Intown Manchester's Holiday Market December 14, 2017

Diane Zevos December 19, 2017

The frozen, bitter cold weather was tough to take on this last Thursday of the Intown Manchester's Holiday Market. The attendance was probably affected a bit and the cold air was prevalent at our end of the lobby corridor, but at my last show of the year, I was more than happy to be there!

Besides making my last sales of the season, I had a couple of orders that I made and the customers were coming to the show to pick them up. One was the split shamrock Purpleheart heart with a green tint. The pearl doesn't accept the stain, I just apply it after I'm done sanding and it sits on the surface. A little stain will settle in the crevices and I like the effect it makes.

**Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl split shamrock inlay stained green**

Remembrance Heart: Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl initial inlay — **Remembrance Heart: Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl initial inlay**

The other order for pick-up was from my Etsy store and it was an order for 2 remembrance hearts. These hearts are the most difficult and complicated to make for me. When I first had the idea for remembrance hearts, I knew that I had to keep the price down to get my idea out there to the public, but it takes a lot more work than it looks. I have made quite a few now and I am happy that people can see the beauty and comfort that they bring. The above JLM heart was my late mother's initials and I used it for an actual heart to feel, etc., but one woman looking at it had those initials and she bought it because of that, not the remembrance part. Funny huh?

**decorated boxwood tree arrangement in keepsake ceramic holiday container**

This boxwood arrangement that I pictured in my last Atkinson blog and put on sale for this Intown show was sold. The woman mentioned to me that she didn't want a keepsake container, but she did want a large arrangement and she liked this the better of the 2 I had on display. A "keepsake" container doesn't necessarily mean to save and cherish. It can mean that, but mostly it just means that it is a "nice" container, not the basic throwaway or recyclable and that it dresses up the arrangement more.

**log container centerpiece with mixed evergreens**

**mixed evergreen centerpiece arrangement also in log container**

I also sold a log container centerpiece, boxwood tree arrangements and some mixed evergreen arrangements. Water the evergreens every other day or so and it will be perfectly good for Christmas dinner/parties. Add some flowers the day of the dinner for an extra special touch in the centerpiece and this also could apply to all the mixed arrangements.

**mixed evergreen arr. in ceramic Santa pot**

**small mixed evergreen arr. in Merry Christmas ceramic mug**

Now I will take the time to send warm, thoughtful holiday wishes to everyone! Hope you all can spend time with the ones you love and just enjoy each others company. Eat some great home cooked food and sweet treats and feel love. Best wishes for the new year and hope to see you soon!

Atkinson's 7th Artisan Craft & Food Market Saturday, December 9, 2017

Diane Zevos December 13, 2017

The beautiful new sign at the Atkinson Community Center looks festive advertising the Holiday Market with a light snow falling. It was a beautiful sight and although attendance was probably affected a bit, there were still many visitors spreading the holiday cheer.

This fair is in a quaint small, one-story building with artisans/vendors in all the rooms. Once again a little adjustment of my display is needed for this small room with 2 artisans in it, but I think ahead and it's no problem. My neighbor was Ellen Faulconer of designs by elf who does decorative painting and also teaches painting.

Ellen L. Faulconer of designs by elf — Ellen L. Faulconer of *designs by elf*

Ellen's website is: http://designsbyelf.com/

Ellen and her husband would turn the lights off as they lit these glass boxes with her beautiful paintings on them. The ambiance was lovely. I think the lights should have stayed off, it looked so pretty and peaceful.

In the hallway were the tables with the raffles, 50/50 and combo baskets, and also the festive Christmas Tree.

The large main room was filled with many vendors all around the room and others in the center. There were 3 other small rooms I didn't get to photograph, so there were interesting things to check out everywhere.

mini-cones, berries, red raffia, silver feathery garland, sparkling beads, mini ceramic presents

Pam was my first customer of the day and she bought an ornament gourd!!!!! If anyone has read my recent previous blogs, my adorable ornament gourds haven't sold as I thought they would. I love them. I love miniatures and I love gourds. I started by growing and decorating for the holidays big birdhouse gourds. But with NH's short growing seasons, fungus problems on the vines and then mold when trying to dry them, I resort to purchasing some that are thick and beautiful from a supplier.

**my own gourds beginning drying process**

natural-look, varnished for outdoors, birdhouse gourds

**green painted and varnished for outdoors holiday birdhouse gourds**

I decorate the gourds attaching to the ribbon around the neck of the gourd to easily remove and then hang outside.

One heart I make that always sells on the first day it's displayed is this Spalted Tamarind wood heart with Abalam heart inlay. It is just so incredible that it is hard to resist.

**Spalted Tamarind wood hearts with Abalam heart inlay**

Leslie, a volunteer for the women's organization that puts on these Atkinson events, bought the smaller one that I had made, and Jeff and Michelle bought the larger one. I think Leslie has the most vibrant smile of anyone I've ever photographed for my blogs. Jeff and Michelle had great stories to tell me about their own and their friends' personal experiences with the Tamarind trees in the Caribbean and Florida (both places I think). How the fruit is in these long pods and pretty delicious and how the trees were affected by the hurricanes. The stories I hear from customers is part of why I do my blogs....I have to share them.

I didn't have to explain about the fungus that makes the amazing design of the grain in the Spalted Tamarind to the travelers Jeff and Michelle, they knew all about it.  They look great surrounded by the evergreens...Thanks for the conversation! — I didn't have to explain about the fungus that makes the amazing design of the grain in the Spalted Tamarind to the travelers Jeff and Michelle, they knew all about it. They look great surrounded by the evergreens...Thanks for the conversation!

**mixed evergreen centerpiece in rustic log container**

Sometimes I have been asked for a log basket type of arrangement but smaller/lower for a dining room table and of course I can accommodate. I made one at this show on the fly and someone bought it right after I was done. She didn't want to have her picture taken (no problem!) but I did tell her that I would talk about her buying it for her dinner party the next day and she laughed. Looks like a really beautiful centerpiece!

Jan needed an arrangement for a small table and she purchased this boxwood arrangement in a holiday mug. That will last way into the next year if she is a faithful waterer.

**large boxwood tree arrangement in holiday keepsake ceramic container**

This large boxwood arrangement in a keepsake ceramic container did not sell here in Atkinson and I will be selling it at my last show at the Intown Manchester's Holiday Market on Thursday for a reduced price. I will also have reduced prices on my log baskets. Hope to see you there and thanks for reading!

mixed evergreen log basket arrangement outdoors on step

Intown Manchester's Holiday Market Thursday December 7th, 2017

Diane Zevos December 12, 2017

If anyone was wondering what kind of atmosphere there was at the Intown Manchester's Holiday Market, this welcoming smile of Kevins from KRM Chocolates says it all. Come on down and sample, view, be amazed by, the artisans and what they have to offer!

Kevin says his chunky peanutbutter chocolate is one of his best sellers and it is chocolate...not fudge. Another of his best sellers is the dark chocolate with berries. Of course, there is always the (very thick) Santa chocolate on a stick....white chocolate, my favorite! Kevin's links to his sites are:

http://www.krmchocolates.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KRMChocolates/

The interesting spray paint art of James Stone from Stellar Obsession is very beautiful and at times mysterious. He has a video that you can click the link to it on his facebook page that shows him working on the actual painting that is the finished product next to it. Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ07pESjFYs

https://www.facebook.com/StellarObsession/

**James displays the You Tube video of him actually painting the artwork next to this.**

**Nightmare Before Christmas spray paint art**

This woodworker will not be at the last shows here, but I photographed his art to show the diverse types of items that you are able to see here at the market.

Out of all my products, the hardest one to do quickly are my hearts. Most of the time beginning with a block of wood, resawing into sort-of planks, cutting out the hearts with my scroll saw, cutting the pearl to whichever design with my hand saw, routing out the cavity for the pearl with my Dremel, sanding, sanding, sanding and then polying, polying, polying. This year I was trying to produce on a regular basis to try to sell in local stores. And I have produced a lot and am selling a small amount at the White Sage Boutique in Pittsfield. But I have also sold a lot. Since the Art Jam Bridge Fest (which became my favorite way to sell....as an artist telling my story) in September I have sold over 100 hearts! That is so great for me and quite an accomplishment. However, I have had a hard time keeping stock to sell. When my biggest fan, Lisa, came to my booth this week to see what hearts were left....it was a disappointment. For her a little, but for me a lot!

I also sold hearts to Cheryl who purchased 4 dot inlay hearts. They make a great small gift or a small additional gift or even a package adornment.

I did make some hearts and one I always wanted to try was the dogpaw above. Dogs are very popular as I witnessed at all my outdoor shows this summer...they are everywhere (with their owners)(on leaches) and I thought the paw print would be great on a heart....love your dog! But my hearts are a thoughtful, time-consuming creative process and can't really be rushed. Linda bought the dog paw heart for a friend of hers who, I think, lost her dog.

**This size boxwood tree arrangement at the Bow Craft Fair for $15 was similar to Diane and Jeannie's purchases.**

Sometimes you just have to get into "the right frame of mind" and go with the flow. Even though my heart selection was low, my beginning forte into selling years ago was evergreens during holidays and I had plenty of those. Diane and Jeannie both purchased boxwood tree arrangements. Diane had bought one last year for a friend and this year bought 3 from me! While I was decorating her 3, Jeannie asked about getting one and didn't work downtown and wouldn't be able to wait. So I sold a completed one to her and made another one for Diane. That's why I bring all my "fixin's" so that I am able to do that.

Now I hope you'll indulge me and let me show some of my heart designs and please know that I will be working hard on them and more in 2018.

**Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl heart inlay....my initial, signature design**

**Curly Maple heart with Abalam mosaic heart inlay**

Curly Maple heart with Redheart heart inlay

**Ebony wood hearts with Osage Orange heart inlay and abalone dot center inlay**

**Redheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl mosaic heart inlay**

**Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl tree mosaic inlay**

**Ebony wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl rosebud inlay with askew hole**

**Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl split shamrock inlay tinted green**

**small Tiger Caspi heart with Abalone dot inlay**

**funky Bocote wood heart with Abalone diamond shape inlay.....I try to include imperfections...incredibly interesting**

**Purpleheart wood heart with Mother-of-Pearl rose inlay (reflections galore in this poly finish)**

**Purpleheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl poinsettia inlay**

**small Redheart wood heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl heart inlay and pearl-like bead to connect to red velvet bag**

**Rosewood wood heart with Mother-of-Pearl heart inlay**

**3-tier Zebrawood wood hearts with Abalam heart inlay and beads**

Pretty much any of the hearts above can be made as long as the woods are available (the inlays should always be) and just send me a message on my website or Etsy as to what you would like done. Thanks for reading and like my facebook page if you would like to receive my blog automatically.

