St. Jude Show Results

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This was the Show Giveaway Trio for yesterday's St. Jude's Holiday Craft Sale. That tree pin is my all-time best seller so I have bunches of those made. The stitching was already done for the other pieces so I put those items together yesterday morning. They are literally one-of-a-kind pieces. One woman, my last customer of the show, really wanted to buy that Sticky Notes with the tree but I held strong. I probably could have made another to give away but since this question has come up before, I was already prepared to stand strong and Just Say No. I always explain that people have entered the giveaway drawing based on what they saw to be the prize - and then I steer them in the direction of something similar.

I mentioned in a previous post that my friend Liz and her husband organized this show at St. Jude's and hoped it would be the first annual event. By all accounts, it looks like they'll have it again. Liz is a very successful jewelry designer so I was very happy she put me right next to her. I'll take her "run-off" any day! I found it funny/irksome that several of her customers took my area to be the waiting room/annex to her booth. One woman moved a plate of pins out of her way so she could lean on my table to write her check to Liz. No harm done so I went with the flow and fixed it back as soon as she was gone.

I reached my sales goal by 191%! The place was packed in the morning and didn't seriously taper off until mid-afternoon. This church is on the complete other side of Rochester from Fairport so it was nice to reach a new audience.

I got to know a couple of new vendors and visit with some of my usual vendor friends. I got a lead on a one-day show in Syracuse in June - might be my first outdoor venue.

I was so tired by the end of the day and again after dinner, I could have cried. Not sleepy tired, but show-season exhausted. I'm keenly aware that I have just one more show to go. It's like I always tell Steve, by the time each show rolls around, I'm already on to the next one, in my head. That makes sense, because the preparation is the biggest part of it. So while I'm going to work my butt off this week to be as prepared as I can - in a way, I'm already done. It's nice having today, Sunday, off so I'm going to work like crazy on embellishing Sticky Notes and figure the more I get done today, the less I have to during the week.

December 6, 9:00-4:00

School 46 Holiday Bazaar

250 Newcastle Road, Rochester, NY 14610

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Got Me Some New Drawers

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I bought this set of drawers to use at shows and it worked out spectacularly well. I originally had a cash box that housed separate compartments for each denomination of coin, but the bills were all stacked together. I upgraded to a larger box that I ran across at work, that hasn't been used in decades, I'm sure - that has a separate compartment for each denomination of bill. Larger box being the key words. I sometimes didn't have room in my booth for my little table so I had the cash box sitting on the merchandise table, which I thought looked kind of tacky.

I have to turn the cash box insert sideways in the top drawer but it works perfectly. The rest of the drawers hold supplies that I can store permanently there. I just tape the drawers closed for transportation. Even though it's a bit bulky, I was able to get rid of two other boxes used for transportation so the net effect was zero - with more efficiency!

I also bought this new organizer because I can't resist anything with little compartments. I had a letter sorter type thing that I used to use, to contain the papers I give away but they didn't quite fit right.

My new thing is a put the papers (bio sheet, show schedule, store list) in the bags ahead of time, so it turns out I really don't need to keep them here anymore. I've always had bigger stacks of the same papers on one of my display tables anyway.

Turns out my two styles of bags fit perfectly in the back slots - like I had this made to order. They've always been a minor problem, keeping them corralled neatly. Look at those other spaces - custom fit to my phone, calculator and business cards! And now I can keep the former letter organizer on my desk at home to hold those 3 papers to include with Internet orders.

I finally remembered to buy the black gabardine to layer over my custom fit (thanks Mom!) tablecloths - so the booth is more co-ordinated with the gray carpeting. The fabric is 60" wide so I bought two pieces 60" long and they work perfectly. Looks like I measured or something! I bought the fabric the day before the show so it was a little ravelled in places but Mom is going to serge it up nice for me.

I'm considering stitching my logo on the black fabric but that seems a little ambitious to me. Maybe I'll feel like it once show season is over. I think it would look stunning, that multi-colored thread on the black.

I'm very, very happy with the new black fabric though. My work is so colorful, that everything really stands out nicely. Every day, at this three-day show, I added new pins I finished up the night before. I promise to post them to the Etsy shop soon. (The copper leafy ones in the foreground are new.)

My goal is to offer 20 different pins at all times. They've proven to be really popular and new ideas keep popping into my head. The glass plates have proven to be a winner too. I have a new idea for a way to display more and add some verticality to that display area. (Is verticality a word??)

I bought the glass plates at a dollar store. I wish I could find them again so all 20 would match. Might have to buy 20 of whatever I can find.

This is the new sign I made for the Gro-Moore show. I used to have a multitude of small signs set around and between the glass plates. I tell you, sitting there at shows for hours, I keep thinking up new stuff. Doh! I finally figured out the small signs were stupid - I needed something that people could read from afar. I think this new sign has proven a winner. And when I add verticality to the pin display, I'll make an even bigger sign.

This photo was taken at the beginning of the show when I had those Sticky Notes with the Origami Hearts on the table in front of the big display. I noticed people were looking at them, and not really noticing all my fine stitching, dammit. So I intermixed some in the acrylic display and put the rest away. I went from thinking I didn't want to waste any available real estate to not liking the table looking so cluttered.

I keep meaning to make one or two new signs that suggest the Sticky Notes make good teacher gifts and good gifts for office mates. Those are the two things I hear most often from customers so I want to make sure everyone else thinks of that too. Not everyone has a teacher or office mate in their life - but lots do!

