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.  

2014 Craft Fair Schedule

So far this is where I will be selling my wares.  

More will be added I'm sure.

Did you see the last one...yup...taking a leap of faith and having one here at my studio/workshop.

A great show and new knees

What a whirlwind the last 2 1/2 weeks have been.  October 16 I preregistered for the hospital, had blood work done and all the fun stuff that goes along with that.  The next morning we left for Reno for the McQueen Craft Faire.  I knew the set up would not be easy on me and it held true to form.  My knees were screaming at me for sure.
On a much better note, my hubby was there to help along with Diane and her daughter, Alise.  Thank goodness for Alise, she was our feet helping shoppers with  getting things off the walls, etc.  Diane was great about making sure I stayed sitting as much as possible.
Timm had never seen opening night...he was amazed and overwhelmed with the number of people that were in our booth...and that they made it their first destination.  He said it was like we were rock stars or something.  lol  Sadly, I didn't even have a chance to break out my camera...so no photos. :(
We had a fantastic show and had little to pack up at the end.  I'd like to give a shout out to the band and dance team.  I had two kids from these groups that helped pack up well and get things to the trailer where Timm loaded.  I'm sure they appreciated the donation they received from me.

We drove home Monday.  For anyone who's ever driven between Vegas and Reno knows there's not much out there.  I was glad to get home.  We enjoyed a family dinner with all the kids at Macayo's...my favorite place.  Cassy was sooooo glad to see us.  I hated to leave her home but my brother took good care of her.

We were at the hospital at 6:00 am the next morning for surgery.  I remember rolling into the operating room, getting on the table, and them strapping my arms down...and I was out.  I remember waking up in my room late that day with a CPM machine on both legs.  The staff at the hospital were great.  All were so kind.

After 4 days, I went to rehab for 5 more days.  Now I am home for a few days, everything is finally coming together.  Therapy is scheduled and coming 3 days this week, I get staples out on Friday. All the medications are scheduled and can't wait to continue to improve.  I won't gross you out with photos of scars, even though I'm told they look great.  I can't wait to feel good again and am willing to do what it takes to get there.

Thank you everyone for all your prayers.  Please continue for speedy healing and recovery.

North to Reno

For some reason I have that song, North to Alaska in my brain this morning.  My next craft show stop...North to Reno...lol.  We'll be at the McQueen Craft Faire in Reno this coming weekend.

This is one of the photos from last year's booth.  This year, I've added some super cute mesh wreaths.  I love making them.  It's a refreshing creative outlet that's different from what I normally do.  

These are boxed and ready for the trip.  

Here is a link to a video for this year's event. 

I still have porch posts and some new bigger pieces as well.  I love this piece!  The spider's eyes light up and has a chalk board for the days countdown.  I saw a photo of this on Pinterest and had to make my own version.  I need one for Christmas too I think.  

While I don't have as much product as I'd like to be taking, there is still lots of great items.  I was blessed to have a fantastic show at Art in the Park with record sales for me.  

 

Timm is making the journey with me again this year.  It's good for him, he gets to spend some quality time with his brother John.  He's taking up 8 racks of ribs and tips he smoked up for him over the weekend.  

This is my last show for the year.  Knee surgery will happen right after we get home and keep me down for a while.  However, I plan to paint windows in November and planning for next year already. 

New Postcard

Well, here it is...a postcard with my big shows, photos, and logo and other details just for you.  

Already thinking about fall shows

Okay, is it crazy that I am already planning my fall craft show schedule?  Yes, that is what I'm doing already.  I'll be showing and selling my wares at Harvest Festival, Steve Powers Craft Festival, McQueen Craft Faire, and Art in the Park (jury committee willing).  There are always a few home shows in the mix, and then I want to add a couple of Arizona and California events if there is time and product. 

There is a huge stack of wood that needs to be cut into wonderful pieces to paint into treasures.  I said I would be more prepared than last year.  I plan to cut while the weather is cooler so I don't have sawdust sticking to my sweat covered body in July and August...honestly, there is nothing sexy about it.  lol  My bandsaw needs a new part and is just a bench top model, so I'll be loading up the trailblazer with wood and the dog and heading to my dad's to use his full size tools.  It's so much easier and faster to get things cut...just not an easy, quick event.  I like to get lots done while I am there so it seems like I'm there all day when I do that.  But, I come home with a week's worth of painting to get done so I guess it's all good.  I'm looking at doing lots of larger pieces this year so I'm excited to get started.

Reno Recap

I just have to say I am so thankful we drove up on Thursday instead of my standard 3:30am Friday departure time.  There were several delays due to road construction that put us about 2 hours behind on the way up there.  It was much less stressful Friday during set up as well...which I attribute to a good night's sleep. 

