TwistFair in Northampton This Weekend!

We're heading up to Northampton, Mass. bright & early on Friday for a two day fair in that fair city.
Very excited to be close enough to the old homestead (Westmoreland, NH) to stop in for a visit, see family and meet our new niece!!! We'll be gone until Monday, but don't even try to break into our house and kidnap Mr. Sammy or steal the big jar of kosher dill pickles we just bought (possibly the two things of most value in this house). There's someone watching over the joint.

If you're around Baltimore this weekend, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go to the following:

-Maestro Sensational (1 show Friday, 2 shows Saturday) the sock puppet variety show extravaganza. I'm crushed I'm missing this most of all. Not just because co-producer Jennifer Strunge is my own personal superhero, but also because the show is amazing.

-Hello Craft's SUMMIT OF AWESOME - three days (starting tomorrow) of many/most of the country's most influencial crafters movers & shakers. Lucky for me, some of the demos (and possibly the talks as well?) will be in the Etsy Virtual Labs. SCORE.

I'm going to kick myself on Monday when I read this post and finally remember the other things I was going to tell you to do.
Hope you have a great time, whatever it is you end up doing!

New American Paintings

If you happen upon a Barnes & Noble in the coming weeks, look in the magazine section for the latest edition of New American Paintings - The Mid Atlantic edition is out on the shelves now, and a few of my paintings are among it's pages. So flattered to be in this awesome publication for a second time, and among such great talent. Truly an honor.

What's New.

Is today more beautiful than yesterday, or is it just me suddenly feeling more positive?
Thought I'd show you some things I'd been working on. The first photo is a batch of small paintings I'm working on for a group show at Art Star - the super cool shop in Philly that runs the famed "Art Star Craft Bazaar" every spring, and who carries almost exclusively indie lines - including Red Prairie Press. The shop has a gallery in the back of the store, which blows away any shop gallery I've ever seen. I'm very flattered to be in the show, among some of my illustration idols, and as they were one of my very first wholesale shops (and because they give out hugs when I deliver new orders), I also have a love for shop owners Megan & Erin. More info coming soon - the show opens early June.
The tees are for something you REALLY ought to check out. Hello Craft's Summit of Awesome will be 3 days filled with business seminars for artists and crafters, hands-on workshops, the D.C. premiere of the Indie Craft Documentary, Handmade Nation, and a Saturday night party. Through a partnership with the MidCity Business Association, all Summit seminars and workshops will take place in the vibrant independent businesses in MidCity (14th and U Streets NW). There will be informal tours of DC’s coolest indie shops and a welcome reception for early arrivals on Thursday, April 30th. more info HERE. Even though I'll be missing this due to our trip to Northampton this coming weekend, I am eternally proud to be a sponsor (by way of tee printing) of the Summit and hope to be at the next one. The small committee putting on this enormous event is working very hard. PLEASE go if you can!!!

Don't Forget to Go Outside

Back from a short trip to Assateague this weekend, which was outlandishly nice, and relaxing. I hope you got to be outside this weekend too.
Saw lots of birds, a few ponies, lots of deer, turtles, bunnies & crabs. Walked & napped in the sand, slept outside to the sound of the ocean, and woke up to the sound of the birds. This first photo is from early morning yesterday... I managed to get up and watch the sun rise over the ocean with a friend. (The second photo is me hugging a headless sand mermaid...naturally)
Truly magnificent. With all the waste & material use we take part in every day... it's nice to know we are still managing to keep such sanctuaries. Long live the National Park Service.

Feeling so refreshed and ready to get a lot done today.
This weeks plans: Work on some paintings for a show at Art Star in Philly in June, Deliver the tees I printed for the Summit of Awesome (THIS COMING WEEKEND - DC!!!) Restock everything for Twist Fair in Northampton, MA which starts FRIDAY!!!!

also - Happy Birthday Jeudi!

Horses, Pigs and Blankets

photo from Assateague Island
According to THIS WEBSITE, (which appears to have been made in the late 90's), today is National Pigs in a Blanket Day....... which Red Prairie Press observes, and takes a half day for.

just kidding.

well... sort of. I'm taking a short day today, after a rather long week, and I'm going camping with friends in Assateague, where I plan to lie on the beach naming each and every wild pony I see and will return to Baltimore when I successfully smell like a campfire.