Notice my free drawing set up on the front corner there? Two shows ago, I started the show by putting 3 folded blank slips in the glass bowl (behind the card). That seems to get people interested in entering their name more so than if the bowl is empty! Human nature. Go figure.

I'm very upfront about giving people the opportunity to join my mailing list or just entering their name for the drawing or both. The vast majority of people supply their address for the mailing list. But the unexpected thing is how much fun I have giving something away. The last 3 times, the winner has supplied her address so I just ship the order off without any prior notification that they won. I write a note on the back of the padded envelope so they aren't spooked by getting an unexpected package in the mail. Two people have written me nice thank you notes. The third one I heard about from a friend of hers who attended this recent show and told me how excited her friend was to win. Love that.

There's always a fudge vendor at the Museum show who comes around early the first night to take orders from vendors at a 10% discount - and she'll deliver to your booth. So I bought a wee bit of chocolate walnut fudge, which she delivered Saturday morning. Even though I brought my lunch, I had nothing to cut the fudge with and didn't want to attempt to break off a piece and leave myself with sticky fingers. How attractive would that be - me sitting there stitching away between customers with fudge under my nails??

So the box of fudge sat there and taunted me for hours. Steve and I had some for dessert - delish!

Twelve shows down, two to go!

~ ~ ~

November 29, 10:00-4:00

St. Jude's Holiday Craft Sale

4100 Lyell Road, Rochester, NY 14606

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Cancel the Party & Let's Get to Work!

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Ira Flatow has it exactly right!

Here are his thoughts:

If President-elect Obama wants to make an eye opening statement about just how bad our financial situation is let him cancel all the fancy inaugural partying and spend the money getting Americans back to work building the green economy he says he wants. This way, he would hit the ground running on day-one in office and show millions of Americans who have lost their homes, their jobs and their life savings that he feels their pain.

Better yet, let's tell everyone not to spend their party money on lavish gowns, limos and caviar. Let's have the President ask potential partygoers to choose a green project and spend the money there. For your part, Mr. Obama, a good place to start would be putting solar panels, ripped out by Ronald Reagan, back on the roof of the White House. That would send a real message. While you're at it, take that inaugural ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in a hybrid.

We know everyone wants to party. We're happy about change, too. But ditch the fancy jewelry, gas guzzling limos and the imported water in those square bottles. Because those of us on the outside, with no pension money and wondering where we are going to retire, are not celebrating.

Mr. President-elect, we are thrilled for real change. But two months from now, partying may be the last thing on our minds. Start the ball rolling on Jan. 20th, and not wait until after the ball is over.

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If you click over to his article, you can scroll down and read the comments, which range from the need to celebrate this historic event, to the Obamas should convert the White House lawn to a kitchen garden - to we need to spend to stimulate the economy, not save. All interesting stuff.

~ ~ ~

My jewelry designer friend Liz and his husband Leo are the co-ordinators for this first annual craft show fundraiser for their church. She told me she asked all her vendor friends to participate and she filled the place up immediately. She's definitely a high quality vendor so I'm eager to see who she has assembled.

She's always across from me at the Casa Larga shows. I wish I was near her at the recent Museum show - she killed! She makes beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces and has a lot of repeat customers that even I am starting to recognize.

November 29, 10:00-4:00

St. Jude's Holiday Craft Sale

4100 Lyell Road, Rochester, NY 14606

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Poor Thanksgiving

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I have a burning question so I thought I'd ask my vast readership :-) if anyone knows the answer. Or answers because there are several follow-up questions. I'm dead serious, by the way.

Why do people put up Christmas trees before Thanksgiving?

What day do they put them up - before or after Halloween? Is there an official religious day to which I'm not being sensitive?

Don't they feel Thanksgiving is getting the short-shift? (Or no shift - do they not celebrate Thanksgiving?)

Do these people ever complain about stores merchandising the heck out of Christmas by displaying their wares before Halloween?

When do these people take their tree down?

As I drove home from my massage appointment (heaven!) last night, I noticed two houses with lit trees in the window. It just seems wrong to me. I've always felt sorry for Thanksgiving and it's getting worse. Turns out I'm a real cranky-pants about this. So I was hoping someone could explain it to me - give me a different way to think about it.

In the interest of full disclosure, we don't put a tree up at all anymore - not for the last 2 years, I believe it's been. No one was interested in helping me. I went through the motions for a few years previous to that, in neutral, not even getting any joy out of it myself. Finally sanity overcame guilt and I stopped. I put out a few snowmen but that's about it.

Simon asked me recently if we could put up some decorations this year. I fully suspect this request was girlfriend-related. "So we at least look normal?" he said.

This is our normal. Feel free.

Wow. Sure got Scroogey, didn't I? I attribute this to rebellion against the commercialism of the holiday (although I do my best to ignore that) and the fact that I'm not religious in the least.

Enough about me. Can anyone answer my questions? I suspect the answer is, "Because they want to. It makes them happy." I'm just wondering if there's more to it, in some way.

~ ~ ~

I have uploaded the show photos from my camera to my laptop but I'm going into work early this morning, something I haven't done in ages. I'll post them here soon with a little review of the show.

November 29, 10:00-4:00

St. Jude's Holiday Craft Sale

4100 Lyell Road, Rochester, NY 14606

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Day One of the RMSC Show

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I have some photos of my booth I want to show you because I've added 2 new elements but I don't have time to upload them now. I have a few things to finish up before I go back for Day Two. Odd to see an entry of mine without a photo lead, huh?

