tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53217583091932629382024-03-05T21:25:32.403-05:00Lost Arts GuildLOST ARTS GUILD
Mission Statement ~ “To provide a nurturing atmosphere in which crafts-people and artists, using natural and/or organic materials may expand their areas of expertise and have a market-place to sell their wares. Further, to educate others by teaching our arts and crafts.”Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-56467371295097038562021-07-04T17:33:00.002-04:002021-07-04T17:33:43.168-04:00WOW! It's been almost forevah!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3VCoeLuXG1S-yJ5FkBYMGr_Pr2t1qWShLcMV9OJtLMkXjHzcD6nf7rxMcjQmR0unvKFP8oJOWv088DxlV7GjUCio6BcXb4ypYFVfkChiCdqBTiFtoUG2_xVtPPLiqj52YmHYvCsDDR0x/s350/slippers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3VCoeLuXG1S-yJ5FkBYMGr_Pr2t1qWShLcMV9OJtLMkXjHzcD6nf7rxMcjQmR0unvKFP8oJOWv088DxlV7GjUCio6BcXb4ypYFVfkChiCdqBTiFtoUG2_xVtPPLiqj52YmHYvCsDDR0x/s320/slippers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">So much has happened and if you follow Thistle Cove Farm, </span><a href="https://www.thistlecove.farm" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: large;">, you'll know some of it. It's also taken me almost forever to figure out how to update the LAG pages but, tada, you can see I've succeeded.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm not sure how the Lost Arts Guild will evolve but am working on figuring that out. If you have suggestions, chirp; I'm open to them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, welcome. Again. Glad you're here!</span></p>Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-48370624534728497912010-02-16T12:22:00.005-05:002010-02-16T12:38:28.903-05:00Sheep Shearing Day 2010 - update<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4fCMGxwJtmOrh9tuz7Xm-nMxKtfHTOtW0AqNYYvicM5q_UWo-ny8jPNzyoBuLjfqB5LKF9Jmp5cDRWUgsLh1Q8QTaKbl81hq7DkBvmWVnR8E5PsKoXyXvnz7YZG0xnLI9bGL0u4qLeq1/s1600-h/Clinton.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4fCMGxwJtmOrh9tuz7Xm-nMxKtfHTOtW0AqNYYvicM5q_UWo-ny8jPNzyoBuLjfqB5LKF9Jmp5cDRWUgsLh1Q8QTaKbl81hq7DkBvmWVnR8E5PsKoXyXvnz7YZG0xnLI9bGL0u4qLeq1/s320/Clinton.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438894938844237426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Clinton Bell ~</span><br /></div>Clinton has met with an unfortunate accident wherein the girth on his saddle broke and he was thrown to the ground which has resulted in rotator cuff surgery. He's unable to shear for me this year and may be unable to do his own shearing.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsETSehFm5jt49exKAhy4Q3kZPogTH-xQ01IgVegPk5q6Z9V6Y_usHqefPVeweTKqS2URlw08Q9H9CLpN1k-iRcKaIuBAtA5RAa6hIFoLI6e-oL7pUD4IB271eTmTv7pM7-jzmsH3RE71/s1600-h/Derreck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsETSehFm5jt49exKAhy4Q3kZPogTH-xQ01IgVegPk5q6Z9V6Y_usHqefPVeweTKqS2URlw08Q9H9CLpN1k-iRcKaIuBAtA5RAa6hIFoLI6e-oL7pUD4IB271eTmTv7pM7-jzmsH3RE71/s320/Derreck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438895302246326754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Derrick Spangler ~</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Derrick, <a href="http://www.lordwillinshearin.com/">Lord Willin Shearin</a>, is checking his schedule and I'm hopeful he'll be able to shear on April 10th. That's the Saturday after Easter and before the re-enactment taking place in our county.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLCzwjO16k3H2qqHXP4g-YLHjXJwu2gXGOjvr_cXtDZ-Ywwb5hI_I5WAzk7pVMrn8x7F1kHOtv0qpMZ-x1jQWi96PVIn560LCUIYN_ZCTowGHMuiy9Cfcw9yvIU5TeKNJ-KL0kwDu8Xgf/s1600-h/Derrick+too.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLCzwjO16k3H2qqHXP4g-YLHjXJwu2gXGOjvr_cXtDZ-Ywwb5hI_I5WAzk7pVMrn8x7F1kHOtv0qpMZ-x1jQWi96PVIn560LCUIYN_ZCTowGHMuiy9Cfcw9yvIU5TeKNJ-KL0kwDu8Xgf/s320/Derrick+too.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438895308203509106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ the lighter side of Derrick ~</span><br /></div>We open the farm, free, to visitors and it's a great family day. <a href="http://lostartsguild.blogspot.com/">Lost Arts Guild</a> members will demonstrate and sell crafts that would have been absolutely necessary to this farm of bygone days. Last year we had a basket maker, spinners, blacksmith, loom builder, dulcimer maker, quilter and gourd decorator. Additionally, a professional photographer set up a studio for photo folks wanting their photos taken with black spring lambs.<br /><br />The <a href="http://covecommunityvirginia.blogspot.com/">Cove Community Association</a> will sell hot food and drink with proceeds going toward educational programs concerning agriculture and the part it plays in <i>all</i> our daily lives. You're welcome to visit, please dress in layers with coat, hat and scarf as it's always been chilly in the morning and warms up as the day progresses. We welcome service dogs only as well as your cameras; it's a great photo opportunity. Parking is alongside the road except for media and those with handicapped designations on their vehicles, we save a small area just inside our gates for those folks. If you're able, come join us.<br /><br />Directions to Thistle Cove Farm are <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com">here</a> or <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com">here </a>or e-mail for more information.Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-12123049433018084922010-01-03T18:31:00.005-05:002010-01-03T18:53:48.672-05:00Sheep Shearing Day 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxMs00k3OlVxh3Bw_R325PqbGO-lcKE3x-z6Zq9SzxdCh119rEIxKkE-jxRcQBV0pYREN_sr0zAOmAOwwKWUCg_xnJhxOdJpowfbr56vfBc3UGfgAlnoEVyv01XP_vlfq5_sRP5lYSpqD/s1600-h/IMG_0293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxMs00k3OlVxh3Bw_R325PqbGO-lcKE3x-z6Zq9SzxdCh119rEIxKkE-jxRcQBV0pYREN_sr0zAOmAOwwKWUCg_xnJhxOdJpowfbr56vfBc3UGfgAlnoEVyv01XP_vlfq5_sRP5lYSpqD/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422663837180113666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Clinton Bell shearing a rare breed Shetland sheep ~</span><br /><br />Sheep Shearing Day is 10 April 2010 and open to the public, gratis.