house wren studio: open door

Sometimes blogging feels as though I have just thrown open the front door and invited the whole world in. Into my creative life, my family life, my wandering thoughts. I try to keep the steps swept clean, have the tea kettle simmering, some crafty project on the worktable, news about the neighborhood and the kids. And hopefully, I'm not still in my pajamas when you arrive. (Who has time to get dressed?) Come on in, pour yourself a cup and have a seat- some news to gab about:

:: Sweet Mountain Holiday should be on the shelves soon. Look in your local gift shop, department store or online store for the vintagey holiday collection I designed for Midwest/Seasons of Cannon Falls. I discovered that my favorite pieces- the mouse, bear and bunny ornaments are already sold out at the wholesale level, so don't wait. And it's going to be featured in the next issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion- the holiday issue!

:: I'm teaching a series of Saturday crafting classes at Tinsel Trading in October, November and December. The first workshop is on making a vintage inspired candy container for Halloween and the design is so darned cute I could hardly let it go off to the store. If you are in the neighborhood of 38th and Sixth in midtown, stop in and see it on the counter early next week. Workshop is on October 13th, 12-3. I'll be signing my Midwest collection too. So love that place- like a chocolate shop for crafters.

:: A party favor. To celebrate my birthday week, I'm going to sign and give away something from the Sweet Mountain Holiday collection. Not sure which one yet. Just leave a comment here on this post and I'll pick a name on Sunday. Not too soon to be thinking holidays and gifts, right?

:: And- I'm finally adding some new pieces to my Etsy shop. I know- took long enough, didn't it? Hope to be adding more things soon. xoC

p.s. I'm so glad you came over! More tea?

Comments

Charlotte,

Happy birthday week to you and yours!

Cheryl

Posted by: fromthepines | September 21, 2007 at 04:21 PM

I really enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for sharing so much with us. I would love to be included in your drawing! Thank you.
Lou Ann
louannmoo@yahoo.com

Posted by: Lou Ann | September 21, 2007 at 07:35 PM

Adding my name to the list for fun! You are inspiring to us all. I have been to Tinsel Trading twice since my daughter moved to NYC and it is like chocolate! Wish WI wasn't so far away for a class!
Best wishes!
Lisa

Posted by: lisawcook | September 21, 2007 at 07:47 PM

Happy Birthay Charlotte. I can't wait to see your collections in my local shops!

Posted by: Angie | September 21, 2007 at 11:00 PM

happy birthday YEAR ...

Posted by: sharon | September 22, 2007 at 07:38 AM

Sometime last year I began noticing your lovely creations in stores, and now here I am 'at your place' enjoying a cup of tea :) Isn't life amazing.

Posted by: Lilli | September 22, 2007 at 10:54 AM

I am so glad I dropped in on you when I saw your blog featured. Your blog home is so warm and welcoming! I will be stopping by to visit frequently. Take care.

Posted by: Cindy | September 22, 2007 at 12:26 PM

Sooo envious that you can just run over to Tinsel Trading, I am hoping to be in that neighborhood this time next year for a visit!! Well, I will visit via online instead for right now. Congratulations on the Midwest ornaments! They are so great at marketing! Will watch the mail box for the new Home Companion to see! Loving you blog-keep up the good work1-Sandra Feazel

Posted by: sandra feazel | September 22, 2007 at 02:16 PM

So much going on here!! Congrats!

Posted by: Katie | September 22, 2007 at 03:33 PM

happy b day
and the picture of your door is the most inviting thing. the colors with the wood floors just look so perfect

Posted by: jeanetta | September 22, 2007 at 03:44 PM

Congratulations on the new line...can't wait to see it in the shops and in ME's magazine.

Posted by: joyce | September 22, 2007 at 07:13 PM

Congratulations Charlotte On many levels! The birthday, your typepad feature, your sell outs at midwest!
all so well deserved!
Unfortunately I am one of the UN-lucky ones, because I missed out on getting some of your great goods, they were ALL sold out when I checked in and tried to buy.....:(
but I did manage to score the little peace doves and they are DARLING!
can't wait to put them out!
xo
c.

Posted by: catherine | September 22, 2007 at 08:33 PM

I probably missed this already but hey, here I am anyway!
Love the ipod cozy and it's ool about Silver Bella. In general YOU are just one talented little woman!!
Your blogaliscious photos inspire.
sarah

Posted by: sarah | September 22, 2007 at 11:14 PM

Oooo, sign me up!

Posted by: Rocks In My Dryer | September 22, 2007 at 11:55 PM

I love all your creations Charlotte and i love your name....so beautiful i love saying it "Charlotte" I esp. love the li'l mice in the tea cups..I went to bayberry cove and wanted everything you made....you are a genious....I wish I had an ounce of your creative genious...thanks for an inspiring a beautiful blog.
ellie

Posted by: Gabrielle | September 23, 2007 at 12:17 AM

Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Jenny Rebecca | September 23, 2007 at 08:17 AM

Charlott,
Oh, my! You've got me all excited, going in every direction over here! LOL, birthdays, new pieces coming out, artsy-crafsty classes (booHoo I'm on the west coast), a drawing and so much more! Happy Birthday!
*Heidi*

Posted by: Heidi | September 23, 2007 at 11:27 AM

Everything is just wonderful!

Posted by: Rosemary P. | September 23, 2007 at 07:33 PM