Catch a Falling Star and Put it in Your Pocket...

It's that time of year again...summer winding down, dog days setting in, kids restless and bored and stars are falling at night!  Oh yes, I've come to learn at this time of the year the Earth is traveling through a trail of cosmic dust left by the comet, Swift-Tuttle.  These particles, when coming in contact with the Earth's atmosphere, burn up, causing a meteor shower known as Perseid's, because the light show seems to originate from the constellation, Perseus.

Last night, when this event was supposedly at it's peak, I decided to do some star gazing.  I had told my daughters about it earlier in the day and they were somewhat interested, "Sure, Mom.  We'll go out and lay with you on the trampoline tonight!"  When 12:30 am. rolled around, one child was in her room texting and the other was asleep on the couch.  Neither one was up for heading out into the dark, damp night.  My husband was out of town, so he was no help either!

I let the dogs out for their last potty break of the night, stretched out on the deck bench and gazed skyward.  The dogs were stymied.  "Why is she laying on the deck...is she dead....does she want to play...?"  Needless to say, I had one dog sitting on my feet, one licking my face and the other using this distraction to try and sneak out of the yard. 

I thought I might have seen a meteor but realized it was a plane.  There was one really bright star but it never moved so I assumed it wasn't a meteor.  I watched some more.  Beautiful sky, but no meteors.  My back started to hurt.  Mosquitos started biting me.  I started to imagine moths getting in my hair and my head started to itch.  I decided I wasn't up for heading out into the dark, damp night either!

But, hey!  Maybe you'll have better luck or like the outdoors at night better than I do.  The meteor shower is still supposed to be visible tonight.  Look up into the night sky between midnight and twilight for the best viewing.  And don't forget the bug repellent!

If you want more information about the Perseid's Meteor Shower,  here's a link:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/08/090812-perseids-best-meteor-shower.html



I've had better luck INSIDE the house this week however....

I added three new pendants to my shop this week.  Be sure to check them out by clicking on my shop link at the top of my blog. 

I love the idea of mysterious English gardens with gates and winding paths and secret hideaways beneath the shade trees.   This series of pendants is named "Secret Garden".  Each pendant features a botanical design in muted earth tones and a skeleton key to "unlock the garden gate..."  Some of the keys are decorative charms and some are authentic vintage skeleton keys.  Check out the first three in the series.  Keeping checking back as more are added!

                                       

Brukner's the Best!!!

I just returned home from the Brukner Nature Center Arts and Crafts Show and it is by far the best one I've been to yet. It is a juried show, so after applying and sending pictures of your items, Brukner decides if they want you in the show . There were so many different and unique things there.
I LOVE meeting other crafters at craft shows! It's so fun to talk to other people who understand the addiction of crafting, whether it be beading, quilting, carving or glass making. People who don't think you're crazy for spending an hour looking at and flipping out over cool scrapbook paper!
I got a lot of ideas from different people today on pendant making, display set ups and even Etsy. Almost everyone I talked to had an Etsy site.
There was a never ending crowd at Brukner and we had a great spot. I'm going to try to get that same spot for next year. This is the best I've done, sales-wise, of any of the four shows I've been to.
It was a different crowd at Brukner, too. Where the other shows were mostly women out shopping while their husbands were home watching football, this show had a lot of couples and families. There were many older couples too. A lot of the shoppers, I think, were affiliated with Brukner in some way, whether it be as a teacher, member, or supporter. I really enjoyed it. It had more of an artisan exhibit feel as opposed to just a craft bazaar. And the fact that it was in a beautiful setting helped also.
Well, I think this is my last craft show for a few months. I will now concentrate on getting my Etsy shop to prosper a little better and start working on doing home shows.
My plan for home parties will include "Create you own pendant" as well pre-designed cash and carry items. I will have stations where guests can choose a pendant, cord or chain, and an optional charm to create their own style and reflect their personality. I have a home show in the works for sometime in January or early February. Can't wait!