Meet the Vendor: Barbara and Brian Nick of Nana's Attic

Hi All!!! It's that time again. Please give a warm hello to 2 of our returning vendors.

Hello.  My name is Barbara Evans Nick.  My grandchildren and great-grandchildren call me Nana, hence, Nanalove.  My husband, Brian Nick, and I own Nana’s Attic and make handcrafted things.  At the moment we only prepared with our jewelry, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings and necklaces.  I also make paper beads and some of our pieces are made using these beads.  Making paper beads is addicting but so much fun.

By the spring we hope to have expanded our inventory to include, handmade greeting cards, journals, mini books made of tile, soap and anything else that uses lots of color.

We hope you will visit us at Southwest’s Craftacular.  Its great fun and just might find some Christmas gifts for family and friends.  

See you there.

Warm hugs,

Barbara & Brian Nick

Nana’s Attic

bigganana@aol.com

Necklace made with handmade paper beads!

Winter bracelet on memory wire.

Just a few of the handmade earrings you will find for sale.

If you are interested in being an artist or vendor at Craftacular you will find all the forms here: http://www.swepta.com/craft-fair.html
#craftfair #craftacular #jewelry #paperbeads #handmade  #durham #NC #PTA

Counting Down!!!

OK, I am an emotional wreck right now. Craftacular is coming up and I am feeling ALL the feelings. As a planner for the event I am excited by all the response we've gotten and completely nervous about all the unknowns. Will anyone show up? Will everything run smoothly? Will the vendors be happy with how things are run? Will we have enough volunteers?
As a vendor I'm starting to panic because I haven't gotten as much stuff made for the event as I would have liked. Will anyone buy my stuff? How am I going to display everything? Is there going to be enough foot traffic to make things worthwhile? Of course the big question is: Can I eat from each of the food vendors in a 5 hour period and not explode?

Anyway, that's how I'm feeling. I hope YOU are feeling excitement and anticipation. I hope you have sent out the evites and are gathering the family and friends for a unique holiday shopping excursion. I hope you come ready to eat and shop!

If you are unsure if there will be something there for you, here's a list of who you will have to shop from: 
 Funky & Feisty Home Décor & More: Funky & Feisty Home Décor
and More specializes in unique, whimsical creations for the
home. Custom gifts also available. (this one is me. Stop by and say hi!)

 Crystal’s Posh Panache: Perfectly Posh products are spa grade
pampering products. All prodicts are naturally-nased ingredients
such as almond oil, argan oil, sunflower oil and olive oil, ,as well as
shea butter, etc. We have soaps, coconut oil, hand creams, body
scrubs, body masks, bath salts, body butters, face creams, face
washes and lip balms.

 Stitched on Canvas: Hand-made décor with canvas - anything
from wall/door hangings, coasters, ornaments, tissue box covers,
and so much more! Special orders are welcome!

 Knit Purl Pray: Knit Purl Pray is a group of women that have been
sharing their skills and ideas for nearly nine years. We will have
hats, scarves, mittens, wristlets, socks and doll clothes. We'll also
have the knitted/crocheted dish cloths that many find so useful.

 Nana’s Attic: Jewelry & beads designed by me. I have paper
beads and paper bead jewelry- Great Christmas gifts.

 One Inspired Life Shop: One Inspired Life Shop was created by
Kristin in 2014, out of her passion for encouraging and inspiring
others & her love for arts and crafts. One Inspired Life Shop offers
affordable gift options including jewelry, journals, prints and more.
In her spare time, Kristin also blogs at www.one-inspired-life.com.
Visit us online at: www.etsy.com/shop/OneInspiredLifeShop

 Jilsoph: Jilsoph handcrafted jewelry collections- Sparkling
Swarovski crystal jewelry makes a beautiful gift for others or yourself!
Please stop by to see and try necklaces, bracelets, rings and
earrings- both pierced and a large selection of clip-ons!

 The Krist Korner: Hey everyone. I'm Jeremy and the owner of the
Etsy shop TheKristKorner. I like to dabble in quite a few things as
long as It allows me to be outside or in the garage with my two
young sons. I revive old wooden high chairs, make customized
coaster sets, and build picnic tables for children. You can find me
on Facebook or Etsy by searching TheKristKorner. Contact me for
your Christmas or holiday needs, I would be happy to help!

