make art... will travel

I came across some wonderful, wooden caddies at our neighborhood farm last week. A ninety year old man had made a larger, rougher version for picking raspberries. I fell in love with them right away and asked if he'd consider constructing a custom one for me. I wanted it smaller, smoother and enclosed (the original ones had slats). He said he'd be happy to give it a try, and called me yesterday to say it was ready. I discovered that this venerable craftsman founded our village's local hardware store nearly seventy years ago. He still has a little workshop and calls himself a hobby woodworker. I think I fell in love with this little old man as much as my caddy. Oh, did I gush on and on in my enthusiastic maya*made way when I first laid my eyes on it. I didn't want to overwhelm him, but he seemed so pleased with my exuberance and told me to stop calling him Mister___, but to call him by his first name, Art. You've got to be kidding, I thought. ART! How perfect...my stencil was waiting at home with the letters we'd already selected...I kid you not! So this is Art's ART caddy and I'm quite pleased with it...so is my daughter. My son has put in a request for one too. Actually, Art got an order for three more today. Each member of my family will find a special use for their personal caddy. My daughter had already chosen what hers would be for. We love to be able to take projects to different locations...sunny spots in our house, the lake, but mostly our backyard. Having your supplies in one portable carrier makes it simple to pack up and walk out.

Here's what we've included:


There is a calm and relaxed focus that seems to come from working in the fresh air and hearing the sounds of birds calling... leaves rustling. We only have a a matter of weeks left before the temperatures make it uncomfortable to sit outside. We'll still run and romp when the thermometer drops, but we are treasuring the sweetness of sitting at our picnic table.


You never know when a little divine inspiration will strike. Please consider packing up some art or crafting supplies (and if you have any, your lovely children ) and taking it...making it outside this weekend!