Very Exciting News!

I am busy busy busy...but not on updating my website.  I am designing jewels for a photo shoot!  I can't reveal details...let me just say that I am working with another amazing event designer who's vision for his clients is, well, visionary!  We shoot on Jan 3rd...I have a lot to do!  I can't wait to reveal the results!

Guess how I am spending New Year's....happy girl!
Shannon

A Glimpse of my Christmas Tree...

So, this is what my tree looks like this year....let's just say I wish I had photos of my tree last year.

Poor tree.  It's quite fun to jump and land on top of the branches.  The skirt has also made several trips around the tree as it's quite fun to tunnel through from the inside out, run and slide into and a fantastic place to hide toys.

It's difficult to catch them still in the tree because they really just jump in and out.

In our defense, we did use the water bottle method.  Not too successful as you can see.  Yesterday we just gave up.  I have decided that this year I wouldn't decorate.  For obvious reasons.  I want to have decorations next year!  In their defense, they are only 15 weeks old.  And it's a tree.  Inside.

Does this make us bad pet parents?

We don't care.  It's their Christmas too.

Really, I do a beautiful tree and if my previous year's photos weren't on my hard drive downstairs I would post them and show you!

Merry Christmas!
Shannon

(Please excuse the lack of baseboards...it's on the list of "To Dos")

Merry Christmas To You!

I know, I know...I have been silent for too long.

I have been catching up on my life...everything sort of fell apart when I was preparing for the shows!  At least that's my story and I am sticking to it....I have been one to make house anything my last priority.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season in whatever way makes you happy!  It's so easy to get caught up in the hype and expectations and so easy to forget why we are celebrating in the first place.  We were sent this Savior so that we could just be...let go of expectations and the feeling that we are never good enough, that what we do is not enough, that we "should" be more and being more...Grace has made all of that a mute point.  When we will get it.

So, my thought for you this Christmas is let it go.  So what if you can't get everything done you always do for Christmas.  There's always next year.  Or maybe it won't matter and you will be able to free yourself from that "must do" forever.  So what if you can't find the perfect gift or that recipe you made last year (I can't and have accepted that the recipe I found on line will be just as good!).  Know that only you really notice the dust in your house.  As my Auntie Lori used to say, "They are coming to visit me, not my house".  If you are so stressed that you don't notice the small and wonderful moments that happen then really, you've missed the point of gathering with friends and family.

Of course, I am not denying the fact that red wine will help with the noticing of dust bunnies.

May you feel peace in everything you do.  Be safe, be grateful and enjoy the season.

I have big plans for the New Year and look forward to hopefully getting to know you!
Shannon

I WILL Be At the Show Tomorrow!

As it turns out due to Winter's ugliness on the highways I can't make it to Calgary so I have decided to turn bad weather into something okay and will be staying at the show tomorrow.

Since this will be my last show for the Christmas Season I will be putting my Snowpeople on half price as well as a great deal on the ornaments.

I will be there from 11 until 4....come on out!

Shannon....

Something I Didn't Anticipate...

I was approached at my last Show to participate in another fabulous event in the same venue the following weekend...when opportunity knocks a girl should answer the door, don't you think?  This event has been organized by the wonderful woman who had the Good Earth Clothing store on 124th Street.  Her enthusiasm to produce a great show is fabulous!  So...I signed up and will be at the show on Friday and Saturday!  I will NOT be there on Sunday as I have a performance of Cinderella to attend...my gorgeous niece is dancing in a production in Calgary, which of course is way more important than selling in a craft show...I am sure you understand.

Here's the details...




I hope to see you...and please pass this along to people you know...it's a great cause!

A Glimpse of The Show

Here's what it looked like yesterday.  I have made a few new Christmas items...jewelled trees and Burberry inspired ornaments.   I have to tell you, one of the best things about selling in a Community sale is the kids who come shopping.  I had two 7 year old boys who were pooling there money to buy presents for their sisters...so adorable!  The one little guy bought one of my leather bracelets for his 14 year old sister...pretty good taste, don't you think!  Okay...maybe the best thing of a Community sale is the baking that members of the Community have donated for sale in the cafe...you can get little yummies for 50 cents!  Starbucks charges $2 for the same thing...just sayin'.

I am at Westmount today from Noon until 4 PM...hope to see you!

Again...thanks for stopping by!  Shannon

Did I Mention It's Only a Month Until Christmas...

Which gives you all the more reasons to come and see me!  Let me help you pick out the perfect gift and/or stocking stuffer for most everyone on your list...especially those you have no idea what to get!

