Notes from A Cottage Industry

This little cupcake is takin' it to the streets, people.

    
     You know I love baking my cupcakes and cookies. And you know that I love packaging them up so sweet, with tags, and ribbons, and boxes even more. Well, I am stepping things up, from baking for friends and family to a full blown baking business (once again, this is on the side of my grown up girl job) under the umbrella of A Cottage Industry.
     A catering /restaurant owner friend met with me last week to talk about being their "cupcake supplier" and another catering friend has offered me time in her commercial prep kitchen, so it all fell into place. (I love it when things happen like this!) Now I'll get to be even more creative with my cupcakes, from wedding and baby showers, to cupcake towers, to new flavors and all sorts of fun little details.(..and hopefully I'll even make a little money while I'm having so much fun!)

     Oh! And there are new additions happening all over the place. I've now added the jumbo sized cupcakes to my menu (I call them "Big Boys") and they are going to be filled with yummy cream or fruit fillings. I'm adding a webpage to my website, showcasing the fabulous cuppy cakes,(sorry, local delivery only) and I've designed an online flyer for emailing clients,as well as a hard copy printed brochure, and business cards.
     I am working on the last details for the wedding cupcake brochure now. Once that's complete I am going to do a small photo album of themed cupcakes and details that I've already done in the past...an inspiration book of sorts. (having those three weddings and showers within twelve months has really paid off for me in this area...)

*sigh* I am having too much fun.

Are you a Blogher?

     See those girls up there? They started it. Blogher I mean. Have you heard of Blogher? I've seen their logo on blog rolls and I was curious. I checked them out. Hmmm, cool idea. I love the way so many women take charge and come up with an idea and then run with it. Amazing.

Anyway.

It's a network spot for women bloggers to gather and grow. Share ideas and connect. So, I am wanting to know... are you a Blogher? What's your take on the group? Is more for just younger mommy blogger types, or for everyone? I'm thinking it's something I could learn from.

I'm impressed with their numbers of members, and the site in general. Oh, and it turns out that they have a conference coming up in San Francisco this July. The agenda sounds pretty interesting to me. (In fact, they are even having a contest for us to nominate our favorite Blogher's and the grand prize is an all expense paid trip to the big convention in San Francisico. Wow.)

I'm currently a memebr of ZNE and Women Take Wing. Now I'm wondering what other groups are out there that I have somehow missed....tell me what groups you're involved with, which ones you like, and maybe which ones you're not so crazy about. I really want to know.

Two second tap shoe foofifying

Lots and lots of little re-do's from Saturdays finds. Remember, when you're out thrifting, look closely at everything. It's the tiny stuff that is so easy miss, and also, so easy to reinvent, so pay attention. Here's one example. There were the adorable lil' tap shoes...

that were foofied with fabulous ribbon (left over from the last wedding!) in exactly two seconds. Really.

Can't you just picture these in a baby girl's vintage nursery, or place, just so, on a hutch, near old pictures of children and babies?

*sigh* Too, too cute.

A very charming "Vintage Memories" Mother's Day table

  Here's my centerpiece for my vintage themed Mother's Day table.So charming. I typed "God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers" on a page from an old dictionary. (I simply tore the page out of the book and fed it in my printer.)

    Propped up on the top of the typewriter next to the dictionary page, I placed my printed menu, along with a photo I cut out  from the little postcards in the Vintage Memories kit. Some old thrifted treasures from around my cottage complete the centerpiece.
    For place mats I used more pages from old books, to add to the vintage feel.

    The postcard place card completes each place setting.

The mantel showcases old baby photos and the "Mother" banner, adorned with pearly white buttons.

    I'm so very happy with my table scape and the best part is that it took me only about 35 minutes, start to finish, from printing my papers from my kit to putting the final touches on my dining room.

Pure nostalgia. I love it.

Press kits with a little vintage French market flair

    Ooh, la la! The Press kits are coming along quite nicely, thankyouverymuch.

