Jam-PACKED full of fun!

"so, Theresa, what did you do this weekend?"
I threw Bob a 50th birthday party with the Pinewood neighbors Friday night. Had a grand time: Appetizers, libations, and lots of great chat. Bob got some hysterical gifts and did NOT, I repeat, did NOT set off the smoke detector (see 50 candles at left!).

Saturday morning got up and had fun at the shop. Glorious day for folks to be out shopping so we were lucky enough that some people came inside to spend it at Stifel and Capra! In a MUrphy's LAw corollary, two women came in and bought everything Robin and I had just posted to the web so I had to take them back off again!
Don't get me wrong I am thrilled the pieces sold but I am A LOUSY typist so am not thrilled that I need to do six more!
Saturday afternoon headed out to my parents' in the country and spent a leisurely dinner and visit with them. We all sat around discussing our various medical symthoms. Eek, guess I really am getting old.... After a yummy steak dinner and too many stories we turned in to rest up for...

Sunday - where we met up with neighbors in West Virginia for their annual farm party. What a blast! Beautiful sunny day, great food and company, and the beloved Susan. Susan, is the temptress for a local rescue shelter. She brought Emerson (see below left) with her to see if anyone wanted to file for adoption. well, who couldn't want this cute little guy? We refused to succumb as Bob is not yet stable on his feet, but boy, oh boy were we tempted!

Happy Birthday Bob & Ellen!

Time flies faster and faster. I was chatting with a supplier this morning and heard the dreaded "well, you KNOW it is only 9 weeks to Christmas! You had better get moving!" And I thought YEE GADS! She's right!

The GREAT news is I have made some superb connections for holiday. Mary Ann Graham, Carol Vardeman, France Briere and Pat Swinsky are ALL bringing handcrafted ornaments for the holidays. I am tickled to death to have them working with me; they are so talented! (of course I am a BIT prejudiced I have been buying their goods for YEARS for my home...)

Today is my neighbor Ellen's birthday as well as my beloved husband's 50th. Guess who is making a bigger fuss? We are just happy Bob is walking the earth on October 12th. You've heard non-stop how interesting my neighbors are, there is some wacky birthday synchronicity on the street too. There are four pairs of people who share birthdays on the block, isn't that unusual? (Some would say CREEPY!) I am busy trying to figure out how many balloons I can cram into a four door sedan for the birthday party tonight. I'll let you know later I many I managed!

Speaking of Bob, he got some good news on the physical therapy front. His physiatrist has approved therapy for his arthritic hip (to facilitate ease of movement). Bob is all excited that he going to "real" therapy as opposed to gait training. Of course the sweating and muttering that occurs when he is exercises reminds him it is not all massage and hot compresses! Bob adores his therapists though. They are so supportive and don't cut him any slack. Sounds like his wife!

The shop will be open Saturday morning during the Farmer's Market. Hope to see you there!

Willing (?) models of my hat collection!

Amazing that these hats are between 50 and 80 years old! They are little mini works of art. The models are considerably younger and appreciatively better looking! Ladies, thanks for humoring me and my modeling from my bag o' hats!

I think Christine won!

While Olivia gave her maribou beret quite a bit of "hat-itude" Christine was the hands-down winner in the "make an entrance" category and thereby our big winner in this year's "wear your best hat" contest FIRSTFriday night at Stifel & Capra.

We had LOTS of fun both on Friday and Saturday. The produce and flowers are starting to turnover at the farmer's market across the street, more sunflowers and pansies in market baskets and luscious raspberries and other goodies tempted us as shoppers came through on Saturday to see what had changed since their last visit.

I made some great business calls this week. I connected with old friends, artists that I have worked with in the past (at trunk and craft shows across the area), to inform them of the store's opening and to hopefully recruit them to join us for the holiday season. I have 2 "yes"es so far. More info on that this week!

The shop WILL BE CLOSED for the COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY so I look forward to seeing you later in the week!

Drive-by Exhibit?

I was so excited to see Jan Irene Miller's new work that she agreed to stop by on her journey to get her piece scanned by her giclee' maker. (That way we will have both the original AND art prints for sale!) Isn't it great? Her works have so much energy and vitality to them. They really make me smile!

It's October first so that means another FIRSTFRiday is rolling around in Falls Church City. Do stop by if you can. I know it's not QUITE Halloween yet but if you where your best (scariest?) hat I'll take your picture for the blog and you might win a prize! From 5 to 8pm on Friday we will have our now traditional Artist's Reception PLUS everything black is on sale. Hope to see you then- Theresa

Barbara Bricks - New Artist

Barbara Bricks has quite the flair with mixing textures, materials and embellishments. I recently received a shipment of Barbara's hand knit scarves and this week finally found them a space in the store so you can appreciate the work that goes into each one. (I had the happy problem of people buying my display pieces!)