Just an FYI...last weekend one of my lovely customers purchased several of my Christmas Ornaments as Hostess Gifts, but I think the Snowmen, who are only $10, would be a great little gift too.  I also think I could offer great Teacher's gifts.

Here's what I looked like last weekend....

Cheers...Shannon

Something For The Little Guys...

I have had several people tell me that they only have boys, which meant I had nothing to offer them. Which inspired me.  Of course.   So I created Silly Snakes.  From recycled ties.  Fun, don't you think!  Let me tell you, even my guy couldn't resist playing with one.  Boys will be boys....forever.

I hope you like....

Thanks so much for stopping by....Shannon

Westmount Show This Saturday and Sunday

I am so happy that the weather will be MUCH better this weekend!  It makes it so much nicer when hauling my creations in and out of halls when my fingers aren't freezing off...


It also means that it is a much more pleasing adventure for you to come out and shop!  


There is no admission for the sale this weekend, but they will be accepting donations to the Food Bank.  


I hope to see you there!


Shannon

My Last Craft Show Appearance This Season...

(...unless something happens that I am not anticipating!)

I had a wonderful time at my last sale this past weekend.  Sadly I  thought it would be my last weekend this season.

You see, when I booked myself into the sale for Morinville this coming weekend I didn't realize my guy's Christmas party was the same weekend. There is no way I can get back in time to get gorgeous enough to attend a party at the Hotel MacDonald.  I had to withdraw.  And that made me sad.  I am loving being out with the public and getting response and feedback to my designs.  

Then, as I firmly believe, everything works as it should and a lovely crafter from the Hazeldean sale introduced me to a dedicated volunteer from Westmount who was organizing a sale and was in need of more vendors. Since the sale is for two days I won't need to pack up until Sunday, which means I can enjoy another weekend with the public and still have time to enjoy the party!  Yeah.  

So...here's the information... I hope to see you as this will be my last sale.  I am working on more Christmas ornaments as they sold quite well, especially as hostess gifts, and I have many Snowmen I still want to create.  I also hope to have some simpler pieces of jewellery made and some Christmas themed hair fascinators for little ones made.  That's the plan anyway.  

Shop the Hall!

Christmas Gift and Craft Sale

Saturday, November 26 10-4

& Sunday, November 27 Noon-4

WESTMOUNT COMMUNITY HALL

10970 - 127 Street

No charge admission. Food bank donations accepted

That’s right, this Christmas, shop the hall! 

Get your Christmas shopping done and check out 

our local crafters and home based businesses. 

Shannon

Tomorrow is The Day...

So, I am loving the Snowmen right now!  They are so cute and fun to create!  I hope you like them too.  

I will be selling at Hazeldean Community Center tomorrow and Sunday...it's just off of Argyle Road - turn onto 97th Street and head North..you will see signs.  I hope to see you there!

It's Snowing Snowmen...

This weather has inspired me to build snowmen...of course, not the outdoor kind...way too chilly for me!  I build the kind of snowmen that make me smile - using yarn, wire, buttons, pearls, shells, vintage bottles and sparkly bits.  


Don't you just need one or three?

These are little "Wish" bottles...for yourself or someone special...give a wish!

Thanks for stopping by...Shannon

Product You Haven't Seen Before...

These necklaces are one of my favorite!  They have a very light feel, yet make a big statement.  I wear mine with everything!  

New Product!

I have been working on these handbags for several months now....I am quite pleased with the results!  I have always had a bag fetish, collecting not only everyday handbags since I was young, but I also own several beautiful and unique vintage bags that I like to use as decor.  I believe in starting the love of handbags when girls are little so I have made styles for them too!

What is interesting about my designs is that I have been inspired to create with up-cycled materials.  Take a closer look....

This all leather bag has been fashioned from  fine leather furnishing sample pieces, vintage leather clothing and a fabulous leather belt.

This little beauty is made from a little denim skirt.  You can't see the details here, but it has cute embroidered flower detail on both the front and back, a funky lining and an adjustable strap.

Another great bag made from a skirt.  The details of felted flowers and vintage trim make it special.  It also has a long strap that would allow it to be worn across the body.

This fun bag reminds me of a Jeannie Lottie number - she designs fabulous unique handbags that usually cost far above my budget, unless I luck out and find one at Winners.  This has been created from a little dress, has a silk lining, a vintage button detail and beaded fringe.  I would use this everyday, but you might enjoy this for a special occasion! 

Thanks for stopping by...Shannon

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

I was inspired to create!  I was inspired by the Season and so I created Cupcakes and Sparkly Bird ornaments!  I am also showing you my Vintage Stands for the first time.  I have used these to store bangles and vintage brooches, but with the popularity of cake stands and the Christmas season coming I thought I should make more!  I am planning on using a stand filled with ornaments as a centerpiece...which might be the only holiday decoration I have this year due to my two baby kittens in the house!

