Yin and Yang

Hi Everyone,

It has definitely been the week from heck, the last 96 lours or so are just a snowy blur with a couple of highlights. But, that's what always makes it worthwhile.

The first highlight was the sweetest thank you note I received out of the blue. Weekend before last was in Carmel IN, a super busier than usual show and the usual hoards of shoppers were present in our booth. So much so, I held most of my conversations from behind the ironing board/desk, basically because I simply couldn't get out from behind the ironing board/desk! Now most of you know that is not okay with me, I love getting out and meeting face to face with all of you.

So imagine my surprise when I received the following email from a name I didn't recognize at first:

Hello,

I was at Saturday's show in Carmel, Indiana and your booth was my favorite!  I bought several vintage white frames and I am having fun trying to decide how I want to arrange them.  You were very busy, yet you took the time to talk to me!

Thank you,

Julie

I particularly love the "your booth was my favorite" part, as a vendor can never hear that enough, trust me. But it is so nice when someone speaks up to say something. So whether I say that to you at the booth when you see us or not, know that I treasure your saying it more than you will ever know. Thank you Julie, your note made me smile and I am glad you likes your frames.

So that little bump kept me going forward towards the 1200 brides-to-be for Saturday at Indie Wed. Boy, did I need it.

Not all of the 'staff' here got the rush and importance level of getting ready for the show. Here is what is going on at George's workspace for all the jewelry boards we needed to get made. 

Notice the wire right next to him, yes he is in the middle of the construction area for a belly rub. What you don't see or hear is the electric staple gun going off when this was taken. he was perfectly fine with all that.  I need to crack down on employee perks here. Lige certainly is on my list.

The real push was to get all the new items made, the cool silverware pouches, new lace and burlap pew bows, beautiful chair covers and my favorite, our brooch bouquet.

I need get the handle photographed with it's burlap wrap and glitter dewdrop accents. Just stunning and it went over really well with the brides.

Here's what it looked like all together

The biggest obstacle tho ended up being the space. That damned 6 X 6 impossible space. Who can do anything with a space that size?

Reconfiguring our sellable bridal wares down to a 6' X 6" booth was hard enough but the frosting on the cake was our neighbor behind our spot. A florist who decided on 6 shades of hot pink netting as a backdrop. Seriously, hot pink?

Yes, hot pink, 8 foot high . . . kinda adds a glow to the area . . .

It was there from the get go but from the huge amount of traffic and business we got, it seemed that it bothered me more than anyone else. Especially not the neighbors next door, they just yoga-ed their way through.

But the absolute best part of the event was making not one but three of my bridal clients tear up when they got to see their new creations for their big day. Words just can't capture how cool you feel when they 'get it'. It nice to know it was worth all the long hours and lack of sleep.

(Written by the person who got in a four hour nap today because I could. Ha! I am feeling a little spunky after almost dead yesterday.)

This will not last too long.

I will post our schedule next week but be advised NA DA just posted their sale dates as May 17 &18. Yep, Spring is right around the corner and we will be out at the barn. Whoo Hoo!

Later,

Suz
the Muze

Congrats Jon Jensen !

Hi Everyone,

It is very late Saturday evening and I am trying to unwind after the most grueling show day we have experienced in a long time. And I needed a good laugh. Looking at these nuts makes me smile big time.

For months, you have heard stories about how 'interesting' showing at the Indy Vintage and Arts Market has been. We had absolutely the worst weather all summer long yet the show continued grow, customers came out in droves and it ended up being a great venue all summer.

The show is organized by Jon Jensen, a true visionary in the market field and he is just amazing at accomplishing the impossible. Not that he goes looking for it, it just shows up every single time at Indy. Kinda' like a bad relative, you just deal with it.

All of us were thrilled that Jon found an indoor place to keep the Indy Market going during the winter months and our November show was just great.

Today was our second date for the gathering. The original plan was that we could start setting  up inside the building on Friday nite from 7 PM til 9 PM and then finish our set ups from 7 AM til 10 AM on Saturday morning, with the show starting at 10 AM. That sounded great.

So we all packed up our trucks, trailers, vans and cars and braved winds, ice and snow and made it to Indianapolis about 6:45 PM Friday nite.

