What People Want

Random Thoughts

I have realized recently that it has been a long time since I have blogged.  I am itching to get back to it so here is my first effort, hoping it can hold the average person’s attention to the end.  <smile>

Family/Community Report

Our family has had a nice spring, summer, and fall.  We have spent time around the house, working, and just taking care of projects that need attention.  It is always a good hurricane season when we get through it without any storms.  Hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30.  August and September are typically the busiest months.  We were blessed when we don’t have to deal with a storm.

The economy here is taking a hit so that has a lot of people losing jobs and facing unemployment lines.  It is affecting business owners in many ways.  They are dealing with fewer sales, less income, possibly having to lay off employees, and so on.  Business owners that truly care about their employees really hate the idea of having to lay off someone.  They have often become like family so it’s even harder.  Please pray for south Louisiana as we get through these rough times.  As usual, the tough economic times have hit us a little later than most of the country so we have begun to feel the pressure the last few months.

My dad had surgery and I was fortunate enough to get to spend time with him while he recuperated.  We were able to spend quantity and quality time together.  As my dad gets older, it is more and more important to me to do just that.

Our daughter had a procedure this fall.  It did not go as expected and we all were very disappointed.  Now we have to back up and punt.  We know God has it under control but looking at it from this side is still hard.  We are unsure what the future holds and I think that is the most upsetting part.  We are looking to the future with the doctors and God to see what we should do next.


Craft Show Report

Last calendar year we did 12 shows, evenly split between the spring and the fall.  This year we applied to fewer shows.  Six show organizers sent out acceptance letters to us.  One show put us on the wait list.  As it turns out it was for the best we did not make the first cut in that one show that put us on the wait list.  It turns out I was caring for my dad during that time.  Our shows were evenly split between the spring and the fall.  I did have to cancel one show due to health matters in the family.

The 2 shows we did this fall ended up being rain outs.  The first show was a 2 day show at Poche Plantation.  The weather was rainy and it all started on Saturday, and it was predicted for Sunday as well with flash floods predicted in some places. 

Our other fall show was at Southdown Marketplace at Southdown Museum and Plantation.  This one day show was a rain out as well.  It was the worst attendance we have seen at Southdown.  But … we got to meet some new art friends and see some old ones as well.  So it was not a total loss! <vbg>

We have one craft show friend from the road that we have not seen since the spring.  She still does shows but we are just not at the same ones.  We keep in touch on the phone and on Facebook and can pick up where we left off the last time.  Everyone needs at least one friend like that, don’t you think? 

We are looking at the spring but are making only tentative plans.  We want to do shows but we also know that we need to plan our daughter’s care, which may involve some medical things this spring.

2^nd Annual Trunk Sale
I just completed my 2^nd Annual Trunk Sale on Tuesday, December 1.  Despite the lagging economy, I think I did pretty well.  This year’s sale was not quite as good as last year but better than expected.  My plan is to continue my Annual Trunk Sale and help people have a calm, stress free shopping experience where they can purchase handmade quality items.

What I am Learning ... People Want to Know Someone Cares

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  I have seen this oft-repeated quote attributed to John Maxwell, Teddy Roosevelt and the ever famous, Anonymous.  I suppose it does not matter who first said or wrote this quote, it is still true.  Whether people admit it or not, they want to know someone cares.  I find this is true in personal and work relationships.

I remember from that old TV series, Cheers, the theme song referred to “everyone knows your name.”  While I think bars are a pretty lousy place to try to build real relationships, the theme song lyrics were pretty spot on.  Everyone wants to be known by someone, we want to know someone cares.

I am reminded of this sentiment, which is also truth, during this Christmas season.  We are all making plans for Christmas parties, caroling, charitable events, and so on.  Are making plans to get to know someone new on a personal level?  Are we trying to make REAL connections?  Are our interactions only on the superficial level?  It is super easy to feel involved when we quickly drop coins in a red bucket or make a quick drop off to a food bank that is already on our way.  We make a mad dash in and out, and then we are quick to forget about a personal interaction or trying to build a relationship.

I, for one, am feeling the pull to get involved more with people.  I want to spend more time getting to know the people already in my life but also bring in a few more.  KWIM?  Maybe it’s my age but I am wanting to go past the superficial level of conversation.  I want more than the typical, “Hi, how are you?” We often say that in passing, never giving time for real reflection or interaction between the “asker” and the “answerer”.  Do we really want to hear more than “I’m fine. How are you?”  Maybe it’s time we make time to hear the real, full answer.

