Christmas Shopping for the Company

The Christmas markets have been in full swing for three weeks now. With eight trips under my belt; one could say I've been taking full advantage of the season.

It amazes me how much time Germans spend out of doors. Weather is, absolutely, not a factor. I am outside all of the time; for long periods of time. It's the only way to absorb the culture...and fresh air. It could be 10 degrees Celsius and raining; and there will still be crowds perched outside coffee shops enjoying a beverage (and perhaps a cigarette) at a table. They may be under a blanket; but that just makes the dedication even more apparent.

Luckily, I've got plenty of outdoor clothing. It is of the greatest necessity to always carry with you a hat, gloves, scarf and an umbrella. It doesn't matter what month, day, or time of day it is; in Germany you must be prepared for it to be cold and/or rainy. Being the cold freak that I am; I also carry two sets of Hot Hands. Sometimes I need more than Glühwein to encourage my blood to continuously circulate. 

With Christmas less than 10 days away I've definitely begun to hear the phrase, “You've seen one Christmas market, then you've seen them all. While in general I find this opinion a bit boring, I also found a Christmas market this Sunday to put that opinion to shame. (Try to stay with me here.) I attended a two-day Christmas market at Gut Wolfgangshof (an old farm estate, in Anwanden, hosted by the Schloss Hexenagger group. The website is www.winterzauberland.de You might want to bookmark it for next year. 

This was not your typical Christmas market. Yes, they had Glühwein and Lebkuchen. Yes, they had chocolate and bratwurst. But they also had organic, farm raised, lamb sausage with a most fantastic paprika seasoning. (and I don't even like lamb) They had lots of vendors from farms with fresh eggs, meats, pelts, preserves, jams, and jellies....so much of the land's bounty. Yes, many vendors there were selling Christmas ornaments and candles. But the ornaments were hand carved and the candles hand-dipped beeswax. I am also in love with how the Germans have not let the simple traditions of craftsmanship fall to the wayside. There was even a blacksmith present. He was doing demonstrations, but also letting children practice as well. It was cool. Even better; there was a camel. You could ride it. I didn't. Kids did.

Since the market was on a farm estate, the barn was full of crafters and vendors too. I found many beauty products I would have loved to purchase.There was a guy selling lotion made from potatoes (cool) and I couldn't keep from tripping over millions of delicious smelling soaps. On the ground floor of the barn they had a exhibit of the traditional biscuit ornaments. The biscuits are hand made in molds, then baked, then painted. Here you could buy them and paint them yourself. I bought two, of course, but I brought them home to paint with my own paint. I'm going to give them to my neighbors and landlords as gifts. There were also many fabulous jewelers present at this market. My sights and senses were overwhelmed with all of the beautiful possibilities of jewelry. I always take jewelers' business cards in hopes of contacting them and asking them to make me incredible buttons. Here, in Germany, I think I'm going to have great luck with that. The jewelers I have met so far seem quite personable and interested in custom work. For instance, wouldn't it be awesome to have buttons from this artist?...www.erdwind.de...

So what did I buy? Nothing for myself; I must admit. I bought more fur for Florida Scarf. I met these awesome dudes, from Leipzig. They traveled quite far with their outstanding collection. They had so many interesting, beautiful, high quality pieces. I wanted to buy them all. I chose to purchase the softest rabbit pelt I could find; just one. I don't want to go overboard with any one style. Florida Scarf, in fur, has been a hit here in Europe though. Seeing how much time we are all spending outside; now I understand. Fur keeps you incredibly comfortable and warm.

I could ramble on about my enchanting Sunday afternoon, at the Magic Winter Market that was terribly gorgeous and enchanting, and cold, and rainy, and muddy; but you would get bored and fall asleep, and it would leave me no time to mention Saturday.

