So before I extend my invitation, I want to show you my finished work in progress from my last post. I didn't think I could get a good shot taking it indoors, but I did (except a little blurry)--
So back to what I was saying when I started out--I sure do wish that you could all come with me this weekend to an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Woods. This is my favorite show of the year by far. It's the sister show to another popular show, Shaker Woods that's held for 3 weekends in August. The people who run the summer show own this very very large piece of land, so all of the wooden booths that were built by the exhibitors stay up permanently. So sometime in the 90's they decided to start Christmas in the Woods, and now it's just as popular as the summer one. All of us Christmas exhibitors just rent the booths that are already there, and in keeping with the tradition of the original show, we are all required to dress in colonial attire. This actually was one reason why I never considered this show--I didn't want to dress up, but now it's my favorite part. In the morning when we're all waiting for the show to open, there's no sign of the 21st century. And we're all socializing with each other--it's SO fun!!--and I know the customers love this aspect also.
So tomorrow very early in the morning I'm leaving to go clean my little "house" and decorate it for Christmas (this is required also). These shots were taken last year, but it's still the same. These are the grounds before the show gets going.
Notice that carved tree stump--well they're all over the grounds done by a local artist, and they're all different.
And this is my humble little home--
And look at this--I'm actually doing some house-cleaning!!
At this point, this booth, that's open to the elements all year long is cleaner than my house is right now!
And I did want to show you this one booth--
I took this photo, because this is the first time I've seen it with a clear path. This is most likely the busiest booth in the show. The lady sells her handmade primitive Santas. This is the only show that she does--so all year she prepares for this show, and it pays off. Here's a shot taken during the show--
Not one--but two lines that are pretty much like this all of Saturday and most of Sunday! She does have family and friends that help her at her booth, obviously. Her Santas are quality, and the proof is from her return customers year after to year who collect her Santas. Her prices range from $40 to $200--okay so these lines are pretty constant for both weekends--I'll let you do the math! And the weather is looking excellent--sunny and in the upper 70's. We've been having so much rain here in the last week--we have a very large puddle in our backyard, and we found a very small puddle in our kitchen--a leaky roof which will need to be replaced at least in this area of the house--not cheap, but I'm digressing--the weather is looking excellent. Some of the years have been brutally cold, but we're allowed to use kerosene heaters, which helps tremendously.
And I'm about as ready to leave as I can be--there's a lot more to the set up than normal. Plus, remember the buttons I found in my last post? I've already started to put them to use--
And....one more thing (I know this post is long, but I need a little distraction), I haven't been out much in the last 2 weeks, but I can still get a little taste of the outdoors. This is a bird feeder that we have on our front porch. You fill it with suet, and it only has a small opening in it--
At one point, I counted 12 birds on the railing all patiently waiting they're turn. Aren't birds cute?!
37 comments:
Best wishes at your show! Can't wait to see photos! The table and button project are WonderFUL!!!
I hope you have the best show ever!! I have been to Christmas in the Woods, but have been to Shaker Woods several times. My hubby has a collection of carved walking sticks with those faces on them just like the trees you pictured here. The table is so sweet. Enjoy!
T
Love the table you did with the paintings on the blank pine, looks great ! Good luck at the show, it just sounds like so much fun. Wish I were rich ... ;-) I would pop over for a visit LOL
Love your post about the Christmas in the Woods...looks adorable and I so wish I could go! I love your little house and I am sure you will do very well...let us know :) Does the "Santa" lady sell her work online at all? I wish you guys were closer!
It all sounds so wonderful Diane! Thanks for sharing the photos and wishing you the best at the show! Love your work on the table and the box! Can't wait to hear about it when you return!
Oh, I would love to come to your show. It's looks like it's gonna be amazing. Do the customers ever dress up too? I would totally dress up. I love table, the turquoise heart is gorgeous! Good Luck!
♥Jenny
Have a great show Diane! I love your painted table.
OH Diane I love the table and the show location is awesome. I so miss that kind of atmosphere. Living in south florida does not cut it when you love the country. Enough whinning. Many blessing to you as you do your show I know it will be a success as your work is beautiful.
This looks like the most fun, if I had a choice of this show, the Rockie Mts. the Pacific ocean, it owuld be going to this show as a looker not a seller. To go with a friend, but then be alone to wander for a while and meet the friend again, because it is hard at shows like this to keep track of others.
So fun to see the area you have,
and I will think about you and your great things to show and sell at this. I want you to do so well.
