And Another Thing . . .

Little Golden Books That Never Made It

2008-05-12T08:56:00.001-04:00

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1. You Are Different and That's Bad
2. The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables
3. Dad's New Wife Robert
4. Fun four-letter Words to Know and Share
5. Hammers, Screwdrivers and Scissors: An I-Can-Do-It Book
6. The Kids' Guide to Hitchhiking
7. Kathy Was So Bad Her Mom Stopped Loving Her
8. Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence
9. All Cats Go to Hell
10. The Little Sissy Who Snitched
11. Some Kittens Can Fly
12. That's it, I'm Putting You Up for Adoption
14. The Magic World Inside the Abandoned Refrigerator
15. Garfield Gets Feline Leukemia
16. The Pop-Up Book of Human Anatomy
17. Strangers Have the Best Candy
18. Whining, Kicking and Crying to Get Your Way
19. You Were an Accident
20. Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will
21. Pop! Goes The Hamster...And Other Great Microwave Games
22. The Man in the Moon Is Actually Satan
23. Your Nightmares Are Real
25. Eggs, Toilet Paper, and Your School
26. Why Can't Mr. Fork and Ms. Electrical Outlet Be Friends?
27. Places Where Mommy and Daddy Hide Neat Things
28. Daddy Drinks Because You Cry

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Craft Show Review

2008-05-11T07:59:00.002-04:00

The craft show at Mercy High School yesterday was okay. Since I haven't done it before I have no basis for comparison but safe to assume it most likely would have been down 30% from the previous year, which has been the average for the few shows I've done in 2008. As I said to Steve, my philosophy is to ride out the poor economy by becoming known as a successful vendor to as many (indoor) shows as I can. Then I'll really be in position to kick butt in subsequent years. Then I'll eventually tackle outdoor shows when I feel I'm ready.

All the vendors were in the gym and the spaces were quite generous. I believe all the $50 booths were along the perimeter of the gym while the $40 booths were in the middle. Just an assumption on my part. I like being against a wall so I'm really glad I made the $50 investment. The spaces weren't taped off so I was able to really spread out, taking care not to encroach on my neighbor.

I did get 2 custom orders and lots of good reaction and made some new vendor friends. But it was slow. The show ran until 4:00. One vendor left at 2:00. Several more left by 3:00. I told Steve I may be sitting in the gym by myself, but I'm staying until 4:00. The vast majority stayed until 4:00 - the professionals. I'm going to reread the contract to see if it says one must stay set up until 4:00. Most applications do state that, for obvious reasons. And I'm going to email the coordinator something about it, not sure what. I would hope their policy is to not invite those offending vendors back. It makes us all look bad - why can't they see that?? Because they are hobbyists. They aren't looking at the big picture, which is, should customers come to the show and find empty booths, it will leave the taste in their mouth, "This show sucks, I'll never come here again."

I'm glad I didn't go nuts finishing all the blue quilt cards I'd started - I only sold two. (Thanks Mom!) I gave one away as the free drawing (enticement to gather names for my mailing list). But the adorable flip flop pins that I worked so hard on Friday night and finished up Saturday morning? I sold one. People loved them. Just weren't buying today.

I bought some natural soap because I'm hooked on the stuff and my bar in the shower is close to being at sliver status. I was hoping my friend Sarah would be at today's show so I could buy from her but she was probably selling at the Lilac Festival this weekend. So I bought a bar from another vendor - and a lilac candle too. And I bought a gorgeous painted box from a 15 year old artist who was raising money to eradicate world hunger or something. I'll take a photo sometime and post it, along with a photo of the painted piece I bought at Casa Larga last weekend. I love supporting emerging artists. Now I need to find a place to display this stuff. Probably in my new gallery - since most of the pieces I like by other artists are in a similar vein to my designs, but in other mediums.

