PBS Arts Festival- Stephanie Dwyer

In addition to the PBS Arts Festival airing, MPB aired segments on the arts in Mississippi.
During each PBS Arts Festival Episode, MPB highlighted an example of the wealth of artistic vision that exists in communities across Mississippi.

Stephanie was one among other Mississippi Artist to be featured.

While Stephanie Dwyer may come from Washington State, she is a Mississippi folk artist at heart. Stephanie is a member of the Mississippi Craftmen’s Guild where her work is on display on the grounds as well as in the gallery. Stephanie’s skill as a welder brings new life to the old traditions of the bottle tree. Her work can be seen all over Mississippi from the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, to the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, as well as in hundreds of homes in between. Check Out the Video

Bluegrass & BBQ Art Show

Come one, come all for a kick up your heels GOOD TIME!!

    On Saturday, November 26, 2011 we’re having a Big Time here at the shop featuring the art works of Stephanie Dwyer and special guest, glass artist Donna Davis. There will be live music from the Delta Mountain Boys along with other musical talents. Food and beverage galore!!! Come get you some Bottle Tree Lovin’ done right!! The festivities begin at 4pm and end at 9pm. See you here!

Deliveries to Birmingham, Atlanta and Savannah Oct. 26th!!!

Place your order now so Stephanie can throw another tree on the truck for you…..

Final destination is Gallery by the Sea on Tybee Island.

Big Bottle Tree Delivery and a Critter Lecture ~ Sept. 27, 2011

    I just put 2500 miles on the truck delivering 15 bottle trees to Frederick MD, Charlotte NC and Chattanooga TN. I am WHOOPED!! People always ask me why I do all of my own deliveries and all I can say is “how else am I going to meet the people who are adopting my trees?” In Charlotte, there’s only one gallery there that carries my work and that’s Maddi’s Gallery. The owners have become great friends and I stay with them when I’m in town. In Frederick I stay with a couple who became friends with me via adopting one of my foster dogs and eventually purchasing a very large bottle tree from me. Because of my art I make sooooo many connections with really great people who open up their hearts and sometimes homes to me. It’s a different lifestyle for sure and not alot of people could do it, but for some reason it suits me just fine at this time in my life. The greatest accomplishments I’ve experienced on the road do not involve monetary gains by any means. If I’m able to not only do business, but to place one of my foster pups in a really good home then that’s a succesful trip. So far I’ve been able to place 2 pups in Frederick and still get to see them when I visit.
    Mississippi Public Broadcast just shot a mini documentary of me and my art at The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale a few weeks back and one of the questions asked was, “do you think your passion for your art equals your passion for animal welfare?” No hesitation on that topic….YES! Absolutely. There are many times when my art has to wait because I’ve got to trap, alter and release or things just come up with people who need help with a critter. (and I do have people in my life who think I’m absolutely nuts for this) But I refuse to take an animal into a shelter…REFUSE…..if I can help it. What people don’t realize is once you drop that animal off at a shelter, you’re only fooling yourself if you think he/she will go to a loving home. Their chances are slim to none at times because of the overcrowding and lack of people interested in adopting. Bottom line….just too many animals reproducing. I use Facebook as a means to bring awareness to the public on spaying and neutering. This is America and we are supposed to be the most powerful nation in the world. So then why is there so much animal cruelty and neglect? Ignorance, lack of animal awareness education and lack of severe punishment in regards to cruelty. I appreciate the gifts I’ve been given in order to take care of myself, but any recognition for my art and attention will be actively diverted toward those small beings that cannot speak for themselves.
    On this last road trip I had a great companion in a 3 month old pup named Tripp. He had to travel with me because he’s in the crucial training stages and constant contact with me and consistency only speeds his positive behavior. Because I get to see what his personality and quirks are, it’s easier to place him in the right home. I just concentrate on one dog at a time otherwise this would be too overwhelming. I’ve tried working with shelters, but those experiences were often negative. I have made friends with people out of several local shelters and we kind of stick together and do our own thing. We help each other out and we do it out of sheer love for the critters. Via Facebook and even this blog I hope to get the word out on the importance of spaying and neutering. We have too many animals being killed everyday while people are allowing their pets to continue breeding. People say, “I find good homes for all of my puppies/kittens.” That’s not the point, the point is that every time you bring a critter into this world you’re taking away a chance for a sheltered animal to get adopted. At one time many shelter animals were loved, but due to circumstances, ie: an owner’s death, loss of job, relocating, etc, these animals find themselves at our mercy and in need of help. I see them, I care for them and now I’m speaking for them. PLEASE think twice about not having your animals altered!! They rely on us to care for them and we’re doing a really bad job of it in light of the nation as a whole. Alrighty then, done preachin’. Time for me to go squeeze a pup. 

North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia Bottle Tree Ramble this June!!

It all started with an invitation by Maddi’s Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina to show my work and now it’s a 3 state delivery blitzkriek.

