Back in the Store

Elections completed. Status quo established. Time to get ready for the Artisans' Guild yearly studio tour on Thanksgiving weekend.

Twenty local artisans sell their work in my shop. Not all of them are juried members of the Artisans' Guild, but many are. One thing I'm proud of: that my store puts money into the hands of talented Eastern Shore of Virginia artists and crafters. It's hard to make a living anywhere, but here--where the population is thin and prices for art are low--it can be a super challenge.

Eleven studios and one winery are open for the tour this year. My studio is located in my store, so it's always open. But most of these artists work in their homes, and it's a treat to see their shops and what they produce in them.

It's a free, self-guided tour (you follow a map), so it can be a leisurely toodle through the Shore or a dash to see how many studios you can visit. Most of the artisans will have snacks for their guests. Mary Miller brags that her customers call in advance to see what kind of soup she is making.

Meanwhile, I'll be working up a storm, trying to get as much unusual jewelry made as I can. It should be a fun weekend.