Recently in fairs Category

I've said it before. I'll say it again. There is nothing like being in Chester, Vermont in the fall for its celebrated Festival on the Green, especially when you live here and were in the first Green Sale 37 years ago!  Rotary gave me my regular prime corner spot in front of the Fullerton. The dark clouds were as numerous as the umbrellas, but there were lots of smiles, hugs, and sales. Yes, it is all about connection.

We began the fair circuit in Quechee in mid-June at the 31^st Annual Balloon Festival.  Everything was perfect - the weather, the crowds, the orders, the sales. It was like the mid-eighties for us all over again. We were next door to Bella and her family again and even appeared on WCAX-TV one night.  The balloon launches werre magical, and I am always brought back to the years when our little girls would draw hot air balloons while their Dad took pictures, out of which came the Jennifer doll.  Does it get better?      

There's a great story I wrote on our journey of a lifetime three years ago, among others, about how the dolls come alive when sitting in the gossip chair.  These stories are favorites of our grandchildren, but published they are not. So, why not share about The Baby Sitter in a blog. What fairs? Who's the baby sitter?

After 35 years, is it really fun to pack up the Bundles and trek them over the hill to The Green in your favorite Vermont town for two days? You bet, especially that the portage could be made in two trips and under ten miles. Who did we see?

I love fairs.  I am  especially crazy about this one.  

Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio Was a Blast

This Vermont doll maker enjoyed a stellar weekend during the state's celebration of crafts - Open Studio Weekend. We prepared well. Comparing last year, we were equal in visitors but double in sales.  Even potential orders were fabulous. Saturday was the local's day. Sunday belonged to out-of-state folks.

Just what were the highlights?
The weather.
Our welcoming Calico Memorial Garden.
A delightful lady from Rockingham who insisted her son bring her to meet the dolls won the Camilla Cat raffle.
The NYC family engaged in creating Calico Paper Dolls
Myra, with her a Bundle with calla lily eyes wearing teddy bear overalls,and Matt visited, her doll and teddy bears safely seat belted in their vehicle.  "Do a blog," said Matt.
Doll collector and author Renee got hooked here. Sharing her books inspired me to want to self publish some stories I have written.
Two red sale dolls found happy homes. I can't believe Heidi is still here!
Later in the week, Matt 's mom and dad visited with her Daisy, seat belted in their car!
No surprise, Daisy was selected as the most popular doll during Open Studio, even though she was not assembled, wigged or finished. Like Diana and Julie, she was part of the "show and tell" on the dining room table.
The doll maker spent time sharing her art roots with Meg Ostrum who is heading the History of Craft project.
And it was all about Connections. There are so many stories to share.

The big news?
Save those invitations and customer appreciation cards.  That 10% will make a difference. After costing out each doll, we reluctantly but realistically raised our prices on June 1, 2009. We know our designs are heirlooms; our stitchers' work is unmatched; and our dolls are sensational!  We heard that all weekend!