<br /><br />Shearing begins around 9 a.m. and, Master Shearer, Clinton Bell is finished by 12:00 or 1:00. Clinton answers questions and allows photographs as he shears Thistle Cove Farm's small flock of rare breed Shetland, Romney, Merino and crossbred sheep. All sheep are kept for fleece only; Thistle Cove Farm is a no-kill farm and all animals earn their keep by providing unconditional love and fiber.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01N4XfTR6m61sda-nR_fp8cHVV3qV7sBKkYDP-GkZ4gHP0RjiWBXYKWF2MaefFUpKQ6KYf5QmiA46ybB0u9eUhq2TrhWCgqferLWNvBp5qorWfYz-7ItaCdKTnRLmowmbsgRnRVoS9_Tx/s1600-h/IMG_0300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01N4XfTR6m61sda-nR_fp8cHVV3qV7sBKkYDP-GkZ4gHP0RjiWBXYKWF2MaefFUpKQ6KYf5QmiA46ybB0u9eUhq2TrhWCgqferLWNvBp5qorWfYz-7ItaCdKTnRLmowmbsgRnRVoS9_Tx/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422664972760541970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ skirting fleeces ~</span><br /></div><br />Lost Arts Guild members demonstrate and sell hand crafted goods all day and may include spinners making yarn from wool, a basket maker making old timey baskets that are as beautiful as they are useful; the blacksmith pounding on his forge while he entertains with stories of by-gone years; the dulcimer maker explains just how ancient is his favored instrument and he'll even play a tune or three; the gourd maker showcases her beautiful hand decorated and home grown gourds and a quilter showcases her hand sewn quilts.<br /><br />For a modest fee, a photographer will be on hand to photograph you and/or your children with spring lambs.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu2dCA4AjbjIoOIRY9bC2JMLoJAJCESiyj5HAEQAOwFvwePJXDMHTpjSu5M_Pra-wJPYW7xBlnl2DGYtt7iycYfVWzlzamvYLI3PaVQNoSBDFN0RgIlSKuztnB3oiRxbT3ECazWqVIY-9/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu2dCA4AjbjIoOIRY9bC2JMLoJAJCESiyj5HAEQAOwFvwePJXDMHTpjSu5M_Pra-wJPYW7xBlnl2DGYtt7iycYfVWzlzamvYLI3PaVQNoSBDFN0RgIlSKuztnB3oiRxbT3ECazWqVIY-9/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422664377472736274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Mary feeding a spring lamb ~</span><br /></div><br />The Cove Community Association will sell hot food and drink with profits going toward educational programs in the community.<br /><br />It's a great fun day for the family as long as the family members have only two legs. Sorry but service dogs only, please, as this is a working farm. Dress warmly, in layers, as it usually starts out cold and warms up as the day wears on. We've gone from snow flurries in the morning to sunny, warm skies in the afternoon. Make sure you have hat, coat, gloves and scarf with comfortable shoes upon your feet.<br /><br />Directions to the farm may be found at the TCF <a href="http://thistlecovefarm.com/directions.html">website</a>; for more information, please visit the TCF <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com">blog</a>.Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-19287841410144042382009-04-24T23:11:00.006-04:002009-04-24T23:37:28.674-04:00BUSY,BUSY, BUSY......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8NfowFKmG9OJ6Nug55vIj2KWsJlDI7i-lJw9xxVUfAjk9r2Hjlt79kT5iYm5E5kb1DL4C9vaG5F8Fpkh9FK5H-Z3RCjsteaqTwtBjUP57xadlpytx10TDnRXvVtr30yELInHXBAy_Ado/s1600-h/000_0021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328465318415081346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8NfowFKmG9OJ6Nug55vIj2KWsJlDI7i-lJw9xxVUfAjk9r2Hjlt79kT5iYm5E5kb1DL4C9vaG5F8Fpkh9FK5H-Z3RCjsteaqTwtBjUP57xadlpytx10TDnRXvVtr30yELInHXBAy_Ado/s200/000_0021.jpg" border="0" /></a> Boy have I been busy, busy, busy......making baskets. Not only for Sheep Shearing Day at ThistleCove Farm, but also for a convention in Bristol, VA. The Virginia Federation of Garden Club is having there annual convention and a local lady, Elena Combs, is being installed as the new state president. I was honored in being asked to be a vendor. I accepted and being my first large event, am not sure what to expect. So, I have been weaving baskets like crazy. Also not knowing how many to do, I have done 30 different baskets. The picture above is a sample of some as well from previous blog. So if you are in the neighborhood in Bristol this Sunday, April 26 and Monday, April 27, I will be at the Holiday Inn, stop by and say hello, would love to meet you.<br /><br />Also if you missed Sheep Shearing Day, you missed a great day. The sun was shinning, the sheep got sheared and we had a blast. Seven vendors, if I counted correctly, were there. A good crowd of people came and all had a great time. We also stayed for dinner at Sandra's and had a wonderful meal as well as visit. So make sure next year you set the date and come for the fun.<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-48108846692213703272009-03-29T11:10:00.003-04:002009-03-29T11:15:45.017-04:00Heading for Tazewell<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/650726942/" title="Orange Blossom Special by Greenberry House, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/650726942_1bacad7eb2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Orange Blossom Special" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Orange Blossom Special, wool hand spun yarn</span></div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a busy winter here at Greenberry House, and I've been spinning hard trying to get ready for the new season. A highlight of the year for me is <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com">Sheep Shearing Days</a> at Thistle Cove Farm, which is coming up on Saturday, April 4, this year. We'll be heading out early on Saturday morning with the spinning wheel and some lovely hand spun yarns from my wheel, as well as from Thistle Cove Farm and Wild Iris Wool. I'm excited about starting the festival season in Tazewell with the Lost Arts Guild!