Carolina Creations Fine Art and Contemporary Craft

Day Two of Dan Nelson Workshop

2012-02-12T08:16:00.001-05:00

Wow.

8 seasoned painters.

We all had the same reaction to todays workshop with Dan.

We've all read books, gone to classes, developed our own styles through the years.

But we all heard from Dan a way to approach a painting that we had never heard before.

Painting with 2 hands, visual chaos, pull your painting out of the background, go around the color wheel for your under painting. How to build up your under painting.

We all said - come back and we'll paint with you again! Thanks so much Dan, we all learned a lot.

Workshop in our studio with Dan Nelson

2012-02-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

Seven of us learned A LOT from Dan at day 1 of our workshop.

We moved way out of our comfort zone.

Making marks that are more interesting.

Drawing with our left hand, was exciting and the results were surprisingly good.

We did figure drawing, which I haven't really done since college 30 years ago.

Sketching with both hands at once.

Starting with a mess and watching your image come out of the chaos.

Rings by Shelli Kahl

2012-02-09T08:28:00.003-05:00

Just in time for your Valentine!

Shelli Kahl is a talented silversmith whose designs continually delight her customers and cause happy addictions to her line of 'Shell-Bells'.

Working primarily in reticulated (torch-textured) sterling silver, Shelli creates jewelry with a unique look that steps away from that of traditional silver jewelry.

We are delighted to be representing Shelli at Carolina Creations.

Don't have your ring size? She'll make it and have it to us within the week! They are well priced too!

- Janet Francoeur

K Maley mobius designs

2012-02-03T07:18:00.001-05:00

We know some of the most talented jewelers in the country!

I've just spent some time with Kathleen - her work is beautiful.......

See More!

A California native, Kathleen Maley has been making jewelry and art objects in San Francisco for over 14 years. Kathleen studied jewelry and metalsmithing at San Diego State University, then moved to San Francisco’s Mission District to live and work in The City’s diverse artist community.

Kathleen creates sculptural jewelry that highlights the contrast between sterling silver and high karat gold vermeil, and can be found in galleries and museum shops across the country.

Anniversary Gifts for 11th through 25th Year from Carolina Creations

2012-01-31T17:41:00.000-05:00

11th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Jewelry ... we have jewelry for both her AND him - by MANY designers

see more

12th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Pearls

More jewelry

13th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Textiles - Great bags - jackets too!

14th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Gold

15th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Crystal, Glass or Watch

16th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Silver

17th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Furniture

18th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Porcelain

19th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Bronze

21st WEDDING ANNIVERSARYBrass

Brass door knocker - great for anniversary - what a pear (pair!)

22nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Copper

Art for the garden.

24th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Music- Created by a musician these windchimes are perfectly tuned!

25th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Silver

Right Brain ad for Mercedes Benz

2012-01-28T07:43:00.008-05:00

Saw this beautiful ad for Mercedes Benz.... don't exactly know what it has to do with the car but the art work is great.

http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/mercedes_benz_left_brain_right_brain_paint

That's what I love about what we do for a living. We are surrounded by color, creativity, thinking out of the box, and surrounded by people who, if they are not right brained themselves, appreciate what right brained people create.

jan francoeur

Gyotaku by David Denick

2012-01-25T07:51:00.002-05:00

Gyo = Fish Taku = Impression
Pronounced "GEE - OH - TAH - KOO"

"Gyotaku" is the ancient Japanese folk art of painting fish. The first Gyotaku were created to preserve the true record and size of species caught by Japanese anglers as far back as 1862.

Our friend David Denick just brought us some nice pieces!

Since these are created by painting real fish you can see that he's been successful in catching some BIG ones!

For sizes and prices.

Carolina Creations in Print

2012-01-22T22:33:00.000-05:00

Always appreciate publications including us!

Thanks New Bern Magazine.

A New Layer of Bark

2012-01-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

I was reading a friends blog and she talked about adding a new layer of bark each year. What a great way to think about our lives!

Each year we learn, experience, grow. Or hope we do anyway!

My last years growth consisted of learning patience from my bike accident and surrender to whatever happens from Michael's news. A lot of last year was out of my control which is something I don't like. Not that I'm a control freak, I've given up control on a lot of things, and say we do the best we can.

But I do like to see what's coming.

We've got a series of shows to go to this month and next, have a workshop with Dan at our studio, have artwalks, a much needed vacation then all the usual things we do throughout the year. All those things I can see coming, but what else is in the horizon?

All I can say is, I hope that the bark we grow this year is not very thick.

.

Anniversary Gifts for 1st through 10th Anniversary from Carolina Creations

2012-01-18T17:09:00.004-05:00

The other day a fellow came in looking for a seventh anniversary gift - copper - and wondered if we had anything? He went away with the PERFECT gift! So I thought it would be fun to do a blog post about ideas we have.

1st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Paper or Clock
Prints
Original Paintings

Well the paper part of this we have LOTS!! Prints or paintings by myself (Jan Francoeur) or one of our gallery artists.
Or a paper mache sculpture - we have customers that have collections of these sculptures. We have a large variety - click here.

And we have some beautiful as well as funky clocks.

See more clocks!

2nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Cotton

For this one we're thinking out of the box a little - how about a painting of a cotton field?

3rd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Glass

For this anniversary we hit the ball out of the park. We have literally hundreds of gifts! Shown here are just a couple of our favorites. See some more by clicking here!

4th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Flowers or Silk
We have beautiful hand woven, hand dyed silk scarves.
Or

Beautiful blown glass flowers that can be in a vase or in your yard (purchase four of course!)

5th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Wood - Beautiful jewelry boxes or a fabulous table!

6th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Iron - This Promise Cross is the perfect anniversary gift for the 6th anniversary (or any for that matter!). Click here for more info.

7th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Copper
Ahhhhhhhhh, this one is amazing.

A copper mobile with 7 leaves!! Can be hung inside or out! Click here. We also have beautiful copper jewelry and garden stakes.

8th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Bronze - Wedding/Anniversary bells More Info

9th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Pottery

Lots more to choose from....

10th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Aluminum - A beautiful family sculpture click here.

A new use for your soda cans! Recycled aluminum jewelry Earrings and bracelets too!

Bird Sculptures Just In!!

2012-01-15T15:14:00.002-05:00

Two of our favorite artists, Jim and Tori Mullan, create fabulous, whimsical bird sculptures. They carve the birds and creatures then use found objects to mount them on and to decorate them with.

One of our customers said they once saw one on a seed can but has never been able to find one again, so we kept asking and we got a couple today!!

Since they use antique seed cans, they can't find them very often. Very cool.

Here is a link to our website page that shows everything we have from them in stock.

Click here.

6th Annual Valentine Card Benefit

2012-01-11T08:11:00.002-05:00

Here are some of my favorite cards that the kids made this year. $3 each. ALL proceeds go to the Craven County Schools Art Program.

Cards are on display and on sale through Valentines Day, February 14. Most of the cards are blank on the inside so can be used for other occasions as well. Stock up for the year and help fund the schools arts programs!

Fused Glass by Suz

2012-01-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Suz! is a fused glass artist who creates sculptural and functional art by kiln-firing glass.

Fused glass is an interesting medium to work in. One minute you have individual pieces of glass piled up in your kiln, the next minutes it melts and becomes one piece, and if you don't stop the heat at the right moment the next minute you have a puddle! Being a potter I really appreciate the fact that fused glass artists work within such a narrow temperature range.

We have many fused glass artists and one of my favorites is Suz!

A native of North Carolina, Suz earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Wake Forest University and a Master’s in International Management Degree from Thunderbird International Graduate School in Glendale, http://www.carolinacreationsnewbern.com/NewFiles/Suz.phpArizona. She speaks several languages, including German (her major), French, Italian and Japanese.

A recent move back to the Carolinas from Park City, Utah has motivated Suz! to create more flowing mixed media/fused glass sculpture. During her daily beach walks, Suz! finds dried ocean coral, shells, sea urchins, and even the elusive sand dollar! She then incorporates her treasures into her fused glass pieces. The resulting bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings preserve the organic beauty of her beach treasures. She also continues to create one-of-a-kind functional and decorative bowls, ornaments, and wearable art with one of her favorite types of fusible glass-dichroic!

"During my years out west, I had the opportunity to travel in Australia and throughout Asia, even living in Tokyo, Japan for five years. I became increasingly aware of the local arts culture in each community. Color in art has a life of its own. I have begun to incorporate the infinite variety of colors I see during my daily beach walks into my fused glass work. This is an exciting new journey for me, and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you!"

We have some of her work on our website, Click here! .... and more to come

2012 Carolina Creations Calendar

2012-01-03T23:22:00.000-05:00

One of the first things I do when we start a new year is to lay out a calendar for the year. We often add events through the year so keep up with them by getting our email newsletter. You can sign up by clicking here.

January 13, 5-8 pm - ArtWalk & Opening of the annual Valentine Card Show - Valentines created by Craven County School Children, $3 each, ALL proceeds go to the schools art program. We've raised over $7000 for these programs. We're hanging this show this week!

February 10 & 11 - Workshop with Dan Nelson read all about it.

Do one or both days! (Space is limited to 12)

March 1 - April 30 - Dan Nelson Paints the Town! A show of new work in acrylics and oils.

March 9 - 5-8 pm - ArtWalk features artist Dan Nelson - meet the artist - refreshments.

April 13 - Friday - 5-7 pm. Home Tour Open House

April 20-22 Special event for Nicholas Sparks Celebrity Weekend - details to come!

May 11 - 5-8 pm - ArtWalk - Garden Art Show!

July 13 - 5-8 pm - ArtWalk featuring new paintings by Sally Sutton

September 14 - 5-8 pm - ArtWalk

November 9 - 5-8 pm - ArtWalk featuring our Holiday Show with work from gallery artists

Our winter hours will be Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-3, ArtWalk days 10-8.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T00:15:00.000-05:00

As we see 2011 come to a close we always like to examine the year and plan for the next!