I did make one fatal mistake though. Steve and I drive 2 vehicles back from the show, of course, so normally I stop and pick up dinner somewhere. S-l-o-w-l-y. Then I drive home. S-l-o-w-l-y. Might have to circle the block a time or two but if I time it right, Steve has the Explorer unloaded and all the heavy lifting done. Not today. Since the show ended at 4:00, we both came home before deciding what to do for dinner. Sucks to be me.

Overall, I had slightly higher hopes for today's show, being the day before Mother's Day. But I have more money in my Pine Tree Designs account than I did yesterday. I would do the show again next year if the opportunity arose.

Happy Mother's Day!

Variation on Blue Quilt

2008-05-10T05:09:00.002-04:00

These are so labor intensive, I only finished 5 for today's show. I have 15 almost done. I made 8 similarly themed Sticky Notes. And I still have to put the finishing touches on 40 flip flop pins which I don't have time to scan this morning. Lots more of those to come. And I'll be posting all this in my shop soon.

And I'm off to today's show. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00

3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
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More Danny Federici

2008-05-08T05:40:00.003-04:00

I think I've posted this before but it's what I'm working on now, so there it is. It's a 3" square gift tag to enclose with a gift - or a small notecard if you don't have much to say. (It can be mailed inside another envelope.)

Inside a vellum envelope. I love these things - must buy more.

For my fellow Bruce fans, I highly recommend you read the eulogy Bruce gave at Danny Federici's funeral last month. It's outstanding. Also, two videos - the tribute to Danny and Danny's last performance with the band. Take hankies.

Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00

3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610

Team Semper Fi

2008-05-07T05:27:00.004-04:00

Read my sister Gretchen's blog today. I'm so proud of her!

My nephew, Gretchen's son, is finishing up his second tour overseas. There's not a living soul that doesn't "support the troops". Here's a way to actively do just that.

~ ~ ~

Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00

3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610

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Spinning

2008-05-05T05:28:00.004-04:00

5" x 5" Card, $7.00

This is the only one of these I've assembled so far but I have pieces cut for 9 more. This is for an order I'm shipping today, along with 2 purple ones.

~ ~ ~

My head is spinning so fast I don't know where to start.

At last Thursday's craft show I learned of a craft show at Mercy High School on May 10. It was highly recommended by some very successful vendors that I respect. So I found a contact online Friday morning and emailed her, asking if there was any availability. She emailed me an application, which I have to return with my check by today. I was so busy this weekend I didn't get it mailed so I think I'll drop it off today on my lunch hour.

Last week I heard from a store owner in Corning, who had purchased one of my Sticky Notes at Artizanns in Naples. She asked if I wanted another wholesale account. So I'm shipping her first order today.

The very next day I heard from a store owner in Florida, asking for my wholesale pricing. She was asking for pricing on cards which I didn't have worked up yet because no one has ever asked for that. So I added cards to my wholesale price list and sent that off to her. I haven't heard back but I'll be following up with her today.

On Friday, my friend at work, Jen, asked me if I ever considered out-sourcing some of my work. I said, "Yes! Who - you?" She nodded. "I've been waiting for you to ask! I didn't want to ask you, for fear you'd feel obligated. I know you have a full life of your own, especially with 3 grandkids now." The funny thing was the work I'd brought with me to work on during my lunch hour that day, was exactly the kind of work she wanted to do - assembly. So I showed her what I needed done with that. I'm paying her hourly. (Mom? Want a raise?)

Here's what I think is funny about people helping me. Mom, who has done cross stitch and crochets up a storm, does some stitching for me. She's always preferred machine sewing so it surprised me a little that she loves doing this. My friends Pam and Jen, who both are quilters and have cross stitched I'm quite sure - don't want to do any of the hand stitching.

