Designs by Linda Thiltgen

Crafted by Hand

2010-03-06T19:47:00.001-08:00

The March issue of Country Business magazine arrived today. I am pleased to be one of the featured artists in the article Crafted by Hand Working with Local Artists written by April Miller. I appreciate being asked to be a part of this article. In this age of imports and big box stores, buying more and paying less mentality, it is great to know that buying from artists and fine crafts people is still important. I appreciate the risks independent shops take. They put themselves out there, buying and stocking their stores, customizing their merchandise to the brand they have crafted and their customers needs. Through the years, I've had the opportunity to work with many of them and applaud their blood, sweat and their tears. Thanks for buying from artists. To my long-time and new customers I say THANKS! To those of you I have yet to meet, I look forward to working with you to promote the art that I love doing and to help grow your dreams as well. Cheers!

Creative "Advance"

2010-02-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

I once attended a retreat that we renamed an "advance". Think about it. Yes, we "retreat" from our every day life, but really each time I go on "retreat", I come away renewed and ready to go. Whether it be a class I take, a real retreat or even taking a day off to go shopping, I usually feel inspired and ready to advance.

Well, this past week a friend of mine, Jamie Kalvestran and I spent three days and two nights creating, experimenting and advancing our artistic selves. We did gelatin printing, soy batik, snow dying and shaving cream printing. It was nice to get away where life's distractions cannot call or even beckon. We "advanced" to the Woodland Cottage which is set up to accommodate artistic types and the activities we love to do. Winnie Johnson, the owner of Woodland Cottage and an accomplished textile artist herself, treated us each morning to a wonderful delicious breakfast that was also a delight to the eye. She shared her lovely vintage quilt collection and we even helped feed her sheep. You can see Winnie's work this Spring at the Shepherd's Harvest Festival May 8 and 9 in Lake Elmo. Or, you can catch her at the state fair in the honey section of the horticulture building. A very interesting woman!

It was great doing all the art, but it was especially nice to be with Jamie. Being with friends is good for the soul. Treat yourself to a creative advance or at least take a break with a friend! I strongly recommend it! Hope your day is filled with creative energy! Cheers

Beautiful & Sparkly

2010-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

First, my apologies to those of you who, over the past couple days, have had to endure LONG commutes. I find the new snow so beautiful. I love that it covered all the slick ice-encrusted-snow. It brought a freshness to the world. There has always been something so peaceful to me about snow and the wonderful gray/blue color that the sky becomes while it's snowing. The same gray/blue colored shadows that dance across the now sparkly landscape.

The snow is really piling up out there! That's all I wanted to say. I was just so excited about the vignette from my window that I just had to share. Back to work.

Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

2010-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Mexico. My sister, Gloria, and her husband go every year and had been after us for a while to travel with them. Until our departure, I couldn't tell you where any of the major Mexico travel destinations were and certainly had never heard of Huatulco. FYI it is on the Pacific side of Mexico very close to Guatemala. When we departed, temps in Minnesota were on the rise following a couple weeks of below zero and hovering at zero. We were cold to the bone. Now I understand why people love taking winter vacations to spots like this. We flew from Minneapolis to Houston. By coincidence, our seat mates were also from Minnesota and staying at the same hotel. (They are bee-keepers. More on our new "amigos" in a future post!) Following our lay-over in Houston we boarded a smaller plane with just 19 rows three across. It was cozy! A short two hours later and we were HOT and boarding a van bound for our beach-front hotel and seven days of sun and fun, food and glasses and glasses of cerveza.

Mark, Me, Dick and Gloria

I loved being at the beach and playing in the surf. I loved the sounds and the patterns that the surf created. I love the treasures that the waves leave behind.

Most of the visitors at the Barcelo were from Canada. Here's a shout out to our beach neighbors Marla and Pat. :)

Mostly we hung out at the beach but our visit would not be complete without a trip to the swim-up bar. I did not know I liked Mango Daiquiris. (Note to self...figure out how to replicate at home before our deck "opens" this spring! Yum.