Last night was fairly slow. I wish I had a clearer memory (or record!) of the Friday night portion of this show last year. I went into it figuring it might be pretty decent because museum members get a discount on admission - and I figured museum members might have money. Plus it might be working people stopping on their way home from work. Lots of lookers - I only had a few sales. If I had a nickel for every positive comment on my paper pins specifically, I'd have . . . a giant bag of nickels!

I've noticed a pattern in craft shows. The first people in the door, right when we open, tend to not be buyers. They are craft show groupies. They could even be crafters - just interested in seeing what's out there these days. I know. I used to be one of these people. It's more the second wave of people that purchase.

I always learn something at every show. At this show, it dawned on me (with only 2 more shows after this one, naturally!) that while I thought I was doing lots of shows this season was a good thing, it really amounts to over-exposure. Several people told me last night that they bought some of my notepads at Brighton, which was just last weekend. I've mentioned that people tend to buy the notepads in multiples. A good number of people mentioned that they bought some from me last year and have given some away throughout the year but still have some left.

My glass painter friend/mentor, MJ, and I are carpooling to and from the show so last night we talked about outdoor shows. She said she doesn't do that many summer shows because the weather can make or break a show. Here I thought I was missing out by not doing summer shows. I'm going to get 2nd and 3rd opinions from other craft show veterans, but as of this moment, I'm rethinking doing outdoor shows.

Could be I'm just a little down that last night wasn't better. I'm sure today will be better and I'll feel back on track.

I'm sure glad that I already scheduled a massage for after work on Monday. Even though we went in the hot tub yesterday morning, my back feels a bit tight and it won't be getting better sitting in my chair all day. Hopefully I'll get lots of stretching done, reaching into my cash box. ;-)

The other thing is I didn't really have enough time between set-up and the start of the show to go home and come back. At the last minute before we left, I suspected that might happen so I brought pretzels and a couple of Girl Scout cookies to snack on. But those "wore off" quickly - and all I could focus on all night was how much I was looking forward to a meatloaf sandwich when I got home. I'd made my Sweet & Sour Meatloaf the night before - and we all know that a cold meatloaf sandwich is the real reason to ever make meatloaf. (Which is weird, isn't it? I would never eat a cold cheeseburger!) Anyway, when I did eat dinner at 10:00 (a real no-no, in my book) it was heaven in every bite.

I've kind of veered away from taking sandwiches to craft shows, because I'd rather take snacky things that are easier to eat - I'm taking a meatloaf sandwich today!

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I'm So Happy She Spelled My Name Right!

.This, from the Fairport-East Rochester Post! (Click here to read it.)

I knew this was coming but wasn't exactly sure in which paper of the Messenger Post family it would appear. I checked online a couple of times but never found it. I'm not sure how I was chosen but I was thrilled. A couple of months ago I did a preliminary interview over the phone with one of the craft show committee women. I emailed her some photos and I thought that was the end of it. I thought I was going to be one of several artists featured, like in that Junior League brochure last month.

Then a few weeks ago, Denise Champagne, the reporter called me for an interview. I figured she was just fact-checking a few things but it was quite in-depth. She got every single thing right - except she promoted Steve to Husband. :-)

I used to jump to correct people that we aren't married, much to Steve's amusement (I think). Now, after 15 years together, I never do. There's a guy at work who always refers to Steve as my husband in conversation. I've even referred to Steve that myself a couple of times when it's just less clumsy than saying "my significant other". I even looked up common law marriage once out of curiosity - it no longer exists in NY.

I'm not sure what I said in the interview, but I know it wasn't husband. Still, it doesn't bother me a bit.

And my day job title isn't 100% correct but close enough. I'm the Accounting Supervisor which is different than an Account Supervisor. While I've been employed there 13 years, I've only been a supervisor for 4 or 5 years. Like I said, close enough.

I'm really, really happy she put in all that about my family. (Hi family!) That's a big part of my "bio" information that I provide, both in print with my greeting cards and in conversation with people. Seriously, none of my family can imagine, even a little, not making things. We say it's in our DNA and we're not kidding.

I read a lot of marketing stuff and it's always recommended to send out press releases, especially to small town newspapers who are always looking for a personal angle on stories. I just haven't been able to bring myself to do that. Lots of artist websites have a press page. Guess I need to build me one of them there pages now!

Sharon Kahler, organizer of several area craft shows mailed me the article with a nice note that said, "Congratulations on all your kudos you're receiving. Your work has always amazed - I'm proud to have you in my shows!" Wasn't that nice? She's been so good to me.

I've just been looking into having these 2 recent articles made into plaques to display in my booth - people do that. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it - or at least laminate a copy.

This really has turned out to be my year for press - 2 articles in conjunction with pretty big shows. Imagine what I can do if I try!

~ ~ ~

2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE
Sponsored by the RMSC Women's Council

Friday, November 21: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturday, November 22: 9:30am–5:00pm
Sunday, November 23: 11:00am–4:00pm

Admission:
$4 one day; $7 two days; children 12 and under FREE.
Friday Night Special for RMSC Members: admission $2 this night only!

John has a nice noggin!

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John Travolta, from the set of his new (2009) movie, From Paris with Love. This says he shaved his head, that's not a skull cap or whatever it's called. Kinda hot, right?

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I spoke with a woman on the phone yesterday who is definitely out of the running for Employee of the Month. I called her about some past due invoices and asked for her email address so I could email her a statement. She refused, saying, "I get so much email that if I start doing that, I'll never get my real work done, so please call me instead."