This further confirms that I needn't have much fear that people will copy my work. I was a little nervous putting my work on the Internet, here on my blog, especially on Flickr and Etsy. It's a common fear among artists. But I've learned from my customers at craft shows that most people definitely appreciate how much work goes into this. But they don't want to do it themselves. I always keep a sharp eye out for similar work but I've yet to see it. :::knocks on wood:::

In addition to this, I'm trying to get into work early today to finish up something I wanted to have done Friday. I'm taking this Friday off to tie up loose ends before Saturday's craft show.

Saturday, May 10, 10:00-4:00

3rd Annual Art Show & Craft Sale
Our Lady of Mercy High School
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610

Craft Show Wrap Up

2008-05-02T06:12:00.003-04:00

I sold out of these Sticky Notes - and the same style greeting card, so I'm definitely on the right track with these. Plus another vendor is going to send me vendor information to participate in the Genesee Valley Quilt Show, which is exactly one of the directions I want to go. This club has been in existence since 1936. I looked into joining, back in my quilting days but I was pretty young then and wasn't sure I'd fit in. Anyway, this is for their June 2009 show, which would be perfect for me since I don't do any summer shows because I haven't ventured into outdoor shows yet. This vendor told me I could bring all my stuff, not just my paper quilts, so that would be cool. I know my other stuff appeals to quilters too, they tell me that all the time.

Another vendor is involved in the Junior League of Rochester, who is holding their first Holiday Market fundraiser, in October. I haven't dug out their brochure from my boxes yet but it looks high-end. The brochure is high quality and it's relatively expensive to participate so sounds like a winner to me. I'm going to send my application in this weekend.

A customer is going to put me in touch with a show at Oak Hill Country Club, so you know those people can spend some bucks!

I've been doing my best to Pay it Forward to a couple of vendor/friends who are just starting out - passing along information, etc. I feel right in the middle. Not a novice but not ready for the big outdoor shows. A highly successful vendor/friend told me yesterday, "You'll get there." I know it's all a process.

Sales? Eh. Off 29% from this same show 2 years ago. (She didn't hold it last year.) So far this year the 3 shows I've done have been down for me: 30%, 51%, 29%. I can't wait for the economy to turn around. Anyone have a date for me as to when that's going to happen?

I have more good news but I'll post that tomorrow. I slept in today (5:30 -woo-hoo!) so I still need to pack my lunch and stamp out some more quilt blocks to cut out at lunch today. I've already emailed my massage therapist to see if she has availability today. I'm not specifically sore, just overall achy. These shows at the winery are always on Thursdays and always run until 7:00. I start setting up around 7:00 am so it's one long-ass day. The good news is it makes other weekend shows that end at 4:00 or 5:00 seem like a breeze!

New Punch

2008-04-29T06:54:00.005-04:00

Yikes - how did I not see that was scanned crooked until now? No time to re-do now. That dark green scallop is from a new punch. I bought it and another punch from the wife of a guy at work who is a new Stampin' Up distributor. (Her, not him.) Somehow I keep getting lucky that each punch I buy is just slightly different from my others. The punches from Stampin' Up are a bit pricey but they are very good quality, I think. Compares well to the quality of a Martha Stewart punch (like the very center of the above design.)

The stitched part is a Stefani original but because it's just a hair bigger than other designs for the Sticky Notes, I have to make the cover slightly bigger. So I was going to shrink it or reconfigure it or something. But now that I see this scalloped circle fits perfectly in the center, I think I'll keep it.

I'm off to work now, stopping at the post office to ship an order. (Hi Nancy!)

May 1, 10:00-7:00
Casa Larga Vineyard
2887 Turk Hill Road
Fairport, NY 14450

Paper Quilts

2008-04-28T05:56:00.005-04:00

5" x 5" Card
Before posting this on Etsy this morning, I counted the individual pieces that make up this card. EIGHTY-SEVEN. I was shocked, I have to admit.

Sticky Notes

This notepad only has 44 pieces - MUCH more reasonable. :-)

I feel uncharacteristically calm about Thursday's show. I worked my butt off this weekend but I think one of the key factors is that I also started organizing my show paraphernalia against my checklist, got my cash box ready, etc. Wherever possible I keep stuff permanently packed & ready to go. That's sometimes deceiving though because I've known to check my signage the morning of the show and realize I need to print a new this or that.

