Stifel and Capra

road trip- New York!

2012-01-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

We had a lovely weekend (yeah, yeah I know it is Thursday) visiting my old roommate & his family in North Jersey last week. They live in the VERY pictoresque town of Maplewood. Maplewood is the kind of place that is made for the likes of Stifel & Capra. The main drag is two streets wide and not a chain store in sight. ALL of the shops, & restaurants are privately held, most shopkeepers are the owners. Very charming and very friendly. Lots of eye candy.

Pete & Judy indulged us and DROVE us to the Brooklyn Flea Market on Sunday. In the winter the Market moves indoors into a GORGEOUS old bank. The architecture defies description. It was so intricate with the grill and fretwork. Hard to fathom all the tiles were laid in one at a time. Amazing.

I bought a funky mid century decanter set for the shop and some scrumptious gnarly metal letters to use in my art. Of course I am just carrying the letters around at the moment exclaiming to one & all how COOL they are. Junk Nerd, that's me!

Happy New Year! Can you tell what my resolution is?

2012-01-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

I love New Year's. Even more than spring (although Beth Hudgens' "Spring" above appeals most) I love the fresh start that New Year brings. New calender, clean slate, all the excesses of the old year (cookies, chardonnay?) blown away in the fresh gust that is the New Year.

Of course when I look back at the year past I have a bad tendency to see what I did NOT do. Keep up with blogging, work that social media, make some art, ANY art. Lose some weight. What the HECK did I do all last year other than rearrange the furniture at the shop and drive my kids around???

I saw babies born. Saw friends, parents, sons and marriages die. Worked hard. Worked on getting over myself (still not quite there). Laughed, threw parties, cried, prayed harder for people than I ever have in my life to no avail. Tried to get over that too. Partially succeeded.

So here I am. Older, marginally wiser, and ready to begin again for the 50th time!

When looking at vintage clothes folks are CONSTANTLY astounded by how little ladies were back mid century. Skirts with 22 inch waists, impossibly slim pants (although some lucky ladies can still wear them, see prior post!) make them seem more like works of art then actual apparel!

The other thing that was little? The PRICE TAGS! This is from the 1950's check it out. Makes you long for the "good old days", although I wouldn't want to wear the girdles! Every body is beautiful in it's own way... Cherish yours.

Just a little jealous.

2011-11-30T13:24:00.000-05:00

Being 6 foot 2 inches tall I have an advantage. It doesn't matter how much weight I lose or how much I exercise I will NEVER be able to fit into the rockin' vintage clothes we have in the shop. So I guess I am spared the agony of all the ladies that wistfully say "I used to be able to fit into a dress like that." On the other hand I am more than a little jealous. They just don't make them like that any more, you know?

SO cute! She actually ended up with a beaded drop waist dress from the 1930's. Looked like a movie star! These two ensembles are still in the shop. As of today at least! Have a fashionable day!

Sweets for the Sweet!

2011-11-22T13:07:00.000-05:00

Cutest baby EVER! Maybe the little guys in your life MIGHT be cuter but Mama Becca of "Tea with Mrs. B" and I might disagree while our man models his brand new Christmas tree hat. Super cute! We had out 2nd annual art and gift market on Saturday. Lots of fun guest vendors and a couple in house favorites (visit out facebook page http://www.facebook.com/StifelandCapra for more pics!).

We have been busy little elves pulling the vintage Christmas goodies out of the crafty cellar. I am TRYING to pace myself on days like this but it is kind of like when you go car shopping "just to look" and come home with a new vehicle. 'Tis hard not to go nuts once you get started. No one seems to be mind though... Still feels like I am rushing the season a bit. Although one would never know it from watching TV! I think I saw my first Christmas ad two days BEFORE Halloween. ugh.

I am SUPER excited about our new stock. Almost to much to type. will post more pics soon!

What's not there.

2011-10-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

It's telling when the mundane crashes into the profound.

No cute blog entry last week because all the awesome shots of Judy's daughter Haley looking marvelous in my oh so tiny vintage clothes somehow vanished from my camera. NEVER since I switched to digital as an entire file been deleted. I am really at a loss to explain it.

Wednesday after tediously nagging my son about his missing, forgotten, misplaced shoes, homework, electronic devices etc. and explaining (again tediously) how when you have "issues" like my dyslexia one has to get in the habit of creating fail safes, adding columns three times, spell check et al I promptly misplaced my driver's licence, credit card and gift receipt for my husband's birthday gift because I had them in my pocket instead of the purse I was too lazy to carry into the store and now they are just gone. I am really at a loss to explain it.

Yesterday while meeting my friend Anna for lunch, she explained that one of the hard things about life after losing her 12 year old son to a freak flashflood is what's missing. Hearing kids playing outside and knowing your kid isn't there. They say time heals but I don't know how. I really am at a loss to explain it.

Tending

2011-09-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

Things need to be tended. Friendships, homes, children, marriages. My husband & I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary and my best-sister-in-the-whole-world offered to take the kids so that we could tend to our relationship. It's reassuring that the things that can really dork up a trip, rain, horrific traffic et al, seemed immaterial as we cruised down the road catching up with each other. Terribly pleasant really knowing you are heading toward relaxation and not homework or in-law issues!
The weather broke Saturday night, just in time for us to mow the SHIN high grass before the sun went down. OOOohhh, how romantic.

But indeed, a reminder that everything regular tending. Lawns and marriages alike. Love you honey!

Enjoy the last flower of summer.

Which came 1st? The chicken or the egg?

2011-09-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

The chicken or egg question is one for the ages but I think the modern version is "How come the more I do the more I have to do?" Kind of like the modern classic children's book - "If you give a mouse a cookie,he is going to want some milk to go with it and then..." I start out thinking a corner of the store looks frumpy or neglected and so I start cleaning it out. And then it leads to moving the furniture, rearranging the merchandise, and ranting about how I could have I let it get to this state?

The answer, for me, at least, is that I like to start things. Not maintain them,not finish them but I LOVE the chaos of taking the plan in my mind to bringing it to fruition. I am not sure if it just a way to seek approbation or some deeply developed psychosis about not being about to leave well enough alone! Let's face it you get a lot more "oohs" and "aahs" from completely rearranging the layout of the room than you get from dusting the place from top to bottom. If my defence, I DO clean when I am rearranging so maybe, just maybe "well enough" becomes better.

Stormy Times

2011-09-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

The last 30 days have been some of the most tumultuous of my life. I have watched my husband's family have to make rapid, loving, and irrevocable decisions regarding their feisty mother's safety because of her rapidly fading memory.

I have been witness to the love, care and devotion exhibited when a chance step led to a fall that lead to the passing of a surrogate mom, "Great Dame", friend, artist and supporter.

And most shockingly, mourned with a whole community of believers as my dear friend Anna lost her 12 year old son in last week's flooding.
Words fail to express the sorrow I feel. The waves of emotion. The ability to truly pray unceasingly for the well-being of others. Honestly I didn't know I had it in me. My heart, along with many others is broken. Not so much for Dotty, Jackie and Jack. They are cared for, loved, or resurrected. But for those they have left behind who will miss them. Every day. It seems impossible that life will ever be right again.

The cover of Jack's program on Monday was his favorite Bible verse; words to cherish and inspire - Luke 1:37
For nothing will be impossible with God

Watercolor Monotype Workshops at Stifel and Capra

2011-08-08T12:13:00.000-04:00

Hot fun in the summertime! Workshops continued last week as 4 1st timers learned to handle Deborah Conn's printing press. "No, turn it the OTHER way".

Sixty dollars, 3 hours leave with new techniques and completed pieces of art.

What's not to love?

Debby's next class is August 16th. To register email WORKSHOPS@stifelandcapra.com. Come play!

Happy Birthday to us! year 4 & Counting!

2011-07-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

It takes a village that is for sure! Thank you to my sister Robin for picking up the yummy cakes (yes we ate TWO this big!) for the Birthday Bash last Thursday. Super enthusiastic crowd.

Some folks, like Diana, came to see what caught their fancy. Diana found paintings and accessories to fall in love with. I think she looks like a spokesmodel for us, don't you?

Willa came in with her girlfriends before lunching and scored not one but two Rough & Tumble Vintage dresses that looked like they were custom made for her!

We went through a case of bubbly, lots of sweaty hugs (102 outside. ugh!) and waves of well wishes. Thanks for everything. Yes, I am talking to you.

Saturday Markets are fun, fun, fun!

2011-07-08T11:32:00.000-04:00

We are starting off our monthly First Saturday Market with a BANG! The weather (unlike last year!) was gorgeous and we had quite of bit foot traffic that translated into lots of happy shoppers!

I dragged treasure hunter extraordinaire Betsy with me to the Eastern Shore and let her in on some of my "secret places" as we loaded up my Ford and hauled everything back home, cleaned it up, got it tagged and on the floor before FIRSTfriday. WHEW! I think I hurt myself. But it was all worth it as we had a record 4th of July weekend crowd at STifel & Capra for a FIRSTfriday. Lots of fun.

Kelly of Stylish Patina loaded TWO pickup truck loads into the parking lot to the delight of passersby. Want to see more? Visit her new boutique in the corner of the shop!

And check out the newest offerings from Freshly Pressed and Interlachen Soak Co. Me? Off to the beach with a car of teenagers for the weekend. Pray for me.

Tinner Hills Blues Festival Comes to Stifel & Capra!

2011-06-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

Ed & Nikki Graves Henderson really know how to throw a party! The second weekend of June was Tinner Hill Blues Festival Weekend http://www.tinnerhill.org/ . Stifel & Capra had the privelege of hosting award winner author Carole Boston Weatherford http://www.caroelweatherford.com/ as she did a reading from her haunting poetry novel "Becoming Billie Holiday". We had a small but enthusiastic crowd. (Think Carole may have been a bit surprised when we sold all of the books she brought!).

Carole gave a lovely talk about her writing process, how Billie has always been a muse to her and how the book came together. Carole's voice took a resonance as she fielded questions from the audience. Delightful interaction.

Providing more than just background was the accomplished blues guitarist and vocalis Eleanor Ellis. Accompanied by compadre Pearl on the harmonica, Eleanor played selected tracks from her new cd "Comin' a Time". It is always a singular experience to hear live music and I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between Pearl & Eleanor as they played. More than a little jealous of that skill... See more about Eleanor at http://www.eleanorellis.com/

If fact I was enamoured I dragged my husband Bob out to the Mad Fox the next night to hear Eleanor play at the Mad Fox tavern downt he street. www.madfoxbrewing.com IF you haven't been yet and you love a good craft brew. Find your way down Broad Street. The fried pickles are worthy, although not on ANYONE's "good eating" plan.

Am posting more shots from the evening on Stifel & Capra's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Stifel-and-Capra-Art-and-Ornament-for-your-Wonderful-Life/91596978896

Playing with TAP

2011-06-08T10:25:00.000-04:00

Mixed media maven and art Coach Lesley Riley http://www.artistsuccess.com lends her name to a fun new product called "TAP" artist transfer paper. Recently took a one day seminar on all of the different ways one could use the product. It;s very versatile and transfer equally well from soft surfaces (like the fabric postcard above) to the copper bird below (although I must admit, this is NOT the best example, I got distracted and got the metal and the transfer a little crispy!).

My art challenge of the week was to take the samples I made in class and utilize them in art work. These three are my favorite images from Lesley's collections. The balance of the samples will probably end up as layers as I am not loving them enough to make them features of a piece as I did below with the "best girl" on the slop rag paper towel. I think I actually like her best!

We had a FANTASTIC FIRSTfriday last weekend and kicked off our 1stSaturday Market as well. Beautiful weather and lots of fun. I will post photos from Wendy Wehmeyer's colossal Rough & Tumble Vintage Collection later today.

