It's that time again!

This weekend Sam and I and eight of our artisanal friends are throwing our FIFTH annual Alpharetta Art + Fine Craft show, at our home in Alpharetta.  You're invited!

I can hardly believe we've been doing this for five years already.  This year we've added several new features to make it even more fun for everyone.

We've added two new artists:  Bridget Kelman, who does jewelry and home decor pieces in colorful fused glass, and John Kleinhans, who makes luscious handmade soap.  I've used this soap and it's a real treat.

Bridget and John are joining our core of talented returning artists:

Nancy Bruns, jeweler specializing in intricate chain mail;
Sam Elkind, photographer exploring abstraction in both traditional and digital methods;
Lynn Edwards, jeweler, painter, and collage-ist in vibrant color;
Natalie Hudson, fine artist who makes delicious home-canned local produce (people were fighting for her vanilla-bourbon peach jam last year);
Marilyn Kleinhans, award-winning contemporary painter,
John Long, photographer of poetic images using traditional darkroom processes; and
Dinah Rose, weaver of boho improvisational garments and accessories.
And there's me, Molly Elkind, showing handwoven scarves and infinity wraps (get 'em while they last!) and some of my newest collages and tapestries.

There's truly something for everyone on your gift list (and maybe yourself too) and every budget, starting at about $5.

And how about FREE?  Admission to the show is, as always, free.  And for the first time, if you share your contact information you are automatically entered into a drawing for a gift bag stuffed with handcrafted items from each artist in the show (one-of-a-kind jewelry, original art and gift items). We'll do the drawing Sunday afternoon but you don't need to be present to win.  I know what's going into this bag and I can tell you, you want in on this!

You might want to plan your visit around one of the following special times.

We're opening early on Friday this year, at 1:00 for those early birds who don't want to get into Friday evening traffic.

If you do venture out Friday night, you'll enjoy wine, appetizers, and artists' talks!  These talks are short and informal, and you're welcome to browse and nibble as you listen.

On Friday at 6:00 pm  John Long will speak about his traditional photographic processes and equipment, and Sam Elkind will share tips for making your own photographs even better.

At 7:00 pm Friday Lynn Edwards will discuss what to keep in mind when purchasing artwork.

The artists' talks and demos continue through the weekend.

On Saturday at 11:00 am, Bridget Kelman will demonstrate the wire-wrapping technique she uses to make some of her fused glass jewelry.

At 2:00 Saturday afternoon I'll talk about what tapestry weaving is and why I do it.

On Sunday at  1:00 pm Nancy Bruns will demonstrate the art of chain mail weaving with the precious metals she uses in her jewelry.

Here are the details:
Let me know if you need directions or more information.  Hope to see you this weekend!  Come out, enjoy refreshments and the congenial company of artists and friends!