a Gala glass that's yours to keep, live music by J Mac +1 AND you'll be supporting the arts in Elk County.
So did you purchase your ticket yet?

They're still available in the ECCOTA Gallery or at the door Saturday Night, 11/12.

Can't make it you say? Then considering making a donation- make a secure donation via PayPal

LINK to the FB event page.

last year in Johnsonburg,2010 with a friendly game of horseracing

Christmas Openhouse and Home Vignette Thursday

2011-11-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

Home Vignette Thursday: Christmas 2010 taken on pie safe, you see my kitchen tree covered in antique, vintage and retro potholders, terrariums and a corduroy elephant which was created from my eldest dd baby blue pants she wore in middle school. I wish I had time to make more of these nostalgic stuffies :(

With the Holidays pretty much here the work is coming everyday with metalstamped and forged pendants, bracelets, tiered neckpieces, earrings and rrrrrrrings. New works along with artisan favorites are being created at a crazeeee pace. Orders are also being filled and sent out all over the country with sweet sentiments to my dear clients in all forms. A return customer coupon was sent out in the recent newsletter. If you were missed just contact me.
A Christmas Openhouse is being planned for November 20th at the Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio 1pm to 6:30pm. There will be artist displays featuring artists from all over the region, new artisan jewelry and Patricia Eckstrom's new framed mixed media work. Eckstrom is setting up in gallery for that day!
A new pottery artists is joining the mix in the gallery Stacie Johnson Leske! This artist has just been juried into the PA Wilds Artisan Trail!! I am so excited to carry her gorgeous and delicate work in the gallery :)

A look at the gallery from 2006 with a more traditional gallery featuring Artist Linda Pontzer where she filled the entire space. I now feature over a dozen artists with a designated space for the feature.

Another photo with feature Pete Winklbauer in the newer layout of the gallery around April 2011. The set-up is geared more towards a single feature in this area and then regional along with PA Wilds juried artisans filling the other spaces on a regular bases with change outs seasonally.

What is on your Jeweler's bench Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:34:00.001-05:00

What is on your Jeweler's bench Wednesday, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Guess what is on the 'stump' today :)
I am getting ready to assemble more bracelets, attach my sig on the sigless, texture the phases of the moon big and small on 3 tier necklaces and make more family pendants.

I love the larger crosspeen and ballpeen hammers for texturing they work out beautifully. I am not sure what the other is or rather it's correct type but, it gives a wonderful crinkled paper effect on the metal surface.

Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Initiative Joins the Ranks of Etsy Teams

2011-11-08T22:03:00.001-05:00

A group of us went to the powers at be on the PA Wilds Artisan Trail Initiative and to the Team Etsy Coordinator asking about developing a team for 'us' juried artists and it was a YES. The PA Wilds Artisan Trail etsy street team also has a facebook page to gather juried artists from the 12.5 county region known as the PA Wilds. So we now have a facebook page and an etsy team to promote handmade in the 'Wilds'.

Below you will find the slideshow Ombudsman Ta Brant Enos created to further explain the Initiative.

Highly skilled artisans juried into the PA Wilds Artisan Trail in rural northcentral Pennsylvania setting up at an artshow near YOU!
The Region includes these counties: Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Forest, Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield and Center.
Are you an artist in these counties? If so you can read more on becoming a juried artist @ http://www.pawildsresources.org/

To learn more about ETSY you can go to the about page http://www.etsy.com/about?ref=ft_about .

I can't wait to meet more like minded artists with a passion to bring quality to the region and beyond!
.

I am not READY....

2011-11-07T16:31:00.001-05:00

IMG_0512, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

The thought of leaving for the weekend in our tiny vintage mobile cottage, that can be just that a 'cottage' any place in the country, makes me very, very sad. This thought is especially sharp at the moment with our crazy lives not ALLOWING a precious needed getaway.
The Shasta is finding it's way to the backyard where it will be safe and sound tucked in for the winter. I can use her in the Spring for retro style parties and early stacations to get us started ;)
This thought will keep me going anyway, while the snow covers us for months...

Brussels sprouts w/apples&bacon

2011-11-06T19:57:00.001-05:00

Brussels sprouts w/apples&bacon, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Brussel Sprouts w/apples and bacon
2 pounds cleaned sprouts(deleaf, destem ends and cut in half for ease in cooking)
a good toss in olive oil, salt and pepper
about 6 strips of bacon cut up
2 cooking apples peeled and diced
---
I toss sprouts in olive oil and then top with apples and bacon.
Place in an aluminum foil covered dish for about 1-1/2 hours
goodstuff....
325 degree
The roasting adds an entire other dimension to them of mellow sweetness

I really, really love brussel sprouts roasted!!!!
I am definitely making these for Thanksgiving this year for it has been forever and a day since the last time they were on my table.

Keeping it simple with Branding

2011-11-06T06:49:00.001-05:00

counter in gallery with packages, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.
here you see my earring cards and a couple packages to be mailed out with
the PA Wilds tags, the kraft boxes, ribbon and one of my business cards peek-
ing out.

I have been working on a consistant branding in the gallery and basically where ever my designs can be purchased from shows to other galleries/shoppes. I factor in also the branding used on juried PA Wilds Artisans which includes me. These hangtags are tan, brown, and burnt sienna with the Elk and keystone worked into the logo.
So what I did was to purchase white tags and the large Manila tags from an office supply web business with plans on tea dyeing the lot of them. The process was simple, with just making an extra strong pot of English Breakfast tea and then letting the tags infuse in their tea bath for for about 5 to 6 hours. The English Breakfast is what I recommend for it keeps the rich brown tones and does not then turn that horrible reddish hue.

Next was adding more stamps to my collection with another size of my signature fern and one with the website and tag line.

All of the tags turned out beautifully taking on the perfect color to play nice with the PA Wild's hangtags, kraft paper boxes, my business card and also the props in the gallery.

New Collection

2011-11-04T21:44:00.001-04:00

antiqued new collection, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

The components are coming together to develop a new Holiday line which includes wrapped bracelets and necklaces using chunky glass and stones, lovely quoted jewelry, riveted layered pendants and mixed media bracelets. Everything is textured and antiqued to show loads of detail.
More, more, more to come :)

Networking in the Pennsylvania Wilds and Home Vignette Thursday Resurrected

2011-11-03T21:08:00.001-04:00

IMG_1414, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Kim Gates Flick joined me in my home for an intense social networking session including most of what I have bagged on Bag the Web.
She brought me a beautiful dried flower spray and Strawberry syrup from her home. Thank-you once again Kim you are so very thoughtful.
Kim now has a facebook artisan page :)
I will be starting Pa. Wilds Artisan Interviews monthly and since her process is very intense I will interview her quarterly to detail her work for this incredible artist follows the seasons. Her interview will debut the series.
Back in October of 2005 I started a group on www.flickr.com called Home Vignettes Thursday. Since it is Thursday I have created this collection including the dried spray from my guest and of course the Strawberry syrup that she gifted. I tend to take advantage of natural lighting for my vignette shots but, 7pm isn't going to allow that ;)
Hopefully the filters on Picnik give it depth.

What is on Your Jeweler's Bench Wednesday

2011-11-02T22:37:00.001-04:00

What is on the Jeweler's Bench Wednesday November 2, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

Today on the bench is what I cut, hammered and textured, filed, printed and wrapped this morning. These copper components were then put in to tumble for a few hours with a squirt of Dawn dishsoap, warm water to cover and steel shot.
The tumbling works beautifully for polishing, smoothing out rough edges and work hardening the metal, in this case copper.
What parts you see through the bubbles are going to be made into stone and chain bracelets, MOM pendants, earrings and neckpieces. Some of these will be antiqued using liver of sulphur while others left to patina naturally into coppers lovely multi layered verdigris.
I can't wait to start!

