Where does the time go?!?!?

Where does the time go?!?!?! Periodically I ask myself this question, and I'm never seem to be pleased with my answers. This is one of those times. :-)

Soooo... instead of over analyzing this perplexing question...or trying to give you the play-by-play on all that's been happening in my world... I'm going to try to begin again right here, right now.

Thank you for bearing with me during my quiet time, and I'm really looking forward to catching up with all that I've missed in your world too!

Join Us for a Holiday Extravaganza at Artist Alley!

I seem to be asking the same question, in one form or another , a lot lately... "Where has the time gone!?!?!? :-)

Please join us tonight at Artist Alley tonight from 5:00 - 9:00 for our final First Friday Opening of the year. A "Holiday Extravaganza" awaits, as does the largest selection of North Carolina Artwork that Artist Alley has ever seen. Your favorite artists have added to their offerings for the holidays, and a variety of artists who are new to us have also decked our halls with the results of their boundless creativity. Read more about this event in today's issue of The Pilot, or online at their website. Be sure to shop early for the best selections!

Hot spiced cider awaits, and does an evening that's sure to warm your heart. I hope to see you soon!

Join Ann Flaherty and Donna Hyland at Artist Alley for The Southern Pines Holiday Open House

Tomorrow, Southern Pines will officially welcome The Season with our annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is big-time fun for everyone involved! Get a jump on your holiday shopping in the quaint and varied shops in and around our Historic Downtown... listen for the harmonies of strolling carolers... or whisper a wish to Santa in the park near The Train Station. The choices are all yours!

At Artist Alley, North Carolina Artists, Ann Flaherty and Donna Hyland, will be ready and waiting for you from 10:00 - 5:30. Our halls...and our walls...and our shelves...and our windows... will decked with a smorgasbord of North Carolina Artsy Goodness, and I can say with great confidence that we have something for even the most particular recipients on your gift list!

As time allows, Ann plans to demonstrate her craft, and she and Donna will happily discuss their work with you throughout the day's festivities. A fresh batch of Mom's Pizzelles waits too!

Fa la la la la!

Sisters Grace Artist Alley with Paintings and Pillows for The Holidays

You'll find Donna Hyland at Artist Alley today until at least 5:30. She and her sister Pat create the most beautiful paintings and painted pillows. I was lucky enough to have a sneak peak at her latest creations, and you're going to love them!

Today marks the beginning of our holiday hours. Through Christmas, we'll be open from 10:00 - 5:30, Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 - 4:00 on Sundays. If these times aren't convenient for you, please let us know, and we'll do whatever we can to accommodate your schedule.

Be safe; shop local; and avoid the dreaded "big box" this holiday season! :-)

By Popular Request... Patti O'Day's One-of-a-Kind Handbags and Accessories

A larger-than-ever-selection of Patti O'Day's exquisitely detailed handbags and accessories will be available at Artist Alley until Monday, November 8th. After Patti's trunk show in October, numerous customers requested additional access to her functional artwork, and we're delighted to oblige!

In addition to her signature Lipzips and other handbags, you'll find tote bags, seasonal creations, and three piece travel sets in a variety of patterns. Patti's creations would be perfect for holiday gift giving or as a special treat for yourself. Be sure to shop early for the best selection!

New North Carolina Pottery Has Arrived!!!

It was like Christmas at Artist Alley this afternoon, as I just finished unpacking the most delightful shipment of North Carolina Pottery from Suzanne Rehbock of Flying Pig Pottery!

I've been a fan of Suzanne's work since the day that I met her. I describe her pottery as being functional and artistic. Today she explained to me that she's been calling it "Functional Contemporary". In either case, it's textural, creative, and her glazes are unlike any that I've ever seen. Several pieces are already calling my name. I'd promise to show restraint; but I've never been very good at it! Be sure to visit early for the best selection!

All of Suzanne's pieces are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. And my pottery trivia for the day...when baking with your pottery pieces, you should place the filled dish in a cool oven. Then allow it to come to temperature with the oven. Placing pottery into a preheated oven can cause stress, and nobody needs extra stress in their life! :-)

Please join us tonight from 5:00 - 9:00 as we join forces for an opening with The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild to raise funds in the fight against breast cancer.

We've added an artsy twist to the Lee Denim Days initiative for this event. Yes, you can still purchase a Lee Denim Pocket for the low low donation amount of $5. And, if you upgrade your donation amount to one of at least $10, you'll also be able to select an original work of art in remembrance of your contribution and this event. Woo Hoo! Original artwork...for a great price...to benefit a worthy cause....plus food, drink, and sparkling conversation with some of the regions most talented mixed media artists. Does it get any better than this?!?!?

I hope to see you tonight at Artist Alley!

Meet Carol Butler!

The lovely Carol Butler will be working at Artist Alley tomorrow from 11:00 - 5:00. If you're in the area, please stop for a visit with her! Carol and her daughter, Cassie, joined us at Artist Alley last month, and they've quickly become part of our family. They were each also award-winners at last month's Moore County Arts Council Fine Art Show at The Campbell House. Talk about talent running in the family!

This is one of Carol's most recent paintings. You'll find it in our front window as the perfect tribute to the end of summer and beginning of yet another season in Southern Pines.

Speaking of Beads...This You Have To See For Yourself!

"Tiny Shiny Beads" is the name of her company, and when you see the artistic endeavors of Rita Dixon-Kent, you'll understand why! Rita makes the most amazing Peyote Stitch jewelry, and her attention to detail produces exquisite results.

Peyote is a Native American Art Form, and while Rita herself is not of Native American descent, her efforts pay homage to their traditions. Departing from more traditional designs, Rita has also recently unveiled a line of custom bracelets that include the words and colors of your choice. These are especially appropriate for your team and college allegiances. Whether you support UNC, State, Duke, or another Alma Mater, Rita will create just the piece for you!

Rita will be demonstrating her craft at Artist Alley from 12:00 - 4:00 tomorrow, and I promise that it will be worth a visit!

Debie Keen's Handmade Beads for Pandora Style Bracelets

These lovelies are handmade one-at-a-time by our very own Debbie Keen. Debbie lives in Blowing Rock now, and we miss her here in The Sandhills! Luckily for us, she continues to create new beads, and we receive deliveries from her on at least a monthly basis.

While Debbie has an amazing eye for designing finished jewelry, she also makes and sells these beads individually. Each is a unique work of art; they're made to fit Pandora, Troll, and other similar bracelets; and they're available at a most reasonable price of $8 each. Fashion can be fun and affordable!