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Well the year is just flying by. The falling leaves are beginning already. I know there are many of you that love this time of year. One thing about what I do....the colors sure go with the season. The rich colors of gold, ambers, and browns are popular colors of leather so you can accessorize your wardrobe and be one with the falling leaves.

   

October brings some emotions with it for me. It was is my Mom's birthday on October 11th. She lost her battle with breast cancer 18 years ago and there is a hope that rises up in me that we find a cure for cancer in my lifetime. October is breast cancer awareness month so for all of my lady friends out there.....PLEASE go get your mammogram if you haven't already. Ask your friends if they have had their mammograms, offer to go with them if they need encouragement. Lets stand by each other and lets also remember those who have lost their lives to this dreaded disease and honor them by getting checked.

On a lighter note - With fall and the beginning of October comes my busy season. Orders are steadily rolling in so if you want any custom work for Christmas it is time to place your order. Wouldn't a pair of moccasins be a fantastic gift to open on Christmas morning? I have a custom order for a gun case that I am working on right now. Custom everything. Just planning ahead a little can help you get the most unique Christmas gift. There are pipes for the smoker in your life, little leather pouches for office Secret Santa gifts, tricked up rain sticks for the musical bohemian in your life. What about a purse, some leather feathers to hang around, maybe a piece of art. Options are endless and I am here to help you turn that idea into reality.

While you are planning ahead you might want to think about yourself a little too. In case you need an excuse, October 10th is National Handbag Day! Why not treat yourself to a new purse? You can come over to Willow Gift and Home on October 8th from 10AM - 5PM and try them on, smell the leather, find the perfect fit for you or order a custom made piece. I will be at Willow Gift and Home at 3500 Hulman Street in Terre Haute for their Art in the Garden event. I will be set up in the boutique again this year, right inside the front door to the right. I love my time at Willow - the staff is AMAZING, their merchandise is unique and a great place to start your holiday shopping. Can't wait to see everyone there.

   
If you have a moment please make a comment and let me know what you would like to hear about in my next blog. I am here for you.

Before I sign off I want to share with you a couple of great shops that are on Etsy with me. If you are looking for one of a kind items, visit these shops and support handmade artists. Do your holiday shopping here.

Oxy Fine Crafts - http://www.etsy.com/shop/OxyFineCrafts

Oxy (Oksana) makes beautiful jewelry, especially bracelets, in every color of the rainbow.  Her items are affordably priced and her selection is amazing.  She is located in Canada and ready to ship your Christmas gifts now.

Mother Natures Stash - http://www.etsy.com/shop/MotherNaturesStash

Barb offers a little bit of everything in her store.  She has vintage items, jewelry, but specializes in natural stones and rocks. Great stocking stuffers here.  

Micheles Menagerie 2 - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Michelesmenagerie2

Gail is an award winning loom header and Master Beader for the Oneida Indian Tribe.  She creates beautiful tribal pieces that everyone can afford.

Silver and Stone Works - http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverAndStoneWorks

Nancy and Bruce have been my friends since about day 1 on Etsy.  They live in Silver City, New Mexico (dreamland)!.... and have been featured in New Mexico Magazine with their jewelry.  They create one of a kind gemstone and silver pendants....and other jewelry as well. 

Charlotte Lee Pottery - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlotteLeePottery

Charlotte is a Colorado potter who creates functional stoneware, decorative raku, and horsehair pottery. Great items that everyone can use.

If you have something that you are looking for but can't find an artist to creates it please email me and I will share some contacts for some great artists. 

Enjoy the fall festivities! 

May Day is upon us.  In short it is the celebration of spring. Depending on your religious beliefs there may be additional meanings but most agree with the spring part.  For me it reminds me of a beautiful memory. The mid 1980’s in Lucern Switzerland, awaking to the sound of trumpets in the street. We rise from our beds to see what is happening and determine that this is like a “call to order” of the community.

So out of bed we tumble and scurry to get dressed and see what is happening.  People are gathering along the street below, the sky is blue and there is the smell of flowers in the air. We hurry so that we can get a spot. What we were about to witness was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.  It was the Festival of Children Parade. Little boys and girls fill the streets dressed up and adorned in flowers.  Flowers everywhere, trimming their clothing, in their hair, on their shoes.  They were all just beautiful and there were hundreds of them. I was trying to get to the edge of the sidewalk but there were so many people, and then, this little girl about 8 years old parted the crowd in front of me.  She had long blond hair that fell in ringlets around her face with a halo of flowers tumbling down from her head.  She looked like she had descended from Heaven itself.  She was beautiful and she walked right up to me, handed me this beautiful pale purple flower, curtsied, smiled, and then ran back into the parade. I will never forget it, and yes, I still have the flower. 

On May Day take a moment to have wonder like our children do, to dance in the street or the rain, enjoy a beautiful flower, and make someone feel special.

I want to give a special shout out to Heather and my lady friends at Willow Gift and Home. 

www.willowgift.com  www.facebook.com/WillowGifts  

They are having their 4th Anniversary Open House on Saturday April 30 starting at 10:00AM. I have had the pleasure of doing trunk shows at this fantastic establishment.....that was also voted “Best Gift Shop” 2016 Readers Choice. Way to go Ladies! 

Here are a couple of pictures from my last show there.  They have a lovely clothing boutique and the most wonderful gift shop. This is the place to shop for your Mother’s Day gifts and I am sure you will find a treat for yourself too.  And be sure and tell Heather that you like her new Willow tree out in the front! 

Cherokee Corn Tears Watch - Absolutely nothing is happening!!!   It takes so long for these to germinate.  You just think that they are never going to come up and then you see a shoot. I still have a while to go before I see anything and I know that.......trying to wait patiently. Laughing out loud now......that is not true....there is something happening.  The squirrels think that they are food!  Pesky little critters! I see them out there sitting in the garden eating, like I have prepared a feast before them. This is yet another reason to think that it never is going to happen.  Never fear though, they always come up in spite of the squirrels.  I just forgot to warn everyone about them! 

Just so you know - I love comments here on my blog.  Its nice to know you were here! Prizes and giveaways coming soon! Until next time! 

Julie