At 7 PM, we were informed that the previous group meeting in the building was supposed to have left at 5 PM, giving Jon and his staff plenty of time to get ready for us.

Well apparently, the group(we won't let Verizon think we knew who was responsible) didn't finish up until 6:40 PM and only then could Jon and his staff start the room set up.

Uh oh. This isn't good on so many levels.

Hence the picture above. Some of my goofy vendor friends wishing we could get in and start setting up. We were all trying to laugh and joke about time slipping away and we were just standing around waiting.

And waiting. And telling jokes and horror stories about daily life as a vendor. Can we all say Naptha? Inside joke.

And then we were let in. People were moving at the speed of sound, even tho we lost a whole lot of time, the building staff was adamant about us leaving at 9 PM. Wait we're not set up yet ! Yikes.

So early this morning we all showed up again, worked like fiends and got ready before 10 AM.

Jon Jensen works tirelessly to promote this event and for this show he had gotten the local paper to do a feature article on us and how cool this market is. We all read it and thought, wow, let's hope that a few folks read it and come out to see us, especially seeing how we had jumped through many a hoop to get a great looking show put together, despite all the hurdles.

Not only were our prayers answered, they were beyond anything any of us expected. From 10 AM on, the place was jammed packed, shoulder to shoulder folks and merchandise was flying out of everyone's booths. It was amazing. Early guesses are that we doubled November crowds. Unbelievable.

It was so busy that none of us had much time to keep up with straightening and display work. My poor coffee bean bag display is usually nice and straight on its cart and this is what it looked like most of the day.

Half on, half off and it needed to be refilled twice! All the new folks that showed up today apparently had never seen such cool coffee bean bags we discovered and insisted on going through them, fighting over them and taking huge quantities home with them. This poor thing never stood a chance against the masses, LOL!

The day flew by, not much socializing got done but we all agreed it was one fantastic show.

Jon, Lisa and Laurel worked their magic and turned some pretty big obstacles into huge blessings for all of us. In case you didn't get enough of us saying it earlier folks, THANK YOU for a great event and we can't wait to do it again in March. Note to staff: Maybe just a bit less drama tho? What do you think?

I have said it before and I will keep saying it, this is truly a great show to shop or show at and am so grateful that we get to show here.

Just wish I could have shopped today  . . . darn ! Saw some incredible pieces being carried out.

Now on to the Indie Wed show in Chicago next weekend. Lots to do, including making a whole new display. I will try to get pictures of it to post.

Until then, I am going to be a bit busy,

Suz
the Muze

Candy, nothing but sweetness for AMM

Hi Everyone,

It had occurred to me today that I hadn't told you anything about a huge part of the behind the scenes here at AMM before now and I really should have. My sincerest apologies.

Here's to my sister Candy or Candace Marie, as she was called when in trouble back in the good ol' days of our youth. And there were plenty of those days. I digress, I'm sorry.

Candy is my talented, younger sister, just ask her she will be glad to tell you there are tons of years between us, NOT, but that isn't what she'll start the story with.

We were raised in a very active, talented home by our Mom who made sure we were involved with cooking, sewing, needlework and arts. We crafted a ton, sewed almost all of our clothes, made projects, helped with canning, gardening, always something with her. Our first involvement with selling crafts was my Mom and her dolls, Fran's Bebes, handmade rag dolls. They were truly beautiful works of art and we would show them at different venues. Candy and I wanted to get in on it so we started making cross stitch pieces. Hundreds of them. We have never stopped, just kept changing and growing. We have been creating things ever since. We sew, crochet, knit, paper crafts, you name it, we have tried it or are still doing it. 

As we got older, each one of us started narrowing down our passions. I stuck with sewing early on and Candy stuck with crocheting. Mom was all about sewing and knitting so among the three of us, we could always whip up something when needed.

While dealing with Mom's health issues of late have left both of us stressed out, Candy has been crocheting at night to help her 'relax'. I look at what she does and can't find any link between relaxing and crocheting, but she does. For years, so many of us have been the recipient of one of her afghans or throws, beautiful and oh so warm on our cold Chicago nights. I have no idea how many babies have received a  blanket she crocheted for a group called the Linus project, too many to count. Literally hundreds of them over the years.

