2010 Mandarin Craft Festival

Click Pix for closeup

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.

I made back my booth rent, plus gas money = sold about $220 so that was pretty decent.

Michael and I drove down Friday after I got off work. I was pleased to learn that I had a complete 10 x 10 space but I'd only brought one table because I was led to believe that's all the space I was allotted.

We set that table up, put on the tablecloths, etc. and set out all the velvet busts. We put tablecloths over the big plastic tubs to signify our intention to utilize the full 10 x 10 space.

When we came in this morning I was quite dismayed to see that the people next to us - who had the equivalent of TWO booth spaces had situated their tables so that I couldn't set my space up the way I usually do with two long tables on either side and the short table in the back as my check out.

The lady on the other side was quite miffed about this situation and came to my defense.

"You know, that's not really fair. Now she hardly has enough room for people to come into her space," she told my two booth neighbor who appeared nonplussed.

Anywho - rather than spend the day in a huff, I just changed my booth configuration around and put the smaller table on the left so the two booth lady could have her lane. You can see in the picture how smushed everything looks. I hated that but whatchagonnado?

People had to be patient and wait until others finished browsing my space before they could come in but for the most part, it all worked out.

I was VERY glad that I had the ability to take credit cards because I had five charge sales and quite a few cash sales. Plus there were two ladies who are going to buy items from the website after I make them.

One is a breast cancer survivor who wanted earrings. There were a goodly number of survivors there today and I was able to sell some pink ribbon items to raise money for Susan Komen foundation. One lady told me how her sister had just had a double mastectomy, has no insurance, and the Susan Komen foundation had taken care of everything. Stories like that really warm my heart and reaffirm my continued support for this organization.

When the lady came around to ask how we had done, I said we had done well and would like to come back next year.

More pix are here

Late Post on Rock Shrimp Fest

So, Rock Shrimp 2010 is history. I made my booth rent + $5 so after I paid my helper, I really didn't even break even. SIGH

The no-see-ums were out in force as we were setting up and what's the one thing I forgot? Insect spray, of course. I did bring some bounce sheets, though so I tied one to the back of my necklace and that helped a little but those rotten little bast*rds deviled us the whole time we were setting up the tent and hung around most of the day. Down closer to the water, they're not as bad but we were nowhere near the river so they pestered us unmercifully.

There were a LOT of people after the parade but mostly lookers, unfortunately. One lady drove up from Fernandina Beach so that was nice. She bought my double strand black Swarovski bracelet.

It was hot, too, so that made it rather unpleasant. At least our booth had shade for pretty much the whole day because they put us beside a tree.

The booth next to me had those dichroic glass loops and ribbon necklaces for $5 but she was mostly selling purses. She had two booths and paid $85 for each. Whoa! but that's all she does. They did Jekyll Island 2 wks ago and said they didn't do too well their either.

We had a visit from a really pathetic little kitty. I felt so sorry for her! She was nothing but skin and bones, a dreadful looking matted, nasty, dirty coat and yet she had a flea collar on so she must've belonged to someone at some point. I'd only eaten half of my tuna rollup so I put it down for her and man, she scarfed it up. Heck, she even ate the tortilla! We also gave her some water out of the little plastic dish my apple salad came in and she took a good long drink. Bless her little heart! She stayed with us awhile then wandered into the booth next door but they kicked her out and she came back to us. After awhile she wandered off and we didn't see her again. Poor kitty.

After the cat left, I filled he bowl up again with water and was offering it to dogs as they came by with their tongues lolling out. Why the heck do people bring dogs to those events? *shakes head*

So even though I didn't make a lot of money, it was still okay. My helper is a very nice young man who kept me in good spirits all day with his funny comments and what not so it was fun.

Oct 15 is the big fair down in Jax that I paid $80 (the most I've ever paid) so I'm hoping that one will really pan out. I'm only going to have ONE table instead of two though so that kinda sucks. I won't have enough space to set out nearly the quantity of goods I like to make available.

Pix are HERE

11th Anniversary

Dinner at Ichiban Buffet was nothing short of fabulous! The only problem was: there are too many choices! Daniel chose king crab legs, prime rib, scallops wrapped in bacon and several other items which escape my memory at the moment. I had exquisite salmon, wonderful veggie fried rice, shrimp several ways and egg drop soup.

We both had desserts - yes more than one because the dessert buffet was laden with irresistible choices, too.

As we were leaving, Samantha wished us Happy Anniversary and presented us with the cutest little toothpick holder. You push the bird's head and he leans down and picks up a toothpick for you. Adorable!

We were both feeling absolutely stuffed to the max so we went for a walk on the beach. It was absolutely lovely! A wonderful ocean breeze, not too crowded, good gull and wave activity. We loved it.

So without further ado, Pix are HERE.

Of course, although the evening progressed nicely, I ended up not getting to sleep until about 3 a.m.

But it was my own fault. I'm super sensitive to caffeine and I'd munched half a dark chocolate bar earlier in the day then foolishly had mint chocolate chip ice cream with my dinner. Bad move! As a result, I tossed and turned and nearly lost my mind trying to get to sleep.

