Kids Day Event

Yesterday I set up a booth at a Kids Day Event held at our local Market House in town. I was hoping I would do well since most of my items are geared for babies and children--and guess what--I did!! It was such a BIG relief compared to the last show I did (only made $27). The man who organized it is planning to make it a yearly event, so I can't wait until next year! A lot of people were truly interested in my items and a few took my cards so I hope I get more local business from it. My main goal was to get my brand out there locally and I think I accomplished that.

Practice Booth Pics

 It was also a ton of fun! I had the PERFECT spot--right next to all the entertainment! There were clowns that were making animal balloons, face painting, and just entertaining the kids (who LOVED them!). There was also a pretty lady there who danced with hula hoops (she was SO amazing!), a band (which actually wasn't very good at all), and a DJ (who played golden oldies). So I got to watch the kids get their sweet little faces painted, try out hula hooping, and dancing. So cute!

Face Painting

 

Hula Hoop Dancer

 My biggest selling items were hair clippies and pins--mostly owls, flip-flops, and kitties:

 I also sold a bear tooth fairy plush, a couple of Cuddle Monsters, and a couple of aprons (size 3/4 seemed to be the favorite)

Oh--and did I mention the cute vendor apron I made for myself :)

 All in all it was a very good day and I truly enjoyed it!

Aging Parents

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Reason being: life in general. Seems sometimes (ok--a lot of times) things come up in your life that throws you completely off schedule. Something like this recently happened to me.

Dad and my great nephew Chase a year ago

Dad when I went to vist

A couple months ago, I got a message from my brother that said my dad was feeling really depressed and was saying that he didn't think he'd ever see me again (I live in PA--my family lives in TN). That same afternoon my oldest niece called saying the same thing. He's been having health issues. He has pancreaitis and was in and out of the hospital for a month or so. I guess this really got him down so he got a bit depressed. 

Well, he's the only dad I have so I decided I'd better get my tail down there for a visit. It had been two years since I last went. I usually try to go every year but finances being what they were, I couldn't afford to go last year. I spent three weeks there and it was a good visit. I'm glad I went.

If you have aged parents (mine are 73 and 74) I don't have to tell you how hard it is watching them age and have health problems that come with aging. I probably don't have to tell you either, that you realize your parents are not going to be here forever. What I do have to tell you is to spend as much time as possible with them and be there for them like they were for you growing up. It's the least we can do.

A Rat Named Daisy

 A couple of years ago I decided to get a new pet. I already have three cats and a chinchilla, but for some reason I've always liked hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. I do not know why. I thought maybe that feeling would change once I became an adult, but apparently not. So, while I have Rocky, my chinchilla, I wanted something I'd never had before: a rat. Now I know what you must be thinking, "A rat--ewwww gross!!!" which is what I always thought myself in the past, so imagine my surprise when I absolutely fell in love with Daisy!

Daisy is my very first rat and I'm so glad I made the decision to get her. She's very calm and docile, and believe it or not, extremely lovable! I know, I know, you think I've fallen off my rocker, but she really is quite a friendly critter. There's nothing she likes more than to lay on my lap under a blanket and get her nose rubbed. She'll lay there for hours enjoying the attention--talking to me all the while.

Saying "hello" to Rocky

Daisy is not only quite friendly towards me, but it seems as if she likes other furry critters too. One day last week when I took Rocky's cage outside to give it a good spraying down (he lives in a three story mansion that's almost as tall as I am), I decided to see how her and Rocky would get along (I usually let Rocky have free reign in the bathroom while I clean his cage). Well, she was friendly enough, but Rocky--well apparently he doesn't like other critters. I just happened to snap the picture above at the perfect moment because two seconds afterwards, Rocky bit Daisy on the nose. Poor Daisy--she ran into my arms as if to say, "Save me from that big, hairy beast!!".

Last night, I decided to take Daisy out of her cage, like I do most every night, while Scooter was in the bedroom (if she's in the house, she's stuck up my butt) just to see how they would react to each other. Well, I must say, that was a better show than what I was watching on TV! It seems Scooter was a wee bit curious at first, and Daisy being a friendly critter, just wanted to make friends:

Scooter was ok with that at first and was actually very well behaved: she didn't try to bite, scratch, or otherwise attack Daisy--just seemed curious was all.

Until.....Daisy decided to chase her around the bed. I haven't laughed that hard in quite some time! Every time Scooter would lay down and relax, here would come Daisy--trying to groom her and play with her, and up Scooter would jump and run away! I tried to get a few pics of the whole shenanigans but Scooter would jump up so fast every time Daisy came near her it was a bit difficult. But it was indeed good entertainment!

Now, while I dearly love Daisy (I never thought I'd say that about a rat), she is getting old. I've had her for a bit over two years and rats are only supposed to live 1-2 yrs at the most, so I'm afraid Daisy won't be with me very much longer. She's lost quite a bit of weight and mostly sleeps these days (even when out of her cage), so it was rather nice to see her show a bit of energy while she chased Scooter around the bed. I'm not sure if I'll get another rat or not after she's gone, but I wouldn't mind another one. By the way, if you're looking for a first pet for a child, I would highly recommend a rat over a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig any day.

