I forgot to mention another tail from the Woofstock event. 

There was a bunch of people in my tent at the time.   I heard laughter from a couple looking at some of my creations hanging on the shutters that I had made into a display rack to hang from my tent.  I am used to getting some odd reactions but felt safe in asking the reason for their amusement.  The woman explained that she had just said to her husband ‘who thinks of this stuff?’  The husband quickly chimed in and said ‘obviously – SHE does’ as he wagged his finger in my direction.   I laughed along with them and of course said thanks!  

I never found out which of my items caused this conversation and I suppose that doesn’t matter.  Not everyone sees the same things.   Some people discard things that I would never do.   Many items have been rescued from this demise and found their way into some new creation.

This wooden heart “Follow Your Heart” is a great example.

When I saw these slices off a tree at a flea market I immediately started getting ideas.  The man selling them kept saying “some man can really make something nice out of these” followed by “some man with the right tools could really make this wood shine again”.   I offered him $1 which was a few less than he was asking.   After he agreed and the purchase was complete I said “this woman is gonna make something great with these” and quickly walked away.    My friend who rarely laughs out loud got hysterical and we had to run back to the car quick so as not to upset the old man.

So follow your heart – it may lead you to a dog event selling your artwork, listening to people’s reactions, and having lots of tales (tails) to blog about later.  

P.S. This item is still available.   I am going to try to spend more time listing items in my website store.

Title: Woofstock Festival
Location: Lion’s Lake Park
Link out: Click here to the Animal Orphanage Website
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-08-29
End Time: 4:00

Being a foster parent to 5 rescue adult cats, I am so pleased to be supporting this event.  My cats keep me company and are part of the family now.   Each came with their own little issues but have adjusted well and all get along well together.  Of course there is Elmer, my cat with a fan club.  He is the most aggressive of the bunch and I refer to him as the King of this Castle.   These cats came to me through Saved Whiskers which also supports the PetFinders group and has been helping to find homes for the homeless cats in this area.   Visit Saved Whiskers at www.savedwhiskers.com.   So I guess that is why this event strikes home for me.   It takes funds for these organizations to care for the animals until they find a home.

This is the 13th annual Woofstock Festival and it is their major fund raiser for the year.  Even if you cannot attend consider a small donation to help the cause.  http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ54.html

Please join me in supporting this GROOVY kind of Pet Fair and help homeless pets too!

There will be pets for adoption, pet vendors and rescue groups, food/refreshments, raffle baskets, music, and best of all crafters (that’s where I will be).

The event is $5 but children under 12 and seniors are FREE. Dutchtown Road & Route 73, Voorhees, NJ (across from the Library II Restaurant) at Lion’s Lake Park.

Special gift if you mention seeing this on my website!!!

So while I was the Kibry’s Mill last week, on the day that I fell down at work and hurt my knee, I was busy getting the Museum Shop ready for the upcoming quilt show.  In the course of this I needed some help.  So after a quick glance around the 1st floor of the Mill for something that would assist me in my task.   Here it is….

This cast iron fork-like thing on a stick was what I found.   Can you guess how I might have used this tool?   I don’t really know what it actually is … so I printed a copy of this photograph to I can interrogate the curator next time I see him – hehehe – he will just love me pestering him with more questions!   Plus I have a few more tasks in mind for using this antique unknown gadget on a stick!

Meanwhile I am busy getting things ready for the quilt show.  The Museum Shop will have a feed sack theme.  www.OriginalAbbie.com has designed a logo for our sack-like items and I can’t wait to see them.   Stop by to see – I will blog about them soon but you’ll want to see them in person.  Thanks Abbie!

I have signed up for a few shows starting with the Art, Wine & Music Festival in Medford Village on the 1st Sunday in June – see my events calendar for particulars.  So I have been getting prepared.  Last evening I set up my tent in the back yard to make sure it was in great shape and today I purchased some new lightweight and sturdy tables.  It seemed like a good idea to revamp my whole display and go with the rustic recycled flair that is the new direction I have chosen to be my focus.  I have alot of items all ready but of course there are a few more that I hope to get finished as well.  Finish – oh that is a big word in my world….  Today I am making graduation cards – this is a new project since I have an order for 10 plus a special order for 1 more.  Graduation time is just around the corner so I think they will be a big seller.  Tonight the finishing touches will go on and I promise to blog about them by the end of this weekend.   These will also be available in my Etsy store.

Did I mention that I am the proud new member of the Etsy NJ team?  It is great to be able to meet other artists from New Jersey and hear what is going on with them.  We meet at shows but that isn’t always the best forum for a conversation.   There is a wealth of information there and it has been encouraging me to continue pursuing making my creations and getting the word out about what I am creating.  I haven’t linked my Etsy shop to my website yet – more for me to learn in that area but I will get there eventually….  www.creatinginslippers.etsy.com

Thanks for reading my tale – Happy Memorial Day - make and keep memories every day…..

