Jenn's Laughing Taffy Crafts

My Wonderful Great Aunt Phyllis

2011-03-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago my fabulous Great Aunt Phyllis passed away do to complications of lung cancer. She was a great lady and had a wonderful family. When I moved out here to the Philadelphia, PA region she and my Great Uncle Bob were my one connection to my family and grandmother back home in Washington State. Aunt Phyllis was just like my grandma, extremely funny, quick witted, caring, loving and doted on her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.

I wasn't going to mention my great aunt's passing on here, but a request I received today really struck me, it was a conversation on my Etsy shop that I received. A woman was asking for a donation of one of my items for a fundraiser they were having. I followed the link that she provided to her organizations website. As it turned out, she was part of a Relay for Life team that was raising money the American Cancer Society. I was completely shocked that she had come across my shop and immediately felt that my great aunt had something to do with it. I was also reminded what a small world it is and that everything is connected and happens for a reason.

I was more then happy to donate the trinket chest that Lisa was interested in. I mentioned my great aunt to Lisa, and that I would be donating it in her name. Lisa let me know that along with the trinket chest will be a note stating that it was donated in honor of my great aunt. This was just one small thing I could do to honor my Great Aunt Phyllis.

I have included a link to Lisa's Relay for Life team page.
Relay for Life- Moose-kateers

A New Year and New Projects

2011-01-06T13:08:00.001-05:00

I can hardly believe that it's 2011! What happened to 2010? It went by so quickly! When you are younger a year seems so long and from January to December seems to take forever. As I get older though, I wish the years seemed to last forever, because now they go by so quickly that I can hardly believe that it's been 12 months.

With the end of the year though came my week long Christmas vacation back home in Shelton, WA with my family and my boyfriend, John, came with me this year also. It was a fabulous and relaxing time home. Spending time with my family, whom I only get to see twice a year, is my favorite thing and very precious to me. Plus, I got to see my adorable 10month old niece, Madeline. She has grown so much! I just wish I got to see her more.

I spent most of November and December working on a couple of custom orders and gifts for my sisters and on Madeline's Christmas gift, an adorable set of ABC blocks with an Alice in Wonderland theme and a chest to keep them in. The blocks took FOREVER! So much painting and sanding and gluing and more sanding and more sealer applying. I loved the end product though. My sister was surprised by the blocks, they were much more then she was expecting and I think that's a good thing! :)

With the new year I have have started on new projects for my website and Etsy store. I have also started making something completely new for my collection. This something are hanging jewelry organizers. I had several frames where the glass inserts had broken and I didn't know what I was going to do with the frames. So I came up with the idea to put loose burlap in the picture insert area for earrings and then add knobs or hooks to the frame to hang necklaces or bracelets from. I am so happy with how they turned out and am also happy they frames didn't go to waste. I can't stand it when something goes to waste.

I hope that your holidays and new year have been wonderful and that nothing but the best comes your way. I, myself, am expecting several huge changes in the coming year that will change my life as I know it. When they happen, I will be sure to share them you! With that, I leave you and wish you nothing but the best in the new year! Also, here's a pic of my niece because I just can't get enough of her... hahaha :)

Photos of back home

2010-09-21T12:39:00.001-04:00

I finally downloaded my photos from my vacation back home to Washington State. Here are a few of my beautiful home state and a couple of my family. Hope you enjoy :)


my super cute niece Madeline "Maddie"

A very happy Maddie :)

A picnic out on the boat in Seattle (my mom, Maddie, my sister Nicole (maddie's mom) and my brother-in-law Jason)

Sunset out on the water

Mt. Rainer as seen from I-5 on the way home to Shelton, WA

I just love this photo :) It's an outside table at The Robin Hood in Union, WA

A sleeping grandmother and grand-baby :)


Oakland Bay, right outside my grandma's house :)

So those are a few photos from my trip home. I hope you enjoyed them. I really can't wait to go back home for Christmas in a few months. Have a fabulous rest of the day!

~Jennifer :)

Give-away on Facebook!!

2010-09-20T13:28:00.000-04:00

I almost forgot to mention, I am having a give-away on Laughing Taffy Designs Facebook page. This time around I am asking people to post photos on the page of their most creative project they have done. On Sunday the best photo will win a custom frame :) Good luck to those that enter!

A link to Laughing Taffy Designs Facebook page.

~Jennifer :)

The school year and craft shows have started!

2010-09-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

It has been over a month since I last wrote anything, but I'll catch you all up on what's been going on! Back on Aug. 8th I took 10 days off and went home to Washington State to visit my family and take a much needed break. I had a fabulous time back home seeing my family and my absolutely adorable niece! I was also able to finally give my sister and brother-in-law the gift I have been working on for Madeline's room, her name to hang on her bedroom wall. It was a great visit and I can't wait to go back in December for Christmas :)

When I got back from vacation the family also got back from their trip to Maine, which meant there was no down time for me. The kids' summer camps were all done, so I had them all day to entertain. I wish it had been them entertaining me instead of the other way around... hahaha :) But it was nice to have them back in the house. I tend to get a little bored during the week when they are all gone on vacation. We had a lot to do though to get ready for their new school year. They had to finish doing their summer reading, get their school supplies, make sure their uniforms fit and most of all, just enjoy their last few weeks of summer break :)

The family did have something very exciting to look forward to though in the weeks before school, they were going to be having a new addition to the family. No, the new addition wasn't going to be a baby, the new addition was an exchange student from Austria that will be staying with the family for 10 months. Her name is Kerstin and she is fitting in with the family just fine and adjusting to the American culture. I am sure that I will be sharing more about her throughout the coming school year.

