Saturday, November 20, 2010

Selling in a Winter Wonderland

I won't be walking in the snow too much because 
the Mt Charleston Etsy Artisans Arts and Craft Show is tomorrow,  
the 21st from 10 am to 4 pm and there is a 50% chance of snow.  
According to our fearless mountain resident member and show organizer 
we will probably only get 1". 
but it will be so festive and great way to remind everyone to do their Holiday shopping up there.  
I am very excited, only slept 4 hours last night and still buzzed for two reasons. 
The First:
I made a gazillion really cute holiday earrings with bright colored jingle bells, tiny presents and little bulbs. They are really cute and if I have any left after tomorrow I will take some photos and show you all. 
The second and most amazing reason I am completely high on endorphins
 is that my art quilt- "Casting Dreams"
HUGE (for me 6' by 6') 1 and 1/2 year quilt project 
based on my fond childhood memories of the Dr. Seuss Story, "McElliguts Pool"
was accepted into the quilt show at 
ROAD TO CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!! 
I am beside myself with excitement.  
I have been dragging it around trying to make deadlines for a year now.
It travelled with me to visit my sister at Redondo Beach, 
where I madly hand stitched with pliers 
to get through some very heavy layers 
at night after everyone else went to bed.
why? you say
because I had to get my big fish on it after Cori Allender, 
my long arm quilter completed her fantastic quilting
and of course I hadn't checked the calendar carefully 
and it was due for our local quilt show the day I was flying home.
PS I had a night flight too. 
They let me sneak it in first thing the next morning...SHshhhhh don't tell.   
So now I have to go to the Road2Ca show 
(Really I needed an excuse)
 and my best buddy and fellow crafter, 
 Barbara down the street wants to go too.  Girls Trip!! Totally wonderful!! 
Today was a really, really good day!!  
As soon as I am allowed I will post pictures. 
I can't publish any photos until the show is over.  
(Sorry) 
For now you can try to find a copy at the local library
read the story and imagine what I did. 
Hint:  there is a really lovely fish towards the end
that has really long flowing fins and tail pieces.
In my imagination it was so much more ornate. 
I purchased a used copy of the Book 
about 1 year after I started the quilt 
and was shocked at how simple the drawing was 
never the less it really inspired me.  
Viva Dr. Seuss.  
Now if I can stop dancing and smiling til' my cheeks hurt 
I need to go to bed and sleep.  
Have to leave for the Mountain at 6:30 am.   
I am going to dream about the thousands of smiles and giggles my quilt will create
at Road2Ca and anywhere else it gets to travel to. 
I live to create beauty and laughter and share it!!
Sweet Dreams!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Aquariart and friends at the Hoffman Quilt Challenge Exhibit



 The Hoffman Challenge exhibit went really well. 
My friend Deb took some photos- 
Here I am in my booth
My fingerless gloves were a big hit, some crocheted hats, scarves and bags and  
many of my orphaned polymer clay pieces went to new homes- Yay!! more storage space.
 During the slow moments discussions and networking with the other exhibitors 
made all the time spent there well worth it!! 

This was the last day of the four day event and I was really tired- woke up at 3:30 am that morning.
The plus of doing the 3 days was a full day to set up and leaving it set up over night.
Note my black PVC pipe back drop designed by my ingenious husband.  
It is half empty because I sold 4 of my art quilts!!

I was so fortunate to be neighbors with my doll maker friends Diane Zammito and Sandy Leal, 
LSDesigns, who sell hand dyed everything and 
scrumptious mixed media goodies of all kinds for fiberholics.

You have to see a few of their dolls:

Yes those are some of my spray painted poppy heads from WA. 
This is a mosquito doll, no face and fabulouso wings!!
I love this tree doll. Sandy's work is incredible!
An equally wonderful creations by Diane.
She is selling patterns and kits for this caterpillar doll.
Viva Alice in Wonderland!
 With all these goodies right next door it is amazing that I resisted temptation, 
 at least until the last day when I just had to have some dyed lace and silk velvet. 
Good news no calories it's eye candy!! 
Bet you wish you were there.