One of the thoughts I scampering through my mind like a rabid squirrel was about the necklaces for the bride. She'd chosen these stones and yet I was still worried whether or not she'd like the completed designs.

When the pkg arrived, I swear to you it weighed ten pounds if it weighed an ounce. Silly me, in ordering white agate and white chalk turquoise, I chose stones that were far too large and ordered four strands of each. (She'd originally wanted a three-strand, but said if the stones were too large, I could use my own discretion and go with a single.)

Good thing I also ordered smaller ones because that's what I ended up using. They both have the same Bali silver clasp which I think is pretty enough to be worn in front and in this case, should be because it will provide unity without being too matchy match because the stones are different. I separated the stones with fire polished Czech glass bicones for a bit of bling and to keep the stones from rubbing against one another.

The bridesmaids (sisters of the bride) are wearing bright red strapless dresses, cocktail length, so I set the finished necklaces atop a beautiful duvet I have made of embroidered satin. I just now e-mailed her the pix and will wait anxiously to hear if she approves this, my third attempt at making her sisters' necklaces. :)

click on pic for closeup

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.

The only major hassle was the wind. It knocked over my displays several times, which is always a hassle - but it sure beats sweating to death as we have done in years past at this event. Phew!

The recent rains here brought the temps down to a reasonable degree. I think it was in high 80s today instead over over 90. But with the ample breezes blowing, I lost a peace jade earring somewhere when my display fell over. Darn! Hate when that happens! At first it was really slow then it picked up around noon time then got slow again. The event only lasted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so that was good. I'd packed a lunch for Michael and me and we were so hungry, we ate it around 10 after 11. Later on, we shared a funnel cake which was so huge, I ended up bringing a large portion home to Daniel.

There was live music all day and several other entertainers when the main band took a break. Even a little Elvis impersonator. There's a slide show HERE. I didn't do all that great saleswise. At least I made my booth rent and a little left over - enough to pay my excellent helper. It's not always about just the money. Sometimes, it's about the experience and the fun....and the networking.

Enjoy your 4th, people!

Champagne and Pearls

Today's accomplishment was a necklace and earring set. I'm head over heels in love with these darling little glass fringe beads. The way they enhance my designs reminds me of how the bubbles in a glass of champagne give it just that extra little kick that makes it so special. Swarovski baroque pearls and crystal bicones combine with glass pearls and glass fringe beads in what I call "Champagne and pearls." What do you think? click on picture for closer view. Now for the shameless self-promotion part: This set is available in my Artfire Shop at a special 3rd anniversary price. ;)

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.

I was quite surprised by the sparsity of the crowds at this year's event. There were so few people, in fact, that by about 3 p.m. what little foot traffic there was had dwindled down to almost nothing so we packed up and left.

Still, it was not a total loss. As long as I make my booth rent, I figure I'm okay. Met some nice folks, had a few laughs and shared the booth for part of the day with my friend Robyn, whose beautiful kanzashis drew lots of admirers.

Both my helper James and I ended up with sunburns. I remembered the bug spray (didn't need it) but forgot the sunscreen (missed it sorely).

James had stayed up the night before till about 1 a.m. so he slipped off for a few catnaps in the car. There was a lovely breeze coming off the St. Marys River so although it wasn't exactly cool, it was relatively comfortable.

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?

There was a couple next to us from Jesup, GA with absolutely beautiful handmade cutting boards and and furniture as well as quilts.

I won't be going back to St. Marys until the Fall now. They do have a big 4th of July shindig, but booth rents are $100 and I don't go that high, thanks.

So now I'm investigating other venues, hopefully indoors, to keep me busy between now and Rock Shrimp on September 25.

Got to the Shrimp Fest early - around 9:30 or 10, I guess. Our parking lot only had two or three other cars in it and the crowds were still minimal.

I took 93 pictures, bought a few little trinkets, and walked, and walked, and walked. Didn't help that today was HOT - I think our hottest temp so far this year. It figures! Temps always seem to rise at Shrimp Fest time.

My old legs are really aching me tonight! But it was fun. I got some good ideas for my booth May 29 in St. Marys. Looking at how professional some of the jewelry booths were, I could see they'd put a lot of $$ into their displays.

The reason there are so many dog shots in my slide show is because I felt so sorry for them! Most of them had their tongues hanging out and looked as if they were extremely uncomfortable -- and it wasn't even noon yet! The worst was a guy with a baby in the backpack -- you'll see it in the slide show. Sure, the baby was asleep, but if you look closely, you'll see he or she has their dear little face all smooshed into the side of the backpack -- and Daddy walking along, clueless. *shakes head* Why people bring infants and dogs to events like this is beyond me!!

I left about 11:30 or 12, I guess. Not sure what time it was, but I knew I'd had enough of walking. The line of cars coming onto the island stretched forever and I was really glad I'd decided to come early. Anywho -- here's the slideshow.

And as for the Kentucky Derby, well I was just so happy for jockey Calvin Borel and trainer Pletcher. Calvin was on last year's winner but this was Pletcher's first win after 24 tries! YAY!