Whenever I see mom's cell number appear on the caller ID log, I know she usually has some juicy news! As much as I work, she gets out much more often to skim the various magazine racks for sitings as I call them. And, every once in a while, one of my product designs will make the editor's cut with a surprise appearance in one of our favorite magazines. This time, my "Spring Sign with Bunnies" is featured as a "country treasure" in the March 2009 issue of Country Sampler Magazine! How fun to see it in print and a treat to get a little complimentary exposure. I am grateful for that. Anyone interested in one of these whimsical signs can make their purchase through Primitives by Kathy, and as of today at least, they are selling for a super price.... just $5.00!....Snag one while you can!

~ Johanna

I have just returned from an eye-opening experience at the international gift and home furnishings market in Atlanta! Wow! I only saw a teeny bit of what 4 downtown high-rise buildings had to offer, filled with showroom after showroom of vendors offering their wares for the new year. Our main purpose for the trip was to meet the kind and talented folks of Bethany Lowe Designs, see their fabulous permanent showroom which now includes my new product line and be present for a Halloween artist signing party! What fun!..... I have to say that I was in vintage eye-candy heaven upon entering their space. Everything, including the rare antique props were perfect for product placement and really a treat to see in person. Of what I saw, it was my favorite showroom, and I am so honored to be a part of that beautiful collection today! The following are photos from our first day's visit.... Stay tuned for images from the Halloween artist signing!....

~ Johanna

* Me standing at one of 3 entrances to Bethany Lowe's Atlanta showroom... This entry lead to my spring collection...

* A portion of my spring line greets buyers.... yummy yellow and blue birds serve as containers and bowls while bunnies dressed for spring sit and admire their surroundings...

* Meandering through, we encounter all of the various collections for Christmas... I was enamored by all of the vintage-inspired beaded and glass ornaments and garlands that looked so old and so loved....My holiday display was up and around the long harvest table where the black and white checkerboard floor began....

* Here's a peek at my Christmas collection, and be sure to click on ALL these images for a larger view. It was obvious to me that BLD had really taken the time to prop and display each collection. My Christmas nook had been painted a lovely soft hue of green to complement my pieces and allow them to pop!...

* More Christmas displays welcome guests and truly capture that holiday spirit no matter what time of year...

* Another entrance here invites folks with a love for all things Halloween to enter!.. As you pass through the glass door, you quickly come upon my collection of orange and black delights!...

* Here I am just thrilled to see my largest collection displayed so beautifully! My pieces were sprawled across the bottom shelf / counter of the large black cupboard, and my hats and ornament clips decorated the black feather tree...

* One of my 3 Halloween party hats festively perches on a tree branch. What a fun way to display these hats!...

* My papier mache candy cone characters with removable heads looked spooktacular hanging around amongst their friends...

* Another view of the various Halloween collections offers a chair to rest those tired bones...

* A pair of my Halloween candy containers await the trick-or-treat-loving buyers...

* My Halloween owl bowl proudly stands in front a pair of my illustrated Halloween plates, perfect for eating sweet treats. I am so excited about all of these fun and festive products!...

* And another one of my party had designs rests atop a feather tree branch...

This is only a glimpse into their most amazing showroom. They have so many visual delights to offer that I could spend my whole day in enchantment within their space!
What a treat to see it in person and feel so very welcomed! Thank you Bethany Lowe Designs!..... Please check back to see me and several other BLD artists in costume at the Boo Fest signing.....