Do You Attend Craft Fairs?

Happy Fall Y'all

It's a beautiful partly cloudy fall day here in the mid-west.  I'll take partly cloudy versus rain and mostly clouds.... any day.... just love to get the bits of sunSHINE!!!

A few weeks ago, I participated in my first craft fair!

If you go through my past blog posts, or get know me in person..... I would never admit that I am 'that' really positive person!  But I have spunk, I'm a realist, I try certain things over and over again, failure is not often in my vocabulary and I don't give up easily if I believe in something!!! I'm not generally a outgoing positive person, but I don't think I'm a negative depressed person either.  So...Go ahead, try to put me in a category!!!!!

Unfortunately, I'm sad to admit that my first craft fair was not at all a success! wah wah!!! Sad face :(

My partner MK and I, think we had a very cute booth!!  We had a beautiful wide variety of hand crafted items and we came prepared... with plenty of change, business cards, repair kits (for the just in case) snacks and a good attitude!

However, being my first craft fair and MK's 3rd.... we think the sponsor was 

1. New

2. Didn't advertise

3. There were other 'bigger' fairs going on in the area

We estimated that there were about 20 booths.... if... 125 people attended and maybe 25 people wondered into our booth!

I covered my portion of the cost of the booth with my one and only sale!  And if you think about it... I also lost a bit of money, because we were not informed that we needed to donate up to a $10 gift that was given away during the first hour of the event.

To say the least, I was disappointed.  My husband will ask me all the time.... are you doing this 'artsy thing' to make money?  Or,  are you having fun?

MK and I came up with a few reasons for our unsuccessful event.... 

•  We heard that there was a 'more' popular fair going on in the area, our booth was $40, this other event charges $350 a booth (What??)
• I guess we missed the boat on the sponsors 'packet of info'... so we don't know who or if they advertised this event, we didn't know we needed to donate a prize and a few other things (MK copied me on numerous emails she sent to the organizer asking questions that went unanswered)
•   My husband saw no signage to direct him into the high school where the event was taking place
•  The average age of the attendees was over 55... so craft fairs don't attract a younger age group?
•  Younger people are not into 'country' or homemade crafts like they used to be, they would rather buy new or on-line
•  A few quilts sold in the booth  next to us, she was charging $40-50 for small baby blankets... but our $5 greeting cards and other paper crafts didn't draw much attention, other than the disbelief that I can draw so well.

Will I do another craft fair?  

I don't know if I will do another craft fair. Wrong place, wrong time!  Right? I can't take it personally.... there wasn't enough activity to think the worst, that 'my stuff' was crap.  Seriously.... I get that! Selling at a craft fair is not the way to sell my products.  The fair was highly disappointing. But, I'll never say never again.

Will I stop creating paper crafts?

No, I love the challenge and satisfaction of what I create.  I honestly think (unless all of you have been lying to me!) that friends and family LOVE to get my cards as 'gifts' that they can pass on to others. My cards do truly.... Brighten Someone's Day

Will I become a famous artist or crafter?

No.  But maybe all this practice in creating, is helping me get to my next purpose.

Should you support local artists?

Yes!  If you see something you like. I think we all should continue a movement to support the little guy.  Buy from your local artists.  Buy gifts that come from the heART. Give gifts from the heART

I tried selling at a craft fair. No for me.   Let's see, what is next???

Stay tuned!!!

and

Shine On!

A little TWIST on SHINE

I've said this many times throughout my life... I love pretty things and clever words.

And what makes that statement soooo good, is when I find a connection and it works putting the two together!!!

I think that's why card making is so enjoyable for me.  I can combine the two and create something that makes my heart sing.

To stay connected... we all get involved in groups where we hope to find other like minded people.  If you scroll down or hop on to any blog post that is labeled with SHINE, you will see that for almost the past 8 years, I've had something to do with the House of Shine

To SHINE, resonates with me.  Although it's not always easy to do.... I enjoy doing it.... it brings me joy to: create, bring out the best in others, be present, use my strengths, keep perspective, realize the little things, reject mediocrity  be accountable, be relentlessly passionate and spread shine

And the best thing of all, is when I can combine 'all' of these things and feel like I really accomplished something that is so true to my soul.