This is the perfect time of year to not only tell someone we care but show it.  How about you?  How will you show someone you care this Christmas season?  Please feel free to leave your ideas in the comments section below.

God bless,

Cindy

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

We had that awesome arts and crafts show this past weekend and now I need to get busy crafting again.   I need to build up my stock for our next show.  Where will we be next?  I am glad you asked.  We will be at Melrose Plantation near Natchitoches, LA in April.  If you live in that area or plan on coming through town, I hope you’ll stop by the arts and crafts event at Melrose.  The two photos included here are of Melrose.

I love the quote below when it comes to crafting.  You know why?  Because most of my work is IMperfect.  I like it that way.  I have heard to artists and crafters who purposely place an imperfection in their pieces.  (Or if it's done accidentally, they just leave it.)  Well let me tell you ... mine will be imperfect just because there is an imperfect person making it!

Now, what some people call an imperfection is just simply a distressed effect.  I love distressing the crafts I work on.  I like the shadowing and smudged, worn look it gives things.  To me it gives those things I love some character.  I love the look of corners that are rounded, edges that have lost their color, areas around knobs or pulls that have nicks and worn places from all the years of love and use.  This is why you’ll see things in my Etsy shop or in our craft show booth with distressed edges.  I remember when my dfil and dh worked on staining an unfinished trunk.  They did a beautiful job staining it.  After they were done, I wanted to get a chain out and go after the trunk with it.  Or, I wanted to go after the edges with some sand paper to give it a worn look,  Well, I haven't done it yet but I think I will one day.  I just can't bring myself to do it *quite* yet!  One day, one day.

This makes me think about how we as people are often distressed, but distressed people is not a good thing like distressed furniture an décor.  Sure, we are all imperfect but distress is not something we want in our life.  We don’t want those sandpaper days (or people) who wear on us and make us feel discouraged or dragged down at the end of the day.  However, it is often our imperfect state that leads to the distress.  Since we can’t live in perfection situations and things people say leave us feeling troubled.  Sometimes it’s hard to leave all the difficulty behind.  However, there is one who will carry it for us, IF we would only turn it over to Him.  Jesus says in Matthew 11:29-30:

²⁸ “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Place my yoke^[a] over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves ³⁰ because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Are you feeling distressed and stressed?  Want to find a place of rest?  You can find it with the One who will take over your load.  How about a fresh start this week?  Easter is the perfect time to start over.  First Baptist Church of Houma will offer 3 services each weekend starting Easter weekend on Saturday at  6:00 PM and Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30 AM.  If you would like someone to pray for you, you can just leave your name in the comments below or email me at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

My family and I hope we’ll see you down the road or around town in Houma, LA.  Let us know how we can serve you with our products.

God bless,

Cindy

Pay It Forward

Happy Monday Evening to My Friends,

>> hum, um, walking around--dh in the den with me, piddling around

>> hum, beep, beep--dd in the kitchen, heating a snack in the microwave

>> the hum of clothes tumbling in the dryer

These are a few of the sounds of life at home.  Sounds that help me remember what is important to me … the little things, my husband, my daughter, a routine, a home to live in, and so much more.  My life as I know it is simple, and awesome and amazing at the same time.  I have family that loves me, a home that shelters me from the storms outside—real and imagined, trival and colossal, Mardi Gras or infuriatingly slow drivers on a normal day.  LOL  We have a refrigerator with food and beverages in it, vehicles that are gassed up, and clothes appropriate for our mild winters and summer days that feel as thick as gumbo.

What makes life awesome is that I get to do something I love …. My crafting.  I love getting my hands dirty and inked up with my solvent ink while making my coasters, trivets, and plaques.  It is as fun as can be.  Of course, the ink does not come off easily and I can look like a kid who has been playing with sharpies or magic markers!  <smile>

In the process of making and selling my wares is that I get to meet some amazing people.  Some I have met in person and some online.  Today I got some technical advice on photographing my products from a professional photographer/editor.  We have never met in person but met each other from a forum we are on for artists and crafters.  This phone consultation was free but worth the time to make the photos look better.  I am no “photographer” by any means.  When I have taken photos, they are merely pictures to remember events like vacation or people who are special to my family and me.  It amazes me that people currently willingly give time to help a newbie when they could easily charge an hourly rate.

