Carolina Crafting

Three years ago this week, we were in town looking for our “dream home”. Everyone we met asked us if we were going to the Possum Drop in Brasstown on New Year’s Eve.  Not having a clue, we just smiled and said we were leaving town before the festivities. (whewwww) Drop a possum??????

The next year we were more “in” and knew it was much more than just dropping the possum (not really dropped but lowered) It’s the social event of the new year. I swear there were over a thousand people there. It was just good clean fun.

This year, I have a shop in “downtown” Brasstown. I can see Clay’s corner from the shop. Starting last Saturday, things started to happen. bleachers went up, extra port-a-potties were put in place, people are buzzing. I just can’t wait. Check out Clay’s web site www.clayscorner.com . There you can learn all you need to know about the “Possum Drop”

So, if you are in the area Wednesday evening, don’t sit at home and watch the ball drop in New York City, come on out to Brasstown and see the Possum Drop.

Just Jackie

Hope you’all have a Merry Christmas !!!!

Just Jackie

I put everything off to the last minute. I love the rush of getting things done at the last second. I know I drive friends and family nuts but it’s the only way I will get anything done.

Today I have made Rice Krispie treats for my son-in-law and some new candy that I wanted to try. Usually I make fudge for my daughter but I wanted to try something new. I got the recipe from Crockpot365 (there’s a link on the right hand side of my site) It has chocolate, pretzels, fritos and other yummy stuff.

All my gifts are wrapped and under the tree. But…..I still need to buy food for the FEAST. It’s still 15 degrees outside and I hate to venture out.

Since I like to practice what I preach, I have shopped as locally as I could. All my major gifts were purchased at craft shows and small craft shoppes here in Western North Carolina. I think the family will be happy with the uniqueness of their gifts. One of my favorites is what I got my brother. I had done an segment with a blacksmith in Hanging Dog, NC. (the show will air later in 2009) Tommy Chavers makes the neatest steak turners. I watched him take just a piece of iron and turn it into a work of art. I thought I had a picture to insert right here but I had taken a bad picture and the gift is on it’s way to Texas. (sorry)

Carolina Crafting, the shop, will be closed until the 26th. We will be open all day New Years’ Eve for the Possem Drop in Brasstown. If you’ve never been, you have got to see this !!!!

Just Jackie

I’ve been trying to remember the first Christmas craft I ever made. I think I was maybe 5 or 6. My grandma was a nurse and she would save the little cups that she passed out pills in. She would save them for a long time. Then, when it was time to decorate for Christmas, she would let me help her cover these little paper cups with aluminum foil (we called it tin foil back then)  then we would poke a hole in the top and secure a ribbon thru the cup. These made the most “beautiful” bells I had ever seen. We put some on the tree and others we used to decorate gifts.

Can you remember the first craft you made for Christmas???? Tell me about it.

Just Jackie

In this bonus episode Jackie shows off her new shop and joins the other shopkeepers of Brasstown, NC who are getting ready for the holiday season. This episode also features the Paul Wilson Band singing “Joy To The World” country style. You can find their CD at Jackie’s shop or go to www.blindpigandtheacorn.com to order.

All of us here at Carolina Crafting, Git Your “Q” On The Road and Green As You Can Be wish you Happy Holidays and great New Year!

Just go to the “Video” tab above and look for “Happy Holidays From Brasstown”.

Carolina Crafting, the smallest craft store in Brasstown, got in the Paul Wilson Christmas CD yesterday. I listened to it all day. ( I had been listening to Christmas Carols in Danish, the only CD I could find since we moved.) Paul’s CD has the feel of the mountains. There is a special feel here, like no where else I’ve ever lived. Can’t explain it, it just is.

The craft shop will be open thru Christmas Eve. It will be open all day New Year’s Eve right up until 1 a.m.for Brasstown’s ‘Possem Drop. More about that soon.  The shop will be closed the first 3 weeks in January. I want to do some painting and remodeling.
Only 11 more shopping days until Christmas. I should take note, I’m not even started on my shopping.

Remember, shop local.

Just Jackie

It’s been years since I left the house for work. I’d just worked from my craft studio, craft shows and the Internet. Now I go off to my tiny shop 4 days a week. This has caused a problem when it came to dinner. I’m always worrying about “what’s for dinner”.

I had been looking for an easy way to do dinner without resorting to fast food.  While reading other people’s blogs I discovered crockpot365.blogspot.com/. I have never seen so many ways to use a crock pot. You can even make Christmas ornaments in it. There are two really good reasons to use your crock pot. First, dinner is ready when you get home. Second, you save so much energy by using a crock pot and not your oven.

This is good during this time of the year. While you’re out shopping (stay local) dinner can be cooking.

Just Jackie

Paul Wilson and his family now have a Christmas CD available. I love their music. It’s simple and pure just like the mountains that surround us. You purchase the CD from the blindpigandtheacorn web site or you can purchase it at my shop in Brasstown. I hope to have copies by this weekend.  I can’t wait to buy my copy. (my shop is located in the Shoppes of Brasstown Village on Old 64)

I carry hand made Christmas cards crafted by Paul’s sister, Tipper, in my shop, too. The whole family is so talented.

Just Jackie

Introducing another show from Cutter Webcasts. “Green As You Can Be”. In this podcast we will explore the many ways you can save our precious environment. If you can only do one thing, great. Every little bit helps. Just recycling your bottles, cans and plastic items or using low wattage light bulbs is a big help. We’ll give you many ideas on what you, one person can do to protect our future. If you want to step it up we’ll give you ideas on being green. We’ll show you people living totally green and others who have concentrated on one facet of their lives. Join your host Jackie Jentzsch with special segments from around the country as we discover how easy it is to be green. We want you to show us how you are being green.

This episode of Carolina Crafting we visit with Charlotte Norton of Beaver Dam, NC. Charlotte spins her own wool and other natural fabrics then knits them into beautiful clothing.

Our next show will be a special holiday show from Brasstown featuring the Wilson Brothers Band singing “Joy To The World”. Coming soon to a computer near you.