As one of my personal challenges, I help to facilitate the DO52 Facebook page. I pull a verb each week from a special set made up for those participating and I welcome the word into my week.  Here is what I wrote about today....

WEEK ????.... something.... ha ha~

Aren't all the weeks, days starting to blend together. In the beginning of a new year, everything seems FRESH, new, exciting and now with FALL/Autumn here in parts of the country where the temperatures dip into the 40s and frost starts to cover the pumpkins... it's totally like what week is it? And WHAT? how many days until Christmas???

ARISE
:to begin to occur or exist

What I found interesting about this weeks DO52 word is that if you rearrange the letters, you get ARIES.... which is my astrological sign. Which is the first astrological sun sign, and a personality trait is "get something started and lead the way

Not to put a 'spin' on it (well, really I think that's part of the challenge) .... but the signs are always there, especially if you look for them. DO52 is an awesome way to open your thinking.... if you follow the House of Shine.... they have a program called RISE & SHINE... there is no reason not to re-start my existence..... I take on the challenge to get up and give forth with light!!!

Can you put a TWIST on something in your life today??

Brighten Someone's Day!

SHINE ON!!

I Create

Hello Friends!

Welcome to my blog!

If you are here for the first time... I'm glad you found me!!!!!

I'm a paper crafter.  

I love to create!  

I do A LOT of different things.

I am an artist!!!

Acrylic Painted Clip Board

I love to re-purpose, recycle & reuse all different kinds of artsty stuff. 

It's not that hard to get in touch with me.... if you like what I create!

Browse through my different card labels to the left here on the blog.  These are just some of the items I have created!  I do a lot of custom orders.  That is... you have something in mind?  I can create it for you!! Custom made, unique and one of a kind!

Character Personalized Doodle Card

All of this can be overwhelming!  But once you contact me, I can help you figure out what you like, especially if you like to find unique items for extra-ordinary people in your life!

Handwritten Canvas

My mantra is... Brighten Someone's Day!

Digital Doodle on the IPad

Contact me at: prdesigns1@sbcglobal.net

What can I create for you???

It's a Party(napkin)

I have a lot of different 'issues'.  

I'm going to write about one of them on today's blog post.

I collect napkins.  Cocktail and dinner sizes.

I collect all kinds of napkins.  

In the picture below is a napkin over 24 years old. (Extra wedding napkins)

There is another napkin that is 20 years old.  (my #1 child had his #1 birthday)

I need help!

In all honesty, however, I have 4 or 5 each of these napkins. 

The next time we had a family party I couldn't celebrate the event with four napkins.... so, I had to go out and buy more.  If you figure that on an average every year we would have a least 4 birthday parties, holidays like Christmas and Halloween and then special events like graduations and picnics in the park .... and through the years I have just collected them in a box .... but only 4 or 5 of each.... I have lots of unused pretties that I couldn't just throw away ...

.... a pile of fun napkins!!!

As a 'new years resolution'.... I have decided not to purchase every day paper napkins for the kitchen table.  

In 2015 we will use up all of our party napkins.  We will use them every day and make each day a remembrance of all the special parties we've had in the past. It will be a party of napkins.... not on special days.... but every day.... until we run out!

Use up, reuse, recycle ....It will brighten our kitchen table..... every day!

Reindeer Games

Sometimes, well often times .... I don't think before I speak.

At work, there are plans for a holiday party, a secret Santa gift exchange, and an ugly sweater contest. 

Since I'm not really interested the 'contest' I really don't care to make a big deal out of it.  I actually have stuffed in a corner of my closet a one owner original 'cute' ugly sweater from the '80s that I can wear.

There is a buzz of excitement with some employees of 'what to wear'.  

Who knew that ugly sweater parties were such a big ta do??  Jay, one of the employees has been pressured to wear a sweater and saw that I created a few uglies to sell on the display rack at work.  He took me up on the offer to beautify his purchase.  I made sure that he didn't want to wear his $2 sweater again.  He assured me it was just for the event!

So I took this....