A Bottle Tree Tour I’d say and lots of people to see along the way. There’s so much that goes into preparing for a journey like this and the real trick is going to be how to transport close to 20 Bottle Trees plus a 10 footer on my flatbed trailer. I’m also taking birdbaths and forged garden decor. The highlight of my trip will be getting to Frederick, Maryland to spend a few days with my friends Ed and Ruthie. I met them last November when they were staying at The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale and I was there with a veterinary friend spaying and neutering all of the critters on the property. At that time I had a small foster dog that I named Jacque but called him “Bug”. They fell in love with him and I knew it was a good match. They were on their way to Natchez and took the time to really think this adoption over. 24 hours later I get a call to say that they’ll meet me at my shop in Jackson to pick Bug up for their journey back home. And the rest is history. We stayed in touch and now I get to see Bug again and meet his 3 other siblings. The 10 footer is going in Ed’s garden in Frederick because when he came by my shop, he knew he wanted something for back home. Funny how things work out. Because of their Delta road trip they named Bug after B.B. King, who’s name is Riley B. King. He is now Riley Bug.

Gearing up for the Chimneyville Arts and Crafts Show…....

....December 3rd thru the 5th at the Jackson Trademart.

    Wow…it’s been months since I’ve posted anything but according to the counts, people actually read this blog. Who woulda thunk?  I’m still in my Washington state visit “funk” and I couldn’t tell ya why. My heart and soul is here in Miss’ipp but I have very fond memories of my stay in Washington. Things hit me a little differently than most people I guess. My work is changing a little. The trees are great and sales are good, but I’m feeling the need to focus on some smaller pieces this winter. I’ve teamed up with Pearl River Glass to do a few collaborative pieces and that feels good. I hope people enjoy them. In the meantime, I’ve been hitting the road doing deliveries, and although that seems like a sweet lifestyle….it’s always nice to come home.
    On a personal level, I’m learning that I have to filter what comes into my environment. My work is based on what comes from within me, so if my heart gets rattled, it’s going to come out in my work or worse yet, hinder me from working. I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life, but every once in awhile a test arises via a conflicting personality. That’s just life. I’m getting better at being discerning and acting promptly, but it still makes me wonder why people don’t question their own integrity and motives. It is what it is and all I can do is focus on what I’m doing, or not doing. Alrighty then…November 16th and I’m still funkin’. What’s up wit dat???
    On a good note….I’m relocating to a new shop space where I can listen to The Black Keys, Southern Culture on the Skids, Vivaldi, Junior Kimbrough…anything I want to!!! Yeee Hawwww….that will be a huge adjustment in my work influence. These wings need to spread and get light and life in them again. I’m curious to see what next year has in store. Goodnight, and thanks for hangin’ out this long.

Shop time in September….

...and gearing up for fall shows.

Here it is, September 11th and I’ve been back in the shop and in Miss’ip since the 7th…and no blog!!! I can’t swing it. Something happened when I was back in Washington state that made me realize there’s more to life than working 12 hour days. I had a really great time catching up with old friends, and of course you must know, if you know me at all, I partook in all things cuisine oriented…which meant…poundage, you know, like weight factor. I gained 10 pounds for sure, I like to say 8, but who’s kiddin who? And it was bliss. As I sit here from my desk in Miss’ip, I can’t help but say that mentally I’m still on Green Bluff picking cherries for a pie, staining my hostess’ fine, German kitchen towels and creating much material grief, only to find that later she will use those towels on a regular basis from here on out and think of me and our visit (now that’s turning that frown upside down fer sure!). Then there’s Jill and Don from Townshend winery…...gracious hosts and on top of that…fine cooking skills that he loves to share. I’m over, overwhelmed with so much information that I’m going to have to plug pix and info from Washington when I come down off of my cloud. But I will say….I left and returned out of the Dallas area so I could see my aunt and uncle for a few days, and once I hit the Mississippi River bridge I knew I was home. Along the way I stopped and bought purple hulled field peas, preserves of watermelon and apricots and I went home and made a feast of the roast my uncle grilled along with the peas mixed with homemade hot pepper vinegar! You don’t find that up North fo sure!! Thank you Mississippi for being my family and thank you Washington state for helping me to appreciate the beauty in this state when so many cannot. The Bottle Tree love was greeted with open arms in Washington and so I will return next summer when things get too hot down here. Stay tuned for some great pix and lots o’love…..when I get out of this funk!

Mississippi grown Bottle Trees Arrive in Washington State!!!

August 6th-8th come on out to Caterina and Townshend Wineries in Spokane, Washington!!

    C’mon out and celebrate First Friday Art Walk in downtown, beautiful Spokane, Washington!! Stephanie Dwyer is spreadin’ that Bottle Tree love via one of the most appropriate places to view a bottle tree….on the grounds of a winery. Her “Bottle Tree Art” will be on display and for sale on the grounds of the Caterina Winery located at 905 N. Washington Street in downtown Spokane from 3 to 9pm. On Saturday and Sunday, August 7-8 from 12 to 6pm, Stephanie will have her art on display at Townshend Cellars on Greenbluff in Colbert just 22 minutes from the Caterina Winery. While you’re there….taste exceptional wines and stock up on some beautiful bottles for your personal “Haint” deterrent!!  Hope to see you there!!

Shackin’ up at the Shack Up….