 Back to Africa: Beautifully handcrafted jewelry crafted by Kenyan
men and women of recycled magazine paper rolled into intricate
beads. Pendants and earrings made of kiln fired ceramic. All designs
are unique to Back to Africa. Price ranges are very affordable
from $8 up to $48. Proceeds go to family preservation programs in
Kenya and orphan care around the world through Heart of the Bride
ministries. See more at heartofthebride.org.

 Kelly’s Kitchen: Homemade baked goods, mixes and gift baskets.

 Symphl Creations: Symphl Creations has handmade soap &
scents and affordable beaded jewelry.

Celtic Wolf Crafts
Bubby’s Bits
Usborne Books & More
Feel Good Kits
ThirthOne Gifts
Chilean Charm
Ivona Walker
JMCreations
Sissy Jams/Sissybeth Avon
Lisa’s Loops & Hoops
Bags by betty
Shine on with Francesca
Magnets & Mayhem
Modern Goldfish
Karen Quick
Coraline and Zeus Bath Co.
Bull City Soap Worx
Blooming Petals
Knitted Neckware
Paparazzi Accessories
Happy Skull Crochet
Tarandipity
Origami Owl
Blue Rose Jewelry
Durham Association of
Educators (DAE)
Needles N’ Thread
Michelle’s Stamping Corner
Lavender Lushions
Becky deForest
Dove Chocolate Discoveries
Big Woof Dog Treats

As for food we will have:
 Will & Pop's
Roll Dog Express
Jessica's Sweet Treats

Feel free to share this with EVERYONE! Hope to see you on Saturday!

Meet the Vendor: Tara Parrish- Tarandipity Designs

 Another vendor who will be at SWE's 3rd Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair. Remember to show your love by going to any of the social media sites that our vendors are sharing and "LIKE" or follow them.

 

 

 

 Hi, my name is Tara Parrish! I'm a wife & mother of two! My shop name is Tarandipity Designs. I started creating baby headbands & bows shortly after my daughter was born. I design all different styles but specialize in NFL/College/Sports teams & also Wool Bow Headbands! I'm really looking forward to participating in this years Southwest Elementary Craftacular! See you all there! 

Tarandipity Designs

www.tarandipity.etsy.com

Facebook: Tarandipity Designs

Instagram: @tarandipitydesigns

These are great photos so why not show some love for the photographers as well by checking them out at the following places:
http://www.raleighfamilyphotography.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jessi.caparella

 

http://www.momentsbymegan.com/

 

Remember Craftacular is coming up on Saturday, November 21 from 9 to 2 at 2320 Cook Rd., Durham, NC

 

Meet the Vendor: Holly Adkisson- Happy Skull Crochet

It's time to introduce you to another face you will be seeing at this year's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair.

My name is Holly and I'm not your typical stay at home mom.  I'm the quintessential nerd.  I love sci-fi and fantasy and spent a huge chunk of my life with my nose buried in a book. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was discouraged by the lack of nerdy baby clothes and toys. Princesses were everywhere, but nerdy stuff was virtually nonexistent. So I set out to create my own. I am determined to provide nerdy stuff for all ages.  You may ask, why "Happy Skull Crochet"? The name reflects my love of skulls.  I've never thought they were scary.  They always look like they're smiling. As a seller of hats, I also guarantee my nerdy hats will make your skull happy!

I am excited about the craft fair! I'm going to have tons of stuff, including Pokemon inspired hats and key chains, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle inspired key chains, Link inspired hats, a whole line of hats inspired by Harry Potter, and much more!  Stop by my booth and get a coupon code to use online!

Check out my website here:
www.happyskullcrochet.etsy.com

Like me on Facebook to keep up with my current projects, happenings, and giveaways!

God Bless!
Holly Adkisson
HappySkullCrochet

Tell me your kids aren't gonna love these! I know mine will.

Meet the Vendor: Ruth Stutts, Blooming Petals - Hair Accessories & More

You know I love this part! Over the next few weeks leading up to the craft fair I will be posting more of these introductions to who you will find at our event. Please feel free to share with your friends, family, complete strangers...