Alrighty then.

So then I got to cool my heels while she first finished an email she was in the middle of when I called, followed by the dance I hate: I read her numbers over the phone while she shuffled through papers, looked things up, repeated numbers back to me, blah, blah, blah. It's so inefficient.

Did I mention she's a government employee? (No offense to efficient government employees. That can't be an oxymoron, can it?)

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2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE
Sponsored by the RMSC Women's Council

Friday, November 21: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturday, November 22: 9:30am–5:00pm
Sunday, November 23: 11:00am–4:00pm

Admission:
$4 one day; $7 two days; children 12 and under FREE.
Friday Night Special for RMSC Members: admission $2 this night only!

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Cheryl & Don Olney

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I'd like to introduce you to my new friends, Cheryl & Don Olney, whom I met at the craft show at Mercy a few weeks ago. Such interesting folks! I had fun talking with them and we even bartered art with each other.

I scored this beautiful heart pin. This is so me - copper, heart, swirl - all my favorite things. Cheryl picked out one of my favorite framed pieces. I'm always happy when my art finds a good home.

They were each wearing one or more of the Obama pins they made as a fundraiser for the campaign. Don cuts all their wood shapes with a laser.

They offer wall plaques, figures on sticks, all sorts of things.

Don looked at my stitched designs and asked how I punch the holes. When I told him I punch them by hand, one by one, he suggested I need a punch with pins set in formation so I can punch the design all at once. "I know - I definitely have that in my head, but I don't know how to make one or how to find someone to make it for me." The pins need to be very fine to punch the smallest hole possible, set close together and very sturdy so I can punch multiple layers at once. I could see the wheels turning in Don's head. Cheryl told me he has made custom combs for a silk artist friend to marbleize paint on top of water for dying the silk.

Don said he'd be happy to try to come up with something for me. I'm hoping we can collaborate on a new tool for me once this busy show season is over.

Don & Cheryl's business is called Louise's Daughter. Their website is here.

Their Etsy shop is here.

Their blog is here.

Meeting these two was the highlight of my day at that show. I told Don that and he said he always says at shows he either makes friends or makes money. I made both that day. :-)

Edited to add: Don wrote a nice entry about me!

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After that show at Mercy High School, I promised a story about a rude vendor. I'd never seen anything like it. Late in the afternoon, a woman came into my booth with a piece of paper and a pencil asking me to rate the show: Bad, Really Really Bad, Good or Great. I answered her Good, THEN I asked her if she was with the Mercy organizers. She said, "No, I'm just a bored vendor who has only sold 2 things today." I was stunned. I never would have answered her had I known she wasn't with the school. (And I certainly should have known she wasn't, by the tone of her question.)

She proceeded down the row to other vendors, stopping to talk with one group in a way too loud voice. The jewelry designer next to me and I kept looking at each other horrified. (We commented, maybe she'd sell more stuff if she stayed in her booth!) After about 10-15 minutes of her jabbering, I went and found one of the organizers and told her what was happening and that she needed to be stopped before she drove all of our customers away.

I was so stunned by her behavior, I didn't know what to think. Were it to happen again, I think I'd be prepared to explain to the person why what they are doing is a bad idea on so many levels. Not that I think she'd slap her forehead and say, "Wow, you're right! I never thought of it that way," but I'd feel better for having said it.

They eventually did catch up with her after she'd made her way around half the room. When the lead organizer emailed me after the show, I told her I hoped The Rude Vendor would never be invited back - and she assured me she would not.

What are people thinking??

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2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE
Sponsored by the RMSC Women's Council

Friday, November 21: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturday, November 22: 9:30am–5:00pm
Sunday, November 23: 11:00am–4:00pm

Admission:
$4 one day; $7 two days; children 12 and under FREE.
Friday Night Special for RMSC Members: admission $2 this night only!

More than 180 exhibitors of original art and hand-made crafts fill the museum galleries and Eisenhart Auditorium with thousands of beautiful, unusual items for holiday gifts and decor.

Enjoy food and beverages at the Cunningham House Café, located in the former studio of Rochester artist Kathleen Cunningham, who donated her home to the RMSC. Now part of the science center campus, the building houses administrative offices and is not usually open to the public.

This year's event also features a free raffle, door prizes, and a used book sale.

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Hello Dahle!

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Look what I purchased on my lunch hour last Friday! I bought it online so I don't have it yet but I'm very excited about my new paper trimmer. I can't find it now but during my research over the past week, I learned the difference between a paper cutter and a paper trimmer. It almost seemed counter-intuitive to what I would have thought the words meant. But I can't find it now so you'll have to trust me.

I learned if you sort the trimmer/cutters high price to low price that you'll start in the $25,000 range. I learned there are electronic/digital programmable cutters. If that was at all affordable, that would be cool because I do make a lot of the same cuts over and over.

I've been Googling my brains out over this for about a week now and I figured out what features I wanted. I bought this one at MachineRunner.com when I saw they had their Live Chat open. I chatted up Amanda and she helped me narrow down my choices. I asked her which brand is considered the Cadillac of trimmers? She said Dahle is a very reliable brand. (Steve was impressed with this because I'm not usually a top-of-the-line kind of girl.)

I've been using a Fiskars trimmer that is so old I can't find a photo online to show you. (And I'm too lazy to take a photo of mine.) It's actually a unit that Gretchen bought maybe 10 years ago that I borrowed and never gave back. I felt guilty about that for about 5 years but then I got over it. Guess I sure got Gretchen's money's worth out of this trimmer, huh?

