Fat and Appy at the Farmers’ Market

We did something new-to-us Saturday: we set up shop at the Bradburn farmers’ market in Westminster, CO.

Having a Fat and Appy table was a new experience, as was talking to other moms and dads about our modern art canvases. You see, I’m so used to looking at the canvases, thinking about the canvases, and working to share the canvases with the world, that it was a little strange to have to explain that, well, we sell modern art canvases. Most people thought they were looking at an original painting.

That’s a tribute to our trusted vendor who uses a Giclee method to print our canvases. The quality of the canvases is stunning. They look like original paintings.

Jennifer chats with another mom.

So, I found myself stumbling over the words a few times. I’ll have to get smoother and less flustered.

While we were at the market, we made new friends with Daniel and Kristen from the Early Bird Restaurant in Bradburn. I enjoyed their wonderful coffee and a delicious piece of banana bread. I love discovering new indie restaurants, and I know we’ll come back and eat breakfast at their restaurant in downtown Bradburn.

The Early Bird Restaurant’s table was beautiful.

Big Idea was also at the market and they set up the best kids’ creative activities. Our girls painted with foam and water for over an hour. They also decorated empty cardboard boxes.

I loved the bustling nature of the market, the neighbors all stopping to chat and catch up, and of course, I loved the food.

Don’t these carrots just make you swoon?

Yummy baked goods were for sale.

Homemade jam!

Jonathan read Guppy Up! to the kids at the market. This always cracks me up…kids really can say some hysterical things.

After he read, Jonathan drew his guppy character for the children and then they made their own versions.

Going from “online” to real-time was definitely a first for our new business. Maybe we’ll try art fairs or other festivals. I’m not sure yet. I like the convenience of selling online…the store is open while I’m asleep! But there’s something to be said for talking with parents and hearing their feedback and what they want for their children’s decor. I would like to find a way to balance both. Either way, banana bread must be involved.

Welcome! We’re Jennifer and Jonathan, and we make art, books, canvas prints and other fun things. Check out Fat and Appy to learn more. We are so glad you stopped by!

3 Pieces of Art That Make Me Happy

It’s snowing (again!) and I’m having a quiet afternoon to write and work. I’ve been home from my corporate job for about a week a half and my new way of life is still sinking in. (I resigned from my social media job to run Fat and Appy and help Jonathan’s career; you can read more about it here.)

The house isn’t perfect: clothes are strewn about and stubs of crayons the baby has chewed litter the floor. But there are signposts of peace–small pieces of art around the house that tell me I am home. They make me happy. I thought I might share a few with you.

1. Elephant Tea Pot

I realized I loved design and decor when I got out of college. I was in possession of my first apartment outside of Asheville. On a cool, fall Saturday, I wandered into an antique store in Asheville. I spied this elephant tea pot and bought it, relishing in the freedom that came with having a little money in my pocket. (I am sure it was a small amount of money, but still, it was mine!). This little pot has been packed and repacked a half-dozen times…it always goes with me.

2. Blurry Pop

I love this painting by Mr. Jonathan Fenske. One humid summer day in Atlanta, Jonathan decided to lay out some popsicles on a board in the front yard. As they melted, he took pictures every 15 minutes or so. The art project came to an end when Kemp, our Australian shepherd, discovered the pops and ate them. (Want your own Pop? We have a Giclee print version inspired by Blurry Pop in our online store.)

3. Swinging Bird Timestone Clock

We picked up this clock for super cheap at a thrift store. This hangs in our kitchen and is just delightful. It makes me happy just to look at it. You have to see it in action for the full effect (I took a five-second video).

That’s it from here for today…what pieces of art do you have that you love and make you happy? If you liked this post, you may enjoy our blog post, Art on a Budget: Six Ways to Find Art That’s Affordable. 

This Tilt-A-Whirl Life: Big Changes Ahead

It’s been a little while since we blogged. I blame it on the whirl of life: meals, laundry, out-of-town work trips, freelance writing, laughing, crafting, mopping up spills of all sorts.

We are a carnival ride spinning in a blur of multi-colored lights. We’re trying to catch our breath, but the reality is: someone is going to throw up.

This year is bestowing blessing after blessing on us: Jonathan is video scribing like a crazy person. He also published two children’s books and has a third coming out next year. Painting commissions also take up his time, as well as other freelance illustration work.

And if that wasn’t enough, we are launching a line of stretched canvas prints of Jonathan’s work. (We’re starting with the original art Jonathan created for our app, Healthy Creatures. You can see the beta store here…pardon the mess. Update: We moved to our new home! www.fatandappy.com We have more art to add and things to build out. We’ll also be moving the URL to http://www.fatandappy.com.)

So, something had to give. Jennifer (that’s me!), who has always had the steady-eddy corporate job, will be coming home to manage Fat and Appy and Guppy Up!, our two art businesses. Resigning a great job was a tough decision but with so much work coming Jonathan’s way, and so many opportunities at hand, we knew it was the right time.

I am excited and just a little apprehensive to transition in such a big way. Jonathan feels the same. But it’s our time to jump off the carnival ride…and whirl away as a family, together, toward whatever is ahead.