Stop and see me – it’s easy to find me – see my events calendar.   As usual, mention my website and you get a free gift – FREE GIFT – hehehe.  I am still losing the battle of ‘real’ comments vs spam.  Why do they think I want to buy that much amoxycillian?   I can only spell that word cause I see it so often.   It is all worth it when a real comment comes in between.  So take a moment and comment – bring a smile to the bloggers of the world who really do appreciate it!  

First off, I have had several inquiries about The Handmade Faire.  It is going to be held RAIN OR SHINE!!  There is no rain date planned.  There will be 90+ creators of a wide variety of handmade things.  Many of them will be inside the giant tent at the Flying W.  The rest of us will be bringing tents.  So regardless of the weather, The Handmade Faire is sure to brighten you day!!!

Along those same lines, I spent most of yesterday helping to sort through the incredible amount of goodies that were donated by the vendors of The Handmade Faire.   Abbie’s dining room was jam packed.  It was a huge project but also inspiring to see the creative and generous people who will be participating tomorrow.  Plus all these goodies are being given away – I hope you didn’t skim over that part – free stuff!  

Since this is the Halloween Edition of The Handmade Faire, I have been making my costume by hand (of course) and have been keeping it to myself.  At 10:00AM the secret will be out!!!   Trust me, you will want to see it!!!   I also have a goodie for each of you so please stop by my tent at The Handmade Faire.  I’m not sure where my space will be but I know it will be near the goodie table.   Hope to see you!  Or you’ll get tricks… no treats!

I am pleased to announce that Little Pieces by Holly Doyle will be participating in The Handmade Faire, not your average art and craft show…. (see more info below) I have never done a show this large so it was very exciting to be selected. If you can, stop by.

The Handmade Faire: not your average art and craft show…
A new generation of nearly 100 original, unique indie artists and crafters will be selling their creations at the Handmade Faire in Medford, New Jersey this Saturday October 25 from 10-4. You’ll find amazing Handmade finds such as handmade soaps, unique jewelry, paper crafts, metal sculptors, clothing designers, basket weavers, painters, organic pet treats and much more – everything you need to start and finish your holiday shopping! It’s no coincidence that the Faire is exactly 60 days until Christmas! It’s best to get your shopping done early and this is your perfect opportunity! All items are being represented by the artist that created it, it is truly a wonderful thing to buy a one of a kind item directly from the hands that created it! Check out our vendor list!

The first 100 visitors will receive our signature treat bags, chock full of free goodies from local
artists. (I’ve seen some of the items for these treat bags – really great stuff – Holly) This Faire is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping, too!

The Handmade Faire
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Flying W Airport Resort
Fostertown Road, Medford, New Jersey; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
(follow Church road in Medford and make a left at Kirby’s Mill)

The ambiance at the Faire will be be festive so if you have been waiting for a reason to put on a costume, now is your chance! Many of the vendors will be in costume and we encourage you to do the same! Abbie Galie and Mother in Law, Pola, the event coordinators will be in costume as well! (Holly too!)

Similar to our April Handmade Faire, Abbie has some very special giveaways planned for our shoppers and the vendors have really outdone themselves in the goodies that they are offering. Some of these freebies are special presents all in themselves. Not to mention the amazing Treat Bags that will be given to the first 100 shoppers!

Admission and Parking are both free and abundant! Come do your Holiday shopping and save on shipping AND gas by shopping all in one place!

Shopping not your thing, but your spouse loves it? Don’t worry – you can grab a bite and watch the flat screen tv’s in the on location Flying W Bar, while your better half is shopping! Or have a scenic lunch while watching the airplanes fly in and out! There’s certainly lots to see! Make the whole day a Halloween Extravaganza by checking out the Medford’s Annual Halloween Parade after the Faire at 7, on Main Street. A fun day for the whole family!

Top 5 Reasons to Buy Handmade and do all your Christmas Shopping at the Handmade Faire!
#1. Support Local Independent Artists
#2. Be an Individual, not some brand
#3. Own or Give something that is completely unique
#4. Better Gift Giving – no chance of doubles!
#5. Think Green – Not Factory Made

I was excited to get some pictures that my sister took at the Apple Festival at Kirby’s Mill on October 11th.

This is my sister and I playing with our walkie talkies.  It was a bunch of fun but it really was necessary to coordinate the many different areas that required volunteers.    We look important, right?  I’m on the left.   This was a rare break for us so we quickly found someone to take our picture.  Usually we were seen on the move while our walkie talkies were going strong.  We actually had 8 people with walkie talkies!!!

Apparently red was the ONLY color to wear that day!!!   Here’s Amy – see the huge crowd just outside this  door.  This is only a small fraction of the incredible amounts of people that were there.  These people were also in line for the apple cider donuts.   I estimated that over 114,000 donuts were made and sold.  The line went on all day until they finally ran out of supplies to make anymore.

Here she is making the donuts.  I think this photo was taken early in the day cause no people are there.  They started making these donuts at 2AM and went non-stop until later in the afternoon.  Very yummy!!!

…And here is Jennifer Mylod and the Boys of County O’cean.  It was great to have the music back again!  There were a few years without it so it was extra special to invite Jennifer, Phil and John to entertain us!  Their music is awesome.  They were actually performing at the barn door - really cool!   

