Getting Ready for lots of shows!

On Friday evening, come to what is sure to be your new favorite yarn store and support your local artisans at the 5th Annual Soft N Sassy Holiday Boutique.

Soft N Sassy Holiday Boutique
Friday, 12/4/09
5-9 pm
8047 Broadview Rd
Broadview Hts., Ohio 44147

and then on Saturday, I will be at Normandy. It has got to be one of the largest shows in the area. The gym, the cafeteria, and I swear all the hallways are chick full of crafty goodness.

Normandy Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, 12/5/09
10 am - 4 pm
2500 West Pleasant Valley Parma, Ohio 44134

And last but not least, I finally have a fan page on facebook, and I even managed to link my etsy shop up with it. So please, take a look!

New facebook fan page

click here
to be kept up to date with all the crafty going-ons.

Remember, buy local!

Etsy Etsy Etsy!

Yay, my plates made it into another treasury:

Christmas 2009
I really really really hope this feature leads to a sale. Although I do have 2 upcoming shows I will be bringing them to. My etsy shop has been open since February of 2009 and my goal was to make 52 online sales, or one per week. So far I am at 46. Will I make it? Next sale, I will be treating myself to this awesomeness:



It is not that I dislike my office job...ok maybe it is. I would just love to create all day long, and still be able to pay the bills. So, in essence, each sale brings me one step closer to my dream. Baby steps, baby steps...

Happy Festivus!

Spending the day at local holiday craft fairs got me thinking about my favorite holiday songs. Of course my absolute favorite would be the original Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Gene Autrey. We knew it was Christmas when my Grandpa would break out the old record and put it on. Here it is on youtube, in all it's crackily glory:



TOTALLY brought a tear to my eye...but enough sappy talk, on to the ROCK! Hands down, Billy Squier is my second favorite. In this video, the ORIGINAL MTV VJ's appear. You might remember them, Martha, Nina, JJ, Alan & Mark:



Remember when MTV played music? Crazy I know.

And just because Hall & Oates are too funny, their version of Jingle Bell Rock:



How does Jon do it? Hot after all these years...



Chuck Berry, Run Run Rudolph:



How can you not love it?

Last but not least, the Kinks:



NOW I'm really in the holiday spirit, time to shop. I think I'll start on etsy. My Christmas special is buy a bar of handmade soap and a soapdish, the soap will ship FREE! Check it out:

http://www.craftygurll.etsy.com

I've been stalked!

But in a good way! Etsy stalker picked my handstamped dessert plates to feature on their blog. The plates have also been featured in an etsy treasury and the try handmade website. Good news, they are still for sale on etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34447185

Upcoming shows...

I am so looking forward to a hectic Holiday season! So far I have 2 upcoming shows, and possibly a third in the works. A local yarn store, Soft N Sassy, is hosting their 5th annual holiday boutique. Local artisans will be displaying their handmade goodness, everything from pottery to soap to of course hand knit deliciousness. Door prizes & appetizers too, so do not miss!

Soft N Sassy Holiday Boutique
Friday, December 4, 2009
5:00-9:00 pm
8047 Broadview Rd
Broadview Hts., Ohio 44147

Then a few hours later, I will be at the local high school for perhaps the largest show in the area.

Normandy Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
2500 West Pleasant Valley
Parma, Ohio 44134

I also have a new Facebook Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/CMSDesigns

Follow me to see what new items I have in the works!

Now that Crafty Goodness 2009 is over...

it's time to discuss other crafty things! Crafty Goodness 2010 is in the works, we are currently searching for a suitable venue. Any ideas, shoot me an email at cmsdesigns@yahoo.com. The main goal of the show was to help promote the great artists from all over Northeastern Ohio, and in turn support the handmade movement. I could not have been more pleased with the turnout, from both the shoppers and the artisans. The vision we had came to fruition at the show, and we hope to make 2010's version even better.

This leads me to a new movement I recently found out about: the 3/50 movement. In a nutshell, pick 3 local businesses and spend $50. It doesn't get easier than that, does it? Have dinner at a local restaurant, buy your fruits and veggies from a farmers market, shop local on etsy, the possibilities are endless. With Christmas coming up, this is so important. When you shop local, 60% stays in the community, as opposed to a measly 6% if you frequent one of the evil big box stores. Want more info? They have a facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/The350Project?ref=mf

with over 20,000 fans. Spread the word!

