Carolina Crafting

Since I live 2 hours from any major shopping, it’s always a big deal to “go to town”. I had a huge list of where I needed to go. I needed to talk to Dorothy Guzzo (from the paper making episode) about hosting another show for Cutter Media. When we got to her place, I was amazed at all the beads she had…everywhere. So I left with a dozen finished pieces to put in my shop.  Dorothy has a great passion for everything she does.

We stayed there too long so I didn’t get to go to a craft store but I did visit a book store and came home with some new mystery books to read.  It was a very good day.

Just Jackie

I closed my shop for two weeks to get some sewing done. And to stay out of the bitter cold. I didn’t get everything done I wanted to but I did make 5 aprons, 4 litter screen covers, 15 catnip pillows, 10 kitty kickers and 6 kitty duvets. I still needed to make the litter screens but ran out of time. I’m opening tomorrow and some new crafters are bringing things in. Will give you an update on what I get.

Just Jackie

A new show is up. I always worry before a new show goes up. I never see the final product until it’s on the web. I worry every time. (mostly about how dorky I am ) (my artists are always wonderful)

Tommy Chavers does a great job on this show. I really admire folks who have a passion about what they do. Tommy diffinately has a passion.  His work is wonderful. I bought 2 steak turners at Christmas time and I would love to buy a fireplace set someday.  It’s on my wish list.

Hope you’all enjoy the show.

Just Jackie

I have frinished one project. I had orders for 3 litter screen and I finally got them done. It was tough I didn’t have a black screen so I had to paint it. I picked up the wrong kind of paint but it worked anyway. Then the rain came and the paint stayed tacky for DAYS.  Of course, all three orders were for the same fabric and I only had enough for one. The customers were really understanding and switched. (I had some cool fabric that wasn’t listed on my web site.)

I went to pack the screens and my card board boxes were damp from the rain. So, I laid the cardboard by th fireplace to dry it out. (I won’t mention how many times I tripped over it) But finally, it’s done and they are on their way.

I had made 2 kitty blankets and an apron, too. I still need more kitty inventory for my shop so it’s back to the sewing room. I’m working on a new project. I’m trying to make a cool magnet board. I’ll post a picture IF it turns out OK.
Just Jackie

I love my new background for this site. Ron, my cameraman/editor/web master/friend/rock, changed it today. The picture was taken on a mountain top in Hanging Dog, North Carolina. It is the view Judi and Tommy Chavers greets each day with.  How lucky we are to live in such a glorious place.

The new show coming up next week will feature Tommy. He is an accomplished blacksmith.  Judi will have a show featuring her handmade baskets in the Spring.

It’s back to the sewing room.

Just Jackie

The weather is dreary, no one is shopping and my web site is booming. I guess folks are staying home and shopping on the Internet. So, I’ve decided to take a vacation from my shop and chain myself to my sewing machine. I’ll be back in the shop on Jan.22 with a lot of new merchandise, both mine and the other crafters. I’ll keep you posted on my progress thru mounds of wonderful fabric. (my secret fantasy is to set up my sewing machine in a fabric store and sew my way out) (sigh)

New shows will still pop up on schedule.

Just Jackie

When I was a little girl, I was not allowed to play in the creek because all of the outhouses upstream emptied into the creek. My brother and I didn’t think this was fair because the boys next door always got to play in it. We moved to town so the thrill of running water was almost forgotten. When I had  kids we would go camping in the summer, if we were lucky enough to camp by a stream, we all played in it.

Yesterday, after a 4″ rain fall, I discovered I had my own creek. (seasonal, at least). Yep, I played. No outhouses upstream, just pure (?) rainwater. I opened the stream up so it could surge down hill, I was calf deep in water and didn’t care. No one made me come in or reminded me about germs, I just played and I loved it.  I believe you can enjoy your childhood no matter how old you are.

Today the stream is gone, my shoes are still wet but I had a great time. You can bet I will do it again.

I can’t wait until we get a good snowfall. I need to build a snowman.

Just Jackie

I have a website where I sell cool things for cats. To get to my website, now, you can only do it thru this site and a website that sells stuff just for cats. You can imagine how surprised I am when someone actually finds my site and orders something.  I got an order for two litter screens this week. Yea !!! I never have anything made ahead because it would never be what a customer would want. Never fails. So I have been blissfully happy making the screen covers and painting one of the frames black. Nothing goes smooth in my life so when the black paint was going on so nicely, I thought something has to be wrong. Sure enough, I was using oil based paint. Now, normally that’s not a problem but since we moved, I have no idea where I would find the supplies needed to clean up my brush. ughhhhhh !

This is the litter screen. I am very proud of it because I thought up the idea and figured out how to make it. Of course I was inspired by my cats’ lack of decorum when it came to using the litter box.

My goal for this year is to market this and my other crafts on etsy.com instead of the hard to find website.  Now, just to find the time to sit down and do it.

Just Jackie

Yea, another new show. I taped this one when it was still warm and sunny. Jeff Hutt is our featured artist. I met him though the Appalachian Heritage Crafters. Jeff’s a great artist and a really funny guy. His furniture, shelves and frames are all unique and beautiful. Jeff also does refinishing work. He can make old boring walls and cabinets, new and beautiful again.

Thanks to all the artists who taped shows with me last year. You’all are wonderful. Also, a big thank you to those who sell your work in my shop. I may have the smallest shop in Brasstown but it’s filled with wonderful work.

A special thanks to all of you that shopped local over the Holiday Season.  I hope you continue to support your local artists.

Brasstown has a new little shop. It’s called Vital Vittles. It’s a food co-op, specializing in organic food. I would have had a picture from their grand opening but it was 20 degrees outside and I was not brave enough to walk down the street. I promise to get a picture this week and post it.

Hope you enjoy the new show !

Just Jackie

Well, I saw the possum drop. It was in a very festive plexiglass box and seemed very happy with his fame. The fireworks after were wonderful. I have worked where there were fireworks every night and these were so much better. They were so close you thought you were in them.  The only bad note was that it was in the 20’s. Brrrr.

I have black-eyed peas cooking in the crock-pot and will whip up a batch of home made biscuits to go with the meal. Black-eyed peas will bring me luck all the coming year. (and they are good for you !) I may be Southern but I still can’t eat turnip greens. LOL

Hope you’all have a happy and prosperous new year.

We have a lot of new shows coming. Ron will be back in April to tape even more shows, I can’t wait.

Just Jackie