Lightening Dancers Craft Show Review

 Howdy!  I just thought I would do a quick review of the craft show I  attended as a vendor over the weekend.  Can I just start by saying that this is one well put together shindig for shoppers and vendors alike!!!  I had the fortunate privilege of being positioned right by the front door and information booth so I had a bird's eye view of some of the inner workings of the event.

Nothing can make or break a craft show more than organization and the Lightening Dancers of Central High School in Keller have it going on!  Vendors were greeted by a slough of helpers upon arrival, I think the only things I actually carried in were my cashbox and handbag. So a big thank you to all those volunteers for a job well done!!  But shoppers were also treated fabulously when they arrived. Everyone had the opportunity to sign up for a free door prize, all donated by vendors, and with well over 200 vendors, that's a lot of goodies that were given away.  

From a shoppers viewpoint, this was a great show, there was so much variety, vendors in two gyms, the cafeteria, down the hallways. Lots of beautiful items and fabulous services abounded.  The concessions were yummy and most were reasonably priced too.  I was a little frustrated for some of the shoppers because they ended up winning prizes from vendors who packed up early and left.  I am not sure why those sellers did that but generally speaking, that is not fair to the shoppers or promoters of the show and is usually frowned upon.  The show leaders were however very accommodating at making sure those customers received door prizes from an alternate booth.   And if you missed out this time around, their fall show will be November 8th & 9th.  I am sure it will be a great time to shop then as well.

From a vendor standpoint I also think this was a great show, however, it was a spring show so foot traffic was slower, most seasoned vendors understand that spring shows are more about making contacts and promoting your brand than making huge profits, that's what fall shows are for.  I was very pleased early in the day with the volunteers who were there to "babysit" my booth so I could make a trip to the restroom and then later the fetched some lunch for me.  Late in the day, the help seemed to be a little scarcer which was a bit disappointing but helpers were quick to respond to vendors' needs when asked.  For a one day spring show it was a really long day starting at 9:00 am and running until 5:00 pm. Personally I would love be a vendor at this show again but would hope that they would consider adjusting their spring hours to 10:00 am to 4:00pm.  Many booths started packing up to leave 60 to 90 minutes early which sends a signal to many potential clients that vendors are done for the day, so they often stop shopping when they see that going on.  Again, this is not a best practice for vendors, it hurts the credibility of the event,  the hard work of all the volunteers and your fellow vendors.  I understand sometimes life happens and it is unavoidable, but otherwise, I would really like to see sellers honoring their agreements to participate in a show for the ENTIRETY of the show.

All in all, I would give this show a thumbs up, 4 out of 5 stars!!  I had a great time, got to visit with some fabulous people and will be drawing a name today for the winner of my giveaway.  What's the prize???  Check back later in the week to find out what I am giving away to one lucky shopper from the show and where you can sign up for the next giveaway.

Thank you Lightening Dancers!

The Savvy Craft Show Shopper: 5 Tips For A Great Experience.

You may be an absolute shopping diva but if you are new to the adventures of craft show shopping, have I got some tips for you!!!

#1 - Wear comfortable shoes.  You may be use to doing all day shopping marathons in the mall but unlike many traditional retail stores, craft show venues may not have a place for you to sit down and rest.  Also, one of those lightweight but strong reusable grocery tote bags would be great to have on hand for all of the fun purchases you'll be making.

#2 - Consider shopping early.  If you are a fan of handmade you might miss some fabulous one of a kind items by waiting until later in the day.  If you see something you love AND it's in your budget, grab it while you can.  I hate to see the disappointment on customers faces when they come back for that piece that they decided they had to have, only to find it's already been sold.  Yes, sometimes an artist can make you another one, typically it's not going to be an exact duplicate though so keep that in mind.

#3 - Ask the artist and crafters you meet about the stories and inspiration behind their craft.  Knowing how something came to be is often very interesting and makes the piece that much more desirable to give as a gift, even if it's a gift for yourself.

#4 - Grab business cards.  Many vendors have online shops and would love to connect with you on social media.  They often offer special coupons and discounts that can only be found on the internet. Many of them often have great blogs too.

#5. Even if you can't afford to purchase something you genuinely like, let the artist know you appreciate their work.  Vendors often spend countless hours preparing for a show and long days (10 - 12 hours) at the event itself.  They will be glad to hear that you see value in what they do.

So grab a friend and enjoy your craft show shopping adventure.

Speaking of craft shows, you can find me at this one Saturday May 17, 2014 in booth H327.

Mention this blog and get a FREE gift with purchase!

Happy Shopping!

5 Things Mom Really Wants For Mother's Day

Here it is, down to the wire and you may or may not have gotten mom a gift.  If you haven't, may I make some suggestions?  They may be better than any store bought ones you could come up with.

#1 -  A little free time.  What can you help with to make that happen?  Wash some dishes, take out some trash, do some laundry, sweep and mop, all done with out being asked! Not only does it free up a little time for her but it helps her to know that she is raising (or has raised) great kids. And if you're grown and can afford, hire a housekeeper to help her out once in awhile.

