Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cyber Monday Sale
But I'm having Half Price Madness Cyber Monday Sale at my Artfire Shop.
Unbelievable bargains from now till 6:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Come and get 'em!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
2010 Mandarin Craft Festival
Aside from having to make two 112 mile trips (56 mi each way) back and forth to Jacksonville, I'd say Mandarin was worth it.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Late Post on Rock Shrimp Fest
Saturday, September 4, 2010
11th Anniversary
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Stars + Stripes Freedom Festival
So my helper arrived right on time at 7:30 a.m. I knew I could count on him. He's a really good young man. It was a pretty good event, all things considered.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Champagne and Pearls
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Fun in the Sun - 2010
Another Fun in the Sun is history and while this one definitely had plenty of sun - you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day - what it did not have was plenty of people.
This friendly boxer acted as unofficial greeter at the concession stand near the rest rooms. He was so sweet and friendly and believe it or, spent most of the day paws up on the counter, saying hello to all and sundry.
Our booth was across from a food vendor. One of their items was friend pickles! Have you ever?
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
If it's Spring, it must be Shrimp Fest
Here in Fernandina Beach, it's the annual Shrimp Festival this weekend. That means starting tomorrow, literally thousands of people will descend on our tiny burg and come Sunday evening, there will be a huge mess for the street crews to clean up.
Now that I know for certain I'll definitely have a helper, the excitement has begun building for this event. The two shows I do in St. Marys - Fun in the Sun in the spring and the Rock Shrimp Festival in the fall - are the two biggest arts + crafts events all year for me. It's a LOT of work but it's well worth it because I usually do quite well at these. *knocks wood*
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Holy Moley!
Today's Arts + Crafts Fair at my church was absolutely fabulous. I am incredibly psyched and feel majorly validated and blessed.
Could it be because today was my BEST EVER? Whoa! Seriously! I sold $266 worth of handcrafted jewelry today!! WOO HOO!!! click on picture for close-up
I had a great spot, right in front of the stage in Maxwell Hall where our church holds the contemporary services. I was able to branch out and have and extra little table where I put my the sign up sheets for my giveaway, a bowl of individually wrapped mints and my checkout cubby.
My most exciting sale was the sale of my showstopper necklace -- which I only made yesterday--which consisted of pastel colored freshwater pearls, fire polished Czech glass beads and a beautiful antiqued silver rhinestone catch which is meant to be worn in the front.
The pink ribbon items sold exceptionally well, which means I'll be able to give a nice donation to Nassau Goes Pink. Chrissy will be pleased.
And I sold all but one or two of my bookmarks. People just loved them!
So between now and May 29, I'll be making lots more pink ribbon items and lots more bookmarks. People also seemed to like the wire wrapped glass bead bracelets so I'll make a few more of those, too.
It was great fun being next to the Blooming Bakery ladies and I was so touched when they said they hope we're next to each other at next year's event. When they made the half price announcement at 2 p.m., yours truly joined the line of folks snapping up the last of all those delicious home-baked goodies. I brought home a great haul of delicious delights to Daniel, who was delighted, of course.
Pix can be seen HERE.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Savannah Grand Art + Craft Show
The art and craft show at Savannah Grand turned out very well.
As usual, I was the first vendor there. Can I help it if I prefer to take my time setting up?
Soon a gal came to set up beside me. Her craft was these lovely Kanzashi flower pins. So cute! I marvel at anyone with the patience to do such intricate work. It's kind of like origami only with cloth.
One of the sweetest things Robyn does is make memorial Kanzashi A treasured keepsake to honor the memory of a loved one who is missing. What you do is give her an article of clothing from your loved one who has passed away and she uses it to make a keepsake flower pin. What a touching and splendid idea!
click on pix to enlarge
If you're interested in one of Robyn's flower pins or memorial Kanzashi, e-mail her at robynnemes@comcast.net
After we'd been there awhile, we received a visit from the fabulous Raven who was also exhibiting at the show. Beautifully attired, as always, she is an incredibly talented, very elegant woman who has so many skills and facets, she's like a diamond: dancer, model, actress, writer, herbalist, and the list goes on. She brought around this marvelous jar of ointment - I forget the name of it now - but oh, it was amazing! She placed just the tiniest bit of it in our palms and said, "Rub your hands together.. now make a cup out of your hands and breathe it in." WOW! Talk about clearing mind and opening up your head! I have got to get me some of that!
