Jewelry Arrives In Scotland!

I'm officially an international artist! My jewelry has crossed the seas arriving Nov 1st to be included in a really cool jewelry show in Scotland ! I'm totally jazzed. http://www.touchedbyscotland.com/2012winter.php .

What a journey this was, learning to adapt to customs requirements for the United Kingdom and the time spent on the phone gauging what I could and could not ship via UPS and all the restrictions!  Apparently spent bullet shells are a NO NO, so I had to hold back some very cool and striking jewelry pieces.  Live and learn, but after much hoop jumping, the work made it there safe and sound and just in time to put on display for the opening.  Jenni was simply "brilliant" to work with (as I thoroughly enjoyed her sweet jovial accent) and I really appreciated the invite to such a cool show.    Robin, one of the super friendly owners, extended this invitation to me so I could be a "little ol' representative" of the U.S. since she is originally from here and come to find out has been seeing my work for quite some time and thought it would be a unique fit for Scotland since she hasn't seen anything like it.  I was tickled at the invite and excited by the representation in the beautiful small village of Oyne in rural Aberdeenshire!  I can't wait to make a future journey to this contemporary gallery and explore Scotland.  Now, where'd I put my kilt and bagpipe?

Jewelry Tins are IN!

Jewelry Tins are In! I put together the cutest little tins of jewelry for the holiday shoppers and just delivered them to the Manhattan Golf & Gallery at 50 North Centre Street in Cumberland, Maryland (301-777-0021). 

The sets include a necklace and coordinating earrings and are creatively displayed and hand wrapped in the most adorable tins.  It is such a fabulous gift or stocking stuffer. You can even slide a hook through the round tin bow and hang it on your tree for her to find!  Limited quantities are available so drop in and grab one soon.

That being said, did you ever wonder what goes into the packaging process of a professional but independent artist?  It can be a task sometimes for sure.  For instance, not only do I make the product, but then I have to come up with some creative ideas for display, especially for the stores I sell in.

I found myself sitting on the floor half asleep a couple nights ago as I prepared these particular jewelry tins.  After ordering the tins, I had to design the inserts without a team of company helpers like the big boys.  You simply can't find companies that already pre-make the inserts - believe me, I checked thoroughly.

Things I had to consider as I tried to make this adorable, yet functional:

• find the right tools: cutting boards, scissors, circle cutters
• gather other tools: glue, wire, hole punch, foam, etc.
• make sure the inserts were the perfect fit, cut & cut again
• don't let jewelry chains get tangled
• raise it up to give it dimention and make room for earwires & chains
• coordinate it color wise to current displays
• does the color work and flatter the jewelry
• as it is handled, will it fall apart
• how can you see it better if you want a closer look and make it easier access
• identify the price, contents & inventory numbers so you know what you are buying
• make it attractive so you feel good about giving it as a gift and your gift will be loved when received
• cut, glue & stick each insert in each tin
• design, print, trim and prep the bows and tags
• get another set of hands to help tie the bows (husbands and daughters are great for free labor!)
• assemble assemble assemble
• wait, what time is it???? it's that late?!!!

Now how do I display them in the store? Being a bit of a collector of stuff (aka mini horder) I found some metal brackets.

  Then stacked them into an old antique drawer.



 Then take some pictures. And wha la, cute as cute can be and ready for sale!



Dropped off an order to Gifts Inn Boonsboro....



Industrial Bohemian available at Gifts Inn Boonsboro



One of my favorite artists and friend, Jean Barnes Downs http://solitudestudio.com/, and I went on a ROAD TRIP to drop off art & jewelry product to Gifts Inn Boonsboro in Boonsboro, Maryland yesterday.  We talked happily along the drive about our art, my new industrial bohemian jewelry line that I was taking to store, and her upcoming Artist in Residence trip to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado that will allow her to explore the park to gain inspiration for her future work.  

We also talked of the success of Gifts Inn Boonsboro due in part to books  that best selling author Nora Roberts has recently written based in the area. Nora owns this lovely store and I was lucky to be in the first selection of artist to sell here years ago.  http://giftsinnboonsboro.com/ 

 The first two books of her trilogy are titled "The Next Always" & "The Last Boyfriend".  They are based in this quaint rural town which is nestled at the foot of South Mountain, between Hagerstown and Frederick. Founded in 1792 by George and William Boone, cousins of Daniel Boone, Boonsboro forms a gateway to relevant colonial and Civil War heritage sites including Washington Monument State Park, South Mountain, and Antietam National Battlefield.