My table last weekend...the vintage stands on display

Cupcakes...don't you just love them!

Imagine this on your holiday table...

I love birds in my Christmas tree...so pretty!

A Quick Note On Directions for Tomorrow

"Hello All...I just received a bit of clarification, for the directionally challenged among us...me being the most challenged of all, on the way to the golf club.  I hope this helps!


Access to the golf course - you can use 127 Street north to Twp Rd 542 and turn right. go 2 km and we are on the right.  You can also use 66 st or 82 st and go north to Valour Ave (195 Ave). Turn left and follow the road west over the overpass and then go 1 km and we are on the left side."

New Earring Designs...

I had created new earrings just before last Saturday and didn't have time to post any pictures so I just took a few at the show.  Just a note...the red rose earrings in the second photo were sold last weekend and can't be repeated exactly.

Here's a shot of a new design I was creating last night...this is a small creative process mess in relation to what my studio looks like at this moment....The necklaces are something I have dreamed up for the little ones inspired by a sweet little girl who desperately wanted to have ANY necklace lace Saturday...start them young I always say....

Shannon

My Next Sale on Saturday Nov 12th

I am getting ready for the next sale...it's a bit out of the way for some, but worth a little journey don't you think!  I have always loved craft sales and look at it this way - parking is way easier than the Butterdome sale...just sayin'....

Hunters Green Golf Club

Sturgeon County

9:00 until 5:00


Rather than me attempting to give directions, here is the link to the Google map

http://www.huntersgreen.ca/location.htm

I hope to see you there!  By the way...only SIX weeks until Christmas.  (Sorry...)

Shannon 

It was A Great Day Yesterday!

It felt so good to be at the table yesterday! 


I meet so many wonderful artisans who are creative and brave!  Why brave?  It takes a lot of courage to put your soul on display for all to see, to critique, to walk away from or to make their own by buying a piece.  We who create truly put ourselves on the table, for I am sure most would agree when I say that my being is in each piece I create.  I wonder if those who attend the sales realize that?  


I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing photographer and couldn't resist purchasing a photo.  Carly's personality radiated through our end of the room, warming up a very cold space...literally it was freezing in the hall!  She is passionate about her work, has a wonderful sense of humor and a brilliant point of view through the lens.  Check out her website and make some of her work your own.  You will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable her beautiful work is.  Like Carly says..."Your home deserves presents too".  Love her!

http://www.slaterphoto-graphic.com/index.html

I am the first to appreciate beautiful jewels when I see them, and let me tell you Ronda's pieces are special.  She has a design aesthetic that is brilliant.  I know how difficult it is to believe in your own work and how wonderful it feels to be recognized by someone else.  It's easy as an artist to be too close and far too critical of your own work and, this is where the bravery comes in - to still believe in your pieces when your show didn't get the reactions you were hoping for.  Take a moment to visit her shop and treat yourself to something special.


http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsbyRonda?ref=seller_info

I didn't quite get the reaction I was hoping for from either show, but I still had fun, my sister met some inspiring people and my work met hundreds.  


If you attend a show, I hope you will think about the person who is sitting at that table and how hard they worked to produce those creations and that you will spend a brief moment at each table admiring what the artist is offering, even if it's not your style.


Speaking of...I need to get back to creating for this Saturday!


Shannon

Two Sales TOMORROW!

Well..the day is finally here, ready or not!  I have been busy all day getting it all ready for you to come and enjoy!  


I will be selling at the Ermineskin Community Center from 10 until 4 ... location is 107 Street and 32A Ave...just off of 34 Avenue.  Here's the link.  By the way...there is a $2 admission fee...don't ask me why...

My sister Nicole will be at the Beau Meadow School in Beaumont.  There are 50 tables there so well worth the drive out!


I have full information in my first post.


I hope to see you there and please say hello and let me know if you found me here.  Don't forget that if you have your eye on a piece it may be sold tomorrow and no longer available!


Shannon

More Jewels to Tempt You....

Oh my the first sales are getting close and I am feeling the pressure!  I have too many designs in my head and not enough time to make them all before Saturday.  This just means you will also have to come to all my other sales this month...I will be at a different location EVERY weekend in November, everywhere from Beaumont to Morinville.  


I hope you enjoy....

These remind me of snowflakes and sparkly snow!

Cherry Quartz, faceted glass & metal charms

Lots of vintage lovelies on this

Semi precious stones, wood and Vintage Peruvian porcelain beads

Sparkly faceted glass and vintage pieces