Wrapping up at the Fair

Our final day at the League of NH Craftsmen's Fair. Feeling good about seeing a lot of familiar faces, making new friends, checking in with fellow craftsmen and the weather! Keeping fingers and toes crossed it will hold out till we've got the car packed this afternoon.

A return customer in a Let's Dance Sundress and matching Garden Party Hat in a dot fabric. She and her mom love the playful fabrics, details handiwork and that the items are machine washable. This little girl loved her dress and hat so much she wore them out of the booth. My kind of shopper!

From the Sunapee Fair

Blogging to you from the 76th Annual N.H. Craftsmen's Fair at the Sunapee Resort in Newbury, N.H. The organizers say the fair goes on rain or shine and let me tell you it really does! We delivered and set up the booth frame-work on Thursday, August 30. Quick, but important thank you to our friend John who helped us! What a trooper! It was a nice sunny day and everything went smoothly much as you can imagine to our relief! Friday we went back with more clothing and display pieces and...well the minute we got into the tent and our booth space, the skies opened up and it poured non-stop from 10:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We thought about getting a canoe to ride the river (no joke) going through the middle of our booth. We managed to stick it out and when we found out a few booths in other tents were flooded we realized how fortunate we were the situation was not worse in our space.

Happily everything and as far as we know everyone is back on track. The sun has been out all day and not a spot of rain anywhere!

A few pictures from the fair. Hope to see you here!!

Robin's Nest

Fun pictures on a hot day.

A friend's front door....

Now look closer

Prepping for League of N.H. Craftsmen's Fair

Mary-Alice here, digging out from piles of postcards and inventory.

The past several years I have enjoyed the honor of participating in The League of N.H. Craftsmen's Fair, one of the finest, most prestigious craft events in the country today. Prepping for this annual nine-day event is something else, something worth sharing I think. This year's fair is scheduled August 1-9 at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, N.H. between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily (rain or shine).

Prepping for the Fair means frantically making display pieces, finishing any new pieces, inventory and all accessories and mini hat ornaments. Hundreds of new items to select from with a price range for everyone.

Of course it is all worth it when I see familiar faces who have eagerly awaited my return with new items for their grandchildren, daughters, nieces... Really it seems more like play than work once I'm set up and the gates open.

I hope to see you there! In the meantime, some pictures of my work/fun space.

Rudi

Rudi Dalton

August, 1996 - July, 2009

Rudi, beloved companion of Mary-Alice and Tom Dalton passed away Wednesday, July 15.

He was affectionately known as Rudi Underhouse during his younger (and smaller) years, because he went under the house to hunt a lot. He spent his days in the studio and nights stretched out with Mary-Alice on the sofa. You opened the door and there he was.

As busy as we are in our daily lives, it is important to take the time to sit on the floor or at least bend down and pat your furry friend. Let them know they are loved. I am so glad I took five minutes to do this last Wednesday morning.

He leaves an empty space and many fond memories. We loved him so.

Check Out Who is Writing About Us

Concord Monitor

Laconia Daily Citizen

and Laconia Daily Sun

Ice Cream

As we continue to prep for the League of NH Craftsmen's Fair the need for ice cold sugary treats has become a bit shall we say necessary. What fun is life without a little ice cream. Whether a scoop or a pint, on a cone or in a (large) bowl ice cream is the best ever way to cool off in the sun. We are not picky. Locally we are big fans of Jordon's Ice Creamery in Belmont, but any place with an ice cream window will do. Favorite flavors run the gamut from traditional chocolate or mint chocolate chip to the more adventurous chocolate wasabi or chocolate cheesecake.

A childhood favorite was peach, boy was that good!

Look Who Is Featured on You Tube

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's 76th Annual Fair commercial for Comcast features our Flower Fields dress (well, at least 1/3 of it in the beginning).

Check out posts throughout July detailing our preparation work for this year's fair scheduled August 1 - 9 in Newbury, NH.

Holiday Weekend

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Cirque du Soleil

We are excited to announce Cirque du Soleil is coming to New England! After touring the world the show Alegria will arrive in Connecticut and Massachusetts in August.

Alegria, which takes is name from the Spanish word for joy and jubilation, is a baroque and operatic production featuring flamboyant costumes, extraordinary lighting and an elaborate set. The international cast of 55 acrobats, musicians, singers, clowns and characters create a two-hour spectacle of breathtaking acrobatics. A fun fact for us! 1,000 buttons and jewels are used for the two singers' costumes alone!

Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company whose mission is to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world. It started in a small town in Canada with a band of colorful characters who roamed the streets on stilts, juggling, breathing fire and playing music. Today the company has thousands of employees, including more than 1,000 artists, in over 40 different countries.

A few characters from the show.

The Nostalgic Old Birds

The Singer in White

The Nymphs