Walter Leonard, Potter

One of biggest draws over the 20 years of the Country Parlor Holiday Home Sale was the pottery of Walter Leonard, who called his business Worthy Vessels. Sadly, Walter passed away a few years ago, which left an emptiness not only in the show, but in our hearts. We are happy to announce, however, that Walter's wife Sandy will be selling the last of Walter's vessels at the Home Show this year. The inventory includes mixing bowls, honey pots, mugs, and much more -- all works of art as well as utilitarian household items. 

Please join us on November 25, 26, and 27 to celebrate Walter's life and legacy.

The Time is Drawing Near!

Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas won't be far behind. Be sure to mark your calender for this year's Country Parlor Holiday Home Sale, the best sale of hand crafted treats on Long Island!

Scherenschnitte

We all cut paper snowflakes when we were children. Remember the magic of unfolding the funny triangle from which we cut seemingly random bits, and the thrill when our mom let us tape them to the window as part of our winter decorations? Well, Maria Brisotti never forgot that thrill, and she has taken the art of paper cutting, known as Schereschnitte, to the next level.

Here's what she has to say:

Scherenschnitte (pronounced shear'en-schnit-tah) means scissor cutting in German.

This art tradition was founded in Switzerland and Germany in the 16th century and brought to colonial America in the 18th century by immigrants who settled mostly in Pennsylvania. It continues to be a popular craft that has appeared through the ages in ethnic paper producing cultures.

My fascination with scissor cutting began in 1992 when my best friend and fellow crafter Christine, who had discovered this new craft for us to try, introduced me to it. I began tracing and cutting designs and have continued to do so these many years. I have always given my cuts as gifts and my first experience with selling was last year at the Country Parlor Holiday Home Show. As an elementary school teacher, I used the art of scissor cutting with my students and then with German students in our local high school.

The cutting is done using both scissors and x-acto knives using a variety of techniques: cutting mirror images on folded paper, unfolded designs cut in reverse, or a combination of both techniques.

In spite of the many tedious hours I spend cutting the variety f patterns, Scherenschnitte is may favorite handicraft.

Come see Maria's lovely creations in person next weekend. Barbara and her crew will have the beautiful Naugles barn dressed for the season and loaded with treasures for you to take home.

Friday, November 26, 2010, 9 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, November 27, 2010, 9 AM to 3 PM.

We're looking forward to seeing you!

November is Nearing . . .

. . . and so is the 19th Annual Country Parlor Holiday Home Show!

Our artisans are hard work making magical merchandise for you. Barbara spent the year searching for new work to showcase, and she has found some marvelous new artisans to join us. Here's who to look for: Nancy Golder, Original Clay Vessels, Lura Bavaro, Local Honey and Beeswax candles, and Barbara Azzara, Felted Wool Purses.

Check back soon for more information . . . and don't forget to mark your calenders!

Pat's Stitchery

One of the best parts of setting up the Country Parlor Holiday Home Sale each year is unpacking the work of Barbara's friend Pat from Michigan. I don't know how she does it, but this woman produces more cross stitched pieces than Carter has Liver pills. (Yes, I know that dates me!)

Here's a link to a nice interview with Pat: Cobweb Corner

Don't Forgot Hallockville's Victorian Christmas!

It's tomorrow from noon until 4 o'clock. Come by the Naugles barn for an encore presentation of the Country Parlor Holiday Home Sale!

Happy December!

It is warm here in the Northeast today -- over 60 degrees! A Nor'easter blew through last night and brought warm air -- not very Christmasy. Temperatures will drop again tomorrow . To keep you in the holiday spirit, here are some more photos from the Country Parlor Christmas Show.





Here's Carol the Christmas Elf, who helped customers throughout the weekend.