sHELLY dALY

Sammy Seal

2010-03-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

Sammy, Sammy, Sammy....he's just dissected the stuffed dog and is laying on the innards looking just a little bit guilty! But I took a movie of it and I'm just here to say, he had such a good time doing it! Sammy comes with his brother Jimmy for Doggy Day Care. He loves the back yard squirrels and barking up the tree, cat food and attention! He and his brother Jimmy take good care of each other, but Sammy hogs all the attention. He's a man that knows what he wants and gets it. They do NOT like snow, being native to LA and just recently transplanted to Baltimore. And I love them....

National Building Museum

2010-03-24T12:29:00.001-04:00

If you haven't been here yet and you're at all interested in the built environment, you're missing out.This unique museum offers unpredictable, beautifully curated exhibits in a soaring space within an historic building originally designed for the dispensation of the Civil War Pension fund. In addition there is an expansive museum store with an impressive collection of architecture related books and just plain great design stuff! For example, currently there is a show chronicling the advent and maturing of car culture, using models, drawings, photos and especially memorabilia of early parking garage design including some fantastical unbuilt designs, some artful designs and finally a vertical pez like design for the dispensation of Zip Cars in Japan. Visit www.nbm.org for information on current exhibits and activities.

The Smithsonian Craft Show will be in the this Grand Hall, too, at the end of April. This is an extraordinary show, smaller and more exclusive than the February ACC show at the Convention Center in Baltimore with some of the finest crafts people doing work in the United States today.

Visiting the Finnish Embassy In DC

2010-03-22T09:50:00.002-04:00

A late start and traffic caused us to miss our scheduled tour...but we toured ourselves through the Finnish Embassy built with the materials representative of this Scandinavian country: Light woods, steel cables, green glass, vertical vistas, curving, open stairs and a grid of light of that extends from the front entry drive through the building and out into the woods behind it. In the exhibition space there was a fascinating exhibit on the Kavella (sp?), a dark, Finnish story of creation that directly influenced the writing of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The building...and it's people (all predictably blonde and beautiful) were a departure from the pomp and formality of DC's Embassy row.

On May 8, Saturday, there will be an European Union Embassy Open House from 10-5 with shuttles running between Embassies...just in case you're interested!

Happy Dog Clipper

2010-03-15T19:17:00.000-04:00

Clipper is just a happy dog that throws himself fully into everything he does....like chasing a stick or a ball. However, he doesn't like thunderstorms one bit and needs some extra attention when they come around. Visit anytime Clipper!

Mud season is upon us.....

2010-03-14T13:47:00.001-04:00

Dirty dog Hayden, how muddy can you get? There's some swine genes in this dog, 'cuz he LOVES rolling in the mud! But he's a very happy dog, exhausted and rinsed and asleep on the only light colored upholstery we own...of course!

National Professional Pet Sitters Week

2010-03-09T10:09:00.001-05:00

Everyone's got their day, at least their birthday anyway! Well I've gained a new week for myself! I think I'll send myself some flowers with a note that says; "Dear Shelly, So glad you found me. It's been a match made in heaven! All my love, the Profession of Pet Sitting." They might even be really nice flowers! Seriously, though, I am grateful to spend time with the animals that are in my care because invariably they are honest, generous and loving clients that usually even pay on time! What more could you ask?

Callie

2010-03-08T10:24:00.003-05:00

I walk Callie everyday. She is a smart 90 lb. female lab that I call the warrior princess for obvious reasons. She is that dog that ALWAYS puts a smile on my face because she greets me with such joy. She can jump straight up off the ground repeatedly when she's excited to see you, which is a feat for a dog this size! I walk her off leash in beautiful, safe and sanctioned neighborhood park along a stream. This makes for a great walk for both of us, but it's important to me that she comes when I call her. She is very bright and can be will fill and uninterested in listening when she's onto a scent. We've worked on teaching each other the best way to communicate. Over time, we've developed effective listening skills based on give and take... I give her some extra space when she's really engaged and she listens when I do call...at which time she knows I always take a bone from my pocket. Love you, Callie!

Do you moo?

2010-03-04T21:06:00.000-05:00

MiniCards $19.99
Buy this on MOO.com

If you don't know moo.com...you should. For printing business cards, mini business cards, postcards, invitations and greeting cards, they can't be beat. Not cheap...but oh so pretty. You choose from their designs which are commissioned from edgy European graphic designer, hot photographers or even writers. Or you can upload your own images and do some artsy cropping. The site makes it easy and the results are nothing short of amazing! And the printing is high quality. Check it out.

