Italy, gardening and new gift shops and galleries.

I have been very busy the last few months with a trip to Italy being the highlight.  This is our 30th Anniversary year and we had both wanted to visit for years.  It was romantic and full of art and inspiration.  It the coming months I hope to make some pieces inspired by pottery I saw there.

Early this winter our Brother in law the landscaper put in four walls, a patio, walkways, irrigation and sod.  Then my husband and I put in over 80 bushes and trees and many flowers in the front and back of our house, and then put out 13 yards of mulch.  I am telling you that it was tough but because it was in March the temperature wasn't too bad.  It will be an ongoing project because I want to add more perennials throughout the summer and fall.  My hope is that in a few years it will look great year round with very little work.

As always I have been in the studio most days.  I have had orders for many existing gifts shops and a few new gift shops and galleries.  The following have new work in their shops.

• Alta Vista Gallery - Valle Crusis, NC  (new)
• Southern Made Mercantile - Cartersville, GA (new)
• Coastal Magpie - Ocean Springs, MC (new)
• Handcraft House - Brewster, MA (new)
• The Mind Gift Shop - Portland, ME 
• Pura Vida - Jerome, AZ
• Rubys Gift - Charlotte, NC
• Village Craftsman - Ocracoke, NC (soon)
• Barrington Garage - Bel Air, MD (soon)