Busy week...after the Big Friends of a Feather Event

The fall is such a wonderfully cozy time to me...the beauty of nature is breathtaking...autumn presents itself in all of its warm and subtly rich hues. It has been a busy and fun week...the clean up and reorganization after the Friends of a Feather Fall Event, having a workshop in my studio, going to The Farmstead with some friends and spending a quiet, (finally sunny) Sunday afternoon with my husband Brian. I had to take some photos in the courtyard while the sun was shining brightly today...the sky was so blue!

These are a couple of my angels in my garden...hand created by Steve Hess.

This week in my Vintage Arts Studio Mom and I hosted our Rustic Winter Ornaments Workshop for a couple of lovely women who were sister-in-laws. Mom instructed them on how to make a couple of the ornaments that she designed using beautiful rustic fall colored wools. Mom is very patient when she teaches...though she will make you rip a stitch if you need to...I remember her making me rip stitches when I was a little girl...as unhappy as I was when she told me to do it...it was always for the best! :)

The Farmstead...if you've been there, you know that this is all you need to say to describe this warm and inviting special place...Cheryl from Now & Then, my mom, Jana (a dear old friend of mine) and I went to The Farmstead owned by Kelly and Ron Littman located north of the airport...it was an beautiful setting...in the winding, gravel backroads of the countryside in Platte County...the sale had all kinds of wonderful architectural pieces, old wooden signage, handcrafted art and jewelry by very inspiring local artists to offer to the discerning eclectic buyer. A couple of the Friends of a Feather vendors were a part of this fabulous sale ~Angie, Junie "C", Mary Alice of Beading Hearts and Sheila and Craig of Odd Folies. This was my most favorite purchase from the sale...a local artist who just recently received the prestigious honor of winning 3rd place overall in the Westport Art Show~ Chari Roberts Peak...she is an outstanding artist!

Friends of a Feather Fall Event ~ Gone...but not Forgotten

The Friends of a Feather Fall Event was an amazing success in spite of the unusally cold weather ~ the weathermen said it was the 2nd coldest October 10th in recorded history! Crazy... But, regardless, we had an incredible turn out ~ we served hot chocolate and coffee and yummy chili that my husband Brian made. We also had a firepit going ~ so anyone could warm themselves whether consuming the warm goodies or standing by the fire (I think some were warmed by the excitement of a special find that they couldn't live without!) The sun did actually come out for a while...as you can see by some of the photos.

My daughter Jennifer, who is a 1st grade school teacher, makes cupcakes for our event...she gives her profits to the United Way. She made some tasty apple strudel cupcakes ~ they were so good ~ especially with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee!Lots and lots of wonderful goodies to choose from...from handmade creations made by our amazing group of creative "Friends" ... these trays are made by Kathi of TrayBella...Marilyn...my mom... had made some beautiful journals and wall hangings to give as gifts, or to keep for yourself!

These three girls were so happy to be getting Angie's a.k.a. Junie C's handmade head bands....a huge selection of repurposed furniture, flea market finds and wonderful things for your home and creative space were on hand to choose from...

Craig and Sheila from Odd Folies brought some very unique pieces that are perfect for any office or creative space in your home.

Robin Macintosh had some lovely Christmas pins, and ornaments...I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner ~ and as cold as it was, you'd think it was next week!

Busy...busy...busy!!!

I personally fell in love with the pink chair that you see in the photo above...it is now a part of my Vintage Arts Studio... I sometimes can't resist... :)

These are three "little sisters" that helped at the event. From left to right...Jennifer ~ my oldest daughter's "little sister" ... Cara ~ my "little sister" and Carol ~ Mom's "little sister." I want to extend a special thanks to these three amazing women...we couldn't have done it without you!

Rain, Rain Go Away!!

Just so you all know...rain or shine, we will be open for business tomorrow at 9:00 as planned!

We are unloading...and setting up, in the rain...everyone has brought some amazing things! We are a little damp...but we won't melt!

See you all tomorrow!

Lauri

More Goodies to Look for at the Friends of a Feather Event this Week

I'd like to introduce to you our newest "Friends of a Feather" Artisan...Betsy Olson! You can see that she is an amazing potter. We are very excited to have her as part of our event this fall!I was immediately impressed with her work. She has been working all summer on some beautiful pieces and quite an assortment!

The added detail in some of her pieces are very unique and intricate.

These wonderful little "scary" creatures were handmade by Robin Macintosh and will be available at our show this week. They have such personality!

Robin will also have some of her fun little Christmas ornaments she made out of old tin molds. Too cute!

I made these fun Vintage Flowers made with old ephemera and made ephemera wrapped bottles for the vases with embellishments. I offer a class in my Vintage Arts Studio on how to make your own. Be sure to pick up a class schedule in the Studio while at the Friends of a Feather Sale this week.

This is one of my newest creations..."A Little Birdie Told Me" series of paper mache' birds with little sayings. I will have some of these fun little birds for sale, but I will also be offering a class at Vintage Arts Studio on how to make your own!

Craig and Sheila from Odd Folies made this wonderful repurposed printers drawer cabinet ~ fantastic for holding all kinds of "little diddles."

These are some of the other types of repurposed things that Craig and Sheila will be offering at our Friends of a Feather Sale.

Kathi of TrayBella is branching out with her amazing trays that she creates one at a time...with beautiful papers and fun, chunky handles.

"The Gathering Place" ~ The Magazine Article!

We have been anxiously awaiting to have the October issue of Kansas City Homes and Gardens hit the newstands which features our garden courtyard, our dog Cooper, and our upcoming Friends of a Feather Fall Sales Event. I met Andrea, the Editor-in-Chief, at our last Friends of a Feather event that was held this past June. She and her staff did a fantastic job! Click on the KCHandG link highlighted above to read the complete article.

This is Cooper, our 165 pound Great Dane...he loves to drink out of the small bird bath that sits in our garden...especially after a cool rain. He is such a sweet boy!

This is Daisy Mae, our other Great Dane...she wants her five minutes of fame too!

The windmill was a purchase that my husband Brian made while combing the River Market Antique Mall in downtown Kansas City with me one afternoon. He repainted it, and I added his name and the year detail to have it be "written" in history...