I deem the inaugural Crafty Goodness a complete success!

The little Calvin Park Rec Center was rocking on Saturday, November 7th! The main room was packed with amazing artisans, with everything from abstract art:



to beautiful jewelry:



and warm fuzzy goodness:



plus handsewn lovliness:



to stoneware pottery:






and a little bit of everything:



The demonstrations were fabulous, there was wheel-throwing:



and fiber arts too:



Thanks to everyone who participated, demonstrated or shopped, you guys rock! \../

Watch out for Crafty Goodness II coming soon!

***Demonstrations at Crafty Goodness***

In addition to all the wonderful local artisans who will be selling their wares, we will also have a few demonstrations. Teresa and Martha, from the Pottery & Clayworks Studio, will be giving demonstrations on the pottery wheel and handspinning yarn. Their shop is located at:

Pottery & Clayworks Studio
5728 Ridge Road in Parma
(440)884-9246‎



There will also be an area sponsored by WhyNotCrafts.etsy.com featuring free kids crafts. Definitely something for everyone, be sure to stop and check it out.

Crafty Goodness at the
Calvin Park Rec
2241 Mapleview Drive
Seven Hills, Ohio 44131
Saturday, 11/07/2009
10 am-6 pm
free admission

list of artists here:

http://craftygoodnessatcalvin.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html

Mark your calendars: Saturday November 7th!

Tired of plastic canvas and fleece blankets at craft shows? Looking for a cool place to buy handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays? Need some cool household decor or accessories just for you? Look no further!

Crafty Goodness at the
Calvin Park Rec
2241 Mapleview Drive
Seven Hills, Ohio 44131
Saturday, 11/07/2009
10 am-6 pm

If you're a fan of shopping on etsy.com, support the handmade movement and are looking for a MODERN art show then this is the place for you. Since it is so close to Thanksgiving, we will be accepting food donations for Harvest for Hunger. And admission is free!

Need more details: contact me at cmsdesigns@yahoo.com.

1. CMS Designs www.craftygurll.etsy.com
Pottery, Sewn Items, Soaps, random awesomeness



2. Creativity By Hand www.wendellina.etsy.com
Sewn Items, Resin & Beaded Jewelry



3. Pepi Pottery pepipottery@gmail.com
Pottery, Sewn Items



4. Juxtaposed http://heidi-muller-juxtaposed.blogspot.com/
Paintings, Functional Crafts


5. LazyTcrochet www.LazyTcrochet.Etsy.com
Crocheted apparel with a modern twist


6. stephielou www.stephielou.etsy.com and www.stephiolouvintage.etsy.com
Handbags and accessories


7. Furberry furberry09@gmail.com
Doggie Couture, Treats & More


8. SarahJ2001 www.WhyNotCrafts.etsy.com
Resin, Ticket Bowls, Accessories & More


9. L. Rene oh1artist@yahoo.com
Beaded/Gemstone/Pearl Jewelry


10. Handmade by Mary Beth www.mbscherry.etsy.com
Beaded/Metal Jewelry, Handbuilt/Wheel-Thrown Ceramics


11. LeaAnaDesigns www.LeahAnaDesigns.etsy.com
Wire/Crochet Jewelry, Linocut/Monocut Prints


12. Meredith Chmura www.chmuracustomwoodworks.com
Custom wood handcrafted items


13. Shy Stitches www.shystiches.etsy.com
Handbags,Diaper Bags, Quilts, Jewelry, Upcycled Items


14. Evieandpiper www.evieandpiper.etsy.com
Jewelry, Baby Items


15. Tattooed Dahlia melyssa.good@gmail.com
Hand-Embroidered Goodness, Christmas Decor


16. Linda Ayala www.lindaayala.etsy.com
Digital Art Prints, jewelry, greeting cards


17. Erika Originals www.erikaoriginals.etsy.com
Handmade paper, jewelry


18. Sarah's Creations
.925 Sterling Silver, Gemstones/Pearl Jewelry


19. Tie-Dye Heaven tiedyeheaven@gmail.com
One stop shop for all your tie-dye needs!



20. Tidbits & Trinkets www.store.tidbitstrinkets.com
Hardware Jewelry, Mixed Media Supplies


21. Pegasus Panache Creations Pegasus_Panache@roadrunner.com
Handmade Purses, Totes & Evening Bags


22. Luxe Goods www.luxegoods.etsy.com
Upcycled Purses/Wallets/Cuffs, Beaded Jewelry


23. Not Kud Productions! www.shellkud.etsy.com
Polymer Clay Goodness


24. Roark's Soy Candles www.roarkssoycandles.com
Candles & Body Products

Harvest for Hunger

Since the show is just a few weeks before Thanksgiving, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to collect donations for Harvest for Hunger. If you can, bring a non-perishable food item and help someone less fortunate. Personal care items such as shampoo & soap would be great as well.

