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.

the quilts of Ann Brauer--November news

How quickly the seasons have changed. From the golden browns of October--and yes, we did have a wonderful foliage season after all didn't we--to the subtler greys of November--it just happened. In between cleaning up the garden and raking the leaves, I have been busy in the studio trying to get a couple of orders done. Oh and I did manage to see several rainbows this month--including one day I saw two separate ones out my window of the studio--always a good sign.

Let me get down to the news--and I do have a fair amount this month.

First and foremost, I will be doing the Washington Craft Show at the Convention Center in Washington DC November 19-21. This is a fantastic show with 190 of the best crafts people from throughout the country. Exquisite, breathtaking work. I am honored to be included. And even a bit nervous as I haven't done this show for a number of years. I do hope to see some of my Washington friends there.  I am Booth 341. For more information do check out
http://www.craftsamericashows.com/WASH_main.htm

I am also proud that my quilt "summer sky" is in the exhibit "Sew New: Contemporary Art Quiltmakers" at the OSilas Gallery of Concordia College in Bronxville, NY. This should be a fantastic show with fourteen top quilt makers having work here. If you are in the area, do check it out. http://www.osilasgallery.org

Oh yes and I will be giving a lecture on my quilts to the Mothertown Quilt Guild of Lancaster, MA this Tuesday at 6:30. Guests are welcome for a slight fee. This should be fun.http://www.mothertownquilters.com

I am also pleased that my quilt "rainbows of summer" was selected as a finalist for the Niche Awards which will be announced in February at the Buyer's Market of American Craft at the Philadelphia Convention Center. I am in honored company to be a finalist for this award. I think I have shown you this quilt before but if not...

When I am not at a craft show, I am usually in the studio working. Do feel free to drop by--although if you are coming from a distance I suggest calling first. And you can always follow me on Facebook or read my blog.

high class worries--setting up the booth

I have a friend who loves to call certain things "high class worries". You know the troubles you have that no one else would see as a problem. You can fret about it--but don't really feel sorry for yourself. For instance if too much chocolate for my birthday--definitely a high class worry. Or too much lovely fabric on sale.  Too many orders. You get the idea.

Well that happened to me at set-up for the PA Craft Show this week-end. I had the booth all planned in my mind. Of course the new quilt rainbows in summer was going on the back wall. I had yet to see this piece in its full glory and couldn't wait. As soon as the booth was up, I hung the quilt and snapped a picture. Who cares if the ladder is in its way?

Then I knew I wanted summer sky on the one side of the booth. It is a smaller version of the quilt on my postcard and a wonderful piece--if I do say so myself. Sorry about the lights in the picture. I was trying to finish the booth.

The other side would have a couple of the 45x45 inch squares. I love rainbow hills--that one is a definite. Maybe colors of the rain for a different look--but that may not go with the others.

In the end I went with autumn afternoon--slightly different colors than the other quilts but still looked good. Here is a snapshot of the entire booth when it was done. Not bad looking if I do say so.

So where you may ask is this "high class worry"? Well never fear, when I get to the hotel I learn that summer sky has been accepted into a show Sew New: Contemporary Art Quilts at the OSilas Gallery of Concordia College in Bronxville, NY this November and December.  I'll tell you more about this show later. But I really can't sell it--unless someone wants to wait for delivery until the end of the year. Back to the drawing board.

As my friend would say, definitely a "high class worry"--wouldn't you agree?  And it does give me more space to play with.