Jimmy Newton

2010-02-26T10:26:00.003-05:00

Known as Jimmy, Jim Jim, Jammy, Jiminy Cricket, Newton and Jimmy Newton, he's a shy little rescue dog that got really lucky when his mom picked him! Shy really isn't the word, more like timid and afraid. I hate to imagine what made him that way, but he's sure got a good home now! He looks a lot like a long hair chihuahua except for his droopy ears and at 4 years old weighs not much more than 10 pounds. He's got a brother, kind of a corgi mix, that's just the opposite, an outgoing attention grabber...but I haven't gotten a good photo of him yet because he never sits still (or when he's resting, I don't have my camera available). Jimmy will shy away from everyone and everything...until you sit down on the sofa... then he's in your lap in an instant. He craves affection and is a really dear dog that wouldn't hurt a flea. Jimmy visits us for doggie day care and daily walks with his brother, Sammy, known collectively as Simmy and Jammy at our house!

Center Stage Auction This Sunday on WBAL

2010-02-26T09:11:00.001-05:00

This Sunday on WBAL radio, from 8am until midnight, the Center Stage Auction will be happening to raise money for this incredible Baltimore institution. You can bid on lots of exceptional offering including services (like pet sitting), jewelry (like beach stones), gift certificates, vacations and other great stuff at potentially reduced prices! I have donated two days of In Home Boarding and the necklace, bracelet and earring set shown above. Check out their website for a listing by category or by the time it will be auctioned on the radio. Some items can be bid on directly on the site and there are lots of photos, just click on the camera icon to the left of the item or go to the websites by clicking on the business name. There are sooooo many great items, I just know there are going to be some great bargains!

New Pet Sitting Website

2010-02-24T09:31:00.004-05:00

I've just launched my new website for Daly Pet Care. Please stop by to check it out and leave me a comment. I would love some honest constructive criticism on the site...really. I asked my sister to review it and she "mentioned" it would be nice if I put my phone number! What was I thinking??? Sometimes it's the most obvious things we forget! Anyway, for those of you that don't know, I offer pet visits in your home while you're away, daily dog walking and In Home Boarding where we welcome your dogs into our home for an extended stay/vacation. I gotta tell ya...I am really loving my pet business! I have worked mostly with dogs, although I love cats and other animals, but the daily walks with my beloved dogs have not only been great fun but good for my blood pressure, (which wasn't particularly bad, but now it's 111/64!) my head (all that wonderful outdoor time) and I just know it will eventually get around to my waistline!

New Works

2010-02-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

Some new items just posted on esty. The small cylinders are cores from my grommet necklace. Personally, I am really loving the pins. They are fun to make and striking. This one has a cubic zirconium mounted on it and the dangling stone moves freely. The base stone is actually made with polymer clay , which works especially well for this application because it is light weight and I could easily make the back flat so that it lays very nicely.

Smokey

2010-02-21T13:15:00.000-05:00

Meet Smokey. Smokey is a 17 year old long haired miniature dachshund who weighs in at about 9 lbs. Even though he only seems to visually distinguish darks and lights, he gets around unfamiliar territory well with his sense of smell. He's deaf and arthritic and has no teeth but he is intrepid and gets what he needs when he needs it...like going out for a pee or snuggling up at night with my husband or son...he much prefers them to me! He loves turkey and cheese and the highlight of his day is his ball of cream cheese filled with his meds...yum! And he sleeps a lot...so would I if I were his age! Smokey visits us while his much loved Mom and Dad spend time in Arizona. You go, Smokey!

Pete

2010-02-20T14:24:00.005-05:00

Meet Pete...named for Peter the Great! He visits us from Silver Spring when his mom travels. Chester is a 7 year old beauty of an English Springer Spaniel. He is has those winsome eyes and a joyful energy that puts a smile on our face just about all the time. And oh those curls and feathers! There's nothing like a good walk with lots of sniffing for him...but ask him to settle and he's down 'til you're up! And he looks sooo good on our bed!

Nellie

2010-02-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

Meet Nellie. She is a bundle of adorable. Just looking at her makes me want hold her! She is a 11 lb. miniature poodle rescued from a puppy mill by her Mama. She has a little separation anxiety but it's easy to take her with you most places. She visits us when her mom and dad are out of town. She is smart and sweet and can jump into your lap from 4 feet away and land so lightly, you're stunned! Put her on the bed and she turns it on...jumping, racing, playing...oh how we love her! The only thing about Nellie... is saying goodbye!

Chester

2010-02-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

Meet Chester the English Springer Spaniel. He is 15, arthritic and his faculties are limited. But he still loves food and to go for a good walk. He also likes to eat poop! He is sweet and usually gentle, except when it comes to a good bone or a sore joint. I don't blame him a bit. Chester was one of my first dogs....sweet Chester!