  I had an appointment yesterday with the host of a local Style television show here in the biggest little city, and I took her the latest and greatest press kit along with a sweet little treat ( a cupcake  in the clear box with a chocolate fleur di lis on top  and black and white m&m's surrounding it in the bottom. It didn't photograph well, but it was cute in person! Click on the photo to see it larger)
     We'll be guests on her show in June right before the Vintage French Market! (talk about free advertising!)

This is going to be one great faire.

Vintage Memories Kit available on the newly opened website

       Whew! A few late, long nights, and, although I am not really happy with the way it looks, the website is up. (Aaaurgh! It looks quite home made, and there may be some hiccups, so bear with me for the next few days.) More kits and products will be added as quickly as I can get them up there, so do check back often!

    My newest kit, "Vintage Memories", is now available, and it is my newest favorite! Just in time for a nostalgic Mother's Day affair, this kit lends it self to any romantic, vintage event you are hosting. (I will be sharing my tablescape that I created using this kit later this week!)

I've made darling two sided vintage postcard style place cards, with antique photos on the backs, and two choices of Menu cards or invitations to be used along with the theme.
Mini banner templates that read "Family" or Mother" round out this wonderful kit.
     Check it out on the website, and please let me know what you think.

A Cottage Industry website to relaunch this week.

...and I wanted you to be the first to know.
I will be relaunching my website later this week. I'm going to be showcasing my "Make if Special!" Kits, including a new one just in time for Mother's Day...keep watching!

Coming to an inbox near you....

    Instant gratification, that's what it is. No waiting at the mailbox days or weeks for a little box to arrive. For those of you that have been asking about my various crafty templates, I have created a kit full of patterns and templates that can be printed on any color paper, and used as many times as you like. The new kit is now available and it will arrive in your email inbox, so no waiting by the mailbox!

Make it special! Flags, menu and placecards, vol.1

Included in this kit are instructions and templates three different themed projects, complete with 10 pattern pages and 2 instruction sheets:
Celebration Flags, Foofy-la-rue brocade chandelier place cards/ gift tags and menu/invitation cards, and Nest of Happy thoughts place cards/ gift tags and menu/invitation cards

If you'd like to purchase a "Make it special! Flags, menu and place cards" to arrive in your in box, simply click here for all of the details, and then order the kit with the button at the bottom of the details page. You'll receive your kit in your email in-box within 24 hours. Cost: $20 (Which is just $2 per template sheet)

reTreat joins the Tumbleweed Cotillion Vintage French Market

     Oh, people, people, people. Cancel any vacation plans you had for June 27th and 28th. You just don't want to miss this. Really.
    All the way from the pacific northwest, Seattle's own reTreat has been added to the vendor list at the June Cotillion. They'll become"Rue de Retreat" for the two glorious days of the vintage French Market here in the biggest little city.

Deb and her dream of a husband, Bob, are the visionaries of reTreat. She's an incredibly amazing and talented designer, he's an equally amazing and talented contractor/builder, and they both love to thrift, scavenge, and rescue forgotten items. (Now, that's my idea of a dream man!) 
     I've known Deb for many years now, first online, at the iVillage message boards, then with the "Bliss Boards" from the original Victoria magazine. Then, later again, with the Women Take Wing community...becoming good friends without actually meeting in person...until last June at the life changing Willows Nest event (very near the spot where I first discovered the real Stars Hollow Camas, Washington!)The following October, we got to meet in person again at  the Victoria magazine launch event.

*sigh* They are incredible people.

Anyway.

Deb has been trying to see if they actually had the time and the inventory to make the Cotillion. You see, they are already doing the Farm Chicks show in Spokane in early June. Last night, they made the decision to just go for it, and do both shows.

To give you an idea of Deb's creative vision, here's a quote from one of her emails to me last night..."And wouldn't you just know it, as I go along, I am also finding a BUNCH of stuff that I could create an absolutely FABulous booth at the Tumbleweed Cotillion French Market. White, ivory, tan, rusty foofy and frenchy stuff. Filigreed frames and candelabra and wire urns and white scallop-edged dishes. I have furniture & mirrors & lamps that could go with it, too. I can picture it, all arranged, in my head - like a soft-focus tintype photo in sepia tones. Madeline Peyroux murmuring French songs in the background. Welcome to the 'Rue de Retreat Flea Market'......"

