Top Picks of our Pics

Why hello there! I have no profound introductory remarks to make, so we'll treat this like a last-minute decision to get a take-out pizza, and just dig in.

We caught our first "indoor" mouse using a toilet paper tube, some spreadable "cheese product" and a tall, unused garbage can. We set the trap in the kitchen, not far from where we've seen their sh--tuff lately, and voila! An adorable little rodent.


I "tagged" him with a bit of silver nail polish, before we dropped him off at the end of the street. He ran away from us, and up a tree. Not sure if he survived past the day, if he found his way back to our house, or if met up with his long lost lover. We caught one other mouse in the house since then who ran around in circles like a nutter, and we've heard others, so the trap will be set again for the foreseeable future.

We do know that these little guys can survive this weather. Meet "Om Noms".


I'm not sure if it's the same squirrel or two who are the brave ones of the flock in our back yard, or if they take turns nabbing the goodies we throw out. Whoever it is, s/he likes to come right up to the sliding door, even placing her/his front paws on the glass to look in, as if to say, "Oy! We're fresh outta bread heels out here!" Once I replenish the stock, s/he is content to let me take some photos and/or watch him/her munch away, mere inches from that fluffy little body.

Here are some other cold-weather survivors:


Matthew, Leah, and Grandma Jan participated in the Turkey Trot, a 5k run on Thanksgiving. Not just any Thanksgiving, but the coldest Thanksgiving in 20-some years. Leah did really well, thanks to the encouragement of her daddy, and Jan was a trooper despite her frozen toes. Matthew hopes the run, minus the single-digit temps, will become an annual tradition.

Much of our month so far has been filled with more "firsts." We recently endured our first major snowfall, and Matthew got to give our new snow blower its first major workout.


It blows! And that's a good thing!


I attended my first art gallery reception as one of the featured artists.


I survived my first year as a vendor at the uber-fun, 2010 No Coast Craft-o-Rama. I don't look busy in this photo, but this was taken on Friday early evening, before things really took off for the night, and well before the madness ensued the next day. Later on in the show, it was nearly impossible to take a photo of the booth as it was constantly crowded with shoppers, eager to shed a few pounds of their moola and cross off the names on their shopping list.


I attribute my success to many things. One was making a ton of specific lake papercuts, including Superior, Michigan, Minnetonka, etc. Another was having a a brand new fancy, schmancy gridwall display to show off all those lake pieces. A third was being across the hall from the wickedly wonderful Adam Turman and the crowd of adoring fans that flocked to his double booth like the rock star he is. A fourth factor is that people were in a buying mood. Most people who made a purchase mentioned that they would be giving the piece or the card to someone else, and that it would be "perfect" for them. I can't tell you how much my heart and ego swelled to hear these tales. The final and most important factor was having exceptional help. Matthew's folks were able to take care of the girls and the dog, leaving Matthew as my capable assistant, cheerleader, and show coach. I could not have done it without my sweetheart, and his sweet folks. Thanks again, guys.

Matthew has taught Leah how to play chess, and the two of them match wits nearly every day. It seems that Leah's developing a good instinct for the game, and it's fun to hear their dialogue about strategies and "what-ifs."



Both girls have re-discovered how much they like grapefruit, although Natalie's technique has changed somewhat.


This one may gross you out a bit, but I think it's actually kind of cool. Leah's chapped lips worsened to a case of impetigo, and then her picking on that may have lead to a nasty little cuticle infection.


Don't worry, it's much better now. I was impressed with the size of the pus sac and her body's gruesome way of trying to fight off these heebie-jeebies.

To round out our little tour of what we've been up to, here's a cute one of Matthew and his baby girl, on their way back into the house, and out of the sub-zero windchill.


Later that day, Natalie came downstairs after a non-nap, and she was sporting this custom outfit that cracked us up.


This girl re-defines "goofy" every day.


Oh, and my Christmas cactus bloomed again! I didn't kill it afterall!

When you say, "Craftstravaganza," you've said it all!

Last year, I took in my first St. Paul Craftstravaganza as a shopper, in awe of the awesomeness at every single booth (yes! None disappointed!), and taking mental notes for what I might do were I to tackle my own craft fair booth someday.
This year, with a couple of shows under my apron, I will be on the other side of the booth as a vendor, hoping to meet lots of cool folks, hug lots of new friends, and sell lots of my neat-o work! If any of you are in the area, please, please come and check it out. You will not leave empty handed. In addition to all the tempting goodies crafted and otherwise, there will be make & take demos, and I'm giving out free hugs! It's going to rock!

*** this post is cross-posted from my shop blog***

Basement Booth!

* I "cross-posted" this blog entry in my shop blog too.

O.K., so here it is!



Leah, my number one fan, is modeling it, and hanging off the chair she's in is the apron I made for the event. Of course, there will be a canopy over the top and we'll most likely have the sides up with the 70% chance of rain (and thunderstorms - shhhhhh) prediction. I'm also going to hang a big, framed "Retro Poppies" papercut as well as a smaller, framed Topo piece for a little more vertical interest. But basically, this is how I think it will look. The Crafterall banner will be on the front of the tent once I figure out how to do so, and I'm still not sure where that little plant stand table will go.

Here is the table with the topography and art card pieces. There's a basket of one-of-a-kind items, and tiered displays of various cards that I will re-load as necessary. On the little easel, there's a single open card for some tactile interaction. At the recommendation of the some wonderful Etsy folks, this guy is out for folks to touch, open, and drool over. ;)



This is the "flower" side of things. I found the white memo-station thing for a quarter at a garage sale and re-fitted a ribbon board in the flat space. Got lucky with the three front pockets as they are the perfect size for the cards!



As an Uptown Market Exclusive, I'll be selling papercut topographies of the popular Minneapolis Chain of Lakes (Twin Lakes, Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, unnamed swampy area, and Lake Harriet). I hope these will be a hit with the local crowd.



Behind the scenes, I've got my credit card imprinter with slips, a hole-y box (50 cents in the IKEA as is section) for pens, and plastic bags for purchases. I've got a load of business cards, logo-rific postcards, and hard candy to hand out too.



I'm still undecided about using the kraft paper over the white tablecloth. I like that it sets off the white of the cards, but worry that it cheapens the look, and I'm not sure it will hold up in the forecasted precipitation. What do you think?

The reality is solidifying and I have my booth number assigned! I'll be representin' in booth #49, just west of Bryant Avenue. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by for a hug!