Magpie Eating Cake

Here is a whimsical painting by Rubens Peale (1784 - 1865) called "Magpie Eating Cake." Aside from the painting's title being a chillingly close description of me and my activities this month, I adore it for the inspiration its creator provides. Rubens Peale was the fourth son of artist Charles Willson Peale (1741 - 1827) and turned to painting only later in life. Because of poor eyesight, he never obtained the artistic training received by his siblings. By the way, I love how the father named his sons: Rembrandt, Raphaelle, Titian...no pressure, there, guys. Rubens Peale pursued the sciences and spent much of his life as a museum administrator and owner. A financial panic in 1837 forced Peale to sell his collections to P.T. Barnum and retreat, financially destitute, to a farm owned by his wife's family. He managed the farm and used his training as a natural scientist to become the local taxidermist. Fourteen years later, his daughter, Mary Jane Peale, returned home after studying painting with her uncle Rembrandt. At age 71, and under his daughter's tutelage, Rubens Peale began to pursue painting in earnest, recording his progress in daily diary entries. The last 10 years of Peale's life were spent in a joyful pursuit of learning and creativity.

Do you find the Peale's story inspiring? I am immediately struck by his humility and perseverance. Despite physical infirmity, family obligation, even financial ruin, Peale continued to find his way. The spark of creative spirit ignited his days to the very end. Rubens Peale had the humility to accept instruction from his daughter, even using his new skills to copy some of his brothers paintings as gifts for his children. There doesn't seem to be much ego or what I like to call the "Fragile Genius" about Peale. I need stories like this: stories that feed the better part of the artistic nature. Living an authentically creative life means being a good steward of the gifts you possess. Being a good steward  requires generosity, wisdom, and faith. Faith that your offering, flawed or imperfect as it may be, is valuable and enough.

R.I.P. Christopher Hitchens

Writer Christopher Hitchens

The world feels a little lonelier today with news of Christopher Hitchens death from complications of esophageal cancer at the age of 62. His quick wit, incredible intellect and strong convictions caused everyone in his path to up their game. Rigorously questioning the intellectual integrity of various beliefs and mindsets, he forced us to examine our assumptions, influences and life philosophies. In Christendom, we are much better thinkers because of what he brought to the public forum. He left behind a wife, three children, and many, many friends and colleagues. I'm sure those who knew him personally are feeling the void this huge personality has left behind. Hitch, I pray that at the end your convictions were overwhelmed by an encounter with Love & Light Himself.

Beautiful Branches - What's Your Secret Impulse?

Branches bring their organic elegance to the table

 There are beautiful branches suspended from my dining room ceiling and I love them. Their wild organic shape is bringing contrast, excitement and exuberance into the room. Just some cuttings from the yard, wire, a few white cup hooks in the ceiling, and I have a vista that interests and pleases me every time it catches my eye! I've wanted to do this for a couple of years but hesitated; putting holes in the ceiling gave me pause. Finally, day after day of grey weather outside our windows drove me to throw caution to the wind. I'm so glad I did! Once again, the riskier choice had the biggest payoff. At this festive time of year, the air is full of abundance, promise, and permission to do the unexpected. If there's something you wouldn't normally have the guts to try, this is the time to do it. Wear that color, go to that special event, rearrange your furniture, surprise yourself! Take a minute to put your finger on what charms and delights you. NEVER immediately dismiss any idea. Not without giving it some consideration. Pursue the tiny flash of a thought. You can change it back when the next impulse strikes, right? Follow the unique and unusual. See where they take you. Your home, your life will be invigorated and much richer for the journey.

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Tiny branches and a SJD bird bonbonniere made their way onto an adjoining wall

Market OPEN TODAY 10am-4pm

Last time before Christmas! Banbury Building 13 - by the green awning!

New for the Dec. 8,9,10 Market CARDBOARD SAFARI!

Our living room wall with its new trophy!

Oh my gosh I am so excited! We just got in an order from these cool guys in Virginia who run an amazing company called Cardboard Safari. Cardboard Safari creates unique, cardboard home dec stuff. As soon as I saw their deer head, it spoke this to me: "Take me to Wisconsin, to Whitetail Deer country...you are my people!" Weeks later while giddily unpacking the order, I knew I had a winner when my daughter said, "Cool! Mom, I saw these at Urban Outfitters!" Well, Eau Claire, it doesn't get much cooler than U.O. and Anthro so yay us.