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-2206785802584330292009-03-25T15:23:00.004-04:002009-03-25T15:40:31.705-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZGKpy-VRVFUNj0zcT_LTtUfkOu9__zRxcop0yaA-jfYASkAQNmsu1YQm-fXcRNbv4-kTN89Y1SXifdIQZf73EXyg-GsG5OJ0q6m14Rh4S2Rl7PFhd7tZTelAGhNHZNjU3i2B6_AdljSP/s1600-h/BASKETS+%232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317209986866111362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZGKpy-VRVFUNj0zcT_LTtUfkOu9__zRxcop0yaA-jfYASkAQNmsu1YQm-fXcRNbv4-kTN89Y1SXifdIQZf73EXyg-GsG5OJ0q6m14Rh4S2Rl7PFhd7tZTelAGhNHZNjU3i2B6_AdljSP/s200/BASKETS+%232.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here are some more baskets to view. Besides baskets I plan to have knitted washclothes, felted or "sweater" soap, alpaca fleece and roving and maybe a felted sheep. The stand holding the baskets was made by Bud Thompson, blacksmith. Not only is he talented with his art, but can tell good stories as he works. So lots of goodies from all crafters to be found. Plan to come and have lots of fun<br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-7214082619814727822009-03-25T15:00:00.004-04:002009-03-25T15:39:31.823-04:00A SNEAK PREVIEW........<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzghXchwIKyFR4I7ggxTlBgnc1YhVGiGGoCHosu5b6PQgNUa0rs9FfKgh5fRdPTi1l0i8Ih_z1p7vXCL6xBmylf36SRmyIaHknXDJ9xOZLPwLi3JzHDM4m3S-UsgU4jsdnQubTD-LvLPI/s1600-h/BASKETS+%233.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317206300905453010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzghXchwIKyFR4I7ggxTlBgnc1YhVGiGGoCHosu5b6PQgNUa0rs9FfKgh5fRdPTi1l0i8Ih_z1p7vXCL6xBmylf36SRmyIaHknXDJ9xOZLPwLi3JzHDM4m3S-UsgU4jsdnQubTD-LvLPI/s320/BASKETS+%233.jpg" border="0" /></a> A sneak preview of some baskets I will have at Sheep shearing day on April 4, 2009 at Thistle Cove Farm. It should be a fun day for all, sheep shearing, good food, arts and crafts of many styles. Plan to come.<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-37318168664051737202009-02-23T08:36:00.006-05:002009-02-24T12:04:06.625-05:00Marketing and Promotion IdeasA blog is a great way to get exposure, to promote yourself and develop markets; the best news, it's FREE! <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Blogger</a> is home to this, the Lost Arts Guild blog, and, I believe is the largest in terms of numbers, but there are others such as <a href="http://www.typepad.com/">Typepad</a> and <a href="http://wordpress.com/">WordPress</a>. I started with Blogger and find it to be the most user friendly but that's, probably, because I'm such a low tech geek and switching venues isn't something I have either the time or the inclination to do. Blogger is, constantly, updating or tweaking themselves and that means never running out of things to learn.<br /><br />A blog may be public, such as this one, or private where the owner permits a selected number of viewers. A lot of bloggers use the blog as an on-line journal, letting people keep up with their lives or, like the LAG blog, use it to promote and market themselves. There are others who use blogs to make money by selling adverts or having sponsors. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a> is a mid-west blogger who has advertisers on her blog who, at times, gives gifts to readers who write comments. BTW, The Pioneer Woman doesn't have a blog but chooses to journal via a .com site, a "regular" website. She's built a business around her blog, her on-line journal of her life as a cattle rancher's wife. It's a fascinating blog, visually rich with beautiful photographs and has an incredible splash, also known as an introductory, page that list her blog 'chapters'. From the front page the reader chooses where to go next - home and garden, recipes, photos, etc.<br /><br />If you want to develop a following, one of the best ways is to teach how you do what you do. In other words, give lessons or a tutorial. Again, The Pioneer Woman started doing this by posting recipes, detailing how to make each recipe and using beautiful photographs for each step. A lot of people in the textile and fiber arts give tutorials on how to knit, crochet, weave, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://elearningtech.blogspot.com/2007/03/types-of-blog-discussions.html">Elearningtech</a> has a lot more information and suggestions about driving traffic to your blog. One suggestion is to use a Meme as a fun way to develop a discussion around a theme from blog to blog. Essentially, one lists a group of questions, answers them and then tags other bloggers to do likewise.<br /><br /><a href="http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/">Tip Junkie</a> has built her entire blog around tips - collecting and sharing them - she even has a badge, or button, to show people have had their tips listed on her site.<br /><br />Micro-blogging is writing many, short, punchy entries and is a lot less time consuming than writing a detailed entry with photos. I find there are a variety of readers. Those readers interested in basket making, broom making, spinning, luthier work, ironwork and the rest of the work LAG members do would rather read a longer entry with photos. They want the languid pace they perceive to be yesteryear, a calmer and safer time. With those type readers, the short, punchy entries don't work as well as the lyrical type entries. You must find your own voice and your own writing style and be true to it.<br /><br />Another way to get increased exposure is to join groups, such as this one or other guilds that are particular to your craft. Both <a href="http://wvbasketmakers.com/">West Virginia</a> and <a href="http://www.ncbasketmakers.com/">North Carolina</a> have basketmaker's associations and, in 1997, the WV association grew out of the NC association. I couldn't see where either of these sites lists members' blogs but they should as it's another avenue to market, promote and publicize both the association and the members. The more exposure for everyone is a Good Thing.<br /><br />If other guilds don't have a blog, encourage them to start one or start it yourself. Low tech people, such as myself, have to be encouraged because stepping out of one's comfort zone is, generally, uncomfortable -smile-.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnnQWIBwpqhSOc0-3zZS1jTb5mfwpC4tTKVjG_i_m1hvkJxSZyCFZRsF-cgCUYXE4y07DMkDbTQCEPJPDYwbAU8BBi91qjVyopz98dAAGS-g9TAjxdAipbRrkqA37LEET8mlcimBusSJh/s1600-h/IMG_1286.