Robyn and I will both be doing the art + craft show next weekend at my church. It's always a fine event with good crowds and folks usually buy pretty well, too. So--two down, one to go! Next weekend should be fun. I'm really looking forward to it, my third year there.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Nassau Goes Pink!
Always mindful of how long it takes to completely set up a booth and prepare my wares for display, I was the first vendor on the scene at 8 a.m. No one else was there when I first arrived, but soon one of the "official" ladies from NGP arrived and said she'd be picking up the founder Chrissy Branch soon.
I hung out in my car, enjoying the sea breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean at Main Beach Park until Chrissy arrived to show me where to set up.
Unfortunately, my good helper Dakota got a "real" job and was unavailable to help me. Try as I might, I never could find anyone to replace him so I went into this alone, with assurances from Chrissy that there would be folks around who could help me set up my tent.
The guys who were inflating the bouncy house lent a hand and soon my tent was pitched and I began preparing my booth for what I hoped would be a good crowd.
Anywho -- I'll climb down off my soap box and relate the day's events.
Despite a vast army of biting gnats during the early hours, the rest of the day went very well. Entering my third year doing craft booths, I think I've about got it down to a science now. Of course, I usually manage to forget at least one major thing and yesterday was no exception. I had to call home and wake my sleeping spouse to ask him to bring me several items. Among them, my other cell phone and the 800 number for ProPay in case someone wanted to spend over $100. Hey, I was thinking BIG, okay?!
My phone had full charge the night before but by 10 a.m. yesterday, I was down to one bar. Weird, that, because my little phone usually holds a charge very well.
I've often said I'd like to have a dollar for every compliment I receive from non-purchasers and again, yesterday was no exception in that department either. It's lovely to hear praise for my work but I'm even happier when folks buy it!
I'd committed to donating 50% of my sales to Nassau Goes Pink and by day's end, I had rung up a commendable amount.
One table was set up with nothing but Pink Ribbon Items.
I sold almost all of my pink ribbon bookmarks-both large and small- so I'm going to have to re-order those silverplated shepherd's staffs and get busy making more.
Only sold two of the purse charms so I'll hold off making any more of those for awhile. It's amazing how people balk at paying $10 for something that takes that much work. I've seen items made the same way with regular beads and no pink ribbon charm selling for twice that. SIGH
Anywho -- of the booths that did show up, two which caught my attention were the tie dye lady
and the haircutting booth. One fellow with a ponytail donated his hair to Locks of Love. Check out the before and after:
I always hold a drawing at every event to give away a pair of earrings. Nothing like FREE in big red letters to draw people to your booth. My drawing slips have a place for people to check to join the mailing list. This is a great way to build a clientele base. I held the drawing at 5 p.m. and wouldn't you know, the name I pulled was one of the NGP gals. She was thrilled with the earrings and danced back over to their tables across the field wearing them to show the other girls.
As the hour grew later, I knew the doggone biting gnats would return and I wanted to exit before their arrival. Once again, experience has taught me the best way to break down a booth methodically so I was ready to leave in record time.
With almost everything in the car, I walked across the field to give Chrissy my donation. At first she didn't want to accept half my profits but I insisted and she hugged me and said a hearty thank you. She enlisted her son and another fellow to help me take down my tent and they thanked me for showing up and sticking with it.
Check out video HERE.
On the way home, exhausted and sunburned, I felt good. There's nothing like being part of something larger than yourself to bring on a warm fuzzy feeling.
My next two events - back to back the next two Saturdays - are both indoors so I won't have to contend with sunburn and bug bites, thank goodness, but they're just regular arts + crafts fairs and don't have the added incentive of raising funds. Still, it was my first show of the year and I was happy with it. Here we go again!!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Earth Hour---are you participating?
Just a quick post to remind everyone if you haven't yet signed up for Earth Hour, please do so.
Lights off at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow night.
From the website:
Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world to turn the lights off for one hour. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to make a stand against climate change, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Scandinavia to Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness.
I think we should all do everything we can -- which means that even when Earth Hour is over, we should be mindful of our electricity usage. For tips on saving electricity at home, look here. And for all of us who use computers a lot, this makes for interesting reading.
Enjoy your weekend, people!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Think Spring!