Hello!  My name is Ruth Stutts with Blooming Petals - Hair Accessories & More.  I look forward to being a part of the SWE Craftacular Fair on November 21st and am excited to present my handcrafted hair clips, ponytail holders, headbands, brooches and Christmas ornaments.  For the past 30 years I've been crafting, quilting, knitting and crocheting and am thrilled to share my latest creations.

 

Meet The Vendors: Bags By Betty 54

Now comes my favorite part of the blog, introducing you all to the people who will have tables at Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair. Today I would love for you to meet Betty & Danielle of Bags By Betty 54!

Hi everyone! We are looking forward to being a vendor at the upcoming Craftacular in November! We are busy working on new items to have at the sale but wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves to you!
Our shop name is called BagsByBetty54. We have a shop on Etsy and will also be on the new Handmade by Amazon which will be launching this fall. You can find our shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/bagsbybetty54 
The shop is named for my mom; Betty; who lives in Michigan. I'm her daughter, Danielle, and I live in Burlington, NC. My mom loves to sew and quilt. She creates everything you see in the shop. I handle all of the shipping, communications, and shop setup. She comes to visit us in NC about every 6 weeks because I have a 3-year old daughter that she loves to spoil and play with! We both love to travel and visit Florida and Disney World as often as we can! We sell baby toys and quilts, table runners, casserole carriers, and purses. Everything is one-a-kind and cannot be replicated. This makes for a very unique, special handmade gift. We are looking forward to meeting you all in November at the craft fair!
Thank you!
Betty & Danielle

I hope you will all stop by their shop and check them out. There is some REALLY cute stuff there. Also make sure to stop by and say hi on November 21 at SWE's 3rd Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair!

I Was Asked a Question Today

I know you are on the edge of your seats wondering what the question might be. Well, a friend asked me if the craft fair is only for professional crafters. In fact the Southwest Elementary School PTA's 3rd Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair is open to ANYONE who wants to try to sell their art. Tables start at only $35 so this is a great way to get your feet wet and see what it's like. It's also a great chance to talk with those who have done other shows and make money off their art work. You might pick up some great tips from these seasoned veterans.
I have made some wonderful friends at past fairs across the country. Is it for everyone? Nope. I would say that if you are relatively shy and the thought of talking to strangers puts your stomach in a knot you may want to stick with on-line shops. But if you are reasonably comfortable talking to people and won't break down in tears when Grumpy Gert starts asking about your prices and then walks away telling her friend that SHE could make that (She probably can't and never will) then I say give it a go!
If you want to find our forms and a list of FAQs just click here---> http://www.swepta.com/craft-fair.html

Things Are Starting to Get Real

Things are really starting to fall into place for this year's Craftacular! We are starting to get a ton of inquiries about spots for the craft fair. This year should definitely prove to be the best one of all. If you know of ANYONE who would like to participate in this year's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair have them contact us at swecraftacular@yahoo.com or send them directly to the website http://www.swepta.com/craft-fair.html. We are accepting applications for artists, crafters, entertainers and direct sales companies. All the money earned from the renting of spaces goes directly to Southwest Elementary School's PTA to be used for all sorts of things that the school desperately needs.
Another way we make money at the craft fair is through a bucket raffle that we hold during the event. Each of the vendors offers a prize to be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $1 each OR, our more popular option, $20 for your age in tickets. It's a lot of fun and we always have some wonderful prizes.
Keep watching this spot. Shortly I will start featuring vendors so that you can see exactly who will be selling there wares this year.

Tell your friends!!!!

Check This Out!

So, I have created a fun new flyer for this year's Craftacular! Here it is:

We would love it if you shared this with anyone in the area that may be interested in having a booth at our craft & vendor fair. Booth spaces start at just $35! You can get a $5 discount if you have a kiddo at SWE.
You may also notice that you can color this sheet or have your little people color it and then post it to your favorite social media site with the #SWECraftacular. You can also share it directly on our Facebook page which is right HERE.
Would love to see what you come up with.
If you want a link to the forms and FAQs you can do that HERE.


Thanks in advance for sharing and helping us get the word out.