I got the hang of shopping on the beach and scored some nice sterling silver and turquoise pieces. I liken it to internet shopping. The vendors bring their cases to you and you shop from your chair! Surprisingly the prices were actually better from the beach vendors than the shops in town.

I loved the little shops in LaCrucecita and love this little girl intent on her school work amidst the produce and shoppers.

Take note of the sign painted on the building "We won't cheat you too bad". Made me smile and be cautious!

I had never stayed at an all-inclusive hotel and it did not disappoint. We came from the experience in awe of the work ethic of those people who were there when we woke up and I'm guessing several hours prior to us even opening our eyes and were there in the evening, putting on a show for the guests. Each day they had a multitude of activities, salsa dancing, yoga, stretching, kayaking, snorkeling...we participated in a water aerobics class one afternoon. It was good fun. The instructors were young, energetic and good looking. You could rent a jet ski, charter a fishing boat or take a seven bay boat ride with locals. My brother in law went fishing one day and came back with four fish which the chef prepared for us that evening. It was delicious and easily fed six of us. Here is a link to the Barcelo´

Every morning we started with coffee on our deck. A favorite part of my day—Mimosas and an omelette prepared by Victoria with fresh green chilies and verde sauce, mangos, pineapples and a scoop of the tastiest re-fried beans. Another favorite was the guacamole and the limes were FABULOUS!

I loved being at the beach and playing in the surf. I loved the sounds and the patterns that the surf created. I love the treasures that the waves leave behind.

If we have a chance to return, which we would love to do someday, we intend to have a better grasp of the language. Before we left, our granddaughters gave us a little cheat sheet of Spanish words that we might need to know. Seven year old Raina said, "Actually, you probably won't need to know this at the hotel, most of them will speak English". Can you tell she is already a seasoned traveler?! They attend a Spanish immersion school so us learning the language would be a fun way to communicate with them as well.

Back home now for just 5 days and Mexico seems like a long time ago. I'm grateful that Mark and I were able to get away from Winter in a beautiful warm place. I'm also grateful to have spent the week with my sister, who is also my friend, and her husband. Ah, memories. I think it's time to go upstairs and have a cold cerveza. Hola amigos!

Beautiful

2009-12-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning the sky was the most incredible shade of blue. It was spectacular. There was still a trace of pink from the dawn. Even tho my to-do list was long in preparation for the upcoming brunch just hours away, I kept returning to the window for another look. The air was crisp and a bit of frost clung to all the trees. Our new snow (and there is a lot of it!) was sparkling like glitter. The previously green landscaping was filled with interesting snow sculptures.

All of this makes me feel very peaceful and grateful for the beauty that I enjoy every day. I am also grateful for family and friends who bless my life and are as beautiful to me as the sky and snowscapes I got to enjoy yesterday morning. Peace.

Old Singer Sewing Machine

2009-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

This summer my husband's 92 year old aunt moved into an apartment. Of course, after years of three bedrooms and TONS of space for "stuff"...she had plenty of things that would not have a spot in her new apartment!

One item that needs a home is an older Singer sewing machine. It is an item that we would love to get to someone who has a passion or interest in this type of thing. I am thinking it is out of the 50's...but I am not sure, just a guess. If you are interested in this machine, or know someone who might be, could you please let them know. Thanks!

Peace

2009-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at the table having coffee last Sunday with the sun streaming through the window, looked up and saw the peace symbol making a shadow over our fireplace. I was struck by the beauty and then realized, that's what it will take from all of us. We all need to be reflections of peace, passing it on in all we do and say.

During this busy and hectic time of year, I wish you peace and calm. I wish our world, the ability to get past war and intolerance. Peace to all.

Peace.