Blizzard Number 2

2010-02-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

There used to be a fence there...and a street and cars! The ice age seems to be arriving in Baltimore.

Static...Electricity?

2010-02-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

How can electricity be static? Must have missed that day in science class. I know that I've been static since Christmas, which of course has nothing to do with electricity. I'm feeling "back" today, if not quite dynamic, even though it's nine degrees outside with 6 inches of snow on the ground. I'm back in the studio, uncovering my work bench...and I'll go from there. It feels like I've been away from "making" for a long time. My dogs and my family have kept me plenty busy, but now's the time to get back to work. Yes, I've convinced myself, today's the day!

See if you can keep up...?

2009-12-15T17:46:00.001-05:00

Baltimore Welcomes You

2009-12-08T08:26:00.015-05:00

When I moved to Baltimore from Boston almost 20 years ago, my neighbor had just moved here from Texas a month before me. As mothers of young children, we were the blind leading the blind in our new city. How I wish I'd known Susie Chisolm then! Susie, a very special friend, has recently started a business aimed at putting potential residents on the fast track to not only loving our charming city but finding just the right people and services they need to make the transition as painless as possible. Following is an article that was published this week in the SoBo Voice that does a much better job explaining what she does than I could. Her company's name is Executive Welcome, which belies her unique and personal approach introducing newcomers to just what they're looking for to reduce what could be years on the learning curve!

A New Business Champions Baltimore and Its Charms

Baltimore's charms are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes it takes a cheerleader to show people the city's attributes and special communities. Susie Chisolm is that cheerleader. For decades, her avocation has been finding and sharing Baltimore's treasures. From kayaking in the Inner Harbor, to the best eatery for any occasion, a beautiful bike trail or an amazing dance recital at Baltimore's renowned School for the Arts, Susie knows, and she delights in sharing that knowledge.

Susie's avocation is now a vocation with Executive Welcome, LLC, a senior level staff recruitment and relocation service. At the behest of corporations and institutions, Susie will help job candidates absorb quickly what she has discovered, that Baltimore is a rewarding place to call home. Executive Welcome listens carefully to identify the unique things that make a place home for each person and respond with a customized one or two day tour. Requests have included helping a baseball loving school administrator, his wife and new baby, reluctant to leave a larger city, discover a charming neighborhood blocks from the Oriole's Camden Yard Stadium. Susie introduced his wife, a new mother, to a potential employer, who had a flex schedule job opportunity.

A native of Amarillo, Texas, Susie has crafted a home and community in historic Federal Hill where she is an active volunteer. She knows first hand the struggles and joys of making a new place a home. Susie has served on the FANS Board for the Baltimore School for the Arts, the Downtown Baltimore Children's Center Board and Grindal's Yard Homeowner's Association, fundraised for several local charities, and organized a book club and early morning walking group. Years as a preschool teacher, raising her son, caring for her parents and providing counsel to a multitude of friends has honed her gift for making people feel special and...welcome.

Polymer Clay Daily

2009-12-07T10:31:00.007-05:00

I subscribe to a mostly inspirational automatic email called "Polymer Clay Daily." There are some great artists out there working in this medium and every once in awhile one really resonates with me, like Judy Belcher, whose work is shown above. I share her love of patterns in black in white. Take some time to visit her site for more of her work. It is very diverse and takes surprising twists and turns.

Favorite Show of the Year

2009-11-30T09:27:00.004-05:00

I'm finishing up work for my favorite show of the year, Out of Hand this Sunday, Dec. 6 from 10-5pm. Best crafts, nicest people, great organic food and... seated massage!

What a perfect combination!

Out of Hand Craft Show
Knights of Columbus
201 Homeland Avenue
(off York Road & Woodbourne OR Charles Street behind Notre Dame)
Take 83 to Coldspring East, turn left on Charles Street. Go 4 blocks, turn right on Homeland Avenue. KOC building on right side, there will be a sign out front.

Plenty of adjacent parking even if it snows!

Come early to beat the crowd! There are even some great bargains from an established local artist who clears out her stock for the year to make way for new work.

And did I say, great people, good food and massage?

A very short list of participants: Sandra Magsamen, Mary DeMarco of La Contessa, Plum Blossom, The Devil Made Me Do It, Green Star Studios, Rick Shelly and Anita Klein!

See you there!

My MVP

2009-11-22T13:29:00.003-05:00

See that young man a few posts down? That's my son, Ian. He is a quiet and thoughtful boy with a wry sense of humor. He is studious, friendly, kind, he plays soccer and squash and keyboard and is thinking he might like to be a runner. And he just got the MVP of the Year award on his soccer team! My husband, Walter and I, are SO proud of this boy, who put his all into his soccer team, never missed practice, always had a good attitude, supported his team mates and was rewarded for his quiet, positive team role. This young man could not make us any prouder of him....like his brother, Marshall, he has eclipsed me in his maturity and intelligence. This soon to be man has made us tearful with pride in the person he has become. I am so grateful for these two amazing boys that are my sons! We must have done something right along the way and I'm almost sure it was massive doses of love!

