Update

     How is everyone doing?  I decided to take a break from writing this blog for a while. I'm not sure when I will come back to regular blogging.  I am okay but the depression dragon has been flying around the kingdom.  I haven't felt like doing anything that I like to do.  Not blogging, or knitting and just getting outside has been a challenge.  I have also been crying a lot and not for any reason in particular.  My work has been a big challenge as well.  I've actually taken a six week non-paid leave of absence.  I'm currently in the middle of changing my medication and at the end of six weeks, I hope to feel more like myself.
     
     If you are wondering why I am so candid about depression, it is because of that reader who is struggling with their own battle with a depression dragon.  You are not alone!  While dealing with these symptoms really suck, it will get better.   Today I had a big craving for spaghetti and chicken, so I made it!  Doesn't seem like a big deal but when it takes all your strength to get dressed, making supper is a big win.

     I also will be changing the format of my blog somewhat.  I will be taking pictures of products at events and posting them on my Instagram.  I will be including the vendor's name on the picture.  If you want more information about a certain vendor, please e-mail me at shopwithberni@gmail.com. Then, I will write a general blog about going to the event.

     Thank you so much for reading and leave a comment if you so desire.

How We Affect Our Surroundings

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

Let's say that you have already had a bad day and you haven't even had your coffee yet.  The baby spit up on you or the dog left a present on your carpet. Yuck!  So you are at your neighborhood cafe waiting 15 mins to order. This means you will just squeak into work on time, so long as your drink is finished in 5 minutes.  The girl that took your order got it completely wrong, and now you have a regular latte when you specifically asked for soy.

Photo from Pixabay

So now you are upset.  Let's see what happens to the whole cafe when you show your anger towards the barista.  You go back to the barista who made your drink and the whole morning just slides off your back.  Not only is your drink wrong, you are now late for work.  "This is the second time this week that my drink has been made wrong!  I don't like the attitude of the barista at the till, and I want to talk to your manager!"

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Now let's say you're the barista at the bar and you were having a good day so far.

Drink were steadily flowing out of the cafe in a timely manner and then an angry customer upsets the flow.  You run and get the manager, but now you have eight drinks to make instead of two.  The customers are giving you that "I'm going to be late" look and you decide you need more hands.  Now you are totally stressed out and need to catch up on your work.

We will now switch to one of the customers in line.  You were also having a good day until the line got held up by the infuriated customer.  Now you will have to wait longer which means you are also going to be late for work.

I made up this scenario, but it could happen to anyone.  Sometimes as customers when we get upset, we forget how our attitude will affect the people around us.  I've done this myself and wished later I've been more understanding.  So much emphasis is put on customer satisfaction that sometimes we feel that means no mistakes should be made.  Sadly, as humans, we all make mistakes.  We can't control what the other person does, but we can control ourselves.  Instead of releasing the anger onto the other person, let's think of them and the people around us, and how our words and actions will affect them.  I always hear that laughter is infectious, but so is anger. Another saying we hear all the time is "Treat people the way you want to be treated."  It might sound dumb, but it's true.

We are going to go back to when the drink was served and you realize it's made with regular milk.  If we say to the barista, "Excuse me, but my drink was made with 2% and I ordered soy.  Can you remake my drink please?" Then the drink can be remade and everyone's day and proceed forward.

This goes for everyone in the cafe too.  If we are aware of how our attitudes, words, and actions affect others, we can make a bad day good again.  Or at least okay.

Thank you for reading.  I hope you are having a good day.  Please like and share or leave a comment.

Larry's Unique Birdhouses

Back in June, I went to the St. Albert's Farmer's Market.  It was a the largest Farmer's Market I've ever seen! There were vendor tents as far as you could see.  When we turned the corner, there were more tents down the end of that street too.  It was a little overwhelming, but in all those tents, I found two vendors that I wanted to write about.  

This post is about Larry's Unique Birdhouses.