Waking Up to Winter

2009-10-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

the view from my studio window

This is the site we woke up to yesterday morning. SNOW! A good amount, too, especially for mid-October. I'm not really ready for it. I do like the snow (After all I am a true Minnesotan, born and raised) but really...we barely had Fall. I expect we'll still have some convertible cruising days, I HOPE at least! Today we planted four "Ever-Blooming" Lilac plants. They arrived Friday, bare root from Springhill. I have to say, I much prefer planting in temps warmer than the 30's we had today. Brrr... Hope the little guys make it! We were intrigued with their claim that "the sweetly-scented blooms just keep coming and coming all summer long." Planning for spring makes me feel hopeful, even after yesterday's preview of Winter.

Trunk Show Tomorrow

2009-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's artwork awaiting completion on my work table. Why is it that I am always the most creative and have the most ideas just before a show? Work begats work....ideas come faster and stronger while I'm in my studio under the gun. I do love the creative energy. Thrive on it really. If you are looking for something to do tomorrow come on by Stonecrop in Maple Grove for an Artist Afternoon. Meet five artists that have our work at Stonecrop and come by for some wonderful Stonecrop hospitality. Ideas abound at Stonecrop whether you're decorating for the Fall season, need a gift or just a treasure for yourself.

Tonight, finishing artwork and watching the Twins (hopefully) defeat the Yankees. Go Twins!

Up North with Friends

2009-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our annual "Fall Get Away" for six friends, Donna & John and Tom & Marilyn, Mark & I. This weekend has been an annual rite since 1991. We came to know each other while working at Garment Graphics. Our first get-away was at Halcyon Harbor. The tiny resort on Lake Superior is no longer there. Some of the cabins along the lake may remain privately owned, but there is no hint of it's existence now when you drive by on Hi-way 61, just north east of the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel. But the memory was made and Halcyon Harbor and that first get-away weekend is dear to all of us. We had no idea, back then, that this tradition would survive nearly 20 years. We've had all sorts of accommodations, from the very primitive cabin at Halcyon Harbor, complete with a pliers that operated the faucet and a bathroom only accessible by passing through someone's bedroom to a three bedroom home that included a separate six-sided gazebo on the shore. No matter where we are tho, we always have a lot of fun and there is never a shortage of food or beer! Sure we see each other once in a while during the year, but this once-a-year-get-away is special. We started out always going to the North Shore of Lake Superior; Halcyon Harbor, the Cliff House near Lutsen, Blue Fin Bay, Grand Superior Lodge, Superior Shores, Beacon Point, East Bay Hotel, Beacon Point....sometimes we've gone back to the same place a couple times. We've gone down the Mississippi to Alma, Wi, Mackinac Island, Famous Dave's Cabins in Hayward. Sometimes the weather has been warm, sometimes it's been snowing. We look forward to traditions; being near the Big Lake, picking rocks and drift wood, pancakes prepared by my Mom at Split Rock, my Mom sneaking into our hotel ahead of time and placing chocolates and leaving a bottle of champagne before our arrival. (You see, originally we went up north to celebrate our anniversary which is coming up on October 15) This year we spent our Up North weekend at our house in St. Michael. My Mom and sister, actually mailed a package which arrived on Friday afternoon, complete with chocolates, a DVD of a campfire and a beautiful bowl just so they could be a part of the annual get-away just as tradition dictates. See....it doesn't really matter where you are, just that you DO! We love being together. We had fun here shopping the occasional sales in Buffalo, playing dominoes, drinking beer, sharing what art we're making. No matter where we are, each year is a little different, uniquely special. The important thing is that we are together. Here's to lasting friendship, traditions and things we look forward to. In this crazy world, it's nice to know there are some things you can count on. Share some joy this week!

Work Trumps Junk Bonanza

2009-09-18T14:12:00.001-07:00

This was supposed to be a play day. A day of exploring the always unusual, intriguing items at the Junk Bonanza, this year at Canterbury in Shakopee. But alas, it was not to be. A good problem to have...orders to fill. I am grateful for the response to my desk treasures and candle holders. There's always next year for the Bonanza. Besides, there's the wonderful occasional sales where most of the same vendors at the Junk Bonanza can be found around here monthly. One can only hope that Rose will decide to let Little Mr. Sunshine come out and play in October!

