How Time Does Fly.....

Last I checked, it was summer....and now here we are well in to September!  What happened?  Where did the summer go?  No longer am I just the mother of a three-and-a-half year old (not just a three-year-old, it is imperative that everyone know he is three and a HALF!),  but of a pre-schooler.  Yep, my boy started pre-school this week.  The photo above is our September calendar layout, and the photo on the right shows him all ready on the very first day.  His very first first day of school.  Ever.  I took a lot of pictures, yes I did, before we left the house, and before the teachers told us moms to say good-bye and skedaddle.  And yes, he loves it already.  And no, I didn't cry. 

September is historically a very busy month.  I don't recall too many Septembers in my life that haven't been busy and this one is certainly no exception.  As a teenager, I was busy with football games and dances and cheerleading practice and homecoming and all that vitally important stuff that took precedence over sleep.  Now, I'm busy with craft shows and a garage sale and a Day Out With Thomas, and oh yes, keeping up with Project Life!  I've done so well documenting our year that I am determined not to let that get lost in the shuffle despite the fact that I will be busy, busy, busy from now until Christmas.  I have managed to fill my schedule with at least one event every week, and sometimes two, or three, or....

So, my September calendar, when I finally got around to making it (I held off a few days so I could use a first day of preschool photo) was put together in under five minutes.  The striped paper is an old design from BoBunny and this was my last sheet.  Plain red cardstock, and that awesome "THIS" stamp is one I ordered from elisejoy.com earlier this year.  Elise Blaha Cripe is well-known in blogland and I read her blog regularly for inspiration.  She's a multi-talented gal; find her at www.eliseblaha.typepad.com.  Here's a closer look at that stamp (I'm not sure if these are still available, I know she has new stamps soon to be released!):

I've been using this stamp quite a bit in my Project Life layouts (which I may or may not share by the end of the year).  I love it because it is so versatile.  There are millions of rubber stamps available but since I am running out of storage (hence the garage sale this weekend!) I try to buy stamps that I know I can use for lots of different projects.  "THIS" stamp is definitely one of those. 

For now, back to work.  If you're out and about in Des Moines, Iowa this fall, you can find me around town at East Village Sunday Bazaar (Sundays from noon to 4 on East 5th Street) and of course at the next Market Day, coming up on October 6.  Next Saturday I am headed to Cedar Falls for The Pear Fair, a new event for me:  you can get more info on this event, which is put on by Mohair Pear (2209 College Street in C.F.) by liking this event on facebook, of course!  Just search for The Pear Fair D.I.Y. Craft & Design event.

Happy September to you.....

New stuff!

Yesterday was a very productive day, aided in no small part by singing along to some old Dixie Chicks tunes at top volume.  Hope my neighbors don't mind too much.  I tried something new and like how these turned out:

Ever since I started making collages using the images from vintage patterns, I've amassed quite a collection of old dress patterns.  More than I will ever use for collages, so I experimented with using some of them as covers for books.  Here's a glimpse inside:

Each of these books has two pockets, one in the front and one in the back.  The image stamped on the pocket is a Tim Holtz idea-ology stamp (I think I got mine at Hobby Lobby). 

Every time I cut book board, I always end up with pieces left over, so I decided to make a couple smaller books from the leftover pieces:

And luckily enough, I just happened to have some red envelopes that were just right for pockets for the red & yellow book:

I love, love, LOVE that red & yellow paper.  It's just so bright and happy looking. 

I'll be bringing these books to Market Day on Saturday if you want to see them live and in person. 

Market Day Preview: Girl Scout journal

I found this sweet little Girl Scout handbook from 1945 a couple of months ago; it's rare to find scouting books that aren't priced as collectibles, so of course I had to snatch it up!  Then last week, I came into a huge stash of awesome papers and cardstock, which worked out perfectly to make pockets for this journal.

