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!

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.

Everywhere you look, you'll see people dressed up as Pirates. Saucy pirate wenches, pirate captains, mates, and general sailors will swagger through the crowds offering beads and saying, "Aargh!"

Of course there are craft booths. Why wouldn't there be? Vendors come from as far away as California to display their wares to the browsing throngs. I counted 23 jewelry booths on the vendor list! So why am I not among them? Could be that pesky old $300 booth rent!! That and the fact that each and every vendor must be approved by a jury. Tosh!

Perhaps one day my talent and skill will be such that I will consider such a booth rent mere pittance, but for now, I'm looking forward to...

the Fun in the Sun Expo in St. Marys, Georgia on May 29.

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*

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.

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!

Robyn and I chatted throughout the day. This was her very first art and craft show and she was so excited when she made her first sale! Of course, I had to capture the moment for posterity. Shown with Robyn is the vivacious and wonderful Renee who came up with the idea of combining an open house with the craft show. The residents at this lovely assisted living facility just loved it!

ROBYN'S FIRST SALE

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.