The Final Fifty

Now that the COVID-19 vaccines are on their way into arms, I am shipping out what I believe will be the last fifty face masks, these destined for the Navajo Nation. I have made around 800 masks over this past COVID-19 year, most of which I have donated, some of which I have sold and then donated the profits. It has been an honor to do my very small part in serving my communities.

As I shift from mask-making to the making of other things, some of which have been waiting for over a year to start, it’s a good time to share one of my favorite Turkish proverbs:

“Don’t look back – you’re not going that way”

One of those long overdue other things was this pair of custom hats, commissioned by one of my collectors. He supplied the upholstery vinyl which worked out better than I expected it to. The seams are built up with yarn braids held down with cross stitching, to give the impression that these hats have more heft than they actually do. The tassels are one-of-a-kind’s as well, created from stuff I had laying around. I do love when projects come along that I can finish off with the odd trinket(s), made from pieces of things, some of them have been in my shop for over a decade.

I think Charlie will be thrilled to own a pair of hats like no other…

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Looking forward rather than back, I’ve got a couple of shows coming up.

I have a “Not For Sale” piece in the RAGS Virtual show this year. After you have gawked at the gallery, head on over to the MarketPlace to buy wearable art made by other local artists. If you’re familiar with my signature socks, they come from one of the vendors here – Polonova socks and gloves feature historical and ethnic art motifs and have been a favorite of mine for several years. The RAGS Wearable Art Sale & Show is an annual fundraiser for the YWCA Pierce County. Historically held at Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma in Fife, the event has moved online this year and runs March 14-21.

The fall show at Peters Valley was so much fun that we’re doing it again! The Spring Virtual Craft Market at Peters Valley will run May 1-2. It’s a really great way to meet artists from all over the country and buy their handmade wares. If you tuned in for the last show, you saw me with some new styles, some works in progress, and a 360 degree studio where I make your hats. Consider this an encore, with details coming soon. If you can’t wait ’till May, you can shop a selection of my ready-made hats online through the Peters Valley Gallery.

I won’t be traveling this year, so I’m using that time to consolidate and expand my past global adventures as “Director’s Cuts” at Daveno Travels. I’ve finished my first trip to Italy and am starting the next trip (the start of the Crossroads Tour). If I go in chronological order, next up will be Istanbul. But I may surprise you with Spain instead, just to keep you on your toes.

Stay safe, stay protected, get your vaccine as soon as you can, and we’ll see each other soon.