2011 started out with strong sales that continued right up to August when Congress could not come to a consensus about the national budget. Everyone was on pins and needles. At the time all I could think was the only thing wrong with the economy is Congress and the media. That was followed by hurricane Irene which did no damage to our home or business but did a lot of damage in the surrounding area. Some people are still not back to normal from that.

But as we've seen in the past business gets back to normal after about 6 weeks so by the time we got into our Christmas season we were going great guns! We had an outstanding Christmas season and loved seeing all the families we watched grow up through our 20+ years in New Bern.

We sold hundreds (probably thousands) of fabulous pieces this year and met some great artists. Here are a few of the pieces we sold this year.

We met some great new artists and new customers. We are lucky to meet people from all over the world as they visit New Bern and come into Carolina Creations.

We meet many new artists that way too!

Our little town of New Bern is becoming quite the arts destination, just in our Downtown alone we have seven shops and galleries selling artwork.

Our plans for the coming year include, as always, looking for the next great artist! What is additionally important to us is to have a variety of interesting pieces in a wide range of prices. Yes you can purchase a $5000 piece of glass or a $3500 table at Carolina Creations but you can also find an artist created pair of earrings for $15 and hand crafted soap for $5. And there is everything in between.

Some of our in between best sellers this year are

So now on to 2012, it's always a big question mark - what will it bring? As far as business, we think it's going to be great. we're getting in new jewelry for Valentines Day, we've got 5 bridal registries, the artists and other galleries we've been talking to this past week all report that they are happy with the way the year turned out!

We'll be looking for new glass artists, garden art and the unusual. I'm sure we'll find it!!

Looking forward to what the new year brings.

Again Happy 2012!

Jan Francoeur

New Mobiles

2011-12-26T08:22:00.001-05:00

Created by North Carolina artist Jay Jones - beautiful copper, leaf mobiles!

"I am constantly striving for balance in my work both literally and figuratively. When it happens, it is beautiful! The effect of something floating effortlessly can be mesmerizing. It can cause you to stop. Take a moment. Slow down."

It was Thanksgiving weekend 2007. Jay Jones and his family spent the day in Washington DC and visited the National Gallery. In the rotunda was a mobile created by Alexander Calder. Jones spent most of the day just looking at that mobile. It was large, imposing, constructed from steel but had the effect of being weightless. Every day Jay Jones works to create mobiles with that effect.

Jones' work is inspired by nature. After drawing and designing the individual leaves, he cuts the shapes out of solid copper and hammers, polishes and applies the finish. He creates the pieces with either a fired edge or with a patina to bring out the colors. Using silver solder, he solders the leaves to copper coated steel rods and, at that point, is ready to begin building the mobile.

Jay learned by observing. Having an equal mixture of mechanical aptitude and artistic sense, he observed, educated himself, and created pieces again and again. The artist considers himself lucky to have had the opportunity to work with some amazing artists and artisans in New York (Robert Rauschenberg) as well as around the world.

Click here for details and to order. Ginkgo Maple

New Bern Souvenirs

2011-12-23T08:19:00.051-05:00

When we moved here in 1989 I noticed that there were very few quality New Bern Souvenirs . 99% of them were made in China and most of the shops that were downtown then all had the same ones if they had any at all.

Once we determined we were going to stay in New Bern I made it a mission of mine to change that.

Adding to the dozens of souvenirs I've made through the years, here are my two newest!

The first is letterpress cards, one of Tryon Palace and the other A Slice of New Bern. A plate has been made with my drawing on it then printed by hand by Courtesy Press in Pollocksville on their 1917 Chandler and Price press.

Don't know what letterpress is?

Here's an explanation from Wikipedia -

Letterpress printing is a relief printing of text and images using a press with a "type high bed" press and moveable type, in which a reversed, raised surface is inked and then pressed into a sheet of paper to obtain a positive right-reading image. It was the normal form of printing test from its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the 19th century and remained in wide use for books until the second half of the 20th century. In addition to the direct impression of inked movable type onto paper or another receptive surface, letterpress is also the direct impression of inked printmaking blocks such as photo-etched zinc "cuts" (plates), linoleum blocks, wood engravings, etc., using such a press.

The cards are printed on beautiful 80# bamboo paper. 4 to a package, 1 design. Click here to purchase.

The second newest souvenir is this little notebook, 5 x 5, with my drawing on it, printed by offset press. Not hand printed like the cards. But a handy size to put in your purse.

Click here.

Sometimes I wonder

2011-12-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

Why didn't I think of that before?

I have had tiles and cutting boards reproduced from my New Bern tiles and from some of my paintings but I've never had any of our "Celebration Pottery" pieces reproduced.

So my mind is really going now!

So much of my work has been local, that its nice to have some ideas of things that have a broader appeal.

Here are my new "Blessings" coasters. Next I'll do another cutting board from one of my celebration pottery pieces.

Coasters are available on our website.

Home and Garden Tour Art for April 2012

2011-12-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

This year the featured home in the Spring Home Tour is the Foy Munger house.

It's on the corner of Middle and Johnson Streets and is one of my favorites, nice garden, fountain, gingerbread, Beaufort fence (up and down pickets), interesting architecture.

I've painted it many times and here we go again. This one will be used on the Home tour poster and brochure.

For more information on the home tour visit the website by clicking here.

Jan Francoeur

One of a kind polymer bracelet made in North Carolina

2011-12-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

North Carolina artist Missie Mcreynolds creates one of a kind bracelets.

They are very unusual and fit all.

Stop in to check them out!! Open til 8 this week Mon-Fri, 10-6 Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day then open again first thing December 26.

6th Annual Valentine Show and Sale Benefitting Craven County Art Classes

2011-12-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce our Annual Valentine Card Show and Sale benefitting the Art program of the Craven County Schools.

Under the leadership of art teacher Pat Eglinton, this project is entering its 6th year. During their regular art classes in schools throughout the county, the children create art on cardstock donated by Carolina Creations. During these classes they learn new techniques using a wide variety of mediums - like paper making, working with clay, paper cutting, monoprinting, stippling, just to name a few.

The cards are hung at Carolina Creations and sold through Valentines Day. Each card sells for $3 with ALL proceeds being donated to the art program.

The show and sale opens during ArtWalk on January 13 from 5-8 pm and continues through February 14.

The children are always excited to see their work hung in a gallery!

Carolina East Medical Center Tree

2011-12-13T17:28:00.000-05:00

With my card & tile images.

- Jan Francoeur

Christmas in Our Downtown

2011-12-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

This has been a busy and beautiful Christmas season in our Downtown!

The weather has been amazing and the special events endless.

As chairman of the Christmas Committee there are a lot of people to thank for making it successful. Here is a list of everyone I can think of. If I've left anyone out I'm sorry & please let me know!

This is the 4th year of our Dickens of a Christmas event in Downtown New Bern. It has been the hard work of a very active committee.

Vicki Vitale for going to every single business in our downtown and encouraging them to light their businesses.

Lisa Edwards and Amanda Banks and all their helpers from Salem and Associates who pulled together the Light Up the Season event on the Friday after Thanksgiving. People said it was like Times Square. Other comments included that fact that for some, it was all they were doing for Christmas due to finances. They were grateful for the free craft tables for the kids, face painting and entertainment. These two also are the driving force behind making Bear Plaza the wonderland that it is.

Owen Andrews at Alphagraphics donated picture supplies
Bob Klein made the key/box to city lights
Chaz Foret at Trentwood Hardware donated materials for Christmas balls and made them for Bear Plaza
JoeSigns discounted signage
Susan Bridges who played Mrs. Claus
Jean Kenefick/Diane Schmitt helped “light up” Bear Plaza
V103.3 for the live remote
Timothy and Leslie Bridges from Carolina Carriage Tours who brought Santa in
Danny Batten of Surf, Wind & Fire for labor, supplies and use of his back room for Santa’s to change
Restaurants who are helping feed Santa and Santa’s helpers
Sarah Vogel and Sara Pierce - Santa’s helpers
Annabeth Brown, owner of Get The Pointe Dance Studio and her dancers
Amy Thore, owner of Wanda Kay’s School of Dance and her dancers

Caroline Norwood for working with the kids to make jewelry and for donating all the supplies for the jewelry making table
Lindsey Bennett, face painter, who painted many, many faces!

Joan Ziemba at the Accidental Artist for making signs for Bear Plaza

Darlene Brown and I worked on the advertising. Darlene wrote many articles and spend hours going over events and submitting them to the media.

Mary Davidson and Williams Nursery for the Kissing Stations. Mary Davidson for the Dickens Detective puzzle and all the businesses that are giving out prizes for solving the puzzle.

Greg Smith for coordinating with the City to wrap the light poles with lights purchased by the Downtown Business Council and our sponsors. A BIG thank you to the city for doing that!

Pat Schaible, Janet Lamb, Michaele Watson, Rick Lang for passing out information.

Carol Tokarski and the Sun Journal for taking care of the wreath contest. And the businesses that contributed gift certificates to the voting winners - Twice as Nice, Carolina Creations, Mitchell Hardware, Beads & Bowls, and the Accidental Artist. To everyone who participated in the wreath contest (and to those who voted!).

Our Santas for their time and enthusiasm.

The Sun Journal (Jacob McConnell and Sandy McKinney). Inner Banx Media (Bill Poole and Kim Ball). Radio Joe with V103 for being super media sponsors. Mark Miller for doing such a great job emceeing the Light Up the Season event.

Marcie Mills for coordinating the Downtown Council table at the holiday gift show and for all her efforts in promoting the event. To everyone who worked the holiday gift show serving cookies and cider.

New Bern Magazine for making us the front cover and featured article!

Swiss Bear for coordinating the billboards and allowing us to use their meeting room.

And all who helped decorate and repair the Santa House, Bear Plaza, put storyboards in Elks Building (thanks to Holton for allowing us to put them there).