 Boonsboro is also the home to the Inn BoonsBoro - a beautifully restored historic bed-and-breakfast located on the square, also owned by Nora.  The Inn BoonsBoro's front porch looks very inviting!

Next on our trip was to linger in the nearby Shepherdstown, Maryland where we had a yummy lunch, some shopping at another art store and who could pass up a coffee at the very artsy Lost Dog Coffee shop!

There is always new art on the walls and this was a pretty fun installation hanging.  I loved what looked like burlap coffee bags as cushions for your hiney!

If the walls don't get your artsy side juicing, then you just take a quick trip to the bathroom and soak in the wackiness.

No reading material needed as you exit out all that java you just took in.

Sometimes I think this is what too much caffeine makes you see!

It all makes you feel so fun & bubbly inside.

 But we weren't able to linger because Jean had to get home to begin her packing for her trip so we decided to take our fabulous java concoctions on the road, heading into the rain and home to the western mountains of Maryland.  I don't know if it was the many shots of espresso in our drinks, but we gabbed incessantly the entire way home!

Topper Stoppers

Topper Stoppers are available at Manhattan Golf & Gallery!

Because I occasionally participate as a vendor at art & wine events, I decided to come up with a fun and whimsical stopper! They are so fun to make and so individualized that I sell out of them even before the holidays. They make a fabulous gift idea for all occasions, for both men and women. These one-a-kinds decorate bottles beautifully and fit most bottle openings!

I'm so excited, I now have a new Cumberland Maryland location for my jewelry!  I just installed this jewelry today at the Manhattan Golf & Gallery on 50 N. Centre Street!  They are revamping the space and are representing me as their sole "jeweler".  They also have some really fun 2D artwork, do matting & can fit you for golf clubs!  They have some fun and great contemporary painters that they are also representing.  I took almost 50 pieces today and there will be a ton more to come over the next month and beyond!

Breaking with my daughter as she views a sunset after a nice bike ride together on the Great Allegany Passage.  It is a nice way to stay healthy in between working on art.  If you are ever in Cumberland MD and need a place to rent great bikes, go check out the Cumberland Trail Connection, in the Shops at Canal Place.  Hutch will hook you up. http://www.ctcbikes.com/

Credit cards at festivals...

Don't be afraid of it - Mobile payment processing of your credit card at my festivals! Have you found yourself at a festival wondering how safe it is to hand over your credit card and/or have it swiped or hand-keyed into the new technology such as a smartphone or iPad? It's ok for you to ask us how this works!

It's better for you as a customer, here is why: It is an application, usually by a large credit card processing company and it DOES NOT let the smartphones store any credit card or personal info, the info is encryped and immediately sent to the payment processing company, JUST like when you use a credit card in a store! In my processing company's case, it won't even store your email on my iPhone. We can email you a receipt immediately and we don't see the email address after it processes! As a business owner, I like that I do not walk away with YOUR info and the only time I see your credit card is when I am swiping it! It is more secure for you and I don't have to be responsible for safeguarding your card information! Only draw back is if I don't have cell service, then we have to do it the good ol' knuckle buster by-hand way!

So, if you find yourself at a festival where an artist asks for your credit card info to put either in their smartphone or iPad, it's all good! Technology and companies out there have finally caught up with our "traveling businesses" and realize we need safer ways to safe guard our customers!

Artisan Marketplace.....

Come on out to Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa in Morgantown WV and visit Macee at the Artisan Marketplace during their 28th Annual Festival of Food & Wine. The Artisan Marketplace will be open on Saturday, January 21st from 10-6. All other food and wine activities start Friday and continue through Sunday. You can come out for the day or jump on their Getaway Package. This years event features "A Culinary Road Trip Across America". Find the details at http://www.lakeviewresort.com/media/docs/FOFWebFlier.pdf . Check out their food & wine schedule here http://www.lakeviewresort.com/media/docs/2011FestivalofFoodschedule.pdf and of course you must see their menu for the weekend here http://www.lakeviewresort.com/media/docs/FOFMenuList125.pdf . YUM! And finally, reservations and direction can be found here http://www.lakeviewresort.com/west-virginia-vacation/index.cfm . Come say hi and enjoy and fabulous weekend! Maybe even book a Spa treatment!

Itty Bitty 2 opening Sat. Oct 1st 6-8 pm...