As the name says, each birdhouse is unique. No two houses are the same.  Larry likes to model his birdhouses after original historical buildings in America.  The materials are salvaged from old buildings, barns and antique shops.  They are so adorable!! I love all the details of these houses.  There was also a jail birdhouse with a little noose (check my Instagram for the picture).  I had to take a picture of the cafe since I also work in a cafe.

I love that the school house has a tire swing, and he also made an outhouse birdhouse!  These birdhouses were fun to look at, and Larry was fun to talk with as well.  

If you would like to contact Larry about his birdhouses or his market schedule, please contact him by e-mail at larrysbirdhomes@gmail.com. 

Thank you for reading, please like and share.

Barnwood Bellas

Thank you for your comments last week.  I really enjoyed reading them.  Please keep them coming!

The last vendor that I am going to write about, that I saw at Wholly Made in Sherwood Park, are the Barnwood Bellas - Rustic Home Decor.

There were other vendors at this event that sold Indoor Decor made of wood, but then I started chatting with Shannon and Afton.  They told me that some of their pieces are made from the family's 100 year old barn.  I love re-purposed art because its usefulness has not yet ended.  It served its purpose as a barn and will continue serving on a wall as an imaginative decoration.  Salvaged useful material gives me hope that even with my depression and anxiety, I will always serve a purpose.  We need to all remember this as we get older, have an accident, or struggle with a condition.  We are more than a broken down barn.

Not all the pieces are made from this wood, but wait.  There's more.  They also sell crochet bowls, rustic stools, and chicken wire frames.

If you would like more information or are interested in these items, you can visit them on www.facebook.com/barnwoodbellas.  I would highly recommend visiting their Facebook page as their pictures are bold and beautiful.

Thank you for taking time to read my little blog.  Please comment, like, and share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pintrest.

Page Turners Bookshop

There's nothing better than losing yourself in a good book in the middle of winter, underneath an afghan, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate on the side table.  But what happens when our beloved books start falling apart beyond repair?  At the Wholly Handmade Event in Sherwood Park, I met Sarah who own and runs a mobile bookstore call Page Turners.  She collects books and sells them at Farmer's Markets and Trade Shows.  When she comes across classic books that are out of commission, Sarah assembles the pages of these beloved editions into art.

The page is framed with a quote from that page, written on top of it.  The pages are from well-loved classics like Little Women and a Tale of Two cities.  You can also purchase pages without frames if you would like to do that yourself.

She also sells wreaths, book marks, cards and Christmas ornaments from the up-cycled book pages.

If you are interested to know where Sarah will be selling her artwork and books, please go to her website at www.pageturnersbookshop.ca.

If you would like to contact her directly, there is a contact form on her website.

What did you think of Sarah's creations?

Please leave a comment, like and share.

Thank you!

Knitting with Berni

This picture speaks volumes about my current knitting project.

A mess!  I'm not talking about the pattern, I'm talking about my brain!  I have restarted this project four times already.  Okay, so I haven't knitted a delicate lace pattern since 2012 according to my Raverly account.  I'm sure I have done more knitting than that, I just decided not to record it.  It's even been a while since I've casted on a project, so I even had to review that.

Why did I decided to take on this project?  When I went to the Edmonton Fiber Frolic (that was in June, I believe), I saw tons of beautiful hand coloured yarns and wanted to buy a yarn that had a pattern that I could make a project with.  I like to buy yarn for a project instead of buying yarn and then searching all through Raverly trying to find a pattern that I want to do and that will work with the yarn I have.  Knitting is kind of like baking.  You can't just through a bunch of components together and hope you have a sweater that fits or bread that rises. There are different weights of yarn such as sock, DK (double knitted), worsted, bulky and super bulky.  The weight of the yarn usually decides what needle that you need.  Usually, the thicker the yarn, the bigger the needle.  Not so with my project.  I'm using a US 8 or 5.0 mm with sock weight yarn, because I'm doing a lace pattern and you do want to see the holes, because that's what makes the pattern.

