Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Stiftungsfest

What a rush this past weekend was. Stiftungsfest was so much fun. My dear friend SARN came with for the day. Here we are setting up bright and early. The vendors on either side of our stall were such a delight. One of them sold knit items for infants and the other stall sold beaded items and polar fleece shawls.After being inspired by Bending Birches I could not stop making these Story telling Puppets. The children at Stiftungsfest loved them. The parents were not so sure about these faceless dolls but one little girl stole my heart when she came in and said, "whoever made these has talent. They are beautiful". I bought this apple hat from the vendor next to my stall. She also had a pumpkin hat and I went back and forth all day as to which one I would buy for my future baby. The apple won out in the end.... But you probably saw that coming even without the picture ;)One vendor was selling these cheerful found object flowers. They were so happy and sunny. I wanted to get one.... or twenty... or forty..... But I was trying to be good and just snapped this picture instead.

Bear and I are already looking forward to next year. We took so many notes and are already dreaming up what we will be adding. Bear wants to make some wooden boats, play stands, and doll cradles. I will need more Happy Birthday Bunting banners and some sun block ;) Take care and have a blessed day. And thank you once again, everyone who helped make this all happen.

Friday, August 26, 2011

~Thank You~

It's here. Tomorrow Bear and I will be attending our first major craft show at Stiftungfest in Norwood Young America. This is the oldest celebration in Minnesota and we've worked hard. We've pushed hard. We've painted, sewn, dyed, folded, pounded, carved, bled, sweat, cried, laughed, danced, and sung ourselves to this place in time. It is a big step and I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone of you who has encouraged, prayed, sent positive energies, inspired, tutored, coaxed, prodded, pushed, and carried us to this place. You know who you are. Thank you. Your love and generosity has made this possible. You are always in our hearts. With love and gratitude. Appleshoe~

Thursday, August 18, 2011

A Knitting Thank You

I've always wanted to learn how to knit. I can carve or build anything out of wood, mold anything out of clay, draw, paint, photograph, cook, crochet (kind of), and sew.... But Knitting leaves me dumbfounded. Luckily I am blessed to have an amazingly beautiful and talented sister in law. Rina of Rahardjo-Knits. I swear that she could knit the dew drops on to spiderwebs. She makes the most amazing, delicate, and beautiful creations and truly would make a magnificent teacher.

Last weekend I asked her to show me how to knit. In the past I've only managed to make a small square that was only fit to be a shawl for a lumpy porcupine. Rina is an amazing teacher with more than a good dose of patience. I still have a ways to go but I'm off to a good start with her wonderful help.This little bunny is my first ever completed knitting project. I had so much fun that I think for Christmas I will make a family of them with a carrot shaped carry bag for my niece. Thank you so much Rina for teaching me this new skill.