Ah, the school year, yes that has started and I now realize why my mom was so happy for it to start in the fall! :) It's so nice to not have someone saying "What can I do?", "What are we doing?" and all those questions that have answers that after awhile the kids no longer like... hahaha :) But with the school year has some the sports and clubs and tons of driving. So when 3pm comes around driving becomes my main job. Trying to juggle all the schedules so kids get picked up and dropped off in time becomes crazy at times and I don't know if it will all work out, but some how it does, and I am always surprised :)

Finally, the craft show season is in full swing. I participated in the Upper Providence Community Day this past Saturday and had a lot of fun. I loved meeting new people and talking to them about my craft. I also talked to a mother who had bought a bulletin board from me a year ago for her daughter and she still loves it. That always makes me smile when I hear that my pieces are still bringing joy to those that bought them :) On October 3rd, I'll be at the Malvern Fall Festival of the Arts and Paws in the Park. That will be a long day, but also a ton of fun. I am really looking forward to it!

Photo of my booth at the Lower Providence Community Day

Okay, I think that's all for now. It's time to return to my job duties and also to take some photos of new pieces to add to my website. I hope you all had a wonderful end to the summer! Fall is almost here and I am looking forward to the leaves changing color and the nice cool, crisp air :) Be well and always dream Big!

~Jennifer :)

It's been a little...

2010-08-03T23:51:00.000-04:00

So, I know it's been a little since I have made an entry. My life has been a tad hectic the last couple of weeks and sitting down to write just hasn't been in the cards. I received several custom orders which was fabulous, but they took up a lot of time. Add on to that, the fact that my 7 to 7 job was go, go, go. And then add onto that the fact that I have been helping my boyfriend pack for his move down to Wilmington. He's going to be almost an hour away from me... so sad :( Plus several other things that have taken up time, which leaves no time to sit and write. Which is probably why I am writing this tonight at almost midnight... hahahaha :)

I am going on vacation this coming Sunday and am so looking forward to it! I will be going back home to Washington state for a little over a week. While I'm there I am hoping to post some pics of my wonderful family and adorable little niece. For now though, this is all I have time to write.

I wish you all a fabulous week and hope you are staying cool from the heat :)

~Jennifer :)

A Very Long Week...

2010-07-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just seems to keep going on and on and on? That is how this week is going for me. It is Wednesday night, but it feels like it should be Friday night already. Now, this could be because I just really want it to be the weekend, so I can have a morning to sleep in. But I really just think that it's one of those never ending weeks.

This week I have been working on several projects, one of which is for my adorable niece. A while back I decided to do Madeline's name for her room, and just recently received the wood letters in the mail for it. So I have started to pick out papers and patterns to use in the colors of light greens, pale yellows and light pinks. I am hoping to have it done before I head home in two weeks to Washington State for vacation. When it's all finished I'll post some pictures of it for all to see :)

The other projects have been coasters for my website and also a set of coasters for a give away on my facebook fan page. The non-craft projects where cleaning my studio apartment and working on organizing all of my supplies. I always seem to be organizing. I will have everything neat and tidy and looking great. And then two days later it's on the road to chaos again... I really hope I'm not the only like this... hahaha :)

Today I supervised a splatter paint project with the kids this afternoon, which turned into the kids painting themselves... hahahaha :) When I say painting themselves, I mean really painting all over their bodies... faces, legs, arms, hands, bottom of their feet... there was no way they were walking in the house that way! Caroline, who is 15, cleaned off her feet and hands before going in the house, but Jonny had to jump in the pool to really scrub his feet and hands before heading in the house. It really was quite a sight!

That's it for now... and the long week continues. I hope for you all it has been a short and fast one though :)

~Jennifer :)

Paper, Paper, Paper Everywhere!

2010-07-22T14:13:00.000-04:00

When my boyfriend goes with me to a craft store, he usually does his best to get me out of the store without buying any paper. I love paper! Patterned paper, colored paper, textured paper... it's all just fabulous! I see a pattern or color and just start thinking of what I could do with it, what other patterns I could put it with and so on. Now, my wonderful boyfriend tries to get me out of the craft stores before I buy any paper because he knows, just as well as I do, that I really don't need any more paper. I will probably never use all the paper I have now, and deep down I really know that. But I see something new and just can't stop myself from wanting it... hahahaha. This leads me to what I was doing today. I was browsing through the new products on Scrapbook.com and came across a product line I had not seen on there before called Websters Pages. They have some fabulously styled papers and ribbons and I thought I would share them with you here.

Finishing Projects...

2010-07-21T14:25:00.000-04:00

Today was spent working on and finishing up a few projects. The first project I was finishing up was a framed mirror for a buyer on Etsy. The second project was a sign for my mom. I love my mom to death, but she can be overly picky... hahaha :) She has not seen the "no soliciting" sign yet, but I'm hoping that she doesn't find anything wrong with it since it's beyond the point of changing. So my fingers are crossed :) And since my time is very limited today, this is all I'm writing... I have included photos of the two projects for today... enjoy :)

A very girly order...

