the quilts of Ann Brauer--February news

As I sit typing this letter, we are just starting to get the snow storm that is sweeping across the country. Did I tell you that I am already tired of snow? Yes, I know it is beautiful--I have had some great snow shoes through the woods--so magical. I have watched the moonlight twinkle on the snow--now that is truly gorgeous. But right now I am getting a bit tired of it.  There are only 46 days, 10 hours and 28 minutes but who's counting.

When I can get in to the studio I am busy preparing for the Baltimore Craft Show February 24-27. I love this show. It is the largest quality indoor craft show in the country. There is so much to see here--long rows of artists--some with very practical work and some whose imagination and skill will stun you. To get more information and purchase advance tickets you can go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1046115961?ref=ebtn1 . My booth is 1122. I have just finished a wonderful new large quilt--I can't wait until I can get an image taken of it to show you--though you can read about it on my blog: http://www.annbrauer.blogspot.com

Meanwhile my quilt daybreak is in the No Holds Barred Show at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA. It is lovely show with work from the Studio Art Quilt Association members throughout the New England region. For further information you can go to: http://www.nequiltmuseum.org And my quilt rivers of autumn is showing at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY--http://www.quiltmuseum.org.

And when I am not snow bound, you can usually find me working in my studio--though call first just to check on it.

Here is a picture of my quilt: colors of my garden to warm you up on this wintery day.

What do you think? How much snow have you had?

the quilts of Ann Brauer--January news

Ah the new year.  The last few days of 2010 have been unusually warm here--much of the snow is gone--and New Year's Day held the promise of spring.  There is still light in the sky when I leave the studio.  But now the wind is rushing in from the North with a reminder that winter has only just begun. There is an energy and purpose there.  So many good things have happened to me in 2010--I redid my website, started a blog,   and became active on Facebook and Twitter. There is so much to learn about the new social media and of course it keeps changing. Oh well, I do love a challenge. And speaking of my web site, I just went through the studio and posted my first ever January sale. Most of these are the quilts that I find that I no longer bring to shows since they are from older series that no longer fit in with current work. Do check it out here.

This month I will have quilts in two shows. I am honored that my quilt rivers of autumn is included in  River Quilts at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. Meanwhile my quilt daybreak will be in the No Holds Barred Show at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA. The show runs from January 20-April 9 with the opening planned for January 29 at 1 pm. I  hope to make it to that opening and will have several of my smaller items in the gift shop at the Museum during that show.

Meanwhile I am working in the studio most days finishing several orders and getting ready for the Baltimore Craft Show in February--but more of that next month. As usual I welcome visitors although do call first to make sure I am there.  And of course you can follow my progress more closely on Facebook and my blog.

taking stock

A couple days ago listening to the radio in the studio, the end of the year, time to take stock. Of course I thought, isn't that what everyone is doing this time of year? Taking stock. I had also been thinking of making stock with the wonderful ham I cooked for the holidays. Oh that was good--the first time I ever cooked a ham that tasted great--so easy. I just baked it uncovered until the outside was browned and bubbly, the meat fork tender. Then I cut off the fat. Sometimes simple is best--but I diverge.

Back to the word stock--interesting word. Sixty some definitions in my Random House dictionary.  Have you ever thought about it? Stocks and bonds, livestock, stock on hand.  One of those words we use all the time without even thinking about it. But where did it come from? What did it originally mean?

Stockades. Rolling stock. Laughing stock. Christmas stockings. The list rolls on. I do a bit of internet research. Stock can mean a tree, a dunce. You can get put in the stocks. I find a great article on the origins of the word stockings--stock for sock goes way back. Means be still. Being in one place. That makes sense. A tree stands still--is there in its own being. Check it out.

But isn't taking stock the perfect thing to do at the solstice--when time stands still. I read that the solstice is when folks would assess their livestock before the winter. How much food did they have? Which ones should try to survive? This was when they got fresh meat before the cold stress of winter really set in.

And now it is time for me to take stock. So much I have done last year. I redid my website--by myself. Learned Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter. Started writing my blog. I had a two person show at the Bluestone Gallery in PA. A one person show at the Landmark Campus in Tarrytown, NY.  Quilts selected for shows at the National Quilt Museum and the New England Quilt Museum.  Enough orders to last through Baltimore. New designs. Started work on pillows again. Whew!!! What a pace. I am exhausted.

I hate to think of plans for 2011. So much depends on fate--it is out of my control.  How many large quilts will I sell? What shows will I get into?  How much can I push my blog? I want to redesign my website. IWeb was fine for a while--but Apple does not seem to be supporting it. Do I learn Wordpress? Rapidweaver? Drupal? Joomla? Do I list on Etsy? Sell off my website? So many choices. As a small business woman I must be nimble--take advantage of the breaks.

I don't like lists or goals. Feel that I don't need to hold myself accountable--my checkbook does a pretty good job of telling me if I am successful. And I don't like to focus on what I have NOT accomplished--I want to think positive.  I do have a few plans--ideas of things I want to do. Know quilts I want to make for the Baltimore Craft Show. Know that I will take advantage of that show to make more opportunities for myself. I need a new business card. There are a few shows I know I want to apply for. I need to do more contact with my customers--more mailings. I have already committed to participating in  A River of Stones --a blog a day in January. It sounds fabulous.

And you what are your goals? What did you accomplish this year? Do you write down a list of projects for next year? Do you make New Year's resolutions?

the quilts of Ann Brauer--December news

I can't believe it is December already. How quickly I can follow the shadow of the sun as it moves up Massamont. When I get home, the coals need to be raked, the woodstoves  filled. I do love the crackle of the fire as it hums along, that wonderful red orange yellow color that promises warmth. The sunrise and sunset--I get to see both these days. Again red and orange against the sky.

I am busy preparing for the CraftBoston Holiday Show December 10-12. While I have not done this show before, I have only heard great things about it. Lots of wonderful gorgeous work--perfect for those gifts lists (or yourself). I will have lots of potholders, placemats and runners as well as some new quilts.  I am in Booth 703D--a little room off the main hall--but the show is small enough I am sure you will find me. Check it out--there are some amazing artists here: http://craftboston.org/holidayindex.asp

Meanwhile I just shipped my quilt--rivers for the show Enchanted Rivers at The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. The show opens on December 9 and runs to March, 2011. It should be a wonderful show and I do feel so honored to be included. A bit closer to home, the exhibit SewNew: Contemporary Art Quilts at the OSilas Gallery of Concordia College in Bronxville, NY continues until December 12. I have heard this is an absolutely lovely show--worth making the trip to see it. My quilt summer sky is included.

If I am not at shows, I will be at the studio in Shelburne Falls  most days filling holiday orders and beginning to create new work for January. There are so many quilts I want to make for the Baltimore Show in February.