Some say, “You get what you pay for.”  Others say, “Free is good”.  Sometimes you get more than you pay for and free is not only good but amazing!  Like in my case today when I got free advice that is not only good, but also amazingly helpful.  It is a good thing to live with open hands and share our wealth of information or talents that God has given us.  I do not mean open hands ready to take, take, take from others but to give back or pay it forward.  We are all given gifts to share with others as my friend did today.

God’s Word says:

The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
    the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.  Proverbs 11:24 (The Message)

This Proverb reminds me that I have things to share with others too.  If I want to remain open to what God wants me to do, I am to remain open to God and share the insights and talents God has blessed me with.  Now that I think about it, many people have invested in me and I have not always appreciated what they have done.  Sometimes I have glossed over their investment in me.  Other times I’ve dismissed their investment because I didn’t think I had time for them at the moment.  Sometimes I thought I knew it all already.  How sad on my part.

I have something coming up where I can bless someone and will use that situation to do so.  I don’t know who the end recipient will be got God does and that is all that matters.  It is one small step in paying it forward.

Now that Lent is upon us, what are some ways you can pay it forward?  Who can you help along your way?  Are you willing to start this new habit during Lent and then extend it beyond that 6-week period?

If you find a way to bless others and pay it forward I'd love to hear your story!

God bless,

Cindy

Welcome 2015! An Update

Hello Friends!

I am so happy to be coming to you this afternoon via my blog.  My blog … it has been longer than I remembered since I last posted.  I am sorry it has been so long but that means I have more to fill you in on, right?  :D

Let’s see, the last time I wrote in we were in the middle of that awful New Orleans Saint season.  What can I say except that I am glad that is over?  As we Saints fans like to say, “There is always next year.”

We were also in the middle of the fall craft show season.  At Custom Coasters by Cindy, we had some good shows.  Of course, we had a good turnout at Southdown Marketplace here in Houma.  I believe that was our best show yet.

Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana was a great show as well.  I got to see an old friend from childhood.  It was great to reconnect and hopefully we can get together soon.  Between work for both of us and distance, it will be a challenge but it would be worth it.

Of course, not all craft shows go off without a hitch.  We had one that got off to a rocky start.  Let me back up a minute and give a brief history.  Back in the summer when we were on hiatus from craft shows for the season, we had reworked our booth.  We obtained totally new “fixtures” for out booth.  We put together a pipe and drape system that we can use for our booth with our without the tent.  Our fixtures include floor length black professional table covers and honey colored 6-foot drapes.  Dh is so handy and got this design thing down in a heartbeat.  Of course, I picked the colors.  A girl’s gotta have her part in the decorating, right?

So we go with our new set up to our fall shows.  We got really great reviews from customers, family and friends alike.  Our confidence is riding high.  Then we show up at “Show X” and begin setting up.  After we put up our pipe and drape and began setting up tables and merchandise, the show organizer came over to our booth.  She asked us to removed our pipe and drape system.  I let her know that the rules and guidelines did not address this and that it was not prohibited.  Long story short, we removed part of it but not all.  When other artists and crafters at Show X realized we had removed part of our set up, they asked why?  When we told them, everyone to a person was shocked and appalled that we were asked to do this.

So why am I writing all this?  For most people attending craft shows as a shopper, you have no idea the heart, work, and sweat that go into just getting into a show, then to get set up.  I know I had no idea.  As a shopper, it was all about the fun and seeing new cute things to buy.  Many artists get up before dawn and/or drive in the day before an event.  Then he or she spends 2+ hours setting up for the event before the public is allowed to enter.  At some shows each vendor’s booth must be inspected by the organizer to know their products match what is on the application for the show.  Then tear down starts as soon as the show closes and can go on for 2-3 hours.  After tear down comes the commute home.

When you go to a show and see a product you really like, or even a booth that you like, please let the artist or crafter know.  It can really make his or her day.  Even if you cannot buy from them, the positive encouragement goes a long way.

At this year’s shows, we were able to reconnect with many “roadie friends” who have booths at many of the same shows.  There are a few that live close enough that we get to see them in between.  I have a roadie friend who I keep in contact with by phone.  We may not talk every week, sometimes weeks may go by in between calls.  However, when we get on the phone, it is as if no time has passed and we just pick up where we left off.  Hey Flo! if you are reading this!!!!

