Calling all North Florida crafters!

The Sassy Crafter at GLAM 2009, a photo by sassycrafter on Flickr.

I know it seems way too early to start thinking about Christmas, but now is the time to start applying to holiday craft shows. For crafters like me who live in North Florida, that means GLAM Indie Craft Show. Here's a shot of me in my booth at the 2009 show.

Last year GLAM had more than 30 unique vendors from around Florida. This year the event is moving to a new, larger space, so it promises to be even better!

Think you might be interested? Here's the link you need in order to apply:
http://glamcraftshow.com/apply

Don't delay--the application deadline is Sept. 30.

Spring craft and sewing classes in Gainesville

Felted fortune cookies

*** NOTE: If you're looking for sewing classes in Gainesville and found this post through an Internet search, please check out my new studio, Sew Make Do, for the latest details on current classes that I'm teaching. Thanks! Kim ***


I'm excited to announce that I have several craft and sewing classes that I'll be teaching this spring in Gainesville. Here they are in order of when they happen. Just click on the links for a full description of each class.

Heartfelt Fortune Cookies -- FREE workshop
Millhopper Branch Library
Tuesday, Feb. 8 -- 6pm to 7:30pm

Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Saturday, Feb. 5 -- 9am to noon
only one spot left! register now if you're interested!

Sewing: Learn to Work with Patterns
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Saturday, Feb. 12 -- 1pm to 5pm
Sorry--this class is already full. Watch for it again in the summer.

Sewing: Make a Zippered Bag
UF Leisure Course Program -- Reitz Union
Wednesday, Feb. 23 -- 6pm to 9pm

Anyone is welcome at any of the classes, but be sure to register in advance for the sewing classes through the UF Leisure Course website.

Holiday shopping shortcut -- and FREE craft workshop in Gainesville!

Gift card holder
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

Running out of time to shop this holiday season? Take a shortcut by buying gift cards and tucking them in cute little mini-stockings that you create out of recycled sweaters and scrap bits of trim.

Next year, the recipient can use the stocking as a Christmas ornament, or re-gift it to someone else with a fresh gift card inside. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Want to make your own? Join me for a FREE craft workshop at the Tower Road branch library this Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. I'll bring all the supplies that you need, but feel free to bring any scrap bits of trim that you might be saving for a special project.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page for the workshop.

Here come the holidays!

I'll bet most people are still nursing their Halloween candy hangovers right about now, but I'm ready to start thinking about the holidays -- namely holiday craft shows!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar 2009

First up is GLAM Indie Craft Show, taking place Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1-5pm right here in downtown Gainesville.

Each year, GLAM serves up a veritable smorgasbord of handmade gifts just in time for the holidays. We'll even have a few delicious sides for you -- a DJ spinning tunes, tasty treats for sale, and a few surprise guests to entertain you. Think of it as the crafty version of a meat-and-three.

Head on over to the GLAM website to check out the full vendor list, which was announced this week. If you happen to look closely, you may notice that yours truly isn't listed. That's because I'm going to be busy busy busy running around behind the scenes helping make sure that everything goes smoothly for all of the crafters and shoppers. Putting on a craft show is takes a lot of work, and this year I figured I'd be better off focused just on the show and not on selling things in my own booth.

But never fear -- I haven't retired my scissors and sewing machine yet. A week later, I'll be selling my own creations at Atomic Holiday Bazaar in Sarasota. For those of you who don't know, Atomic is the mother of all craft shows here in Florida. It's in its fifth year (wowza!) and has morphed into two whole days of crazy craftiness, music, and all-around fun.

I'll be set up during the day show on Saturday, Dec. 11 (11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), which my dear friend and Atomic producer Adrien describes as the "dysfunctional to well-adjusted family-friendly show." Then my man and I plan to stick around for the night show on Saturday (6 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.), which includes a few live bands, edgy crafters, and even a burlesque show. It's funny to me that the show is scheduled to end at 11:45 -- I guess the place must turn into a pumpkin at midnight or something! Actually, the Sarasota Regional Auditorium looks more like a spaceship than a pumpkin, but I digress.

So anyhow, I hope to see you at one or both of these great events this holiday season!

And if you live farther afield and want to find craft shows in your area, check out the brand spankin' new website Indicative Indie, which includes a listing of craft shows from across the country. It was put together by one of the gals who'll be at GLAM -- Stephanie of Chirping Bird Press. I'm tellin' you, the craft community NEEDS a centralized resource like this. Thanks, Stephanie!