Of course, now that I'm feeling so prepared, the other half of my brain worries that this can't possibly be, I must have overlooked something.

May 1, 10:00-7:00
Casa Larga Vineyard
2887 Turk Hill Road
Fairport, NY 14450

Improv Everywhere

2008-04-26T07:51:00.002-04:00

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It's fun to hit the links below and read the background on these performances.

Frozen Grand Central

Food Court Musical

Best Game Ever
(This one almost made me tear up, so happy for these little kids!)

Turquoise Beads

2008-04-25T06:11:00.000-04:00

Card for a birthday at work yesterday.

For my fellow crafters, Luann Udell's blog is a must read. I learn so much from her. Keeping in step with my environmental post from yesterday, I want to share a new packaging system she alerted us to yesterday. I'm not quite ready for it myself, but I hope I am someday because I think it's very cool. It's by Geami. It's made from Kraft paper - it's recyclable, renewable, compostable & way less messy than evil Styrofoam peanuts. There's a video on their site you can watch. For now, I'm good with reusing the free packing material that I receive with my orders.

I had my first order through Etsy from A Perfect Stranger the other day. (The rest have been through family & friends.) I received another order today. I think things are starting to pick up steam over there. I may not be ready for that cool packing material mentioned above but I think I'm ready to buy a scale and print my own postage at home. I love, love, love the automated postage machines available at post offices now but I might be ready to take it one step further. I need to look into it a bit further. I thought when I looked into stamps.com before there was a $15/month fee. Oh, I just looked, it's now $17.99/month. Too much for me.

I just started to look at usps.com - but I hear Steve making his own sandwich for lunch so I better go. If he makes my sandwich, he never gets the Miracle Whip all the way to the edges!

If anyone has any experience with printing postage - leave it in the comments please? Thanks!

Junk Mail

2008-04-23T05:24:00.005-04:00

These women are my fellow Green Team members sorting junk mail at lunch yesterday. When we started up last fall, I set a blue recycling box in the mail room just for catalogs and junk mail so I could have the names removed from the mailing list. It's mostly mail addressed to former employees. I tried to do a little bit each week but quickly fell behind. So yesterday we sorted it all out by company and each took a stack to work on over time.

I did the same thing with our home mail last year. Just a quick email and it's done. I saved each email in it's own company folder so I'd know whether I'd already contacted them or not. Even I was shocked at how many different mailing lists just the two of us were on. Since we get a lot of our bills and statements electronically, my goal was to see if we could ever have a "no mail day". So far it's happened twice! Walking back from the mailbox empty handed is kind of weird. Used to be years ago where that would make me sad. Now it makes me super happy.

Since we started our Green Team at work, we have been happily shocked at the reception by fellow employees. We expected some good natured teasing and resistance. Not so much. One of the things we've done is set up recycling bins for glass, metal and 1 & 2 plastics. They have been filling up routinely. Every time we send out a newsletter to employees, we get some "way to go" enthusiastic comments. I guess on one hand, I shouldn't be surprised since "green" is such a huge topic these days - everywhere you look.

I remember the first Earth Day in 1970 vividly. I went to school at Mendon Center Junior High and a ton of us walked to the high school and back to honor Earth Day. I felt like that was my first public protest. Maybe my only public protest. I prefer to lead by example, having learned that from my parents. I remember separating colors of glass and metal in our house with my mom and taking it to the town garage for recycling - must have been around that time, so like 40 years ago. Wow. That number shocks my system.

In my own home, I can barely remember not recycling, using cloth napkins, buying products based on packaging, etc. Simon will tell you as a kid he used to beg for individual juice containers (juice boxes and the like) but I wouldn't buy them because they aren't "environmentally responsible". He used to hate that. (Juice boxes are now recyclable here - too late for Simon though!) Steve will tell you that I'm responsible for teaching him to recycle. I can't walk by a wastebasket at work that contains paper, without pulling it out and putting it in the blue recycle baskets.

