Gallop

If you check the Countdown to Christmas widget at the bottom of this blog, you'll see that there are fewer than 60 days until Christmas.  Yikes!!

This time of year, the days seem to speed by as we prepare for the holiday rush and holiday events.  In my case, I also need to throw pre-season tax training into that mix.   I find myself physically and mentally picking up the pace -- from a canter to a gallop.

So this Shameless Commerce Tuesday I decided to feature one of my new listings, created at the request of a craft fair customer.   I love this Gallop fabric designed by Katherine Codega, and available on Spoonflower.

The reverse side fabric, with the colorful little horseshoes on gray, is from the same fabric line.  It is called Lucky.

Wishing you the best of luck as we gallop toward the holidays. 

TTFN
LeAnn

Craft Fair Redux & Facebook Woes

 

Faith Lutheran Church & School

Lincoln, NE

 

 



I spent all day Saturday, October 25, 2014, vending at the Faith Lutheran Church and School Fall Arts & Crafts Fair. I was one of 57 vendors. 

 

I had expected a disappointing day, because the Huskers had a home football game beginning at 11:00 am.  But I was pleasantly surprised! 

 

Although there was (as predicted) a 4.5-hour “dead zone” from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm, where there were virtually no shoppers, early birds turned out in force, and business was BRISK from 9:00 am until 10:30 am.  In fact, I averaged 1 sale every 90 seconds!!  Yowza!  And there was another little spurt of activity from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, when the after-the-game crowd straggled in.   Unseasonably mild weather possibly helped boost the turnout.

 

I used the down time during the Husker game (when I should have been taking photos to share with y'all)  to embroider faces on finger puppets that I’ll be taking to the office on Thursday for little trick-or-treaters.  (The children and grandchildren of faculty, staff, and students at the UNL Law College will go from office to office trick-or-treating.  I normally work mornings, but I’ll come back that afternoon to help with that fun activity.) 

When I did the final tally today, I learned that despite the BIG LULL this actually turned out to be my best craft fair to date for 2014, in terms of gross sales,  number of items sold, and number of customers reached!  Who knew?! 

Most of the sales were for "impulse buy" items priced at $5.00 and under, although I did sell a few oven mitts.  I handed out lots of business cards and 20% off coupons for my Etsy shop --- and I landed three custom orders!

Sadly, the organizers gave notice that this would be their last year for hosting the craft fair.  They’ve held Spring and Fall craft fairs every year since 2004. 

This week, I’ll be regrouping and restocking-- preparing for the Cotner Center Craft Fair this Saturday,  November 1, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, and hopefully adding a few new listings to my Etsy shop. The Cotner Center Craft Fair is a relatively small venue.  This is the first year I'll be vending at that show. 

I know some of my Etsy teammates are also vending at craft fairs this Fall.  How do you manage to juggle Etsy holiday prep and craft fair participation and still get more than four hours of sleep? 

 

 

Veering off topic for a moment:  I'm having issues with my "real" personal Facebook page (LeAnn Larson Frobom), but my shop page, Pasque Flower Creations, appears to be okay now. 

 

There is now a pseudo page - LeAnn Frobom - that is NOT my real page!  It has a cartoon profile photo, not my little purple pasque flower photo.  If you get a Friend request from the pseudo account, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND!!!  

 

No time to deal with that issue this week!!  But I wanted you to know that I'm not snubbing you if I don't Like or Share posts on Facebook this week. I don't have the ability to view my "real" feed or like or comment or share!  I may experience Facebook Withdrawal!

 

Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise.  I find it hard to limit my Facebook time -- and I REALLY need to sew more and spend less time on social media from now through the holidays.

TTFN

LeAnn  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury Thanks

Good Sunday morning!

I am happy to report that I had a surprisingly good experience at the Faith Lutheran Arts & Crafts Fair in Lincoln, NE, yesterday, despite an 11:00 am home Huskers football game which created a 3.5 hour "dead zone" -- virtually no customers.  The early morning shoppers turned out in force, wearing their Husker red.  On average I sold one item every 90 seconds from 9:00 - 10:30 am!  And there was another little spurt of activity after the game from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm!  During the long lull I was able to work on Halloween finger puppets for our office trick-or-treat event (faculty, staff and students bring children / grandchildren to trick-or-treat from office to office). 