See what I mean? Mark your calenders, people.

*sigh* Such inspired people.

A fabulous workshop, but no pictures to prove it.

     I am so ticked at myself. I meant to take pictures all through the workshop this morning, but...too much talking, teaching, and cupcake eating, and I somehow  forgot to get pictures from about midway on.(I even forgot to take a shot of the completed paint can full of supplies and work books!!! Augh!

In the end,everyone left with a completed chalkboard in an antiqued frame, and a cute paint can full of everything they'll need to make more.

Yes, I'd say a very good time was had by one and all.

All set.

    It's Friday. Aah, one of my favorite parts of the week these days. I've been busy painting pieces for the Tumbleweed Cotillion, and I'll be sharing the paint finishes this Saturday at my workshop. I have them all arranged in a sort of mock booth set up.  I think I already have more than enough for my Cotillion booth space, and that makes me very happy. Now, I'll be able to spend time working on some papercrafts I've been wanting to add to my inventory.
Speaking of papercrafts....I will have some new "Make it Special" kits, along with something else I am working on, coming out within the next few weeks, so keep watching!

Full house of painting ladies....

     This Saturday is my "Make it Special" Furniture Painting Workshop, and I'm thrilled to tell you that it's all sold out. Yes, all my seats are full! This workshop is going to be so much fun.
     Last night I began assembling the goodie supply kits for the attendees. Oh! They are coming along nicely and I think everyone will like them.
     I'm using gallon paint cans that I bought and added bright colored paint drips to, along with coordinating color drenched paint brushes (which are part of each attendees place cards; they will have each person's name attached!)
     Drop cloths with brightly splattered paint will cover the work table and each attendee will have their very own take away little containers of primer, paint and antiquing glaze.
     I completed the take-away booklets last night, complete with a perfect quote from Edgar Degas. (Click the picture to see it enlarged so you can read it)

Tonight I'm prepping some of the items I'll be demonstrating techniques on while our paint dries between steps. Then, all that will be left to do is bake my treats for our little break and I think I'll be all set.

Ooh!I can't wait!

Happy Earthday, 2008: A completed vintage dresser re-do

      In honor of Earthday, I thought I'd share one of my most recently completed recycled pieces. Remember the old dresser before?

Well, it's all painted and antiqued now, ready for my booth at the upcoming Tumbleweed Cotillion's Vintage French Market. It's so sweet that I kind of am tempted to keep it, but I really have no place to put it in my cottage.
     Not only would it be darling in a bedroom, but I can picture it in a living room with a fat candelabra up top, or in a dining room with a silver tea service gracing it, or even at the end of a hallway, with vintage family photos tucked in the corners of the mirror. Oh! How about in a large bathroom, with some hand towels and a vase of flowers up on top? Done up plain or fancy, there are just so many spots it could go.

*Sigh* So much nicer than in a landfill, don'tcha think?

Another "Make it Special" workshop!

It's time for the third in my series of workshops.
     This time I am trying something new...a "hands-on" workshop. That's right, attendees will be creating their very own take away project... we'll learn all the tips and tricks for priming, painting and antiquing furniture, accessories or cabinets. We'll practice it all on framed chalkboards to take home, and while we wait for our paint to dry between the steps, I'll be doing more demonstrations.
     The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 26th, from 9:00-noon at my cottage. Cost is $105. and includes all supplies to create your chalkboard.
     I'll be serving refreshments (cupcakes, anyone?) and have some of my latest finished works available for peeking at during our break...sound fun? If you're in the area and would like to attend, please sign up here. (space is limited!)

For those of you not in the area, I do plan to be doing a DVD shortly on this same workshop. I'll keep you posted!

A little peek at what I've been up to the past few days....