My 1st Craft Show

I apologize for the blurry pictures. This is a view of my Lil' Bit Sassy section.

Schoolhouse Designs Section

If you have any suggestions about how better to display my items, please let me know!

Yesterday I did my very first craft show. It was held at the local college (Allegheny) by some students. I must say, they did a great job of organizing the event. The tables were all set up for us when we got there, a student helped us unload our cars and carry our things up (it was on the 2nd floor) to the hall, and they even served us free cookies, tea, and pizza for lunch. The only flaw I did notice was that they needed more signs. They only had one sign pointing to the parking lot but no signs on the building itself to tell you what door to go into or how to get to the hall. It was at the back of the building too so made it even more confusing. Needless to say, the only people we had attending were college "kids" and some of their parents.

Unfortunately, none of us vendors did very well. I only made $27. The show was free, so that was a plus. I got a lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhs" over my things, but not really any sales. I think next year (if they have it and I decide to do it) I will focus on wallets, wristlets (I noticed a lot of the girls were carrying those) and adult sized aprons (they seemed to love my kids aprons). I really thought my Allegheny Gators would go over well but I didn't sell even one of them. If anything, this has not deterred me. I am more determined now to make my little business a success locally.

I think there were a few reasons we didn't do well. As I said, I think the signage was a part of it, plus it being the 1st year they've tried this. I did meet some other vendors and that was great. One even told me about an event coming up at our local Market House from May till September. Each 2nd Saturday of the month they will be having a little fair with certain themes (healthy living, wool spinning, etc). One of the themes in August is Kids Day and I might just do much better at it. I am willing to give it a go.

Another good thing about the day was that I won a couple of doll purses from another vendor. They had a Chinese auction and some of us donated items for it. The purses are really cute and I think I'm going to send them to my great niece. The vendor that made them didn't have a website but she did have an email address (smonkeybusiness@gmail.com) and a brochure with the purses. If you're interested in American Girl doll clothes & accessories, send her an email!

Kabi Designs

I have a thing for polymer clay. I can't make anything from it myself (been there, tried that, didn't work), but I love, love, LOVE the little figurines, jewelry, and buttons that some artists can make with it! So I was very excited when Kabi Designs was featured in blog ring post on Handmade Artists Forum. I am so excited to be blogging about this shop and it's unique polymer clay items!

Karina is the owner of Kabi Designs and this is a little bit about why she loves working with polymer clay:

In March 2006 I discovered the wonderful world of Polymer Clay - and since that day - I practice daily so I can learn new techniques !

I love experimenting with clay and creating just about everything - but I especially enjoy making jewelry in which I use many different techniques, using canes that I make and enhancing the beauty of the canes and techniques with Glass beads and Swarovski Crystals in many occasions.

Also, I have entered the wonderful creative world of Fantasy Figurines which I also make out of Polymer Clay!

So let's take a look at some of my favorites from her shop.

 

If you like any of these items, please be sure to check out Kabi Designs for more original polymer clay items!

Tam's Crafts and Collectibles

I would like to tell you about a lovely jewelry shop on etsy. It is called Tam's Crafts and Collectibles and she sells lovely jewelry at VERY affordable prices--plus it's guaranteed!! She has several styles so you're sure to find something for yourself, friends, or family. Here are just a few examples:

Turquoise Nugget & Gemstone Set

Oil Slick Bead Necklace with Earrings

Twisted Heart Pearl Earrings

And of course she has many other jewelry pieces to choose from. So why don't you stop by and say hello and check out her lovely shop!

End of an Era

On our way to Daytona in '98

You see, this bike? Well that's our 18 yr old "Geezer Glide". In this picture it's packed and on it's way to Daytona for Bike Week. This was in '98 and El Nino was blowing through. Just so happened that on the morning we were to leave, it was 50-some degrees out so we canceled the trailer rental and decided to ride. So we packed up our clothes, tent, and sleeping bags and off we went. Took us two days riding about 10 hrs a day to get there. The further south we got, the warmer it got. It was a good ride.

Of course when we got to Daytona it was COLD. Low 60ºs during the day and dropping down to the 40ºs at night. Which might have been ok had we been staying in a motel. But we were camping out and sleeping on the cold ground. Needless to say, on the trip home I got so sick that I completely lost a day. We had to stop and put up in a motel so we were late by a day getting home. The morning after we got home we woke up to snow on the ground. Made it just in time.

Flat tire on way to Peoria races.

We've had quite a few good times on this old bike. Lots of road trips. Lots of great memories. We used to put 10,000 miles a year on it--mostly doing road trips. We enjoyed going to flat track bike races in Hagerstown, MD; Peoria, IL; Parkersburg ,WV; and even Indianapolis a time or two. This bike has also been to Myrtle Beach four times, Alburquerque, NM, and Memphis, TN. I wasn't there on the two latter trips, but that's no matter. This isn't about me. It's about an old, reliable friend. This old bike has gotten us there and back many a time without a hitch.

