The Garrison Studio opened on Saturday in the downtown historic district of Fredericton. Seven studio shops opened sponsored by the city's tourism department. There are artists in residence on site and local artisans showcase their work. The first day saw lots of people out despite the very cool, damp weather.

The shops were originally storage for ammunition and so are solid brick and mortar with one tiny window and the large wood doors are wide open to the open walkway. Unheated it was quite chilly until our portable heater arrived! That took some of the chill off. The shops are open for four months opening early this season for the Congress 2011 of Humanities and Social Sciences  "Coasts and Continents: Exploring People and Places"  taking place this week in our city. People from all over the world are attending.

With seven or eight artisans in each shop it means we work only one day a week which is ideal to not impact a regular work schedule. I enjoy meeting the many viistors to our pretty little city and to have fun creating! Aprons are one of my favorite items to design and sew. I made a half apron from the remaining birdie fabric.

I will post pictures of the shop once we are totally finished with the decorative touches. I have been making bright felt flower garlands to wrap around the exposed pipes. So far I have gone through fifty feet of garden wire! Follow the Joy, Create! Debra, CEO!