Hudson Memorial School 41st Annual Craft Fair GFWC Hudson Junior Woman's Club

Diane Zevos December 11, 2017

The 41st Annual Craft Fair at Hudson Memorial School was a fun time as usual and full of the gymnasium activity, games, squeaky sneakers and Christmas music. The vendors set up all up and down the hallways and also in the cafeteria. It is a very tight space. I don't bring all my tables (they supply a big one) or display units, etc. and I have to really downsize my items to one table with not much space behind it for me. Because of that, it really difficult to take pictures of my customers (shaky hand vs. tripod) and the tight space makes it hard to get out of. My evergreen arrangements and all the greens, containers, decorations, etc. I bring so that I can constantly refill sold arrangements takes a lot of thinking, prep work and configuration to fit it all in. I think I am pretty good at that from a job I had in the early 1990's at a branch of Heimlich's Nursery. Their main establishment is in Woburn, MA, but I worked at their small store in Derry, NH. I loved that job and I learned so much being in charge of the plants, trees, shrubs, etc. It was a small place run by Mrs. Bette Heimlich, who worked a few days a week and I, the rest. She was a wonderful person who taught me a lot. I had a chance to work at the New England Flower Show in Boston for Heimlichs and it was eye-opening!

**the Heimlich's Nursery booth in the vendor area**

This was their booth in the vendor area (they always had an exhibit in the show also) and it is chock/stock full of hundreds of plants that you can see and many more that you cannot see. They would have to deliver sometimes through the crowds during the day and it would be "all hands on deck!" and a fast, constant flow of bagged plants would be handed over the counters and ingeniously stuffed underneath, but to remain undamaged. They really had it down and it made me realize the potential of the planning and experience.

Also working at Heimlichs, my love for evergreens was first born. They made many different Christmas items like kissing balls and "cemetery baskets" and grew hundreds, no thousands of poinsettia plants. The "cemetery baskets" were wooden baskets with handles and really can be used in so many other ways besides for cemeteries.

**fir, balsam, cedar, pine and juniper**

The different types of evergreen needles, shapes, shades of green, make me LOVE creating arrangements with them. In this basket, there is fir, balsam, cedar, pine and juniper.

**The beautiful, rustic look of the wood in the log basket (the cedar is incense cedar with variegation)**

DiZigns makes a version of the wooden basket that is strong, heavy and sturdy, but does not have handles. My husband John makes them for me and he has gotten it down in the past few years. I make the arrangements in oasis in a plastic tray which absorbs and holds water. This way they can be kept indoors as well as outdoors. I have experimented myself with some inside my own home (faithfully watering a few times a week) and they last fresh for weeks. As time goes on, different greens will dry differently and/or better than others, so it can also last as the greens are drying out. Of course outdoors the cold temps and rain/snow moisture make it long-lasting without much work.

**log with oasis block in plastic tray**

I did sell a log basket at this show as well as some designer bags, wooden hearts, a boxwood cup arrangement, kissing ball and an ornament gourd (my "so adorable you have to buy" gourd ornaments that have not been so irresistible to buy). I also sold this 2-tier Zebrawood heart with Abalam heart inlay and beads. I made a 3-tier for the Art Jam Bridge Fest this summer and made this smaller version. The woman who purchased the heart was buying it for her fiance who's favorite wood is Zebrawood. I love the stories.

**2-tier Zebrawood heart with Abalam heart inlay and beads**

As I looked up Heimlich's Nursery online, I read their "about" and was reminded that Alexander Heimlich, Sr. started the business. I heard from Bette that he was a creative and prolific landscape artist with an incredible garden hill of diverse and some unique plants that he continually worked on and one who was more concerned with the plants than financial rewards. Please click on their link to find out more information http://www.heimlichs.com/index.html https://www.facebook.com/Heimlich-Nurseries-199525290069522/

Thanks for reading and if you would like my blogs to post to you automatically, please like my facebook page.

Intown Manchester's Holiday Market at the Brady Sullivan Plaza Thursday November 30th

Diane Zevos December 4, 2017

Excitement was abound, well at least for me, for the start of the Intown Manchester's Holiday Market at the Brady Sullivan Plaza on Elm Street in beautiful downtown Manchester. It's so great participating in Intown's events that keep focus and fun on the local downtown area, people and merchants, many times throughout the whole year. For me, based in Manchester all my life, it means a lot.

My first visitor was Mayor Ted Gatsas and Vicki. He has been the face of Manchester for many years now and will be leaving his position, but it is always nice to see him participating in the local scene as he does and I took a photo of one instance at Intown's free concerts at Veteran's Park last year.

The mayor's assistant, Vicki, purchased a small kissing ball from me as he answered a call, of course he's a busy man, before he came back to let me take a picture of them and Vicki took a picture of him with me. Send it to me Vicki if you think of it and thanks so much!

Another local celebrity came by my booth.....Gunther!!!...of Gunther's Goodies. Amy was nice enough to bring him by and what a BIG, beautiful dog!!! Now I have met the icon behind the name, thanks Amy!

As one would expect, at the different shows there are usually familiar vendors that participate and you get to know them. Gunther's Goodies is a prominent booth in many shows and is well known and has great products for your beloved dogs. My second customers, Maureen and Diane, bought a heart from me and obviously also purchased at Amy's booth seeing the dog bag on her arm! Thanks Maureen for your puchase and Diane (what a great name) for letting me convince you to be in the picture too!

Nicole ordered a heart to be made for her from the sheet I post of photos from past heart designs. I have found that even though I started my hearts with a heart in a heart, almost anything can be made as an inlay. I've tried a lot of ideas now and even if I don't currently have one made, in most cases, I could make it. Nicole wants a shamrock heart with the split shamrock petals and tinted green.

Jean and Celeste let me take their photo after Jean's purchase and Celeste is a woman after my own heart....she loves her Christmas tree and had one once until May (and it wasn't artificial she said)! Wow, I thought I left mine up a long time, from the beginning of December until the middle of January. She even used to hang the tree from the ceiling on a turnbuckle. The tree couldn't be fooled with or knocked over and you could easily turn the tree around.....fabulous! Thanks Jean and Celeste!

Kathi bought quite a few dot inlay hearts from me for neices, etc. I always try to keep my prices down, there is really much more work that goes into them than it may appear. The small dot inlay hearts are a nice, inexpensive gift that makes it affordable to purchase multiples.

**Stephen and Stacey Forster from Jollywood Christmas Tree Farms**

As you can probably see in the previous photos, across the lobby from my booth is Stephen and Stacey Forster of Jollywood Christmas Tree Farm. They had seemingly similar products as myself, but really mostly different. They own farms in Gilmanton, NH; Shapleigh, ME; and Canaan, VT and are formerly from Boston. Their products were some evergreen holiday buckets, but more interestingly they had seedlings for sale; larger ones I think he said 2 years old and smaller ones and all were in cute holiday packaging. Obviously they have Christmas trees for sale and delivery at very reasonable prices.

And then there's Lisa!!!! What a boost to my confidence! She is such a lovely woman that makes me feel like my hearts/items are the greatest. My booth is not always the most popular at the shows, but I have so much to offer and she gets it. I'll be working hard this week to build up my inventory for the last few shows as she nearly bought me out. I am NOT complaining! Thank you Lisa for your words of encouragement

Lisa also bought a boxwood tree besides all the hearts and Vivian purchased a larger version.  Thanks so much guys! — **Lisa also bought a boxwood tree besides all the hearts and Vivian purchased a larger version. Thanks so much guys!**

**Gertrude on the right and her mother on the left at her beautiful cart display**

Another repeat customer here at the Holiday Market is Gertrude, a vendor at the Romana Gugerbauer booth which sells exquisite, hand-painted mouthblown ornaments. She always gets some evergreen arrangements from me and this year she is bringing back her containers from them for me to refill. I am happy to do it and even though she refused, I will give her a price break for that. She can be reached at P.O. Box 5753, Manchester, NH 03104.

Riff Raff Glass by Theresa Caulkins is another artisan that I have seen at many shows over the last few years and I think Theresa has been working very hard making many new beautiful items. Check them out!

**Riff Raff Glass beautiful birds in cages**

My booth with a view of the corridor leading to the parking garage (makes for easier load-in/out for me, I have a lot of everything this time of year).  This is the opposite end of the Elm Street entrance. — My booth with a view of the corridor leading to the parking garage (makes for easier load-in/out for me, I have a lot of everything this time of year). This is the opposite end of the Elm Street entrance.

All the way on the opposite end of the lobby corridor from my booth (by the Elm Street entrance) are many wonderful vendors and I'd like to mention a few. Jeanne Pride has an amazing booth and she displays wares relating to a few organizations. Heshima "works to bring dignity to disabled children and their mothers in Nairobi, Kenya", and Hazel & Deene displays "designs that are modern interpretations of heritage skills that bring new life to artisans in remote areas." The jewelry, etc., she displays is so stunning, different and meaningful. There is so much more to these organizations and for more info click on their links below.

Recently Jeanne had the opportunity to take her 12 year old granddaughter to one of her trips to Africa. What an amazing and eye-opening trip it must have been for a young girl that age.

Derek Lynch is an artist that prefers to fly under the radar. His mesmerizing paintings are so unique and colorful, and these are a great example of the different items that can be found here at the Holiday Market.

**Derek Lynch and his incredible paintings (contact: lyncharthurderek@gmail.com)**

Fabulous Trixie, the face of Intown for all of us, positioned the raffle table to be at the parking garage entrance area by my booth and Jollywood's to encourage visitors to walk down the entire lobby corridor and see all the market has to offer. Thanks Trixie! The raffle gives free chances to win vendor donated items. Make sure to enter.

**Thanks so much Jen for your heart purchase!**

**Purpleheart heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl tree mosaic inlay**

The individual pieces reflect and shimmer as the light shines and the heart moves.

Merissa was nice enough to go to the ATM and come back with cash to purchase this tree mosaic from me and loved my explanation that of out of necessity comes something so beautiful. My leftover pieces of the pearls are combined in this mosaic type design, be it a tree or a heart, etc.

**Thanks so much Cindy and thank for sending me the picture!**

Cindy is a repeat customer from last year and she purchased 2 kissing balls as she did last time. She was so sweet to send me a picture of one with snow on it. It looks nice like that.

**Cindy's kissing ball from last year with snow on it, how pretty.**

Sue purchased this small boxwood tree in square glass container as a gift. She wasn't sure at first but after telling her the long-lasting arrangement would be beautiful until way into the next year, she was convinced. The only factor is faithful watering at least twice a week.

Please do yourself a favor, participate in a downtown Manchester event, visit the Holiday Market and check off some of your family/friends from your list with special gifts. Click on the links below for more information and like my facebook page to get my blogs automatically in the future. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

https://www.intownmanchester.com/ https://www.facebook.com/IntownManch/

https://jollywoodchristmastreefarm.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jollywoodchristmastreefarm/

https://www.facebook.com/riffraffglass/

http://www.gunthersgoodies.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gunthersgoodies/

https://jeannepride.hazeldeene.com/

http://www.heshima.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Heshima-Childrens-Center-117201841656386/?ref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/Jeanne.hazeldeene/

38th Annual Bow Craft Fair

Diane Zevos November 21, 2017

The 38th Annual Bow Craft Fair was held for both the weekend days this year and although Saturday was definitely a bigger crowd, Sunday was also a great day. I think given more time to be aware of the change will encourage attendance for the 2nd day next year. Regardless, the fun was still all around and the talented artisans and crafters were abound!