Freedom to Create - I am Back

2011-06-01T09:42:00.000-04:00

The nice thing about signing up for something (a concert,a game, an event) way in advance is that when the time comes up on the calender you HAVE to go whether it is convenient or not. Happily, my latest version of this was the Art & Soul Retreat down in Hampton, VA. http://www.artandsoulretreat.com I carpooled with my Stifel & Capra colleague Christine of Society Hill Design http://www.societyhilldesigns.com .

I really lucked out because I abhor driving and for the price of a tank of gas Chris drove the whole way, hooray! The excellent traffic boded well for the event. The retreat too went super smoothly. Everything was easy to find, the people were lovely, the instructors informative, the food? well it was an Embassy Suites after all so we will make allowances there. I learned a LOT while I was away but one of the most interesting sessions I took was by a gentleman named Jesse Reno.

Jesse is a former musician turned full time artist and he led a class called "Freedom to Create". Leading was more like herding cats. Imagine a group of 27 women, average age 62 (and that is with me being 50!) all kibitzing and commenting, all in a positive way of course! Jesse's loving response? "Dude, shut the ()^)*&^& up, these other folks came to hear me not you!" Jesse had a lot to say about his creative process, the cold turkey shift from music to art and how to live the proverbial artist's life. It was really inspiring to hear someone with no excuses. Although I received the info a bit wistfully as I seem to be full of excuses these days.

We did two exercises, the first of which involved pumping red, blue, yellow, white & black paint onto a plastic plate and painting with our hands. This was a little traumatic for some manicured ladies. My hang-up? mixing paint. But I went into this thinking that I was "just going to use these papers for collage backgrounds" so I really went at it with abandon, dare I say freedom? Making BIG, messy pieces on paper felt great, non precious and with nothing to lose I was rather thrilled how my pieces came out. In keeping with my new resolution to actually FINISH things I start,I came home, harassed my lovely neighbor Beth into matting my pieces for me, hung them on FIRSTfriday, and darn if one of them didn't sell! I am so proud. Proud I did something new, proud I actually got them on the wall and even prouder that the pieces actually spoke to someone. Life is good.

Hey Gang!

2011-04-01T14:05:00.000-04:00

I didn't realize I was taking a "blogiday" but apparently I am. Everything's great,just overcome by all the events of the day(s). Will be back soon. Tons has been happening. Please stay with me...

They are selling like well, ducks...

2011-03-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

It's always fun when I get hoisted by my own petard. The last time Robin and Nancy hand delivered a batch of Nancy's cute as a button crocheted critters I remarked that she didn't need to leave me any more ducks as we had a flock. So they didn't leave any. So we sold out four days later. Serves me right. There are more coming soon. Teenage girls bought the last three. One has his own Facebook Page. So sue me.

FIRSTfriday was it's normal WAY fun. Had a great, albeit later crowd of fun-sters. Falls Church Arts threw a retro dance party as a fundraiser down at the Creative Cauldron space so the crimped haired, skinny tie kids that came in were fun to watch. I refrained ALL evening from making a "Hey, I wore that in 1985" comment. So proud of my restraint...

A few of my Favorite Things

2011-02-11T08:54:00.000-05:00

Anniversaries bring memories of the mundane and sublime. Last weekend was the 4th anniversary of my husband Bob's 3 week bout in the Intensive Care Unit at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Strep induced sepsis led to the amputation on his left leg and left repercussions on our family that are still being felt today. So what do we do at the Stifel house? Why have a party of course! We call it the "Re-Birthday" Party. I invite my family and the neighbors over to celebrate the fact that I still HAVE a husband! They tell stories about duty shifts, taking care of the kids and rehab. What could be a depressing day turns into a celebration of how far we have come. Here's to friends!

And family!

OK, so NO neighbor photos and no cute pics of my sister's family. I was too busy worrying about the fact we were out of ice. One of the things I learned with Bob being ill is not to sweat the small stuff. Hopefully she will forgive me!)

I love you Bob! Here's to many more years together.

New Venues

2011-01-31T10:24:00.000-05:00

The fun thing about going to events is that they expose you to venues you haven't otherwise visited. Sandi Parker's solo show inMOTION opened to an enthusiastic crowd at Cassat's, an Arlington, VA cafe. I have never been there before even though I heard great things about brunch and lunch offerings. I dragged my husband and Beth & Bob Loftis over to the opening to be there the minute it opened. Why? We all no how nerve-wracking it is when you are waiting for folks to show up to an event so I figured we would break the ice for here. The complication? One set of invites said 5o'clock, others said 5:30. I being the Princess of Promptness got there at 5. My husband was not terribly impressed with me. I think he thought I was making the 5pm time up! I was grateful when other random patrons showed up before the "official" 5:30 opening so I didn't look like I was scamming my always tardy hubby.

One place Bob DID regret not being when the event doors opened was his office party last weekend at Cuba Libre' in Washington DC. We left a little late, hit a little traffic, and had a little issue with parking. The roving cocktails and passed appetizers were VERY much to my foody husband's taste and he was a wee bit sad that he didn't get more of them before they moved on to the awards part of the evening!

Lesson learned? It's good to help a friend and valet parking is always a good (albeit decadent!) option.

Cheers!

I am so pleased!

2011-01-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

Amazing how if you actually put things out there in the universe that you get a reaction. I am somewhat infamous for starting things with a bang but then not following through with them. Mind you I usually get things done for other people in a timely fashion (we all now how freaky I am about being late!) but my OWN projects? Eeeeh, not so much...

So, when my friend Betsy asked what my plans were for the new year and I mentioned one of them was resurrecting my etsy site. She said "Great! Let's work on it NOW." Uh, now? Make my own thing a priority, really? Well, she really cajoled me into getting my fanny in gear to get some of my art posted.. As well, Betsy and her hubby Hank physically helped post some of my vintage goodies on line. You can see them at http://theresawellsstifel.etsy.com

And I started a new collage this morning. And I got this charming Bat Mitzvah pillow delivered last week. Changing gears, accounting set-ups and payroll. Somehow not feeling as thrilled about that....

Ta Da!

2011-01-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

What do you see? A dining room table with three non-matching chairs shoved off in a corner? I see 2 weeks worth of sorting, cleaning, mending and tagging of a MOUNTAIN of found treasures that I finally got out of the house! They have been integrated into the sparkly chaos that is the sales floor at Stifel & Capra but I am guessing they MIGHT sell there better than on my dining room table!

I have been tempted to stop at road side haunts, sales and junk piles in the past week but I promised myself that I would clear this particular pile before I started a new mountain. Am actually proud of myself that I did it. What's next? Eating less, and exercising more? Doubt it but stay tuned!

A rose by any other name

2011-01-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

Almost twenty years ago my now husband Bob told me he'd never buy me "I'm sorry" flowers. And it's true, he never has. I usually get them on my birthday or our anniversary. And random Thursdays. These have held up well don't you think? These roses are much better looking in person as this is one of those unedited camera phone shots. And honestly they are more like "Boy , are YOU Sorry" flowers as I have been SUCH a grump lately. It is not even the end of January and I already feel thwarted by Father Time vs. my "list of Big Things to Accomplish".

Maybe it is because we have add some snow/ice storms and in DC that causes absolute pandemonium with less than 2 inches of precipitation. (Schools closed, grocery stores bare.) So my schedule gets knocked all a kilter.

Maybe at almost 50 I should realized that a schedule is only an OUTLINE of what I want to get done when, so I shouldn't be shocked, SHOCKED, when things don't go according to plan. How is it though that I seem to get every one's "things" done but not my own? So, of course, most other folks think I am a model of efficiency. Except for I am thinking the aforementioned darling husband, who tends to get lumped into the "my" category and of course gets slighted also.

Am thinking I need to do something about that. Perhaps a date night is in order...

Nothing like a deadline!

2011-01-12T21:55:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated! Falls Church Arts is sponsoring a show called Passport to the World. The show is opening is this weekend http://www.fallschurcharts.org for details. The drop-off day was Tuesday between 6 & 9. When did I frame my piece? Tuesday at 3:30 of course. Eek, nothing like living on the edge. But hey, at least I finished my piece! And I liked the way it turned out. This was one of the few times that my sketch ended up looking like the finished result. Mostly I suppose because there are no wayward faces or crazy hairstyles to get distracted by in this one.

I am trying to make 2011 a "concentrate on your art" year. I feel like I spent FAR too much time last year reacting to things instead of pro-actively doing my own work. The conundrum is of course, making art is rejuvenating while working on spreadsheets? Aaah, not so much in the soul restoring category. For me at least. I am sure there are a lot of folks out that that feel restored by the symmetry of Excel but for me it is a necessary evil. When I am working on paperwork it helps to think of the beach. Like all my hard work will some day earn me waterfront! Took this shot the last time I was in Lewes, Delaware.

Had a wonderful weekend at the store. Friday was our FIRSTfriday Open House of course. Ended up staying later than normal as a patron lost their car keys! Eek. Crisis averted as they were found. Saturday and Sunday were encouraging for this fretful "Wonder waht the year will bring?" owner. Very encouragingly we sold SEVEN paintings on Saturday and Sunday. None of them were huge pieces but it was nice to see folks supporting "my" artists!

What else is new and exciting? I have about twice as much energy as I did six months ago. I think my chronic neck problems are being assuaged by the ancient art of acupuncture! It is quite thrilling to being able to work at tasks (like typing this entry) and not having my back lock up so I can't move onto the next thing. Three cheers for Joanne!

Goals and aspirations - 2011

2011-01-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

I wonder if Colonel Puhek knew when he enlisted that he would stay in the Air Force for thirty years? Was that his plan? To serve his country through war & peace and make it home to his wife and family to start the next chapter? I haven't asked him but I know that my career path has seldomn been so defined. I went from retail to wholesale selling to direct sales to recruiting and business delopment and back to retail. Oddly, for someone that is so focused on working and doing a good job I have always seemed to fall into things by happenstance. Even Stifel & Capra is nto what I planned it to be. It was conceived as a business to business firm marketing art to commercial clients. Of course signing my lease 2 weeks before the bank melt-down three years ago MAY have had some bearing on my re-thinking of my plan!

So does that mean I am facile, flexible, fearless and forward thinking? Or just that I am whimsical, weak-minded and wishy-washy? I'd like to think the first but the resume might make you wonder. Mostly I think I am fairly good and dealing with the cards I have been dealt. I'd like to think this is a GOOD trait...

I was more than a little frustrated the last couple of quarters at the store. I felt like I was taking care of everything but my own art. Hmmm, maybe because that was true. Some friends said "Ahh but running a business is an art form" and "Parenting is an art form." But I, ahem, got into this to make some art. So what to do?

Back when I was in sales it was all about "how much money do you want to make?" and then I would sit down and work of the activities and efforts backwards so my team could see step by step how they could reach their goals. Tricky part: as I reach the ripe old age of 50(!) this year life really isn't JUST about money. What IS it about this year? What were my goals? I sat and thought, and pondered, and contemplated.

Resolved for 2011:
-to keep appointments with myself as religiously as I keep appointments with others
-to be less judgemental and more patient
-to become a better listener
-to treat my family at least as nice as I do strangers!

Tall order. But I am six foot two. I am also a very concrete person. How to track things so nebulous.. Any suggestions?

Now mind you I still need to lose weight, get more organized and save more money (college expenses are looming!)

Happy New Year from Stifel & Capra!