This journal has two silver pockets, to match the sweet floral paper on the inside front and back covers.  It's the little things in life like metallic cardstock, that really make my day!  There are also some pages from the book included in the journal:

This is just one of the new items I'll be bringing to Market Day on Saturday.  Hope to see you there!  Remember, we'll be opening an hour earlier this month, at 8:00 a.m. 

Blog love

I am so happy to be the "Vendor Spotlight" on the Market Day Iowa blog: www.marketdayiowa.com/blog.  As always, a big thanks to the Market Day crew for all their work.  Market Day has been a huge part of building my little crafty business the past two and a half years. 

Market Day shoppers, take note that there's a slight TIME CHANGE involved for Market Day beginning with the next event, on Saturday, August 4: we will open at 8:00 a.m. (instead of 9:00) and run until 1:00 p.m.  We get lots of early birds each month so this should be good for everyone.  Come and see us!  We'll be open for business at the Kirkwood Building as usual, on Saturday Aug. 4. 

Mend It Better

I can't sew. 
Not at all. 
I don't even attempt to sew on a button. 
The closest I've come to sewing since seventh grade home ec class was last year when I successfully used no-sew tape to make a "hemmed" edge on a big piece of fabric to use as a tablecloth for my craft show display.  I felt quite proud of myself.  Sad, huh?
And yet, I am fascinated by sewing.  I admire those who can create something with needle, thread, and fabric.  Because I know it is not something I will ever be able to do. 
I know how to thread a needle and I can do a simple, stab-stitch binding to make books.  Any fancy kind of stitch binding (think coptic) escapes me every time I attempt it.  I've actually broken a needle before.  Which totally befuddled my teacher, Kay. 

But, I think there may be a ray of hope for me.  Here it is:


Mend It Better by Kristin M. Roach

This is an awesome book, written by the multi-talented Kristin Roach.  If her name is familiar to you, maybe you've visited her fantastic blog & website, Craft Leftovers (www.craftleftovers.com.)  I met Kristin last year at Market Day when she purchased one of my journals, and was kind enough to blog about it afterwards.  This year, Kristin is one of the vendors at Market Day.  I was super-excited to get my hands on her book, even though I don't sew. 

First of all, it's just a gorgeous book.  From the pretty cover till the last page.  It's filled with great photos.  I like photos.  I looked through the photos a few times before I sat down to actually read.  Then I was delighted that the words were just as good as the photos.  There is a lot of information in this book.  Inspiring information.  There's some history of sewing, and Kristin tells us how about the role sewing has played in her life.  I like to learn about how and why people become makers of stuff.  Then there is lots of good info about sewing tools and some basics, and then there are all kinds of great projects in the book.  I know that I likely won't attempt  many of them (for safety reasons!), but there are some projects that I think I might be able to accomplish.  Which is mainly because Kristin and the other contributors provide good instructions.  Good instructions are always important in a how-to book, but they are especially important for the clumsy novice such as myself.  The combination of instructions and photos in this book might just help me get over my fear of sewing.  And that is no small feat. 

This book is not just for the clumsy novice, though; I think that creative sewers will love it too. 

If you want to get your hands on this book, visit www.craftleftovers.com for more info.  You can get it in stores and online.  Or, you can visit Kristin this Saturday at Market Day, and get yourself an autographed copy (what could be better?).  We'll be at the Kirkwood in downtown Des Moines (corner of 4th & Walnut) from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  (visit www.marketdayiowa.com for more info).

Happy Mending!

Today is the third day of May

A special day, to me, for a few reasons.  It's my awesome friend Kate's birthday (Happy Birthday to you!) and it's also what I like to think of as my parents' un-anniversary.  Thirty-nine years ago today my mom and dad got married:

from left to right: my mom's parents, Louie & Aurelia, Mom & Dad, my dad's parents, Bessie & Bud. 
May 3, 1973.  Note how no one in this photo is smiling.  Love it. 

