Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leaping along in Llano, Texas


Well what a month it has been. I wish we could have leapt over the entire month. Our brother-in-law has spent most of it in the VA Hospital in Temple, Texas with a knee infection. We have made the two hour trip a few times, trying to help ease the boredom. The good news is he is coming home today! I know my sister and her family will be very happy to have him home. 

Sadly my Aunt was diagnosed with terminal, end stage breast cancer after what we thought was a year of surviving post treatment.  It has been a real shock to the whole family and has made Lou and I both remember how important it is for us to make each day count. We are both re-thinking our lives and making sure we are doing the things that really matter to us, the things that make our hearts sing.




Mesquite Valentines From Lou Quallenberg
4' Sculpted Hearts Mesquite Slab
Speaking of hearts Valentines Day was celebrated in our home in Llano, Texas with an amazing four foot, sculpted, dual heart, mesquite slab from the talented Lou Quallenberg.  The mesquite slab was left rough and unfinished with the mix of smooth hearts and  rugged texturing. (The photo does not do it justice I took it with my cell phone.)

I Just Love It! and have added it to my mesquite  heart collection that increases in size every February.  I know I have posted the photo before but I do enjoy my mesquite hearts that Lou makes and enjoy sharing them. Believe it or not each piece is usually created the day before Valentines Day.
Barry Bradley's "Two Halves Makes A Whole"


I also wanted to share this really cool limestone and mesquite heart by Barry Bradley of Artisans at Rocky Hill in Fredericksburg.  He always comes up with unique and interesting sculptures and furniture.   A True Artist.  



Speaking of Artists it is that time again.  @LAST Llano ART Studio Tour is the last Saturday in March. That makes it March 31st this year.  We are looking forward to the tour again this year and Lou will be doing a demo at 2:00pm on his turquoise inlay process and creating the mesquite laminate curves he uses in his mesquite furniture.

The following artists are participating this year:
Map 2012 @LAST Llano Art Studio Tour for use Saturday March 31st The Last Saturday in March Annually

@1
Ira Kennedy Home Studio
Painting Acrylic Ink
www.irakennedy.com/painting


@2
Texas Tin Lizard: Kathleen Smith
Mixed Media Bottle Trees
www.texastinlizard.com

@3
The Country Quilt Shop: Ann Fellar
Fabric & Quilts
www.quiltshopinthecountry.com

@4
Sweet Mesquite: Ken Cline
Wood & Frames
www.sweet-mesquite.com

@5
Tom Suarez Photography
www.tomsuarez.com

@6
Llano Fine Arts Guild
Guild Artists
www.llanofineartsgallery.org

@7
Nailhead Spur Company: Richard Wendt
Iron
www.nailheadspur.com

@8
DustDevilDiver Photography: Briley Mitchell
www.dustdevildiverphotography.com

@9
A Rosy Outlook
Mixed Media / Jewelry
www.arosyoutlook.com

@10
Gridiron Gallery: Jack Moss
Watercolor Western Art
www.thegridirongallery.com

@11
ClayThings: Lynda Hallmark Gammage

   Dana Williams Wood, the Single Tree Collection
   Shabby Chic

   Jane Lynch
   Altered Art

   Connie Lynch
   Stained Glass

@12
Sapphire (Sheri Zoch) Home Studio
Fused glass and oils

@13
Charles & Euneen Wendt Home Studio
Spurs, Iron, Fused Glass, Gourd Art
www.rockingwspurs.com

@14
Myrick Studio: Harriet Myrick
Mixed Media

@15
Bob & Lisa Pheil Home Studio
Iron & Baskets
www.pheilforges.com

@16
Lou Quallenberg Home Studio
Sculpted Mesquite Wood
www.LouQart.com

   Ralph Moresco
   Copper Wind Spirals
   www.westshorewindspirals.com

   Susie Fowler
   Shade Tree Potter
   www.shadetreepotter.com

Please respect the privacy of the Artists in Home Studios by making an appointment on dates other than the tour date of Saturday March 31st 2012.  Follow us on Facebook. and see photos of last years event.

 



Backyard Bluebonnet Bokeh by Briley Mitchell at DustDevilDiver Photography Llano,Texas
The bluebonnets are popping their heads out and with the recent rains it is setting up to be a good year for them.  I have included a photo of a few of these early blooming beauties taken by one of the @LAST Llano ART Studio Tour Artists, Briley Mitchell of DustDevilDiver Photography in Llano. Please note: This image is copyright protected with all rights reserved.

Lou has not had a camera in his hands in some time.  He has been busy in the shop but I hope to dust him off and drag him out as soon as there is a good show along the roadsides.  

If you get a chance it is a GREAT time to come and visit Llano, Texas.  Besides bluebonnets we also have a beautiful river with sandy granite beaches, a historic county courthouse and square, a bald eagles nest, and nearby is the incredible Enchanted Rock. The area is flooded with history and easily pulls up images of Cowboys and Indians riding horseback along the granite rocks and ridges.

A recent visitor posted about Llano, Texas and Coopers BBQ on twitter:
 @FrankBruni
New York Times Op-Ed columnist, food lover and author of several books, including the family and diet memoir Born Round New York, NY · http://tinyurl.com/3ev8hpn

Don't forget to stop by the shop if you are in the area but do call ahead to be sure we are there. Life is short and I plan to make sure we put a few miles on the Harley this spring. At some point we hope to finally make it back to New Jersey for a long awaited visit with friends and family.