Hollyfest this Saturday

2009-11-18T09:06:00.004-05:00

Hollyfest at the Friends School of Baltimore is this Saturday. It's a big, family oriented show with LOTS of vendors with cool, handmade stuff as well as inexpensive stocking stuffers. There's an elf booth where kids can make secret gifts, music, food and lots of bustle and fun. I'll be there with FuzzyMug, who makes wonderful animal prints. Stop by for a visit. I have lots of new designs as well as my newish NeckWreath kits. After this show, my son Marshall will be home to enjoy Thanksgiving with us and then one more show for the season! I have pledged to get handmade, locally grown gifts this year for the holidays, so I'll try to take some time to do some shopping at Hollyfest, too!

Ian's Fun Facts

2009-11-11T10:54:00.002-05:00

Did you know gum was originally developed to strengthen your jaw muscle? Either did I until my 14 year old son told me...this must be what he remembers about what he learned in school today! Just thought I'd share that with you!

SHOP BALTIMORE THIS SEASON

2009-11-04T18:54:00.008-05:00

BEST Baltimore Craft has just unveiled a very cool link on our website called Shop Local... just in time for the holidays. A sampling of member's work is shown by category which makes it a simple task to find just what you're looking for. One click will take you to a member's shop to see all their work.

BEST Baltimore Craft has almost 70 members now and seeing the work in this context is extraordinary...it's clear that a unique body of the work is coming out of Baltimore! New York and LA ain't got nuthing on us, baby!

Click on the image at the top right of the page to see more!

First Show of the Holiday Season

2009-11-03T09:13:00.008-05:00

My first holiday show is this weekend at the Harford Day School in Belair. This is my inaugural year at this show, but I hear its a great event with lots of quality vendors. I'll have lots of new StoneWear pieces to see and a new display, too! Other BEST Baltimore Craft members at the show will be Dana of greenstarstudio, who makes those cuddly knitimals and Alison of Tigerlilly whose copper acorn is shown above . For more information and directions, click here.

Art Jewelry Magazine Pick of the Week

2009-11-03T09:07:00.006-05:00

Gotta toot my own little horn a bit...I was the Editors Pick of the Week on the Art Jewelry Magazine blog. See the link here. Not a big deal, but a deal!

New discovery; Louise Fischer Cozzi

2009-11-02T19:47:00.005-05:00

I happened on Louise's work through a daily email I receive called Polymer Clay Daily. You can sign up for it here. The variety and scope of what is done with polymer clay is breathtaking and I love getting a taste of it even though it is far from the medium I work with most often. I am amazed daily with different visions of not only jewelry but sculpture, vessels and fine art. Enjoy Louise's work above, check out her etsy shop (which sadly, doesn't have many sales) or visit her extraordinary website. She'll also be in Baltimore for the Walters Art Museum's annual jewelry fair Nov. 20-22 and later in February at the ACC Craft Fair.

Fish Tacos or "What to make when you're just not that into it"

2009-10-28T16:31:00.009-04:00

I admit, I am a lazy cook. I like to eat more than I like to cook. I'm a big fan of one ingredient dishes, you know, grilled chicken, rice pilaf and green beans. I can do that. But I have always wished I had at the ready 14 interesting but fast, nutritious meals in my repertoire. In actuality, I have only three that fit the description, fish tacos, the ubiquitous spaghetti and the old standby grilled chicken. I'm not going to even count pizza. These fish tacos are worth sharing, though. We never tire of them because they're always a little different, depending on the type of fish. the condiments available and the tortillas used. I originally read about this in Real Simple years ago, but since I no longer can find the recipe, I call it my own.

Ingredients

Frozen Fish sticks

Tortillas, soft and/or hard( Trader Joes has yummy handmade tortillas)

Grated cheese (cheddar or whatever is on hand)
Store bought tartar sauce
Salsa
Lettuce; leaves or shredded

Optional
Onions minced
Guacamole
Avocados
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Rice (leftover plain, heated with cilantro or flavored...be creative)
Beans

Cook the fish stix.

Make the condiment plate with the cheese, salsa, lettuce, onions, tartar sauce and/or whatever you fancy or have on hand.

Put enough soft flour tortillas for your family on a large ceramic plate and cover with another plate. Microwave on high for about 1 minute for 6 tortillas, adjusting the time for the number of tortillas.