Of course you can always check out her website www.JenniferMylod.com.   Look for my picture there – hehehe!

Last but not least – this is a favorite sight at the Apple Festival.  Coles brings his tractor to help up move the bunches of apples and apple cider.  It’s always good to have a tractor on hand!!!

If you missed the Apple Festival this year, mark your calendar for the 2nd Saturday in October 2009!   It’s really worthwhile and a bunch of fun.   Get your apple cider donuts early……

Today was the day of the 30th Annual Apple Festival at Kirby’s Mill.  I arrived at 6:45AM.  Did you know that the sun has not risen yet at that time of day?  I’m more of a sunset kind of person so it was a challenge for me driving in the dark.  I had delivered everything I needed the night before so I just had a little bit to carry all the way from the parking area down the road.  A path had been cut through the trees to avoid the hazards of large quantities of people walking on Fostertown Road.  It was dark through the trees but on the other side was the sights and sounds of busy crafters preparing for the day.  Quite a bustle of activity.

As I approached Kirby’s Mill the smell hit me.  Apple cider donuts had been baking since 2AM.  The aroma of the tasty delicous donuts was overwhelming and comforting all at the same time.  It filled the inside of the Mill and the whole area near Church Road.   Boxes and boxes of donuts lined the shelves awaiting the  hungry shoppers.   I quickly carried 4 boxes to the museum shop to stash them in my closet.  Not all were for me – I had orders from friends.  Often the apple cider donuts are sold out early or the line is so incredibly long.  This way I had all my friends covered and me too! 

My favorite trick which I shared with a bunch of people today is to buy a dozen.  Bring them home and put each one into a seperate plastic bag and put them into my freezer.  The thinking here is that I won’t eat all 12 donuts if they are frozen.  They’re so good is really is hard to stop eating them.  Once you get that sugary goodness on your fingers it is addicting.   So each night I take a baggie out of the freezer and place it on the counter.  By morning it is ready for me to take to work the next morning.  Yummy!  Plus it makes the joy of apple cider donuts last a little bit longer.   Try not to eat them while driving – the sugar on your fingers makes a mess of the steering wheel – hehehe!

Apparently the smell got to others as well because the line at the apple cider donut table started at around 7:30AM and didn’t end until they ran out in the late afternoon.  Those are some busy ladies!

Near panic arose at 9AM when the event was officially supposed to begin.  The crowd was already there and growing well before that.   But where was the apple ice cream?   Each year Leo’s Yum Yum on Tomlinson Mill Road mades bunches of apple ice cream just for the Medford Historical Society to sell at the Apple Festival.  The tent was ready and many were in dismay.  Walkie talkies were quick to action.  The road had already been closed and fear that the apple ice cream delivery would not get through.  But, alas, at 9:30AM the truck arrived with the freezer and buckets of the delicious treat!  Another wonderful smell of the apples today.   Those who had already breakfasted on apple cider donuts were ready for more and quickly came over for their fill of ice cream.

Meanwhile the food vendor was busy preparing massive amount of onions and steaks.  The kettle corn people had arrived and the smell of popcorn filled the air.  It was about this time that the thought came to me.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to bottle up the smells of the Apple Festival?  Put it into bottles to be stored and shared later.  Or perhaps an incense type stick that would bring the smells with the pillows of smoke?  It just all smelled so scrumptous! 

So it was an exciting day in Medford, NJ.  The 30th Annual Apple Festival was a great success.   It was the place to be, the thing to do and had the foods to eat.  The line of tents belonging to the 98 crafters surrounded the area.  Plus we enjoyed the music of Jennifer Mylod and the Boys of County O’cean coming from the barn and filling the air!   It was great to have the music back again after many years without it.  Plus I get to wear my new www.JenniferMylod.com t-shirt to church in the morning – yeehaw!

I’ll post any pictures I can gather onto Flickr for all of you to enjoy.  Keep in mind this will not give you that “all senses feeling” of actually being there but perhaps it might bring a smile.   I have heard that the sense of smell is the quickest trigger for your memory.  Just smelling those apple cider donuts this morning reminded me of all the good things to come for the day!  It put a little kick in my step.  Although I am tired and  don’t want to walk a single step further today, it’s all good!   I shall nap tomorrow!!!!

Title: Apple Festival
Location: Kirby\’s Mill – Medford, NJ
Description: Annual festival including all kinds of apples, activities for the kids, over 95 crafters, live music by Jennifer Mylod and the Boys of County O\’cean and much more…
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2008-10-11
End Time: 04:00

Title: Handmade Faire: Halloween Edition
Location: Flying W Airport – Medford, NJ
Description: 100% Handmade Festival, over 100 Vendors, great holiday shopping.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2008-10-25
End Time: 04:00

Title: Art Walk on Main St
Location: Medford, NJ
Description: The First Saturday Art Walk in Medford, NJ right along Historic Main Street!
Start Time: 02:00
Date: 2008-10-04
End Time: 07:00