Mother Nature (and the twins) pay a visit

Whew.  I'm glad that's over.  I can't believe that it's been a WEEK since our annual Holiday Craft Show here in Holt.  Still in the process of putting the house back together, and making room for the Christmas-ing...Our sales weren't nearly as good as in years past, thanks to the little tiff between Mother Nature and Old Man Winter, who dumped about 4 inches of snow on us the night BEFORE the show, making travel difficult for the first few hours of the day on Thursday.  Then they decided once wasn't enough - and added ICE to that on SATURDAY morning - typically one of our busiest times.

Despite the snow and blow on Thursday, though, it seemed to be our busiest day.  It certainly was MY favorite day, because it included a visit from our favorite returning customers - "THE TWINS and DEEDEE".  Sounds like a music group or something, right?

The twins are Sammi and Andrea - first friends with my vendor friend Tracy, and now, as the years have passed, with me too.  They are young college coeds, who both work as bartenders at the same popular eatery in town.  They even have a 'twin bartender night', filling the place and having a blast!
The DeeDee part is their beloved aunt, who seems to follow them everywhere.  She calls them 'my beauties', and together that trio is an absolute HAPPY bubble of fun.  You can't help but laugh when they're around.  They just have that THING about them that throws off positive vibes everywhere they go.
So happy they love us, and keep coming back every year.

All in all - it was fun, and I'm happy with my profit.   We all laughed and ate, and shared stories.  

Girl time, done differently!

Here's a few shots of the house at it's Holiday Sampler show best:

The sun came out for just a bit on Friday; I wish I could say the same for the people. :(  Sadly, Friday was our slowest day - and the day that ALL THREE of my vendors were available to greet customers.  You just never know how to plan for those crowds...

My holiday jewelry and ornament display....

The front porch.  Tracy does good vintage.....

Judy upcycles old sweaters into new accessories: hats, 'texting' gloves, and more.

Michelle offered delicious soy candles.  The chocolate 'flavor' was the most popular! Could be because we had one burning in the kitchen for everyone to smell!

Now on with the rest of the SHOW - decorating for Christmas, AND creating my piece for NEXT SATURDAY'S "Bead Hoarders Blog Hop".  I have a bit different hoarding story to tell - some of you may have an inkling of what it might be if you've been following and reading the blog this year.
Be sure you stop back next Saturday for the reveal....
Off to enjoy a somewhat warmer day, and enjoy the company of relatives from out of town. THEN
Venison lasagna for dinner.
Life is good.
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Things are hoppin'!

Getting down to the wire.  THIS is the week.  Tables being covered, and set up for the show.  Holiday decor being put here and there to help with the holiday 'mood'.  Still lots to do - but that doesn't mean there isn't time for MORE!   Look over on the left and you'll see another new adventure....another blog hop!  I won't tell you too much about it right now - I'll want you to come back on the reveal date and read all about it - but let's just say it will fit right in with what many call the 'season of giving'.   I won't have a hard time writing the blog to fit the topic - but I MAY have trouble squeezing in time to CREATE my pieces!  I'll be glad if I can do ONE piece for this one!   Hope you can stop back on December 6th for this hop reveal!

Moving right along....  ;)    ;)  wink wink 

Beads were again in the spotlight yesterday as I was able to commandeer the Jeep and have the afternoon to myself.  Sale at T&T Trading you say?   Don't mind if I DOOOO!   So off I went - into the on again off again snow squalls (man, I hate that 4 letter word) and into a world crazy with beads!

If you've never been - T&T Trading  has been located way out yonder between Mulliken and Grand Ledge Michigan since WaAAaAY before I was introduced to beads - which was over 20 years ago. So YOU do the math.   They've always been the go-to bead store for EVERYTHING - huge selection of seed beads - and they work directly with Swarovski for their crystals.    This is the weekend of the big annual sale - Tom even bakes us cookies!  - but I did try to control myself.  Operative word being TRY.  :)   Let's just say they have the proper marketing skills in putting the $1.99 pewter findings on the aisle by the check out. 
Got home so late after picking up hubby and doing dinner that I didn't think to take a photo of the entire 'hoard' - which does consist mostly of pewter clasps and findings, as well as two hole czech glass.  BUT - I did find a pretty mix of seed beads that will come together to be the next Enlightened Denim zipper cuff.  Even though those tend to be pricier than the rest of the ones I make - I can't seem to keep them in stock!
Gonna need more ZIPPERS!

That's all for now - I hope you have a ZIPPY weekend!  Enjoy whatever it is you find yourself doing - to the fullest!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Cleaning the castle

When I was a kid, Cinderella was my favorite movie.

Maybe I identify with that movie - because I would much rather dance with a prince than CLEAN anything.  Just not my favorite thing.

Which is what makes participating in this big 3 day home to home holiday show such a stressful experience beforehand.   

I just hate housework.  Spiders need homes.  Dustbunnies do too.    

This cartoon was perfect for depicting our vacuum - which is not just loud, but also decides to pop open and deposit all the yuck you just swept up right back on the floor again.
EVIL.   No wonder the dogs run and hide.

But clean I must.  The show must go on...

Here is a peak at shows past....

The holiday table - holiday jewelry, ornaments and sparkle

This one was before I asked my friend Tracy to join in the fun.  She now occupies this space with her beautiful linens, pillows, and vintage Christmas treasures.  I also have 2 other girls joining in - sharing the family room space in the back of the house - so there are FOUR of us to share the fun and the wealth!

Last but not least - here's a big pile of LOVE for all you bead loving followers!  I love Bead Haven.  And as much as I manage to spend every time I go, I bet Bead Haven loves ME!

Peaceful beading,
TTFN

Beads, beads, BEADS!

This time of year especially - it's ALL about the beads.  Not only do I have that big 3 day show coming up, but I've got TWO private shows for friends, AND, as I mentioned in my last post - I've reopened the Etsy shop.  You'll see the little Etsy mini shop and link over on the left - there will be many more pieces added over the course of the next few weeks - I think I've discovered a way to keep things in the shop and offer them at shows at the same time!  That would make my life easier (except for the photo taking part.  That still takes up a BIG chunk of time).

My fireplace display in years past....

I made the trip to Bronners in Frankenmuth this week, to give myself a little tweak into the Christmas spirit.  I used to decorate my ENTIRE house, in and out with Christmas cheer - now I'm lucky if there's a wreath on the door, lights on the railing and a tree.  Is it an age thing?   Just haven't been able to get that holiday spirit going the last few years.  Hoping to change that THIS year 

My tree is tiny - but full of crystal and purple decorations and lights.  Cuz as many of you know - purple is how I roll....

I've also made the trip to Shiawassee Art Center to deliver my Holiday Market pieces for this year.

These are just two of the creations delivered to them this week.  I hope you've had an opportunity to check them out.  

Hope I get a chance to check in and blog again soon - but with the big days drawing near - may be too busy cleaning, shining, and preparing.  I will TRY to remember to take photos during the show to post DURING and afterward - but honestly - sometimes it's just TOO busy!  

If you're local, or want to road trip! - here's the flyer and map:

Peaceful beading,
TTFN