Lace patterns are trick,y because there are lots of increase and decrease stitches that need to happen. When a mistake is made and you are on round 3, it's just easier to undo the project then undo the round you just did.  Oh, and did I mention I'm magic looping?  This technique is not hard except when you are using a sock yarn with a 5.0 mm needle and have big fingers.  I feel like I'm doing vein surgery with a ....well....with a 5.0 mm needle!

So why am I going to try a fifth time on this project?  Because lace is pretty and I would like a circular shawl with pretty green beads and this fabulous yarn called Intergalactic.  As all women know, being pretty take time and effort.

What projects are you working on right now?  It doesn't have to be a knitting project.  Do you feel like pulling your hair out yet?  Please share with me in the comments and maybe there is a person that is reading this that can help.  And please don't forget to like and share.

Aloha - hula girl designs

On June 3, I drove to Sherwood Park for the Wholly Handmade market.  There were so many vendors there, I was a little overwhelmed.  That's why I enjoyed stopping at the Aloha booth to talk to Jennifer.  She was as bright and cheerful as her hair clips.

Showing off my Hula Girl Designs
Hair Clip

Jennifer is one of the lead dancers and Marketing Director with A Hawaiian Holiday Drum and Dance Company.  She has been to Maui where she learned the techniques for making the flowers and the traditional way of weaving the leaf for making lei and hula skirts.  Each piece that is worn has a specific meaning in the Hawaiian traditions and is very important to her as Maui feels like "home".

She has also been to Oahu and trained in Hula dancing on both Islands from many Kuma Hula (master teachers).  She has performed in Waikiki and was a guest performer in Maui.

That is where the business started, making flowers for costuming at first and then gifts for her hula sisters.  Of course, the more people saw her designs, the more requests she received for them.

Here in Canada her mission is to spread Aloha across the Canadian prairies with her flowers.  What's better on a dreary Albertan winter than seeing a bright flower?  I hope when I wear my flower that I can put a smile on someone's face.

If you would like to purchase one of her flowers, she will be at City Market 104 in downtown Edmonton on August 12.  She is also doing a popup at Triple Flip clothing store. You can also contact her on facebook at www.facebook.com/alohahulagirldesigns.
To see more of her designs, go to her Instagram page at www.instagram.com/alohahulagirldesigns.

Tips for Stress Free Shopping

When I first starting going to different craft shows and farmer's markets, I would get stressed out and wished I would have stayed home.  However, I am glad I didn't stay home, because there are talented vendors out there whose products are worth seeing.  Here are some tips for stress free shopping.

Going to St. Albert's Farmers Market with Kaisha
aka. fabulous_gal_bykaisha

1.  Directions: If you are unfamiliar with where the event is being held, make sure you take a few minutes to study where it's located and the surroundings.  When I drove to the Butterdome, I was very unsure where to go.  There were signs, but I didn't realize that parking would be 10 minutes away from the event, and I have to walk across the campus.  Since hindsight is 20/20, it would have been a good idea to look at a map of the campus to find where the Butterdome was located and what buildings were around it. I also was afraid I wouldn't find my car again because of how far away I was parked.  For the next Butterdome event, I took the train which took care of parking and it was far less stressful.

2. BYOB - Bring your own bag: A lot of vendors do have plastic bags they can give you, but I prefer to bring my own bag.  We all know bringing our own bag is better for the environment, but it's also better for your sanity.  If you are Christmas shopping, for instance, it's better to have five items in one bag then having one item in five bags.  Much easier to carry and remember to buy the heavy items last.

3. Refreshments - This is important if you have allergies and intolerances like I do.  Usually, there are food trucks at craft shows and farmer's markets.  At one show, the food trucks just had pork items for sale.  Being allergic to pork, I had to wait until I was done at the market to eat and was starving.  At the next market, I packed a bottle of water and a snack in case there was a lack of food choices. Water is very important, especially if the event is outside in the heat.

4. Money - Nowadays, most vendors have access to debit/credit machines or have POS software for their cell phones with a portable card reader attachment.  There are still a lot of vendors that only take cash, so it's a good idea to bring a good amount for them.  Having your credit as a back up is a good idea for those vendors that do take credit.