2010-07-19T10:13:00.001-04:00

It's Monday and I think this week will be a good one :) Over the weekend I received an order for a custom ladder trinket chest. The buyer described her niece as "a diva in training" which meant this trinket chest was going to be super girly... just what I love!

All of Sunday was spent working on the ladder chest and getting it just right. Papers of pinks, greens and yellows were used, flowers were put on the knobs and the little girl's name was put down the edge. And I have to say, when it was all done, I loved it! I think it this little girly trinket chest is my favorite by far :)

Here are a few pictures of how the ladder trinket chest turned out for little Gianna :)

Bags and Purses, Purses and Bags, I love them all!!

2010-07-14T15:47:00.013-04:00

Yesterday I started cleaning my little studio apartment and going through all my dressers and my only closet to get ready for my boyfriend to come stay with me for a few weeks. By the end of last night I realized 3 things. 1.) I had held on to too many clothes... I have 4 garbage bags full of clothes to give away. 2.) I have an admitted obsession to shoes. Finally, 3.) I found out that I also have an obsession with bags. Now when I say "bags", I mean hand bags, purses, duffel bags, backpacks, and so on. I really didn't realize how many I had until I was cleaning last night... I just kept finding them and saying to myself "Where have you been all this time?"

I love small handbags and large ones with tons to pockets to keep everything and cute ones that no one else will have. After realizing that I had a ton of handbags and so on in my living space, I also realized I had saved a ton on Etsy. So, I thought I would share one of my obsessions with you all and show you some of the fabulous finds I have found on Etsy.com.

Handmade Stylish Handbag in Retro Style with Ribbon
by MariesCornor

X Large Tote/Messenger Bag with Floral Pattern
by MariesCorner

BIRD CALL-pleated handbag/tote/purse made with Paula Prass Michael Miller Fabrics
by purseona

Grab and Go Wristlet/Mini Purse/Cosmetic Bag/Bridesmaid Gift
by Dollbirdies

Herringbone Harris No More
by breagha

Olive green Chiffon Flower Handbag
by mojospastyle

Sassy Linen Tote/Messenger in Garden Green
by Kinies

Large Tote with Japanese Blossoms
by MariesCornor

Grey Chiffon Ruffle Flower Handbag
by mojospastyle

Modern Hobo in Bright Summer Floral
by maddikayhandbags

Large Size Coin Purse Made From Flourish Large Floral Medallions by Studio e Fabrics
by MimisCrafts

Bird on a Limb Shoulder Bag
by LBArtworks

French Market Bag...charcoal black ruffle tote from down de bayou
by bayousalvage

My Tiny Space...

2010-07-13T13:49:00.005-04:00

It's been a miserable day today, tons of rain and now it's super duper humid outside. So, I decided that since I have done all my errands and chores for the family I work for, I would work on my living space. I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I am a live in nanny and have a small studio/apartment in the family's house. I feel like I am constantly cleaning and tidying up stuff. My boyfriend thinks it's because I have too much stuff in a too small of a space. And I am thinking that he is right. The space was good when I started working 8 years ago, and held everything nicely and neatly. Over those 8 years though, I have accumulated more furniture, started a craft business and got 2 cats. So, in order to solve my space problem, I am going to start a major cleaning project. Drawers will be gone through, closet will be emptied, magazines tossed, and anything I haven't touched in months will be gotten rid of! Or at least that is the plan... hahaha :) There is one other reason I need to do an over haul cleaning of my area... my boyfriend might be staying with me for a little while he looks for a new apartment or house. I, or should I say we, will need all the free space I can muster up in my tiny area.

So, with that said, I am off to do a little cleaning before heading out to pick up kids. I hope you have a fabulous day and wish you tons of smiles :)

Too Hot to Be Out

2010-07-07T16:05:00.005-04:00

If you are living here on the east coast this week, you are probably trying to survive the heat just like I am. I moved here about 9 years ago from Shelton, WA and am still not use to the summer out here. I know this heat is not all that normal, but it is nothing like the weather I am use to and miss.

So, in trying to stay away from the heat I have been working on up-dating my Etsy page and my own website. Many new items have been added (that took a ton of time) and I was reminded why I was putting it off... hahaha :) I also worked on a present for the girl I am a nanny for. Caroline is turning 15 this coming weekend. She is a very talented artist and is looking to going off to college in a few years to get a degree in art. Caroline is also an amazing photographer. She doubts her abilities sometimes and feels she should know the ins and outs of her camera in order to take good photos. I keep telling her that anyone can know everything about their camera and take a decent picture, but it's the person that has the creative eye that takes a great photo even when they don't know much about their camera. This leads me to her birthday gift...

I felt that if Caroline saw her photos printed in a book that she would see how good she is at photography. So I went in search of an online publishing site and I found Blurb.com. It has a free program to download to allow you to design your book with different fonts, colors, layouts, themes and so on. It's great! I asked Caroline to send me 40-50 of her favorite photos she has taken. I put them together in a coffee photo book for her.

I was going to keep it as a surprise for her, but just couldn't and had to tell her why I asked for all the photos. Her face completely lit up and she was/is so excited about it. Even though she won't have the book for a week and a half she said "Wow, it's like I'm a real published artist!" That is exactly the response I was looking for. I know she is an extremely talented girl and that talent is going to take her far, I just hope her confidence in her talent keeps growing.

I have included some of her photos on here to share with you all.