New Friend

So, when Mike brought our new V-Rod home it was a bittersweet moment. I was excited of course, but also sad that we will soon part with our old friend. You might ask why we got a V-Rod, which is a much smaller bike. Well, you see, we haven't taken a road trip in many years now so we no longer need a big bike. Plus, our old bike is, well, old. Though we've maintained it well and taken good care of it, it's still older. So it's time for a new bike.

New V-Rod

My only hope is that our old reliable friend will find a good home and that the new owner will have as many happy memories as we've had on it. I will miss it dearly.  It's truly the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

40 Bikes, 40 Flags, 40 Heroes: Flight 93 Memorial Bike Ride

 As some of you may know, me and Mike are participating in a memorial bike run in September of this year for the Flight 93 Memorial Fund. We were so honored to be chosen to go on this ride. We will be leaving our town of Meadville, PA to be joined by other riders across the state on September 11, 2011 and will travel to the location where Flight 93 went down. There we will participate in a memorial ceremony to honor those passengers that were on the flight.

As you may not know, we are currently sponsoring ourselves on this ride. Sponsorship is $1,000, so we are looking for donations to help fund our ride. Any monies donated over the $1,000 sponsorship fee will go directly to the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign. So, if you'd like to donate, please contact me directly for instructions at lilbit8867@gmail.com  Thank you in advance!

For the First Time

I simply must talk about something that I'm EXTREMELY excited about. Some of you may know that I normally watch Dancing with the Stars. Now, while I like this show, I usually don't get too excited about it. This season is different. I am so excited I can barely contain myself (no coffee needed to get me bouncing off the walls). The reason being: my favorite Steelers player will be competing. That's right, you all know him as Hines Ward, I on the other hand, affectionately refer to him as My Dear Hines Ward. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this man (I don't mean in a smoochy, kissy sort of way). I respect him, admire him, and think he's an amazing player. I love how he speaks his mind no matter the consequences, and I like how he sticks up for his fellow team players.

So, you can just imagine how excited I was last night for the first show of DWTS! I could barely sit still. Thank goodness Hines was one of the first to dance or I might've had a heart attack by the end of the show if he were last. And I must say, I was very pleased with his performance. Normally the athletes seem to be the worst dancers, but Hines, well let's just say Hines has some pretty nice hip action going on (I know I didn't say I loved him in a kissy kind of way but....)!

Last night was the first time I ever voted for my favorite dancer. Guess who it was. Yes, I used all 11 votes too. And next week, I plan to do the same thing. I don't care if Hines breaks a leg doing the jive, I will still vote for him. I am after all, his biggest fan (ok, that's a bit ironic since I'm only 4'8"). Yes indeed, I do love My Dear Hines Ward.

P.S. I don't know if any other Steelers fans out there watched last night, but did you see Franco Harris in the audience holding The Terrible Towel? Yeah, that was the greatest thing EVER! 

Embroidered Sewist's Tote

So far the only thing I've made with my embroidery machine have been match games. They take quite a bit of time since each set comes with 20 game pieces plus the basket. And to think I've only made three sets! Two of the girl sets have been sold. The animal set is in my shop waiting for someone to buy it for some lucky child (hint hint).

 So, while these are fun, as I said before, they are quite time consuming. I decided for my next project I would make something that wouldn't take quite as much time. I found a pattern for a thread basket that I found on Secrets of Embroidery site. When I started making the basket, it seemed rather large and the instructions were a bit confusing as I got more involved, so I decided to just turn it into a tote. It took me most of the day, but I love how it came out.

Except for the yellow striped fabric, it is made from four fat quarters I had in my stash. I think if I make it next time, I'll not make the top section quite as tall as it makes the embroidered block look a bit off center.

Here is a close-up of the embroidery design. Can you believe it was only $1?? And how true is the saying! I did have to change a few colors so they would show up on the yellow, but I think it turned out well.

This is the back of the bag. There are three 7" x 7" blocks (back and sides) with the sewing machines and 2" strips with a coordinating fabric (thread spools) connecting the blocks. The top and bottom of the bag are also the thread spool fabric. This is the first time I've ever attempted to make anything closely resembling quilt/piecework.

As an added feature, I decided to put some pockets on the inside. There are three of them. I also added a bottom to keep the bag square when standing. This was meant for a Secret Sister swap on an online sewing group I belong to, but I may just keep it for myself and use it as a "I don't need that much at JoAnn Fabrics today" bag.

Food & Wire

What artists do when you give them food and wire.

Bathing Dog

Cat Doodle

Dancing Queens

Spooning Bananas

Orphaned Egg

Old Grape

Paper Training the Dog

Peanut Zombies

Robbed at Knife Point

Brains Taste Like Cauliflower

A Modest Pear

 

Walking the Dogs

Walking the Plank