Many of the major collectible plate producers have stopped producing Limited Edition plates, with Reco International and Islandia being the most recent to close their doors. Because of this, many plates were taken out of production before they reached their highest limits and now those plates are extremely scarce.

One such plate is “The Magic of Friendship” from Sandra Kuck’s Winter Wonderland series. If you have this plate, please protect it because it is impossible to replace.

The big news at The Plate Lady™ ® of Tampa Bay is that we will soon be expanding our lines and offering even more exciting home decor this coming year than ever before.

Midway through 2007 we began adding art pieces from a number of well-known fantasy artists such as Sheila Wolk, Sara Butcher, Meredith Dillman, and Molly Harrison. We also added to our Authentic Reproductions line, many of which now come in fused-bronze.

We wish you good health, happinesss, and prosperity this coming new year.

Artist's Profile: Meredith Dillman

Meredith Dillman is best known as a fantasy artist and illustrator. Her awards include 1st place for “Best Illustration” from the Minnesota Newspaper Association, Better College Newspaper Contest in 2001; 2nd place for “Best Editorial Cartoon” from the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better College Newspaper Contest in 2002; 1st and 2nd place for “Best Cartoon” from the Minnesota Newspaper Association, Better College Newspaper Contest in 2003; and "Best Genre" for Fairy Queen's Passage at Nimbus in 2003.

Meredith’s interest in painting began in childhood. She was most interested in fantasy drawings of medieval fairies and woodland creatures. Later in life she attended Minnesota State University where she graduated with a BFA degree in Illustration. Her graduation project was illustrating Christina Rossetti's poem Goblin Market.

Her illustrations have been published in a number of books including Visions of Atlantis by Ellen Million, Watercolor Fairies by David Riche, How to Draw and Paint Fairies by Linda Ravenscroft, Mercury Brightman: The First Sign by Mary E Gober, Dragon Prince and Fae Born by Terri Pray, and 500 Fairy Motifs by Myrea Pettit.

Meredith’s work has also appeared in several metaphysical magazines and journals such as In Light Times, Moonshadows Magazine, Pentacle Magazine, Aquarius: A Sign of The Times Newspaper, Circle of Stones Journal, and Artwanted.com Creative Minds.

She has also contributed illustrations to role playing games such as The Everlasting: The Magician's Companion and The Everlasting: The Book of the Fantastical; as well as Collectible Card games such as Final Twilight.

Most of her art is first created in watercolor, pen, or copic marker and then is translated into prints. Her work can be found online at ArtWanted.com

The Plate Lady™ ® carries licenced jewelry / trinket boxes, hand mirrors, and waterglobes designed by Merredith at http://theplatelady.com/fairyfigurines.html#36

You can also find more licenced products designed by Merredith at fantasy, science fiction and anime conventions across the United States.