There is nothing subtle...

...about the imagery of Catholic worship. For whatever reason, (no, I am not a tortured survivor of Catholic schools) this is a theme that continually inspires me.

A visit to L'Oratoire St. Joseph (St. Joseph Oratory) in Montreal has inspired me in this vein yet again.

You'll notice that my handbag palette is generally comprised of very bright, bold colors, unexpected contrasts of fabrics prints and colors...currently I've also snuck the Virgen of Guadalupe into my shop, a lovely lady in those same bright colors. Central American Catholic imagery tends to be the most boldly colorful and therefore appealing to me...

Here at the Oratoire St. Joseph the rows and rows of lit votives in candy colored glass are flanked by racks of crutches, symbolic of the many sick, injured and dying people who have trudged up Mont Royal to received the blessing of the church and of God himself. That's dedication...because that hill is enormous. And I think it's that kind of faith and dedication, along with the bright colors and flamboyant imagery, that inspire me...there's something very potent about that kind of perserverence, even if you are not a religious person.

Ever the International Seamstress of Mystery...

I visited Montreal, Quebec this past weekend. What to say about Montreal...it's just so fabulous. One big, bi-lingual, urban adventure, with delicious foods everywhere, fun people...they're so stylish it's ridiculous. Another great things about Montreal...they have a handful of great public markets. You had to know this was heading in that direction, lol...everywhere I go, I visit the nearest market. Ah, my favorite ancient human tradition!

This weekend we went to Marché Jean Talon (Jean Talon Market) a colorful, bustling collection of farm stands, fresh foods, ranging from pastas to meats, people selling soap and knitted hats, cool North African groceries and so much delicious stuff you couldn't possibly eat it all in one visit. We ate everything from wild boar to chocolate covered fruit on a stick...and bought a big tub of olives, and almond and rosewater cookies.

Crafts at the Carriage House

My lackluster setup notwithstanding, my day at Kimball Jenkins selling at "Crafts at the Carriage House" was a very pleasant day. I just didn't have the right "stuff" with me to give my display the levels it needed to be more effective. But enough about that...nice people, tasty food, sold some stuff, all good.

One amusing note: the painting that was behind me! "Mutiny" by Jim Blajda. It evoked speculation all day long about what the story of the painting was, what exactly those stuffed animals were up to...ha...take a look and judge for yourself. Personally, I think they're up to no good!

Thank you to Gigi Laberge for organizing.

A rainbow of fabric flavors...

Very busy these days in the studio...lots of pouches and clutches coming off the sewing machine...and pulling fabrics for wedding orders...

A lovely evening at Butters...

"Before" pics...





...the artists reception and wine tasting at Butters was so lovely. A ton of friendly people, DELICIOUS wine, lovely shop. Butters is located at 70 N. Main St. in Concord, NH. And many muchacha K creations made their way to new homes...

Buy Handmade; Support Hopsice Care

Gigi Laberge is a glass artist here in NH and she is also a regular supporter of local hospice care services. To further fuse the relationship between her art and her desire to support hospice, Gigi has created Crafts at the Carriage House.

Crafts at the Carriage House is happening next Thursday, November 20th from 12-8PM and I will be one of the featured sellers. It's an intimate, personal shopping event, complete with delicious food, and high quality handmade gift items (at great gift prices). We're taking over the Carriage House at the Kimball-Jenkins estate (at the intersection of N. Main St. and I-393) in Concord. There is a $1 suggested donation at the door, for local hospice services.

Gigi's WEBSITE

Kimball Jenkins is a great place to enjoy art and handmade items...come by, enjoy the food and the atmosphere :) I'll have a colorful selection of my fancy clutches available, and some pouches and other items as well.

This is HUUUUUUUGE!

Okay so, I am a member of Boston Handmade, a juried collaboration of artists, based in Massachusetts. Yes, I am based in NH, it's a long story, yes, I'm an anomaly. My point though, AHEM...the City of Boston just gave Boston Handmade it's own STOREFRONT for the holiday season!!!

That's right...a whole shop, right in the middle of Boston, at Downtown Crossing, full to the brim with great art and artisan work...knitted goods, handbags, children's clothing, cast-metal jewelry, beaded jewelry, encaustic works, paper goods, art dolls...TONS of great stuff.

Here is our announcement WEB PAGE for the event...
And here is our BLOG so you can learn more about our member artists and our work...

(necklace and photo by Betsy Baker/Stonehouse Studio, member of Boston Handmade)

When I'm not sewing...

You never know where you'll find me ;)

Wine, cheese, handbags!

Why not? Come out for an evening of the lovely things in life, wine, cheese, handbags, and Ahhhht, darling, at Butters Fine foods in downtown Concord, NH. Butters is a treasure trove of savory treats and wines, and on November 14th, 5-7 (hmmm, I'd better double check that time actually) they're hosting an evening artist reception, at which muchacha K will be displaying. It's the season for fancy, colorful clutches, and I'll have a stash on hand for you to enjoy in person. Come by, say hello, sample some delicious treats...

For info on location click HERE!

Asia Fantasia

muchacha K, meet Scorpion Bowl.