I hope my tips will help your shopping trips to be fun and productive.  Please like and share to spread the love.

Simply Entangled

During the event, Nest in the City, I met Katelyn, who weaves and does macrame. Her items include plant hangers, wall hangings, key chains, coasters, and even custom orders.

She knew how to knit since she was a child and always wanted to expand into weaving and macrame which she was able learn when she was in University.  Besides running Simply Entangled, Katelyn, is a full time social worker which is why 15% of purchases go towards Makaway Kid's Camp.  She is a talented lady with a very big heart.

I love her plant hangers and regret not buying one but the hubby gets grumpy if I spend too much mula.  There is another option on how to get lovely items for the home.  I could make them myself at one of the workshops that she provides.  Also, if you have an idea of an item you would like but she doesn't have it, she will custom make it just for you.

To view her beautiful products, visit her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/simplyentangled.  If you would like to request a custom made item or to sign up for her workshops, please message her on Etsy or Facebook.  www.facebook.com/simplyentangled.

My Dogs Rodger and Nakita

We got our first dog, Rodger, from the Humane Society. Rodger was part Jack Russell, part Hound and three years old.  I still miss his stumpy little legs and soft ears.

I was giving him a walk, with my daughter in the stroller, when we came upon a flock of birds sitting in the park.  For some reason, I thought that he would enjoy chasing the birds off leash.  I had treats with me, thinking that would bring him back to me.  This was not the case as he caught a scent on the path which lead him onto the road and he was hit by a Jeep. When I got to him, as he left me in his dust, I picked him up and put him in the bottom carrier part of the stroller.  I was quite far away from home so I called my husband and told him where to meet me.  Since his heart was still beating, I had hope that he would still live.  We took him to the Animal Hospital but he died in the car on the way there.  I felt all sorts of guilt because I let him off leash.  I loved Rodger so much and was crying hysterically as they took him away and especially when they gave me his collar.

We brought Nakita home 8 years ago, two weeks after Rodger died. She is a Jack Russell Terrier who is turning 9 years old in August, but you wouldn't realize it by looking at her.  She is feisty and likes to bark a lot, at the chagrin of my neighbors.  Her favorite past times are eating and trying to get out of the fence.  It is annoying when she barks but she is just trying to protect us.

My early memories of Nakita is when she would jump in the bathtub with the baby and keeping the floor clean from cheerios and other food that got chucked on the floor.  I also have a cute video of Nakita chewing on a wrapping paper tube.  She bent it back and it hit the baby on the head, twice. Don't worry, the baby didn't realize what had happened.

Even though she barks a lot she does like to snuggle with us on the couch.  She has to sit between anyone who sits beside me.  She's so jealous of my attention. She's not the perfect dog but she's my dog.

If you like my blog, don't forget to subscribe by e-mail by clicking on the link.  Please like and share.

Fringe & Feather - Follow Your Gypsy Heart

When I was at Nest in the City, in May, I wandered into the Fridge and Feather booth to get out of the hot sun. Thankfully, their items were housed in a tent which gave relief from the heat.  Inside, I found that they had crafting kits for sale.  I absolutely love crafting kits because it limits how many decisions I will need to make. First they had different bases to choose from such as the unicorn, which I chose, a dragon, or a mermaid (plus a few others).  I had a hard time making up my mind because my daughter loves dragons, but the kits for the unicorns were so pretty.  Pretty won out as I loved the pink ribbons and beads.  The material kits were stored in a crate with the name of the project on them.  Chantelle gave me a quick tutorial on how to loop the yarn through the holes to construct the mane and I felt ready dive in to my new crafting project.  I think the result turned out quite nicely.

They also sell key chains, wedding headbands, and other jewelry. What I found to be really interesting was that they have special essential oil diffusing bracelets.  Just add your favorite essential oil to the black lava stones and enjoy the scent.

If you are wanting to purchase any of these items, please go to their etsy shop at etsy.ca/shop/fringeandfeathershop.  To see their photos on Instagram, go to www.instagram.com/fringeandfeather.