When I first showed her my new line of slip covered journals last year, I mentioned I was having trouble finding old doilies to work with. In the next couple of days, she started sending me text pictures of what she was sitting and crocheting, asking if they would be of any help. I jumped for joy, they were absolutely perfect.

Now I get bags, full of these wonderful little pieces of art like these

Different patterns she makes up as she goes along. I have been putting them on journals and just today came up with a new idea.


                                                                            Pins!

There is a larger one for the base and a small one for the center along with a bit of lace and gauze. I had cooked lunch for her and her co-workers today and when I delivered lunch, I took this pin with me to show her. I think she was surprised to see how they worked up so beautifully from being little pieces to a layered flower. And leave it to Mom to ask if I thanked her. Of course, and I will say it again. Thank you, thank you, thank you,  they are just perfect. 

But then she turned back to being my ornery little sister again and left this for me at home, thinking it was just perfect for the DH to do for me for V Day.

Seriously? The place that can not get a special order straight at the drive up or the any customer service at the counter is going to offer a romantic tableside experience? ? ? I started laughing so hard and told her I was taking her and we would leave the menfolk at home. And that's when it hit me. It's the laughter we share that makes everything else work. She can be a whole lot of laughs and fun and I really do appreciative that, all of her talents and her. 

She also was working on a brochure today for the Indie Wed show coming up in a couple of weeks. Anything that has ever been printed for any of my businesses or projects over thirty some years, she has had a hand in. I can sketch anything, explain anything or suggest something and she can make it come alive through type and paper. Just brilliant and so very patient with me as I tweak and tweak and then tweak some more. All my logos over the years, business cards, invoices, brochures, calenders, you name it, she's made it. Just another one of her incredible talents. 

So if you have one of our 'burlap' business cards, you can thank Candy.

Thanks Can, they are perfect just like you . . . sometimes!

Your sister

O T

Hi Everyone,

O T stands for off topic, or the way I conduct my daily life sometimes I swear. You just deal with whatever comes your way.

Winter has finally arrived somewhat here, really bitter cold at night but no snow as of yet. My Mom has a daily quip about the farmers being in a lot of trouble come Spring. Yes I agree. As long as it is not on a show weekend. Over and out. My off show time is furiously getting ready for Indianapolis and then our Indie Wed show in Chicago. Here comes the Bride and the Groom and anyone else that wants to get involved.

The last few days has also served as a reminder as to why I love what I do so much. The phone lines and emails are flying back and forth from several of our vendor associates and promoters and we are all working so hard to build the business and each others businesses at the same time. I am so proud to call them friends as well as business associates. They make me laugh, share their stories and encourage me when I need it the most. I only hope I do the same for them. This whole thing wouldn't be near what it is without them in it. I just love and respect them so much.

I am also cooking up a storm. And looking at food blogs. Mmmmm, look what I found today . . .

 Just felt like I needed to share.

Back to work, new wedding things about ready to make their public debut. Stay tuned please.

Suz 
the Muze

Life with a side of love

Hi Everyone,

The last ninety six hours hours have been such a jam packed whirlwind, I really hope I get it all covered. You are all in for a treat as I think it will take at least four posts to get it done.

When we first started All My Musings, it was a simple goal. I needed to be kept busy since my semi retirement and we found ourselves in need of another income because George had been laid off again. They had said he 'might' go back to work around 2015 and I said, (in a heartbeat) 'uh, NO!'.

My creativity was still firing all most all of it's cylinders on good days and I was having fun. That was all that matter in the beginning. Oh, and we were getting by.

As we grew and started expanding our exposure in various markets, our life started changing as well. If you read this blog at all, you have heard me say that we are constantly amazed by the folks we meet and show with along the way. We now have this extended road family that expands seven states and hundreds of friends and thousands of customers.

On Thursday of last week, we had been given the opportunity to visit a new venue to scope it out for am upcoming show. Even tho this was just hours before we were due to get on the road and drive a couple hundred miles to Michigan, we wanted to travel the extra time and head in the opposite direction, of all places downtown Chicago. Don't get me wrong, I love the city and wish we had more leisure time to visit and enjoy it. So we left really early Thursday to go visit the Ravenswood Event Center in the city. This is where the cool Indie Wed show will be held February 2, 2013.

