The Boutique.



the main display table in the living room

  The Holiday Boutique was on Saturday...and it was so much fun! And it was also a success! My aunt's house was completely transformed into a true boutique...it was great.
There were about a dozen of us who participated and there was a wide variety of items for sale...vintage finds like thimble shaped shot glasses, beautiful floral dessert plates, silver salt and pepper shakers, beautiful dish sets...and more. Very cool stuff...it was hard not to buy, buy, buy!

We also had handmade items...ornaments, hand knit wash cloths, adorable appliqued onesies, homemade dog treats, lots and lots of yummy baked goods, handmade wreaths, adorable sock monkeys, quilts...and more! 

We had a steady stream of visitors from start to finish. We mulled some delicious apple cider...we had Christmas music playing in the background...there was lots of laughter...and lots of SHOPPING!

baked goods beautifully displayed on the island

 

ornaments, glitzy wreaths (made by my aunt), glassware and
 rustic snowmen (made by yours truly...)



vintage-like glitter ornaments...one of my offerings.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Come-a-Calling...my mom made
these adorable little Christmas mice...and my
friend Sue took them home as a pair!



My Aunt Lisa made this sweet little mouse sitting
in a snowball...isn't he darling?

You might recognize this young lady...it's a
Mimi Angel complete with wings and a halo!



Appliqued onesies and fancy tutus...so stinkin' cute.
My cousin made these sweet little numbers and
they are adorable.


And would you believe...it was pouring down rain! It rained like crazy when I arrived in the morning...just in time to unload my wares. And then...it POURED in the evening, complete with thunder and lightning, just in time to load our cars and go home!! But that was OK...what's a little water?

Thank you to my Aunt Lisa for opening up her home for this endeavor. And I'd like to extend a HUGE thank you to my uncle D...poor guy was misplaced for about three days while his house was torn up and transformed into the Holiday Boutique extravaganza. But, being the amazingly good sport that he is...he made the best of it! (Thanks, D!)

today is the day...

This is where I'll be today...ALL day...selling my wares.

Wish me luck!

...come again some other day...

A sign painted on the alley wall...from the birthday trip.

It's raining. Oh how I wish I could stay home today, make soup , clean the bathroom and get ready for this art fair. I am getting ready to put together a stack of note cards to sell. They're still for sale in my Etsy shop, too, until I get my web site finished. Yes...it's on the to-do list along with everything else! It's just going to be very simple...but it still takes time. I'm getting there...it's one of those things you just need to DO. Just open the program and make the thing..! It may have to wait until after this art faire. I still have to put cards together, mount photos on mats and then frame some prints. By Friday. My mom is going to help me...thank goodness! Because in the middle of all of that, I also have to read a 133 page essay and write a 2-page paper for school!

That's my cue to get off this computer! What have you got going on today?

Brainstorming.

I'm the type of person that loves to brainstorm. I always have been. I can sit and hash out ideas with someone else for hours until all of a sudden we have this huge thing...this huge idea...that we usually don't even know what to DO with! I have designed businesses...projects...restaurants. I've created so many things....all in my head!

And I will say, some of them have come to fruition. But many of them have not. And that's OK...that's what brainstorming is all about...the process. I love the process. It feeds my need for creativity...for something new...for a dream. And then when one of these crazy hair-brained ideas becomes something real? So amazing!!

Anyway...all of that being said, I need to brainstorm with you folks today. And since we're not able to meet at a groovy coffee house and sip lattes and scribble on napkins and hash out ideas...I'm going to make a Poll instead. (Wouldn't it totally be more fun the other way? Sometimes the world of blogging can be so lonely...)

So here's the skinny...I am considering developing my photographs into frameable 5x7's...possibly 8x10's...to sell in my Etsy shop. And I have some ideas...and some thoughts...but it's always better to talk it over with friends to see if I'm on a good track. This is where you come in! I need your creative...and honest...opinions. So if you would be so kind as to vote on my Poll I would greatly appreciate it.

And how about this...if you DO vote in the Poll, leave me a comment. Leaving me a comment will enter you into a drawing to receive something pretty in the mail. Probably something in the form of a...oh...I don't know...maybe a photograph?

So I guess I should go create the Poll, huh? Why do I always do things backwards? Wait...don't answer that. Just give me a minute and the Poll will be up.

It is definitely Monday!

Fresh stock in the shop today!

Friendly reminder...fresh photos in my shop today! Any orders placed today will be mailed out Monday...and will include a little bit extra in celebration of Easter!

