Orange you glad...

My favorite color combination in recent months (years?) is orange and pink. I've found myself adding more and more of it to my life, and as well as into my line. My favorite earrings, a fabulous paisley shawl I wore all last winter, and my zinnia prints, which make me smile like nothing else. When I'm shopping I'm drawn to sweaters and tees in these delightful shades, and would have them all if it wasn't so frivolus to have multiple orange sweaters. (Ok, I admit, I do have more than one orange sweater, but one is cotton and one is wool, so that's ok, right?)
I am beginning to work on additions to my line for next year and I'm quite sure orange and pink will be strongly represented among the patterns and colors.

I'd love to hear what color combinations you're inspired by right now. Orange you glad I asked?

Gone Fishin'

Well, maybe not fishin', but I will be out of town for a week, enjoying some down time at a lake it Maine. It's a girls vacation with two of my wonderful friends and four teenage girls. All the men and boys are off on various camping adventures, so it's girls only! We'll be lounging at the lake, sipping margaritas and just relaxing!

The shop will be open, but I won't be able to process or ship any orders until I return next weekend, and I'll have limited access to email (yikes... withdrawals...)

Happy Summer!

2009 Calendar... sneak peek

Just a little peek at the 2009 calendar.

I love creating this little calendar every year.... and am always so excited with the response it gets from my customers, family and friends.

It's not yet available in the shop, but should be within the next couple of weeks.

Quick and Simple!

The new issue of Quick and Simple is out, and (YAY!) my coasters are in a piece on summer parties! They chose my sweet zinnia, margarita and cupcake coasters to go with their orange, green and pink themed party in a box items, but there are loads of options for your summer party and beyond.
Coasters are available in the shop, as well as at some of my fabulous retailers...

Mermaids on Main, Chatham, MA
The Spotted Cod, Sandwich, MA
Coastal Cottage, Brewster, MA
P-Town Pulp, Provincetown, MA

Koi Boutique, Garwood, NJ
Sugar Magnolia, Harpers Ferry, WV
(stop by and visit them, won't you?)

I'm thrilled to be included in this piece, even though, sadly, the magazine is folding and this is the last print issue. Thanks Q&S!

New in the shop....

Coasters!

Artful Sentiments new hand block printed paperboard coasters make the perfect addition to your party decor, or a delightful gift for hostesses and friends. Our four inch round coasters are made of heavyweight paperboard, sturdy enough to hold up for mulitple uses.

Choose one of our many designs to complement your fabulous fiesta, glorious garden party, seaside shindig or family festivities!

Pair a bottle of your favorite wine with our wine coasters as a gift for your host or hostess, include one of our floral designs in a gardening gift basket, or choose our deer coasters for your "deer" friend's holiday gift!

One of the things I love about having my own biz....

...is getting to know some really amazing small business owners, from all over the country (and world!). We share experiences, support and encourage each other, as we navigate through new business milestones, ups and downs.

I've been helping Carrie of Sommer Designs out a bit with how things work at a wholesale show, and sharing my many resources and long to-do and to-bring lists for setup and the show itself. Carrie is exhibiting in her first wholesale show - the California Gift Show next week, debuting her fabulous new full aprons, to complement her line of half aprons, beautiful bags, and sweet hand sewn gifts. You can visit her blog to get a peek at her new aprons, and the gorgeous photographs she has to show them off!

I was so excited to go to my PO Box today and find a lovely gift from Carrie - these beautiful lavender liners. Now my unmentionables will be smelling 0h-so-pretty.
Thanks so much for the wonderful gift, Carrie, and for thinking of me when I know you're so busy! (Oh, and of course, have a great show!)

Celebrate!

Happy Fourth of July!