Checked out 'Ugly Sweaters' on Pinterest and found this.... (cute guy)

.... and using supplies I had on hand, a glue gun, some scissors and a strict 1/2 hour time limit.... came up with this.

Now, I don't know if Jay will win the best UGLIEST sweater, but with the little jingle bell added to the pom pom nose.... you can't help but think it's kinda cute.... too!!!!

This is another Pinterest SUCCESS for me.

I'll let you know what my co-worker thinks and the reaction he gets for this silly little sweater party. What will they think of next for the holiday parties..... reindeer games????

Go Brighten Someones Day and SHINE!!!!

Bring on more Men

Every year at about this time, it's quite obvious that I'm obsessed with a certain man. 

Really, there are all kinds of these men everywhere.  And I am pretty much in love with the cuter ones!!!!

Snowmen .... of course!!!

I like to make them.  

This time round I saw a metal spoon, pounded flat and painted with a fluffy figure.  So, I had to go get my own cheap spoons, flatten them (tiny sledge hammer and metal bar from my jewelry making) and paint them.  Then I added a few important accessories to his image, heart, earmuffs, scarf and bird house.... and then a little bling to the handle,..wire, bead and bow!

Oh, I can't make just one!  

And, there might be more in my future.

Add to the gift..... a tag, of course with a stamped snowman and the present is all ready for giving!

These kind of men melt my heart!!! And Brighten my Day!

A Simple Ride

Per usual, I get so excited when something comes together that I have seen, worked on in my mind and then when I put it to paper...shaazam.... it turns out.

How can I explain this picture ....

 

It is mixed media.

It is approx. 12" x14", thin painters canvas. 

 

I ripped pieces of two different colors of patterned paper, one in blues .... for the sky and.... one in greens for the land.  Then I mod podged (glued randomly) the paper pieces on the board.  After a few days when I had free time, I started to sketch out the bike/basket/flowers and painted them in. 

 

I am a realist in so many ways and would like to paint that way... real and how I see it, but this is one dimensional and sort of country folk art-ish!

 

I added some random white dots from a small portion of painted bubble wrap.  After the painting was dry, I used the computer for the sentiments, and sealed the picture with another coat of mod podge. Up close you can see the bumpy texture of all the layers.... which creates the 'mixed' media.

 

To go along with the painting, I created a 'mini me' greeting card.  A much smaller version on a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card.

 

I am very happy the way these two projects turned out!!! Success!

 

Come back and visit me again..... to see what I'm creating!!

Established in 1990

I love the way this sign turned out.  It is a Pinterest success. 

 

I have posted about my chalkboard signs before. 

 

Earlier, you saw this sign in my fall basket on the front porch ....

 

According to the directions on the chalkboard ink pen, I was supposed to be able to erase the letters.  I used a rag and nothing smudged.  I got a corner of the rag damp and tried to wipe away Trick-or-Treat... a bit of a smudge.... but my spider didn't go away. 

 

 

 I figured that on this cabinet door that is about 10" x 14",  it had absorbed the black chalkboard paint and it wasn't going to be cleaned that easily.  Now too, it had absorbed the chalk ink.  Fine, I didn't want to scrub and rub all the black paint off, so I took the sign outside and sprayed a new layer of black paint over the text. 

 

And I started a new project on a 'clean' slate.

 

I figured the new sign would have to be a permanent sign.... I had seen ideas all over Pinterest, fun stuff about family, and decided the Robinson's needed to be reminded when they were established.  

This is how it turned out!!!

 

 

Stay tuned for the rest of the story!!!

 

 

Why I Blog

Over the years, I have had people ask me what blogging is, and why do I blog. 

I always found that question to be quite interesting, because I don't think I'm a technological whiz by any means, but why did I jump on board to the blogging world?

This new part of technology was starting to build up online, or on the computer called Blogging.
A blog (a truncation of the expression weblog)^[1] is a discussion or informational site published on the World Wide Web and consisting of discrete entries ("posts") typically displayed in reverse chronological order (the most recent post appears first). Until 2009 blogs were usually the work of a single individual...

