Ramblings

So, I totally lied...it's been such a busy week that I haven't had any time to enamel. I've barely had time to get out to my workshop:(

It's a little late but, I had a great show this past weekend. Such wonderful weather! A small show, only about 30 artists, but these are the best types of shows. I had a chance to meet new artists, and catch up with others. There's always plenty of time for meandering around and it's so relaxed. I was beside a great lady that made soap. What wonderful smells wafted over and soon enough I was over to indulge myself with a few goodies.

Have you check out the LMAJ blog? Such a talented group of jewelry artists, creating handmade with handmade. They are giving away a fabulous pair of earring crafted by Mary Jane.

Then there's the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Beads" Giveaway. I'd love to win this as well! I had lost track of the "traveling beads" until yesterday. Why is it that you always want to paw through somebody elses stash, or in this case destash.

So boogie on over and find out how to enter these great giveaways.

Couldn't Ask for Better

Okay, so Saturday was fabulous! I exhibited my wears at the Bethany Beach Arts Festival. I had a great, new location with lots of traffic, the weather was absolutely fabulous, and I was near the band. Yes, Yes, & YES! And Sunday, a little drizzly in the morning, we need rain desperately, and great day for working in the shop.

But Saturday didn't get off to such a great start. I was running later than I wanted, and then ended up chasing around a couple of our chickens in my skirt and wedge thongs, getting my feet all wet from the dew...I'm sure it was a sight to see (and hear) as I was already stressed out. But once I arrived at the venue, my morning did a complete 360. There was a new, rocking spot, and set up was a breeze! I've finally gotten set up down to a science. Good thing I had planned for plenty of time setting up...while the show wasn't officially to start until 10, by 9:30 it was SO busy! I didn't even get a picture of my booth without any people in it. And so the day went on...lots of people, browsing, buying, making conversation...before I knew it, it was time to pack up. I love shows like this!

Remember my silent auction bangles from the previous post? Go figure...my sister, who is SO dear for helping me out...Thank You, bid and won them. So I donated them, and ended up paying for them and carrying them back home to deliver to her. It was really quite funny when the volunteer brought them back to me. I was a little confused and couldn't  understand why she was handing them to me...All I really saw was her handing them back to me...and not really listening to what she was saying. She must have thought I was a dope, but finally I understood what she was trying to tell me.

Sunday was a lovely, dreary day. Instead of focusing on the cleaning that my house needs, I ran out to the shop and got busy making a couple prototypes for the leaf charm swap that I'm participating in during ArtBliss. Sorry, no pictures, but I had a great time getting them hammered out.

I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. I hope you all had a great weekend as well.

A Bit Anxious...

I hate to say, as I try not to be a nay say'er...but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and a bit anxious. Summer is flying by, and I feel like I'm simply "chasing my tail." Don't get me wrong, it's been great but I have obligations that I've not been focusing on. One being the Jazz & Arts Festival  I'm exhibiting in this weekend. I've not had a whole lot of time in my studio, therefore only a few new pieces to show. And the pieces I do have need to be photographed and tagged. And to make matters worse, the lens in my camera jammed the other night so I'm having to use my sons camera, but it's better than no camera...right? 3 weeks before I get my camera back...ugh! So that's what I'm up to this morning...getting prepared for the show which starts today at 4pm.

There's lots to be done! But...I'm sure everything will go off without a hitch and it will be a great weekend! I just have to get there.

Rings Around Saturn

Getting Back

Saturday was a ...long...day. The Art's Festival was good but not as busy as it has been in the past. Normally, I'm swamped in the morning until about 1:00...not this year. The day got off to a slow start, and remained slow but steady all day long. Overall it was a good day though, I can't complain. Then Sunday I had a nice relaxing day with the family...it was a beautiful day and I didn't have a show to get ready for or any other pressing issues. We just relaxed and lounged for most of the day. Very Nice!

So anyway...I use to run on a regular basis, both to relieve stress and stay active. But last winter I came down with pneumonia and was unable to exercise at all for about 3 weeks. Therefore the next time I tried to go out and run...you know pick up where I left off...I almost died! So I kind of gave up on the running temporarily. And I kept blowing off getting back into running. You know the typical...it's too hot...I'm too busy...and so on. But I have said several times that once the Sept. art show was over I was going to get back into running. So this being said...Monday morning I threw on my running shoes and off I went. And wow...I have missed running so much! I probably pushed myself a little too much on Monday but I went out again today. I have a long way to go to get to where I want to be as far as my endurance goes but at least I'm on my way...

Tomorrow...I have to get back to my bench! I have been on hiatus the past couple of days and I have another show in 4 short weeks. This one is not quite as big but I need to stock back up on earrings.

Busy, Busy...

I've got a exciting weekend planned, but it's the getting there that causes me undo stress. On Saturday I will be exhibiting in the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival. I really love doing this show. It is so busy and I enjoy meeting new people and talking to them about my jewelry. This show typically draws a crowd of 8,000-10,000 and of course it has the absolute BEST setting...ocean front, although I'm on the street, but still close. As long as the weather holds it looks like a great day!

Last years booth display

This year I wanted to freshen up my booth a little and add a little color. I bought new fabric for the table skirts, and risers to give the tables a little lift. So this past week I was busy planning and sewing the table skirts. I don't have much to do at all, just hem really, however this small project gave me a fit! My sewing machine doesn't get much use, it's just an inexpensive model, just what I need to get me through the little bit of sewing that I do, but I had 20 yards to hem. UGH! It doesn't look like that much but MAN is that a lot of fabric. However, I finished and it looks great! Now to get all those wrinkles straightened away. I can't wait to see my booth set up in its entirety.

Me...heming...many, many yards of fabric

Today I might try and print labels to paste to the top of my boxes and/or bags. This is not a top priority for me although it should be, it would add my name to the outside of my packaging and possibly drive traffic to my booth. I'm hoping to get motivated!