Saturday was another cold and rainy (typical) day in Germany. I rode the train to Nürnberg and went to the Winterkiosk (www.winterkiosk.de) at the Kunsthaus (Art House) across the street from the train station. It was three floors of handmade wares, repurposed clothing, vegan food, glühwein, recycling, books, and basically everything else for the modern hippie. It was fun; but with an extremely different flair than the market on Sunday. Saturday was fun, and funky. I am happy to report that I found some buttons for Flo Sca on Saturday. I am slowly building an army of supplies born and bred in Deutschland. 

After the Winterkiosk I made another stop at the Nuremberg Christmas market. (I couldn't be in the city and not drop by) That place is crazy! On a Saturday. Crazy! In a good way. I really enjoy shopping once all of my normal Christmas shopping is over with. Like this weekend; the only people I bought things for were (technically me, but also for) Flo Sca customers...and I don't even know them yet. This means there is no pressure, and I get to hang on to the items for a while. I will use them (myself) to make the scarf with, then they will be purchased. It's like a double gift. Initially it makes me happy. Then, later, it makes another person happy.

Winter & Christmas Markets....

I wish I could've taken a video of my backyard this afternoon and shared it. It's definitely Winter, but I find it alive and beautiful. I could stare out the window for hours, just watching.

Why has Winter always been associated with death and solitude? My backyard has an energy I can see and feel. It is a brilliant, bright white. Big red juicy berries grow on a snow capped tree. There is green, hunter green, navy, brown, and white; and that is just the trees. The birds add a completely new level of colorful wonder. They bounce from tree to tree (along with the squirrels) singing, and making merry. This is due, in huge thanks, to Ludwig for feeding them. Every single morning he goes out and makes sure all of our bird houses have seeds in them. Our yard continues to be a delight for us all. I took some photos. They never do it justice. While photographing I make sure I am absorbing my experience with my soul as well as my eyes. The snowflakes are falling fierce. They are big and plump like the berries on the tree. I hope they fall forever. 

Back inside, the classical music on the German radio station is a good accompaniment to Winter's activity. On days like today I love sewing in my studio. I work, and listen, and dream out the window; all at the same time. Currently I have some (really fun) special order projects going. It's all coming together to keep me in the spirit of the holiday. 

Holiday spirit however, is not hard to come by in Germany. And I must admit that even the hardest working Christmas Elf needs a day off at the Christmas Market...

Every town gets dressed up for Christmas. Read it here.

And Another One...

SWISS LIFT

Here is another painting I just finished. It comes from a photograph I took in Switzerland. It's much smaller than most of my other paintings. My process was a bit different this time too. I made the painting first, then I spray painted the chairlift on it last. Usually I start with the spray paint. The following photos capture my efforts...

The sketch and the first layer of paint.

The final layer of paint.

Making the stencil out of a cereal box. I love to reuse.

 Puttin' on the stencil.

 After the spray paint.

Finito.

Seasons Change

Time doesn't go by any faster in Alabama. In fact most things are done slower. It seems to me however, that the seasons change so quickly. Spring is here in full force, and has been for weeks. I'm actually contemplating putting the A/C on soon. (this thought actually purturbs me) My favorite thing in spring is blossoming foliage. I love how some new flowers and buds can make even the yuckiest area look pretty. My hideous fence can attest to that.

Seeing all these lovely roses on the bush makes me wish I had tended to it (at all) earlier. The same goes for a tomato plant I left for dead after never getting a tomato last year. Of course it's got one now, so I've begun watering it again. The tree in our front yard is pretty awesome too.

As much as it may seem that I love spring right now, no season could ever take the place of winter. It is definitely my favorite season. In fact, I just finished another chair lift painting! It's one I've had for a while and am just now completeing.

This is a nice big size. I think I was a bit intimidated by the size and that's why it took so long. For anyone not familiar this Chairlift Series is one I've been working on building for a while. This painting (from The Canyons in Utah) is third in the series. I'll be starting on one from Steamboat, CO next. If you are wondering what the other two look like I can post them now.

A Treasury For Late Winter Warmth

HangingHalo put together this nice collection from Etsy just in time for the end of winter. I really enjoy how colorful it is.

