Down East Magazine April Issue

We are so honored to be included in this months Down East Magazine as one of their ‘favorite pics’. We’ve been listed among some of Maine’s finest…be sure to pick up a copy.
http://www.downeast.com/magazine/2013/april/maine-accessories
Thank you Down East Magazine, what an honor.

march is nearing its’ end

While I’ve been absent these past few weeks (from here), my mind has been consumed with new projects, new places and the wondering of where does the time go? March is nearing its’ end and while that means warmer weather is all the more closer, it also means the business of summer is only a short time away…shows, wood collecting, busy beaches and summer visitors! So much to look forward to and so much to do.

A new shop, K * collette, in Portland Maine, has inquired about carrying a piece or two – this is a very exciting prospect as we do not (yet, that is) have a retail connection in Maine and this shop seems to be a very good match…we’ll see what comes of it…

Down East Magazine has included our coffee tables in their April issue, under the title of ‘Things you must have for your beach house’ – while it’s not on newsstands yet, subscribers have already received their issue and inquiries are coming in – always a good sign!

And last week we attended the Architectural Digest Show in NYC – we wanted to check it out and see if it would be a good show to participate in – and it most certainly would be! The exhibitors (artists) we spoke with were not only talented, they were friendly, helpful and very encouraging…because when you are planning on investing not only a lot of money, but a lot of time into a show, you want to be surrounded by like-minded others as well as surrounded by interested and serious buyers – both of which we experienced while visiting the show. This show is now on our ‘goals’ list for next year.

This year we are exhibiting in the Maine Craft Guild on Mount Desert Island in late July – last year was a great success and many fabulous connections (and friendships) were made so we submitted to the jury earlier this year and we were accepted!

Time is fleeting and good planning is necessary when working for oneself in an art based business…so while I may have been absent from this space, I’ve not stopped thinking or planning for the future of Designs Adrift…

What would you like to see made from driftwood?

Maine in February

I’ve finished my commissions, though still have one more on order…and have been out searching for new finds – tomorrow actually I need to enlist the help of some friends to help me heave ho a new (enormous) piece which will make for a spectacular coffee table…though while out looking Jenn took a few photos – enjoy…there is still snow on the ground and the water is frigid, but spring is on its way…and then summer!! 

My second running horse is now complete and in its’ new home in Washington DC. The client requested the cherry base and is something I wouldn’t have thought to use, though it’s a nice contrast and I’m pleased with the effect…now that my current commissions are complete, I can begin to work on new works. New works which have been on my mind for a number of months now and I am very excited to begin. Stay tuned for more…

 

side tables

Not only have I been busy working on the coffee table mentioned last week, but I’ve been designing and building a pair of custom side tables…Each is hand made with mortise and tenon joinery and then topped with gorgeous (and heavy!) 3/4″ inch glass – I am pleased with how they’ve turned out  – what do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

new coffee table underway

I’ve been commissioned to design and build a pair of side tables and a 3′ coffee table. I’ve nearly completed the side tables, though waiting on the custom glass and pics will follow once complete…though here is the coffee table underway.

My studio is simply too small for me to sand such a large piece as this and if I use the barn space, dust will take over – not good…so, outside I go. Thankfully the weather cooperated, even though the sunless sky made things not so lovely, the warm temps. did – Despite the fact I  still needed to wear my full piece Carhart suit…such is life…

Life changes and one day my shop space will to – until then, I will be grateful for the space I do have, the privacy I have, and my ability to do what I love. Here’s to trusting all will work out and I will one day, own a work space with lots of natural light, BIG doors to open – fully, and a studio where to store and show current available works…

Coffee table underway;

I‘ve recently invested in a laser level – love it! A definite need for table making from such an organically shaped wood…

 

Time flies

The holidays have come and gone and I am busy working on another new commission – this time a pair of side tables and glass topped coffee table. I’ve recently finished another running horse and will be packing and shipping it out within the next few weeks…commissions are not only a challenge in terms of finding and then utilizing the right pieces, but the piece also needs to represent the buyers vision – not always simple. Though, through careful planning, asking the right questions and listening, I have been lucky thus far…happy clients equals happy artist!

I do love what I do – the way time just flies tells me so…I can be in the shop for hours on end and all of a sudden, Finn will coming running in and say, “Dinner time papa!” – I think, really? Already? Wow – where has the time gone?

Here is a photo of my shop after the sun has set (which is pretty early these days!). I get such a lovely feeling when I walk outside, on a clear crisp night, look back at my little shop (the left side of the photo is my shop – it’s connected to our house) and think of all the designs yet to come! Enjoy what it is you do…whatever that may be…

Peace

Happy day to everyone – may peace, joy and fulfillment surround you all year!

Get outside, laugh and enjoy today…peace to you and yours…

Maine in December

Finn and I watched the sunset a few days ago and we decided to do the same the following day – the weather was too spectacular not to!  Jenn came with us this time and took some lovely photos … I even found some needed pieces for an upcoming project…enjoy.

     

Horse Complete

Another driftwood horse complete…this is a standing horse for a client with his own art gallery, in his home! His lucky partner is receiving it as a Christmas gift – what a brilliant idea!

Give art. Happy Holidays!