During Black Friday weekend, I did something for the first time.  I had my 1^st Annual Trunk Sale!  I did really well, especially since I did little advertising, had no booth fees or travel expenses, and got to see some friends over that weekend in my home.  Therefore, this will become an annual event, and admission will remain free to those who want to attend.  As time gets closer, I will announce the next one here.  The announcement will probably come out in late October or early November.

December brought good sales for Christmas gifts.  There were a couple of people who bought during my Trunk Sale that came back and bought later in December.  Repeat customers are always good.  Late December slowed some and that was good because we were able to concentrate on the real reason for Christmas, Jesus.  Our family had a quiet day together and it was just what we needed.

January brought some new ideas and we are proud to say we have gotten off to a good start.  The first idea came from my husband.  I had always said I would never, ever, ever have an Etsy shop.  I seemed to me there is no way to get noticed, there are gazillion artists competing for a limited number of sales and some will underprice their art or crafts just to get sales.

So about a week in to the new year, dh says, “I think you ought to set up an Etsy shop.”  I am so surprised.  I had explained to him why I did not want to do it but he had suggested it anyway.  Sometimes he does have good ideas.  So that evening I set up a shop and began adding stock to it.  One week later, I had a sale, then another week went by and I had another sale.  I sold four sets of coasters in all in just 2 weeks.  I was amazed!  Then, today I had another sale!  Some artists go a long time without being noticed.  I feel truly blessed.  My Etsy shop will serve as a place for people to find my product during craft show season hiatus.  For those who are interested, you can find me on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CindysCoasters.  My shop has “coasters” in it but I have a variety of items to choose from:  coasters, trivets, plaques, cards, etc.  I hope you’ll stop by and check it out.

Now, for those who saw my post on Facebook about some photos I posted Saturday, February 7.  (For those who did not see the photos, you can follow this link …. https://www.facebook.com/CustomCoastersByCindy.)

I have been designing trivets since shortly after I began doing coasters.  I use travertine for the trivets just as I do for coasters.  The trivets in original form---8”x8”, with chiseled edges, have been awesome.  The surface was smooth, beautiful, and so easy to work with.  Late last year I ordered a case so I’d have some when I was ready to work on some for this year.  I opened the case and was so disappointed.  The tiles were so pitted, distressed and ragged that I feared not being able to use them.  I had ordered through the same local company I had ordered through on previous orders.  So I asked if they ordered through the same supplier.  Of course, they said.  Well, I could send them back but I’d have to pay shipping, which is understandable.  However, shipping back travertine tile is costly.  So had I to come up with an option.

The option, one I was scared to try, was to grout the tiles.  So, now am I not only designing and selling trivets but also getting into grouting!  I could start a completely new career.  Let me tell you, it is not as easy as it looks.  I am having quite a learning curve!  It is tricky learning to get the texture of the grout correct but also applying it to fill the holes.  Then it is learning to wipe off the excess grout without wiping off too much!  Oh, this could be too much for me!!!

I have done about 10 tiles and have gotten some technical assistance with my best buds at the flooring center.  I took some of my “work” down there for them to provide a critique.  I never imagined I would be asking for a “grout critique”!  LOL  All of this goes into making a better, supreme, premium product for my customers.  You are worth it and I will work on my technique till I get it right for YOU!  To see the finished trivets you'll have to keep watch at my Facebook page and Etsy shop.

https://www.facebook.com/CustomCoastersByCindy

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CindysCoasters

Thanks to everyone who supports their local artists and crafters!  You make all the work seem like fun!

My plan is to make a weekly post of things going on in my little crafting world.  I am not sure what it'll include but look for it each week, most likely around Monday.

Many blessings,

Cindy Welch

Autumn, Football and Craft Shows, Part II

Helllooo Fabulous Friends!

It seems we are getting a bit of a taste of fall her in south Louisiana. We had lows in the low 60's this morning and a high in the low 80's. Quite different from our usual fare. When my family went to church this morning, dd and I each brought a sweater anticipating a cool sanctuary. Turns out we didn’t need them but we were prepared anyway.

Football .... aarrggghhh. Don’t get me started. My favorite team has definitely had a rough start to the year compared to the last few years. It is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and maddening all at the same time. Ever feel like that when watching something happen that is so disappointing and you can do nothing to help it? Well it happens in real life as well as football. Then you have those gloruius moments when you want to jump and and down and squeal! LOL

That has kind of been my last week. Disappointed over a turn of events related to a business thing we attended, I had the same feelings then as I did over my favorite football team. In the middle of this event there was nothing I could do to stop what was going on. The bright spot is that I learned some questions to ask to help prevent this in the future. I have made a mental and written list so I can better prepare.

