Visit to Asheville

This past weekend I had an amazing time in Asheville, NC firming up event plans (which btw way is ONE month away! Eeeek!)

Everything is coming along beautifully and Im busy making all the final preparations for the magical weekend.

 

I was also told that the leaves at the very top of the mountains are starting to change colors right now so that is a wonderful sign that we will have PEAK foliage in mid October. This will make the scenery all the more beautiful.

These are a few shots of the farm.

 

Long gravel driveway. 

 

 

Sweet farm animals.

 

I tried to stay away from this guy. He doesn't look too happy. If I remember correctly Alpacas spit? Right?

 

 

Picture's definitely don't do it justice!

 

 

 

While visiting Asheville I had the lovely invitation to stay the weekend at my fellow artist and friend Penny Carlson's home.

 

 

Penny and her sweet husband Kent opened up their beautiful home to me and were the most gracious hostess all weekend long.

 

 

Penny is a mosaic tile artist and refinishes old flea market finds. She also turns drab  pieces of furniture into lust worthy beautiful pieces. 

I own two gorgeous pieces that Penny created and that is how we formed our friendship.

Her work is stunning!

 

This is a peek of her studio.

 

Im thrilled that Penny will be a vendor at the Once Upon A Dream Welcome/Vendor Market night.

 

These are a few pieces she's completed and will be selling. Just a few photos to wet your whistle! :)

 

Goooorgeous!!!

 

Beautiful picnic basket.

 

 

 

 

 

Darling decorative step stool.

 

 

 

 

Im coveting these pieces! hee! hee!

 

Penny rolled out the red carpet for me. We spent late afternoons in her peaceful backyard and dining under the stars.

 

 

 

 

I had a terrific view of the garden while enjoying my dinner. Every now and than we would spot the pesky furry mole that runs to and from the garden. Penny and Kent are determined to catch the critter. He's enjoying the garden way too much!

 

 

 

This pretty sign that's displayed in the garden was hand painted by Natasha Burns. 

Lovely isn't it?

 

Penny cooked every evening. I truly felt spoiled.

We always enjoyed a yummy appetizer before dinner.

 

 

Mmmm...so good!!!

 

 

 

These napkins rock!!!

 

Saturday Penny and I spent all day long hitting the antique shops and exploring downtown Hendersonville. 

Penny and I both found some great finds!

 

Cute lamb salt and pepper shakers.

 

Sweet vintage millinery bonnet.

 

Can't have enough little shabby roses pitchers.

 

Precious vintage children's books that I got at a super deal!

I adore the illustrations.

 

 

 

This pretty summery aqua and white dress I found at a consignment shop.

It's a Trina Turk dress and practically brand new.

I paid $16 for it! Whoo-hoo! 

 

 

 

My favorite finds of the day were a pair of ceramic pink poodles.

I have them displayed on my kitchen table next to the candle sticks.

 

My overall visit to Asheville was just wonderful and lots of fun.

I enjoyed spending quality time Penny and feeling super productive and prepared for Octobers event.

 

I'll be taking a wee blog break for the next week or two. LOTS to do between now and mid October.

 

I'll definitely pop in soon to say "Hi"!

 

Wishing you all a fabulous, inspiring, and creative week!

 

XOXO,

Comments

[Adrienne]

I'm stopping by to visit from Penney's blog. Loved seeing bits and pieces of your time with her. I'll be back to visit and read more of your blog.
~Adrienne~

[Penny @ The Comforts of Home]

I really enjoyed your visit Jenn! Looking forward to October 13th!
xo
Penny

[scrappy jessi]

hey sweets,
looks magical
cant wait
oxooxox,
jessi

[Linda Diane]

Oh, how fortunate are all the ladies who get to go to your art event! It sounds so heavenly. You should do something in Texas sometime! : ) It sounds like you got a lot of TLC at your friend, Penny's, beautiful house. Her mosaics are gorgeous. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your fun weekend.

[Julie Marie]

Hi Jenn... oooh, I am drooling over everything, from Penny's gorgeous home and gardens, to the farm, to the food (yummy!) and all of your vintage treasures!... LOVE that dress,and the little poodles are adorable... I must find some of those cute napkins too!... your event sounds like sooo much fun!... wishing you a beautiful Autumn day... xoxo Julie Marie

[Jojo]

How exciting that you got to visit Penny! Love you pictures from th weekend.

[Jennifer Grenko]

Penny really knows how to livethe good life up there in Ashville! Looks like a relaxing, productive working weekend!

[C'est moi Claudette]

Oh Jenn
What a beautiful time you had with Penny. Can't wait to meet her too.
OK those sweet pink poodles are my FAVOURITE OMG... and those cute books for the kiddos.
Can't wait to wrap my arms around you.
xoxoxoxo

[chinamommy]

is her studio always that CLEAN!!!!????? oh my! her art is just gorgeous! tell her to stuff juicy fruit gum down that mole hole. my mister swears by it and this is from a man that is CRAZY about our lawn- think "golf course gorgeous", so he is on a never ending hunt to kill those moles!
always love your gorgeous finds!! i'm still on the edge of my seat waiting for a tour of your studio..... :)
xoxox

[Christine Rose Elle]

What a beautiful day Jenn! So magical!
xoxo

[Grace P]

what a beautiful place! You look so happy so peacful with Penny...just like someone who is going to a fun beautiful event not like the hostess! lol What gorgeous treasures. Can't wait to meet Penny and everyone and have a wonderful time. Thank you for posting a glimpse of paradise. Grace xoox

[Lauralee]

Just found your blog tonight...I love it! I featured you on mine: http://shabbylife-shabbylife.blogspot.com/2011/09/blogs-you-just-might-fall-in-love-with.html

Enjoy!

[Maija Lepore]

OMG! I can't wait!! It looks so beautiful there!!
I can't wait to meet Penny- I can tell she is a lovely person!
oxox

[Francie Thornton]

Happy you had a chance to relax because I know what's comin' ! :))
(())

[Charlene]

I need to go visit Penny's blog as I LOVE her work that you shared. That picnic basket was adorable. I am so SAD I don't get to join everyone in Asheville as I KNOW how amazing your events are. DARN that it is my anniversary weekend. My friend Cindy is so excited to be coming. We were in Austin last week (for a class) & out shopping when we came upon the perfect gift for you & I clued her in... "JENN WOULD LOVE THIS" is all I had to say. Thanks for sharing your Asheville moments. I'm pea green. HUGS!
Charlene

[Natasha Burns]

oh my goodness, i am so giddy with excitement, and seeing you and Penny there makes me more excited! can't WAIT for next month!!! Penny's home looks amazing, she's such a lovely hostess, like you are! Claxton Farm looks incredible!! xo

[Curtains in my Tree]

Penny is one talanted lady like you.

I loved the shopping trip and that was a great find on your Trunk dress $16.

see ya when ya get back to your blog posts which I always love

janice

[becky]

hi sweetheart! it looks like you and penny had such a fun time! good food, good friends, good shopping - and even a nasty mole! what a perfect combo for a lovely and most perfect time in asheville! you girls are so pretty and i so enjoyed reading about your time together. LOVE the napkins, too. tee hee!! ;) have fun at the event!!

xoxo
becky

ps: love your song!! it is one of my favorites!!