EARTH ANGELS

Don's miss the Truffle Pigs!

2010-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

The trio of great pals -- Stacey Bear, Debbie Hartwick and Kim Stout -- are the "Truffle Pigs". You can catch them and their fab offerings at the DC BIG FLEA this weekend...

Link to their BLOG for more details and sneak peeks of artful offerings and vintage finds!

So wish I could be there gals...hope it goes really well!!!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels
Ps...Stacey see you soon for your WWC shoot!

skippy doodle Sue

2010-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here's what arrived in the mail today from Sue...a wonderful little pincushion cutie with a cheerful and sparkly wish for 2010...

I have known Sue Parker so long -- we met at a doll and teddy show in NJ years ago; I cannot remember being in business as Earth Angels without her being a part of it all. Always there to help, always lending her creative energy, positive spirit and sheer kindness...(here she is on the right with Lisa and Ro back in 2003 at a workshop we hosted).
Sue, why don't I have more current pics of you -- oh no, wait, I do but you are in that polka dot apron with Robin and if I post that here...big trouble from Little Red!)

Now Sue is on ETSY...look at these wonderful party animal boxes she has just posted...

Prices range from $12-$16 for these one of a kind cuties. Here's a link to her Skippy Doodle Designs page so you can check them out before they are gobbled up..

Sue, thanks for adding your special style to my world. I treasure your friendship and support.

Cannot wait to see you and your fellow Musketeers at the "heART of winter" in a few weeks... Until then..
xxxoo
Jen
Earth Angels

Watch the Mail - Save the Date

2010-01-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

...if you are on our snail mail list...this should arrive in your mail box this week...

YES! We are in high gear for our next event, the 3rd annual
"heART of winter"

Saturday, 1/30 – 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 1/31 – 10am – 4pm

To be held in WARWICK, NEW YORK...

It takes about 4 weeks of non-stop preparations to create one of our gallery-style events.... so we are already hard at work, planning, preparing and working with the artists to make this event even better than last year's.

We are thrilled to have Carole & Arthur Johnson -- our friends and owners of The Warwick Antique Center -- as our hosts. This is a fabulous space and we are excited to be able to showcase the available paintings, pottery, decor, jewelry, holiday follies, heirloom teds, art dolls and soft sculpture in this scenic location.

We will be showcasing the work of more than a dozen of our Earth Angels artists and featuring creations that are a salute to winter and Valentine's day...This is a wonderful chance to meet Earth Angels’ artists and shop for their creations amid antiques and vintage goodies..

See the "Events" page of our website for more info and this link for detailed directions.

I sure do hope you will be able to join us...and stay tuned via this BLOG and e-mail updates for sneak peeks from the artists' studios...

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

My own toast to 2010...

2009-12-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am supremely confident that my life is a work in progress. This frees me from the hope of completing any of my “to-do” lists and entitles me to learn with gusto.

The idea of being perfectly incomplete gives me the excuse to just perhaps, try something new, mend a heart, change my mind, or make a friend. I remind myself that I am in dire need of patience, fortitude and strength, and that these attributes will never accumulate in quantities beyond what life might demand.

An so, the end of one year and the arrival of a new one is that firm and steady reminder of the march of time. And with it, the ceaselessness of the chores, responsibilities and the delightful diversions that accompany each day. A merry medley of “to-dos” and “atta-girls” coupled with the unexpected and the knowledge that contentment is a constant feast.

What a wonderful excuse, this change of the calendar, to pause and measure the blessings of my idiosyncratic life. Laden with people and places and burdened, as are we all, I adore the days and with them the memories of the time that has been, is and will be.

Yet, there is no heaviness of spirit as the clock winds down and then up with the charge of the months ahead. I am grateful that you are all within them.

And so I offer you this from a piece of my favorite Torquay pottery from Devon, “Long may you live, happy may you be, blessed with contentment and from misfortune free.”

Sláinte… or in English, Cheers!
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a beautiful day as you celebrate Christmas...and a new year filled with Peace.
xxoo JEn

Annual Parade of Trees

2009-12-23T07:23:00.000-05:00

I seem to lack self-control when it comes to any kind of decorating...This year we topped out at 12 trees.

...yep, 2 live, 10 artificial, 6 of them are over 6 feet...I know this seems a bit extreme to some, but it's my collecting (and my kids' collecting) that seem to get the better of me each season...and there always seems room for one more tree...