#2 - A coupon book for doing various chores or nice things for her. This is actually one of my favorites.  I love it when my kiddos take the time and make the effort to do something special for me. I may never use all those coupons but for me it is definitely the thought that counts and I bet it is for a lot of other moms too.

#3 - A play date with you.  Yes, I did say that.  Set aside some time to do something with your mom that she really loves.  It may not be up your alley but she will be thrilled that you are willing to do something with her that she enjoys. Moms love sharing who they are and what they are interested in with you.

#4 - To know that she is appreciated.  Lots of moms make lots of sacrifices and do lots of things that they are really not fond of doing just for their kiddos. They do it out of a genuine love for their child.  Let her know you recognize that, say it aloud or write it in a card, write a poem or a song, whatever you do best. Just make sure she knows you appreciate her hard work and sacrifice.

#5 - Your prayers.  Being a mom is a fabulous thing.  It also one of the most challenging things women do.  We need our children's prayers for wisdom, strength, mercy & grace.  Not every mom had the best example growing up but I think most moms are doing the very best they know how to do. Your prayers will encourage her and inspire her.  Write a special prayer out and give it to her for Mother's Day, I bet you bring tears to her eyes.  Not many other gifts are going to do that.

If you are a mom, please share in the comments below, the best Mother's day gift you have ever received.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the fabulous mom's out there.  May it be full of blessings!

The Middle of Nowhere?

I recently had the privilege of visiting with a dear friend who lives in a Chicago suburb.  Like most large metropolitan areas, all the cities run right into each other.  While driving to the art store, we were having the discussion about how convenient it can be to live in an area where there is a well known coffee shop on every corner and anything you might truly have a need for is within 10 minutes. 

Having become accustomed to small town living, which is only 20 to 30 minutes from all of the amenities I usually have need of, I commented that I didn’t really mind living away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  She surprised me when she said “Oh, I would live in the middle of nowhere if it were closer to somewhere.”  I had a nice little chuckle over that as she tried to explain her seemingly contradictory statement.  I understood what she meant though, sometimes we long for solitude but we want to have the ability to just jump right back into the middle of the action whenever our hearts desire, whenever we get bored or lonely, whenever we feel we have to have something right now.

That conversation has really been stuck in my thoughts though, and it keeps jumping out at me.  We had been discussing geographical locals but I wonder how many of us find ourselves wishing the same thing about where we are in our spiritual lives. 

I have found myself “in the middle of nowhere” for a while now in where I am operating in my walk with God.  It’s not that I am not walking with Him, it’s that my walk with Him is a bit removed from all those around me during this season of my life.  And I must admit that there are days when I find my self thinking, I wouldn’t mind being out here if only it were closer to where I want to be, where I think I should be, where I think this path God has me on is leading.  I want to be in the center of the action, to be doing something I think is more productive and meaningful that sitting out in the wilderness, just God and me.  I want to be a light and an encouragement to others, I want to shine shine shine so others can see the hope and joy there is in living for God.  And truthfully, sometimes I want to whine whine whine to my friends so they can remind me of the hope and joy found in God.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar place? The temptation is to pack up camp and go be in that place we think we ought to be.  I think it’s because when we are in the middle of the hustle and bustle we can distract ourselves from the difficult things we need to deal with in our own lives.  We can postpone the hard work we should be doing by allowing our friends to be our sole comfort and guidance.  We think that if we are surrounded by other people and other things it would be so much easier.  And while there is benefit in being able to share our burdens with others, I am learning that if God has us out in the middle of nowhere, He has a plan and a purpose for it.  He wants to be our “go to guy” and if He has to take us out far away from everyone and everything else so we can learn that, He will.

It would behoove us all to embrace the place God has us in, to learn in it, to trust and rely on God fully.  I think that the more we wish & strive to be closer to somewhere instead of being fully present where we are, the longer God will keep us in the middle of nowhere.

Majesty, Worship His Majesty...

Majesty, Worship His Majesty..

There is nothing like worship.  It somehow frees us from our confined space and allows us to enter into the “Holy of Holies”.  The act of singing as worship is one of my favorite parts of church service.  My family will tell you that I am singing all the time, mostly worship songs – and here lately songs from a favorite children’s movie that just came out!  But I don’t just limit my act of worship to singing.

Worship is the act of turning your whole being to something else.  We can worship TV.  We can worship food.  We can worship other people.  We can worship ourselves.  But these things will never give us complete satisfaction.  They are limiting, and they are just unable to give us what we truly desire, a deep intimate relationship with the creator and author of our lives.

I for one need that reminder from time to time.  I tend to get busy – don’t we all! – and I forget to focus on the Lord.  I let other things come first.  I “worship” my activities.  And when they come before the Lord He sweetly and lovingly calls me back. 

Why?  Because He desires my worship.  Not because He needs it.  But because He wants me to enter into His presence so that I can have that deep relationship with Him.  He desires that I put everything else aside and just spend time with Him.  He wants to be FIRST in my life.