 

A little over eight years ago we moved to Illinois.  Just like any family move we had in the past, there is always an adjustment period when we get to the new house.  Organizing a new home, getting everyone settled in to their routines, finding music teachers and doctors, grocery shopping and home decorating, gymnastics and hockey practices, good vets and hair stylist, restaurants and car washes .... the list is huge.

 

At first, I used my computer and blogging as a diary, a place to write about things that were happening in our 'new' life, in our new home.

 

I used blogging as a tool to work on my writing style and my story telling.

 

 

I used it to 'show off' pictures of things I created, made, doodled, designed, cooked or costumed.

 

I used blogging after I took an online class or learned something new that I could describe and add pictures .... I learned how to enhance my photo taking and using all the tools the computer programs had to upload and download 'stuff'.

 

I didn't really think anybody would read my blog....maybe only those I invited. 

 

When I met new people and they found out that I created cards, or painted and designed something, they would ask if I had a website.... I had something more.... I had a blog and it was 'free-er' than a website.  At least if they made the effort.... they could actually see and read the story behind the creativity.

 

 

Often I have heard that some people couldn't find my blog, or they couldn't comment or they couldn't 'look around'.  That makes me sad, because I thought my 'thoughts' were very simple....and my blog layout is very basic, as I am a very 'SIMPLE' person. I'm not sure how to help others who come to visit.  Hopefully they aren't too frustrated when visiting me here at creative greetings.....whimsical paper crafts with a twist on LIFE!!!

 

I'm not afraid that I'm sharing too much personal information.  I guess know I'm pretty lucky.... I have strong core values, I follow the law and I don't 'really' use my blog to target or criticize an individual who may be different than me.

 

I use it to share things that are beautiful and things I think are interesting for others. It's a way to express myself... even if know no one is actually listening.... all the time.

 

At one time, I thought my blog would be a good way to 'sell' myself (things I make) .... but I discovered it was not.  All I know for sure is that I am embracing what I like and love and what I want to share .... and I like to show that on my blog!!

 

 

I got the opportunity to dress up for Halloween at work.  I did it because it was Possible!!! And I'm not missing out on any opportunities that let me express my whimsical side .... a bigger part of me really doesn't care what anyone thinks about me anymore .... life is too short to be any other way!

 

I write a blog because I can, it's fun, it's something creative, it's easy to share and it's become a positive habit in my life.  It helps me to spread SHINE and hopefully, Brighten Someones' Day!!!

Weird & Confident

Always creating .... something!

Although I'm not blogging as much as I once did, I still am creating. Here are some of my latest creative greetings!!

 

I have some really cute fall patterned papers that I wanted to use.  So I made a couple of these Have a Good Day cards.

 

Although this one above doesn't look like a card, it actually folds flat, but when opened becomes a pop up box card. Some fav person of mine is working with a circus theme for their homecoming this year and I thought I would try to commemorate the idea.  I had so much fun making this. 

 

I really don't want to tell you how much time I spent with the details!!!  But while the boys were sitting just watching a football game this weekend.... I was keeping my hands busy and created this while I listened to the game.

 

 

Here is a high end copy cat card.  It's water colors and markers.  I loved how it turned out.  Fancy fashion fabulous for a friend who is turning fifty!

 

I found a quote the other day that I'm really, really liking.

 

If you're going to be weird, be confident about it.

Belt It Out

Recently, I took an on-line art class to learn how to convert used belts into bracelets. I thought the creative info I learned was so awesome .... here are my very first attempts to up-cycle and design my own one of a kind cuff belt bracelets.

 

I have a bit of a 'tool' issue.  Because I'm so frugal, I don't always have the proper tools to create the project as simply as I could.  I try to make do!  So again.... these are my first attempts.  I found that real leather belts work great.... the older and more pliable the better.  I love my painting... but notice that when I take the picture. my eye does not see what my camera lens captures.

 

I gave away two bracelets already for quality control.  I want my friends to wear them, see if the snaps hold together and see if the 'cuff' might get in their way while doing every day stuff.  And to see if any of their friends comment on that surprising piece of artwork on their wrist!!!

 

Now, as the original teacher of the class noted.... I'm off to thrift stores to find some old fun belts that I can turn into beautiful new pieces of art.  Good thing I know where to shop and which days they discount old items!!!!