I religiously change the surface the blade touches. A couple of months ago I noticed I couldn't cut as many layers as I used to be able to. I bought a new blade which seemed to help, but not for long. I finally figured out that I think the housing that holds the blade is damaged. I'm pretty sure one isn't supposed to cut multiple layers with this unit. My new trimmer will cut 20 pages at a time but I think that's text weight paper so I'm saying it will cut 10 pieces of cardstock at a time. With my current trimmer, the most I could ever cut consistently was 3. And this new blade is self-sharpening. There's a clamp to hold the paper in place.

I'm sure it will arrive sometime this week. Which means I better start now to clear off enough surface on my work table. I'm going to keep my other trimmer to use for scoring. I used to be able to score 3 layers at a time too. But still, it will be nice not to have to change the blades back & forth between cutting and scoring.

~ ~ ~

And now on to this week's craft show! Sometimes customers will look at my list of upcoming craft shows and ask if they were to attend one other one, which would I recommend, which one is my favorite. And this is the one I tell them about. It's been my favorite show to attend as a customer for many years, and now it's my favorite show to be in. Last year was my first time - and I sold out of some stuff. So I'm very feverishly working like crazy to make sure I have enough inventory. I'm sure I'll still worry about it - I think every crafter does. When I set up my vacation days for this show season, I scheduled a day off for the day before the show because I knew I'd be getting nerved out about having enough stuff. Busy, busy.

2008 HOLIDAY BAZAAR ARTS & CRAFTS SALE
Sponsored by the RMSC Women's Council

Friday, November 21: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturday, November 22: 9:30am–5:00pm
Sunday, November 23: 11:00am–4:00pm

Admission:
$4 one day; $7 two days; children 12 and under FREE.
Friday Night Special for RMSC Members: admission $2 this night only!

More than 180 exhibitors of original art and hand-made crafts fill the museum galleries and Eisenhart Auditorium with thousands of beautiful, unusual items for holiday gifts and decor.

Enjoy food and beverages at the Cunningham House Café, located in the former studio of Rochester artist Kathleen Cunningham, who donated her home to the RMSC. Now part of the science center campus, the building houses administrative offices and is not usually open to the public.

This year's event also features a free raffle, door prizes, and a used book sale.

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Cars: 4 to 6

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Simon bought himself a 2001 VW Passat for his 21st birthday today.

This kid has now owned 4 cars in the 5 years he's been driving compared to my 6 cars owned in the 36 years I've been driving.

Obviously I knew my 1995 Saturn was on it's last wheels, prompting the purchase of my Pretty Red Prius. I swear, the very day I gave the Saturn to Simon, it really shit the bed. It's oil usage had increased significantly towards the end but I (and the rest of my family) assumed Simon was over dramatizing the situation. So I had him take it to a shop for a look and yep, it was bad.

When the nice man from the junkyard with the big flatbed tow truck came to our house to haul it away - and Simon's old Probe, white/blue smoke billowed from the Saturn across the front yard. He gave Simon $100 for both cars.

Surprisingly I wasn't sad to see the Saturn being towed down the road. Well, not that I looked or anything. I feel 100% confident that I used up the Saturn to the very last penny. And I'm thrilled with my Pretty Red Prius.

So Simon's car. He was able to get a car loan with me co-signing, which paid off his Spyder, leaving him with reasonable payments for the Passat. He found it online, from an independent dealer on Ridge Road. I took him there this morning to pick it up. The guy is really nice, the car is in great shape and is loaded with luxury features. (Simon and his friend Gershum had already been to the dealer a few days prior, to test drive and check the car out thoroughly.)

I'm a tad jealous of the sun roof / moon roof. It has a refrigerated glove compartment! I've never even heard of that. The side mirrors fold in with a push of a button, for going through the car wash. The passenger mirror automatically tilts slightly downward when you put it in reverse. I can't remember what else. But you know Mr. Status is lovin' all this!

It is a nice car, he paid well under Blue Book. The dealer is one of these guys that has a repair shop and sells a few cars on the side. I was impressed - I'd feel comfortable buying a car from him.

The very best news? I get my Prius back full-time! I've been letting Simon drive it to work and to his girlfriend's house. She lives on the other side of Rochester so Simon says he puts 80 miles/day on his car and I believe it. Now he can put those kind of miles on his own dang car. Keepa your hands of my Pretty Red Prius.

He's been working on the Spyder in the garage, repairing the deer accident damage - but not fast enough for me. Winter is coming so tomorrow is the day he needs to cover that car up and move it out of the garage so Steve and I can park in there again.

(Simon said he wanted his birthday to be, "Just one day, where I don't have to do anything but have fun." To which I pointed out, "Not unlike many other days in your life . . . ")

Simon says he's going to sell the Spyder once he gets it fixed. He has fluctuated on that decision a lot over the past year so I'll believe it when I see it. Talk about being attached to a car! But now that he has his first "adult" car - my word, but he'd agree, maybe he'll put money over status and fun. That Spyder is so turbo-charged or whatever, it's expensive to run, maintain and repair.

And yeah, he turned 21 today. It's a big deal for him, of course, but I really don't feel a thing. I think my big milestone for him was 18 - graduating high school and all.

I got a breakfast pizza this morning, at his request. Then we picked up his Passat and he spent the rest of his birthday with his girlfriend. He and I are going out to dinner one night this week.

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In My Head Studios

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Altered Domino Christmas Ornaments by Vickie Porter of In My Head Studios. She has tons of cool art on her Flickr site.