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnnQWIBwpqhSOc0-3zZS1jTb5mfwpC4tTKVjG_i_m1hvkJxSZyCFZRsF-cgCUYXE4y07DMkDbTQCEPJPDYwbAU8BBi91qjVyopz98dAAGS-g9TAjxdAipbRrkqA37LEET8mlcimBusSJh/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305999152964088690" border="0" /></a>Keep photos low resolution and put a water mark on each photo. Keeping them low resolution, around 300 dpi, means the quality isn't as good as high resolution and is a deterrent to people to print them off and claim them as their own. Putting a water mark, or a signature, on each photo lets people know you're the owner and your work is, by law, automatically copyrighted. On my, <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com/">Sandra Bennett's</a> blog, <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/">Thistle Cove Farm</a>, I use the "same" photo but different seasons for the photo header. It allows people to see the farm, seasonally, but offers some visual diversity throughout the year. I'll re-use the same four photos, every year, for every season. In the lower right corner my name, Sandra Bennett, is the watermark and the resolution is around 300 dpi.<br /><br />Update frequently. You don't have to update every day but you do need to update frequently to keep people coming back. Updating frequently means your blog name, as well as names listed in your blogs, are 'out there' in the i-world and that means increased exposure.<br /><br />Also, put a following button on your blog so people can connect to your blog and receive a notice every time the blog is updated.<br /><br />These are but a few, quick suggestions on how to gain exposure via the i-net. There are vast articles written on promoting and marketing oneself; a quick surf through a search engine will lead you to more information. Please, let me know if this has been helpful.Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-43557515890083085602009-01-08T21:04:00.005-05:002009-01-08T21:20:16.685-05:00Finally Getting Started!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0wyzioHr7CKzqIXBIHIj84QyAA-aB7JM_u29m3DUst2iZuvSKNobk29n0jgWK_Pi1WJUhBW2MMmZK_i6KIiOoROHn1lY5BbjnvM3mk9tgusDOWxYIQuxBF4Y9ASbPbpKpHIGW7dQa58n/s1600-h/mary_martin_1_cus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289112824377015874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0wyzioHr7CKzqIXBIHIj84QyAA-aB7JM_u29m3DUst2iZuvSKNobk29n0jgWK_Pi1WJUhBW2MMmZK_i6KIiOoROHn1lY5BbjnvM3mk9tgusDOWxYIQuxBF4Y9ASbPbpKpHIGW7dQa58n/s320/mary_martin_1_cus.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hello Everyone,<br />I am Mary Martin, one of the Lost Art Guild's member, I do basket weaving. I come from an Appalachian culture that lived the simply life. I love this life style and practice it today. My dad was a basket weaver. I later decided to do basket weaving. It is one of the arts I truly enjoy as well as quilting, knitting, gardening and canning. I live near Bluefield, VA on three acres of land. I have alpacas for fiber and boy are they fun animals. I am learning to spin there fleece.<br />I have attached a photo of one basket I made, a Moses basket. I enjoy doing traditional and functional baskets. I hope to continue to post some pictures as time goes on. I also plan to be at sheep shearing day at Sandra's and will have baskets plus demonstrating basket weaving. Hope you can come as it is a fun day. Mary </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-85014413425339331192009-01-07T12:14:00.001-05:002009-02-23T15:19:59.089-05:00Sheep Shearing Day Correction!OH MY GOODNESS!<br /><br />Please, forgive me but I've given an incorrect date for Sheep Shearing Day @ Thistle Cove Farm.<br /><br />The correct day is *always* a Saturday and is 4 April 2009. All other information is good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-14703886386114261652009-01-06T15:34:00.003-05:002009-02-23T15:20:08.473-05:00Sheep Shearing Day @ Thistle Cove FarmThe 14th Annual Sheep Shearing Day @ Thistle Cove Farm takes place 5 April 2009. Clinton Bell, Master Shearer, starts shearing around 9 a.m. and finishes around 1 p.m. Our small flock of rare and primitive sheep include Shetlands, Romneys, Merinos and cross breeds. This is a working day on a farm; be a part of mountain community going back many generations.<br /><br />Lost Arts Guild members are invited to demonstrate and sell their traditional Appalachian crafts. Hopefully, everyone will attend: Larry Counts - broom maker; Leslie Shelor - spinner; Linda Wright - spinner; Bud Thompson - blacksmithy; Mary Martin - basket maker; Charlie Butcher - luthier, Sue Shelor - gourd artist; Kevin Riddle - coppersmith; Richard Vogel - woodworker and Sandra Bennett, textile and fiber arts.<br /><br />Hot food and drink will be sold by the Cove Community Association to support educational programs.<br /><br />Directions found at Thistle Cove Farm <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com/">website</a>; updates at Thistle Cove Farm <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.<br /><br />Service dogs only, please.Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-59887329729814303312008-12-11T12:45:00.002-05:002008-12-11T12:48:40.332-05:00Greenberry House Yarns on Consignment<a title="Shipping yarns away on consignment by Greenberry House, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/3099998599/"><img style="WIDTH: 461px; HEIGHT: 335px" height="375" alt="Shipping yarns away on consignment" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3099998599_82a09c05b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><strong>Traveling Yarn<br /></strong><br />I haven't done any consignment in years, because it's hard to produce enough yarn to have for this shop and for doing shows. But a young lady contacted me from a shop in Winston-Salem, which is in an area where 80% of the people that come to Meadows of Dan live. So I thought it would be a good idea to support a new business and get my name out more in the city by sending some yarn to her. The shop is called <a href="http://www.nonpareilgifts.com/">Nonpareil</a> at 3560 Vest Mill Road, Suite 6, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-29730672985974926612008-11-27T11:29:00.007-05:002008-11-27T12:47:32.005-05:00Mary Crockett Bowen Bricker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEiio2tLJF2vm_Q3GFIy3aRnqQYYEQmdr80Y6GGP0GYbaLn-9at3BnER6827JkTKZQ0CIbt_VH5RZ1KCEqLvyfLhLjVUTMoFyZg-vXfD9KuPZjJGRGyS5Zn55YSu_9mddWscNj39Qqcl0/s1600-h/IMG_7603.