July Art Walk

Well, the July Art Walk was definitely fun and I'm so glad I did it with a friend.  I think it takes a lot of the nervousness out of doing something new because you can encourage each other.  And we definitely learned a lot about selling our crafts as well as hosting a physical space.  We took notes and have already started discussing what we'll improve on for next month's event.

One of the best things I learn from hosting a physical space, is seeing what others touch and what they say about my items.  I've had suggestions for wine cozies due to a woman's cooing over Longies and a washcloth mitten from a soap saver.  

I always try to note what people purchase and what colors.  I haven't been able to really find a pattern yet to predict what will sell, but at least I know what to make more of.  This time: one yellow/white soap saver, one set of blue/green hot mits, and one grey and brown thick crocheted hat.

I sold the bottom-right grey/brown hat.

I've also learned what items' inventory I need to bulk up.  Namely: hot mits, baby socks, coaster sets, and now No Scratch baby mittens (a new obsession thanks to Field Wonderful).

Coaster sets in a hanging fruit basket.

I think setting up a physical space increases my creativity in how to display my items and what goes with what.  I did get a couple compliments on my clothesline which I thought was appropriate for things that might be hung on a line.  :)

My half of the tent.  I joined up with Thistle & Bees.

Crochet braceletes

I also offered a free bracelete to anyone who mentioned seeing my posts on Facebook but I didn't have any takers.  I did get one on Instagram, though!  My cousin from Georgia will be getting a few in the mail in a few days.  :)

So that what July's Art Walk.  A fun time with good friends.  We had many friends & family members stop out and support us which was GREATLY appreciated!

It's One of Those Days

The ones that are too-few coming in 2012 but have hit me like an Energizer-Bunny tonight :]

The beautiful productivity of constant-motivation (still going strong for over 4 hours!!).  Almost seems like one of those new 5-hour-energy commercials.  Anyway, check out all the progress!

I have photographed & drafted 6+ listings today; including a new cowl with my cousin modeling!

I will be staggering the dishcloth listings over the weekend, but you can enjoy the new cowls tonight!

My Autumn earwarmer was featured in a treasury today!

See it?  Bottom-right corner.

Did I blow up your Newsfeed today?  I apologize; some sort of creative bug grabbed hold of me this afternoon and I couldn't help feeling the need to share those stories with my followers.  Did you find any inspiration?  Or should I stop sharing others' posts/pictures and keep it to just Etsy shop-related stories?

I have more to share but I guess I ought to save some for another post and that energy is finally starting to slow (after 6+ hours!).  Anyone else excited for the new year?

The Adirondacks

Labor day weekend my husband and I traveled with another couple to New York for some hiking.

We stayed overnight in Akron & had dinner with my husband's best man and his girlfriend.  Then we continued our drive to meet up with our hiking friends.

I worked with some new yarn on the drive. It came from one 0f the boxes Dan's grandmother won at a "Chinese Auction."

We hiked Mt Marcy the first day.  It was my first mountain!

First Trail marker.

View from the Summit.

But us girls were too sore & stiff to do any more hiking the next day, so we dropped the boys off to hike the Gothics and we hung around the cabin, recuperating. 

Before we left, I sold one earwarmer right off my needles to the co-owner of our accommodations, Mountain Brook Lodge!

Then he asked about a hat for himself, which I gladly made as a compliment to his wife's earwarmer.  (see the matching yarn in his stripes?)

They were probably the best hosts I have ever stayed with [commercially].  They held bonfires every night in the courtyard to get to know their guests & really created a sense of community.  We felt like we were staying in a friend's home!  (ex. I forgot to bring milk for my coffee so Al brought me a glad of milk to keep in our fridge!)

All four of us can't wait to return. :)

http://mountainbrooklodge.com/