Next up: I've been wanting to check into solar panels for our home. I'm pretty sure they are out of our budget, but it will be interesting to research. Someday they will be part of every home, I'm sure.

It's nice to know I'm not alone in this. This is one "fad" I'm happy to see happening.

Ladybug

2008-04-22T05:40:00.004-04:00

Happy Earth Day!!!

Sticky Notes, $4.50. I love the different textures of these papers.

Remember last week I set up a table of my leftover buy/sell stuff in the break room at work? I made $66 in sales! That's a lot of items at 50 cents and 1 dollar! I'm quite pleased. Still not sure what to do with those leftovers but something will come up.

After Reggi's recent back problems and the break in weather, we've gotten serious about helping her lose weight. We've walked her 4 days in a row. She definitely wears out faster than she used to but I know we can build up her stamina again. It's not exactly aerobic exercise for us but overall, it's good. And it's certainly nice being out in the fresh air. This morning she went but she was definitely not into it. So we've decided to let her rest tomorrow. Poor thing about had me in tears today. I know it will get better. I love that dog.

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Presidential Art

2008-04-20T06:23:00.000-04:00

For all I know, these paintings might be akin to Elvis on velvet or dogs playing poker, but I think they're cool! I saw these in an ad in a magazine in the blood lab's waiting room the other day. (Just routine blood gathering, no concerns at all.)

Interestingly, check the price differential, all unframed:

20" x 30"
Republicans = $249
Democrats = $149

24" x 36"
Republicans = $750
Democrafts = $650

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Danny Federici, RIP

2008-04-19T06:03:00.002-04:00

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Danny Federici, January 23, 1950 – April 17, 2008

Anyone who is a fan already knows this news and has probably read this article. I still feel compelled to post it anyway. I was kind of shocked to read of Danny's death actually. So many people survive cancer these days, I guess I figured he would. At the March concert, Bruce said they hoped he would be back with them soon. Of course he said that, what else would he say? But I was wanting to believe it. So I've been feeling a little sad for the band, grieving for their loved one.

Confession: I am able to think of almost all celebrities as regular people with regular lives outside their celebrity-dom. Except Bruce. I can't get him out of Rock Star status in my head. I'm trying. He's a man, a husband, a father of teenagers who just happens to have this big visible job. This is something I realized about myself the other day and thought it a little weird on my part. But there you have it.

NEW YORK (AP) — Danny Federici, the longtime keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen whose stylish work helped define the E Street Band's sound on hits from "Hungry Heart" through "The Rising," died Thursday. He was 58.

Federici, who had battled melanoma for three years, died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. News of his death was posted late Thursday on Springsteen's official Web site.

He last performed with Springsteen and the band last month, appearing during portions of a March 20 show in Indianapolis.

"Danny and I worked together for 40 years — he was the most wonderfully fluid keyboard player and a pure natural musician. I loved him very much ... we grew up together," Springsteen said in a statement posted on his Web site.

Springsteen concerts scheduled for Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Saturday in Orlando were postponed.

Federici was born in Flemington, N.J., a long car ride from the Jersey shore haunts where he first met kindred musical spirit Springsteen in the late 1960s. The pair often jammed at the Upstage Club in Asbury Park, N.J., a now-defunct after-hours club that hosted the best musicians in the state.

It was Federici, along with original E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez, who first invited Springsteen to join their band.

By 1969, the self-effacing Federici — often introduced in concert by Springsteen as "Phantom Dan" — was playing with the Boss in a band called Child. Over the years, Federici joined his friend in acclaimed shore bands Steel Mill, Dr. Zoom and the Sonic Boom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.