Many businesses contributed monetarily to purchasing lights and advertising and just making everything happen in general.
Aerie Bed and Breakfast
AG Salem & Associates, PLLC CPA's
Bear City Fudge
Bern Bear Gifts
Branch's Furniture
Carolina Creations Fine Art Contemporary Craft
Comfort Suites Riverfront Park
Craven County Arts Council and Gallery
Downtown Pilates
First Citizens Bank
Four C's
Fraser's Wine and Gourmet Cheese
Historic District Residents Association New Bern
Joe Alcoke
Mitchell Hardware
MJ's Raw Bar and Grille
Morgan's Tavern and Grill
New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce
New Bern Artworks & Company
New Bern Fireman's Museum
New Bern Riverfront Hilton
Overman Capital Management
Poor Charlies Flea Market and Antiques
Port City Java
Swiss Bear Downtown Development
The Accidental Artist
The Chelsea Restaurant
The Next Chapter Books
The Pepsi Store
Tryon Palace
Twice as Nice
Williams Farm and Garden Center
Pinecone Perennials

Workshop with Dan Nelson Unlocking the Mysteries of Painting

2011-12-07T11:16:00.001-05:00

On February February 10 & 11 we will have a workshop with Raleigh artist Dan Nelson.

Day 1 is optional morning how to see

Day 1 afternoon how to move

Day 2 morning A hierarchy of the mysteries of painitng

Day 2 afternoon Take it away work on a painting of your choice.

Details:
Start promtly at 9:30 - come at 9 am for a cup of coffee
Day 1, Morning--   HOW ARTISTS SEE
Comprehensive instruction designed to help develop key drawing skills.
1/2 hour lunch break
Day 1, Afternoon-- HOW ARTISTS MOVE
Developing the mindset and skills that really makes a good paintings GOOD.

Day 2, Morning-- A HIERARCHY OF THE MYSTERIES OF PAINTING

What is it that REALLY makes a painting beautiful? What is it that all great paintings have in common? Whether you are a beginner, or well advanced in the art of painting, Dan will get you (or keep you) heading toward a mastery of the elusive mysteries that all great works of art possess . . . AND he will tell you which ones are most important and WHY.

In this session, we will all do one simple painting together, step-by-step, so that each student can experience these "mysteries" coming together on their canvas.

Day 2, Afternoon-- TAKE IT AWAY!
Each student will work on a painting of their choice. They may work from one of their own photos, or use one of Dan's.

SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST:
Note: This list is merely a suggestion for those who have no idea what to bring. If you are an experienced painter, just bring your normal materials. The acrylic underpainting technique is OPTIONAL; the whole process MAY be done in oil, if you prefer.

ACRYLICS:

Note: These can be either liquid or regular tube acrylics.
Any good brand will do. Avoid “Hues” (H), except in yellow.

Warm Blue (Phthalo)
Cool Blue (Ultramarine)
Cool Red (Quinacridone or Primary Red or Magenta)
Yellow (ANY light yellow will do-- so no need to get Cadmium)
Burnt Sienna
Titanium White

Medium: Golden GAC 100 or Liquitex Gloss Medium and Varnish--32 oz. or more

OPTIONAL:
Small re-sealable container cups--like “Ziploc” or “Glad”-- about 8 oz. One for each color.

OILS:

Any good brand will do. Avoid “Hues” (H), except in yellow.

Warm Blue (Phthalo)
Cool Blue (Ultramarine)
Warm Red (like Naphthol Crimson, if you want to avoid Cadmium)
Cool Red (Alizarine)
Warm Yellow (Indian)
Cool Yellow (Lemon)
Titanium White
Raw Umber
Burnt Sienna

• Medium: Winsor Newton Liquin-- 250 ml

OPTIONAL:
Purple (any pigment)
Viridian Green
Yellow Ochre
Any Black

BRUSHES:

An normal assortment of bristle brushes, be sure to add a couple large brushes-- like 2” wide.
An assortment of sable brushes-- Nothing smaller than a #2-- synthetics are fine.

We have 5 easels available, if you have a travel easel please bring it! Let me know if you need to use one of ours.

Cost:
Day 1 only     $95
Day 2 only     $125
Both Days      $200

To sign up visit our website by clicking here.

New Jackets

2011-12-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

By this time we usually have everything new we're going to have in the gallery for Christmas but yesterday we got some great, reversible jackets in by a small studio.

Here is a sneak peak.

Jan Francoeur Clay Sculpture Demo at Carolina Creations

2011-11-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

For my American Craft Week Demonstrations I worked on some clay pieces using some techniques I learned from my friend Steve Fabrico.

Using a mold i make shapes and press them into the mold, The really neat thing is I don't know what it looks like until I pop it out of the mold.

I then make a second one and put them together.

Making a garden ball!

Then just for fun I decided to make a sunface.

I cut a circle out of a slab of clay then cut the edges and started adding the features.

Boy I was busy those two days! I also made a funky moon face.

15 Stocking Stuffers for $15 or Less from Carolina Creations

2011-11-27T18:37:00.000-05:00

CD style New Bern Calendar featuring 12 new paintings by Janet Francoeur $15 to purchase

Birthstone soap - beautiful glycerine soap that looks just like your birthstone to see them all

Calendar by Sticks! To purchase click here.

Handkerchief angels by Shirley Erickson

Toss this in your tub for a soothing holiday bath! $5.80

Neat tin ornaments full of seeds! $3.75

2011 New Bern Ornament $13.50 Details click here

New Bern Peace Magnet Click here for details

Beeswax Bear Candle $9.95 Purchase

Holiday Earrings $14 many designs!

Set of 2 coasters for your car drink holders! Many designs!

New Bern Flashcards To order & more details

Magnetic budvases/pencil holder $14


Slab budvases $14 assorted colors To order click here

Carolina Creations Wreath Contest Entry

2011-11-23T07:55:00.001-05:00

32 businesses in Downtown New Bern are participating in a wreath contest!

This is our entry, created by Jan Francoeur

Me!

Voting is taking place on the Sun Journal Website.

You can vote by clicking here.

People that vote are eligible to win one of 5 $25 gift certificates
the winning wreath will win $100 of free advertising in
the Sun Journal.

You're Invited to our Open House

2011-11-18T21:43:00.001-05:00

Open House
Friday & Saturday
November 25 & 26, 2011

Friday 10-8 Saturday 10-6

Refreshments
Door Prizes

Kicking Off the Season!

Read all about the Dickens of a Christmas in the Downtown special section Click Here

or

visit our Downtown New Bern Blog

The other day

2011-11-14T21:26:00.004-05:00

The other day a lady was in and said, "I guess this isn't the place to come if you need a gift that costs $20 or less." We said, " au contraire", and in less than 3 minutes we had the entire counter filled up and could have filled it up at least 6 more times or even more.

Hand crafted in the USA does not always mean expensive.

Of course some things are just inherently expensive to create - like blown glass - the equipment is expensive - $30,000 just to start. Or gold jewelry - today gold is $1770 an ounce. In 2000 it was $300. And so on.

Today we got in another thing we could have put on the counter. Hummingbird, dragonfly and butterfly magnets - handcrafted in North Carolina - $4.75 - each identified with the species - natural colors - printed both front and back and covered with acrylic that makes them look like glass.

We also got a beautiful tree to display them on.

In a few days I'll post 15 gifts for $15 or less - like I said, this will be a short list and we have lots more than that!

Every year we hear "I should have started my gift shopping here!"

You can too click here!

Very Cool Reindeer at Carolina Creations

2011-11-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

VERY COOL REINDEER AT CAROLINA CREATIONS!
To purchase

Meet Barbara Burlingame mixed media artist

2011-11-08T18:09:00.000-05:00

Barbara Burlingame has been creating colorful, whimisical art since the early eighties. She focuses her work on contemporary paintings and sculptures that incorporate paint, handmade papers and found objects.

As a child asthmatic, Barbara's limited mobility fueled her imagination to treetop level. "This was my favorite vantage point! I could see my surroundings from an aerial view and I mentally played at picturing landscapes, animals, and people interacting. Now I realize this childhood game experiment is the basis of my art."

Barbara's work reflects her surroundings not in a realistic way but, instead, with color, shapes and textures. Her interpretations encourage the active involvement of the viewer.

For more information or to purchase click here.

New Paintings by Brenda Behr

2011-11-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

We've just gotten several new paintings by North Carolina artist Brenda Behr!

Brenda is a multi media artist work in oils, watercolors and acrylics.

We're always excited to see what she brings us. To see the details click here!

Carolina Creations Our State Magazine

2011-11-04T09:28:00.005-04:00

Our friend Bruce Wise shared this picture with us - a full page in Our State Magazine in November inviting people to come to New Bern for the Holidays!!

We're proud to share this page with Mitchell Hardware, The Aerie B and B, Tryon Palace, the Hilton, and the New Bern Visitors Center! You can visit our website by clicking here Carolina Creations.

Coupon for our Newsletter Readers!

2011-11-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

For our loyal, newsletter reading customers, bring this coupon in and receive a Votivo travel candle.

The scent is Bright Leaf Tobacco - Centered around cured tobacco leaves and rooted with Tonka, Vanilla and Patchouli notes that add strength to the familiarity of an Amber and Lavender top for a unique twist on an American Classic. You receive a sample candle as shown far left.

Watch our Facebook Page or Blog to see when we give away number 300!

Quantities are limited, one per customer please! Available to the first 300 customers!

If you don't get our newsletter sign up by clicking this link!

Pat Holscher paintings at Carolina Creations November 1 through December 31

2011-10-31T18:36:00.002-04:00

Carolina Creations Fine Art and Contemporary Craft Gallery, 317 Pollock Street, Downtown New Bern announces their special events for the month of November.

Pat Holscher of Washington, NC will be the featured artist for November and December.

The opening reception will be during ArtWalk, November 11, 5-8 pm.

Pat speaks about her work "It gives my life purpose to bring pleasure to others through my paintings. I love to create something unique that finds an emotional connecting chord in another person. The greatest compliment I can receive is the appreciation someone has for the art that reflects my internal thoughts and feelings, making me the person I am.
Over the years I have tended to work in series; this allows a degree of familiarity which supports experimentation. Shore birds are my most recent and successful subject matter, giving people familiar shapes to which they can relate. However, with creative use of composition, color, and texture, I can encourage a new way of seeing those ordinary subjects.