The scarves are luscious, Some scarves are an inventive mix of different colors and types of yarns. Some scarves have the most interesting embellishments picked up during Barbara's travels: Murano glass from Italy, hand made beads, and vintage beads of all shapes and sizes. Barbara hand applies different combinations of baubles to enhance and contrast with her knitting. We have had a blast in the shop trying them on. Come on in and join us!

Had a great lunch appointment earlier in the week with an old client of mine. Ric co-owns Office Images, a commercial furniture dealership up in Rockville. Ric and his partner recently moved into a glorious, sophisticated office suite, much larger than their old digs. It is truly a showroom, showcasing all of their of their various office systems. Large walls of windows with mature trees outside really enhance the feel of the space. It's heartening to hear how well business is going for other entrepreneurs in the area.
Took Bob and the kids to the beach this last weekend; just the four of us. We were a little apprehensive about manuevering on the sand but Bob did great and we didn't even use the beach wheelchair! Bob DID get back the results of his recent X-Rays and he does officially have osteo-arthritis in his right hip. It's more than a little frustrating that what is slowing down his rehabilitation is not his amputated limb or his prosthethis but his "good" hip. New things to learn and do. I am so sure one edict will be the ol' eat less and exercise more routine. Amazing how sage advice will this will cure many of our modern ills.

Many thanks to Debby, Beth and Laurie for holding down the fort last Saturday; everyone I have spoken too was very tickled that we have been able to be open every Saturday morning all summer. Couldn't do it without you all!

A mom's work is never done... I am chaperoning our daughter's Girl Scout camping trip this weekend (WHAT was I thinking????) so my grand hubby Bob is manning (literally for a change!) the shop on Saturday morning. My new phrase for the men in my household is that they are "pathologically social" so Bob will be pining away if he doesn't have visitors. Come say "hi" Saturday morning after you shop the Farmer's Market if you can - Bob would love to see you!

Friday Deliveries!

Here are today's efforts in the custom pillow department. The top example features a piece of needlework that my client wanted reworked from a shirt to the pillow. The second pillow is for a sister's birthday gift using a photographic transfer and hand stitched embroidery. The back of the pillow has a collage of family photographs embroidered with a variety of stitching.

The crew has offered to open the shop tomorrow during the farmer's market so pop in and meet the artists while I take the family to the beach in Delaware. Enjoy your weekend!

It's like the day after Christmas!

Or make that the week after. Mid September in the Stifel House is anticipated with a countdown worthy of Advent. We held our 17th annual Stifel Family Pig Roast last Saturday. Record crowds attended as it was the first time lots of folks were to catch up with Bob since his hospital stay earlier in the year. Plus we celebrated the big guy's 50th birthday. (That's Bob pontificating from our porch there on the left!)
The weather was threatening all week but it turned out to be the most glorious day imaginable. Sunny and cool, with just enough breeze to keep the bugs off. Many thanks to the dozens of people that helped us set up and tear down for the party as well as a big whoop of gratitude for the ladies (and Phil) who manned the shop so I didn't have to miss my own party. Everyone that left behind bowls, plates or spoons come take them off the porch before they get thrown into the box marked "misc. supplies".

This week began the "new" schedule. Now that the kiddies are back in school, Ashleigh is in the shop Monday and Tuesdays and I am in the rest of the week. The premise is that I will do outside commercial calls on my "out" days. This week I had the pleasure of walking through client Lisa's new home and helping her pick out fun paint colors so she can have the contractor paint everything before her family moves in. Now doesn't THAT sound like a luxury!

I had a blast treasure shopping this week. I found the greatest vintage bar glass set with their own carrying rack. Highballs, anyone? Another fun new thing in the store are the seasonal fuzzy hats. Some are vintage, most are new and knitted or crocheted in a huge variety of colors. Babies, boys and girls, some men's and LOTS of women's options are all to see and be seen in.

A reminder: October is HAT MONTH at Stifel and Capra. Prizes will be given at the end of the month for the best hats that enter the store so if you are planning on coming to FIRSTFriday next month, strike a pose for our hat scrapbook and you may be the big winner!
Bob & I are taking the kids to the beach this weekend but Debby and Beth volunteered (really they did!) to shop sit so go to the Farmer's Market, buy those AWESOME crab cakes and then come visit them so won't be lonely!