Federici became a stalwart in the E Street Band as Springsteen rocketed from the boardwalk to international stardom. Springsteen split from the E Streeters in the late '80s, but they reunited for a hugely successful tour in 1999.

"Bruce has been supportive throughout my life," Federici said in a recent interview with Backstreets magazine. "I've had my ups and downs, and I've certainly given him a run for his money, and he's always been there for me."

Federici played accordion on the wistful "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" from Springsteen's second album, and his organ solo was a highlight of Springsteen's first top 10 hit, "Hungry Heart." His organ coda on the 9/11-inspired Springsteen song "You're Missing" provided one of the more heart-wrenching moments on "The Rising" in 2002.

In a band with larger-than-life characters such as saxophonist Clarence Clemons and bandana-wrapped guitarist "Little" Steven Van Zandt, Federici was content to play in his familiar position to the side of the stage. But his playing was as vital to Springsteen's live show as any instrument in the band.

Federici released a pair of solo albums that veered from the E Street sound and into soft jazz. Bandmates Nils Lofgren on guitar and Garry Tallent on bass joined Federici on his 1997 debut, "Flemington." In 2005, Federici released its follow-up, "Out of a Dream."

Federici had taken a leave of absence during the band's tour in November 2007 to pursue treatment for melanoma, and was temporarily replaced by veteran musician Charles Giordano.

At the time, Springsteen described Federici as "one of the pillars of our sound and has played beside me as a great friend for more than 40 years. We all eagerly await his healthy and speedy return."

Besides his work with Springsteen, Federici played on albums by an impressive roster of other artists: Van Zandt, Joan Armatrading, Graham Parker, Gary U.S. Bonds and Garland Jeffreys.

Friends

2008-04-17T09:28:00.005-04:00

German photographer Tanja Askani.

In researching these photographs I found a fascinating blog, Dark Roasted Blend by Avi & Rachel Abrams. Scoot over there and see more of these photos and be sure to scroll down to Allison's comment for an update. (It's not sad.) And check out some of the other weird & wonderful photos they've posted. It took me hours to write this short post, I kept getting lost over there!

20 Years Ago Today

2008-04-16T13:44:00.004-04:00

Harvest Moon by Hand

Isn't my latest Etsy purchase beautiful? $12 plus shipping. I plan to hang it on my studio window. Here's what the artist says about it:

I make the window stars by hand-folding small squares of paper, overlaying the folded paper, and then gluing them together to create different patterns.

Each point on the star is folded 19 times. With 8 points on the star, that's 152 folds!

This star measures approximately 9 1/2 inches in diameter.

The star can be kept on your window all year round since the paper doesn’t fade.

~ ~ ~

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of my favorite day of my entire life, the day we picked up Simon at the airport, fresh from Korea. Steve will tell you I can't say that sentence without a quiver in my voice and he's right. I love that kid so much.

But. Yeah, there's a but. This parental thing we do of attempting to balance enabling and support in the right proportions, is a bitch sometimes. This week has been full of tough love for me. Simon and 3 buds went to Myrtle Beach for Spring Break, very spur of the moment. Simon couldn't afford to go but he's making do somehow. He calls me every day or so, with wild stories. He would swear he's not asking me for money but sounds to me like he's laying the ground work for me to offer. Not gonna happen. It feels good actually, doing the right thing. I'd gotten a wee bit out of balance in recent weeks and realized I was depriving him of the opportunity to make his own success and be proud of himself.

I know I was the only one concerned about it, but Simon got through his five days of jury duty availability without having to report to court at all. He was in Myrtle Beach for the last 2 days of that 5 day period so don't ask me how that was going to work if he had to report. I don't know how that kid hit the lottery but his jury pool appeared to only be 200 people strong with only the first 50 or so having to report to court. Most pools are 900, I believe. His number was 161 so in the beginning I was certain he'd have to report. As the days wore on, it looked more and more like he wouldn't have to report, especially when they started pulling the next pool of 900 into court. So I wasn't overly concerned but it was on my mind.