'Dress a Snowman or Yourself' by HangingHalo

Scarves, hats, coats, and mittens galore!! Cute accessories you'll need to keep cozy!!

puppet gloves mandalinarossa $39.00	Whimsy Gnome Slouch... Raimbowtree $68.00	Baby/Toddler Scarf ... ASweetAroma $7.00
Knit Hat with Ruffl... nekhbet $22.00	Violet, Plum, Blue ... PunteBella $26.00	bibiana - a massive... bungaloe $34.00
Hi and Bye Fingerle... KnitWitChicago $	New for 2011 - Back... FlorasFinest $29.95	Wool Hat and Mitten... TurnUpGreen $40.00
Baby mitten - Fleec... pascalineNY $10.00	Cloche Hat in Choco... bonniesknittin... $85.00	Tweet Tweet Peace B... mimabirdboutiq... $20.00
Child's multi-c... WalkingCrowStu... $44.00	Handmade Mini Scarf... scgeraci $28.00	ON SALE Half Price-... marymatsumoto $32.50

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Florida Skirt: A Tutorial

When you are a creative personality it can be hard to stick to one craft. I pride myself in how focused I have been lately. In order to release some holiday stress I decided to let myself branch out. Using my same materials and tools I created a new fashion accessory.

Just in time for the "tail end" of winter.............................The mini scarf for your mid-section!

I turned this project into an 8-step venture, but you can complete it in two.



MATERIALS: You must have a sweater and scissors.
                        You may also want to have fabric for lining, pins, needle and thread, buttons, and cord.
                         It is suggested to use a sewing machine, but you can be fully content without one.

STEP 1: Get a sweater you want to cut up.
              This can be accomplished in your own closet if need be.

STEP 2: Cut off the body of the sweater.
              The bottom edge of the sweater will be the top (waist) of your skirt. If you are crafty you'll want to save the other parts for future endeavors.
         *You can be done here if you'd like. Just pull it on over whatever pants/skirt you already have on and it's an extra layer of warmth. You can weave a ribbon through the upper portion in order to cinch and tie it.

If not continue on,

STEP 3: Cut the length up one side.

If you want your skirt to have a lining proceed to STEP 4, if not skip to STEP 6.



STEP 4: Get a lining for your skirt and cut it in the same size as the sweater layer.

              Material to line the skirt can come from anywhere. To keep it simple I stole some fabric from an old slip. It would also be savvy to use an old t-shirt. Anything that won't fray is ideal. ( you don't have to hem the bottom.) For added warmth line it with sweatshirt fabric.

STEP 5: With the "Right sides" of the fabrics facing in, pin the lining to the sweater at the top, left side, and right side. Now sew around these three sides.

              After sewing, remove the pins and turn "right side" out. If your sweater is a bit thick you might have to do a few hand stitches to hold the seam in place.

STEP 6: Get some supplies to hold the skirt together.

              *If you want to be done here get some safety pins or broaches and pin the skirt around you.

If not continue on,

STEP 7: You'll need scissors, a needle, thread, cord, and buttons. Sew the buttons on one side and loops on the other. 

              I used a row of five buttons to fasten my skirt closed. You could have as little as two. Also, I did two rows of buttons so I'd have size options. You'll cut 5 strips of cord at 10" long. Make a loop out of each cord with a knot at the end. Use the knot to sew the loop securely to the skirt. These loops should be placed evenly down the length of one side of the skirt. On the other side you will sew your buttons. Be sure you are placing the buttons down in correlation to where the loops will catch them from the other side.

STEP 8: Try your skirt on for size.
           

      (Of course you can always continue on and add anything else you'd want to adorn this piece, but I'm done)

I think I look pretty good, and you will too.

STAY WARM!.......................... and Cool.

Shop Hello Bluebird

So this is a show of the merchandise available now at Hello Bluebird. It is a great shop located at 609 Penn Avenue in West Reading, Pennsylvania. If you live in the area, awesome! I've given you a head start on your seasonal shopping. If not, give 'em a shout at http://www.hellobluebird.net/

P.S. This is not only women's stuff. She's got kids too!