Arts at Canal Place co-op gallery is featuring the work of member artist, Mary "Macee" McCunn in "Itty Bitty 2". The solo jewelry show opened Sep. 25th and is going on through October 30th. McCunn will be present to discuss her work and greet visitors at the Opening Reception with refreshments on Saturday, Oct. 1st from 6 to 8 p.m.

McCunn is know for her sculptural jewelry that has an antiqued textural appearance and includes earrings, necklaces, rings and other items made of silver, brass, steel and copper, yet with a subtle primitive appearance. All work is handmade through the forging process as performed by many blacksmiths and metalsmiths from the earliest of times.

The typical feel of her current works will be available, but also a repeat of her new dainty and more delicate line of necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings called "Itty Bitty" that was introduced successfully last fall. The new line is perfect for those who want the look that the artist is know for, but that want something more light and airy to wear. "I constantly re-evaluate my merchandise and listen to what the customers want and the "Itty Bitty" line adds another choice so there is something for everyone for the holiday gift giving season" says McCunn.

You can learn more about McCunn, her upcoming shows and where you can purchase her work at other galleries by visiting her blog at www.meadowbrookarts.blogspot.com or Meadowbrook Arts on Facebook.

McCunn's work can also be found at Lost River Artisan Cooperative, Gifts Inn Boonsboro, The Gallery (Oakland, MD) and Mountain Made (Thomas, WV).

Arts at Canal Place is a local co-op artists' gallery. Any artists that may be interested in jurying in to become a member is encouraged to call (301) 777-8199 for information regarding becoming a member. The gallery, located at 16 Howard St. among the Shops at Canal Place Heritage Area is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Festival summer & fall list 2011, what we are planning...

A quick recap of upcoming shows....

Frederick Festival of the Arts
Carroll Creek Linear Park
Frederick, MD
June 4 & 5

Arts on the River
Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park
Morgantown WV
June 11 & 12

Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival
Garrett County Fairgrounds
McHenry MD
September 10

Itty Bitty 2
Arts at Canal Place
Cumberland MD
Sep 25 through October 30
Opening receptions Oct 1 from 6-8pm

Springs Folk Festival
Springs PA
October 7 & 8

Mountaineer Week Craft Fair & Quilt Show
Mountainlair WVU Campus
Morgantown WV
Oct 28 - 30

Inspiration at any age!

We are blessed in life if we find those individuals we can look up to, but even luckier if we find it in a different generation. I find a kinship in such a person - Willard Dominick. The gap in our years is large, almost by 50 years! That, however, doesn't stop the flow of conversation. Though our visits tend to be short and few and far in between, they are always interesting and dearly precious to me! This is someone who I could sit with for days, just taking in all the wonderful stories that come from his life. Maybe it's because he reminds me of my grandfather, Pappap, who passed away some years ago. They both have this innovative and creative nature and it makes me feel at home in my own skin. Willard is my kin, even though it is through being only an in-law... he is a brother-in-law to my father-in-law! Sounds funny, but he is my family, none-the-less. We had a chance to visit him at his Retrospective show "Viva L' Arte" that was on display at the Gallery at the Gamble Mill in Bellefonte, PA last weekend. http://www.bellefontearts.org/GMG_pages/2011shows/Dominick.htm

The Last Supper - Urban Renewal is a favorite. I remember seeing this oil painting (dated 1962) in his absolutely fabulous studio!

The event was held at Gamble Mill, which is rich in history dating back to 1786. This fabulous old mill has been through many conversions and several owners, of which, it now houses a wonderful restaurant and microbrewery. It was the first building in Bellefonte to be placed on the National Register for Historic Places (http://gamblemill.com/).

Stone Henge was in a show in New York, back in the day.

Baths of Caracalla and Villa Petto, Chiesa are two of my favorites!

Love the textured details in this acrylic!

And the use of color.

Carved Fish, is actually a carving before it's painted and very fun.

Music is a part of his life, so I'm not surprised to find this Split Violin assemblage. It is interesting if you walk through the show or check it out online to see the diversity of his work and characters over the years. Truly an inspiring man and I'm lucky to have met him.

Jewelry, pottery & Nora Roberts....

Come have fun with us at the Open House and the book signing event! Mary McCunn & Steve Sullivan Open House at Nora Roberts' - Gifts Inn Boonsboro. 4/2/11 SATURDAY 11-3p.m. Stop by & visit Mary (jewelry) & Steve (pottery) in Nora’s giftshop that features regional artists. Next door at her bookstore, Turn the Page, Nora will be signing her new book (Chasing Fire)! http://www.ttpbooks.com/ http://giftsinnboonsboro.com/events.htm