summertime.....

okay well the living isn't exactly easy.... but I am definately enjoying blueberries and hay cutting and fields of lavender. Our next door neighbor has a wrecking/metal recycle yard (not too picturesque) anyway- the nicest people, and they gave us tickets to the local mud drags... I have to say it was pretty entertaining. Our neighbors wife was driving one of the cars, and she sure was impressive, I thought she was going to tip over. You wouldn't catch me doing that, but it was nice to see something I wouldn't normally have sought out! On the same day we went through the Oregon Lavender Festival- and visited a few farms, inhaling the scent! Maybe next year will be the year for our field. We had our hay cut, but it's been so wet that we haven't been able to bale it yet. So perhaps we will be making a straw bale hut up on our hill- we shall see... On the work front, I hired an assistant, Bonnie- she used to be a lawyer! but now is in love with art and wants to do something in an artistic area. I think she'll be great! I can't wait until she starts on Tuesday and things start getting done a little faster- and I get caught up!!!! I have a couple of seamstresses sewing my little sachets at the moment, but I am anticipating the need for more (more sachets and more seamstresses!) take care all- hope you are enjoying your summer!

photo shoot (at my farm!)

photo shoot (at my farm!)
Originally uploaded by kristinloganbill

I just like how this picture looks with the strawberries behind it and the mushrooms all bright and cheery!
Trying to add all the new things to my catalog to mail out this week! whew!

a-nother bag

a-nother bag
Originally uploaded by kleja

This is a bag made by KLEJA- isn't it gorgeous?!
www.klejacreations.etsy.com
It was on her flickr site, but there are a few other great creations in her etsy shop. but oh my! so amazinly beautiful!

reporting back

Pic on left is looking down my aisle- aisles and aisles and aisles of booths- I didn't nearly get through it all. Pic on right is me on the last day- (notice my apron I made for the show, and the great table my friend Gustav -dancingdevil.com- made) Let's see.... the NSS was great- lots of great orders (inc. Gump's in SF, Soolip S.CA, Bibelot and an order from Berlin to name a few) then there were a few magazines and catalogs who want samples and press kits (I'll tell you who when I make it in them!) then sooo many requests for catalogs (Kate's Papery, Rare Device, and oh so many more). Very exciting. People were extremely nice and positive and supportive and just plain great! So these are some tips I will pass on (I'm not an expert after one time, but..... just sharing) Tip 1: Be nice to every person who comes near/in your booth, you never know where they are from, even if they are also wearing an "exhibitor" badge. ( it creates a happy and cheerful atmosphere plus some exhibitors are also shop owners) Tip 2: Don't be afraid of someone stealing your great ideas- if they will, then they will. It's the chance you take when you put yourself out there. (plus that greedy feeling and attitude carries a bad vibe). Tip 3: Set up your booth ahead of time- really helps in being organised when it comes time to set up your booth for real, plus if you are by yourself setting up, as I was, it helps you be done in time! Tip 4: I think it helps to have more than just stationery. I know it is the Stationery Show, but in my case I know that having more than just cards really helped my sales. Also- lots of people asked for "sets" (which I had- sets of 6). well, maybe that's all for now. oh one more thing- I just want to thank the lovely Caroline for helping me for 3 days at the show- nice, fun and cute! Also Tina for helping me and allowing me to stay at her apt. You are so gracious and I demand that you come stay at our place now! Next time I will share some links to some great folks I talked to at the show!