A Hot Hot Weekend for a Craft Show

2010-06-30T10:05:00.005-04:00

Good morning! I am happy to say that I final have internet again!! After spending over an hour on the phone yesterday with Comcast to fix a problem that should have been fixed on Monday when the technician was here. But it is all up now and we can move on... hahaha :)

This past weekend I was at a craft show/flea market. This was the first event I was attending by myself, which made me a little nervous about setting up the tent and really nervous about how I was going to get a bathroom break! Luck was on my side though and a space on the covered walkway opened up so I didn't need to set up the tent. As for the bathroom breaks, that was also not an issue since I was next to the nicest vendor, Peggy, who watched my booth while I ran to the restroom quickly.

This was probably not the best weekend to be at an outdoor show, it was HOT HOT HOT out! The temp was well over 90 and super muggy on Saturday. Not the best for my items since they don't really handle moisture very well. But they are all dried out now and as good as new :) I think the heat kept a lot of people inside and not out at the show. I had a lot of interest in my items and people really seemed to appreciate the work that went into them. As for sells though, I got some interest in custom orders and made an even trade with another vendor. I also made a few contacts with other fabulous vendors which is always a plus and makes for a decent show.

Now this trade I made was for the cutest zebra print poofy skirt for my little niece. I know she's not big enough to wear it, but when she is, I think she'll LOVE IT. I mean, what little girl doesn't love a fun skirt to twirl around in! :)

Well I am off to pick up Jonny from tennis camp and then take him to art camp... he's a very busy boy :) I hope you have a fabulously sunny week!

~Jennifer :)

The Evils of the Internet...

2010-06-25T11:52:00.003-04:00

So usually I tell you about my fabulous mom and sisters or my absolutely adorable niece or what new project I am working on, but not today. This is going to be a short and sweet complaint about the internet... hahaha.

For the past weekend the family I work for has been gone on vacation and I have been left in charge of the house, dogs and parrot, which I am totally cool with. But something always happens when they go on vacation, the basement floods (has happened several times), something stops working and so on. And this time it was no different. This week the internet at the house has stopped working, which isn't such a huge deal until it's time to pay the bills on time and emails from costumers need to be responded to. Normally I would have taken care of it, but Comcast (I really don't like them) will only let the home owner schedule an appointment for service... so so annoying! I have dealt with all kinds of emergencies for the family, but the internet goes down and I am completely helpless to help them... go figure.

Luckily, part of the family is coming home today and the mom will be able to schedule an appointment to get everything fixed.

Now you might be asking yourself, where is she blogging from then, well I am at my boyfriend's apartment using his internet connection. It's cool here, his cats keep me company and I don't have to worry about someone looking over my shoulder at my personal information or my snacking issues like I would if I was at a cafe or bookstore.

So, with that rant done, I leave you in a much better mood, but still wishing I didn't rely on the internet so much... hahaha :)

~Jennifer :)

Coasters...

2010-06-17T11:50:00.004-04:00

It's just a short post today. The family is getting ready to go away for a week, so everything here is very hectic to say the least. In my down time though I have finished several sets of coasters. And I have to say, I am pretty proud of them! Especially since they were the only thing that sold at the recent show... hahaha :) The mom that I work for even bought two sets to take up to Maine for the family. I thought that was very nice of her to support my crafting. Below are a few photos of some of the coasters. Have a fabulous day and always smile :)

~Jennifer :)

If I hadn't started making the coasters....

2010-06-14T15:01:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I participated in a craft/vendor show that was supporting a Girl Scout Troop in Souderton, PA. My boyfriend did not come along with me this past weekend. I told him that he didn't have to since I was going to be leaving at 6am. And he completely agreed with me when he heard the time... hahaha. I did have some help though. Jonny, the little boy I nanny for, came with me to help and keep me company. We were on the road by 6am and stopped at McDonalds for breakfast, which Jonny loved! We arrived at the event just a little before 7am to start setting up. For such an early morning, Jonny was doing well and being a huge help in unloading the car and trying to come up with ways to set up the table and arrange the items. There was one thing he was disappointed about... the show was inside and not outside (which I was happy for). After everything was set up and in it's place I took one last look at the table... and noticed I couldn't find Jonny, that is until I looked behind the table again. I found him sleeping on the job! ;) I couldn't really blame him though, if I could have laid down for a nap at that moment I would have! :)
The show itself was kind of slow. I only sold one item, one of the coaster sets that I had just started to make. I met a lot of nice people and had a good time over all. Jonny kept me entertained and occupied, and for the most part he behaved as well as I could expect him to after waking up at 5:50am.

This week I will be working on coasters and trinket chests and also trying to come up with a design for a sign for my mom, oh, I'll also be working also... should be a fun week :)

New Project and Kids off for the Summer

2010-06-10T12:26:00.006-04:00

I know I haven't been on here in over a week, I have just been super busy with my job (kids are out of school so I now have no free time) and I have also been working on a new project. I have started making coasters out of tiles with either using stamps on them or doing gel transfers.

Jonny's last day was this past Tuesday... He was done at noon. When I walked up to get him I was surrounded by Jonny and his friend Lachie. Jonny wanted Lachie to come over for the a playdate. And how could I say no to him on the last day of school. I took them to get pizza, then water ice to keep them happy. I had to go to the market after that and they were great helpers. I would tell them what I needed and they would go find it. It was like a treasure hunt for them! Then when we got home, they played outside, went swimming, designed and made a coaster set, went and played tennis, made cupcakes, and finally watched a little tv while having dinner. They spent 6 and a half hours together and got along the whole time. It was a good day for those two... hahaha. And apparently Lachie told his mom it was one of the best days ever... That's a pretty big standard I now have to live up to for a playdate... hahahahaha.

