Enough Already!

This is how I felt for the entire month of May, and things haven't gotten better now that June has arrived. If memory serves me, it rained every weekend in May (except the first weekend.) I don't know about other crafty folks, but I make most of my money during the month of May (except for the Holiday season.) This was not the case this year. I mean, who really wants to go to a craft show in the pouring rain? It turns out that most do not like strolling through a rainstorm....just to get some handmade goodies.

I try to look at the bright side....at least I had my tent this day at the 5th Ave Fair in Brooklyn. I felt kind of bad for this girl that was set up across the street selling little blow up toys for kids. Sure my tent was leaking, my shoes and jeans were soaking wet, and it was FREEZING...but I was trying to stay encouraged and celebrate the small things....like the fact that my tent did not blow away in the 20-25 mph winds!

So, please join me as I do my anti-rain dance this weekend. I am just so tired of the rain!

Until next time....happy crafting!

Nordea

nordeasoaperie

Nordea Soaperie to the Operating Room, STAT!!

I participate in Craft Shows just about every weekend of the year. Of course, during the Winter months, most shows are indoors. But, once April comes around, it is pretty much outdoor shows until November.

One thing I cannot work without is my trusty 10x10 Canopy tent. It protects me and my products from the rain, sun, and most other outside forces. In 2009, I purchased a quality tent for around $300, and it has served me well all of these years. A couple of months ago, I was rushing to leave a show, and I couldn't get the tent to close easily. I forced it closed, and broke one of the bars. I discovered this error the next weekend when I opened it up and saw the broken bar. I had to hold the pieces together with bunjie cords, but it was very unstable. The next weekend, I broke another bar by not being careful when opening up the tent. I started to panic because buying another tent was out of the question (no money in the budget.)

Another vendor friend of mine suggested trying to get parts to fix the tent, instead of buying a brand new one. I am not sure why I didn't think of it, and promptly went online to check things out. Sure enough, the company did offer replacement parts! So, I placed my order for two new bars ($28 including shipping) and prepared to operate!

I am not really a fix it type of person, so I was a little nervous armed with only a screwdriver and high hopes. I happened to get around to fixing the tent on a really hot afternoon in June. The screws were a bit stubborn, but I was able to remove the broken bars and attach the new ones!

I am happy to report, that the surgery was a success! I opened up the tent two days later, and everything was fine. I am writing all of this to let other crafters know that when buying a tent, make sure you get one from a company that offers replacement parts! It will save you a lot of money in case you need to operate too.

Happy Crafting!

Nordea
nordeasoaperie

Just ONE day until the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!

Saturday is The {NewNew} Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
You Do Not Want To Miss This Event!


For one day only during the holiday season shoppers can load up on clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, bath and body treasures, toys, housewares and more, all handmade by some of the most creative local artisans and crafters in the NYC metropolitan area.
Where: Public Assembly 70 North 6th Street in Brooklyn
When: 10 am-6 pm Saturday December 3rd


The first 200 shoppers to arrive will receive free goodie bags packed with a unique sampling of wares from the {NewNew} - so come early!


With each purchase, shoppers will get a raffle ticket entry for a prize package filled with great {NewNew} wares!


In keeping with its tradition of partnering with local non-profits, the {NewNew} will have representatives from The Brooklyn Community Foundation, an organization that improves the lives of Brooklyn residents and their communities.


Hope to see you!
Holly / EllisDesign

Crafts In Chelsea! Handmade Market -- Tomorrow, Saturday October 16.

















Fall Foliage Cuties-Notecard
My Zoetrope
Hello Hello!  It's that time again for the 100% local Crafts in Chelsea handmade outdoor market!  Sponsored by the {NewNew} and PS 11, this outdoor event will take place tomorrow, Saturday, October 16 from 9 - 5 pm.  Located at 21st Street between 8th & 9th Avenues, over 100 of the best local New York Artists and craftspeople will be featuring everything from jewelry, pottery, clothing, accessories, and fine art.
handmade shoulder zip flap bag / / le voyageur grand
Sans Map
Visitors to the fair will enjoy the opportunity to converse with the artists about their creative processes while shopping for one-of-a-kind items.  Perfect for your pre-holiday shopping!
Petite Maliha Earrings Spring 2010 Collection Limited Edition
Loella Medina
This event is in conjunction wiht PS 11's annual Fall Festival -- an indoor event that includes food, arts and crafts, bouncy castles, games, and even a petting zoo for New York City children.  Last year this event drew record crowds and helped to fund programs for the students of PS 11.

Felted Soap (soap in a sweater)
Nordea Soaperie
Carnivale Necklace - Vintage Lucite and Antiqued Brass
Wish by Felicity
Brown screen printed shirt (double deco swirl) Long sleeve
KimmChi
We hope to see you there.  Weather is supposed to be lovely!
Pumpkin Soup Tureen or Lidded Bowl
Lenny Mud
Lemon Topaz necklace - Gold filled
Yania Creation