First of 30 Posts

2011-11-01T20:40:00.000-04:00

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

I am going to play a part in National Novel Writing Month in which I will write a post everyday whether interesting or mundane for 30 days. I am loving the idea of a challenge excepting it gladly for there has been quite a few post ideas in my brain forever and this is a great chance to put them down. The actual challenge is for novelists to complete a 50,000 word novel but....I am pretend participating in my section of the literary world with blog posts :)
Techniques from the bench, Pa. Wilds Artisan interviews, treasury's, ETSY team news, recipes, regional photography, gallery events/features, new jewelry, What's on my bench Wednesday shots and Vignette Thursdays will be resurrected just to name a few subjects to be covered.

see you tomorrow ;)

What is on Your Jeweler's Bench Wednesday

2011-10-27T19:43:00.001-04:00

on the bench with tiered copper and stone necklaces

Putting together the tiered necklaces and simple scarf necklaces with cutting out jumprings, rosary wrapping and finding making.

Broadcasting Live 'from the bench'

2011-10-26T09:48:00.001-04:00

I am going through the process of getting a teaching channel up and running from my studio using Livestream. I should be good to go in a few weeks after my connection is better suited for wireless out in the studio.
The plan is to have a scheduled broadcast each week!
So, look for me :)

Watch live streaming video from stephaniedistler at livestream.com

Book Signing and Artist Reception at The Flemish House Art Gallery during Art on the EDGE Artisan Trail Event

2011-10-10T15:15:00.000-04:00

This coming weekend, during The Art on the EDGE Artisan Trail event, Stephanie Distler and the Flemish House Art Gallery of Johnsonburg, 600 Market Street on the1st floor of the Historic Johnsonburg
Community Center will be participating for the entire weekend's offering a featured artist in the gallery, a book signing plus, local artists in the gallery and out. Friday 3 to 6:30, Saturday 10am to 5pm and then Sunday 11am to 3pm.

*Local author Robert Ford is available on Saturday 1pm to 5pm for a book signing of his new offering Beagle Tales first on Sunbury Press bestseller list for September.

Sunbury Press has released Pastor Bob Ford's humorous and inspirational compilation of stories entitled "Beagle Tales". The book focuses on beagle ownership, rabbit hunting, faith and family. Ford has been attending book signings all over the region and now we have him in his hometown of Johnsonburg where it all started.

from Sunbury Press's website:

Bob Ford has lived all but three years of his life in the hills of Pennsylvania. The three exilic years were spent attending seminary at The Methodist Theological School in Ohio where he lamented the lack of topography that characterizes the central portion of the Buckeye state. He purchased his first beagle for $75 in 1985 with money earned delivering the Erie Sunday Times. This first beagle committed Ford to the company of hounds, and has resulted in a life that has gone to the dogs.

Bob has hunted rabbits and hare throughout the country, ranging from Northern Alabama to the Quebec border, and he is always looking for new places to hunt and new species of rabbits and hare for his hounds to pursue. He is an ordained pastor in the Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church and currently resides in Clearfield County, PA. Ford believes that American-made, double barrel,16 gauge shotguns from the previous century are the best firearms available to the small game hunter, and that few things compare to the sound of a pack of beagles chasing rabbits.

Artists and events this weekend:

The Flemish House will be featuring Barbara Redmond Kronenwetter's first artshow 'Flights of Fancy'. Kronenwetter's unique perspective is a breath of fresh air that will delight the viewer. Her show will be on display for October and November.

Kronenwetter is a self-taught, self-representing artist from the area. Kronenwetter was a member of Johnsonburg's Gateway Art League, the League was the beginnings of what we now recognize as the Elk County Council on the Arts. Come and join us for her first showing!

Other artists are on display in and out of the gallery during this weekend trail event, refreshments available.

More information can be found at the gallery owners website www.stephaniedistler.com the event is also listed on facebook under The Flemish House Art Gallery!

Come join us in the ART!

Upcoming Artisan Trail Event October 14-16

2011-10-05T21:01:00.001-04:00

ArtBeat for October

October is National Arts and Humanities month, hoot,hoot! We have a fabulous line-up of assorted events to celebrate inso many ways and with so many artists, studios, galleries and shopfrom our Pennsylvania Wilds Region.

Theclasses in the ECCOTA gallery include Ray Biemel's digitalphotography class starting 10/4,10/11, 10/18, and ending on 10/25 at 6:30-8:00pm. Please callECCOTA at 772- 7051 to find out more from this very talentedphotographer.

Ourbig event for the month will be The Art on the EDGE Artisan Trailwith Openhouses throughout the region. Each"trail-goer" will be provided with a map and rack card oftrail stops including artist studios, galleries, wineries, farms, andartisan fooderies. The rack card outlines the 14 participating trailstops, including Laughing Dog Mosaics, Cats Eye Stained Glass, FlowerRidge Studio, Pontzer's Portrait Studio, Elk Mountain Winery, Grant'sPass Wrought Iron & Antiques, Donelle's Gift Shop, NuthatchStudio, Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio, The Winery atWilcox, Elkwood Arts, Shop on Main and the Elk County Council on theArts.

The weekend long event kicks off with an open house mixer Friday,October 14 from 7pm-9pm at the Winery in Wilcox, 1867 Mefferts RunRoad in Wilcox. The event continues on Saturday, October 15 withopen houses at participating trail stops between 10 and 5 (times mayvary per location and are listed on the rack card) The weekend willround out on Sunday October 16 with open houses at participatingstops from 11:00 to 3:00. All weekend events are open to the publicand are free to attend. Times will be listed on the rack card andmay vary between participating locations.

Fundingfor the event was made possible by support from the Elk County HotelTax Grant program, administered by the Northwest Pennsylvania GreatOutdoors Visitors Bureau.

TheArt on the EDGE event fits in perfectly with the Arts and Humanitiespush for the month with not only the visualartsfeaturing artists and studios but, also the stops featuring a bit ofthe literaryartswith book signings from 2 different local authors located at ECCOTAand The Flemish House Art Gallery and Jewelry Studio. ECCOTA willbe presenting its 10^thAnnual Benefit Concert at the Grace Episcopal Church, 216 CenterStreet in Ridgway from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. which fills in that lovelyperformingartsfacet.

A more detailed description is available fromparticapating trail stop's websites and physical locations.

Youcan find more links at http://www.artontheedge.info/events.htmlfrom the participating stops if you are wanting to find out more,more, more ;)

Toquote our most fabulous Executive Director Abbi Peters: “Thegoal of the Art on the Edge trail is to promote local artists,artisans and businesses while providing a welcome opportunity ofoutside visitors to our region to experience the cultural andartistic flavors of Elk County while they also revel in the riotousfall colors”.

Thank-you for taking a break with me!

StephanieDistlerboard member and artist,

youcan find me at www.stephaniedistler.com

_________________________________________________________

~Elk County Council on the Arts has written Art Beats in the local papers for quite a few years now. I was asked to put together one for October and then our brand spankin' new Gallery Coordinator will take over the duty of getting the artie words out there. Welcome Kelly Carver, we can't wait to see the magic.

Dyeing for TEA and Krafty Branding, what could be better :)

2011-10-05T09:54:00.000-04:00

Here are 3 new treasury s I collected from ETSY shops yesterday.

Dyeing for TEA
Naturally Art
Krafty Branding

So much fun filling up those 16 blocks with gorgeous products, supplies and art. Last night my brain was too crazy busy thinking up new themes for my next adventure in collecting products and making them a treasury ;)

dyeing for TEA by stephaniedistler on Etsy

Local Shows and Upcoming Events

2011-09-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

Friday booth shot at the Bavarian Fest

This past weekend's Bavarian Fest in St. Marys, Pa. was great! I was planning on setting up out of Claire, my 1971 Shasta Compact Vintage Travel Trailer but, felt very uncomfortable leaving her there on the boulevard for 3 nights. I will wait until Spring for her big debut and also her awning will be a great addition to the overall set-up.
Join the conversation on her blog where the story will continue along with many, many photos :)

My good friend for many years, Patricia Eckstrom also displayed her fabulous botanically and koi inspired framed work in the space next to me. I have known her ever since I had an herbary where she would show at an annual Herb & Art Fest I organized at my home, gardens and shoppe. We became fast friends and have had many adventures in the art world.

The organizers did a wonderful job and I am sure it will grow and improve for years to come.

