On Saturday morning I rose before the sun (hello, 4:40am!) to begin the odyssey that would take me, Bubbe (my mom) and Ebby on a quick trip to upstate New York.
Our destination was two-fold: to visit our friends and to attend the Earth Angels Spring Fling Art Show!
You know the one, the event that's advertised in all the Somerset publications (there's even a feature on last year's event in the current WWC), the one that features an outstanding collection of handmade art and artful goods by amazingly talented (and really friendly) artists. Yep, we went there.
It was a beautiful day for the event held at Schuyler Pond, an equally beautiful shop and setting.
We were enchanted right from the walk down the path into the outdoor sale area.
The display area was split between outdoors, mostly under a tent and in a small barn. At first glance I thought it was a bit small, but it turns out it was sized just right. Reminiscent of a boutique Country Living Fair. Not that I've been to the Country Living Fair...yet. At any rate, there was plenty of eye candy to enjoy and lots of fun display ideas.
We walked around several times, pondering, admiring and chatting, before making our final selections.
I met Jen (O'Connor), the driving force behind Earth Angels and all around ball of energy and enthusiasm--also a great model for the delightful Derby Blooms brooches by Maria Pendley.
One of those came home with Bubbe, it was hard to resist!
My mom also bought the latest issue of Where Women Create and had it signed by Jo Packham who was stationed under a unique structure that Jen had constructed and dubbed the "Packham Pavilion".
Four poles from tree saplings, an elevated vintage lamp base and a sheet. So cleverly adorable.
I also introduced myself to the talented and colorful Shelly Kennedy of Drooz Studios. Her amazing studio is on the current cover of Where Women Create.
She was so sweet as I told her about how a photo she had on her blog a few years ago of her basement inspired the beadboard cupboard and shelves I designed for our basement remodel. It's always fun to meet people you "know" online in real life. And in my experience, everyone has been totally approachable and friendly. Hurray for nice people!
Finally, after circling all of the beautiful goods and talking to lots of wonderful folks, it was time to make my final selections. I bought two things. The first is a pad of 150 Love Notes from Sugarboo Designs, Bubbe and I agreed they would be great for art journaling. My next choice was harder.
Hint: this is the display I was pondering...
An overflowing tub of soft sculptures by Valerie Weberpal. On the Earth Angels website, Valerie's work is perfectly described as being "beautifully textured and layered with festive abandon". Festive abandon?? Love it! After much deliberation I decided on a cat.
It was the tiny sweater and pearl buttons that put me over the edge. Too adorable to leave in New York. If going to the Spring Fling becomes an annual event, I could definitely see my collection of Valerie Weberpal's creations growing...
Check back tomorrow for a peek inside the incredible Schuyler Pond home & garden store!
Thanks for stopping by,
