The Earthgirl

Jill really is The Earthgirl...she spends her mornings pulling magical forms from clay and many an afternoon tending her gardens and grounds.

I love when her work crosses over...earthenware vases for blooms...

...buds strewn across vessels beckoning real flowers to join them...

and as ever...colorful dots and more dots.

Thanks to Jill Wiener for the tour of your studio and shop earlier this week...It was great to visit her space for a photo shoot. Jill will soon be featured in the pages of the November issue of Where Women Create....but more on that later.
I found a few new things a foot since my last trip to her home and studio in Sullivan County, NY! Here's what's fresh from The Earthgirl...and you can see more here...

A happy crop of new bud cases...prices range from $22 for happy dotty versions to $45 for beauties like these...
...and there's also a new dot pattern we've named "Kathy Dots" since it looks just like her new kitchen colors...

I will also need to BLOG soon about Jill's newest project...Earthgirl's Closet...she's just opened a vintage clothing boutique at the back of her barn...
You too can visit Jill's studio, shop and yes, this new textile venture. Just ring first so you don't miss her... you can get directions here ...


Thanks Jill for the great new crop of work and a really fun shoot!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

A Friend's Home

A friend's home always feels good. It feels as safe and close as a nest, comfortable as a thoughtful conversation and festive as shared laughter.

Every once in a while a friend's house can also be inspiring, especially the home of a friend who shares collecting passions and tastes. My gal pal Ro's home is all those things... and more.


(don't touch the hutch, Ro -- it's perfect!)

Ro treated me to a day of peace and quiet in her home. She took the day off and we did something that I rarely get to do, chill out! We went for a yummy lunch and even did a little girlie fun shopping on the sale racks of Anthropolgie one of my most favorite fashion spots (and the one in Guttenberg, NJ is loaded with goodies galore...)

But best of all I got to prowl around her home and visit her wonderful collections and her treasured objects...old and new artist dolls, birds' nests and paintings. She even let me play in her closet and see her wonderful baubles and all her pretty things...(I felt like a little girl who wanted to play dress up in her big sister's closet!).

Here are some of my fave images about her house...her collections are unmatched!

The table centerpiece of dolls by Nicol Sayre and Christine Crocker is just wonderful...and see Julie Whitmore's pottery and Kitty B's boxes in the background along with some of Leslie McCabe's punch needle creations...
...this may be my favorite corner...
...I love her assemblage pieces from Cheryl Kuhn......every nook and cranny is magic...
Ro loves the work of Nicol Sayre, Christine Crocker, and Kathy Patterson's new carved wooden dolls...

...her pottery, paper works and dolls marry well...
...one of my faves from Letty Worley...Ro loves Letty's wee teddies in vintage garments, her pixies and her china-headed fairies too...soooo many dolly beauties...

Ahhh...I could look about your home forever Ro...so much to take in and enjoy. Being there with you was just fabulous. Thanks for for sharing your day, yourself and our special friendship.

xxxooo Jen
Earth Angels

Kitchen Update

This is your update #3... As ever I amazed that another week has melted away. School is finishing up for the kids and in a few days we'll host our annual friends and family reunion for 250 people.

And in the meantime, the kitchen progresses!

A few things got started this week...my Dad, Jim helped with painting the cabinets...the color is delish and the wainscoting on the side turned the tired oak to this fresh finish.

...here's where the newly sided cabinet meets the hutch we moved in from the dining room...Prep work is key on painting these and we've hit a few snags.

It will likely be another 2 weeks -- I am guessing -- before we can get them completely and properly painted and the doors back up. So, in the meantime, I get to look at all my groceries. Yes, it makes planning supper a snap...
Oliver was here and moved the hutch and a new wall is in the works...sans the "on-order" French door fridge. Here's the before... and the "temporary" now...
See, the old fridge is still here just moved over...the new fridge is yet to arrive...hoping just a few more days. Fridge #1 arrived damaged, sigh. Just hoping the new one arrives before I start the cooking for the big event or we are going to be carrying bowls of cooked foodstuffs and salads to and from our generous neighbors' home once again (Chris and Amanda are you reading this? Be on standby!)

Well, everyone that has been here during the process is stumped...no overhead cabinets or shelves??? Yep, I say...none. Hmmm...they say. We'll see, say I...that's what a hutch is for...

Here's the corner cabinet I nabbed at the Warwick Antique Barn. Thanks again to owner Carole Johnson for suggesting it. It's perfect!

We needed to build a bit of a seat for it to rest on...just not fair to expect that old wood to hold itself and a full load of glassware. But it's in place and a great visual anchor for the wall.

Here it is in it's new spot...Micah had just finished ripping down the tile and he's prepping the wall for paint...
Next on the docket...finishing the cabinet doors and then planning the work islands! Once the islands arrive we can move the sink, rip up the green tile counters and get that new Carrera marble counter in here! Stay tuned...

