Some long over due craft show photos

I thought I posted pictures a while ago but apparently not...so here they are.  The weekend was forecast with possible wind and rain but we were blessed with perfect weather. 

We had almost 100 people come out to shop...not bad for my first year event.   

I converted the workshop for the chaos that is craft show season working into an actual craft show and I have to say I was pleased with how it turned out.   

We had some soft and plush baby blankets Jackie brought.  

The main focus was Christmas. 

Rachel brought some cute stuffed characters as well as the awesome finished pieces. 

Diane and I probably had too many posts but they sell so darn well that when the shows starts there are tons of them.  

Santa was very popular at this and the last show. 

We even had earrings that Diane's daughter helped the African women work on when she went on a service mission trip earlier this year. 

We had some awesome deco-mesh wreaths. 

I totally am in love with this one.  

The quote on this one says it all don't you think? 

I sold several of this style with the Indian corn this year...love it. 

There were lots of gifty items too.  

All in all, I was pleased with the way it turned out, the number of people who came, and the money they spent.  I'll be doing it again next year for sure. 

Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for all our blessings. Timm smoked turkey and then finished them off in the fryer...the best of both worlds...so tasty.  I made three pans of mashed potatoes, and a huge pot of gravy.  Family brought the rest of the sides and Chris brought a honey baked ham.  Christy made her first batch of southwest cream corn and it was wiped out.  Desserts galore with pumpkin pie, lemon lush, and pumpkin trifle.  Oh my gosh, so much food.  Everyone went home with a to-go box or two to share and enjoy.  

Hope your Thanksgiving was full of love, family and friends.  

More trees at Ralph Jones Display

Here are some pictures from my trip last week to Ralph Jones Display.  What an amazing and inspiring place it is.  

Love the jewel tone colors on this tree. 

Love how they use ribbon.  

The use of over sized ornaments and ribbon make for a spectacular tree. 

Awesome Mr. and Mrs. Claus  display. 

Pretty pretty 

White tree with pale green ornaments. 

Gold tones and icicles galore. 

Happy 239th Birthday to The United States Marines from Madison Rising

A Little Christmas Inspiration

Last week I went over to Ralph Jones Display here in Vegas to pick up some display hooks.  They have been busy little elves over there, the store is all decked out for Christmas with trees of every size, style and color.  

This week I went back all because of this black chalkboard style ribbon.  It's been taunting me in my dreams...seriously, I wanted this ribbon bad.  I tried to find it elsewhere with no luck so I sucked it up and paid the price for it.  

Ralph Jones Display offers no discounts sadly, but they do have amazing stuff.  

These reindeer are awesome.  It's overwhelming to see so much stuff in one space.  Believe me, they pack it in there.  These guys were in a sleigh...you can kinda see it.  

Who wouldn't want an upside down tree and giant cupcakes, especially after seeing this whimsical display. 

Okay, something a bit more traditional in style.  Love how they use ribbon on the trees.  

Somehow, this birch log didn't even look out of place sticking out of this tree.  

Love this. 

Coloring on this tree is amazing! 

This one is just dripping with elegance. 

I'll post a few more trees in a couple of days.

McQueen Craft Faire Rocks

We had another successful year at the McQueen Craft Faire in Reno again this year.  I have to say, we have some really loyal followers up there and we love them!  The kids this year were very organized and helpful.  I gotta say the JROTC is the best!  Love them.

I even had kids help me set up this year.  

I added a bunch of wreaths this year and they were very popular.  As always, the lighted porch posts are great sellers as well. 

We had great weather, awesome crowds, and shoppers were happy and spending more than in years past.  

Last year, I went in for my knee replacements the day after I got home from this event.  I have to say, this year was so much more enjoyable and easier for me.  

I'm looking forward to next year already.  Love to be able to spend time with Timm's family up there, see customers who have become friends, and enjoy the Washoe Valley and Reno area.  

Happy Birthday Nevada!

That's right...Nevada is celebrating 150 years of statehood today!

Happy birthday Nevada!  You're looking good!

NOTICE: CRAFT SHOW SCHEDULE CHANGE

I'm bummed to say that Rachel with 4 All Seasons is not holding her craft show this year at her home.  It is a good show, close to home, and easy work shifts.
I will still be in Logandale, NV (just 45 north of Las Vegas...on the way to Utah) for the Pomegranate Festival that Friday and Saturday, November 7&8.  It's held at the Clark Country Fairgrounds.  I'll have lots of Christmas decor, some Thanksgiving as well as some everyday items.  I hope you'll take the short drive and come enjoy the country for a day.