Vickie emailed me weeks ago asking for show contact information. We follow each other on Twitter. She also participated in the recent Casa Larga show so she introduced herself to me. We immediately hit it off. I love her work and her booth looked outstanding, especially since it was only her 2nd craft show ever. Very professional.

Her parents were there with her, who were very nice too. I mention her parents as part of my defense as to why I thought she was 17 years old. She looks very young, 2nd craft show, there with her parents. At one point she mentioned her husband so I mentally bumped her age up to early 20s.

I was talking with the organizer of the show, singing Vickie's praises. We were both amazed at her talent for someone so young. A short while later Sharon came back to my booth, "You are not going to believe Vickie's age! She's 33!"

Later in the day, Vickie brought her husband over to meet me. "You are so outted! You're 33!" She gets that a lot she says. Heck, I've been mistaken for being 10 years younger than I am, but for me to be off by 16 years! That's clearly a reflection on me, rather than Vickie.

We had a good laugh over it. (At least I think "we" did.) :-)



Like most crafters, Vickie makes lots of different things, like this felted bead necklace. I was just reading her blog how she and her mom had an old fashioned girls only sleepover with her sister and nieces. She and her mom stayed up all night making felted beads.

Mom and Gretchen and I had a sleepover a number of years ago. We watched "To Kill a Mockingbird" together, one of our favorite movies - and the reason we call everyone "Boo". I wanted to make prank phone calls and Gretchen wanted to sneak out and visit boys but Mom wouldn't let us.

Enough about me.

I think I admire Vickie's talent so much because as I've often said, my brain is just not wired to make collage. I even took a class once at the old Stamps to 'Di' For where we collaged a journal. My images were all evenly lined up! The teacher was aghast, I'm sure. I didn't even really see the error of my ways until later when it sunk in.

People at craft shows often say to me, "Your work is so perfect!" Well, duh. Of course, it's nice and neat and even and symmetrical. How else would you expect me to do it??

Vickie's blog is: here.

Her Etsy shop is: here.

Her Flickr site is: here.

Her Twitterness is here.

Edited to add: Vickie is also featured on Ohana Mama today!

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Speaking of Twitter, my sister Gretchen has joined the cult. I could not be prouder.

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My Mom

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You people think I'm hard working? Check out the honor bestowed on one of my role models! Here's an email from my mom, who retired this past summer, at age 75.

Hey Y'all - lest you think I have just been sitting around since I retired, check this out. Last Thursday the Pittsford Town Board gave me a Resolution of Commendation. It was very nice, most of the Recreation Dept was there.

Here's how the Commendation reads:

WHEREAS, Norma Stahlman has been selected to receive an Employee Recognition Award for service to the Town that is above and beyond the expectation, requirement or responsibility of a retired employee, and

WHEREAS, it is the wish of the Town Board to acknowledge that Norma has received this recognition for her willingness to return to work, following her retirement in May of 2008, to assist in training her replacement as the Recreation Department's Finance Clerk, and

WHEREAS, Norma initially returned to work on a daily basis, generously and patiently assisting in training the new clerk on the necessary processes and procedure, allowing this staff member to accurately and efficiently complete the tasks required of this position, and

WHEREAS, Norma left very detailed notes and allows staff to contact her at home to answer questions, when necessary, making for a smooth transition for the department, and

WHEREAS, Norma continues to return to the Recreation Department once a week to water the plants and to answer any additional questions, continuing to give even after her duties for the Town have been fulfilled.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsford Town Board of the Town of Pittsford express their appreciation and gratitude to Norma for her faithful and dedicated service to the Town.

This resolution was declared adopted by the order of the Town Board of the Town of Pittsford on November 6, 2008.

Signed and sealed by all the Town Board Members and Supervisor and framed very nicely. This is the first time they have ever awarded to a retiree. Oh yes, I also got a $25 Starbucks card. Now wasn't that nice?

Oh yeah, I also worked a week in August, the busiest week of the entire year while Audrey, my replacement went on vacation. I also helped to post some of the minutes of all the boards from the year 2000-2008 onto the website. I did this at home. So after being retired for 2 months, I worked July, Aug and Sept. They did put me back on the payroll and paid me for those months.

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I'm off work this morning so I can go help set up the Brighton show. It's set up boutique style, all of our stuff is mixed in together, rather than booths lined up. It was definitely an adjustment last year, not having my own personal space that I was used to but it was a pretty successful show for me so they must be on to something. This group was started by 3 women having a sale in one of their homes, that grew into the "co-op" that we are today.

I'm not so good at all that display stuff so I'll mostly help set up the tables and get things ready for the real decorators to take over.

My shift working at the show is Friday 4:00-7:00.

We were supposed to have a system upgrade at work this weekend but the project manager called me at home Tuesday to tell me it has been rescheduled for mid-December. I'm ecstatic! I was going to be at work all day Saturday, running reports and tests, although I'd have to leave around 3:30 to go tear down the Brighton show. My last craft show is December 6 so the mid-December timing is excellent.

The show next week is the Rochester Museum and Science Center - a biggie. So I'm very grateful for gaining a whole day on Saturday to keep making product.

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Nordic Farms

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I met Noreen Whitney of Nordic Farm Jams at the Casa Larga show last May and have run into her several times since. I usually buy a jar of jam and a bag of granola but at the November Casa Larga show I bought all three varieties of granola and 3 jars of jam because I wasn't sure when I'd see her again and by now my addictions are full-blown.

