Airbnb/artist's retreat

I've had several people ask about the Airbnb/artist's retreat we stayed at while in Maine and I enjoyed it so much I feel it deserves more than just a link.

The owner (truly a SuperHost) was ahead of her time, renting out this amazing space before Airbnb even came on the scene I believe. This is one room living (plus bath) at its best, atop a large two car garage that the renter is welcome to use. The cathedral ceiling currently holds a (I think) mylar sculpture that sways every so slightly, and silently, when the ceiling fan is running and artwork adorns most walls.

 

Every need is considered and questions are answered before they are even asked by signs placed strategically around the studio (at the stove, washing machine, tv...). Skylights and windows allow for plenty of natural light even on a foggy day and well into the evening. Because the space is on the second floor and surround by woods, it feels a lot like a tree house. Although not directly on the water, a 2 min. walk on a charming woodland path takes you to a double adirondack chair with a view of the Damariscotta River.

 The studio area blends right into the main living space and is stocked with well organized tools, drawing, painting and collage supplies. There is a utility tub for cleaning up and two six foot, well lit work tables. I spent one evening playing with water soluble chalks until 10:30 pm.  The whole place is completely conducive to creativity and my husband and I both found ourselves saying "I could live here. I could live here".

Hey, look who that is! 

Joy, the owner lives in a house through the trees behind the studio and while she's available, she also allowed us all the privacy we wanted.

She has some open dates at the end of September (hint, hint) and Maine should be glorious then with comfortable days and chilly nights. Businesses and restaurants will still be open but the bulk of the tourist crowd will have left. Put it this way, if our lives did not revolve around the public school year, I would be renting that last week in September for sure.

Mixing work with pleasure

We managed to organize an end of summer trip to Maine last week. After delivering jewelry to the newly opened shop Quench in Belfast we concentrated heavily on relaxing. I'm happy to say here, on a small cove on Westport Island, it was not difficult.

The Trading Post was built in 1815 and at high tide is very much ON the water.

 The shop Quench - Provisions for the Savvy -  is spot on and a great addition to the shops, art galleries, bookstores and eateries in Belfast.

Quench is carrying my Reef and Fragment collections.

Jen (of Quench Metalworks) carefully chose other artist's work to carry alongside her own to fill her charming, wedge shaped shop in the heart of Belfast's artsy shopping district. I am so pleased to be part of her line up. Definitely make time to stop and see her at 9 Beaver Street if you are in the area.

I bought a pair of Jen's sterling silver mini pod earrings but I love these ferns too. They are available in her Etsy shop… if you can't make it to Maine. 

Across the pond - photo diary

Six days into our trip to the UK and we've already done and seen so much. We're taking the day today to have a slow down, write some postcards, (the old fashioned kind) and do some washing here in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the most northerly town in England. 

Our view of Berwick-upon-Tweed, a walled city and the most northerly town in England. 

We love the city early evening when shops are closed and pubs are yet busy. 

Lion House and allotments 

Ben's collection on the beach at Spittal.