art from "The Master's Hand"

Every 4th Saturday in September my family and I walk the streets of Hiddenite to check out the talent at the Hiddenite Festival of the Arts.   And on this dreary cold day I thought I would share with you an amazing artist I met there last year, Carolyn Valcourt of "The Master's Hand".   Her graphite/pencil drawings are amazing, such beauty and detail.  Most of her pictures were of horses, but she also draws farm animals, zoo animals, and our family pets.  And like I said the detail is amazing.  This was the last stand I passed on my way out of the festival...I was hot and tired and just wanted to get home, BUT...



...this one of the team all harnessed up and ready to work stopped me in my tracks.  So much so that I didn't even tell the kids, they kept walking until they noticed I was missing, and had to backtrack to find me, LOL.  This artist and her work deserved my undivided attention.  And there was so much to look at...Carolyn graciously gave me a few minutes of her time, and had to point out that these were actually prints of her original, which made them extremely affordable for everyone.  The printer did such a good job, at first I did not even realize they were prints.

Now I have to tell you that the thing that most impressed me about Carolyn was her love for Jesus Christ, and her desire to share His free gift of salvation with everyone she meets, hence the name "The Master's Hand".  When I asked for her business card, right on it is stated "to God be the Glory", and it was attached to a piece of paper that told a little bit of her testimony (how she came to Christ) and how we all can know of God's love for us and have our lives transformed.  I was humbled by her gentle presence, she did not thump you with her bible warning you of hell, she just handed out her cards with a warm and genuine smile.

This last picture was my favorite...a Vanner Gypsy Horse...I want one so bad, but I would have to win the lottery first, LOL.  It was while I was drooling over this picture and bemoaning my empty purse when Carolyn gave me her card.  And that reminded me that I am rich beyond measure, thanks to my Father in Heaven.  How about you?

Be blessed,

Debbi

talent from the Hiddenite Festival of the Arts 2012

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to the Hiddenite Festival of the Arts near our home.  Today I would like to share with you some of the great crafters and artists that set up home there for the day.



First we saw Harles & Jerry Southers from Southers Woodcraft.  They specialize in Rocking Animals, from horses to cows to this great Harley.  Owen was ready to climb the table to get on that hog. LOL

Next was Don R. Crater from Nature Craft.  Nothing speaks of the beauty of fall better than nature itself.  Right before I took these pictures, someone had purchased a really huge (and I mean HUGE) pumpkin. I love pumpkin and canning pumpkin for great taste all year long, but that one would have lasted me YEARS. hahaha. He also had different types and colors of pumpkins. Hannah liked the bumpy ones.

I enjoy sewing and quilting and was quickly taken with the containers created by Rhonda Boyd of Hats, Bags,  Quilts, oh my!  Aren't they neat?  She was a busy lady and I didn't get a chance to ask her how these were created...but they were amazing.

I saw several people carrying around these bird feeders created from mismatched dishes.  Crafted by Doug McGinnis, I thought these were great way to recycle and reuse discarded and mismatched china.  The birds would love them and what a unique yard decoration.
 

And to end todays post, check out these walking sticks created by Billy Moore of White Pine Hollow.  All natural, handmade curly walking sticks...with amazing details and comfortable in the hand.  He also makes hand-hued mantles and oxen yokes.  Well, that's it for today.  I still have a few artists to share with you, but they will have to wait for another day.   I have a busy day ahead of me, but I sure do enjoy this time I get to spend with you.

Be blessed,

Debbi 

The Hiddenite Festival of the Arts

I love fairs, and festivals, and tractor pulls, anywhere you can make fun family memories, and find great arts and crafts.  This past Saturday, Amanda and I took the kids to our local Hiddenite Festival of the Arts.  It's a nice festival, not real big so you're not out all day long, or being smushed by thousands of people.  But my very favorite part of the Hiddenite Festival is the live music, especially The Appalacian Steely Pan Steel Drum Band from Appalacian State University.

 We got there early to get a good seat, but as you can see, it's still hot here in North Carolina...poor Owen was turning red, but he loves music and refused to leave, lol.  So Aunt Hannah kept him supplied with snow cones.  As you can see, the benches fill up quickly, but the wait is worth it because this band puts on a great show.  Take a look.

I love how they get into it!
I'll be sharing more about this festival in the next few weeks...there was a lot of great booths there, and some really talented artists.
So take some time out from your hectic scheduale and visit a local arts and crafts festival near you.
Be blessed,
Debbi