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!

Windchime Weather

Here in Southern Pines, today is the most wonderful warm sunny late summer day that you could possibly imagine! It's been a long hot North Carolina summer, and the temperature has cooled by a few degrees. Fall isn't quite upon us; although the leaves are already starting to change just a bit. There's a lovely breeze blowing too, and I can hear these windchimes from where I write this inside of Artist Alley. It won't be long before the door will be open all day again!

The wildly creative metal windchimes shown above were created by Robin Webster of Asheboro, North Carolina. The glass stunners were created by local artist, Cheryl Fox. These artists just restocked their windchime's this week, and if this weather keeps up, they won't be here for long!

The Monday Blues

Even on a Monday, this North Carolina Made Art is sure to lift your spirits!

From "The Blue Dog Collection" by Rachelle Currie to individually handmade lampwork glass beads by Debbie Keen,

we truly have something for everyone!

Whatever your week holds, I hope that you experience only

smooth sailing with the sweetest of blues.

A Chorus Line

I chuckle every time I see the chorus line of funky turtles that's gracing the front counter of Artist Alley.

These aren't just any turtles! Each is a genuine piece of North Carolina Pottery, and an amazing miniature work of art by Rammseur Potter, Hank Allred. In this photo you can also catch a glimpse of some of Hank's larger creations. If you haven't been up-close-and-personal with it yet, Hank's work definitely warrants a closer look the next time you visit The Alley.

Oh...did I mention that these fellows also make a dandy place to hold your rings?!?! And at $6 a pop, I think I'll need one for my nightstand...one for my studio...one for my sister... :-)

"Who Does She Think She Is?" Let's Find Out at the Movie Premier in Raleigh!

Our friends at The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will be hosting the Raleigh movie premier of "Who Does She Think She Is?" on August 28th. Those who've had a sneak-peak at the movie tell me that it's a must-see for the creative types among us, and you'll find all of the details about it here http://carolinamixedmediaartistsguild.blogspot.com/.

For those of us who live south of Raleigh, maybe we can carpool and add dinner too? ...and a quick stop at Trader Joe's...and... and... and... :-)