On a normal weekday, this jaunt can take anywhere between an hour to an hour and forty five minutes depending on rush hour traffic. 

Oops, apparently everyone is still on Holiday break and we buzz down in a brief 50 minutes. Just a tad early.

We located the venue and walked to the main office to see if we could possibly get in a bit early. The young lady in the property office was so sweet and said if we could hold on a couple of minutes, she would be glad to walk down with us.

As we walked along, she looks at us and said, "Don't I know you from the recent Lycee show in Chicago?"

I was horrified that she didn't look familiar and was trying desperately to recall what happened during the three days we were there. That show was only 2 weeks after George's heart attack and I was in full blown hyper mode trying to set up a show with strange help and keep an eye on George and do the show. I am applying for a juggling job with Ringling Barnum and Bailey next time they are in town.

Not easy or enjoyable. We were swamped and it was a tough show for me.

So she goes on to explain, that she was with her fiance, they talked to me about a shabby/vintage feel wedding and how she loved everything in our booth. Her friend walks up and she says, 'Remember that cool booth I told you about at the French Market, this is them'.

I am feeling pretty amazed by now and then a third woman walks up and starts the same type of conversation, 'Didn't I see you at NA DA farms this past October?" Yep, we were there too !

George and I started laughing after all this died down and agreed we had better start taking better notes on who we talk to at each venue, cuz' we aren't remembering as much as we would like too. It felt pretty doggone good that people knew who All My Musings was.

Now this reason I am relating this, is that it got sooo much better a couple of days later. Fast forward to a nice drive up north, a gorgeous venue, the DeVos Center in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, a wonderful setup, we got to park in an inside garage to unload and the actual venue was beautiful.

The first thing I noticed was all the handshakes, hugs and kisses that were happening around the trucks, trailers and vans being unloaded. So many of our vendor friends hadn't seen each other for some time, some as long as 4 or 5 months, so it was a huge family reunion of sorts. You could over hear statements like, 'the family is doing well and we had a great Holiday or It sure is good to be back at work". Tons of laughter but very caring, very sincere and warm, they are such a great bunch to work with.

On the first full day, we were busy from the get go and as the morning moved on, we sold out of the new runner collection, the new pins and several customers from Allegan stopped in and chatted, we stayed really busy.

Then it happened. I got my heart handed to me.

A bunch of people were in the booth and several conversations going on at once, (completely normal for our place!) when one of the ladies piped in and said, "That's why I am here, I read about it on your blog". I stopped cold in my tracks and focused on the voice that was speaking, not believing what I heard.

Let me digress for a minute here. I have always hoped someone was reading this other than family and friends, not that I don't absolute LOVE my family and friends that read this. I DO ! ! !
But when a non family member stands face to face to you and says out loud where others can hear, "I love reading where you go, the shows you do and the places you visit. I kinda' live vicariously thru your travels"  and goes on to relate several details about past postings, ( remember the $2.88 gas price from November piece?) that was it. It hit like a ton of bricks. My eyes welled up, I stumbled and stammered for words trying to thank her for coming out to the show and for reading my blog. It was blubberly to say the least and probably a little sappy on my part but I didn't care.

Someone new then started the "you have a blog?" conversation and we were off onto another part of the topic.

But the first part didn't get lost on me. I thought about it the rest of the day, it was discussed at dinner and retold to as many of my fellow vendors that would listen. 

It was a truly magical moment that I will talk about for years to come. Thank you again as I know you are reading this and that short term memory thing is acting up tonight and I can not remember your name. But you promised to comment, so please do so I can say thank you properly.

For the first time ever, the entire space got videoed as well this trip so if I can get the YouTube thing straightened out, there will be video tomorrow. That may or may not happen. We will just have to see.

In the meantime, I am beat, it is late and tomorrow is just a few minutes away.

Thank you to each and every one of you that stop here, I really, really appreciate you.

Suz
the Muze

Obsessive hoarding fix

Hi Everyone,

As part of that lovely reorganization we are still working on, I have come to the determination that all of us in the 'handmade' industry are hoarders to some extent.

It is damn near impossible to throw out scraps.

There I have said it, but alas feel absolutely no better for it. Or any closer to resolving the HUGE issue that entails.

