Trip to Philadelphia

Finally unpacked and able to share about my trip to Philadelphia. We decided to fly out of Portland and happened on the most amazing bakery called Petite Provence Alberta  on the way to the airport. They have several locations in Portland and definitely worth a stop. I did not realize how much I have missed a good French bakery until we walked in the door. Artistic displays and artfully baked bread and goodies. The smell of sugar and butter was heavenly......

Our flight was less than charming. Bad weather and a bumpy ride. The kind of trip where you applaud the pilot when you finally land. We were able to rent a car and travel to the Lancaster County area to see the countryside and Amish farms. 

I was hoping to acquire another Amish quilt for my collection, but did not find one in colors that worked for me. We did manage to get some antique shopping in and an unexpected find... the National Toy Train Museum. My hubby was jazzed because he has an O gauge train set in the process of being put up in our barn. I was really taken with the artistry of the old toy trains. 

The doll and teddy bear show was a blast. It began with a competition between  about 30 or so artists for their one of a kind signature pieces. The voting was done by our peers and I was thrilled to be one of 4 artists honored with an award. Here is my entry piece.

It was so much fun to catch up with all my East Coast friends and collectors. The show was amazing, lots of eye candy and amazing craftsmanship. I also had the chance to make some new friends. 

Nancy Latham, a talented doll artist from Florida. I loved her dolls and paintings. You can see more of her creations at Wistful Children

Another artist from New York, Reina Mia Brill  makes "Knitted Wire Sculpture". Brightly colored, fun ceramic pieces.

You can view more of her pieces here: Reina Mia Brill

Our trip home was thankfully uneventful. I am glad to be unpacked and nesting for a few days, then back to work on future classes and new art pieces.