They had a small ceremony just a few blocks away from where we live now, at the Park Avenue Christian Church right here in Des Moines.  Then, ten years later, they got divorced.  But if they hadn't made the terrible decision to get married, I wouldn't be here, now would I?  I say terrible decision simply because my parents are about as opposite as two people can get.  Which is probably why I'm a bit crazy myself! 

Also, it's a new month, so that means a new calendar page:

Papers are from Stampington & Co., vintage measuring tape, and yellow flower trim that I can't remember the brand.

I am a little behind here, as I don't have a photo of Jacob on this yet....but we're headed to the park in a bit, so I will snap one this afternoon and stick it on. 

This week Jacob and I also started planting some flowers.  This year I'm trying out some new ones, including lilies:

These were on sale for a dollar each at the Hy-Vee garden tent, so I figured what the hell.  Gardening is a lot like gambling for me.  I spend a bunch of money without guaranteed results.  But it's sure fun digging in the dirt and seeing if I can manage not to kill a bunch of flowers.  I did okay last year, so I'm hoping I can keep most of what I bought alive! 

I've also been busy working on just a few more things for Market Day this Saturday:

Like a batch of Nancy Notebooks, since I managed to pick up quite a few old Nancy Drews at the book sale.  Jacob has also been busy being creative:

Man, does he love using the paint roller.  He really gets into it.  I mean, really gets into it.  It's fun to watch him go. 

All in all, a good start to what's probably my favorite month of the year.  May is busy.  There's always a lot going on.  Lots to celebrate.  Hope you have a fabulous month.  If you're in Des Moines this Saturday, come down to Market Day and say hello!  It's also the opening day of the Farmers' Market, which is always lots of fun. 

You're Invited.

The first Market Day of 2012 is next Saturday.  May 5.  Just a week away!  I am so excited.   This is the day I look forward to from about say, oh, the end of December, as soon as craft shows are over for the year.  Yes, it is that much fun.  You should come.  We will be back at the Kirkwood Building again this year.  Market Day opens at 9:00 a.m.  Free admission.  So much handmade goodness.  You can check out a vendor preview on facebook, just search for Market Day Iowa.  Some of my crafty friends who will also be at Market Day include: Pajama Love, Dank Artistry, Bean and the Sprout, Jbirdstitch, Big Button Archive, Mimibird, daniAWESOME, and Purple Pincushion.  Just to name a few.  You can find most of those folks on etsy, by the way.  Can't wait to see what everyone has been making.  You're invited!  It's a perfect opportunity to get something unique for yourself.  Or to find an awesome Mother's Day gift.  And to support local artists, crafters, and vintage dealers.  We hope you will come check us out. 

Market Day preview: Fancy Nancys

A week ago I shipped a box full of journals to White Rabbit Gallery in Iowa City (you should definitely check it out when you're in I.C., you can find it at 109 South Linn or online at www.whiterabbitgallery.com.  It's a haven of handmade goodness.), which depleted most of my inventory, so I've been busy making more this week.  With the first Market Day coming up on May 5, I will stay busy. 

I have made a lot of Nancy Notebooks in the past three years.  They were one of the first things I made when I started making journals back in 2009, and I still love making them.  Because I love Nancy Drew.  I have loved her for about thirty years.  When I was about seven years old or so, my mom used to drop me off at the public library in Knoxville so she could grocery shop in peace.  That probably sounds like bad parenting, but it really wasn't.  For one thing, way back then, in a small town, it was totally safe to leave an exceptionally well-behaved 7-year-old such as myself alone at the library.  And it was totally okay with the children's librarian, Miss Viner, who was always able to tell my mother that I sat and read quietly the entire time.  True story! 

The Nancy Drew books were, as I recall, on the bottom shelf.  The Knoxville library had an excellent children's collection, so I was able to read my way through most of the Nancys.  They were the older editions, with the blue tweed covers, rather than the picture covers, which is what I like to use to make journals.  I adore the picture-cover Nancys.  Nancy is always smartly dressed and ready for any adventure.  She knows how to fly a plane, change a flat, and she always looks good doing it.  Is it any wonder that my main career aspiration as a child was to be a detective? 