    On Tuesday June 15th I hit the road with 14 total trees on my trailer. First stop was Oxford and after working in all of this heat and humidity, nonstop for countless days, I was TIRED!! One of the many things I love about my job is when I actually get to meet the people who ordered the tree. Bearing Bottle Trees is sometimes like having the key to the city….people welcome you with open arms and plenty of questions. Sometimes people even make me edible treats for my journey. I absolutely love it!!
    After leaving Oxford I headed up highway 7 to US-78W to Memphis and while I have heard many people complain about this route, I personally enjoy it. Especially passing over part of Sardis Lake on the steel bridge. This is where I do my best brainstorming. Oh yes, and another great factor in this trip is being able to tune into WEVL radio (89.9)!!! I just love that station because of the vast variety and genres of music. On this travel day I got to listen to old time country that seemed to have alot of yodelling going on. Artists like George Morgan, Hank Williams and even Elvis. Then they switched gears and had a full hour of Cajun and Zydeco. There’s nothing better than back country roads and good music to clear the world’s chaos out of your head and help you tune into God’s love letters found all along the way. The key is to pay attention and if you’re going to be in the company of someone on this trip, make sure they “get it”. If not, it’s better to go it alone.
    I had a couple of deliveries in Memphis and all I can say is thank you technology for the GPS!!! My last stop for the day was at a nursery in Coldwater, MS called Homestead Farms. They close at 5 and I got there at 5:04. I will have to say that this is now my favorite retail business that I deliver to…......they had 9 dogs on the grounds and I felt at home walking amongst the pack. People keep dumping their dogs out onto old country roads and it’s people like Homestead Farms who step up to the plate and help a canine brother out. Love ‘em!!
    Ok….so now we get to the nitty gritty….The Shack Up Inn!! I got there by 6:30, road worn and weary and was greeted with open arms by Bill Talbot, one of the owners. He said that Felder Rushing had been in the day before and warned them that I was coming. Warned them?? I can’t help it that I’m always tote’n large quantities of steel on my trailer looking like I’m heading to the recyclers. I guess it doesn’t help either when I’m always wearing my welding clothes. Oh well…..that’s what showers are for.
    So, they put me in a shack called Fullilove and I was in heaven!! I immediately set up my Katrina tree outside the back door just in time to catch some pix of the setting sun casting golden rays on the bottles. Tap onto the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page and you can see what I’m talking about. Every shack comes with a cd player so if you bring your own cd’s it makes for a nice backdrop to the entire relaxed, weathered, timeless experience.
    The second night I was in the Cotton Gin Inn which is connected to the Chapel and the lobby. This is a more modern unit for those who aren’t too sure about staying in a shack. I thought for sure I was going to get out and see alot of things along the Blues trail, but I was so intrigued by Guy’s home tour of the grounds that I ended up staying most of the day there. I’m pretty sure I got to see the interiors of most of the shacks. We even discussed putting one of my 10’ trees in the middle of the property. As a matter of fact, that is now set in stone and I should be able to deliver in a couple of weeks.
    I ate at some pretty amazing eateries like Rust, Ramon’s and the Dutch Oven while I was there. I highly recommend a trip to Clarksdale to anyone adventurous at heart because there is soooo much to see and do. Not just in Clarksdale, but the surrounding areas like McCarty’s Pottery in Merigold,  King Biscuit Flour Hour live broadcast in Helena, Arkansas and Po’ Monkey’s Lounge, one of the last surviving rural jukes, also located in Merigold. I stepped into the Delta Blues Museum and got a very extensive lesson in Blues music and especially by the people who brought it to life. They have an excellent interview on film of Muddy Waters and those musicians he inspired. I bought 3 cd’s while I was there…Charlie Patton, Son House and Honeyboy Edwards and I love each one for different reasons. I can’t wait to head back in a couple of weeks when I deliver and install The Shacks 10 footer!!! With Charlie Patton strummin’ and singin’ in the background I just know it will inspire a tree that will put a smile on many faces!!

Gearing up for my Delta Rally…...

Three more days and I hit the road to deliver, at present count, 13 Bottle Trees!!

    All I can say is I am WHOOPED! I’ve been in the shop for 14 hour days, taking just enough time to eat and walk the Maggy girl. If anyone out there wants to lose weight fast….come on down to Spa Stephanie…it may look like a weld shop but it has all the amenities of your high price spas….we’ve got sauna ( Mississippi humidity under a hot tin roof), tanning beds ( if you stand next to a weld you actually get uv rays on the skin…be sure to shut your eyes though) and we have massage ( I have to teach you that one. It consists of a door jam and steady legs with a little pressure).
    This morning we, meaning Nicky and Larry ( I just watched), installed the 2, 10’ gates I built for a fish camp out in Raymond. The highest point is 6’ tall. The owner has bought from me before and said he wanted me to build something “funky”. Hmmmmmm….heck yah! So I came up with what looks like an underwater scene. There are bream, catfish and bass along with grasses. Far cry from a Bottle Tree, but it was sure fun to build. I was so focused on getting it done that I had to spend exceptionally long hours on it.After installation I came home and took a 3 hour nap. My friends are telling me to get a life but this is a GREAT life. Suits me just fine. And now I get back into the shop to start building Bottle Trees for my Delta deliveries. I’ll be starting in Oxford, then onto Memphis, Coldwater, Hernando and then onto Clarksdale.
    THE SHACK UP INN baby!! Slummin’ in the Delta! After all…the Bottle Trees are the backdrop to the Blues so it’s only fitting for me to completely submerge myself in the environment and find further inspiration for my work. A few people I have met along the way are meeting up with me there and we’re going to have some quality down time to enjoy food, good company and music. I have a special host when I arrive who will literally be giving me the “backstage” tour of the juke joints and businesses around the Delta area. I’m going to post and blog because a person can never get too much information when it comes to taking an adventure to meaningful places. My goal is to actually come back 8 pounds heavier…that’s when you know you’re livin!!

