22 November 2009
18 November 2009
Pinch me!
If someone told me that I would be flying to Omaha in November of 2009, my reply would have been, "Excuse me? Do you mean Nebraska?" However, that's exactly what I did last Thursday!
Let me back up a minute. In January 2008, I was trotting out my new stationery and gift wrap line at the Atlanta Gift Show. The next booth ovah, was the lovely sister team of Amy and Alison from Bear Hug Designs. Four days of chatting, laughing, and writing orders. We had a hoot, and a friendship was born. When I asked Amy where she was from - she said, "OMAHA!" Then, a few weeks later, I attended a design*sponge event in Portland, and met Denise, an amazing local artist.
( roll film clip... calendar pages flipping by quickly...)
Early 2009 - it was confirmed that Denise would be divulging a few of her "paper whispering" secrets at an event known as Silver Bella 2009.
I immediately dialed Amy. Her calendar was indeed clear! My creative-chick-get-away itches were all going to be scratched!
Tip-tap, flight booked. Glitter packed.
Silver Bella 2009
It was Thursday evening - welcome night - there were over two hundred attendees! The place was a'buzzin! The seat next to me was empty, until I met Michelle also from Portland! Maybe our olfactory systems were in synch? It does rain alot in Oregon, so one slightly damp girl could easily sniff out the other, right? Michelle took me under her gossamer wing, and explained things I didn't quite understand as a newbie...yahoo swaps (not what you think.. easy there), moo cards, and so much more. Thanks, Michelle!
The next day, I shared a class with darling Jeanne - whom I met last June while selling candywinkel wares at the highly acclaimed Farm Chicks show.
By day, I was learning crafting techniques from women I had long admired through their books and blogs, while working elbow-to-elbow with fun, like-minded gals that didn't flinch when I asked things such as "May I borrow your bone folder?" These are my people.
By night, I was thrilled to be in Amy's midst, meeting her lively girlfriends, sippin' a libation or two, and sleeping in a warm fluffy bed with visions of cotton sugarplums dancing in my head.
Pure heaven.
Vendor night was especially memorable. I had a few minutes to catch-up with a gifted spirit, Linda. I miss her somethin' awful now that she and Ludmil are living in Texas.
It was a difficult process, but I finally decided on three hand-spun friends (above), from Crystal's vast selection. I even won a door prize! Yeehaw! Heather generously donated a $25 gift certificate! I snapped up fabulous vintage items from her diverse inventory!
Who knows where the next trail will lead me ....I'm officially inviting the creative winds to guide the way..
( insert image of a woman wearing a hot-glue gun holster, cowboy boots, and prairie skirt, strolling down a dusty country road - while a Redford-ish man is leaning up against a 1930's pick-up truck - watching her saunter by...)
(that's a wrap - fantasy over...back to the laundry...)
05 November 2009
29 October 2009
DIY Crepe Paper Hurricanes
Halloween is almost here!
If you are at all like me (a creative loot hoarder), you often snap-up unique items not knowing at the time what their future holds. Frequently, a fellow hunter or shop owner has posed the question "What are you going to do with that?" My typical reply, "I haven't the foggiest - but it will come to me!" *
And, then magically...bibbidi bobbity boo - all of the studio supplies begin swirling around ...mica glitter...vintage crepe paper... gently used floral vases from a local thrift store I purchased for under a dollar...
and -POOF!
I simply decoupaged rows of crepe paper onto clean cylindrical vases. Let dry. Then added mica glitter with a coat white craft glue. Don't forget the rim! Drop in a votive candle to illuminate the container while the beautiful glitter quietly shimmers!
Let the bewitching begin!
*results vary - years may pass...
19 October 2009
13 October 2009
Halloween Give-away! No tricks only treats!
October is quickly melting....melting....away...
This witchypoo is busy preparing for All Hallows Eve - and would like to ignite the spooooky season by offering four hand-poured soy candles (citrus scented) to a lucky witch or goblin straight from my steaming cauldron! Please leave a ghostly comment as your entry to win! Thank you and I will ship them out next week!
01 October 2009
Vintage Inspired