I have a picture in my bedroom of a young Victorian woman who is gazing lovingly out the window.  Before her is a piece of paper, and a quill sits almost forgotten in her hand.  She is the perfect picture of tranquility.  When I see the painting I begin to feel more tranquil.  I begin to relax, and I start to feel just like her.  Quietly reflective. 

Just as important to me, okay maybe even a bit more important, is my cross wall.  On the wall of our stairwell we have over twenty crosses.  Each one is unique.  Each one was either given to us or purchased – or handmade – with the intent of putting up on that wall.  Our family has been intentional about surrounding ourselves with reminders of our faith.  Of who we are, and who we are meant to be. 

It is important to have those reminders.  Without them we can simply get too busy, forgetting to focus on what truly matters. 

From now until May 13^th Cherry’s Creations has a list of downloadable art on sale.  Each one is a beautiful reminder of who the Lord is.  His majestic power.  His abiding joy and peace.  His splendor and majesty. His unfailing love.  Each download has a scripture verse or an encouraging message designed simply to help you keep your focus on the Lord. 

These lovely pieces of artwork are being retired and will no longer be available for purchase after May 13th.  But, between now and then you can download one piece of artwork and get another one absolutely free! Use them to create note cards, gift tags or to frame. Click on the link below to see check out the remaining stock. 

click here for availability

* In order to get the free digital download, click on the download you want to purchase.  At checkout, include an email address and the title of the free download you have chosen.  Your artwork will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

(Written by Triana Burroughs - Creative Assistant)

Creative Reuse

I had a friend bring by a bag of craft supplies she wasn't going to use anymore. She wanted to see if the was anything I could use. There wasn't much that I could use but there were some really fabulous large silk flowers. Except, I make small things, hmmnnn, the wheels in my brain started turning. I figured out I could use the flower petals to cut smaller flowers out of and wa la!!!

These smaller flowers will be fabulous on my block sets. I even used some spray inks and glitter mist to make them just perfect for my project:

What kinds of things do you like to remake???

The Champion Your Child Needs You to Be

An open letter to parents of special needs children:

Dear Mom & Dad,

You are amazing! You may not realize it yet but you are.  Life probably hasn’t worked out the way you expected it to but you can pick up the pieces and make something wonderful out of them. Summon every bit of courage you have and keep moving forward remembering that courage is not the absence of fear but action in the face of it.

Look for help and support in your community, it is probably there, not always easy to find but if you search for it, it will be found. NEVER EVER be afraid to ask for help.  Sure, the answer you get may sometimes be no, but do not let that deter you.  Keep asking, keep looking, keeping dreaming of the best life your child could possibly have and let that be a driving force.  Your child needs you to be their champion.  You may not be the expert on their diagnosis but you ARE the expert on your child, you know them better than anyone else does.  So do not be intimidated by service providers, their’ experience, their’ fancy degrees.  These people are usually fabulous resources and can be great advocates for you and your family, but if something isn’t working, say so.  If you need direction, answers, support, do not hesitate to ask for it. Use what is helpful and ignore what is not.

The way you see your child’s special needs and react to them, will set the example for how others respond to your child. The teachers your child comes in contact with probably are not experts on your child’s diagnosis either, and that’s okay.  Educate them about what your child’s special needs are, how they affect your child. Let your child’s teacher know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. If you have strategies that help with their weaknesses, share those.  You may have had to set aside the expectations you had for your child when you discovered their special needs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have hope. Inform the people who work with your child what your hopes and dreams and goals are for them.  Inspire them to believe in your child as you do.

Your job raising a child with special needs is probably one of the most difficult things you will ever do.  But it can also be one of the most gratifying.  Remember to take time for yourself, yes I know this can be difficult to arrange but do whatever you can to make it happen. It is not a luxury that you can’t afford; it is a necessity that you can’t afford to do without.  You effectiveness in your child’s life is largely dependent on your emotional well being which requires rest and breaks and time away occasionally.  Do your best to build a support group around you that can help you with the needs of your entire family.  Make time for your spouse and if you have typical children as well, do everything you can to spend one on one time with them, and teach them to love and care for their sibling.  If you are so wrapped up in the needs of your special needs child that your spouse and other children feel their needs are ignored or overlooked, they could feel resentful toward that child. Help them to want to be a champion for their sibling as well.  

Know that God sees you and loves you beyond all measure.  God didn't give you a special needs child as some form of punishment.  In fact, the opposite is true, God has entrusted you with a very precious child and He is there for you to lean on.  Trust Him, let Him be your peace and your guide and your strength.  Allow Him to show you great & mighty things in the journey of special needs parenting and remember that His idea of great & mighty things are often quite different than ours.

I know, it is all so overwhelming and seems difficult to balance and manage everything. But you can do this.  Believe in yourself, rise to the challenge, don’t give up, don’t feel guilty for needing help, ask for it! Do not be intimidated by people who do not know your child as well as you do, make your voice heard.  Hope for the best, dream big dreams for your child.  You CAN become the champion your child needs you to be!

Sincerely,

A parent who has been there.