Meet the Vendor: Tam Schellenberg

Today I get to introduce you to one of my best friends who has a knack for doing EVERYTHING brilliantly. I kid you not, you could give her some Popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners and she would come up with the best looking porch swing you've ever seen!
I'm thrilled to tell you folks with pooches that she has been dedicating her time to making healthy treats for pups. Here's what she says:

I started making these treats for my own dogs as a healthy alternative to the chemical-laden store bought treats. My Homemade Dog Treats are baked in my kitchen from only human grade ingredients. You wont find any ingredients that you wouldn't use for yourself, so there are no mystery ingredients. 

This year I will have three different flavors that will be sold by weight so you can mix and match to meet your pups palate.

 Perfect stocking stuffers for your pooch!

Meet the Vendor: A Crafty Pear

I am excited to introduce yet another vendor that will be attending our 2nd SWE PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair this Saturday, November 15 from 9 to 2 at 2320 Cook Rd. in Durham.
Ladies and Germs: A Crafty Pear!
"The ladies of A Crafty Pear love to craft! We have crafts and gifts for all ages. Teacher gifts; stocking stuffers; bows and bow ties; treasure boxes; felted handbags and soap; burlap utensil holders, table runners, wreaths and more is what you will find at A Crafty Pear."

Look at all that adorableness. I am going to be next to this booth. That doesn't bode well for my wallet!
Make sure you stop by their booth and say hi!

And the Applications Begin

I am so happy to say that we already have applications coming in via our PayPal site. I am really excited about this year's event. I can NOT wait to see what wonderful items will be available.
One of the things that we do at the Craftacular Craft and Vendor Fair that is a big hit is our raffle. Each vendor will be supplying an item for the raffle. Last year there were some amazing things on that table. Again, money earned in the raffle goes right back into the school.
Stay-tuned because I will soon be gathering bios of our vendors so you can meet them before the event and plan your shopping list accordingly.

If you are interested in joining us as an artist or a vendor you can find all if the forms here: http://swepta.weebly.com/craft-fair.html

Come One Come All!!!!!

Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for. The Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair will finally be taking place. Here is an over view for the day:

There will be even more due to the fact that we had folks knocking down our doors even after the deadline. Some of those people didn't sign up in time to be included in the program. We are still very grateful for their participation.
Hope to see you there.

Meet the Vendor: Denise Simpson

Everyone will be gussying up for the holidays. This seems the perfect booth to stop at for some wonderful accessories. Please meet Denise Simpson.

1. What is the name of your business?
 Oh So Cute Bows By Denise
2. What will you be sharing at this event?
  I will be sharing handmade hair bows, Christmas hair bows, bottle cap necklaces, reversible  jumpers, unique hair bow holders.
3. How long have you been doing this?
 I started May 2013. 6 months
4. What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?
I love making new hair bows for my customers.
5. What is your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. So I try to read all his books that he had out.
6. How can people get in touch with you?
You can get in touch with by email (dmsimpson@triad.rr.com), facebook (Oh So Cute Bows By Denise) just look me up, phone call (336-337-9068)
7.Is there any piece of trivia about you that people may find interesting or amusing?
 I am a mother of twins. I have a girl and boy who are 4 years old.
8. What did you want to be when you grew up?
 I wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid.
9. What is your favorite animal?
 I don't have a favorite animal.
10. DO you have any hobbies?
 My hobby is I love to scrapbook.

Meet The Vendor: Gail Aiken

Here is yet another of our wonderful vendors for the upcoming CRAFTACULAR Craft & Vendor Fair.

1)      Your name and the name of your business

Mrs. Gail Aiken, CEO of  J.A.S. Event Consultants,  LLS

2)      What will you be sharing at the event?

I will have Holiday Baskets. The products in the baskets will be well known AVON products since I’m an Avon Representative as well. I will have different types of gifts sets for women and for Men. Also, you will be able to order other gift items for Christmas. 

3)      How long have you been doing this?

I have been creating different types of crafts for ten years now even before I began my business.  I’ve always love being creative.  I’ve done Christmas Ornaments, Ladies Jewelry, Knitting, Crocheting, and Latch Hook items.

4)      What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?

It’s very enjoyable creating craft but even more enjoyable watching the customers pick out what they like. Also it’s great to just make things for my family and friends as gifts and see their faces light up as they open it!

5)      What is your favorite book?

The Bible

6)      How can people get in touch with you?

My cell number is 919-949-0919 and my email is gamom14@hotmail.com

My new website is being redone at this time, so just call me!.

