7 Quick Takes

ONE

Yesterday was my birthday!  

TWO

Here's a picture of me as a baby.  Obviously, not on the day of my birth.  I don't think that I have any of those.  Maybe my wonderful sister will scan one and upload it for me?  

THREE

Here's a cute picture of Catherine and me from our most recent beach trip.

FOUR

Here's a cute picture of Catherine.  

FIVE

One of the fun things that we did for my birthday was check out a local thrift store.  It was lots of fun, and we came away with quite a few goodies.  We left with some yarn, a bag of pot-holder loops (this set!), shirts for Catherine, a toy chest, a game, and box of giant legos.  And we didn't break the bank. 

SIX

We're all pretty excited about the legos.  Catherine received a Cupcake set, which she absolutely loves, for her birthday and I think that this addition will be tons of fun for the whole family.

SEVEN

Do any of my awesome readers live near Mount Rainier, Maryland?  

If so you should put this Craft Fair on your calendar and be sure to stop by my table to say hi!  

For more Quick Takes visit Jen.

Craft Fair ReCap

Well, the Craft Fair I've been prepping for is over now.  Sadly, I'd say it was a bust.  I sold one thing!  ONE.

Oh well.

While I am disappointed I am not discouraged or depressed.

Why?

Because it was a pretty universally slow weekend for all of the vendors.  Towards the end of the show I learned two factors that I believe contributed highly, if not entirely, to this.  First, that it was the same weekend as the Annapolis Nautical Flea Market--just mere miles away.  Second, that our fair wasn't as widely advertised as it should have been.  These two things I believe explain why vendors and their family/friends out-numbered regular customers a hundred to one.

While I didn't sell much of anything it is comforting to know that it wasn't because people weren't interested in my stuff.  On the contrary, I received lots of compliments and admiration from other vendors; they, like me, just weren't there to buy things.

Three items that received a ton of attention were my lacy scarf, Mr. Monkey, and Mr. Elephant.  I eventually took the elephant down from his perch on the top shelf and put him front and center on the purple baby blanket.

Many people also stopped to look through my pot holders.  So many people commented that they had a loom as a kid, or that their kids have a loom now, but their pot holders didn't have the pretty patterns that mine did.  (Like my Houndstooth pattern!)

It's a shame that this craft fair didn't go particularly well, it certainly had potential.  The area was nice, there were lots of high quality vendors, plenty of places to set up--both indoors and out, and there was also food and a moon bounce.  Oh well, live and learn, right?  I am still planning/hoping to be a vendor at other shows, and I can only hope that I (and others) will have much more success.


PS: Check out what I made while I was there--since I had plenty of time on my hands.

Here are some places where I link to link up! 

7 Quick Takes Friday

ONE
I am nervous and super excited about vending at the Craft Festival this weekend.  (If there are any fellow Marylanders out there, I'd love to see you at the Anne Arundel County Fair Grounds!)  As I write this I still have a bit that I'd like/need to finish but since preparing for the Craft Fair has been a major part of my week I thought that would serve as a theme today. UPDATE: Today (Saturday) was super dead--I think because it was cold.  There is lots of cool stuff, please come check it out!

TWO

I am attempting to pack boxes without wrinkling, smushing, wrinkling, bending, or in any way harming any item.  Of most concern are the handmade cards and to some extent the rose broaches--otherwise everything should be pretty resilient.  However, I really want to at least arrive with everything looking perfect!

THREE
I picked this up at Goodwill.  I'm not exactly sure what it's original purpose was, but I want to take off the loops and put on hooks of some type and turn it into a scarf tree.  (Anyone out there have any ideas what it was for originally? My thought was Beanie Baby holder.)

FOUR
I am still working on some of my signage.  Right now, my thinking is that I will put them in basic black or silver picture frames, I just need to hunt down a few more--I might need to make a quick trip to the dollar store.  I am hoping that this makes the signs stand out and look somewhat classy.

FIVE
I made these cute little business cards using Google Docs and my Sizzix.  I used high quality cardstock from my scapbooking and card-making stash.  I used a couple of different colors and these two dies--which came in the same set!  They might be somewhat simple, but I am pretty happy with how they turned out.

SIX
I still need to plan what I am going to wear.  UPDATE: I chose poorly for Saturday--cute outfit, but not warm enough.  It was cold!