My fave this year...it's the live one in my bedroom, it's the best night light ever...

And here's the guest room tree...

...and then hubby's faves, the white and wintry twins that flank the fireplace...

...and then there's the "tree" of all my collected vintage goodies-- many from my childhood...

We've also got the boys' "Star Wars Tree", "The Disney Tree" in Charlotte's room, the tree of all the kids handmade goodies (most treasured item on this tree is the little snowman doll Hayley made for her Uncle Micah at aged 5 -- she's now 16!)

...and then the "real" tree...that's the one that Santa puts the presents under, of course!

Thanks to my decorating crew: Allie & Charlotte for making this parade possible. I love seeing all our baubles hang from the many branches...

Now putting them away, well, that's another story! But it's all worth it...each room helps us make merry and celebrate the season.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Hudson Escape

2009-12-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

Amidst the oodles of holiday orders and endless shipping -- along with the wrapping, the baking and all those holiday chores...me and Kathy decided to give ourselves a much needed and merry break. We went on a little jaunt, an oh so festive morning out, antiquing and browsing the shops in Hudson, NY with our friends, painter Jennifer Lanne and Stephanie Lloyd, design diva...

We've been talking about getting up the The Hudson Supermarket for months and well, today was the day. It's a 7,000 square foot former grocery store laden with vintage and artful finds, featuring showcases from 12 designers and dealers...yes, antiques, but also some cool body products, groovy contemp finds and a wonderful cafe called "taste".

Our Gal Pals Stephanie Lloyd and Jacqueline Flansburg Diehl have wonderful displays and offerings (we know these gals from Bournebrook Antiques Center in Troy, NY too!).

This is Stephanie's booth...her personal style and aesthetic send me...
Here are some clsoeup shots of her offerings...ohhh ahhh...

Here I am with Jackie among her treaures...(for those of you that follow this blog, my big sis Roseanna found my 3 matching metal and wood kitchen stools in Jackie's booth at Bournebrook...). Jackie's Mom, Ida was with us too but too dark in her booth for pics and no tripod...boo hoo...

We noshed and shopped and exchanged some small and handmade gifts (love that honey cinnamon butter!)

...and then, me and Kathy made the mad dash back to Warwick to fetch the kids from school -- with yes, a big green hat makers cabinet -- soon to be a dresser -- loaded in the back of the pick up! We're both surely making up the chores lost to the time we spent adventuring but happy to have had a merry escape...

Stephanie -- thanks for our wonderful lunch with Ken, Aidan and Ida too! You had a fab little, impromptu party...the best kind...and that food...ohhh ahhh I am already pining for more of that poblano soup and guacamole...

This is one really cool town, with oodles of fun and funky shops....not that you can walk around much when it's 25 degrees, but we have promised ourselves a visit in the spring. (To All: It's well worth the trip if you are in the area or you can always grab the AMTRAK from Manhattan.)

And here are my fave shots of the day...

...my adventure pals watching Stephanie's hubby, Ken, unload new things for their booth.

So glad we took time out to play girls...I might be up all night with work and elf-like chores, but it was soooo worth it!
xxooo Jen
Earth Angels

Dinner at Debbee's

2009-12-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Debbee Thibault is not only one of the single most talented artists creating today, she is also a fabulous cook and hostess! How lucky we were to dine at her home when we were in L.A. last week. Being among good friends and holiday cheer really launched this merry season for me...

And...Debbee is such a passionate lover of Christmas and its traditions, her home was beautifully adorned for the season.
Here are some of my very favorite spots in her house and the gals who shared the evening...I only wish I took more pictures...I was just so overwhelmed touring about and enjoying her lovelies and the supper...

Debbee, many thanks for a wonderful evening I will always treasure.
And just let me know when you are ready for me to drive to CA to pick up that dollhouse!

xoxox Jen
Earth Angels

LAST CALL for the SALE

2009-12-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

...this is the last call for the ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE.

Merry, merry and happy HO HO HOpe you can take advantage of the bargains...NOW through 12/14...

You can call 8-8 NY time to order (845) 986-8720...it's any 3 picks from the WEBsite at 30% off..I can email details.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Fave Felt and Fab Fabric Finds

2009-12-10T02:00:00.002-05:00

I am smitten...with the new felt and fabric loot from Valerie Weberpal and Nicole Bowen...