On a much brighter note, we attended an arts and crafts show at Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana, and had a booth there for our wares ... travertine coasters, trivets, plaques. It was absolutely an awesome Saturday there. A front came through during the week making room for cooler weather. Weather-wise it was perfect.

We had never attended this arts and crafts show, even as shoppers. We were so thrilled to meet so many gracious people, shoppers and other vendors as well. It was one of the most smoothly run shows we have been to. Those who visited our booth were so complimentary and gracious to us about our products. Many made purchases and financially we had a great day. We are so thankful to those who support artists and crafters and their handcrafted goodies. I always feel like I am taking home a little love when I bring home a handcrafted item.

Our next stop is the Slidell Newcomers Club in Slidell, LA. I hope you will come out and see is if you are in the area. This is our first time to attend and hope to meet many new friends from the area. Here are some important details ....
Dates: 10/11 & 10/12
Times: Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Northshore Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70461
Slidell Newcomers Craft Show website ... click here.

Make plans to come see and introduce yourself. We would love to meet you!

I just want to finish on this note. I am just so grateful for all the blessings God has given us in our life. Here are a few of the things I am grateful for.....
~ a family ... not so perfect but we love each other anyway
~ a love for making what the crafts I make
~ others who are willing to buy from us
~ a God who loves us even when we mess up royally!

God bless,
Cindy

985-381-3154
customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net
For my facebook page, click here.
For my website, click here.

Autumn, Football, and Craft Shows

Hello Fabulous Friends,

I hope you are noticing cooler autumn temps where you live. It does set the pace for enjoyable days and nights when we have cooler weather. The change of seasons can also add spring to our step! Down here in south Louisiana we have noticed our highs are edging out of the 90's and are now only in the (high) 80's. :\ Autumn cannot come soon enough for me! I love opening our windows during the day so our home can air out and we enjoy hearing the wind rustle the leaves.

The fall season also means fall festivals, craft show and fairs and football. My favorite team had an awful showing yesterday. I try to allow only 24 hours of mourning, disappointment, and anger. At this writing it has been about 24 hours since the slaughter began so I am officially moving on! :D If you are a football fan I hope your team had a better showing!

Now on to happier topics, like craft shows. I was a vendor at a craft show this past weekend. We had the opportunity to meet some other wonderful vendors, all of whom had awesome handcrafted items for sale. We got to look over their wares, ooh and aah, and even purchase--or at least we promised to look at their website in coming days. We know we will meet down the road at future crafts shows.

I am looking forward to my next show at Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana. It is a Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There will be about 100 arts and crafts booths with handcrafted items for sale, kids' games, tours of the plantation home, and concessions. I know we will get to see two fellow vendors that we have worked with before. One of our neighbors this past weekend will be at Shadows, Polished Peacock. Another fellow vendor, Michael’s Pickles, will be there. My dh’s new favorite pickles are the sweet and spicey by Michael’s Pickels.



The hours for the event are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a marvelous opportunity to take a day trip. There will be something for everyone. You can even be home in time to watch LSU and Auburn play on Saturday evening. This link gives some pertinent information for those wanting to attend. Click here.

Here is what you need to find Shadows on the Teche:

317 East Main Street
New Iberia, LA
337-369-6446
Shadows on the Teche website
Shadows on the Teche Facebook

I hope to see you down the road!

Blessings,
Cindy

What It's All About

Hellloooo Fabulous Friends,

I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday. September is on the calendar, the official start to autumn is around the corner but it's still hot here in the south. A month from now I hope we are having some cooler days. I love opening the windows and letting in fresh air. I know, I know. That also lets in some dust. But hey, I love the fresh air more than I hate the dust. LOL