7)      Is there any piece of trivia about yourself that people might find interesting or amusing?

When it came to my education, it was all about getting the education to work as a professional in Business. I graduated with honors in Business Management and minor in Retail Management, but I truly wanted to major in the ARTS.  I really wanted to be a Singer and Actress! But I did as I was told, I end up getting a job at IBM when I finished college and I’m currently out on a Medical leave from being a Project Manager at IBM.

8)      What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Singer!

9)      What is your favorite animal?

A dog

10)   Do you have another ‘real world’ occupation or hobby?

Yes, I’m also currently CEO of my own Home Base Business.. The Company by the name of 5LINX has given me the opportunity to make extra money to pursue my creative passion. I want to be able to do J.A.S Event Consulting full time one day and with the residual income I’m making from my Home Base Business with 5linx, I know I will be able to do that!!.  Ask me how. 

Meet the Vendor: Robert Doyle

Here is yet another of our fabulous vendors who will be joining us at the SWE PTA's Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair

1. name:  Robert Doyle        

   business:  Hollow Log Brooms  "Old-time Brooms Made the Old-time Way"

2. what I'm sharing:  handmade crafts-- brooms, pot-holders and hotpads, bean bags, old-fashioned stuffed animals, framed prints and drawings

3. experience:  3 years

4. Favorite part about doing what I do:  the smile people get when receiving a unique and well-made item

5. books: I like many books, but one of the greatest ever written is John Bunyan's  Pilgrim's Progress.  An easy read for me I really enjoy is Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.  I also enjoy poetry by Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti, and others.

6. People can get in touch with me by

writing: 4744 Honeysuckle Lane, Rocky Mount NC 27804

                                   calling: (252) 446-5534  or

                                   emailing: doyle4education@gmail.com

7. trivia about me: I am of English and Irish descent.  I enjoyed my experience teaching Reading/ English internationally.

8. I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up

9. Favourite animal?  Let's just say I really enjoy the whimsical behaviour of monkeys; in local nature I really enjoy observing squirrels.  It is rarely observed, but I have spotted the southern flying squirrel on two occasions in my life. 

10.Other occupation of hobby?  I have taught school for seven years.  I enjoy gardening very much. There is something so rewarding about giving to the land and it giving back to you.  Agriculture is amazing!

Meet The Vendor: Linda Hardin

Here's another one of the Craftacular Craft & Vendor Fair's vendors. Are you getting as excited as I am?

Linda Hardin

1) Your name and the name of your business

Linda Hardin of Polka Dot Ideas

2) What will you be sharing at the event?

Handmade, colorful, coordinating home decorating items to dress an ordinary room including pocket pillows, lampshade slipcovers, monogram wall and table top art. I also have many gift items just for fun such as tutus, tooth fairy pillows, jewelry bags, as well as some holiday themed items, gift bags and tags, and decorative banners. I welcome custom requests to match any theme or color scheme!

3) How long have you been doing this?

I have been sewing window treatments and bedding for more than twenty years but this creative venture started with a friend in 2009.

4) What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?

Colorful fabrics and beautiful papers inspire me and I love the design process of taking raw materials and mixing and matching patterns to create my ideas. Shopping for fabric makes my day.

5) What is your favorite book?

The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye

6) How can people get in touch with you?

By email at PolkaDotIdeas@gmail.com or by phone 540-420-9049. You can view some of my items and show photos on my flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkadotideas/sets/72157631161778052/ Someday soon, I hope to have an ecommerce website.

7) Is there any piece of trivia about yourself that people might find interesting or amusing?

I have lived in eleven states and one foreign country, Spain. As a child, I lived off the Rota Naval base in Puerto de Santa Maria. That’s the port where one of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Santa Maria, sailed from in 1492. The fact that the city was centuries old impressed me even as a child.

8) What did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer, or an interior designer, or a merchandiser…I’m still deciding.

9) What is your favorite animal?

The hedgehog, but you wouldn’t know that by my collection of watercolor paintings of birds from artists around the world.

10) Do you have another ‘real world’ occupation or hobby?

Yes, I am a medical accounts receivable specialist by day.


I really do hope you will check out Linda's Flickr page. Her stuff is seriously cute!