Be a vendor at GLAM Indie Craft Show in Gainesville!

The Sassy Crafter at GLAM 2009

I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's already time to start thinking about the holidays -- holiday craft shows, that is! I know what you're saying -- you haven't even had a chance to overdose on Halloween candy yet, so why should you think about Christmas? It's because now is the time to apply for craft shows, including Gainesville's very own GLAM Indie Craft Show.

GLAM Indie Craft Show will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the historic Thelma Boltin Center in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Last year’s event featured more than 30 local vendors selling upcycled wallets, handmade jewelry and accessories, men’s and ladies’ silk-screened T-shirts, funky home decor, hand-spun yarns, reflective cycling apparel, baby bibs, fitness hoops, amigurumi, and more.

If you make fresh and unique handmade items that are along these lines, we want to hear from you! You can apply online through the GLAM website. Just be sure to submit your application lickety split. Spaces fill quickly, and the application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 25.

So now you see why I was talking about Christmas? I just wanted to make sure that you wouldn't miss out on the fun of being a vendor at GLAM. So what are you waiting for? Go submit your application!

Summer sewing and craft classes in Gainesville

Reversible apron

I finally have the full schedule of sewing and craft workshops that I'll be teaching this summer in Gainesville. I'm excited to say that I'm offering several brand new classes, including a few with a special summer twist. Scroll down for all of the details.

Sewing classes
These classes are offered through UF but anyone in the community can register for them. If you're interested in a class, you'll need to register in advance via the UF Leisure Course website.

Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine
one three-hour class; offered twice this semester
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 5 from 9am-noon (Course #8750)
OR
Saturday, July 10 from 9am-noon (Course #8752)
This crash course will take the mystery out of sewing and get you comfortable with using a sewing machine. I'll teach you the basics of threading a machine, winding a bobbin, straight stitching, back stitching, zig-zag stitching and other key topics. You'll even leave with a finished project! Bring your own sewing machine, manual, and bobbins, as well as a pair of sharp scissors. Don’t own a sewing machine? Use one of mine for an additional lab fee of $15. You MUST email me in advance if you wish to reserve a machine (sassycrafter@gmail.com). All students will pay a lab fee of $10 in cash to cover the cost of handouts and materials. For information about additional course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Learn to Work with Patterns
one 4-hour class; offered twice this semester
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 5 from 1-5pm (Course #8751)
OR
Saturday, July 10 from 1-5pm (Course #8753)
Know how to use a sewing machine but still want to learn how to work with patterns? This class will teach you the basics of working with commercial patterns, whether you want to make clothes, crafts, or other fun things. I'll guide you through making a pair of simple pajama pants. Bring a sewing machine, manual, and an extra bobbin. Or if you don’t own a machine, use one mine for an additional lab fee of $15. You MUST email me in advance if you wish to reserve a machine (sassycrafter@gmail.com). All students must bring a pair of sharp scissors and pay a lab fee of $25 in cash to the instructor (cost of pattern, fabric, elastic, and coordinating thread). For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site. Can be taken back-to-back with "Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine."

Sewing: Make a Zippered Bag
one 3-hour course
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 12, 9am-noon (Course #8755)
In this class, we'll learn how to use a zipper foot to create a zippered bag that's perfect for holding pencils, makeup, sewing supplies, or other small items. These bags also make great gifts! Students should understand the basics of using a sewing machine and bring their sewing machine, manual, zipper foot, and bobbins, as well as a pair of sharp scissors. All students will pay a lab fee of $10 in cash to the instructor to cover the cost of handouts, all materials, and the use of irons in class. For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Refashion Your Wardrobe
one 3-hour class
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, June 12, 1-4pm (Course #8756)
Tired of what’s in your closet? In this class, we’ll take a basic top from your existing wardrobe and transform it using fabric paint, trim, embroidery, beadwork, and other effects (example: http://bit.ly/4zIEbt). The final product will make you look like you stepped out of the pages of a designer fashion catalog! Students must bring a top (long or short-sleeved, preferably a knit pullover style) and $10 lab fee payable in cash to the instructor to cover the cost of materials. For information about course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Make an Apron  new!
two 3-hour classes
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, July 17 and Saturday, July 24 from 9am-noon (Course #8757)

