Blog Archive

11/15/12

Learn from the artists.

Have you ever wondered why an artist uses a particular technique, how he accomplishes the technique, or where he gets inspiration for his works?  You are not alone.  Everyday customers look at artists’ pieces in the store and ask me those questions.  That prompted me to think that many customers would like to hear the artists answer these questions and tell their own story.  Starting December 1, Abode Gallery is hosting Saturday artists’ talks.

For one hour, the featured artist will share his craft and answer your questions.  We’ll start at 2:30 and have complimentary hot beverages.  Mark your calendar and attend the talks of your favorite artists.

Saturday, December 1          Sandra Shaughnessy Contemporary Pottery
Saturday, December 8          Tim Brudnicki Fine Woodworking
Saturday, December 15        Matt and Amy Palmer One of a Kind Found Object Jewelry
Saturday, January 5              Maria Dudley Kowalski Landscape Painter
Saturday, January 12            Gib Krohn Creative Ceramics
Saturday, January 19            J. R. Lince-Hopkins Landscape Painter
Saturday, January 26            S.C. Rolf Contemporary Pottery

Your admission to these talks is free.  Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from the artists.

We’d love to see you again,
Alan Nugent
Abode Gallery

11/8/12

We’ve spotted the first migrating Tundra Swans…

We’ve recently spotted the first migrating Tundra Swans on the lake and overhead.  They are coming from their summer nesting grounds in the sheltered marshes on the Alaskan and Canadian coast near the Arctic Circle.  The swans migrate through our area on their way to the shallow lakes, ponds, and estuaries along the east coast near the Chesapeake Bay and the marshes of Virginia and North Carolina.  Thankfully, they are not further along in their migration or they would be caught up in the nor’easter hitting the east coast.

Just like Canadian geese, Tundra Swans fly in a V formation.  With a tail wind, they often achieve speeds up to 100 miles per hour.  Flocks have been seen at 6,000 to 8,000 feet.  When you see them, you may notice swans taking a running start to fly.  In order to become airborne, swans face the wind, run along the surface of the water for fifteen to twenty feet, flap their wings, and beat the water with their feet alternately until they achieve sufficient headway.  Then they launch from the water into the air.

Swans feed on vegetation which is why you will find them in shallow lakes and ponds such as Rieck‘s Lake off the Great River Road north of Alma.  In our area that vegetation is mostly wild celery and arrowhead tubers.  They use their feet to uproot the tubers and then reach down into the water with their long necks to retrieve them.  Sometimes they eat farm crops.  As the flock feeds, one swan stands guard to warn of approaching danger. 

The tundra swans will be in our area from now until the water freezes.  Take a drive down the Great River Road and watch the beauty and grace of Tundra Swans as they migrate.  Remember to bring your camera, too.  Make a stop in Stockholm to see what’s new in the stores and savor a tasty fall dish or refreshing beverage at our eateries.

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants

11/3/12

Take a look at old world weaving techniques in contemporary designs.

At Ingebretsen’s, we are excited to introduce you to beautiful linens from the Ekelund Company in Sweden which are created with old world weaving techniques in contemporary designs. 

Founded in 1692, the Ekelund Company has been in the same family for sixteen generations.  While the company’s designs are contemporary, the weaving techniques are tried, true, and traditional.  Using both in-house designers and designers from around the world, Ekelund constantly searches for designs that will appeal to customers.  You’ll find the designs are a celebration of beauty in the home environment.  Click here to see them.

We are very interested in Ekelund’s tradition of extreme environmental consciousness which began out of necessity.  Since the factory is in a town of less than 1500 residents in western Sweden, it had to be completely self-sufficient for water and waste removal.  Thus, the Ekelund family developed water conservation practices and used only natural fibers and non-toxic dyes.  In 1995 family members raised their conservation standards even higher.  As a result, Ekelund received the "Good Environmental Choice" label from the Swedish Society of Nature Conservation.  We commend Ekelund’s attention to the environment and the working conditions for its employees.
    
"I can talk for hours about all aspects of Ekelund," says Trygve Svard, the Marketing Director-USA of Ekelund Linens.  "I enjoy importing their products and want people to enjoy having these linens in their home."

Stop by Ingebretsen's and see these linens up close during Women's Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.  We have a selection of Ekelund runners, placemats, tea towels, dish cloths, and mini towels.  Trygve will be in the store, too.  He will gladly answer your questions and give you more information about the linens and ideas on how to use them in your home.

We’d love to see you again,
Diane and the staff
Ingrebretsen’s

10/26/12

Have a good time the next two fun-filled weekends.

This weekend, come to the third and final Evening Song for 2012 Friday, October 26, when local chanteuse Emily Huppert, sponsored by Spring Street Inn, will perform on the SideSpot stage from 5 - 7 p.m.  Admission is free.  Enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and see what’s new in several of the shops and eateries which will be open late.  There will be wine and craft beers available at SideSpot, too.

Next weekend attend our annual Women’s Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4.  Take a look at all the fun events we have planned for you.
  • Abode Gallery 12 - 5 p.m. Meet guest artist Carly Bordeau and Maria Kowalski as they demonstrate handmade cards and watercolors.
  • Bogus CafĂ© & Bakery 2 - 3 p.m. Learn cupcake decorating.  All your decorating supplies are provided, and all participants will receive a free cupcake.
  • Ingebretsens  See the trunk show of beautiful Ekelund Linens shown by Trygve Svard of Ekelund Linnevaveriet, master weavers since 1692 in Horred, Sweden, and the special presentation by Trygve at 12 p.m.  Savor the Glogg and Pepparkakor, Swedish Ginger Cookies. 
  • Juno & Me  Stop by for snacks and a free raffle for buyers.  Winners will be announced at 5 p.m.
  • The Palate   Taste the samples that Mary Mentzer from Eat Drink and Meet Mary will be cooking and get your questions answered.
  • Twisted Chix  Sample beverages and snacks and receive a free gift with your purchase.  Remember to enter the raffle, too.
  • Sandy’s   Find out more about aromatherapy from demonstrations and education.  Have your palm read.  Watch the in-store modeling.  At 6:30 p.m. catch Firedancing performed by the Chippewa River Valley group “Feminine Spirit.”
  • Stockholm Pottery   Observe Diane Millner, owner and potter, demonstrate glazing and decorating.
  • Widespot Performing Arts Center  Top off your Saturday at Lorna Landvik’s One Woman Show, Party in the Rec Room at 7 p.m.  Spend some extra time with Lorna at 10:15 a.m. brunch.  Tickets are $18 for brunch, $14 for the evening, or $30 for the two.  www.widespotperformingarts.org
Browse the shops for gifts and holiday ideas.  Relax at one of our eateries. 

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants
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