FTC compliance disclosure, notice of material connections: the items in this post from Artbeads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program for review or design purposes.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Seen at Milan Fashion Week
What were the models showing Giorgio Armani's designs at Milan Fashion Week wearing around their perfect, slender necks?Chunky jewelry with major focal pieces--
My question is: where does one find such major focal pieces as these? I suppose the extremely talented make their own, eh?
I, however, am not quite that clever so I reckon I'll be scouring the interwebs for fabulous focals.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I shall wear purple
A week from tomorrow I'm headed up to Boston to spend my 60th birthday with my mother and all my half-siblings. Four brothers and three sisters. We were raised apart and this will only be the fourth time we've been in one another's company.
Since I'm facing the big 6-0, I've decided that rather than freaking out because it means I'm *gasp* getting old, I'm going to look upon it as having reached the age where one is permitted to flaunt one's eccentricities. For me, one of those eccentricities includes the wearing of purple.
Toward that end, I've been gradually assembling an entire wardrobe of purple items--tops, sweaters, scarves, etc. And when I make my trip to Boston, I shall wear nothing but purple.
One of my favorite recent purchases was a delicious Purple hoodie that is absolutely the cuddliest most splendidly purple item I've ever owned. I love it! The scarf in the picture was given to me by my very dear late friend, Miss Clare. She was always impeccably attired and wearing it makes me feel elegant....and close to her.
It's been such fun gathering all the lovely purple tops and things and putting together outfits. I know I'm cutting it very close but I did make one more online purchase just this evening, a charming cable knit beret in a lovely shade of lavender that will be the perfect finishing touch.
Monday, February 15, 2010
And the Winner is.....
First of all, a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in my One World, One Heart giveaway.
What a thoughtful, generous giveaway! My sister had breast cancer, and I see the keychain as talisman of solidarity, in support of those who've suffered and those who are still fighting for a cure.
A Talisman of Solidarity. Wow. What a wonderful thought!
So many of our sisters, mothers, cousins, aunts and friends suffer from this dreadful disease. Let's all do our part in the battle. Make a donation here or here.
Blessings and thanks again to all who stopped by during One World, One Heart. You displayed the true unity behind the annual event and I hope you'll continue to stop by and visit!
Peace,
Heather
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My Funny Valentine
He's my Boone Doggie, my best buddy, my lover, my husband, my friend. He's seen me at my best, he's seen me at my worst, and no matter what, he's been there for me--through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, he's at my side.
I'm so blessed to have my darlin' Daniel, my funny valentine.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Saturday Lesson
First stop: Wally World where you might have thought it was Christmas Eve instead of Valentine's Day eve.
The place was packed!!
And what a huge array of consumer goods were displayed for the late Valentine shopper! The number of stuffed animals, bags and bags of candy, heart shaped boxes of chocolates, and flowers was insane! People were really in a frenzy!
Next up: Winn-Dixie for groceries. Not only did I save $17 today on my grocery bill, but I also racked up savings on my gas by using my Winn-Dixie card. ;)
Whenever I shop, I always fill a bag for the food bank. I'd forgotten to deliver it last week and as it turned out, I was glad it was still in the car. After I'd completed my shopping, I was driving past the empty lot beside the grocery store when I came upon a couple standing beside their car which had been heaped high with various and sundry items. The man was holding a sign: Please buy or donate.
I pulled over and motioned to them to open the back door. "I was going to take this bag to the food bank. Please, take it." They were so grateful and so happy for just that small bag of groceries. I wished I could have done more.
After seeing aisle after aisle of so much STUFF and then seeing these poor folks in such dire straits, it really gave me something to think about. There but for the grace of God.....
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Chilly Sunday Four-Strand
When I went outside for a walkabout on our property this morning, I was glad I had my coat on! Brrrr! 43 degrees may not seem cold to you...I know it's nothing compared to some places where it's below zero and snowing but hey, I live in Northeast Florida. My blood is thin! LOL I've got two pairs of socks on and my feet are still cold! SOon as I finish this blog post, I think I'm going to go curl up in my chair under a blanket! I'm pleased to report I have made some progress on getting stuff together for my taxes but it's been awhile since I've made any jewelry so once I completed phase one of the tax prep this afternoon, I sat down and made this: click on photo for close-up view
Beautiful Chinese cloisonne beads combine with red aventurine beads and faceted Czech glass fire polished beads separated by glass bugle beads and crow beads in this 24-inch multi-strand necklace. It's for sale in my Artfire Shop where 50 % of my profits are still going to Doctors Without Borders providing relief to Haiti.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
One World/One Heart Giveaway
I'm a little late this year but better late than never, right?!? This is my second year participating. Last year I made many new friends and had a grand time visiting everyone's blogs and seeing what everyone is making. Come join the fun!
