Author: Connie Porcher

AirTran WiFi … Just Way Too Cool!. And, Debbee Thibault, too!

DT-ridinghood

How cool is this? I edited this great new Halloween folk art piece from Debbee Thibault while in the Atlanta airport. I always make use of the wait time … makes it go so much faster!

Even cooler though – I’m uploading this blog post from aboard the aircraft during flight. AirTran now has WiFi in the air and they were offering a free trial today. I guess I won’t be able to nap anymore!

I had a nice visit with Debbee at the July AmericasMart show which ended today. She introduced seven new figures for fall as well has a nice selection of jewelry.

Little Red Ragamuffin was one of my favorites. Debbee told me that she imagines the figure as a child’s doll who wants to go Trick-or-Treating, too! Not to be left out, she dresses up as Little Red Riding Hood, sporting that fairy tale red cape. Don’t you just love her basket of treats? I’ve included a close up view so that you can see all of the detail that Debbee Thibault has included.

Here are the facts:

Little Red Ragamuffin
Red/Coral
8.25″ high
Edition of 300
$210

This figure will be available from many retailers including my favorite, Kitty’s Ltd in Delaware. Debbee will be making an appearance there in late August as well as at the Golden Glow Convention in Sacramento earlier in the month.

Red, white and blue … it’s not just for July 4th!

I’m in Atlanta attending the July market for wholesalers. I’m gathering info & photos for the Halloween and Christmas issues. But, I sent the SUMMER issue off to the printer before leaving home. I should receive the pre-press version tomorrow evening for approval. If all goes well, the issue should go to press on Tuesday.

While we patiently wait for the real thing, here’s a preview of Bev Verbeke’s awesome covers. Did you know that patriotic ornaments were originally used just at Christmas? You’ll see some examples in the issue. The feature interview is with Ohio feather tree maker, Dennis Bauer. Bauer’s work has appeared in Martha Stewart Living magazine three different times! And, you’ll read about the history of this original artificial Christmas tree.

Which artists and designers do you recognize on the covers?  Leave us a comment!

09-2_FC_med

Back Cover
Back Cover

It’s Time for a Mad Tea Party!

We all love prizes! Here’s a wonderful opportunity to explore and meet some of today’s innovative folk artists. As you explore and visit the wealth of blog sites, you’ll have the opportunity to enter your name into drawings for prizes. Sounds like a win-win opportunity, doesn’t it?

The Mad Tea Party
The Mad Tea Party

I plan to enter. How about you? Have fun at the party!

Click the image to begin your exploration.

The Windmill Club … David Strand Designs

David Strand's Faberge Santa
David Strand's Faberge Santa

Glass ornament collectors … David Stand announced the launch of The Windmill Club at yesterday’s events hosted by David Blair Designs.

It’s been a lot of years since ornament collectors have had an opportunity to enjoy the perks of a national club of like-minded individuals.  Strand’s concept is perhaps the ultimate for collectors.  It’s FREE!  That’s right.  I said FREE!

Here’s the plan for David Strand’s Windmill Club.

• Free membership
• Complimentary copy of David Strand Designs Catalog with sign-up.
• Complimentary copy of the Windmill Club Journal to be published once a year.
• Access to the Windmill Club Online.
• Access to members exclusive designs.

And, what about those exclusive ornaments?  The Faberge Santa, pictured above, is the first members only design.  If you’d like to be able to purchase this fabulous piece, you MUST be a member of David Strand Designs‘ collectors club.  Don’t delay!

HOW TO JOIN:
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:

Send the above information to:
David Strand Designs
2751 Hennepin Ave. South, #7
Minneapolis, MN 55408