This fair prides itself on displaying the handcrafted workmanship of New England's finest artisans. From bright, colorful and useful tie-dye'd t-shirts, onesies, etc. to natural pumice stones and soaps, there's quite a variety at a craft fair.

In addition to her tie-dyes, Sarah has a line of plant based skin care products called White Mountain Botanicals. Sarah's contact info is: wmbotanicals@gmail.com, phone 603-254-4188 and her shop on Etsy.

At this fair there are established sellers and also the beginner sellers like Jean displaying her wonderful, handmade holiday items.

I made some evergreen arrangements while at the show and Jean saw me making a kissing ball similar to this one on Saturday and was my first customer on Sunday. I also made a few boxwood arrangements and log baskets.

**Clayton's Way Farm natural pumice stones**

Clayton's Way Farm's handcrafted soaps offer quite a variety and Sheryl (who handles EVERYTHING after the actual soapmaking) says that Rick the soapmaker is very prolific in producing soaps. Click on the soap pics to check out the many varieties and/or click on link at end of blog.

**Jean bought a kissing ball from me, thanks Jean!**

**my kissing ball with just some white-tipped cones, silver balls and gold-backed red velvet ribbons**

Boxwood tree arrangements are really an incredible value and last for months and into the next year.............water faithfully!

**medium-size boxwood arrangement in square glass container decorated simply, in gold-backed red velvet ribbon and red and green balls**

**large-size boxwood arrangement in a tin container with white-tipped cones, large red berries and silver metallic bows**

Linda-Jo and Pam each bought one of my newly made arrangements. Linda-Jo looks so small behind the log basket, but so nice and happy. Pam purchased this cute boxwood arrangement in a coffee cup with a holiday ivy design.

**Linda-Jo, thanks for letting me take your picture....it looks great!**

**log basket arrangement with a mix of Balsam, White Pine, Cedar and Juniper evergreens and decorated with white-tipped cones, gold-backed red velvet bow and gold metallic ribbons**

**DiZigns bare log basket with plastic tray and oasis block**

**log basket arrangement on fireplace mantle indoors by candlelight**

There were many vendors in many different areas; in the large gym where I was, in the smaller gym, in the cafeteria and down the front corridor. There was a 50/50 raffle and chances for donated items from the vendors.

My log arrangements are made in oasis, the foam that absorbs and holds water, and can go outdoors or indoors. My husband makes the baskets for DiZigns as to what I have requested to be strong, heavy and show the wonderful bark for a rustic look. They can be purchased ahead of time, kept outside (the colder the better sometimes and getting any rain/snow) and brought in for the holiday dinner or party. If they are kept indoors they need to be watered a couple of times a week and will last depending on the temp inside, etc., but sometimes for weeks. Also, different greens dry at different rates. The boxwood trees last for months.

My booth was in the gym. There is always adjusting to do with each new show and the size of the allotted area. Different or less tables and extras may have to be used to figure it out and make your spot look its best.

My vendor neighbor to the left of me was Ane Swift of Custom Creations. Her delightful items are holiday inspired to include some with warm sayings. I heard many great comments on her Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas displays under the Ho Ho Ho sign that are reversable to say each wish....just turn it around! Ane can be contacted at customcreations@gmail.com

**adorable dog display of Too Dog Gone Cool**

My vendor neighbor to my right was Deanna and Kerrie of Too Dog Gone Cool with custom coats, etc. for your beloved critters. Items for dogs are always popular. (see end of blog for contact link)

She had these different items on rustic springs: vintage bells, snowmen and candles.

**Too Dog Gone Cool's many colorful choices of dog collars**

The Country Craftsman's beautiful wood products

The Country Craftsman's intricate blocks

Across the way from my booth was The Country Craftsman's team with their wooden items and the lovely jewelry of DJK Ventures. The Country Craftsman has incredible varieties of butcher blocks, so beautiful and such interesting combinations (see link at end of blog). Denise from DJK Ventures makes the always popular at fairs... jewelry and includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. Denise Kitson can be contacted at DJKVenturesllc@gmail.com or phone 603-724-3171.

**innovative wine rack from The Country Craftsman**

A young woman from Denutte's Delights purchased a small heart from me for her daughter, but I didn't get her picture, so I took these pics.

my "Key to my Heart" with Yellowheart heart

One favorite idea of mine is the "Key to my Heart" item. It consists of a small dot inlay heart with an antique skeleton key on a brass ring. Joan could be a hand model with that impeccable manicure. Another customer later on also bought one, but her husband was just across the aisle and it was for him, so I didn't take her picture as she was trying to be incognito.

**Thanks to the lovely couple Michael and Laura!**

Speaking of dot inlay hearts, Arleen bought 2 for her granddaughters, I think. I had many different kinds of woods for these hearts as she chose hers: Lacewood, Bocote, Bubinga, Yellowheart, Big Leaf Curly Maple, Spalted Tamarind, Olive, and Mahogany. These small and sometimes tiny dot inlay hearts make great stocking stuffers and maybe to tie on a wrapped gift.

**Wenge wood heart with open heart center and hanging jewel**

This heart was my new design this week, a Wenge heart with open heart center and hanging jewel. I love it! I didn't use any grain filler on the wood so that I could produce the effect of the grain seen in the close-up. Michael and Laura thought it was beautiful.

And I don't know how people are resisting my adorable holiday gourd ornaments, but they are and I didn't sell a single one.............$5!? There's always tomorrow.....aaww I can hear Clarice singing it to Rudolph now.

What a great time at the Bow Fair! Looking forward to next year. Any links I have for the vendors are below, otherwise I have listed emails, etc., above. Please click on the links and find out more info on the vendors and like their pages. If you like my blogs, like my facebook page and you'll get each new one. Thanks!

djk ventures llc https://www.facebook.com/groups/662235663920797/about/

https://www.facebook.com/thecountrycraftsmanNH/ https://www.thecountrycraftsmannh.com/

https://www.facebook.com/claytonswayfarm/

http://claytonswayfarm.com/

http://critteritems.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Custom-Coats-For-Critters-133392203533144/?ref=hl

Please contact me to correct any errors in my post.

28th Annual Memorial High School Craft Fair

Diane Zevos November 15, 2017

The 28th Annual Memorial High School Craft Fair held on Saturday, November 11th, was a great success and exceeded all previous attendance records with 3,000+ visitors!

My high school alma mater was decorated for the holidays and looked so festive up and down the crowded hallways....in the cafeteria where my booth has been for the 3 years I've been a vendor.......

....to the gym, where I can never leave my booth area to see, but my daughter, Alyssia, visited the show and was nice enough to take some gym pics as well as many vendor pics of their wares that are posted later in my blog.

I see my former vendor neighbor Russell Craft is demonstrating his handmade wooden massaging rollers in the gym.  The contact info is RUSSELLCRAFTS@HOTMAIL.COM and RUSSELLCRAFTS@YAHOO.COM......get yourself some relief for those aching muscles. — I see my former vendor neighbor Russell Craft is demonstrating his handmade wooden massaging rollers in the gym. The contact info is RUSSELLCRAFTS@HOTMAIL.COM and RUSSELLCRAFTS@YAHOO.COM......get yourself some relief for those aching muscles.

My first customer, Liane, thought that my "show special" price of $5 for my holiday gourd ornaments was a bargain and purchased one. I thought they would go like hotcakes, but alas I only sold one other to my "actual neighbor" Elaine. Well, I'll have a good supply for the next show.

Thanks for your supportive words Liane and sorry for the blurry picture.  I had cramped quarters and couldn't set up my camera tripod.  Thanks again! — **Thanks for your supportive words Liane and sorry for the blurry picture. I had cramped quarters and couldn't set up my camera tripod. Thanks again!**

Customers are so good to allow me to photograph their smiles and purchases. Heather bought a new heart I made recently which was a Purpleheart wood heart and a Spalted Tamarind heart inlay. I sometimes use interesting and contrasting wood as inlay besides pearl or abalone and Michelle bought one also that is a Big Leaf Curly Maple heart with a Bocote wood heart inlay.

Sometimes all my heart choices makes it hard to decide which one....right Michelle?  Thanks! — **Sometimes all my heart choices makes it hard to decide which one....right Michelle? Thanks!**

Ernie is a long standing customer of mine who buys a bag no matter what exactly he is looking for and always tells me "keep making those bags!" I asked him for specifics on what he is looking for this time and I am going to email him fabric choices for him to choose from. I encourage people to reach out to me and ask something specific they are looking for. These bags are usually one-of-a-kind, but I certainly can try to find a color or design for someone. Stephanie and Kris were my customers of the day for purchasing quite a few bags and a heart. She asked how could she have missed me the year before. I'm happy the delightful couple found me this year.

**Thank you Ellen for purchasing multiple hearts.**

**Stephanie and Kris..........Thanks so much!**

**Ms. Chabot and Alyssia (her former 6th Grade student)**

Being at my old high school right in my neighborhood, I definitely see many familiar faces and Ms. Chabot is one of them. She has been my vendor neighbor for a few years now at Memorial and she is a fond memory for me of my childrens' wonderful teachers from Hallsville School. This year she got to reconnect with Alyssia and you can see the love between the both of them and also what a tremendous, lasting bond that forms with teacher and student.

**Ms. Chabot's charming knitted mittens**

And thanks to Alyssia, I am sharing great pictures of other vendors items to give a taste of the talented artisans at this show. Please reach out to them if you are interested in their wares and check out their websites/information.

These dazzlingly beautiful glass blown ornaments and figures are made by the brothers, Richard and Jaye, of G Treasures. They can be reached at jayedagosti@comcast.net or 603-218-9518 and 9517.

These fashionable and fuzzy warm handmade hats and accessories were made by Creations by Pauline. She can be contacted at 603-432-5845 or at paulineelliott61@aol.com.

And this vendor, Bird Carvings from the Wild, is after my own heart with these hand-painted, hand-carved and very realistic wooden birds. Henry and Sue Boudreau's contact information is 631-666-9517, 631-334-1041 (cell) and www.woodcarvedbirds.com .

I love this idea by Hannah's Essentials of using flat slabs of granite as a sort-of cutting/mixing board for cheese etc. Lisa Dickerson can be reached at 201-230-6351 and lisanbruce3@optonline.net.

Recycled Time makes new and useful again all kinds of unique items by turning them into clocks. Wow! They are made by Phyllis Hanel and the email is recycledtime@yahoo.com.

Many vendors hand-work to make wooden items as well as myself and this intricate wood turning is a stunning example. Willow Vale Woodturning by Al Lanseigne has many varied pieces of beautifully turned and finished wood and can be reached at www.willowvalewoodturning.weebly.com, on Etsy, email: stickball13@comcast.net, and phone 603-362-6468.