We're taking the convertible and driving down to Waconia tomorrow. Fall's the best time to cruise. We enjoy the city festival, Nickle Dickle Days, complete with a car show, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, pancake breakfast, arts and craft vendors, crazy day specials, a run (not sure if it's 3 or 5K), and loads of garage sales for me to explore while Mark sits with the car. Enjoy this beautiful Summer-like Fall weekend. Time for me to close up shop for a few hours, go out to the deck with a cold one and enjoy the back yard flowers and plants while we still can. Cheers!

Harvest

2009-09-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

I planted one tomato plant, A Better Girl, and one Hungarian Wax pepper plant this year. Gardening is pretty new for me. I can't explain the joy it gave me to see these plants grow and develop. It's hard to see all of them right now, but a couple weeks ago there were twelve tomatoes on the vine! They must really like that spot...or do you think I just have a green thumb?? I harvested the first tomatoe tonite! You can't beat the smell of fresh produce. Last night we ate the first little red pepper. It added just the right zip in the chicken stir-fry I mixed up. I was quite pleased with myself (smiles proudly!) and intend to plant more veggies next year. Now if I can just get the rest of those beautiful tomatoes to ripen. (sighs and looks wistfullly out toward the garden)

In the City

2009-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put up a couple pictures from last Friday night's show in Minneapolis. Thanks to the friends who came out. Aside from the wind, it was a lovely night to be outside in the city. I love Minneapolis!

Fabulous Friday

2009-08-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

I'm preparing for a show. I don't usually do outdoor events, but this satisfies the "inner-city-dweller" in me. If you are out and about or looking for something to do on Friday night, come down to Toast in Minneapolis warehouse district for a fun evening of art, food and music.

Collage Candles

2009-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce you can now purchase my new collage candles at these locations.

Stonecrop in Maple Grove
The Nest in Buffalo, MN
Krista Artista, Anoka, MN
Marianne's Gift Shop, St. Anthony, MN

The candles have been in high demand following the article in the Star Trib on the 15th.

The Trend: Collage Candles

2009-07-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today is a fun day. My work is featured in the Home and Garden section of the Mpls Star Tribune.
I am working hard at putting together new products which include the candle holders, lamps, a new spin on my popular paperweights and very soon, cards oh, and a few surprises! If you are interested in my products, give me a call to set up an appointment. Thanks to all who have encouraged and supported me in my adventure.

Distracted

2009-07-01T16:40:00.001-07:00

Delphiniums Down. Maybe next year I'll try some kind of beautiful arbor to help secure the heavy blooms.

I was never a big fan of a yellow and gold garden until I discovered the Fanfare Gallardia and from there, my gold garden has "bloomed".

Black and Blue Salvia, which I discovered last year is NOT a perennial which survives Zone 4. Still, I LOVE The deep color and it looks great in my blue garden. I love the combinations. The fish is a favorite piece of art created by my friend Sue Seeger.

Pheasant Tail plant that came to my garden by way of my cousin Mark and Sue's garden.

Well, please don't be mad. I just can't do anymore than the three collages I have completed. I have been distracted with gardening. I planted and planted and planted...taking advantage of all the sales on annuals and mostly perennials. I have transplanted lots of sedum from one rock wall to the other. I planted a tomato, with visions of a fresh tomato for a BLT soon. My Delphiniums are top heavy and some branches have totally fallen down. Next year, maybe some kind of trellis or support to help them. (You'd think Nature would have made compensations for this!) I am very pleased with the results and am happy now to sit back and enjoy the way the gardens look. Even while working in my studio I can look outside and be close to nature. That was the goal! In the past, I never enjoyed the process of gardening. This year has been different. The process has been part of the joy.