The coasters/tiles have been a challenge for me. First let's go with the stamping. I read a lot about stamping tiles and coloring them in. Everyone said that you needed to bake the tiles after stamping to heat set the ink. I did that. Then I went to color in the image with chalk. Well, apparently heat setting does not completely dry the ink, because it smeared on my first tile. Into the trash that one went. On my next try I colored the whole tile with chalk, then stamped over it and baked it. The ink was still a little wet to the touch so I sealed it with one coat of an acrylic sealer. The seemed to set the ink and still allowed for the tile to absorbed some of the moisture from anything set on top of it. So I think I have figured those out. I just need to figure out how to make the chalk darker when I am coloring in the stamps. Any suggestions?

The second type I have been trying is doing a gel transfer onto a tile. Over the weekend I tried it with a print from an inkjet printer and one from a laser printer. Everything I had read said that the laser printer would work best, and well it did. I have also read that using photo paper and an inkjet printer works well, so maybe I'll try that next week. Since I do not have a laser printer, I decided to try using some of my scrapbook paper to do a gel transfer, and what do you know, it worked out really well. After rubbing off all of the pulp until just the image was left I covered the tile with epoxy resin. They look really good and once I get the edges all smoothed down they will be ready for the show on Saturday.

Jonny is done entertaining himself so I am needed to come up with something for us to do... hopefully he doesn't say no to every suggestion I have ;-) I have included a couple of pictures I took this morning of the two tiles I used the gel transfer process on. They are still a work in progress :) I hope you are having a wonderful Thursday and have something fun planned for the weekend!

~Jennifer :)

My Absolutely Adorable Little Niece

2010-05-27T11:36:00.014-04:00

My sister sent me the absolute cutest pictures of my little niece Madeline yesterday. Plus it doesn't hurt that she is completely adorable with her big blue eyes and head full of hair. She is bigger and cuter in every picture that I see of her. It does make me sad though that I am so far away from them and only get to see little Maddie (that has become her family nickname) in pictures. But hopefully I'll get to see her this summer!

The pictures though say a lot about Maddie. In every photo of her she is alert, eyes wide open, expressive and happy. I think she is going to be a very smart little girl. And I do think that my sister will get her wish of knowing what a little her will be like! I hope she's ready for that! ;) My sister and brother-in-law are doing a wonderful job in being new parents though, and I don't think Maddie could really ask for better ones.

It was the photos that made me want to write this post, so I thought I would share two of them (with my sister's consent of course)...

This one is one of Maddie in the bathing suite that my mom knitted for her. My mom told me that when she saw the photo she got tears in her eyes... She is such a proud grammy!

And here is one of Maddie wearing the headband that I made for her to go with the necklace that I made my sister for her first Mother's Day. She is just too cute!!

This brings me to the end of this entry. I have to get back to my nanny job and also finish up a frame for my mother that she requested for a photo of Maddie. I hope you have a fabulous day and that wherever you are it's cooler then it is here in PA today... the high 80's and humid... fun ;) Here's wishing you a cool day!

~Jennifer :)

It's Monday... and all is well :)

2010-05-24T08:51:00.004-04:00

So this past Saturday I showed my wares at the Trenton Ave Arts Festival and it was a great experience, I even made a profit this time... hahaha. The show was huge, the biggest one I have been to yet. Tons of people, lots of music and a lot of fun... even if it was a long tiring day.

The night before, with the help of 8yr old Jonny, I was able to pack everything into the subaru. It was a tight fit, but with the creative suggestions from Jonny, I was able to make everything fit... even the all important table that I actually forgot about and had to pack up Saturday morning... hahaha :)

Saturday morning I woke up early, printed off directions and left with my boyfriend John in the car with me. I had really no idea where this show was in the city and neither did John, so it was good that I printed off the directions since both of our phone GPS navs couldn't get a single. We arrived safely though and set up the tent and all my wares in the right space (we double checked several times... hahaha). Everything looked good, even if the sign was a tad crooked and the shelves leaned a little due to the very uneven cobble stone road we were on.

For this show I had gotten a folding pegboard display wall to hang my mirrors and hooks on. It looked good... and then a gust of wind came up and blew it down. I think I might have let out a scream when it happened but I'm not sure... hahaha. I ran over and slowly started to lift up the display. In my mind all I saw was all the glass and mirrors shattered on the road. But as I lift the display I saw that nothing was broken or damaged beyond repair. I was so amazed and relieved!! The other crafters and vendors around me were such a help in giving me string to use to tie the display to the tent and picking up everything that fell, and to them I am so so grateful. I was even more grateful when it happened again... Yes, it happened again even though it was tied in place. The string was that really slippery kind and I think with the breeze rocking the display back and forth it just loosened the knots enough to give out when a stronger breeze came along. But again, nothing was damaged and everyone around really helped me out.

By the end of the show I had sold 5 items and actually turned a profit... first time that has happened... hahaha :) So to me, it was a very successful outing. And the breakdown of the display and tent went very quickly. I really couldn't have asked for more :)

Sunday was spent not doing a whole lot... hahahaha. My feet needed some rest after standing for 8 hours straight and I just needed to relax and sleep a little. Sleep is always good... hahahaha.

