the quilts of Ann Brauer--summer will come

Ah today--the first Nor'easter of the New Year. It is named--oh so appropriately--Hercules. Don't you love how they are starting to name them now? For me I think the waiting is the worst. I went out hoping to make it down to the studio today but the snow was slick and I decided it really was not worth the risk so my pantry is VERY clean. Summer will come.

summer comes to the mountain--32x48"--Ann Brauer

Most days though I am working at the studio. Across the river I can watch the progress on the new studio. Oh is that exciting. It is now framed both inside and out, the slab has been poured and the windows are in place. I make it over there every chance I get and still have to pinch myself that soon I will have the best views in town.  I can hardly wait. And of course I will let you all know and hope that many will be able to come visit me in my new space. Until then you can visit me at my current space provided we are not having a Nor'easter or I am doing a craft show.

Meanwhile I am working as hard as I can on my orders--yes this weather has delayed me a bit.  I am also trying to get ready for the next few months. The Baltimore show is early this year--February 21-23.  I am Booth 4209. Of course I am trying to have lots of new work for this show including tea cozies. Perfect for today, aren't they?

tea cozies--Ann Brauer

If you are thinking of attending the Baltimore show you can purchase tickets for half price until February 20 by going to this web site
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-american-craft-council-show-in-baltimore-tickets-8022827493 and using this code BWI2014GUEST. I do hope to see some of you there.

Later in the season, I will be doing the Paradise City Arts Festival in Marlborough, MA in March and will do the Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show in April. But more about these in the upcoming months.

Meanwhile I have been adding stock to my Etsy shop. I will be the first to admit I was a bit wary of opening a shop on Etsy--there is definitely a learning curve--and I certainly do not have everything listed on the site--but I am enjoying the process of writing about my work for people who may not have seen it. It is also allowing me to take a step back and examine the body of work I have. Who knows what else I will learn in this process or how long it will work for but for now--do check it out if you get a chance and let me know what you think. Here is the web address:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnBrauer

Well I have gone on a bit. Hope you all stay safe and dry and have a great New Year.

the quilts of Ann Brauer--winter light

Dear all,

Can you believe how dark it now is in the afternoon? It is definitely getting to be that time to hunker down by the fire (or in my case the sewing machine--and I do love the new motor by the way) and wait for the sun to return. Now certainly there are wonders to be seen in the night sky--Orion is rising higher and higher in the sky. The Milky Way flows across the sky. Sadly the Comet Ison flew too close to the sun. Although coming home from a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner after just learning the news, I did see a wonderful shooting star streak across the horizon and the Pleideas were high in the sky. Yes, I made this quilt--moon rising--in anticipation of the season.

moon rising--32x48"--quilt--Ann Brauer

Enough already. I am busy getting ready for CraftBoston this week-end. Always I look forward to this show--there is so much delightful work that I often find just that little something for my wonderful step children or even myself. This year it is at the Hynes Auditorium in Boston and promises to be larger than ever. For hours and more information do check out their web site: http://www.societyofcrafts.org/cbholiday/holidayinfo.asp I am Booth 505.

Maybe it is the season, but I got inspired to make a few tea cozies this year so I could linger by the fire sipping my cup of... Of course they will be at my studio where I am working most days--unless I am at CraftBoston or the weather threatens. For those who can't make it to Shelburne Falls, I have listed several of them on my Etsy site or contact me for specific colors and designs. And do let me know what you think of them. https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnBrauer

tea cozies--quilt--Ann Brauer

Well enough for now. I do hope I will get to see several of you either at CraftBoston or in Shelburne Falls. For the rest, have a great holiday season. Enjoy the return of the sun--it will happen soon. And do look at the night sky every once in a while.