So you have a favorite craft you like to do?  Does the material come in kits or do you like to pick out your own materials?  Please like and share.

                                         

Blogging vs. Vlogging Part 2

Now where was I...ah yes, blogging.  There is a lot to learn in blogging as well.  First you need to choose a platform.  I chose a hosted platform, Blogger, because I looked at word press and almost had a heart attack. I would have to build a website from scratch, unless I was willing to spend money on certain web packages. Oh my head!  Blogger is FREE, and all the software come with it, FREE.  "Sign me up,"  I said.  And then I started doing research.  **Bangs head on table**  Then I find out that serious bloggers don't use hosted platforms, but if I wanted to I could always move my blog to Word Press if I get my domain name registered.   Moving the blog would be tricky and take some cash.  I am not sure how serious I am at this point, so I think I'll stay where I am until I feel like it or I get really popular. **Crosses fingers**

At St. Albert's Farmer's Market

The fun part of blogging is going to different shows and Farmer's Markets, meeting different vendors, and writing about their products and stories.  The part that isn't fun: SOCIAL MEDIA!  For the longest time I didn't understand how to use hashtags.  I thought the more unique the word, the better people could find me.  What!?  I had it all backwards, until my blogging friends set me straight.  That's why all the blogs about blogs say that bloggers need to talk to each other, either through social media or meeting up with them (safely, please).  Now that I know that I need to use popular, plain, everyday words, I am getting a lot of likes on Instagram.  I still only have five followers on Twitter, but 65 on Instagram.  A lot of vendors are saying they don't use twitter anymore.  Instagram and Facebook are king.

St. Albert's Farmer's Market

So that's a little insight in to my blogging journey.  Are you a blogger?  Do you find social media hard to navigate?  Does any body have any tips on accumulating Twitter followers?  I would love to hear your comments. You can find me on Twitter @shopberni.

Boreal Folk Apothecary

I went to the Nest in the City event at the Meadows Recreational Centre on May 27.  It was a really hot day and it zapped me of energy pretty quickly.  Part of the event was inside, but most of those vendors were selling baby items and since my child is school age, I wasn't drawn to them. About 10 vendors were outside in the scorching sun. I noticed a sign that said "Apothecary" and was very intrigued.

There I met and talked with Raphaelle who didn't seem phased by the heat.  She began telling me about how she makes her oils, clays, and butters from sustainable wild plants in the wilderness of Alberta.  Then the story got more interesting.  She and her husband Mark work in a converted 99 square foot bus where they make their skin products using solar power. They live a nomadic lifestyle travelling around Alberta, harvesting and making their products.

This business started because Raphaelle has traveled all over the world and learned from other customs on how to create products.  She believes in pure and natural ingredients without extras like essential oils.  Because of her dedication and care, she has created blends that sensitive skin will love.
My hands are extremely sensitive to any type of scent because they will turn red and itch.  I purchased the all purpose skin balm and my hands feel softer.

They also make bath salts from minerals they find as well which I think is fascinating.  For more information or to order their wonderful products, please go to www.borealfolk.ca.  You can also follow them on Instagram: @borealfolk.  

Blogging vs. Vlogging (Part 1)

On Thursdays, I will be blogging about myself and my knitting projects to expand my blog.

I started blogging at the end of April after realizing that vlogging was not for me.  I started vlogging last fall after a friend from high school talked to me about her experiences about vlogging.  She loved it and thought I would too.  I was highly interested and did some research about it.  I had been involved in drama productions in high school and was part of a drama company for three years back in 1999, so I'm thinking, it shouldn't be that hard.  Boy, was I wrong.  Talking to a camera is so much different than delivering lines on stage.  First of all, with acting, I am a different person and don't feel so exposed.  Second, a live audience gives you energy from their laughter and responses.  I find it completely different.

