New Beginnings

Geez. I looked at the date of my last post. June 22. It's been almost three months! It's not like I don't blog. You all know I'm blogging elsewhere. And I am busy with my real life, not to be confused with my Contessa life -- my imaginary life of doing nothing but running my business, writing and eating bon-bons.

The Husband has left for two weeks vacation. So while he's gone, I'm going to take advantage of the alone time and recreate my site. Which I started doing yesterday.

I also have my photo shoot on Thursday with Amanda. As soon as pictures are available, I'll post them. And update my profile picture.

BTW ... those 40 lbs. Still got 'em.

Photo Shoot

Although the craft show was more successful than I thought it would be, it made me realize that it's not what I want to do.

Oh, I'll still do them.
Especially if Shandell calls me up and says,
"Hey, Mo, there's a craft show at blah, blah, blah ... wanna come?"
If she does, I'm there.
But otherwise, I don't think it's my bag.

Contessa Parties are the way to go.
Or rather, Contessa Fiestas, as Hilary has coined them.

Thanks for that, Hilary.

I also think I'm going to go a slightly different route.
I think I'll focus my marketing on professionals.

Tooth Fairy Pillows to Dentists.
Placemats and other house decor to Real Estate Agents.
Rosary Bracelets to Funeral Homes.

This, of course, means updating and revamping the website.
And taking some professional photos of yours truly.

The website I'll have to tackle on my own.
I don't have the budget to hire someone to do it for me.
And I think I'm proficient enough to put together something I can live with.

But I've enlisted the services of my friend Amanda Morrison-Hill.
She's decided to pursue her love of photography.
So in the spirit of supporting my fellow entrepreneur, Amanda is my photographer.
Besides, I know her, like her and like the casual feel of her style.
You should check out her blog.

She recommended taking the pictures at the Centennial Building in Whitby.
It was City Hall at one time.
It's the perfect location.
Great architecture, beautiful landscaping.
And if it rains, we can go inside.

The shoot is booked for September 17.
Subject to re-booking based on our respective hectic schedules.

Think I can lose 40 lbs by then?!

Craft Show - May 30

We'll be at the Festival of the Arts this Saturday, May 30, 2009.

If you happen to be in the Ajax area, please drop by, introduce yourself and say Hi. And while you're there, pick up a little something for your mom, your sister, your friend and, of course, yourself! We'll be selling home decor items plus totes, bookmarks and toothfairy pillows.

Hope to see you there!

The Outer Fringe

Robi was telling me about some beaded fringe that she had bought for her lampshades. She was intending to trim the shades and add a little bling to the room.

Then she changed her mind.

She said she'd bring in the beads.
Maybe I could make some jewellery with it.
Sure.
Why not.
I never say no to craft supplies!

But this is what she brought in:


Three strings of pretty, beaded fringe.

Are you kidding, Robi?
All this for me?
I'm very excited!!
Thank God Robi changed her mind.

Forget taking them apart, though.
I'm leaving them intact and going shopping for some coordinating fabric.
These puppies are just screaming "table runner".
Oh baybee!!
Fabricland, here I come!

And thanks, again, Robi!

First Juried Show

I've just been accepted for my first juried craft show! The Ajax Festival of the Arts will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

For those of you who don't know, a juried craft show is one in which a panel of judges determines whether your craft is acceptable for selling and/or displaying at their craft show. You can't just show up and sell your wares. You must first submit an application with a description and photographs of your products. The judges will review your application and, depending on their criteria, accept or reject your submission.

This particular show is not very large, but it still looks good on my portfolio that I have participated in a juried craft show.

I'm hoping this is just the beginning. There are some fabulous juried shows. In particular, the One of a Kind show. I can always dream big, right?

Craft Show - Hungarian Culture Club

I was at a craft show on Saturday. Not a big one, but it was well-attended. It was a fundraiser for the Hungarian Culture Club in Oshawa. They're raising money for a new roof. It was successful enough that I'll participate in future craft shows with them.

I thought I'd share pictures of some of the participants and, with their permission, have given contact information in case you see something that strikes your fancy.

Dellzines

Shandell Conboy is the owner of Dellzines. She makes one-of-a-kind jewellery. Her favourites are bracelets and you can see it in her work. I have several of her bracelets, which says something since I can make them myself.



Erika Takacs

Erika was displaying the most incredible artwork. She was wearing a goblin pendant that was absolutely wonderful. I asked if she sold them and she said she was wearing the only one she made. Shandell and I think we've convinced her to make them for sale. I hope so, because I really want one. Visit her site here.



Marg's Knitting - Sewing - Quilting

Marg is a one-woman show. She quilts. She knits. She sews. She does it all. And there's no doubt there's a lot of love that goes into each piece. You can see that, even at the show, she was passing the time knitting. Her quilts are to die for and sooo cute! She can be reached at 905.725.9105.



Home Creations

John and Orlene Fost are the owners of Home Creations. I met Orlene at the show, who gave me some great tips, being a veteran craft show exhibitor. She had cute stained glass window decorations. I bought a yellow bird for my mom and a pink angel for my aunt. She also had glass blocks that you feed small Christmas tree lights into (see them on the left?). The bows are interchangeable so you can mix and match for your decor and for the season. Very clever! You can reach Orlene at 705.429.9479.



Urban Contessa

And last, but not least, my table. It was the first time I'd displayed on a round table, so that was a bit of challenge. I think my pieces were well-received and everyone oohed and awwed over the colours and fabrics.




All the crafters at this show were wonderfully creative and I hope to see them at the next show. I have applied to exhibit at a show in May. I'll let you know if I'm accepted. It will be my first juried show, so I'm a little anxious.

Cross your fingers!

Three's a Charm

She likes it! Hey Mikey!!
Phew! Cuz if she said she didn't, I had nothing.
She sent a thank you gift too:

Isn't that sweet?
My skin already feels awesome!