How can it be July already? I seem to begin most of my posts commenting on how much time has passed since I last wrote...(It was January - a full SIX months ago!)
2022 has not been as busy as I had expected...(so why has it taken me so long to write this? Very good question!) I made the decision early in the year to focus less on small local shows and look to participate in larger local shows, as well as larger shows outside the Myrtle Beach area.
The year started off as planned. I had a very successful three day show at the Myrtle Beach Sports Complex, with Vintage Market Days of Coastal Carolina. I met some wonderful people - both customers and other vendors. I was also fortunate enough to again be accepted to the Spring Art Festival at the prestigious Brookgreen Gardens. Unfortunately I came down with COVID a week before the show and, while I felt much better by the end of the week, I was just too exhausted and weak to participate. Having to withdraw at the last minute was heartbreaking, but I had to get myself back to health. Fingers crossed for next year!
This Spring I visited Art in the Park at Valor Park at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, as a spectator. I met this wonderfully delightful gentleman Bobby, who creates gorgeous wood turned bowls, trays, etc. On a whim, I asked him what he did with the wood scraps of the interesting wood he used. Apparently those smaller pieces went into the fireplace - but not any more! Since meeting him, he has gifted me both a big bag and a big box of wood scraps. See the photo below with the results of some of that lovely wood. (I made sure to give Bobby a basket to thank him for his generosity!) Find Bobby at future Art in the Park shows, and Art in Common and check out his creations.
In March I decided I wanted to try to add my pine needles to gourds to make decorative pieces. A gourd lady I know recommended I contact this Christmas Tree Farm in Conway - about 40 minutes from where I live. I met the woman at the farm and came home with a dozen gourds to work with, that were very inexpensive. However before I headed home, those gourds turned out to be a bit more pricey. After taking my eyes off the driveway in front of me to start my GPS, I drove straight into a DITCH! The only things that were hurt were my poor car, and my wallet after having to pay my deductible. (Gourds and Damage noted below)
I'm now preparing for a lot of Fall shows. I have a couple of months to beef up my inventory, and soon I need to start pumping out Christmas ornaments. I was accepted into a great festival in Hendersonville, NC - Art on Main at the end of September. After that I have four more shows before December. The shops that carry my work also need to have enough on hand for their customers. The next few months I will be busy.
Well that's the recap from the past six months. I will TRY to be more current in my updates...but am making no promises.
Thank you again for your support of my little craft and for taking the time to read my blog. Please stay well everyone.
Love from The Dizzy Weaver!