There are also these fun and different items. Amanda and Ashley's fun button magnets are made with every design and popular icon imaginable....just about! They can be reached at dblacreations@gmail.com, phone 603-486-6122 and on facebook at facebook.com/DblACreations. Then there are the Christmas cards, etc. made from aluminum cans! A fun and ingenious idea by Irene E. DuPont, who also had for sale her book, Spanning Time, about New Hampshire's covered bridges and the Old Man of the Mountain. She can be reached at iirenee13@aol.com or cell 603-377-9017.

**Irene E. DuPont's book Spanning Time**

I am signing off with this picture of my beautiful daughter looking so festive because my favorite holiday season is coming up and I am so excited!!!! I hope to see everyone at the many holiday shows and I will be busy as an elf making evergreen arrangements and holiday cheer!

Contact/message me if you find any mistakes so that I can correct them. Thanks.

The Great New England Fall Craft & Artisan Show at the Hampshire Dome 2017

Diane Zevos October 24, 2017

The Dome is back! The Great New England Fall Craft & Artisan Show 2017 went off like clockwork with the stellar organization for this event and it was so "great" to be in the dome again.

**My design for the Art Jam Bridge Fest**

**I re-created the design in a slightly smaller version for this show.**

Only a few days before the event, 2 of the pictures I submitted for photos were used in advertising (my 3-tier Art Jam Bridge Fest donation heart and a rose heart) and I had sold them at the last event! It's hard to try to do a heart quickly with having enough time to apply the layers of poly, but I did get to complete them.

My first rose design is more of a rosebud and this heart hangs askew with the hole in the top left instead of the middle.  The heart is Ebony wood. — **My first rose design is more of a rosebud and this heart hangs askew with the hole in the top left instead of the middle. The heart is Ebony wood.**

And....they both sold!

**One of my rose designs in Purpleheart wood**

The heart I made for this show, a little different again and in Ebony wood.

The crowds were abundant everywhere you looked and there was a lot to look at.

Both Saturday and Sunday seemed to have a similar volume of attendees and there was more to see than the many and varied vendors. There were raffles on both days consisting of donated items from the vendors and a food court with delicious things to eat and drink.

**The people entering the dome on the left and the raffles in the center**

To complete the atmosphere, as I always feel it does, were the performances of the musical artists.

**Amanda Cote, living a new lifestyle in the gig business she says and forgetting her business cards.....this gig was an early one.**

**Robert Allwarden performing on the guitar and playing the harmonica simultaneously**

The performers on Saturday were Amanda Cote and Robert Allwarden. I think I could hear the music better this year and my booth was further away. Both performers included Tom Petty songs, which is understandable and also included The Band, The Who, The Beatles, Clapton, Dylan, to name a few and Amanda played one of my loved songs that Bonnie Raitt covers, Guilty (a Randy Newman song).

Beth had to perform without her music partner, Jim Coburn, but did such a great job, you'd never know it.  I LOVE the graphics on your card Beth! — **Beth had to perform without her music partner, Jim Coburn, but did such a great job, you'd never know it. I LOVE the graphics on your card Beth!**

Brian Weeks' charming voice carried through the dome beautifully with his guitar.  I think he brings his own palm tree! — **Brian Weeks' charming voice carried through the dome beautifully with his guitar. I think he brings his own palm tree!**

The performers on Sunday were Beth Mangano and Brian Weeks. The song selections were similar, lovely listening music. Brian's voice was great on his Jim Croce and James Taylor choices, as well as the many others. Beth played all my favorites and I think she was the only one who did Dead songs, love that!

My customers are so sweet to allow me to take their pictures. I absolutely understand when someone does not want their picture taken and that's fine. This is just a fun experience and I don't want anyone reluctantly participating. On Saturday, Liz, below left, modeled the beaded pompom tote bag for her friend who preferred not to, what a good sport Liz! Abby, below right, bought 2 hearts from me. She felt that they were kind-of opposites, dark wood heart with white inlay and light wood heart with dark inlay..........I see what you mean.

**Annika and Allison bought 2 dot hearts for family........thanks guys!**

Linda bought 2 of my velvet bags with satin linings and embellished with bullion and beads (I love doing that).  Thanks Linda! — **Linda bought 2 of my velvet bags with satin linings and embellished with bullion and beads (I love doing that). Thanks Linda!**

After my tote bag with the beaded poms sold on Saturday, Danielle, below, mentioned that she loved the tote, but the one that had the poms. I told her I had extra of the poms at home, added them overnight and she came first thing Sunday and purchased it. I hope that customers ask me things like that, because I am versatile and although many bags are one-of-a-kind, if I can make something happen....I will do it! Samantha and Danielle were both vendors at the show.

Beautiful Samantha and Danielle and Danielle's husband John (chose not to be in the picture) being good sports and letting me take their picture.  Samantha was selling fudge at the show and Danielle's booth was Momm's Sweet Pea.  Thanks yo… — Beautiful Samantha and Danielle and Danielle's husband John (chose not to be in the picture) being good sports and letting me take their picture. Samantha was selling fudge at the show and Danielle's booth was Momm's Sweet Pea. Thanks you guys!

Nancy and Aviva brightened my day with their happy demeanors, and Sue asked me why I wanted to take her picture.....well I do anyway, but I told her because she was my customer of the day! She purchased multiple special hearts including the spalted Tamarind she is holding and she knew that the crazy, marble-like design was the wood rotting from a fungus! Nevermind that she also had a yellow warbler necklace!!!!

**Thanks so much Nancy and Aviva....love that name, first time I've heard it!**

Leah and Quinn also chose a dot heart for a family member and I appreciate Quinn reluctantly being in the photo. Thanks Quinn! Jenny's big, beautiful smile and lovely earrings makes me smile. Lovely Carole, below, wore a silver heart around her neck and purchased the one she's holding. She told me she put in the raffle for my 2-tier heart, below, and I hoped for her to win it. That heart or the one she's holding was going to a friend.

my 2-tier version, Zebrawood with pearl inlay

Cindy's heart, left, was going as a gift to Florida and Mary, right, bought 2 of my favorite bags and the one in her left hand was going to a young girl and I love that.

My vendor neighbors.......I have listed the links I could get at the end of my blog, please check them out.

JL Williams Glass Art sells beautiful fused and stained glass pieces and jewelry and more.  She's a very busy lady with a newborn besides her business. — **JL Williams Glass Art sells beautiful fused and stained glass pieces and jewelry and more. She's a very busy lady with a newborn besides her business.**

**EW Designs makes and sells therapeutic hand and foot rollers, very popular at the shows.**

The amazing Cool HouZ booth!  An incredible idea and I think their booth should have won for best booth, very beautiful. — **The amazing Cool HouZ booth! An incredible idea and I think their booth should have won for best booth, very beautiful.**

The beautiful jewelry of Crystal Chen from Crystal Designs.  Her email is crystal.chen@comcast.net. — **The beautiful jewelry of Crystal Chen from Crystal Designs. Her email is crystal.chen@comcast.net.**

**The darling handmade items from Angel in NH Crafts.**

**Mr. and Mrs. Herard of Angelinnh Crafts**

This wonderful couple bought a few pieces from me and Nancy chose the 3-tier heart in the memory of her mother's 3 siblings to adorn the shelf with items from them that she displays. Hearts mean love.....

Once again....a great show and I'm happy to be a part of the festivities. Please support all the talented vendors/artisans and check out their sites and info. If you would like to leave a comment in general or if I made any errors in the information, please do. Thanks and my gourd says "HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"

https://coolhouz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/coolhouz/

https://www.facebook.com/angelinnhcrafts/

https://www.facebook.com/Jibe-Man-Co-191498051243013/

http://www.jlwilliamsglassart.com/index.html https://www.facebook.com/jlwilliamsglassart/

https://sites.google.com/site/brianweeksmusic/

http://www.amandacotesings.com/#about

I try to put links if I have a card or if any link is easy to find, but if I am unsure I won't put any link. Contact me if a link is incorrect or you would like me to add a link (blogs are viewed sometimes more after the events).

Art Jam Bridge Fest

Diane Zevos September 24, 2017

The Art Jam Bridge Fest 2017 held on the Notre Dame/Bridge Street Bridge was a beautiful scene on a beautiful day in Manchester. There was an exciting amount of activities happening all along the bridge: musical artists, painters, dancers, kid's area, face painting, as well as all kinds of foods and different other vendors. I felt privileged to be on that bridge above the Merrimack River as an artist in this great event in my hometown.

As I said in my last post, being an artist in the art jam, I approached this event differently displaying the various stages of my heart production, from the raw blocks and strips to the raw sawn hearts and lastly to the hand saw and Dremel to show the inlay process. I loved this approach and people were so eager to hear my whole story.

It's hard to see everything in this photo, but at the right end of my table are the blocks and strips of wood.  The first drawer is filled with the raw hearts, the other finished hearts and behind the drawers I had the tools for hand sawing the… — It's hard to see everything in this photo, but at the right end of my table are the blocks and strips of wood. The first drawer is filled with the raw hearts, the other finished hearts and behind the drawers I had the tools for hand sawing the pearl and the Dremel to rout out the design in the hearts.

I would just like to state right here.......This Was My Best Single Show Ever!!!! I barely had time to take all my customer's pictures, nevermind walk around!

When I did get a moment to take a picture of one of the painters (he was painting with his hand) who was nearby and then my neighbor artists to the right and left of me, and that is all I could find time for.

Joshlee (as his hand-written note said by his head IG: joshlee3288) said he was only on instagram with his handwritten advertising, but obviously his advertising is in his painting.....intense!

My neighbor artists to the right were the collaborative team of Sami and Emily, at least on some of the masks. They each displayed their separate artistry also.

**Emily's art is of natural history and imaginative illustration (contact info: EmilyThorpeArt@gmail.com or twitter: @EThorpe_6 and on Etsy)**

**Sami does these wild masks and her contact info is IG: SAMISAURUS_REXX or SAMIMONOX@gmail.com**

**I am missing one name but the students here are (not necessarily in order) Cam, Corine, Kelly and Lauren.**

The Trinity High School National Arts Honor Society were my neighbors to the left selling all kinds of art made by the students which included the beautiful photography of ZMP Photography.

There was a constant stream of visitors to the Bridge Fest and their ticket price was to benefit various local organizations fighting the opiod/herion crisis, and at the same time check out the wonderful artists/performers.

And now for my wonderful customers that are so good-natured to allow me to take a picture of them with their happy smiles and sometimes sassy attitudes shining through.

Thank you Jenna and Haley for purchasing a heart for your Mom.

**I love this heart that Sam purchased**

The heart that Sam purchased is pictured on the left here before any poly. It is dark ebony with the beautiful, contrasting Osage Orange heart inlay and an abalone dot. She liked how simple the combination was.

**Thank you Belah and your mother for allowing me to take your picture!**

Throughout the day, I made 3 hearts into necklaces on the spot....no problem! The small hearts are great as necklaces. I plan to sometime use a jewelry-type clasp end to use as a bracelet, but right now the necklace just ties at the end and goes over the head.

