Sister Love.

Tomorrow my two sisters are flying into
the Great Northwest from Montana and Utah...

to join me!

Did I mention kid-free?

Now, they can help me with mine!

Actually, they came to help me at the second weekend of the Christmas Bazaar,  craft

and partake in some serious sister-bonding-time.

YAY!

We need it.

We live too far apart, and it's not right.

Not right at all.

Four days together should hold us over for at least a little while...

and I can guarantee that four days will lend blog-worthy material!

Keep ya posted

-C

Creativity Takes Courage & Booth Photos

Ain't this the truth?!

When I signed up for the Portland, Oregon Christmas Bazaar, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  But hey, it's a learn-as-you-go-process sometimes, and in doing so, I've met some cool handmade artists who've given me some pointers on future shows. 

I wondered if I'd throw in the towel after this show?  But after the first weekend, and all the awesome help and support, I'm happy for taking this plunge into chaos bazaar land and

will finish off next weekend.

Here's some pictures of my booth...

A few notes:

Look for vintage book and music page ornaments and wreaths to hit the shop,

along with a few other goodies! 

I'll be at the Portland, Oregon Christmas Bazaar Friday Dec. 2-4 too!

Lastly, take 10% off your Etsy order by liking my facebook page and snagging

the latest discount code on the page!

xx

This Morning.

The temperature has dropped to the low thirties and the deck is covered in ice.

Even the stove and this cup of yesterday's coffee can't get me moving around the house.

The air feels thick and blue this morning, and under the covers is where I want to stay.

The kids are snuggled in close to me, catching up on cartoons--one with her thumb in the mouth and she forgets I can see.  She forgets she even does it, as she's been planting that thumb in her mouth since her time in my womb.  There's proof in the ultrasound photos.

Jet is full of puppy dog wines and most likely thoughts of the chickens up the road. 

Asher tells me, "I love you Mommy, I will never color on walls."

My kitchen table is covered in fabric, paper, glitter and glue,
and the kids have close to destroyed the rest.  I loath facing the mess.

I've heard two out of three tummies growl and it is enough to pull me out of bed.

The day officially begins now, starting with a fresh pot of coffee, a batch of Belgian waffles and worship music on Pandora.  Worship always changes the blues.

Blessings to you today,

Cassie

xx

pinterest

You're Invited & Bazaar Updates

I'm always amazed how each week comes and goes.  I'm even more amazed that it is just one week till show time!  Everything is starting to feel like it is coming together for the Christmas bazaar and I'm more and more excited.  The fear has worn off, thanks to my family and friends who have been so willing to lend a helping hand. 

I received a package yesterday from my master-quilter-sister, Amber, of A Little Bit Biased and Gigi's Thimble Quilt Patterns.  Let me tell you, that box is full of complete cuteness and I'm thrilled to be able to carry some Gigi's Thimble items in my booth. 

Christmas Dresdens by Amber of Gigi's Thimble.

This beauty is for display, but she sent other items for purchase.  So cute, right?

I'm waiting on another box of beautiful and colorful items coming from my Mom, who is also a wonderful sewer.  I love that even though my Mom is living far away, I can still pick her brain over the phone.  She has great vision and interior design skills, so I'm happy to only have her a phone call away.  My sis-in-law, Jeannie also gave me some lovely little handmade things to take to the bazaar, and even my non-crafty oldest sister, Tammy, in on the crafting!  She's got excellent taste, so I'm looking forward to her items and having her out for the second weekend of the bazaar.  With six days of bazaar, I'm looking forward to some sister-time included. Yay!   

There are many beautiful things in store and I'm more than excited!

Keep your eyes peeled for my booth reveal. 

The shell is almost 100% complete and I'm in love.  Love, love, love!

Have a fabulous weekend friends!

xx,

Cassie

P.S.  Have you liked Between the Lines on Facebook, Yet? 

There's a 10% off code waiting for you! 

Eat. Sleep. Craft.

Its been mainly all work around here since about two weeks ago, when I realized my handmade goods weren't going to make themselves for the show I have coming up in Portland.  Let me just be honest--I sort of feel like I may be missing a few marbles...Who in there right mind attempts to create six days worth of product for a show in about a month?  Me--a show rookie.  Worse, my family, blog and my workouts have been been shoved to the side as I sit rolling paper, cutting fabric and chewing my finger nails. 

I keep telling myself that life will resume at a regular pace once the show is over, and then I can snuggle my kids extra long, whip my house back into shape, all in time to enjoy an almost full December.  I'm looking forward to having a successful booth, but I'll be relieved when the days seem longer and a to-do list isn't lingering over me while I sleep.

Here's a tiny sneak peek of a few things I've been working on...

Also, like my Etsy shop Facebook page and receive 10% off your order until Friday.  Yay!

I hope you are well!  I can't wait to catch up!

xx, Cassie

the weekend and an apple harvest.

Fall is in full effect here in the great Northwest! The stove is running constant, scarves, boots and coats are a necessity when heading outdoors, and the trees are glowing hues of yellow, orange and red.  I'm especially fond of the Maple off my back porch that is glowing the brightest of reds.  It's my favorite.

The weekend was excellent!  I'm knee deep in the beautiful mess of bazaar prep and progress is being made.  Thanks to my support system--Husband, Mom, sisters and friends.  They are helping me believe I can pull it together.  Six days of sales, handmade at that, feels more doable every day! 

Here's a handful of other fun things that happened this weekend:

a Ninja in the mail.
On a whim last week, Husband ordered the "Ninja" off TV. We like to juice around here and I've wanted a food processor, so now we have an appliance that does both! It even mixes dough. Yay, for juicing that uses the whole fruit and vegetable!
portland's largest garage sale at the expo.

Kid-free and I came home with a couple loads of great treasures. 

daylight savings.

Is anyone else feeling more accomplished in the morning? 
Here's to keeping up the extra "early" rise!

front yard apple tree harvest.

I have a wood crate full of apples that need to be enjoyed. I'm thinking of making an apple pie and jarred apple pie filling for holiday gifts. Apple butter, too? Now, that sounds delicious! 

Yeah.  He's hot.

Have a great Monday!

Cassie



Once upon a time, there was a heart-shaped tree...

Months ago, I spotted this chopped tree trunk in the far end of the yard. 

Giddy, is just one word that describes the way I felt
when happening upon this natural treasure. 

Oh, the many things that I've considered doing with this piece of tree! 

Cake platters, wall art, a photo prop for an impromtu photo session...

Love, in the most peculiar of places.

P.S. I'm still trying to figure out how the crayons and hair brush ended up outside,

and in case you were wondering about the pink shoes...that happens every so often.

P.P.S. The murder mystery party was a hit! 

Once I get my hands on the pictures, I'll share more about it!

xx