Handmade with Heart by Krista

Today’s the day!! It was a rough week, but I made it!! Come see me — located just inside the entrance of the 125 Building!!

I put my back out yesterday 😰😖 so I’m pretty much confined to the couch tonight. So I figured I’d try to make myself feel productive by editing and posting all the wreaths I managed to make during the last couple weeks before the move – I was quickly snapping these photos while my husband was packing my craft room up around me! I was trying to prep for a show I ultimately had to bow out of. Here’s hoping I don’t have to miss another show! 🥺

Send me all your healing vibes!

Only a few days away! And my craft room still isn’t fully set up and functional. Yikes! But somehow I always get it done, and this time will be no different! ⏰ ‼️

What would YOU like to see at my booth?
✅ Moon wreaths?
✅ Lots of gnomes?
✅ Grapevine wreaths?
✅ Deco mesh seasonal wreaths?
✅ Burlap welcome wreaths?
✅ All of the above?

This is the first wreath I’ve made in at least a couple of months. You may have noticed I haven’t been posting much – that’s because I’ve been a little busy with renovating and packing and house hunting! 🏡

This one will hang on my new front door when I move to our new home in the Owen Sound area in the coming weeks.

And now, I shall craft madly, trying to build up my inventory for upcoming summer sales. It feels so good to be indulging my artistic side again.

Two months to go! Put it on your calendars, friends!! So many vendors! Art in the Barn Dorchester!

Friends! I’m so excited! Awhile back, I ran out of these flowers that I had used in a few of my moons, and I’ve been on the hunt for more. Today, I scored!

Woohooo! More purpley-bluey moons coming your way soon!

I had a customer send me a couple of photos of cat wreaths made like this. I had seen similar before and had it in the back of my mind to “someday” try one. Once I got started, I was so inspired, I wanted to make another with different materials.

Both of these are claimed, but what do you think? Which one do you like best? Should I make more of these for my upcoming summer and fall sales??

(Unfortunately I am closed for custom orders for the foreseeable future, but always welcome new ideas to try!)

And another event added!

WIARTON HOMECOMING WEEKEND
August 3rd & 4th

I. GOT. IN!! Woot!!

Many larger, well-established shows are reporting much higher application numbers than previous, so as a newer and not-as-established vendor I am always super happy to get in to a big show like this🎉🥳!!

Now I better get cracking on building inventory!

Can you believe Easter 🐣 is only a few weeks away?!

And that means spring is getting closer!! How about a new wreath to welcome the upcoming season? 🌸

Message for details and pricing!

So excited to finally share this one! It’s been in the works for awhile, because life & Christmas chaos got in the way. But I love how it turned out and have been so excited for this customer to see it. It’s finally in their hands and will soon be hung in their space!

UPCOMING SHOWS, 2024:

I’ve applied for quite a few shows, and will be applying for more as I see ones that strike my fancy.

So far, you’ll be able to find me at:

ART IN THE BARN - Sat., July 13 (9-5) & Sun., July 14 (9-3), Dorchester Fairgrounds

LAKEVIEW VENDOR MARKET - Sunday, August 18 (9am-3pm), Sauble Beach Town Square

29th Annual THOROLD ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW - November 16 & 17, 10-4, Thorold High School

STRATFORD MAKERS MARKET Christmas Market - November 22 (4pm-9pm) & 23 (9am-5pm), Stratford Rotary Complex

43rd Annual LONDON CHRISTMAS CRAFT FESTIVAL - November 28 thru December 1, Western Fair District, London

Watch for more shows to be added!

Another custom order made it to its new home this past week!

Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day are soon approaching! Here’s what I have available currently, as well as a couple winter-themed wreaths - reach out to purchase!

(Please note I am not currently accepting custom orders while I focus on creating my own designs after a busy fall and holiday season.)

Tis the season!!
… to be applying to alllll the markets! Let’s see what pans out for this year! So excited!

Tonight we are trying out something new in the craft room. And by we, I mean me, my crazy lil imagination, and the voices that talk me into these things. A hefty amount of credit/blame (outcome to be determined) can be given to YouTube crafters for having a video or 6 showing how to generally execute the idea. 😅

Will post pics if it works, or if it doesn’t work but makes a great story that’s good for a laugh (or cautionary tale!)

Finally, a full weekend to focus on crafting – and avoiding housework! 🫣🤭

The name of the game is CUSTOM ORDERS! Gotta get those done!

Shown is a custom order I finished up last weekend. This customer liked a wreath I had done previously, and wanted one similar. I lucked out and was able to purchase another snowman attachment just like it!

Maybe a joyful snowman ⛄️ will bring about some snow? We can only hope! ❄️

(Yes, I’m one of those people that although I dislike the cold blah days of winter, I love a good snowfall!)

Last day of 2023, and the last day of my first full year in business! It’s been […searches for the right words…]… a learning experience (which was my goal for the year), a struggle (probably not the best year of the economy to be starting out in 😅), a validating experience in so many ways, and at times a euphoric experience (maybe other artists or creators can relate to that sense of satisfaction of creating something you’re so proud of?).

Looking back, I made 66 wreaths (give or take), attended 10 shows, fulfilled more custom orders than I ever anticipated (and still have a few more in the queue), and took over 3 rooms of the house 😬. I also created my flowerpot gnomes, which have served so well in supplementing my wreath sales.

Pictured are my 3 favourite creations! It was so hard to narrow down.

I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who’ve supported me this year — whether it be with likes and comments, shares, attending sales, helping me at sales, purchasing any of my items, or placing a custom order (extra thanks for your patience – between my “real” job and other life commitments, looking after my own physical and mental health, and a serious case of perfectionism, orders can sometimes take longer to turn around than I would like).

I really do put my heart into every wreath I make. When I look back at all I accomplished in my little biz this year, it’s hard to believe it was only a year, and I’m truly proud of what I’ve done.

So what’s “in store” for 2024?

More of the same, and so much more! This year I will be applying for more large/multi-day shows. I will be trying to expand my product line to include other decor (limited space for tools and materials makes this difficult!). And there are also some other changes in the works that I will share when they happen!

Thanks again for all your support, and I wish each and every one you all the best in 2024!

Now taking orders.

Just kidding.

Or am I?

🤔

🤣🤣🤣

You really, really are 🥰 Thanks to you all!