Patricia Eckstrom's work

I now am working on replenishing monograms, button/Czech wrapped rings, tiered stone and copper necklaces, rosary wrapped pieces and themed work for galleries and Pa. Wilds Trail stops. Monday the Elk County Council on the Arts received a new collection of Stephanie Distler originals now available there. My next collection will be available at the Cameron County Artisan Center in Emporiuim end of October.

I have been busy listing on the ETSY shop and will continue that process. It does take too much time away from the bench with the social networking part of an artist's life.

My next post will be all about the October 14th thru the 16th Art on the EDGE artisan trail featuring galleries, studios and shops. My gallery will have an author and book signing, juried pa. wilds artists and a reception for a new featured artist during that weekend.

Back in the studio!!!

xoxo

New Listings on ETSY

2011-09-02T11:23:00.002-04:00

I have been a listing machine putting up many different new items plus, editing other listings with the new options they provide now for the artists and shops.
It is cool just seems like it still takes forever to list :) I have also listed more of the Printed Metal stacked pendants showing the different variations and choices available to you.

here is one of my smaller wrapped wire fern brooches

Heart and Stone

Redline Marble Rosary Wrapped Necklace

3 Stacked trio of Silver, Copper and Brass FAMILY Pendant

The Garden Studio in August

2011-08-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

I find more and more that I am setting up little corners to get me motivated especially this month for it has been extremely busy in other areas of my life. The MOM and FAMILY pendants have been a staple as well as the button rings and anklets. I am making new lines of brooches and jewelry to celebrate Fall and the upcoming Holidays with more pieces gearing towards color, texture and statement that I am very excited about.

The greenhouse window is perfect for not only the light it gives but, also spots of color.

cubes of stone, diochoric ferns, purple die, shells and
vintage beads in and amoungst a small line of vintage
pop bottles

marbles and buttons above the soldering bench

daisy chain and a retro radio next to a book
shelf

found glass marbles from the vegetable garden along with clay
in the greenhouse window

One of my newest Celtic Heart necklaces on it's way
to the Gallery soon!

My website has also gone through some upgrades the last week and will continue to be revamped through the month of September and October so check back often ;)

I have bagged MY web

2011-08-21T11:24:00.001-04:00

I am an artist on and also committee member for an Artisan Trail called Art on the EDGE. We also host meet-ups to benefit all involved with the arts in our County and include some art friends in the surrounding counties. This past session was called 'Show Stoppers and Marketing Basics' This session focused on tackling art show and festival applications including a database of local shows, what jurors look for from an applicant, as well as setting up a vendor booth that will wow potential buyers.

Topics also included the basics of marketing artwork successfully using web-based social media, website builders, and other marketing strategies. In addition, Ta Brant from the PA Wilds Artisan Initiative will present a talk on the initiative and how it can benefit regional artists.

Social media is the topic I discussed showing my list of networking sites. In the Bag the Web site I have only listed the more substantial in my list of many sites I have used throughout the last 10 years. It was great giving this talk for it made me really look at my ever growing mass of social sites and break it down to the best or most geared towards my needs to grow as an art business.

The guest speakers included:
Bobbi Mennetti Shaffer on show basics
Marilyn Blackmore director of Art in the Wilds what shows are looking for
ME Stephanie Distler 'social media'
Ta Brant Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Initiative
Abbi Peters on setting up a drag and drop website

Visiting the RV Hall of Fame

2011-08-18T11:04:00.004-04:00

In July my husband and I went to pick up our Grandbaby, Elli, in Illinois and enroute back after her 2 week visit in Pennsylvania where she stayed with us we stopped with her at the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana www.rvhalloffame.org

We had a wonderful time viewing and exploring the 70 Vintage Travel Trailers along with the modern RVS starting with the hand builts of 1913. They were amazing the way homebuilders took avantage of every inch customizing the cabinetry perfectly to house all of your camping wants and needs.

The grand baby was perfect as always eventually taking a nap in her buggy :) I took away some amazing ideas for my own 'Shasta' as well as the NEED for a Yellowstone 1950's trailer. The 2 doors with round windows is a killer as well as the inside layout including the dividing wall, perfect kitchen and bright aluminum skin. I could do amazing things with this model, love it, love it. I see there is a Yellowstone on Tin Can Tourist's classifieds totally redone from the inside skin to perfection.

~enjoy

Recent Taste of the Arts Participation

2011-08-11T08:22:00.004-04:00

Taste of the Arts was a great show! The show is just 10 minutes from my house and a nice way to touch base with friends, local artists and new clients. I sold quite a few anklets and vintage/retro button rings during the course of the day along with a few higher end necklaces making it a pretty fair success.

I was next to a very talented photographer Molly Welpott

We had a fab time comparing notes on our social media networking and our love of Pinterest. Here is a link to all of my boards and pins on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/ontheroadstudio/

My good friend Bobbi was also there as a vendor as well as organizing the event for she is the artistic coordinator at our local Arts Council. Bobbi also makes artisan jewelry! Her work is pretty amazing :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/bobbishaffer

~enjoy

Participating in Taste of the Arts this weekend!!!

2011-07-19T10:33:00.001-04:00

jewelry studio banner large, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

I am always excited to set up at Taste of the Arts held in conjunction with Ridgway's Tasting in the Wilds http://www.ridgwayheritagecouncil.org/index_files/Page1806.htm

For the last two years the Elk County Council on the Arts has set the show up in a pavilion on the grounds instead of a group tent.

We are going to have a nice assortment of artists and artisans this year including artisan jewelry, photography and pottery. Thanks to ECCOTA's artistic coordinator Bobbi Shaffer!

The event is always a hoot with all the micro breweries and wineries along with the tasty food vendors to fortify your day of over eating and sampling the libations :)

I can't wait to try out my new display and also looking forward to this year's festivities including live music!!!

new bunting from magpieandcake

2011-07-19T08:46:00.001-04:00

new bunting from magpieandcake, a photo by Stephanie Distler on Flickr.

I just ordered an 11 pennant oilcloth and chalkboard flag bunting from an etsy shop called magpieandcake. I love it!!! Such a fun addition to my artshows and 1971 Shasta Compact Vintage Travel Trailer, yaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy :)
I have been looking for one that could withstand the weather and the oilcloth buntings that she creates are perfection.
I will at some point have another one created with the chalkboard fabric flipped to show every other next to the patterened oil cloth instead of all on one side.
The palette I chose will flow with the new upholstered dinette of dusty aquamarine.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay for mobile shops and studios!!!!!!

birdie bliss

2011-05-20T16:10:00.002-04:00

Today was a day to plant the vegetable garden and play with our cockatiel Pretzel.

I have some colanders and pans hanging above the sink. The bird was tired of the window sill, so he decided to climb up on the Asian strainer to watch the outside bird feeders. A few chopsticks later and we have a great little play area when one needs to unload the dishwasher ;)

using the space

2011-05-13T17:07:00.002-04:00

The space flows very nicely and has made some commissions come together quicker and with less work involved especially in trying to locate materials and tools ;)

Some of the book collection along with a sketch pad. I love my retro radio :)

other side of that bench with lilacs on sill, wire, etc. Remember those are just temp shelves, dh is building some when time permits.

Great corner to do some light polishing or stringing for now. I am picking up a small bench polisher/grinder tomorrow. If you look to the back of the bench towards the window you see a tube cutter, hand drill, brass mandrels my Father had made for me and other odds and ends.

closer shot of the bench corner...

I just finished a MOM piece with hand cut SS hearts and crystals. The wood scrap has been a pre stamp surface used to help prevent spacing errors. The wood helps especially when the price of silver has been through the roof to not waste material.

more on studio with photos

2011-05-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

My studio is really coming along now here you see the 'stump', workbench and bead board cupboard which holds tons of tools like dapping sets, disc cutter, hammers and other necessities needed in the space.

The greenhouse window adds a sense of space plus more shelving which is where all of my letter and symbol stamps are living at the moment.

I was going to use the blue bench for a temporary jewelers bench but, it just was not happening for me. The bench is probably going to be where my torch will live for now though until I start living in the space to see what works and doesn't. I chose a work table I found at a house sale last summer. The table is the perfect height with even a pre-drilled hole on the left corner to screw down a small brass anvil my Father gave me years back. It will do until my dh makes a true bench fitting in that area including the large crescent cut-out for the bench pin, apron type drawer for filings and another drawer for all of my immediate tools like pliers, files, etc.
The primitive shelves on top of the blue bench are going on the walls here as soon as dh can get to it..what is that asahcgti....lol :)
Kiln on the zinc garden table.

