The Hard Candy Christmas Tree is picked

    In order to pick the perfect Christmas tree for the "Hard Candy Christmas" Art and Craft Show, we spent a Sunday afternoon walking through the mountainside in Little Canada at Larry Hasketts Tree farm.  Larry is a Jackson County tree grower who always supplies the big "Hard Candy Christmas" tree each year. This years choice is a glorious Fraser that has spent several years growing up on that mountain side. It has been waiting, waiting; soaking up the sun and rain, waiting to be picked.  On show day the smell of the tree fills the whole place.  After the Show it is taken to a family members house where it will shine for the remainder of the Christmas season. 

Hard Candy Christmas 2012 is ready!

The cooler weather about to arrive, says the "Hard Candy Christmas" show is just around the corner ! Get ready, get ready, get ready for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the "Hard Candy Christmas" Arts and Crafts Show!    Outside Exhibitors The sidewalk leading up to the big Catamount door entrance will have a sample of the quality artisans.

• Mountain man Wesley Angel who will be demonstrating his blacksmithing. His spiral candlestick holders are popular as well as other original forged accessories.
• Just in time for winter days is the rock candle guy, David Dyer .
• Doreyl Ammons will be demonstrating pastel painting,
• Alice Bowden playing a tune on a spam can? What fun
• John Bowen who made the personalized home signs last fall will be back with more products
• J.B. Burton's will have hand hewed bowls.
• Artist Pauline Marr is bringing her painting of the Cashiers area where she was raised.
• Molly Shaw is coming back with fresh blackberry jam for the hot buttered biscuits.
• James Smith will have his vintage birdhouses again.
• Looking for a best friend for Christmas? Jennifer Alger is selling their adorable Goldendoodle puppies . They will be in a van parked in the closest parking lot beside the building.
• Cullowhee artist, John Bauknecht will have his trailer full of original signs and bears while his Brother Fred usually is demonstrating chain saw carving on a block.
• Local author and artist, Joe Meigs, will not be on the corner with his novels and paintings as he is recovering from surgery. Get well soon Joe!
• Newcomer, Randy Lawery has old fashioned wood trucks & toys and a wood pocket watch? (got to see this !)
• Joe Sasser makes the best grapevine wreaths to be found. He will have all sizes for the holidays and year round use in the garden.
• Scenter of the universe dried fruit ropes have never been here but we hope to see Michelle this year!
• Mondy and Karen Carter will have their beeswax candles and ornaments just for Friday, only.
• Donna Clemons will have original Angel ornaments.
• Renee Biggs will have delicious nut and fruit breads from her bakery.
• Rounding out the outside vendors is Al McNeely's Catamount honey .

