Oh, Buffalo..

I've come back to you after so many days away, and today I found those old dreams still looming.

The sale at the Western New York Book Arts Center was fantastic- and I speak above and beyond any sales made. Though I did make them, and had a few folks tell me I was under-priced! How sweet. I have raised my prices some- but really I just want people to take my little creations home and love them. Silly? Yea, maybe.

While all of that was lovely in and of itself, what was truly spectacular were the
incredible people I met and talked with. Some were folks I've met before now such as Abbey of AestheticOutburst and Jeffery Vincent. But gladly many new ones too, like Shelly of French Press, Nicole of Freshly{Blended}, Chris of Ferrum Wheel (among many, many other things..) and Carol of CrowBiz. Conversations ranged from the latest episodes of 30 Rock (who doesn't love Tina Fey?) to the more pressing matters of the state of the arts in Buffalo.

Having bounced back and forth amongst many Upstate NY cities I've always felt more at home with this town. Rochester kicked my butt and Syracuse just never caught my interest. People spoke of their passion for the old buildings downtown and the longing to own one, about taking the initiative and starting something on their own. It rekindled those old thoughts, the desire to own my own little space. I once again saw myself curled up in a little yarn shop, selling skeins and needles, hanging art, holding events and having regular stitch and bitch circles.

For now I will happily distract myself with one in my own living room (POST-holiday of course) when I will finish up a few commissions, at last make something for me, start preparing for the spring shows and setting up that etsy shop at long long last!

And I will share my current favorite song of the moment, John Cale's version of "Hallelujah"

No Rest For the Weary

Today is the last day of school. The students are furiously trying to finish their projects and the halls are filled with nervous energy. Grades are due Friday but I intend to finish far before that because I have yet another sale coming!

This time I'll be setting up in downtown Buffalo for the Last Minute Panic Holiday Gift Marketplace being held at the Western New York Book Arts Center. (Can't see the image? Click here) My thanks to Kyla Kegler for alerting me to the opportunity! The event is on December 20th from 11-4 pm and is of course free and open to the public.

I've begun making lists and trying to reasonably determine what I can accomplish. I wondered whether tacking on another sale before Christmas was a good idea or not given the amount of gifts I have yet to make and MacKenzie's still unknown illnesses... but I've heard some great things about the Book Arts Center so I opted to give it a shot. I liked the idea of not only supporting the local handmade community but also an up and coming Buffalo venue.

Come by and say hello, I'll be the frazzled one with the knitting needles...

Well, It's Over Now

The nights spent up until 4am have subsided, for now, as the Second Storie Indie Market is behind us. The loss of sleep and the travel to Rochester and back was of course more than worth it. The amount of incredible items and vendors was overwhelming, so much talent in one little room. Many thanks to freshly blended for taking some great photos (like the one above) so many of us found it hard to get out from behind our tables which made get images hard.

The event was a great experience as always and I was thrilled to see so many folks taking home my new creations. In particular the brand new etched glass pieces! I'm still struggling with pricing and presentation. I had them marked on the bottoms (who wants sticky stuff on the side of a vase?) but I think the fear of touching them kept most from picking them up on day one. I found myself telling people the prices- because I didn't have them priced to high and I wanted people to feel at ease to pick them up. The candle holders/cups went quickly which made more room and on day two I think people were more at ease not having to reach over anything to get them. I sold all but one vase which is just fine since I have to stock my etsy store, and prepare for the next sale!

Ok, sleep well tonight friends for tomorrow its back to battle!