Time for The Big Girl Panties

This year is too much!   The shows I do and the wonderful people who come out to them are my lifeblood.      

They give focus to my work and goals to achieve.  Every show I plan to the last detail so I can build a better display than the time before.   I find that level of stress works for me.  Also it’s just the right amount of distraction from things I need distracting from.  Ha! 

So... yesterday I happened across the posting from Old Deerfield and not only is the Autumn show cancelled, but also the Holiday Sampler.   I’m too sad for words.   And yes, I am relieved too, because it’s safer to stay home and not be surrounded by huge crowds.   

And then I checked Old Wethersfield and they had also just posted and canceled.   That was the last opportunity for  this year.   So... I will keep making, because it’s what I do.  It’s just harder creating and not having visions of awesome primitive displays swirling through my head!  I will miss my people and the hustle and bustle of the shows.... the hugs, the heartwarming response to my creations, and another job well done.   😢

Walker Homestead Show is this Weekend!!!

I've had a really great span of creating handmades for Walker Homestead while passing the hours caregiving to my mom.  It helps bring peace to some otherwise very stressful days.  I have done a bunch of all new designs while working on some of my old favorites too.  It's hard to believe but the show is upon us and we are all packed.   If I make anything more before I setup on Friday I will either have to sit on it or have it on my lap on the way up....   :-) 

I simply can't wait.... for us this is a bit of respite and the weather looks like it will be stunning.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again.   ~  D

Spring Sampler

Thank you everyone!  I was surprised and touched by the outpouring of support we received.   We had the best show ever and I came home with a much lighter load.   I loved the booth this year.   I was pleasantly taken aback by how colorful the booth became as I filled it.  I certainly needed a breath of fresh air after a long winter of trudging through snow and mud and cold to spend my time next door :-)

and so now I am moving on ahead to creating for the next show and coming seasons.... 

a peek of our handmades for spring.

  Next year we have already been granted a larger booth.  Yay!

Deerfield Spring Sampler

What a wonderful show we had! 

 

It was a tremendous show for us again this year and I have so many people to thank.... I am extremely greatful for everyone who made it to the show and I do hope you all will cherish the things you purchased for many many years. 

 

It is always the best experience to create one of a kind items for our collectors, and we work hard to put on a first class showing for all of you.  This year's creations mean even more to me because I have done so many of them under the watchful eye of my mom..... It has made our nights so much more pleasant.   

 

And during the crunch time right before the show I find that is when the magic happens!  It is so nice when the marriage of unfinished objects turns into something really sweet, like my little bee girl...

 

or my other little bee girl.... she was fun!

 

 

the little yellow mohair chickies made everyone smile, and they flew the coop right away.

 

 

I've had this basket forever, and bunny was created for it.  He looks right at home.

 

a large bottle doll angel..  a newer item, and fun to make. 

 

I enjoy working with an assortment of materials.... keeps it interesting and fun.

 

One of my treasured baskets.... I do not usually part with my collection, but am comforted knowing it went home with a dear lady.

 

Some Spanish moss and greenery softened things up a bit...

 

 

a crowded table before the doors opened, but it was only that way for a few moments....

 

and so....

 

until we do it again......  hope that was fun for you! 

Loving Life

After a heartwarming weekend at Walker Homestead, we are getting back to working in the gardens.   It's been a poor start to the growing season because of the weather.   I'm not sure I will have the amount of sweet annie I had last year, for the fall shows, but we are trying!  Hopefully it will catch up!   Silly catnip is EVERYWHERE though :-) Still need to make time for the catnip rats!    I am up to my neck in some long overdue housework!  I've been organizing my fabric and cleaning out the craft room(s) and getting prepped for the next great push.... onward to Autumn.  The list is extremely long already, but with inspiration from all my past show photos I will get it done!   Last year's Deerfield booth was a knockout and it will be hard to beat.   My road is being reconstructed which will be at least a summer long project.  They started work on it yesterday morning and our property is lined with black plastic barriers. lovely, but it will look nice when they finish...  Matthew has most of the vegetable garden planted, and I'm looking for a few things to add to it to dry for my prim shows.  The trees we had taken down should bring an abundance of sunshine.   We have some good prospects for another weekend picking trip, so Yay, that's always fun to look forward to.      Enjoy this beautiful day ~  Denise and Matthew  