It was also another surprisingly good week for Etsy treasuries!  Each week I like to take an opportunity to extend a huge THANK YOU to the curators of Etsy treasuries who feature items from my Etsy shops, Pasque Flower Creations and Aunt Pheba's Vintage, in treasuries over the past week.
This week offered a delightful mix, so please take a moment to enjoy this sneak peek of items from their shops, and, if you particularly like a shop or an item, please Like, Favorite, or Pin to share some Etsy love.

Lynn Watkinson of ItchyFingersLynny featured my bright dots foldover clutch with navy blue corduroy accents in her TEMPT Team treasury, Blue, Blue, Blue.  Lynn's itchy fingers create beautiful woven ornaments which remind me of traditional wheat weaving.  This beautifully-crafted bridal shower straw heart would be a lovely keepsake for a bridal shower, or a decoration for a Nature-themed or Fall wedding.

Camille of NoKturnalCeramics featured my nature accent pillow in her treasury, She Walks In Beauty.  If you are looking for an exquisitely-crafted gift, please visit Camille's shop.  This beautiful ocean bowl is just one of the lovely items you will find there.

Suzanne Perry of GlowBlocks featured my unisex baby bib and my orange pencil-shaped pencil pouch in her treasury, Colorful October Gifts.   Suzanne's shop has the neatest night lights. 

This fun wine glass night light reminds me of my daughter's Brooklyn days, when she and her roommates painted a wall in blue chalkboard paint, so guests could write on the wall with colored chalk when they hosted parties.  I sense she's aged out of that party-party-party phase.  She's now a serious working girl and grad student with a sweet and handsome boyfriend, living in Baltimore, MD and commuting to the University of Maryland-College Park.

 

My daughter Allison with boyfriend Ben-2014

 

But I digress....

 

Jessica and Bryan King of FeathandKee featured my red and white chevron oven mitt in their treasury, Finds in Red.  You'll find some unique gift items at FeathandKee, including these wonderful

upcycled red orange triangle earrings.

 

 



Kathy of Tapestry316 featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, It's Still Summer Here!  Kathy's shop is on vacation following a long move involving several of her "critters."   If you have a horse lover on your Christmas list, be sure to visit Kathy's shop when she reopens. Here is a sample of Kathy's artwork.

 



Speaking of horses, Roy Air of buyairsupply featured my newly-listed horses baby bib in his treasury, Excited to Buy.   My older grandsons are avid chess players, so I was immediately attracted to this beautifully crafted chess board in Roy's shop.

Rachel Pennington of RPArtandVintage featured my gray, tan and white masculine pillow cover in her treasury, Autumn Temptations.   You'll find some truly OOAK classic pieces in Rachel's vintage shop.  This vintage French leather satchel c. 1950 is one of my favorites.  (That's even before MY time!) 

Mike Kraus of MikeKrausArt featured my retro-inspired linen bow clutch in his treasury, A Guide to Being Classy.  I REALLY like Mike's art pieces.  He captures the essence of birch forests, lakes and woodlands, reminiscent of areas I visited growing up in the upper Midwest, but he ramps up the color a few notches.  Love that effect!  This red birch forest original acrylic is one of my favorites.

Pauline Clarke of polsknitsnstuff featured my gray and yellow uptown oven mitt in her treasury, Thank You Treasury - Part 1.   I just love this one of a kind chunky knit pull on hat from Pauline's shop.

Jessica and Bryan King of FeathandKee featured my Halloween bunting in their treasury, Fun Finds for Halloween.   These teal and copper cube earrings combine an on-trend geometric shape, a winning color combo, and exquisite craftsmanship.  What a lovely gift these would be!

 

Mike Krausof MikeKrausArt featured my nature pillow cover in his treasury, Things for My Wife.  What a thoughtful hubby!   And I am delighted because now I get to feature another wonderful piece of Mike's art -- this winter woods postcard.  You could add a touch of seasonal class to your home or office by propping this beautiful piece on a tiny easel.

