The Year in Review

For my own record, so that I know next year what the business end of things were this year, here is how it went.  Early months were very slow for sales, very busy for new finds--always the way...Things picked up in the summer and a lot of antiques went to new homes.  Halloween goods were not big sellers, but also admit I did not put much effort in this year--I just did not have a fall inspiration.  Christmas goods sold very well, especially early on in November, but December had a pretty steady stream of sales, so that was good.  As usual, I didn't have time to do half of what I wanted to create, got obsessed with paper dolls and let many things go unmade!  My Clarinda sales, I should not have bothered, sales were very low and just hardly a soul came--it was even worse than the year before, so I think it is the end of an era for that.

I have lots of new ideas for what to do next, and am just dithering about which project I will pick first--early cabin or pastel spring goods?  I can't decide.  In the meantime, heart season is on the way, so I gave my tin hearts a new photo session.

And at Last, I Get to Decorate My House

My upstairs remains a complete disaster area of construction--dirty dark and dreary would be an understatement.  Downstairs, though, it is pretty!  We went even more decadent this year and got 3 trees and I love it.  I put little ones in the dining room and kitchen too.  One can never have too much Christmas.

Ornaments I Have to List

I will be listing large amounts of ornaments over the next few days, here they are on display from my show last week.  They are quite inexpensive, most in the $2 to $3 range. 

show leftovers

red comb feedsack in antique frame, $48

pine stuffed little pillows, $8 each

new fabric print in early antique frame, $38

large antique salt sack in new barnwood frame, $58

small antique salt sack in new barnwood frame, $38

The wood pelt stretcher stenciled Homestead is $20, but shipping could be high because of its odd size, very long--I don't have a new photo yet, the old one is still in the old post.

Playing with Paper Dolls

One of my favorite memories with my grandmother was cutting out the Betsy McCall paper dolls from McCall's magazine.  I also loved it when Mary Englebreit created her paper dolls for her magazine--one of her first was a Chinese girl named Grace, which came out just about the time my Grace was born, so I loved that.  It is no wonder that I cannot quit making these little paper doll vignettes.  I don't even care if they sell, I love having them all around me!

Christmas Show Next Week

I'm pretty sure I'm going to regret this, but off next week to Clarinda for another shot at having a sale at my home.  Hours are Thursday Nov. 30, 10 am - 7 pm, Friday, Dec. 1, 10 am - 5 pm, and Saturday Dec. 2, 10 am - 2 pm.

I have mountains of very cute and inexpensive ornaments, wreaths in all sizes and styles, garlands, greenery, candles.....lots of good stuff.

I will have bunches of primitive antiques, not sure what I'm bringing yet, but sure it will be a good selection.

Crossing fingers and toes for actual customers this time!

New Listings

Sunshine at Last and Ready for Christmas

It has been days and days of gloom--I tried to take photos, but they all turned out terrible with no good lighting.  Finally, the sun broke through today and I will at last be able to list my latest Christmas creations.

OINK

14.95 per set

Cupboard Blues

My husband fixed this old coffee grinder for me and I wanted to paint it blue, so started grabbing a bunch of other stuff to keep it company.  This includes the spice cupboard that was supposed to be blue years ago, but I never got around to it.  You can see its old grubby self in the last photo.

Christmas at the Cabin

I've been so busy working on projects, I've barely had a moment to write, but am going to try tonight.  It has been usual craziness here, my oldest daughter is studying for the ACT exam and since she is homeschooled, I get to help.  We hate algebra, we really do.  I also am trying to help my youngest learn to love reading, she just doesn't, even though her favorite thing used to be story time--I guess she just doesn't like to do it by herself.  Husband working 500 hours a day, so stress is just a daily fact of life.  That may be why I am on a plain and simple primitive kick--just a little pine, a few rusty bells, perfect!