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth to you!
Phil dragged me on a 5 mile earth day run this morning, and although I complained the majority of the way, and it started raining on us on mile 2 (which spawned all new themes of complaint)... it was nice to be outside together.
To celebrate your newfound determination to be green this year, check out these cool reusable sandwich bags from MamaMade on Etsy. Hip, Earth Friendly, and machine washable. score.

Mrs. Obama's Garden

Dear America,
You are fat. tubby. fools. You don't eat right, your kids are obese slobs, and it's a little bit disgusting. Here is my organic garden, on the white house lawn. Look how beautiful the vegetables are! Look how easy it is to grow them! I have a team of FIFTH GRADERS growing them!! Check it out = You can eat healthy too! It tastes better, you'll look and feel better, and it's not actually hard. I love you and care about you, and I want you to live past 35.
Love,
Michelle Obama, Captain of Awesome.



Dear First Lady,
You GO girl.
thank you.
Love,
rachel

Thanks!

We had a stellar time in Richmond this weekend! Thanks to all who came out for Spring Bada-Bing at Plant Zero and bought themselves a new shirt - I bet you look great in it! Thanks to the Richmond Craft Mafia for all of their hard work on the show. Here's an article about it's greatness.
Back to work today, printing some shirts for the SUMMIT OF AWESOME being held May 1-3 in DC. Sadly, we won't be able to attend because (happily) we'll be at another craft fair - in the fair city of Northampton, MA - that weekend.

Interview with the Richmond Craft Mafia

The fine folks behind Spring Badabing (Sunday, April 19th) - The Richmond Craft Mafia - interviewed me this week. If you're not already sick of me from reading this blog...you can read more HERE!!

Pot in Richmond

Gearing up for our first (and one of our favorite) craft fair of spring - Spring Badabing in Richmond, VA this weekend!
Richmond is the cutest little town, with lots of nice indie friendly shops, Thai food restaurants, a diner that serves deep fried oreos (due to this weeks' large amount of birthday madness, I may have to sit out of the consumption of these this year), friendly southerners, sunshine, rainbows, and a really cool pots & pans mural (which i promise to get a better photo of this year - unblocked by this fool)
Bonus: we get to stay in a hotel with our friend Shawna, who makes beautiful pottery under the guise of Pink Kiss Pottery and who is also doing the show!
Come early, bring cash money, (or your credit card) leave with your arms full of handmade goodness!

Cool Mom Picks

Our printed jersey scarves are featured this month in the Mother's Day Gift Guide on Cool Mom Picks site! Are you cool? Visit the Red Prairie Press shop before May 10, and enter the special code we've left for you on Cool Mom Picks to receive a discount off your order of anything in the shop. You have to read the whole list to find us. Sneaky.

(HINT: we are accidentally listed as "Red Prarie Bliss" but they said they'll change it. close enough... we're mighty blissful folk.

Thanks CMP!!

UPDATE- Now we're back to Red Prairie Press. Though we sorta liked Bliss too. ;)

Sometimes this happens...

Photos from the flickr group "Stick Figures In Peril" which made me chuckle this morning.

Taking the day off?

NOT!!!!!!
Ringing in my "27th year of being awesome" (according to Phil, and the birthday card that was on my pillow this morning) by using power tools, spray painting things, and being no more of a proper lady than I was at 26.
I tried to take the day off, but when I sat down and thought about what I wanted to do today, I realized that I wanted to work! (more specifically, I wanted to finish building the new craft fair table display shelves that I started yesterday, because I get mighty proud of myself when I do something that involves tools). A little lame, yes... but what can I say? Phil's view of me is biased...

Hooray for every (currently spray paint filled) breath of this awesome life we get to live.