**Thank you so much Neveah and Briana!**

**Glad to make your heart into a necklace, Cindy, and I hope I didn't bug you putting it over your head....Thanks!**

**Thank you so much Linda and Penny, you made my day!**

My customers of the day, I must say, were Linda and Penny. I was focusing my artistry on my hearts, but I still displayed my bags............and they were all about bags! They each bought the one that they are wearing in the picture and they made me feel so great raving about them. Then.....they sent their friend over and she bought one also. Then....they came back and purchased two more for, I think, Penny's daughter? Wow, they were terrific!

Rose was Linda and Penny's friend who bought the red and gold tapestry with beaded tassels she's wearing and then surprised me with Buffy her dog inside the bag she had on her left shoulder!

**Rose and Buffy...surprise....I have a dog in my bag!**

I have learned that I should always have a good supply of my $5 dot inlay hearts because they are a very popular item, inexpensive, and it introduces customers into my world of hearts.

As you can see with these many wonderful, smiling faces, those hearts are my best selling single item.

**Thank you Laurel and thanks so much for the hug!**

**mix of dot inlay heart with a few others**

Sarah, thanks for your purchase and picture!

Thanks Janet (my middle name, my mother's name and her grandmother's name)!

**spalted Tamarind heart with Abalam heart inlay**

Brenda purchased my brand new heart that looks like it's made out of marble, the spalted Tamarind, that has incredibly interesting detail made by the fungus that moves through the wood. And after I twisted Robert's arm, he let me take his picture, I don't get a lot of males, so I was forceful, but not abusive, haha.

**Robert purchased this small Mahogany heart with golden Mother-of-Pearl mosaic heart inlay**

What a great experience that seemed to go off without any problems (good organization is an art in itself) and I was proud to be involved to benefit from the generous attendees willing to support the arts. I listed links to various artists and organizations, please click on them for more information and like and share with your friends to support the arts. Thank you!

http://artjambridgefest.com/ http://www.hopefornhrecovery.org/

https://www.facebook.com/HOPECRCC/

https://manchesterinklink.com/scenes-art-jam-bridge-fest/

https://www.facebook.com/zmpphotography/

25th Annual Auburn Day and Duck Race

Diane Zevos September 11, 2017

The 25th Annual Auburn Day and Duck Race must have surpassed everyone's expectations because it did mine; it was chock full of festivities, fun, entertainment, food and excitement! The day began very sunny and later mixed with sun and clouds and just a few dark clouds overhead later in the day brought barely a couple drops of rain. The tents were set up all along the center's roads and people milled about the street making way every few minutes or so for the Roaming Railroad giving free rides all day.

**Down the street to my right before the crowds**

**That duck balloon on the train looks unreal......strange?!**

**Down the street to my left before the crowds**

This is my booth setup with my new sign. A little more embellished with my design logo on one end and a heart on the other end. I love black and white, but also adding red to it. So I make the center circle in my logo red and the heart red on the other end. I'm very happy with how it came out, even after I ruined it twice putting the contact paper on it for protection!

My vendor neighbor to my right was the author, Killarney Traynor, who writes mysteries set in local New Hampshire areas. People came to her table having purchased books from her and wanting to know the latest!

**A view of the street through the heart.**

**This was my new heart design for the Art Jam Bridge Fest on 9/23 in Manchester, a Zebrawood 3-tier heart.**

She was a lovely person who purchased one of my new heart designs (the 2-tier smaller scale) and she loves blue. Hers was a pearl heart inlay with a blue jewel.

**This is the smaller version of my new design, a Zebrawood 2-tier heart.**

**I brought a Zebrawood 3-tier heart with an amber jewel and abalam inlay to display that I did for a special order.**

In the early 90's I worked at Heimlich's Nursery in Derry and I was asked to do a presentation called "Putting your garden to bed for the winter" at the Griffin Free Library. I had a great time preparing and doing the presentation. I remember saying that your garden is like your children and preparing it for the winter is like when you put your children to bed well fed and protected.

I cannot always walk around being a single vendor, but at this event because I was by the Griffin Free Library parking lot, there were many things happening. Early on were the Heel & Toe squaredancers from Manchester which were a joy to watch as you can see by the pictures. The organization obviously wants to update the dance with modern, popular music to entice new potential dancers and young people.

**I love these action shots with the skirts flowing.**

**The caller had novice, audience participants actually doing the moves!**

There were performances by the Ameri-Kids Baton & Dance Studio which were darling.

The caller made a strong point that once you learn the basic moves, you can squaredance anywhere around the world because it is in English and each caller tells their own story or sequence. It was great!

The Company A 12th SVR Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War graced the streets with their depictions and costumes.

**Cracker Jacks the clown is dressed to perfection!**

She came back to my booth later in the day and purchased an ebony heart with pearl heart inlay, still smiling away and friendly and fun as ever.

**Cracker Jacks magic show with the kids**

And then there was Cracker Jacks the Clown! A bundle of smiles and energy and magic to enchant the children. She went strong all day long!

**Don Sowa of Professional Concrete Park Benches**

One of my other vendor neighbors was Don Sowa, above, who worked for the City of Manchester for years and retired from there to revisit his idea of a business making the steel reinforced concete forms for these park benches. He offers free delivery and setup! Across the way from my booth was the award winning Dan Szczesny; author, journalist and speaker. Then I also met Jess Traynor, a relative of Killarneys, from Jess's Delectables, who was urged by the organizers that she regularly works with to have a booth in the event.

Thank you Christine and Roberta, and please reach out to me if you would like that instrument made by my husband.  He said....great! — **Thank you Christine and Roberta, and please reach out to me if you would like that instrument made by my husband. He said....great!**

I love my customers and when I see all their smiling faces after the shows, it makes it so wonderful for me. Christine and Roberta above were so cheerful and interested in my items and they purchased a redheart heart with golden pearl heart inlay, as did Justine on the left.

Lorraine, above, made me so happy when she purchased the wristlet she is holding. I made it for the size of glasses or iPod, but I think I should make them a little bigger... she had a big cellphone.

Riley was my last customer of the day and she purchased an Osage Orange abalone dot inlay heart and I ran after her when I realized I had not given her the tag with the wood and inlay type. It's important to me for my customers to know.

I met new customers, but I also met an old customer. Wayne Hall bought a velvet drawstring bag from me at the 2016 Made in NH Expo at the Radisson. I use Wayne as an example of men that buy my bags and also as an example of what people put in them, which in his case was his special wooden chess pieces.

**Miss Seacoast 2018, Samantha, and Miss Granite State's Outstanding Teen 2018, Olivia**

**Lucy, mom, and Skyler, Miss Goffstown Outstanding Teen 2018**

So many interesting people and things were walking around the event. Quite a few outstanding teens that I couldn't photograph them all. And chickens?!

Musical entertainment was abound with the main underlying music of DJ Paul Lepine. I did not see him, he was too far away, but I could hear his terrific popular music selections. I took a picture of the young rockers from afar, Sunday Ave. As a rock musician of over 35 years myself, they sounded pretty tight. Also, the Pinkerton Academy Band performed and marched so stately through the streets. The march in is reserved, but the march out is animated, full of drum cadences and a bit of dancing.

**And lastly, the groups that carry and wheel out the big pieces of equipment**

And last, but certainly NOT least.....THE DUCK RACE!!!!! As the crowd gathered to full capacity on the bridge and all around everywhere that you could see the river, the numbered ducks came floating down. It is hard to see, but below is the first duck going over the waterfall. I was far away, but the idea and excitement still comes across and when that duck went over, the crowd cheered and whistled. I kept the pictures of the ducks large to be able to see a little better.

The tiny yellow speck on the left is the first duck going over the waterfall, to the delight of everyone.  What a beautiful fall photo. — **The tiny yellow speck on the left is the first duck going over the waterfall, to the delight of everyone. What a beautiful fall photo.**

**After the first few, the ducks start coming down in greater numbers.**

**Another view of the bridge and notice on the right if you can, that is a gentleman in a yellow wetsuit who was in the river keeping tabs on things I guess.**

This is the longest blog I've done, I think. It takes me about 4 hours to complete these from starting with editing of the photos to the completion of the whole blog. I love making a record of these wonderful events that I sell at. They are so well organized and are so valuable to their communities and I just get to sell and enjoy. I feel priviledged. I am including links to the entertainers and organizations below, so please click on them to find out more about everyone and also like and share with your friends to show support. Thanks so much and comment if you'd like!

http://www.auburnhistorical.org/duck-race---auburn-day.html http://www.roamingrailroad.com/ http://www.killarneytraynor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authorkillarneytraynor/ https://griffinfree.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GriffinFreePublicLibrary/ http://heelandtoesdc.freeservers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/heelandtoesquaredanceclub/ http://www.ameri-kids.org/ http://www.crackerjackstheclown.com/index.html https://www.facebook.com/CrackerJacksTheClown/ https://buffaloandtoughcookie.wordpress.com/about-the-author/ https://www.facebook.com/dan.szczesny.9

Source: 2017/09/11/25th-annual-auburn-day-and-duck-race

Atkinson NH 250th Celebration Vintage Market

Diane Zevos September 4, 2017

Atkinson's 250th Celebration Vintage Market went off with a BANG.....literally!!! I was near the cannon taking this picture for one of the explosions and it was quite a feeling going through the body. It makes a person think about what it was like way back when, which was the recurring theme at this celebration. I heard that there was a Civil War demonstration to happen as well. As can be seen by this picture, it was a beautiful day for all the fun to be enjoyed.

Paolo, in error I did not ask your mother for permission to use your photo, so I cropped a bit, but still included you.  Thank you and thank you for your help as part of the team to assist the vendors in setting up. — Paolo, in error I did not ask your mother for permission to use your photo, so I cropped a bit, but still included you. Thank you and thank you for your help as part of the team to assist the vendors in setting up.

**Much more was on display inside the Historical Society Building**

The organizers had many reminders and hands-on examples of life back then and there was no lack of participation and interest.....from the youngsters......to the adults.

The Historical Society building had many more exhibits and demonstrations that my limited ability to roam could not check out. The life-size forms to the left of the building were there to take photos with and post on Facebook, what fun! There was also some intricate face painting around the corner of the building. It was done by Lil' Peeps Face Painting and was beautiful, colorful and artistic.

**Thank you so much Karen, you were such a pleasure!**

My very first customer, Karen, was one of my most insightful ever. It seemed like everything I concentrate on, pride myself on and try to get across to others about my items.....she got!! She made me feel that my goals are not lost and unimportant. She bought multiple items, but the best example of her insight was that she purchased one of my newest ideas, the wristlet! Not that the wristlet is a new invention, but I had the idea when at the Made in NH Expo 2017 at the Radisson in Manchester, a woman bought a smaller drawstring bag and adjusted it right in front of me to hang on her wrist so that she could browse and hold items hands-free. I loved that idea!