I wanted to share with you what I love about doing this craft thing, which is not so much a hobby as it is a blossoming business. What I love about it is family. It is about family in many ways but most of all it is about our family working together, each doing our own part in making something grow. It is about a common goal and purpose. Yes, each show we attend is its own affair or project that we have to commonly work on to make successful. But it's more than that. We work many hours to get there before an event ever happens ...
=> Events--this the part of internet searches looking for events we can possibly apply for
=> Applications/Scheduling--we have to apply to shows 6 or more months in advance. This is tricky when adding in cash flowing everything because we don't like the idea of debt anywhere in our life. Applications require booth fees and sometimes more like hotel rooms, etc.
=> Booth Layout--we just worked on and completed a new design for our booth, which meant looking for layout ideas, drapers, pipe, tables covers, etc. and it all had to be eye appealing, not only to us but to others
=> Product Pick-Up--pick up of raw product and other supplies. I usually do this because I have something specific in mind but also may send dd or dh.
=> Scrub a Dub Dub--cleaning our natural product, ie, tiles--dd does most of this
=> Pack It Up--packing our stuff so that we have as few bags and boxes as possible for our shows, dh is great at this! This means less trips to/from the truck.
=> Design/Application--this is where I come in. I look for inspiration online and then work out a design of my own and apply it.
=> Booth Set Up/Selling/Tear Down–we are all involved in this. It is what makes our day or weekend successful. We all have to pitch in to make it work.

To make our cottage industry work, it takes our family members each doing his or her own part. Of course dh ends up with a lot of the heavy work. He does not mind though. His philosophy is, “happy wife, happy life.” Of course I want him happy too. If he were unhappy, I would not ask him to help. We see this as a family project, and quite possibly could be something we continue to do into retirement. It is a team building effort and I believe our family is better for it.

In light of the family theme here is more on our featured product of the day ....

Featured Product of the Day

Today’s featured product of the day is this beautiful premium travertine trivet, “Family”. It features a script background, flourish and medallion. Of course, it reminds us what is most important, “Family”. The edges are burnished in a coordinating color. This trivet is finished off with a double ribbon. It is beautiful on an easel in almost any room ... on a mantel, dresser, or desk. I have this particular treasure on an easel on a built-in bookcase in my den.

Special Offer
Today only I am offering a special for those who order this trivet design. Our trivets normally sell for $25.00. However, for TODAY ONLY ... This trivet design (T-1001) is selling for $20.00. To receive this special price, call me at 985-381-3154 or email me at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net. Easel not included. Shipping, if needed, is extra. Local pick up available. Offer ends at midnight 9/10/14.

All About the Monarch

Featured Product of the Day

Hellloooo fabulous friends! I have a trio of premium travertine products today that work together as a set. All feature monarch butterflies. Let me tell you a little about them.

The first is an 8"x8" travertine trivet that is covered in monarch butterflies and a script background. It is ready to handle hot pots & casseroles straight from the stove or oven. It has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent scratching your surfaces. The top surface will come sealed to help prevent stains from use in the kitchen. Of course this trivet is pretty enough to decorate with on an easel anywhere in your home!



The second is a set of four travertine coasters that have a single monarch butterfly on it. It also has a light script background. The coasters are unsealed so it'll absorb moisture from an iced beverage that condensates.



The final product for today is a travertine plaque (3"x6") featuring butterflies and a script background that is ready to hang. It is a cute addition where you need something small to decorate with.



Normally these beauties sell for a total of $59 when purchased separately. However, if you order this 3 piece set of butterflies, it is only $49.95. Price is good through Friday, September 12, 2015. Shipping is extra. Those who live local can arrange free local pick up or delivery. To receive this special price you must contact me at 985-381-3154 or customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

I hope you have an awesome day and hope to hear from you soon!

Upgrades and Newbies

Hello Fabulous Friends!!

I am so glad you stopped by today! The calendar says it's almost autumn but by our weather here in coastal Louisiana it is still summer! Ugh. However we are blessed that the hurricane season has been non-existant in the Gulf of Mexico. We are thankful God has protected us down here!

Today we had a work day for our booth ... but at the house. We have a new booth arrangement and upgraded look so we needed new photos. (Most show organizers or juries require photos not only of the crafter's work but also one or more of the booth.) We had a prediction of a 50% chance of rain for this afternoon. Fortunately we beat the rain! Between the black table covers and the honey-colored panels in the background, it is reminiscent of our beloved Saints' black and gold. I didn't start out planning it that way but that is how it came out. I hope you like it. I am picturing it below.



Here is our old configuration ...


We believe it is an improvement but will fondly remember what we started with.

And now on to the newbies. The newbies include my facebook page and some craft show this fall that I have not been to before.

At my facebook page, I started something new today. I have begun a Featured Product of the Day. The featured product may be a new design or it could be one that has been on the back of my creatino station for a while. Sometimes it will be a coaster design and sometimes you find a trivet, plaque or card set featured. Here is today's Featured Product of the Day ...



