Char The Basketmaker

Helen's Daughters, Char, had a creative career before handbag making.
She was an accomplished
willow basketmaker, author and workshop leader.
In 1988 - yes it was a long time ago - she was honored to receive
a Wisconsin Arts Board - Art Fellowship Award.
 Only five Wisconsin working artists were honor in 1988.

Beautiful Agora Art Fair in Fitchburg

 

Agora Art Fair.
 Blue skies, happy patrons, happy artists and a well run fair.
This little one day show is a family affair.
Grandmother and grandfathers to twins in carriages and a smatting of teens
ALL smiling.
The weather was PERFECT!
 There was wide variety artists/craftsmen and gigantic award ribbons!
You know you've won when Nikki, the show coordinators, hands you one.
None for Helen's Daughters this year.
The fiber award went to The Very Merry Holiday Fair's, Pat Kroth!
Congratulations Pat!
 I'm glad I have a break for a couple weeks.
Thanks Fitchburg for a wonderful show.

Green Lake Fine Art Show

 

Turning 62 at the Green Lake Art Fair
was a perfect way to celebrate a special birthday!
It's a beautiful place with wonderful people.
So thanks Green Lake!
Our crowd did seem a little lighter this year,
but they were enthusiastic and happy.
I always love the music.
The show is always run well and
 I see artist/craftsmen I have never seen before.
One more show in a  run of nine.
- Agora in Fitchburg, WI. -
..so..back to the studio.

Beautiful Evanston Art Festival on Lake Michigan

 

Wow...I can't believe it's over.
 Quick set up on Saturday morning.
 Nice crowd on Saturday.
Then... dangerous storms moved in and closed the Fair at 3:30 .
 We sat in the van as the wind, ran, and experienced direct hit lighting strikes on the festival grounds.
Scary!
  No one was hurt, except for a couple tents that went down during the storm.
 We weathered it well.
Went fabric shopping and Frank had a chance to enjoy his favorite food.
Sushi.
Sunday was utterly PERFECT!
We've waited all summer for a glorious day like this.
 Since my Ann Arbor show, I was able to make 105 new pieces
.  Sold 98 of those new colors, shapes and textures!
Thanks Evanston.
  You stand alone with beauty, diverse and interesting citizens
and, of course,
 you like our Helen's Daughters Handbags!
Crazy word of the day...FYI.

Ann Arbor 2012!!!

 

Ann Arbor 2012
 Always a long journey  - it's a 9 hour drive from Baraboo
 -  home of Helen's Daughters Char's studio!
I started with 300 handbags and came home with 14.
We'll try harder to have more choices for you -  our faithful  customers.
At set up, on Tuesday, it was 103 degrees.
We had rain on Thursday.
Friday was absolutely beautiful
and Saturday  went fast.
Our fans were from eight to eighty.
Our conversations were enlightening and fun.
There is no other Fair like Ann Arbor.
Thank you, Michigan, it was a pleasure visiting you again.

Helen's Daughters Handbags in Ann Arbor!

Helen's Daughters Handbags!
Here's where to find us in
 Ann Arbor, Michigan.  
Booth #99 on State Street.

 

Fair On the Square - Madison

Hot - Fun - Art - People - Done.
Fair on the Square  - Madison
Through everything was a little different this year,
we are always honored to be in
 Fair On The Square.
Here  are some of the sights from the fair.
Thanks Karen for Saturday help -
We always appreciated your assistance!