So then I redid the strings on some of my long eye-glass/iPod size bags and added a flexible bracelet. I made the two on the right below as gifts, but I used one of the ones on the left below on a night out and it freely hung from my wrist while I sat, walked and danced around. As I demonstrated it to Karen, she agreed and purchased one.

**My bags for glasses, iPods, etc., that holds just a few items.**

**These two I made as gifts for a special night out.**

Lisa bought this adorable beaded bag and after a little hesitation, she allowed my to take her cheerful picture. And I love taking a group picture and Joanne, Jamie and Kay were so nice to let me. I gave them a long leather string to make the bocote dot inlay heart to hang as a necklace.

I always feel that music adds so much to festivities and this well-run event felt that way also because there was entertainment all day. As I said previously, I am limited to walk around being a single vendor (had help later in the day, thanks Alyss!) and there was another solo (I think) performer, but I couldn't get away to take a photo. All kinds of great, popular songs were played.

The event was held in Atkinson center at the Dow Common and at the Atkinson Historical Society and the crowds were great.

**The Atkinson Historical Society area on the left and the Dow Common area on the right**

There were many vendors and artisans for the crowds of attendees to browse as well as a flatbed farmer's market.

The 6th Maine Battery cannon fires were the highlight of the day though. It was only supposed to happen I heard twice, but that was changed to two fires every hour. Everyone would crowd around. It was exciting!

What a terrific event! It was very organized and full of fun, participation and community. If you would like to find out more information about the organizations or performers, just click on the links below and please like and share with your friends to show support to these great participants. If I have any information incorrect, please send me a message so that I can fix it. Thank you!

http://www.atkinsonnh250th.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsonNH250Anniversary/ http://www.atkinsonhistoricalsociety.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Atkinson-Historical-Society-1226462774071621/ http://www.sixthmaine.org/https://www.facebook.com/SixthMaine/

https://www.facebook.com/LilPeepsFacepainting/

https://www.facebook.com/Another-Shot-Acoustic-4pc-Band-873535572764650/

https://www.facebook.com/StumpyJoeBand/

Concord Arts Market Saturday August 19

Diane Zevos August 20, 2017

After the rain drenching Friday weather, this Saturday's Concord Arts Market started misty and cloudy but eventually changed into this beautiful, warm August day! Customers were slow to visit the square in the morning, but came out to enjoy the day and visit the artisans as it warmed up. I was surprised to hear from some of the visitors that they had no idea this market was happening and asking when it began and how long does it last. All should know about this charming square and the talented artisans and vendors that participate. I have seen quite a few of the visitors walking by with green plant ends hanging out of their bags/backpacks, which means they are coming from the Farmer's Market which seems to be very popular. That would be a great day, visiting the Farmer's Market and then visiting the Arts Market and also include having a meal at the many restaurants nearby.

One of the talented artisans was my vendor neighbor Sue Anne Bottomley and her husband. Sue Anne's family is involved in her business and all contribute to her finished products. I love her work! It is just incredible, and being able to meet people like Sue Anne is one reason why doing these shows can be so great.

Sue Anne has 2 books to her credit and is working on the 3rd. Her book, the Colorful Journey, shows one of her works for every town in New Hampshire, 234, and a few blurbs about the scene in the drawings/paintings. It's amazing! The 3rd book is 100 drawings/paintings on Portsmouth. She has completed 99 and has 1 more to do. Great work!

Sue Anne's husband, I should have gotten his name, showed me a little workbook of her drawings. What a charming book....I loved it! Hope to see them again at another venue.

**All the different designer fabric used in my first group of this size bag, including Susan's, which is at the top.**

I was finding out from my customers, that the visitors to the square and the purchases of my items, were going to many places. Susan, who is visiting from Dallas, bought this small bag, a line of mine for eyeglasses/small phones, for her glasses because of the size, but also because of the softness of the inside on the glass. So obviously this bag is going to Dallas!

Then, here is Anny, who will be going to England to give the bag she is holding as a gift to her daughter. She liked it very much and as I finished the bag early in the am that same day (actually I finally finished it at the market), I knew it would be bought pretty quickly. Sometimes you just know. It was a beautiful, lush black and bronze sort-of carpet-like fabric with a deep gold satin lining. Just before she left my booth, she added this small black velvet bag with red satin lining for her granddaughter I think. She was a delightful customer.

**small black velvet bag with red satin lining**

I had another customer who did not want her picture taken (I support that, no hard feelings!) that purchased a small ebony heart with a heart mosaic inlay of golden Mother-of-Pearl that I changed the leather tie on to make it a necklace. It was for her daughter-in-law, I think, who was moving further away and she wanted something special for her.

Then, at the very end of the day (any vendor that packs up early should listen to this) just after 3:00pm when packing has begun, I took my time and my last customer, Brenda, came purposely to buy a New Hampshire item from someone and luckily that was me! Again, this was a bag that I just completed at the market and she told me her story and that she sends holiday/birthday/etc. gifts to quite a few distant places that include Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida (I might not have remembered correctly each one), but suffice to say, the items are sent far away and what great exposure! She attends many shows in the area that include the Made in NH Expo at the Radisson in Manchester and supports local, NH businesses/artisans. She wants to show her family what we here have to offer.

As the usual, there was musical entertainment to enhance the browsing experience. On the stage area where my booth had been located the first 2 markets, was Michael and Wade, saxophone and keyboards (but which was which I'm not sure) serenading us with many tunes including "Tequila!"

NH Writers' Project members playing wonderful duets.

My neighbor vendors on the side opposite Sue Anne Bottomley were the NH Writers' Project booth and a few of the members played some songs throughout the day when Michael and Wade were not. I didn't think I would be crying at the market, but they played Ashokan Farewell and that did it. It is a beautiful song on its own from the Civil War series by Ken Burns, but add that my son, Christos, plays it on the violin, has played it in a duo with me on the piano when he was little and played it with my husband, John, at my mother's funeral service a few years ago, that is one special song to me. They played many other songs including Pachelbel's Canon, I Shall Be Released and the Water is Wide.....all lovely. They are members of the Concord NHWP. I spoke with a woman from the Manchester chapter and she encouraged me to check them out. My daughter Alyssia and I are collaborating on a childrens book that I want Alyssia to illustrate.

**Alyssia with her final project at Suffolk University quite a few years ago now.**

These are some of Alyssia's "renderings" or illustrations she drew for her final project at Suffolk University. She is a busy Interior Designer, but she is so talented at drawing, both of us need to find the time to finish the idea.

Thank you Elizabeth and Jack for letting me photograph you guys!  Your jewelry looked beautiful and had such great design Elizabeth. — Thank you Elizabeth and Jack for letting me photograph you guys! Your jewelry looked beautiful and had such great design Elizabeth.

Marguerite, I'm sorry I didn't notice your eyes were closed.  It's all so split second, but thank you so much for allowing me to take your picture. — **Marguerite, I'm sorry I didn't notice your eyes were closed. It's all so split second, but thank you so much for allowing me to take your picture.**

Elsa and Susan, thank you so much!  Elsa bought a "key to my heart" heart, which I started doing after I found a container full of old rusty skeleton keys.  I put a heart with a dot inlay on a ring with a skeleton key, it's pretty cute. — Elsa and Susan, thank you so much! Elsa bought a "key to my heart" heart, which I started doing after I found a container full of old rusty skeleton keys. I put a heart with a dot inlay on a ring with a skeleton key, it's pretty cute.

I always try to have many different woods of the $5 hearts with the dot inlays precisely for this reason.....all 4 of these customers bought one. It is an inexpensive way for a customer to give my hearts a try.

This was probably my last Concord Arts Market Saturday this year, but I am so impressed with it and I enjoyed the square, the artisans, the vendors, the visitors, the dogs......everything! I am including links to some sites I mentioned, please click on them, find out more information and like and share the info with friends. If anyone wants to send me a message or let me know if any information was incorrect, don't hesitate to contact me.

http://www.concordartsmarket.net/ https://www.facebook.com/ConcordArtsMarket/ http://sueannebottomley.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/colorfuljourneyworld/ http://www.nhwritersproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/nhwritersproject/

Concord Arts Market Saturday August 12

Diane Zevos August 13, 2017

This turtle in the courtyard of Bicentennial Square depicts how the slightly stormy Saturday began at the Concord Arts Market and how it slowly but steadily got better from there at the event and also with the weather.

**A short walk through this dark hallway from Main Street and you enter into the square.**

From what I heard, there was a lot going on around Concord and if you came through the hallway from Main Street happenings to the courtyard, you emerge in the bright and lovely square.

**The waterfall is a big draw for children and adults alike.**

It is a beautifully landscaped area, tranquil, with the water muffling the faint sounds of other activities in the area and it is so pleasant to meander around, meet with friends and perhaps sit and have some delicious drinks and food from the True Brew.

While enjoying the charming square, the sweet sounds of the musicians serenading you only adds to the ambiance.

And, of course, as always, many dogs add to the friendliness of the square.

The saxophonist (word?) and pianist, I apologize for not getting their names,  played some great tunes.  I think I saw them each drag out their Real Books.  They were great! — **The saxophonist (word?) and pianist, I apologize for not getting their names, played some great tunes. I think I saw them each drag out their Real Books. They were great!**

My first customer, Hason, bought one of my small osage orange hearts that had an abalone dot inlay.

On the elevated "stage area" were my booth and the colorful and fun Flannery Black-Ingersoll's hand-painted rocks. She and Amanda also make the jewelry that Amanda is wearing.

To reach Flannery/Amanda email at andyjanehandmade@gmail.com

Stillwater Weaving Studio; visit at www.stillwaterstudio.org

Across from our stage area were these talented artisans; Stillwater Weaving Studio, Eye Like by Mollie and JL Williams Glass Art. Incredibly well-made items that are so colorful and decorative and/or sometimes useful.

JL Williams Glass Art; visit at  www.jlwilliamsglassart.com  or on facebook facebook.com/JLWilliamsGlassArt — **JL Williams Glass Art; visit at www.jlwilliamsglassart.com or on facebook facebook.com/JLWilliamsGlassArt**

**Eye Like by Mollie; follow her on instagram @eyelikebymollie**

A couple of my customers that came to the market, bought some great items. Kelly was very thorough investigating my sewing and I'm happy to say, I passed! I think the bags were going on trips, sounds great! Brooke came to my booth after I had taken Fen's picture and purchased a small heart and I took another picture (of both facing front).

**Thank you Kelly for the purchases and the recommendations....fringe is in!**

My last customer of the day was the vibrant, Lorna, who bought 2 small hearts and I made her decision so much harder by having so many choices. That's just how I feel, they are all so beautiful.

Please check out all the great vendors below, besides the ones I have already pictured. I tried to walk around when not busy and take a few pictures to show off the wonderful art and artisans that are offered at this market. I couldn't get every vendor, but these photos show a lot and I hope will tempt everyone to visit next Saturday to keep this square hopping! Tell your friends and if you want to find out more about the artisans, go to their sites (I have included some links below) and like them and share them with all. Thank you!

