Holiday Markets
I had a great time at the Magical Marketplace in Vestavia. Many veterans and newcomers alike participated in this locally well-known holiday market. Most of the shoppers appeared to be longtime customers as well. All in all, it was another great learning experience for me as I weave my way into this post-retirement career. Preparing for the Magical Marketplace was the impetus I needed to hone my presentation setup, prepare merchandise, and finish up some art.
Longhouse Studio artbooth at the Vestavia Hills Magical Marketplace
I picked up new prints, Three Tulips, Dragonflies for Lucy, and Sea Gazing, and prepared them for sale. That requires signing and numbering them, cutting their mat boards to size, and enveloping them in clear bags for protection.
I worked for two weeks on making and painting ornaments.
Painted terra cotta Christmas ornaments
I finished one abstract, Fire Ice.
I began and completed Essential Worker 2, a piece in a series I’m focusing on that celebrates our planet’s pollinators. I am proud of this one. I did it quickly while I was in Nashville getting my ornaments fired at Teresa’s home and studio. I didn’t put much pressure on myself, and that seems to be the key. I am making an effort to ensure each stroke says more, instead of doing what I call “painting it to death.” Filling in every detail as you would see it with a magnifying glass requires too much work for the artist AND the viewer.
A pair bees visit a big yellow dahlia. “Essential Workers 2”
Making the ornaments was a lot of fun, and I expect I’ll make them again. These are painted and sealed terra cotta pieces. This method only requires one firing. That’s all I had time for, but I like doing it this way. I’m more of a painter than anything, so it feels natural. I sold three of them. The rest are headed for a little shop in California, Harmony Pottery. Godspeed, my little loves!
Christmas ornament headed for California
I sold only one print during the event, but scored some great gifts for my grands, and a lovely scarf for myself.
Every vendor and shopper I’ve met at the markets and festivals I’ve been part of this past year has been so warm, helpful, and interesting! I don’t regret a single fee paid or hour spent. That said, I know I have learned what is and isn’t a suitable venue for me. Although I enjoyed the ornament-making, I’m looking to sell art, and my work doesn’t fit well with this type of market. But I’ve gone into it all, knowing it was about the learning. I feel like I’ve made it through elementary school. Now I am ready for 2026.
Look out, junior high, here I come!