In this class, we'll sew a reversible apron that will flatter any figure, thanks to its gathered bodice and fit-to-flare skirt. We'll be using the "Pretty Ditty Apron" pattern from Jamie Christina (example: http://bit.ly/aZPhRo). All students will pay a lab fee of $15 in cash to the instructor at the first class to cover the cost of patterns, elastic thread, handouts, and the use of irons. In the first class, we'll cut out patterns and discuss materials, so all you need to bring is a pair of scissors suitable for cutting paper. Then in the second class, we'll sew the aprons. Students must bring their own fabric, thread, and sewing machine to the second class. All students should already understand how to use a sewing machine. For information on course fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Sewing: Make a Shirred Summer Dress new!
three 3-hour classes
Reitz Union, Room 283
Saturday, July 17, Saturday, July 24, and Saturday, July 31 from 1pm-4pm (Course #8756)
In this class, we'll make a shirred, A-line sundress that's perfect for the beach or the first Gator gameday. We'll be working with the "Honey Girl Dress" pattern from Jamie Christina (example: http://bit.ly/b9KQBj) and will learn how to use elastic thread to create a shirred elastic bodice that will fit any body type. All students will pay a lab fee of $15 in cash to the instructor at the first class to cover the cost of patterns, elastic thread, handouts, and the use of irons. In the first class, we'll cut out patterns, discuss materials, and wind elastic thread onto bobbins. Students should bring a pair of paper-cutting scissors and three empty bobbins to the first class. Then in the second and third classes, we'll construct the dress. Students must bring their own sewing machine, fabric, and thread to the second and third classes. All students should already understand the basics of using a sewing machine. For information on fees or to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.

Craft workshops
I offer these workshops through the Alachua County Library District, and they're all free and open to the public. Usually we have plenty of space for everyone who shows up, but occasionally workshops are limited to a certain number of people. If there's a particular workshop you want to attend, you can call the library for more information or just show up a little early to guarantee yourself a spot.

Make a Splash!: Flotsam Bottle Cap Pendants
one 1-hour class
Tower Road Branch Library
Saturday, June 26 from 11am-noon
Don't throw away those metal bottle caps, repurpose them! First we'll create mini-collages in the bottle caps using seashells, paper, foil, glitter, yarn, and small 3D elements. Then I'll take the bottle caps home and fill them with clear resin to seal the collages and add a dimensional effect. All materials will be provided, but you may also want to bring your own beachcombed objects. The finished bottle caps will be ready to pick up at the library a few days after the program is over. Examples: http://bit.ly/9nGQOZ

Making Mini-Notebooks Using Recycled Materials
Millhopper Branch Library on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:30-8:30pm
OR
Micanopy Branch Library on Sunday, July 25 from 2pm-3pm
In this workshop, we'll use discarded product packaging and recycled paper to create fun mini-notebooks (example: http://bit.ly/bDS1L2. These notebooks are the perfect place to write down your favorite memories from a summer trip to the beach. Or just use them to keep track of what's next on your to-do list. I'll provide all materials, though it would be helpful to bring your own pair of scissors and any favorite collage papers.

The Decorated Page
one 2-hour class
Tower Road Branch Library, Thursday, August 5 from 6:30-8:30pm
In this program, we'll recycle old books and make something new. Refurbish pages and covers with cool artwork and paper to make a journal, scrapbook, or day planner of your choice. I'll bring scissors, glue, old books and collage paper, but feel free to bring your own collage papers and old books for altering.

Craft fail

Ever have those craft projects that just don't turn out the way you planned? You know, the kind of project that you might feel like posting over at Craft Fail?

I recently spent two days trying my damnedest to fuse plastic bags together. I had seen the technique featured on countless blogs and websites, and it seemed like a great eco-friendly project that I could use in a workshop this summer. Plus it sounded so easy.

But for the life of me, I just couldn't get the technique to work reliably. I tried different irons and different iron temperatures. Fail. I tried keeping the iron in one place instead of moving it around. Fail. I tried ten seconds, twenty seconds, and then thirty seconds. Fail. No matter how methodical I was, nothing produced reliable results.

It was hard for me to give up on the idea, in part because I had really wanted to use this technique in the workshop. But I also had a hard time because I felt like I had personally failed.