     I totally meant to post last Friday and then on Saturday, but time just was slip sliding on by me at record speed. I've been oh, so busy on some to-much-fun-for-words projects! Mmmm hmmm...
So, without further delay, here is a little, eensy, weensy peek at one of the projects.(I know some folks don't believe anyone should  paint wood, but pul-ease. These chairs were so not working for me unpainted.)
They are for the upcoming Cotillion, (mark your calendars!!)and I am loving the look of them so far. Yup, there are two of these chairs, exactly alike, with perfect upholstery (are you noticing the original, in mint condition little wooden wheels? Too charming!)...

Oh, and I also scored a (soon-to-be) equally darling table that I found early Saturday morning at a high school rummage sale. I am doing the table up to match the chairs, natch. (I'll share the table later...typepad won't cooperate this morning!)    
     The Sewing Queen of northern Nevada is whipping me up some fabulous toile pillows with yummy fabric I found at the $2 Fabric Store! (feather filled no less!) with half inch knife pleat ruffles (a darling coordinating stripe we found at WalMart for the fabulous price of $2.50 a yard!) to lay on the chairs....

...Man, I love me some toile. Love it, love it, Love. It. (Never can get enough of it, especially in Robin's egg blue.)

*sigh* I'll share the completed project, just as soon as I get the finished pillows from the Queen Mum. (Hey, wait a minute!!! Mom, is that you, reading this? You should be sewing!!!!)

They're baaaaa-aack...The Tumbleweed Cotillion returns with a Vintage French Market

    Thanks so much for all of the sweet, kind comments about the wedding! I'll share more details and photos, I promise, but I wanted to make sure and share this big news with you as soon as possible....
     We've picked a date and we've got a theme...it's official now. The next Tumbleweed Cotillion will be held right here in the biggest little city, in late June! That's right, those crazy Cotillion gals are at it again! Mark your calendars if you live anywhere near us!
The Tumbleweed Cotillion presents:

There will be lots of shabby vintage furniture, funky jewelry with a French flair, fabulous aprons and all sorts of charming antique and vintage feel items. Um..ya, and maybe some foofyfied cupcakes too.

If you're a crafter or merchant with items that carry a most definite vintage slant, you may want to apply to get yourself a booth at the upcoming  vintage French Market  yourself!

Oh! I can't wait to show off some of the pieces I'm working on for this wonderful event!

Puddings and cupcakes and tarts, oh my!

Oh.
My.
Ga.
Have you seen this cook book?

After spotting it on someone's Blog (does anyone know?! I'd really like to give credit and link my post here... Pam found it again for me here. Thanks Pam!) I knew I had to get it. I mean, those pictures! Wow. And those recipes! Butterscotch Buttercream frosting?! Chocolate Mousse Buttercream frosting?! (You know I'm gonna make that for my next batch of cuppy cakes!)
  This woman is a-mazing, that's all I'm sayin'.
Anyway.
I ordered the book. It came lickety split. And, you know what? It's even better in person, people. I sat all cozied up in my bed till midnight reading recipes and looking at the to-die-for photos of the treats.I wanted to get out of bed at 11:30 last night and bake something. (OK, maybe not bake right then, coz I had to get up for Toastmasters this morning, but if had been the weekend...) It's really that good.

*Sigh* When I get my cupcake parlor going, I'm gonna have to carry copies to sell of this gem of a cookbook.

Nesting...getting oh, so ready for spring!

    I've been busy with so many different projects in the last few weeks! I thought I'd share a little spring time love (we're hoping for spring weather here anyway...snow expected this weekend) from some things I've been working on.
     I made these nest place cards late last week for an order I was filling....they really truly are one of my favorite springtime designs...I made Menu Cards to coordinate...I never seem to make anything exactly the same twice..I liked the way these came out so well that I made 3 additional sets (6 place cards along with 2 menu cards and a nest with 3 faux bird eggs) and if any of you are interested you may purchase a set by simply emailing me, and I will invoice you via Paypal. Cost: $15 includes shipping.
Thanks everyone! All sold out.