But I digress (actually, I do that often, and well!).  Here are a couple of Nancys I just finished up.  I love using velvet paper whenever possible.  I'm a tactile person and velvet paper just can't be beat. 

I've probably made at least a dozen journals from various editions of The Secret of the Old Clock.  I think the cover with Nancy in the green dress is my favorite, because then I can use this awesome green velvet paper for the inside covers:

I remembered these ledger envelopes that I've had and it occurred to me that it would make a sweet little pocket for this journal.  And it did. 

Here's the inside of the Crooked Bannister journal.  I love the bright pink cover and the fact that it has a robot on the cover as well.  And I love the velvet and metallic floral paper inside:

This journal has two pockets, on in the front and one in the back. 

My photos don't do the papers justice, but you get the idea.  I am really looking forward to the Planned Parenthood book sale next week to see what Nancys I can get my hands on. 

New Journals and happy news!

Here are a few journals that I finished up yesterday.  I think these are some of my very favorites ever:

More Better Homes & Gardens.  Taking these apart and binding them takes some serious muscle. 

Love this vintage social studies book.  Love the yellow and green. 

This 1962 reader might be my very favorite of the bunch.  I finally got to use a new paper that I am in love with for the inside covers of this one:

I like pink.  And I love this pretty pattern so, so much. 

Yesterday, I waited very patiently and only checked my email a few dozen times to find out if I got in to Market Day this year.  I'm happy to say that I did!  I am so excited to be part of this awesome event again this year.  We will be located at the Kirkwood for the second year in a row, but instead of happening on the last Saturday of each month, Market Day will be the FIRST Saturday of each month, May through October.  And then in November, of course, the super-fabulous Market Day Black Friday event.  Go ahead and mark your calendars now for Saturday, May 5.  That's also the first day for the Des Moines Farmers' Market.  Come down and see us at the Kirkwood.  You can find Market Day Iowa on facebook to get updates and news and also at: www.marketdayiowa.com.  I am just so happy that I get to be a part of Market Day.  Because it is seriously awesome. 





As October comes to an end....

I'm trying to make lots of stuff for upcoming craft shows.
I finally finished Jacob's birthday thank-yous tonight. 

I made our November calendar/scrapbook page before November started!  I feel especially proud of myself for this small accomplishment. 

I am happy that Jacob loved his first day of "Gym & Learn" class today. 

I am getting ready for Market Day this Saturday and trying to decide if I can muster up the effort to put together a costume.  My guess is: probably not.  I'm not all that into Halloween, and comfort is important to me, especially when I'll be on my feet for oh, about nine hours straight!  But if you're coming to shop at Market Day, you should definitely wear a costume, if only to enhance my people-watching fun!

I can't believe that this Sunday is the last East Village Sunday Bazaar of 2011!  Time sure flies when you are doing shows every week!  And loving it, might I add.  But I'm looking forward to indoor shows for the rest of the year because....my tent is heavy!  And sometimes wind gusts are rather annoying.

I need to remember to buy some candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters Sunday evening.  I mean, I need to buy some candy that Jacob and Daddy will end up eating because we'll be out trick-or-treating ourselves.  We're obviously in dire need of fresh candy at our house, since I finally threw away the 4th of July parade candy a couple of weeks ago. 

I made flyers with my fall/winter show schedule to mail out to customers and hand out at craft shows and again, checking something else off my never-ending "to-do" list makes me happy. 

And now, I think it's time for some ice cream. 

I think this is the official version: Fall & Winter 2011 Shows

I'm pretty sure this is it: here's where I'll be the next couple of months.  Taking my show on the road a little bit this year, as in outside of the Des Moines city limits.  Very exciting, actually!

Sunday, Nov. 6: Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Bazaar, 105 W. 1st Ave. Indianola IA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday Nov. 11(6;30 to 8:30 p.m.) & Saturday Nov. 12 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Beaverdale Holiday Boutique @ Holy Trinity, 2926 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.

