Elvira...

How can you resist a cashmere elephant? Much less, one with it's own toadstool. I so love making elephants. They seem to be enjoyed by others as well. Each fair I have participated in, I have sold the elephant. This last weekend, I sold almost all of my softies. It makes me so happy to think that others enjoy them as I do. I was even asked about possibly doing a show a gallery. WOW!

I have another show coming up and in between enjoying our company, I have been very busy. I found some neat sweaters today inspite of the out of towners collecting their sweaters at 'My" Salvation army. I think we need a sign..." Sweaters for locals first." hehe

More friends....off to new homes...

York days was an interesting fair. I loved being with my sister-in-law Lori, but also missed Heidi. Working on new merchandise trying out new display ideas. I wonder how everything will turn out? Heidi won't be a the next fair either. Her sister is getting married and I was so anxious to get going, I didn't check any dates with her. Looks like all will work out though. Just means that everyone will have to come to all my shows so that they don't miss anything.

Girl Time Art Camp Week 2

Watch out Softie collectors....there is some new talent on the streets. I could not get over how awesome my art girls were this week. They each created their own softie, made the pattern and sewed it in a day! The day before they made pocket journals from old jeans. It was great to see each girl personalize their journals with their own ideas, talents and interests. I think we will need to have a day long journal day for those that missed this great project. Thanks to Aunt Leslie who created the original.

Girl Time Art Camp Week 1

Here we all are after our first week of art camp. I had such an awesome time and sooooo enjoyed each and every girl. Watch out artists....here they come. To be so uninhibited (is that a word?) I think they all had a great week. Playing the Ungame was definitely a favorite for the girls. Great game for group bonding. I have the family addition, but by changing a few words here and there it was perfect. Great game to get to know each other.

Laptop anyone?

Took a brake from making softies for a day - tried my hand at laptop sleeves. A sleeve not a bag.... you say. It is meant to be a cover for your laptop when you take it with you in another bag, or carrying it. It goes in a backpack, suitcase, or seat of the car. Not sure that others will "get it." This one is lined with fun fabric. I guess it will become mine if it doesn't sell at the next fair. I made two others, with vintage buttons and no lining.

Enjoyed York Days this past weekend. Saturday was pretty slow, but Sunday picked up. I met some great people and loved spending the two days with my sister-in-law. Missed Heidi, but with friends in town and deadlines approaching she was needed elsewhere.

Wondering if anyone knows what I should be expecting to make at a show. Someone once told me that a good show is one that you make____% over the cost to be in the show. I just can't remember what that figure was.

Getting ready for Art Girls next week. We are going to have such a great week. They of course have requested many awesome crafts....we will need to work hard. I will transfer the pics from the last one to share. They made such great art.

Hard Core Hikers

They did it! Bart took Emelia and Chloe on their annual trip to Katahdin and they had a great time. The girls were a little worried about the hike, but did a great job. Next year Ella joins them. Nina and I will wait a bit longer. I love that they have that time together and come home with such special memories and stories to share. To think that this trip was something that Bart and I did together before the girls came. Sure was different then... I miss the alone time, but wouldn't trade a moment of time with my family.

Good bye Ellie

Ellie is on her way to her new home. I am pleased with her new home, but will miss her. She gave me confidence and assured me that making softies was working for me. I just love it. It is funny how I feel when people ask me what I am making for craft fairs and I tell them "softies." I find myself trying to convince them that this is a valid craft and something people like. It reminds me of how I would apologize for a gift that I would give to someone, giving them permission to not like it. NOT GOOD! I need to, well want to, feel confident and sure of what I make. I sold so many at the fair that it ole Ellie has done her job. There are other people who find value and enjoy a homemade one of a kind cozy. Now....the next step....submit them to Somerset Magazine for their Softie addition. Scary!

I'm Back!

I am ready to be a consistent blogger. I talked to my good friend Joan, while at the lake, and feel like I have a plan to give my crafting world my attention. I participated in the Harpswell Festival this past Sunday and inspite of the rain had a great day. I love living here so much. To be able to be at a festival and see so many people that I know (and like). I feel truly blessed.

I was able to earn enough $ to pay off the tent I had to buy for all my shows. Yippee. Monday I jumped right in and had my first week of Girl Time Art Camp. The camp filled up and we are having a blast. Each girl is so truly amazing. I so love this age (9 to 12). Well....let me clarify. I love this age to teach and get to know....I find it challenging as a mother. All of my art girls save all that emotional stuff for their mommas and I get the enjoyable time. We wrap up tomorrow with an art show and I will post pics.

All in the Family

My dad, Bart, Nina, Ella, Gigi (Bart's mom), and me - Ella made her grand performance on stage as "Jesse" the mermaid. Watch out Broadway here we come. If I could figure out how to do a YouTube video I would add the song that her Super Six Kindergarten class recorded about our town, Harpswell. It is amazing to me how much girls like music and singing when both Bart and I both have no special talent in this area.

Off to watch Closer with my husband. I love that show. We don't have cable so we watch it on TNT on the web. I think that is what we do. Maybe it is called downloading it from the web? Wow I need to update my lingo.

Sea Glass, Sea Glass, Sea Glass anyone???

Is it normal for my three year old to love sea glass? And look....she even has her little buddy joining her in the search. I guess I do threaten her with no dinner until she has found a bag full. Hehe. That was a joke. I tend to not be funny, so you probably aren't laughing.

Today was the last day of school for my girls. I am so excited to finally be able to spend our days as we wish. Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating. I couldn't convince them to go to the beach even if it was windy and raining. Luckily we ate dinner at Estes and we walked on the beach afterwords for a bit. I found a few treasures - the best - watching my four daughters stroll arm and arm with their dad. I won't mention that twenty minutes later I was negotiating an argument about cheating. We have to hold on to the happy times and let go of the negative. My mantra.