I have however, found a bit of solace in creativity about it. After discovering a slew of gauze scraps, I made some drop dead gorgeous flowers. If you have drop dead gorgeous flowers, you must then create something to place said flower on.

Has any of this made sense?

It did to me, there' a problem right there . . .LOL!

In February, we have agreed to be part of a huge bridal event in Chicago called Indie Wed. If you are a bride to be, it is the best of the independent best to be found. Really great artisans in the bridal industry. No corporate stores or firms allowed.

And then there is us, the burlap and poultry netting folks.

Last Spring we did the show at the Harley Davidson Museum and it was spectacular. We were inundated from the moment the doors opened to closing as we were the only shabby / rustic / romantic farmhouse type vendors there.

So now that we have one under our belts, look out our displays are going to be killer this year.

That is as killer as one could be in a 6 X 6 space. Really ? I digress. So sorry.

I used my scraps for a table setting item that everyone has thought about, the infamous mason jar / glass jar centerpiece.

Here is  Jar #1 Gauze and copper wire with satin rose

Jar #2 is lace and German Glass shards

Jar #3 is painted jar with lace and gauze rose

What do you think ?



There is still a big bag of scraps and I can see more gauze roses in the future.

Road schedule

January 5 & 6  -  Grand Rapids Antique Market, Grand Rapids MI

January 26  -  Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace, Carmel IN at The Fountains

February 2  -  Indie Wed , 4025 N. Ravenswood Ave  Chicago IL 

Working on the new things and off to get in more trouble,,


Suz
the Muze

Newest additions

Hi Everyone,

Having a little bit of time off of the road and a really good cold snap is as good of a reason as any to sit and create for endless hours. That and having the Crockpot helping out with dinner. Can we say the world's best slow cooked barbecued pulled pork ever? (contact me for the really easy super delicious recipe) Then, there is the pot roast and root veggies for the family dinner today. Good old fashion comfort food, yes sign me up now. Being on the road makes you appreciate good cooking, trust me on this one.

So, having everyone else taken care of, I sat down to add some new, "old things" into our first of the year show in Grand Rapids MI on the 5th of January. 2013, where did last year go to and so quickly?

When the first couple of industrial tassels were created, I immediately saw tons of possibilities, all sorts of different textiles, fibers and materials to incorporate down the line. Saw them but had absolutely no additional time to get them created until now . . . 

Here is the one of the latest,

meet CR, a relative to Silky,

A wonderful permanently, scrunched and stained ribbon tassel perfect for an accent anywhere, front of a cabinet door, pull for a window shade or window treatment, pillow and the list goes on and on. Oh heck, just fun to have because you can! 

This tassel medium will be shown in two ways in our shop, cut, like pictured above and a looped version as well, CR Loop. 

Today I am hoping to finish a lace version and a new sample of Hercules so I have a lot to do. We will also have some of our regular tassels, IT and Cutter making an appearance, so it will make a nice display.

Two days ago we cut 30 new runners, 16" X 72" 11 gauge burlap as well, some to be sold as elements on our Elements board for those of you needing a basic piece to start with and others to be embellished with vintage doilies, lace and anything else that strikes my fancy at the moment. Ahh, the joy of being able to create at whim. Nothing like it in the world. Those get packaged next week, hopefully.

The last item or should I hint at items, is something we have been asked about for over a year now. Sure I could tip my hand but I would rather try to finish the first two and show you here but suffice it to say, I think everyone will be surprized at what I have been able to come up with. I know I am, as I never thought I would try to make something like this. But because we value your input and inquiries, I am going to try my hand at this. Heaven help the fashion industry, here I come . . . 

Til then, I am busy, busy, busy . . .

Road schedule,

January 5 & 6  -  Grand Rapids Antique Market, Grand Rapids MI

January 26  -  Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace, Carmel IN at The Fountains

February 2  -  Indie Wed , 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave  Chicago IL 

Working on the new things,

Suz
theMuze

Another side of AMM

Hi Everyone,

Our regular customers are familiar with seeing some of our bridal 'wares' especially our large wire boards that are used for reception place cards or escort cards at the various shows we have done in the last couple of years.