I used to make my own jam but I'd forgotten just how deliciously satisfying it is. Thankfully Steve and Simon aren't into jam very much so I've learned I can stop hiding it in the back of the refrigerator. You think I'm kidding?

On our way to the Casa Larga show I asked Steve what kind of jam I could buy for him. Maybe one of Noreen's hot pepper jams? Something with jalapeno? Know what he said? Smuckers Strawberry Preserves. What?? Smuckers is good but c'mon! Fine by me, all the more of the good stuff for me.

I just polished off a jar of Noreen's Christmas Jam. Check out the ingredients: strawberries, pineapples, apricots, oranges, cherries, golden raisins and pecans.

My favorite way to eat jam is on a warmed (in the microwave, not toasted) bagel. One half has peanut butter & jam and the other half has plain cream cheese and jam. I eat the PB&J half first, followed by the cream cheese & jam for "dessert".

Noreen explains that the name of their farm is her name combined with her husband's name, Dick. She says that her husband says he tried to put his name first but Dicnor Farms just didn't have the same ring to it. :-)

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The show at Gro-Moore Farms this past weekend turned out better than I first thought it was going to be when I got there. When I "vetted" the show a year or two ago, I guess I didn't pay attention to how much buy/resell stuff was there. I find I do better in shows where everything is handcrafted. Still, I reached 106% of my sales goal so I can't complain.

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I've had the last 6 days off from work (including Saturday & Sunday, I mean), which I was very much looking forward to. I can't believe it's over. I really could live life that way. As I said in a Tweet the other day, I have endless energy, enthusiasm and ideas for all things Pine Tree Designs. Good thing I like my day job and the people I work with or I'd really feel tortured today.

But there were 4 things I was sure we/I would do over these days off. (Steve had the same days off, except for last Thursday.)

• Go out to breakfast with Steve. (Gretchen & I did take Dad out for breakfast for his 79th birthday yesterday.)

• Walk Reggi on the non-show days.

• Go in the hot tub several times.

• Completely finish all the Sticky Notes I have in progress - and get a box of work ready for Pam to glue for me.

Part of the reason we didn't do some of those things is that Steve had an eye infection - in both eyes, so he was feeling pretty poorly. He's meticulous about keeping his contacts clean and all that - it's just something that happens to him from time to time. He has drops and stops wearing his contacts for a few days until it's gone.

But -

I did get caught up on paperwork and filing.

I did get my studio relatively cleaned up.

I did mail postcards to the first 213 people on my mailing list. (That's as many postcards as I had left after passing them out at 2 recent shows.)

I did ship an order to the store in Corning.

I did place a couple of orders with vendors for supplies.

I did start assembling the work for Pam to glue.

I did check out a show in Canandaigua I'd like to apply for next year.

I did map out the shows I want to do in 2009 and emailed organizers to get on their mailing lists where appropriate.

I did other stuff . . . seems like a big blur now!

And on to the next one!


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Gro-Moore Farms Craft Show

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It's funny how different themes show up at craft shows. At the show in September at the Pieters Life Center, 5 people told me it looks like I stitch without even looking. No one ever said that to me before, then 5 people said it in one day. I admit I'm pretty fast because I've done it so much and it is almost more by feel since the holes are already in the paper. I take a stitch, I look up, repeat, repeat, repeat. I do this while watching TV and of course at craft shows I'm always looking around, keeping an eye on things - so I guess it could look like I'm not looking at my work that much.

Yesterday at Gro-Moore, 3 people commented that my work looks like tatting; one even watched me work and asked if I was tatting. I've never heard that before.

Towards the end of the day, 3 people asked me if I had this design either not framed or as a card. I'm glad I have a bunch of the stitched elements done ready to go. and had planned to make more anyway. Although I have gotten smarter this year. I'm not taking any custom orders or promising I'll have things ready for someone at a specific future show. I invite them to email me or check back with me at a future show to see if I have something. This is what I've seen MJ do during this busiest season - and true to form, customers understand.

I had an invitation from a librarian from the Henrietta library to teach a class in the fall of 2009. I told her I'd think about it but I can't see myself doing it yet. I've been asked to teach classes before and a bunch of customers have asked me if I teach anywhere but I see that as something I might do once I'm tired of doing shows. I'm nowhere near that right now.

I have some new signage to make then it's back to Gro-Moore for day 2!

Saturday, Nov 8 (9-5) and Sunday Nov 9 (9-3)

Gro-Moore's 13th Annual Cupboard Craft Sale

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467

Favorite Colors

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I could make these all day long. This is a 5-1/2" square birthday card for a friend.

Today is the craft show at Casa Larga Vineyards, 10:00-7:00. I hope you can stop by and say hello!


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Thursday, Nov 6, 10:00-7:00

Casa Larga

Casa Larga Vineyard, 2887 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY 14450

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Saturday, Nov 8 (9-5) and Sunday Nov 9 (9-3)

Gro-Moore's 13th Annual Cupboard Craft Sale

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467

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You're Welcome!

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I wonder if Barack Obama will continue to send me text messages now that he's been elected?

This, from him overnight:

We just made history. All of this happened because you gave your time, talent and passion to the campaign. All of this happened because of you. Thanks. Barack

I'm such a sap. I kind of get lumpy in the throat area reading that.

Now comes the hard part. He won't be perfect. Maybe I won't even agree with everything he does. But I love change and I hope we get it.

