It's a Card Partayyyyyyy! And the Groundhog Needs No Invitation

Busy Busy Busy! Fall has come, along with some nasty, flu-ish thing. Aside from scheduling myself to sell in the somewhat-outdoors tomorrow (insulated garage), I timed it pretty well, haha. Rick was able to watch our sweetie for most of yesterday and all of today, making extended nap times and dubious home remedies possible. Hopefully the illness ends with me! 3 y.o. definitely sounds nasal-y, but she often does, but is also rambunctious as ever. I'll be layered like an onion tomorrow, and hope that the rain mostly holds off.

If you're not out doors all day, it sounds like a lovely day for a meander! I'm excited to take part for the first time in the Westside Arthop, a free local event, where you can check out 16 venues, with a varying number of artists selling their wares. I'll be at 800 Mount Vernon with two other artists; one door down from another venue and one block away from the most populated venue (featuring the work of 12 artists at Gretchen's House, where I believe this event was first staged). Full artist and artist host map here.

Amongst a robust show docket, I still got to experience some play time.

1. Here are three new card designs, inspired by our daughter's drawings + her words about them:

They have a different feel from some of my other designs, I think, so we'll see how they do! The green ones *just* finished drying, so their first outing will be to the Westside Arthop tomorrow. After this event, I think I'll deliver some to the yummy El Harissa market, which I'm very happy to have carry my cards.

2. I dropped off a nice batch of small cards to Nicola's Books. May they sell happily and well!

including the new "Thank You" card, also here

3. Thank you, Everyone who stopped by to browse and visit at the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale, at the end of September! All you groovy, cool, and odd folks -- fellow vendors and friends & customers -- made some long days seem shorter. As did some fine music and the discovery of a new favorite brew.

Show favorite? The groundhog.

I sold this vociferous fellow more frequently than any other print. Quite often, it spurred stories of animal deck occupations, and frequently, an older male relative who was being driven crazy by them. Purchases were contemplated, but would Bill find it funny OR would it send it him over the edge? Not for me to say. Either way, I'll also have this one at my table tomorrow... Consider yourself invited.

Happy Weekend, All.
Best,
M a/k/a Cakeasaurus

Business in Your Backyard: Pot & Box

As you may or may not recall, due to lolling about my house last Saturday afternoon, I almost missed the safe scurrying time afforded by the hordes watching the U of M vs. Ohio State game. Almost! It wound up being perfect -- downtown was deserted, I sailed through intersections and even took a few snaps of one of the frequently graffitied bridges on the way home.

But to where did I wish to scurry in the first place? Primarily to Pot & Box, on the tip from a friend who *always* knows about intriguing people and things. And also to the neighboring Metal, though it was unconfirmed they would be open. As it was, I arrived at the Charming Pot & Box a few minutes before the stated close time, though proprietor Lisa Waud was chill, "Oh, I'm here, working, and a couple is due to come in a bit..." Lisa is warm and down-to-earth; and we established that we have both volunteered at nonprofit fave 826 Michigan*, which means extra points right there. Uh, which is not to say any point assigning is occurring. Gold star? Gold star.

* Hey! new this year, check out their online store catalog

Lisa's floral love goes deep. The home site announces: "Rooted by her education in horticulture, her fingernails have been dirty for over 15 years through service & retail experience." Her original concept was focused on container gardens and boxes, to the exclusion of providing floral arrangements. "I actually thought I would contact all the restaurants in the area and keep their boxes filled, and you know, I could barter for food, how great would that be?...But then friends kept approaching me to do flowers for weddings and things like that..."

Without abandoning the idea of the former, she folded cutting gardens and floral arranging into the mix. The flowers she doesn't grow herself are sourced with an eye to organic/natural and local (lots of visits to farmers' markets). The container garden services include original design, planting and regular upkeep, based on clients' wishes, which strikes me as cool since it potentially encompasses businesses, homeowners and black-thumbed individuals operating on less of a budget.

The business itself was visually stimulating enough that I was happy Metal would require a separate trip -- my camera battery steadily lessened, though it thankfully held out for the visit itself. I puttered about and Lisa returned to an in-process floral arrangement. Ko, her beautiful chocolate lab, was content to lounge on her puffy dog bed in the work area, after displaying her favorite bone.

 

In the right when you enter is a selection of work by local artists

Festive holiday bottle "lamps." 

Nifty illustrator Nicole Ray/Sloe Gin Fizz, among others

Sharp pillows by Salt Lab

Mysterious Organic Forms. Possibly gecko eggs.

To the left of the entrance is an airy space dedicated to event rentals. Both the space itself, as well as the shelves of mason jars, iridescent glassware. And equines under glass.

The work area is homey, purposeful and also reflective of a fondness for collecting.

Birdcages originally bought for a wedding

O, Happy Succulents!

Still want more photos? Click here.