Fall is Here

Well, we've been busy working in the greenhouse. I don't know if I mentioned but we woke up one morning several weeks ago to it on fire! Damaged the front wall and side and burned tables and plants down that side. Melted lots of exhaust fans (we think this is what started it) and wiring, a huge shelf melted with all my fertilizers on it, pots, etc. The saving grace was after it burned thru the gas line, it also burned thru the water line so it was spraying water as it burned. Still haven't got the gas bill! I found it about 5 am when I went out to open the chickens so it must have been dark when it was going for no one called the fire dept. and there must have been alot of dark smelly smoke. So we are going thru all the plants, digging the soil out off the floor, replacing benches, plastic, mechanics, etc. Lots of extra work at a busy time of year anyway. And alot of expense right now isn't welcome with all my medical bills and the fact I can't work right now. But still very fortunate that no one was hurt and the fire was contained in a small area and was able to be put out quickly. Farmers Market is still going and busy with jam making. Tomatoes and peppers are really coming on in the garden as are cukes and squash. Really a bumper crop of everything this year! I've done a couple of vintage shows and have a couple more this fall before the Christmas craft shows start. I think I've found my niche in these shows. I love the people, the 'junk' and everything about it. And just the creative process in making something out of old, found objects. I love it! Got in a camping trip over Labor Day weekend. That was alot of fun and glad the whole family was there. And everything worked in the RV which was a plus! I realized how much I miss the sounds and smells of campfires and how more relaxed everyone is. I even enjoy washing dishes outside in a dishpan with water heated on the cook-stove. trying to get together an end of the year plant sale. Need to reduce the inventory just in case we don't get plastic on the greenhouse this winter. Plus with my feet, I don't know about keeping the nursery business going like it is. I can't keep up with all the work that goes into it and Hubby is slowing down quickly with his own health problems. Lots of ideas to mull over this winter. Our granddaughter Jessica turned 20 years old on Saturday. That really makes me feel old! And another school year has started. And Christmas just around the corner! Where has the time gone? I'm still trying to spring clean and haven't got all the summer projects completed. My computer is still acting up and haven't budgeted for a new one. Hard to use Pinterest because of it and I am going thru withdrawals! And trying to keep my laser printer in toner for my crafts is a nightmare. So I am way behind on posting pictures of the shows, etc. I've been told Etsy will be going thru some major changes so trying to get more 'face' time on Facebook. But I get stalled when I check in on all my fun auction groups and go shopping instead of advertising my wares! I guess if I could post pics better I could sell some of my stuff on them. Just can't take all the time sitting here when I should be canning or in the garden or getting more stuff made for Market on Saturday. If only I could clone myself! Speaking of sitting here; my canner load is just about done so will sign off for now. Hope everyone is having a great summer and got to relax with family and friends this year. And be prepared. We have a frost warning coming down for tonight and tomorrow night. Get the covers out!

Last Craft Fair of the year

Well, the last show of the year is done and all the leftover materials packed in bins in the craft room. It feels bittersweet; after being overwhelmed and stressed out about getting everything done on time to not having any crafts I need to get done. But wait! The Spring show is just around the corner. Now where did I put those tulip wreaths and bunny pictures? All kidding aside, it was quite an adventure this year. Some smaller shows did so well and then the one big one where there were tens of thousands of visitors (it was all four weekends in October)hardly made me booth fees plus being outdoors during one of the biggest wind storms of the year didn't help. I created some new jams, made different breads, tried out some candy and brownie variations, and served up delicious dips. and my crock pot tortilla chicken it soup was a hit when it was bitterly cold. This last show was a new one for me. It was held at the community college where I do two other shows, so familiar territory. And they had helpers with carts and dollys that made the trips to the car so much easier! And after a season of farmers markets and outdoor festivals, it was so nice to be inside where it was warm! I was in the perfect corner spot where I could spill out a bit from the normal strict 10x10 guidelines. Goodness knows I have plenty to fill the area. I actually didn't bring as much as I planned due to Mr. getting sick and running out of time to do everything. I don't know what I would do without Betsy's help and creative genius. Now if I could enlist a couple of granddaughters help... We tried some new design ideas this year; both in the creations and the booth display. Half the fun is in setting up and creating special vignettes. We got several compliments about it and got two invites for exclusive shows for next year. Yea!

Mr. is feeling a bit better today but still not up to par. He is on several strong medications and if he forgets to take them it really causes some problems. And then dehydration and everything else plays out into a miserable time. So now the time consuming writing descriptions and photo submitting on Etsy begins. I actually enjoy it but it does drain the time I allot for being on the computer. I mean,I need my Pinterest time, right? A few more things cleaned out of the garage and I will be able to park in there. I've kinda hogged it with various projects and bins of things waiting for the next show. And now we can finish the bathroom remodel. And get the Christmas decoration out and up! And there will be time to drive around and enjoy all the decorations and lights. And buckle down and work on my real estate classes. Has anyone tried the tea in pyramid shaped bags? Pretty delish. Just wish they had them in decaf. I love my tea but I drink it all night and if it's not decaf I won't be able to sleep. Don't you love Christmas Holiday time? All the beautiful colors, the food, the family and friend time. And all the Christmas shows on Lifetime and the Hallmark channels? I'm watching some new ones, but also those old favorites. I love 'The Bishops Wife' and even the remake of it called 'The Preachers Wife'. And 'Little Women' was on earlier today! Mr. likes the Christmas cartoons and all the different Christmas Carol movies. I wish we as adults could react to this time of year like the children do. If only the awe and wonder of youth could stay with us and we could put aside our petty issues and arguments focus on whats important and love one another more and as equals. Then we could put our energy into helping solve the important issues like hunger, disease, and healing our Earth. Heres to keeping the Christmas Spirit in all of us all year long!

