Oh Target

I like Target. Out of all the big box chain stores it's the one I shop at. And they have some cool ideas about bringing design to the mainstream what with their design for all and Go designers. And when I saw this bag:

I thought, woah, Amy Butler is using her fabrics at Target? I mean take a look at Amy Butler's color palettes and designs below and tell me you wouldn't think that too.


But that's not Amy Butler farbic. To which I say, Come on, Target! Don't do that. When the fabric pattern is so close to a designers, so close I really thought it was her fabric, I think you crossed a line. Do you really need to rip off small designers and businesses?
Boo!

Reisterstown Bloomin ArtFest Review

I think I've learned my lesson about doing shows without websites. This is Rachel's* rule, and now I agree. I shared the booth with Meghann and Jo or Meghann and Jo Aprons*. I must say, our good went very well together and one woman bought an apron from them and a bag from me. That's one lady with impeccable taste!
Tons of people did show up for the event--attendance wasn't a problem. But I did feel it was misrepresented. It was advertised as a Art Festival drawing in people interested in "fine arts and quality crafts." Really, it was more of a street fair. People came to walk around with their dogs and kids, listen to music and eat funnel cake. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I love funnel cake myself. But it wasn't a good place for sales.
However, the whole day was amusing. Hanging out with Meghann and Jo was great fun. And Resiterstown was in rare form, just a glimpse:
1. A giant inflatable cow inflating right down the street.
2. An entire dojo of kids in uniform parading down the sidewalk
3. Middle school students sings and danding to a Disney medly (sequins were involved).
4. Some random dude pumping iron behind the bike shop across the street from us.
5. AND a dog pooped in our booth!
We didn't even know if until a shopper almost stepped in it. Who lets their dog do that in someone's space?!? Jo and I had to clean up the mess which had gotten spread around a bit. Ewww.
None of us brought a camera though so nothing was captured, only in our minds and memories.

*All vendors mentioned in this post will be at Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia June 2 and 3.

Squidfire Spring Art Mart Review

Luckily Saturday was a beautiful day in Baltimore, perfect for outdoor shopping. The rain didn't start in the city until about an hour after the show was over. Although I did get pretty wet since George and I walked to get some dinner.
Thanks to everyone who came out and a big NO thank you to the dude who didn't move his/her car from the street in time for the show--duh!
The show was fun because I saw people I hadn't seen since the Handmade Arcade, like the lovely ladies of mogo. They are always coming up with super neat new goods. I'm in love with this little snap case.

Dabney herself created the design on the fabric. Such talent! They'll also be at Art Star so I may have to pick up a little case for myself.
And I met some new people and made some great trades. Check out this sweet print I got from Laura of Fisk and Fern! I already got a little frame for the guy. Plus she does lots of pretty printed cards as well.
And Lemon Cadet is new on the scene. Beth makes adorable baby gear. Unfortunately I don't know any babies. Luckily, Beth also makes some crazy little Yeti patnies for grown-ups. Yes, you read that correctly!
And it doesn't show in the photo, but the little Yeti comes with a tiny little comb! So I had to make a trade for these. Come one! Beth set up and display looked really great--all her graphics were amazing. A true professional, that one.
Both of these lovely ladies will also be at Art Star. It's a really big show and now I'm getting all excited about it.
I also finally bought something from Maryland's own Biggs and Featherbelle. Their Eskimo Kiss lip balm is perfect. It's minty and has the texture I really like. It's thick enough that is stays on your lips. They'll be at Pile of Craft in June!

Spring is here and my cold is staying

My spring show schedule started with a wimper and not a bang. Or more aptly is started with a sniffle and croak. I got a horrible cold while on vacation in New York. It was the week that they got records amount of rain. Good thing we brought our umbrellas.
This cold is a doozy and it likes me so much it doesn't want to leave. I missed the Richmond Spring BadaBing. Trust me. It was much better that I just slathered my self in Vicks Vapor Rub and stayed in bed. The next day I got laryngitis. And not in the deep husky voice kind of way. The doctor now has me on some medicine to clear out my sinuses as he thinks it postnasal drip causing me to cough for weeks. But just today I've been sneezing and sniffling. Sigh.
But for the most part I am feeling better.
While in New York and rain I did make one good find. In the Showplace Antique Center on the first floor in the back was this little booth stuffed and I do mean stuffed with vintage fabric and buttons. The little lady was actually snoozing amongst her goods but I loitered until she woke up. I didn't get a lot from her, just three small squares and one yard of fabric. But it was very satisfying.
I'm going to try to kick off the spring show season for real this Saturday at the Spring Art Mart in Baltimore. Come out and see the show if you're in the area. More information on the Art Mart