{and don't forget to check out the photo assignment in the next post...it was a fun one!}

Stocked the shop!

I just added some new sets of note cards to my Etsy Shop today...

FRESH PICKED

and...

GO GREEN

Stop by The Shop and take a look around! xo

**edit** As I was putting together this post, both sets of GO GREEN sold! However, I can still accept orders as "Back Order" if you'd like...just convo me on Etsy and let me know!

Before I know it...

...it will be time to board a plane, fly over the ocean for a day (chomping my finger nails at the very thought, thankyouverymuch), and spend 10 days in Belgium.

Because so many of you are supporting me...both in prayer and through financial support...I have decided to include you in this process of preparing for my ministry trip.

While in Belgium I will be speaking...possibly just to women, but maybe not...about depression. I will be sharing biblical tools that the Lord has given me over the years to combat those dark times. I will be sharing that God is my anti-depressant...and He can be theirs, too.

Another project that God put on my heart for this trip is to create a small devotional...I envision it small enough to toss in your purse. It will be full of encouragement and scripture. It will also include some of my photos. This idea is still a bit foggy...but God has already given me notes...and possible "chapter" titles. I have created a Publisher document so that when the inspiration strikes it is ready to go. All I have to do is open it and type.

I'm really excited about this project, I have to admit. I am a creative person through and through. There is a part of me that needs to make things...whether it's food or a garden or a clothespin doll or a collage or a photo...doing these things fulfills a need in me that goes way back to when I was a little girl. I have been creative from the start...beginning with coloring pictures and sitting and drawing with my Papa. He's the master of profiles. I never could quite get it. I was more of a house and a flower and a tree kinda girl.

I remember in 2nd grade I would always be the first to finish my times tables so that I could be the first to choose my free time activity...ART.

And in 3rd grade I decided I wanted to write a book. And I did. Mrs. Addison helped me. I got an A. Or was it extra-credit? Either way...it was awful. And my mom still has it. I was so proud of that dang book. Guess what the title was? I have no idea what I was thinking. It was titled, "Kathy". What?! That's the best I could come up with? Anyway...it was fun nonetheless. I wrote it and did the illustrations. It was about, yes, you guessed it, Kathy. And her mom got pregnant. And someone wanted a boy and someone wanted a girl...so guess what?!! It turns out her mom was pregnant with TWINS...a boy AND a girl. Imagine that?!

Oh my...what can I say? I was 8.

Anyway...isn't it interesting to look back on your life to see the things that God placed in you from the start? And then to see how those interests and desires come full circle to become something that God had planned for you. It's amazing. And so is God.

I humbly ask you to continue to pray for me...for inspiration, for clarity, for peace, for TIME and that I'm able to get it all done. I still have to send out my donation letter to friends and family. I'm late in doing that...again, the whole "asking for money" thing is tough for me. But...I need to raise the money, SOON...and I need help in doing it...so I will work on that this weekend. I also need to get my passport going. Costco takes pictures for $5 each...and I need to make a Costco run anyway...so I plan on doing that next week. Butter, tortillas and a passport. Interesting.

I'm also adding some more note cards to my Etsy shop in a little while...take a look if you'd like. All proceeds go toward The Belgium Project.

Is there anything else you'd like to be kept up on that I've forgotten to mention? Or do you have any questions about the ministry...the devotional...me...whatever? Just leave a comment or send me an email...if I have the answer I'll be happy to share with you!

Off to a great start!

I want to send out a HUGE Thank You to those of you who have purchased my photo note cards in support of my trip to Belgium. Some of you purchased for yourself. And others have had giveaways on their blogs. And it is so wonderful and it warms my heart...

I am blown away by your support and generosity. Thank you SO MUCH.

I also want to extend another HUGE Thank You to those of you who have made donations to The Belgium Fund. I have to say, adding that Donate button wasn't easy for me. But I did it. And you responded. BIG TIME. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't say it enough...

Stay tuned for some new designs being added to the shop. There's more to come!

I feel like giving something away!!

**GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!**

Yep...you read that right. I feel like I want to GIVE SOMETHING AWAY TODAY!!

And that something is this....

The "One Year Devotional for People of Purpose, 365 meditations on how to make an impact on your world".

And let me just say, we are ALL people of purpose. Every last one of us. And we all have the ability to make an impact in the world. None of us is too small...or too insignificant. God has a plan for our lives...for my life, for your life and for your life and for yours and yours and yours. So don't think that this devotional is not for you...because it IS. Most definitely.

