What has 3 heads, a clear conscience & about 50,000 cups of coffee?

With Michael Shipley @ Conscious Cup...

. 

I was hanging artwork yesterday in Crystal Lake's own Conscious Cup. When I got home, my son asked me why it's called that. I explained that it's because many people are pretty much unconscious until they have their first cup of coffee in the morning.

But seriously, it's a locally owned, fair trade coffee shop/cafe owned by the Shipleys (Michael, Jason & Jack). If you believe in supporting local businesses, local artists, fair trade & good, old-fashioned caffeine, this is the place for you.

And, if you purchase any of our artboxes during the show there and mention you saw it at Conscious Cup, you'll be helping local kids and single moms in crisis. How? Read on...

Reasons to go to Conscious Cup during the holiday season:

1. Coffee
2. Coffee!
3. 20% of artbox purchases made there will benefit the local shelter Turning Point.

One of the artboxes now on display..

And if you're like me, and would rather drink hemlock than go to a mall on Black Friday, consider a saner alternative: cozy up with a cuppa joe, hang out with a newspaper, ipad or a friend & leisurely shop the original art (yes, that would be ours) or the Ten Thousand Villages fair trade gift selection at this local haven.

If you buy any of our pieces showing there through the end of 2012, you can be assured of 2 things...(Yes, I know, I'm into lists today.)

1. If you need a gift for the person who has everything, they won't have this!
2. Your purchase will help McHenry County's women & children escape violence and enjoy a season of joy and peace. 

I know I'll be hanging out with the occasional chai--hope to see you there!

+ Visit the Conscious Cup website
+ Find out about Turning Point
+ See the artboxes online

I'm Having an Affair.

No, I haven't left my husband of 16 years, but we're both having an affair...more on this below!

Our house has been a-buzz as we get ready for the upcoming Affair of the Arts fair Nov. 18...The hubby's been wood burning so much it smelled like we had an indoor campfire last night!

As much as I enjoy pyromania, I've been sticking to drawing/painting to prepare. (Here's a shot of a piece in progress...)

What, pray tell, just is this "Affair of the Arts" of which I speak?

* It's a unique shopping experience, with over 40 artists presenting jewelry, glassware, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media decor and more. If it's functional and beautiful, it will be there. If you've wondered how to make the everyday items (& moments) in your home inspired, then you'll want to put this on your calendar.

* It's outside in a gloriously picturesque fall setting, yet it's also inside for those of us who want to stay cozy-like.

* Artists don't really like that whole 'starving' idea, so snacks will be available. (I hear tell there will be a cash bar as well.)

* The show is Sunday, November 18, 2012  10 am – 4pm

 @ 

The Shores of Turtle Creek: 7908 Winn Rd. Spring Grove, IL 60081

http://www.shoresofturtlecreek.com/

Want to check out details and the artists who will be showing?  Go to the Affair of the Arts website.

See some of our collaborative work (& the burned stuff) here.

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