Changes for "Bella Faire - Art in the Garden"

I've been thinking about this for quite sometime and I've decided that I'm going to change the focus of this blog. It started out a venue to showcase local artists who participated in last year's "Bella Faire - Art in the Garden" art show. This year there will not be a show and it was hard enough to get the participants of last year's show to submit information for this blog so I'm going to change the focus of the blog to gardening. Specifically, my garden and the gardens in my part of the world - both community and private.

So, welcome to the first blog of "Bella Faire - The Art of Gardening". I'm going to combine my love of photography, gardening and writing in this blog. Spring is a time of renewal and there's lots happening in my garden. I'm excited about the new direction I will be taking this blog. I hope to bring you lots of good information, photos and stories in the coming months. So stay tuned. I'll be back in the next couple of days with a good post for you to read.

Best Regards,

martha

Coming Attractions!!!

It's safe to say that the first Bella Faire - Art in the Garden was a total success. Though there were a few glitches along the way, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day - the show went off without a hitch. The weather even cooperated with us - which a great gift as weatherman threatened rain showers on Saturday. In a couple of days photos from the Saturday will be posted on this blog.

Last but not least, the Bella Faire - Art in the Garden blogged will be updated regularly so that you will know where and when the next faire will happen. Also, any updates that come our way on the participating artist will be published here. There may even be a mailing list in the works to keep you posted on the happenings of Bella Faire and the participating artists.

Thank you to everyone attended - we wouldn't have been a success without you!

Bella Faire - Art in the Garden

On July 26, 2008 several artists from the South Puget Sound region are getting together and are hosting a fine art show in a lovely garden in North Tacoma. This will truly be an exciting event for both those attending and participating. The venue will provide an intimate setting so that so that you'll get a chance to meet and get to know artist and learn where they get their inspirations for the art they create.

In this blog you will be introduced to the artists you will be able to meet at Bella Faire - Art in the Market.

The Garden...

Bella Faire - Art in the Garden will be hosted in a private garden in a North Tacoma neighborhood. This venue will provide an intimate setting to provide an opportunity to meet the artist and learn about their art. Enjoy light refreshments while strolling through the garden, taking in the visual delights of the flowers and creations of our artist.

Get to know the Artists: Martha Hughes of Dancing MonkeyJewelry

Tell me about your shop. What will I find there?

Dancing Monkey Jewelry is a funky little jewelry shop that offers limited edition and one-of-a-kind hand crafted artisan jewelry. I love working with sterling and fine silver, Precious Metal Clay, semi-precious stones and fresh water pearls.

How long have you been in business?

Officially, 7 months. I've been selling my jewelry to my friends, family and co-workers for 5 years.

Where do you sell your creations?

I have an online store: www.dancingmonkeyjewelry.etsy.com and I sell at local craft fairs and art shows.

Do you have a blog or web-site?

Yes, I have a blog: The Dancing Monkey Jewelry Chronicles. It started out being a journal of my first year as a new business owner but I soon grew bored of that so I've branched out to include other topics.

Who is your favorite crafts person/artisan or favorite web resource ?

Demitra's design on Etsy

Robert Socha Photography on Etsy

Parkhust Pottery on Etsy

Team EtsyRain - Etsy's Seattle Street Team

And where it all began The Bead Factory - the premier bead store in the Puget Sound Region

Are there any upcoming craft fairs/art shows that you’ll be participating in this year?

Aside from Bella Faire - Art in the Garden, nothing is set in stone just yet. I have a couple of shows that I've applied for and I'm just waiting to hear from them to see if I've been accepted as a vendor.

Get to Know the Artist: Jeanne Velling - Sweet Talk Stationery

I started Sweet Talk Stationery in the early 80's when I was home with 3 young children. I wasn't feeling really productive. I knew I could draw, I loved flowers and working in my garden--hmmmm--so I decided to put down some creations on paper AND started selling cards and stationery at gift fairs and gift stores in various locations around Washington. Making art hasn't been my main source of income, but it has ALWAYS been a source of joy and release. I have very artistic children, and I do get inspiration from them-what a great concept!

Get to Know the Artist: Mitzi Lindgren

Tell me about your shop. What will I find there?

My studio is in Enumclaw, WA. There, you will find a variety of book structures and & binding styles, along with letterpress printed pieces. You will also find custom boxes and enclosures designed for my books and prints. I love exploring and experimenting with new materials and surface design techniques used in my work.

How long have you been in business?

I have been bookbinding since 1995. I printed my first letterpress piece in 1997 while attending Western Washington University and have been hooked on paper, book arts and printing ever since. I am currently restoring a C&P Pilot Press used for letterpress printing. As a Ranger U Certified Instructor, I enjoy sharing and teaching these techniques with others.

Where do you sell your creations?

Aside from Belle Faire, my work can be purchased by contacting me via e-mail at: www.certifiedre@yahoo.com

Do you have a blog or web-site?

I do not currently have a website. However, photos of my work can be seen at:

http://www.featherstonearts.com/art_mlindgren.php

Do You Teach Classes?

I will be teaching upcoming fall, 2008 classes at the following venues:

October 4, 2008 Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA:

http://www.highline.edu/home/

Ben Franklin Crafts, Bonney Lake, WA:

http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/HomeBL.html

Feartherstone Arts, Maple Valley, WA:

http://www.featherstonearts.com