Look at this new work from Nicole Bowen...her "Necessary Excess" creations are just wonderful in every way and fit for the season's celebrations. I adore the new bracelets and the cuddly characters are the tops. Her illustrated and assembled necklaces are something new and wonderful.

And oohh ahh, Valerie Weberpal and her "Harvest Moon" designs have slayed me! I adore her goodies made from re-purposed and recycled tecitels...purses...mittens...scarves and critters to wear around your neck or deck the tree.

Thanks gals for raising the season's inspiration quotient...and for making my shopping oh so easy...

I want all of your treasures for myself, but I will just have to console myself with giving some of the best gifts ever to some special gal pals and nieces on my list -- they will be getting the treasures I want to keep!

xxoxox Jen
Earth Angels

Nicol Sayre's Dolls Arrive

2009-12-08T10:59:00.012-05:00

GOOD NEWS...yes, we did come home from CA with a few beauties by talented doll artist and gal pal Nicol Sayre ...the following are available at this writing...

...just email if you'd like to see sizes and prices or more details on her latest -- and oh so gorgeous -- dolls along with her wonderful paper and antique velvet ornaments...

Thanks Nicol for the wonderful work!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels

ANNUAL SALE

2009-12-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

...while I try to refrain from sounding too commercial in this BLOG forum, I hope you'll be glad to hear the news of our

ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE!

STARTS TOMORROW

(if you aren't a customer yet, please become one!!!)

It’s that time of year again! Time for us to say a big thanks to those of you that have supported Earth Angels and our artists during 2009.

And even better, time for you to browse the site for your favorite treasures and treat yourself to something, or perhaps it’s time to find a gift or goodie for someone special on your list.

THE SALE
For those of you familiar with this once a year sale, all are invited to
SHOP THE WEBSITE AT 30% OFF!!! 12/9-12/14
…choose up to ANY 3 IN STOCK items…

DETAILS & HOW TO ORDER
You may e-mail your order beginning at 12:01 am on Wednesday, 12/9
Please NO CALLS before 9AM NY time or AFTER 6PM NY TIME…
…items do go so quickly, so my suggestion is for you to mention a second and third choice… sometimes in the time it takes me
…sorry, but no layaways on sale items…and ALL sales are final.
…those items already on sale will be discounted from the original price…
…priority will given to those paying via credit card with provided details...

(checks and money orders must be received by close of sale to qualify)…
…shipping and insurance costs will be based on original retail prices …
…items not posted to the website or those that have sold out/are not in stock during time of sale cannot be included…

WHEW!!!

That said, shop away....12/9-12/14

xxoo Jen

Earth Angels

Our visit to Paris...

2009-12-07T10:29:00.043-05:00

Here we are on Saturday at "Paris to the Moon"...

The event was truly wonderful -- a glorious thanks to the artists --who created such fab pieces to showcase...I was thrilled to be in Orange County once again where we have so many fab friends and fans...the best part -- seeing some of you there. (Hi Pat!!! I promise to visit Brea soon)

Tremendous thanks to artists Nicole Bowen -- my travel buddy, Debbee Thibault and Nicole Sayre - you were each as stellar as your creations and I know how thrilled your collectors and customer friends were to visit with each of you!

(...see below for images of the art they created for the event...)

Thanks to Darren Calkin our host...you did a great job at making us feel welcome and you simply have the best store ever - you made me want it all!!!

Here are some of my fave images from the showcase...

And of course a big thanks to helpers Michelle Carton, Bonnie Schwartz and our Earth Angels' photographer Loren Pluth for making it all happen. And thanks to go to Angela, Nicol Sayre's wonderfully supportive and helpful sister...

Thanks to the editors of Romantic Homes Magazine for coming to shoot the event. Jickie Torres -- you are a gem and photographer Mark Mendez -- great meeting you.
Also -- to Donna Norris -- your support is always so very much appreciated.

A special thanks to Carolyn "McParker" who has created one of my very favorite homes on the planet...once again, thanks for some of the very best memories of the weekend...and every trip I make to CA! A post will follow soon on Carolyn's truly magical home.

I will also be blogging about our special evening at Debbee Thibualt's lovely home. Debbee fixed us a special dinner and we launched the holiday season among her incredible collections and festive decorations. Thanks Debbee!

More images are included in the Album I've just posted to FACEBOOK.

Merry merry...

xxoo Jen
Earht Angels

Goldbug Open House

2009-12-06T00:01:00.001-05:00

ohh... ahhh

Ashley Carter is hosting a Holiday PARTY & Open House
on 12/11 and 12/12

and my oh my do i wish I could go....