Falls Church Fall Festival is Saturday 10 to 4!

Had a steady, busy week. Our foot traffic is surprisingly brisk and we are starting to draw repeat customers. I love being able to greet people by people by name. That is really the atmosphere I am looking for. It's nice to be greeted by name. Doesn't happen much anymore seemingly. the shop!

Looks like a fun, fun weekend! Falls Church City is having its annual Fall Festival/Taste of Falls Church event at Cherry Hill Park and the grounds of City Hall. Besides the normal Farmer's Market there will be restaurant tastings, local vendors and music galore.

The shop will be open from 9-4 on Saturday during the Festival so stop in if you are in the neighborhood. It is really "meet the artist" day as half a dozen of "my" artists are manning the store for me. My family is throwing their annual family BBQ and this year it is bigger than ever given Bob's health scare earlier this year (we are jsut glad he is here to cook!) and Bob's momentous birthday (he is turning the big 5-oh this year!).
As I left (uh, fled?) to the shop this morning there were already 10 in-laws at my house! Apparently the party has begun!

We have hung a LOT of new art this past week. It's neat how it gives the store a completely different look. Lots of vibrant pieces that really match the crispness of the air.

Enjoy your wekend!

Wonderful Wednesday....

I think Wednesday has an undeserved bad reputation. I see it as a day to plot, plan and review, rather than a "hump" day to get through the week. Of course that might be because I am loving what I am doing here!

We had a fanTAStic day last Saturday. The Farmer's Market was jammed and so were we (thanks again to Beth for pointing people toward our balloons AND the door). Beth is the walking example of good karma in motion. She has been so supportive of the shop and we sold FOUR of her glorious pastels on Saturday. What a banner day. One of the paintings was headed to an Art League Jury after the store closed so it is a good thing Beth is feeling inspired to create. She has paintings to deliver and holes to fill on the gallery walls!

Tuesday was a full day. Artists delivering paintings for the FIRSTFriday event this weekend (remember it is 5-8
pm at the shop). I also interviewed two jewelers that look like they might be joining the team soon. It is a like being the proverbial kid in the candy store when it comes to chatting with new artists. Meeting people and discovering what motivates them to create and seeing what comes from their talented hands is always motivating and encouraging for me as an owner as well as an artist.

Our location continues to be a source of amusement here. Comments range from the fact that the place feels so comfortable that they feel like we have been here for years to asking when the building was converted from a home into offices because they are SURE the building wasn't here before now!
The owners recently renovated the building and they have done a great job on the finishing. Not too many office buildings have wooden floors in the lobby and granite in the powder rooms....

BOB Update: His physical therapists have put him on therapy hiatus for three weeks so he can dedicate the extra time to building up both his cardiovascular and muscular systems. The theory is that the extra training will increase his stamina and help him move to the next step of walking unassisted. Good News: Bob is pretty much on a cane exclusively except for in the rain or long distances. Only then does he break out the crutches or the wheelchair.
Enjoy these examples of some of our new art. They look better in person, though. Come see!

Saturday is the 1st in more ways than one!

I know January first is New Year's Day but the first day of school has always been like New Year's to me. A time of new beginnings, goal setting and friends. That collective sigh you hear across the land is parents everywhere looking forward to the routine that their kids SAY they dread. But I think most kids enjoy going back to school if only to catch up with their friends!

Speaking of new beginnings and goals. I made rent! In my second month. I am (frankly) flabbergasted but am very excited at the reception we have received from the Falls Church community. It is thrilling to be able to do something you love and being able to share all of these artists' talents is very satsfying.

Looked at the calendar and realized that First Saturday is BEFORE FIRSTFriday in the month of September. So the shop will be open from 10 to 5 this coming Saturday. If you are in town for the holiday weekend, stop in. I'd love to see you!

Bob Update: Bob has been struggling with his docs and his prosthetist to get his leg re-fitted properly. It has been very dispiriting to all of us to watch Bob's frustration and being stymied in his attempts to walk properly. Bob's prosthetist DID give Bob the go-ahead to make a minute adjustment on his own leg and it improved his gait instantaneously. I do have fears of what havoc Bob could wreck. But I guess if you are only armed with an Allen wrench it can't be too bad.....

Couldn't resist!

Got home and realized that I meant to add this portrait to my last entry. It's one of my FAVORITES. Hope you agree!

Featuring a Portrait by Deborah Conn

In addition to watercolor artist Deborah Conn talent in painting still lifes, landscapes and florals, she is also a superb painter of portraits! Her use of color and ability to capture expression are unmatched and must be seen in person to be appreciated. Look for examples of Debby's work here at the shop and at the Falls Church Arts Gallery Show this month. Debby accepts comissions and can capture any age from children to their grandparents.