I work in acrylics, pastels, and oils, but my primary medium is watercolor. Watercolor continues to be my medium of choice due to its inherent fluidity, transparency, and spontaneity. I enjoy the freedom and loss of control which only watercolor can provide, and I cherish the challenge of letting the paint take over and produce the visuals which cannot be duplicated. Each painting is an original, for the paint truly is the master and it allows me the joy of "going along for the ride".

Ultimately, I find that painting provides a conduit for me to communicate with others without the use of the written word, gestures, or dialogue."

Pat received a BA and MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with additional study at Meredith College, ECU and has trained under many nationally recognized artists. She has been juried into shows throughout the state and received awards ranging from Honorable Mention to Best in Show; most notably, American Watercolor Society's Annual International Exhibition, New York, NY in 2003, 2009 ( winning the Gold Medal of Honor), and 2010 (awarded Signature Status).
Pat was chosen as a 2007 finalist in the 24th Annual Art Competition for Artist's Magazine in the animal art category. One of the highlights of her career was the publication of a painting with an article in the section, "Master Painters of the World - US Showcase" in the October/November 2004 issue of International Artist magazine.

Additionally, her work can be found in the following municipal and corporate collections: The City of Raleigh,NC; The City of Rocky Mount; Nations Bank; United Carolina Bank; Wachovia Bank and Trust Company; Glaxo Corporation; Hardee's Food Systems; First South Bank, Washington, NC; Hatteras Yachts, Inc.; Nash County Medical Center; Allied Marine of Florida; The Town of Nags Head; Outer Banks Outfitters, Morehead City, NC, and SAS Institute.

In addition to Pat's show Carolina Creations kicks off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26. Enjoy tasty treats and drinks, door prizes, a gift for the first 100 customers during the Open House! Always free gift wrapping. Shipping is available.

To see more of Pat's work click here.

New and Hot!

2011-10-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

Brightly colored glass windchimes made from recycled glass $42 To purchase

Hand Blown Oil Lamps by Michael Hudson More Info!

Five soaps on a rope! Hand crafted in North Carolina Purchase here!

Welcome back Yourkowski

2011-10-20T17:28:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since we've seen our friends at Yourkowski Glass so when we did we were blown away with their new work! Since each piece is one of a kind and it is selling quickly we have put just a few pieces on our website.

What's really unusual is that they make most of the dichroic glass used in their studio. Of course by "make" I mean that they apply their own dichroic coatings to glass specifically formulated for fusing.

What is dichroic glass?

The spectacularly vibrant colors exhibited by dichroic glass are created by a very sophisticated combination of extremely thin, clear, crystalline layers that interact with each other and produce very specific reflected and transmitted colors. There are no absorptive pigments used in this process. This allows all of the light energy to be either reflected or transmitted and, in turn, creates the rich colors that characterize art works created with this glass.

What is dichroic glass?

Dichroic glass is created via the application of many individual thin films on the order of one micron in total thickness. These films are comprised of alternating high and low index of refraction materials that produce multiple internal reflections. By varying the thickness of the layers carefully, different colors can be created, all with incredible vibrancy. The fact that the glass exhibits both a transmitted color and a different reflected color is why it is called "dichroic". Di- is Greek for two, and -chroic is Greek for color, thus combined we have "dichroic", or two color.

Dichroic films are applied in very sophisticated machines called "vacuum vapor deposition systems". In these machines an electron beam is used to vaporize materials. These materials then evaporate and are deposited onto the glass suspended above the evaporation sources. This results in a very pure, crystalline film. These films give rise to incredible colors and patterns. All of us who admire dichroic glass in art have the military and space programs to thank for this exciting new art form.

Speaking about their work "Most of the inspiration for our designs comes from our appreciation of nature. We try to reflect the beauty and importance of plant and animal life into our glass. Our pieces are also heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style.

Being self-taught, our glass art is distinguished by their absolutely unique designs and the vibrant, bold colors of dichroic glass. We try to change the perspective of glass as a rigid, sharp, tangible substance to give the impression of flowing, growing, organic design.

We began creating fused glass in 1991 and now run a full-time studio. During the last 20 years we have created literally hundreds of sculptural glass pieces for private collectors across the United States. In addition we produce an extensive line of unique hanging ornaments. Our work is notable not just for it’s unique style, but also because we produce our own dichroic coatings."

Stop in and see!! Click to see their page on our website.

Donna Robertson New Paintings

2011-10-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

View other paintings and collages by Donna or to purchase click here!

Fabric Angel Demonstration with Shirley Erickson

2011-10-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

We sell dozens of Shirleys angels every month, there is an angel for every special occasion you have. They fit into a card, great for get well, Mom, wedding, Christmas! Starting at $8.

Thanks Shirley! We enjoyed having you spend the day with us!

Polymer Clay Sculpture with Karen Britton

2011-10-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

Karen explains how she makes her polymer clay figures!

Copper Jewelry Demonstration by Gayle and Marche George

2011-10-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Gayle and Marche George demonstrated their copper jewelry at Carolina Creations during American Craft Week, Wednesday, October 12!

Their jewelry is very popular! Stop in and see thier pieces!

Dan Nelson kicks off a week of demonstrations at Carolina Creations

2011-10-09T07:44:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Dan Nelson drew a crowd painting in front of Carolina Creations. Dan is quite an artist and showman! He loves to interact with the crowd. He'll be painting in front of Carolina Creations again today (Sunday!)!

Tues Oct 11-Sun Oct 16, demos every day Here's the schedule!
October 8 Dan Nelson Plein Air Painting
October 9 Dan Nelson Plein Air Painting
October 11 Jan Francoeur Clay Sculpture
October 12 Gayle and Marche George Copper Jewelry
October 13 Jan Francoeur Clay Sculpture
October 14 Karen Britton Polymer Clay Sculpture
October 15 Shirley Erickson Handkerchief Angels
October 16 Janet Lokken Crochet Jewelry

Dan Nelson artist demo

2011-10-04T14:35:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this chance to meet artist Dan Nelson and watch him perform in front of our gallery on October 8 and 9 during MumFest. Perform. You might ask, don't you mean paint?

Well watching Dan paint is more like watching a performance, he loves a crowd!

Dan Nelson started amazing people with his art-on-the-spot magic over 35 years ago. As a college student he did large chalk drawings with black light special effects; as a youth worker he produced 100-foot-long sand sculptures on the shores of Lake Michigan; he went on to create enchanting theatrical sets, award-winning street paintings, clandestine “art happenings” and non-stop party entertainment.

In 1998 he began painting on an 8 by 10-foot sheet of vinyl, washing off each scene to make room for the next ephemeral masterpiece.

You won't want to miss this chance to see Dan in action! 11-4, Saturday and Sunday, October 8 & 9. We'll have a show for Dan in March so stop by to get a preview!

Computer Clocks

2011-10-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

Why didn't we think of this? We have gone through so many computers in the past 20 years it make my head spin!

These great computer clocks are individually handcrafted high tech timepieces.

Most are one-of-a-kind clocks incorporate a hard drive platter or a CD as the clock face and an embellished circuit board as the background. Other models are crafted from CDs, floppy disks, drive housings, video laser disks or main frame drive platters.

Each clock offers a whimsical view of our rapidly changing technology, preserving it as art rather than landfill. In addition to their functionality they help contribute to the overall recycling effort by utilizing obsolete, discarded or surplus computer components.

A great gift for those hard to buy for guys or techy ladies. See more on our website by clicking here!

Sticks 2012 Calendar

2011-09-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

Everyone loves Sticks!

Here is their 2012 calendar hot off the press!

You will be inspired and uplifted by this enchanting collection by Sticks, the distinctive furniture, accessories, and artwork created by designer Sarah Grant. The creative, one-of-a-kind pieces will infuse your world with vibrant colors and vivid imagery. Grant's offerings combine beauty and charm--a special treat for every month of the year.

Buy online.

Rick and Val Beck

2011-09-28T22:40:00.000-04:00

We just received two new pieces from Rick and Val Beck. Rick earned his Bachelors degree in Art with an emphasis on Glass and Valerie was awarded her degree in Human Services Administration and Political Science. Both went on to Southern Illinois University where Valerie completed Masters coursework in Educational Psychology and Rick earned a Master of Fine Arts with a specialty in Glass.

Between 1991 and 1994 Rick was Instructor and Artist in Residence at the Penland School of Crafts, NC. He also served as a teaching assistant at the Pilchuck Glass School, Washington State, and Artist in Residence at the Appalachian Center for Crafts, TN. In 1995 Rick was awarded a SAF/NEA Regional Visual Arts Fellowship.

Rick started working in glass in 1978, Valerie in 1984. They established their own studio in rural North Carolina in 1991.

In 1991, the Becks were among only 100 glass artists selected from among thousands by the Corning Museum of Glass to be published in the prestigious New Glass Review 12. Since 1992, the Beck’s work has been featured six times in American Craft Magazine, as well as Glass Magazine.

Their work is included in numerous private, corporate and public collections throughout the world, including Dutton Lainson Company; Federal Reserve Bank, NC; Glasmuseum, Denmark; Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, WI; Mint Museum, NC; Johnson Wax Corporate Collection; and McDonalds’ Corporate Collection and others.

Very sexy ceramic clocks

2011-09-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

When we were at BMAC this summer we stopped and talked to David Carson. We've seen his work many times but never stopped and talked. The work was always beautiful but not really what we were looking for. Well this time he had exactly what we were looking for!

These Clocquette's are a great size, are well done and are well priced!

On top of that we really liked David which is really important to us, we sell great art by people we like.

David's booth was across from our friend Clayton Dickson, whose work we've sold for years. Frick and Frack their badges said..... I won't go into the story but we had a fun time talking to them both.

We're looking forward to many more Cloquette's! We've shown just a few on our website so you'll have to stop in to see the rest.

Something new candles and candle holders

2011-09-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

We have been very pleased with the interest in our candleholders and candles this summer! Jan decorates the candle holders and the candles are made by our friends at Barrick Design. We LOVE the shape and the quality of their candles.