If you are using hard taco shells (or both, which is yummy, but filling) heat them in the oven according to directions.

Assemble at the table.

We recently added TJ's Chimichurra (sp?) rice (that heats up in an instant) to the mix and that was a big success. We'll definitely try that variation again.

If you share your favorite, fast, family friendly recipe with me, I'll send you a pair of beach stones earrings for the effort. Just leave the recipe and your address in the comments. My goal is 14 and I've got 13 to go, unless you include spaghetti!

Happy eating.

Amazing Grace & Where to Get Business Cards

2009-10-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

The saying "A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words" has more than one meaning for this artist, whose name I may not be getting right, but here goes: Hinaaoyama. There is not much else I can say regarding this amazing feat of manual dexterity, patience and artistic talent...and I don't even know what the words say! Check out the very tiny signature at the bottom right! To see other works by this artist go to shellydalyblogspot.link/flickr/lyon2.
And for those of you that don't know about moo.com, check that out, too! If need business cards and want something very cool but not necessarily cheap, it's the place to go. For cheap, almost free, go to vistaprint.com.

2009-10-26T21:09:00.005-04:00

I love when I get emails like this....

"I got the NeckWreath! And its absolutely beautiful -- truly a work of art. Already wore it to the San Francisco Opera last night. The clasp is really great and does the trick -- first time I've seen one like that.

Keep up the good work and I'll keep checking in on your website."

Regards,

Luba Lehman

LOVE YOU, LUBA!

What do you do on your birthday?

2009-10-20T09:27:00.001-04:00

What do you do on your birthday?

I do whatever I want to do and nothing I don't want to do.

That's telling...no wash, dishes, cleaning, cooking, no surprise there.

Today I just want to work on my show display. It never seems like the right time to take time to do this, except today! That feels like a real luxury.

And Marshall's home and taking me out to lunch...and Ian and Walter were so nice this morning. Guess what I got for my birthday....a wet saw! Don't be jealous, I know you want one, too!

I also discovered the nicest little thing about facebook. Your birthday is right out there for people to see and I got lots of birthday wishes!

And then there's the food, pumpkin pie, hmmm, the taste of fall, my favorite season. Pie of course is for breakfast as well as dessert. Can't decide on the actual meal, though!

Decadence, self indulgence and love, lots of love...I'll be a better person this year because of it!

Movie Monday

2009-10-19T08:43:00.004-04:00

My movie recommendation for this week is The Brothers Bloom . Not often do I happen on a great movie accidentally. I usually have an inkling of what's good and what's not. But I had never heard anything about this movie which stars Adrian Brody, Rachel Weisz and Mark Ruffalo. Attracted by the list of actors and the intriguing story line, I nabbed this DVD thinking it was a long shot. On the first viewing it was very good, but I was doing production work and wasn't concentrating. I missed enough to be a bit confused but saw enough to know it was a winner. On the second viewing the next night with my husband, I had a chance to catch all the subtleties. It is a creative telling of a whimsical story with great acting and a plot that runs toward love, sacrifice and eccentricity. This is a movie I will watch yet again and even would like to own, which is a rarity. Enjoy!

Friday You Are Mine

2009-10-16T08:34:00.003-04:00

Today I am supposed to be at an Art Teacher's Conference Craft Market. It is raining and cold and I was supposed to be there at 7am and it's 1 1/2 hours away. Up at 4:30am just didn't cut it so I made an executive decision not to go. So much for the $50 entry fee, the lose of sales and seeing my all time favorite teachers. But I have convinced myself they won't be buying much this year and besides, what I thought they might buy, my NeckWreath kits, went unmade.

So Friday, You Are Mine.

Today I do not have to take care of my beloved dogs because I planned the day off (oops, if you're reading this Penny or Mary....sorry, this was not premeditated!!). I do not have to do the wash or make dinner (that means pizza) I do not have to do anything I don't want to do....and I am grateful!

So instead, I am going to give away a NeckWreath kit to you...that person that leaves a message to let me know you visited. This is positive reinforcement for visitors to take the time to leave a message. When I see the number of visitors on the "counter", I wonder who you are, why you visited, what you thought...or are those numbers just counting my visits to my blog. This all sounds so pathetic...and I guess it is... but my mama taught me honesty is the best policy!

My next post is going to be my about our home. We have a cozy, handmade home here in Baltimore and well, I think I'll just share with you how it got that way. I have been reminded how addictive Before and After photos can be when I visit Design Sponge, so I'll try to dig up those horrible Before pics! We moved here 20 years ago from Boston and bought the biggest house in the best neighborhood we could afford. It was not pretty, but it had good bones and we saw the potential. So please come back and see how our home evolved, room by room, year by year.....

