Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Our Logo and the Dogs



 Our copper verdigris logo, "Becoming One", hand cut and patinated



 Pirate always picks the softest spot... such a hard life for a dog...


Looking out past the gardens and the Bay of Fundy... we use this area to practice our guitars when we have a chance... or when the mood strikes...



Tabitha and Toby seem to think this is a good room to sleep in too...

Mostly, I think they like to wait there, just in case a visitor (a new friend, to them) arrives... They never want to miss an opportunity to bark deafeningly loud and jump all over someones clean clothes... oh... lots of sniffing and licking too!... such well behaved dogs...

35 comments:

denise said...

I think that is a wonderful way to live. :)

Those doors are beautiful. And so much space - the built-ins (that mantle!!). Look forward to hearing more about that space.

It looks like a comfortable interesting shop which does a great job showcasing your jewelry and art. What a creative beautiful life you lead! Thanks for sharing.

William Evertson said...

My kind of studio. This is life on display, and you are proud. Kudos for your wonderful display of the gallery, studio and home. I want to visit and get some licks.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Denise and Bill, I am so glad you could share it with me ... I have never had the heart to refinish the old doors.. The texture and age of them and the craftmanship really thrills me...

We do live quite a casual life... hate to say it, but sometimes we forget what day it is... is that too casual?

Oh yes...no charge for the licking, barking, and sniffing!!!

Anet said...

A beautiful shop, I would love to browse around in there! It's great how you share the space with family and shop! Your doggies look so sweet waiting for a new friend to arrive! I am looking forward to some more stories of the shop!

rivergardenstudio said...

Your studio/shop/gallery is very lovely Gwen, I love the doors and the windows and the floor is beautiful too! What a magical place!
Roxanne

Arija said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful flow of your life with us. Your exqusite lived in shop and a welcoming committy as well! I hope you pay them well for their services, especially the multi-tasking! You sound to me such very talented well rounded people so rare to find in this age of rush and discontentment. Funny, we never got to Halifax when we lived in Canada but read 'Barometer Rising' of course. I send you love and continued contentment...

Sharon said...

Oh Gwen,
I feel like an annoying tourist who has selfishly and nosily barged in on you but it is so fun seeing your gallery. I love it! Thanks for the tour!!!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Roxanne for dropping i... Now that I have posted these photos.. I really notice the salt spray on the windows... Yikes! I should have gone out and hosed them down. ... Soon...



Oh yes Arija, quite the welcoming committee!! Most times we can hardly hear ourselves think....
We mostly live by that old expression... necessity is the mother of invention... keeps things interesting... thanks so much for your sweet comments, and hope all is well with you!!

Gwen Buchanan said...

hey thanks, Sharon,
You aren't barging in at all... I welcome you... Our shop is pretty small... we only decided to open a shop at our place after ladies would call or drop in 'cause they had lost an earring they had purchased from us at a craft fair or wanted a pr. for a gift. We had no display set up to show them as all the jewelry was up in the work studio... so first we only had a couple displays.. then it grew to be spread around the room...

Thank you Anet,
I think the dogs will really like you , cause you have kitties... You will have to be careful they don't chase you up a tree!! Just kidding... I'm sure your cats could put the run to them soon as they show their claws and hiss a couple times...

kate said...

What a treat to get a peek into your space. And what a lovely space it is! Thanks for inviting us in. Love your dogs too!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Ah kate, Glad you came. How about some mint tea?

kate said...

Gwen...how did you know that mint tea is my favourite! I'd love a cup.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Fun! I'll put the kettle on...

Arija said...

Gwen, I just saw your comment on 'not all who wander are lost'. Please don't wish that on her just now. She's mutch too intelligent and creative for a mortal male ego to cope. Maybe when the chicks have flown. Her last book 'Eco - Colour'came out in Feb., she is, as we speak, signing up for the next one and who would run our farm?

Gwen Buchanan said...

That's fun, Arija!
Perhaps a SuperMan....

sandy said...

I'm in wonder and awe at these lovely rooms. I'm sending people here today!!!!!

thanks for sharing your spaces.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Sandy... You are so thoughtful!!

The dogs are wagging their tails just for you!!!

Thank you..

annette emms said...

