Pages

Saturday, September 09, 2006

The Shaker Festival
Today we went to the annual Shaker Festival. A much different crowd than the renaissance festival a few weeks ago, Jeff felt much more comfortable as did I. There was no black leather and jousting swords.
The artisans were awesome! The girls rode ponies, decorated pumpkins, went to the petting zoo, watched a magic show (Annie Kate again got to get up on stage) and when we left we ran into mother goose.
I bought a incredible felted pillow from a lady from Hungary. She learned how to do this when she was a little girl in her village (at least that helped sell the pillow, who knows she is probably from Jersey) She sews the design on the reverse side and then cuts out the design on the front. I could have bought one of everything, but you know this pineapple was screaming at me. If anyone knows what this method of felting is called I would love to know, I am so amazed by it.

painted coins
The other cool artisan I found was this guy who hand paints real coins. The is a sample of the Maryland one. They are incredible. The photo does no justice! They are painted on both sides and then set in a hard enamel with a 14k gold rim and charm. You can click the above link to check it out. It would be an awesome gift or treasure to have to remember a state you lived in. They do every kind of coin. It is worth looking at.


One of the artisans I found was this lady who did great stuff with chenille. (her website does not give the good feel of how great her stuff was) I enjoyed talking to her about stories of how she finds the old quilts and how she got started.


Annie Kate holding the 3 week old rabbit.

It was again a wonderful Saturday in the east. see all our photos here.

11 comments:

Jill said...

The Crazy Cutlers are at it again. We still haven't left our front yard, sheesh. Cute photos, though the people still look rather odd. What's with the buck-toothed guy on stilts? Creepy.

Unknown said...

Those coins would be cool made up into a charm bracelet. You know me, I always have jewelry on the brain....LOL!

Looks like a wonderful day :)

Liz said...

Awesome finds! What a fun day!

Anonymous said...

great pillow- ya gotta love those great southern traditions- love it!

Doodle Bugs said...

the pig pillow is adorable... too cute :o) Looks like you had a blast!

Laurie said...

I love how you take advantage of the local culture and happenings all the time.

Amy said...

What a cool festival--and of course you not only went, you actually talked to people! I never talk to that many people even though I've extremely curious about the things they're selling. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, you have such a fun family. I love how you get out and really live in the areas where yo reside.

Elizabeth said...

How fun, It looks like AK is destined for the stage.

LG said...

Sounds like you had a super fun day!!!
Liesel

michelle said...

Looks like another great adventure. Look how much you guys would have missed out on -- already! -- by not being in D.C. Amazing.

Anonymous said...

awesome pillow! and I love the piggie.