Inside Exhibitors

• Starting in the truck tunnel is a favored potter Sue Malsnee. She has many area people who collect her work and they will be glad to find her newest designs.
• On the left side of the entrance will be Larry Haskett's fresh mountain greenery wreaths. 
Gourd artist Sandra Price had school snowmen last year that were a "hit". She will return with carved designs as well as ornament, too.
• Also, another new this year is gourd artist, Wallace Cole and family. The whole clan contributes to bird houses and Christmas decorations.
• Only Bobby Bearden can turn a gas can into yard art! He will be on the entrance side with whimsical yard art.
• I met Carol Ashely at the Holiday Craft Fair in Greenville, S.C. last December. She and her husband moved down here from from Pennsylvania to be close to the grandchildren. They make wonderful little primitive lighted houses and churches. Also, some of the best Santa's and snowmen I have ever seen. She came to the "Summertime" show to "look us over" and paid for a double space to make sure she could bring all her best creations!
• Debra Parker Romero, A Santa maker from Georgia has been in touch with me since last year. She makes heirloom creations and ornaments and her Santa was chosen for the Show Postcards this year. He is splendid in brocade and fur. We welcome, Debra. Collectors are going to love you .
• Debbie Trantham will be back with her Father Christmas dolls and spinning demonstrations
• Billy Reynolds , fine carver from Tennessee, is coming back
• Mike Malak with his antler lamps and chandeliers.
• Harold Dodson is returning with his 'divine intervention' rocking chairs. If you want another one or an outstanding gift, look for him.
• Hart stoneware pottery who features unique pine cone patterns will be back after a few seasons out.
• Bill Reed could not make enough goat milk soap for the July show but he is on the way for November.
• Linda Barton's felt ornaments will be on the corner on the right and an old friend from the Franklin days
• Janet Wilkinson is coming with original Christmas goodies of various sorts!
• I just got word that bowl carver, Brian Shope is coming with his Christmas collection.
• Jessica Drexler will be returning with her vintage jewelry .
• Virginia Bobian who sews women's accessories will be returning
• Gretchen Branning with her unique pursers made from a man's neck tie.
• Robert Schultz is a fine furniture maker who is moving to an inside space this year.
• Susan Mick had those neat bark frames at the summertime show. She will be back for this show in case you missed her.
• Marker Mountain Herb and flower Farm is coming back with soy candles, spices and various teas.
• Two glass artists: Dana Minette, stained glass artist and
• Katie Kopp 3D glass artist will be bringing their Christmas collections.
• The James Ledbetter family from Alabama will be driving along way to sell their silver plate jewelry again.
• Aaron Hequembourg customers will have to wait until summer to see him because of an unexpected delay.
• Jerri Landers is returning with her fantastic story books and paper cutting.
• Ann Eastabrooks is the scarf lady. Her weavings are enjoyed all winter by many customers. She will be here with beautiful colors.
• Elly Davey is a perennial favorite with her whimsy dolls. She adds new creations for the show.
• Hoyt Brown is a fine craftsman who has been my friend for many years. He was an exhibitor at my first craft show that I promoted. How happy I am to have him back with his carvings.
• Another, old friend is Janet Anderson, a glass artist of the highest acclaim. She dropped out for summertime but is on her way back with fused creations for all her customers.
• Just received an app for Willing Hands artisan Soaps. You customers who are allergic to soap usually can use her products. Stock up as Carmen O'Dell only comes once a year.
• AW Ruff, almost did not make it this year but he will be here with his mountain toys and great priced cutting boards.
• We have a new gourd artist who make luminaries. The Cokers from South Carolina will be here with fun Santa and snowmen gourd holders to safely light up your home for the holidays.

Every space is sold now but there is much work to be done yet. I will have the applications for the "Summertime" show for first dibs spaces. Last last minute touches are being made to the road signs and advertising. The show is almost here. You will see that I work hard to balance the show with, not only quality gifts and home accessories but Christmas ornaments, Santa and snowmen for the collectors. I am so excited to see my dream coming true. I always wanted to create a wonderful event where my fellow artist could market their hand work. When you visit this year's show, I hope you are going to say "Wow"! I do.

Almost here!

The signs are almost all out on the roadsides to enable customers to find Cullowhee. It is a bit out off the 'beaten path' so I will go early in the morning while traffic is light to place the larger signs . My daughter is my helper and best friend . Our whole family 'pitches in " to make this show happen .

I have some last minute exhibitors to tell you about . One is Pia Savell who  makes whimsical clocks .I have seen her work for years at bigger shows  .She mostly is at the northern shows this time of the year ,but she is coming to Cullowhee .Let's see how her creations are received by you . I love them !
I have tried to pick  a variety of not just  fine art but fine craft .
For example, Debbie Trantham  raises her own sheep and uses the wool to make her Father Christmas dolls beards and animal ornaments . Her collectors will find a double booth of her creations.
,Ella and Tommy Scroggs are new this year . Ella sews heritage aprons for special events and matching bonnets that are hard to find.. Her husband ,Tommy makes mountain furniture (primatives)  from recycled buildings , He makes corner cabinets, shelves and barn wood frames . He is a 'gin-u-wine" mountain man you will be glad to meet .
We have two makers of delicious 'from the farm' products: . Ron Gagliam makes pasta sauces, pesto, hummus, and  strawberry perserves. Rosalie Callaham also makes perserves and salsas .
Mr. A.W. Ruff from Flat Rock is a wood crafter who brings mountain toys  like he played with as a young boy . His  super cutting boards sell out of at every show !
 Only one candle crafts person was picked this year . She is Renee Russell from Tennessee. Her soy creations are top notch. Look for candles, tarts, reed diffusers and potpourri.
Bill Reed is a perenniel favorite with  his goat milk soap and Petra Retzloff is new this year with artisan soaps and balms in shea butter in gift sets .
 Have you seen a fruit pit carved into a delicate basket to wear around your neck as a necklace ? My  school chum and lifelong friend Betty Ann Bryant will be showing  off her amazing carvings .
Lee Ann Hibbard has a line of reusable products. Talk about recycle! Sandwich , snack bags,cloth napkins and wipes . You are going to find her up to date on 'going green' .
I need to be sure Mike Smithwick's customers know he will be returning with his wine bottle lantern and metal wall art .Have I mentioned Jan Smith ? She is a mosiac clay artist from Highlands that does excellent work .Talent ,and more talent ..
I love this business and I hope it shows .I love the artists and want to show them off to you the customer . It is alot of hard work but when the 10 o/clock hour strikes for the show to begin , it is so worth it ! Did I mention our almost famous Ronnie Evans is coming back to play for us on his guitar? He will have cds . See you there . Can't wait !