Until then....don't forget to leave me a message that you visited and if you're the first, please make sure I know how to contact you so I can send you a NeckWreath kit. Let me know your favorite colors, too!

Mobbie Award Winner!

2009-10-13T22:48:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who voted for the BEST blog! We won! This brings with it some great media exposure through the Baltimore Sun...more on that later as I find out more! This is a dynamic group that's got some movers and shakers!

Craft in America on PBS Wednesday

2009-10-04T22:26:00.008-04:00

Craft in America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the exploration, preservation and celebration of craft and its impact on our nation’s cultural heritage.

Season 2 of the TV Series CRAFT IN AMERICA will air nationally on PBS this Wednesday, October 7. Season 1, which premiered in 2007, was an Emmy-nominee and winner of the prestigious Peabody Award. The series will cover the cryptic sounding topics of MEMORY, LANDSCAPE, COMMUNITY, ORIGIN and PROCESS, but none the less promises to be interesting at the very least. After all, it's on PBS and they rarely fail to deliver! To learn more about this fascinating upcoming series see the episode, themes, and artists on the Craft in America website.

Make a Difference

2009-10-04T22:01:00.005-04:00

Pick 3. Spend 50.
What 3 independently owned businesses would you really miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say Hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps these businesses around.
If half the population spent $50 in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than 46.2 billion dollars in revenue. Imagine the impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that!
For every $100 spent in locally owned independent businesses, $68 is returned to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in national chain, only $43 is stays here.
It just takes you and me to make it happen. Click on the image above for more information on this national movement to Think Local.

Ring Me

2009-10-04T10:20:00.007-04:00

Etsy is a wonderland of global creativity. I don't mean this to be shameless self promotion, but it's true! Just look at this diverse variety of rings. There's the incredible miniature fantasy worlds from Madrid, Spain by Auka or these adorable and useful pin cushion rings from the Art Nest Shop or the perfect polymer flower ring from The Bline . Remember this holiday season to buy handmade! You'll not only know where your dollars are going, you'll also get the most value for the money and be supporting crafts people across the globe. And since most of us have our studios in our home, we have VERY small carbon footprints!

Resurrection Fern

2009-10-03T18:10:00.018-04:00

You'll never guess why I love this shop....in this case a picture speaks a thousand words. Margaret Oomen's work reminds me that there's no limit to the imagination. And she's a family physician in Ontario! These photos happen to be prints for sale, but she does offer the crocheted stones, too. I especially like the photo at the top with the crocheted fish tales.
Check out her shop at www.knitalatte.etsy.com or her blog at www.resurrectionfern.typepad.com.

Day Two : Clean Studio

2009-10-02T15:56:00.002-04:00

Well, here it is! Can you tell the difference? My Feng Shui has improved dramatically! Visual chaos reduced, more functinal equipment locations, clean floor work space...and flowers! I know that's a bit sneaky but what the heck, I'm an interior designer. Who knows what I'll accomplish now!

Fall Studio Cleaning

2009-10-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

I swear it's instinctual...there's a certain week in the spring and the fall that I'm compelled to clean. Today it's my studio. I was looking for a hot knife I hadn't used for awhile and when I couldn't find it, I just started cleaning & reorganizing my space. So here's a a before picture...it looks worse than it is (does everyone say that?). I don't think I'll be on the tour of amazing home studios anytime soon. I hope you can tell the difference when I post the end result tomorrow. Too bad it wasn't my basement. Maybe in the spring....

BEST Baltimore Craft has been nominated for The Baltimore Sun Mobbie Award for best blog in the Art/DIY category!

2009-09-30T09:29:00.004-04:00

Please vote for our team blog by clicking on the image above. We all work hard creating and writing posts to keep it fresh and keep you up to date on the Baltimore Craft scene!

The Cure for A Crisis of Confidence

2009-09-29T21:52:00.001-04:00

Brandy, Chester and Sadie

2009-09-29T00:09:00.014-04:00

I have a family of new friends. There are three of them. The matriarch's name is Brandy. She is elderly and has short brown thinning hair, a long, regal nose, bad legs and very sweet, rheumy eyes that don't see very well. She struggles getting around and needs some help, but seems content with her quiet life. Dad's name is Chester and he's getting up there in years, too. He's the strong silent type with black & white waves, thick, hairy legs and big feet. He moves around pretty well but can be slow and tend to tire easily and he just might not quite hear everything. Sadie is the youngest, energetic, friendly and just plain cute with her freckly, pug nose, round eyes,and soft, wavy multi colored hair on her compact frame. She can't help stealing the show. She's a natural attention getter that is barely able to contain her joy when she's with you and likes to snuggle up close, preferably in your lap, when the activity quiets down.

