Happy New Year

It’s a new year… again. 2011 absolutely flew by. The one certain thing in life is that things change, sometimes for the better, sometimes not so much. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all deep or into ridiculous detail about the changes in my life (they’re just not that interesting). But I will tell you what’s going on with me, creatively speaking.

While I don’t make new years resolutions (because I’m constantly making goals and plans year round) I have lately been inspired to make what I want, when I want, thus removing the pressure on myself to do otherwise. Over the new year’s weekend, we spent a few nights with my husband’s whole family in Seaside. I had a nice chat with my sis-in-law Stephanie, and she was communicating how she had had so much going on and she had to evaluate the pressure she was putting on herself. At the time I didn’t feel like I was also experiencing that, but the chat resonated something with me and I feel a new freedom about my side-business and creations in general.

My creative time is limited so when I have time to make jewelry it’s usually because I have to fill orders. This is fine as long as I’m selling items I enjoy making. I have also missed my other crafty projects, so with Jane Austen as my inspiration, I will be adding other items to my Etsy shop like coin purses, altered journals, decorative bottles, and whatever else I come up with. New Sense and Sensibility designs as well as other literary quote designs are now available – just in time for Valentine’s Day!

So creatively speaking I’m in a good place and I’m enjoying my time spent creating. My true passion is interior decorating, I love doing it and never get tired of daydreaming new ideas for my home or others’ homes. I’ve saved my jewelry earnings from the holiday season with the intention of buying a new kitchen table with some of it. Our table is about 10 years old and the blemishes and finish have been annoying me for some time, and the shape isn’t my favorite. But for now, instead of replacing it, I’m going to revamp it and give it a vintage French country look (even though the design doesn’t lend itself to that era). And then when I tire of that, I will feel justified to replace it. I’m very excited about it and can’t wait for some time to start. I’m also planning on embellishing my back-door curtains that are in front of the table to flow with the new look. Here’s the before picture, stay tuned for the after picture.

Christmas Trees

If you still need to get your Christmas tree, consider the local family-owned tree farm in south Salem, 4GEN Farms. This tree farm is beautifully located in south Salem amongst rolling vineyard hills within a rich country landscape. 4GEN Farms is unique in that they donate 25% of their profits to 1 of the participating charities of your choosing. The farm is dog-friendly so you can bring your entire family, just make sure your pup plays well with others. There is also a small gift shop with some of my designs, my best friend's freshly canned salsa verde, and more. Please see their website for more information. Merry Christmas!

Heritage Holiday Faire - Nov. 2011

The Heritage Holiday Faire is this coming weekend, and I am ready a week ahead of schedule. My mock set-up is pretty much ready, everything is priced, my online shop is closed, and now I just need to pack up and have fun making my jewelry boxes out of cigar boxes. I have 2 done so far and they are too cute, Jane Austen inspired, and it feels good to repurpose something!

The Heritage Holiday Faire starts Friday, November 18th from 5pm – 8pm, $7 admission. The Faire is open Saturday from 10am – 6pm, free admission; and Sunday from 10am – 3pm, free admission. There will be horse rides for kids, freshly popped kettle corn for sale, a Café for lunch, sweet treats, and coffee drinks, and of coarse gobs of holiday gifts and décor. It’s going to be in the spinning room at the Mission Mill, Salem Oregon. This year there are 40 fabulous vendors, including Vintage Chick Designs, and I’m sure it will put me in the holiday spirit~

Halloween Bunco

My mom turned 59 years old on Halloween and we celebrated by having a Bunco party. We had Quiznos, side salads, deviled eggs that looked like eye balls, and grave yard cupcakes. My 5 year old daughter helped me add glitter to twigs and make black tissue paper flowers for this fun pumpkin tree. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween.

November show

I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is that I didn't get into the Crafty Wonderland show in Portland. The good news is that I got into the Heritage Holiday Faire in Salem at the Mission Mill Museum. I only have 34 days from now to get ready. It's exciting but I'm anxious because there's a lot for me to do. Hope you can check out the show, should be some great early holiday shopping or at the very least quite inspiring!

Simply Chic Paper Goods - Portland Oregon

Simply Chic Paper Goods is owned by a local Portland artist, Jenn. This Etsy shop is up and coming and she continues to add beautiful designs often. Her products are very affordable, absolutely high quality craftsmanship, and they are safely packaged and shipped expediently~ Jenn is wonderful to work with on custom orders, she pays attention to details, and anticipates ideas and decisions about the design that as a customer you may not consider. I love the birthday invitations I ordered and will shop with her again. Check out what she has to offer, you will be delighted by the stunning yet simple and witty designs she creates.

What's next?

I must admit I feel a bit like a child after Christmas, after all the work and preparations I’m sad now that the Deepwood show is over. The venue was so perfect, and the ambience was amazing, I hope to get in next year. Check out Vintage Chick Designs on Facebook to see some photos.

So what’s next? Well now I have 3 months to prepare for the Portland Oregon Crafty Wonderland Show at the Convention Center. The story behind Crafty Wonderland is so inspiring and the show keeps growing and getting better each year. I should find out in October if I was accepted, and my fingers are crossed. My friend Kathleen who owns Mata Hari Jewelry is also applying and creates gorgeous neo-victorian designs and more.