I've included a couple of pics of the booth along with the leaning shelves... hahahaha. I hope you have a smooth Monday and great week!

~Jennifer :)

Tomorrow is the art show... YIKES!!

2010-05-21T08:00:00.004-04:00

So the Trenton Ave Arts Festival is tomorrow... and I am NERVOUS!! This will be the first big outdoor show that I have done where it will actually be nice weather and people should be there... and according to reviews, it's a lot of people that should be there... hahaha. The other reason I am nervous is that the show is on a Saturday. I have only done shows that were on Sundays, which gave me all day the Saturday before to pack and get ready and make sure I have everything. This time though I have to do all the packing and getting ready today (Friday) and do my job as a nanny. That adds up to a lot of stuff that needs to get done today and hopefully my time management skills kick in at some point during the day... hahahaha. Maybe I'll try to make a game out of packing the car... do you think an 8yr old boy will fall for that? hahahaha I might have to resort to good old bribery.

If you are wondering how I would be able to pack up a car with my items while I am at work as a nanny, let me clear that up for you... I am a live in nanny. So everything is already here at the house that I work at. That makes it a little easier to get everything done, but I still need to make sure that all my job responsibilities are done first and that the kids are happy and entertained. I'm actually pretty lucky to work for the family that I do. They have been very supportive of me on this new adventure into crafting and going to shows. They even let me use the "nanny" car to transport my things to shows since there is NO WAY I would be able to fit it all into my own little car.

So, with all that said (and it wasn't much... hahaha) I am off to do laundry, clean dishes, tidy up the living room, finish 2 pieces for the show, pack a little, run some errands, drive the older girl to crew practice and figure out a game/project for Jonny for after school (just found out a minute ago he is having a friend come home with him for a playdate... stress level just went up by 2... hahah). And now that I just wrote out that list... I have a lot to get done in the next few hours :) Have a happy, happy Friday!!

~Jennifer :)

Trenton Ave Arts Festival... Only 5 Days Away...

2010-05-17T08:57:00.004-04:00

It's Monday and my second big arts and crafts show is this coming Saturday... and Saturday seems to be approaching faster then normal. Even though this is my second big show, it's going to feel like my first. The Malvern Blooms show was my first, but with the bad weather and small turn out, it wasn't that big. The weather for the Trenton Ave. show is suppose to be nice, and they have had huge turnouts the last few years, so even though this is my second large outdoor show, it'll probably end up feeling like my first.

Before the last few shows, I felt the need to make a ton of items to build up my stock and to have items to show that were not on my website. With this coming show, however, I don't feel the need to do that since there was such a small turn out at the last couple of shows, my inventory is still at a good level. I'm still working on some new pieces for the show though... I just can't go without anything new... hahaha :)

So since I am not acting like a mad beaver working on frames or home decor pieces, I feel a little more relaxed with this show coming up. The kids I nanny for aren't seeing as much paint on my hands. And I am a little calmer around them... which I am sure they appreciate... hahahaha :) And since I am not making one project after another, I think I'll be able to be a little more prepared for the show... I'll have my items marked with prices before the show, they'll be better organized in their boxes, best of all, I'll be less frazzled... hahaha :)

The youngest boy I look after, Jonny (8), has been asking, on the verge of begging, to come to the show with me and help. He wants to sell my items for me, because in his words "I'm an excellent sales person Jenn, you need me to come!" hahahaha... He even told me that he wanted to walk around the show with one of my pieces to try to sale it... of course I told him that would not be safe or a good idea at all... but I still thought it was very sweet of him. Even though Jonny won't be at the show with me (it is my day off from watching him... hahaha), he will have a presence there, he has designed one of the gift tag sets which he is very proud of. He is even more excited by the fact that if those tags sale he gets the money from them. So for him, I do hope those tags sale this coming Saturday.

With all that said, I am off now to do a little nannying and to work on some magazine holders. Have a fabulous Monday and enjoy the little things in life!

~Jennifer :)

Flowers Always Bring a Smile

2010-05-12T07:51:00.006-04:00

It is a gloomy, wet Wednesday here in Haverford, so I thought I would bring a little bit of color. As I mentioned in my last entry, the children that I nanny for were going to plant 4 flower pots for their mom for Mother's Day. This has become a tradition over the past 5 or 6 years that I have been with this family. In those years, I think it has rained on most of the Fridays before Mother's Day, and let me tell you, trying to empty out pots and then plant the flowers in soil turning to mud is a tad difficult, and well, a little more messy... hahahaha. But this year on this past Friday the weather was gorgeous! No rain. No wind. Just sunshine and warmth. So planting the flowers was a breeze.

When the youngest boy got home he was excited to go out and get a little dirty planting the flowers. He pulled the bags of potting soil to the pots. He picked out which flowers he wanting going in each pot. He arranged the flowers around the Hibiscus trees, rose tree and one rose bush the way he wanted them. And then it was time to plant. We planted the trees, then put the flowers in around them, then filled it all in with the dirt. He was so very proud of the his job and knew his mom was going to love all the flowers.

I normally get to see the mom's reaction to the flowers and what the kids have done. This year, though, she got home late and I had left a little early to go with my boyfriend to see his parents for the weekend. So I had no idea if she was pleased with the outcome.

