Oh August, we're not even half way through, and I am already SO over you. Weekends that should be spent outdoors, are instead spent anywhere that we can find air-conditioning.
Or, shady parks, with dappled sunlight leading us to believe that it is in fact a little cooler than the 87 degree reading of the car thermometer.
I think I'll take my cue from the spiders, and start preparing for Fall. It's coming. Right?!
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Each Thursday morning, around 6 a.m., I make my way to Tacoma to set up for the Tacoma Farmer's Market on Broadway.
I'm typically one of the first artists / vendors to arrive for set up, and I like it that way. The street is closed off for us and quiet, except for the occasional fire truck siren in the distance.
An hour and a half or so later, the busy-ness and noise of vendors arriving breaks the quiet. That's when I put the ear buds in my ears and crank up some music while I finish up the details of setting up my booth and prepping for the arriving customers.
This area of Tacoma is lovely and old. A beautiful backdrop for the Tacoma Farmer's Market.
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We planted these roses on our wedding day. They are prolific bloomers all summer long, as long as I keep trimming them back.
May, as usual, has been a little schizophrenic in the weather department. I can't decide if I want to BBQ for dinner, or have rainy day comfort food dinners. Comfort food it is, tonight. I had leftover spaghetti sauce that I needed to use up or freeze. I added some cooked penne pasta, a can of white kidney beans, a little shredded cheddar, and chunks of fresh mozzarella to the top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, and dinner is ready. It doesn't get much easier.
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A big heartfelt thank you to all who have served, and sacrificed for our country. A visit to our local Soldier's Cemetery is sobering, and eye-opening. So many have lost lives, and loved ones, to protect the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S.A.
The next time you see a soldier, be sure to thank them.
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Earlier this year I had an online request from a Bride-to-be to make Custom Wristlets for her Bridesmaids. I really enjoyed working with her. Helping her decide on colors and prints, and then receiving an email from her after her big day, telling me how much her 'Girls' loved their gifts. How blessed am I to be able to make something that contributed to her special day?!
It sparked an idea in me, that there must be lots of other Brides-to-be also looking for a special, unique gift for their Bridal parties. And so, my Bridesmaids Sets were born! They've been a fun addition to my online shop.
If you know a Bride looking for a unique gift, I'd love it if you'd send her my way. You can find the Wedding Bridesmaids Sets here. If you don't see your colors in my shop, feel free to contact me here. I'd be so happy to work together to come up with something that fits your vision for your special day!
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This painting is in our dining room. My husband and I really like the painting, but the frame was looking really dated, and not doing much for the painting.
I knew this frame had potential. It just needed a little DIY make-over.
I mean, look at those beautiful corner details! It was time to give this old girl a chic face-lift.
It was pretty easy to remove the painting from the frame. I chose a sunny, wind-free day to set it out in the yard for painting, and did several light coats.
I decided Black Gloss would really bring out those pretty details in the picture frame. Love the Rust-oleum Spray Paint.
A Rust-Oleum Spray Nozzle is a must-have if you're doing any spray painting! When spraying, the trick is to let the paint dry between each light coat, to prevent dripping, and to insure good coverage.
Here's the 'after', and what a difference!
Just look at those beautiful corner details! I'm in love!
So much better! So easy!
Man, I love a good spray paint, re-do, DIY, before and after project! Don't you?!
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The Puyallup Farmer's Market is in full swing, and I've been set up there almost every one of the past 11 weeks. I love this market, but to be really honest, sales have been dismally slow for me so far this year. My sales numbers are way off from the previous two years that I've been selling there. I don't normally share about how my sales are at events, but I have to say, I am really dumbfounded.
And, not to mention, just a bit discouraged.
The market is going through some changes this year, with lots of construction planned for Pioneer Park, (where we set up), this summer. That's the only difference I can come up with, when I compare to previous years. And trust me, I have racked my brain, talked on end with fellow artists, and whined to my husband every Saturday evening. My dear husband, who listens, discusses, and shares my frustration over it.
Oh shoot, now here I am whining to you, my blog readers! Haha! So, what to do?
1. Stay positive
2. Change things up
3. Promote, promote, promote
4. Make a plan to try some new things, until I see success again
5. Think outside the box
One thing I've learned, after being self-employed for eight years, is that you have to learn to roll with the punches. Also - being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart!
So, for now, you'll still see me set up at the Puyallup Farmer's Market on Saturdays. And I'll still be bringing my 'A Game'. But, don't be surprised to maybe see some changes for XSBaggage & Co. in the near future.
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I shared this photo on Instagram the other day. It's my dining room table covered in Art/Craft show applications for the upcoming year. It's just part of the preparations that need to be made to keep my little business humming throughout the year. Decisions have to be made. These events can cost anywhere from $65.00 to $1000.00 per show, just to participate for a weekend. So the decision about which ones to apply for can't be taken lightly.
Another part of preparing for the Summer show season is making sure I create enough product.
That's one of the FUN parts for me!
I'll be updating my sidebar, on this page, as I receive acceptance to the shows that I'm applying for. If you're in Washington state, please do come back and check out my event list. I'd love to have you come by and say Hi! at one of the events.
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