The crowds lined up early for Friday night.  The best part...no children or strollers.  One of my best and most loyal customers, Heidi and her daughter arrived at 4pm for the 5:30 opening just so they could be first in line. 

Here are a few pictures of my booth to share.  It's never quite as polished as I'd like it to be since there is only 4 hours to unload and set up in the courtyard.  But it looked okay.  By Saturday afternoon we were removing the center display pieces and re-arranging trying to make it look full again.  Fall/Halloween were the best sellers for me. 

I enjoyed the time I spent with my best friend, Diane and time shared with my brother-in-law, John and his wife, Rhonda.  It's nice to come back to a home instead of a hotel.

Thanks to the ROTC and other students for helping unload, tear down, and load the trailer.  It makes driving home 8 hours possible that night.  We arrived home at 2am.  I'm looking forward to next year already. 

Reno, here I come.

It's that time of year again.  I am once again participating in the McQueen Craft Faire in Reno, NV this weekend.  It's a great show!  I love being in the cooler weather, visiting my hubby's brother and family, and supporting the Booster Club for McQueen High School.  Look for me there, I'll be in the courtyard. 

Show and Tell Friday

Last weekend Timm and I drove to Reno to attend the McQueen HS Craft Faire.  It's a great show plus we get to see and visit with his brother and family while there.  It's just a great time all around.  Friday is a really long day, but we drove almost half of the distance in the dark.  It seems to go faster in the dark, maybe because you can't see landmarks.  Set up was easier this year and I was actually finished before the show opened.  Friday night sales were great.  Shoppers pay $10 on Friday evening...and the best part...no strollers or children!  I think I would shop on Friday as well.  I missed seeing a couple of friends that night.  One had a family emergency, another came on Saturday.  Timm had never been there before and was amazed at how these gals shopped.  The whole weekend was good.  Sales were up from last year, the weather was pleasant, and customers were happy.   We tore down in record time thanks to Timm and the JROTC.  I always give them a genorous donation for their efforts.  Once again, the volunteer staff put on a wonderful event! 

John and his family are doing well.  The grandkids are growing like weeds.  Oh....they have puppies!  Eight springer spaniel puppies about 3 weeks old, talk about adorable!!!  They were just starting to wonder off the bed a little, and it's amazing how they pregressed in just 4 days.  It's a good thing they weren't old enough to bring home...Cassy would be jealous anyway. 

Well, two shows down, 4 to go for my season.  The next couple are easier ones, then the last one is a 4 day show in St. George.  I'll keep you updated.  Have a great weekend.

Next stop...Reno

Yup, that's right...the next stop on the Twiddlebugz tour 2010 will be in Reno at McQueen High School October 15-17.  We leave about 3:30am from Las Vegas and head out across the great, empty vastness known as the Nevada desert...it is a long uneventful drive with just a few towns to break up the view that never seems to change.  We'll hit Tonopah about sunrise and reach Reno in time for lunch.  After that, we'll set up at 1pm, the show opens at 5pm on Friday and runs through Sunday afternoon.  Timm is going with me this year.  This is a huge step for him and I'm glad he's coming.  I just hope he survives the trip.  He is bringing the propane smoker and ribs to cook for his brother's family while we're there.  He's looking forward to spending time with his brother, that's for sure. Come out to see me and lots of other creative and talented crafters at this event.

My Fall Craft Show Schedule

Here it is everyone...finally.  I put much effort and time in creating a show schedule and flyer.  This year I am actually printing photos of this to mail and hand out to customers.  I just love the photo.  It's by my dear friend, Ruth Denton.  I swear, she really should pursue photography as a career.  I was going to use it last year and just never got around to using it, so this year I want to thank her for the use of this photo.

If I add any show dates they will be posted here on my blog and on Facebook. 

Please come shop with me if you have a chance.  Some cool, creative holiday and everyday pieces will be waiting just for you. 

Home at Last

I'm back from my show in Reno and it appears I got out of there in the nick of time.  We left Monday morning and they had snow on Tuesday...whew...just made it.  The weekend was beautiful and the trees were awesome shades of red, yellow, rust and brown...that's a real treat for us Vegas folk.  We left a day early and came home a day late so it was a longer trip than normal but certainly less tiresome.  It was also nice to spend more time with family.  It was my only out of town show this year.  Shoppers were out in full force at McQueen...thank goodness.  This year my friend and split 3 booths, it was a good move and we plan to do it again next year.  Thanks to the ROTC and students that helped move product, set up and tear down...you guys (and gals) were awesome...makes this show so much easier on the vendors.  Looking forward to next year.