My friend then suggested blogging.  I feel so much more comfortable with blogging.  Being in front of a camera is hard work, I find.  Then I need to think of what I'm saying and it doesn't come out right, because I have a slight speech impediment. After I record a blog then I need to edit it.  Ahhhh!  Good editing takes a long time.  Also, all these programs and software are new to me because the last education I got in computers was in 2002 were we studied Microsoft Office 2000.  My computer skills are 17 years out of date.

Editing a document is a breeze compared to video.  However, there still is a lot to learn about blogging.  To be continued next Thursday.

What do you think of me posting twice a week?  Is it too much?  Don't forget to like and share.

Pretty Little Industries

My child hates getting clean, but she prefers baths to showers.  It has always been a struggle to get her to go upstairs and bathe.  My discipline method is to take money away from her allowance if she refuses, but then you have a grumpy child for the rest of the evening.

Enter Pretty Little Industries!!
I first saw them at the Christmas Craft Sale at the Butterdome.  I was looking around their displays and that's where I saw them.  Pokey Bombs!!!  My child and her friends LOVE Pokemon and have watched many Netflix episodes of the show.  I thought that finding a toy in a wonderful smelling bath bomb would put a positive spin on bath time and it did!  She LOVED finding that toy in the bath and it was a good way to get her upstairs. Of course she told her friends and they all wanted Pokey Bombs for Christmas.  So I went to prettylittleindustries.com to order them but they weren't listed on the page.  So I tweeted them wondering where the Pokey Bombs went.  Turns out they had sold a lot of them at the craft sale and had some left but she didn't have all the colours that she had at the craft sale.  I was totally okay with mix and match and ordered two tubes of four.  One for my daughter and one for her friends to share.  I received them before Christmas, and, of course, the kids LOVED them.  Unfortunately, her friends who are sisters, threw all of them in the tub at once because they were so excited.  Oops, but fun was still had by all.

I saw Pretty Little Industries again in May at the Spring Craft Sale at the Butterdome.  This time I bought six bath bombs for myself and only three for the kid.  With names like Giraffe Laughs, Kola Krap, and Monkey Farts, it was fun to pick them out.  Did I mention they smell fabulous? So when my daughter ran out of Pokey Bombs she wanted to use mine because they "Smell so GOOOOD!".  She also says her skin is so soft after and I don't have to worry about chemicals because the bath bombs are vegan, palm oil free, and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) free.

Pretty Little Industries first made soy candles from natural products and expanded from there.  I would highly recommend to visit their website or to follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

My Blog received a face lift.  What do you think?  Please leave a comment and share.

Bruce County Nut & Fudge Co.

You're probably sitting there wondering where in Alberta is Bruce County.  Actually, the company is from Sauble Beach, Ontario, and they travel across the country selling their delicious treats at different shows and markets.  I saw them at the Butterdome Craft Sale at the beginning of May, and when I say "them", I mean Candied Apples!

As I stood there salivating over myself, the lady at the booth asked me if I wanted a sample of one of the apples.  A sample?! "Heck, I'll have five apples," is what I wished I had said.  For some unattainable reason, I was able to have enough willpower to leave the booth without a purchase.  One of the decisions in my life that I regret.  However, the lady at the booth is the cousin of the three sisters that own the company.  She said that they would be back for the Christmas craft sale at the Butterdome in December.  The apples will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator and would make excellent Christmas gifts.  Merry Christmas to me!!  And maybe to someone else 😆.

I visited their website and discovered they also have special candied apples for weddings and special events.  For more information please visit their website at www.nutandfudge.com.

Thanks for reading!  Remember to like and share with your friends who have a sweet tooth.

Inuvialuit Carver

This is Priscilla Taylor, the Inuvialuit Carver.  She is a third generation carver from Tuktoyaktuk. I saw her booth at the Butterdome craft sale back in May. She was a pleasure to talk to and not camera shy.  I like to take pictures of artists with their work.  Some of the carvings have been made by different members of her family as well.