Work space for now. I still have more tools to bring home today from the gallery in town. It is so very nice to have everything gathered in one workable space which will make it tons easier putting together all the new works in my brain.
Under the table sets a crate with old mags my Grandmother save forever from 1965 for needcrafts. One of them is setting on the table, I am loving the graphics, ideas and color combinations. It is amazing how popular art or crafts of any given generation cycle back up to the present with continuing to do so. I will take more photos of these too cool publications as I go through them in the next few weeks.
I also have a huge box of candlemaking things including tons of molds to trade or sell that were my Grandmother's if anyone is interested, just let me know :)

So what do you think? I am loving having more room than I did behind the display case at my gallery and do realize when I want to invest in grinders/polishers, rolling mills and whatever very large equipment I need in the next stage of my journey is going to be a tight squeeze..but, I will work out a solution. The stool needs upholstered which will drive me crazy until it happens ;)

Studio Organizing

2011-05-03T00:02:00.002-04:00

It has been since November that I added a kiln and torch to the mix of tools in the studio and finally am now able to get the space workable. The walls are lined with benches and tables along with a bead board cupboard and center stump for when a good hammering is called for :)
The building is only giving me a 10'x10' studio which is actually a comfortable space except for a wishful sink and extra outlets.
We are replacing the door with a wooden one that has a window and great hardware and putting a small porch off of the front between the peach trees. I can't wait to set some brightly colored Adirondack chairs under the porch roof, they are actually coming off my house porch ;) The chairs are kiwi, tangerine and lemon..love them!!!
Perhaps in a couple years a small addition will be built where the greenhouse window is now at such time a sink and heavy equipment station can be added ;)

Big Smiles

2011-04-26T23:36:00.001-04:00

My blogging has returned!!! I now can connect blogger to my website..yaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy!!!!
I have so many things to tell you since February of 2010 :)

This Year's Bean Dinner

2010-02-07T22:53:00.002-05:00

4th Annual Civil War Bean Dinner
As originally served by the Women’s Relief Corp to Benefit Civil War Veterans in the 1920’s

February 18th
4:00 ‘til 6:00
COST: $7.00 per dinner
IN:
The Johnsonburg Community Center Gymnasium
Sponsored by the: Recreational Board, the JCC director and The Flemish House Art Gallery

MENU:
Home-made baked beans, cornbread,
Hot German and cold potato salad, apple sauce, bread and butter pickles and molasses spice cake w/cream
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT :
~Sam Macdonald author of ‘The Urban Hermit’ and 'The Agony of the American Wilderness' talk and display
~A Civil War ‘home front’ display in the Gymnasium coordinated by Georgeanne Freeburg for all to view
~Civil War reenactors

To Benefit :
Johnsonburg Community Center w/ a donation to 2010 Bicentennial

Any Questions
Call Stephanie Distler
814-965-2873 or Chris at 814-965-2010

****Reservations for large groups requested

http://www.stephaniedistler.com/

New Forged Heart Pendants

2010-01-20T08:23:00.000-05:00

Making brass and copper hearts for Valentine's Day using different techniques on each one, some with wording and then each with a different German firepolished/faceted charm. Lots of hammering for diff textures along with using pliers for bending and twisting :)
Available at The Flemish House, Elk County Council on the Arts and The Shop on Main in Ridgway. I will be listing a couple on ETSY soon.
Making more today!
~enjoy

Some photos from dd's baby shower

2010-01-16T09:23:00.002-05:00

My friend Abbi took this photo of our immediate family during Larissa's shower!
Starting from the back l to r Herb, me, my Mother, Herb's Mom, my Father, step Mom Jeanette,
and then my 3 wonderful daughters, Tameryn, Larissa and Thea.
The shower went really well even though it was raining and freezing all day long :)
She is due March 15th, which just so happens to be her sister Thea's b-day, lol and 4 days before hers. goodtimes, goodtimes.... It was great getting a photo of all of us together since Larissa lives 800 miles away :(
Thank-you Abbi!

what is up at the Gallery....

2010-01-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

The Holiday Season went grand as well as the 'Johnsonburg' Book sales in November!
We had a very successful book signing with the author along with A Community Christmas starting at the JCC where I am housed and also through out town in the same time frame.
I am now pulling down all of my decorations at home as well as getting ready for some house redos with rewiring the upstairs, painting the steps, setting up a sewing studio as well as an outside metalworking studio that will be wonderful in the summer when the gardens are there for inspiration ;)

We traveled to Galena, Illinois to visit my eldest daughter for a week and then traveled back with her to Pennsylvania where she stayed with us another week and then flew back on the 15th of December, funstuff... She is such a cute preggie! We held a baby shower for her too inviting friends and family during a very snowy, sleety, crazy day. For those of you that aren't aware..I am going to be a Grandmother for the first time!!!! She is due on March 15th the same birthday as my middle daughter Thea which is a lot of fun. Larissa's birthday is also the same month as well as my Mom ;) They are going to give birth to a girl, Ellimena Rai!

I am now getting ready for Valentine's Day and putting some new oriented, as such, items in the Gallery, Shop on Main and ECCOTA. I will also put a few things on http://www.stephaniedistler.etsy.com/ . I have some new designs and can't wait to show you!
New artists are being scheduled for the gallery as well as events, designs and inspirations!
It is going to be an exciting year!!!

Holiday shopping at The Flemish House

2009-11-23T11:59:00.002-05:00

Mae Charm Designs artist Sara Gerber

I had a book signing last evening that went exeptionally well!
Here you see the author, Dennis McGeehan, and Johnsonburgian Cindy Elmquist.

The new window dressing along with offerings from Little Mill Creek and the fab photography of Bill Warmbrodt.

I have more new artists in the gallery and will show pics later in the week...stay tuned ;)

Upcoming at the Gallery

2009-11-18T17:29:00.003-05:00

News from the Gallery:

new artists with their lovely items such as pottery, felt Christmas trees, mirrors & chalkboards, cards, photography, jewelry, etc. etc.
book signing on the 22nd at 4pm with Dennis McGeehan(look below)
Community Christmas 4-8 on the 22nd in Johnsonburg and The Johnsonburg Community Center
taking orders for custom pieces such as Mom pendants
don't forget, I also have a nice inventory of beading supplies including semi-precious stones
new map will be available by the holidays of local artisan shops and studios including food artisans
two shops in Ridgway also carry 'me' ECCOTA and The Shop on Main

November 22nd, 4pm
The Flemish House Art Gallery presents
Author Dennis McGeehan
signing his newest book 'Johnsonburg'
600 Market Street
Johnsonburg, Pa. 15845

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9780738565644
This wonderful book includes 228 photos of our town!!!

Book Description:

Johnsonburg, the “Paper City,” is situated at the juncture of the east and west branches of the Clarion River in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Its prime location guaranteed that this vibrant community in Elk County would flourish. Surrounded by trees, Johnsonburg made a living from wood. Sawmills, tanneries, and a large paper mill have dominated the lives of the Italian immigrants and other groups that settled in town. River transportation gave way to railroads, and Johnsonburg became a hub of rail carriers moving freight and passengers. Its riverside location also had disadvantages, and the history of the community is measured in flood years. Johnsonburg was frequently flooded, but the people never gave in to hard times. Today Johnsonburg is still mostly surrounded by trees, and the forests have made the area a sporting paradise. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation are an important part of the modern economy.

Author Bio:

Dennis McGeehan, a college history professor and freelance photographer, is the author of Elk County, Ridgway, and St. Marys. He lectures widely on his extensive worldwide travels. A resident of Kersey when he is not on the road, he keeps busy photographing the Allegheny National Forest and the Pennsylvania Wilds.