Ocean City Recap

I'm just back from my first ever (rainy) trip to Ocean City, MD. Wow.
Is ocean city actually considered part of earth? It's quite a ridiculous place.
I have a deep fondness for tacky things, especially carnival themed things, fried things, and brightly colored blinking lights on rides playing dance music.... that is, so long as it all goes away after a couple days. And so long as there are good poached eggs and biscuits. All of these things were quite available.
I'll be ready to revisit during the next lull in busy times... so long as we get to rent THIS, with THESE PEOPLE.

Win Free Stuff

Almost forgot --- Enter to win free tickets to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Timonium (April 24-26) on the Craft Mafia Blog -
SUPER EASY!!!!! (www.charmcitycraftmafia.blogspot.com)

What do these 3 things have in common?

Not much, except that they're all currently within my peripheral vision (from home, that is), and very soon, THEY WON'T BE! I'm going bagel dining with a friend in the suburbs this morning, then to Ocean City for the weekend with some of Baltimore's finest.
Happy Weekend, Ya'll. (And thanks for the lettuce plants, Annie!)

New Limited Edition Scarf

White queen anne's lace pattern on deep cranberry red scarves.
Limited edition - available now, only in our Etsy Shop! www.redprairiepress.etsy.com

Marry who you love, Love these Pegs.

We salute Vermont & Iowa this week, for coming this much closer to equality for ALL loving couples. I don't mean to get political, but it's really made me a happier person.
We also salute Goose Grease shop for making these awesome little peg people, that you can use to top cupcakes, wedding cakes, and anything else worthy of sticking something atop of... on any special occasion. Each hand painted, and done custom - for ANY couple who wants them (confirmed by email) - and already over 1,000 sold! Goose Grease is a duet of very kind & talented ladies working out of NYC (though from their profile, I gather that neither is a native). Who I picture having the same love of folk art and dutch/scandinavian design that I do. Just LOOK at the three ladies below. Just LOOK at them.
Makes me want to throw a party, just so some of these brightly colored little peggy people can be included.

Exciting News

Is it too greedy & narcissistic to start a section of this blog called "BUY ME THIS" ? (Ben will probably call me out on having already started it in email form about once a week when I find things I like).
This may be old news.... i'm not sure. But I just found out that Jen Corace has illustrated a new version of Hansel & Gretel.
One of my favorite stories, and one of my favorite illustrators.
Spectacular. Wonderful. Beautiful. BUY ME THIS.

More Indian Food

Might I just say... We're on a roll?
Phil and I are making some stellar meals lately, especially in the homemade Indian food department... which is new to us.
Ya'll keep emailing asking for recipes, so I'll try to start writing ingredients when I ramble and brag about things we've made from now on.
The Veggie & Paneer "Kabobs" we made last night were based on a recipe we learned in a cooking class a couple months ago. Not the healthiest thing we've made... but one of the more delicious. The marinade base was sour cream, chaat masala, garam masala, lemon juice, garlic, ginger & salt. I have a slight intolerance of mangoes, and chaat masala is basically dried mango powder, so I tend to get itchy skin and have bizarro dreams after eating indian food... but as much as I love to take care of my body normally.... it's worth it for good Indian food.
We broiled them on cookie sheets in the oven on 500 for 8 minutes, and can't wait to do it again on an outdoor grill as soon as possible. Also you could probably sub yogurt for sour cream, but as we're both training for a marathon (phil for the whole thing, me for a very short leg of a relay) we've recently decided that we're invincible.

New Retail Shop Alert - in MD

I'm so pleased to have another MD shop added to our retail shop stocklists! You can now find our scarves at The Muse!
The Muse, of Frederick, MD is a cute gift shop featuring handmade items from artists all over.
On top of being a great shop, they also have events each month. Wine & Cheese ladies night parties, craft workshops and classes for all! Check them out in person, or online:

The Muse
19 N. Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701
301-663-3632
www.shopthemuse.com

Weekend ReCap

It's downright officially spring in Baltimore. My favorite season. (okay, I say that about every season, but spring is so refreshing, and it smells nice).
While a baltimore spring isn't quite as rewarding as, say, a Syracuse spring (sunlight and vitamin D, after enduring months and months of dark cold blizzard and frozen bones) it's still dreamy and magical. I took a walk in Druid hill with Jen & Jay yesterday to sniff the air and look for blossoms. All this new life and determined photosynthesis is inspiring.