When I got back Sunday night, I stopped in to wish the mom a happy Mother's Day. She was all smiles! She told me she loved the pots and the rose tree especially. She had actually thought that we weren't planting the pots for her this year since she had not heard anything about it. So she was extremely surprised to find the pots filled with flowers and the fountain running (I had cleaned that out earlier on Friday). She loved the colors, but she especially loved the work and thought that her children put into picking and planting all the flowers. (Okay, so the two older ones, 17 and 14, didn't help plant anything, but they did give input into the colors of the flowers and what kinds... hahahaha).

As for my gifts that I made my Mom and sister for Mother's Day, I don't know what they thought of them yet. I kind of mailed them late... part of the life of a nanny is running out of time to do your own errands... hahahaha.

Okay, that is all for this early Wednesday morning. To brighten up the gloom of the day I have included a couple of pics from Friday after the little boy was done planting his mother's flowers for her. I hope they brighten up your day and bring a smile to you.

Have an absolutely wonderful day and know that anything is possible if you only believe!

~Jennifer :)

Mother's Day Projects...

2010-05-07T12:14:00.004-04:00

This weekend is Mother's Day, it's also my sister's first Mother's Day. Nicole has only been a mom for a few months, but I can already tell she is going to be a great one... maybe even as great as our own mother. This year instead of sending my mom flowers or making something that she has seen before I decided to do something different.

This year I have decided to make my mom and my sister Nicole necklaces. I have recently become obsessed with making my own fabric flowers, so I thought I would use them in the necklaces for my mom and sister and also my boyfriend's mother. I am not sure they will wear the necklaces, but it's the thought that counts right? hahahaha I think they, being the necklaces, turned out really nice, in fact I would wear them myself if I were to keep them.

After making these gifts, I now know why some of the pieces I see on Etsy are so expensive... they take forever to make and can really add up in price when buying the supplies. And it's because of that that I think I'll stick to my frames and collages :)

As for the kids that I nanny for, they are doing flower pots for their mother for Mother's Day. I was out this morning getting the flowers and ended up finding a gorgeous rose tree that I know the mom will love! And the kids will have a lot of fun planting all the flowers today after school. I wish I had a photo to post of the pots, maybe tonight I'll have some.

Well, I think that's it for now. I have some photos of the necklaces I made this past week, let me know what you think :) Have a fabulous Friday and an absolutely wonderful weekend and Mother's Day!!

~Jennifer :)

Just a Short Ramble...

2010-04-29T13:14:00.005-04:00

It's a gorgeous day out today! So my time at the computer is going to be a short one. For the most part this week I have just been organizing and adding new items to my website and my etsy page. So really, nothing exciting is going on... ahahahaha :)

I thought I would include a photo or two I took today with my phone. One is of the strawberry blooms in Jonny's garden (the little boy I nanny for). He's super proud of his garden! I am hoping that he'll help weed rest of it so he can start planting the flowers finally.

Okay, I'm heading out to enjoy the sun before the kids all get back from school. Have a fabulous day and DREAM BIG!!

The Malvern Blooms Show

2010-04-23T07:24:00.007-04:00

Hey all!! :) This past weekend I was at the Malvern Blooms show on Sunday. It was my first large outdoor show. I was super prepared for it... I had new pieces just for the show, was packed the night before and actually got to bed early for once. And I was being positive about the weather... hoping the rain was going to not last all day and that the temp was going to get close to 60... Things were looking good!

And then Sunday came... hahahaha. My boyfriend and I got to the show close to 8am. I checked in and got my space. We set up (first time for putting up a tent and all that) and I was happy with how it was looking. Then came the news that I was told the wrong spot... that was a little discouraging. But I was able to move my stuff to a new spot with the help of some very nice people. I am not sure I could have done it myself or even with just my boyfriend since it was raining lightly and my items are not water friendly for the most part. I set up my booth again and was happy with how it looked. All I needed was for the people to start showing up for the show.

Sadly, the weather was not a friend of the Malvern Blooms show that day. It was raining some, drizzly a lot and cold. I think it actually got colder as the day went on. I mean, we could see our breath in the air... never a good sign!! The cold and the on again, off again rain kept most of the people away, but the ones that did come and stop by my booth were friendly and upbeat and gave wonderful feedback on my items. Showing my pieces always makes me a bit nervous, so getting positive feedback helped boost my confidence in my work a little more.

My boyfriend stuck out the cold with me and kept me company throughout the day and I'm not sure I would have been able to do everything on my own. He even held down the fort, sometimes literally (the breeze had a tendency to move the test... need to remember weights for the legs next time), when I had to run off to the restrooms... hahaha. He was the best and very supportive!

All in all, I ended up selling one item, lots of people took cards and I met some very nice, helpful vendors that gave me a lot of information. It turned out to be a wonderful learning experience and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

I took some pics of my first outside booth and here they are...

Gorgeous Day for a Practice Set Up

2010-04-15T12:38:00.003-04:00

Today is a week and a few days before the big craft fair event, and it's gorgeous outside. Tomorrow is suppose to be cooler with clouds, some rain and thunder... not such a great day, so I am going to do a practice set up today. I have never set up the tent, the shelves, the table... I have pretty much no idea how it's going to look... hahahaha :)

The tent should be interesting to set up. Today I'll be doing it by myself, which should be a challenge. I do however, believe that I can do it and it won't fall apart on me!! Luckily when the actual event happens, my wonderful boyfriend will be there to help me, and I think I'll need all the help I can get. The shelves will be easy, they just set up on top of each other and the table will be pretty easy too.