Here's the info and hope if you are in the Raleigh/Durham area you can be part of these festivities!

Log onto Ashley's site for more info...

Say hi to Ashley for me if you make it...
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Flown the Coop

2009-12-02T12:01:00.000-05:00

...we are in California for the PARIS TO THE MOON EVENT to be held
SATURDAY, 12/5
10am - 4pm
at 1720 Santa Ana Ave

Hope to see you there...

We'll be back in BLOGLAND and posting to FACEBOOK SOON...with images and stories to share.

In the meantime, I assure you that me and Nicole Bowen are at "In 'n Out Burger" eating animal fries and a double double protein burger each (for those of you in tune with the secret menu and/or our mutual obsession).

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

It's Sis Boom Time!

2009-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

While I am in LA at our "Paris to the Moon" event, my pal, Jennifer Paganelli -- founder and design maven of Sis Boom -- is hosting her annual Holiday Open House.....

December 3rd, 4th and 5th
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

If you're not joining us on the West Coast - I hope you can make it to Connecticut! Be sure to look for all the things I wish I was there to buy among the stacks of irresistible Sis Boom pillows...and let Jennifer know that I miss her! and that I sent you to enjoy her colorful brand of festive decorating and her savvy celebration style.

The event is held at her home:
40 East Meadow Road
Wilton, Connecticut 06897
(203) 761-0442

Click this link for directions

Wish I could be in two places at once Jennifer! I will miss this annual extravaganza...
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels

Peace and Plenty

2009-11-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

May your Thanksgiving be a happy one filled with loved ones...

Wishing you peace and plenty this season...and a million thanks to all of you for your support and friendship.

xxoo Jen

Earth Angels

The Handmade Pledge

2009-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

If you have already taken the handmade pledge -- give yourself a nice pat on the back and ignore the rest of this post. You rock!

If you have not yet taken the hand made pledge...please think about it.

It's a simple pledge to buy handmade and give handmade.

A basic,
good,
all around nice thing to do.

...so what are you waiting for...
Visit www.buyhandmade.org
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

winter wonders

2009-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Artist Jennifer Lanne has turned up the heat in her barn stove and she's been at the paints again...

A wonderful new crop of winter themed wonders have arrived in time to help celebrate the season...

We'll be emailing details to those of you on our email update lists and keep an eye on the site for these and more postings of new works on Jennifer's page...

Enjoy the coming cheer.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Save the Date - CA Event

2009-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

We're heading back to LA in just a few weeks
for the WINTER EDITION of our
"Tour de Art"....

Darren Calkin will once again host Earth Angels' "Tour de Art" at his fab shop PARIS TO THE MOON in Costa Mesa...

SO SAVE THE DATE!
to come meet the artist and see their creations...

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5th
10am - 4pm

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

DEBBEE THIBUALT
NICOL SAYRE
DEBRINA PRATT
NICOL BOWEN
LAURIE MESEROLL
LESLIE MCCABE
CHERYL KUHN
DARA DIMAGNO
JENNIFER LANNE

See the events page of the site for more info...
Kathy has started to price and pack up some treasures from the Secret Lab, and the participating artists are hard at work with new creations to share.

We hope to see you there -- this is a wonderfully festive and intimate event where the artists have time to visit with collector and art enthusiast friends and I get to enjoy my CA pals..

until then...
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

Mud-Cakes are here...

2009-11-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

A new batch of truly wonderful works have arrived from Laurie Meseroll's Ohio studio...

Among them are some of the dearest florals and fairies I've seen her create. These new works are laden with color and texture, and each incorporates detail and intricate work, along with surfacing...all of the things that are such a part of the inimitable style Laurie has developed over the years.

Thanks Laurie, for this glorious grouping of new portraits and florals. It's completely impossible for me to choose a favorite.

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels
PS - Michelle plans to email images to everyone on Laurie's special email notification list -- if you are not on that list and need to be included in the update - let me know. These works will also appear on her page.

Don't Miss - Friends in Christmas

2009-11-11T13:44:00.005-05:00

...this wonderful event will be held this Saturday in West Virginia.

I am heartbroken I cannot be there -- but hope you can make it to see some of my favorite artists and shop for their wonderful creations.

See the Friends in Christmas website for full details and directions.