'Summertime' show is coming soon !

The warmer months have passed so quickly I can hardly believe the month of July is almost here! I have traveled many miles going to every  art and crafts show  with in 150 miles to advertise our show and find special exhibitors .
All the effort is paying off . Every  space is filled with outstanding artisans  designs..
As the time comes near,I like to think of all the busy hands getting ready creations to bring . No imports here . There is quilting, sewing, hammering, dipping, weaving, painting , framing, sculpting, staining , and all the actions that is required to make the one of a kind items that make this  show so special .  
Since my last post , we have added  favorite Jeanne Macke watercolors . Cara Bethels , a Penn Dutch folk art painter  and  Zoe Scroggs . Her quilted wall hangings are works of art .
Earnestine Buckie is a new artist with us too. I met her up at Maggie Valley and fell in love with her realistic style ,last year .
Jessica Drexler is returning with her jewelry and clothing accessories from vintage materials .
One of the neatest lady with a needle is Catherine Funkhouser . Her quilted products are outstanding . She has coiled baskets, placemats and home decor .
Don't forget Monika Hoerl with the Norwegian art of rose maling .
 A long time friend  and talented potter /clay artist is Marie Hribar from Macon County . She always dreams up some new products to choose from.
I found Sharon Webb down in South Carolina . She had great wild life sculpture and paintings second to no one . She specializes in  custom orders of  your favorite animal .
Bill Roy is our featured artist with his Uncle Sam riding the goose  .He will have a good collection of folk art .
To be continued for tonight .
Can't wait .

Trip to Unicoi and more exhibitors added to 'Summertime' show

The annual trip up to the Fireside show at the Unicoi  State Park in Helen Georgiawas so good . The jonquils were bloomimg along the road side ,a sure sign of spring . I enjoyed visiting with my  fellow artist friends (I previously exhibited at this event when my sons were in college) .
The crowd s were good and much shopping going on . The quality at this show is tops with many artists that come to our show ,too.
 When I returned home , some new exhibitors have been added to the 'Summertime' show :
Doreyl Ammons will be returning with demonstrations of pastel paintings and her latest creations of butterflies and  various prints.
Ken Rudd will be back with his wood trash bins and potato bins . (No one makes them any more )He will have various cabinets and tables if you are looking for quality furniture at great prices.
Bill Reed is returning  with his goat milk soap ,balms and lotions .
Jeri Landers is an author of children's books and paper cuttings .We welcome her to the show for the first time . She will have an amazing collection .
Elton Love,  a talented wood craftsman, is showing off his best work for customers looking for exquisite pieces. He is a first time exhibitor too and we welcome him .
Alison Temples embellishes mirrors and other accessories with all kinds of nature materials . She will bring some pieces that are just right for your mountain cabin .
Polly Wells is a clay artist that will delight you with her unique pieces .
And to "top the cake " the delightful guitarist who entertained us at the 'Hard Candy Christmas' show last year , will be featured at 'Summertime' ! Ronnie Evans will be bringing his CD's and strumming your favorite  tunes while you enjoy all the wonderful crafts at this  upcoming show  .
Stay tuned for other exciting exhibitors who will be comimng on in as the date approaches .

'More 'Summertime' Exhibitors Added

• More exhibitors have been added just today to the roster for the  2012 'Summertime' show.
• Renee Russell is coming from Tennessee with her soy candles and tarts. She has crushed potpourri and some fancy soaps.
• Ester Lipscomb is an excellent potter. She will be bringing functional and raku pieces as well as food service and home decor .
• .Stay tuned for additions as they come in.

Heading to Unicoi Show this weekend

     The next art and craft show that heralds the winter's end is the Unicoi Fireside show.  Feb. 18-19.  It is always the week end after Valentine's Day inside the large Unicoi Lodge in Helen Georgia. It has about 70 quality artists and craftsmen, some of who will exhibit with us. I used to exhibit there every year to make some late winter money. I will be visiting it to pass out our show information. Hours are 10-5 pm each day.  I will have updates, stay tuned.

