Glitterfest Fun

Welcome! I wanted to thank all of you who came out to Glitterfest. It was such a great show, and loads of you showed up early, lined up at the door. Thanks so much! I know it wasn't the best day to be out with all our humidity, but thanks all the same. Sheryl and Diane did another amazing job putting it all together. The next one is already being planned, and will be in March.
Here is a view of my table. The window display worked great and held up a lot of ornaments. The only problem was because of the glass I couldn't hear what anyone was saying unless I stood up. I kind of felt like a drive through teller behind a window!
I was right by the front door, and was able to see everyone when they first came in.
My daughter was a huge help. It got so hectic sometimes we were madly passing ornaments back and forth to each other. I loved hanging out with her, and we kept each other going.
Here is a view of Stacey's booth. It was great to see her again, and I wanted to steal her fan! She had loads of great items as usual.
Here's Gina's booth. She has so many goodies to choose from and I love them all.
And here's Karin's booth. She had loads of sparkly pretties to choose from. Next time I want to shop!
This is my lovely neighbor Iva. She is a sweetheart, and she has so many beautiful works of art to enjoy. And Iva won an award for the prettiest booth. You can see why!
The pumpkin balloon was one of my favorites that she had made, that and a witches shoe that sold right away.
Well that's all I was able to take. I wanted to get around the whole room and get more shots, but it was just too busy which is a good thing. Thanks for popping in. Were you able to make it to Glitterfest? If so, what were some of your favorite goodies?

Take care,

Martha

Packed Ventura Show

Hi, I'm back from a vacation! It was wonderful to have the time to rest and just have some fun. I wanted to share with you a few photos of my last craft show in downtown Ventura, Ca. It was on the 4th of July, and as you can see it was a "sea" of people. It's always one of my best shows, and I thank everyone who came out and so generously supported me.
You can't see my booth, but it's down there somewhere!
This was my neighbor for the day. He's a Bloodhound who works for the police tracking lost people.
He slowly made his way under my table and off his own bed!
He was the most entertaining neighbor I've ever had, and I'd be happy to hear his funny bark if I were lost.
My youngest son turned 14 not long ago. It's interesting handling my other 2 kids now too, because they both just got their driver's licenses. I'm still on pins and needles when they drive!

So back to work I go. I'm in the middle of finishing orders and making Halloween charms that I'll be sharing with you soon. I'm planning on attending Glitterfest so mark you calendars for Oct. 10th.

Take care,

Martha

Hanging out in Escondido

Hello, and thanks for stopping by.  I'll be sitting here in Escondido tomorrow May 18th waiting to see your happy face.  I"ll be about half way down Grand St. and I'm going to be there from 9-5.

Can't wait to see you!  

Sincerely,

Martha

May Day Petit Bouquet

Happy May Day to you!  I thought I'd share a few images of the new project I'm working on. They are tiny charms (1/2"x1/2") filled with vintage images of birds, butterflies and flowers.  

This butterfly charm says "Inspire" on the back.  The yellow background comes from an old time card.

A pretty little poppy with "fleur" on the back.

For those of you who live in the San Diego area, I'll be at the Carlsbad Faire on Sunday May 4th.  It is the biggest craft show I've ever been to.  Downtown Carlsbad is filled to the brim with booths.  I'll be across from the live theatre on State St.  Be sure to come by and see me, because I love chatting with my bogging friends.  Have a wonderful, joyous, flower filled May Day!

Love,

Martha

Thank You!

Thanks to the beautiful beach community of Encinitas for a wonderful craft show.  Above is a shot (sorry it's so grainy and dark, that's the trade off you get for wonderful shade) of my booth with my handmade charms, necklaces and boxes made by my friend Rosemary.

Here I am looking extremely tired I'm afraid.  

Above are two wonderful customers I so enjoyed meeting Robyn and Judy.  Robyn is wearing a pirate charm she bought from my website.  

I had a wonderful time meeting all of you who came to the Encinitas street faire.  The weather was perfect, and it is so fun for me to actually put faces with emails and orders.  What an experience it was and I am truly thankful for your support.  Finding out how much these charms mean to you absolutely inspires me to move forward.  

Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Love,

Martha

Tatters and Tags

Hi there!  Well the first show of my little craft show season is over, and to tell you the truth I'm pretty tired.  Thanks to the lovely ladies that stopped by due to my blog.  It is so nice to know that my humble blog is being read by you.  I thought next time I do a craft show it would be fun to bring my computer and blog while the show is going on.  

Here are some photos of my dear tattered dress form.  She's been through a lot but is a survivor and I think just perfect.  Her name is "Betty Boob" due to her obvious physical flaws.  She is from Barcelona, and appears to be quite old but still likes to dress up and accompany me to craft shows.  My dear friend Rosemary is making her a crown so she's going to be really happy about that.  

I was tagged by Pat of Mille Fiori Favoriti to participate in a 6 word meme..."Six words that represent your life's motto."  I came up with "keep faith, fear not, have fun."  Because I rely on my faith in God and that He is in control, I can't let fear paralyze me from going forward, and without laughing and having fun life becomes way too serious and dull.  

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Take care,

Martha

Craft Show Craziness

Hi there!  So nice to have you stop by.  Well tomorrow is my first craft show since December, and I'm nervous and excited as always.  I guess if I were selling something I didn't make it would be better.  But I did make these darlings from creating the design, cutting the glass and soldering, to gluing on the rhinestones and ribbons.  They are a true labor of love, and I can't think of anything else I'd rather do, but with any passion the bad side comes out too.  I've cursed, cut myself, burned my fingers and legs, screamed at my family (I'm sorry!) and  battled severe migraines.  So sometimes it's hard to lay it all out there for the public to see and judge at a craft show.  I still get nervous and fearful, and think to myself is it good enough, should I have done more, or I start comparing myself to others, which is my kiss of death.  But like Betty Bender says, "Anything I've ever done that was ultimately worthwhile, initially scared me to death."  

So I just thought I'd share some of my feelings before I get back to work here.  If you're in the neighborhood tomorrow, please stop by and say hi to me.  I'll be getting up bright and early tomorrow at 4 a.m.  :)

I hope you keep your passion burning even when it gets hard, and face your fears too because that's when great things happen in your life. 

Take care,

Martha

Time for the Show

Well it's a lovely day here in sunny California.  But alas, I can't really get outside and enjoy it.  I just noticed it is already March 2nd, and I must start pushing myself toward creating.  With upcoming deadlines I tend to dilly dally.  It doesn't make much sense but the more work I have the more you'll see me puttering around the house, visiting blogs ( I love seeing your beautiful blogs, but sheesh I need to place a time limit doing it), working on my website, walking the dogs, and reading magazines.  So I must force myself to stay on track and just work.   After Christmas, I kind of got used to spending some time off, and really enjoyed it.  But looking at the upcoming craft show crunch, I'm determined to get going.  So here I go.  I mean it really here I go.  Come on girl... OK on the count of 3, 1... 2.... 3...  GO! 

~Martha

P.S.  Click here for directions to some of the craft shows I'll be attending.  I'll also post a schedule on my website.  And information for the 4th of July Ventura show.

Stormy

Stormy is a very loyal companion.  He's my 5 month old Golden Retriever puppy.  However he tends to situate himself right where I work, which includes curling up directly where my feet go under my computer.  Also when it's time for dinner he decides to lie smack dab in the middle of the kitchen.  He is a cutie pie and an absolute mush pot.  He loves being held and kissed, but holding him isn't going to last much longer.  He's getting really big.  I actually have 2 puppies right now. Stormy has an older sister (10 months old) named Sunny.  Who's great idea was it to get 2 puppies right before all the upcoming Spring craft shows?  Yikes!  

Speaking of craft shows, I guess I better get to work as soon as I find a place to put my feet.  

Have a wonderful day. 

~Martha

P.S.  Here's the schedule of my craft shows so far this year, please come see me if you're in the area!  Oh and if you have one, bring your dog too.  ;)

San Marcos Spring and Summer Festival            4/6/08

Encinitas Street Faire and Poinsettia Festival    4/26/08

Carlsbad Village Faire                                          5/04/08

Ventura Holiday Street Faire                                 7/4/08

Carlsbad Art in the Village                                      8/10/08

San Marcos Spring and Summer Festival             8/31/08

Escondido Downtown Street Faire                        10/19/08

Carlsbad Village Faire                                              11/02/08

Encinitas Street Faire and Poinsettia Festival     11/23/08

Ventura Holiday Street Faire                                  12/7/08