holiday hoopla

well, the 2009 holiday season is in full swing and as busy as ever. this past weekend i participated in {holiday hoopla} hosted by {circa gallery}, one of my amazing stockists, in asheboro, nc. i went up a little early and turned the trip into a much needed mini getaway.
if you've never been to asheboro, i highly recommend making the drive and spending the day or the weekend. in addition to the nc zoo, which makes for an amazing day trip, there are several great antique stores and other fun shops in the downtown area. i loved the antique mall. its huge (don't forget the upstairs) and the staff is super friendly. i stocked up on supplies for some new designs as well as picking up some amazing christmas gifts for friends and family. i've already made plans to go back in the new year when i have more time to spend searching for treasures.
i made the trek to seagrove, which is just a few miles away, and is a major hub of traditional and contemporary potters. i have been wanting to make it up there for some time and this trip was the perfect opportunity to do so. the area has a long tradition of pottery making that began over 200 years ago. there are two small museums the exhibit regional work, historical pieces, and educational exhibits. you can just pick up a map at the nc pottery center and spend the day visiting your favorite potters studios. while i was out, i stopped at the pisgah covered bridge. it was cold so i didn't stay long but if the weather is nice this would be a great place to stop for a picnic or a hike along the walking trails.friday night was {christmas on sunset} in downtown asheboro, so i went down to check it out and to scout out the area for the following day (my sense of direction is not very good at 6:30 in the morning). it was a fun event and put me in a festive mood, there were carolers, horse pulled wagon rides, cider & gingerbread stands, and of course santa was there. it was a quite cold so i went back to the hotel to relax in the hot tub and attempt to get to bed at a reasonable hour.
after a fun and relaxing day it was time to get to work. saturday was a cold and we were outside, so everyone was bundled, gathered around the heaters and drinking tons of coffee, cocoa, & cider to stay warm. there were some great vendors and i was able to finish the last of my christmas shopping. some of my favorites were paintings and collage by {cori cagle}, jewelry by {bSIDES metal}, ceramic tile panels by {jessica capps} and pottery by {michael kim burroughs}. thanks to amy and mandy at {circa gallery} for all their hard work putting the show together. make sure you stop by and visit their lovely shop if you're in the area.
this week i'm getting ready for the {rock & shop} on december 19, at all saints chapel in downtown raleigh. come out and finish your holiday shopping, enjoy live performances by {schooner}, {starmount} and {dj melissa york}, and grab lunch or a beer which will be provided by {only burger} and {aviator brewing co.} if you can't make it out there is still time to catch {brand fandango} at {design box} until it closes on the 23rd and to grab a coffee or bakery treat from {shot box}.