Crazy times at the shop…

Yep, I work alone so this is bound to happen.

    Next Tuesday, June 15th, I will be loading up trailer and heading to Oxford, Hernando and Memphis on deliveries. All was well and fine with 12 trees to make, but now the anty is up to 15. Plus, I have to finish and install 2 , 10’ gates for a fish camp on Saturday. Am I complaining? Nooooooo…..happy to be blessed with work for sure. But this many trees means getting up at 3 in the morning and staying in the shop till 7. My girl Maggie hates it!! She always looks at me like…why? All I can say is you do the work while you have it because it’s not always there. My reward is staying at the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale. I heard they put Moon Pies on your pillow….that makes me happy! Not that I’m going to eat it before I go to bed,  it’s just a nice gesture that someone is looking out for you with something so simple as a sweet treat. Wow…I’m looking at the screen with my eyes, but my body says “go to bed girl, you got stuff to build!”  So, it’s time to say goodnight because I have to listen to what my body and heart tells me! Over and out friends!!

If you’re in New Orleans this weekend (May 29th)......

C’mon to the Palmer Park Market!!!

The Arts Council of New Orleans Arts Council of New Orleans promotes artists through their Saturday markets at Palmer Park. On the last Saturday of every month from 10 am to 4pm you will find a plethora of hand made items from local and typically Southern artists. It’s a great time and there’s something for everybody.
    Now, let’s talk about this past weekend…..Blues and Grooves Fest at The Township in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The weather was hot and so was all the fantastic live music. I set up some large pieces for display including a 10’ by 6’ Bottle Tree, and in that tree I got a little crazy with it. I threw in different types of leaves and bird silhouettes. It takes at least 3 people to carry it, but it was well worth all of the trouble. This tree, I believe, will be on display at the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. Time for me to get back to the shop and spread that Bottle Tree Love!!!! I’m heading to the Delta for a big delivery in a couple of weeks and will be blogging my adventure so stay tuned….should be a very interesting ramble. Over and Out!!

May 22nd is the BLUES AND GROOVE FEST…Don’t miss it!!!

The proceeds go toward prostate cancer research and it was spearheaded by Chris Sartin of Soulshine Pizza.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 22nd at the Township At Colony Park (Right past Rennaissance on the left hand side if you’re heading North on Highland Colony Parkway). There will be a beer garden, live blues music, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, bottle trees and who knows what else Chris will come up with. Hope to see you there!

Bottle Trees and Blues Garden Party, April 3 in Pascagoula!

I’m excited to announce a Garden Art Party in Pascagoula, Mississippi. We’ll be setting up all kinds of bottle trees, luminaries, sconces, decorative chairs, gates, centerpieces, screens, panels and more! In addition, we’ll have live music and BBQ.

Music will be provided by Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Mark Whittington, and special guest “Brother” Chris Sartin. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of Jackson.
I’m especially excited to be able to present my work in such a unique fashion. It’s something you really have to see in person: there will be pieces all throughout the garden environment.

On a very serious note…..

Vicky McNeill needs to pull her head out of her bum!!!!

Guess what..MY blog and I can say what I like. Let me start by saying that the state of Mississippi is beautiful, complex, obliging, historical, intriguing…..but in regards to animals it is completely ignorant and needs to CHANGE!!! My workshop is in the heart of Jackson…well, maybe not the heart, but certainly in one of the main veins. I am so sick and tired of seeing animals running around the streets with rope and chains hanging from their necks in an obvious attempt on their part to escape their demise, whatever that may be. And what’s worse is that no one does anything. But how can they? Dogs with mange, limps from being hit by cars, emaciation….it’s like living in a third world country and this is America. What the hey??? I’m so sick of it. And now I hear that Alonzo Esco, an animal control officer from Canton, Mississippi has killed over 100 dogs by gunshot and dumped the bodies in a creek. Canton Police Chief Vicky McNeill just let’s the whole thing go…guess what? ....she’s used to this kind of treatment toward animals and like many “people” here in Mississippi in government positions, they don’t give a rat’s butt…just give em their paycheck. I hate it. I’m sick of picking up other people’s discarded “garbage”. This page is dedicated to all the life forces that God himself holds valuable!!!! No being is too small to respect. A percentage of my income goes to making sure that animals can get to where they need to be…in the right hands of respect. My focus this year is on humane education. The people of Mississippi who cannot conduct themselves in such a way to respect the life force of animals needs to be educated. For some it is too late, but educating the next generation to the full potential of animals rights and needs is absolutely necessary. Again, this page is dedicated to all the beautiful creatures who I have been blessed to know under unfortunate circumstances. No, this doesn’t have anything to do with bottle trees, but I’m hoping that the same people who are drawn to the magic of the trees and its ability to bring people together, can see that there is a need that requires action. We have some innocent babies that need our help. The first step is taking action. You may not be able to foster, or adopt….but you can support. It’s not enough for you to just take care of your own. You need to reach out, beyond your own comfort level. If you’re at all interested, please email me and I can get you to where you need to be. OK, I’m done.