This event is also scheduled during:

Johnsonburg Community Christmas
Community Christmas 4-8
Activities scheduled in the Johnsonburg Community Center include
artisans, soup sale, parade and Santa

Mother's Pendants and Such

2009-11-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Letter stamps and disc cutters are the necessary tools for this new item I have available for the Holidays and beyond. This piece is one I made out of brass for myself including my 3 lovely daughters with their birthstones. I also used a dapping punch and block, wood ones, to create the dome shapes.

Another version for a single child also using brass and more crystals one for the child and the other for the Mother, along with a freshwater pearl symbolizing hope. The bird stamp is so sweet and perfect for this type of work :)

beaded stone revisiting

2009-10-11T14:46:00.003-04:00

a piece that was finished in 2005 water themed..laying on a scarf Larissa made for a client in Pittsburgh.
getting in the mode again to bead myself some rocks ;)

getting new promo material together

2009-10-01T22:38:00.002-04:00

My work will now be in a new shop in Ridgway at 'The Shop on Main' owned by Ridgway native Heather Mader. I will carry an entirely new line or two of my jewelry and fiberart in this space.
Mader will be floor manager to an ecclectic mix of artists, antique dealers, food artisans and others. The grand opening I think is when the town has their "Flavors of Fall" to be held on Saturday, Oct. 17. http://www.ridgwaychamber.com/chamberweb/
Next week I will be moving in yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, funstuff :)

Abbi, Executive Director of ECCOTA in Ridgway, carried away many new designs and 'stuffs' out of the Flemish House today in Johnsonburg to put in the ECCOTA gallery in Ridgway on Main Street. Sooo...getting in the studio tomorrow to bend more wire! Stop by to see me in the morning to see what I am up to ;)

~enjoy

Some Autumn/Winter designs

2009-09-04T07:37:00.002-04:00

Decided to forge fibula pins for the scarves and shawls coming into the gallery very soon!
These are very go with the flow type of design just need a body, spring, pin and hinge!

playing with different designs to see what I like...I really like the safety pin with the swirl,
I used 16 gauge for the that the others have 12 or 14 gauge.
These pins are used on loose knit material such as in scarves, shawls and sweaters. I am going to make 2 inch pins next, these are 3 and 4 inches.

the largest one :)

Here you can see the filed tip close up along with the clasp.
I file and polish each pin to take care of every little rough edge ;)

excerpt from http://www.wikipedia.com/

Fibulae were composed of four components: The body, pin, spring, and hinge.

Body
The body of a fibula is known as either the bow or the plate, depending on the basic form. A bow is generally long and narrow, and often arched. A plate is flat and wide. Plates could be solid or openwork. The body was often decorated. The head is the end of the fibula with the spring or hinge. The foot is the end of the fibula where the pin closes. Depending on the type of fibula, and the culture in question, the head of the fibula could be worn facing up, down or to the side.

Pin
The pin that is used to fasten the clothing, is either a continuation of the fibula’s body or a separate piece attached to the body. The fibula is closed by connecting the end of the pin to a catch plate, or pin rest.

Spring
The body and pin meet at either a spring or hinge. The earliest design is the spring which provides tension to the pin. The spring could be unilateral or bilateral. A unilateral spring winds around in one direction only. Unilateral springs are the earliest type, first appearing around the 14th century BC. Bilateral springs that wind around to both sides of the fibula body, appeared around the 6th century BC. Bilateral springs can be very short, with only one or two revolutions per side, or up to 10 cm long. Most bilateral springs are made of one piece of metal and therefore have a spring cord, a piece of wire extending from one end of the spring to the other. The spring cord can pass in front of or behind the fibulae body. Bilateral springs wrap around a pin or axle. These are usually made of iron even if the rest of the of the fibula and spring is copper alloy. In the 1st century AD some fibulae had springs that were concealed under a metal cover that was an extension of the fibula body. These are known as covered springs, or hidden springs.

Hinge
In the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD a new design appeared in some bow type fibulae. A separate pin was attached to the head-end of the bow with a small hinge. In the second half of the 1st century AD, hinges were introduced to plate type fibulae. One or two small plaques were cast on the back of the plate and a pin was attached to them by a small hinge. Previously, plate type fibulae had bilateral springs attached to the back. In the 3rd century AD, the hinge was placed in the centre of a long transverse bar creating the famous Crossbow fibula design. A few fibulae from a much earlier date also had hinges, although this design feature was very rare and soon died out for nearly five centuries. For example, the Asia Minor Decorated Arc Fibula (Blinkenberg Type XII Variation 16) dating to the 5th century BC.

It is important to note that different types of fibula construction were used contemporaneously. Though the introduction of the hinge was later than the introduction of the spring, the spring remained in use long after the hinge was introduced. Therefore, a given fibula with hinge is not necessarily more recent than one with a spring.

Use
Fibulae were originally used to fasten clothing. They represent an improvement on the earlier straight pin which was less secure and could fall out. While the head of the earlier straight pin was often decorated, the bow or plate of the fibula provided a much increased scope for decoration. Among some cultures, different fibula designs had specific symbolic meanings. They could refer to a status or profession such as single woman, married woman, man, warrior, or chief. Some Roman-era fibulae may symbolize specific ranks or positions in the Roman legions or auxiliary. In some cultures, fibulae were worn in pairs and could be linked by a length of chain.

Peppermint Geranium Love

2009-08-14T09:21:00.002-04:00

At one time I sold scented geraniums but, now I am at the mercy of what our area provides for I am not special ordering them.A good friend, who has an herb shop, did share some cuttings with me late Spring and they finally are rooting.I still need a rose geranium...any one out there want to be so kind.I have Mabel Grey(lemon), Fair Ellen(woodsy) and an Apple scented :)Many different variaties of Herbs also.

Great class last Saturday

2009-08-10T07:48:00.002-04:00

We were provided with a toolkit, container included, along with extras.
Extras were available for purchase and I provided beads, stones and cabachons
in the gallery also for purchase.

Torch enameled piece from our instructor which, will be a future class!

Some of her work for examples

Sara using her bench pin with Johna looking on :)

Sketches from Sara

Finished piece

Julia working

her lovely finished piece including handcreated rivots and beads from her collection

Erin cutting her's

finished botanical inspired pendant

Erin and I

my pattern and cut out

Finished hammered, textured, filed, sanded and steelwooled pendant. I was a bit behind with having customers in the gallery and stayed after everyone was finished to complete ;)
I cut off the ring going through the bail yesterday and ran a black cord through and then finished it off with my created swirl finding crimps.
Go to my http://www.flickr.com/photos/mossnbeads/ to see more photos from this wonderful class!

NEW SHOW and reception this Saturday the 11th

2009-07-09T16:21:00.002-04:00

A reception is being held this Saturday for a combined show featuring John Pearson's mixed media art, Bill Warmbrodt's Kinzua Bridge series and other photography on the walls of the gallery for the month's of July and August. ARTIST’S STATEMENT “The Label Goes in the Back” is a catch phrase for teaching children with mental retardation how to distinguish the front from the back of their clothing. It may, as we are using it, also reference how inadequate labeling is in determining the interests and abilities of Special Education students. John, who was born with Down syndrome, enjoys much success in the very new field of digital photography. Because photographs can be taken at essentially no cost, as well as the immediacy of the medium, it is an ideal means of expression for John. From his humble beginnings as family photographer, he went on to photograph events at his high school for publication, for local club events, and school and work calendars. Eventually John found his niche as the photographer at Warren County Summer Music School . His photographs for this organization are regularly displayed during the summer program and his slide show has been used to entertain the guests at the school’s Open House and as the basis for a CD used in grant applications since 1998. John is employed at Bollinger Enterprises, Inc., a sheltered workshop, where he enjoys being part of their full-time work force. His photographs encompass the many areas of interest in John’s life: sports, dance, music, local scenes and people. “The Label Goes in the Back” was the title of a successful one man exhibit of digital photography, illustrations and sculpture by John Pearson at the Wright Conference Room & Gallery, Jamestown NY , sponsored by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County in the fall of 2005. “Collaborations” was the title of a second exhibit at the Wright Conference Room and Gallery in September 2007. “Collaborations” was chosen for the show title as a way of emphasizing how important working with others was in making the show a reality. John worked with his former art teacher and interim volunteer director of the Wright Gallery, Rebecca Thomas and with a group of fellow workers at Bollinger Enterprises, Inc, a sheltered workshop. A special Brown Bag lunch was held in conjunction with the show to allow persons with an interest in the disability community and arts programming to meet and exchange ideas. This exhibit was made possible through support from the New York State Council of the Arts & the Arts Council for Chautauqua County .

