Twice a year, the fairgrounds are consumed by vendors (from the Midwest) exhibiting their professional or non-professional artistic creations, complete with doilies, doll heads and dream catchers. Actually, I take that back... the former objects have been replaced by tulle, toddler totes, and thread-based monograms. Anything from "look what anyone can order with a tax id number" to truly unique, homemade merchandise.
An Affair of the Heart advertisement features a circa 1985 heart-shaped wreath, straight from your grandmother's kitchen towel, and a department store song with only one verse. Please treat yourself to the real experience here. After close inspection, I'm almost certain the wreath design was created by someone vomiting on their scanner, carving out a heart, adding a bow, and embossing it. Oh, the embossing!!! Now, I realize that I'm being overly critical here, though, I believe I'm in a valid position to pass judgment on such a topic. Ahem... my BFA in Graphic Design. In their defense, the applique sweater look may actually be working for them considering the droves of women and children from all over the state attending, requiring one to park out in Timbuktu.
Despite my distaste for the event's marketing materials, I must admit to LOVING every minute of it. Maybe it's the wanna-be "crafter" in me. Or the "creative being" trapped inside mentioned in a previous post. Either way, I traditionally spend an entire day (literally) in search of those one-of-a-kind treasures with Kinsey in tow. And, no doubt she feels completely honored to be the lucky chick-a-dee to accompany me to such an extraordinary shopping experience. Throughout the day, she is chauffeured in her cushy recliner on wheels, offered a variety of snacks and refreshments, and consistently oohed and awed over by every applique sweater wearing gal within ear shot.
Unfortunately, I do not have the attention span or the patience to thoroughly browse each and every booth. However, if you are one of the select venders who have mastered your craft and packaged it in a way that tickles my creative fancy, then you will undoubtably be added to my hoard of prizes I proudly collect throughout my painfully pricey quest. I shall leave you with a glimpse of a gem out of this year's loot from fall craft festivals. Enjoy!
"In an artist's world, a slab of clay starts out an ugly, soggy, dirty lump. The clay is slung around, pounded on, and crushed; it's then plunged into darkness and heated to an extreme temperature. After cooling once, the clay finds relief, but the suffering is not over. Smothered in glaze, the wounded piece can take no more. Stuffed back into the fire, the bisque piece swelters through an additional trial. Finally, brought back into the light, the clay is no longer an ugly, soggy, dirty, lump... but rather a shiny, clean, and beautiful treasure! There was purpose in the pain. Sometimes we go through painful and difficult times in our lives. We don't quite know where God is leading us. Be confident that He has a plan and purpose for you here on Earth. As the clay endured the painful journey, it was transformed into an extraordinary work of beauty. As you endure, trust God to mold you into the treasure He sees in you."
RTC "Remember the Cross" Pottery :: Houston TX
2 comments:
I was fine with the fact that I missed the Affair of the Heart this year, that is UNTIL I read your blog....now I am so sad I did not make it. I guess I must go to Tulsa! Next year, come _ell or high water, I am going!
ha! it's sad that i already have another purchase scoped out for when it returns in the spring. i'll have to send you the think when i find it ; )
Post a Comment