Crippled

Mmm humm, that would be me. Just two days before Artisans' Alley, no less. Here's how the bad boy went down...

So, living in a small town like Coronado, my motto is, whatever we can, we walk or take the bike. I was doing my errands on the bike on Monday, when all the sudden, a parked truck's huge door came flying at me. With no time to react, my bike and I were sprawled all over the street. I got up, seemed okay, and my bike seemed fine. I thought the driver was going to start crying, but enough about her. I just wanted to get away!

My hips seemed a little wobbly, but I did some stretching exercises, took it easy that night, popped a Motrin, and went to bed early. Okay for the next two days, I congratulated myself for making it through that incident with only two skinned and bruised knees, and mildly wobbly hips. Then, last night, I bent over, and POW! my lower back went out... wouldn't you know it? Dang it all, and dang that dumb woman driver who doesn't look into her rearview mirror before chucking open the biggest car door on the planet.

So, I'll be off visiting the chiropractor today, and maybe tomorrow. I'll be icing my lower back, and trying to stay away from doing too much. I won't be lifting anything, mind you, for about two weeks to come. (try that when you have about a million things to haul for a craft show) Sheesh! Why in the heck didn't I get that drivers license plate number, just so I could give her the old one-two punch like she's given me?!

Let that be a lesson to you if you ever get door slammed while riding your bike. At least stop long enough to get a name or a number, or at the very least, a license number. No telling what'll become of you after a few days of wobbly hips...

So, I will be at Artisans' Alley, bad back and all. If I'm lying flat on my booth floor, just give me a smile and a nod as you gently step over me. I won't mind a bit, and I'll be happy to chat and write up the occasional sale!

A Little Snowman Told Me

...He needed to make an appearance on a sweater. So, what was I to do, but get going on this sweet sweater featuring Mr. Snowbuddy in a wooded glen of snow and fun. This is the true start to my holiday happenings, when the snowbuddies start to make an appearance.

Snowbuddies and felt making are being ungraciously interrupted by a family trip to Washington DC. Though excited about our trip, I'm nervous about being all ready for Artisans' Alley, which falls on Saturday December 5th, just one quick week after my return. My snowbuddies might be in short supply this year, so if you are thinking of coming and visiting me and a few snowbuddies at Artisans' Alley, come see me early in the day. I'll be where I was last year, in booth 66, right across from the entrance to the food court area.

I will also have a lovely selection of glorious needlefelted handpainted silk scarves at Artisans' Alley. I've had a hard time keeping these lovely scarves in stock at Austin's Gallery.

So put Artisans' Alley on your calendar, December 5th from 9-3 pm because is a fun time, and not to be missed. You can get all your Christmas shopping done all at once! Happy Holidays!

FCC's Golden Hanger Awards- WOW!

And wow! again. I couldn't sleep this morning because I kept seeing those images of the fantastic clothing designs running through my head. What an evening!

Fashion Career College's 23rd Annual Golden Hanger Award and Fashion Show was last night, which showcased 18 student designer collections. Who stole the show, you might wonder? Well, for me, it was Jeffrey, hands down! All the designers were so very talented, but Jeffrey, of Junq Boutique in South Park, had such a trendy, edgy New York style. Have you visited Jeffrey's store? It's just down the street from the Grove, and it is a must visit the next time you're in that neck of the woods. (I do apologize for the photos. When you're going wild and

crazy for your favorite designs, it's hard to snap a decent photo!)

I was a vendor at the show, and I want to thank each and every one of you who stopped by my table and complimented my work. I was even asked if I'd graduated from FCC! (No, I didn't, but sure wish I had. What a fantastic program they offer!) I'm pretty much self taught. But, what a treat for me, to be in the midst of all that fashion talent.

My scarves were the big hit of the night. Here's a photo of a gracious model wearing one of my scarves. (sorry about cutting her head in half... yikes. My photography skills were obviously way off last night!) I'm trying to fine tune which sort of wearable art to make for the ladies, and I think the scarves are the clear winner. So, that's what will be in store for shoppers at this year's Artisans' Alley, coming up on December 5th.

And, on a side note, please contact me ASAP if you are interested in placing a custom order for holiday gift giving. I received 5 custom orders last week alone, which generally isn't a problem. But given the fact we've booked a 2 week family vacation to Washington, DC over Thanksgiving, it's now throwing a wrench into my works. So get those orders in ASAP! so you can reserve your space in my working time table...

Welcome New Friends

You are always welcome over here at our house!

I met so many new wonderful people yesterday at the Mission Hills Preschool Craft Fair. I appreciate all your comments and support for all things handmade (and wool), and I look forward to hopefully seeing you again very soon!

As promised, a mention of Artisans' Alley, which is a wonderful holiday Craft Fair that takes place on the first Saturday in December each year. The fair lasts from 9am until 3pm. I will hopefully be situated where I was last year, in the booth across from the entrance to the food area. In any case, let me know if you have questions that I can help answer. And, in the meantime, put the date on your calendar. You'll not want to miss Artisan's Alley. It's great fun, with great shopping, and will get you right into the holiday spirit. See you then!