So, when we stepped up to do an entire venue about wedding wares, highlighting what we saw becoming more and more popular, introducing the shabby/ vintage feel into weddings and receptions, we were thrilled, a little intimidated and wary to say the least. The show we just did in Milwaukee was presented by a group called Indie Wed, a brilliant collection of independent wedding businesses that have one thing in common, we are all original not corporate run businesses. People who do what they do because they have a passion for it. Yep, that's us.

Indie Wed was held in the ultra cool building called the Garage at the Harley Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee, WI. The staff of Indie Wed and the staff at HD were so incredibly helpful and supportive that they made the set up and tear down a piece of cake. Beautifully maintained and impeccably clean, the building was transformed in just a couple of hours to a fantastic show venue.

One of our next door booth neighbors, Artistic Group, was a great photographer, Dale Stenboten and his super friendly staff he brought along. His display included beautiful books and collages that he had shot at weddings that he had done. Just the most thoughtful and emotional images to capture the special day. Dale was so sweet to lean over and snap a couple of pics of our display.  Thanks you so much for this beauty.

The world's smallest booth ever ! We normally show the majority of our lines in a space that is anywhere from 10' X 16' to about 10' X 20'. So to show what we needed to, into basically 24 sq feet, down from 160' to 200' sq feet, was a HUGE challenge. Apparently, it worked. We stood out fiercely from the satin and lace type of booth to the poultry netting and nettle cloth look we did and were so surpized by the huge number of customers that we interacted with. Shabby and vinatge accents are becoming so popular, giving a little more relaxed and comfortable feel to what can become overly stressed and 'too' formal weddings. We talked about casual table settings, natural papers for placecards, fun coasters and so much more. The four hours flew by. The Mr. & Mrs. banner was a huge hit. We are taking custom orders, all having the drop dead gorgeous German glass glitter shards for the letters in beautiful silver.

We are getting so excited about go to Na-Da farm this Friday. Make your plans to come out Friday from 5-8 PM or Sat 10 AM-2 PM to experience this one-of-a-kind events. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

Here's the rest of the crazy list.

May  18 &19   NA DA Farm Barn Event, Esmond IL 

May  20   'The Pec Thing'  32nd Semi-Annual Pec Thing Antique & Flea 

                  Market, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, Illinois 

May  27   Allegan Antique Market, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Space 101, Allegan MI

June  2 & 3    Kane County Flea Market, South Trades Building, Space 28, St. Charles, IL

June 13   North Shore Flea, in conjunction with the Highwood Farmers Market, Highwood
                  IL
Back to creating ,

Suz

the muze

our Etsy address  All My Musings 

our Facebook address  All My Musings

We are proud to introduce . . .

Hi Everyone,


As hinted at, we have a new addition to our  IT family. Drum roll please . . . 


It's a girl! The entire industrial line of tassels has been slightly masculine in description. But now, it's definitely a girl.


Meet 'Silky'

Isn't she wonderful? Cue Stevie Wonder folks. A wonderful combination of silky ribbon and rusted washers and nuts. She is soft and full, slightly stained and very elegant all at the same time. I hear angels singing in the background. We sold a whole lot of them last weekend in Allegan, usually a good indication of future popularity!


We have been super busy trying to get ready for the Indie Wed show in Milwaukee. New bridal boards, new guest seating cards, new coasters just tons of pretty things. I will try to get pics up.



Til then, here's the mission impossible schedule and tour . . .  LOL!

May 5 & 6   Kane County Flea Market, South Trades Building, Space 28, St. Charles, IL

May  10   Indie Wed Bridal Show, Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee WI


May 12 & 13   Grayslake Antique and Garden Show, Grayslake IL

May  18 &19   NA DA Farm Barn Event, Esmond IL 

May  20   'The Pec Thing'  32nd Semi-Annual Pec Thing Antique & Flea Market, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, Illinois 

May  27   Allegan Antique Market, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Space 101, Allegan MI


June  2 & 3    Kane County Flea Market, South Trades Building, Space 28, St. Charles, IL

Back to creating ,

Suz

the muze

our Etsy address  All My Musings 

our Facebook address  All My Musings

Uh . . Houston, we have a problem . . .

Hi Everyone,


Back in Michigan again and we have a problem.