*Sigh* It all just makes me want to get my Easter decorations out right now, but I've got to wait until this next busy week ends....

Kindred spirits and a theme song (second post for Sunday...)

If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse. Walt Disney

If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a house. Tracey Buxton

Umm, ya.
     I'm starting to think ol' Walt and I are long lost kindred spirits. I have gone so far as to choose a theme song for myself.(again, from Disney) It really hit home for me with where I am in my life.

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish really will come true

Disney's Cinderella:
Music and Lyrics by Al Hoffman, Mack David and Jerry Livingston

Sweet Jesus, maybe I have gone off the deep end.

     It's just that you people have inspired me so. I mean, I just meant to share one of my many little dreams with you, and you made me see that I need to investigate it, not just keep it as a pipe dream. For real, not just in my head, or on a blog. You made me see that maybe..yes, maybe it is possible. I won't know until I check it out all the way. Only then will I know for sure. You made me see that I have to keep the faith.

Thank you all for this.

     I spoke with the listing Realtor and yes, the farm is still available. Yes, it has been reduced once again! Yes, she'll keep me informed of any activity, and yes, she'll get me the information I'm requesting.   
     I spent most of today on the SBA website, studying and copying templates for business plans, googling barn venues for other event ideas, and got things really rolling. I created a time line and an inspiration board.
     I got myself so excited and motivated that I had to take an extra long bubble bath to unwind myself. Now, I'm all ready to hop into my bed with the freshly changed sheets in my favorite jammies... and dream the wish my heart is making.

Cupcakes anyone?

   ...or how about an amazingly cute cookie or two?
    It feels like it's been a long time in the making, but the last workshop I conducted on cupcakes and cookies is all set, in a kit form.
    The bride-to-be/editor and producer called me last night to tell me she was shipping my newest DVD's to me today.
    The DVD covers creative ideas with cookies and cupcakes, and a few little extras. It also comes with a handy dandy booklet (shown in the picture) and is available for $20 plus $5 shipping. Kits will ship to you next week.
     Please email me at: info@acottageindustry.com to let me know if you'd like one, and I'll send you a Paypal invoice (or we can work out a check payment if you prefer!)

Busy, busy, busy...

    Is it Saturday night yet? I've gone and over booked myself dreadfully this week. I'm way too busy at my grown up job at the moment. Last night I had a wonderful time with out of town company for dinner (and tree trimming!) *Sigh* A good friend and comfort food.(chili and cornbread and all the toppings!)Such a nice time. The tree is now officially decorated. Wow. Looks A-mazing. Christmas cheer in all it's glory....

Back to my dreadfully over booked week...
     Tonight I'm hosting a jewelry party (What was I thinking, planning that at this time of year?!)
     Yet another house guest comes in tomorrow and then, finally, on Saturday...oh my, Saturday I'll be conducting a very fun workshop at my cottage, where hopefully we'll be making a DVD to follow up from the class. This one is going to cover cupcakes, sugar cookies, packaging your baked goods in creative ways, and last but not least, some ideas for menu cards, place cards and table themes.So, in between all the other things this week, I am prepping and creating and making an outline.

Mmmm hmmm, this little chicky is gonna be so ready for a holiday bubble bath by Sunday.

Lessons learned

    Yesterday was spent with my two friends, working at the little craft fair at the church. (Let me stress the word "little" here.) When the fair ended, I was very glad that I had only taken one carload of my things to this boutique, as we were all schlepping them back out to take home again.(Sales were even slow for the Sisters, who had made crafts to sell for the church!) Still, all in all, I sold decently, and I actually learned quite a few things from the experience. Another perk was that I had a fun time with my girlfriends.

Mixing cupcakes intermingled with vintage crafts was not a good idea either (Ya live, ya learn, right?) as many folks thought they were crafts and not real! Note to self: next time I attempt mixing the two, I need a more defined area and display for the cupcakes.
    Also, I forgot a few items (bags and tissue for starters) so I learned that I need to assemble a fair basics kit to take along to all fairs with things like scissors, a pen, bags and tissue and safety pins....