The beautiful life like carvings drew me into her booth.  I regret that I didn't take more close up photos of the other carvings. This photo does not do her work justice, so I am glad she has an Instagram account where you can see more of her charming artwork.  www.Instagram.com/InuvialuitCarver

I asked her which one of her carvings is her favourite, and she chose the hunter hunting a beluga whale.  It is made from soapstone and muskox horn.  These carvings would make a great gift for the man or woman in your life who likes the outdoors, animals, and handmade items.  They would look stunning in any living room or den.

If you would like to visit Priscilla's etsy shop, go to: www.etsy.com/shop/inuvialuitcarver.

Thanks for reading!! If you liked this post please select the subscribe button so my posts can go directly to your e-mail.  Also please like, share or write a comment.  I like to know what people are thinking about my blog.

The Cherry Tree

Since I was young, I've had back and neck pain because I was born with a spinal curve.  I'm always on the look out for products to help relieve pain or make me feel better.  At the Butterdome craft sale, I stumbled upon a vendor that was selling comfort bags you can heat or freeze.

Then I spoke to Christina and found out that these bags are made from recycled cherry pits from the cherry industry in Western Canada.  The factory washes and dries them so that they can be sold to people who can reuse them.  I think this is a very creative way to reuse something that would have been thrown away.  

The bags are designed and made in Edmonton.  The have many shapes and colours to choose from.  I choose a purple long bag for myself which I purchased.  I brought it home to use but, I left it alone for a second with my daughter. I come back and she is using it on her back saying "so comfy".  The next time I see The Cherry Tree, I am going to buy a small bag for my child, so I can have mine all to myself.

If you are interested in seeing more comfort bag designs go to www.thecherrytree.ca.

Give a Little Giggle

Even though I love going to craft fairs, I find them a little stressful.  Especially at the Butterdome where there is hardly any parking.  Last year at the Christmas craft sale, I thought I'd never see my car again because I had to park so far away.  So this year I took public transit which was a smoother commute. I then walked around the venue looking for a booth to "speak to me" and I found one that did. Literally.

The vendor, Paul, was sitting in a chair with a puppet who gave me a greeting.  I stopped right away to see what this booth was all about.  Catherine and her husband Paul have been making and selling puppets for ten years.  On their business card, it says, "Spreading Joy Around the World, One Giggle at a Time."  That is exactly what they are all about.  The colourful puppets come in two sizes, child and adult.  These puppets would be perfect for teachers, entertainers, photographers, or any profession where you'd need to grab a child's attention.  They would also be a great addition to any toy box.

Catherine said I could take a picture with any puppet I wanted.  I chose this grey fuzzy one because he had just been brushed.  She said it looked like the puppet was whispering a secret to me.

If you would like one of these delightful furry creatures as one of your own, Check out the Give a Little Giggle website at www.givealittlegiggle.com.

Terre Ferme Pottery

When I walked onto the floor of the Butterdome craft sale, the first thing I saw was the well lit booth of Terre Ferme Pottery.

I was attracted to this booth because I have been knitting for over 10 years and have always wanted a knitting bowl.  There they were sitting in the light saying, "You know you've wanted me for at least 4 years.  Time to buy me."  I loved the designs and colours of the bowls as well.

This is my purchased bowl with my project inside secured by the knitting needle through the holes on its side.  That is my favorite feature of the bowl.  I used to use a normal kitchen bowl for the yarn of my projects but this is even better.

The booth also had beautiful plates, bowls and mugs for purchase as well.  Then I met the artist's husband who said that his wife Kentia was on a break, but she would be back soon so I could speak with her.  I purchased my bowl and promised to stop by again soon, which I did.  Kentia was as warm and friendly as her husband. They are from St. Albert.  She said that she only started making pottery four years ago and it changed her life.  Her inspiration is the beauty that is around her in western Canada and from her travels.  I can relate as I love Alberta as well.

Kentia is not currently selling pottery from her website or on her etsy shop, but I would still check it out the site as people have posted pictures of their purchases.  www.terrefermepottery.etsy.com 

She also has instructions on her website on where to purchase her art in person.  www.terrefermepottery.com  Or check her out on Instagram @terrefermepottery.