Find of the week--an artist across the street

Diana Porter lives directly across the street from our house in Raleigh.  I know her--she's a great neighbor and the loving mother of two tiny, adorable children.  I knew that she was employed as a teacher before having children, so in my head her label read "teacher."

Then I discovered another label for Diana--artist. She has beautiful paintings scattered about her house; many of them lovely landscapes (my favorite paintings always seem to be landscapes), some with water views (even better). I almost fell on the floor when I learned that she had done them all. It's so much fun when you learn about another layer of a person you thought you knew.  Diana Porter is an artist!  Here's one of her landscapes:

Diana Porter

This landscape is 9x12 inches. It is a painting of the view from West Lake Road in Skaneateles New York.  Pastel on pastel paper. Oh, this would be so pretty in a frame on your wall.  Every time you pass by and glance at it, your blood pressure will drop a bit.  Paintings begin at $200, depending on whether it's framed.  Diana also works in acrylics.

And another

Diana Porter

Diana also makes jewelry, like this beaded cuff in gorgeous colors:

Diana Porter

One more--she makes wonderful door signs.  This one is for a child and only costs $25:

Diana Porter

Something for everyone.  If you click on her name, Diana Porter, it will take you to her website.  Very bare bones, but it gives you contact info.  It's exciting to know that she's an artist.  Now when I look across the street at night and see the light on in one of the rooms upstairs, I know that she's painting yet another beautiful scene while her children sleep.

Ciao,

Anne

French Connections in Pittsboro

This shop is such a find.  French and African textiles, baskets, artwork, etc., very reasonably priced, in the cutest little house in the very sweet town of Pittsboro, NC.  French Connections.  The two countries mix very well together with their vibrant colors and beautiful craftsmanship. 

The baskets from various countries in Africa are gorgeous and of  high quality.  Whether a great big hamper or a small lidded basket that might sit on your desk and hold supplies, they're pretty darn fab.  The french dish towels make me swoon.  I really love dish towels.   Big cotton or linen towels of various colors fill a deep drawer in our kitchen.  I don't throw them out (or recycle them to the garage) until they are riddled with holes.  They feel so good and do such a great job of drying dishes and counters and little boy's messy faces after eating fruit popsicles.

And look at those handbags!  I think they're straw, but they were way up high and I didn't get to touch them, or price them.  But I want one!  There are a number of rooms, filled with all sorts of things, including antiques.  It's a fun place to explore. French Connections celebrates their 10th anniversary in October (the 10th month), 2010!  Go wish them a happy anniversary. 

Have you been to Pittsoboro?  A pleasant drive down Rt. 64 from Raleigh.  Over Jordan Lake.  Such a treat to see all that lovely, cool water.  Lots of trees.  Very pretty.  The town center has some nice shops, a wonderful place to eat called The Pittsboro General Store Cafe (really, really good) and the historic courthouse that accidentally burned down earlier this year and is being rebuilt.  Oh, it had quite the courtroom inside.  Like the set of a movie.  Actually I think it was used in several movies.  I think the old fashioned soda shop is still there, too.  I didn't have a chance to check that out this time.  Will report back on that one next time I go (which will be as soon as possible).

Ciao,

Anne

A big day for the pillows!

Today 5 of my sweet pillows were shipped off to Davidson, NC. Sanctuary of Davidson, a new art gallery in the historic district, contacted me recently after seeing the pillows on my Etsy shop. Sanctuary's enthusiastic owner, Kristen Feighery, loved them and asked if I would like to sell them in her shop! This is very exciting and I feel so blessed. Today's picture is of the kids, I mean the pillows, right before they all jumped into the box and headed off to UPS. I do miss them already. Each one is truly a labor of love.

But now I can make more!

Ciao,

Anne