If I said the last half of 2009 was hectic, that would be an understatement! In August, I travelled to Sacramento, CA to participate in the Golden Glow Christmas Convention. What an experience....crazy Christmas collectors, as far as the eye could see and some of the most amazing new and old Christmas collections one could ever imagine. The members of this organization set-up a massive "museum hall" to showcase their collections. This was simply amazing! There were also themed dinners, lectures, an auction, and sales rooms. I sold my creations at the Christkindl Market and from my hotel room. I also caught-up with many of my old California friends.
My favorites in the museum room, antique Santa costumes
Introduction of new Christmas tree ornaments
Upon returning home from Sacramento, there were six weeks to prepare for for Halloween and Vine in Petaluma, CA and Ghoultide Gathering in Northville, MI. Also around this time, I found out I was was accepted by the jury for a show called Christmas in the Woods, at Columbiana, OH. So, it was work and more work and a little more work, on top of that! I kept things in perspective and did my best to enjoy what I love doing. I had a ball creating this group of Halloween pieces. I incorporated several antique props in this group, including a 1920's Kewpie lamp, a 1920's platform horse, Edwardian shoes, and 1930's salt and pepper shakers. It sounds like quite an unlikely collection of items, but it all made sense in the end....cross my heart
Hallowe'en Family Portrait (Parents have 1930's salt and pepper shaker heads)
Table at Ghoultide Gathering (in the Old Inn...loved it!)
After travelling cross country twice and setting up at three shows in seven weeks, my head cleared a little and it was time for Christmas in the Woods. Columbiana, OH is only about 20 minutes away and I was pleased to be a part of a local show. This show takes place literally "in the woods." It's really a charming venue in which every vendor has an interesting little "cabin" for merchandising and sales. This show takes place on the the second and third weekends of October. Approximately 30,000 people attend....charter busses arrive daily! I made many wonderful new acquaintances. Pittsburgh-area collectors seemed especially fond of my work.
Cabin/sales booth at Christmas in the Woods
So, by the end of October, you guess that my year was winding down? Oh, no....not just yet! I still had obligations to meet for the Toy Shoppe and Doll Masters Christmas catalogues. I also was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the Mahoning Valley Historical Society's Christmas decoration of the Arms Family Museum home. The museum home is a wonderful circa 1900 arts and crafts style mansion which was named Greystone, by it's original owner, Olive Arms. Many local collectors loaned all kinds of wonderful things for the display. I even got caught up in the loaning, with antique dollhouses and dolls. What a treat...didn't even seem like work! Now, sometime in this time frame, I recieved an invitaion to sell at a holiday open house, hosted by Paul Gordon in Martinsburg, WV. I would not pass on an invitation from Paul, for anything! Paul is an amazing talent and one heck of a host! Visiting him is always such a pleasure, so accept his invitation if ever given the chance. His studio and his home are wonderlands....outward reflections of the workings of his imagination, I suspect.
Paul Gordon's shop display window
Some pieces that made the trip to Martinsburg, WV
So, there you have it! That is my rambling, whirlwind summary of the last part of 2009. After a little "collapse-time," I am back at it. Please check out my website dollsbyallenwcunningham.com for more information and photos.
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