     I promoted my latest upcoming workshop for December with a sign and handouts, which seemed to be a hit (all the baking and entertaining tricks! It should be fun!)
    The best part of the fair was meeting new people. I met a gal that is a caterer part time, and she told me of a new cooking school her friend is getting read to open downtown. She thought I'd be a possible candidate to teach some cupcake and cookie classes! She was having dinner last night with her friend  and was going to recommend me to her friend opening the school. Now, how cool is that?!
All in all, not a bad way to spend a Sunday at all.

Keeping busy

Don't ask how, or why, but I am up to my eyeballs in glitter and ribbon and paper and all sorts of crafty things.      
     Mmm hmm, I am participating in a small holiday craft faire this Sunday, (With the wedding and the holidays coming I need all the pin money I can gather right now!) so I am once again on creative overdrive. This is a small fair, where we are each given only a six foot conference table, not a true booth space. Of course, I am making the most of those six feet! I have two friends participating as well, on either side of me, so it should be a fun day for all, whether we sell anything...or everything!
     I'll share more in a day or two, but I am going with the vintage feel, using a canvas drop cloth and some burlap (did you know it comes in colors now???) for my table covering, and I'll have banners, and shreds, and ornaments, some small furniture pieces...and oh, yes! This time I am going to try selling my cupcakes, complete with gift boxes....just a few though. I keep having to remind myself- I only have a six foot table!

Tumbeweed Cotillion critique

    *see the edit at bottom of this post please... Now that I've had more than ten minutes to digest my thoughts on how the Cotillion went, I wanted to share my two cents.
     I met with my business partner last night to critique the event and figure out a game plan for the next faire. We both agreed that the event was a success! Considering we just met in July and it was our first time planning a such an event, we both are feeling pretty good about it.
    Is there room for improvement? Yes, always. The biggest problem was clear. The mansion where we held the Cotillion was our only real sore spot. The venue was too chopped up and quite cramped for the amount of foot traffic. (Yes, we had foot traffic! Yippee!) Would we use this venue again? No way.  Sadly, the event person we had to deal with at the venue made things pretty darned unpleasant for our vendors, to put it mildly. At the end of the day we gave out surveys to all of our vendors, and each and every one of them commented on just how unpleasant a couple of the mansion folks were to them personally. OK, new venue for sure next time.
     I think our shoppers liked the products we had, but, with this being said, we ended up with only about half of our participants selling true "vintage" items. Many had quite charming things, however, they were newly manufactured items that were mass produced and purchased from suppliers. We will work on developing a more real vintage grouping of products and display ideas.
     I had goodie bags for all the vendors, as well as muffins and juice in the morning, but we all managed somehow to forget about lunch! Let me tell you, by 5:00 we were all starved. We'll include shoe box lunches for our vendors next time, for sure!
     On the big plus side, our musician was beyond fabulous. A beautiful girl with a beautiful voice, and a delight to chat with as well. She sold out of CD's before noon and had to run home for more. The crowd of attendees was huge, and so very friendly, despite having to brave the coldest day we've had this season. Oh, another big plus- all of our vendors said they would like to participate in another faire...so we've begun planning our next Tumbleweed Cotillion, scheduled for early to mid summer (Exact date yet to be decided...later this week!) ...oh, but don't be surprised if you hear that we're doing a holiday Trunk Show somewhere...

*edited to add: I hope you all don't think we felt the event was bad or a failure! Quite the opposite. We are wildly happy with our first attempts at throwing a vintage faire, and we had excellent sales (and yes, the Robin's egg blue buffet sold!) It's simply that we want the event to grow to be a completely-top-shelf, waiting-list-of-vendors, wow-what-an-incredible-event kind of thing, and it is going to take one or two more attempts to be that. Oh, and we will have such fun getting to that point!

A new series of classes coming up for November...

