November 1st is nearly always a surprise of a day for me: 27 years ago, I became a full-time sole proprietor of what has come to be known as Studio Haus. It amazes me all these years later how time has given me so many opportunities as a business owner. And the amazement continues.
Those of us at the 45th TN Craft Fair had a great view of the eclipse and enjoyed the weekend’s endless variety.
Last month, I was once again in TN Craft’s Emerging Makers Tent (EMT) at the 45th TN Craft Fair (for the second time). It was a fabulous weekend, even if day one started out with perfect temps followed by two days that gradually chilled many of us to the bones. The eclipse, a show unto itself, quickly appeared and then just as quickly hid behind the thin veil of clouds so we could see it without damaging our eyesight. And then the clouds grew thicker and the air grew chillier. It didn’t stop the attendees though, thank goodness. I met many wonderful souls and of course was happy to see dear friends too.
Through this collective environment that TN Craft’s EMT provides artists, I keep learning how to better display my wares and become a better salesperson. Storytelling and talking about my work seems to be skill I need to hone. I tend to prefer relying solely on the display but my back story is what kept the conversations going. Because of the TN Craft Fair, I’ve since been invited to another show, interviewed by a new magazine (details soon) and made new friends and customers. Visit my Insta to see some of the highlights from the show.
Attend the Memphis Japan Festival this Sunday at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
I’ve also just completed all the projects for this weekend’s Memphis Japan Festival which is in its 7th year. If you’re in Memphis, be sure to check out all the cultural events, vendors and exhibitors. It’s held at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. They have a lovely Japanese garden and the event continues to grow in popularity.
At the end of this month is the Tennessee Local Food Summit—they have great presentations, meals, exhibitors and more! (Artwork by Andie Peach.)
And looking ahead, I’m helping the TN Local Food Summit with their upcoming event being held in Lebanon, TN November 30 - December 3, 2023. “Farmers, gardeners, educators, activists, entrepreneurs and food system stakeholders from across Tennessee and the Southeast region will gather to learn, connect, and work together to build a more resilient, community food network.” I’ve seen the early stages of the programming and it sounds even better than before.
You might ask “Why is it held the end of the year?” I asked that same question when we began working together a few years ago and it’s simply because, even though many of us are in holiday prep mode, this is the farmers slow season. It’s a good time to break away from the frenzy and learn more about our community’s food sources and the many perspectives they encompass.
I also just completed a new book cover for a title that is now available on Amazon and through Barnes & Noble, written by a wonderful storyteller and lovely human. Check out Other People's Pets: Critters, Careers, and Capitalism in Yellowstone Country. I can’t wait to get my copy and read it. Chérie has a great sense of humor, kind heart and is super talented. She also has a wonderful website with more of her great stories as well as one devoted to her other endeavor, Magpie Productions. whose logo I had a great time designing.
Other People's Pets: Critters, Careers, and Capitalism in Yellowstone Country by Chérie Newman
It’s a fabulous time of year in Tennessee. Wherever you may be, may this season bring you much joy, warm-heartedness and prosperity. I have so much gratitude for all of you that have traveled this path with me. May our paths cross again soon and may we love all that we can do to make this world a better place.