I have had a very busy week at the shop. I have met with 4 more artists to discuss putting together portfolios for our upcoming corporate sales effort. Seeing the talent that is here in Falls Church and the surrounding areas is mind-boggling. I am very excited to be able find some of these great works a home, hopefully soon!


Note to self: When you have a private party and want photographic evidence of your good time it would behoove you to put your camera on the table! Thanks to the ladies in my Mom's Support Group who came out to play on Wednesday. We had a great time reconnecting. The group doesn't officially meet over the summer. It is good to get perspective on your life from others and realize that you are NOT the only one living a crazy life...

Here's the collage I just finished for Karen, friend of Lou Ann. I teasingly called Lou Ann "my new best friend" because everytime she stops in she brings different friends with her. Thanks Lou Ann! Keep 'em coming!
I will be in the shop tomorrow from 9-12 while the Farmer's Market is open so grab your tomatoes while they are still available and stop in and say "hi" and have a cup of coffee or tea.

But do you know any ABSTRACT artists?

I have been quite tickled at the feedback and traffic that the store is generating so far this summer. Knowing DC's reputation for vacating the beltway for the mountains and the beach I am pleasantly surprised at the visitors we have had to the shop. And golly, there are actually people coming in I don't even know! :o) But the really fun part is I am getting to know these new folks as well because they are not just coming back they are bringing their friends! Truly high praise to the artists and buyers for the shop.

Part 2 of the "plan" begins in September when the kids are back in school. I am marketing the portfolios of "my" artists to both residential designers and commercial accounts. I am working on building a very diverse body of work so that if a client asks for a specific type of art I have something to show them. I am specifically looking for some abstract painters to represent. So if you are out there, please be in touch!

News on the Bob front: Week 2 of work is taking its toll. Don't know if it fatigue or prosthetic fitting problems but Bob is having issues with slipping and near falls. Of course those incidents wrench his back, hands or hip and are causing secondary health issues. The phantom pain in Bob's amputated limb has escalated to a dramatic level. I should say dramatic to those in the room that watch Bob jump when they occur. Not so much dramatic as plain painful to Bob...

When my good friend Anna's daughter said the classic "no fair" Anna replied "Honey, if life were fair and we got what we deserved most of us would be in BIG trouble!" The majority of time I agree with Anna but in this case I think that it is not right that something that is not even there can cause this much pain. It's not fair. Please pray for relief of Bob's pain.

New Artist- Ellen Zilin

I decided to entirely rearrange the store 4 hours before our last FIRSTFriday celebration. NOT the greatest logistical move on MY part, but the main impetus was to showcase new merchandise that we received from out latest artist Ellen Zilin. Ellen lives in Woodbridge, VA and and does beautiful ceramic painting. She specializes in personalized pieces and does a substantial custom work. Her skills range from the painterly to the graphic. I especially love her baby birth celebration sets: bowl, cup and plate hand painted and personalized with the newborn's vital statistics. For those of us that are celebrating birthdays with more than one digit Ellen paints witty personalized plates and elaborate biographical "tile story" boards that celebrate the birthday celebrant's life and likes. We have her portfolio here at the shop where you can get an idea of how Ellen's creative brush can add to your next occasion. Take a peek next time you are in....

We had a great weekend! I have discovered that I am lousy at "hawking" postcards at the farmer's market, but woe to the person that gets in line near me anywhere else. We had a fun crowd on Farmer's Market Saturday a.m. including one couple that had to wear their purchases home as they were shopping via motorcycle! Other than that the family enjoyed time together at the neighborhood pool and Bob surprised himself by being able to maneuver the porch steps to get his second railing painted (finally!). Hope your Monday is as fine as the weather.

New Artist - Valerie Makepeace

I am very excited to have Val's evocative photograph's in the shop. A film camera, a darkroom and,and artistic technique lend a contemplative mood to her work that just makes you want to jump in the frame and not come out! We have six framed pieces hung and more matted and ready for your review in the bin gallery.

We'll close at noon on Saturday but stop by for a cup of coffee if you can!

On a Bob note- He is back to work 40 hours a week. Not full time by PPC standards but he is doing his best! :o) Physical therapy is working well. His PT's keep him challenged and laughing (or maybe it is the other way around!) Bob's biggest aches this week are coming from NEAR falls, catching himself from landing on the ground does a number on his back and hip but saves me the laundry!