Under the Pier

So sorry for the extended absence, and the ignoring of the poor blog! We are on vacation in California visiting family, which has been very busy and very full of family activities.  And before we left was the usual scramble to complete (Ha! As if!) both work and life-administration projects before our trip.  I haven't even had a chance to post our Easter pictures, but they will come next, I think.  But today we got the chance to see some seals and sea lions up close and personal under the Old San Luis Obispo Port Pier, in Avila Beach.  They were just snoozing away in a big pig pile, except for this one guy who missed his chance to jump on the platform at high tide, and was swimming around in the water about 6 feet below wondering how they all got up there.

The New Windham Antique Center

There's a gorgeous new antique shop in Bellows Falls, VT full of fascinating things, with a special focus on estate jewelry.  I had the opportunity to poke around there yesterday for hours shooting some pictures for them to use in their brochures, website, and the like.  It was especially fun for me to handle the stunning antique rings, which I think in another life would have been a great route to go for an engagement ring and wedding bands.  Maybe for the next marriage ;) . . . (just kidding Hutten!!)

They've just opened, and are working on putting together their website, but you can get the basic coordinates here, or you can keep up to date with their goings on on facebook here.

Flying Child

Emmett on his trampoline. 

Toolsies: Showcasing the Tools Behind the Creator

Recently I was approached by Shaina Tsan of the clever new blog Toolsies.com about a feature on me, and what tools I find essential to the creation of my work.  It's such a fun concept, I immediately jumped at the chance.  I guess I'm maybe a bit of a tool nerd myself, because I love seeing the pieces of equipment behind the work.  The man behind the man, if you will.  I especially love seeing the tools from lines of work totally different from mine, but things I love as a hobby, like cooking and photography.  Below is a selection of my tools that were featured, as well as two other featured artisans.  Click on the brief links below to link back to Toolsies and get additional information about the tools and the fascinating people in front of them.

 Top Image: Rebecca Haas Jewelry and Fiddleheads For Fiona (me!)
Middle Image: Jennifer Tsan: At Home Paleo Chef
Bottom Image: Jung Kim: Photographer

First Ever Birthday BBQ For TH

We have had some very strange weather up here.  On March 21st, which was TH's birthday, the temperature got up to 75 degrees.  And it even stayed warm into the evening.  So strange.  But we took advantage of it by celebrating his birthday outside, with summery cocktails and a mexican barbecue.  Happy Birthday (again) TH!

Spring Ritual

It has long been a family tradition to clean out the culverts around our house to help hurry the drainage of the snowmelt water out of the lawn, and down into the pond.  It is a ritual for me that has always marked the end of winter.  There are loads of these little ditches running through the property, and under stonewalls and lanes.  And I know it must sound like boring drudgery to clean dead leaves and muck out of all of these waterways.  But actually it is hugely satisfying to change stagnant pools to pleasantly running streams.  It feels great to get all the fall and winter detritus out of the way, and create the pleasant sound of the free-running water.  And of course, on the more practical side it helps the lawn dry out faster for playing on, and removes the stagnant ponds in which mosquitos and black flies breed. And luckily for us, this year we have Emmett and all of his heavy equipment to help us with the job.  After being trapped inside for all the months of winter it is so great to be outside again, while the world comes back to life.

Just L

I recently went to Littleton, NH to meet with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Retail Gallery there, and bring them some jewelry. And while I was going to be there I was recommended by friends to go check out Just L, and I was so glad I did!  Just L is a mid-century modern focused antique store, and it is chock full of amazing things from that era.

I had so much fun shopping and browsing, and I was able to catch up on a few very late presents I have been owing people, which made me happy.  They don't officially sell online, but they have an active page on Facebook where the owner has been posting images of a good chunk of his stock, so follow this link if you want to drool over some mid-century goodness.  And if you go up there to pick up the couch you fell in love with on his Facebook page, be sure to stop into the NH League Gallery just down the street and say hi to my jewelry, and all the other beautiful handmade work on display!