     The gift wrapping class went so very well, that I am now going to expand to a new, entire series dedicated to entertaining, just in time for the holidays!
     Yes, I owe it all to my very dear friend Anne, who encouraged me to think outside of the box to earn that much needed extra income, and hang in there when the going gets tough.(She must have been a cheerleader in high school, 'coz she's  always cheering everyone on, inspiring them to do more than they thought they could do, and see the sunny side of everything...thanks Anne! You're my hero!)
     Anyhoo, the class series is going to be called "From the heart of the home" and will consist of 4 separate classes over the course of two weeks. (on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 till about 8:00, beginning November 6- just in time for Thanksgiving and before the rest of the holiday season madness begins!)
    The first will be a class on cupcake decorating techniques, ideas and packaging. Next will be sugar cookies and the many fun things we can do with them. The third class is going to cover ideas and tricks for packaging gifts of food in creative ways- thinking outside of the gift basket, if you will. Last, but certainly not least will, be "creative entertaining on a shoestring", which will cover clever place cards, menu cards, and table scape themes.
   The idea is that folks may sign up for which ever class strikes their fancy, or all four classes. I'm offering a discount for those that sign up for the entire series. We'll see how it goes...

Oh! I am so excited to get things moving on this latest project!

Hey, Mr. Postman...

Have I got a pile of boxes for you! Actually, I am dropping the giant pile off at the post office this morning.
     Yes, the first batch of gift wrap kits are on their way. I cannot thank you enough for your patience, while I over booked myself with the Tumbleweed Cotillion,(or was it the gift wrap kits overbooked on top of the Cotillion?) and had a dear friend family friend's death pop up in the middle of all of this.
     At any rate, start watching for something that clearly resembles a pizza box, being delivered straight away to you if you ordered one!
*sigh*Thank you, thank you, so very much, one more time.

a few pictures from the Tumbleweed Cotillion...

Thanks so much for all of the well wishes!
Whew! It was great fun, from start...

to finish.. 
There were wonderful vintage things...

from furniture, to drapes, to all kinds of treasures...

 

to baby gifts...


and so much more...

even locally made lavender products (oh, they were so yummy!)

We were inside the mansion...lots and lots of shoppers...

and outside on the porch...

and we plan to do it all again, but much, much bigger, come summer!

The Tumbleweed Cotillion is here!

I have the goodie bags ready for the vendors. We're all set up. The baker will be in the kitchen with yummy treats for sale, there will be music, and of course, the main floor of the mansion is filled to the ceiling with vintage treasures and all kinds of charming things to warm your heart and home.
I hope to see you there! (And, if you live to far away, don't worry. You know I will be sharing pictures come Monday...)

Blue paint recipe and a few goodies for the Cotillion!

For everyone that asked, I am going to share my "recipe" for the Robin's egg blue paint.(thanks so much for all of the compliments yesterday!!) I didn't start out with this color blue paint. Oh no. I bought one shade of paint and it was too blue. Bought another...too green. I mixed them...a little of this, a little more of that. I came up with this color and took the painted stir stick in to Home Depot when I ran out of the paint and had it mixed to match. It's Behr Brand,and I always buy eggshell finish, except for the paint I used on the kitchen walls and in the bathroom, where I used semi-gloss.(Oh, and on my kitchen and bathroom walls I also added 1/3 part white paint to lighten it up.) The dresser I shared yesterday was then antiqued my usual way in a tobacco glaze.

Anyway, you asked. Here's the answer:

Tracey's Robin's egg blue Behr Brand eggshell finish paint used on furniture

COLORANT     OZ   48   96
Lamp black      0     7     1
Thalo Green     0     4     0
Med. Yellow     0     2      1

Tracey's Robin's egg blue Behr Brand semi-gloss finish paint used on the kitchen walls

COLORANT     OZ   48   96
Lamp black      0     5     0
Thalo Green     0     1     1
Med. Yellow     0     2      1

Now, back to work!....busy, busy busy! Not much time to chat today. Preparing the shipping labels for gift wrapping kits and tagging items for the Cotillion. Just stopped long enough to share the paint recipe and a picture of some of my booth items

..you like?

