I love walking through the woods to get to class and meals…… Squammies leave small treasures here and there. Yarn bits, pompoms, stones, feathers to leave love notes & wishes on.

I took a class with two of the kindest and most talented artists on Thursday and Friday.

First was a day of stamp carving with Penelope Dullaghan. We learned the basics of cutting stamps, using tools, and how to create patterns with and without repeats. I had this idea of making a Goddess or Sacred Woman stamp inspired by a coffee mug I saw at an art fair this summer. It ended up looking like a sacred woman in more ways than one – which made the class giggle – it's the stamped notebook above. I'll let you decide what it looks like. I am especially smitten with my feather stamps!!! I see lots of stamped feather goods in my future…. and just ordered some fabric paint to test it out on. Penny was a fabulous teacher and really fun to hang out with all day.

Day two was spoon carving with Barry Buck of Linen and Spoon! I had the chance to meet Barry and his family last spring when we visited Squam as vendors – I think we live in some parallel universe because I have so much in common with his wife that I swear we are long lost, sisters. (She thinks so too – it's not just me!) I learned how to carve a spoon, and didn't injure myself! Holy sharp tools – it really is like meditation, you have to pay such close attention. I have just two layers of sanding left and I'll share it here with you….. I also purchased some carving tools and a few spoon blanks to carve a few more. I loved it!

Lastly, on Saturday I attended the Squam Art Fair  - our table is the triangle shelf display…. the spoon picture is from Linen & Spoon's table and lastly a picture of my treasures! (linen & wooden goods by Linen & Spoon – shirts by untold – necklace by AG Ambroult.)

So much making and handmade goodness to be shared and enjoyed.

Happy weekending friends.

xo~
s

 

*Just to warn you, I am SO going to overuse the word "magic" in this post. It can't be helped.* 

I'm still reveling in the in-between space, "between Squam and real-life". I'm sure it sounds sentimental, but being at Squam this last time my dear friend Elizabeth hosted felt especially magical. For a decade she has worked her magic and poured her heart and soul into a gathering that draws the best of people. Truly. Elizabeth herself is one of the most caring, authentic, and generous souls I have ever met – and this manifests itself in people of the same caliber from all over the world who come to gather in the woods. We celebrate being creative – full of life – full of love. This September seemed to hold even more wonderful people than usual – no doubt there to support and send off their dearest fairy godmother and welcome in the new fairy goddaughter. It was emotional, beautiful, magical. Just the sort of thing endings and beginnings always are. I cannot even find the words to tell you how grateful I felt to be a part of it. So, so much.

Spending these days taking great care of myself – soaking in the woo – nurturing my spirit and connecting with new and old friends – oh, let me tell you – they are worth their weight in gold. Especially for those of us who rarely take the time to place ourselves in the center. This was my second time attending Squam – the first was here – but we have been lucky enough to attend as vendors a few times in between. I wanted to paint a picture for you – share with you what it feels like to return to a place you know is magic, pictures seem to do the best job of this….. so here you have the arrival and settling in….. 

more tomorrow –

xoxo,

s