Day Three of the Ten-day Collage Challenge

2009-06-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Here is Wednesday's collage finally getting posted on Thursday. I continue to challenge myself to use only the junk mail and cast-off paper that I've gathered off my kitchen counter. One more collage using the junk mail and then, for Day 5 I'm going to go into my magazine scrap for a different look.

Today was a beautiful day. We finished up our landscaping, bought some plants that will need planting tomorrow and took a convertible cruise to the Minnetonka Drive in. These warm summer evenings are the best! Hope you've had a great day!

10-Day Collage Challenge #1

2009-06-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in a 10-Day Collage Challenge. Here's my first. It's made of junk mail that I found on my counter. I've always been intrigued by the many lovely patterns on the inside of envelopes. I'm featuring two of them in this piece. I love words and text and thought these would be interesting in this piece...and I WANT that shirt that I found in a Kohl's ad!

Thanks Lynn for the challenge and the motivation to do some of these fun, spontaneous collages. Check out Lynn's web site for her collages and those by the other participants. Lynn is a master collage artist. I met her through my artist/writer friend, Sue. Sue shared Lynn's collage book a few years back (yes, Lynn gave her permission) and I have been a fan ever since. It's fun to be a part of a creative coalition. Stay tuned and check out the other art.

Yes, I know, I'm already one collage behind..maybe I'll do another one tonight. :) Cheers! Happy creating.

OK...so I did a quick second collage to catch up. I continued my theme of using junk mail and again, feature the inside of an envelope. It celebrates our individuality and the rise to be whatever we can be in spite of the pigeon-holes we find ourselves in.

Trunk Show Photos

2009-06-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday's Stonecrop Trunk Show was a very fun evening. I debuted my lamps which got a great response. The candle holders were popular and I introduced my mini-paperweights or "Desktop Treasures" as I'm calling them. Thanks to the friends who came out for the evening of art, treats and treasures.

Thank you Jim and Kathy for hosting the evenings events. Thanks for your support and encouragement!

Stonecrop Trunk Show

2009-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Stonecrop is one of my favorite shops. Kathy has carried my products going way back to my Oak Leaf T-shirts and rubber stamps. I am grateful for the support and encouragement she has given me over the years and am very blessed by her friendship. I began working at Stonecrop last September and am delighted to be a part of the staff, but mostly so inspired and encouraged by being in the environment at Stonecrop.

This Thursday I am pleased to be a part of a trunk show that Stonecrop will host. There are four artists participating.
Kim Hondel of e.r.i.n. designs with her wonderful and unique domino and beaded jewelry and I hope she'll bring some of her felted pieces (especially the very cool scarves!!)
Wendy Richardson from QT Studio, with her beautiful dyed linens http://www.qtstudio.com
Christy of Urban Sweetpea, unique personalized jewelry
And myself, Designs by Linda Thiltgen
I’ll be bringing my candle holders which debuted with great success at the Mudd Lake Show. I have small 4 x 4 inch canvas pieces with inspirational and fun fortunes, some of my framed pieces and some new paperweights. Today I'm working on lamps that I hope will become part of my line. Let me know what you think when I see you on Thursday!

Trunk Show Thursday June 18 from 5 - 8 pm
Stonecrop
13728 83rd Way
Maple Grove, MN
763 416 4035

Come by for a fun evening at one of my favorite shops. Meet the artists, have some treats and enjoy an evening of inspiration and calm.
Check out the Sweet Riot chocolate “peaces”, too.

The Joy of Creating Art

2009-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Karen, lives in Eden Prairie. I visited her home today while her husband, Bernie worked on my car. While I waited for my daughter to pick me up, I sat in Karen's "outdoor studio". There was a cute little metal table with two chairs and all the equipment she needed...brushes, paint, water, a paper plate for a palette, paper towels and her raw materials...smooth stones. Karen had all she needed to create her wonderful, whimsical pet rocks. She gifts these little creatures to her "children" on the bus route she drives at the end of the year. The kids have even started bringing pictures of themselves and their pets in hopes that Karen will make them a special portrait. Her little creatures grace her garden; peaking from knots in driftwood, perched on rocks and a school of fish swims in front of a pot of pansies. They are really cute.