In November of 2007 John participated in an art exhibition at the Adams Gallery in Dunkirk , NY . It was a show on “Healing Arts” and featured artists from all over Warren and the Chautauqua areas.
In April of 2009 John participated in the Community Art Show sponsored by the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute in Erie, PA , “Celebrating the Possibilities,” exploring the artistic achievements of all person.
Most recently in May 0f 2009 Café 905, a part of the Warren Community Center in Warren , PA hosted a one man exhibit by John. The entrance to the café was turned into a mini-exhibit area for his digital photography. He created a special edition of magnolia prints which were sold to benefit the center.

John is a member of the Warren Art League and regularly shows with this group

JOHN'S NARRATIVE:

I started taking digital photographs in 1998. We purchased a Sony Mavica at the suggestion of a friend, who realized the potential impact this new technology could have in my life. He and my mom thought I would enjoy being the family photographer. I am on my third Sony digital camera. I have the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828. I use Google’s Picasa to edit my photos. It is easy to use and it is free, which is a good thing. I like my photographs to be clean and simple. We print them at home with a HP inkjet printer. I try different papers and effects. My photographs have brought me recognition and help people to see me as a capable person. I have made many friends through my photography. It is something I like to share. How can I separate my disability out from who I am? I see the world as I see it. I do not know a world where I do not have Down Syndrome. Art was important for me during my Middle and High School years. It took me outside my special education classroom and into the mainstream of school life. Eventually my photographs were used by the local newspaper and in the school yearbook. Once I got to photograph the cheerleaders. I liked that! When I was a student at Warren County Summer Music School , I took some pictures that people liked. I became their official photographer. I learned how to work quickly and quietly under pressure. I made wonderful friends and they offered me my first paying job as a summer intern. I have just completed my eleventh year as their photographer.

(As told to and witnessed by John’s mother)

Art in the Wilds

2009-06-18T08:31:00.003-04:00

Lots to do, see, taste, and experience in Kane this last weekend of June, Saturday the 27th & Sunday 28th...

Art in the Wilds, a fine arts show in the town's shaded park,
*open Sat & Sun 10 -5pm http://www.artinthewilds.org/
~Tell me you received this email from me and receive a 10% off of anything in my booth at ART IN THE WILDS this weekend!!!!

Art Depot & Gallery is located near park, featuring "Close to Home" art show, and pieces for sale in gallery with Kinzua Bridge memorabilia this weekend 10-5, and then along with their Artisan Market on the grassy knoll outside of the Depot on Saturday from 10 - 5

Taste of Kane at Kane Area Community Center located on Main St will have local restaurants' tastes and seating,
*open Sat 11 -3pm

Herb Fest 2009 at Edgewood Herbs Gardens & Gift Shoppe located on 87 School St directly off of Rt 321 in East Kane, tour the beautiful gardens and herb beds, sample herbal refreshments, check out the artisans, gift shoppe and vendors, and get a reading from me!(Sat only 10 to 3-4ish)
*open Sat & Sun 10 -6pm

And don't forget to check out Flickerwood Wine Cellars just up the road from the Herb Fest!
*open Sat 10 -9pm & Sun 12 -6pm

Enjoy!!!

Stephanie Distler
http://www.stephaniedistler.blogspot.com/
http://www.stephaniedistler.etsy.com/

Herb Saturday

2009-06-12T07:54:00.004-04:00

We stopped at a few places trying to find some different herbs, veggies and plants in general last Saturday. First stop was the Herb Festival in Cook Forest and my fave vendor Sunny Sprouts.
She has strange and weird offerings. I picked up some fun succulents, ferns and a novelty sensitive fern for the girls to enjoy. She seems to be there every year, look at her smile, must be all the weirdness ;)

It was a very nice crowd that day

even some carvings.... what that has to do with herbs and fiber I don't know.
It is promoted at an Herb and Fiber Festival...no fiber vendors were found.
The first year that they combined the two it was wonderful with loads of fiber
vendors.

Pennsylvania Wilds juried artist Brenda Nicholas was a vendor. You may know her from other shows and I also had her featured at The Flemish House last year at this time with her glorious mosaic work. I do have a very nice selection of her dichroic pendants that are a quick sell in the gallery.

next was Quiet Creek Herb Farm in Brookville, Pa.
Loved the Shitake Mushrooms, sustainable living lifestyle, mud bread oven and the straw and mud hut. Fun place to visit! I have not been there in quite a few years to visit Clair and Rusty Orner at the farm. They have added all sorts of interesting thoughts and will continue to.

the corner Coneflower planting was replaced with Violas

After we left we then went to a few garden centers in Brookville including Farmer Smith's and picked up Thymes, which is one of my fave Herbs, there are 100's. I had a nice collection of them back in the day....
Gorgeous day!

Johnsonburg Farmer's Market Start date :)

2009-06-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

FARMER'S MARKET STARTING

Market will start on Wednesday July, 8th 3 to 5pm

we are approved once again in the Municipal Parking lot

across from the JBG Senior Center on Rt. 219

See you all there for FRESH produce, baked goods and that something different!!!!!

Summer Fun at the Johnsonburg Community Center

2009-06-02T19:47:00.005-04:00

Chris or Jesse 813.965.2010 or Steph at 814.512.1209

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
10-2pm

Starts June 15th til August 7th for 8 weeks 10-2PM

Day Camp
will include a physical activity 10-11, swimming 11-12, lunch 12-1 and then a themed activity 1-2

Themes:

East End Playground
MONDAYS ONLY
Mondays w/ basketball and tennis along with other activities

Johnsonburg Community Center
Tuesdays the arts
Wednesdays discovery
Thursdays cooking fun

Free to all!
(Come all days or pick and choose according to your schedule)
***Please make sure you bring a towel, swimming suit (except week 3)
and a bag lunch every day for the Day Camp except days we will be cooking!!!!!

photography . art trading cards . jewelry .collage . mosaics . cooking . artshow . music . games . swimming . discovery . community . find out

ACEO artist from Indonesia at The Flemish House Art Gallery

2009-05-16T09:32:00.003-04:00

Artist Vantiani is participating in a 3 month showing at the gallery with her fab
cards! We met and chatted on ETSY chat last month. When I told her about my recent featured show she was excited so, I invited her in the mix. She is very talented and being truly well received at the gallery this week.

I have a great and talented friend visiting today who loves collage and assemblage work and also has taught a class at the gallery. I cannot wait for her to see this show!

Please visit Vantiani's blog Vanilla Vain where she talks about her art and inspirations

faces and donut pendants in the Gallery

2009-05-04T13:44:00.000-04:00

Day trip to Hector Falls with supper thrown in and porch paint decision making

2009-05-04T09:25:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a spectacular Spring day with finally picking up my porch paint and taking a hike with my girls and dh. We of course went with stain, the colors 'russet' for the floor and 'eucalyptus' for the railings and framing. I am planning on staining the fence and the lattice bottom skirting insets about the same color but, they will have totally diff outcomes since the fence is probably 5 yrs. old & the lattice insets will be new, lol.

We ate at Applebee's in Warren, Pa. with the girls getting Chicken Fajita and planks/fries then dh and I taking advantage of the 2 for $20 deal with 2 7 oz. steaks. I ordered mine medium rare with a baked potato and dh medium w/fries...
I hate being that person that complains but, when you get a plate with 1/2" of water and your medium rare is stewed from the potato water on the plate you get a bit pissy. Why would you boil a BAKED potato? Does that make any sense, lol...
They were nice and replaced it with a chicken lime dish, blah, blah... I hate chain restaurants anyway. There is an awesome place on the back roads that we wanted to try out but, the girls wanted to do the Applebee thing.