Barrick Design began in 1970 when Rick Faulkner and his father, Dick Faulkner, began making candles. From the beginning they were not satisfied with ordinary candles. Today Rick continues the tradition of creating unusual candles that are wonderful accents for interiors of all styles. While the forms are contemporary in nature, their simplicity lends them to both modern and traditional settings.

The bottom candle holder also makes an unusual soap dish. Here we have shown it with a square soy candle which we also carry at Carolina Creations. For availability of the candle holders contact us via email by clicking here.

Ankle Update

2011-09-19T18:59:00.003-04:00

It's been 42 days since I crashed my bike and broke my ankle. The first bones I've ever broken.

It has been an experience and guess I have a while to go to get back to normal. The first 10 days were the hardest. The 1st 3 days just had a splint, so the swelling would go down. Every time I moved it was excruciating, the bones moved every time I did.

Then I had surgery, putting a couple plates in and about 8 screws to put my ankle back together. Again, a splint for a week, ankle above heart, hurt like hell. The next two weeks the pain lessened a little each day and this past week it hasn't hurt much, that is until I went to bed. Unless my foot was straight up it hurts when the ankle/metal presses against the cast.

Centenary United Methodist Church Available on our website

On Monday I got the cast off and got a boot. I've been told I should be at full weight bearing in 2-3 weeks. I decided to try to sleep without the boot and it was WONDERFUL! The ankle is very stiff and the incisions are really tender.

I started PT and got some excercises to do at home. The 2nd time I went to PT the ankle really losend up. Go back next Wednesday so we'll see what kind of progress I can make before then.

First Presbyterian Church - Available on our website

It's been a nice month actually, I've gotten a lot of work done, a new card for my 2011 ornament, lots of commissioned pottery pieces, a new painting of First Presbyterian Church, a new painting of Centenary United Methodist Church, a new Family Circle, a print to go with "A Slice of New Bern", I've worked on our website, worked on A Dickens of a Christmas in Downtown New Bern, read a couple books and generally slowed down a little.

Michael has taken the brunt of my slow down picking up the pieces, waiting on me and hauling me around.

Looking forward to being mobile! Starting to get the hang of the crutches.

The best thing about the whole experience so far is that slow down. Maybe it will be a new trend for me!

American Craft Week Demonstrations October 7 through 16

2011-09-15T17:36:00.004-04:00

Dan Nelson painting

This year for American Craft week we'll be having some demonstrations in the Gallery in addition to the continuation of Elaine O'Neil's fabric collage show.

Here's the schedule!
October 8 Dan Nelson Plein Air Painting
October 9 Dan Nelson Plein Air Painting
October 11 Jan Francoeur Clay Sculpture
October 12 Gayle George Copper Jewelry
October 13 Jan Francoeur Clay Sculpture
October 14 Karen Britton Polymer Clay Sculpture
October 15 Shirley Erickson Handkerchief Angels
October 16 Janet Lokken Crochet Jewelry

New Bern Ornament 2011

2011-09-12T06:47:00.000-04:00

When I design my ornaments, actually any piece of artwork that I do, it's a process. I wish I could say I just sit down and whip it out. But it doesn't work that way.

I've been doing a New Bern Ornament every year for 17 years.

Every year I panic and think there is nothing more to do. Then eventually an idea comes along. Sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don't.

This year, after several sleepless nights I came up with this years design.

It features the Ada Mae which is moored across the street from my home. I can see the mast sticking up above the galley. The other feature I like is the new lily sculpture which is just around the corner from our house.

I'm lucky that I have hundreds of people that collect them. I don't date them because we try to have all of them available.

We have a great place around the corner from us - Etched in Time - that has engraved the date on the back of some of them for us for those that want the date.

The ornament starts as a very rough sketch, this year on the back of a brochure.

I usually redraw it two or three times then come up with the final drawing.

I show what areas I want cut away.

I send the design off to a company in New England that produces it for me.

......and voilà it comes back like this!

They are 2 " x 3 3/4", $ 13.50. You can purchase online by clicking here.

Tribute to the victims of 9 11

2011-09-09T10:38:00.001-04:00

To Honor and Remember the Brothers and Sisters of the
NYPD, Port Auth PD and the FDNY
Who gave the Supreme Sacrifice on Sept 11th 2001

The Flag Display has over 400 American Flags,each with a name or picture, and their assignment that fateful day ten years ago. The Display is in the church yard of Christ Episcopal Church, corner of Pollock and Middle St, Downtown New Bern.
The display set up will begin at 10am Friday Sept 9th 2011.

At 12 Noon there will be a public dedication ceremony and be open to the Public for viewing.
The Memorial Flag Display may be viewed through the entire weekend.

This memorial is a project spearheaded by Phil Buffa, a retired Washington D.C. firefighter.

Photos by Lou Plummer

American Craft Week Essay Contest

2011-09-05T20:34:00.003-04:00

Write an Essay and Win a gift certificate for $250

I am on the board of the CRAFT Retailers and Artists Association for Tomorrow - CRAFT - and for the second year we are sponsoring American Craft Week October 7-16. We will have demonstrations at Carolina Creations during that week.

Across the nation artists, galleries and museums will be celebrating American made crafts.

This year we are holding two essay contests. You can enter one or both topics. There will be one prize for each topic.

Essay Topics:

Topic 1: Cultural roots of American craft

Many forms of American craft have their roots in one of the multitude of ethnic groups that make up the rich cultural life of the U.S. today, or in a particular period of our country's history. Talk about one of these that has particular meaning to you, and tell us its "story". (Example: sweet grass baskets and their roots in African slave groups, and their agricultural use in early America).

Topic 2: Importance of craft in contemporary American society

Making, buying, collecting and learning about American craft is "hot" now for many reasons. Why? Trends such as eco-awareness, reactions against the flood of cheap imported goods, recognition of the importance of buying locally, a desire to use one's hands in this digital age are all some examples of what is driving a renewed interest in American craft. What do you think the reasons are for American craft's resurgence today? What do you think means for the future of American craft?

Contest Rules

If entering both topics, submit them separately
Deadline is October 30, 2011 You must include the following:
- Your name - Mailing address - Phone Number - Email Address
- Your favorite American Craft Week Participant (include city and state) hopefully it will be Carolina Creations!!!
Either mail your entry to:
- American Craft Week, 1530 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Or email it to info@AmericanCraftWeek.com
Look for the winning entry at AmericanCraftWeek.com in December, and in this newsletter.
Members of the CRAFT Board and their immediate families are not eligible.

ArtWalk Friday September 9 5 to 8 pm featuring work by Elaine ONeil

2011-09-01T11:17:00.018-04:00

Carolina Creations Fine Art and Contemporary Craft Gallery, 317 Pollock St in Downtown New Bern features the work of Triangle North Carolina based fabric artist Elaine O'Neil. September 1 - October 18, 2011.

The official opening of the show will be during ArtWalk, September 9, 5-8 pm.

Elaine creates textile collages, each image using a myriad of fabric colors and textures, all painstakingly sewn together to create whimsical and realistic portrayals of scenes from the mountains to the coast.

The subjects of Elaine's work focuses around a sense of place, and the life that happens in that place. She tries to establish the emotional bond we have with special places, stitching the memories together with a sense of humor and delight.

Elaine starts with a simple sketch and approaches the creation of each textile through snip and cuts, using her scissors like a painters brush, slowly revealing the image, with layer upon layer of fabric, stitched into place using a variety of colors and textures.

Her hope is to evoke the feeling of pleasure and delight, where life is simple, sweet and full of endless possibilities.

Elaine grew up in Maine and began sewing as a girl. She attended the Philadelphia college of Textiles and Science earning a BS in textile design. She is great-granddaughter to a lighthouse keeper, granddaughter to a farmer, daughter of an ardent seamstress, all of which contributes to memories she depicts in her textile collages. Her work has been used in several publications and she has illustrated 2 children's books. Her work is shown in galleries along the coast.

Carolina Creations is open 7 days a week. For more information about this show call the gallery at 252-633-4369, email info@carolinacreations.com.

More Irene Downtown New Bern Facebook Page

2011-08-30T11:16:00.000-04:00

Since I am incapacitated I feel helpless with so many people needing help to recover from the hurricane. I am doing what I can, sitting here in my home.

For a couple years I have been maintaining a Downtown New Bern Facebook Page. On this page I generally post special events going on in Downtown New Bern. Well since the hurricane people have been asking questions about where to get help, whats going on, and so on.

So I've been passing on any information I have, mostly concentrating on Downtown New Bern but when I do know something about an outlying area I am posting that too.

Wish I could be out there delivering food or shoveling. I'm so sorry I can't!

Here is a link to our Downtown Facebook Page, don't know if you need to be "on" Facebook to see it or if anyone can.

Jan Francoeur

Sunday after Irene

2011-08-28T20:36:00.000-04:00

Finally! Got a good nights sleep Saturday night, woke up to a Sunny crisp day. That is the only good thing about a Hurricane is when it blows out it leaves clean, cool, dry air!

This morning no telephone, internet, tv, cell phone weird. Limited service, very spotty. Could text but could not call. Finally about 6 pm tv, phone, internet came back on and cell is a little better.

Many surrounding areas still without electricity.

Many, many, many trees down, my friends house across the river burned down saturday because the road was flooded and blocked by downed trees so fire department could not get there. The were marooned and had to use a skiff to row to the neighbors.

Many neighborhoods without power, probably for several more days because of the number of trees and lines down. That is what we love about living Downtown, we usually don't lose power but if we do we usually get it back quickly, helps to be 1 block from City Hall. Flooding all along the river. We are just lucky that the wind was not higher.

Feel very fortunate that our home and business was not damaged. Our thoughts are with those that did not fare so well.

Irene Saturday

2011-08-27T20:25:00.000-04:00

Thia i our corner taken from our 2nd floor
this is the corner of pollock & e front
NOT a river!

Went to be early (for me) at 10 pm last night hoping to get some sleep. Wind started picking up a little at 11:30 so then couldn't go back to sleep. The water is coming up our street from the river. We knew it would and have seen it before but it's still disconcerting, especially that early in the approaching hurricane.