2011-01-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

It's not that I intentionally forget. It's just like I am more of an "you are in or you are out" kind of girl. What do I mean by that? You know exercising everyday and then the path freezes over so I can't walk safely. I stay home. Path thaws. Do I make my way out again? Uh, no. Blogging? Religious or non-existent. So many people said to me , what no cheery pics of the store? No humorous anecdotes of your madcap adventures? Uuuuuhhhhhh, apparently not. I seem to have been a bit overcome by the "urgent rather than the important" to quote Steven Covey. I didn't used to run my life like this. What happened?

I teasingly told my friends who asked how the shop, the kids, the family, the hubby's new job et al were going that they were all fine but I was in the "bitter and resentful" stage. Usually said in cheery voice and a hearty smile. The folks who know me remarked that this was not my normal operating mode. That this is still perceived as true makes me breathe a sigh of relief I must confess! But things ARE on the upswing. Why? I think the acupuncture is working for my neck pain (praise the Lord!). The Spouse has settled into his new job. Parents are well and kids seem actually rested and refreshed from their winter break. Thus leaving me time to quit micromanaging and worrying about them and actually focusing my attention back on my cranky self!

In my past life as a recruiter the week between Christmas and New year's was always a time for reflection and planning. I decided to go back to what works for me. And plotted. And planned. And will tell you about it. TOMORROW. Promise.

There's always tomorrow...

2010-12-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

That's what I kept saying to myself. Gulp. Last entry was uuuuuhhhhh, FALL? Now it is the second week of advent? Oh my. Needless to say I have had my normal very full life. Too schitzy to stop and write. I miss it. And you. Will be back to writing soon. Please do come visit me at the shop so I can regale you with tales. Or check out Stifel and Capra on Facebook. Of course writing this will hopefully mean I will be ready to write sooner rather than New Year's!

The Last of a Season

2010-10-29T09:37:00.001-04:00

Here 'tis. Our last, luscious, lonely tomato of the season. Sitting on the kitchen windowsill. Bob & I are watching and waiting until it is about to burst with ripeness before we sacrifice it to the end of summer gods. As you can see by the color out the window, Mother Nature does not care about my tomato. Autumn is here. One of my favorite things about living in Virginia is the fact that we DO get four true seasons. (although I must confess I could skip DC's "hazy, hot and humid" August.) We are dragging out the fire pit this weekend so the teenagers can dance around it and toast marshmallows. Fun!

Thinking of the seasons change and the impending holidays makes me reflect on the many losses my friends have endured this year. Judy, her father. Pete, a brother. Phil & Barbara, their daughter. Betty & Jim, their grandson. Hank, his mother. Julie, her grandmother. Ashleigh, her college BFF. David, his wife. So much loss and mourning. So much strength and fortitude. We also lost the last original homeowner on my little street. Jackie recently passed away peacefully in her sleep to the shock and chagrin of her closest neighbors who always took such solicitous care of her. In one of those "can this be a coincidence, really?" moments, Roger my former neighbor was chatting up Randy (the friend who bought Roger's house almost a decade ago). Roger mentioned how nice it was to see everyone even under such circumstances as he lived in the Midwest now. Where? Indiana. What town? Oh, it's small you've never heard of it. Turns out it is the same town where Randy went to school and where his mother still lives! Small world.

Disregarding the sugar fest of Halloween, this year All Saint's Day will be a day I stop and contemplate all those goods souls who are no longer with us. And appreciate those who still are.

What a find! - REfind Consignments

2010-10-20T19:32:00.000-04:00

I am taking this great new class called "Growing Your Soul" this year. I am in that Mommy Rut where I feel like I am always Last In Line so decided to do something. After acknowledging that I probably need a personal trainer I decided that getting my interior life into shape was a more immediate priority. (How I am going to explain this to my doctor when I go in for my follow-up next week is another story!) I am thoroughly enjoying class but I must admit I found a very secular distraction a block away from church. REfind Consignments. Number one- What an AWESOME name and two: what a charming place!

It's a bit more formal than Stifel & Capra (but what isn't?) but REfind is really nicely merchandised and, because the building is new, spic and span, with plumb walls and dare I say level floors! The owner Carey Williams was easy to talk to and very welcoming. If you find yourself over on Church Street in Vienna, VA stop in! Tell them I sent you. And if you go tomorrow you might see me again -my class gets out at eleven.

Fun on FIRSTfriday - Inside and out!

2010-10-07T07:47:00.000-04:00

We had a great time on FIRSTfriday last weekend. Attendance was down a WEE bit as it was the local school's homecoming but actually that enabled folks that were there to actually see what was in the shop! So the artists were happy that sales did not suffer! Dace Jenkins, our silhouette cutter extraordinaire was here with his wife and family. I am surprised that Dave's didn't explode from all of the compliments. Here is an example of one of the charming pieces we have in the shop. (all of the color gradations are done with cancelled stamps.) Dave's feature wall is up until October 31st.

OUTSIDE now that I have finally sold my sainted, benighted hoosier cabinet we have some wonderful additions for your porch or sun room. Falls Church resident, by way of Georgia, Deborah Hudgens brought in the prettiest plant and container combos that we have seen in awhile. We sold half of her stock by Saturday morning. She is coming in later today to bring in a new batch of goodies so you can have some fresh ones to pick from!

Amy Fromm graced us with her presence as well Friday. The Interlaken Soak Co. is beckoning me to add "soak my head" (body, feet) to my list of things to do. Now that the bbq, art show FIRSTfriday is over for now maybe I can jump in the tub. But wait, I haven't told you about the new consignment store I found or the new local pizza place or....

Ready, set, GO!

2010-10-01T07:14:00.000-04:00

These pictures were the calm before the storm LAST weekend. The artists Helping Others show went very smoothly this year. I was impressed with how organized and nicely everything came together. Jim Larsen & Christopher Fay (presidents of CHO & Homestretch respectively) stopped by along with friends, Vienna Pres members and artists fans. Thank you fro all that attended. If the proceeds for the event were a harbinger of the economy things are looking up. If you couldn't make it to the show and would still like to contribute to either of these great organizations please do so at http://www,homestretch.org or http://www.cho-va.org

I have been RUNNING like a banshee these last 3 weeks. I hope YOU will run by the shop tonight for our FIRSTfriday event. The shop is bursting with new finds, new art and the delightful Dave Jenkins will have entire feature wall and table top display of his charming silhouette work. http://www.stifelandcapra.com/Gallery_Jenkins.php . Amy Fromm from the Interlaken Soak Co. will be there with her soothing organic bath products line (boy do I need some for the weekend!) and last but not least, corporate chef Patrick from 2941 fame will be on hand to talk about his newest endeavor, Napoli style Pizzeria Orso. (samples, Patrick? I sure hope so!!!)

Tonight's the Night! AHO 2010

2010-09-25T11:24:00.001-04:00

The Artists Helping Others 2010 show is up and looking lovely. Hope you can join us tonight or tomorrow morning!
http://www.stifelandcapra.com/ for details and directions!

Life IS Wonderful (and the art show IS this weekend!)

2010-09-22T19:33:00.000-04:00

When my friend John stopped by my bar-b-q on Saturday and said "I can only stay for a minute but I really had to give you this because it made me think of you." I must admit I cringed. What could he have? Turned out it was the above bumper sticker! John said it reminded him of my attitude. And he meant it sincerely, NOT sardonically. Thanks John!

The countdown is ON. The 3rd annual "Artists Helping Others show is THIS weekend. We have over 100 pieces of art, glass and jewelry on display Saturday September 25th from 6 to 9pm. We are having a "Life is short; eat dessert first" buffet. Proceeds from all of the original art, prints, and cards go to Homestretch and CHO two fine family oriented organizations. For directions or more information visit http://www.stifelandcapra.com/AHO2010-Press%20Release.php
Hope to see you there!

"Work to be done" by Theresa Wells Stifel - a mixed media collage - Cloth Paper Scissors

2010-09-13T20:21:00.000-04:00

"Work to be done" by Theresa Wells Stifel - a mixed media collage - Cloth Paper Scissors

entered 3 of my collages in Cloth, Paper Scissors latest artisan contest. There are a lot of amazing pieces posted. Wish me luck!

Fun with Kathie Rogers!

2010-09-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

We had SO much fun with Kathie, her husband Chuck and their cheerful friends from Annapolis (plus of course all of our usual suspects!) at FIRSTfriday last weekend.

I am rather mortified that I hadn't posted these pics before now. I suffered from the "oh, I will do a REALLY nice job with the blog tomorrow" and then well, a week passes and here we are!

I was concerned about FIRSTfriday being on a holiday weekend but we had a really fun crowd. I think they were giddy from not sitting in holiday traffic!

Kathie Rogers is our featured artist this month. We had fun hanging her wall. These paintings are NOT everything on display so do stop in and see the rest until September 30th. Kathie is also showing in our "Artists Helping Others" Show in Vienna on September 25th.
Other fun things happening: the art market is starting up again! Anne Schwarz and colleagues will be in the parking lot on Saturday from 10 to 2ish. Lots of beauteous bargains to be had; come see!

Can't Judge a Book by its Cover

2010-09-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

I always enjoy my customers but sometimes they surprise me! A lovely woman came in last week and I mean lovely. perfect hair and make-up, cute figure , smashing clothes, and killer shoes, shoes? WHOO. I'd be seven feet tall if I could wear those shoes. We got to chatting (surprise!) and come to find out the lovely Martha, from the pages of Vogue runs a livestock shelter. That's right, horses, cows, pigs et al! AND she runs a multi acre organic herb and vegetable farm to help finance the shelter. Amazing! So that is why she was looking for farm signs and mason jars! I didn't have EITHER in the store that day but I did have a vintage Hoosier chest that I donated to the barn where they sell the produce. And the beautiful Martha marched in with bare feet to haul it into her truck to haul it back to the farm. Whodathunk?
The next day this VERY tall, VERY BROAD shouldered man with neck tattoos, a braided goatee and heavy boots stepped over my threshold and started removing said boots. I told him there was no need (smiling as I thought of the barefoot farmer of the day before!) and he said "oh yes, indeed the boots needed to go!" He had apparently spent the better part of an hour the day before scrubbing down a bank he has sullied with his tar laden boots. Eek. As I and my trusty helpers had laid the laminate floor in the shop I REALLY appreciated his consideration. Padding up in his stocking feet B asked me if I had any perfume vials. After the normal, this one is too small, this is one is the wrong color and THIS one is "just right" he chose the heart shaped, sea blue one. Appropriate it turns out. Turns out our bug guy is a big romantic! After his wife said she'd love to take the sea home with her from her vacation our sneaky husband secreted some sea water and sand home from their holiday. He bought the perfume atomizer to seal the holiday feeling into a dresser memento! (we both agreed the reality might smell a bit, but isn't THAT life!)

I declared him "romantic of the day!" and he told me more about his lovely wife. And the fact that she was an artist. Then he mentioned that he was an artist of sorts, a wordsmith. He had just finished his second novel! And then told me how he had time to think and write because he had burned out if his job of many years of working with troubled adolescents and come home one to day to the lovely wife and said "I am going to drive a truck". And so he did! I commented that all he had to be responsible for now was him and his load (this week? Asphalt!). This has obviously given him time to think and write. And ponder wonderful surprises for his assuredly lovely bride.

Everybody has a story. I love my job.

PS If you have any old canning jars that you'd like to donate to the animal sanctuary; bring 'em to me! Especially the blue ones...

Moon over Lewes

2010-08-23T20:49:00.000-04:00

Last full day at the beach on Saturday. Was there so long the moon came out! Had a super relaxing time. Entertained some out of town friends and relatives, ate a lot of food, drank a lot of wine, went for a couple of power walks and more than a few languid dips in the bay. Tried REALLY hard to ignoe technology (helped along by really bad connections.)