Here's a list of participating artists:
Kitty Babendrier
Stacey Bear
Allen Cunningham
Dara DiMagno
Paul Gordon
Leslie McCabe
Jill Wiener -- the EarthGirl

...and if you can make it -- say hello to them for me!
xxoo Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels

Jill and the High Line

2009-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I had been hoping to get to The High Line since it opened this past summer. Bonnie and Loren were the first to tell me about it when they experienced it on a visit from LA -- ever the explorers! And Jill, who lives just a few blocks away is a regular.

As a licensed urban planner, these types of adaptive reuse projects really thrill me. I respect the ingenious use of long dormant industrial sapce, and the conversion of underutilized facilities via public access initiatives. As a native of the City -- I treasure that they re-define space to spawn community, recreation and public use.

I have never seen this better done anywhere than on The High Line...

From their site -- a bit of history for context:
The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park.

Now, here it is today -- no longer a rail track it's a park that hovers above the City.

Here are some of my fave shots we grabbed on our stroll...they'll give you a sense of the style and scale of the space...

The park makes no excuse for the view it offers, the still derelict elements it moves past, or those vistas not typically scenic. Instead, its charm is proffered as an atypical public space for the taking of those that appreciate its merits...

The walk way meanders, gently moving users from left to right down a random path, peacefully elevated above the din of the streets. The walkway is striated with swaths of old rail, and wild with insets of free roaming weeds and wildflowers.

Here's a map of Section One -- this redeveloped section of the old rail line runs from 14th - 20th Streets, but in the future, the park will extend all the way to 34th Street...

If you find your feet in Manhattan, make time to hit The High Line...and grab lunch at the Chelsea Market (between 15th and 16th Streets)

Jill I am so glad we did.
xxoo Jen
Earth Angels

PS...Jill Claster -- my dear friend and tour guide -- has just published another book, Sacred Violence. In it she explores the European Crusades to the Middle East -- her long time passion and field of expertise.

Many congrats to you on this Jill, and I cannot wait to read it!

xxoo Jen

Teddy my love...

2009-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Heidi Steiner's heirloom teds send me...they are finely made and appointed with charming and oddly sweet vintage accoutrements...old trims, antique dolly frocks, and found fabrics. Their expressions are winsome, captivating and oh so dear.

I adore the latest grouping she's sent us and I had to share some glam shots of my fave pieces...

(...yes, these should be posted to her page soon and watch your email if you are on her update list...)

Thanks Heidi, as ever, for sharing your artistry with us. As some of you know, Heidi was one of the very first artists to become and Earth Angel...and it's been a long and wonderful relationship with fabulous teds arriving over the years and then sent on to so many appreciative collectors' homes...

Cheers!
xxoo
Jen O'Connor
Earth Angels
PS Read more about Heidi on her festive and fun BLOG "Heidiland":
http://www.steinerbears.blogspot.com/

This is Halloween...

2009-11-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Warwick loves Halloween...there are those towns that go big for the 4th of July, others might embrace the Christmas Season...but our town -- we've got four wineries and orchards and pumpkin patches immeasurable -- so it loves the autumn, the harvest, and with it that candy riddled, costume donning, and oh so spooky...Halloween.

...how lucky for me that the kids love trick or treating as much as I did when I was a little kid. They love to costume and beg for treats...but first -- along with the rest of the town, we assemble at Village Hall and follow the Honor Guard and oodles of sirened vehicles to parade down to Railroad Green.

The strut down Main Street is a rag tag assemblage of personalities, fairy tale characters and all manner of attired beasts and beauties....but it does get us in the mood. The crowds linger at Railroad Green for costume judging...but not us!

We have our priorities straight and head for the houses on Oakland Ave, Oakland Ct and Welling to ring those bells. (Our final destination is always the colorful and candy stocked home of our great Earth Angels gal pal, Jane G!)

This year, we had 18 members of our family out there workin' it for candy with some very good friends in tow. Along the way we meet a ton of our friends and neighbors, school buds, along with my hubby's childhood pals and their kids(he grew up here in Warwick...)

The rain never bothered any of us...what a wonderful evening...Thanks Candeas, McCabes, Cotters, LaRoccos, Mihalicks and Graneys for making it so...

Hope you enjoyed your holiday too...

xxoo Jen
Earth Angels
ps -- look at this shot from Charlotte's haunted tea room...

...and here's my niece and nephews later that evening in a second round of costumes as the Peanuts Gang for trick or treating...

They looked great!
xxoo Jen