We have lived on our corner since 1993 and have seen the water over the corner of Pollock and East Front many times, say probably 7 times. We have only seen it really high once before, during Bertha and the leading edge of the water on Pollock Street was at the Harmony House. We have seen photos of a boat at City Hall. Hoping and praying it doesn't get that high this time. During Bertha once the wind shifted it was like flushing a toilet, whoosh and it went away just like that.

1:20 am, the wind and rain is coming in waves.
Another hurricane, don't remember which one when the wind shifted it sucked all of the water out of the Neuse at New Bern, the only place there was water was in the channel. Very odd.
1:42 50 mph gusts right now, not looking forward to 75.
2:17 arghhhh can't sleep

That's the Pollock St Deli, notice water in front

Water is almost to the intersection of Pollock and E Front
3 am it's higher!!
6:30 water within 1 foot of our front door.
9 am the water is going out some!!
9:30 still in western eyewall, 74 mph winds sustained.
10:20 still blowing pretty good
Hopefully the water won't come back up, it shouldn't, it got as high on Pollock Street as the Meadows Inn, that was the leading edge.

Blew the entire day.

A little higher, yikes!

Looking across the street at
Persimmons surrounded by water

Yet to the south the street is dry, just a little bit higher

Our Corner!

Had internet cell, tv, and phone all night until 9 am. Then everything went out. The storm continued and was actually worse until about 6 pm

Irene

2011-08-26T09:57:00.006-04:00

Go away!

New Bern is on the Neuse River, where it is about 1 mile wide you can see on the map where it opens into Pamlico Sound. Downtown New Bern doesn't usually flood from rain, it floods from wind.

Water piles up in the sound and as the rivers get narrower there is no where for the water to go so it floods. As far as tides, we don't have tides in New Bern but if the tide is high at the beach it means more water to be pushed into the sound, ergo more water for New Bern! We ARE lucky that is has been dry here, unlike New England.

Our house is about 100 feet from the river. We built our house/studio in 2007 and one of the things we told the architects was that it needed to be hurricane proof, as much as anything can be. We will see how well they did! That being said, we LOVE our location. Right now I'm laid up so other than going to the hospital/doctor I've been home. But it's not a bad place to be stuck. I grew up on the water and can sit and look at it forever.

We have spent the past couple days getting things up off the floor on the 1st floor, which is our pottery, Michaels workshop, and garage. We'll take the car Downtown and put it behind Carolina Creations which is 8 feet higher than the 1st floor of our house. Just finished loading a kiln and are firing it now. It takes 10 hours to fire so should be done before we start to have high water. If it gets wet it will be ok once it's fired. When it's done we'll go unplug all the kilns and hope for the best. We think they'll dry out ok. Too big to move.

Our biggest concern is our gallery. It is at 14 feet but if we have a 10-11 foot storm surge, that's a little too close for comfort. We'll keep our fingers crossed!! This is what the city is saying "hurricane winds expected to reach around the center of the hurricane 70 miles and tropical storm winds reaching 290 miles around the eye of the storm." We are about 40 miles west of Cape Lookout, 100 miles west of Cape Hatteras.

At 11 am this is what the WITN website says -
POTENTIAL LOCAL IMPACTS: Note: These potential impacts are based solely on the latest NHC forecast and certainly could change with future updates. Most of the listed impacts will occur from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
WINDS: Hurricane force winds of 75 mph up to 100+ mph are possible primarily east of highway 17. Winds of 40 to 75 mph are possible from I-95 to highway 17. The further east you are the greater the wind threat. Widespread power outages are likely, along with some structural damage...especially east of highway 17.
WATER RISES: Water level rises of 6 to 10 feet are possible over the Sounds and along the Outer Banks. 4 to 7 foot rises are possible up the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers. Low lying areas will be susceptible to flooding.
RAINFALL: 3 to 6" of rain will be possible west of highway 17, with 6 to 12" possible east of highway 17. Widespread flash flooding will be likely. Be extra careful around stream, creeks, culverts, and any areas of running water.

It keeps talking about Hwy 17. Hwy 17 is 1 block from our house. At this time they were saying it would go between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke.

One good thing, the worst is supposed to be between 6 am and 6 pm on Saturday. It will be light out, there is nothing worse than a landfalling hurricane at night.

Brian at the Sun Journal was down yesterday and took photos of Michael putting up the storm shutters. here is a link to his photo. It's our first hurricane since we have had them. They are stamped "approved for Dade county" so we're hoping they'll do their job. Won't do much for flooding though.

Lou took some photos too., thanks Lou!

Way to go Michael!

Will post again to let you know how we fared.

Blown Glass Ornaments

2011-08-25T09:41:00.001-04:00

We sell our blown glass ornaments all year long. People often hang them in their windows, much like we have them in our window at Carolina Creations. Another thing people do is put them in a bowl. Here I've shown how I have them on my dining room table.

It's a nice thing to collect. For some it's the thing they look for as they travel. Looking at each brings back a memory of where they got it.

As my friend Jude says - art is functional, it lifts your spirits every time you look at it!

Each of these ornaments is made by hand and here is how it is done.....
The method of making blown glass ornaments or sometimes referred to as hand blow glass ornaments has changed very little over the years. As they say "If it ain't broke don't fix it" Blowing of glass started in Roman times whereby a gather of molten glass would be gathered on the end of the blowpipe and air blown into the other end to expand the molten glass into a bubble.

The blown glass bubble can be swung by the glassmaker to elongate the piece to the required length and shape to produce various types of vessels. During this time the glass item being made, still attached to the blowing iron, would be put into the glory hole from time to time to heat it back up to a good working heat. The glass blower, throughout all these stages would be turning the gather to prevent it sagging due to the still flexible form.

Once satisfied with the dimensions of this eventual hand blown glass ornament, another member of the glassblowing team, or chair, would heat a pontil iron with a small amount of glass on the end and attach this to the end of the bubble on the blowpipe.

The opposite end of the bubble would now be cut from the blowpipe and can be further worked on, on the pontil iron. The open end can be opened out further, closed, stretched, given a spout, frilled edge or given whatever shape is required. At this still soft state handles can be added, other applied decoration, pinched and almost anything the glass artisan wishes to do.

The glass making process is not complete until the glass is annealed. Only when all hand work is finished the pontil iron would be cracked off and the item placed in the annealing chamber to cool down at a gradual pace. After a period which can take days of this gradual cooling, the blown glass ornament will be strong enough for use. When next holding a piece of beautiful hand blown glass, I hope you will now better understand the skills required and how glass is made.

Painted Silk Scarves made in New Bern

2011-08-24T12:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Heidi DiBella one of our newest artists!

Heidi paints on silk and her scarves are beautiful!

"With all my artwork, I paint loose with a lot of color. I love to pour on primary colors & watch them flow together. The traditional method of Serti painting using a frame, paintbrush and resist that blocked the flow of dye was too restrictive for me.

Applying different watercolor techniques to the wet material allowed the dye colors to flow & blend together creating a variety of colors. Other techniques create texture, shapes & designs. After the dye is set, I can decide if I want to add more to the scarf like hand painting, stamping or drawing a design. Each scarf is unique & no two scarves are the same."

Taking a break (no pun intended)

2011-08-23T23:55:00.002-04:00

Since breaking my ankle a couple weeks ago I've spent a lot of time on my back working on my computer and thinking about business. My laptop is my lifeline! I've been out to go to the hospital, doctor and one day we went to the gallery early, I was there long enough to know that it would be disruptive for me to be there when we are open.

For one thing I have to have my leg up all the time or it aches and swells, I can only sit in the wheelchair so long before I have to get out of it. I am determined to follow the doctors instructions since I don't want to take any chances that it won't heal properly.

So I've been laying here emailing family, friends and business associates from across the country, doing my bookwork and working on our website.

I was worried about not finding any new Christmas ornaments for Christmas - well I've found some really great ones!

We'll have our usual wonderful collection of
- blown glass ornaments by various glass blowers but new this year will be
- porcelain snowflake ornaments
- gold and silver plated leaf ornaments
- gold and silver dog bone ornaments
- can ornaments filled with seeds
- shell ornaments
and of course my new New Bern ornament - to be revealed in an upcoming blog post.

You might ask how can we be thinking about Christmas when it is 90 degrees out. Well to be honest we start thinking about Christmas in the spring.

Our Downtown Christmas committee has been meeting since March and once again we are going to have a wonderful Dickens of a Christmas!

Between now and then we have our ArtWalk in September with featured artist Elaine O'Neill, American Craft Week in October with demonstrations every day, November ArtWalk with featured artist Pat Holscher, our Christmas Open House the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, then an exciting month of getting everyone prepared for Christmas.

So I guess I can't really say I've been taking a break, just taking a break from being in the gallery. But it is in good hands with Lou, Donna, Donna, Michael and Lori!

New Bern Christmas Card 2011

2011-08-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

I actually got my Christmas Card done on time this year.

You may think it is really early but people start asking for them in September!

The price is 10 for $9.50.

The greeting on the inside is "Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year"

You can order online by clicking here.
Pictured are the towers of the Federal Building, City Hall, Courthouse, Convention Center, Spider Lily Sculpture and the Ada Mae.

I think it is neat that after 20 years of doing New Bern Christmas cards there is still something new to paint in our beautiful downtown!

Slow Blogging Fessing Up

2011-08-14T11:23:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a while because it has been an interesting week.

Last Sunday, August 8, I was having a fabulous ride on my bike when, crash, I hit a curb and went ass over teakettle.

There were several fortunate things that happened.

I had my helmet on, if not would have done major damage to my head.

I could have broken my right arm.

And I crashed right across the street from the New Bern Fire Department.

I started to get up and realized there was something major wrong, like feeling bones move. I've never had a broken bone before but it was pretty obvious what it was.

Five firefighters rush across the street with their first aid kit. Called the ambulance and off I went.

In the er by 8:30 out by 11. The bad news was my ankle is broken both the tibia and fibula and needed surgery but because of major road rash (worry about infection) and swelling they couldn't do it right then.

Was told to keep my ankle above my heart for the forseeable future.

I had the surgery on Wednesday so now I'll set the alarm off every time at the airport. Got sent home with a splint, again ankle above heart until next thursday when they put a cast on.

