Strawberry Pineapple Jam, and other goings-on

Today I put up some strawberry pineapple jam.  I loosely based it on this recipe, if you would like to make your own.  It is delicious and super easy, so even if you are a jam making virgin, try it out.

Jo spent the day playing with the dogs.  Or, taking away the dogs' toys and running away, squealing with delight.  Call it what you will.

And Still More Pictures of Peculiar.....

so here's the best part of last weekend's art fair..... I was surrounded by some of the most talented artists I have ever met.  What struck me was their positivity.  It's true, a positive attitude makes all the difference, and these artists were proof of that!  Each and every one was awesomely successful in their own way, and an absolute joy to be around. 

Hubby was pleased as punch that we were right next to such a gifted wood turner.  His work was truly amazing.  And, he was one of the funniest people I have ever met!  The life of the party.  His wife was a lovely woman, and just as much fun as he was.

This creative jewelry display belonged to Swirly Girly, a mother and daughter team.  I am the lucky new owner of an ice cream cone necklace, made from chalk turquoise.  I'll post pics of my new favorite jewelry piece later.  Merredith kept us entertained all weekend with stories of her ducks and future chickens, and had me laughing so hard the entire time.  (Sorry if I spelled your name wrong, Girly!)

This was truly a memorable weekend, and I look forward to going back next year!

More Pictures from Clara Brierly Art Festival

This was my baby and child display.  Booties were popular this weekend!

Yep, I ate that.  Looking back, I am a bit ashamed.  But it was tasty.  Oh well.  What happens at the art fair stays at the art fair!  lol

Peculiar

You wouldn't think a little map-dot like Peculiar, Missouri would be an artsy place, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. 

If you ever find yourself nearby Peculiar, take a drive through this town.  It is definitely worth the time!

Home

We're home from the most amazing road trip ever!  I made some wonderful, hopefully life-long friends, and we laughed until we cried on more than one occasion.  I'll tell you all about it this week, but for now I need to love on the babies, both human and furry.  It's fun to travel, but it's nice to be home.

A couple months ago
Me:  Josephine, how old are you?
Jo:  2!!!
Me:  You're not 2!
Josephine giggles and runs off

Now
Me:  Josephine, how old are you?
Jo:  NOT Two!

Luulla

As you all know, I am on Etsy. 

I am also on a site called Luula, which I am loving.

Here's a little information about the new handmade site:
What is Luulla?


Luulla is about your handmade story, it's about telling your story and showcasing your creation to the world.


We believe that behind every beautiful and creative item, there is a touching and beautiful handmade story. Every story is unique, and as we started our journey meeting different crafters months before Luulla even got started, we were so excited to hear about the experiences, the story and the passion from each handmade seller.


From that moment, we realize that we would love to build a special place for handmade lovers. A place that allow sellers to connect with people that share the same passion and love for all beautiful things created.


We grow to love everything handmade, and few weeks later Tommy and Maggie left their day job and started the journey founding Luulla.


Why the name Luulla?


The name Luulla comes from the Finnish language. It means to imagine and to believe. We believe that with the passion and determination, we can build a community that can bring happiness to both the buyers and the sellers. We would one day imagine building a site where all sellers are successful, a place where everyone help out each other, a place that is cheerful.


When we first started building the site, it was only with hope and dreams. We live on our savings and only hope that we could build something useful. Each of the seller that we approached shows their support, it was with the help and support from the sellers that eventually lead us to finish building the first version of the site.


Many sellers that we approached has a dream, that one day they will be able to live a life making the things they love and be able to earn a living doing so. We are on the mission to fulfill that, and we think that everything starts from having a bold imagination and a strong believe in the things you do.


And therefore, we choose the name Luulla.


How it got started?


The site was founded by Tommy and Maggie. Initially, we sat in a small kitchen coding ten hours a day living mostly on donuts and coffee.


Six months later, we launched the initial version of the site. The site was first rolled out to public at late November 2011. Nick and Ethan joined the team a month later. Our lovely designer Shin joined the team three months after Luulla was founded. Today, the team consists of eight people, and is split half into engineering and half community.


What's the greatest joy launching the site?


During the first day of launch, one of the seller got her first sale. The team jumped up with joy!! There is nothing that can describe this special feeling. For the whole six months of long hours coding, the moment a seller made her first sale, it was all worth it. It was very special.


And today we celebrate each seller's sale, especially when a new seller get her first sale!! It just keep the team moving and moving. And yes, we spend time browsing through all your beautiful creation and discussing about them. They are really beautiful!!


Where is Luulla located?


Luulla is located on the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia. We are located in Asia. It's a place with beautiful beaches, rich in culture and also a place full of heritage and historical background.


We love working on this beautiful island, and enjoy everything from the rich variety of food, people, and also the warm and sunny weather.


We hope that by selecting a unique place to start Luulla, it will attract sellers from different countries, background and culture.


How do you promote the sellers?


Each day, five to ten stores are chosen and the community team promote your work at different places such as Pinterest, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, WeHeartIt, and many more. Each of the seller's item is unique, and therefore depending on the items listed, the community team normally run different promotion for the sellers to introduce new buyers for your store.


It would be great if sellers can promote your new store at Facebook and Twitter too, so that more people will know about the site. Sellers that also promote her Luulla store generally also generates higher sales.


I am a crafter, how can I participate?


If you are a handmade artist, and if you wish to join us in this wonderful journey building a beautiful handmade marketplace, do write us an email at mail@luulla.com and we will send you an invitation.

check it out when you get a chance!  My luula shop is located at:  http://www.luulla.com/store/byStephanieSmith

It's officially art show rush time in the Smith household.  It's been nonstop crocheting, tagging, photographing, inventory-taking, list making, crazy fun!  I'm very excited, since it has been a while since I've participated in a show.  One week from today, I will be loading up the car with all my goodies and setting up at the Clara Brierly Festival of the Arts.  It should be lots of fun, and I will take a ton of pictures to share. 

The little hooligan has learned how to climb out of her playpen.  She's not very proficient at this skill, which has resulted in bumps on the head on a few occasions.  She is, however, determined.  She is also sneaky.  And fast.  She can whip that little leg up over the side of her playpen in the blink of an eye, and before you can stop her she is dangling over the edge.  Makes a mommy's heart stop.  I'm sure one day I will look back on this memory fondly, but for now I'm just tired. 

My crocheting is calling my name.  I have several shawls to finish up, and two more boxes of work to tag.  I can feel the judgement in Sally Cat's eyes.  She knows I have work to finish, as well as a deadline.  She knows that this sudden need to blog is fueled by procrastination.  Ok, Sally.  Back to work, I promise.