Village Square Arts and Craft Show

It's that time again folks!

Time for the,

Highlands Village Square Arts & Craft Show

As many shows as I do a year, this is by far one of my favorites. I guess it's because it's in my hometown. And, I get to see all of the people I never get to see.

(Working from home does not afford a ton of social interactions!)

And...to be quite honest it's just a well run show, with some of the most talented artists you'll find in the mountains.

The show is put on, organized, ran, orchestrated ........ by super talented

Ms. Cynthia Strain.

She herself is an amazingly gifted photographer. She had a great little shop in the Village Square, where you can purchase her art, have it framed or frame other items.

Come visit and you will find; potters, wood turners, jewelry, kids clothing, bird houses, iron work,face painting, basket weaving, and TKC. Karin and TC Chambers (and Chicken). Fun folk art, you just gotta see.

So come out and visit Cynthia, Sugar Kids, TKC, and all the other talented artists. Memorial Weekend. Village Square and Pine Street Park, Highlands, NC.

OH! Keep your eyes peeled for chicken. You never know where that clucker is gonna turn up.

ATHENS...Get ready for some Sweet Stuff.

Next up on the list........

I'm super excited about participating in this show. I've always LOVED Athens in general,

and from what I hear from many of my crafty peeps, this is a GREAT show.

So, come out, spend the day in an awesome town, and support your local crafters.

Kickin' off the Season

KICKIN' OFF THE SEASON

I'm really excited about my show season this year. It's gonna be a whopper, but bring it!

I will be doing some of my trusty favorites, and some newbies...that I'm sure will become favorites.

FIRST OFF!

BIG LOVE FEST!

"Where: Roger McGuire Green & Pack Square (from the courthouse steps to the Vance monument)

The Big Crafty and Asheville Grown Business Alliance are putting on a celebration of unchained and independent Asheville. This festival is sponsored and made possible by local and independent businesses, crafters, artists, restaurants, breweries & non profits. The mission of the festival is to support independently-owned businesses in the community and to celebrate their vital economic, social and cultural role in our vibrant local economy.

Get ready to enjoy local beer, food, entertainment and music on two stages, fun family activities and the BEST local arts and crafts from the area!"

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. STOP BY MY BOOTH AND SEE WHAT GOODIES SUGAR HAS FOR YOU!

Fabric Scrap, Flower Ball

Once again, I was on a ....what to do with my scraps kick??? Also, needing to come up with some cute new display ideas for my new display at Ck Swan. Can't wait to get started on it.

So, I came up with this little bauble.

I started with a 5" round flower oasis (basically a styrofoam ball)

Then, I took a bunch of scrap material, folded it in half and cut a sort of half circle. So when you open it up, it "resembles" and oval. Next, (with material still folded in half) fold bottom, straight edge in an accordion fashion; then stick your pin through all layers. I used basic straight pins.

Once the pin is securely through all layers, fan the fabric out, so that it looks like a flower petal. Then simply insert pin into ball. Continue in this fashion until you have covered the ball. I used many different patterns, but I think it would also be beautiful with the same fabric covering the ball.

Lastly, I used a piece of grosgrain ribbon (cut to desired length) and secured with a pin.

And there you have it. As I said, I'm planning on using mine for display decor. But it would be cute in a baby's room, or hey! even a wedding. Maybe in a monochromic creme theme? Just use your imagination! Have Fun.

How to make a Fun, Fringe Bunting.

Color, Color Everywhere!!

I'm always looking for fun, new ideas to make. And, while being laid up for the past week with a nasty cold. I thought...I need some fun, some color, more importantly..I need to sew. Well, since I only had maybe 30 minutes of energy at a shot, I had to do something quick.

Enter the fringe bunting!

Here's what I did.

1. Cut up a bunch of strips of fabric. You can measure if you like but I just did it randomly.

2. I took a 1/2" wide section of bias tape. (This one was 6 ft long),

placed the strips in wha

tever way I wanted

(randomly), pinned each one in.

3. Then I simply stitched from one side of t

he open ended bias tape to the other end. Removing t

he pins as I went.

4. Presto! A fun, colorful, cute fringe bunting that brightens up any space. I personally think it would be great at a kids party, or outside at any party.

Enjoy Creating your own!

Retro Indie Market

It's just around the corner! The quicker it get's here the better. I'm talking about my up coming show. The Retro Indie Market, in Boynton Beach, FL. Saturday, February the 12th.

First of all, I'm going to be honest. I'm beyond happy that this show is in Florida. I need a little sunshine in my life, on my face, my body....everywhere. I'm growing a bit weary of the cold, snow, and temps never getting above 35.

Secondly...I know it's going to be a really fun show. A High School acquaintance of mine, Michelle Parparian has a hand in putting this show together. So, if she's still as funny, crazy and original as she used to be back in the day...it'll be good.

So, if your in the area, come out for a visit. Tons of vintage and handmade items. Sure to be something for everyone.

Spring Cleaning

Time for some Spring Cleaning!!!!

Sugar is doing a little housework. You know... out with the old, in with the new.

Of course you know I LOVE all of my fabrics, but I can't keep them all.

Seriously?? Where would I put them?

So, I have these beauties left, that I would love to find homes for.

For yardage, and pricing please email me at: c.sugarbrown@gmail.com

Happy Sewing!!

Something to Ponder...

First of all..I want to give props to Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl for the basis of this post. I took a creativity course from her af ew months ago, and this quote has just followed me around ever since. It resonated with me, it fit with where I am in my life.

"You must give up the life you planned, in order to live the life that is waiting for you."

Joseph Campbell

Aren't we all a little guilty of too much control? I know I can be. Especially since starting Sugar.

Actually, maybe it's gotten a bit worse since then. I've felt the need to have a plan, for everything, sometimes feeling out of control if I didn't. One of the hardest things for me to give up was well..doing everything. When Sugar got to the point that I just couldn't produce EVERYTHING by myself, I had to start looking for help. And boy, letting go of seeing every single stitch made wasn't pretty. I'm sure my wonderful, fabulous, awesome seamstress' had times where they wanted to tell me to shut up! Or yes Caroline, for the 100th time...I GOT IT!

It took time for me to get to the point of letting go with that area of my life, but I did..and it has made me stop and look at other areas that need letting go of. (Is Colin ever going to hit the clothes hamper????)

So, again Thank You Tara! Because everyday that I remember that quote, I learn to let go a little bit more, learn to take the time to look around and see what's "in store" for me.