Sinterklaas

In the aftermath of the rush of the season, I thought I would take a moment to share a custom piece which I was commissioned to create for a client.

This is Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa or the original Saint Nicolas who came from Spain to the Netherlands.

 

As a benefit of my work, I am always learnng new things and research required to gather the information to complete the costume design for unique figures, whether cultural, historic or imaginary. 

Last week before Christmas!!!!

What a busy week!
Seems like this lovely fluffy snow has motivated us all to get busy.

Last Sunday, was the final workshop of the season. It was a full class here in the studio to create

the Gourd-gous Santa.

If you found you were too busy to take a class before Christmas or you weren't able to get a spot,

you will have another chance in the new year!

Due to popular demand, I will be offering the Gourd-gous Santa class again on Saturday January 29, 2012

Call early to get your spot!

Here are a few proud artists with their Santas..... 

 

 

When is a class not a class?

.......when it is a Christmas Party!!!!

Don't let this determined and focussed expressions fool you...

this group of ladies were lots of laughs! 

I hope it was a nice getaway from the hustle & bustle of the season,

make some new creative friends,

& spend some quality time with friends & family!

****  Twinkle, twinkle, what a wonderful holiday fantasy space!  ****

Welcome to the home of one of our best and happiest clients.

Where this shabby vintage shuttered cabinet....

opens to reveal the tv! 

while the custom vintage inspired hutch below contains all of the other tech accessories.

Such a beautiful way to conceal the necessities of life, without intruding on style. 

Who wouldn't want to entertain or enjoy such a beautiful dining and living area? 

If you are dreaming of your own unique shabby chique or vintage decor,

come see us for your 

Vintage Pixie style....

Here's what was happening in the studio today....

Lots of busy pixies this morning.
A blob of clay - knead, knead, knead,

roll, roll, roll,

poke, smooth, shape;

Pop it in the oven and wait, wait, wait...
so have a little break,
num, num,  num (that's lunch)

A little paint - brush, brush, wipe,

A little glue, some wool & feathers;

A little more paint, glue and sparkle * * *

And ta-da!!!

Our ultimate girls week in TO - creative bliss!

How fun was this trip?!

we landed at City Center Airport - love flying Porter, so convenient...
we had scored a room at the fabulously trendy Hyatt Regency in the entertainment district - the room was small but efficient (kind of reminded me of a cruise ship room).

after a few drinks, it was a giggling frenzy setting up our sleeping arrangements...

 

...but the next morning, we were off and running, bright and early.

This Vintage Pixie was on assignment at the Direct Energy Center for the set-up of the 2011 One of a Kind Christmas Show. I was fortunate to be invited by artist friend Kate Church to observe and help set up her display.

(read about Kate here http://www.auracollective.com/artists/church )

here is a peek at the booth

next destination, Eaton Center!

and we were out to do some damage at the notorious shopping mecca, (sales at the Bay were definitely up after our visit). The Christmas decor sparkled, with the glittering Swarovski tree and giant twinkling reindeer.

after a quick return to drop our mountain of parcels in the hotel, we hopped on the TTC Subway (the new Rocket, proudly built in Thunder Bay!)

What a convenient way to get to the far north side of the city in a matter of minutes, no traffic jams!

we arrived at the doorstep of the Toronto Center for the Arts for the weird and wonderful performance of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a magnificently macabre musical comedy, with amazing costume and set design. Inspirations galore! 

the next two days were spent at the OOAK show, where we were charmed, impressed and delighted with the talents and creations of the 800 Artisans.
http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/

a short stop for a much needed rest and re-fuel (Joann, Carla, Lorraine & Leslie)

 meeting up with a fellow doll artist, Deborah Colston

the crowning glory of our trip (pun intended) was our splurge on tickets to the a concert at the Air Canada Center by the artist Prince...an 80s dream come true - over 3 hours of funky music, with 6 encores, just amazing! we left with no voices (we were the woowoo girls) and our hands literally bruised from applauding.

 

as the trip wound down to the end, we were forced to get creative in the packing of our many bags, gifts, treasures and new fashions into our luggage.
again, a convenient few blocks to the airport in the morning and we were home in the wink of an eye (maybe a few winks)

Success! a dozen new "Flaky" Snow people!

On Saturday, I returned from the ultimate girl's creative road trip!
(more to follow on that adventure...that requires a separate post)

Thunder Bay offered a snowy inspiration for a cozy, crafty Sunday in the studio. The weather outside was threatening to be "frightful" but the creative pixies inside were delightful!
With sighs, individuality, yummy nibbles & LOTS of giggles, the Flakes - Folky Snowmen were born.

this group of ladies have some cool new additions to their decor or a gift or two checked off their list.....

individual style was the flavour of the day, as jester hats, bonnets, berets, and colours came to life...

....jet lag didn't deter my enthusiasm and wonder at the interpretation of the apprentice pixies!

***Reminder***

Call the studio to get in on the fun we have planned for the upcoming Ornament Night (Dec.2)

~~~~.:~~~~

Let your creativity run wild and add your own flare & style to the fun, simple oranaments that will fit anyone's Happy Holiday!

And the winner is.... Noreen. Congratulations Noreen on winning the handmade Santa in a chimney at the open house this past weekend. The snow fell, the temperature dropped and people aplenty visited our studio for the Christmas open house. Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments and encouragement. It felt like there should be nothing left in the studio by the rate the parcels and bags were leaving, however the vintage pixie and her giggling friends must have been hard at work, for all the nooks and crannies are still jammed packed with all sorts of charming treasures. Be sure to stop by.

Christmas Hours 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

11am-5pm

and check out our workshops of the season

Christmas Open House

We are having a Christmas Open House
and you are invited as our special guest

This Thursday November 17, and Friday November 18 4pm-9pm
and Saturday November 19 11am-5pm

We will have hot apple cider, door prizes and a chance to win a Santa in a chimney


Our Christmas Classes are scheduled. samples can be seen at the shop
Don't wait as classes fill up fast

 

Christmas Workshops

Here are this seasons workshops.  Samples can be seen at the shop. Don't delay as classes fill up fast. To register call or come in to the studio. You aren't considered registered until you have paid in full. Workshops are non-refundable. Workshops are for 16 years and up. Without further delay here is the lineup.

Folk Art Snow Family -The Flakes

Sunday November 27

10am-4pm

$78.00

Sculpt this whimsical snow family with our own hands. They are a wonderful addition to your winter decor or they can make a wonderful gift. All skill levels welcome. All materials supplied including a light lunch.

Ornament Night

Friday December 2 

6:30-10;30

or

Friday December 9

6:30-10:30

$68.00

A wonderful evening spent creating an assortment of vintage style ornaments, while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere with friends, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. All materials supplied.

Funky Folky St. Nick

Sunday December 4

11am-5pm

$68.00

Create one of these old world Santa's to add to your Christmas decor or give as a gift. All materials supplied including a light lunch. All skill levels welcome.

Gourd-gous Santa

Sunday December 11

10am-5pm

$74.00

A fun day spent sculpting a lovable Santa on a dried gourd. He is then brought to life with embellishments and paint. All skill levels are welcome. All materials supplied including a

light lunch.