The Dunbarton Arts on the Common this Mother’s Day weekend had some adverse weather to deal with, but was still a fun success! Saturday was sparkling-ly sunny, but at times very, very windy and Sunday was a bit chilly. I dressed in many layers as I’m sure most other participants did and it was no problem.

The cold weather this spring kept the bulb flowers in check so that there were blooms all over the Town Hall area, as well as all along the roads to the town center……very beautiful.

My booth was by the road as we faced inward. The vendor booths were throughout the grassy property, in closer rows sometimes and more spread out in other areas.

The cold temperatures made it amazing to me how fabulous the musicians were. A musician myself, I know the fingers have a tough time when it’s as cold as it was. The music was constant throughout the hours of the event on both days and it really added so much to the experience. There were speakers on the opposite side from where the gazebo was so that everyone could hear the music with good quality instead of off in the distance. People could get something good to eat from Cusano’s Cafe and sit and watch the performers as they take a break from checking out all the great artisans.

The performers entertained the visitors with original music, old traditionals, and old and new familiar tunes. There were all kinds of different instruments played between all the musical acts. The gallery below shows photos of all the performance groups. Some members did double duty with working at the event and Charles from Pickett Hill ran the sound.

https://www.pegncheryl.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EntangledStrings/

As the musicians serenaded the crowds, the artisans displayed their creative and special items. A few of them I have highlighted in previous blogs and I was so happy to see them here; Clayton’s Way Farm, KRM Chocolates and Kitty Stoykovich Designs. Here are their links:

https://www.facebook.com/KittyStoykovichDesigns/ https://krmchocolates.com/ https://www.facebook.com/claytonswayfarm/

My vendor neighbors were artisans of pretty popular items, jewelry and soaps. P*Miller Metalsmith’s booth was to my right and Pam does jewelry design and fabrications, a few examples below. You can contact her @pmillerjewelry@gmail.com

Another Pam was on the left of my booth with wonderful and fragrant soaps and sachets from Pamomile. She makes fine handmade soaps in wonderful designs, herb pillows and scented hangers. Her fabrics are from France and the pictures are vintage.

http://pamomile.com/

Getting a break from the “Blue Apron” volunteers (they assist vendors, especially single vendors) (a huge Thank You!), I walked by the booth of the artist James O’Brien and had to take some photos and ask to include in my blog. His paintings are so beautiful and simple, yet evoke so much emotion.

https://www.jimobrienart.com/

Also during my travels I searched to meet up with a coworker from many years past, Pat from Dunbarton Arts and Gardens P.D. Murphy. Her concrete “Pot Heads” are just the greatest!

It being Mother’s Day weekend, of course many mothers and sons and daughters and grandchildren (and fathers) attended and it made such a loving, family atmosphere. I love to make “Giveaway” hearts and I gave them to the mothers that came to my booth both Saturday and Sunday because they deserve it!

There were also MANY dogs visiting along with their masters and one of them came to visit me……this bad boy…..Gus!

I sold some items this weekend that I love. One was of my new line of wedding/bridal/shower/gift bags shown here. I recently acquired many beautiful pieces of sheers, embroidered fabrics, and 100% silks to use for these elegant small bags. Actually, if someone buys a bag and puts a gift inside, it is like giving 2 gifts because the gift inside probably will be used separately from the bag which can then hold a special collection. This bag has 3 outer layers, 2 sheers with one that has embroidery, and an underlayment…as well as the silk lining. The photo gallery below shows the 2 different outer sides and the lining inside.

Many people come to an event like this (with many artisans to check out) and spend time walking around the whole area at least once to see everything. They get an idea of what’s available to purchase and then go back to a certain vendor and make their purchase. When a thoughtful daughter/mother herself, came back after such deliberation and purchased my 3 Heart hanging piece, I was overjoyed!

And I also received 2 orders for my Remembrance Hearts. I am making to order per the specific initials, hardwoods, adding a split heart on the opposite sides of each, and shipping to my customer free of charge. It will take about a week to make and finish with poly. Below are a few past examples.

A few of my other new items got a lot of looks and attention, but no purchases on them. Ready for the next show of course. The Ebony heart was made from a special scrap piece and I shaped the heart to follow the point and the raw edge. Ebony finishes like glass….it’s beautiful.

These Travel Totes are made of very durable, carpet-like material with lots of room for overnight items. These big bags are not really for everyday use (they are large and could be too heavy), but with some clothes and lighter items, they can be a fun and funky way to tote them around for a quick trip. I always try to coordinate or compliment the fabrics with each other (and the linings) and tie colors together. The reasoning for the tote in the center is an odd one. I looked at the fabric on the left and saw the classic, traditional curving vines and leaves. Then I matched it with the fabric on the right, which to me is the modern, pixelated version of curving vines and leaves. I don’t think anyone would be able to figure my reasoning out on their own. Well, I like the bag anyway!