New SJD at The Next Market THIS Thursday, Friday, Saturday!

It's the last Market before Easter! This must be true since I noticed that my candy consumption is skewing slightly more chocolaty than fruity this week: from chewy cherry hearts to crispy Fiesta malted milk eggs. Here's a reminder of our new hours for 2012:

March 8th Thursday 12 -6

March 9th Friday  12-6

March 19th Saturday 10-6 

Give your house or wardrobe a whiff of spring with something cheerful and new from The Market!

I've been growing grass in order to provide some real living green in as many places as possible. This is wheat and rye grass which is safe - even healthy- for kids and pets.

COLOR!

Recent jewelry designs embrace fashion's color blocking trend.* Blue beads accented by a vintage yellow rose pendant, or red and pink earrings bring whimsy and instant color therapy to any ensemble.
*Color blocking means blocks of solid colors worn together. It is a super hot trend for spring and summer.

Passion for Pearls and Patina

Other designs you'll see are part of a collection I'll be bringing to the Live Oak Arts Fest on March 31st in Ft Myers, Florida. Pearls (cultured, freshwater, or vintage glass pearls from Japan) are combined with old rosary chain, mother of pearl beads and sea glass to make layered necklaces and earrings that are my current magnificent obsession! Somehow, using the older chain and muted palette make this collection appropriate to wear now in northern climes. These pieces don't scream Little Mermaid or 'My mom went to Sanibel and all I got was this lousy shell necklace' like I was afeared they might. Nope, I'm wearing the necklaces layered one upon the other with a tshirt and cashmere cardi or to fill in the neckline of a button down shirt or dress. I think you'll like them.

 My partners, Justine and Lisa almost sold out during the art crawl so there will be plenty of fresh new furniture and home accessories to make you swoon. Honestly, their stuff is so great: chic pieces that add personality and character to a room while pulling their weight as seating, storage or work surface. As a rule, older furniture is better made and longer lasting than what is produced in foreign factories today. It just makes sense to get items that hold up to years of use while becoming more charming with each transformation.

Don't forget our new neighbors who will be open this weekend. The Better Life Cafe at the top of the stairs is cozy, intimate, friendly and fun. AND, their food and drink is fresh and delicious.
Sandy's Studio Sandy (of Sandy's Attic fame) has a wonderful studio in Suite #121 open on Fridays from 12 - 6. Expect to see fashion forward Spring apparel as well as art, gifts, and accessories.

There's something for everyone on Market days!

Well, Hi There!

Welcome to my new blog, "Artful Additions to Life." As I blogged for The Market (the monthly art market at Banbury Place in Eau Claire) I realized that much of what I wrote about had more to do with the creative life in general than specifically about "What's On At The Market." Hence, I will continue to blog about The Market HERE, but write about my business and the creative life HERE on this blog. I've imported most of the creativity/decor posts from The Market's blog so all that content is handy in one place. I hope this makes sense. As always, please email me or comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear what's on your mind and perhaps what topics you'd like addressed.