On all orders made now thru Sunday December 11th.

​Use Code:  " SantaShip " @ checkout.

Enter the code in the coupon area.

​Happy shopping :)

​
The fine print:
This applies to all standard shipping rates (not priority) within the US.

As and artist and maker here in Arizona, I  am compelled to help support the community here locally.

It helps friends and colleagues.  And, it helps me too.  

"If you can't find the support and network you need, then go out there and  CREATE IT!"

We have created a totally cool framework and home for tons and tons of services for our members.

But I thought it was probably important to summarize  the options when it come to getting out of your studio and connecting with other, like-minded artists and entrepreneurs....

​So here goes.

Stay Cool & Happy Making.
~Miriam

We have three ways that you can join our community and connect with others in the ARIZONA ARTISANS Collective...  Check them all out:

Each option provides a slightly different vibe and certainly different content.

​One of the key features that Members have asked for was a way to keep track of upcoming local events - Craft Shows & Festivals, Pop-Ups, Workshops, and more.

And not just when the events are going to occur - but just as importantly, the deadlines for application and even some constructive reviews and tips from Membership about each event.  You know - how to get the good booth locations, what types of products do well, price points to target, etc etc.

Each event has its own vibe and core customer.  So it's important to understand what it would take to be successful before you drop $400 for a space.  

Please check out our Show & Events Calendar on our website:
 
Step 1:  

• You need to become a Member first, if you aren't already.  

Step 2:  

• You can view the events that are already posted and start planning.
• You can  view the  calendar in 3 different formats:  pinboard, agenda, or monthly.  Nice.

Step 3:

• ​ Submit new events that you'd like to share with the group via the web-link there.  Cool, huh?!    
• Just click on the  blue "Submit Event" button in the top banner and fill in the blanks.  
• Include as much info as possible... details, live links, and images.  Plus any comments you wish to add.

I'll have more on the guidelines and calendar submission process in a future newsletter.

Keep in mind, since this is a group effort - the Member submissions will be a key part of making this calendar a success.  

And, of course, you KNOW that I will be scheduling a whole bunch of content in the near future about how to nail-it at all of these great local Shows and Events.  

We've got you covered.  Stay tuned... 

​Happy Making!
​~Miriam

There are countless aspects to creating a healthy business and artisans/makers have some unique struggles that deserve dedicated attention and personal support.
 
Information Overload
 
The internet and social media is overflowing with information and generic advice - much of it targeted at makers.  Even more of it focusing on small businesses.  And much of it is exceptionally good and useful, but most of it - not so much. 
 
Honestly, though, even the useful content feels disjointed and often vague to the real people who are the entrepreneurs, the makers and artisans.  It might make sense, and even speak to your deepest emotions. 
 
Analysis Paralysis
 
But how to put those gems of wisdom to work and actually make it all happen as a unified, organic whole business often feels hopeless. 

• Where to start? 
• Where can I get help? 
• Who will give me honest, thoughtful feedback?
• Who will listen to me?
• How can I get that extra push when I feel unsure?

 
There must be priorities.  There must be focus.  Clear direction.

​And honestly the nerve to know when it's time to shift direction. 
 
We cannot do it all, by ourselves, all the time.  Really.  
 
Together We Rise
 
I want to change that.  And as a local Arizona artisan and business-woman, I know from personal experience, that what's missing is the face-to-face, human dialogue and partnership. 
 
We need the opportunity to connect with real people.  We need local connections and resources.
 
When we know each other, trust each other, and have access to a meaningful knowledge-base, we can help find solutions to very real challenges that work in the context of our community and culture where we are doing business.
 
Personal contact and shared experiences will allow us to foster a strong local community which in turn lifts each of us up a little closer to our dreams.
 
We need support and a network.   Big Ideas.  Big Energy.  We need a Mastermind Group.  

Hello!  

Welcome to February!  We wanted to share some news and happenings with you. Check it out~

• our newest artwork  now available on our website
• previews on what's coming soon
• news about shipping and payment options
• oh, and a recipe (of sorts) for good measure

I love this time of year here in the Sonoran desert - it's near freezing in the early morning and in the high 60's or low 70's by midday.  Glorious.  

Wish there was a way to have part of my studio be mobile-ish.  Shift it outdoors for the midday and soak in the desert winter.  Well, there is never enough time in a day, and no lack of new ideas... come along for the ride, won't you?
~ Miriam

~ read the rest of the newsletter here ~

Today is the Winter Solstice.

​Winter is desolate and dark and cold.  Grey.  Quiet.

In the far northern hemisphere, where my family hails from, the days are short and glancing.  The harsh light and landscape gets dimmer and the light slower to rise and then, we celebrate.

​In Scandinavia, this is the celebration of light.  When the winter solstice comes it is the darkest day of the year - the shortest day and the longest night - and we can begin to watch the days grow longer, the light glow brighter.  

​The colors of summer wouldn't be what  they are  without this rest.  And so we celebrate and sing.

​The celebration now represents so much aside from the historic religious connection.  

I remember it as a small child as a magical and mysterious time.  All the children would participate in a peaceful and beautiful procession dressed in long white robes each carrying a candle.  