February…The calm before the storm..

    No pix today folks, just weary words. I’m cold, I’m tired and ready for some sunshine. But spring is just ahead and with it comes new adventures and travels. This season I’m soooo happy to announce that a private home in Pascagoula is sponsoring a showing of my work…the stuff that can’t fit into a 10 x 10 tent/booth. Here’s another good thing…about 2 weeks ago a guy calls me to tell me that he’s interested in seeing my work. He heard that if he wanted anything to do with Bottle Trees, that I was the one to call. Um, sure, come on down! I just happened to be working on a custom chandelier wired for lights when he came down and he looked at it and said, “Yep, that’s what I want.” And another friendship is made!!!
    Turns out that Chris is a local business owner whose passion is singing Blues music with his bandmates at Soulshine Pizza on Thursdays and Fridays at the Township location. Eureka…Steph’s brain just doesn’t turn off….and now she has Chris and his band playing at the Pascagoula showing. This is now turning out to be a huge Bottle Tree lovers dream come true. We’ve got BBQ, beverages, Blues music and a forest of Bottle Trees and Artscape to help start the landscaping season off right!!!  And not only is this any Blues band, this band has one of the best in it…..Greg “Fingers” Taylor who played for many years with Jimmy Buffett. There’s also Mark Whittington on guitar and vocals with Brother Chris Sartin belt’n out tunes between taking the time to see that everyone experience true southern hospitality and comfort. Bottle Trees and Blues…it’s the Mississippi way. Come on, Come on!! Join us in the fun. Directions and info will be posted on the website soon. (Darren Schwindaman is in charge of all of that…I only know how to bend metal and blog) Hope to see you there!!

My Input On The Antique Bottle Show…

..so worth it.

There’s one booth every year that has the best prices on old Milk of Magnesia bottles, very small bottles AND lavender bottles. I’m not your typical, avid bottle connoisseur in the sense that there are many bottles out there worth a lot of money but I just can’t rationalize putting those on my “outdoor” sculptures. There are beautiful, rare bottles out there worth bou cou bucks,  but it’s nice to see them, I don’t have to possess them. It’s just a great place to be if you like glass…period. So many different forms, shapes, colors and time frames…like the old soda bottles that had a rubber and metal gasket in the 1800’s. And don’t get these guys started…...they can tell you ALL ‘bout dis and dat!  No, actually, do get em started and you’ll learn a lot. There’s a passionate frenzy to be felt at any “antique” function. Acknowledging our past makes the present so much more bearable. We are so spoiled with our technology.
    OK, time for bed, BUT I must share a tidbit of random, useless information ......and this doesn’t concern glass or bottles…..this information is timeless and comforting….it concerns hot chocolate. I’m planting a seed right now that will get you to try this little concoction because if you ever have a bad day, a cold day (like this time of year), or you just need a hug when no one is around…..make a mug of hot chocolate, only don’t fill it to the top. Leave room for “stuff”..like a pinch of coriander, a fresh grating of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla. I’m serious. And then add mini marshmallows, stir to get the mallows wet and then put in the microwave until you start to see the whites puff up (about 25 seconds). Stir everything and if it’s too hot to drink, add cold milk. Enjoy!!! I’m serious…there’s nothing better than this, other than a real hug from your grandma. Um, well, I’m sure there will be debate on that one. You know what I mean.

The Antique Bottle Show Is HERE!!!!!

It’s January and that means BOTTLES galore right here in Jackson!

  This is what my bathtub is going to look like on Saturday after the bottle show. Wait a minute…that’s what my tub always looks like. As a matter of fact I just scored on 65 wine bottles from behind the Rainbow Market today in their recycling tubs. That’s the best bottle dive after the holidays when everyone brings out the crazy liquor. You know…“gift” bottles where the outside looks a lot better than what the inside tastes like.
    Here’s the place to be on Saturday, January 16th…. at the Mississippi Fairgrounds from 9am to 4pm. For a bottle show near you go to:  www.antiquebottles.com/shows.html Believe me when I say that this is habit forming. You’ll love it and don’t forget to take plenty of cash because they don’t do debit or credit.
    I’m being kind by sharing this information with you…now you do the same and please leave me some Milk of Magnesia bottles. See you there!!
   

The Best Start to a New Year!!!

Ok..9:00 New Year’s Night and I’m sitting in front of a computer….