My son Will had the little dear head assembled in minutes and really enjoyed the process. The tree took me less than 10 minutes and I love how it can be packed flat until next year. I can't wait to get a large deer head for over my mantel for Christmas!I plan on covering the components with vintage sheet music (copies of old Christmas carols, etc.) before assembling. I ordered 2 darling designs (a rocket and baby rhino) that kids would enjoy putting together. What a fun activity to assemble these kits and then personalize them with markers, stickers or paint. And THEN have a toy to play with that was made with your very own hands!

Snow & Graham covered a moose in their adorable daisy paper

Prices range from $12 for the smaller kits to $52 for the big ole animal trophies.

Pricing TMI and A Request for Your Opinion

"Life in the Eau C" designed by Susan $175

*First, this is Susan, speaking for Susan alone. These are my thoughts.
Readying for this week's sale, I am once again in Pricing Hell...
 Pricing art and craft work is never an easy task. For me, the traditional retail model of calculating ones cost and marking up a certain percent breaks down right away. Objects used in my reconstructed jewelry have been gathered over many years at auctions, markets, eBay, thrift stores, and relatives. Same with the fabrics, ribbons, old sheet music, vintage books, antique tinsel, etc used in constructing my scarves and paper art. Additionally, for every canvas or collage that I think "good enough" to offer for sale, there are usually three or four sacrificed along the way, waiting to be painted over. Costs for rent, income taxes, advertising, website, and other expenditures for being in business should come into play as well. And yet, when I come up with a price after taking these factors into account, sales are few and far between.

Pottery Barn Sign $199 Imported from Asia

America and Its Low Price Love Affair
As a culture, we can't help but be influenced by the sea of low cost bargain goods coming in from China. A "Simply Vera" Vera Wang necklace (designed, no doubt, by some underlings managing her brand with Vera herself probably exerting creative control with a thumbs up) at Kohls marked $54 is never actually on sale for $54 because everything at Kohls is discounted right away. The consumer usually gets it for $20 or so and feels clever to have gotten such a deal. I get it. I know this because I am a consumer and experience this myself! HOWEVER, I never feel great about the purchase. The necklace was made in China where working conditions can be abysmal. It's cute, but even now I can tell it won't hold up past a few wearings. It feels a little generic, cold, and, quite frankly, fake.

So Now What? I'm not sure. Will you help me figure this out?

I am committed to using thread, leather, jewelry components, and materials that are recycled, vintage, or made in America whenever possible. If unavailable, I'll look for supplies made in countries that have made a commitment to human rights. Made in China is a last resort because of quality concerns and personal philosophical differences.  
I will make art and design things no matter what, but can I stay in business operating this way?

Even if consumers in the Chippewa Valley want to support local artists and American businesses, can they afford to do so?
I think what I make is original, worth sharing, and meets a need in the marketplace.

My prices must reflect the cost (estimated - see above) of materials and a working wage for myself of at least $8 to $10/hour.

With children in college, a mortgage, taxes, and a 9 yr old car, I can relate to the financial pressures facing many of my customers.

I Promise and a Request
I promise to price fairly and to the best of my ability, offer excellent value.

I promise to support and encourage local businesses and retailers whenever possible.

I promise to listen and respond to feedback, questions, and concerns regarding my work and the words written in this blog.

Will you please tell me your opinion? Use the comments section or email me: info@themarketeauclaire.com

Thanks for reading this far. I'd really appreciate any thoughts you have on this topic.

xo Susan

    

New for the Dec. 8,9,10 Market & Scarf Give-away!

I am obsessed. What was going to be just a fun group art activity Thanksgiving weekend has become MY MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION. My friends, I have taught myself to dye fabric and I will never be the same. No mere hyperbolic statement, that: my hands are permanently dyed dark pink.When people notice and raise an eyebrow I murmur sheepishly, "I guess you caught me red handed...."

Welcome to my casbah...

SO. I have been hand dyeing silk velvet burnout scarves and have about 10 ready for the next market. To me, they are instant color therapy. Upcoming long grey winter days require some sort of response and color is the best way to fight any sort of blah or sadness. Every time one of these scarves gets into my line of sight, I feel this happy little rush of joy! They are just so pretty. I am draping them all over the house - especially near windows so the light shines through the colors.

I am giving a hand dyed silk scarf to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post anytime today through Tuesday, December 6th. Comment on any little thing your heart desires - what you'd wear the scarf with, your favorite color, even what you think of The Market. We are always eager to hear your comments and suggestions.
On Wednesday, December 7th, I'll hold a random drawing and announce the winner on this blog! Once you've won, email me your info and I'll get your scarf of to you right away!

Bye! I Hope You Win!

Quick reminder about Market Hours:
Thursday, December 8th 12noon - 8pm 
Friday, December 9th 11am - 7pm
Saturday, December 10th 10am-4pm