I got a double feature in the Gifts for All treasury curated by Diane Waters of muddywaterscc.  She featured my horses baby bib and my aqua roses on brown oven mitt in her treasury.  One double feature deserves another.  Here is a wonderful purple satin tea set from Diane's shop.  (No surprise I picked that one -- purple is my favorite color.) 

Diane also has a whimsical side.  Her adorable piggy banks would make a lovely baby shower gift -- nursery décor now, and useful savings tool as the child becomes old enough for an allowance.  Here is Jesse the jade green piggy bank.  Isn't he cute?!!

Suzanne Perry of GlowBlocks featured my birch trees and fawn baby bib in her treasury, Beautiful Trees.  I know I have some cat lovers in the crowd, so this adorable night light from Suzanne's shop is for you.

Cassie of CassieVision featured my wool plaid foldover clutch in her treasury, Rustic Bath.  Cassie's shop includes bead woven amulets crafted my Cassie's mom, Karen, who is disabled.  Cassie said, "She would really love to hear that her beaded bag is getting attention."  Tribal is right on trend, and these beautifully-crafted pieces would be lovely gifts.  They are available in a variety of colors.  Here is an amulet in gold and black. 

Camille of NoKturnalCeramics featured my Spit Happens bib in her treasury, Green Envy.  Holiday baking season is fast approaching.  I couldn't resist this beautiful purple mixing bowl from Camille's shop.  She calls it a gingerbread mixing bowl. 

Alvecote Marina of Alvecote1 featured my aqua and white chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Blues.  I LOVE this hand knit knee length sweater dress in purple and gold!  My hubby would notice those Minnesota Vikings colors. 

Kim Bristow of 4SeasonsCards featured my tiny trucks baby bib in her treasury, Colour Combo.  Kim is from the UK.  Only two months until Christmas!  This lovely reindeer greeting card would be a lovely way to send a greeting to a far away loved one.   Love the purple accents. 

And, speaking of purple, my Baby Boomers teammate, Bonnie Sernesky of BonniesSewCrazy featured my tigers on purple baby bib in her treasury, Purple Rain.   Bonnie is a fellow sewist.  Love this pretty pansies lunch bag and sandwich pouch! This bag is so pretty, it could make lunch chained to your desk almost enjoyable.

Rachel Pennington of RPArtandVintage featured my black and white chevron oven mitt in her dramatic treasury in black, gray and white, Time Is of the Essence 100% TEMPT.   I love this watercolor from Rachel's Old Energy series. 

Tamara of Landby featured my orange and white bunting in her treasury, Amber Autumn.  Here is just one of the awesome handmade ceramic mugs you will find at Landby.  Tamara calls this piece Song of Ice and Fire.  Love it!

Alvecote Marina of Alvecote1 featured my green and white chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Great Expectations.   This striking white and black mohair infinity scarf would be a perfect accessory for the cold winter days ahead. 

And last, but not least, Flora of FabVintage1 featured my black and white chevron oven mitt in he treasury, Black and White Romance.   If you have any fancy holiday social events on your calendar, check out this fabulous Laura Ashley black velvet vintage gown.   Wow!

On that glimmering note, I will sign off.  Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful week.

TTFN
LeAnn

 

Wordless Wednesday

Yellow Butterfly - October 2014

 

 

Yellow Butterfly 2 - October 2014



Ya Want Orange? Ya Got Orange! BBA October 2014 Challenge

Each month the Blogging Business Artisans Team poses a challenge to its members.  This month's challenge comes from Abigail Jayne of  Abigail Jayne Art:

It's the Orange month!

Create something using orange or a pumpkin shape. Do something different, not just a Halloween holiday item, but get creative with the basic color tone of orange or a shade of orange. Or you could use a color combination incorporating orange.

Either way let orange inspire you!

This month's challenge was truly challenging.  You see, in my world view, all colors are not created equal -- and truth be told, orange is my least favorite of all the colors on the color wheel. 

