New Camera :)

It's pretty exciting around here...I've gotten a new camera. A Canon, EOS Rebel T1i 500D. It's a digital SLR and is really beautiful. A friend has lent me a lens to try and I'm just starting to learn functions, etc. The last camera that I really enjoyed was my Canon AE1, 35 mm film camera. It was simple. Basic. I loved it. It was easy to use, everything was aparent, with no menus or complicated settings. A short novel came with the new camera and with some time I hope to be able to take some nice photos, including images for my Etsy stores. So far I've only had one willing model:

Thomas

He's going to read the manual while I'm at work today and let me know the fundamentals when I get home.

Shop news: I've been busy lately taking some time for vacation and relaxing. I haven't mowed my lawn for about 7 weeks (it's actually not that bad..only in spots). I'm also busy with a personal sewing project that is taking an inordinate amount of time. Soon I will be listing new things in the shop....soon :)

Word of the Day

Relax

New Kindle covers in the shop!

I'll be listing some new Kindle covers in the shop over the next few days. I had borrowed my Sister's Kindle to see if I liked it...I was comparing the Nook and the Kindle, and had briefly entertained getting an iPad, but it was just too heavy and big for what I wanted to use it for.
In exchange for borrowing her Kindle I sewed up a cover for her. She was toting it around in her bag with no cover. Honestly, it was in near perfect condition anyway, so that attests to its durability with hard use.
A few weeks ago my own Kindle arrived in the mail and it is truly awesome. It is my "model" for my Kindle cover photos that you see here. Of course, I got really excited about the covers and have been making them a lot...part of my obsessive nature I suppose :) But they are fun to make and so very useful. I've made myself two so far and will probably make a lot more, so I can have a variety depending upon my mood. The Kindle feels good in the case, which is made of one layer of heirloom quality 100% cotton batting and all cotton fabrics. It's simple really and snug enough to hold the Kindle without slipping out all the time. Check them out in the shop, they are selling for $20 each.

Open Studio weekend at Cottage Street Studios. Come and see me!

This weekend, June 5 & 6th, Cottage Street Studios holds its 22 annual Open Studio Spring Sale. For directions and hours and a huge list of participating artisans, please visit the Cottage Street Studios website.

Come and see me working in my studio (#420), and check out the more than 30 artists with their doors open. They are all amazing artisans and are all looking forward to seeing you. We've got glass workers, potters, painters, photographers, woodworkers, illustrators, poets and more. There will be something for everyone.

Look at What I Got!

I actually won a giveaway! Spectaclealamaison was having a giveaway on her blog, just about the same time that mine was going on, and I entered. I've only one a few things in my life, including once when I accurately guessed the weight of a huge squash at a country fair. I was only around 9 years old at the time, and I still remember that the prize was a dinner gift certificate at Bonanza or something like that. My Mom got a kick out of it, and we all had a good time going out to dinner for free :)

Well, lucky me, and my name was drawn, and here is my prize! A beautiful, handmade cuff, which arrived packaged up like a surprise gift!

Thank you so, much, Sanne, for the lovely cuff!

Went to a Really Interesting Meeting Today! What'd you do?

That's John, asleep at our table. Stuart had wandered off aimlessly, but eventually came back to his seat when the next speaker appeared.

Actually, the meeting was pretty good...John really didn't fall asleep, but maybe it was because of the energy drink he consumed! Titled "Shop Local, Strategies for Starting A Community Campaign" it was held by the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative and Pioneer Valley Local First, and included some really amazing speakers from the Eastern part of the State. If you are interested in Buy Local campaigns, or maybe just exploring ideas about how to go about starting something in your town, check out the links at Pioneer Valley Local First.

Quote of the Day ~ Yoda was a smart guy

"Do or do not.

There is no "try"

[Luke:] "I can’t believe it."
[Yoda:] "That is why you fail.”