Petitie french buffet

  Or maybe you'd call it a dresser. Or a sideboard. Or an entry table.
     It was in need of some TLC and my favorite robin's egg blue paint and some antiquing brought it back to life. It's a sweet little piece of furniture that's oh, so versatile.(hmmm, I can see it warming up my new office at my grown up job, holding a fabulous lamp and a photo of my family, with the drawers being used for office storage...) I like it so much, I'm tempted to keep it for myself...it will be at the Tumbleweed Cotillion.

*sigh* That is, unless I decide I can't bear to part with it.

The dog ate my (Gift wrapping kit) homework...

My alarm clock didn't go off. I had a headache. Oh, I've got a million excuses.
     Actually, the DVD's we burned had to be gone through, one by one and checked. Some of them (6 to be exact) had no sound. Mmm hmm, just me chattering and waving my hands around in complete dead silence.  The picture and text for the labels I was making for the DVD's wouldn't center up, and the "Help" people at Avery are not really caring at all about me and my labeling woes.
     Then, I bought all the 15.25x11.5x2 boxes at the office supply and they couldn't get more in until this week. (Yes, I called all around. Apparently it's a very popular sized box...who knew?) I'm telling you, it was Murphy's law in action.
But now, without any further excuses...
      If you pre-ordered one of my "Make it Special" gift wrap kits, the wait is nearly over. I had posted here that I'd try and ship by October 15th, and I am ever so slightly behind, but not by too much.
     The binders are ready, the DVD's labeled, and I am packaging them all up just as fast as I can, and double checking the shipping addresses to get them on their way! I want to thank all of you that ordered them for your patience as I burned DVD's, cut ribbons and tags, printed labels, and pages. Up to my eyeballs in paper scraps and ribbon streamers, I assembled oh, so many kits and I am absolutely thrilled to have so many orders!

They will be greeting the post office lady later this week, and I will keep you posted!

from ordinary to extraordinary in just one day

...and just in the nick of time for Tumbleweed Cotillion. (countdown- only 9 more "get-ups" till the Cotillion!)
I loved the lines and size of this sweet table the minute I saw it. Still, it was just a bit too...ordinary for my taste. 
So...
I painted. I sanded, I antiqued. I added some detail work. I stood back and looked. I smiled.
*sigh* Now it's extraordinary, don'tcha think?

Press kits with a delicious bribe.

................................................................................................................
Another Tumbleweed Cotillion update!
Here are the dear little press kits I've been hand delivering to the local newspaper, magazines and television stations.

    I think they came out pretty charming, and will get our message across!

    The plan of attack was this: If the cuteness of the folder doesn't entice you, maybe a cupcake will.
Think it will work?

A little treat for the Tumbleweed Cotillion vendors

    I know our Vintage Market Faire is still two and a half weeks away, but I just finished the prototype for  something I just had to share!
     The historic mansion we booked for the event is now filled to capacity with vendors (Oh! I am so thrilled about this!) We even have a fabulous baker for the kitchen, and a wonderful musician we are going to have nestled in an alcove! (If you live even remotely close enough to attend, you really should!)
     We're providing a little welcome treat,(some homemade cookies!) along with a list of all the vendors names and a follow-up survey (so we can see what they think we did well, and not so well..)for our vendors... aren't they sweet?
    The tiny old typewriter wording under the vintage photo of cowgirls on the bag reads "Welcome to the Tumbleweed Cotillion". We want to be sure everyone feels welcome, and right at home, and I think this will do the trick, don't you?

A quick Make it Special kit pre-order update!

Sheesh! Two posts in one day..I'll make this short and sweet---Thank you so very much for all of the pre-orders on the Make it Special Gift wrapping kits! There seems to have been a few requests and comments that landed somehow (how does that happen anyway?) in bulk mail, and I skim my eyes so fast past all those Viagra ads subject lines that I missed some of your requests...yikes!So..If you posted a comment on the blog or emailed me for a kit,and I did not respond yesterday, please email me one more time...
Thanks again!
You. are. simply. the. best!