Brave Bird

Tweet, tweet...

The size is very deceptive!

 The top picture is the back cover of my newest Art Journal... I think!  I think it's my new art journal because I created it with a lot of blank pages.  Clean, crisp, white pages.... to doodle, paint, dream and create!!

As part of my on-line class from Brave Girls Art School.... so, so loved the class.  I L-LEARNED to feel more comfortable about collage art... which was putting together on a 10" x 14" canvas (2 in this case, front and back covers).... acrylic paint (using paint brushes and fingers and popsicle sticks), fabric (and lace and fiber) and paper pieces (embossed and patterned), mod podge and other silly and fun doo dads.... and creating a whimsical expression of unique ART.

Oh, here are the blank pages!  You'll have to stay tuned... probably into 2013 to see what wonderful master pieces they turn into!!!!

Here is a side view with the 2" rings for binding the book together.  Not sure if I will keep this as the binding... it isn't working as smooth as I hoped when I open it. I have a few other ideas for the binding. But for now I can easily take the pages out!

I certainly think it's a BRAVE step to think outside the box... this Year of Self... I'm trying often (almost every day) to SEEK, EXPLORE, LEARN, & FIND new things to inspire me to be a better self.

Oh, I've not left behind my cardmaking and all the other crafty things that are part of my heART... this is just what I'm doing, today!!!!

Life: Just Be

 Okay... I admit it...  I am more of a 'creative' thinker in the morning than I am after 10pm at night. 

For years I have written my blog before 9 am most mornings... but now that I'm working outside the home... I just can't manage my creative time... for writing, cardmaking, crafting, decorating.... learning! 

So, being a Brave Girl... I'm learning a new 'craft' of  making painted and etched leather bracelets.  You can see another one I made... above.... for my friend BE!  I just love finding things that relate to her name.....it's like a secret code between us.  Now I want to make more of these leather 'things'... but the tools to do this right, will co$t me.... not sure I want to invest in yet another crafty craft... I need to find 'cheaper'... more frugal tools somewhere....

And, here is another 'truth' card.  I am so loving funky flowers and meaningful quotes and then adding the colors I'm feeling that day... and then collaging everything together... all of this in a 4" x 6" card front.

So excited to get a text from my college student today.... some of the presidential candidates supporters are making their rounds at the University of Iowa and the boy is really getting into helping make a difference in his life and future. BE a fact checker!! Make 'informed' decisions.

Fuzzy

You'd never guess

... but many times when I write this post to my blog I have a special fuzzy lap warmer with me.  Found a new name for him.... Fuzz Lightyear... our Fuzzy Bear... lil Tuck Tuck is nicely tucked in my lap. I'm so lucky!! Our Pomeranian,Tucker!

Speaking of Fuzzy.... look at these addorable little slippers I stitched together and added to these fun pj party cards. The slippers match the background paper, or visa versa!

  The invite doesn't open, but paper and cardstock are machine zigzag stitched together... the party invite info was all computer generated. I added some fun 'fuzzy' fiber to make the slippers seem extra comfy cozy!

Love this Day

 How big do you think this is????

Last week it was Funky Flowers, this week it's powerful words!!!

It's 11" x 14".

This is next project for the on-line art class I'm taking over at Brave Girls.  The letters are printed out from the computer, then I pinned them on to some fabric that I had laying around, cut them out (that is called fussy cutting), next they got mod podged on the  canvas board, and then I painted over the Love and Day....  the close up below is just the fabric only of 'this'... so you can see the texture. It's all about textures for this class!!! There is other painting and inking going on for the background and edges.... with these  type of 'paintings' it's hard to know exactly when I'm done.

One of the many neat things about 'learning' more with mixed media, is that everything can be a creative experiment, a work in progress.... hmmmm, I'm not sure I really like that... with card making... I get the instant satisfaction of completing a card in 10-15 minutes.  Painting and collaging and mixed media... I could be putzing on each work of art for days. But, I could make this design into a creative greeting!! stay tuned.

However, the main reason I'm taking this class is.... to stretch my creative muscle. And I must admit... I really

LOVE

this

Day!