Brandy, Chester and Sadie are my new canine charges each day at 2:30. My daily visit comes with the promise of a brief afternoon outing for a poop and pee break, a little conversation and lots of good strokes! Today they were quieter than I expected and I was reminded that they are just getting to know me, too. So we're on this little journey together. I look forward to getting to know the wise Brandy and Chester and the vivacious, snuggly Sadie.

In a way, they're kind of like my three little bears...except I'm not Goldilocks and I won't run away or eat their chow or break their beds, either!

My Husband Walter

2009-09-28T23:41:00.010-04:00

I kept asking my husband if he’d seen my blog? His answers were along the lines of "No, too busy", "Not today" or "Maybe tomorrow".

I was beginning to think he had something against me blogging or that he just wasn't interested. Finally today he casually mentioned over a dinner of pot stickers and rice, that the link I had sent him had gone into his junk mail (This was not a good beginning…) but he had saved it and found his way over to my blog. I was anxious to hear what he might have to say. I value his opinion as not only a fellow designer (he’s an architect) but as an honest critic.

To my surprise (or in retrospect, predictably) he said “You don’t mention me.”

Now, I’m just saying…Walter is a wonderful guy, likable, funny, a great dad and a good life companion, I would even say humble, but don’t you think he might have had some other comment, like maybe “interesting"? I would even have preferred "boring". So what am I to garner from that comment? Not much, as far as I can tell, except that maybe he's not my "target gender"?

And so my dear Walter, be careful what you wish for 'cuz here you are!

The Cape

2009-09-28T22:57:00.006-04:00

As fall settles in with blustery days and vistas gradually brighten to russet and yellow before the browns of winter set in, I'm thinking about Wellfleet. I think about the cape a lot. I guess you might say it's my happy place. It's extraordinary in the summer...but crowded with people and cars, so many that I've imagined it just sinking back into the ocean. But fall on the cape is different. Not so many people to share it with and the activities shift from going in the water to hiking the beaches and moving at a slower pace. I want to beam myself there right now. I can just smell the ocean and see the long shadows on the sand.
But truth be told, our time on the cape is vacation, not real life. And life is good here, too.

If you were 17 Again?

2009-09-26T14:31:00.003-04:00

When I got married 21 years ago, these are the four things that we added to our lives that made it easier and more fun: an answering machine, VCR, microwave and dishwasher. Three of those things need no explanation. But the VCR....I love movies and it was a revelation to be able to watch one when we wanted to vs. when it was in the theaters or on TV. I personally dislike the distraction and ulterior motives of tv commercials, so there are only a few shows I'm willing to watch. I love Law & Order. But most often it's movies. Between Netflix and Redbox, there is always one available. To me, movies are like chocolate. Instant gratification. Animated story telling that I get to choose, the equivalent of being read a book, but for adults!
Of course, sometimes I get one that isn't so great. I'm embarassed to admit I watched "17 Again" last night. In my defense, family movies are hard to find. On the other hand, I had no expectations of great movie, so it was better than it could of been.
But here's the real upside; my eighth grader asked me today in the car "Would you have done anything different?"
Here was a golden teachable moment! A chance to offer my child the wisdom (hopefully that's what it is) of my years ! How many times does a parent get the chance to have that conversation with their 13 year old, especially when they're actually interested in listening to what you might have to say? Everyone's answer to that would be different. Mine went something like be yourself, don't worry about being cool, make your own choices, ask for help when you need it.
I'm a lucky mom and that was definitely worth the cost of watching and renting the movie!

2009-09-25T10:04:00.003-04:00

Twenty things you didn't know about Shelly Daly of A Stone's Throw.

1. I am friendly to a fault, a Midwesterner from Ohio. This can be embarrassing to my children, but the truth is that I am really shy.
2. I love grids. Grid paper, man made grids, natural grids, grids I make, grid pillows, grid walls, especially black and white checkerboards…I think I might even think in grids…it helps me to organize things. Visiting my house will confirm this.
3. Public speaking will be the death of me…I cannot do it so don't even ask. The best I can do is to sit and read something out loud. I shake, my heart palpitates and my brain seizes to function. This can be limiting.
4. I have so many ideas… that I might try to share them with you.
5. I am a great mom and if this is the crowning achievement of my life, I will be happy. I don't know how this happened but I am grateful.
6. In my next life I want long legs.
7. I have a friend that I believe is an angel sent to me from heaven.
8. I lived in Cambridge, Mass, I hate tv commercials, I love movies and more than once I snuck out of work to go to a movie in Harvard Square.
9. I wish I was a better cook.
10. I have an emotional memory…I remember information by the emotions attached to them. My husband is perplexed by this.
11. I do feng shui, I was an interior designer and I like change.
12. I love love love babies' toes.
13. I have a huge amount of energy and great intuition.
14. I think you can tell it's Saturday just by the quality of light outside.
15. I am a home body and would rather be there than any other place. I hate parties except when I go to them. Then they're ok.
16. I think everything is the opposite of what it seems. Personally, I am a walking, talking contradiction.
17. I never had grandparents, I graduated from high school in 3 years and I don't have any allergies… however I highly recommend a netti pot for your sinuses.
18. I love weather, it always makes me happy to have extreme weather… rain, snow, wind especially thunderstorms. I like winter better than summer, fall better than spring.
19. I love pink. I have always loved pink. Especially fuchsia. I love red, too. I think red is a neutral and goes with anything.
20. I worked in San Francisco for a year.