SEVEN
Ok, so I couldn't make it through seven takes without some pictures of my girl!  Yesterday, while I was trying to be productive, she was being a silly little monkey climbing on everything.  These are from when she was climbing (and jumping) on the ottoman.  

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Check out other awesome places where I like to link up!

Paper and Glue = Handmade Cards

Butterflies and flowers dominate--perfect for Spring!

In today's fast paced world of cell phones, video chats, texting, and all-around instant connectivity greeting cards might seem a bit old-fashioned and slow.  But it is so much fun to receive something in the mail!  We all love getting something personal amidst the bills and junk.

Sadly, I must confess that I am horrible at remembering to send cards even remotely on time.  (A skill both my Grandma and Mom have mastered.)  I always have the best of intentions, but they don't don't seem to make it to the mailbox.

I do really enjoy making cards--which you would think would help me to be better at sending them out!  At my first craft fair back in November I sold a (surprising) number of my handmade cards, so I've been putting a few together for the upcoming fair this weekend (I'd love tips, comments, personal experiences, etc).  I thought that I would share some of these creations today.

I used high quality cardstock for these cards.  I designed a simple block with all of my information for the backs--which was something I found recommended on various sites to help promote yourself.  I have a Sizzix Sidekick which I love and a stash full of great papers.  I have a few of these awesome paper stacks that are adhesive on the backs so after I cut all I have to do is stick them on--these are really great for some of the die cuts with small pieces that can be difficult to glue.  They can be a bit pricier, but they are worth it.

I think that this might be my favorite one of the bunch.  

Flower Power!

I love playing with the same die cuts and similar papers--
the finished effect is quite interesting.

This one is just plain fun.  There are quite a few different
papers glued to the background to make this one work.

A much simpler, and less busy, version of the one about it.

Check out all of the awesome places where I link up!

It's Craft Fair Time Again!

My table at my first craft show--after some things sold.

I will be a vendor in my second craft fair in just a week and a half.  I consider my first one a success--I had a great time, met local crafters,  and made enough money to cover fees, materials, plus a little extra.  Even with the first craft show under my belt I am a little nervous about this upcoming show.  This one is quite a bit larger and is two days long.

THE STUFF 
I feel that I have a decent amount of stock--I've been pretty busily crocheting various items lately--of course, there are a few more things that  I'd like to make.  I have slowly been going back through everything to make sure there aren't loose threads anywhere, nothing is bent or smudged, etc.  I want everything to be perfect!

THE SPACE  
I am (hopefully) borrowing a table(s) from my in-laws.  I still am having trouble coming up with a (super cheap and good looking) way to utilize vertical space.  Luckily, I do have an indoor space reserved, so I don't need to worry about tents, tarps, and such.

THE EXTRAS 
I've put together a plan for business cards.  I am also making price tags and signage this week.  So far I do not have a big sign with my name on it--a common blunder according to Chris--so I should work on that.  (Maybe another project for the Sizzix?)  I did add my info to the back of many of my note cards this time, something I didn't do last time.  I was looking at bags on ebay--I thought a cutely decorated bag could be a nice touch--but wow, ones that can be decorated are expensive!  I don't think that I am ready to make that kind of financial commitment.

EVERYTHING THAT I AM MISSING
I've been scouring the internet for applicable tips and helpful information.  I am sure that there are things that I am overlooking and these are potential pitfalls.  Keeping that in mind, here are some questions for you:

Have you participated as a vendor in a craft fair?  How was your experience?  Do you have any tips that you'd like to share with a newbie?  What did you wish you knew ahead of time?  If you had to be there by yourself how did you manage basic human needs (i.e., eating without being rude to potential customers and restroom breaks)?  As a customer, what where things that drew you to a particular booth?  What were things that turned you away?

Check out these awesome places where I link up!

7 Quick Takes Friday

ONE: Last night Catherine fought taking a bath for quite awhile.  Then she fiercely fought leaving the tub.  So we let her play in there for about forty five minutes.  Of course we did keep adding warm water for her!  So here is a (slightly stereotypical look how cute my kid is in the tub) photo:

Check out that awesome hairdo!
And yes, she still loves her Ducky tub.

