3 days of Alt Craft at the American Craft Council

So here we are, selling at the American Craft Council Show in the Baltimore Convention Center!

Flying in from New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day (such a sacrifice!) my sister Maria has been my super-awesome workhorse helper trudging through the grueling studio work days leading up the show. She has been by my side during these exciting 3 days of the Alt Craft market of the ACC.

We have been meeting new people and seeing inspiring things as every hour of the show passes. Lots of new customers have found us and some familiar faces have been seen as the days go by. My mention in the Baltimore Sun Article inspired lots of new people to seek us out, some mentioned that they spotted me on the Good Morning Maryland program the other day! We are riding this media wave and just holding on;)
Between the rushes of customers, there is some down time where we can get pretty silly. You may spot us laughing hysterically or goofing around when no one is looking. I think the fatigue and excitement is getting to us a little. Or maybe it's just because my sister and I love hanging out together. Either way, this experience has been a great one so far! Here is to one more day!!! See you tomorrow!

Tigerlillyshop's live demo!

watch my electroforming blurb here!

I'm going to be on TV!

I will featured on Good Morning Maryland Thursday morning during their 9 O'clock hour!

I got call yesterday for a demonstration slot for the local morning talk show on the ABC network. They want me to promote the American Craft Council show as a local AltCraft Seller and show my electroforming process. Look for me!

Happy Mardi Gras! Today is Fat Tuesday!

I made this king cake this month following this recipe (#1) , took me 4 hours total! Whoah! Now I know why people buy them instead of make them from scratch! I tried my hand at this pastry, cream cheese filling and all. I would say, a project like this is for more than one person, make it a family affair, really a lot of work. But worth it for a girl who was seriously craving a king cake fix;)

I've Been Featured!

I had a really great customer stop by the studio last December shopping for some last minute gifts. To my surprise, she told me she is an art writer for the Carrol County Times!

Pam Zappardino put together this really glowing review of me after she got an "up-close and personal" studio tour. She must have been inspired by all of the stuff surrounding her during her visit to write such a nice article. It was really fun to meet her and I hope the people she got gifts for liked them! -thank you, Pam!

Will the CPSIA Effect Your Life?

From Etsy:
Many of our members are aware of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the resulting sense of confusion sellers of children's items are experiencing. These sellers need to know how the legislation will impact their businesses and need to be informed.

The CPSIA is by no means a done deal. We are in conversations with the executive director of the CPSC, and they are listening to the micro-business community! Discussion is ongoing: makers and supporters of handmade and vintage items still need to voice concerns.

In light of this need for information, discussion, and feedback hinging on this important CPSIA issue, Etsy has launched a special temporary forum. Please post any relevant threads there.

Furthermore, for up to the minute info on the CPSIA, we would like to refer folks who are involved or concerned about the CPSIA issue to BuyHandmade.org's new blog, which includes resources and news updates. The Etsy homepage now proudly sports the new badge from BuyHandmade.org, reflecting the focus on this issue.

Please take the Buy Handmade Pledge and show your support for sellers of children's items by placing the badge on your websites and blogs.

Yikes to WOW, Faux Finishing Adventures

Before: After:

Brett was asked to repaint a mantel in a historic Patterson Park row home. The fireplaces in this home are made of slate, and the others in the house were in their original state. For some reason someone decided to repaint this one, and did a very clumsy sponge painting finish. The finished project is painted to look like subtle grey black marble with the triangular shapes painted to match a cover that goes over the hearth.

If you would need any decorative painting in your own home in the future, please think of us and feel free to contact me.