Doodlage's Doodles

2009-09-24T08:46:00.010-04:00

Doodlage's Doodles

Doodlage does good!

2009-09-24T08:22:00.002-04:00

I’ve been on etsy now for just over a year. I haven’t really sold much but I keep plugging away. My shows usually do well; I have some wholesale accounts. So I’m not complaining. Etsy keeps me working to up my game, improve photography and enter the world of blogs! But early on, I spent hours online exploring how to snag some online sales. Consequently, I “stopped by” my etsy site way too many times a day! Since sales seemed pretty remote, hearts were my lifeblood. That’s how I met Rashell of Doodlage.

I decided one day I had to let it go, this time suck was not getting me anywhere and it was much more satisfying and productive to actually make jewelry. So I vowed to simply celebrate when I got to 100 hearts and checked in when I had a chance. My hearts grew…until one day, there it was!

Rashell was number 100! And btw, she goes by Shelly (my name) and btw she works with beach stones (me, too!)! I know, it’s not fate, just a coincidence of statistics. But it was cause for some much needed etsy excitement as well as an introduction to the wonderful person behind Doodlage. Shelly is thoughtful, generous, talented and funny. She didn’t seem to blink at my celebratory enthusiasm that might very well have scared another person away! She was perfect to celebrate with!

I just visited her shop today! She still makes her wonderful doodled stones but she also makes beautiful paper cuttings and original color drawing, she uses Japanese paper on clothes pins and creates handmade beads to name a just a few of her treasures. And to top it off, she sells tutorials on photography for 3 dollars! But here’s the best part, I just get this incredible vibe from both her and her work. She really is playing or doodling with no pre text of making it into work. Her “play” is honest and fun and I love it!

Shelly and I still communicate occasionally. I sent her a stacked stone necklace; she sent me a magical doodled stone that I treasure and keep close by for good luck. Of course, my stone arrived in hand printed paper folded in an origami pattern and tied with a hand died silk ribbon. She also very graciously shared her photography tips with me although I still have a long way to go before that’s a simple task! I love Shelly and people like her! Keep on doodling, baby!

Check out her shop and feel the vibe!
www.doodlage.etsy.com

2009-09-23T09:56:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day

2009-09-23T09:37:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day...real day...that I have commited to a blog. I don't know what I'll say, I don't know if anyone's going to listen. But, you gotta start somewhere, that's the hardest part.
I guess I'll just state my ideas for this venue. I would like to grow my small business not only because I love what I do, but because I don't want to get a real job! I used to be a commercial interior designer, but the mommy track coincided with the advent of computer aided design and I fell behind. Which gave me an opportunity to reconsider my future, change careers as it were. I did some feng shui, some residential design but making jewelry is what stuck.
So all things related to building a craft business are of interest to me. Design, production, supplies, pr (especially), packaging, display, organization, inspiration and especially the people.
But right up there on the priority list is being a mom. One son is a sophmore in college, beginning his "launching" process, the other is in 8th grade. Great kids. It's been quite a ride. Changes everything. True love. That topic is always on my mind. School, academics, creativity, socializing, sports and just plan amazement at the people they have become. And we made them, double amazing!
And then there's location, location, location! I live in Baltimore, moved here from Boston but am from Cincinnati. In my ever expanding adult life, I've lived in Columbus, Ohio and San Francisco but I've lived longest in Baltimore and I consider it home. My kids do, too. It's a quirky place, John Waters and all that, but charming and a great place to raise kids. Affordable yet culturally astute with fine museums, a symphony orchestra and DC's nearby.
So, what's on my mind right at the moment is promoting. Promoting my business and my work. Finding retail show options year round and identifying retailers that would be good matches for wholesaling . Time is what I need most, but then there's the laundry, the house.
Ok, enough already!
I've begun and that's what counts.

Yes I can!

2009-04-27T21:17:00.000-04:00

yes!