The Falls were wonderful! We walked 2 miles in and then 2 uphill out so, 4 altogether but, it was truly well worth it. Here is some about Hector Falls: http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/STONEMANGUITARS/hectorsfalls.html
We plan on doing more waterfalls this summer as well as hiking with the girls. I can't spend all of my time working on art and the gallery :)

Artist Meet-Up in St. Marys this Sunday the 26th

2009-04-22T18:22:00.000-04:00

ART on the EDGE Meet-Up for April 26th 2-4pm

On the 4th Sunday of each month Art on the Edge gathers artists, art enthusiasts and the like together for a themed afternoon in an effort to network, discuss and explore issues that will help participants grow professionally and personally.

The next ART ON THE EDGE meet-up is in St. Marys with Lynda Pontzer at 2pm and then onto Goblin Chocolates at 3pm. Art and chocolate what more could you want ;) http://goblinchocolates.com/

The GOBLIN'S PLEDGE: Our confections are hand crafted by our chocolate artisans with attention to every detail. Our products are made in small batches to ensure freshness and hand packed to maintain our quality standards. When purchasing, we request your email address. This allows the goblin to contact you if unusual weather conditions may affect your order. The Goblin is by nature a solitary creature. He is not in contact with companies that share or sell customer information, and we guarantee that you will only be contacted if we have questions regarding your order. As you can see, we safeguard your chocolates by controlling all possible variables along their journey to you.

studio located off Rt. 255 South (off of Million Dollar Highway) turn left up East Arch Street on the corner of Spruce & East Arch right side, has a brick drive, white house, gazebo and large perennial garden. 814.834.2090 http://www.pontzerportraitstudio.com/

Lynda has painted oil and pastel portraits from life since she was a teenager. Her lifelong passion for portraiture led her to Penn State University, Mercyhurst College, Cleveland Institute of Art and the University of Arizona. Upon completion of her Masters in art and history, Lynda worked as an environmental arts teacher outside of New York City and then left to explore Europe and the Far East for a period of years. This included a year of teaching portraiture at the University of Roskilde, Denmark
Lynda now lives in North Western PA, surrounded by the lush game lands of the Allegheny National Forest and state forests. St. Mary's is located in Elk County which is famous for its elk herd. Amid this "land of plenty" Lynda pursues the art of portraiture and painting the local landscape on location. Her studio serves as a workshop for classes in portraiture and landscape painting. The latter is done on location, weather permitting. Class sizes are kept small to better focus on learning.

My Ginger Kitty

2009-04-16T22:52:00.003-04:00

She was on my table last evening while I was sewing up my new line of softies, oooodles of poodles, lol..

Love my crazy cat :)

ACEO Reception Date this Sunday the 19th

2009-04-10T17:26:00.003-04:00

Featured ArtShow this Sunday the 19th, 2-4 at the Flemish House!

Open Mic is also scheduled same floor for your enjoyment during this special show.

ACEO SHOW

A bringing together of artists in every medium celebrating the creative spirit!

WHEN: April, May and June
WHERE: The Flemish House Art Gallery and then the trading will take place at Elk County Council on the Arts latter part of June
DEADLINE: first part of April (still accepting entrants)
SET-UP: 2nd week in April
RECEPTION: Sunday April 19th, 2-4

There is a 9 card requirement to participate. You may send in more but, they must be in increments of 9.

The goal then will be to have local artists showcasing techniques from all mediums/techniques including oils, watercolors, ink, assemblage, photography, pencils, calligraphy, glass, fiber, en caustic wax, fimo, paper sculpture, computer generated, etc. during this show to further knowledge of mediums among all types and levels of artists. These original works of art will be collected and shown at The Flemish House Art Gallery and then the trade will take place at Elk County Council on the Arts in June, bringing the arts together!

Refer to http://www.flemishhouseartgallery.blogspot.com/ posts for examples and updates or it's facebook group http://groups.to/participateinanaceoshow/
A trading session will be held in June for those participants wanting to trade their ACEOs with others displayed at the Flemish House. The trade will take place at Elk County Council on the Arts!
Please bring your ACEOs to the Flemish House Art Gallery, 600 Market Street, Johnsonburg during gallery hours or call to schedule a time to meet to have your cards shown April/May/June :)

freeform wireart

2009-03-27T09:20:00.001-04:00

think of wire as a pencil, drawing out this free-form fern or fantasy piece

Recent EDGE meet-up in the Flemish House

2009-03-26T08:18:00.001-04:00

When my wonderful daughter was home she shared her wealth of knowledge on video and film!

VIDEO was the subject of the last meet-up held March 22nd. Many aspects of video were demonstrated and discussed including lighting, downloading, useful hints and what is available for artists for promotion.
Distler was a welcome addition to the EDGE!!!!!!!!

In the gallery showing an artist demo reel

Uploading video from interviews taken at meet-up

One of our up and coming young artists with an interest in film, Colton Delong

Setting Up

2009-03-24T08:31:00.003-04:00

just the start of upcoming show which will cover 3 walls in gallery

Art in the Simplest of things

2009-03-04T16:12:00.002-05:00

The bubbles to me mimicked eyes opening and closing during the making of the oatmeal last Sunday, along with the way the steam attached itself to the camera lens also fascinated me :0)....

The teller window serves as a mini shop window ;)

2009-02-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

The teller window serves as a mini shop window ;), originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

A peek into the Gallery...

Holiday Specials starting this Saturday

2009-02-04T17:59:00.002-05:00

DSC00873, originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

Always Something New at the Flemish House

2009-01-12T20:29:00.003-05:00

Fused glass dichroic pendants by artist Brenda Nicklas
Attribute necklaces by Distler
Maulsticks by artist Gingi Martin --- A maulstick, or mahlstick, is a stick with a soft leather or padded head, used by painters to support the hand that holds the brush. The word is an adaptation of the Dutch maalstok, i.e. the "painter's stick", from malen, "to paint". In 16th- through 19th-century paintings of artists, including self-portraits, the maulstick is often depicted as part of the painter's equipment. from Wikipedia.com

ACEO show scheduled in Spring into early Summer

2009-01-04T09:53:00.006-05:00

com

ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) is where my brain is these days formulating a way to promote this concept to all of Elk County and beyond perhaps. I approached our local Executive Director of the Elk County Council on the Arts, and dear friend Abbi Peters about including ECCOTA and then she also suggested Appalachian Arts and our good friend Liz Boni. We need to schedule a meeting of our creative minds this month at some point to start the process. I feel the 3 of us working together will further this endeavor greatly especially having shows in all 3 galleries for all levels of artists to display their work.

Here is a little about Art Cards from Wikipedia:

The only standard requirement for an ACEO is that its height and width measurements be 2.5" x 3.5" (64 x 89 mm), either vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) orientation. The sky is the limit for every other aspect of the art.
The size, 2.5" x 3.5", is exactly one-quarter of 5" x 7" (127 x 178 mm) - a common size for photography and illustration. This means artists focusing on 5" x 7" artwork can easily scale-down their works to exactly 1/4 size (using photo-manipulation software) to create ACEO. Else the basis of printed ACEOs can later be modified with other methods - such painting or inking-over the base image.
There is no standard thickness for ACEOs but people customarily make them thin enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.
Whilst some people are sticklers for archival qualities, art does not necessarily have to be "forever" so many people use whatever materials fit their artistic needs, irrespective of those materials' longevity.

****I did replace the ATC (Artist Trading Cards) with ACEOs for the same guidelines apply. The only difference between the two thoughts is that you can sell the ACEOs where as the ATCs are just for trading among artists.

The goal then will be to have local artists teaching techniques from all mediums/techniques including oils, watercolors, ink, assemblage, photography, pencils, calligraphy, glass, fiber, en caustic wax, fimo, paper sculpture, computer generated, etc. before and during this show to further knowledge of mediums among all types and levels of artists.
These original works of art will be collected and shown at The Flemish House Art Gallery, Elk County Council on the Arts and Appalachian Arts with a possible trading at the end among artists and also the opportunity of selling during the show to the public.