Did lots of shopping. Even got a lot of it tagged and inventoried when I walked in the store today I could get it put out on the floor.

The craziest purchase of the week? A set of congas and bongos! I honestly bought them because they were a good deal and they are simply beautiful. Everyone that knows I have two kids has said "are you crazy?!?" We will see... Turns out one of our house guests actually plays them. The congas. Better than Ricky Ricado. Paul swears that he carried a set just like the ones I purchased in the high school marching band. Are you KIDDING me? Amazing.
Am excited to be back to work. Or would have been if I had a job where my work got done when I was gone! My awesome artists and colleagues all covered for me on the sales floor but all of the paperwork was sitting in a neat little pile when I came in this morning. (Darn!) With that said , I am glad to be back!

This Weekend! Summer Gala at 1st Stage!

2010-07-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

There is a lot happening this weekend. 4 tents at our art & antique fair Saturday from 10 to 2 in the Stifel & Capra parking lot. And we are donating a gift basket to a more than worthy cause. The summer gala at 1st stage is Saturday night! Go if you can, they are an amazing group of folks. Bid on our basket or other fabulous prizes.

http://www.1ststagespringhill.org/ to buy tickets!

Wow, I actually made something!

2010-07-27T10:38:00.000-04:00

Jackie bought one of my collages for her daughter's room and asked me if I had any collages featuring boys as she both a daughter AND a son. I shamefacedly reminded her so did I , and uh, no , I had photos collages with boys but not mixed media works. So here is my first attempt! I really like how it came out.
I also had fun making these two soft pieces for clients. One is for a birthday present for a sister who is a music teacher and the other is about the cutest birth announcement I have seen in a while. Good wishes all around!

It has been a rough couple of weeks. I did my civic duty and pulled jury duty recently. Not so much fun as it was a particularly gruesome situation. I was struck by and grateful to all of the people that make up the public service sector. The ambulance crews, police teams, forensic professionals, attorneys, social workers and administrative staff all subject themselves to unmentionable situations in the name of justice and healing. It's impressive. Peace to all.

Everything's Cool

2010-07-18T12:50:00.000-04:00

Everything inside is cool that is. We have been hit with a sweltering summer. Getting the kind of weather in June & July that Wasingtonian's don't normally have to tolerate until August. Ugh. Luckily we have some ongoing events that will help maintain your equilibrium. Amy Brecount White's book "Forget-Her-Nots" is a great summer read. Pick up a copy while to read poolside. Come enjoy the air conditioned comfort of Deborah Conn's Portrait display through July 30th. Debby is so talented she can take your favorite snapshot and turn it into a real work of art.

Forgive the lapse betweeen posting. I am having a hard time keeping up with my fulltime family duties along with the business back end of the store. It is SO much more fun to interact with customers and rearrange the furniture than it is to process accounting entries and think about next quarter. But it all has to get done!

Happy 50th Bill & Nicky!

2010-07-01T19:00:00.010-04:00

Here are Bill & Nicky hanging with some of their old cronies (their words not mine!) at the 50th wedding anniversary party we threw in my back yard. Dinner was yummy. Kudos to Bob for prime rib and Robin for cakes! I made all of the salads and set the tables and the bar(!) with my lovely vintage cloths. Now you know where the shop stock comes from! Everyone seemed to survive the sultry weather to raise a glass of champagne. Hip, hip HOORAY!! Love you Mom & Dad!

Speaking of parties... Do you like that segue? Make sure you stop by FIRSTfriday to meet Debby and Amy or pop over on Saturday for our 3rd annual Birthday Bash! (details at right or on Facebook.)

See you then!

the countdown of days...

2010-06-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

The countdown begins. Three days to my son's birthday. Eight more days until the end of school. 55 days until my beach week. 77 days until school starts again... Aah the cycle of summer! I did get to mix business with pleasure as Bob & I took the family down to Rehoboth (treasure hunting for the shop along the way!) this last weekend. We had PERFECT weather. Really to chilly for us to go in the ocean although we got quite the show on Saturday from the windsurfers off the beach. Sunday we went for a not terribly arduous paddle on the bay side. Wind had dies down. MUCH more my speed!

Even though Washington area traffic can eat the large part of a weekend getaway. It is still a good thing. To get away that is! To recuperate and rest from your daily existence. I was so motivated when I returned home I energetically went through, sorted and culled all of my fine art supplies. Got to tell you I felt very professional seeing it all lined up there just waiting for me to make something. Of course you will notice that I am not showing you 4 walls of photos, mostly because what I am making is a big mess! Still sorting and culling and donating a mountain of things that rock but not appropriate for the artistic direction I have taken.
I did however, get a very small project done from start to finish yesterday in less than an hour.

I was feeling all smug when Cathy called to tell me my 10:30 was at the shop waiting for me. Oops, I had the new Business Director of Homestretch's coffee appointment down for NEXT Wednesday. Homestretch is a Falls Church based organization that helps homeless families rebuild their lives. Luckily I live 2 miles from the store so fifteen minutes later we were in Natalia's (area's BEST coffee & party shop) talking about this September's Homestretch Days and this year's 2010 Artists Helping Others show. Both should be lots of fun to work on. I am actively seeking exhibitors for the art show so see the website if you'd like to apply!

Great FIRSTfriday turnout for Sherry Hickey!

2010-06-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

Local author Sherry Hickey seems quite tickled as her fans (young and old alike!) came out to get their copies of "Card Auntie's Wonderful Workshop" signed on FIRSTfriday. This charming paperback is now available for sale at the shop and would be great as an end of year teacher gift for a class library or a special friend. Sherry has autographed all of the copies for a special treat!

My buddy Betsy and I went treasure hunting up in Maryland yesterday. I said that I was going to behave myself but somehow I picked up 3 bins of treasures and oodles of jewelry (because more is MORE!). Do go with our Hawaiian tiki specials this month I found another crazy parrot head mug and semi-matching parrot sterling pendant along with a crazy sequined hula dancer bag. You really DO have to see it to believe it! We've got them all priced and they will be on the sales floor this afternoon.

We are gearing up for the next Art & Antique Fair this Saturday from 10 to 2. The Tinner Hill Blues Festival is this weekend as well http://www.tinnerhill.net so stop by when you are roaming the Little City listening to the Big Blues!

A matter of expectation.

2010-06-01T09:54:00.002-04:00

Here's my son helping me take pictures of my latest collage so I can make cards and get the image up on line. Dawns on me that the quote "Life is largely a matter of expectation" certainly applied to this last weekend. Just like fields should lay fallow to heald a productive growing season, we have fallow periods also. Although I must confess sometimes mine are more inertia and paraysis than rest. My husband Bob is entering a new productive phase. With the help of good friends power training cycling coach BJ Basham http://www.powertrainingcoach.com/ & Andy Clarke http://www.bikeleague.org/ Bob shopped for , test rode and purchased a new 3 wheel bike that he can actually ride with his prosthetic leg!

As you can imagine, the bike is a little more forgiving from a balance standpoint from a traditional cycle but Bob will have to learn how to best use his existing muscles to get the show on the proverbial road. Bob used to enjoy driving to Mount Vernon and back so Sunday's 3 mile round trip ride to the Falls Church Scout House and back might seem less than profound but it was a triumph! To be able to go up and down steep hills navigate road crossings and sidewalks with relative ease was really exciting for everyone who knows Bob.

Happy trails guys!

Oh+Golly+Day!

2010-05-19T10:44:00.000-04:00

I was tired yesterday. Why, because I joined the ranks of parents who were trying to book camps for their school age children during summer break. Registration started at 5am and woe to the uninformed parent who thinks that they can reserved them on their lunch hour and get the dates they need! By 5:28 two of my son's choices were over half subscribed. Eek! I came late to this party because in the past my kids attended year round schools and had shorter summer breaks (plus I worked from home). It's humbling when you become the person you used to make fun of! Kind of how childless adults feel about baby strollers in public places. I used to feel so unencumbered, yes free, until I became one of those double stroller wielding wild eyed mamas! Happily mine are a little old for strollers these days...

Time is ticking onward. So if you missed Anne Schwarz's ( above and below right) opening on FIRSTfriday in May please do stop in and take a peek at her wonderful featured exhibit right in the front of the store! Anne has such a lovely, calm, contemplative style, you feel transported when you look at her work! Anne's feature runs through the end of May.

I finally have the art & antique fair applications ready! Please email me for a copy. My next mission to to get them posted on both the website and our Facebook page, look for them there. A 10x10 booth is only $15 for our Saturday events. Will post updates and attendees as they sign up. Look for your favorites soon!

Jane was right; the Basilica is spectacular!

2010-05-02T10:13:00.001-04:00

Before I left my friend and fellow artist Jane Coonce said "you HAVE to go to the St. Louis Basilica,it is amazing." Jane was right! I cannot even contemplate the man hours that went into the spectacular decoration in this building.

Quite awe inspiring.

And humbling.

Happy Sunday!

meet ME in St. Louis

2010-04-30T23:13:00.001-04:00

Do I look excited? I am! This terribly tidy studio belongs to a woman I have admired for years, Mary Englebreit. Mary inspires me because she has built a career and an international reputation while remaining true to her artistic vision. Many pooh-poohed Mary's self taught sentimental view but the self -proclaimed Queen of Cute persevered and built an empire with out leaving her home town of St. Louis. Her latest foray is hosting a conference about art & the business of art. After enduring an "express" flight (flying is not fun for those of us over 6 feet tall) I shared a cab with a fellow conference go-er Justine and checked in to the gorgeous Chase Park Plaza Hotel, unpacked, had lunch and scurried 2 blocks down for my tour of Mary's studio.

Everything about it was cute as can be (naturally!) and it was fascinating to see pencil sketches and lay outs of Mary's book in progress. We got a sneak peek at 2011's calendar pages and learned lots of "behind the scenes" stories from her trusty assistant. Then I headed up to the Stardust Ballroom (really!) and met all of the other terribly friendly, creative and charming women who are unabashed "Mary" fans. It's good to know you are not alone in your obsessions!

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-04-27T12:10:00.000-04:00

Transitioning is hard. Transitioning form chore to chore, duty to duty. Parenting, home keeping, shopkeeping, artist, and paperwork, paperwork, ppaperwork! When exactly is it I am supposed to whip up gourmet meals, exercise to lose this spare tire, make art, take my husband dancing, not neglect my friends, pursue my spiritual life and ugh, do more paperwork? Seems like if I actually finish any one task it is always to the detriment of another. Anybody out there have any advice about structuring one's work day?

One day that is never work is my BIRTHDAY! Turned (gulp) 49 on Friday and my awesome neighbors and my usual suspects came over and had copious nibbles and raised a toast! Thanks everyone for all of the birthday goodies and a wonderful time. Here's a toast to my awesome sister Robin who attempts to keep me on track (and stands in for my left brain as I have none!). Cheers!

"Found" at The Art League, Torpedo Factory

2010-04-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

Actually Beth kept saying "Of course, you'll get in, it's what you do" I actually did! Get into this month's Art League show "Found" - art featuring found objects. Actually I got TWO pieces in (see March 17th post for part of the other entry http://stifelandcapra.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-weeks-challenge-found-objects-part.html

But, ahem, one is not ALLOWED to have two pieces in so I spoke to the director and picked the wall piece as it is larger (2x4 feet) and more graphic. The bummer is that had I juried in for the "found" show AND the all members show I would have been qualified to show in the Bin Gallery next year. For that privelege you have to juriy into three shows throughout the course of the year. As I am on a mini-roll you might think I was home free but the League's fiscal year ends in June. Now there is an incentive to actually submit every month! Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday, Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

2010-04-08T09:45:00.001-04:00

Downloaded my camera last night and realized a lot of time has elapsed since my last post. Eek. Nothing like the kiddies being out of school to throw off one's inadequate routine. April's FIRSTfriday was a lot of fun, between it being a school holiday and Good Friday I wasn't sure who would be there but my daughter's Girl Scout posse was there en force to wish her a Happy Birthday! The young ladies also modeled some of Ashleigh's lastest vintage fashins. Cute, eh?