And I keep reminding myself that it used to look like this....And now I've got this...
Many small steps getting us "there" and keeping motivated!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Leslie Style Notes

I really think of textile artist Leslie McCabe as a true style-setter. Her look is classic with a twist of festive funk. Leslie knows great materials, she marries colors well and always seems to come up with a fun accessory to suit the season (remember those hand felted acorn pins last fall...loved them!.

So here she shares her fashion know-how with a flock of new splashy headbands. I wore one an orange and pink one at the Spring Fling, and my daughter Charlotte has nabbed a snazzy blue and lavender one for herself!

Michelle and Shauna were good enough to be models for me...when shooting these for the website, display caused some challenge so here they are! Fit to be worn and enjoyed - and they don't "pinch"!

The headbands are available through Earth Angels...each is a one of kind and $18...here are a few of my faves...

And what else is new???...Leslie has also done flower child pins......and stitched up a new crop of pillows laden with vintage trims......and created something new, her Party Girls. Who doesn't love a party girl???
...and her ever divine framed punch needle pieces are still my very favorite...
We'll be sharing more info on the other new arrivals via email and our website.

Thanks Leslie, once again you've put a little happy color in my day.
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Lanne's Summer Sale

We are thrilled to share news of a WEB SITE SALE on all of painter Jennifer Lanne's works featured on our website. Jennifer did a similar sale last summer and I am pleased she's doing this once again. The sale will run through the merry 4th of July…

See her page on our website for offerings
http://www.earthangelstoys.com/html/jennifer_lanne_-_originals.html

Here are the sale prices...
Choose any 6x6 canvas for $48 (regularly $80)
Choose any 6x8 canvas for $60 (regularly $84-$90)
Choose any 6x12 canvas for $80 (regularly $120)
Choose any 8x10 canvas for $ 70 (regularly $100)
Choose any 12x12 for $100 (regularly $140-160)
OR choose any other piece – in a size not mentioned about --
for 30% OFF

Thanks Jennifer for these treat prices...
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

A Bride & A Groom

I really love brides & grooms...They make me happy thinking of love and cherished moments...and all the small joys that pass in between the years that mark marriages.

My sister-in-law Joanne has a fabulous collection of these small sentinels to romance. She's collected them for years. Here are some of our favorites...
...here's love in metal and glass...
...plastic spells love in the 60s with a pillbox hat on top...
...and of course there's love in chipped chalkware...
...but here's the very best one ever...Jo and John's own damsel bride and knight in shining armor!


I tease my kids that Cupid's arrow has struck two people that they know...and it made them fall in love at first sight...AND it has kept them in love, leaving them smitten still...

An arrow hit their Grandpa Jim...he fell in love with Rosie on first sight in 1947 at a party in upper Manhattan at my Aunt Katie's house. They'll be married 59 years this November. Smitten still.
And yes, an arrow hit their Aunt Joanne -- said damsel in above cake topper -- when my brother John -- the knight -- walked out of that elevator on Halloween 1978. They'll be married 30 years this December. Smitten still.
I didn't fall in love at first sight, in fact I thought Micah was such a nice guy, I fixed him up with a friend of mine! Ahhh yes, he was a hand me down...but I did become his best friend somewhere along the way. Here we were...
We'll be married 15 years this week. We don't celebrate with flowers, cards, gifts or even Stella Doro Swiss fudge cookies, but we've been talking about our wedding day like it was yesterday and we both remember it fondly and well (some of you reading this were there to celebrate with us at Jo and John's home under that great big tent...). We laugh a lot as we think about all the years that have passed and the adventures we've shared...And yes, we look forward to many more.

I guess I see something of our love, affection, and what all brides and grooms can share, in some of these cake topping creations...

So here's to all of you that love love and are in love. And here's to all the brides that have been, and those yet to be. It is sweet.

xxoo and some more xxoo
Jen
Earth Angels

A little bird...

A little bird told me there's been more than a few updates to what's new at Earth Angels. Thanks to our webmaster Paul, for all the recent posts. A few images are shown below, but click the links to see the complete offerings from these artists...

Pat Murphy's web-page has been updated. Bears, hares and needle felted bunnies and birds. Thanks Pat for these teddy treats.

Diana Card's latest group of paintings are on-line now too...I adore her dedication to diminutive details. Diana, you are a wonder!


Cheryl Kuhn's "small stories studios" are magic. Her new works are just wonderful! Cheryl, as ever your pieces are among my favorite new arrivals...

Letty Worley's page has likewise been refreshed with a few wonderful new treasures showcased...
my favorites just might be her new "perfect purse"...and this pixie bracelet... Letty, your imagination and ursine interpretations take the cake!

And yes -- the SALE page has also been updated...