Market Day Black Friday!!  9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Nov. 25 (duh!) @ the Kirkwood, 4th & Walnut, downtown Des Moines.

Saturday, Dec. 3: Small Town Country Christmas craft show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Milo IA.

Saturday, Dec. 10: WHAT A LOAD OF CRAFT! 11 to 7, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Iowa City, IA.  This is a new show for me this year and I'm super-excited, because I have heard all kinds of great things about it from my fellow crafty-ites here in Des Moines who have done it before.  Can't wait.  I'm sure all of these shows will be a great time.  It's always fun to meet new customers and see repeat customers.  I've honestly never had a bad time doing a craft show.  That's one big reason why I keep doing them.  Pretty simple:  they are fun. 

So, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, your pizza delivery guy, etc:  shop local and buy handmade for the holidays.  It's a great way to "occupy Wall Street" and also support your local crafters, artists, & makers of wonderful, awesome handmade stuff.  And the person who opens said fabulous handmade gift will be genuinely delighted as well.  Everybody wins. 

In the News...

Yes, this is two consecutive posts that contain the word "news" in the title, but I couldn't come up with anything better, and it really is pertinent. 
If you read The Des Moines Sunday Register (which I'm sure people everywhere in America, not just here in Iowa, do) you might have seen the "Handmade in Iowa" article on page 2 of the Iowa Life section.  Thanks to Paula Reece for including me.  And for spelling my name right.  I'm not kidding about that.  My name has been misspelled throughout my life.  Not to mention mis-pronounced.  So I was very happy for some good, free publicity.  Great timing, too: Market Day is this Saturday, Aug. 27.  And East Village Sunday Bazaar is just two weeks away!  Which means I've got to get busy and stay busy making more books. 

In other important news, I'm also pleased to announce that my journals and cards are now available at White Rabbit Gallery, at 109 South Linn in Iowa City.  You can find out more at www.whiterabbitgallery.com.  Definitely worth an in-person visit the next time you're in the Iowa City area.  You won't be disappointed.  I hadn't been to downtown Iowa City for many years and it was fun to have some time to walk around the ped mall and pretend I was nineteen again.

Back to my paper and glue!

Art in the Park

On Saturday I travelled to Dallas Center for Art in the Park.  It was a great day; even the weather cooperated.  Here are a few pics; I tried getting more creative with my display for my first outdoor show this year and had fun using my mom's vintage typewriter and a birdcage that I picked up for five bucks at Market Day a couple years ago. 
It was nice to get out of Des Moines and do something different.  Mound Park in Dallas Center was a great location for this event and I enjoyed meeting lots of nice people.  I am looking forward to going back next year.
Next up is Market Day on June 25.  Always a good time.  www.marketdayiowa.com.  If you're a Farmers Market regular, then you should definitely add Market Day to your agenda.  We're just a few steps away inside the Kirkwood at 4th and Walnut from 9 am until 2 pm. 

A Perfect Day, start to finish.

Yesterday was one of those rare days where everything went just right.  I woke up early and puttered around in the studio, adding some finishing touches to a few projects.  Enjoyed a beautiful morning with coffee on the patio, feeding our bird visitors, watering the flowers, and yoga before the little guy woke up.  Jacob and I went to the park, made new friends and we found out about the nature education & storytime that happens there every Wednesday; we stayed to enjoy storytime and a short nature hike.  It didn't rain so I hung the laundry on the clothesline.  And a nice surprise: a new customer of mine from Market Day took the time and effort to include a bit about the journal she bought from me on her blog; you can check it out at: www.craftleftovers.com.  Thanks, Kristin!

I'm so lucky to spend my days with the best little guy ever and doing what I like to do.  Doesn't get much better!  Here's to a wonderful summer. 

Market Day is almost here...

I can't wait until Saturday.