Print Advertising...

is necessary, even though online is the wave of the future. Check out the ads in:

Scene Magazine(week of the show)
Scene Magazine "Best of Cleveland" Issue
The Plain Dealer's Friday Magazine
Sun Newspapers(all West Zones)
Akron Beacon Journal Holiday Craft Fair Directory
The Plain Dealer Holiday Craft Fair Directory

Any questions, contact cmsdesigns@yahoo.com.

"Meet and Greet"

***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED! LOTS OF GREAT IDEAS WERE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE***
Lets get together to throw around ideas, and have a delish IC Mocha in the process! Join us at:

Panera Bread
7337 Broadview Road
Seven Hills, Ohio 44131

Located about a mile from the show venue. The dates will be Saturday, August 29th at 2 pm and Sunday, August 30th at 2 pm. Contact cmsdesigns@yahoo.com for more information or to confirm you will be attending. Hope you can make one or both days!

Join us Saturday, November 7th from 10 am-6pm!

Tired of plastic canvas and fleece blankets at craft shows? Looking for a cool place to buy handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays? Need some cool household decor or accessories just for you? Look no further!

Crafty Goodness at the
Calvin Park Rec
2241 Mapleview Drive
Seven Hills, Ohio 44131
Saturday, 11/07/2009
10 am-6 pm

If you're a fan of shopping on etsy.com, support the handmade movement and are looking for a MODERN art show then this is the place for you. Since it is so close to Thanksgiving, we will be accepting food donations for Harvest for Hunger. And admission is free!

Need more details: contact me at cmsdesigns@yahoo.com.

1. CMS Designs www.craftygurll.etsy.com
Pottery, Sewn Items, Soaps, random awesomeness



2. Creativity By Hand www.wendellina.etsy.com
Sewn Items, Resin & Beaded Jewelry



3. Pepi Pottery
Pottery, Sewn Items



4. Juxtaposed http://heidi-muller-juxtaposed.blogspot.com/
Paintings, Functional Crafts


5. LazyTcrochet www.LazyTcrochet.Etsy.com
Crocheted apparel with a modern twist


6. stephielou www.stephielou.etsy.com and www.stephiolouvintage.etsy.com
Handbags and accessories


7. Furberry
Doggie Couture, Treats & More


8. SarahJ2001 www.WhyNotCrafts.etsy.com
Resin, Ticket Bowls, Accessories & More


9. L. Rene oh1artist@yahoo.com
Beaded/Gemstone/Pearl Jewelry


10. Handmade by Mary Beth www.mbscherry.etsy.com
Beaded/Metal Jewelry, Handbuilt/Wheel-Thrown Ceramics


11. LeaAnaDesigns www.LeahAnaDesigns.etsy.com
Wire/Crochet Jewelry, Linocut/Monocut Prints


12. Meredith Chmura www.chmuracustomwoodworks.com
Custom wood handcrafted items


13. Shy Stitches www.shystiches.etsy.com
Handbags,Diaper Bags, Quilts, Jewelry, Upcycled Items


14. Evieandpiper www.evieandpiper.etsy.com
Jewelry, Baby Items


15. MelyssaG
Hand-Embroidered Goodness, Christmas Decor


16. Linda Ayala www.lindaayala.etsy.com
Digital Art Prints,jewelry, greeting cards


17. Erika Originals www.erikaoriginals.etsy.com
Handmade paper, jewelry


18. Sarah's Creations
Handmade One-of-a-kind jewelry



19. Tie-Dye Heaven
One stop shop for all your tie-dye needs!

20. Tidbits & Trinkets www.store.tidbitstrinkets.com
Hardware Jewelry, Mixed Media Supplies


21. Pegasus Panache Creations Pegasus_Panache@roadrunner.com
Handmade Purses, Totes & Evening Bags
(photo coming soon)

22. Luxe Goods www.luxegoods.etsy.com
Upcycled Purses/Wallets/Cuffs, Beaded Jewelry