Enjoy browsing the new goodies and offerings...
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Sis Boom Barbara

Painter and Earth Angels' artist Barbara Strawser was the special guest at Jennifer Paganelli's festive, and ever so colorful, SIS BOOM open house this weekend.

Rosie and Kathy made the trip to Wilton, CT with me to visit with Jennifer and Barbara... And we each got to bring home some textile treats along with a car load of glorious new paintings to share with Barbara's collectors and enthusiasts.

Here's Barbara's display on the porch...it greeted all of Jen's guests...


As ever, Barbara's work is rich in story and sweet memory. She paints in realm where flowers continually bloom and angels abound. Her layering of gentle water colors and temperas find their magic in old -- and often decorated -- frames.

Kathy loved this sweet and gentle piece...it's in an antique Belgian metal frame...

...these make me want flowers everyday...
...and I love the face on her young one here...
Thanks to you Barbara for the last year of working together. I am so cheered we've grown to share a wonderful friendship among us -- with Rosie and Kathy too. We adore you and your beautiful creations.

Jennifer, many thanks to you and much love for making it all possible!
Please visit my gal pal Danielle's BLOG to see more fab image of the event...she is a gem (and her blog www.thevintagedragonfly.typepad.com is always inspiring!)

Email Jennifer Paganelli for your invite to the next Sis-Boom open house and we'll see you there!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels
PS More of Barbara's work can be seen on-line or email me at Jen@EarthAngelsToys.com to receive images of the 25 new pieces that we have to share...

Debbee's SALE

BIG NEWS from DEBBEE THIBAULT...
She is hosting a BIG MOVING SALE!!!

35-50% OFF on more than 150 designs, some long retired!
(e-mail for the list of what's included...)

Debbee just moved her studio space and uncovered a VERY LIMITED amount of inventory that she is willing to offer at super special prices. So, here at Earth Angels we are able to OFFER YOU THESE pieces at a significant savings while supplies last...what a great chance to add a piece to your collection or decor.

THANKS DEBBEE for allowing us to share these savings and long retired pieces with our customers. Please note: these items are available IN VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES!
(in some cases only 1 piece of each)

I CAN EMAIL YOU A LIST OF WHAT's INCLUDED IN THE SALE...
Also – Earth Angels will offer FREE SHIPPING on non–layaway orders!

To find out what's included in the sale, just email me at Jen@EarthAngelsToys.com

THANKS! and Thanks to you Debbee for this wonderful savings opportunity...and good luck with the move!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels

Inspiration Right Here

This is your weekly renovation update.Remember this is where we last left off...

The overhead cabinets were pulled down and at the dump, appliances were ordered and the dishes were on the counter pending storage solutions and walls being painted...

As confessed, this is a fit it in, make it happen project. So once the cabinets were ripped down, I figured I better get some color and style ideas together before I allowed myself to get too distracted with the next project (which is to really, I mean really, clean out my closet -- but more on that later...)

I need to know where I want to "get" with a look or mood in a room, and then I back into it with available treasures, decorations, etc that I have here and can move around the house.

So here are the QUESTIONS:
What color will we paint the walls...
What color will we paint the remaining cabinets...
What will we do for counter and backsplash now that they are in ruins?

So here's what I did...gather inspiration. I went around the house and looked for things that make me feel good...and the way I want the re-done kitchen to feel when I am in it...

....I am thinking of hammered aluminum, old fashioned bakery and ice cream parlor counters, piles of fresh but old linens, the deep sea and the night sky, things that are useful -- even if they are time worn, patina, cappuchino with whip cream, crumbling carved statues and friezes in dull marble like this...

I love this painting -- I bought it from Laurie Meseroll the day I met her...I could look at it forever and never tire of it...

Cheryl's pieces send me, especially this compact piece with silver findings and sailors...whimsy and age meet here... and any color can mix in with a monochromatic palette...

And I love my ironstone and transfer ware and crystal...recognize this hutch...it's been in the dining room for 7 years but it's next life will be in the kitchen...

And so here are the answers...

The Walls...Velspar 's "Homestead Resort Jefferson White" -- what a name (Kathy, you just have to get that job naming paint colors and fix this one, ok?!)

The remaining cabinets...Benjamin Moore's "Harbor Grey".

The counters...Carrrea Marble - the fellas at "House of Stone" will hone it for me to a dull, matte finish. They say they haven't done a kitchen in this stuff for six years because, yes it's a softer stone, and yes, it stains...BUT I like that! I also like that it is less expensive than granite, the faux stones, and well almost the laminate! I like that too!

More on the kitchen next week...The delivery of the fridge was botched and I am having trouble picking a sink and a stove hood...

Oh and a timeline...I am hoping we can make this all happen by the end of August...in the meantime it's a little like camping at home.
I remind myself to eat the elephant bite by bite (Michelle C. in CA - this reference is included just for you as you launch your re-do too!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Open Boat Alert

Yikes! I just heard the news...talented artists Victoria and Richard MacKenzie Childs are hosting an "Open Boat" this weekend..