......but it’s all good, very good and I just have to share, so bear with me!!
    Between my friend Marilyn and I, we have been fostering a beautiful, 2 year old, female, boxer/pit mix who had absolutely NO training whatsoever. The only inquiries on adoption for her were people who just wanted to breed her because of her unique looks and that’s a BIG NO in my book. With so many animals being euthanized in shelters annually, monthly, daily I can’t fathom why people would keep having their animals bred, unless of course it’s to keep a particular breed going and we all know there’s no shortage of that. It’s all good though because that’s the first thing I do with a foster…get em fixed.  Anyway, I finally got a call from a woman about a month ago, but I was on the road so much I couldn’t schedule a meeting with her. Her only requirement was that her 5 year old son got along with the dog. We finally met today and these posted pix are the outcome of that and a nice visual token to remind me to keep the faith, hang on and let God do his thing.
    When that boy entered into this house today, it was as though he and Sasha knew each other forever. She has always been pretty hyper but in his presence she became calm, so much so that I felt her personality change. She focused on his every move and was extremely gentle in playing with him. Never before have I seen a perfect match right off the bat!!!
    My New Year started today!!!! I’m a really happy girl and very grateful that there are people out there that think beyond themselves enough to open up their homes to deserving babies like Sasha who just want to please. A BIG thank you goes out to all who shelter animals every year despite the cost and time it takes to bring out their full potential.
    In Genesis God created animals the day before he created humans. With this in mind I feel that God puts them in a very important position and basically asked us to respect them. I believe that they are a true test to our humanity. You can tell people all day long that you’re a good person, but that is proved in your actions or lack of. Particularly toward those entities considered “less” than ourselves, human or animal, makes no difference.
    That’s it for now, I have spoken my peace and now it’s time to get on the couch, curl up with four beautiful animal souls and watch the ball drop in New York!!  Have a very great New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

The Folk Art Collection of Wyatt and Becky Collins (Nov. 2009)

  At the Festival Acadien I met Wyatt and Becky Collins and they were interested in getting one of my new Katrina trees. I sold the ones I had there, so I made plans to deliver to them when I got some free time in November. I also made the delivery rounds in Lafayette and spent some time at the Juneau’s home checking out their studio(s) on their property in Scott, La. When Suzanne Juneau made it home, she, Pat and I drove out to the Collin’s home for dinner. Because of the long drive from Jackson to New Iberia, the Collins were kind enough to put me up for the night. WE HAD A FEAST!!!!
  Before ever meeting the Collins I had heard about their extensive and unique folk art collection but had no idea just how vast it was. There was a book published about their amassment titled “From Inside Our Hearts: Outsider Art”. I believe the book can be purchased through the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
    Let me tell you something….I started my business 3 years ago and it has been such a great journey. I always knew I was a little off from everyone else, particularly my family, you know…thinking too much, observing too often and feeling the desperate desire to build and give away.  Then, here I am breaking bread with incredible people and surrounded by what looks like the extension of dozens of other personalities. Every room in the Collin’s home was busting at the seams and full of vivacious colors and textures. Faces observing me as I observe them, so it seemed. The beauty of it all was the simplicity of materials used…twigs, fabric, paper, even the paintings had a clarity I had never seen before. A colloquial form of communication through art from minds undaunted by lack of formal education. I guess you could call it honesty. What you see if what you get. Art without ego.
    I asked Becky who her favorite artist was and she smiled at me, then proceeded to pull out several different pieces from random places throughout the main room. She placed them in front of me and explained that they were made from an artist in Mississippi named Slim Allums. This man was her daddy and she was very proud.  “He was self taught and created out of an obsession to create. He went in many different directions and sold very little.”
  We moved on to other artists and their creations…. Shane Campbell (TN), Reverend Howard Fister (GA), Purvis Young (FL), Theora Hamblett (Oxford, MS), the Cooper family (KY), Pat Juneau (Scott, La. of course) and the list goes on and on. I got schooled in a very grand way!!!  These pix you see here are just a very few of what I actually shot. What a great night. And we ended it with the planting of their Katrina tree. Wow!  I’m still taking it all in.
   

Festival Acadiens Et Creole, Lafayette, La. October 9,10 &11, 2009

Gator on a stick is an acquired taste I’ve heard.

    I’ll listen to that all day long, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to try it. I’m just not that adventurous when it comes to food. But I loved the Chicken Fricasse that Cafe des Amis brought to the festival. That was a chicken breast filet over rice and smothered with gravy!!  Then I followed that with Poupart’s chocolate eclairs. It was hands down the best food I’ve ever had at a festival. And the people…....
        Cajuns and Creoles know how to throw a party! It rained like crazy on Saturday and then again on Sunday, but that didn’t stop anyone from dancing as you can see from the pix. My booth was set up facing the main stage and the music was nonstop. From the moment I arrived on Friday to set up, people jumped to greet and help me. That doesn’t happen at festivals normally. It was just a foreshadowing of the further kindest I received throughout the weekend.
    Before the festival I did a little research on the origins of it and the culture of the people of Southern Louisiana. The festival started in 1972 in an effort to keep Cajun culture alive. There is such a deep, rich sense of pride that these people possess and it is seen in everything they do. The food, music, folk art, dance, everything…even the way they speak to you is enthusiastic and sincere. Check it out….http://www.festivalsacadiens.com/index1.html
  I was approached to do a 15’ commissioned piece for a local person on her property and I’m really excited about it. The space is beautiful…in a wooden pavilion where she entertains large parties and charitable events. Which means…..I get to see Lafayette again!!! I’ve been going about once every 5-6 weeks for deliveries and in the process I appreciate the environment more and more. I LOVE driving over the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge in anticipation of seeing the beauty of the swamps and waterways en route. Because I work long hours and days on end between shows, I thrive on my road trips. It’s my chance to socialize and take in the parts of what a community has to offer.
  I can’t end this blog without mentioning the Lost Bayou Ramblers. They played at the festival and it was amazing. A very talented bunch of guys who make your feet want to stomp and your tongue want to speak french. I highly recommend that anyone wanting to submerge themselves in Cajun history should start here. It was fantastic despite the rain!!