Not as cute as Cathy in her bunny ears! The tradional Stifel and Capra sale is "wear your Easter bonnet or bunny ears and get a discount" and there were those awesome clients Charlotte, Jane, Stephanie, Margie and more parading in their bonnets and working the (mostly bling!) discount!

Beth Loftis and I went down to the Art League at the Torpedo Factory on Tuesday to drop off art and ran into a mini-Stifel and Capra meeting - artists Jane McElvany Coonce, Sandi Douglas Parker, Elizabeth Hudgens & Bud Hensgen were all there either submitting pieces or volunteering behind the counter. Fun. More fun because both Beth & I got in! Those photos tomorrow!

If you can't go to the beach...

2010-03-30T22:15:00.000-04:00

Our beach weekend got curtailed because my husband's employer got a Friday afternoon Request for Proposal from a client. This is a good thing UNLESS you had plans to take the kiddies to the beach for spring break... So as a condolence prize we decided to bomb up to Baltimore for the day and go to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. We had a great, goofy time. I was enamored of the new Jellyfish exhibit. I won't bore you with all of the photos I took but I love this one!

The harbor "chessie monsters" were not running but the "4-D" nature movie was playing at the Aquarium so we got to rock out the 3d glasses! The kids had fun eating up at the bar in the Hard Rock Cafe'. Signature Munchies and souvenir glasses later we headed home and made it back to Virginia in an hour! Woo hoo, my traffic juju holds!

Is it craft, is it art?

2010-03-22T21:50:00.006-04:00

One of the conversations I hear debated at the shop is the difference between craft and art, Craft and Art, or just plain crafty art! To distill it down to basics it seems to be to be less a matter of craftsmanship sometimes and more a matter of price points and marketing! I have started to write 4 different "next sentances" to this paragraph and I am laughing because anything I can think to say is sure to offend SOMEone! About their own art or craft.
Take sewing for example- right now I have hanging in the store custom made and sewn vintage ladies dresses from the 50's and baby clothes and christening gowns that are even older than mid century. The craftsmanship and care that have gone into the pieces scream "work of art" to me but they are simply regarded as apparel to most people. I will confess most of my sewing is more of the crafty variety- here are two items I recently finished for clients. The first is a wedding gift for a couple that was combining households (including kids!). Instead of doing the traditional wedding invitation application I used a family candid from the wedding.

Charlotte's family has a big family farm way out in the country. This wool blanket is a family treasure that normally hangs out at the end of her bed but it was getting REALLY threadbare. Charlotte has seem my photo transfer work so she came up with the clever concept of using old photgraphs of the farm and her family to restore, mend, and patch the aforementioned fuzzy blanket! I loved the idea but I especially loved the bottom-most shot of Young Charlotte with her goat. Priceless!

This Week's challenge: Found Objects, Part 1

2010-03-17T13:17:00.000-04:00

This month's Alexandria Art League Challenge involves creating art out of found objects. My personal chaellenge was not to buy ANYthing to put the pieces together; to work completely out of my studio. I am working on two projects, one small, one large. The first project is this unnamed doll. I think she looks snappier in person than on camera, but she was fun to configure. The second piece is the largest canvas I have worked so far a 2 by 4 foot canvas that has parts that look like they were unearthed from storage spaces. I have titled the collage "Alma's Attic" in honor of a client estate sale buy. Part of the goodies really are from Alma's house! The rest uh, ALL from my studio, including the rusty square head nails. I really will pick up anything...

Have tons of new things in the shop this week. Lots of cute easter bunnies, pretty spring floral corsages, and lovely light apparell. The sun is shining and we are all SO ready for spring. It was quite exciting to go have coffee today & sit outside! Enjoy-

Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-12T10:42:00.001-05:00

We had a lovely FIRSTfriday night last week with DJ Gaskin (that's us surrounded by all of her glorious paper art!). There is still time to sign up for her workshop. Just contact me if you have any questions.

There WERE flowers coming up under that three foot snow bank. Hooray! Nothing like a couple of sixty degree days to beat back winter. Here are my first crocuses. The other chore that got accomplished this week was my beloved family cleaned off the debris of winter and fluffed the front porch for spring. Give me a couple of weeks ad I will have the vintage pillows and the big libation pitcher out there as well.

Come meet the Crazy Cats and the Lioness Poet!

2010-03-04T07:20:00.001-05:00

My husband NEVER buys me "make-up" flowers but one of my artists that missed an appointment did. Thanks Bud! Certainly added a little sunshine to the desk during the yucky weather. They lasted a full two weeks, make that a lot of sunshine!

I found the craziest lamp the other day. Do you remember those huge console tv's in the 60's? Well it was all the rage to dim the lights to get the best view on your humoungous tv. The only light in the room should be the discrete glow from a small lamp on top of the television. Hipsters might have one like this cool cat lamp. Made by Kron, it has a bulb in its cutout back so the kitties cast an aura around their perimeter as well as through their funky eyes. Groovy!

Tomorrow is FIRSTfriday in Falls Church and I am featuring the work of Lioness Press founder DJ Gaskin. Dj is a poet, journaler, art book creater, card artist and beautiful person! Come meet her and all of our resident artists, have some snacks and see what is new from 5 to 8 tomorrow, Friday,March 5th. I REALLY missed everyone last month because of the snow cancellation so I sure hope you can come out and paly on Friday!

LOTS going on...

2010-02-26T07:32:00.002-05:00

One of the things I grump about is the county where I live's obsession with "being busy". Actually felt like we joined the ranks last weekend. Belated Mardi Gras party on Saturday-

Blew up TWO HUNDRED balloons for the Cub Scout's 100th Anniversary Blue & Gold dinner. Worked,worked,worked and then neglected to make the basket I promised for the Marshall High School all night grad party Fund Raiser . OOPS! Luckily Tatiana was patient and I am happy with was we donated. Give it a bid!

need a DC Souvenir?

2010-02-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

As requested, here are some examples of Washington DC area pillows I make from vintage postcards.

Had a great time at the Falls Church Arts opening last Friday. My blue haired girl collage titled "It's not just a Phase was one of the first pieces sold. Hooray!

The Ladies make their debut!

2010-02-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

The Ladies are making their debut this evening at the Annual All Member Falls Church Arts Show. The opening is this evening if you care to join me! For details go to www.fallschurcharts.org . I had a blast treasure hunting earlier in the week. But I. Must. Stop. I have GOT to get through the intimidating MOUNTAIN of paperwork I have been accumulating. My resolution for next week is to just systematically go through all of the papers, requests, forms, etc. and take care of each one as I touch it as opposed to just shifting piles back and forth, dragging them back and forth from home to studio to shop. Wish me luck. And if you have any hints, do let me know!

A sense of accomplishment!

2010-02-12T13:12:00.002-05:00

This go round we didn't so much shovel snow as chisel it! Good neighbors Phil, Sheila and Bill came out yesterday and helped me pry (literally) packed-into-ice chunks of snow but with a little help from the snow we got the bulk of the sidewalk clear, Whew! I am glad I don't have to be concerned about pedestrians being impaled by our monster icicle installation. The shop is set back far enough from the street that we can just enjoy them.

As most of us are in cabin fever mode it amused me to make this "nesting" oriented collage. Hope you like it!

Here it comes again!

2010-02-09T17:03:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of the brave souls that ventured into the shop in the last couple of days. ALMOST made the shoveling worthwhile. These icicles are out of Angela's studio window. Energy efficient, no but beautiful, yes!

The weatherman says we are due for another 10 to 20 inches between tonight and tomorrow. As you look at this pile under Jane & Sandy's studio window I am not sure WHERE we are going to put the snow. *Sigh* Please check in here for the latest shop info. Be safe.

More Re-Birthday Photos

2010-02-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

more Re-Birthday Party Photos

2010-02-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

Record snowfall, lots of muscle.

2010-02-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hey I made it! the view out my window this morning seemed rather impassible but having friends that live on the main drag helped me sweet talk Phil & neighbor Jane over to the shop so we could our "obligatory so we don't get fined business shoveling" this afternoon. WHEW! What's intimidating is that they are talking about freezing rain on Tuesday and more snow on Wednesday; eek! Don't know that DC can handle it.

This weekend is the anniversary of when my husband Bob had to have his leg amputated to save his life after suffering complications from a strep infections. What does one do to commemorate such an occurrence? Well, at the Stifel House we throw a party! With the snow 30 inches deep outside our surprise out of state guests couldn't join us but our awesome neighbors made for a rowdy, loving evening. The industrial sized bottle of Advil (for shoveling aches) is blocking the third candle but this is indeed the third year since Bob was hospitalized. Hard to believe that it has been that long. I will always be grateful to all of my friends and neighbors for all of the care, love and support they showed me and the kids during the long ordeal and even now.

I love you honey. I am happy you are still here!

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

2010-02-05T15:43:00.001-05:00

It's been snowing since 11 and I can still see the roof of my Explorer so I am feeling confident I can get home from the store when we close at 4. Gotta tell you though, I am having a blast here. I am thoroughly enjoying all of the ladies who are preemptively conducting retail therapy to forestall the upcoming cabin fever! As you can from the stalwart customers modeling "new" Stifel & Capra fashions the storm door that Bob & Phil have installed is working so well that Lucy can show off her painted toenails!

I am bumming we will not be hosting FIRSTfriday this evening but will rely upon you to come out in force next month! Tell me if you think we should do a rain check in February...

Here is the companion piece I made for Vera. This collage uses a lot of the same elements. It is not quite finished. I need to decide how to treat the loose gold thread that is hanging from the bingo card. Beading perhaps?
The plan now is that we will be closed on Saturday and ride out the storm at home and then battle our way in, shovel out and then open for business on Sunday by noon. Will keep you updated!

Meet Vera! (But not this Friday.)

2010-02-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

PrimaVera that is. If her face doesn't ring a bell from last week that is because she got a new one, face that is. The other face didn't seems sassy enough for this chapeau so, "Off with her head!" Not really, the other face will reemerge elsewhere down the road. Except for her stuffing, Vera is made with all vintage and salvaged materials. As a companion piece I also started a collage with some of the same elements. The photo below is a "in process" shot. Will take another when I am finished.

If it is the week before FIRSTfriday you will likely find me rearranging the shop and all of the elements therein. I enjoy giving the place a fresh look. I will say the job was bigger than normal this month. Last month was "clear out the Christmas trees" tidying so everything else just got kind of shoved aside. This week it was pull expired consignments, find the fallen treasures, sweep the hidden dust bunnies and put out the new merchandise. Eek, some of those bunnies were more like dust cows. It seems all my primping and fluffy efforts are in vain though as we are having a (pick one: 1foot, 2 foot, 3 foot) snow storm tomorrow.

The hysteria is so widespread that the County has cancelled school for tomorrow and the snow is not supposed to start until 1pm. This from a school system that has already used up all of its snow days and is now scheduled to be in session during federal holidays. Oy.

I DO plan on being in the shop tomorrow until it seems sensible to leave or 5,whichever comes first! If the weather pundits are wrong, and there is no snow, we WILL have FIRSTfriday festivities. Please tune in here for the latest info!

