First Craft Show Coming Up

Well,it's that time of year again. Market has closed for the season. Craft shows are gearing up. Went to the big Central Valley show last weekend with Betsy. Alot of people from market had booths. I will be looking into it for next year. Lots of wonderful items for sale and some different ideas. As usual there were lots of different jewelry from beadwork, silverware, precious gems, and hemp. Also lots of hats, scarves, and gloves.Crocheted, knit, and sewn kitchenware, baby items,quilts, melted bottles, lighted glassware, ceramics,photography and woodworking. There were some food items, and candles and soaps. Overall a good mix of products.

Shelving made from vintage doors

wind chimes made from everything. Lots to look at.

/div> Melted bottles made into cheese plates, soap holders, etc. So now I am getting ready for my show this weekend. My usual jams plus a variety of crafts Betsy and I have done over the summer. Decoupaged coasters, subway art cards, cupcake and cake stands, upcycled clothing, tea, cocoa and food mixes, signs, magnets. quilts, and anything else I haul out of the craft room.

Has it Been That Long?

Gosh! I can't imagine my last blog was in July. Where has the time gone? I know it's been a busy summer with everything going on, but really? I'm in my last week at Farmers Market

. I made alot of jams and preserves this year. The garden was a little disappointing this year, although the tomatoes and peppers are still producing. A heavy frost is coming this week so that will put an end to them. I'll let the chickens out to that side of the garden to clean up and fertilize.

 We managed a couple of quick vacations. Took the granddaughters to Glacier National Park in Montana, and Dan and I managed to get some time to ourselves on the Washington and Oregon coast.

Did some re-vamping of the front flower beds. As in digging them all out and re-doing. Still have more to add to them, but all in good time. Took a few trees on the property out. Added a few more. Tucked some shrubs in and around.

We took a train ride with some friends this weekend. The trees are just starting to turn and it was beautiful. It turned rainy and cold but it was great to be with old friends.

Our praying mantis that we hatched this spring returned, mated and laid more egg cases in the greenhouse. They pop up when we are watering and it's fun to go in there and see if we can spot them. Speaking of the greenhouse. We brought in all the plants from around the yard including alot of the houseplants that didn't fit back into the sunroom. Now the greenhouse is full. Won't leave us much room for the tomatoes and other plants we start here in the following months. Guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Anyone have an extra greenhouse? Or more land? It really has come to the point if we are going to continue on with the business we will have to expand and obtain more land and hire people to help out. So the question is do we stay a small hobby farm or go for it? The Christmas shows will be starting in November so gearing up for them. Betsy and I have been brainstorming ideas for new things we want to create. Trying to get a project done every evening after work. I haven't even read my favorite blogs lately. Hope everyone out there in blogland is still active.

A Beautiful Weekend

What a wonderful weekend. Mother Nature smiled upon us here in the Pacific Northwest. Warm days with lots of sunshine and only a minor thunderstorm.

Farmers Market was very busy Saturday. Lots of new customers to meet and old friends to greet. And a very colorful crowd sporting their red, white, and blue attire.

My neighbor vendor Mike from MRM Flowers had his beautiful peony bouquets for sale. People were standing in long lines for them and he had to run back to the farm midday for another truckload.

Everyone was stopping by to smell the roses, or should I say peonies!

Meanwhile, business was stiff at my booth as I debuted the new 'Pink Lemonade' blueberry plant.

And with rhubarb growing like crazy in the garden, alot of strawberry-rhubarb jam and Victoria sauce was made and available for sale.

Now winding up, here are some favorite pictures of red, white and blue themes. Have a great 4th everyone!
Patti

Happy 4th Of July!

Of course I get to work on the 4th. I decided not to decorate as usual as I wouldn't be home and no one was coming over. So I am posting some neat pics I enjoy instead.

Hope everyone has great weather and a happy and safe 4th.
Patti