“I’m Goin’ to Graceland, Graceland, Memphis Tennessee….......” (Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, 2009)

Pink Palace is the place to be in October!!

    That’s the fine art and craft festival held annually in Memphis. It was my first time for this show and all I can say is that I’ll be back next year if they’ll have me.
One of my best friends from Seattle flew out to help me AND strike off another destination on our bucket list. I met Ray about 5 years ago when I worked for a film studio in Seattle welding. He was my boss and one of the few “leaders” I respected because he was such a hard worker. He would never ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t jump in and do himself….thus, we’re still the best of friends. If you ever get the chance to see the movie Twilight, he is listed in the credits as the “gang boss” for the set.
    When I mentioned that I was heading to Memphis for a show, Ray was all about it, with the stipulation we see…..GRACELAND.  Ray kind of has an “Elvis” look about him so I told him to grow his chops out for the occasion. No can do, too short of notice. To gear up for the trip, Ray watched Elvis movies for a full two weeks before he got on the plane.  He’s such a radical.
    He arrived here in Jackson on the 26th, and the next day he helped me load up the trailer for the show and we were Memphis bound. Our first stop was to partake in a Bottle Tree Party that was held in Midtown at the home of Don and Penni (ooh, can’t tell you the last name). They had ordered a tree from me months earlier, and wanted all their neighbors to help adorn it with unique, colorful bottles that were signed by each with a paint pen. I thought it was a great idea. There is something very special about Bottle Trees and the way they bring people together.
    Penni’s father turned out to be quite the man of the hour. He’s 82 years old and quick with subtle jokes. We called him Mr. P and we ended up spending quite a bit of time with him. Later on that evening, Don took us to Mr. P’s home where he has a vast collection of old cars, trucks and toy locomotives. I’m not talking about a couple of cars here…..this was an 8 bay garage 2 vehicles deep and then some. WHOA!!!  Mr. P’s been collecting most of his life and we were privileged enough to view it. There was so much history seen in each vehicle and he did an excellent job of restoring and maintaining. His face lit up when he was sharing and that was a sight in itself. That’s what I love about my travels, people are allowing me to see many things beyond myself and my own understanding. Like I said before, Bottle Trees have a way of bringing people together and it seems to attract those who are easily apt to put their guard down and live in the moment without any hesitations or judgements.
    We had such a great time, experienced true Southern hospitality and cuisine and made new friends. What more could you ask for. Mission Accomplished…...Ray came to Memphis, he saw, he ate now he’s back in Seattle sharing it with others. Yee Haww!    Highlights….....Stax, Bryant’s for Breakfast, Dikki Do for Zydeco music, GRACELAND, Rendevouz for BarBQ, Beale Street, NOMMA, and hugs from Mr. P. Life DOES NOT get any better than this!!
    And check out the metal quilts made from street signs!!! How cool is that? You can find them at the NOMMA Museum along with an exhibition of Elizabeth Brimm’s metal sculptures of pillows, tiaras, high heels and boudoire lounges all in METAL!! Leave it to the ladies to bring softness into the wonderful world of blacksmithing.  Love It!!  Live it!! And now passing it on…..

Tybee Island in September (Sept. 3-7, 2009)

After leaving Birmingham on September 4th I made it all the way to Beautiful Tybee Island near Savannah.

    Back in May I had a showing of my work at The Gallery by the Sea on Tybee and a very great lady by the name of Jennifer purchased my Bottle Arbor just in time for the Tour of Homes that her house was being viewed for. She renovated a 1920’s cottage and me being the architectural lover that I am, I just had to see the fine work she did. I stayed an extra day to install her arbor and we became fast friends.

Now here we are in September and I called to tell her I was coming back out for a delivery and we needed to eat pizza again at Huckabee’s. Unfortunately, she wasn’t on Tybee for that weekend. She was at her other house in Atlanta BUT she insisted that I stay the weekend in the cottage. What’s a girl to do??? Not only did I stay in the most comfortable and charming home on the Island, but she also told her best friend Barry to take care of me while I was there. YAY….

Barry turned out to be an avid kayaker with an abundence of vessels to choose from. We were out everyday and each time dolphins would swim and breach near us. Since I’m always in the shop when I’m not delivering…this was the first time in months that my legs saw sunlight. Many Thanks go out to Barry for showing me views beyond the normal tourist circuit and making me laugh!!  I also want to thank Jennifer for giving me such a wonderful place to lay my head!! Oh, and my little friend Aiden…no down-time is complete without the oppurtunity to see a child laugh and remind us to do the same!!!! Keep on , keep on.

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens!!!

What, you say?