Your tax dollars at work

2010-01-27T10:07:00.000-05:00

Work up at 5ish on Monday morning to the sound of multiple transformers blowing. Oddly enough I didn't actually hear the tree fall. I guess all of the power and phone lines must have broken the big tree's fall. This looks like a quiet residential street but let me assure you there were a LOT of cranky commuters on Monday when they couldn't drive too fast across their favorite cut through street! Lots of muttering, cursing and detouring to get to work! Many thanks to Debby & Howard who provided auxiliary power to the assorted laptops and cel phones on the street. Kudos to Dominion power who had the tree cleared and three to power poles installed and switched back on by 9pm that night. They were working steady through all of the onlookers distracting entreaties. We all gave a "hip, hip, hooray" to celebrate the fact we had heat (and refrigeration!) for the night...

Life is disjointed. And so at the moment is my latest project! My latest art doll's inspiration piece was a beautifully embroidered appliqued fingertip towel that seemed better suited as a fancy bodice than to hang unused (because it is far to pretty to actually use) in some one's bathroom. Stay tuned to see how she progresses.

It takes time.

2010-01-19T09:35:00.001-05:00

My sister Robin (known to all far & wide as the left side of my brain) gave me a Amaryllis on Christmas Day. I think hers is about to bloom but as you see mine is poking along. It will get there, eventually. I get impatient and then I think of the fact that I have daffodils in my yard into April, tulips until May or June and azaleas until summer. I guess there are some advantages to living on the shady side of the street but I don't always see them when I am impatient for thing (plants, flowers, events) to happen.

I guess it's like my innate disability to do almost anything physically right the first time. I took tennis lessons one time and my teacher told me delicately that I had "poor muscle memory" meaning it took a looooooooooonnnnnngggggg time for my body to "remember" how to do something "correctly" (in this case, poor man, swing a racket). It's hard for me to try new things because it takes SO much effort, especially when I am comparing myself to others. I need to remember even the things I AM good at now it took me a long time when I first started to get up to speed. Why is this a topic of thought this am? Maybe when my phone got stolen I just bought a new version of the same one I had before. Maybe because I got a new laptop and and all I have done in 4 days is take it out of the box and look at it because I don't want to be tortured by new technology. I seem to forget that it will save me time in the long run if I learn how to do it right in the short run. I can hear my mom's voice saying that in my head. Of course she was talking about scrubbing the bathtub (do kids even have chores anymore?). Of course I am lucky, I can call Mom and get more advice whenever I want. In the last week my friends Janet, Beth & Jodi all lost their fathers. Time to remember what they taught us. All my regards-

It's not unusual (well, maybe a little).

2010-01-11T08:43:00.001-05:00

So our (young) friend Mark is turning 40 and decides to throw himself a costume party. The theme was come as your favorite rock star. The birthday boy dressed up as Tom Jones, complete with chest hair, swivel hips and various under garment purportedly thrown at him. Not surprisingly my husband Bob was Elvis.

That's me on the left dressed like Kate Pierson from the B52's. Now if only I could sing like Kate I'd be all set!

My weekend was capped off by taking a truck load of girl scouts down to the Lazy Susan Dinner Theater in Wood bridge. We had a blast critiquing the time warp 60's decor but the production (of Agatha Christie's Spider Web) was first rate. The leading lady in particular was superb! How was YOUR weekend?

A New Year, A New Day

2010-01-04T22:48:00.001-05:00

Some people might have started their New Year's Resolutions on January 1st but to me the year started today, yes, kiddies "Back to School Monday"! Of course I was going to write some pithy comments this morning but I was too busy trying to find a lost pack of invoices that slipped between a box and a bag. Argh. That is six hours I will never get back! There was much rejoicing when the book was found but my luck didn't hold for long. One of my aforementioned beautiful children neglected to lock my vehicle when we went into an eye doctor appointment and when I came out my mobile phone was gone. Argh! Trying to be zen about it but if I only have your mobile number don't expect to ever hear from me again as all of my numbers are gone. Yeah, yeah I know there are back-up systems, yeah, yeah I only learned how to actually program numbers INTO my phone three years ago. Yes, my name is Theresa and I am technically challenged.

One thing I am actually NOT challenged about it making chili. With Bob being the former chef AND him thoroughly enjoying cooking in what I call "showtime situations" (translation: any time people stand around and ooh & aah) I usually leave it to him! But on New Year's Day AKA January's FIRSTfriday in store Stifel & Capra celebration we decided to be open during the day and serve carb & proteins heavy food to wash down the prior evening's festivities. Turkey & turkey sausage 5 bean with water chestnuts chili for me, the infamous pulled pork BBQ multi bean spicy combo for Bob. As Bob makes some of the best pulled pork on the East Coast I figured his would be the ringer but I held my own or was maybe a little ahead in the voting by the end of the afternoon!

Looking back at the photos in this post I see a lot the beauty of nature, that love o' mine and the chopped up mess that is life!
The lovely sunset shot was taken on the way home from one of the most inspirational memorial services I have ever attended. My former roommate Peter lost his brother to an unexpected heart attack the week before Christmas. Doug was only 46, in good health and left behind a wife, three kids and a huge loving family. As a Christian I have been told that one should live their life like there is no tomorrow, that you need to be ready for and have faith in the big plan. My continued prayers for healing go out to the Moog clan and I've added living so someone misses me when I am gone to my resolutions for 2010.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-18T17:01:00.001-05:00

If I were actually IN Virginia I could post lovely shots of our foot plus and stillcoming snow fall. But instead I am in Connecticut hanging out waiting for the festivities to begin. 50 year anniversary of the Stifel family reunion. My only concern is getting home now.

I haven't been posting for various reasons. The store has been busy,yes. Getting ready for the holidays myself,yes. But more important things have been happening. Birth of a beautiful(early) baby across the way. Mom& son are doing fine. Illness and sicknesses. Unexpected loss of a dear friend's brother. Kind of puts things in perspective, yes?

Say thanks for all of the blessings in your life. Good friends, a roof over your head, food in your belly and family to care. Be well. Merry Christmas.

5 minutes to say come to FIRSTfriday!

2009-12-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

FirstFriday IS tonight and we have lots cooking (see details at right). I have been busy executing comissions like this handsome hound and I actually even tried something new. I turned this pile o' supplies into sparkly snowmen. I feel so crafty! Come see them in person tonight from 5 to 8pm, raise a snowy toast and work on your list!

Slacker Blogger returns to report on Falls Church Arts at the Market!

2009-11-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

"Disclipline" is from the slacker: to dis, as in "not quite get around to", even though "you know it is important "and your friends and family tell you to "get on it". Well, I am back reporting with lots of info because I have missed so much in the past couple of weeks...

Barb Cram, wonder woman of Falls Church City, got the blessing for Falls Church arts to take space in the highly regarded Falls Church Farmer's Market. The Market features artisan dairy and meat products along with produce so I think our one of a kind artisans fit right in! Out inaugral Saturday was this last weekend and it was not the prettiest day to begin the season. But the mist and drizzle did not deter out stawalt crew of Cathy Summers (and her lovely daughter), Beth Loftis and Angela Williams from presenting and educating the market crowd of just a small sampling of what Falls Church Arts has to offer.

The crowd was very receptive, everyone made their booth fee and we are looking forward to seeing you next Saturday if you are at the Market. The Falls Church Farmer's Market is just 2 blocks from Stifel & Capra up Little Falls Street on the City Hall Grounds and runs from 8am to noon.

There's another one next Thursday!

2009-10-28T20:06:00.003-04:00

Deborah Conn's Watercolor Monotype class is in full swing this fall! The ladies had a GREAT time last evening experimenting with the different pencils, crayons, paints and collage materials that produce different effects every time that the plates get cranked through Debby's printing press.

We have set up the class as a self contained workshop as with today's busy schedule's we find it hard for most people to commit to a series of classes. Yes, believe it or not after 21/2 hours you actually leave with multiple pieces of art. Pretty exciting! Want to join the fun? Debby is hosting another class this coming Thursday, November 5th at 7pm. The workshop is $60. Email me at Theresa@StifelAndCapra.com to register.

Happy 90th birthday Uncle Gene!

2009-10-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

You know you love someone when you are willing to take ten hours to drive 360 miles. I have just mentally recovered from the ordeal of northbound 95 to get to Uncle Gene's 90th birthday party in suburban Connecticut! In hindsight it was worth it because the storm we drove up in passed through faster than predicted so it didn't rain on our back yard picnic and proverbial parade. My friend Ted wasn't so lucky this past weekend. His birthday oyster roast started at three and I think that was when the rain was the heaviest. Bleh. But you know rain is not going to deter birthday revelers so it didn't hurt anyone's spirits. (at least not the folks that wore good sturdy shoes!

I am feeling good about how the shop looks right now. Went through and did a BIG "put things on sale, rearrange the furniture, and put out tons of new merchandise" all the while trying to clear the decks a bit so we can start thinking about holiday merchandise. Frighteningly enough it IS that time of year. My first year in business I didn't put Christmas items out until after Thanksgiving and if one more person said to me " Oh I wished I had seen that a month ago I would have bought it..." So this year I am feeling frisky and we will have extended shopping hours starting November 1st. So if you are around town, pop in. You can amuse yourself watching me wrestle little white lights....

Mary Ann Graham - Santas and more!

2009-10-16T12:23:00.002-04:00

I am so excited! One of my favorite crafters from the guild I belong to http://www.nvhg.org/ MaryAnn Graham is doing a one day craft show at the shop TOMORROW Saturday the 16th. Of course that said, she is almost finished setting up right now! So sneak on over on your lunch hour and this all of the beautiful things Mary Ann makes. She does original papermache and painting ornaments as well as lovely glass ornaments. The glass ones (no pic yet) are quite unique. Mary ann hand marbleizes paper and then cuts it into tiny mosaic pieces which she then hand applies to the glass orbs, hard to describe but beautiful to see! So please do!

the case of the two Nancys

2009-10-08T08:46:00.001-04:00

Ever searched for your name on the Internet and realized that you are not he only person on the planet with your name? Such was the case when Nancy Carter first approached me about representing her at Stifel & Capra. We had a nice chat, then I went to what I thought was her web site and was confused because she lived in a far away state and I only have local folks in the shop. Why was I thinking this was an option? Well, to make a long story short, turns out that there are at least TWO artistic Nancy Carters in the country. They are both talented but "my" Nancy paints scened of where-I-will-be-if-I-hit-the-lottery. You guessed it, the beach! Nancy works in pastel and this pic does NOT do her works justice, take a close look next time you are in.
We are on a roll in the kitschy mid century ceramic department these days! All kinds of fun things. I mean after all, who doesn't need lop-eared bunny salt & pepper shakers?

Quite the Event!

2009-10-07T08:35:00.000-04:00

October's FIRSTfriday was perennial favorite Ann Carney's initiation into the chaos that is FIRSTfriday of Falls Church. Of course it was spiced up by the second annual it's "almost Halloween so we have to do something" wearing of the hats. We let Ann get away with an elegant felt & satin number while Betsy (my favorite treasure hunter) and I went a little more untraditional route... Thank you to everybody who came out to meet Ann. I think she felt a bit like a rock star with her Falls Church fans coming in just to see her!

Speaking both of jewelry AND Halloween, Joan Fedora brought in absolutely hysterical seasonal jewelry. She even made me a pair of blue faced witch earrings!

Thank you also for those that have been wondering where the heck I have been because of the lack of blog entries over the last two weeks. I have been suffering from complications from a long ago neck injury. The short version of the story is if I hold my arms a certain way they go numb. What way is that? The position where one would be driving, sewing, writing, typing...

I tried to cut back where I could but it seemed like everything just suffered and a whole lot just didn't get done. Sounds like a clue that I am supposed to be taking better care of myself. Can you relate?