Great sites to further explain and for artist examples from all over the world:
http://www.squidoo.com/making_aceos depth explanation with mediums and other sites
http://reviews.ebay.com/So-what-is-ACEO-anyway_W0QQugidZ10000000002208702 ebay artists explain
http://aceo.org/ more, more, more
dmdgallery.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_archive.html great scratch board technique
http://www.myspace.com/aceo_uk they had a big showing in 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyyKxptprsY from the UK show
http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/ remember the ACEOs are able to be sold..but, this is a great site for info on art cards in general from the UK

~ I have already contacted a few of my friends and they are busy creating as I am writing this post.

2008-12-13T07:44:00.001-05:00

Brenda Nicklas pendants, originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

Some new pendants by glass artist Brenda Nicklas now available at The Flemish House!

2008-11-24T11:59:00.002-05:00

Upcoming Dates to remember in the Historic Johnsonburg Community Center:

*****New Brenda Nicklas pendants for holiday gift giving!
******10% off at the Flemish House This Weekend!!!!!
******SOUP SALE featuring Italian Wedding and Spaetzle

Dates to remember at the Flemish House, Northern Exposure and
The Historic Johnsonburg Community Center & Friends

Friday and Saturday December 5th and 6th Flemish House's and Northern Exposure's Holiday with the ARTS. Friday 7-9 for our cheering in artists with Bill's artisan wines and Saturday 11-5 for a day of artists including Andrea Parrish, Christine Bressler and Patricia Eckstrom, Stephanie Distler and Bill Warmbrodt. We are included on the Yuletide Memories Shopping Weekend in Ridgway with ECCOTA, Appalachian Arts and other participating businesses. Pick up a brochure at any participating business or gallery! Go to http://www.flemishhouseartgallery.blogspot.com/ for updates.
KANE Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Annual Kane Creative Arts League Holiday Artisan Market at the Depot (front room). While there, enjoy the fine art and fine craft at ArtWorks Gallery & Store at the Depot (middle room).
Saturday December 13th from 1-3 Flemish House is hosting an Artist Meet-Up with Grover Slater and Gingi Martin featured artists in the Gallery showcasing their artwork and techniques. http://www.stephaniedistler.blogspot.com/ for articles/info
Sunday December 21st Open Mic Hosted by Renee Patrick 2-4pm
The Coffee House provides Monday Specials

NOTE:
My phone is still in Illinois with my Daughter until next week. If you need to get a hold of me please call 814.965.2873 or the JCC at 814.965.2010. Sorry for any inconvenience.

I have been bad

2008-11-24T11:57:00.001-05:00

DSC00281, originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

When I get back from visiting dd over Thanksgiving I will start posting more projects, ideas and pertinent info......yes, yes I will ;)

Articles on Artists at the Flemish House Recently

2008-11-22T09:15:00.002-05:00

Gingi Martin & Grover Slater stand in front of a display of Martin's oil paintings at the Flemish House Art Gallery in Johnsonburg during their November/December/January run being featured artists.
Local artist gets enjoyment out of creating.
By Heather Tressler
Record Staff Writer
JOHNSONBURG – Gingi Martin is an artist who grew up in St. Marys, and now lives in York, N.Y.Martin says she has always been interested in drawing, creating and painting. She built her art foundation at St. Marys Area High School, where she was taught by fellow artist Grover Slater. Slater and Martin both have work showcased at the Flemish House Art Gallery. Martin and Slater often display their work together, and Martin says she enjoys it because of their history. “It's wonderful to show with Grover,” Martin said. “We’ve known each other since high school because he was my art teacher. He was a great inspiration. He loves music.We used to talk about music, and it is really my inspiration.”Upon completion of high school, Martin moved on to study art and music to receive a bachelor's of arts degree. She recently decided to further her education on to her master's degree of fine arts in painting and sculpture. When Martin was asked what inspires her to practice art, she said, “Art is a part of you. A lot of people don’t continue to work at it. I am driven to do art, and to continue to learn and study.” Martin says learning and creating is her life’s passion.During Martin’s journey to achieve her master’s degree, she was required to write a thesis which she featured Beethoven and his creative genius. Martin says she will soon expand on her thesis to a book. Martin is collaborating with her husband, Peter Ferran. Aspiring artists can get discouraged, but Martin offers a little wisdom. “Don’t ever stop experimenting with art and media,” said Martin. “Don’t make excuses for not working.”

----------------------------------------------------------------

Grover Slater and Gingi Martin stand in front of a display of Slater's watercolors at the Flemish House Art Gallery in Johnsonburg during their November/December/January run being featured artists.

Slater started as a teacher of art, but since retiring he has experienced a rebirth of his creative side.
By Heather Tressler
Record Staff Writer
JOHNNSONBURG – Grover Slater is a retired art teacher who taught in the St. Marys Area School District for 35 years. Slater says after all those years working with other people and their art, he wasn’t able to concentrate on his own. Since he is now retired, he has built a studio and dedicates the majority of his time towards his masterpieces. Slater’s works with sterling silver wire and water coloring. Slater recently displayed 15 pieces of his work in a beautiful exhibit with fellow artist Gingi Martin at the Flemish House Art Gallery in Johnsonburg. Slater defines art in his life by comparing what art used to be to what it is now. “Earlier in my life art provided me with a meaningful job,” Slater said. “It was fun and enjoyable. Now art gives meaning to retirement.” Slater says that while working with students is enjoyable, he admits he wasn’t able to really think about paintings on a more mature level because back then it was more of a developmental process.“For an adult, our perceptions of the world are more developed,” said Slater. “I bring that to my paintings; my art gives me a means of making sense of what I see.” When Slater was asked how he decided to teach art over many other things, he chuckled before replying, “I was told by my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Smith that I should go to Edinboro and be an art teacher,” Slater said. “When I was a junior, and had to pick a future, I remembered Mrs. Smith. It was always a pretty obvious choice I should gointo art.”Slater’s talent is impeccable, and he decided to teach art instead of going into an expressive art field because he wanted something more practical. “It never occurred to me that a person would be able to make it in the art world, and at the time I really had limited knowledge.” Slater said. “I graduated in 1962 when there wasn’t a whole lot of career development. Edinboro college was close by, and I liked working with kids so I decided to be an art teacher.” Slater has previously displayed his work with Martin at the Elk County Council on the Arts, and says he chose the Flemish House Art Gallery because the director, Stephanie Distler, was extremely motivated and he enjoys working with her. Slater spoke about upcoming art galleries in York where Martin is from, but nothing is certain at this point. In a final note, Slater says to all aspiring artists, “don’t sacrifice quality, and be very demanding on yourself.”

2008-11-14T08:16:00.002-05:00

Upcoming Dates to remember:

Sunday November 16th Open Mic Hosted by Renee Patrick 2-4pm
Sunday November 30th Santa will be at the Johnsonburg Community Center gymnasium after the parade for your wish-list and Bill Warmbrodt is available for your Holiday pictures with instant photos and picture packages!
Friday and Saturday December 5th and 6th Flemish House's and Northern Exposure's Holiday with the ARTS. Friday 7-9 for our cheering in with Bill's artisan wines and Saturday 11-5 for a day of artists including Shay Payne, Andrea Parrish and Patricia Eckstrom, Stephanie Distler and Bill Warmbrodt.
Saturday December 13th from 1-3 an Artist Meet-Up with Grover Slater and Gingi Martin featured artists in the Gallery showcasing their artwork and techniques.

2008-11-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

DSC00289, originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

New carpeting in the Gallery

2008-11-06T08:47:00.002-05:00

new look

'Attribute' necklaces designed with stones, Czech beads, lampwork, etc.

large doll forms hand created for artdolls and altered creations

many new beads for your latest

In the Gallery on a Monday

2008-10-28T16:46:00.003-04:00

New scarf and necklace I created last weekend. The colors of Fall are very warming to the spirit, loving the look of the two pieces together.

Loads of new scarves and necklaces dripping with Texture, Color and Movement.......

Attributes to embellish on the jewelry along with antique/vintage/retro buttons for closures ;)

New upcoming show 'Firmament'

2008-10-26T09:02:00.001-04:00

New upcoming show 'Firmament', originally uploaded by mossnbeads.

birds

2008-10-22T17:23:00.003-04:00

I am in love with these birds from Laura on Spool !
I have made a fun flock bringing in retro fabrics along with some one of a kind pieces from my stash.
They look so cool next to the work bench ;)