Used to be whenever you asked my dad how he voted, his standard answer was, "By secret ballot." I mentioned months ago that this was the first time I've ever donated money to a political candidate. I never talk politics because I just don't feel smart enough, can't retain enough facts in my head. That's not a put down of myself. I have many strengths, talking politics is just not one of them. So "going public" like this has been kind of strange for me.

Something I read by a columnist in our newspaper struck a chord with me. Something about how amazing it is that any candidate can inspire such optimism in such negative times.

Most of all, I really love that so many people got involved; that voter registration and turnout was outstanding. I heard on the radio that a man who is 104 years old, voted for the first time in his life. I understand lots of people voted for the first time. (What I don't get at all is how people could remain undecided. Identify your thoughts and feelings and go with it, gosh darn it.)

Time to go turn on the TV and see what's what. I couldn't bring myself to watch any of it last night. I was fairly confident that Barack Obama would win - but I just wanted to wake up with one clear, strong answer as to who the winner is. No hanging chads. One winner, period.

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Thursday, Nov 6, 10:00-7:00

Casa Larga

Casa Larga Vineyard, 2887 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY 14450

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Saturday, Nov 8 (9-5) and Sunday Nov 9 (9-3)

Gro-Moore's 13th Annual Cupboard Craft Sale

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467

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Please Vote!

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Simon is voting in his first election today. It's the first presidential election to come his way since he turned 18 and I have insisted he register and vote. I helicopter parented all over him to register, finally printing the registration form myself, filled it out and all but forged his signature.

I saved a section of the weekend paper a couple of weeks ago that outlined the issues and contained a sample ballot. He's asked me some good questions over time. I'm strong on social issues but usually refer Simon to Mr. Brainiac Political Science Major, Steve, for other specific issues, especially foreign policy.

I've forwarded text messages from President Obama to Simon's phone - but that was really just to annoy Simon for fun. (I've been calling Barack Obama, President Obama, for a few weeks now - and stated on my calendars for today, "Elect President Obama". How's that for positive imagery?)

Steve and I always hit the polls on the way to work, usually quite early. Today we for sure want to be there at 6:00 when they open, in case there's a line. Simon is going with us - which he is accomplishing by staying up all night. He drives me cuckoo with his crazy hours but I guess it works for his life for now. He says if he doesn't go with us, he probably will procrastinate and not vote at all today. I have zero doubt he's right.

I finally figured out a way to explain to Simon why voting in a presidential election is so important to me. I've never missed one since I could vote. I used to take Simon into the booth with me, when he was little. He seems to vaguely remember it. I must have hoped something would sink in through osmosis.

I don't even feel this strongly about drugs and alcohol because those are phases almost everyone goes through to some degree. (Don't get me wrong - I do care about those issues, but in a different way.) Here are the three (for now) big things I care deeply about as life decisions:

Never smoke cigarettes.
Always recycle.
Always vote in presidential elections.

(I only vote for local candidates if I feel well enough informed. I'm working on becoming a better voter locally, but it's the president I always vote for. And propositions.)

Btw, even I didn't know I felt this strongly about voting until A) there's a candidate I care strongly about, B) Simon reached voting age. It's kind of surprised even me.

Is Simon's heart in this 100%? No, not really. But he's realized how important it is to me so he's smart enough to go along with it and not say stupid things to me. I have promised him, that no matter how little he thinks he feels about it, when he steps out of that voting booth, he'll feel good. And important.

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Updated to add: We arrived at the polls at 5:45 and were 4th in line. By the time we left there were probably 50 people in line. We explained to Simon that this is an exceptionally high turnout, as predicted. We were home by 6:15.

And to absolutely no one's surprise, I got a little teary on the drive home. It was 30% because I was proud of Simon for voting. The other 70% is that while I voted for the candidate I wanted based on issues, I'm very taken by the fact that I got to vote for an African American for president. I retold him my "Whites Only" story. I told him how women's rights came to the forefront when I was his age. These major cultural changes have happened in what I call Recent History. It blows me away.

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Hole Punch Pet Portrait

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A portrait of her basset hound, done in hole punches, by Craftster user Dishwasher182.

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My sales at this weekend's craft show were a little disappointing, though I made 88% of my goal, so it wasn't dismal by any means. Steve updated my craft show spreadsheet to include a formula for calculating a sales goal for each show. I need to go back and fill in some data for the rest of 2008. We all know the whole year is trending down so maybe 88% isn't so bad.

I have a negative story about a rude vendor and I have some new vendor friends to introduce you to and I want to show you what I bought. But I have an extremely busy week coming up so I'll poke in here when I can.

I went to see the play Frost/Nixon at Geva today with my friends Lynn & Linda. Our season tickets are for 4:00 Saturdays but the busy craft show season forced us to change to a 2:00 performance on a Sunday. We had brunch at the Winfield Grill first, instead of dinner after the play - so it's nice to mix it up every once in a while. The play was good - very meaningful to those of us who remember those political times so well. And with Election Day looming very near, it felt especially meaningful.

Must get to work . . . more later!

Thursday, Nov 6, 10:00-7:00

Casa Larga

Casa Larga Vineyard, 2887 Turk Hill Road, Fairport, NY 14450

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Saturday, Nov 8 (9-5) and Sunday Nov 9 (9-3)

Gro-Moore's 13th Annual Cupboard Craft Sale

Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467

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Spray Paint

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Julien Vallee

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I hope you'll stop by this craft show today - please say hello!

Our Lady of Mercy High School
4th Annual Art Show and Craft Sale
1437 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY
November 1, 2008, 10:00-4:00

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