Ramblings of an artist #1

 

 

         Yes I know you aren't suppose to look for validation through others praise and all that, but I must say that after having such a great week selling my artwork at the Hyannis Artist shanties that I am feeling pretty good right now.
     
       I was beginning to wonder if maybe I should just do art as a hobby and give up my hope of making a living at it. Considered selling everything I could at a flea market and at least make back the money I spent on the supplies.  Hey I am only human and after a long year of very little results who wouldn't start to wonder if they were doing the right thing.
     
     Anyway my week was very inspiring. Even when all the other artists were complaining about how their sales were either low or non existent, I was jumping up and down with joy (inside of course, I am not a complete ass) about how well I was doing. I was complimented on how different my things were so many times that I was giddy.
     
      Now don't get me wrong I can not retire on this weeks wages, but it defiantly gave me hope and helped me realize that maybe I have been barking up the wrong trees for sales and appreciation of my work.
     
   
 I guess all I am trying to share here is, don't give up on your own dreams, look for other avenues to share it. May you find the right path and may I continue on mine.

Hyannis Harbor Artist Shanties

     The Hyannis Artist Shanties. If you have never heard of them you are missing out on a small slice of the art created on the Cape. These little Shanties were introduced some years back and they are seasonal. They host a variety of artist throughout the spring into the late summer from May to October and they do a one night opening for the christmas stroll every year. Two of the Shanties are rotating and each week a new artist or artists come and display and sell their work, so there is always something new to see.

     I am one of those lucky artisans this week until the 16th of September. I have had a terrific time so far and will definitely try to get a slot for next season. The other artists have been wonderful and the response from the browsers and buyers has been fantastic. Not only do I get to have a permanent location that I don't have to break down every night but I have a fabulous view all day.

     If you come to Hyannis please make sure to visit this little jewel. There are a few great restaurants and there are harbor cruises and Hy-line Ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are right there. Just up the street is Main street and South street who also have many artists and great shops including the Sarah Holl studio and in the other direction is the Kennedy Memorial Beach.

You Tube Video

                                           
I created a portfolio video this week on youtube. If you have never done this I would definatley suggest it. It was so easy to use and it was free for a minute long video. I am so pleased with how it looks and will use it again. I hope you enjoy my video and give it a try yourself.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkDe8WIIFnU&feature=share

A blessed month

     I just wanted to share some of the great things that have been happening to me this month. One of my lines was picked up by The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis, Mass. I also designed a completely new line made out of a recycled chandelier and vintage jewelry for Shift in Hyannis. Both these stores are so awesome and different. It was so much fun to work with both Jen and Amanda.

     I also did an interview for an on-line news paper called Patch.com which was so very flattering and fun to do. And last but not least, I am going to be participating in the Hyannis Artist shanties next month from September 10th to the 16th. These are little shanties made into artist shops right on the harbor where the boats come in from the islands.

     I have had a very blessed month and am so grateful to all those who have helped me. I am hoping this is a start of something even more to come.http://barnstable-hyannis.patch.com/articles/made-in-barnstable-d-r-designs

Lemon yogurt blueberry cake

I made this sour cream inspired cake for a play date the other day and it was a hit with the moms and the kids alike. It has protein and fresh fruit so how bad can it be,lol. No really it is awesome and needs no frosting, a great dessert for any time of the year.

     I am sure that if you are so inclined you could use any fruit and maybe any flavor yogurt you want to change it up. It is super moist and everyone will ask for the recipe.
Enjoy!


Ingredients:


1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup spreadable butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 eggs
2 cups blueberries
1/2 cup Greek lemon yogurt (with zest- best is by Chobani)
1 Cup cold water

Preheat oven to 350

Grease and flour a 9 x 13" pan. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a mixer bowl beat butter about 30 seconds then add the sugar and beat  well. Now add the lemon juice and beat well. Add eggs one at a time beating 1 minute for each. Stir in the Chobani yogurt and beat for 30 seconds. Now add the dry ingredients alternately with the water mixing well in between. Turn into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until knife comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares. Serve with ice cold ice tea for a terrific summer treat or with hot tea in the fall and winter. You can not go wrong with it anytime of the day. We even had it for breakfast one lazy morning.

Over the Rainbow Treasury

   
   Just wanted to share a new Treasury I made on Etsy so you could check out just some of the many talented moms that inspire me.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTU0Mjk4N3w0NjU0OTE1MTU/somewhere-over-the-rainbow?ref=pr_tr

Peanut Free Granola Bars-Inspired by King Arthur Four

    These granola bars are fantastic and totally peanut free. My son who has a severe allergy to peanuts loves them and can help me choose what types of fruit we use.
   
     Make it different every time if you want. We have made straight blueberry, and tropical ones and have enjoyed them very much. Get the kids involved for a fun time.



Ingredients....
1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup flax seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 to 3 cup dry fruit(total of 10-15 ounces)
1/3 to 2/3 cup soy nut butter (optional, we didn't use salt when we used the soynut butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon water


Directions.....


Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
   
      Line an 8x8x2" pan  in one direction with wax paper so paper goes over the sides a bit
lightly grease paper and exposed pan or coat with nonstick spray.Stir all dry ingredients together including dry fruit.In separate bowl whisk together vanilla, melted butter, honey or syrup and water.

      Toss wet and dry ingredients together and add the nut butter if using it, until crumbly.
Spread mixture into the pan and press firmly with plastic wrap to get a good press and protect your hands.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the edges are a bit browned. They will be soft until they set. Cool on a rack in the pan. remove once cooled and place in freezer for 30 minutes to completely set them and them cut with a serrated knife into personal size bars. Wrap individually and place in fridge in an air tight container. They can also be frozen.
 
   Enjoy!