Call for Crafty People!

As I'm putting together my winter and holiday show line up I wanted to share this wonderful opportunity with all you Midwest Area craftsters in case you don't know about this show or haven't yet taken the time to apply.

My very first show experience was with Naomi and her FABULOUS Craftacular in Madison, Wisconsin in December 2008. Little did I know what a treat it was to be part of such a seamlessly organized show ~ well promoted, heavily followed, top notch quality products... you name it. I was blessed to have it be my first show experience ~ because these events can be QUITE never wracking to unseasoned artists and crafters.

Applications to this years big event are still open through October 8th so I encourage you embrace this opportunity to become part of Madison's Handmade Movement that is so expertly lead by Naomi (with help from her loyal hubby Jerome.) Give yourself this gift ~ you will be happy you did.

XOXO Molly

P.S. - Fingers still crossed that I get in... acceptance letters go out shortly after the deadline so I will let you know. My schedule so far is listed to the right - lots of fun shows to look forward to!

The Creative Connection Event

Where in the world did the weekend go?? The Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis was a long time coming and then whizzed right by. What an amazing place to spend an extra long weekend, among countless creative souls and inspiring minds. I was overwhelmed and impressed to say the least!

I arrived at about noon on Wednesday and before I knew it my booth was set up and Preview Night was over... the hours literally flew by. I was honored to meet organizer and lovely past editor in chief of Country Living magazine Nancy Soriano right off the bat ~ she was gracious and kind, someone I would love to spend time with. Then author Amy Barickman of new book "Vintage Notions", Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop stopped by the booth and shopped a bit - yes, she actually purchased a few of my goodies and chatted about her next book idea... wow wow wow! My heart was singing with excitement.

The next few days were filled with classes for Creative Connection participants. They were able to shop for a few minutes here and there but we sure would have liked to have seen more of them. Hopefully next year the Market hours will run past the class hours so that we can mingle longer. Co-founder Jo Packham from the gorgeous magazine Where Women Create also stopped by the booth and was equally as lovely as Nancy. They are are a truly inspirational duo. They pulled off an amazing event with a hard working, well oiled team. We heard only good things from all the attendees. Job well done ~ Many thanks!!

A few booth shots. My lovely banner was printed at Spoonflower and put together by the ever talented Mary Ann Abbot - love that girl. She makes me happy!

Plans are already being made for next year so be sure and stay tuned to The Creative Connection Event website for details. Surely an annual not-to-be-missed event has been born, don't you think?

XOXO Molly

Divine Twine

So excited about this DIVINE TWINE... have you heard of it, seen it, touched it, loved it yet?

Whisker Graphics came up with this fabulous twine, perfect for your every crafting project. I'm planning to use it for my tags and packaging. Can't wait to put everything together! Check out their site for other great designs as well. I ordered a big box of red, apple green, licorice black and aqua twine to have for sale at The Creative Connection Event in Minneapolis in September. Now that my two August show are over - thank you to all you shoppers! - my mind and heart are fully focused on the amazing 4 day event ahead. Be sure and take a peek and consider a class, seminar or shopping extravaganza at TCC... would LOVE to see you there!!

Be there! I simply can't wait... so much to do... it used to be 6 months away and now it feels like it will be here tomorrow. Off to craft!

XOXO Molly

Summer Craftacular

Hoping to see you at the Sixth Annual Summer Craftacular!

The Summer Craftacular will be held Sunday, August 15th from 10 am to 5 pm at the East Side Club at 3735 Monona Drive. We will be utilizing both banquet rooms as well as the outdoor lawn / Tiki patio area. These spaces combined will allow for approximately 80 booths. We are very excited about this new venue! Not only is the East Side Club a great, established location, but it also offers amazing views of Lake Monona, great parking, cash bars (we will be using the upstairs main bar as well as the outdoor Tiki Bar), and a helpful staff. The Tiki Bar will also offer some simple food options for purchase.

Summer Goodness... be there! Cheers!

XOXO Molly

And the Winner is...

I'm happy to announce the winner of Green Cricket's Giveaway... Heather from HRBeaDesign!

Heather has a fun shop on Etsy filled with fun and unique handcrafted bead and metal jewelry. Here's a small sampling:

Thank you to all who entered! Watch for more interviews soon... Giveaways too!

XOXO Molly

Meet Beth from Green Cricket Salvage

Beth from Green Cricket Salvage is one of the most creative and inspiring artists that I know. A self proclaimed "consummate salvager," Beth gives new life to unwanted thrift and curbside castoffs. Colorful chairs, classic kitsch, LP trays, filmstrip earrings, fisher price people necklaces... you never know what you'll discover at Green Cricket Salvage. Beth will surprise and delight you each and every time you visit her shop. And she's as sweet as pie to boot!

Enjoy learning about Beth and her salvage art and be sure to enter the GIVE AWAY below for the opportunity to win a nostalgic handmade treasure.

What is your craft and what led to you to take it up?

I take what others have cast off to their curbs and turn them into eco-treasures for your home, as well as seeking out unique salvage and vintage.

A strong, reoccurring desire to have a creative outlet, while doing something to help our growing landfills. That and I was sick of being laid off one too many times.

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

Finding the inspiration piece and scheming on what to do with it

What part of your work is the hardest?

Finishing and marketing things. I have lots of 85% finished projects

A top ten list of your favorites –

...handmade possession...
a bar napkin I gave to my now husband, the night we met, with my number on it

...item in your shop...

Filmstrip earrings. My grandfather was on the development team for Kodak, and I love that I found a way to recycle old film.

...item you’ve sold...

The Madison & Soho chairs. One of my first big sales and I loved the way they turned out.

...item in your favorites list...

UK flag chair by Andrea Ford Restyle

...Etsy purchase...

Erin Tyner photo. There is something so magical about macro art. This picture just makes me smile.

...Etsy shop...

Hello Victory. Kate has the greatest finds and print worthy photos to match.

...blog or website...

Red Otter. Julia captures the most captivating images to fit every mood, feeling or moment she describes.

...source of inspiration...

flea markets, junk stores, outsider art and always....nature

...piece of advice...

'creativity is everywhere, it just must find you working' - Picasso

...rule to break...
focus on one or two things at a time.....I break it almost daily.



Now you love Beth's style too, right?! And you need something special from her shop, right?! The lucky winner of Beth's generous giveaway gets to CHOOSE between a pair of filmstrip earrings or a Fisher Price person necklace - yipppee!



Leave a comment here to be entered to win one of these groovy prizes from Green Cricket Salvage.

For additional entries...

* Become a FAN of a Green Cricket Salvage on Facebook

* Follow the Green Cricket Salvage blog

* Share this GIVEAWAY using a Facebook link or on Twitter

* BLOG about this giveaway

Be sure an leave a separate comment for each entry. The winner will be announced on Monday, August 2nd! Good luck!

XOXO Molly

Back from Vacation...

I'm back! Our vacation last week was wonderful. We went to Northern Wisconsin to share a week of relaxation, gluttony and memories with my two best friends from collage and our families. Sigh. I wish I could go back! We stay in two cabins on a tiny lake that, except for the occasional fish, eagle or frog, we have all to ourselves. Perfection in a laid back family vacation.

The kiddos gearing up for a water gun fight that turned into buckets of water because little girls simply can't beat the big brother in such a game!

Lavender Dryer Sachets from Whimsy House

So, I'm about to peek my head up from under the mountain of laundry soon and get back into the summer routine.

Watch for a new interview with Beth from Green Cricket later this week... there will be a giveaway involved - yippee!

XOXO Molly