Sports enthusiasts sometimes say, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” I was reminded of that earlier this week, when my friend said something that really resonated with me: “It’s all about the hunt!” In other words, we all work toward goals that we want to accomplish, but some people find the journey itself even more satisfying than the end result. My friend loves to sew. She told me how much she loves going out and finding just the right pattern for a new project. Next, off she’ll go, looking for the perfect fabric…

Even though I’ve done it 21 times now, I’m still feeling energized and excited today after exhibitor training for next month’s Home and Garden Show! In fact, at this point I think I could recite the entire program from memory. But I still go to the training every year because it inspires me to try new ideas and think of new ways to bring you my artwork at reasonable prices. This year I brought my daughter Brittany and her friend Breann to the training with me – passing the torch to the next generation! Here are some interesting facts about…

Happy mid-winter! Though the skies are gray and snow is on the ground, it’s still bright and cheery at the Barnicott household! As you can see, it’s still Christmas at our place. We kept it that way because, as my husband Tom explained, “It’s so dark in January, and it brightens up these cold winter days.” Not to mention the fact that thanks to my hectic holiday season schedule, we barely get a chance as a family to enjoy our decorations before the holidays are over. Last night, we also celebrated Tom’s 59th birthday. Though it looks like Tom’s dressed…

What does an artist who hates the cold do in the middle of a frigid, snowy week? Why, think about my upcoming 21st year at the Home and Garden Show, of course! Yes, it’s that time of year again to prepare for the “Big Show” from March 4th through 13th at the David L Lawrence Convention Center. I’ll be back in my same location at Booth 3146, waiting to meet and mingle. So mark your calendar, make a wish list, and stop by to see me! But I’m not just thinking of the Home and Garden Show… As the snow…

If you’re like me, you probably have ambitious goals and plans in mind for the New Year. I want to share a couple of mine with you… and I would love to hear yours! One of the first things I’ve done to kickstart 2016 is that I’ve started a juice fast. Today I’m on Day 4, and I’m already feeling more energetic, clearing my mind, and even dropping some unwanted pounds. Drinking all those nutrients definitely helps me feel better and ready to roll in this new year! Another one of my New Year’s projects is Reorganizing and Decluttering my…

I’ve had a super busy week at the Chalet – this year was much busier than usual… thanks to you, my wonderful customers coming out to visit me, and thanks to the unseasonably warm December weather! But now there’s finally just a bit of snow in the air, so it feels a lot more like Christmas, doesn’t it? The last day for the Holiday Market is on Wednesday, December 23rd. I’ll be there every day except Sunday. Santa John and I will be there to greet you, and I’ll help you out with those last-minute gifts for the ones you…

Hi, it’s Linda… Writing to you today once again live from my Chalet downtown at the Holiday Market in Market Square. I know I spend most of my time between Light-Up Night and Christmas down here, but I’m delighted to get a lot of visitors at my little Chalet, and I do get out and about a little bit! For example, I’ve been seen around town lately with a major celebrity – Santa himself! The paparazzi are having a field day! Just yesterday, Laurie’s Hallmark invited the Jolly Old Elf and me to appear at their store at Fifth Avenue…

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Every year, I take this time to reflect on how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. It’s also my time to give back to you for being there for me. As a special thank-you to my loyal friends and fans, I’m offering a special gift – for this weekend only, Everything on my website is 10% off with FREE shipping on orders over $100.00 for art prints and giftware! This is the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping with a special gift that will remind your loved…

I’m taking a break to write to you now that I’ve just finished setting up my Holiday Market Chalet down in Market Square! Tom took this photo of me decking the walls earlier this week. Not only did we have to decorate, but we’ve also had to stock up on inventory for the coming 32 days! If you’ve been to the Holiday Market in Market Square in Downtown, Pittsburgh in the past two years, you would have found me on the end near the walkway that goes to the PPG Plaza skating rink. This year, I’ll be one chalet over…