TWO: I was much better about blogging this week!  Not everything ended up in my draft folder.  I consider that an accomplishment.  Also, I participated in quite a few "link parties".  They are a great way to see other people's blogs as well as announce that mine exists.  I'd love to get my blogging to be more regular and to have a steady increase of traffic to my site.  That's what I'd like, but we'll see what happens!

THREE: I mailed my application for a Spring Craft Fair.  I think as long as there are openings I am in, but I will still be waiting nervously for their response.  I really want to participate in another craft fair and there don't seem to be a lot of spring ones around (I already have a few fall ones penciled in on my schedule).  This also means that I should focus my crafting time on items that might sell at a spring fair.  

FOUR: Lent starts up next week.  I need to get baking cookies and such out of my system before then.  I should also look up Ash Wednesday Mass times.  On that note, (growing up and a little bit now too) I always thought that Ash Wednesday should be a Holy Day of Obligation.  I guess mainly because it has "something extra"  (the receiving of ashes), but also because the beginning of Lent is a big deal.  It is by far the non-obligatory Mass that I try the hardest to attend.


FIVE: Still wishing I had a magical way to clean.  Sheez, even if I had a couple of toddler free hours every week that would help.  I guess that I could get up super early or stay up later--but somehow that just doesn't happen.  To those mommies out there with lots of kids and spotless houses, how do you do it?  I have one wonderful kid and a tiny apartment (which is part of the problem, IMHO--because there simply is no storage) and nine times (okay, 9.9 times) out of ten it is a mess.  Although, I tend to be rather OCD about some things--such as the floor.  We are a no shoes in the house family and I often scrub it on my hands and knees.  We live in a large metro area and I've seen enough bodily fluids, etc deposited on public walkways to turn me into a little bit of a germaphobe.  The living room especially is often clean enough to eat off of--which is good because it seems like that's Catherine's favorite place to store her Cheerios and raisins!

SIX: Peter and I tend to go in spurts with what game we play.  Some weeks the only game we'll play is Carcassonne, other weeks its Dominion, other times its cards.  The game that we've been playing the most lately is Family Business.  It is also nice because we have a family friend that has returned to the area--so he's been able to come over for games quite a bit.

SEVEN: I have been sorting through my coupons, there are a couple of great deals out there this week.  I am hoping to hit Safeway, CVS (I have ExtraCare Bucks burning a hole in my pocket!), and Harris Teeter (Super Doubles, baby!).  We shall see if I actually set foot in any of these stores this weekend, but I should be prepared!  Plus, it doesn't hurt to go through my massive stack of coupons.

Check out more 7 Quick Takes here. 

Seven Quick Takes

I've been seeing these all over the blogosphere, and I think it is finally time for me to participate!  For more of these check out Hallie who is hosting for Jenn this week.

~One~

Ok, I realize that the quality of this picture is pretty low.  But I took a bunch of pictures and sadly, this was
the best.  This is Catherine's office.  She has the toolbox as a chair and the coffee table is her desk.  She has her
 toy phone waiting for her important call.  She has her current favorite book.  She is all set.

~Two~

Catherine is sleeping in her crib!  It is so nice to be able to roll over without being 

afraid of squishing her, or being afraid of smothering her with my pillows.
It is nice to have room again; it is amazing how much space her little body takes.

~Three~

On a related note, Catherine is sleeping through the night.  

Wait, I don't think that quite expresses how happy/thrilled/joyful/ecstatic I am.

CATHERINE IS SLEEPING THROUGH 

THE NIGHT!

That's better.  It only took a little over eighteen months.  She still wakes up some, 

but rarely needs anything other than assurance that Peter and are still around.

Well, sometimes she wants her water bottle filled or needs help getting tucked back in
or getting untangled from her blankets or some such.  But after over a year and

a half of waking up four to fourteen times a night--or even worse (not kidding, 

this kid was a horrible sleeper) I am thrilled to actually be getting some rest.

~Four~

I guess that I still have a couple of pictures/things to share from the 2012 March for Life.
I posted on the Facebook pages of the local networks--Fox, CBS, NBC--asking why they
didn't cover the March for Life.  All of my posts were deleted in under five minutes.  I did post
a comment on one of the intentionally misleading slideshows with a link to one of my posts
and that is still there.  I even got some people to click over to my blog!    