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEiio2tLJF2vm_Q3GFIy3aRnqQYYEQmdr80Y6GGP0GYbaLn-9at3BnER6827JkTKZQ0CIbt_VH5RZ1KCEqLvyfLhLjVUTMoFyZg-vXfD9KuPZjJGRGyS5Zn55YSu_9mddWscNj39Qqcl0/s320/IMG_7603.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273382315475760290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.legacy.com/bdtonline/Obituaries.asp?Page=SearchResults">Mrs. Bricker</a> was known to her contemporaries and family as Mary Crock or, more simply, Crock. To her grandchildren and great grandchildren she was known as Brick-Brick, her son and daughter called her Mother and she was my mother-in-law.<br /><br />In her day, she did a bit of crocheting but was better known for her ability to teach hard science and math at high school, college and university level. During the war years, Mrs. B., along with her sister-in-law and her future daughter's mother-in-law <span style="font-style: italic;">were</span> the math department at Beaver High School in Bluefield, WV. She earned her undergraduate degree at Queens College, Charlotte, NC in 1934 and in 2004, Dave and I took her and a classmate to their 70th Queens reunion! She earned her Masters at West Virginia University and was all but a dissertation away from her PhD when her parents became ill and needed her care. She won several fellowships including a science fellowship from General Electric and taught at Bluefield College, Bluefield State College, West Virginia University, University of Illinois, Emory University in Atlanta and VA Tech.<br /><br />She was extremely proud to have been chosen one of the very first cheerleaders at Tazewell High School, Tazewell, VA and would tell tales of those early days to any who would listen.<br /><br />Mrs. B. supported the efforts of Fiber Femmes she knew and, in year's past, paid postage to have fifty or sixty boxes of yarn sent to The Children's Home in Siberia, Russia.<br /><br />She was the last of her immediate family, joining her parents, brothers and sister on 19 November 2008. We celebrated her 95th birthday in June and all but seven of the fifty or so guests were family members including children, grand and great grands, niece, nephew, cousins and me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVURZwiZraqk7IVZjfJHtSrHHjvssm6MPmxdWLDjLLQD_F8EP4ZMzG6LPmFbG1pCy86pdBIoK0vzO3TFcD0T4HmooddZxwKGtRBjbjhyC3osYcZD8WopZgQmAo0PzlbYMmo0Qo9W1DQyv9/s1600-h/IMG_7604.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVURZwiZraqk7IVZjfJHtSrHHjvssm6MPmxdWLDjLLQD_F8EP4ZMzG6LPmFbG1pCy86pdBIoK0vzO3TFcD0T4HmooddZxwKGtRBjbjhyC3osYcZD8WopZgQmAo0PzlbYMmo0Qo9W1DQyv9/s320/IMG_7604.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273380810309347570" border="0" /></a>It was one of those rare, beautiful days...absolutely perfect weather and enough of the "old guard" in attendance to warrant a magical knowledge this was the passing of the torch. We all knew we'd never have this opportunity again and took full advantage of the day to build love and memories. We who were there have that day to hold against the dark nights and frosty world that push against love.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessings ~ a life well lived ~ birthdays ~ teachers ~ family ~ friends ~ memories ~</span>Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-59658416048376977582008-07-04T09:49:00.003-04:002008-07-04T09:55:32.405-04:00New River Gorge Heritage Festival, Fayetteville, WV<a title="Blacksmith by Greenberry House, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/2634909580/"><img style="WIDTH: 465px; HEIGHT: 331px" height="375" alt="Blacksmith" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2634909580_3c3080c495.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Bud Thompson's exhibit at festival<br /><br />Two Lost Arts Guild members accepted invitations to demonstrate at the New River Gorge Heritage Festival in Fayetteville, West Virginia, over the weekend of June 27-29. Despite some stormy weather and rain, both exhibitors were well-received. The hospitality of the town was delightful, with offers of shelter on neighboring porches in case of storms and a nice dinner supplied to all the Civil War re-enactors and demonstrators on Saturday.<br /><br />Bud Thompson demonstrated the art of blacksmithing and told stories of what a blacksmith would have done during the Civil War. <a href="http://www.greenberryhouse.com/">Leslie Shelor</a> spun wool on an antique upright wheel and explained what the lives of girls and women would have been like during the period. Both artisans offered items for sale to the public.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-50053659019319986212008-06-17T11:14:00.004-04:002008-06-17T11:44:31.378-04:00New River Gorge Heritage FestivalSome LAG members are participating in the <a href="http://www.visitfayettevillewv.com/heritageFestival/index.htm">New River Gorge Heritage Festival </a>in Fayetteville, WV. The event takes place June 27 - 29, 2008 and includes a heritage festival and Civil War Living Hisitory encampment.<br /><br />For more information, please contact Calentha @ the Fayetteville, WV Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-574-1500 or 304-237-5608.Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-84008137906609045452008-05-22T14:29:00.003-04:002008-05-22T14:49:10.351-04:00Building a Creative Economy in Southwest Virginia<a title="Shopping at the Artisan's Marketplace by Greenberry House, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/2514330140/"><img height="180" alt="Shopping at the Artisan's Marketplace" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2514330140_2a005ce865_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><strong>Sue Shelor, Lost Arts Guild Member</strong><br /><br />On Monday, May 19, I traveled to Abingdon, Virginia, with a fellow member of Patrick County's Tourism Advisory Council to attent the <em>Building a Creative Economy in Southwest Virginia</em> conference. Sponsored by several partners, including <a href="http://www.thecrookedroad.org/">The Crooked Road</a> and <a href="http://www.roundthemountain.org/">'Round the Mountain</a>, the conference covered subjects such as community development and revitalizing local economies by using less traditional methods. At least, that's how it was put. By traditional they meant factories, manufacturing and economic trends of the last fifty or sixty years. But the thought occurred to me that the "new" economies we talked about, featuring artisans and farming, are going back to the real traditions of Southwest Virginia.<br /><br />Because Lost Arts Guild member and spinner Linda Wright is dealing with a critical illness in her family and was unable to demonstrate, I was asked to take her place in the Artisan's Marketplace. Since this was for only a short period during the day, I was able to participate in all of the sessions. It was a lively day, filled with music, interesting discussions, films and slideshows. The featured presentation by 'Round the Mountain included a film showing our own <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com/">Sandra Bennett</a> spinning on her beautiful farm in Tazewell County and talking about the planned community loop trails and Artisan Center. Sue Shelor was also asked to demonstrate her gourd art, and several woodworkers, a weaver, a basketmaker, dulcimer maker and stained glass artist all participated as we..Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-91356746512232032882008-05-05T16:27:00.002-04:002008-05-05T16:59:53.570-04:00Greenberry House News<a title="Leaves Sweater by Annette Petavy by Greenberry House, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/2459180539/"><img height="240" alt="Leaves Sweater by Annette Petavy" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/2459180539_8b8c0a02e2_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br /><br />Just wanted to drop a note here that things are going well with the new season! I've been very busy updating my <a href="http://www.greenberryhouse.com/">web site</a> and am planning to be a vendor at <a href="http://www.sedaliafiberfestival.com/">Sedalia Fiber Festival</a> on May 24 at Big Island, Virginia. Come out if you're in the area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-51597064367149932922008-04-23T11:41:00.004-04:002008-12-10T05:24:41.130-05:00Demonstrations at Welcome Center<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZJ_8mNvD2mz8h3lLi-w-Q0estu3_1hxQQ8dr4_97R9aP_QLWyU3HobWKlET7nyyTVRk8WNm1nMtLxsPWLMU3mgpplaP2gNKbbdA3Zu6DKWthvlMKzFQdHgYg8y-LiAP8UDrhUkjU_Bo/s1600-h/April+Blog+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192469075003939042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZJ_8mNvD2mz8h3lLi-w-Q0estu3_1hxQQ8dr4_97R9aP_QLWyU3HobWKlET7nyyTVRk8WNm1nMtLxsPWLMU3mgpplaP2gNKbbdA3Zu6DKWthvlMKzFQdHgYg8y-LiAP8UDrhUkjU_Bo/s320/April+Blog+053.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Sue Shelor of Mountain Meadow Crafts</strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Two Lost Arts Guild members traveled to one of the Virginia Welcome Centers to take part in promoting their county by demonstating their crafts to travelers. Below are excerpts from the press release: </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">On Thursday, April 17, 2008, a group of Patrick County tourism professionals traveled to the I-77 Virginia Welcome Center at Lambsburg to promote their businesses and Patrick County. Among those involved in this event were four Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) members, the Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce and five members of the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Trust, Inc. Also involved were members of the business community that included retail establishments and bed-and-breakfast inns.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192470045666547954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS-Iy8n0SNZTWZJ4DASXY-pflshaZ_g92aFrPh98UhcoC1obWbRZB5dNtLcavCmHq7YdzyIe5G-wC9LFeiBJFBQ_G7rO014UOmCRJ6V1oLMGHUTU1pA8EENUYehq1ePEXo2mkLcwga_w/s320/April+Blog+052.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong>Leslie Shelor of Greenberry House</strong><br /></p><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Patrick County's artisan community was also well-represented during the event. Charlotte Gardner, TAC president, represented Bull Mountain Arts with a display of artisans' work and with a quilting demonstration. Sue Shelor, of Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market, demonstrated gourd art and gave out brochures about her business, corn maze and festivals through the season. She also promoted the Crooked Road by giving out free demo CDs and brochures. Leslie Shelor, TAC member and owner of Greenberry House, dressed in period costume and demonstrated hand spinning to appreciative travelers and gave out Patrick County brochures and business cards.</div><div align="left"><br />Over 900 travelers and visitors to Virginia were greeted by the Patrick County group. Travelers from as far away as Quebec, Canada, Ohio, and Indiana, many of them frequent visitors to Virginia, were impressed with the presentations made by the Patrick Countians. One woman commented, "Of course we'll visit Patrick County! You are all so friendly!" Others left with stacks of brochures given out by the group and asked many questions about the events, businesses and scenic attractions available in the county. The tourism professionals that took advantage of this opportunity felt that their time was well-spent and that many of the people that they talked with would be visiting Patrick County in the future.