Red Eft

We had a visitor to our backyard today. A Red Eft. It is the juvenile stage of the Red Spotted Newt. Apparently they're very common. I've never seen one, though, and Nathan (our 4 year old) was enthralled. How can I work with so many cool things to share with my son? I guess some of the tadpoles we saw earlier this year were newt tadpoles.

Etsy Finds Decor: Soothing Suite

Iheartmoustaches (Etsy Admin.) wrote a fabulous article in Etsy's Storque, "Soothing Suite." Inspired by an Etsian's penthouse apartment in Germany, the article showcases Modern Home Decor with a grounded, earthy touch. I'm really thrilled that she chose my White Confetti Lantern as an example of that look! See, something can be white and warm! I'm really into Danish Modern right now, so this was not only flattering, but inspirational for me. I hope you enjoy the article and my lantern, as well as the other fabulous handmade and vintage examples!

Light Reading

QuiltingFrenzy has included my Amethyst Streak Lantern in her Etsy treasury "Light Reading." It really reflects her love of color and texture, which is evident in her shop. I really like her totes, especially this Handy Retro Tote. Enjoy!

Electric Blue and Sea Goddess

Two new Etsy Treasuries!

First, "Electric Blue," curated by DefiantDamsel. Cobalt blue with a rock-n-roll edge! My Cobalt Streak Lantern was included in this clever collection. Check out DefiantDamsel. I guarantee you have never seen seen a crossstitch Joan Jett before! (Edward Scissorhands is hers, too.)

Next, "Sea Goddess," curated by BethanyRoseDesigns. This is a very sophisticated aqua and purple themed treasury. My Dragonfly Light catcher was included. Bethany Rose, like her treasury, does very elegant hand-beaded designs. I really like her MapleSugar-Whisky Quartz earrings.

Thanks ladies!

Etsy Finds Decor: You're Invited for Tea

Wow! Iheartmoustaches wrote this article for Etsy's Storque. Inspired by Susan Borgen's home and her blog The T-Cozy, it highlights shabby chic and Tea House style. My Cobalt Lantern was featured as one of the related items. Enjoy the article!

ComFest 2009

I survived another ComFest! It was a fabulous adventure as always! We set our booths up on Thursday. Thursday night there were major storms. We spent that night at my friend Mary's house wondering, "Is that hail?" "Will the tents survive?" I thought we would have to retrieve mangled pieces of our tents from around Goodale Park, but no! When we arrived Friday morning, our booths were exactly as we had left them. Now I feel very confident about my set-up in a storm. No storms during the Festival, thank goodness.

ComFest is hands-down my favorite festival. I look forward to it each year as a sort of homecoming. I see old friends and customers, and hear music from some of the best bands in the region. Believe it or not, this was my 16th ComFest. Each year I set up next to my girl Mary Martineau. Mary does really fun decoupage mirrors, coasters, magnets, belts buckles, and necklaces. She sells her work at PM Gallery and What the Rock in Columbus. Hey Mary, open your Etsy shop so I can link to it! Mary's brother Michael was our wonderful helper. He has the job next year if he wants it! Across the way from my booth was Goldyfish Purses. J.J. makes to die for bags. Two booths down was Clinton Reno. Clinton was fortunate enough to have an entire page written about his Concert Poster Art in the Columbus Dispatch on the Saturday of ComFest! Congratulations, Clinton!

Enjoy the pictures! I'm already planning for next year!

Thanks for the plug!

I have Google Alerts set to notify me if I pop up on the internet. I received a blog notification. When I checked it out I found out that it from one of my best ComFest customers! She and her husband buy lanterns from me each year and are always tons of fun. MRS. EYECANSEE blogged about this years purchase (3 lanterns with pics of 2). Not only did she do some great shopping, but she now knows the answer to the age old question of, "What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?" Ah ComFest... it's all out there even if no one wants to see it! (Click on the lantern pic if you'd like to see my current selection of lanterns.)

Thanks for the plug, MRS. EYECANSEE, I'll miss you and the MR. next year!