I love Market Day. Love, love, love it.

Are there people left in Des Moines who don't know about Market Day? I certainly hope not, but if that should be the case, then please, help those folks educate themselves. Send them directly to this week's Juice or to www.marketdayiowa.com or the Market Day blog, www.marketdayiowa.tumblr.com. Or, you could read this post on www.lacybrunnette.com. I just did. And lo and behold, there was a photo of my journals! It is always exciting to find myself out there on the internet.

The best way to learn about Market Day, is of course, to show up. And you can do that THIS SATURDAY. Downtown Des Moines @ 4th & Walnut from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. You won't be sorry. I promise. You will, however, be amazed, delighted, and happy. And when you buy from local artists, makers, curators, & collectors, you make us happy too. So everybody wins.

Where to find me: Market Day & more.

Lots of fun stuff coming up and you should come check it out! Here's where you can find me over the next month or so.
On Thursday May 26 I'll be at the Valley Junction Farmers Market again, in the Green Grounds Cafe booth, 4 to 8 pm. Music, food, and crafts...what more could you ask for?

MARKET DAY!! I am very excited to be part of Market Day again this year. Hands down, a truly awesome event! This year Market Day will be located in the Kirkwood Building downtown at 4th & Walnut, just mere steps away from the downtown farmers market. 9 am until 2 pm the last Saturday of the month, May through October. And of course there will be the Black Friday sale in November (more on that down the road). www.marketdayiowa.com.

Dallas Center Art in the Park: Saturday June 4, 1 to 5 pm in Mound Park in Dallas Center, IA (one block west of downtown D.C.) This is a new event for me this year and I am looking forward to it. I get to host a young artist in my space and I think that will be lots of fun. There will be art, food, and more so come check it out!

It is lots of fun to meet people and see returning customers and friends and check out what other crafters & artists are doing.

All I can say is....WOW!

That's right, WOW! Market Day Black Friday just rocked! I knew it was going to be good, but it totally exceeded my expectations. Everything was great: the location and all the shoppers. There were TONS of people there, many of whom had never been to Market Day before. And there were lots of people there who I recognized from previous Market Days. It is so cool to recognize and even get to know your customers. I had repeat customers, which just makes me so happy! It also makes me feel really good when somebody likes something I've made enough to give it as a gift to someone they care about. And it was great to see people choosing unique handmade gifts instead of spending all their dollars at the big-box stores. Personally, I would rather get something handmade. Wouldn't you?

Now I'm down to just one more craft show for 2010 and I will be busy over the next two weeks replenishing my inventory for the HOLIDAY MARKET at Central Presbyterian on December 11 and 12. And I even managed to update my etsy shop last week and am going to try and add a few more things this week.

My other main activity from now until Christmas will be keeping the two-year-old boy and the nine-year-old cat from destroying the Christmas tree. I'm afraid this may prove to be more than one woman can handle alone.

My dream...

....is to work at home. All. By. Myself. Making Stuff. All. By. Myself. Well, okay, not completely. My cat Bob will be my studio assistant. But I think the husband and child will have to vacate the house so that I can work productively. This might be a little unrealistic, because there are not that many places where an energetic 2-year-old and his less-energetic father can hang out all day on a budget of zero. So we'll work on that.
In the meantime, I keep dreaming about that SOMEDAY when I the stuff I make will bring in enough income so that I can QUIT MY DAY JOB. That's the big dream. And I know it's a BIG one, but that little voice in the corner of my head (okay, one of the little voices in my head) tells me that if I work hard enough I can make it happen. And I have to keep believing the little voice!

If any of you would like to make a small contribution to my dream fund, come see me at Market Day's Black Friday Sale this Friday at the Pappajohn Center smack in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Buy local, buy handmade, buy to help people like me make our dreams come true! It makes a difference. And you get way cooler stuff for yourself or for those on your shopping list than you will EVER find at a mall, I guarantee it!

Happy Turkey Day, and see you on Friday!