Anyway, I really do love that kid to pieces. Besides less money to him, means more money I can spend on me in Etsy shops!

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Designed by Jane

2008-04-16T05:32:00.005-04:00

I'm definitely a pin person. Can you imagine any non-paper jewelry being more up my alley than these??

So I bought two! They arrived from England in no time at all. They are as perfect in person as they are pictured here, including the back.

Now I know how my customers feel at shows - hard to pick a favorite. I wear a lot of red, purple and turquoise, so this one was a no brainer. The top one, though, might require a purchase of a new shirt on which to wear it. Lime green is my new favorite color (witness my phone and iPod) so I'll definitely start poking around online for a new lime green shirt.

Jane's blog is here. Oh crap. Look what I just found there - my perfect colors - red, purple and turquoise! See what I mean about the difficulty of choosing just one?

Clearance Sale & Celebrity Dreams

2008-04-15T05:50:00.008-04:00

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Setting myself a ridiculously high sales goal for Pine Tree Designs 2008 has really got me thinking, (I-hate-this-phrase-except-it's-perfect), outside the box. Also known as desperate. Seriously, counting my dead inventory this past weekend has renewed my desire to get rid of it. This is stuff I bought wholesale to resell when I was in that store in Fairport 2 or 3 years ago. Some of the shows I participate in do allow buy-sell stuff but I think I've said before, I want to be known as an artist first & foremost. I don't want to dilute my "brand". (Sorry, there's another over-used word.)

So I decided to have a clearance sale at work. I made 3 signs to post at strategic locations around the building. Everything is 50 cents or 1 dollar. I spread it on the table in the Break Room with a cash box. No pesky emails - just leave it up for a week and see what happens. I've invested nothing but a little time making the signs. As I said to Steve, "I stand to make TENS of dollars here!" I set my expectations rather low and have been quite pleasantly surprised. Because I put one of the signs by the coffee area, people started shopping right away Monday morning.

I'm finding myself happier about finding good homes for this stuff than making money. I think that's funny/weird. I just didn't want it to go to waste.

I've been having celebrity dreams almost every night lately. I'm just hanging out with these people where they work, because they are my friends. Recent nights have included Wease, my favorite local DJ, Christopher Meloni (from Oz and L&O SVU), Rosie O'Donnell (on the set of Password) - and last night I hung out with Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa. I got to go to a concert with them and watch from backstage - and the alarm went off just as they were about to go on. I hate when that happens!

I have no idea what's up with this run of celebrity dreams but I can't wait to go to sleep tonight. (After watching Numb3rs the other night, I tried to put in an order for a Rob Morrow dream but it didn't happen. So much for positive thinking.)

Private Sessions

2008-04-14T05:47:00.002-04:00

Just the other day I learned about a show I had not heard about, Private Sessions on A&E. I immediately Tivoed it because I love interview shows. In this one the artist performs as well. I've just watched the Ringo Starr episode so far - Queen Latifah is next in the queue. No one will ever accuse Ringo of being a great musician, but he's such an icon, it was thrilling to watch. He performed 4 songs, I think it was - with Dave Stewart - and a bunch of kids young enough to be his grandchildren. They had tiny video tape pieces where people ask him questions - I assume these are always famous people because in Ringo's case Yoko Ono and Max Weinberg asked questions.

Lynn Hoffman is the interviewer and she seems just right, knowledgeable*, sincerely interested - not too anything. Check it out.

*except for the fact that she says Ringo has been called "the world's greatest drummer"

Jennifer Maestre

2008-04-13T08:12:00.005-04:00

Jennifer Maestre

I wish I could figure out how to make a living surfing Etsy shops. I'm sure I'm going to buy one of Jennifer's pendants a bit later. I'm trying to make sure my Etsy outgo is not bigger than my Etsy income. Also - check out Jennifer's larger sculptures. And read an interview with her here.
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Unlikely Friends

2008-04-12T17:43:00.006-04:00

My friend Sherry sent me this. It's about 7-1/2 minutes long but very sweet. Enjoy.

