Call to Artists Deadling fast approaching!

O.K. Artists!  February 4th marks the deadline for entries into the 14th annual Spring Obsession Open Division Art Show. With a $1000.00 first prize, $500.00 second prize and $250.00 3rd prize, it is certainly worth the effort. The Spring Obsession Opening Weekend, March 5 & 6 is also a great exposure for all you artists seeking the buying public, gallery owners and more. Don't miss the deadline! Download your entry from this blog.

Ironstone Spring Obsession Art Show Theme Division now in!

 It's official!  The 2011 Theme Division of Ironstone's 14th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show is spectacular!  The entries are in and originals beginning to arrive. I love this time of year! Love the art, love the artists and love the excitment building for the big weekend March 5 & 6. If you have not participated or come out to see this event, you really must give it a shot!  The artists are here with art in action, presentations and so much more... Watercolorist Carolyn Macpherson will be giving a presentation on "pouring a watercolor background" at 10:30 AM on Sunday, March 6th. .  For those of you not familiar with watercolors, this is a difficult but beautiful effect to achieve with this tempermental medium.  Carolyn is a master.   I will have a slide show of the entries for you to browse in the next day or two.  Take a look and try to guess which one will be unveiled as the 2011, Series #14 Ironstone Obsession Poster on Saturday, March 5th at the Reception!  By the way, this event is open to the public for only $20.00.  With food & wine pairing stations around the Alhambra Music Room, live music and artists, it is an event not to miss.  Mark your calendars and keep an eye out here for updates on the artists and the art.
The images you see here belong to Artists Judith Morgan, Tracy Knopf and Terry Richardson.

Get out of the FOG!!! Plan a day trip to the Foothills!

Sun is shining, what a beautiful day today in the foothills! Just spoke to Andrea up in Bear Valley and they are having a great ski day today! Gold Prospector Mario is here today at Ironstone, panning for gold! Join him and find out what Gold Fever is all about.  Get out of the fog today and head for the hills!

Modern Bridal Faire

Paul Mundy, representing Ironstone Vineyards will be at the Modern Bridal Faire at the Pleasanton Hilton on Sunday, January 16th.  Stop by our booth to learn more about weddings at Ironstone.
Check it out!   http://www.modernbridal.com/pleasanton.htm

Final Days approaching! Call to Artists Open Division entries due 2/4/2011

All Theme Division entries for Ironstone's 14th Annual Spring Obsession Art show are in! Outstanding art representing a broad range of media. And so colorful!  Accepted artists will be notified by next week.  In the meantime, get your entry ready for the OPEN Division!  Due date is fast approaching. Stay tuned for more!

Kathy does it again! Gift giving made easy @ Ironstone!

 With Christmas weeks away and New Years close on its heels, it is time to check out Kathy B's stunning gift baskets.

Don't wait to the last minute, or if you do, no better place to do your shopping up to 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve than Ironstone!

Kathy B's workshop has been as busy as Santa's! Creating her masterpieces just for you and yours.  Each basket is created with a specific theme in mind and clearly captures Kathy's inspiration.  Over the years, Kathy has put together some spectacular baskets for me for many different occassions. All have received raves from not only the recipient, but anyone who is lucky enough to see the basket before we all jump in to enjoy the treasures inside.

The photos here depict her New Years or Special Celebration Gift basket with Ironstone's very own version of champagne with colorful glasses and special treats galore.  Just below is her "lets eat" basket, full of tasty treats and Ironstone's exciting Obsession wine.  The bottom photo is what I call the "Lets Party!" basket featuring our local O'Gomezy Salsa, one of my personal favorites, with local olives and more.

If you have someone special you want to surprise with either a fun or elegant treasure, come by and take a look at Kathy B's creations.  You will surely find the special one that is here, waiting for you now!

Check out the slideshow here in the blog for images of more of Kathy's great basket selections.  If you don't see what you are looking for, or prefer a massive knock em out basket, just give Kathy a call. Let her do her magic for you!

Linda Abernathy, Bead Weaver

This is just a small sampling of Linda Abernathy's work.  Stunning and detailed, it is amazing just watching her work those tiny beads.  I've put a slide show to the right. It is well worth the time to stop and look.  Even more so to come by and see her live.  As well as a very talented lady, Linda is also one of the most charming artists you will ever meet.  Hailing from the Bay Area, Linda has family throughout the Gold Country which is how we are graced with her company here at Ironstone's Heritage Museum.  We really love her visits. 

If you are a designer or just getting started with beadwork, come by and Linda will provide you with great pointers and suggestions on techniques and tools of the trade.  She has been doing this longer than the current beading fad began.  As a floral designer in one of her past lives, Linda if full of creativity.  Ever visit she delights us with a new fresh flower arrangement that is worth the stop itself! 

Linda will be her the rest of today and Saturday.  Do stop by and say hello.

Marble Game boards back! Only $60. Limited quantity. Call now... on Twitpic

Marble Game boards back! Only $60. Limited quantity. Call now... on Twitpic

These are going fast! Call to reserve one for yourself or your favorite family for Christmas! While supply lasts... 209 728 1251 ext #45