I mean, orange is the color of prison coveralls, life vests, and traffic cones -- and when it comes to terror threat levels, orange is a very unnerving color!    Now, I admit orange has some redeeming qualities -- I like juicy oranges from Florida and Fall foliage.  But I just think the colors on the cool side of the color wheel are, well --- WAY COOLER!

Thankfully, Abigail Jayne gave us permission to use orange as part of a color combination -- and I do like orange and gray.  They play well together.  SO---when I found some really cute fox fabric, I decided I could rise to this month's challenge and make a unisex baby bib in orange and gray.

Those adorable little foxes are from the 100% organic cotton Picture Pie collection for Cloud 9 Fabrics.  The orange and white grid fabric on the reverse side was designed by Lotta Jansdotter for her Bella collection.  I even used an orange snap:

And -- because I had some scraps left over, I made a few more cord keepers. 

Hmmm---maybe I like orange a little bit after all!  So, like the food skeptic in Dr. Seuss's classic children's book, Green Eggs and Ham, I will thank the one who nudged me way out of my color comfort zone.  Thank you, thank you, Abigail Jayne! 

TTFN
LeAnn

Treasury Thanks

Good Sunday morning!  Each week, I like to take this opportunity to extend a big THANK YOU to the curators of Etsy treasuries who featured items from my shops, Pasque Flower Creations and Aunt Pheba's Vintage, in treasuries over the past week.

This was another great week for treasuries, so sit back and enjoy as we do some window shopping (screen shopping?) and peek at some of the amazing items in these curators' shops. 

Lana Moes of LanasArt featured my sports-themed baby bib (perfect for baby's first World Series) in her treasury, Weekly Love: Sky Blue.  Hubby is happy the Kansas City Royals will be playing in the World Series this Fall. I'm still a Minnesota Twins fan.

Lana is an extremely talented artist.  Her shop features everything from fashion illustration to travel prints in her Wanderlust section, to abstract art.  In keeping with Lana's blue theme, I chose to feature this beautiful fashion watercolor in blue. 

Carolyn Sheets of ArtCeeGallery featured my green chevron oven mitts in her treasury, Green is the Colour.  Carolyn is also a talented visual artist.  I chose to feature this poppies hand painted acrylic wall art. 

Carolyn of TheHaystackNeedle1 featured my aqua and tan oven mitts in her treasury, Welcome.  Carolyn's vintage shop specializes in dinnerware.  This mid century modern autumn leaves platter would be perfect for Thanksgiving feasting.

Karen Lynn Park of KarenLynnsKreations featured my chubby chefs oven mitt in her treasury, TEMPT Team Treasury - Colors and Shapes of Fall-5.  Karen creates amazing items with paper, like this too, too cute Halloween card.

Jelena of DizArtEx featured my black and tan chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Colorful Zig Zag.  I love these handcrafted stained glass feathers from Jelena's shop -- perfect for pendants or suncatchers.

Alla Taisheva of Allatai featured my snowflakes on red oven mitt in her treasury, Waiting for Christmas.  According to the little countdown widget at the bottom of this blog page, there are only 66 days until Christmas!  Yikes!!  This beautiful silk scarf, handpainted by Alla, is a festive accessory --or a lovely gift! 

Karen Lynn Park of KarenLynnsCreations featured my orange chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Colors of Fall - TEMPT Team Pay It Forward Treasury.  These pretty note cards would be perfect for writing thank you notes -- or just keeping in touch.  And they are on sale!

MJsFlowerfield of Bulgaria featured my bright floral oven mitt in her treasury, It's a Party for the Best Friend!  MJ makes beautiful tatted and knitted accessories.  I love this infinity scarf in fall colors

Lika Kharshats of Pushstyle (Israel) featured my nearly extinct poppies on teal oven mitts in her treasury, Color Makes a Pop.  These dangle earrings from Lika's shop certainly pop with color!

 

NandysNook featured my custom walker bag in her treasury, TEMPT Team Awesomeness!  This coffee cup cozy in red (Nebraska colors - Go Big Red!) would be a perfect gift for your Secret Santa -- or a thoughtful teacher gift or stocking stuffer.