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It's Saturday afternoon and I finished my taxes. I've never cut it this close to the deadline. I usually shoot for February and get it done in March. I had to pay both federal and state but not too much, so I guess I would not have paid until now, even if I did file earlier. I file electronically even though it annoys the living snot out of me that there's a charge for that. I used to boycott electronic filing but finally succumbed.

With all the Pine Tree Designs information required for my return, it's pretty tedious, but I keep good records so it's not difficult. Still, I'm feeling a big relief that it's over.

I finally made it to the Enchanted Rose Garden this morning. I dropped off a dozen of these Garden Flower Pins. I also took a box full of Sticky Notes - which turned out to be just the right amount. Looks like I've had some decent sales there in the last couple of weeks. Next I want to hang some framed pieces down the side of the black bookshelf.

So tomorrow shall be busy, busy - need to get inventory figured out for the May 1 show - not that far away. I'll have just two full weekends after this one. I have a ton of stitched components ready - I really need to start assembling them now.

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Peaceful Desert

2008-04-11T05:38:00.003-04:00

For some reason my fingers keep wanting to type Peaceful Dessert instead of Peaceful Desert for this Sticky Notes pad.

Simon has not had to report for jury duty but I think he will this afternoon. He thinks this checking online every day thing is a pain in the neck, even though I explained, in the old days, one would have to go downtown and sit and wait and waste a whole day or more.

Reggi's back continues to heal.

My flower pins are not quite done yet. I'll deliver them to the Enchanted Rose Garden Saturday morning instead of the intended Thursday night. Stuff happens.

I found a really cool notepad at Michael's the other night that I want to cover with one of my designs. They were actually on the clearance shelf. I only bought one, wanting to make sure I could make my idea work but I'm thinking I should go back and buy them all, while they are still available.

I received an application to a craft show at the Pieters Family Life Center, run by Family Advocates Heritage Christian Services in September. It doesn't say the Xth annual, so I think it's new. The contact lives in Webster and I know at the February show in Webster, the woman in the booth next to mine and I gave a couple a whole lot of information about how to run a craft show from a vendor's perspective. I introduced her to the organizer of that show too. The application looks very complete and thorough. I definitely want to participate - I have nothing else going on in September. That was one of the things we told this woman that there are a bazillion shows in November and December.

I was telling Steve that I love it that people are seeking me out, rather than how it is when one starts - begging to find shows to get into. Craft shows need vendors as much as vendors need craft shows.

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Garden Flowers

2008-04-10T05:26:00.004-04:00

Here are the parts for 22 flower pins I wanted to take to the Enchanted Rose Garden on my way home from work tonight. I was half glad that Steve wanted to sleep in this morning because he worked so late last night. It's bad because we didn't exercise - but good that I have time to possibly get these assembled before work.

No time for chit-chat today!

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Simon & Reggi

2008-04-09T05:37:00.007-04:00

This is a 7" framed piece I made a while ago but I need to reframe and rephotograph it before I post it for sale. I'm not happy with the quality of this frame.

I'm hauling out the old stuff to post because I'm on the verge of finishing new stuff. I did finish a framed piece for an order from my friend Pam but didn't have time to scan or photograph it. I'm making another one very similar which I'll post in the next few days I think.

Poor Simon is sick. I did his laundry for him the other night and delivered it to him last night. He's usually one to power through colds but this one has him down and out. I think it's because he doesn't have many hours at work this week, so he can take the time to be sick. The thing is he's up for jury duty this week. He has to look online today after 5:30 to see if his presence is required. He has a relatively low number so I'm sure he'll have to go tomorrow. I'm guessing he won't be picked to serve, but you never know.

Reggi continues to improve. Yesterday and today, she's been stuck to me like glue, following me from room to room. I love her.

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