October Edition

Wow, time flies! Next week is the first of our two October Thursday-weekends. We have lots of new things...stacked glass candle sticks, lettered mirrors, handmade Halloween decor, and whatever else shows up between now and then. Sherry has some "new" vintage finds, and Marci, who donates ALL her proceeds to Oasis Bird Sanctuary, says she's been working on boxes. Not sure exactly what she's up to, but the last ones I saw were magical little mixed media pieces.

Speaking of magic and mixed media, be sure to scroll down to the next two entries. I was having trouble getting all the pictures to post, so I did a separate entry for each of our "departments". We have a fun little make-&-take, and a really magical class on Saturday the 24th. As always, we will treat you to some lovely home baked nibble, with the recipe there for the taking. You are welcome to stop at Duets (four doors down) for coffee on the way, and bring it in with you.

As it's October, remember that there is Emma Krumbee's Pumpkin Festival going on, Minnesota Harvest has u-pick apples (and more), and Jim's Apple Barn, right on the highway has apples, fresh baked pies, and jillions of other gourmet goodies. If you haven't bought your pumpkins yet, may I recommend the pumpkin wagon, parked on Main Street, just down from Annie's Cafe? Choose your pumpkin, then drop your money in the milk can...very Norman Rockwell.

As far as I know, the Carver and Chaska shops are open the 22-24th this month, so if you are planning to make the circuit, the second weekend may be best for you. Of course, that means you might miss out on the best bargains here...

See ya!

CLASS: Enchanted Pumpkin Fairy Houses

On Saturday October 24, Lisa Spencer, the artist responsible for the wonderful watercolors at Nest Feathers, has a special treat for us. She'll be conducting an adventure into the Realm of Faerie for you and your "Inner Sprite". Here's how she explains the class...

Play is Very important for grown ups! My goal with this workshop is to reintroduce you to some of the magic of childhood, now that you are old enough to do exactly as you please.

Although real Fairy houses are probably made out of mostly natural materials, these are not your usual fairy houses. They are created from recycled objects, like the bits found in your everything drawer, the toys children no longer play with, scraps of fabric, ribbon, and lace, silk flowers, little pictures from catalogues and magazines, old jewelry (like that one earring you just can't throw away), a key, tag sale treasures, and oh-so-much more!

Ask your "Wee One" what a 2-3'' tall fairy would like to have in their home. What colors, what textures, what theme? Make notes, and collect what inspires you.

When thinking of themes, you might want to know that one of Lisa's is titled "Maven's Shoe Haven" and the Fairy who lives there has collected all kinds of shoe figurines, doll shoes, shoe pictures, and even sleeps in a shoe! Very glamorous, in a miniature Imelda sort of a way. I plan to make a Gypsy wagon, a bit like Cinderella's carriage, but fitted out for Gypsy Fairy escapades. Remember that not everything has to be miniature...a teacup bathtub, a velvet coin purse turned sleeping bag...

Don't worry about bringing a lot of stuff, unless you really want to. You will be provided with a precarved funkin, in your choice of orange or ivory, with the interior already painted a pale gold, so it's ready to embellish. There will be collections of the above mentioned items for you to choose from to decorate and embellish your abode.

In a few hours, you will have created your unique home for the inner sprite in your life. Your indoor Fairy house will bring a reminder to always make a space for play in your day.

Class is from 11-2, on Saturday the 24th. You may stay longer to finish your project, if you wish. Cost: $20 Instruction, $25 Materials Fee. Pre-registration with $20 deposit is required to hold your space, as class size is limited. Make check payable to Lisa Spencer, but mail it to Dawn-Marie Quinche, 128 W. Main Street, Belle Plaine, MN 56011. You can call me with questions at (952)873-4493.

October Make-&-Take

This month's make-&-take project is Halloween Altered Art Pins, which can also be finished as magnets, in case you would rather post 'em than wear 'em. These are an easy mixed-media project that you can easily replicate at home. They are especially fun to make using pictures of your girlfriends, so bring along copies of photos that can be cut up, with the faces measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Clipart and vintage photos, which I have on hand can also be used, if you prefer. The first project is free, each additional is $2.