Craft Show this weekend

I am at a craft show Saturday and Sunday. It is being held by the Charter Academy Prep School in
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The weather was a little rough Saturday as we awoke to our first snowfall of the winter. And the drive home in the blizzard left little to be desired. But Sunday dawned sunny with blue skies and all the snow melted, making a promise of a great day. Hope sales will reflect that as Saturday was a no-sale day. Not a lot of customers and very disappointing.
So I had plenty of time to walk around and view the different vendors and get their stories.
I apologize right now for the picture quality. I'm a snap and go gal and am always forgetting to change settings like Dan has showed me a million times! The artists and their products are much better-looking than my pictures portray.

Here are some pictures of the items I had for sale.

Dan made some beautiful Wardian houses from picture frames. They are so fun and can be used for a special tea cup or figurine, a seasonal vignette, or of course plants.

My cake plates. I love finding unique plates and then hunting for just the right candlestick or vase to fit underneath.

Besides my jams and preserves, I made up several different flavors of fudge, and some fruit breads. And homemade almond roca; yum!

Betsy brought along her quilts and scarf creations along with her had dipped incense sticks and incense burner bottles. She also provided her cocoa and tea mixes-in-a-jar and scented candles in cute containers.
 The other booths here are fantastic and so creative! I will introduce you to some of them and if you need more info on them or their products, you can contact me or I will add their info if I have.

Sharman makes these wreaths and ornaments. This is her first show and she will also be at the December show at the fairgrounds here in Coeur d’ Alene. I look forward to seeing her there!

Jeannine makes these cute elf hats. She has lots of other styles guaranteed to keep you warm. I need one of those hats! Her daughter makes the beaded and hemp jewelry. She only makes for family and friends (so far) but can be persuaded to go outside her circle if you e-mail her at jlneenbean.com  On a side note; does anyone remember Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch? She makes those hats that he made popular. Fun!

Ivy Rivers are the creations of Linda. She makes the most amazing snow men and these moss creations are great! I can see them on my front porch to give me a burst of color and nature when snow covers everything. Her e-mail is walkadoo@adelphia.net

Linda’s daughter, Debbie makes items for my Farmers Market. Her business is BW  Barkery and she makes all kinds of organic treats for pets along with bedding and toys. I love her eye for color. Contact Debbie at bwbarkery.com  They are from Hayden, Idaho

Sam has a studio, ‘Sam-Art’ where you can watch her create her line of jewelry. She is from Puyallup, Washington. She has exquisite items made from rocks, fossils, dinosaur bones, and crafts them with wire and precious metals. Contact her at samartiam@msn.com or visit her work at samartsamrocks.etsy.com or www.facebook.com/SamArtArtist

Garden Party Fibers is well known in this neck of the woods. Juaquetta belongs to my Farmers market and does many fine arts shows all year long. She collects her materials from different animal sources along with feathers and natural materials. She hand dyes her wools using natural plant dyes; in fact you can tell from the colors staining her fingers what colors she has done that day! At her shows she can be found  sitting at her spinning wheel, making up some skeins that you can buy or have made into her sweaters, wraps, hats, gloves, and cup wraps. Find her online at gardenpartyfibers.com or drop her a note at yarn@gardenpartyfibers.com

Bonnie Crain Pottery and William Crain Photography are a husband and wife team that also participate at the Market. Bonnie creates miniature bottles, jars, cups and many household goods. She has also recently started carving on her hand-thrown creations and coming up with some really unique pieces.
William is the photographer and author in the family. He has a great eye for detail and does great close-up work, something that I need to work on as you can see from my pictures! He has written a popular children’s book that his son Brian illustrated.

Salina at Moonflower Creations does altered art books, and felted products along with gorgeous crocheted fingerless gloves and arm warmers. Add her to your ‘Favorites’ at www.moonflowercreations.etsy.com  or via e-mail at moonflower creations@rocketmail.com

Red Rooster Crafts by Jan is a long-time member of the Market. She creates the greatest sayings on reclaimed wood and her use of font and background color is to die for. She has seasonal sayings along with poetry and humorous statements. She also sews country and prim style pillows with embroidered words. Drop her a line at redroostercrafts@yahoo.com

Crafty Cravings is the imagination of Pamela. She has a shop in Post Falls, Idaho and sells her glass flowers there. She also houses other talented crafters there and you can see her art at craftycravings.net or talk to her at crafty cravings@ymail.com

Deborah has a booth here of used merchandise. Lots of antique furniture, toys, jewelry, and glassware. I am working on Dan as we speak to see if I can bring home this 1927 vanity table. She takes consignments and is in Coeur d’Alene on Ironwood Drive. Call her if you’re looking for that special piece at (208) 704-8962

Wow! I just had some sales!! Whoo hoo! Getting closer to that vanity!