Last weekend I went up the North Shore Country Market and set up my table for the second weekend in a row...This has been a long time coming and I had so much fun!  The first weekend was quite successful, this one not so much...I know it will have it's ups and downs, really the whole thing was such a blast, I got such AMAZING feedback, and had FUN!  I really couldn't ask for more...

This girl was adorable, the perfect example of growing up on the North Shore...Bleach blond hair, talking with her buddies about surfing the whole time, skateboarding all over the grounds, and riding back to her house a few doors down to grab some more freshly baked mac nut and chocolate chip cookies for her fundraiser!

Jo and Max took a break from helping me to have a siesta in the grass.

Lately I have been dreaming big, imagining all the ways I want this business to be, and thinking about what my "ultimate success" might look like.  It could be so many different things, but what it really boils down to is getting my work out there to be seen, diversifying the places where I sell, getting in to a few retail shops, and expanding to do more regular shows here and back on the mainland. 

I have always wanted to have a regular spot at a farmers market, so this first step fulfills some part of the master plan.  The traffic at this particular market is pretty low, and I knew that going in...The big market is down the road on Sundays, but they are full and have a long waiting list.  I think maybe it was all meant to be though, this easier, more local scene market is a great start, a way for me to figure out what I want out of this experience and a way to test out my displays and designs.

In keeping with dreaming big, I have been researching markets back in Seattle in hopes of creating a short sabbatical for myself this summer...I'm trying to manifest a situation where I can bring all my work with me and combo my visit home with some festivals and markets.  I have begun the process of wading through all the lists and application processes of a few summer festivals in Seatown in hopes of making this happen!  I've never applied for a juried show, and while I am quiet confident in my work, I can't help but wonder how it will be received.  The other thing that freaks me out is the money part, I am scraping it together these days since being out of work from my accident for so long.  The idea of sending out checks for application fees and then the idea of sending more checks for booth space is a little scary, but I KNOW that if I can make it happen, get my butt to town, and set up a rockin' booth, I WILL SUCCEED!!!!!!!!!

Why may you ask am I not focused on doing more markets and shows here?  Honolulu is a unique place, we don't have the usual weekly, or monthly craft markets, rummage type events, or even very many art festivals.  Sure there are some here and there but the crafts, creations, art, and things you find at these events are really so far from what I do...Not that my work wouldn't also fit in, it's just a very toursity/hawaiiana/shells and turtles and dolphins type of a scene.  There are few galleries and boutiques here that carry any handmade jewelry that isn't either of the beachy shell or carved Koa wood variety.  Another topic on the business brainstorming  is to approach the few retail spot that may be a good fit for my work, just not sure how to go about that part of it yet.  There is a once yearly festival that does have a really nice selection of art, that event is in July and I WILL be applying for that one too :)!

So...I'm kind of loving the dreaming, the planning and wishing for how I would like this all to go.  Really there's no limit to what I can dream up, so I figure why not think, plan, ponder, daydream, and see what I can come up with.  It feels really good to be thinking big, trying to come up with plans to expand, and especially to be so proud of my work.  I posted on face book earlier today that I had a great moment looking through my pictures today...I actually said to myself "I'm RAD"...and you know what?  It's true :)

Whew...I feel better getting all that out of my head! 

Here are a few of the designs I busted out last week before the market.

I've been busy in the studio and loving every second of it!  I've put these beauties in the shop and will be adding a few more in the next few days.  

I'll be dreaming the rest of my evening away, researching more craft events and trying to hammer out my own little corner of the community of talented artists out there that are living the dream of working for themselves, creating beauty one piece of handmade goodness at a time!

Aloha!

Happenings...

Many many moons ago we planted a banana tree in our yard.  If you've never experienced the GOODNESS that is an apple banana, let me tell you, once you've had one, you'll never go back!
They are smaller, and usually a bit more chubby than your standard Dole variety from your local grocery store.   They are so sweet, but not in the same way as the usual banana...there is a tartness and crispness of flavor that comes with these lovely specimens.  After four years of living in Hawaii, I just can't enjoy the "old" ones anymore...Something about the type of sweetness is just too much for me, it's like a too sugary cookie or something, all I taste is the sweet and not the flavor.  I've been dreaming of my own tree of little bananas forever, and I'm so stoked the the time is NOW!!!!

After waiting patiently for what seemed like forever, we finally saw the first sproutings of the flower, then we waited, holding our breath for the little "fingers" to start forming.  One day we declared, "It's ON!!!!", the banana babies had begun their life...NOW, this week we finally trimmed off the "heart" as the local farmers call it, that huge purple flower that was dangling from below.  One of Jo's patients at the hospital from Kauai told her to cut it off and then wait a few days before harvesting the first spiral of nannas.  So I think today is the day we cut those suckers down!!  I cannot wait to taste the goodness...Bananas make a ton of "keiki" or babies, meaning that they send out runners and new plants sprout up every few days, we were told to cut all but one, let it get going for a few weeks and then let one more grow, and so on, so that we always have some in rotation...Sounds good to me!
I'll report back when we've eaten a few and give you the flavor report!

Also there has been mucho dog appreciation, many moments spent staring at his adorable face, telling him he's the best little guy in the world, and general freaking out over the cuteness.  Also, his first trip to the beach (hilarious), and general household goings on, including a Super Bowl half-time dance party, and a very mellow birthday celebration.

Crazy dead tree colors at Waimanalo

Bday coffee with my best boy Casey, and THIS awesome new bag courtesy of a Heather!

Rollin' to Target for some Bday browsing and errands

Sushi date with the Mrs.

Super Bowl halftime appreciation/dance-a-long with the neighbors.

My attempt at healthful football snacks!

It's been a great week, and every day that goes by I am continually thankful for my ability albeit stifled a bit, to walk, swim, and go downstairs to do the laundry.  I am fighting my small moments of frustration, emotion and sadness, but all in all things are looking up!  I signed up for a booth at the North Shore Country Market this weekend!!!! Im super excited, hopefully this will become a weekly endeavor...Updates to come!

Happy Aloha Thursday!