Holiday Gathering-Baldwin City, Kansas

 

My friend Leslie's show began last night and continues through today. This is the tenth year for her show and it has grown so much since the beginning, both in the number of participants and shoppers.

 

 

 

 

 

As I think you can tell, Leslie could be a stylist for a primitive magazine. Some of us help her put the "bone" in place on Thursday and when we leave Leslie works her magic, often staying up all night arranging everything into perfect vignettes. 

Can you believe this is her garage?

And then the crowd descends and happily disassembles everything in their search for that perfect gift or treasure!

Handcrafters

Handcrafters has finally come and gone. I was so nervous about doing this show. It was the first big show that I've done on my own in years and I didn't get nearly enough done (although I think I'll always feel that way). And as I was packing my inventory it was obvious that I was heavily slanted towards fall decor. Maybe I need to invest in a few more Christmas and winter patterns!

The Handcrafters show is known for having actual, handcrafted items and attracts vendors from as far away as Nevada. There are a couple of vendors who have been "grandfathered" in who have imported market things in their booth but the majority is actually handmade. Still, several people asked me if I actually sewed everything in my booth. 

Design by Shirley Blystone

The show was really good, but the best part was meeting new friends and reconnecting with former customers and rug hooking friends. One of my hooking friends, Mimi, had a booth filled with her wonderful painted items and you can see some of her original work here. Mimi is a creative dynamo, always finding new ways to apply her considerable creative talents. I have a little bag she designed and made that I use to carry all my sewing needfuls when I travel. 

Isn't it wonderful! The show is not far from my home and DH dropped by yesterday to bring my jacket because it was really chilly in the building. I took a quick bathroom break and when I came back DH proudly told me he'd sold something. He didn't write a sales receipt, charge tax, offer a bag or really know how to describe what he'd sold, but he's apparently a great salesman! I wish he had spent more time hanging out at the show!

Octoberfest Craft Sale at John Knox Village

Somehow, the last few months just slipped away. But now it is fall and, with a couple of shows scheduled, it is time to get busy crafting again. Of course, the first show happened to fall on a week when I had a lot of work commitments and my sister and her husband in for a visit, but I managed to get a few things done.

Punkin Pillow

It was such a crazy week that I didn't get a chance to take photos of my new creations before they went in the tub for transporting to the show. So please forgive the price tags and busy backgrounds! This is a Maggie Bonanomi design--very simple and primitive.

Scary Stack

Cute design by Buttermilk Basin. Beautiful overdyed wool background.

Penny Rug

Portion of Our Booth

Pat and I set up yesterday and I snapped a quick photo of our booth before I had to run. I'm going to try to finish up a few more things tonight!