The 2012 "Summertime Show" is Shaping up

     Some updates and observations about the very exciting "Summertime" show that is shaping up.  I have some super craftsmen and artists participating and I can hardly wait to tell you about them.
 
     Cullowhee is a tiny college town snuggled down in big, soft mountains of Western North Carolina.  It is home to Western Carolina University, a top notch school with the finest regional activity center in this area.  The Ramsey Center arena usually hosts basketball and other events  but two times each year, it comes alive with the Mountain Artisans Arts & Crafts shows.  The 18,000 square ft area gives good room for the  100+  regional artisans and artists.
     In the hot summer, the air conditioning is wonderful inside.  However, some artisans like to be outside along the sidewalk going into the building.
    
 This year is starting  off strong with  two yard artists who will  have a good selection of creations for your lawn and or garden. 

• Jimmy & Marlene Hopkins  are popular with  the bright metal flowers you liked so much  last year.
• Bobby Bearden who makes  amazing critters from throwaways that  will bring a smile to your  yard.
• If Wesley Angel does not have a big custom project going, he will be back with his forged candle holders and accessories. He may demonstrate some blacksmithing secrets, too.
• Brenda and James Long have been away for a short while but are returning with their hypertufa pots and kudzu baskets.
• Pauline Marr will have her summer collection of acrylics and maybe a few of her sister's funky hats.
• The canjo queen, Alice Bowden will be back ,playing her spam cans to the delight of all
• Jan Kleinrath's canvas hats and purses are  just in time for beach going.
• Remember the personalized  pier sign man from November ? He will be back if you missed getting  one.  John Bowen will fix it while you shop.
• Last year,  Ed & Celia Scheffer sold many pieces of their whitewashed  furniture.  All customers who want another can drop by their sidewalk booth.
• We are hoping Steve Carter who makes the driftwood bird houses and waterwheels is coming up from Alabama.

In the truck tunnel, look for Sue Malsnee, potter

• Jim Smith with rustic bird houses from recycled wood.
• Another popular potter is Tricia Woodland who is in her usual space in the back for her collectors.
• We have a talented artist  who paints original fly fishing themes and will be using shirts to show off her work.  Tina Marie is bound to be a hit as fly fishing is so popular with the Tuckasegee River in the back door.

In the arena, get ready for a grand mix of unique artisans in many mediums.