 

Kim Bristow of 4SeasonsCards (Ireland) featured my pink chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Something in Pink and Purple.  Perhaps Kim's favorite season is Spring?  I know it is my fave!

And, because purple is my favorite color, I couldn't resist this purple Christmas card! 

 

Pauline Clarke of polsknitsnstuff featured my pencil-shaped pencil pouch in her treasury, PAY IT FORWARD Pastel Wonderland.   I love these black glitter fingerless gloves from Pauline's shop!!  My daughter could keep texting in style while keeping her hands warm on a chilly Fall day.

Abigail Jayne of AbigailJayneArts popped in to visit my vintage shop, and featured this silver plated autumn leaf dish in her treasury, Cinnamon.  Abigail Jayne's accessories are truly works of art -- as you can see by this red textile necklace with beads. 

 

 

Lynn Watkinson of ItchyFingersLynny featured my pencil-shaped pencil pouch in her treasury, All the Colours of the Rainbow-TEMPT Team Treasury.  This beautifully crafted corn dolly reminds me of the wheat weaving I used to see in my youth.

 

Cassie of CassieVision featured my autumn leaves oven mitts in her fun treasury, Kitchen Hippie,  This rear view mirror charm is one of the beautiful wire wrapped creations you can find at CassieVision. 

 

But wait, THERE'S MORE!!!

Sandbaba featured my baby girl bib in gray and yellow in her treasury, Scandinavian Baby.  I'm half Dane and my hubby is 31/32 Finnish, so perhaps that is why I am drawn to Scandinavian fabrics and art.  I love this cute little sailboat pillow by Sandaba.

Camille of NoKturnalCeramics featured my bears in the woods baby bib in her treasury, November Necessities.  Love these Gandalf coffee mugs from Camille's shop! 

Tamara of Landby featured my Halloween bunting in her Halloween-themed treasury, Cats, Pumpkins and Monsters!  I'll be making Halloween finger puppets later today, in preparation for next Saturday's craft fair at Faith Lutheran Church, and the office trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

This ceramic handmade mug in mulberry is simply MAHvelous!

Linda Shreve of KneedleKnacks featured my leaves of gold table runner in her treasury, It's Fall!  Linda makes beautiful baskets -- like this lovely pine needle basket.

 

Nandy's Nook featured my autumn leaves oven mitts in her treasury, Down to Earth.  Nandy's Nook is a wonderful place to find unique hand crocheted gifts -- like this aran crochet travel mug cozy. 

Nandy's Nook also featured my snowflakes on red oven mitt in a treasury, Christmas Gift Ideas.  Here are some more cute cozies from Nandy's shop.

Kim Bristow of 4SeasonsCards featured my custom walker bag in her treasury, A Splash of Black.  I'm working on a custom walker bag now, with personalized embroidery -- a chance to rev up my embroidery machine.  I hope to add more personalized options to my shop before the holidays.  Another item on the LONG To Do list! 

You've already seen some of Kim's amazing paper creations.  One of the things I love about her shop is a section devoted entirely to cards for men.  This deer greeting card is a fine example:

Mike Kraus of MikeKrausArt featured my orange and white chevron oven mitt in his treasury, Ya Want Fall? Ya Got Fall!   I love Mike's nature scenes -- woodlands and birches in radiant colors.  This autumn woods acrylic postcard would be lovely propped on a tiny easel.  Or visit his shop to check out the beautiful wall art.

Elizabeth Holman of TheDustyOldShack featured my bright floral oven mitt in her budget-friendly treasury, The perfect gift that wouldn't break the bank.  All the items in this treasury are under $30.
I love this vintage purple vase from Liz's shop -- and at only $16, it wouldn't break the bank.

LovelyKnotsBoutique featured my snowflakes on red oven mitt in her treasury, Seasonal Décor.  Even though these cute, cute, cute crocheted bunnies may seem a little Easter-ish as we approach Halloween, I couldn't resist sharing them with you. 

And last, but not least, Cassie of CassieVision featured my purple chevron oven mitt in her lovely lavender treasury, Evening Glow.   Love this purple mermaid shell, wood and copper necklace -- a beautiful statement piece.

Whew!!  Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

TTFN
LeAnn