Yep-this is going to be another one of those posts.
I've just been so crazy busy, as I suspect most people are during the summer in this part of the world. What with all the local festivals and trying to build a serious supply of stock for the fall/holiday buying season, in addition to our new psycho kitten and the regular mom and wife stuff, I don't have as much time as I would like to make neat and organized, separate posts.
I hope you understand...*gives Puss in Boots style big eyes...*
So, I'll start off with the card I made my dad for Father's Day. I let The Kid choose our theme-
A sheet of watercolor paper, some permanent markers and a Scooby Doo tee shirt I used as reference were all it took to create a card that cost far less money than a grocery store alternative, but is worth far more in meaning due to the personalized content(The Husband, The Kid and I are styled after Shaggy, Velma and Daphne, in case you couldn't tell...haha).
The Husband only wanted two things for Father's Day-to go to an annual local art fair and indulge in a steak cooked by yours truly.
The steak was cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, a homemade red wine, butter, parsley, a little salt and pepper and vinegar. It was, delicious.
The art fair was fun, despite The Kid Being particularly difficult that day. I always find it inspiring to peruse the amazing works of other craftspeople. And, since nobody there was selling any embroidery or button art, or textile jewelry(save one girl), I will definitely be vending at that fair next year. I've got my mind made up! Let's do this, yo!
We only made two purchases at the fair, a wooden rolling pin and a necklace, but they were both perfectly lovely and will be treasured for many years.
I have been wanting a rolling pin for a few years now, and though I could have purchased one at Wal-Mart for about six bucks, I spent about six times that amount and brought home this amazing, handmade piece of kitchen art, that will last me the rest of my life and be passed onto The Kid when I die someday.
The guy who made our rolling pin had his fifteen year old daughter there with him, and was telling The Husband about how she was learning to turn too. Truly, it warmed my heart to know that my purchase will help the father continue to share his craft with his daughter. These types of skills are so important to pass on to the next generation, especially in a country where kids are growing up vegged out in front of video games and television shows, unable to make anything but a sandwich with their own two hands.
I was lucky enough to spot this adorable necklace in a teeny little vendor tent which featured only a handful of prints, paintings, embroidered pins and this single necklace. It was terribly under priced at only fifteen dollars, but I fell in love immediately and knew that I would take care of it and appreciate the work that went into it, as opposed to treating it as a cheap piece of fashion jewelry due to the price. And yes, I know I could have made it myself, but I often buy items from other crafters/artists that I know I could make, because I just don't have the time to make everything I would like to make for myself. And just because I can make it, doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the skill that went into it. Actually, that makes me appreciate it more.
Every time I wear this piece, the image just brings me such joy. And truly, that's what handmade is all about-The connection to a piece and the joy, happiness and love it brings you.
I leave you with this image of unfinished pins and hair clips next to a stack of finished items headed to A New Leaf At Schillers in Donnellson. If you live in the area, stop by and stimulate your local economy! Not only do they carry my line of accessories, but they have a gorgeous green house that will inspire even the blackest of thumbs.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Wow, that pin is amazing! Do they have an online presence?
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