Cloth Doll Designs ventured north to the Pennsylvania homeland yesterday to seek the advice of herbal gurus at Rosemary House in Mechanicsburg, get some feedback on the evolution of the Potpourri Poppets, and more importantly, bask in the companionship of long-distance BFF, the real Rosemary. Moments before leaving home, I Googled local fabric stores, always on the alert for an excuse to take a road trip. Imagine the thrill of stumbling upon PA Fabric Outlets in nearby Lemoyne, PA, a mother-lode of upholstery, fine dress and calico fabrics at half - or better - price, and best of all upholstery trims - my notion of choice for doll hair - selling at a mere $1 o $1.98 per yard.
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| $80 of supplies for $35. |
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| I knew I'd found the Holy Grail of fabric outlets when I saw this at the front door. |
As crafters more experienced than I know, it's nearly impossible to run a profitable crafting business if you're buying your supplies at mainstream retailers like JoAnne Fabrics and Micheal's. Even online supplies can be a crap shoot unless you are 100% sure of the product, get a hefty discount, free shipping and buy in volume. Crafting being a creative art of opportunity and whimsy, however, it's difficult to predict what supplies or "signature" detail you may be needing far enough in advance or in sufficient volume for this to be an option. So, thanks to PA Fabric Outlets, the economic viability of launching CDD became a reality because the cost of my production materials just fell by over 60%!
On the way home I elected to take the scenic side road through the Gettysburg battlefields and in my distraction - didn't I read that more men died at the Battle of Gettysburg than in the Vietnam War? - I failed to notice either the speed limit or the nice park policeman following me. After stopping to speak with the somewhat severe gentleman, I waited several tense minutes while returned to his patrol car and appeared to communicate by radio with the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security and Interpol. Finally he swaggered back to my window and gave me the verdict: Only a warning this time, since I am, after all, obviously a Steelers fan. Yes, thanks God (and the Steelers) the man was born and raised in Pittsburgh!
In other news around the Doll Cave, the red granite counter top was finally installed in the kitchen. It is a most excellent match to the red of the Talavera tile of the back splash and cabinet knobs. The tiles should arrive next week. Meanwhile, let us enjoy the interior decoration:
Down in the Doll Cave itself, work continues on the inventory of Poppets and on the design of Sachet Sprites, the "fairy" version of Poppets, a concept doll as suggested by the lovely ladies at Rosemary House. Fairy wings..meh. But if its what the market wants, and if it can be fun to create...I'm already on it.
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| An Orange-Blossom Poppet |
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| She is scented with Blue Hyacinth. |
And so another Sunday night draws to a close. May your day of this week be filled with whimsy and your dreams with peace, but most of all, may your week bring you inspiration and the creative light of love.
Oh, and Monkey Butt sends her love.
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