What a difference a year makes!

Disclaimer:  These knees are not pretty.

I know its not good for a person but I used to eat Tylenol and Advil like it was candy to get through my days.  I tried to not let my knees hold me back from what I wanted to do...and for the most part I think I did a really good job at that.  I still was a super busy person...floral work, craft shows and classes, holiday window painting, camping, ATV riding, BBQ contests, water aerobics, walk Cassy, everyday stuff...the list goes on.  The day I pulled into the Michael's parking lot and didn't get out of the car I knew I'd met my limits.  I just sat in my car and cried...I felt truly defeated.  

A new round of X-rays showed that there was no cartilage left, my knees were bone-on-bone.  No wonder every movement was painful.  

  

 One year ago today I hobbled into the hospital for a double knee replacement.  It had been a 15 year process to get to that point for me.  I have been through years and years of cortisone shots every three months, I tried the gel shots...they worked for about a year to 15 months, and 3 rounds of arthroscopic surgery on my knees.  

I was actually excited for this.  Seriously, kinda weird I know.  Who in the right mind would be excited to have surgery on both knees at the same time?  Me!

I spent 10 days in the hospital and rehab.  I really didn't want to go to rehab but am so glad I did.  It was worth the extra time away from home.  I spent 8 hours a day on the CPM machines, occupational therapy, physical therapy and exercise.  I came home and spent another 3 weeks on the CPM machines for 8 hours a day.  I had a great home care nurse that came everyday and a physical therapist that pushed me.  

This is what they look like today.  

I got clearance to do pretty much whatever I want to do from Dr. Bradford in January.  In May, we went to Moab, Utah for a week of ATV riding and exploring.  I even hiked about 3 miles...a huge deal and success for me!  We spent Labor Day riding and exploring the Paiute Trail from Marysvale, Utah.  What a great time.  

Barbecue contests and catering have been sooo much more enjoyable.  Turn-ins are not something I dread now.  I look forward to doing more very soon.

I just finished up my three largest craft shows and I have to say what a difference a year makes.  It was like comparing day and night in the way that I felt during and when they were complete. 

I feel blessed to be able to have both knees replaced.  It is a life changing event for me. I've had a great support system behind me with my hubby, parents, and friends and family.  I continue to go to my water aerobics class, its so good for me.  We've bought bikes and ride 3-4 nights a week...Cassy has even learned to trot along beside me.  We even look forward to it.  

  

I would recommend having knee replacements for anyone that is considering it.  I also highly recommend my orthopedist, Dr. Michael Bradford.  He's amazing!  

Another Successful Year at Art in the Park

Gosh, I still feel like I'm recovering from Art in the Park.  It was a gorgeous weekend and the crowds came out in droves and were ready to shop. 

We filled our booth with tons of crafts including wreath, posts, blocks and lots of other great handmade items. 

We refilled the booth each morning with new stock and the end of each day it looked like a tornado went through it. 

Big thanks go out to my niece, Samantha who cam out to set up on Friday; to Diane's daughter who spent part of Friday and part of Saturday with us setting up and selling; and to my niece, Amanda who spent Sunday with us selling and tearing down.  Also big thanks to my hubby, Timm; my son Scott and his wife, Christy.  They all tore down Sunday evening and lugged stuff up the hill to the trailer...I owe you guys dinner. 

Samantha and I finished our Friday set up with lunch at the Southwest Diner.  We finished lunch with warm pie with ice cream.  MMMMMMMM

Thanks to all who shopped with us...we appreciate all of you. 

Pumpkin window painting

I don't too many windows for fall but the Southwest Diner in Boulder City always has me do their's up for Fall. 

They do a really cute job of decorating the outside of their building.

I tend to paint really large items so its easily seen as a person drives by.  Too many small items can just look cluttered.

They like to keep them up until it's time or snowmen so its just pumpkins...no jacks. 

They have outdoor dining so this is one busy door.  It takes a while with all the interruptions.  

P.S.  They have really good home-style food.  I highly recommend them.  

A little more detail...

 I bought these reindeer at the gift market...I just fell in love with them.  But as much as I loved them they still needed to little touch of Twiddlebugz to them.  

This is the before and after of what I did to them.  I always have to repaint the eyes, regardless of where the piece comes from.  I just like more detail.  

I added more line details, made his smile bigger, and some high lights...and the eyes of course.  

I really liked them before...but now I love them!

I'll have them at the next craft show.