Going with the Flow

I was at the Norfolk Farmer's Market yesterday.  It was a beautiful day.  A lovely mix of farmer's and artisans were there.  Everyone was happy and helpful.  Everyone pitched in to erect Ez-ups which are not so easy to put up alone.  Market goers were a wonderful mix of people.  I am so grateful for the day and the opportunities to talk to and meet people.

One woman came up to me and asked if I was busy on Sunday (today).  I said I would be in my studio.  Hear me out she asked.  I'm hosting a Ladies Spa Day & Luncheon at the local community center.  Our soap and lotion guy pulled out of the event at the last minute.  Would you help us out?  Much to her relief I said yes.
She filled me in on the particulars and gave me the flier and her contact information.  Right near the top of the flier it says there will be natural soaps and lotions.  How disappointing her event would be  without them.  I'm glad I could help out.
So, I won't be in the studio today making soap.  I will be stopping in late in the day to unpack my car and tidy up a bit.

Norfolk #Farmer's Market

Saturday, June 27, from 10 to 2, I will be at the Norfolk Farmer's Market.

Located at 19 Maple Avenue

Norfolk, CT

I love spending time at the farmer's markets.  I get to meet new people plus I get to shop for local fresh produce and meat.  Hope to see you there!

International Herb Symposium #IHS

     The summer madness has begun and my daughter still has one week left of school.  This past week end was the Open Studios & Block Party at Whiting Mills where I have my studio.  I lost count of the number of people, kind, enthusiastic, enjoyable people who crossed my threshold.  Saturday I hosted my friend Jeanine from Gemini Moon Designs.  She left one of her gorgeous mirrors in my studio for all to see and one lucky person to purchase.  Stop by and take a peek.

   This week end I am headed to the International Herb Symposium.  This gathering of herbalists from all over the world takes place every other June at Wheaton College in Norton, MA.  This will be my third time attending and this trip I get to car pool and room with my dear friend, teacher and mentor Rose of Walk in the Woods.  I will see my herbal sisters from from various classes we have attended together and bonded over.  A group of women who when I see our pictures the flood of our laughter comes pouring back.  Women who are part of my tribe (much like my shimmy sister tribe).

     And the cherry on top of a week end spent with great friends, sisters of my spirit, is a week end spent in classes with teachers who impart, inspire, and challenge me.  The days will be long and full, it will be exhausting and glorious.  The campus is beautiful and to be in that setting with so many that care about the plants....
     I return to refilling my "shelves", farmer's markets, health expos, studio time, vacation, time with my son who will be home for a few weeks and ending the season at the Women's Herbal Conference with my daughter. My life is full and I am blessed!  I hope you join me for the journey, if only for a moment stop by for some joy filled madness. Check out my Where I am Page for dates and times.

#Thanks

A Great BIG Thank You to everyone who came out for the open studios and block party at Whiting Mills.

#Bugbite Relief

I had time to play in my studio last week and I was inspired to make a bug bite relief salve.  Some organic calendula that I infused in olive oil which is great for the skin.  Calendula officinales helps with inflammation, minor cuts, bruises, strains and burns.  This was mixed with a little beeswax to give it firmness and organic essential oils that are also great for skin irritations.  I poured it into lip balm tubes and let it set up.  And, the best part is if you mix it up with your regular lip balm it's OK.  Everything in it is great for your lips as well.  That is the beauty of using all natural ingredients thy can serve multiple purposes.  My cuticle salve can be used as an unscented lip balm.  All of my lip balms can be used as cuticle salve.

You can pick up any of these at Whiting Mills Open Studios and Block Party or you can order on line. And while you are at the open studios event stop by studio 336 home of my friend Rose of Walk in the Woods.  Among her many amazing artistic and herbal offerings she has bug spray available.

Whiting Mills Open Studios and #BlockParty

It will be here before we know it.  The open studios and block party at Whiting Mills.
This will be my first one in a studio of my own.  Last December I was a guest artist in studio 336 home of Rose at Walk in the Woods.  I am so excited to introduce my space to the world.  I am fully stocked with product and since opening the studio in February I have three new soaps and more in the works.  Stop in and pick your favorite. Treat yourself to some skin pampering love and enjoy a cup of tea. Plus I am thrilled beyond words to be hosting Jeanine of Gemini Moon Mosaics on Saturday, June 6.

Purple Recycled Glass Pendant

Colorful Beaded Mirror

Flanders Farm Day

 May 16, 2015 10 to 4

5 Church Hill Road

Woodbury, CT

Welcome to farm day 2015

Food, Crafts, Vendors, Exhibits and Events

THE NORTH BARN: Flanders Agricultural Learning Center and home to Buz Russell’s Farm & Rural Life Museum

Barefoot Books
Blacksmithing
Dale Bloxsum

Dawn Hill Designs
Macaroni Kids

Live farm animals

Percy Thomson Meadow
The Hippie Chicks

Garden ROW:  

4-H Dosey Doats Dairy Goat Club

CT Invasive Plant Board
CT Woodworking Club

Earth Tones Nursery
Livin’ Country

Pomperaug Valley Garden Club

Potato Planting Demo with Gina & Eli Gardella

Roger’s Creative Originals

Wildlife Table

Woodbee Folk Art

Events:

Chainsaw carving
Fishing Activity with Trout Unlimited Naugatuck Pomperaug Chapter

Flanders would to thank the Department of Agriculture for letting us use their costumes.

Welcome to farm day 2015

Food, Crafts, Vendors, Exhibits and Events

Studio: Visit the Van Vleck Studio & view founder Natalie Van Vleck’s original art work.

Avid Concessions LLC Italian Ice

Fiber Arts: Spinning and Weaving

Handmade Fiber items by Jan Locke

Pat’s Baskets
Raven’s Edge LLC
Raven’s Gate Primitives 

Events:

Egg basket making

Rug hooking demo
Tractor Rides all day

Corner of flanders & church hill road:
Woodbury Ambulance

THE NATALIE VAN VLECK house:
Stop by to visit the Flanders Country Kitchen to get fried dough, hot dogs, homemade macaroni and cheese, chili or fruit salad. There are also cookies donated by the Flour Garden.

Flanders would like to thank you for coming out today and we hope to see you at one of our many events including our  Trail Run on Friday, June 12, Summer programs, our Auction in October or wreath making in November/ December! Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on events and check out our website, www.flandersnaturecenter.org