Today was a good reminder about the spontaneous joy of making art. I have been in the midst of preparing for shows and trying to launch products and I have forgotten to have fun in my studio. I have been busy trying to second guess myself as to what products will be most profitable and writing a business plan. Even tho these things are important, I think I need to do more creating for creating sake. Get the ideas out of my head not because I think they would sell well but because these ideas need to be free to become the art they are to be. I love the quote, "Do what you love, continue to do it and it will take you where you need to go."

In Karen's "studio" today there was a peacefulness. The birds were singing, someone was mowing their lawn, the smell of flowers was in the air. There was a simple joy. It was a good reminder. Next week I think I'll take my sketch book outside to my beautiful gardens and enjoy creating something alfresco.

Thanks Karen for a nice visit, for the tour of your studio and for the reminder of the joy of creating.

Spreading Joy One Topiary at a Time

2009-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this special on HGTV, A Man Named Pearl and His Garden? It is an incredible story. His accomplishments are remarkable and his motivation are so commendable. If you can't catch the entire story on HGTV, I've linked this post to the web page where you can view the gardens. Not only is his work extraordinary...but he created it from cast off plants! It's a story of one man's determination and how each of us can make a difference, working for peace and love in the world. Bit by bit, inch by inch...or in this case leaf by leaf.

Help Needed

2009-06-09T10:03:00.001-07:00

Can you help me find this fabric? I love it. I've seen it on pillows and chairs in Buffalo MN at the occasional sales. If anyone knows where I can purchase it or the company that printed it please let me know. I want to use it in my living room.
Thanks for your help.
Linda T

Mudd Lake Farm

2009-06-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the "Ken's Big Barn Adventure" art sale is behind me by a day. It surprises me how much energy it takes to get ready. I usually let everything else slide so today, after this post, my task is cleaning house and putting things away in my studio. I don't like doing it but I like the results afterwards!

It was a fun weekend on a hobby farm in Watertown, west of Lake Minnetonka. It was fun to hang out with friends and fellow artists. Mudd Lake Furniture is a treasure trove of old and new furniture, unique accessories and this weekend, ART! The owner, Bob Kratsch is a former NFL linebacker with a passion for furniture and beautiful things. I was amazed at all the wonderful pieces. After numerous trips around the place I was still discovering things I hadn't seen before. I especially liked the screen house at the back of the property and immediately asked Mark if he thought he might be able to build one in our back yard. (Those of you who know Mark already know his answer or more importantly the look on his face after me asking him!) The farm was complete with a burro, sheep, goat, pig and a gorgeous peacock. (Wow are they noisy birds!) He (or she) even obliged us with strutting about with full-out feathers. It really is incredible how big those birds are and so marvelously beautiful!

Special thanks to those who ventured out the to farm, My Mark, Donna and John, Beth and Jon, Glenn and Paula, Mark, my sister-in-law and loyal fan, Pam and my Mom and my sister, who drove down from Silver Bay yesterday just to support me for a couple hours! How cool is that!?! I was happy to be able to hang out with my buddy, Sue Seeger who was in the show as well and had the cool metal art at the entrance to the barn. Thanks to Ken O'Brien for organizing the event and including me in his "adventure". I look forward to many more. I am grateful for all your encouragement and support.

Next show is a one evening affair at Stonecrop on Thursday June 18 from 5 - 8 pm. I love this shop. After being a customer for many years I now work there part time and am pleased to be one of their artists. Kathy carries my tiles which are licensed to Studio Vertu, selling them individually in small easels they make a great gift; inspiring and encouraging.

Enjoy the photos from this weekends show and have a great day!