**Cedar Porch Designs by Anne Stewart, visit at www.cedarporchdesigns.com**

POWPAPER by Eric Pow, hand-cut paper art; follow on Instagram @EricPowPaper; facebook POWPAPER and contact powpaperetsy@gmail.com — **POWPAPER** **by Eric Pow, hand-cut paper art; follow on Instagram @EricPowPaper; facebook POWPAPER and contact powpaperetsy@gmail.com**

**Tookybirds by Rosalie Smith, contact her at thenursenice@hotmail.com, 603-746-1434**

**CATALYST by Joe Montroy; contact josephmontroy@gmail.com and visit at www.jmontroy.com**

**Martha Sawyer, designs made from scratch; contact mauthraflora@gmail.com and coming to Etsy soon!**

http://www.stillwaterstudio.org/

http://jlwilliamsglassart.com/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/stillwaterweaving/

https://www.facebook.com/powpaper/

http://www.jmontroy.com/

https://www.cedarporchdesigns.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CedarPorchDesigns/

http://www.concordartsmarket.net/

https://www.facebook.com/ConcordArtsMarket/

Newburyport MA Yankee Homecoming Market Square Day Craft Show

Diane Zevos August 2, 2017

The Newburyport MA Yankee Homecoming Market Square Day Craft Fair was a joy to behold on this spectacular summer day in this beautiful city by the water. This shot says it all; blue sky and blue water, boats, brick walkways and exquisite detail to decorating and landscaping.

Throughout the day as well as when I left, there was a lot going on besides the craft show. Races and music to mention a few, but hustling and bustling everywhere although in a vacationing kind of mindset. This was my first time being a vendor in the city and I experienced a lot of interest in my items although not a lot of sales.

**Pleasant Street was blocked off from traffic**

Allison and Addison were my first customers of the day. Addison tried on quite a few trying to make a decision on which she liked best and finally settled on the charming bronze-like tree embroidery of the bag she's holding.

This photo reminds me of an aspect of the surroundings that I forgot.....how colorful it is! Irina shows that in full spectrum with her outfit here as she allowed me to take her picture. She is a face painter artist. The vibrant courtyard pictures below also show off that color.

One of my neighbor vendors, New England Porch Rockers, was a great spot on this warm day to sit and rest on a comfortable rocker made beautifully by Jeanne. What a great art!

So, it is here that my focus changed a little bit in between my customers. Newburyport is obviously a pet friendly community and I suddenly thought......why not focus on the dogs? Well, I didn't realize what a big undertaking that was going to be. Nevermind all the dogs that already had passed by my booth, but I started trying to take dog pictures and my head was turning every which way...all the time! Before I begin the long line of dog pictures, I'll mention my last two pictures that I have of my customers. Nance and Scott were a great couple and they purchased one of my new items, an ebony heart with an osage orange heart inlay and also an abalone dot inlay in center. Jillian and Jayme helped Jen choose a couple of hearts to purchase.

Nance and Scott were so nice and a great couple.  Thanks! — **Nance and Scott were so nice and a great couple. Thanks!**

Jillian, Jen and Jayme allowed me to take this group picture.  Thanks guys! — **Jillian, Jen and Jayme allowed me to take this group picture. Thanks guys!**

So now this turns into a Dog Blog!!

There were dogs meeting dogs.

There were golden retrievers and black labs. I couldn't get all the dogs' names yesterday, but this black lab was Pepper, a tremendously loving and docile pet his owner told me.

There were small dogs..............and BIG dogs! Gooch is a mastif and those legs of the owners aren't as small and skinny as they look standing next to him. All I kept saying was Oh My God! and He's huge!

These two small guys were friends.

.....after dog.....

Did this dog know I was taking his picture?

There were also some rescue dogs, Stanley to the right and Gracie and Austin below.

There was dog......

.....after dog......

It was a very hot day and smart owners made sure to give water.

Lucky dogs!

Boy, I had my work cut out for me when I decided to photograph the dogs, but they all are lucky dogs because their owners love them and bring them everywhere they can. It was such a great environment, full of families and friends and animals, and all welcome with open arms.

Concord Arts Market Saturday July 22

Diane Zevos July 23, 2017

The Concord Arts Market is a colorful courtyard of creative artists in a surprisingly serene and inviting hardscape just off Main Street in Concord, NH. The sound of the running water gently muffles any bigger city street sounds and along the entryway from Warren Street are quaint sitting areas at the True Brew Cafe where customers can drink special drinks/coffees and take in the whole scene.

**Entrance to the upper courtyard from Warren Street**

All through the market are couples, dogs on leashes (one in a cart being pulled!), baby carriages, and many children with their parents. In comparison to some other Saturdays, it was just a little slow (I was told because this was my first one), but still many shoppers. And, believe it or not, quite a few Pokemon Go (sp.?) participants.

**Here they were right next to me ..... could my booth have been a ....... whatever?!**

**Thanks to Bethany and her mom and best of luck!**

I missed taking a picture of the keyboard entertainment as the first musical performer, although I heard a lot of familiar songs and one that surprised me, Alley Cat, that made me think I was at a wedding in the 60's or 70's! I did get a picture of the second performer which was Bethany on the violin. Where I was I couldn't hear her well, but when I walked back by to give a donation to her "help me go to camp" jar I think she was playing the Irish Washerwoman which is close to my heart because my husband and son and I play it in Celtic Knot with Ben Rudnick. If it wasn't that tune, it was an Irish jig and it sounded terrific! Thanks to Bethany's mom for letting me take her picture.

**Bocote wood heart with abalone diamond shape inlay**

My first sale of the day was Shawn and he purchased a new heart and one of my favorites. The wood is Bocote and I made this odd shaped heart to include the "imperfection" of the knothole so as to include the wild grain design surrounding it. I inlaid a diamond abalone piece for the embellishment. I knew someone with great and quirky taste would buy it, and I do not mean anything negative in that description!

**Thank you Catharine and I love your handwriting!**

I gave away two "D" hearts, one to Catharine for being my "customer of the day" and to Maria, whose lovely demeanor and darling headband compelled me to speak to her. Her English was limited, but we understood each other and I admire her for being happy with her unique self at 85.

My other sale of the day was Catharine, whom I declared my "customer of the day" for purchasing 4 of the small hearts with abalone dot inlay. When someone like Catharine ooohhs and aaahhhs over your painstakingly done items that you yourself love so much, it does a "heart" good. She bought them as Christmas gifts for her friends, trying a bit to hide them from her friend in the background.

**The lovely Maria, an inspiration, and behind her is the very talented, Emily, with her "spray paint art" which is so beautiful, colorful and unique.**

**My booth on the elevated stage area.**

I had such a great time at this show and the venue is so wonderful that I am looking forward to my next Saturday there which is August 12th. Hope to see you there.

Please comment if you would like to and if you are pleased with this blog and The Concord Arts Market, like and share!!! Thank you so much, everyone!

Songs From The Last Waltz Tribute at Jim Mitchell Park in Warner July 15

Diane Zevos July 16, 2017

It was such a beautiful day and evening to be sharing music, friends and fun at the beautiful Jim Mitchell Community Park in Warner. A night of the music of the Last Waltz which all of the bands and the attendees love so much. A great tribute to The Band and great performances by the mainly local musicians and bands showing their fervor for it all in the photo above. It is pretty powerful to be on that stage with all the energy, vocals and players.

The viewing area as you can see is a natural kind-of amphitheater (makes walking around interesting, but viewing fabulous!). This was the crowd at the beginning of the show. Ben Dobrowski with MainStreetWarner and the Dobros said by the end of the show it was the largest crowd for a musical event at the park yet! Thanks to all our friends that tried to pass the word on and shared posts.

Dusty Gray with Will Hatch, the Complete Unknowns - Who Do You Love and Mystery Train

Soundchecks and the dynamic drummer from the supergroup Lichen (private joke), Bill McLaughlin and his lovely wife and my photographer helper, Cindy.

John Zevos smiling..."taking my picture?"

The show began, after a slight delay, with Dusty Gray and Will Hatch of the Complete Unknowns. But as you can see, relaxing on the hill was so pleasant, no one really noticed.

I tried to get a photo of each performer, but I did miss a few unfortunately; the Punch Box Hobos and Holly Furlon. I apologize. Some of them did play on stage for the group songs.

The Dobros - Acadian Driftwood, Don't Do It and Further On Up The Road.....look at the beautiful sky!

Lichen (with Wayne Hughes filling in for our bass player, Charlie) - Stagefright, Up On Cripple Creek and The Shape I'm In

What a great time! Great people! Great songs! Rob Azevedo, you do such an incredible job getting these talented people together and pulling off the show seemingly perfectly. I hope I got all the information correct because I want to give everyone their kudos. Thanks to everyone!

Walker Smith - Georgia On My Mind and with Holly Furlon - Evangeline and I Shall Be Released

Jasmine Mann - Hazel and It Makes No Difference

The Other'ns - Forever Young and Baby Let Me Follow You Down

Group ending songs - Helpless, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and The Weight

Great New England Spring Craft Fair

Diane Zevos May 8, 2017

This weekend's Great New England Craft Fair at the Hampshire Hill's tennis courts in Milford was a success, if for nothing else but the fact that it was able to happen at all because of the collapse of the Hampshire Dome after heavy snowfall this winter.

Thanks to incredible management and drive, I would say, the fair was reorganized to fit into 3 tennis court areas at the Hampshire Hills Athletic Center next to the dome.

The West Wing is where my booth was located.

The rooms were labeled the East Wing, the South Wing and the West Wing, so there was still plenty to see. In the East Wing there was the raffle and music for those lucky vendors and a passport was offered to all attendees at the entrance to encourage visiting to all the wings and have it marked off so they may enter into drawings for prizes.

My booth was a great corner space, I really got to spread out and still have plenty of room behind the tables for working. With spring in mind, I decorated with a lot of silk flowers thanks to my friend, Mary P.

They looked really great on my A-frame display along with my crazy gourds and my "for Mom" bags with tags.

I made some special "D" hearts (DiZigns, Diane) to giveaway this weekend, to Moms or anyone really who took the time to say Hi and look at my items. Some of them I added a jewel and some a tiny heart locket. They were in curly maple, rosewood and mahogany (mahogany was what friends and non-friends called me when I was young as my maiden name was Mahoney, just a little tidbit). I think I made a few customer's day with them. I'm so glad. As an experiment, I made some as thin as I could....delicate I think, we'll see how long they last, but a success for sure.

Karen and her granddaughter, Luna, were a couple just walking by that I HAD to give a heart to.  Karen had a booth at the fair, Karen's Crowns and Pillows, as displayed on their heads.  Thanks Karen and Luna (what a great name)! — Karen and her granddaughter, Luna, were a couple just walking by that I HAD to give a heart to. Karen had a booth at the fair, Karen's Crowns and Pillows, as displayed on their heads. Thanks Karen and Luna (what a great name)!