Maybe I need to take the advice of Kim Werker and Sadie Stein and stop judging myself. Apparently I'm not the only one guilty of this, which is both comforting and sad. Why do we do this to ourselves? I mean, I'm certainly not a failure just because I couldn't get a certain technique to work for me. But that's not how I felt when I was standing over the thirty-seventh plastic bag eviscerated on my ironing board.

Thankfully, I finally decided to put down the iron and come up with a new theme for the workshop. I think it will end up being a good one. And speaking of new workshops, I'll be posting all of my summer workshops soon, so be sure to check back here or over on Facebook.

Refashion Your Wardrobe

Re-purposed top
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

I'm offering yet another new class this spring through the UF Leisure Course Program. This one's a low- or no-sew class, so it's great for anyone who want to freshen up her wardrobe using a few crafty tricks.

Refashion Your Wardrobe
Wednesday, March 31 -- 6-9pm
Tired of what’s in your closet? In this class, we’ll take a basic top from your existing wardrobe and transform it using fabric paint, trim, embroidery, beadwork, and other effects (example: http://bit.ly/4zIEbt). The final product will make you look like you stepped out of the pages of a designer fashion catalog! The class is taught by Kim Taylor, aka “The Sassy Crafter” (http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com). Students must bring a top (long or short-sleeved, preferably a knit pullover style) and $10 lab fee payable in cash to the instructor to cover the cost of materials.

Registration opens on January 11, and you can register online through the UF Leisure Course site.

And on a related note, this top appears in the Jan/Feb issue of "Belle Armoire" magazine. Yay! That means that I met one of my crafty goals for the year, which was to have my work published in a national magazine. Okay, so technically the issue appears in 2010 but they mailed me my courtesy copy this week, so I feel like that's close enough.

Meet the stars of GLAM!

We've got an all-star cast lined up for GLAM -- Gainesville Local Art Mart -- which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Thelma Boltin Center in Gainesville. Let's hope that it becomes Gainesville's most talked-about holiday shopping source.

• 13 Tones
• bullyrocks designs
• Evon's Muse
• GocheMoche
• Hclark Jewelry Designs
• How to Use Art
• Joffe' Creations
• LisaJaydesigns
• Loop de Loop
• love, lindseykaye
• Mandorla Designs
• Mary's Granddaughter
• McCartney Ann
• MegganColleen Designs
• Michala Designs
• Moja Creations
• Ophelia's Swim Team
• Princess Froglips
• Recollections Jewelry
• Sandhill Arts
• Sugar
• Sunfunnels
• The Sassy Crafter (me!)
• The Two Thieves
• Tried and Trued
• Twink Beauty
• Various and Sundry
• Velvet Seahorse
• Waldo Wild Crafts
• Wearing Skirts
• Wendy Starr Handmade

We'll also have tunes from The Terrazzo Four and DJ Phred, and The Original Pizza Palace will be serving up tasty treats.

Want to RSVP or see photos from vendors? Stop by the GLAM Facebook event page.

Be there or be square!

Be a part of GLAM -- Gainesville Local Art Mart!

Be a part of GLAM -- Gainesville Local Art Mart!
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

Some of you may remember the Handmade Holiday Bazaar that I helped organize last holiday season here in Gainesville. Well it's back (albeit with a facelift) and we're looking for artists / crafters / creative types who want to be vendors!

Last year's event was such a success that we're expanding and offering spaces for 30 vendors at a cool new venue. We also gave it a fresh new name that we hope will better reflect the cool factor of the event.

Here are the deets:

Event: GLAM -- Gainesville Local Art Mart

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Thelma Boltin Center
Street: 516 NE 2nd Ave
City/Town: Gainesville, FL

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171190742463&ref=mf

Applications can be downloaded online and should be emailed to me (sassycrafter@gmail.com) or dropped off at Loop de Loop (205 NE 16th Avenue).

Once we receive your application, we'll let you know within a few days whether or not you're in. If you're in, you'll need to send the $35 registration fee via PayPal to sassycrafter@gmail.com by November 9 Monday, November 2. If we don't receive your payment by the due date, we reserve the right to give your spot to someone on the waiting list.

So what are you waiting for? Apply today!

Summer craft workshops in Gainesville

Finished resin bottlecap pendants
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

Join me for a second round of free craft workshops with the Alachua County Library District!

This time we'll work with recycled bottle caps and resin to create 3D mini-collages that can be used as necklaces, magnets, keychains, pet ID tags, zipper pulls, wine glass charms, or whatever else you can think of.