So step one, slow down and watch the ergonomics, two, I guess it is back to therapy and three it's time to return to yoga. The tragedy is all of my repetitive motion issues are completely related to my creative process. Why couldn't cleaning house cause me pain? I'd be happy to outsource that one!

What's wrong with these pictures?

2009-09-14T20:29:00.003-04:00

All these things shouldn't work, but somehow they do! Our neighhbor Julie brought us the most awesome arrangement of homegrown dahlias and (YUM!) Swiss Chard after I told her how much my hubby Bob loved chard.

Smoking 126 pounds of pork and 10 pounds of chicken in the pouring down rain shouldn't work either but somehow monsoons make for tender pork BBQ!

A one legged guy lighting fireworks? That shouldn't be either but I have given up trying to stop Bob. His doctor did tell hime to resume his "usual activities" but I think he meant exercising though....

"it's the MOST wonderful time of the year..."

2009-09-09T22:05:00.001-04:00

I am SURE I am not the only parent that found the adaptation of Andy Williams' old Christmas Carol turned school supply ad hysterical when it first came out. I am also sure that I am not the only parent that was thrilled that school started for the bulk of the kids on Tuesday. I will also note that there are distinct advantages to having a three mile commute. NOT getting stuck behind school buses is only one of the positives I can think of...
In our family we always take a couple of goofy pictures to warm up our faces in addition to our "serious" photos. Have to admit this year I like the goofy shots better... That last shot is me experiencing the fleeting freedom of someone else molding my children. (Thank you all of teachers!) Didn't last long before the list of things to do (5000 forms from said schools) intruded on my mood.

Today was a day of treasure at Stifel & Capra, I received tons of new to us vintage yummies. Racks of coats and dresses, funky mid century kitchen ware, a huge stack of hand made quilts, cozy chenille and lots of sparkly jewels. JenNi Santiago tightened up her jewelry line and Suzanne dropped off new paper art from Dave Jenkins. All of the paper work I brought to do at the shop didn't even get unpacked, let alone worked on.

I always view back to school time kind of like New Year's. A time to contemplate, establish new routines, etc. Can't wait to see what I cook up for fall!

Ni Santiago - Featured artist at FIRSTFriday

2009-09-04T15:20:00.000-04:00

Tonight's the night! Ni set up this morning and we sold 5 pieces before noon! We are here until eight, stop on in.

AHO Wrap-Up - FIRSTfriday tomorrow...

2009-09-03T18:16:00.001-04:00

I assume it is a sign of the times or that half of DC is on vacation in August because although the show looked great, Phil played a mean piano on Friday and we were inundated on Sunday we didn't raise half as money for CHO & Homestretch as last year. *Sigh* I am more than a little bummed because these charities support those folks who are right on the edge. A twenty dollar bill away from losing their homes or families that are boot strapping their way back into an apartment from a shelter. If you can help even a little please go to http://www.cho-va.com/ or http://www.homestretch.org/ for more information. Thank you to everyone who did support Artists Helping Others 2009. I appreciate your time and talent.
For all those that are back in town, I hope you can join us on tomorrow. FIRSTfriday festivities run from 5 until 8! See details at right with photos and more info at http://www.stifelandcapra.com

Artists Helping Others - Opening TONIGHT!

2009-08-28T14:14:00.004-04:00

The show is hung, the tasty snacks are in the kitchen, Phil Napala will be playing the piano, the art looks lovely and it has even stopped raining so hope to see you tonight at 6!

"Redoubtable Daffodils" Watercolor by Deborah Conn

No place like home!

2009-08-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

It's tricky trying to be in two places at the same time, mentally if not physically.... We are having a lovely, albeit hotter-than-Hades time at the shore but honestly I can't wait to get home. I missed the ArtSpace fund raiser at the DogFishHead Tavern (Hmmm, wonder if I won a Prize? And frankly I am not technically savvy enough to work the art show from here with my sporadic wireless coverage.

I can't believe the "Artists Helping Others" show is this weekend! Sandi Parker's "Green Apple" will be one of the pieces on display at the show. I hope you can join us.

Dueling Sand Castles!

2009-08-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Bob's new "water"leg is serving him in fine stead as we headed down to the Delaware shore with visiting Stifel relatives. The weather is sunny, rainy, stormy, beautiful, hazy, hot & humid. Sounds like DC in August, eh?

I drove down by myself and did a little judicious treasure hunting for the shop. If I am feeling ambitious I might actually get them all tagged before I get home and I can just drive straight to the store and drop off the new batch of vintage goodies. Wait & See!

Lots of new goodies in at Stifel & Capra!

2009-08-16T19:53:00.000-04:00

I really had visions of the summer of taking time to do strategic planning (even bought the Idiot's Guide to...), take the kids to the pool and stockpile art & crafted items for the 4th quarter. All I have to say is HA! And isn't that spectacular?

I have to figure out how to tell the farmer's market folks how to find us. Maybe I can sweet talk Beth into passing out cards at the Farmer's Market like she did when we first opened. I must say though I am thrilled with our sales through the summer. DC has a reputation as a ghost town so we have all been pleasantly surprised. I sold three paintings this week, Hooray!

I am also plotting and planning on how, when & why to expand our hours. I went to the office today to drop off new merchandise before I head to the beach to see the visiting passel o' in-laws and three sets of people banged on the door. I know we ought to be open on Sunday to catch all the walking traffic but the concept of a 7 day a week schedule seems to be a recipe for a nervous breakdown! I keep reminding myself how far we have come in two years. I really have to pinch myself.

Any opinions on hours in general? I know 10 to 5 works for people with flexible schedules. What would work for you? Tell me-

Catch 'em soon!

2009-08-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

Dave Jenkins ran off with the hearts of the FIRSTfriday crowd last night at his art opening at Stifel & Capra. Dave and his wife Suzanne welcomed old freinds and a lot of new fans during the open house. Dave is our featured artist during the month of August so please stop in and see all of his work (this is only one area!) during our normal business hours.

August FIRSTfriday - You are invited!

2009-08-06T19:40:00.001-04:00

If you are in town, DO stop in tomorrow for our FIRSTfriday fun. I'll be starting my day by hanging Dave Jenkins featured artwork and trying to figure out where in the heck I am putting all of the refreshments. I keep dragging displays around the stores trying to make some room, ha! I am sure it will all be fine by the time the reception starts. Really I am sure it will.

Betsy, my number one treasure hunter, just returned from a long vacation where she found some really cool goodies! My favorite is the wacky avocado shaped guacamole bowl with matching salt & pepper shakers!

I've been finding the most lovely vintage fabrics to play with, lots of embroidered pieces and vintage style fabrics to put together fun pieces with, like these bags; LOVE the buttons.

A confession: I am a little sad this week because our local elementary school started this last Monday. Why am I sad? Because my kids no longer attend that school! Before you scoff, when do YOUR kids start complaining they are bored? When are you sick of going to the pool? Wouldn't you be thrilled to have a 2 week vacation in October (that's when we used to go to Cape Cod!)? The kids never had summer slump, that lack of learning retention that teachers so love. Teachers stay fresher, so do parents! Or I did. No, now I am just wistfully juggling my calendar because my scheduled help evaporated at the beginning of the summer and I don't feel like I am doing anything with my full attention. Nothing like trying to be at work full time and home full time simultaneously... OK, now I can hear you laughing hysterically and saying "welcome to parenthood!" I know, I know, but is it any wonder I am looking wistfully at those yellow buses driving by?

Returning customers always welcome!

2009-08-03T17:13:00.000-04:00

Of course I love to see new clients enjoying the various wares at Stifel & Capra but I really enjoy seeing returning customers even more. Especially when they drag a new friend in with them "SEE, I TOLD you that you would like this place!" It is extremely gratifying and makes all of the hard work worthwhile.

It is especially gratifying when you meet a kindred spirit, in this case someone one with a good sense of humor but a sense of the ridiculous or is it sublime, like the lovely Gena buying one of my favorite chapeaus, the "Audrey Hepburn meets Dr. Seuss" ostrich feather luncheon hat! She mugged for the camera for me before she took it out of the shop. I really think that we should have tea or cocktails at the Ritz at Tyson's and ALL wear hats (I should figure out how to organize one of those "meet-up" groups I guess).
I dragged my daughter down to the eastern shore Sunday and Monday (thanks you Laura for watching the store today!) for a little girl bonding and to pick up some treasures for Stifel & Capra. Good thing we weren't going to sit on the beach because it poured, deluged, tempested (is that a word?) to the point you couldn't see across a lane of traffic, forget about across the wide oceanic horizon. But suffice to say I did collect lots of great treasures for the shop just in time for FIRSTfriday this Friday from 5 to 8pm. Mark your calendar and hope to see you then!

When is white not white?

2009-07-23T22:29:00.003-04:00

When is white NOT white? When the "white" house that is your place of business is 30 year old aluminum siding that is faded grey and pitted with road grime so when it came time (long overdue!) to paint the trim I asked my trusty contractor Harry if there was any reason why we had to paint the trim white because it would just make the house look dingier. "what the heck?!" was his response and here is the result! Looks a little seaside gingerbread-ish but hey, I think it looks creative, what do you think?
Just a reminder Falls Church Arts www.fallschurcharts.org is still hosting ArtSlam at their new gallery ArtSpace at 410 Maple Street through the end of August. Here are the two pieces I have hanging at the space but you have to go see the entire show. I have sent two customers over to the show and they both reported back that they purchased pieces! I am a more than a little proud of myself, feeling like the referral queen! Yay!

The other hot news about the new space is that there is a 2 for 1 matching grant going on until the end of July for fundraising efforts for the ARTSpace. The big push right now is for chairs, yes, chairs. For $35 you can provide a literal seat for any of the upcoming performances! Visit www.creativecauldron.org and click on "1001 nights" for all of the fun fundraising details.

Three not of a kind.

2009-07-19T21:04:00.003-04:00

In a happy coincidence I have received a bunch of commissions lately, most flattering with previous clients! With all of the nebulous responsibilities of running the shop it is nice to sit down and actually make something tangible. This first piece was a wee bit tricky has the hipster twelve year old that did the collage wanted lavender but not anything too frilly. How 'bout this funky vintage fabric? Love it!

These other two are for recent weddings. I love doing wedding and baby pillows; they are always received so well. It's a nice practical way to display a memory of a special day!

A good time was had by all.

2009-07-13T12:30:00.004-04:00

But don't we always? Have a good time that is. Here we are getting ready to blow out the candles on our yummy birthday cake (thanks for picking it up Duane!) last Thursday night during our birthday sale. The folks that came out were so supportive and positive in their comments. It really reinforces that we have a good thing going here at Stifel and Capra.

Another good thing is the new Art Space in Falls Church Arts. ArtSlam at ArtSpace had their opening Saturday night. The space is little more than a shell at the moment. Concrete floors and can lights. More amenities to come though. Lots of wonderful art. I think they sold half a dozen pieces the first weekend so stop in and see the show if you can! For details visit http://www.fallschurcharts.org/.

Celebrate Stifel & Capra's 2nd Birthday!!!

2009-07-08T22:21:00.000-04:00

Stifel & Capra turned 2 on the first of July and to celebrate we are throwing a birthday party at the shop tomorrow. We're open from ten in the morning until nine at night so DO stop in and check out all of the sales, promotions and specials that the artists and vendors have put together for you. Birthday cake is served at six o'clock. Stop by and sing "Happy Birthday!"

