It’s my favorite time of year, and you need to visit us in the cozy lower level, to take a look at some of our “Fallish” creations. Especially mindfully designed and created from Mark’s recycled glass stash, we have a lovely selection of Jewelry pieces - earrings and necklaces, simple and ornate. I have been carefully selecting individual pieces of softly matted glass in yummy colors, wire wrapping each and stringing with fresh water pearls, gemstones, wood and marvelous metals. Come in and see for yourself! Betty Bat will soon be sporting her own pair of stylish earrings. She has become our mascot - lovingly, of course… With the teeter-totter of the economy our hours have been fluctuating a bit. Please call before coming, just to make sure we are available to you - 815.786.7074. We hope to see you soon!

The Fair begins Wenesday, Sept. 3rd, can you believe it? We would love to see you there. We’ll be in our Fair home located in the Arts & Crafts Demonstration bldg. The hours are Wed. through Saturday, 9:00 a.m ’till at least 9:00, usually 10:00 p.m., then on Sunday until 6:00 p.m. There are so many sights to see and experience, you won’t want to miss it! Home base at the Village Square Mall will be closed that week and the following week we will also be closed as we prepare to take part in the Chicago Celtic Festival Art Fair. That’s held Sept. 13th & 14th in Grant Park, Chicago. Hours for that festival are 11:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. both days. Great music and art - and don’t forget the kilts!!  We hope to see you at one of these fun and fabulous events…

For an indescribably exciting experience visit us at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, August 14 - 18. Please check out the web site at www.irishfest.com for maps, and complete schedules of international Celtic musicians. This is a “must experience” for any and all who appreciate the Celtic Culture. Held at the Milwaukee Fair Grounds, right along the lake (where SummerFest takes place), there are “tons” of things to do and fantastic sights to see. Lots for kids of all ages. Plan to spend at least one full day and don’t forget to stop by our booth and say hello. We would love to see YOU!!

Way back in January we were able to make a special purchase of some beautiful, very natural-looking, artificial Trees. Yes, they are commonly used as Christmas trees, BUT, several years back we brought these “babies” in to our inventory and our customers were so delighted with them that we have had requests for more! It seems that they are so woodsie looking that many of you have been using them as decorations all year long, displaying your favorite bird’s nests, raffia ties, and whatever other treasures you enjoy in your branches. We have 4′, 6′ and 7′ trees in stock. Most likely they will not be here for long, so visit us soon for the best selection. Currently we are offering special pricing. Come in and see them for yourself. You won’t believe that they aren’t “real”! Charlie Brown would be so jealous. . .

I would like to invite you to take a look at the web site of some new Friends. New customers of my Mindful Jewelry line, Mystickal Voyage, located in Nottingham, Maryland, has an incredible line up of workshops, classes and events. The shop offers an amazing array of thoughtful gifts, books, tools and music, along with a delightful coffee & tea shop. Please view their web site for yourself at www.mystickalvoyage.com. You are sure to find it an amazing Place! 

What ever happened to the season we used to call Spring? Oh well, just grateful the longest winter we have lived through in many years has come to an end! So, please visit us this coming week, for a cool experience in the cozy-cool level of the Village Square Mall. It’s actually kinda chilly down there… but very comfy. AND - Don’t forget - we’ll be at the Illinois St. Andrews Society Scottish Highland Games, vending our Celtic Goods, on Saturday, June 21. This takes place at the gorgeous Oakbrook Polo Club, Oakbrook, Il. For all the information regarding this fabulous festival go to www.chicago-scots.org .It’s our first Celtic venue of the season and a “must experience”!

Be sure and check out the Green Festival held this year at Navy Pier, Chicago, May 17th & 18th. Go to the official website at www.greenfestivals.org for all the info. We will be caravan-ing our way down  (perhaps just to the train station, then onward) on Sunday, May 18th. Give us a call if you would like to be a part of our caravan! 815/786-7074, leave a message and we’ll be in touch. THEN - don’t forget to join us for Mindful Conversations that very evening from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. We will be back from the Green Festival in time for our monthly circle of conversation. This month we hope to begin a plan of “action for cause”. We would love to see you there - bring a friend!

Each third Sunday of the month we invite you to be with us for Mindful Conversations, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. This is a great way to meet like-minded folks who are searching for answers to questions we all ponder. A healing circle ends each session!

Check out the shop on Thursday, April 24th for Girl’s Night Out. We will be offering some cool in-store specials on a terrific variety of natural skin and body products. Our hours that day will be from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Stop by and say hello!

We will be vending at the Sandwich Antiques market on Sunday, April 27th, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Merchants from all over the country will be selling their treasures. It’s a beautiful setting with an incredible array of products. Make sure you wear your most comfy walking shoes. Our tents will be in the Adaptive Re-use area. See you there!

Our first festival of the season will be the Illinois St. Andrews Society’s Scottish Highland Games. Held this year on June 20 & 21. That’s Friday night and all day Saturday at the lovely Oakbrook Polo Grounds, Oakbrook, Il. The weather is always fantastic, the Games are fabulous and the shopping is wonderful. PLUS - great music, too! Just a phenomenal way to spend your evening on Friday, plus the Games take place on Saturday. Go their website at www.chicago-scots.org for lots of details and a map as well!

Well, here it is! Sign up for Multi-Media Artist Linda Theroff’s Dream Catcher Workshop. You will learn about the history and legend of the Native American Dream Catcher. Then, partake in the creation of your own! Linda will guide you through the design and creation of your own Dream Catcher. Sunday, April 6th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Please sign up soon as seats are limited. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity. Workshop fee is $30, which includes lecture, instruction and materials.Light refreshments will be served.

We’ll be exhibiting at the first Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by the Plano Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 13th at the brand new Timber Lane Hotel & Convention Center. It’s located at the stoplight on Rt. 34 and Drew Ave., Sandwich. Hours are 10:00a.m - 6:00 p.m. We will be highlighting the healing aspects of gemstones, Chakra jewelry, and joining us will be Marcy Perkunas, representing her aromatherapy business and foot detox baths.

There will be give-aways, drawings and some surprise, too!

This week we are at home base working on treasures while we await your arrival. See you soon!