6 weeks later

The Store is up and running albeit slowly. I am learning so much and meeting some great people. I have started teaching beginning sewing and have found that I am surprised at how much I actually know about sewing. I am really enjoying my students and coming up with new classes is really fun. I have been letting it grow which ever way it wants to and it seems to like that (the Shop I mean) Trying to bring in a variety of fabrics though I think space is going to be a concern soon. Hoping to find some nice corduroys for winter and though I am loath to do it I guess I need some fleece. In the mean time I have to get a Halloween class going and I am thinking that it would be fun to do the giant puppets, paper mache' and all.

Life' Rich Tapestry

An incredible new opportunity has presented itself! I have rented a retail space at 742 Haywood Ave. in West Asheville. I am finally going to get to follow my dream of opening a fabric and craft supply. Those of you who know me well may remember my fevered rantings and my time spent learning the ins and outs at Mtn Bizworks. Since the day I walked into my first biz class was also the day that the big banks went to their knees, I thought this might not ever happen. But, for the last year and a half I watched and waited for just the right location to present itself. Lo and behold! 742 Haywood appeared. From the moment I walked in I knew that it was for me. Just the perfect size for a beginner in the business world and conveniently located right in the heart of my favorite neighborhood. I fantasize about working day time hours and riding my bike to work. I just got the key today and hope to have it ready to open by the beginning of July. Kitsch is born!

Kitsch Fabric and Craft

742 Haywood Ave

Asheville, NC 28806

Well it's been a long time since I wrote! In the interim I have some great doll adventures.

Tree gallery and the Spruill gallery have begun to sell a small but steady stream of my dolls. I realize I need shops in several towns. I'll be working on that next.

Right now, I am making large leaps in style. I have joined a dollmaker's club which is so inspiring that I can't help but improve. I have begun experimenting with mounted figures and also pillow dolls with lavender inside. I love to snuggle my "Housepet from Outerspace" and I think how much nicer he would be with the scent of lavender to lull you into sweet dreams.

What I learned at Niada

Wow! that was awesome! I took lessons from Kathryn Walmsley, Leslie Molen, and Donna May Robinson. Heard lectures and saw Demonstrations by so many amazing artists. Won a raffle for a beautiful Doll by Akira Blount.  Met great creative types from all over the country, and made some lovely things. As soon as my laptop comes back from the shop, I'll post some photos.

The Big Crafty Wrap up

What an awesome show! great audience and wonderful artists! Everyone I met was so friendly and helpful. So many Etsy folks! everyone I talked to said that they had good sales and seemed very satisfied with the turn out. There were so many cool things to buy. I was set up next to a girl who sold steam punk jewelry on one side and an amazing comic book writer and illustrator on the other. I sure hope they let me do the next one!

Now I get ready for the labor day weekend show in Atlanta. I sold a pretty good selection of things at this show and learned a lot more about what really got people to actually buy them. I have to figure out a way to type up some of the stories I have about the characters. The trouble is doing that for each one takes a fair bit of time, and I am coming up with different characters so quickly. oh well, it's better than digging a ditch.

NIADA doll making school

Doll makers heaven! Some of the worlds finest doll artists are coming to Applemont folk art school near Gatlinburg Tn. They will be teaching for four days and have a free demo day on the thursday. This all happens the 2nd weekend in Sept. The only problem is trying to pick which class to take.

The Big Crafty July 12, 09

Hey guys!

I am really excited to be exibiting at the Big Crafty in Asheville this year. My booth will be outside. I have lots of great dolls and a few leaf quilts. I know you will love my new "Changling Babies" and "House Pets from Outer Space". The show starts around noon and goes til 6pm. There are so many awesome artists at this thing. You really must come and check it out.