Yep, that rain on my window while the DH tries to close up the tents. ( I am drying out inside the car!) We have arrived, got the tents up and have to stop. It is pouring down rain. Water is our worse enemy, paper and fabrics just don't play nice in these conditions. Come to think of it, neither do we! 


Stay tuned and see tomorrows weather situation.

Here's the rest of the shows,

May 5 & 6   Kane County Fleas Market, South Trades Building, Space 28, St. Charles, IL

May  10   Indie Wed Bridal Show, Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee WI


May 12 & 13   Grayslake Antique and Garden Show, Grayslake IL

May  18 &19   NA DA Farm Barn Event, Esmond IL 

May  20   'The Pec Thing'  32nd Semi-Annual Pec Thing Antique & Flea Market, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, Illinois 

May  27   Allegan Antique Market, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Space 101, Allegan MI


June  2 & 3    Kane County Fleas Market, South Trades Building, Space 28, St. Charles, IL

Suz

the muze

our Etsy address  All My Musings 

our Facebook address  All My Musings

Welcome to Michigan

Hi Everyone,


It was 2 PM on Friday afternoon and this was the scene, 

what have I gotten us into now?  


The ladder is part of our display but the dirt was part of the FLOOR in the building we showed  in Ann Arbor MI at the Ann Arbor Antique Show. We have never been to an antique show with really rare antiques and as a friend of mine asked today, "You didn't touch anything did you?" Yes, I have really great trusting friends . . .  No, I didn't touch anything nor did we buy anything, yea, sure ! I had never seen a chest of drawers for $ 12,500 before in my life. Beautiful to look at but not taking it home!


And then there was us, the burlap kids. Hmmm, think the neighbors were thrilled? Well, 1 out of four was really warm and welcoming and the other three kept questioning things, like 'coffee bean bags, are they kidding?'  It was funny to say the least.


Now the clients were a whole different story. They almost bought the fixtures as well as all the merchandise. Apparently, they really liked us, regardless of the dirt floor.


The first thing to sell out was all the new flowers in our brown paper line.


This was the new burlap rose with baby seed pearls,

just cool but my favorite was the new loopy daisy that didn't quite make past the first two hours of the show,

Yes, that is a rusted nut and pearl center, just to die for ! ! !  Officially, this flower is named after one of my good clients from the Grayslake show Heather Lowery, the HL daisy. I was working on the prototype at the show and she gave me the suggestion of the rusted nut and pearl to go along with the look of our new industrial tassel line. It was the best idea, don't you think ? So here is the HL daisy. They were gone in under two hours, guess I didn't make enough. The same story for all of the tassels I took with us. Gone . . . 

The new butterfly,

was also a huge hit.

We met so many new friends and clients, laughed a lot, ate really great meals and if it hadn't rained up a storm Sunday, we would have had an almost perfect time, sans the dirt floor.

We promised everyone we would bring the booth back there in June so we will see you all then.

In the meantime, we are taking the next weekend off the road schedule to get ready for two very  special large events. We are so honored to be included in the Indie Wed show at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on May 10th. It is a premier bridal show  where only hand crafted artisans are allowed to present their lines, so our bridal boards are traveling to Wisconsin for that show. So I expect to see all of our Wisconsin fans, especially the brides at this show.

We have the Na Da Farm Barn Sale coming up on May 18 and May 19. Click the link for a map and directions. Like I have been telling everyone, try to make it Friday evening, 5 - 8 PM for two reasons, early bird selection of all the fabulous goodies and to experience the farm as nightfall approaches. Breathtaking is the best description. You just have to do it. This is the best event we do all year and can't wait to see everyone again, even that darn cat who loves to play in our tent at night.

So, we are creating and planning up a storm here. So many new items will be debuting for those two events as well as all of our regular stops like Grayslake Antique Show and Kane County Flea Market. Boy, I'm tired just typing that . . . . . .

Here's the rest of the shows,

April  29  Allegan MI Antiques and Flea Market, spaces 101 -102, Allegan MI

May 5 & 6   Kane County Fleas Market, Trades Building St. Charles, IL

May 12 & 13   Grayslake Antique and Garden Show, Grayslake IL

May  18 &19   NA DA Farm Barn Event, Esmond IL 

May  

I am off to create some more, 

Suz

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