Sankta Lucia was represented by the oldest girl who wore a red sash and a wreath of candles in her hair.  Elsa Beskow is one of my favorite authors and illustrators.  Her sketch above gives the sense of the tradition.

And, the lovely song that we sing is so beautiful - both the haunting melody and the poetic lyrics:

                                        This one's for you, my lovely friend, Jules xox


I've recently had lots of folks asking me: "What in the world does 'Baldur' mean?  Is it Swedish for something?" 

Well,  earlier this year I wrote a little piece about it.  Mainly just for me and those unusual folks who like to read long posts (like my Mom).  I figured it was just a backdrop kinda thing and didn't want to bore people with it.  You know - all those w-o-r-d-s.  Blah blah blah.  So, I buried it at the bottom of  my "About Us" page on the website.  Just a footnote.

Funny - Because now I find myself trying to direct everyone on where to find this little entry way down there at the bottom of the page.  And it's been a bit awkward so... I decided it was time to give it a home on my blog and it's very own link.  Here you go:

Just in case you are curious, here's a little bit of the back drop.

I have a fond connection to my Swedish heritage, and love of things nostalgic and organic.  Consequently, it seemed appropriate when I stumbled across the story of this ancient Norse mythological figure from Viking times, named "Baldur".  He was going to be my muse and connection to my heritage.

Baldur was known as the spirit of hope and renewal, like a "shining day in spring".  Imagery of him suggested that he glowed.  He represented innocence, peace, beauty, and kindness.  And he is often connected with white blossoms and flowers - in particular Lilly of the Valley which is so lovely and delicate and innocent!  And special.

For those of you really into the mythology, Baldur was the son of Odin and Frigg, and his siblings were Thor and Vali. 

According to legend, Baldur lived at a place called "Breidablik", where the roof of his house is made of silver which was resting on pillars of gold.

I just love what this figure represented to ancient Norse people and want a tiny bit of that romantic energy to visit this little venture of mine.

"Convallaria majalis"

I absolutely adore Lily of the Valley. More so because it seems so remote to me now, living here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.  It feels like such an elusive, and mysterious bloom.  The sweet fragrance appearing only briefly for a show in earliest spring.  Is it really true that the roots are poisonous? 

An old botanical print of a Lily of the Valley is even more fabulous! This one is a 19th century illustration by Franz Eugen Köhler, in Germany. He was an incredible illustrator who published three books focusing on medicinal plants.

Meanwhile, until I can get my hands on one of these prints, anyone out there living in the... "north land" have images of Lily of the Valley growing in your garden, or nearby woodlands? PLEASE SHARE!

My mama recently shared this lovely memory with me:

"Uddeby" is the name given to Mom's family home on the water of the north shores of Lake Vänern nearby the ancient fishing village of Kristinehamn in Sweden.

If you still want more --
For more background on us and how we got "here" you can read lots of words on the About Us  page.

I have been working diligently in my photography "studio" the last week or so.  I've been on a mission to capture some of my inventory of handmade turned wood to share and add to the Store @ Baldur Studios.  And, it's truly only a start.

Truth is, it's really hard to part with some of these pieces.   Each piece is wholly unique in every respect.  The shapes.  The wood species.  The finish. 


One thing they all have in common, is the artist who works quietly in his garage shop, every day, sorting, and forming, and twirling the wood on his lathe. 


He creates, not to make a sale, or to show his work, or even get credit (he told me he'd prefer to be "un-named" in this little venture of mine!). 

He creates, just because he loves it.  The tools - oh, so very cool.  The wood - what to do with all those random pieces of mystery found-wood?  It's often hard to recall where some of it even came from.  Being in the shop.  The smell of the wood shavings.  The feel of the shapes in his hand.  The process of creating something elegant out of a chunk of wood.


These wood pieces are all lovely, organic forms that make a fabulous vignette on a shelf or a coffee table.  But better still, most are tremendously useful. And, I love that kind of art.  Something beautiful that also has a purpose in life. 

Surround yourself with hand-made beauty.

Just a smattering of examples here....

You can see much more on our Gallery Page  and in our Store. 

​Stay tuned, and follow us to get updates.

     
100% Handmade with love by a talented and dedicated artist. 

My Dad.




Happy Birthday, Dad!!  I love you.

It's the dog days of summer here in the Sonoran Desert and that means that the heat can be brutally stifling.  Like -- you just don't want to go outside unless it's really absolutely necessary.  Or something compels you. 

And in the last few weeks we have been taking moments here and there to slow down and look just a little bit closer at the beauty around us here.  I wanted to share a couple of images that have just stuck in my mind.  Nature inspires while it tests you.

I try to remember:  don't forget to keep your eyes, and ears, and nose open for the little gems all around you each day.  Try to capture them in your mind, or a photograph, or your heart.

The prickley pear pad with fresh bright green nibs. 

And then the buds start to develop - always reminds me of tiny artichokes.

How dainty and ethereal - the downy white feather perched on the very edge of the prickly pear pad.  This one was taken by my daughter, Sonja, at just the right moment in the late afternoon.