Happy Monday everyone!  I’m reporting to you after a long, but fun weekend. 

On Saturday morning I packed my three girls into the mini van and headed to DePere for my cousin’s wife’s baby shower.  It was hot but unbelievably fun.  My Aunt Peggy had Katherine from Chili come and cook crepe’s to order – so delicious!

7.  Chile – The International section at the Show is always a big deal, but Chile pretty well stole the show this year with its exhibits and the energetic Carolina Ordonez (from the Chile Trade Commission) who identified the companies who are working hard to bring their products to the United States. We were intrigued by the wine in the can, and impressed by Chef Katherine Medel, who had us taste the turbot from Seafood Resources. There’s quite a story there, too, so stay tuned. – from the article Top Ten Trend Setters at the 2011 National Restaruant Show

After the shower we headed home so I could start getting read for the Seventh Annual Summer Craftacular. 

When I opened the mail on Sunday I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my quilt, “Owl Be Yours’ was accepted into the 2011 Madison Quilt Expo.  Now I’ll just have to figure out how I’m going to get there to see it!  Unfortunately my ‘Spring Convergence’ did not make it in but I’m truly grateful to be able to have even one of my quilts there.

Bright and early Sunday morning (of course Pip didn’t sleep her normal routine so I was sort of tired from not sleeping from 2:30 to 4:30) Nicole of MyPoplin met me at my house and we rode together in ‘the Beast’ (a super large cargo van so I can fit all my things). 

I had a booth for both of my shops this year - theAppleand KimsCraftyApple.  I think splitting them a part really helped me display things so people could truly look at them and it also kept my booth less crowded.    Fabric bubble necklaces – a new item this year.

One thing I did this year was put my stretchy bracelets all in a basket.  I had them listed at $10 each or 4 for $30.  I am amazed at how well this ‘deal’ went over and how many people enjoyed searching through the basket for just the right bracelets.

Overall the show was a huge success.  Not only did I make some great sales but I got to visit with some fantastic repeat customers (I can quote one that said her patchwork belt is her ‘favorite and most comfortable belt.”) and some other great vendors.  I went home happy and exhausted. 

What’s on Tap for this Week?

Holiday Craft Shows

I can’t believe it’s already time to think about and apply for Holiday Craft shows.  This year I’m applying for the Holiday Craftacular and Art Vs. Craft!  I’m crossing my fingers that I get in this year.  Another great show in the area that I don’t due simply because it falls on the same weekend and my Handcrafted Hoedown for the Holiday’s at the Orchard is Handmade for the Holidays in Oshkosh. 

Project Quilting

Now that my sale is over I really need to get a move on my Project QUILTING ‘Non-Quilt’ Challenge Piece.  I’ve had the idea from day one – now I just need the time.  I have to hurry since they’re due this Sunday!

Family, Home and Orchard

Eye doctor for Cedi and I tomorrow.  I think we may do some school clothing shopping afterwards.  I also need to get my creations put away from the show and start to get the shop ready.  Apple season is going to be here in just a few weeks!  This Sunday is Kraut Day at the orchard so I’d really like to have the shop looking nice for then.  I also am trying to keep on top of the blueberry picking – they’re big, blue and delicious this year!