Bite Me Beastro! I Dare Ya!

A friend of mine makes this naughty, awesome Char-B-Q Sauce and Rib Slather. Won a ribbon at the local Harvet Fair.
I used it this weekend on some chicken...and boy oh boy, it was some mighty good eatin'. I had to share it with y'all. It is thick like molasses with a deep, earthy sweetness and a spicy kick.
If you want to know more about this lip-smacking sauce head on over to Gastro Hounds blog and take a look around...you'll be awfully glad you did!

I've been on a red, white and blue kick lately! Made these banners to go with my table tunner, cute huh?
I'm going down to the creek now to cool my barking dogs...you go on now and git!

Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

The other day I googled "to be an American". I wanted to see what others thought it meant. I wasn't looking to get into any of the "hot- button topics" that are currently bubbling at the surface.

I wanted to see if I could find some genuine, sincere thoughts, in very simple terms. Here are a few samples of what I found out there:

-Being free to pursue whatever your dreams and aspirations really are.

- You have the right to express your religion.

- Equality is one of the greatest things I've seen.

- I can walk where I want to go and do what I want to do.

- Freedom, diversity, respect, tolerance.

- It's about seizing the opportunity.

- You can make something of yourself if you really try.

The last one is my favorite, "if you really try". I no longer just sit and wait for things to happen, I'm making them happen, I'm really trying. I'm thankful that America has given me the freedom to pursue my dreams and to seize the opportunities as I choose. I'm very impatient, I'm not going to sit around and wait for it to happen, good golly!

In honor of Independance Day I used some patriotic inspiration to create a few festive items for the holiday celebration. Hurrah for the flag of the free!

Red, White and Blue Table Runner available in the shop!

The $10 Hip Pouch, such a deal!

Three weeks into the Wednesday Night Market and I have learned plenty! There is a hugh difference between street fair sales and online sales...HUGE!! While business has been good I have realized that this venue calls for inexpensive items and lots of them. I was happy to see some of higher priced items sell, though I felt I was missing a valuable market...the bargain hunters. (I can totally relate, being a shamless bargain hunter myself). I decided to create a simple, stylish bag that was quick to assemble and required few materials...The $10 Hip Pouch! I'm using fabrics that I have an abundance of and some of the fabrics that have been waiting patiently to be put to use. I made seven Hip Pouches in one evening and plan to make as many of them as I can before next Wednesday. I will hang a big gaudy sign advertishing the $10 Hip Pouch to attract those respected bargain hunters and get 'em in the door. Who knows, if they are well received I might list a few in my Etsy shop...I think there might be a few bargain hunters out there online, as well! (wink, wink).

Cool Chick Spotlight: Alice Russell

Alice Russell, a recent discovery of mine, is a British soul singer whose single High Up On a Hook roused me to learn more about this blond-haired blue-eyed lass.

One listen to Alice's voice will send shivers down your spine and leave goosebumps on your neck. Alice's lavishly soulful voice is both timeless and up to the minute modern. She always performs with her trademark self assurance and sass. Although her style is predominately bluesy and soul lament it also encompasses everything from funk to gospel to jazz and beyond. (from her website)

"It hits you in the right place and you think 'Yeah, baby, I like it like that!' That gospel is wicked, isn't it?"

- Alice Russell

Yes it is, sister!

I shall ignore my shop no longer!

Star Flower Shoulder Tote

Tattoo Shoulder Bag

Prairie Gothic Tote

Garden Party Tote

Snow Flower Tote

Painted Posies Tote

Little Bird Corduroy Shoulder Tote

Well now, with all of my attention being slathered on the Wednesday Night Market I have ignored my Etsy Shop, poor baby! So, I an now turning my focus onto my little shop and loading the "shelves" with many new items this weekend! I have been saving several of my new creations in order to announce a "Shop Update" and reveal just what I've been up to lately. Several of my ideas have come directly from various clients, their suggestions when ordering custom items. I welcome every idea and suggestion. Many of them I would not have thought of myself or particularly favor at first, but every single time I complete a custom order using the ideas of the client I am always blown away by the results. Great ideas, great clients, great results...keep 'em coming!

Jiggity-Jig!

The Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market kicked off this week and Mama Roux was there, oh yeah! This was really the first time I have displayed my creations in person, giving people the up close and personal experience to get "touchy-feely". It was a blast! Aside from seeing old friends and meeting new ones I was able to talk up my little business to all who stopped by. The response was great. market goers were attracted to my brightly colored booth with tote bags and quilts a blowin' in the wind. The sun was shining and a jaunty vibe was in the air...it was all good!

Happy Birthday, Baboo!

May 18, 1993

It's Baboo's birthday today, she is 17. Hard to believe, my sweet baby girl. It's been quite a wild ride, never a dull moment. She has turned into such a beautiful young woman and I am very proud of her. She still has a lot of growing up to do and I plan to be there with her to show her the way, whether she likes it or not. Happy Birthday Eliza Jayne, I love you!