Noah and his mom, Jessica, purchased this adorable rosewood heart for his grandmother.  Thanks you two! — Noah and his mom, Jessica, purchased this adorable rosewood heart for his grandmother. Thanks you two!

Ernie and his friend, Simonne, both purchased a bag from my me.  Simonne's was a velvety red bag with a heart and a pearl and Ernie's was one I termed "Greek-like" because of the mimic of dentil molding in the design.  Ernie was a customer… — Ernie and his friend, Simonne, both purchased a bag from my me. Simonne's was a velvety red bag with a heart and a pearl and Ernie's was one I termed "Greek-like" because of the mimic of dentil molding in the design. Ernie was a customer of mine from the 2016 NH Expo. He says "keep making bags" and I say....I will! Thanks Ernie and Simonne!

Lisa's purchase was another small rosewood heart and she let me take her picture.  Thanks Lisa! — Lisa's purchase was another small rosewood heart and she let me take her picture. Thanks Lisa!

I didn't have a lot of customers this weekend, but my spirits were not dampened and how could they be with these beautiful smiling faces letting me photograph them with their purchases.

To take up some time though and give a plug to my neighbor vendors, I took pictures of their items/booth for some and a few videos of some others. Please take the time to hear and see the vendors talk about their art.

Stephanie from Marston Pottery let me take video of her beautiful pottery booth. I couldn't edit my videos (problem), but they really are fine just as they are. #1 features Stephanie and #2 features the pottery. Thanks so much Stephanie!

Pamela from The American Bead Collection also did a fabulous job in her video describing her business and a concise, complete wrap-up of it. Thanks so much Pamela!

Cindy, from Love Green, didn't want to be on video or even on camera, but she let me take a picture of her incredible succulent arrangements. They are so cute and the plants are so small, I love them! Her company is Love Green and I really have always loved green and....one more....I LOVE the logo. Thank you Cindy!

Here in the land of fantasy and miniatures and gourds, is the Stone Gourd. Vivian also chose not to be photographed, but look at her gourd art! I decorate my gourds, but Vivian takes it to the ultimate level! They are beautiful and colorful and fun. I first checked her out at the Hudson holiday fair at the Memorial School in 2015 and then here she was just across from me here. Thank you Vivian!

So, to sum up, it was great time. Not always in sales, but always in meeting people, vendors, families and contagious good feelings all the way around. Please check out the links and like and share the pages. Thanks so much!!

Made in NH Expo 2017 Sunday March 26

Diane Zevos March 27, 2017

The final day of the Made in NH Expo 2017 was full of tradition, a shuffle, a parade, revelers, and all participating in Manchester's local happenings. Clark came to support his daughter, Laurel, in the Shamrock Shuffle and was dressed to the "kilt" and I want to thank them both for allowing me to take this wonderful photo. I'm sure they'll be surprised to be the main pic for my blog. Thank you Laurel and Clark!

My first sale of the day was another great couple, Kylie and Miles. It made me feel pretty good when they came back to me after checking out the expo and bought this curly maple heart with an abalam heart inlay. Abalam is abalone glued in thin epoxy layers and sold in small sheets and is very beautiful. Thank you Kylie and Miles!

Stacy's mom wanted to brighten her day by purchasing a heart for her, another curly maple with abalam. That would brighten my day. Stacy was a good sport and came back to my booth to let me take her picture. Thanks Stacy!

I love how this backpack looks on Kathy's back! It's one of my favorites (is anything not?) and it came out so well and sturdy. The material, outside and inside, is a strong thickness to support the weight a larger backpack like this might hold. Thanks Kathy for letting me take a picture of your back, ha ha!

Heidi and I worked together to complete her purchases at the expo with gift bags of mine to put them in. I make different lengths and knots in the cords that are the drawstrings on my bags and usually they very easily can be shortened and knotted differently. So, she chose the bags and showed me on another bag what she wanted duplicated on her cords, she walked through the expo and in about 30 minutes, she was leaving with her purchase. Thank you so much Heidi for giving me the chance to fix what you wanted.

Kris bought a few items including my decorated little ornament gourd. I make full-size birdhouse gourd arrangements for the holidays and I wanted to stir up some interest in them by using the ornament gourds in my samples for the vendor bags/baskets distributed in the expos marketing campaign. Thanks Kris!

I made my sample bags with as much variety as I could.  Each had 4 different fabrics comprising the outside pieces and linings. — I made my sample bags with as much variety as I could. Each had 4 different fabrics comprising the outside pieces and linings.

The gourds were a variety of shapes.  I practically laugh when I look at them they're so cute. — The gourds were a variety of shapes. I practically laugh when I look at them they're so cute.

Drew bought Emilie this bag, bright green velvet on the outside and navy velvet on the inside. It feels special inside and out. I try for the most part to make the bags feel special to reach into, sometimes maybe satiny and in this case velvety. She used it at the expo to put a few items in as she walked around. Thanks Drew and Emilie!

Ann came to my table and walked away, thinking to myself that she didn't care for my items, only to come back in a few minutes with John and Cheryl Lee. She had a specific size bag in mind that she needed for just a few things and we rigged the cord to go around her wrist (light bulb for me!). I love the bag with it's clear heart beading at the bottom. Cheryl Lee bought my last large rosewood heart with curly maple inlay heart and a rustic "love" dremeled and painted red. After finishing those hearts, they developed a slight curve which is a great looking effect. Thanks guys!

Heidi was my last sale of the day and as she gives me the thumbs up I would send it right back at her for the truly fantastic Expo with all the Exhibitors, Entertainers, all the Extras that seemingly goes off without a hitch (there's a knack to that) and to sign off saying how proud I am to be in the expo and to say you never know what you may see.....interesting!

Made in NH Expo 2017 Saturday, March 25

Diane Zevos March 26, 2017

The Made in NH Expo 2017 on Saturday was a great way to beat the raw weather and have a great time doing it! As usual, the variety of items and wonderful vendors from around the state was outstanding. Between the items, the entertainment, the food and libations, there really was something for everyone.

As you can see, the attendance was incredible. Great for all the vendors to display and sell their products, clearly shown here on the empty shelves of Shannon's Better Than Average jams, jellies and sauces. Their delivery of restocking came shortly after the picture. How great is that!

My neighbor vendor, Shannon, from Better Than Average and her empty, but soon to be restocked shelves.  It's a good thing....right? — My neighbor vendor, Shannon, from Better Than Average and her empty, but soon to be restocked shelves. It's a good thing....right?

Thank you Kerry for being so accommodating both days.

I was lucky for the 2nd year to be able to spread out to a larger space. Thank you to the management at Events NH and to Kerry, the author of the Thomas Holland series of delightful books (as you can see his sign next to mine), he moved to aisle 300 and allowed me to expand. I'm very grateful.

Lou, from the Hug Patrol seen in the background behind him, started off my day with a good luck.  Doesn't he look soooo interested in my items...good acting!  And they really do give warm hugs, it's very comforting. — Lou, from the Hug Patrol seen in the background behind him, started off my day with a good luck. Doesn't he look soooo interested in my items...good acting! And they really do give warm hugs, it's very comforting.

Neighbor vendors make the long hours during the day so much more enjoyable. As well as the wonderful people from the NH Ambassadors that allow breaks for the vendors working solo in the booths.

Helen is one of the many wonderful ambassadors helping us single vendors out. Thanks Helen!

Amy, from Gunther's Goodies, is a great neighbor vendor with a lot of helpful hints.

Across the aisle Becca, from Adorned by Becca, is back at the Made in NH Expo after a long hiatus.  I'm sure they're glad she came back. — Across the aisle Becca, from Adorned by Becca, is back at the Made in NH Expo after a long hiatus. I'm sure they're glad she came back.

And then there are the GREAT customers!

I love photographing couples and Dawn and Jeff let me take their pic.  Dawn bought this tote bag mostly for the dragonflies.  Thanks Dawn! — I love photographing couples and Dawn and Jeff let me take their pic. Dawn bought this tote bag mostly for the dragonflies. Thanks Dawn!

Thanks to Cheryl, who bought one of my show special bags.

Also thanks to Killian (what a great Irish name!) who purchased this curly maple with abalam shamrock, of course, and thanks to his mom.

Cristin came to visit me at my booth and I goofed up on posting her picture in my holiday blogs last Christmas, so Thanks Cristin for letting me take your pic and post now.

Thank you Donna for reluctantly letting me take your picture.  I appreciate it and I think you look wonderful! — Thank you Donna for reluctantly letting me take your picture. I appreciate it and I think you look wonderful!

As usual I'm pressed for time, but I'll be blogging about today, Sunday's, day at the Expo and having so much fun just like the Wolfman!

The Wolfman from Clark's Trading Post was here again this year.  Looks menacing! — The Wolfman from Clark's Trading Post was here again this year. Looks menacing!

Made in NH Expo 2017

Diane Zevos March 10, 2017

DiZigns Made in NH Expo 2017 samples were delivered to Events NH/Millyard Communication's office yesterday, a bit late because of underestimating my hours of work, but the finished product is just what I wanted.

My first step is perusing through fabric and choosing all the matches. The samples given to MINH to be distributed along with other artisan samples to local businesses, etc., are so important to me. It is my ultimate form of advertising. One thing about my bags is that the actual, physical seeing and feeling of them is what really sells them. So I take the opportunity to mix all 4 sides, outside and lining, with a different design to showcase as many types as I can. When I make small bags/samples, I can use some of the many small pieces I have to mix and match and as I've shown above, some beautiful pieces.

Last year for MINH 2016, I wanted to show my hearts off as well as the bags, so I had a new idea for Pearl of my Heart gift bags.

Before this design, my hearts were all 3 inch size.  This small 1.5 inch heart opened a whole new door for me. — Before this design, my hearts were all 3 inch size. This small 1.5 inch heart opened a whole new door for me.

This year I wanted to showcase my decorating of gourds along with the bags, so I included a surprise!

I saw these ADORABLE little ornament gourds and thought it was perfect for me! So, in every sample bag is a gourd.

I will have these little guys for sale at the expo. I have been trying to perfect finishing the larger gourds I decorate similarly to withstand outside weather and be used as birdhouses (or I may be making some feeders). So, I have coated these with the waterproof finish that I came to use for the larger outdoor ones which gives them a great, glossy shine. Then I decorated them with tiny, tiny things.....so cute. As with my bags, I wanted people to see the gourds and then fall in love with them.

I love all these crazy, slightly different shapes!!

More updates will follow in regards to the expo, and feel free to visit the website:

http://millyardcommunications.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=events_list_blurb

check out the vendors, different facebooks pages and if you want to get posts feel free to like the pages. Also, if you are interested, I began my blogging at last years expo (my first one) and you can see some of the fun you can experience. The blogging has carried on to every show for me and it makes the event even better.

The sidebar on the right lists all my blogs by event and date. Please click on an event and be quickly linked to a show to get a feel for it....the customers, the vendors, the performers, as much info as I can include being a vendor myself and limited at times to venture out.