Another fortunate thing is when we built our house 4 years ago we built it hoping we could still be in it when we are old and maybe be handicapped by that time. So I am able to move throughout the house with relative ease.

Michael went off and got me a wheel chair so I can at least get to the bathroom. The rest of the time I've pretty much been on my back in my studio. I was supposed to be in NY this weekend and week on business. Some of my friends from galleries across the country are there and have offered to share what they find. Thank You!

I have been pleased how much work i've gotten done! I found I can lay on my back and paint pottery (good thing because I had A LOT of commissioned pieces to do), on my laptop work on our website, do bookwork, do ads etc.

I'm fortunately to have a loving, caring and handy husband and wonderful loving, caring, helpful staff at Carolina Creations!

So I'll have to be off my feet for at least a month but it can't slow me down! It will be better though when I can sit up.

Tea Pot Sale!

2011-08-05T21:17:00.001-04:00

Just for fun we decided that we would have a Teapot Sale in honor of the kids going back to school.

Take some time after the bus pulls away to sit down and have a nice cup of tea (after adding ice to it of course).

We have some fabulous teapots! All hand crafted of course.

We're reducing the price by 40%.

And just for fun we are taking 15% off anything in the gallery that has a teapot on it. I know we have some note cards, paintings, prints, journals and I'm sure there is lots more. The thing is, we really don't know what we have that has a teapot on it so its like a treasure hunt.

Click here to see some more of our teapots!

This is your life

2011-07-29T09:54:00.001-04:00

Our corner and what goes on when we are watering.

2011-07-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

Since it has been so hot (summertime you know) and we haven't gotten much rain we've been watering our new grass and plants. Our corner is busy, with people on their way downtown, just coming off the bridge and only a couple blocks from all governmental offices. So there is a lot of traffic.

When we are out there we act as greeters and tour guides. Lots of people stop and ask where the Post office is (we HOPE they don't take it away), where City Hall/Courthouse is, this morning where a bike shop is (we have 2 Atomic Cycles and Flythes), where the shops are, where Carolina Creations is (yes it HAS happened!), what is the fabulous, unusual red bush is in our yard (Callistemon citrinus splendens - Red Australian Bottle Brush plant) and where can I get one (Gary's Nursery), an on and on. We've gotten other neat plants from the Garden sale at Tryon Palace and from Pinecone Perrennials.

Callistemon citrinus splendens - Red Australian Bottle Brush plant

You know Swiss Bear Downtown Development, has a plan for a wayfinding system which will help visitors and locals alike to find their way including where you can park all day. We just need to raise the funds for it.

Almost everything people say as they go by is positive, except the other day when I was watering someone shouted out as they drove by "conserve it!" I didn't realize what she said until she was pulling away (a good thing, I might have said something unseemly!) Well we ARE conserving water. We do it with a soaker head and water where we need to, only those areas that are having a hard time. Not watering with a "sprinkle" (my neighbors word) where you let it go for an hour and it waters the street as well as the grass, and much of the water evaporates before it hits the ground.

Our house is pretty visible, previously in this blog I've written about the controversy when we built it. Many people didn't like it. It DOES look more like a commercial building than a home. But it IS on a commercial street after all, and it houses our pottery studio, our painting studio, and 2 offices in addition to our home.

So this morning when I was watering I was pleased when a guy I don't know came out of the restaurant across the street and said to me "your house is beautiful, it is a wonderful addition to the city scape."

Thank you, you made my day.

Blown glass sea life

2011-07-22T22:09:00.004-04:00

We have been fortunate to know several very talented glass blowers and lampworkers who have been creating sculpture of sea life for us.

The newest to join us is Seth Parks who has created shells that measure 6" to 11".

After a long absence we are glad to welcome back crabs by Janet Sweeney and Marty Hook.

This glass hermit crab is in their lampworked glass conch shell and measures approximately 6.5" x 4" x 4.5".

Another artist who we lost track of for a while, Rod Hart, is back making his glass seahorses.

These are the best we have ever seen. They hang and measure approximately 10" x 5" x 2 3/4".

And new from Purser Studio are these glass crabs.

Since we live on the water and very close to the coast we have a lot of collectors looking for new and different glass pieces to add to their collections. So we are always on the lookout for something new. There really aren't that many glass artists doing this type of work so whenever we find someone new we are thrilled.

These sculptures and others can be viewed on our website by clicking here.

Baltimore Annapolis Solomons part 2

2011-07-18T21:19:00.003-04:00

At the show we also met up with some of our friends, David and Polly Brooks who own Appalachian Spring Galleries in the DC area, Donna Milstein, Hanson Galleries in Houston, and H and Pat Childs who own G-Squared Gallery in Pennsylvania. It's always great to see them - we compare notes and share ideas.

We went to dinner with Donna at her favorite restaurant in Baltimore Tio Pepe. Donna says she's been eating there for 30 years. The Sangria is outstanding and the duck was fabulous.

I've always heard about Solomons but have never been there. It's kind of like Oriental, NC, you have to want to go there because it's not on the way to anywhere. So we decided to take a couple days off and go there on the way home.

On the way we stopped in Annapolis and had breakfast at Chick and Ruths Delly on Main Street. It's a pretty funky place. At 8:30 am during the week and 9:30 on the weekends everyone in the restaurant stands up and recites the pledge of allegiance!

Then we drove to Solomons. We went to Annmarie Garden - it was great. As we pulled up to the gate I saw that it was done by Peter King. I took a workshop with him a couple years ago.

When I got home from the workshop I made this sculpture for the front of our house. It's about 5 feet tall.

At the Annmarie Gardens was a "fairies in the garden" show with a scavenger hunt type puzzle (similar to our Downtown New Bern "Dickens Detective" puzzle during Christmas). Very clever and well done.

Wherever they had cut a branch off a tree someone had painted the wound. Neat!

Loved the sculptures as well and how they had them displayed in the woods. Every once in a while there was a cleared path through the woods with sculptures in the distance. This garden was my favorite part of the trip. And glad to report that their gift shop had about 95% made in the USA. Most of the artists whose work they carry are people we know!

We stayed at the Solomon's Victorian Inn and had a great view of the harbor.

We rode our bikes to the Calvert County Maritime Museum. which was fabulous and even got to take a ride around the Island on The William B. Tennison, a Chesapeake Bay bugeye for $7, what a deal.

Tomorrow we are heading home with a stop in Suffolk, VA to take photos of a house I have to do a tile of. It was a nice trip.

Baltimore Annapolis Solomons Part 1

2011-07-14T11:25:00.001-04:00

On Sunday we left for the BMAC Show in Baltimore where we are always looking for new artists, especially glass artists.

On the way we stopped to see the Vietnam Memorial. Michael spent some time there in the brown water navy on the Mekong River. The memorial was quite moving to see.

From there we drove straight north. As I've stated in some previous posts we've been trying to do some camping this year. So instead of going into Baltimore on Sunday night we stayed near Ellicott City at the Patapsco Valley State Park.

They describe it as an oasis in the middle of a metropolitan area, which is what we found it to be as well. The sites were really nice and the grounds secure. We were only 10 minutes from Ellicott City and 20 minutes from the Baltimore Convention Center.

We hadn't been in Ellicott City for quite a few years and forgot how quaint the town is. Had a WONDERFUL crab cake at Trolley Stop.

I've always been interested in railroads and the B and O Depot there is beautiful.

The next morning we were at the Baltimore Convention Center in 20 minutes.

We usually stay at the Hilton but this time we stayed at the Hyatt. We've been there before and they have updated it since the last time we were there. One thing I always like is the view of the Inner Harbor from the hotel.

At the Show saw some of our favorite artists like Hank Goodman, Luke Adams, Ray Pottery, and Mike Mikutowski we did find some new glass including one artist from Wilmington, NC! We'll keep you posted as the new work comes in.

Ten Great Reasons to Shop Local

2011-07-10T16:03:00.003-04:00

1. Dollars you spend locally support vital public services in our town and county.

2. Your community is unique, and our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character. Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

3. You can grow a relationship with your local merchants. They can get to know you, and cater to your preferences.

4. Local merchants care about and invest in your community. They donate part of your dollars back to local groups and charities.

5. Your local purchases support local jobs.

6. When you shop at one local merchant, you’re supporting a whole host of other business. Banks, restaurants and other business cluster around our local shops.

7. Local shops are more accessible for everyone. This is especially important for elderly, vulnerable and young people and those without transport.

8. You save money by shopping at home. You drive less, save time, and you’d be surprised how often the retail prices are lower, too.

9. You can reduce your environmental impact by cutting out those long drives to the big city.

10. Your purchases help the town attract new entrepreneurs and skilled workers. Towns that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character are more successful in recruiting.

Thank you to the Kilmarnock, Va website for this list.

Welcome Painter Sue Scoggins

2011-07-07T20:58:00.003-04:00

As a gallery owner, one of the best parts of the job is discovering new artists, especially when they are right in our backyard! It is no secret that North Carolina is home to one of the largest concentrations of artists in the United States, many of whom have national reputations.

We just received these two paintings from local artist Sue Scoggins!

Mike Rooney

2011-07-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

We have gotten some new pieces in from Mike Rooney. My favorites represent New Bern of course!

Photography by New Bern Photographer Bill Lease

2011-07-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

This week we received some new pieces from New Bern Photographer Bill Lease

To see more of Bills photography click here!
To see more of Bills work click here!

Carolina Creations QR Code

2011-07-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

I've always been pretty techy and interested in all things computer and internet but everything is changing so fast now I can't keep up.

I'm just now getting around to thinking about a QR code for Carolina Creations. They have been around since the mid 1990s but now with the high tech phones we have their use has exploded.

QR stands for Quick Response.

You put a QR reader on your smart phone, you more or less take a photo of the Code and it will do whatever you have programed the code to do. In our case I have it going to our website. www.carolinacreations.com. You could also have your QR code be your phone number - so a person would "shoot" the code and it would automatically dial your phone number.

QR codes are easy to create - you just search on the internet for a QR Code Generator.

I'm going to start putting it on our business card, rack card and some of our ads.

