For the past few years, I have been a vendor at a friend's house in Arlington, Virginia for an open house she holds to raise money for a cause near and dear to her heart - Borromeo Housing, Inc. (BHI). BHI serves homeless mothers, ages 16-23, who are pregnant with their first child or have one child. They provide a safe and loving home environment and the opportunity for full-time scholastic endeavor for young mothers who are interested in striving for a brighter, self-sufficient future. My friend, Dani, selflessly opens her beautiful home to many vendors and offers a comfortable, holiday-themed environment to kick off THE Shopping Season. In addition to the myriad vendors, her sister Cathy provides some of the most awesome food throughout the entire day (that is reason enough to attend!) Fortunately (or unfortunately for me!), my table is situated right smack dab next to the kitchen....score!!
On Saturday - 2 days later - I am attending for the second year the St. Timothy's Catholic Church Fall Craft Fair, in Chantilly, Virginia. The majority of the over 100 artisans attending this event feature handmade goodies- I hope I have time to shop!!!
I am hoping and praying that I did not over-extend my self! Luckily, my sister has volunteered her time for Saturday (thank you Lori!)! Anyhoo, I have been busy trying to make enough stock! First up, last week, Jeannie Dukic posted a picture on FB of one of her stunning polymer clay pendants and matching charms. I no longer make Christmas-themed jewelry 'cause I don't wear it! But, this is winter themed! I pounced on them and ripped the package open on Saturday morning!
I just LOVE the Ice Blue color - winter sky blue! In my head, the pendant did not need any other beads, so I made a chain with one of Cindy Wimmer's links from The Missing Link. Simple links between the tri-wrapped link work perfectly with this design.
I kept the earrings super simple - I did not want them to compete with the necklace.
I have found myself playing with hoop designs, too.
Lovely porcelain from Jenny Davies Reazor, paired with faux sea glass.
I bought these tiny little charms at artBliss from Diana of Suburban Girl Studio. They are so sweet and tiny, I wanted to keep it simple.
The pattern and color on these charms instantly reminded me of Pfaltzgraff - Yorktowne pattern...anybody else grow up with these dishes????
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| Source: www.replacements.com |
I am putting my Etsy shop on vacation today to prep, and will reopen it sometime on Sunday. I cannot believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner...and you know what that means? Black Friday...ugh! I will not be anywhere near a big box store - or any store - starting November 29th through the Christmas Holiday! The wonderful folks over at Love My Art Jewelry have been writing some awesome posts lately, specifically related to Handmade. If you are a handmade artist or jewelry-related designer and have not done so yet, scroll through the posts this month - there are some awesome tips for artists selling their wares this season. So, I leave you with this image:
xo
Patti
All the work you do for charity is so inspiring Patti! That is a beautiful necklace - I love that link it reminds me of a little box when the loops are splayed. I have some made (and tumbled!!) in magenta lasted out in a design I should have completed ages ago, but alas. I hope you have great shows, I know your customers will be blown away. I'm also nodding in agreement with your ending here which reminds me to switch over to the laptop and join the link up
ReplyDeleteGreat post Patti~ When we lived in South Riding I did that St Tim's show. It's a big one. I too grew up with those dishes, my mom still has them and keeps threatening to toss them, but my dad won't let her! Best of luck on the open house, what a good cause. Regards, Tammie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work Patty! I love the links in that first necklace - you are really putting Cindy's book to work!
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