For more information, click on this picture!
Check out all the wonderful possibilities from talented craftspeople all over the globe!
My Worst Pet Peeve!
If there's one thing in this universe that I absolutely hate, loathe and despise, it's doing taxes!!!
*MAJOR GROAN*
If I were more organized, I'd keep my records through the year, making notations in a ledger monthly of all the incoming and outgoing deneros of my biz. But oh, no! Not me! I'm too busy for all that nonsense. Which is why I end up having to do the entire year's worth of accounting all at once. Why do I torture myself this way?!?!?!
I can think of better things do be doing on a rainy Saturday morning but here I sit, rooting through stacks of receipts, trying to make sense of what I laid out on the biz last year. And these are only part of the expenses. The rest has to be sorted out by going through my monthly statements, one at a time, and highlighting all the entries that pertain to Adagio. Oy!
At least I have a picture of my smiling spouse to keep me company -- Doubt if he'll be smiling so sweetly when we finally go see the tax man!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
More Ways to Help
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hoping to help...a little
Edsel and Jayne Redden, who have been working for many years in Haiti feeding children through a ministry they started called Fish Ministries.. (They are the ones who make the ribs we’ve had for several functions to raise money to support the ministry efforts.) Through their efforts and expertise in agriculture, aquaculture, etc (Edsel is an agricultural scientist with the Univ. of Fla. IFAS program) 1800 children have been fed every week for many years.
The earthquake has obviously devastated Haiti throughout, and the need all over the country is overwhelming. That is true of the of the Fish Ministries locations, too, specifically Christianville and Robinson’s school, the two locations out of which the kids are fed. These locations are about 18 miles west of Port au Prince, and about 5 miles from the quake’s epicenter. All the facilities (save one guest house) were flattened in the earthquake, including schools at both locations and the eye clinic, dental clinic and housing at Christianville. Edsel is still waiting word on the fish ponds and chicken coops used to raise the protein for the feeding effort, but it is clear that everything is in great disarray. Edsel does know that the feeding of the 1800 kids has not taken place since the earthquake, and feeding them, and providing medical care, are the most immediate pressing needs.
Edsel is trying to get to Haiti, but that is extremely challenging due to the inability of Haiti’s airport and infrastructure to handle the influx of aid workers and personnel. He is working with the military through a contact and has been assured that he will be able to obtain transport for him and 3-5 doctors who have committed to go with him, as well as supplies, food and other needed items. Although he doesn’t know when they will be able to get into Haiti, he is assured that they will be, and he needs to be prepared, equipped and supplied to leave immediately.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
1. PRAY , including for the overall relief efforts in the country, as well as specifically for Edsel and his team to get down to Haiti. When they arrive, they need to get to his ministry locations and re-establish the feeding effort (incl. water), deliver medical care, address shelter needs, and do whatever needs to be done.
2. GIVE MONEY – Edsel assures me that all of it will be used to provide food for the 1800 kids and medical care. He said to assure you that none of the money will be used for transportation – it will ALL go for the feeding of people and delivery of medical care. Those of us who know Edsel know that these are not empty words.
Your tax deductible contribution can be made payable as follows:
“Christianville Foundation” and make sure to put in the memo section “Fish Ministries Quake Relief”
Please send donations asap to this address: :Christianville Foundation, P.O. Box 24598, Jacksonville, FL 32241
Please do what you can. Also, please circulate this as you feel is appropriate.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Post-Holiday Ramblings
We had a lovely Christmas this year, mostly because my husband and I had a visit from my wonderful son and his equally wonderful girlfriend. Having young people in the house made everything so much more festive.
So we toddled home in Sam's little Cavalier with her crammed in next to the huge TV box in the back seat. I think it was fitting that the first movie we saw on our new TV was "Holiday Inn" wherein the famous "White Christmas" is sung.