First we'll create mini-collages in the bottle caps using paper, foil, glitter, yarn, and small 3D elements. Then we'll fill the bottle caps with clear resin to seal the collages and add a dimensional effect.



I'll provide materials, though it would be helpful for you to bring a pair of scissors and any favorite collage papers or small charms, beads, or 3D elements.

You must be able to return to the library a few days after the workshop to pick up your finished pieces, since the resin needs several days to cure.

Hawthorne Branch
Saturday, July 11
2-4 p.m.
more details

Micanopy Branch
Sunday, July 26
2-4 p.m.
more details

Headquarters Branch
Tuesday, August 25
6-8 p.m
more details

Free craft workshop Sunday at Downtown Library

Felt workshop at Tower Road Library
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

This Sunday I'll be teaching the last felted sweater workshop through the library district. We'll transform felted sweaters and cool metallic threads from Kreinik into one of a kind flower pins that you can wear. Or if you're not into flower pins, then you can make a java jacket to keep your coffee hot and your hands cool.

As I said, the workshop is free. All you need to bring is your crafty self and a pair of sharp scissors.

Headquarters Library
Sunday, May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.

All of the photos in this post are from the workshop that I taught a few weeks back at the Tower Road branch. 

Free felted fun coming to a library near you!

Orange felted flower pin
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

Local blog readers listen up -- I'm teaching free, yes FREE, crafting workshops this spring through the Alachua County Library District. The first workshop takes place this Saturday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the High Springs Library.

We'll transform felted sweaters and cool metallic threads from Kreinik into one of a kind flower pins that you can wear. Or if you're not into flower pins, then you can make a java jacket to keep your coffee hot and your hands cool. All you need to bring is your sassy self and a pair of sharp scissors.

Here's the skinny on the other three upcoming workshops:

(Click on the links and scroll down to "Sewing Hip Accessories from Recycled Sweaters" for a full description)

Hawthorne Library
Saturday, March 28 @ 2 p.m.

Tower Road Library
Thursday, April 2 @ 6:30 p.m.

Headquarters Library
Sunday, May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.

In these tough economic times, how can you pass up the chance to craft for free? Hope to see you there!

Say it ain't so!

My most favorite craft magazine ever -- CRAFT -- is folding! Issue 10 will be the last issue. Hey, at least craft goddess Amy Sedaris is on the cover so the magazine's going out in style.

Here's the lowdown from CRAFT:

Two and a half years ago, inspired by the DIY creativity of a growing number of indie crafters, we launched CRAFT Magazine along with its companion website, Craftzine.com. Since then, we've become an integral part of the new craft community. We've been fully committed to encouraging more people to discover the joy of crafting.

All along, we have noticed that Craftzine.com has been growing steadily. At the same time, we've come to realize that there were more and more challenges in publishing CRAFT as a print magazine, especially with the costs of print and distribution rising, and diminishing interest among advertisers in print. So we've decided that Volume 10, our Celebrate Like Crazy issue, will be our last print issue and that the future of CRAFT is online.

Sigh. I'm really bummed out by this. Sure I know the issues are $15 a pop, but to me, it's a non-issue. I've been a subscriber since day one because this magazine was so different from everything out there. It's the only publication that covers the entire spectrum of the craft world rather than honing in some sort of micro-craft (including the countless scrapbooking magazines, but don't get me started).

I'm also bummed because I rubbed elbows with Tina Barseghian at CHA and finally got up the nerve to pitch my atomic eggbeater clock as a project for the publication. Well, maybe I can still submit it as a project for their online site, Craftzine.com. Don't get me wrong -- I've always enjoyed Craftzine.com -- but it isn't as easy to curl up with on the couch as the magazine was.

I feel the same way I did when Sassy stopped publishing. 

R.I.P CRAFT. You'll be sorely missed.

A different kind of key ring

I saw this fabulous ring listed on Elsewares. What a cool idea! Apparently the ring is cast in sterling silver from an actual key. I definitely don't have the metal-smithing skills to make this myself, so I'll add it to my wish list for now.

I've always had a fascination with old keys, in part because my dad's parents took us to a place called The Baldpate Inn, which has an extensive key collection. Also, my mom's father passed down a box of old keys that had belonged to my great-grandfather. I've since used some of these keys to make a couple different projects--a windchime for my mother and a lampshade for me.