After all bones of the booth are up, then it's time to get out my pieces of work for display. Making the booth inviting and fun is really important to me. By doing a practice set up I am hoping that I'll figure out exactly how I want it so on the big day I won't have to think too much about it and just put everything up.

I think that's all for now :) I'm sure that I'll be on here tonight or tomorrow telling how the practice set up went. Hopefully it goes smoothly and makes me more comfortable when the 25th rolls around. Have a fabulous day and enjoy the sun if it's out where you are at!!

First Big Craft Show... What have I gotten myself into??

2010-04-12T12:53:00.004-04:00

So my life has become consumed with getting ready for the Malvern Blooms: Home and Garden show. This is my first big craft show and my first juried show, so to say that I am nervous about it, is an understatement! :) I was so happy and excited to get accepted, and still am super excited about it, but the nerves are setting in and the cost of everything I need for my booth area is adding up. I knew I would need major things like a tent, table and shelves, those were costs that I expected. It is the little things that are adding up... a display rack for my gift tags, table clothes, extra decorations, and so on.

Now there is the task of setting it up and making it look welcoming. This coming weekend, the little boy I nanny for and my boyfriend are going to help me do a mock set up of my booth. A nice run through of how the tent is set up and how it's all going to look will be nice. I think it will also help calm my nerves come show day on April 25th. I have been looking online constantly at other peoples booths, how they set them up, what they did to set theirs' apart, and so on. There are a ton of wonderful booths out there, and when the show is done, I am hoping that mine will be one of them.

So far, this is my check list of things that I need to remember for the show: tent, sides to tent, table, shelves, items to sell (can't forget those... hahaha), table cloth, decorating elements, money for change, tape, calculator, scissors, change box, twine, sign, hooks, sales receipt booklet, email sign up list, business cards, water, snacks, paper bags for sales... and that's all I have on the list right now. Is there anything that I am missing or should have with me? Does anyone have any suggestions? Because I am really open to them right now... hahahaha :)

Below is a picture of what my new sign looks like. Bearcengic on Etsy did a fabulous job in designing it for me and I think it's going to look wonderful in my new booth!

Trials and Errors of a New Project...

2010-04-08T11:12:00.006-04:00

Can one ever start and try a new project and have it come out perfect? Have a piece of work turn out how they see it in their head? My answer to these questions is usually yes, but today it is a loud NO! Hahahaha

I typically use paper on wood or paper on paper for my projects and love how they turn out. Recently I decided to try something new. I went out and got some canvas with the idea that I would paint or ink them and then apply different papers, images and mediums on top creating a collage. The first two I did with ink and I liked them, but felt they could be better. The third one I just finished, I had such high hopes for. I painted the canvas three different colors with a glaze, then applied a patterned paper on top with butterflies cut out so the painted canvas showed through. It was looking good... But then I had to go and put mod podge over the top... that was my mistake. The canvas stretched too much from being overly damp and having the paper pushed down on it which caused there to be air bubbles under the paper. I was able to push most of the bubbles out, but some are there forever. Should I just say that the bubbles add character? Are part of the design to give the piece texture? Or should I just call it a mistake? I haven't decided yet what to call them... hahahaha.

Here is my question that I'm putting out there... had I just attached the paper with a permanent spray glue and then sprayed a latex sealer over the top of that, would it have been enough to keep the paper in place and protect it? Any answers or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

Here's a photo of the finished work. The flower is a combination of paper and fabric and the stem is felt, both are from Prima. Let me know what you think...

Hello Everyone!! :)

2010-04-06T08:36:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! This is my first blog entry on here, so bare with me... hahaha :) My name is Jennifer and I am a nanny and a crafter. I became inspired to blog after reading the book, Blogging For Bliss, Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide For Crafters, Artists & Creatives of All Kinds by Tara Frey. It's a gorgeous book and made me believe that I could blog without it becoming a chore, because I am not one for liking chores.. hahaha :)

I'm a nanny for my full time job and love it! The kids I look after are great and the youngest keeps me laughing all the time. He is in love with doing projects, or should I say in love with starting them, finishing them is another story... hahahaha. I am always trying to think of new projects for him to do and most of the time I succeed in coming up with something that he really enjoys.

My part time job (which I wish was my full time job) is a crafter. I have always done crafts for myself and family. It allowed me to be creative and gave me a way to relax and center myself. About a year ago my boyfriend encouraged me open up an Etsy shop and try selling my frames and home decor pieces. It was a struggle for me... what if no one liked them? would they even sell? do i really want to do this? In the end, I am happy that I did it. I really shouldn't have worried about all the questions that were running through my head. Since opening up my Etsy shop, I also now have my own website to sell my items, laughingtaffydesigns.com. I have even started going to craft fairs and shows, which was and is another fear for me to overcome. I was accepted to my first juried craft show just last week, which was huge for me! This will be my first huge show and I'm super nervous about it... and it's only 3 weeks away... YIKES!! hahahaha I am pretty sure that I'll be talking about it a lot in the coming weeks... hahahaha :)

Well, that's all for now... my job calls me back work with the buzzing of the dryer. Have a fabulous and creative day!!