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I arrived to the March site early.  Pro-lifers had pile
of signs all around for those of us who didn't have one.  This is just one small one in front
of the Natural History Museum.  I would also like to add that at the end of the day all the signs and
garbage was very neatly put in the proper receptacles.   

~Five~

I have about a dozen crochet projects going right now.  If nothing else comes up this

weekend's (and probably all next week's) craft goal is to work only
on already started projects.  No new ones.  

Then I need to get those and some of my other already completed items listed in

my Etsy store, and maybe some pics on my Facebook page.

~Six~

I've been looking into being a vendor at more craft fairs.  I loved the one I did in December

and have been emailing a bunch of different people for more information.  If 

anyone sees any info about a local church or community one please feel free to let me know!

(Of course, I am mostly looking at local ones--greater DC area.)

~Seven~

I really wish that there was a magical way to get housework done.  There seems to be a
magical force that keeps it from getting accomplished.  (Some might say this magical force
comes in the guise of the most adorable toddler in the whole wide world.)

She just had to twitch her nose and  the dishes would be done and the laundry
clean and folded.  Also, it never seemed that Tabitha had a toy out of place.

Ok, to be fair, I never watched the Jetsons, so  I don't actually know what Rosie's roll was; however,
in this picture she is dusting and vacuuming, all while dressed as a maid.  I think it is safe to assume
that she performed the basic housework duties that so badly need to happen in my humble abode.

As house elf I assume some of Dobby's tasks would have been of the tedious nature--dishes, clothes,
floors, bathrooms, trash, etc.  Of course, in his world there was a fair bit of magic and he was rather abused.
Poor little guy.

A Yarn of a Girl

A long time ago, in a 4-H office far, far away a little girl learned how to crochet.

I still remember struggling to get my pink (of course!) yarn to glide around my hook the way the instructor showed me.  Eventually, I managed to produce a workable chain and even the basic single stitch.  It took me almost a week to complete that pink potholder.  It wasn't quite a square and it wasn't quite anything else, but I finished it and got a red ribbon at the county fair.  But, to use a (really) bad pun, I was hooked.  I got books out of the library and had the opportunity to observe a family friend--one of the moms at our homeschool co-op--work magic with a hook and yarn.  As a kid I mostly made baby blankets, pot holders, doll clothes, and a handful of (basic) doilies.  I improved drastically from that first pink potholder.  I even won a couple of trophies.  (I think they are still on a shelf in my (pink) childhood bedroom).  Then I went away for college and got super busy working.  That pretty effectively put a damper on my crocheting time.    I started a handful of projects, but only a couple ever got completed.


Fast forward a number of years to now . . . I am (almost) all grown up, my husband only has a dissertation standing between him and his doctorate, I have a little girl of my own, and once again have a little time on my hands.  (In the midst of the craziness that comes from having a toddler!)  I found one of my old hooks (strangely enough, the only one of my old set I could find was pink!).  I found a couple of half-finished projects and began finishing them.  Once again, I was hooked.

Crocheted Lemon Ruffle Scarf
Currently for sale in my Etsy shop.

It took a couple of projects to get my skills back, but I think I found them.  I received a high quality set of hooks for my birthday and lucked into a couple of really good yarn sales.

Here is my craft fair display after I sold a potholder,
four scarves, and  a handful of cards.

In November, I happened across a notice about a local craft fair and halfheartedly thought about renting a space.  I put the notice in a pile and forgot about it until the week of the fair.  I emailed the contact person and at first it looked like I was too late, but the Wednesday before she emailed me and said there was a cancellation and if I wanted I could participate.  That Friday night before the fair, and the morning of, I was so nervous!  I had never sold any of my things before, would anyone even be interested in what I had for sale?  It would be a shame if I didn't make my deposit back, or even worse, what if none of my items sold?  All my worrying was for naught, as I sold much more than I ever hoped I would.  It was so much fun!


My success there led me to start an Etsy shop, Scarves, Cards, and More.  I also have a Facebook page; (I think I figured out how to add a like button.  It should be to the right of this post.  I'd love it if you "liked" me!)


I am really enjoying learning my craft again.  It is so fascinating to turn a ball of yarn into something usable.  Between the local library and the plethora of internet sources I have hundreds of ideas that I can't wait to try!