Sentiment Reads:

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

I have some craft shows coming up hope to see some of you on the road. Here is my schedule:
Sept. 27-28, Mandeville Craft Show (new for us this fall)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mandeville Lions Hall
720 Lafitte Street in Old Mandeville
Mandeville, LA

Oct. 4, Shadows on the Teche (new for us this fall)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
317 E. Main Street 70560
New Iberia, LA 70560

Oct. 11-12, Sell-A-Bration Aats & Crafts (new for us this fall)
Slidell Newcomers Club
Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Located at:
Northshore Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70461

Oct. 25-26, Poche Plantation (new for us this fall)
(This event is one of two events replacing Oak Alley.)
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6554 Louisiana State Highway 44
Convent, Louisiana
Admission Charge

Nov. 1, Southdown Marketplace @ Southdown Museum
Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Houma, LA
Admission Charge

Nov. 8, Thibodeauxville @ downtown Thibodaux
Saturday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thibodaux, LA
No Admission Charge

I would love to hear from you! Please look for us at the craft shows because we love meeting our friends and customers. We would love to take a photo with you to post on our facebook page @ Custom Coasters By Cindy.

Blessings,
Cindy

Scrumptious, Luscious, and Delicious

Don’t you just love it when something scrumptious comes your way? Oh, and I am not necessarily talking about food or beverage. I just love it when something very unexpected, but very luscious comes my way! Maybe you came across a “found” object that just pleased you to death whether it was an old tool such as an old oil can or a collectible household item such as a butter mold. Maybe you came across some old childhood drawings done with crayons or a pencil. Maybe you are an artist that found a new brand of paints or canvas that you just can’t get enough ... it is just too delicious!

The most recent happening like this is when I ordered some travertine tiles in a different color than I have been using. Ordinarily I order my tiles only in ivory. However, I had a hankerin’ to have more color in the background without having to add it as I have in the past. So I took a deep breath and ordered my usual tiles but in two different colors, scabos and picasso. Ivory is a great background for many designs and has worked quite well, but I was wanting “more”. I didn’t really know what I wanted, till I saw it!

Oh my goodness! Let me tell you something. I could just eat up the color. I was so excited when they arrived and told my hubby how I could just eat them up. He looked at me as if I had absolutely LOST MY MIND! LOL The colors in the tiles are so luscious, rich, warm and add some depth to the designs I never knew existed. Now I cannot get enough of using these colors.

I also had another experience recently that was a bonus. I grew up with a mom who was very creative but I didn’t know how creative till recently. She passed away in 2012 and the last 15-20 years of her life she created masterpieces on canvas, wood, and even cypress knees. Mom had a gift for painting with severl types of paint ... oil, acrylic and so on. She never took formal schooling at college for her work but took lessons from some local artists where she lived. I believe her talent was always there but came to surface at the perfect time ... she had time, resources to obtain what she needed for her artwork, and the kids had left home!!! Yeah! Do I hear an amen?!

Only when I began an art class recently did I realize how much work it took for her creativity. But it seems for my mom that it wasn’t really work, she had a gift and used it for her enjoyment. She never sought out recognition but lovingly displayed her works of art in her home. She did sell some of her crafts around Christmas but generally she created for herself and to share with friends and family.

Since I began handcrafting coasters and more in late 2012, I realize now why it was hard for mom to let go of her works. Investing the time, effort and creativity makes an artist begin to think of the artwork as his “baby”. Although duplicates can be made of many works of art, no two are exactly alike. They each have their own place in life for enjoyment.

Also, as I invest time with my fabulous friends and customers, I begin to think of them as my extended family as well. I love meeting each and every one of you. I love the process of trying to figure out how to create what you’re looking for in a handcrafted item for your home. Your home is important to you and I am honored to be able to craft something that, hopefully, will spend years there serving you well. I want each purchase to be the beginning of a relationship for years to come.

I hope to meet more of you in person at the Peach Festival in Ruston, Louisiana. It will be here before we know it. I will be at the indoor craft show on Saturday, June 28, in the Ruston Civic Center. For more information, please click here.

I want to close out by saying that building relationships with my customers, fellow crafters, other local business people and my friends and family is the most scrumptios, luscious, and delicious thing of all.

Much love,
Cindy

www.customcoastersbycindy.com
www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy