Ok, I was really torn about whether or not to make a cute owl pun, but late night posting makes for weak restraint…
It was another long and busy week at the shop, with many new faces and loads of sweet words and excited customers.  Last Saturday was West Reading’s Fall Fest, and the crowds were fantastic!  I am pleased as punch at the wonderful exposure and traffic we have received already.
Today started out chilly but perfectly September.  I, for one, will be sad to see the long days and warm …

 
The Best Things In Life Aren’t Things | Made by Julene
Sent this amazing artist a note tonight, with fingers crossed and double-crossed that she’ll be a part of our shop!  Either way, her work is simply stunning, and  will find a way onto my family’s walls one way or another, someday.

It’s a blustery Friday: seems like the natural world has fully embraced September in a matter of days–incredible.  Rain+September seems to make for a quiet Friday, but I thought I’d spread some cheer into the day with the above found art assemblage by The Constant Gardener, who I discovered while waiting a final few moments to pick up my son from his FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL!
 
So, in celebration of Preschool, and good music (Imogene Heap playing right now…mmm), September showers, and the weekend upon us, I thought I’d post this cute little …

Today marked the one week anniversary of our Grand Opening! I have meant to post about the event ever since—but, as fate would have it, running a shop is a busy endeavor!….

Please join us for the Grand Opening of our long-awaited brick-and-mortar shop! We will be hosting an opening reception for Show and Tell, our first gallery exhibition, featuring works combining illustration and the written word. We will also be celebrating our shop’s big day with some handmade giveaways, refreshments, and general merriment….

 
 
Thanks to Scoutie Girl, I learned about a gorgeous new blog today, simple blueprint, and found this adorable post about Happy Tickets!  With all of the craziness getting the shop together, my family has definitely been feeling more than a little stress!  My sweet kiddos have really rallied, spending up to 9 hours with us  in the shop (not yet the most fun place in the world to a 4 year old boy–or a 10 year old girl–or a 30-something husband, for that matter!).  I’m thinking we could all use …

…but, I do have a tendency to jump into huge projects (like opening an indie shop!) that I hope will make a really positive mark on the world!  This image from collage artist Leigh Standley of Curly Girl has been a long-time favorite.  I have had the greeting card posted on my inspiration board for many years, since we carried them at Imagine That, the shop I managed in West Reading for most of it’s 10 year existence on Penn Avenue.
Now I am proud as a peacock to have a …

I have been meaning to post an update for our quickly-approaching opening gallery show.  We have two late additions to the show that I am very pleased to announce: Melanie Linder of Spread the Love, and Roll and Tumble Press!  Both of these artists have been on my list of favorites for some time now, and I am certain you will love them, too!
Please also note that many of the other artists and makers who have contributed work for the opening have included items that feature artful text on jewelry, …

What fun! Tara and I (and Baby Lola!) are featured in this great article about the new arts movement in Pennsylvania. This is a great interview with Tara about the motivations of this new craft economy, the challenges, and the successes…

Primrose Design: say hello….
I just wanted to highlight this great post by one of my long-time favorite indie artists, Janet of Primrose Design.  She was one of many artists who came to the shop last Thursday to deliver her handmade goods.  Janet was the very first person to consign with my original shop, Blossom Boutique, which I opened nearly 5 years ago (whoa–that long??).  Although it was my dream at that time to open a brick and mortar, I was only able to travel to East coast indie craft fairs …