For all of those who are wondering, the beach WAS lovely the weather was fantastic all week. It only rained one day and that was a designated treasure hunting day for the store so all was well. We were in Lewes, Delaware where the people are friendly, the sidewalks roll up at six and the bay side beach is welcoming and easy to use. This was brought into shining focus last week. My friends, the Burns Family were visiting us for the weekend and my friend Marty looked around and started laughing, "Wow, you weren't kidding this is an accessible place!". Why you ask? Looking across the beach we saw my beloved one legged husband, their son,who has the use of one arm, his other son who just got diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, so they were testing him on the beach, and the folks at the umbrella next to us daughter had diabetes as well and was wearing a diagnostic device. Looking down the beach we saw a Down's Syndrome child, three walkers and beach wheelchair that Bob had to use last year was in motion carrying someone to the water. Like I said the beach is VERY accessible! And certainly soothes your soul.

We got a taste of how the other half lives when we went down to Rehoboth Bay to take the Bay Site seeing Cruise (first time ever and we've been going for 7 years!). We enjoyed the bay, the marshlands and bird watching, learned cool things about the ecology of the bay and were boggled by the pleasure boats and the "cottages" we saw along the shore. This red roof one is where you will find me if I ever win the lotto! But in lieu of that I am back to work. Vacation but a distant memory...

I am outta here....

2009-06-26T16:36:00.000-04:00

But YOU need to come to the store while I am gone! Keep all of my resident artists on the right path for me will you?

Please remember, we are not participating in this month'sFIRSTfriday celebration but you can read more at http://www.FirstFridayofFallsChurch.com

Do remember out big second annual Birthday sale is Thursday July 9th from 10am to 9pm. Some interim mark-downs have been taken.

I'll be back with a truckful of treasure on July 8th so see you then!

What's Up Magazine - Tip your Hat to

2009-06-24T13:43:00.004-04:00

My former colleague, friend and Event Coordinator Joy Hutter called me last Friday and said "I know it is last minute but do I have a deal for you?!" Of course I am slightly suspicious hearing that sentence but it turned out that What's UP Magazine's Annual Best of Annapolis and Eastern Shore 2009 Awards theme was "Tip your HAT to the Best..." and Joy figured between the prize money for best hat and the theme there was be lots of folks wearing hats there but there might be folks that were wishing they were wearing a stylish hat when they got to the event. When you think hats, who do you call? Why me of course, so I loaded up a zillion hats and number one client and friend Diana and we hauled dozens of hats across state lines and set up shop! We had a blast people watching and talking to attendees, award winners and the nicest health inspectors I have ever met! We even sold a hat to the mayor!

We saw swanky hats, vintage hats, hats shaped like hot dogs, and a three foot tall "ducks unlimited " number with ducks swimming the reeds. Very tall, very impressive! Almost as impressive as the Ketel Ice Bar, it was hard to fathom that the thing was actually real. Lots of people snuck up to it and surreptiously put their hands on it to really see if it was frozen. Diana and I had a giggle or three watching them be "sneaky".

The food was superb, the venue lovely, the event went smooth as glass. Thanks for including me, Joy!

Award winners and Hat Models!

2009-06-24T13:26:00.002-04:00

Check out ALL of these beauties at last night's What's Up Magazone's Best of Annapolis and Eastern Shore! As it was late in the evening I didn't get everyone's name so if you want photo credit or to tell us about your award leave a comment. If you would like a photographic quality copy of these views please email or call me and I will send you one! Congratulations again!

A VERY eventful weekend.

2009-06-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

It might be a indicator of a stressed out mother, but I actually offer my children bribes to avoid sleepovers and ultra zone. "if you DON'T have a birthday party I will give you a hundred dollars." I am sure my mom would think that was crazy but do you know what you spend to take ten kids to the laser tag place or the movies? I am getting off cheap. That's all a preamble to say my little baby boy turned TEN on Friday. Yowzee, seems like only yesterday (fill in the blank).

Son still managed to have a family dinner party with lots of seemingly video related gifts and a rocking birthday cake with dad the former chef's decadent cream cheese chocolate frosting. Oh and Bob also worked up a little flaming Bananas Foster by the birthday boy's request. Roll me onto the sofa. I'm full.

We had a great, steady day in the shop on Saturday, despite the totally schizophrenic weather we had a steady business with a LOT of first time visitors. Hopefully they will all come back and Christmas shop! :o)
Saturday night I had a hot date with my husband to go see the Nationals play down town. Driving downtown was smooth on a Saturday. We arrived to hear the melodious tones of "Oh Canada" wafting in on the breeze. I was confused because MY tickets said they were playing the Padres. Because I grabbed the wrong Saturday seats. Oh, the dread of what could happen. So I entered the Client Services kiosk and said to the guy behind the bullet proof glass"Please help me save my marriage". And son of a gun, he did. Printed us up new tickets with our credit card as a back-up. Now the possible painful part is we told him the seats next to the ones we were supposed to be in so we look like scam artists. Now Bob is playing phone tag with the Manager to make sure we are all square. Crisis adverted. I hope.
Sunday brought yet another example of why my neighborhood ROCKS. We traditionally do a porch sit on Father's Day called "Donuts for Dad", well Phil's lovely wife Sheila decided to up the ante with "pancakes for Pops". The neighbors that were not on vacation got treated to homemade waffles & pancakes and all kind of yummy breakfast casseroles. Yum!!!

A Stifel Family Tradition on Father's Day is I "let" Bob go to the hardware store without much of a budget and NO time limit. As I am tortured by my husband's ability to wander the grocery store for three solid hours you can imagine how long we could be at the Home Depot! This year Bob decided to take his "time" and drive to Pennsylvania and buy fireworks for the 4th of July for himself and his pyromaniac cronies! He DID got stuck in monster traffic so he missed Phil's ART Opening (more on that next time!) and dinner was REALLY late. But he got in a round or two of Risk with the kids and went to sleep with Shagadelic Mojo fireworks dancing in his head! (Yes, that's really the name of one of the displays!)

Listen to the Music

2009-06-14T16:05:00.002-04:00

The weather cooperated , hooray! We had a blast listening to the melodious tones of the band and got to watch Lori & Heide crank up the torches to play with glass on Saturday morning. Margie and Maryann (oops, not pictured!) added some bling & ambiance to our outdoor happenings during the Tinner Hill Blues Festival. Thank you to everyone who participated this year!

I went in for for my twice a year hair cut on Sunday. After 15 years, my hairdresser Alice has quit telling me that she thought I moved (!) and now just asks how tall the kids are! I have been threatening to shave my head because I was so bored with my hair but short hair requires frequent trims so I wimped out with a shorter version of my current do....

Hard to believe the school year is almost over. Went to a wonderful graduation party on Sunday (yum!) and sat there watching the "kids" who look more like the "grown-ups" everyday. Guess that makes me the "oldster".

I am feeling a little schizophrenic about summer. On one hand I am really looking forward to taking a family break toward the 4th of July but I am plotting & planning ahead to the art show fundraiser in August and doing strategic planning for Christmas (eek!). But you know it will be here before you know it!

Last but not least, Stifel & Capra received a nice compliment from Sydney Trent, the new deputy editor of the Washington Post Magazine. In telling how she about enjoying positive news, especially stories about people pulling themselves up out of rough circumstances, she was kind enough to mention us specifically by name! With all the follow up rehab and phantom pain that Bob still goes through on a daily basis, it's kind of cool to know your personal story has an impact. Here is the link if you'd like to take a peek... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060502092.html

Tinner Hill Blues Festival is all this weekend!

2009-06-12T12:06:00.004-04:00

The weather forecast for Saturday declares the sun will be out and we are joining the Tinner Hill Blues Festival fun with music, craft and sales!

Along side local area crafters, The Star Dust Dance Band will be playing from 10am to 2pm. The Star Dust Dance Band is made up of seven local musicians. The band began ten years ago with just two instruments and through the years has grown to its current make up. The band's basic library has always been the "Golden Oldies" of the big band era, but has recently expanded back to include tunes from the early Dixieland era, and forward to include the jazz form of the blues.

Together Stifel & Capra & local artist, Eileen O’Brien are donating 25% of all of the sales of her mixed media collage “Blue Note” to the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. The gallery is open 10 to 5 on Saturdays. For more details http://www.stifelandcapra.com/ or http://www.tinnerhill.org/ for full event schedule.

Book Signings TONIGHT!

2009-06-11T07:12:00.003-04:00

I am looking over today's "to-do's" and realizing it will be a fun albeit LONG day. Local authors Duane Evans and Jean Watterson will be a Stifel and Capra this evening to sign copies of their current books. All details are in the link to the right. Hope to see you there!

Open the curtain!

2009-06-09T09:33:00.000-04:00

Open the curtain! On the newly refurbished bath & dressing room at Stifel & Capra that is. Robyn McGarry of RSM Enterprises aka the Paint Diva has finished out funky dressing space. It made its public debut at June's FIRSTfriday. I LOVE IT and so did the rest of our guests that scoped it out. Robyn also has multiple sample boards on display in the upstairs hall showing just three of her many faux painting techniques. A portfolio is on the way. (Hopefully she will get hers done before mine, will I ever get to it?)

I had a productive day yesterday making two pillows out of vintage linen, finishing a collage, dragging seasonal items to the store and packing up a MOUNTAIN of clothes that my family has outgrown to donate to charity. My neighbor Julie just hosted a kid's clothing swap but as my 13 & almost 10 year old are already taller than the moms I think that we have "aged out" of that activity!

This morning consisted up being alternately impressed and terrified by the the thunder storm we had a dawn. It was amazing. Sound like the Broadway musical "Stomp" out there it was so loud. You may recall, last year at this time we lost three huge threes in our backyard so I am a little paranoid. AM not looking forward to going to the shop to bail out the basement....

Mark your calendars to come to the books launch on Thursday night from 6 to 9pm. Support your local authors!

The fine eye of Hazel Brutsche'

2009-06-08T11:41:00.000-04:00

There is a reason I don't work Sundays, it has taken me this long to recover from our fun weekend (mostly my feet are KILLING me!). FIRSTfriday of Falls Church brought a nice crowd despite the threatening weather, our in house jewelry repair expert Hazel spent the first hour and a half consulting with clients about their repairs. If you didn't get a chance to come out on Friday do remember that Hazel pops in the shop weekly to pick and drop off custom work so if you have a some work for her to look at, bring it in during our normal shop hours and we will work up an estimate for you.

Other than fixing every broken piece of jewelry in my box, Hazel has earned my unending gratitude by reworking some of my pieces. The necklace at the top had an inadequate clasp. I hadn't worn it for YEARS because it would fall off withing 30 minutes of me getting dressed! the original necklace had a large center bead like a string of pearls (I called it my "June Cleaver on acid" necklace".) Tricky part was I don't wear suits much any more so I mentioned to Hazel that I would love a way to make the strings more wearable. It so happened that Hazel was on her way to a big bead show so she scouted and scored this awesome pendant that really worked well with the malachite.

If you know me you know I tend to wear larger (ok, gigantic) earrings. Hazel also took the bottom drops and worked them into something more lobe worthy! I especially like the green running thought the stone in the bottom photo. As the copper gains patina (and it will as I am NOT a big polisher) the combination looks better and better.

Take a peek in your jewelry box and think, "HHmmmmmm, wonder what Hazel could do with this?"

Counting the days....

2009-06-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

I know that the end of school year is here when those teacher present orders come in! Here's the latest entry in the cute kid contest! I will admit I am related to one of them so I am slightly biased....

I just unpacked some fun warm weather tote bags. They have a fun mix of vintage fabrics and images, retro embroidery and actual scrabble tiles and pages from old beauty manuels. They are a LOT of fun to make! And carry too. I drag around a HUMUNGOUS tote page with my great grandparents wedding photo on it. Reminds me of where I came from....