a busy week getting ready for Walker Homestead

We have had a busy busy week.   I finished everything I wanted to, and then some more.  So thankful to have a hubby who pitches in when help is needed.... a lot!    Both vehicles are jammed from end to end with goodies for Walker Homestead.   I am glad I asked him if he put the tents on the roof of the expedition....... oooooooooohhhhhh, he said!   Good thing I asked, because we are leaving when that's done.  

 

One of my Olde Liberty Dolls, mounted on 100 plus year old barnboard saved from the snowy year all the barns collapsed.  She is our show mascot this year..

    

First Show of the Year

We are keeping it simple this year, but will continue with all of the Old Deerfield and Walker Homestead shows.   I may try to add a few more venues, but they have to speak to my soul!   This will allow us to spend quality time with my momma, and creative time, and breathing time!   As always we will create for both Hidden Treasures and Cozy Cat Primitives.... both very kind wonderful shop owners who are dear to us!    The first show of 2016 was here in a flash.  Deerfield Spring Sampler is always in early March, and it just sprang up again suddenly this year.  I was happy to have nice weather for it.  We have worked on new spring items since Christmas time, and managed to jam pack our booth with goodies.  It was a very successful show and I am so grateful for all our friends and customers who traveled out to see us.    As you can see, the booth is packed out to the max, because once the doors open, there is not time to refill until late afternoon.   

a sweet stuffed bunny, vintage paper sheep, wax peep bucket, and Hershey rabbit....

old granny coat bear, and vintage velvet carrot rabbit racer.  generally I design my own things, but this design by myprimitivesaltbox was too sweet not to try!

vintage barn wood, old paper basket half, and velvet peep...

old paper molded easter basket and plush rabbit to greet the shoppers...

a long shot of part of the booth.... yes, it's jammed.

a shot from another angle...

from the main door..... shop here please!!!!

small table packed out before the doors opened.

 

I love my old onion crate display.   So heavy to haul, but so worth it. 

I think we covered most of it!

 

 

Now, a week of wonderful weather is ahead.  It makes me want to go out and poke in the gardens, but alas.... first must fold a boatload of fabric and get my house back!!!!

 

Have a happy week! oxo Denise

 

       

Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair

Thank you, thank you everyone who came out to see us.... It is such a tremendous rush to see you all, always, but even more so after being cooped up and enduring this harsh winter. I have come home with a very happy heart tonight.

It was an exhilarating but exhausting day. One more day to go 10 - 5 Sunday.. My  friend Linda and my son Josh were wonderful... such a tremendous help. I am so greatful for their support! It was a bit overwhelming at times even with their help! We were crushed with customers as soon as the doors opened and it continued like that for hours.

I still have some great pieces left, but it's definately thinned out a lot which will make packing to go home so much easier! That's a beautiful thing!

I've taken a few orders for things that were snatched up, and am willing to do a few more before starting in the gardens.   Also I have some more Easter things at Crossroad in Somers, Ct. 

A couple of booth pictures.... not the best, but whatever. I spent a bit too much time gabbing and forgot to take pictures til the doors opened. I had to move quickly at that point!

I jam-pack my booth for a show like this, because there is no way to refill once it gets busy.  If it looks cluttery that's why.  Almost everything I made for the show is out.... 

Well off to be a couch potato for a little while!   

 

Granville Harvest Fair

What a gorgeous setting for a prim booth.  I am set up at the Old Meeting House and I am loving every minute of it.  This is just a peek at my little home away for three days.  Come out to Granville if you can.... there are crafters set up at several locations, tag sales throughout the town, and you can also purchase just picked apples from the orchards. 

The front door of the meeting house....

The Old Meeting House

My generous booth space

setting up the quilt frame for the demonstration...

a glimpse of the quilt display