Gwen, what abeautiful place you and your husband have made!
In my imagination I am visiting your shop today. Rowan's coming too, she wants to lie in between Tabitha and Toby and keep a watch on us all. I'm going to browse around and choose one or two of your lovely pieces to buy. Then, would you mind if I asked you to join me on the veranda for a chat and perhaps a cup of tea? Hmmm,that would be so nice!

jo horswill said...

Can you make that two cups of tea Please!!!
I'm with Annette...

Gwen, thankyou for being the perfect host and inviting us over to your beautiful home.

I really don't want to leave! It feels so welcoming.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Annette you always make me smile... You have such a lovely way... To have tea with you would be divine... I hope fresh mint is ok... and Jo please sit right here, there is a church pew and lots of chairs to go around...

this would just be so lovely.. A fresh pot of tea all round.. and some home made oatmeal raisin bread....

Now that is Kate, Annette, and Jo.. anyone else? and remember you can stay as long as you like... the moon and stars over the bay is something to get lost in too.

The dogs will probably wander along the edge of the woods and look for rabbits.. they'll be fine... just relax....

Wanda said...

I came by via Sandy ~~ You have a truly amazing post, and the rooms are wonderful, the art, the dogs, I loved it all.

I'm sure I'll be back.

cathyswatercolors said...

I really enjoy your blog site. Your house is spectacular, as is everything else,garden, jewelry etc. I am an antique nut,always have been. I am really intriqued by the Bay of Fundy. I looks like a wonderful and peaceful place to live. I read about the climate, is it similar to Boston?

kate said...

There's home made oatmeal raisin bread too? That does it, I'll be there tomorrow! I think I'll beat Jo and Annette. Not so far to travel.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Wanda, thank you so much... You are much too kind... please come again!!

shicat, Thank you so much for coming to see us.. I'm so happy that you know the Bay of Fundy... It is such an amazing body of water.. It should be one of "Canada's Wonders". The tide rules!!!

You know, I bet it would be quite similar to Boston weather..


Kate, you are so funny!!!

ArtPropelled said...

I itch to get into your shop. Besides feasting on all the artwork I would be sidling up to the bookshelves to read all the titles.Don't forget to tell us about the table John made. It looks so intriguing.
Count me in on that tea party, Gwen. I will bring the koeksisters.

mansuetude said...

after all this talk of tea, i would be delighted to do the dishes. : )
Sweet sweet dreams.

Seth said...

How many ways can I say WOW! You, John, and Max have created such a unique and special home. There is creative inspiration every where you turn!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Robyn, Love it, one more cup... oh,koeksisters!! something new.. they would be scrumptious to try.

Mansuetude, quests do not need to work... just you sit...

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thank you Seth.. we like primitive, simple things and stuff people throw away... there are so many old things that can find new uses that it is an exciting challenge...

VioletSky said...

I love the live/work space. Many jewellery or art studios are so sterile, makes me feel anxious. You place looks like one could poke around for ages, with a cup of tea in hand!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Sanna, I'll pull up another chair and pour another cup of tea! great!!

Ruth said...

Should I bring my own chair?? Or can I pull up that gorgeous one in the corner behind the blue vase. That corner just sends me - along with all the views of your shop-living space. I'm not a bit surprised at how elegant it all looks, but I must say it is even more elegant than I would have imagined. I think the books on shelves, the windows and gorgeous drapes, the guitars - all those added elements make this feel like it would be a gift to browse there, that the customer can take away something even if they don't buy. Thank you so much for showing us this, I'm just delighted!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Ruth, How did you know? we have been saving that chair especially for you! It is a really comfortable old seat that once you lean back in it, you'll find so comfortable you won't want to move from.. To me it always felt like an after-dinner chair, a place to sit and discuss and maybe smoke a fine cigar... just joking 'bout the cigar.. but I guess at one time, could well have been... but by all means please feel free to do so if the urge calls...

Ruth said...

I could be convinced to try out a mild cigar, if it means I can sit in that chair to do it.

flyinamber said...

what an interesting and beautiful place your home is,Gwen! especally love your old doors! I completely agree with you:there are so many old things that can find a new life in our homes..people throw away so many wonderful things..they just don't see the beauty and the value of old stuffs!