</div><div align="left"><br />The Virginia Welcome Centers are operated by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and offer free demonstration opportunities to Virginia organizations and businesses. For more information visit <a href="http://www.vatc.org/">http://www.vatc.org/</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-79890674792773518522008-04-16T12:12:00.014-04:002008-12-10T05:24:41.671-05:00LAG @ Sheep Shearing DayWe had a beautiful day for sheep shearing; weather was sunny and bright with a crisp wind blowing most of the day. For those of us working, it was a delight but for those wandering around, jackets were tightly buttoned and hoods pulled low for most of the day.<br /><br />Fleeces are, again, magnificent this year and my woolies continue to produce wool that surpasses most everything I've ever seen. The whites are creamy and clear, the grays are silvery and throw sparkling light, the browns are rich and textured. All in all, another great year for <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/">Thistle Cove Farm</a> fleeces.<br /><br />Clinton Bell sheared and Daniel Miller caught the sheep. Both jobs are hard, require a lot of physical strength and seem, at times, unending but both men did a fine, fine job. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189896715009006418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCHIg0g3KYXVq3S6jzcDGWFfwrTK51qa98R7w-ufYp8GTlvYIGRAgas27n3eOtAzFfkXk21uKhBkriYhXuvTpT1uWjakt4xKIau-nyA0c92Uiaro5IxqZFzE04MeZDs2DFj8RhW8TG3iH/s320/IMG_55561.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div>LAG members had a good day. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Mary Martin, basket maker, also helped skirt fleeces in exchange for me teaching her about the business. Mary has alpacas and is starting a fiber business. Her friend, Alice, on the left, also helped and enjoyed the day. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189889495168981826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTGp0ELL7_cUBErYpJN1xFpmVQe-SHDVDiBiq9jF6KK04GBjNuJRrzN0WSDy5Z9Rja0ML-7qOmM9EpenBTeBAkjUeQscyDyIGVIh-b8XRCDR9SYNpsGmheQYIj1gSSPIoqWIIqawrDm8s/s320/IMG_5561.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Bud Thompson, blacksmith, always has good stories to tell and kept people enthralled by both story and forge. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189888571751013154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ilD4f09v1z0uZRqaHueV-BovqQeFodnKTHnezGGzcNoWNPhQVgFE63OiJniBJJBimreaBPBxWjmc7TmEGJIVJYguHoCxxj2CN9xxlxFzrc4CyVOBIeuCdJzcsOR3CfwwtDUWkKP6TvBy/s320/IMG_5547.jpg" border="0" />Larry Counts sold brooms as fast has he could make them; it's a good thing he had a supply to fall back upon!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189888322642909970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNyRjlA1JI3u-ExuY3cxYrMyVpGPjK4XJ4tMXE4fUoLYgSFBeuV-DHyn6QhhjvfUWjVlKbOzOfUplgM_I-HzdTXIzzXKV7cFXHRpZvOmw3_NCSSzMO2a39XK771oh_AnHyD58y2jHztgH/s320/IMG_5549.jpg" border="0" /> Charlie Butcher enjoyed telling people about making mountain dulcimers and even played a few tunes.<br /><br />Larry mentioned the Lost Arts Guild and the opportunities the guild has afforded him. I'm delighted he's pleased. When I, Sandra, started this guild, about twelve years ago, my vision was for a group of crafters who do things the "old fashioned way". I wanted us to promote/market/sell ourselves and our products as well as to promote Appalachia in an excellent light. If you read our Missions Statement and "Who We are", you'll see what we're all about and why we do what we do.<br /><br />All LAG members were handpicked and guild size kept deliberately small and the quality superb. That's the good news, however, at this point in time, the guild is closed to new members. Eventually, if guild members decide to have officers, terms of office, annual dues...iow, all those things that make up a "real" guild, membership could open up.<br /><br />In the meantime, please tell others about the Lost Arts Guild, visit our blog often and, please consider, linking to us. When you do these things, you're helping keep "the old ways" alive and well. You're also casting your bread upon the waters, bringing good karma into your lives and we all know...what goes around, comes around. Let it be good! </div></div></div>Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-41842869856641245362008-04-14T18:41:00.002-04:002008-04-14T18:51:20.334-04:00LAGLag has been very rewarding for me. This is a small guild that is truley devoted to finding opportunities fo thr artisian or craftsman. They are interested in promoting southwest Va. crafters and not just getting grants or tooting their own horn. I,ve got more bang for the buck here than any org. that I,ve been associated with. I encourage any artisian in southwest Va. to check them out. <br /> I,ll talk again soon.<br /> broommanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-66039882640212191062008-04-14T13:30:00.009-04:002008-12-10T05:24:42.196-05:00The Season Has Begun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCWg6vZ_YCmfXkXJ5ZV2cF4rZ6jcNsa2RTaISyYepkaxSgRBQFXrjtYJ2dyi1D3MJPHltriC9atCkkdvDriA3nw9np-EG5eBlUhjInwpFqCasAlX-FBPhTxuirKaVOJZeUl5Gjh0W8VI/s1600-h/Sue+013a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189155826827059858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCWg6vZ_YCmfXkXJ5ZV2cF4rZ6jcNsa2RTaISyYepkaxSgRBQFXrjtYJ2dyi1D3MJPHltriC9atCkkdvDriA3nw9np-EG5eBlUhjInwpFqCasAlX-FBPhTxuirKaVOJZeUl5Gjh0W8VI/s320/Sue+013a.jpg" border="0" /></a> It is such an honor to belong to the Lost Arts Guild! It was great to see what Larry wrote about <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com/">Sheep Shearing Day</a>; I hope I can make it next year! Sandra must be exhausted after all her hard work on the day at the farm. I hope the day was a great success!<br /><br /><br />I'm looking forward to seeing what the other artisans in the guild write here; they are such talented people! I'm a gourd artist and have been selling my work at festivals, shows and other venues for five years. I joined Lost Arts Guild last year and have really been pleased with the rewards!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189158326498026146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenMwiouRzU4SrrG5hA9mfa2mcqaHRdjOERyoUgSnldLegabrZcsOWdwAhlOz3VpzjzTq7M7khJNxQUesUnUa-eeUjTc3XkTGJEI9ASuxrUo53jyUyR1JWrOhPgH2Ie_SIsLFsMtOENMI/s320/MARKET+PICS+4+081.