What's next?

Giant metal flowers for your garden no water needed

2011-06-29T12:07:00.003-04:00

Our long time artist Steven Cooper has sent us some fabulous giant metal flowers for the garden.

Considering we've had no rain for weeks here until the other day here is a bloom that will never wilt.

Stop in to see what we have.

They're great!

Some blooms are 14" across.

July 4 in New Bern

2011-06-28T12:11:00.000-04:00

There is LOTS, LOTS, LOTS, going on in New Bern this weekend!

Of course there is lots of great shopping and dining at unique locally owned shops and restaurants.

Carolina Creations is open our regular hours for the holiday weekend.

Friday 10 am - 8 pm

Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

Sunday 11 am - 4 pm

Monday 10 am - 6 pm

July 4 UNION POINT PARK sponsored by New Bern Parks & Rec
- 11am - 8pm fun for kids bounce houses, giant slide, obstacle course
- 6pm - reading of Declaration of Independence, National Anthem, 2D Marine Aircraft Wing Band. Followed by a patriotic fireworks show.

We welcome coolers & service animals, but prohibit alcohol, glass containers, fireworks, & all other pets. Call 252.639.2902 for more info.

And at the Tryon Palace!
Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4
Celebrate the birth of our nation with a fun-filled weekend at Tryon Palace!

Saturday, July 2, 1:00 p.m.

Tryon Palace Theater: Making of the State

North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall
$6 per adult, $3 per student; Free with regular admission.
Come get yourself in the patriotic spirit and help us kick off our 4th of July weekend! During this interactive program, the audience will participate in our First Provincial Congress and help determine North Carolina’s course leading towards the Revolutionary War.

Sunday, July 3, 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.

A 19th Century Town Celebration

New Bern Academy Green
Free admission, all ages welcome
In the 1800s, the citizens of New Bern celebrated their 4th of Julys on the lawn of the New Bern Academy. You are cordially invited to attend a recreation of the celebration held there on July 4th, 1836 – the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bring your own picnic and join 19th century New Bern citizens in patriotic merriment. There will be music, dancing, and games including townball – an early precursor to baseball. A special period reading of the Declaration will take place at 2:30 p.m., followed by the ringing of the bells celebrating the years of independence.

Monday, July 4

Celebration of the Declaration

Fife & Drum performance and reading of the Declaration of Independence: 11:00 a.m.
Kid’s Craft Activities: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
FREE Garden Admission: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Interior tours require the purchase of a ticket.
Come join us for a celebration of our nation’s Declaration of Independence! Enjoy patriotic kids craft activities, colonial games, and a special Fife & Drum Corps performance followed by a dramatic 18th-century reading of the Declaration of Independence -- all free of charge! Purchase a Time Traveler’s Pass or Governor’s Pass and enjoy interior tours of all our historic buildings as well.

Two new paintings for my show that opens during the July ArtWalk

2011-06-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

Here are two new paintings I've just finished.

One is unusual for me, People are used to my black and white ink drawings but NOT used to black and white paintings!

New Work by Vicki Grant

2011-06-24T20:51:00.000-04:00

Just in! North Carolina Sculptor and Potter Vicki Grant stopped in over the weekend and brought us some fabulous new work!

For sizes and prices visit our website by clicking here.

Highway 17

2011-06-21T22:22:00.003-04:00

On our way home from Merchants Millpond we commented on how much the roads have improved since we moved here 22 years ago.

Slowly, slowly Hwy 17 is getting four laned.

Thursday at our Swiss Bear Board meeting Marc Findlayson from the Highway 17 Association gave us an update.

They are working on 5 projects on Hwy 17 right now, two are close to New Bern, one south of Chocowinity and the other west of Bridgeton. Unfortunately the section between what they are working on in Bridgeton and Hwy 43 is not funded, nor does it have a date.

Maybe in our lifetime this will be done!

The part that is the most important to us is the section south of New Bern through Jones County which is actually scheduled to be started in 2015, amazing.

I would like to see us put together a Hwy 17 Arts Trail. With shops, galleries and artists from Virginia to Wilmington along the corridor.

Anyone interested besides me?

- Jan Francoeur

Another trip to Merchants Millpond and points beyond

2011-06-18T21:33:00.003-04:00

This year for Michaels birthday we went back to Merchants Millpond. This time we camped in the State Park Campground and paddled for two days.

The campground is beautiful, the sites are big with pads for your tent ( your tent not ours, we quit tenting a long time ago) a really nice fire pit and even a big hook to hang your lantern from. Hot showers! Cheap. Very well tended.

I've written about the Millpond before so will just post a few photos. It's an amazing place, it seems prehistoric. There are 3 alligators there but the place is so huge it's doubtful you'd see them. We saw hundreds of turtles, blue herons, dragonflys, minnows, a Pileated woodpecker that we watched for a long time, yellow-throated warbler and lots of other birds we couldn't identify.

We rode over to Coinjock and had lunch at the Coinjock Marina and Restaurant. Very nice.

We rode up to the Hwy 17 visitors center to get a new map and information on other places to paddle.

We have been watching them build something across the river from the rest area, we hadn't been there for a couple years and were thrilled to see that it is now a state park!

You walk across the Dismal Swamp Canal on a bridge. They have a beautiful building with displays that talk about the Dismal Swamp and have trails and a boardwalk. They even have a paved 3 mile bike/walking trail that goes along the canal.

So far you can't camp there because they have to leave the bridge up at night so boats can get through but are trying to get a right of way with another way to get there so they can have camping there too.

You can rent a canoe there or launch your own and paddle the canal. We'll take another trip up that way to do that.

On the way back we commented on how much the roads have improved in the 22 years we've lived in eastern North Carolina. We still don't have 17 totally 4 laned but it is coming along. I'll write more about that after tomorrow.

It was a fun couple of days!
Jan Francoeur

Hand sculpted Nativities

2011-06-14T23:15:00.015-04:00

He's back.....

After a six year hiatus we are pleased to announce the return of Cirrus Nativities!

We can help you finish your collection. give us a call and let us know what you need.

From left to right shepherd boy holding sheep

Joseph, Mary with baby Jesus, Shepherd with 2 sheep

Three Kings from left to right

Green, Blue, Purple

Ram and sheep, Camel, Donkey

Little Drummer Boy

Shepherd Girl, Goat

Large Angel

You can order online!

Copper Art for the Garden

2011-06-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

Catherine Murphy has been a construction welder who worked on highrises, power plants and paper mills, then she attended a class at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC and she never looked back.

We have been carrying Catherine's work for about 15 years and love how it continually evolves, new pieces are added as old ones retired.

Her studio has grown from a one-person operation to having a handful of employees who help her create her work. Catherine does all the design work and her helpers take care of business issues, apply patinas, cut the copper and do some of the welding.

Her studio has a relaxed atmosphere, since it is alongside the Haw Creek a kayak sits out back and is used for lunchtime paddling breaks. Her helpers bring their dogs to work and are in the studio four days a week.

For the most part, Catherine's studio produces whimsical garden art (or as they call it “jewelry for the garden”) butterflies, hummingbirds, and dragonflys and sunflowers.

To see more of Catherine's work or to purchase online follow this link.

The Best Advice My Dad Ever Gave Me

2011-06-09T21:07:00.001-04:00

In our June 2011 Newsletter we asked people to send us the best advice their Dad ever gave them to be entered in a drawing for a $40 gift certificate.

Here are a few of the tidbits we've been sent - I love them all.

First I'll start with my own Dads - The world does not owe you one thing. That has served me well and made me a hard worker my whole life.

Here are some others -

“Always put things away where they belong and you will always know where they are when you need them.”

“If you want to play a better game of tennis, find someone better than you to play with.”

If you think about it, he really was talking about more than tennis. Took me a few years to figure that out, but once it set in, the advice has served me well through the years.

Hakuna matata is a Swahili phrase that is literally translated as "There are no worries". It is sometimes translated as "no worries".

"Get a good education so you can get a good job in case you marry some sorry man you will be able to take care of yourself." All three of us girls graduated from college and had successful careers. After divorcing a "sorry man" I WAS able to take care of myself!! I have thanked my Dad many times for his advice!!!

I'll add more as they come in!

Chapel Hill Carrboro Elaine ONeil Fabric Artist

2011-06-02T21:38:00.001-04:00

Made a quick trip to Chapel Hill and Carrboro today, on the way stopped to chat with Elaine O'Neil, Fabric Artist, who is going to have a show at Carolina Creations for September and part of October.

Elaine grew up in rural Maine and began sewing as a girl, winning 4-H contests and making all of her own clothes.

In college, she designed fabrics, enjoying the created effect of color and texture combinations. Later, while her three sons were little and she was home with them, she began creating "scenes" and portraits of a family boat ride, a cow farm, or a seaside picnic. The scenes were discovered by a gallery owner and that was the beginning of her career.

Elaine graduated from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, earning a BS degree in textile design. She is great-granddaughter to a lighthouse keeper, granddaughter to a farmer, daughter of an ardent seamstress, and mother to three sons. Her ties to her past are ever present.

Right now we have some of her note cards at Carolina Creations. We are really looking forward to her show.

While I was there, even though it was 95 degrees, I parked my car in Carrboro and rode into Chapel Hill. Anyone that complains about parking in New Bern needs to get a grip. I never walk down Franklin Street because you can't park within a mile of it. So riding my bike was great!

The other thing I discovered on the way back to Carrboro is a dedicated bike/walking path, it's not very long but it is very nice. Wish we had this in New Bern. It makes me nervous to ride on the road so I do most of my riding in town.

Janet Francoeur

T Rader

2011-05-31T08:22:00.002-04:00

Tim Hergenrader aka T Rader just brought this painting in of the New Bern skyline. Beautiful!

To see more of Tims work follow this link.

Tim and I will be doing a show together at Carolina Creations for July and August.

Glass and steel wall hanging

2011-05-30T07:51:00.000-04:00

If you come to Carolina Creations very often you know that we have a great selection of glass from over 40 glass blowers from across the country. This is the latest.

The sculpture is about 5 feet wide!

Beautiful.