SUNDAY, JUNE 14th
6:00-9:00 PM
Aboard the 102 year old YANKEE FERRY

You'll find the boat dock -- at the festivities -- on the Hoboken, New Jersey Waterfront.

What does this mean...well if you can make it, you'll get to tour their fabulous floating home and studio, shop for fabulous art and support the Hoboken Historical Museum (a portion of all art sales will go to the museum).

Log onto
www.VictoriaandRichard.com for more details...

Their events are not to be missed! If you can join the fun, let my pals know that I sent you...I am long overdue for a visit with my fellow Check Mate, Jane!

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Pics from Chick Nick

When I was down in New Jersey on the Where Women Create photo shoot at artist pal Nicole Bowen's studio, I nabbed a few shots of her home...

So many of you asked to see these images. It's a happy and lively place, much like the artist herself, and I am glad to know both!

Here's the front hall...from the minute you step in it's loaded with goodies galore...



Look at the yummy colors in her living room...like strawberries and cream...


...collections and her own handmade treasures are tucked in every nook and cranny...

And here's a part of her beloved "chick collection"... they are everywhere and all are lively and cute! Gee...remind you of anyone???

These few images are just a small sampling of all there was to take in...but they show her festive personal style and whisper of her glorious collections. Nick, I cannot wait to visit again this summer!

Congrats again on the upcoming piece in the August issue of the "Where Women Create" magazine...

I am so excited for you...and you really are one cool chick!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Sacks and Sweet Circles

Friendship becomes all the sweeter when its circle becomes concentric to another. Firends introduce us to other friends, and then the rings that link us become richer, more golden.

How fabulous that painter Jennifer Lanne invited Kathy and me to visit the home of her great friends, antique dealers and style-makers, Stephanie & Ken.

Stephanie is passionate about old things and her talents and knowledge for said, spin her inimitable look. She is a decorator bar none, a style maven, a design diva and a trend maker. Ken loves the creative process of restoring and re-building furnitre and does it with exquisite capacity and flair. (He's going to make some pieces for my kitchen that Stephanie will design but I will save that for another post).

Stephanie has adorned the interior of their home in layers upon layers of antiques and treaured objects. It's a symphpony of textures in what first appears a monochromatic palette. A careful peek reveals a tumult of blues, browns, creams, blacks and -- watch out -- peeks of green, lavender and red. These small doses of color speak volumes when they appear...

I was so overwhelmed I could barely photo what I saw...indeed, I didn't know which way to turn!

...here are some images of the living room...I love every nook and cranny...

And look at these shots of the parlor/sitting room...the earliest part of their home was built in 1790 and it telescopes in every direction with rooms and hallways and staircases galore, and so much charm...


...and here's an image from the kitchen that houses the table I am hoping Stephanie just might tire of, and sell me! hint hint Jennifer pass it along!!!

AND NOW FOR MORE SACKS! Stephanie's latest passion is 200 year old grain sacks...look at what she's done with them!

Here Jennifer, Stephanie and Kathy vogue...

...here Jennifer rifles through the case of sacks, the dates and names are enough to keep you reading and your mind wandering...Kathy loved one with her daughter's initials and a horse...

...here are yummy stacks of those sacks...
Stephanie is making them into fritniture, bags, pillows and more things that her imagination serves up...

Thanks for sharing your day, your ideas and your friends, Jennifer...(Jennifer also posted about Stephanie and her trend-setting uses for grain sacks...pop over to Jen's blog for some more on Stephanie and her sacks...For now Stephanie is just offering these goodies to the wholesale trade...
If you would like to contact her on terms or availability email oldsunnybrook@yahoo.com
or watch for her upcoming website at www.StephanieLloyd.com

Stephanie and Ken, it's sweet to have our circles collide and it's wonderful getting to know you...

And Kathy, thanks for always being up for an adventure!

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

stitch in time

English artist Julie Arkell elevates stitchery to dizzyingly, and oh so festive heights with her embroidered sentiments and stitched sayings.

Long recognized to be at the top of her craft in papier mache -- her hand built creations are so wonderful and scarce -- she has also earned a nod in the realm of textile arts.

A melange of color and textures emblazon each piece in Julie's own brand of magic...look at these...






I just had to share her whimsies and their oddly sweet sentiments...

Thanks to all of you wonderful customers who appreciate and collect this artist's work. I've worked with Julie for 6 years now, and selling her work has brought so many wonderful and interesting people into my circle.

Enjoy your day
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

PS...As a treat for our BLOG readers, all of Julie's word and cameo pins are on SALE for $65 each...her watches $85 and her dolly pins, $90. You can see the offerings on the site.