As I sort and unpack I find all sorts of little gems from my past life. Some I roll my eyes and wonder why I ever saved it…some I smile and cherish the memory.
Today was one of those “cherish the memory” moments.
Back in June of 1997 I had my first project ever published. At the time I did lots of crafts and sold them to bring in extra money for our family. At the time the kids were all pretty little with five of them from 2 years old to 10 years old. I was a stay at home mom and this was a way I could bring in a bit of income. Like designing quilts, it was a feast or famine type of job. Spring and Fall meant going to craft shows and selling the wares. Summer and Winter meant long hours of making the same craft over and over and over again. I don’t miss it.
In the process of it all I designed a scarecrow that was attached to a sunflower seed packet. About the same time the magazine “Crafting Traditions” was holding a contest for the best scarecrow craft. My project didn’t win the contest or even place for that matter. They did however ask permission to publish the craft.
I was so excited! I was going to be published. I was even more excited when I saw the cover of the magazine. My little scarecrow made the cover.
From there the small town local paper even did a piece in the newspaper about it.
I was so flattered. I still am but looking back and seeing that..and seeing where life has lead me since then, it makes me smile.
How cool!! It is amazing how things happen in life. What an honor to be in a magazine and now to a book! “You have come a long way baby!”
What a great story, Jo! Isn’t it interesting to see how you’ve changed (and stayed the same!) over the years? Thank you for sharing your experience.
Your scarecrow is such a cute little guy. I did lots of crafts and did the whole show routine too for about 14 yrs. I enjoyed it, but in 1994 I injured my back and all the loading and unloading of boxes was painful. My last year was 1995 when the youngest decided he was going to work full time instead of continuing with college so I decided my library job would be enough. I really thought I’d miss it too, but haven’t. The popularity of craft shows was starting to wind down a little and I think I’ve only been to one as a customer since. Of course, working at the library every Saturday might have something to do with that. :)
That’s a great way to start out! I do the same thing when I run across things that I haven’t seen in forever. And, it is usually when I am moving and either packing or unpacking.
I know exactly how you feel. Back in the mid 1990’s I had an idea for a Quilt Bug lapel pin. It took me 3 years to get up the nerve to spend the money to have them made but I did and I ended up designing 6 Quilt Bugs. I was so excited the first time I saw someone at a quilt show wearing one of my bugs. Then I sold a few to Kaye Wood at the Puyallup, WA Sew Expo one year and after that on one of her shows she did one on what to do with all the pins you collect and there in the middle of her table was one of my quilt bugs on t.v. No one was home to see it and share my excitement with me. Congratulations on your book the quilts are lovely. BTW I’ve sent you something in the mail. Enjoy.
Anita