Along with the devotional, in celebration of my Etsy shop re-opening happening REAL SOON, I am also going to include a set of my new photo note cards.

I am so excited!

And I hope you like them...xo

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So...to enter this GIVEAWAY all you have to do is tell me one thing about yourself...anything you want...anything. Whatever. Just tell me the first thing that comes to mind...I'm all ears!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The GIVEAWAY will close Sunday evening at 8pm.

The winner will be selected randomly by drawing...and will be announced on Monday when I officially RE-STOCK my Etsy shop.

So what are you waiting for? Go on...go to the Comments section and tell me something about YOU. Anything at all... xoxo

Boo!

Last week I worked on a special order of Witch Mimi Dolls for my aunt and her coworker. I made some extra so they'd have plenty to choose from. I have 6 little witchy poo's left....looking for a place to call home.

Now it's time to begin work on angel ornaments...and a few other goodies I've been working on. So I need to clear out the black and orange and restock with whites and creams and sweet little halos. A far cry from these mischievous little gals!

These will be sold "grab bag" style...once you place your order I'll just pop a witch in an envelope and send her to you. Do you trust me? If you would like to purchase a little witch doll you can go to my Paypal directly, moonshinelane@aol.com...deposit $5, shipping is on me since it's so close to Halloween.

Thank you for your support and all of your encouragement on my creative endeavors...I appreciate all of you and am so glad that we have crossed paths. God is good like that, isn't He?

Etsy Shop Update...

I have added some more Mimi Doll ornaments and friendship dolls to my Etsy Shop. And I've already made some adjustments! I was in the shower a bit ago...where I do a LOT of my thinking...and I got another idea that I wanted to implement. But I realized at my current pricing that this new idea would not be cost effective for the buyer. So...I adjusted the prices. And I feel much better about it all.

Thank you for hanging in with me during this process of opening up my little shop. You've tolerated incessant chatter about shops and clothespins and fabric scraps...not to mention, I haven't shown you a picture of anything BUT all of that since it all began! And I have to admit...I am so obsessed with them that I haven't taken photos of anything BUT them! So...anyway...thank you. And if I ever get around to planting some fall crops...I'll definitely share photos. I hope I'm not too late to plant something! Can you say side-tracked?

Give a Girl a Fig @ Etsy!

It's official...Give a Girl a Fig at Etsy.com is up and running and OPEN!

Thank you for your patience...I finally got some Mimi Dolls listed! And they are ready for their new homes. I'll be adding more daily....so check back regularly.

Head on over to Give a Girl a Fig at Etsy.com...there's a Mimi Doll (or two or three!) calling your name. xoxo

And the WINNER is...

Happy Monday! I've been so excited to do the drawing for this little giveaway...it's not much, but hopefully these Mimi Dolls will bring a smile to your face.

So this is how it went...this morning I wrote all entrants names on strips of paper. Then I folded them up and put them in a bowl. Ian was getting ready for school so I said, "Hey Ian! I'm having a giveaway on my blog! Come draw the name..." So he did. Gladly. He even turned his head to the left so as not to cheat...such a good boy. He knows the routine.

So...he turned his head...

...and he drew the name.

And the WINNER is....

IT'S ME...MAVIS!! Congratulations!

Please send me your name and address and I will get your sweet little Mimi Dolls into the mail!

Thank you to everyone who participated. Giveaways are always so much fun. I love giving gifts! And really, it's even more fun when it's something I've made...dolls, jams, pickles...whatever. It just seems to mean a little more when you've made it yourself. Especially when the recipient really likes it!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As far as Give a Girl a Fig @ Etsy.com...the Grand Opening will be tomorrow rather than today. This whole weekend got away from me between ball games and house stuff and laundry and groceries...so I am not completely ready. Not to mention I got called in to work a seven hour shift from 10-5 today...and I'm grateful, but it sure puts a damper on my creative time! Kidding...but you know what I mean. And then tonight I have a meeting for the Christmas boutique at 7...so it's going to be a long day.

Anyway....Give a Girl a Fig will open tomorrow...and I am so excited! (And a little nervous, truth be told... :) Oh! And I made a new design last night that I just got such a kick out of...she's so cute! I'll give you a hint...wings. That's all I'm sayin'...

Have a great day everyone! And It's Me...Mavis...send me your address so these sweet little girls can come to their new home!! Thanks again...you guys are so much fun.

(ps...if the winner does not claim the prize within 24 hours, I will draw a new winner.)