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,
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~
Posted by: Adrienne | September 12, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I really enjoyed your visit Jenn! Looking forward to October 13th!
xo
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home | September 12, 2011 at 12:22 PM
hey sweets,
looks magical
cant wait
oxooxox,
jessi
Posted by: scrappy jessi | September 12, 2011 at 01:11 PM
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.
Posted by: Linda Diane | September 12, 2011 at 01:36 PM
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
Posted by: Julie Marie | September 12, 2011 at 02:27 PM
How exciting that you got to visit Penny! Love you pictures from th weekend.
Posted by: Jojo | September 12, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Penny really knows how to livethe good life up there in Ashville! Looks like a relaxing, productive working weekend!
Posted by: Jennifer Grenko | September 12, 2011 at 06:05 PM
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
Posted by: C'est moi Claudette | September 12, 2011 at 06:45 PM
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
Posted by: chinamommy | September 13, 2011 at 09:19 AM
What a beautiful day Jenn! So magical!
xoxo
Posted by: Christine Rose Elle | September 13, 2011 at 04:14 PM
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
Posted by: Grace P | September 13, 2011 at 06:55 PM
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!
Posted by: Lauralee | September 13, 2011 at 09:00 PM
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
Posted by: Maija Lepore | September 14, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Happy you had a chance to relax because I know what's comin' ! :))
(())
Posted by: Francie Thornton | September 16, 2011 at 10:16 AM
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
Posted by: Charlene | September 17, 2011 at 08:55 PM
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
Posted by: Natasha Burns | September 18, 2011 at 06:00 PM
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
Posted by: Curtains in my Tree | September 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM
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!!
Posted by: becky | September 23, 2011 at 08:39 PM