Your side table is just wonderful lovely. I am not gushing I am telling the truth.
What a fun show this will be. I can imagine all of your artful things filling it beautifully. Wishing you a very successful show ... and I hope that beautiful table will find a good home!
The table looks Beautiful and the show looks like fun.
I hope you sell out.
First, I ADORE your table!!!! I'm sure it'll find a new home fairly soon!!! Wishing you the BEST of luck for a wonderful show! Have fun too!!!! Hugs, Terri xoxoxo
have a brilliant show such fun ... and i love the table its lovely, i also love painting furniture hugs xx
This show looks magical Diane! Best of luck and good wishes, but I know you won't have a problem, you work is gorgeous, especially your new piece...wow!
LOve your little bird friends too!
Have the best show ever!! I love your completed piece!
As I've said before, you always make me so homesick for the shows. I just know you will do well. Your box with buttons is really wonderful.
That sounds like a very fun show, wish I was close enough to attend. Best of luck to you with your booth. The table is perfect I like the top left natural it really shows off the beautiful wood.
How sweet that the birds wait in line just like the people do for those Santas!
I am sure your art will sell out at this show. It looks like people come expecting to spend money.
Wishing you all the best in sales and enjoyment of it all.
Wonderful place!
Diane, that table is awesome!
I love the tour you gave all of us. So interesting.. I wish you all the best in the world for your art shows.
And Christmas is the most special for all art work dont you think?
Thanks Diane for all of your dear visits to my blog.
Hugs, Darlene
That venue looks like so much FUN! We don't have anything like that around here. Just so neat that they are actually little structures and not just tents. I hope you will show us some pictures once you have your little house all set up. I can imagine is will be spectacular!
I love that little church on the grounds. This sounds like such a fun and sucessfull show. Your table is gorgeous and love what you did with the buttons. Good luck at your show. Take pictures of your booth if you have time!If I lived closer,I would be there.
Hi Diane, Your show looks like a lot of fun! I love your table beautiful work! and your box would make a perfect little sewing box! How neat you have your own little house to decorate for the show cant wait to see pictures Sincerely, Jonny
Oh Diane, what a fabulous place!!!! Your booth has great colors for Christmas reds and greens and whites!!! I pray you have an awesome show!....and are blessed by the weather and people! LOVE, LOVE the sewing box or button box!!!....love the spool legs too!! ....and that table is great!!! Can't ait to hear all about it! the birds are relaxing to watch!!
WOW absolutly amazing is both table and button box, full of painted details it looks so lovely!
I wish you good luck for your show and thank you for sharing the photos.
Hugs Anja
Much good luck to you on the show. I WISH I could do. It looks like so much fun. :) I hope you many sales (and that table is just amazing - it needs a good home!). Take care! Theresa
Have a fun show Diane! WISH I could come for sure!!!!!!!! It looks like something I'd love without a doubt! I'm sure you'll find a home for your sweet table and all your creations! Hope you get to buy some things too!
Have a fantastic wonderful time! Love the table ♥♥♥ !
Chrismas in the Woods? What FUN! have ton's of chrismas fun! The table looks terrific. Congrats!
This is going to be the most fun show ever! There is nothing like that here, only tents and same ol, same ol. I would love to see that lady's primitive santa. Maybe you can take a pic. Your table is beautiful. Yes, bigger things do seem to take longer to sell. I had large a mosaic mirror I made in a consignment shop for many months. I was about to remove it and it sold. Joy! Best of luck with your show. Still loving your amazing mixed media boxes.
This sounds like a wonderful show! Best of luck to you , have fun!
Wow...this is going to be great! Enjoy yourself! Beautiful table Diane!
Good luck! You'll do well...
Man, your stuff is way cool. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I having so much fun doing Kelly's challenges.
Wishing you all the best! Your table is gorgeous...as all of your work is.
I would so love to be there!!! What a wonderful setting! I can't wait to hear all about it!
Hey I was there (with Tracey!). It was so nice to meet you in person Diane and see your beautiful work up close! What a beautiful day it was. Hope you did well, there sure were a lot of people there today!
Smiles-
Melissa-
PS- I added you to my blog roll!
Not sure how I missed this post, but I wish I could come help you with it. You will be busy, busy, I'm sure. What am I saying? You are already packed and probably on your way back by now. I didn't realize how late it is. You took some fantastic photos from last year. Do we get to see you in period dress?
Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!
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