Inspiration from Maine

We just returned from a trip to Maine. We had the most beautiful weather while we were there which surprised us. We had brought all kinds of layers thinking it would be cold, but it was so nice every day. While we were there we took many pictures, especially of lighthouses. Here is one of the most photographed lighthouse in the area, Portland Head Light.

We were both inspired with all of the lighthouses, but we also got a lot of inspiration from local art galleries and artists – and the streets!

While in Portland we stopped in the Maine Potters Market. This is a beautiful shop of handmade in Maine pottery. If you like pottery and like to support Maine artists, this is the place. I bought two pieces – one a mug from Mary K Spencer’s garden series. I have a lot of pottery from all over, and I’ve never seen a design like this. I also loved the whimsy of Becky Wright’s soap sponge holder. The colors are so much fun. But those were just two of the lovely pieces in this shop. They were also reasonable. Here is a link to their website.

There were two art galleries that were run by artists. I always love visiting them and talking with the artists working there. This was one. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures there, but it had a great selection of art.

The other artist gallery had this piece by Marcia Feller. I didn’t see any smaller ones or I would have purchased one.

Marcia also creates some beautiful scarves. I took this picture so I would have all of her information when I returned home. Her website is here.

We found Art by Lisa (Lisa White) at the entrance to our parking lot in Portland. On the last day we decided to stop by and check out her art. She has large pieces, but we just purchased four of her cards. The photo doesn’t do them justice, dulling the sparkle. You can find her on Instagram.

Then we went on to Bar Harbor. In both Portland and Bar Harbor there are a lot of tourist shops that have most of the same stuff. It’s nice to get a tshirt or a magnet to take home, but we really like to find art. In Bar Harbor we found this cute A Little Mad Shop. It’s located off the main drag so you might miss it if you aren’t looking. This is run by a couple, who according to the owner Patrick (who was manning the store when we were there) they aren’t artists themselves, but they seek out artists from all over. There is a wide selection of art from sun catchers made of wrapped colored stones, and paintings on wood to vegan leather purses and wood turned pens. We stopped here and purchased a painting Dave wanted, and then returned to pick up my purse before returning to the shuttle bus. I just couldn’t leave without buying it. I’m sure if we had more time, we would have spent more. If you are looking for a unique item, check out their website.

We also spent time in Acadia National Park. We like to visit national parks when we travel. We bought one of those National Park Passports when we got married hoping we’d visit all of them in our lifetime. We’ve visiting many of them, but still many on our list.

We also ate a lot, hiked a bit, and even celebrated our 18th anniversary with a wonderful lunch in Bar Harbor.

But now it’s back home. This past week I baked another recipe from my Mom’s recipe pamphlet called Oatmeal Macaroons. They were a hit yesterday with the testers, and I’ll be posting the recipe on my Substack blog in the next day or two. But here they are, and they were yummy!

I have also been working on a fabric book I started several months ago. I should have it done in the next week or so, and then I have some other projects lined up. I’ve felt my art muse calling but the inspiration from the trip really has pushed her forward. Hope you have a wonderful week and thanks, as always, for stopping by.