We are getting so excited here about the upcoming Home Companion Workshop! The goodie bags are FABULOUS!!! The raffle items are TO DIE FOR!!! Everybody has been so generous and enthusiastic about being a part of it. I’ve even decorated the bathroom here at the studio for the tours! It was pretty clinical-looking before, and we can’t have that for this event. That’s what parties are good for, aren’t they? Finally getting your house clean and in order?? And believe me, this is going to be some party!

One of the very special treats in each Workshop brochure that will be given to each attendee will be a mini Home Companion– a never-before-seen studio tour article and a Finders Keepers… how fun is that?!  AND, of course, a brand new Ann Estelle paper doll, with all the outfits she would need to attend the workshop! We still have some spaces left– we’d love for you to come. If you sign up soon, you can still get great deals from Southwest and American Airlines. It will be a wonderful way to welcome Spring. I realize (oh boy, do I realize) the economy is tough and it’s not an inexpensive ticket, but sometimes it’s worth every penny to do something special for yourself, and naturally we’d like to be that something special!

Some of you have been saying you’re going to wait until we do a Home Companion closer to where you live, but we are always going to do these events here in St. Louis, smack dab in the middle of the US of A.  The Central West End is such a great neighborhood and of course, my studio is here– which we think you will have fun visiting with the Amazing Jan (my exec assistant) running the tours.  There are lots of antique shops, home décor, and just plain fun stores within walking distance of the Chase Hotel, not to mention tons of restaurants– but that’s only if you’re able to tear yourself away from the Workshop!

So come one, come all!  Get your  friends and get your swag and get your craft on!!!  Time’s a-wastin!

~Mary

As many of you may already know, Rebecca Sower has a wonderful website called Haiti By Hand, where she has supported Haitian women artists long before the earthquake.  Well, of course, they lost everything in the earthquake, and Rebecca is working hard to make sure they are up and running again as soon as possible.

She’s auctioning off a lot of wonderful pieces from many different artists– one of whom, I’m happy to say, is me.

She will be auctioning an original drawing of mine, “Circle Of Friends,” (pictured above) starting tomorrow, Friday the 19^th at noon CST. The auction for my piece will run through Wednesday, Feb 24 at noon CST.  The starting bid will be $500. I don’t sell originals very often, but when I do they sell for several thousands of dollars– so bid, bid, bid and maybe you’ll come away with a great deal!!!  And help the lovely ladies of Haiti start making things again!

~Mary

I love Valentine’s Day— it’s such a crafty holiday. I was actually going to have some friends over for dinner and to make valentines, but I invited everybody over on the 12th, which for some reason I thought was Saturday.

When I realized my mistake and called everyone, they all had plans already for Saturday night. But it turned out to be a moot point anyway, because I came down with pneumonia and can’t do anything but use all these supplies I bought and make a bunch of Valentines myself. I tried to get Mikayla interested, but if there’s not an animal or a ball involved, she’s not playing.

So here are the results of my enforced bed rest crafting— a few of them look like I may have been delirious at some point— but it was a fun way to pass the time.

Here is a semi-permanent heart display I keep in my studio.

Here’s a jar I keep filled with hearts and a close-up of what’s inside.

And here’s the valentine I made for Phil, who will be so gracious and say how much he loves it, even though it’s the 1 millionth painting/drawing I’ve given him that has no use whatsoever, except to show him he’s still my Valentine, after all these years.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

~Mary

Let’s help out Haiti— it’s going to be a long process and we can’t stop now.  I’m offering this print in particular to raise money for Doctors Without Borders, an absolutely wonderful group of people who do amazing things all over the world, but are especially needed in Haiti right now. The prints are 11X14 and cost $35.00. The first 100 sold will be signed and numbered, so order now. Or you can donate directly by clicking here. Thank you for your support in this worthy cause.

~Mary