They're not very big, but they are gorgeous! They're the tiny polymer clay works of art by Billie Tannen and her husband Bob Nielson. A new order just arrived and we couldn't wait to open the box. We are just in awe of this meticulous work, as are many of our customers who have seen their work at Barneys, NY and Gumps, San Francisco.

Just in time for Valentine's there are hearts, hearts, hearts. Pin one on your jacket for an immediate lift. And all sorts of petite treasure boxes. And last but not least, two special piggy banks. These are the best Billie Beads piggies we've ever seen. One is a pink princess and very bejeweled, but the other sports marvelously checkered feet, oh, my!

In a world where big and mass-produced rule, it's just wonderful to marvel at these small and hand-made treasures. Billie's work is so charming and delightful, it just makes a person ooh, aah and smile. You can see more at maddisgallery.com or come in and see them in person. But don't wait too long, Billie's work never stays around long.

It's not May. Heck, it isn't even warm out. But it IS time to think about the Carolina Folk Art Festival presented by Maddi's Gallery. Our "Call for Artists" is out and the material should be posted on our web-site in a few days. So here are the basics:

The Festival is held at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. Artists set up right along the Village Green in the center of the main street. Most spaces are on the grass and at least 10' x 10', nestled between the trees and lightposts so you do have room to spread out.

The official hours are Saturday May 15 from 10 to 6 and Sunday, May 16 from 11 to 6. Again this year we are planning an Artist Breakfast compliments of Maddi's Southern Bistro before we open on Sunday. If you come in Friday afternoon and set-up it is fine with us if you open for sales.

There is an early-bird booth fee of $195 until February 28 and then after March 1, the fee is $250. There is no jury fee and Maddi's takes no commission. We always have a great group of artists and a lot of fun, so let us know if you are interested as soon as possible. E-mail us at info@maddisgallery.com or call 704-332-0007.

This year's logo contest was won by Georgia folk artist, Bailey Jack. She's won a free booth and $500 in cold, hard cash. Come see her and her very fun work at the Festival. Congratulations, Bailey Jack!

Happy 2010!

Now that's a very familiar picture...oh, my...it's Maddi's! What fun to see our Charlotte gallery on the cover of the new issue of Niche Magazine. And the story by Asheville writer Marla Hardee Miller is great, too. Oh, and did we mention the pictures by Charlotte photographer Michael LoBiondo?

Actually, it is a thrill, but we want to thank everyone who has supported Maddi's and helped make this happen. We are lucky to have a wonderful family and staff working at Maddi's every day. Certainly we are fortunate to sell unique, creative and well-made products by artists we love meeting. And our customers, many of whom said, they knew all along Maddi's was the top gallery, well, they have seen us grow from a peanut-size gallery and cheered us all the way. Thanks, this is a wonderful honor and a lot of fun. And now back to earning the title!