• The Broom Brothers ,Dan Donaldson, will be back making  decorative and functional brooms . They have dust sweepers with graceful handles that look good on your wall when not in use .The whole family will enjoy seeing how brooms are made  right before their eyes.
• In the glass catagory: favorite  Janet Anderson ,  Dana Minette and newcomer The Glass Art Shack folks from Columbia, S.C. 
• Do you remember Neal Hearn 's unique glass boxes with gemstones ?  He is working overtime to turn out a collection just for you.  His wife Nanci may have some of her bead work that she has started.
• Two seamstress who loves making clothes for children: Betty Sherman and Sandra Aplin  will have something just right for your little ones.
• Other skilled  seamstress : Glenda Davis :ladies shirts with lace and Joy Garcia
• antique fabric creations. Norma Jean Corhn : little clothes for the 18" dolls.
• She has a following for her dresses and outfits.
• Linda Levy is a quilting 'nut' who will have new items for shoppers.
• Are you a "Beary Hill Bear " collector ? Linda and Bill Van Order will be here with their once a year sewing creations.
• Eva Tolotti has taken off like a rocket with her beautiful knitted accessories.  My inlaws live in Germany and I delighted Oma with an "Eva scarf" last year.
• Susan Kennedy's hand quilted purses take weeks to make.  No one else will have one like you buy. They are worth every cent with quality, quality.
• Did you check out Gretchen Branning's little purses made from men's neck ties at  the  "Hard Candy" show?  Yes, each purse is a single man's neck tie.  She will be back at this show if you missed getting one.
• And favorite Elly Davey always has a new whimsy folk figure for her collectors (and there are many ).
• Just across the aisle is Dora Reynolds.  She has a very popular craft that turns fabric onto glass to make a cheerful, bright platter or hot plate. It is a hard -to- beat gift, if you can part with it !
• The wood catagory is running over with talent : Ron Thompson is a perennial favorite. He may have a special apple wood bowl just for this show
• Other wood craftsmen are Buzz Dunning (turned bowls and platters) and Brad Smith.  Brad is new this year.  His specialty is cutting boards and small boxes.
• Last December , I took a trip down to the Greenville, S.C. Holiday Fair.  One of the best booths there had Harold Dodson's  rocking chairs for adults and children.  Great work! Some of the best that I had ever seen. He had to be at the show with his heirloom pieces.
• Another custom furniture makes is Knotty Blue from Leicester.  You are going to find that perfect piece for the cabin. 
• I purchased a pie server turned from maple wood for my special daughter in law last year.  It was such a hit that I invited the creator  to exhibit at this show.  Connie Molland is her name.  You are going to say that you have not seen anything like her work.
• Gary Morris, master scroll saw artist,  has a wide selection of his craft and Brian Shope will be here again.  If you missed getting a piece of his work in November, now is the time.
• Ken and Martha Campbell had a great November show with their fine wood and textiles.  Look for them just inside the arena entrance.
• On the opposite side will be Pat and John Koval creators of fine ceramics.
• The only leather worker we have is Tommy Hill .  If you are needing a fine hand tooled leather accessory, he will have a nice selection.
• It looks as if  Bill Roy will be here with his fun folk art.  He recently finished  Uncle Sam riding a goose for the  Fourth of July Celebration of our country.  It has  just been photographed to be featured on our publications.
• Hugh and Barb Webb .  What can I say?  They have inspired me for years.  As members of the Southern Highlands Guild,  I admired their paintings on driftwood  at every guild show!  I am so honored that they are exhibiting at my show!  What quality and fineness.
• The fine art catagory  is very exciting this year.  The cat capers will be back in Elizabeth McAfee's animal paintings.  They may be cooking or golfing just to make you smile.  Don't forget Beth Dix. Her scratch board is so special.  Connie Tilley is painting original watercolors of favorite birds this very day to bring to the show.
• Alan R. Young's wildlife art is gaining popularity in this area.  His delicate detail is captured on prints and originals and giclees in many sizes.
• Carolyn Cordell is metal painting like crazy to have enough for her customers.  She had whimsical copper figures as mobiles, too.
• Have you ever seen rosemaling?  It is an old Norwegian folk art (floral art).  Monika Hoerl paints a lovely collection of this vanishing tradition  and will be at our show.
• Also at the show is a different kind of painter.  She is Tammie Hulse with decorative painting.  She may have some of her ornaments along with her fun accessories for your house.
• Her friend, Charlene Wooten, recycles china pieces into chimes and night lights. If you have  some of your Mother's prize dishes in the cabinet, she can make you something special.
• Lois Armstrong, another fine artist from Tennessee, will have her  leaf paintings and scrimshaw jewelry.  No one carves on bone anymore, but Lois does.
• Guess who is coming back with award winning gourd art ? Sandra Taylor, of course,  with hot off the vine !
• Kay and Will Lake  are top wildlife carvers.  They only exhibit one time a year with us. They will have new ducks this year for you collectors. Look for  their summer  work.
• Betty Cabe missed the "Hard Candy Christmas, because of illness.  But her corn shuck creations are on the way this time.
• Drusilla Eudy etches on stones. She will be bringing everything from markers to your family name.
• Jan Smith is a very talented clay mosiac artist. She has been out for a few shows but is coming back with new pieces for her fans.
• Pine needle baskets are hard to find and  "scarce as chicken's teeth"! But we have Betty Z. Rogers with her special creations.
• Larry and Shirley Cotten's  hummimgbird feeders are always a hit. They only come in July so pick up several for nature lover gifts for Christmas.
• One year ,I exhibited at the Tallahassee market Days and met Shevia and Lane Whitley . They sold poured pewter of all sorts of animal Christmas ornaments.  I bought an elephant for my daughter.  They are coming to this show with a big assortment for your tree. 
• Another Christmas themed artist is Debbie Trantham who makes the wonderful Old World santas. If you missed getting the one you wanted in November,  you can have  another chance.
• Roy and Dottie Meade  were under the weather in November and missed the show. They will be back with their 'wow' collection of wire wrapped jewelry.
• Also, Jan Nethery missed the last show, but she will be back with her nature based jewelry for her customers.
• A new comer is Susan Sorrentino. She makes art to wear jewelry you are sure to enjoy wearing.
• Other jewelry makers are Joy Whitney,  a favorite with nature beads and wire designs and Peggy Nolan who uses  antique silver plate to shape rings, pins and wind chimes.
• The photography section has Mary Ann Baker ,  a Jackson County girl who catches the area and Mike Naney a Tennessee artist with the camera who has a keen eye for the Smokies.  It will be crowned with Dave Allen who has won top awards last year and will this year,  too.