Movin' Right Along

Oh poor neglected blog. Let's get some new info out there!

First of all, I just spent four days staying with my sister-in-law and helping her with her new baby. Oh man, I love newborns! Certainly easier when they're not your own. Gave lots of breastfeeding help which, new moms and moms to be, you're gonna want! Get help- it might not come naturally and it might not feel so good.

Next, it's summer vacation for the kids! They're home all the time! I need a plan! Seriously, I'm hoping for lots of sun, time at the beach, and no homework. The kids are old enough to stay alone for a while too so I'm planning on a little time to myself.

Then there's the jewelry stuff. I'm happily making copper and have re-supplied the gallery. I also need to make more earrings for Oak, the craft store in Boston I've got my things in. And, I've got some shows coming up so I need to get cracking on the production! I don't know why I've been putting it off. I like pressure, I guess. And, I got accepted to trunkt, an online portfolio site that wholesalers and retailers like to shop. I need to spend time getting my portfolio together today, as I decided to spring for the premium account.

Finally, still sick. Boo.

Shows and HAIL!

Yesterday was not the best day to spend outside doing a show. We got to see a mix of rain, sleet, sun, and hail stones- alternating about every 15 minutes! This did not make for a huge turn out at the Arts Unlimited show in Renton. Luckily, I was stationed near several Etsyrain folks and had people to talk to all afternoon.

I viewed this show as a learning experience. I'm actually rather proud to say that I was able to set up and take down my tent (with a little help) and could carry everything- including the cinder blocks I used to keep the tent from flying away. Those blocks are actually part of a bookcase that we built in our 20s and yes, we still use it.

I learned that I really need to order some tent walls! Thanks to Marlo and Suzanne for lending me their extras. Without them my tables would have gotten even more soaked. Ah yes, and thank to to Marlo for the paper towels. I figured out, too late, that if you're doing a show in the rain your tables will get wet while you set up your tent. I definitely need to throw in a roll next time.

Overall, I'm still glad I went- I even sold a pair of earrings. Now I'm very pumped for our next show in May. And it's indoors. Hurrah!

Shows and Rain

Quite a month. I'm still not allowed to eat most foods and I'm not feeling my best but I've decided to forge ahead anyway! After a fun trip to NYC I've gotten to work on setting up my studio and making LOTS of pieces. I'm going to be doing a few shows in the coming months so I'm trying to get ready for them. Actually, on Saturday I'm doing my first outdoor show by myself. I've got the tent and tables and I'm pretty happy with the display this time. I'm using shutters to hang the earring cards and a wood lattice from some french doors to hang the pendants.

However..... it's supposed to rain and possibly SNOW on Saturday. Yes, I'm sure there's no trace of climate change! Snow in Seattle in mid-April is unheard of. So, I'm trying to figure out the best way to keep warm and dry and not have my jewelry blow away. Some other folks from EtsyRain, now also known as Puget Sound Indie Artisans, are brainstorming survival tips for the day.

And by the way, the Puget Sound Indie Artisans are putting on our own show the day before Mother's Day in Edmonds. We are so excited!

Stepping Outside My Comfort Bubble

Ok, so I went to a crafts fair last night at a local elementary school and had a lot of fun. I got to talk with people I hadn't seen in a long time and had an "adult" evening. Plus, I sold several pieces which always puts me in a good mood. This setting up your table at a crafts fair thing is a lot harder than it looks! This was my 5th time since last Spring and I feel like I finally have an arrangement I like. Decorating and arranging really doesn't come naturally for me! Anyway, I'm so glad I decided to step outside my comfort bubble and keep trying with this new business. I'm having a great time creating (which is the best part) but I'm also meeting really interesting new people and doing things I never would have done before.

I'm rambling. Here are some pictures of my latest work.

Take the Pledge, etc

I've just taken the pledge to buy handmade this holiday season. Will you do the same?? Click on the button at the top of the page to register your name too. And, if you make handmade items, your website will appear next to your name!

What have I been up to lately? Well, I participated in a craft fair in Phinney Ridge last weekend. Very fun to see everyone but not a lot of selling action for me. So, I've been working on some new pieces to showcase on my website. The earrings aren't my usual style but I'm really liking them! And now I have more to show off at the Kick Off the Holidays show I'm doing with fellow etsyrain folks at Stir on November 1st from 5-10pm. You can check http://www.stirboutique.com for more details. I'm very excited about this show and so happy to be expanding my horizons this year!