Seriously, that is the name of the new account I acquired in Birmingham, Alabama last week and they are GOOD people. Check their website out: http://www.rockettsbugjuicegardens.com
  But the road trip didn’t begin there…..Sept. 3rd (Thursday) I packed my 13’ trailer with much Bottle Tree decor ie: an arbor, 17 trees, a chandelier and a very special Katrina tree for the Ossabaw Island Foundation auction in Savannah, Georgia which was my final destination along with Gallery by the Sea on Tybee Island. Thursday night I had the complete pleasure of staying with one of my patrons (for security reasons we’ll call him Mr. A) and his wife in the Mountain Brook neighborhood of Birmingham, Al. OOh La La is all I have to say about that!!  Stephanie was sleeping in the big house. We had a great visit and dinner at a local restaurant called Dyron’s Low Country. Ginger from http://www.deepfriedkudzu.com and her husband Larry met up with us and because of my busy schedule this dinner was 6 months in the making but it finally happened. A Great Night in the company of Great people. What could be better??
    The next morning I drove out to Rockett’s and fell in love with their landscaping and vast wine selection. I don’t know of any business that mixes the pleasure of the senses like flowers and wine but Rockett’s has done it. If you’re in the Birmingham area, go check them out. I’m telling you….GOOD people. And now they carry cool Bottle Trees!!!
    Next stop….about 5 miles down from Rockett’s I ran into a vegetable stand with my favorite traveling staples….Boiled Peanuts and BIG Fat home grown tomatoes.  No Sonic burger on this trip!!

“Arbor Installation 101” with Felder Rushing and Friends

That’s right!!! That is Felder Rushing installing MY arbor.

    Well, actually the arbor now belongs to Betty Allin of Jackson, Mississippi. She is what I call a repeat offender…..this is the third piece she has bought from me. Also on display on her property are works by Pat Juneau of Louisiana and Poor Julia, a local favorite who makes beautiful, whimsical people out of recycled metal, namely tools and auto parts.
    The day of installation found me with no help as everyone I knew went out of town. One phone call and Felder to the rescue!!!! He brought his good friend Duke and together we were able to put the arbor in place before Betty got home. ( I wish I could have taped Betty’s expression of joy over the phone…..a truely, affable Southern Lady with an unequivocal zeal for life! ) My favorite kind of client!!
    Next project: A 20’ horizontal Bottle Arbor that will go over two garage doors and flow down the sides just a bit to resemble a swag. I have to attach it to the brick wall. This is in the Eastover area of Jackson, so this thing might stir up the neighborhood a bit. Again…...my favorite kind of client!!!!
   

“Felder’s Truck Accessories”

Only Felder Rushing would come up with the idea of driving around with a bottle tree in the bed of his truck!!

And what a great idea it is! Taking a piece of your tranquil garden on the road with you. If you haven’t seen what I’m talking about, go to his website….
  I’m also showing you a photo of the piece taken at my shop before installation. Felder asked me to build something “flowing in the wind” with bottles, of course.( It’s commissions like this that put a big smile on my face.)  Felder was invited to speak at Cornell University in New York last month and the main stipulation they had for him was to bring his notable 70’s Ford pickup complete with flower beds full of annuals, succulents and such. I think they fared pretty well considering the 60+ mile an hour winds over 23 states. ( He went all over the country)  Spread’n that Mississippi laid back charm that he so graciously exudes.
    Wonder what he’ll have me do next???  I think he mentioned something about tomato vine supports, on the funky side, of course.

White Linen Night in the Big Easy

Howdy Hey Everybody!!!!  This is my first official blog entry and the beginning of letting people in on my “Bottle Tree Adventures”. I am on the road delivering my work probably as much time as I am in the shop building and creating. I meet SO MANY amazing people on my travels and I really feel the need to share them with you. This is just a warm up, so bear with me…......

Let’s start with August 1st 2009….White Linen Night in New Orleans!!!!!!  I was just accepted into the Louisiana Crafts Guild and they were having the grand opening for their new gallery on Julia Street in N.O. (The Guild on Julia, 608 Julia Street). What a beautiful gallery Jane Nugent, Doug Stannard and all the volunteers put together. The building itself is amazing and houses an extensive collection of works by Louisiana artists/all guild members. I was fortunate enough to be able to see the old slaves’ quarters behind the building that they use for offices and storage. WOW!!! What preservation. If you’re able to visit the gallery, don’t forget to go out to the courtyard and see all the tropical foliage and flowers they have back there. The gallery also has more works (including my Katrina tree) in the lower rooms of the quarters.
    OK, back to WLN…....Unfortunately, the event was PACKED. I mean, wall to wall people rubbing shoulders in the hot, wet humidity. There was a lineup to get into every gallery and beverage kiosk. Everyone was dressed in their finest white linen and it was a rare opportunity for me to hang up my leathers and behave like a “lady”. I can honestly say that once was enough for me. I was concentrating so hard on not running into people as we were walking that I missed many opportunities to view any of the galleries. But hey, I went, I saw, I smiled, that’s enough for me. The highlight of the evening was meeting a young girl named Taylor who is visiting here from Albania. My dearest and craziest friend Karen, our friend Terry and myself all stayed at the Marriot down the street. Karen brought along a friend’s daughter (Taylor), to celebrate her visit to New Orleans. Her father lives in Meridien and her mother is an attorney in Albania, so Taylor comes to visit every so often. Once we left Julia Street, we had a blast. We went to the Loews Hotel bar for an appetizer dinner and I tasted my first Sazerac. Talk about a historical beverage!! It is known as the 1st cocktail ever invented in America with its origins in Pre-civil War New Orleans (in the 1830’s to be exact). A little dab’ll do ya. Whoa!
    OK, so here are the pix from White Linen Night…........hope they bring a smile to your face Taylor!!  Safe journey home!!

Check out Stephanie in July’s PORTICO Magazine!

There’s a great piece about Stephanie and her art in July’s Portico Jackson magazine.