Elsewares also has other darling things, like a fly catcher necklace, a sterling bird necklace, and the Um tote. I'm in love with the tote because not only is a made of felted wool, but it also folds flat. Very clever.

Clever keychain

Thanks to Cat for inspiring this project, which will be featured in the January issue of The Satellite magazine. It's a great way to use up odd beads leftover from previous projects. All you need is some leftover beads, flex wire, a couple of crimp beads and some imagination.

So what's stopping you? Go bling out your keychain!

Ah... Savannah

Savannah is my second favorite Southern city. Much like New Orleans, it's a city that is steeped with history but doesn't come off as the least bit stodgy. In fact, it's a hip, contemporary town that isn't worried about taking itself too seriously. Chalk it up to the great art school that continues to bring in creative people who fall in love with Savannah and never get around to leaving.

The New York Times just did a feature on Savannah and gave a shout-out to one of my favorite places for creative inspiration -- shopSCAD.

I stumbled across shopSCAD completely by chance when I visited the city in July 2004 with my friend Jenny. I was totally mesmerized by the amazing things for sale there, all created by current or former SCAD students and/or faculty. Jenny's lucky that she was ever able to drag me out of there!

I was particularly smitten with the wallets, checkbook covers, and passport covers made from vintage papers, made by a company called 11:11, or "eleven eleven." When I went to the site today, I also fell in love with the darling pillows made by Pamela Riley and the chipmunk chest by Katie Runnels which is pictured above.

If you're ever in Savannah, be sure not to miss this little gem. Or, visit the newly opened shopSCAD in Atlanta.

drudgery vs. following your heart

Several days ago a friend sent me a link to an article in Orion Magazine titled "Burgers a la Thomas Jefferson." It's about a guy named Tod Murphy who started a restaurant in Vermont called The Farmer's Diner. The key concepts are that the restaurant only serves food that was raised or grown within 70 miles and that the food must be affordable. I'm a fan of this concept, and I think a lot of other people are, too. The entire article is worth a read, but one part that particularly grabbed me was this anecdote by Murphy:

"They asked me to speak down in Boston at the IDEAS Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank. The hotel that they put me in was six or eight blocks away, so I was hoofing it over in the morning, and I went by a couple of T [subway] stops, and I was watching people huddled under their backpacks, coming out of the T, going to Starbucks, and then they’re going to their jobs. Then I went into the Federal Reserve where they have these displays set up about social history. They have the 1800-whatevers, and there’s a scythe, and reapers, and binders, and pictures of horses and stuff. So I stopped at the scythe to read the sign. It talked about how people used to be on the land, and it was awful, life was so hard, terrible drudgery, they had no teeth, this kind of thing. But 'drudgery' was the word that struck me. I had just walked through a crowd of people who were the epitome of drudgery, people who are pursuing what is held out as 'progress, living life.'”

Wow. Kind of makes you realize that most Americans are plodding along toward some vague notion of a better life. In my mind, Murphy has found that better life. And it doesn't revolve around daily $4 non-fat lattes.

Also along the lines of people following what's in their hearts, tonight I watched "Craft in America: Community" that WUFT-TV aired a few weeks ago (I TiVoed it). This particular quote resonated with me, both because of how I feel about buying the work of other artists and about producing my own work (sadly, I was unable to credit the speaker since it was a voiceover):

"We're making items that no one needs except for the aesthetic reasons. They're buying our objects because someone thought it up, it's their design, and it comes from the hand."

I also enjoyed the other segments of the program, including the one about Penland School. I have long wanted to Penland. I'm on their mailing list and always drool over the classes they offer in printmaking and letterpress, photography, metals, and books and paper. I think of Penland as a summer camp for grown-ups. Hopefully one day I'll be lucky enough to be a camper there.

And finally, my random thought of the day. Is it possible to sell watermelons from the trunk of a car? I saw a woman attempting to do this today. She had a pile of eight of so watermelons piled up behind her car. She was not-so-casually perched on the back seat, legs hanging out through the open door.

Sure, there's no physical reason you can't sell watermelons in this manner, but will people buy them? You see, Southerners can be darn particular about tradition, and tradition states that you sell watermelons from the back of a pick-up truck. That's just the way it is. Maybe I should've stopped and asked her how business was going, just so that I could know whether you truly can sell watermelons from a car. If she's there tomorrow, I'll stop and ask her.