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>In late summer of 2007 I opened my shop, <a href="http://www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com/">Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market</a>. Our theme is "Uniting Southwestern Virginia's Artisans and Craftsmen With Local Heritage Farmers to Preserve the Traditions of Days Gone By". Some wonderful artisans are represented here using different mediums to showcase their many talents. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189160070254748338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaYlPRrqHocTGuV6fuKcSWUULTIN41Tg-DDoRgYV998tx6j-3orQWjh-KxUtHxEq5sQuXNQeG6Kr8ay3qusKmEoCaub-wxolsd9fDDSjXKBDRqptB0P5m83yOBJmmRGwsGW3WxzT8zxU/s320/MARKET+PICS+4+066.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>This coming week, on Thursday, I'll be at the <a href="http://www.virginia.org/">Lambsburg Welcome Center</a> on Route 77 with some other Patrick County business people. Among the many folks going along is fellow Lost Arts Guild member Leslie Shelor of <a href="http://www.greenberryhouse.com/">Greenberry House</a>. I'll be demonstrating my gourd art and talking about the shop and our corn maze. Our goal is to promote the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia and Patrick County. <a href="http://www.vatc.org/">Virginia Tourism Corporation</a> offers any Virginia business the opportunity to promote their business or interests free at any of the ten Virginia Welcome Centers.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-82046931413305038872008-04-13T18:05:00.002-04:002008-04-13T18:15:54.937-04:00Sheep Shearing DayI had a great time at Thistle Cove Farm on Sat Apr 12. Sandra B. is a great hostess and Dave is ok too. I sold parents several brooms and gave each kid a free sample.I hope I can attend next year.<br />I can be reached at <a href="mailto:broomman24225@yahoo.com.or">broomman24225@yahoo.com.or</a> broomman24225.gmail.com.<br />I am working on a web site at broomman24225.googlepages.com. check it out. It has my 2008 schedule,some bio,some pictures and some products for sale.<br />I'll be in Honaker Va. this coming weekend. Hope to see lots of folks there.<br />Bye fo now...broommanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-27345985257179127972008-04-11T14:56:00.005-04:002008-04-11T15:26:55.141-04:00Spring at Greenberry House<a title="Greenberry House by Greenberry House, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenberryhouse/442324792/"><img style="WIDTH: 478px; HEIGHT: 271px" height="289" alt="Greenberry House" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/442324792_ab084384ed.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><strong><a href="http://www.greenberryhouse.com/">Greenberry House</a>, Meadows of Dan, Virginia</strong><br /><br />At long last the sun is out and we're looking forward to a busy, busy season up here on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Meadows of Dan. This morning a local farmer got me out of bed with "two bags full" of glorious carded Coopworth sheep's wool. I'll be dyeing and putting that out on the shelves soon. I've enjoyed the winter, although I don't know how the time flew by so fast, but I'm looking forward to fiber-filled days here at the shop!<br /><br />Members of the Lost Arts Guild are going to be busy this weekend at <a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.com/">Sheep Shearing Day</a>, which I wish I didn't have to miss! This will be the first in several years I haven't been able to attend, and I regret not getting the chance to plunge my hands deep in fresh, wonderful wool. I'm hoping for sunny skies over Tazewell.<br /><br />Next Thursday I'm heading to the <a href="http://www.virginia.org/">Lambsburg Visitor's Center</a> with several other Patrick County businesses, including Lost Arts Guild member <a href="http://www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com/">Sue Shelor</a>. We'll be talking about all the wonderful things there are to do in our little county and I'll be demonstrating how to spin some glorious roving made from the angora of my rabbits and some wonderful Corriedale sheep's wool. My shop specializes in hand spun, hand dyed yarns from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee spinners and farmers, along with roving and raw fiber for hand spinners.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321758309193262938.post-64655333866138316072008-04-08T16:05:00.001-04:002008-04-13T18:24:59.830-04:00<p style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">LAG MISSIONS STATEMENT ~</span><br /></p> <span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:12;" ><span style=""> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“To provide a nurturing atmosphere in which crafts-people and artists, using natural and/or organic materials may expand their areas of expertise and have a market-place to sell their wares. Further, to educate others by teaching our arts and crafts.”</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:12;" >Lost Arts Guild members ~<br /><br />Bud Thompson, Tazewell County - Ironworker, Farrier, Blacksmith<br /><br />Charlie Butcher, Tazewell County - Luthier<br /><br />Kevin Riddle, Bath County - Coppersmith & Woodworker<br /><br />Larry Counts, Russell County - Broom Maker<br /><br /><a href="http://www.greenberry.blogspot.com/">Leslie Shelor</a>, Patrick County - Fiber Artist<br /><br />Linda Wright, Patrick County - Fiber Artist<br /><br />Mary Martin, Tazewell County - Basket Maker<br /><br />Peggy Herbert, Russell County - Scherenschnitte<br /><br />Richard Vogel, Tazewell County - Woodworker<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:12;" ><a href="http://www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/">Sandra Bennett</a>,Tazewell County - Fiber & Textile Artist<br /><br /><a href="http://mountainmeadowcrafts.com/">Sue Shelor</a>, Patrick County - Gourd Artist </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:12;" ><br /></span>Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.com0