Saturday night we celebrated our friend Curt's 30th birthday, and I made my first deviled eggs, which turned out stinking up our kitchen like you know what, but I think they looked and tasted like deviled eggs.

And on Friday night (i'm going backwards), the most beautiful (but unfortunately, least photogenic) pizza ever created on Ash St. and a viewing of The Little Mermaid, under a blanket, pizza in hand, with a fat cat on our laps.

Showpony

It's raining cats, dogs, and small ponies here in Baltimore, but my coffee is brewed, my English Muffin is in the toaster (oh crap...wait a second...okay I'm back) and I'm cozy and ready for working, right after Phil's haircut "appointment" at 10am (in the kitchen, that is).
Love this dish towel, found on Etsy today, by seller Showpony. I love little line drawings & illustrations. Especially of kitchen items!!!!

Coming soon! Summer! Fun!

I love this time of year because I get busy again with wholesale, with online orders, and with preparing for spring & summer craft fairs. On top of all this, I also usually get the most commission orders this time of year - which makes for legit workdays for the first time since Christmas!
One of my favorite commission customers, who I've been working with since the very beginning, is GLI, or Girl's Leadership Institute. Not only are the ladies that run this camp a pleasure to work with, but their programs are inspiring and exciting. They give girls a personal foundation of assertive self-expression, emotional intelligence and conflict management skills for success in leadership and life, and they are run all over the country. Young women are encouraged to take exciting risks, improve their communication and relationship skills, and most of all, to be their smart, joyous, beautiful selves.
As someone whose only experience with camp is tennis camp, and a crappy girlscout day camp (in my parents' defense, I was too shy, and refused to attend an actual overnight camp) I have to say, I'm totally jealous of these girls.

For more info on GLI and their programs, visit www.girlsleadershipinstitute.org

Shows Opening Tonight

Mysticism in America
April 2 - May 31 2009
Opening Reception: April 2, 7 - 9pm
Charles Theatre Workers Art Wall
Featuring members of the Charles Theatre Workers Union - Including my own personal superhero: Jennifer Strunge, whose spectacular Wolverine piece is pictured above!!!

Also opening tonight!


The Imaging and Digital Arts Graduate Thesis Exhibition
Brian Garner, Marian April Glebes, Susan Main, and Christian Valiente.

Opens TONIGHT Thursday, April 2, 5-7pm

Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle
Fine Arts Building
Baltimore, Maryland 21250
www.umbc.edu/cadvc

Best. Parents. Ever.

My parents will be galavanting around Scotland looking for pretty pottery over my birthday & they just sent the best care package early in the mail. Can I tell you how awesome they are? WICKED AWESOME. My mom is the best knitter in the entire world. Look at the amazing socks she knit! They go all the way up to my knees! (and yes, I have most certainly been wearing my pants like this all day to show them off). I took my slippers off just for the photo, but don't worry - I'm protecting them like treasure. She knit a beautiful green pair too!!
Also awesome - The beautiful Kitchen Aid mixer they found at a NH auction (if you don't know, my parents run an ebay business selling auction finds. They go to auctions 3-5 times a week up where they live in NH, and often have a house so full of crazy china, funny wooden tools and antique ceramic pitchers, that my brother and I have pretended to stage interventions).


Also awesome - A cool folk art plate, also found at an auction.


Also awesome - The book "How the World Got Its Color" by Marilyn Hirsh. One of my all time favorite books as a kid. (The world hasn't been completed yet by the gods, and is only black and white. The only color that exists is in a set of paints that are used by an old artist who lives in the hills. He goes to town one day to offer a painting to the gods, and while he's away, his little daughter finds the paints, and uses them the paint everything around her. When he returns, he's furious, but the gods are happy, and from then on, the world is full of color. There you go, I kinda killed the ending for you... but maybe you already noticed that the world is full of color? Mine is especially vibrant today!

Transmodern Festival Thursday - Sunday

Transmodern Fest is this weekend!
will you attend?