December First Saturday at BoxArt

Thanks to all of you who stopped by the BoxArt Building this past weekend to see our new artist studios. But if you missed this first annual event, many of the BoxArtists will also be open on First Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. So there is still time to visit Rochester’s latest building of artist studios before the holidays.

I will be open in studio #265, and still have lots of fun potholders and coaster sets for the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. I also have many new table runners, including a wine-themed, coffee-themed, holiday and modern runners.

Also, just in are about 30 bolts of Tula Pink fabrics, including prints from the “Besties",” “Tiny Beasts” and “Everglow” lines. From Clothworks there are fabrics from the “Mystical Sunshine” and “Cheers!” collections. Plus some new winter/holiday fabric called “Country Cardinal” by Wilmington Prints which feature red barns, pine trees and cardinals in the snow.

Other studios include mixed media, fine arts, jewelry, fiber arts and ceramics. Stop by these working studios and see what the BoxArtists are up to. We are easy to find, just off Lake Ave. in Charlotte at 100 Boxart St. Turn off Lake onto Boxart St. and go straight into the parking lot at the stop sign. The main entrance is the double glass doors. There is a map of the building and a directory in the lobby.

BoxArtists First “Holiday Open House”

November 18 & 19, 11am - 3 pm, one of Rochester’s newest art colonies will be having our first annual “Holiday Open House.” There will be food, guest artists, live music and lots of holiday gifts. Come see all of the new studio spaces, many who have recently opened.

We are located at 100 Boxart St. in Charlotte. Just turn off Lake Ave. at the light at Boxart St. and go to the bottom of the hill. At the stop sign, drive straight into the parking lot. There is lots of parking, especially on the weekends when other businesses in the building are closed.

I will be open both days of the weekend, with guest artist Monica Simpson who has created gorgeous string lights and night lights from empty beer cans. These lights are absolutely gorgeous and not just for holiday decorating. They would make a nice accent on you front porch, deck or backyard patio.

I have lots of new potholders, the perfect gift for everyone. Who doesn’t need a new potholder to replace the dirty burned ones? And new this year are artist potholders: Frida, Van Gogh, Monet and Da Vinci. Also, lots of different RBG designs, pot leaves and gummy bears. Of course, I still have the popular pinup oven mitts. And lots of table runners, lap quilts and quilted holiday stockings.

If you are making your own holiday gifts this year, I just got in tons of new fabrics including 28 bolts of Tula Pinks’ Besties, Pom Pom and Tiny Dots lines. And Clothworks line Cheers! which is wine glasses, wine bottles, wine drops, grapes and corks. If you haven’t checked out my fabrics lately, I have about twice as much as I had at the Hungerford. Also, I have what I call D.I.Y. kits to make cork purses, embellished tea towels, wine gift bags, oilcloth tote bags and placemats.

So if you are out and about this weekend, stop by 100 Boxart St. and visit all of the new artists studios. Shop locally handmade this year! Keep art alive in Rochester.

The Art of Giving

Although the weather has felt like spring lately, the holidays of thanks and giving are just around the corner.

Friday, Nov. 3, from 6 - 9 p.m., I will be at Studio 402 at Anderson Arts Building with my fiber art quilts, runners, potholders, oven mitts, coasters and other fabric gifts for the annual “Art of Giving” First Friday opening event.

Artists representing a variety of mediums will share their art Nov. 3 -11. Check out locally handmade gift ideas from jewelry and ceramics to paintings, prints and photographs.

New this year, I have made soft eyeglass cases from a variety of novelty fabrics. I have also just completed lots of new potholders, including the newest art-themed designs featuring Monet, Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Frida Kahlo. My potholders now have larger hanging loops so that they fit around the neck of a wine bottle, making them a perfect hostess gift with a bottle of wine. Who doesn’t need a new fun potholder to replace their old dirty and burnt ones?

The hot guy and gal pinup oven mitts are always a welcome gift. They brighten any kitchen and amuse your guests. They make cooking and baking fun. All oven mitts and potholders are functional, decorative and washable.

I also have many new quilted coasters that are washable and protect your table from spills, or hot and cold drinks.

For a larger, more special gift, consider a table runner or lap quilt. Cooler weather is on its way and what better way to say, “I love you,” than with a lap quilt to wrap up in while sitting by the fire or watching an old movie on TV?

This holiday season give the gift of art. Shop local and shop handmade.

Cocktails & Crafts

Saturday, November 4, join us 1 - 3 p.m. for a cocktail while making a craft at the Mansion, 3456 State Rt. 54A, Keuka Park (in the former Esparanza). A $40 ticket gets you a cocktail, a snack and a craft kit. You can watch the demo and make the craft or take it home to complete. Ticket sales end October 28th. Call (315) 239-4800 or stop by the Mansion to get your ticket.

I will be showing two crafts, a fabric wine bag and an embellished tea towel. One ticket will get you a kit for both of my projects. Sewing machines and irons will be available for your use.

The wine bag features a ribbon tie and a matching gift card. Learn how to do a French seam to hide your raw edges.

The pre-made cotton tea towel has a hanging loop in the corner. Embellish it with your choice of cotton themed prints.

Both projects are quick and easy to make. You can pick one kit for each project with your admission ticket.

Other craft projects to choose from include a loop yarn wreath, a yarn tree and a wood project which will be taught by other crafters. Call (315) 239-4800 today to get your ticket!

Additional kits and crafts will be available for purchase.

Kick off your holiday season at the Mansion by attending this fun event!