Sunday Goodies and Emily

A beautiful day today, a "make you thankful that you are alive" kind of day. Maybe it was the extra hour of sleep?


I spent most of the weekend reorganizing the shop getting ready for this weekend. New goodies need new spaces. All went surprisingly well until the moment I went to enter all the new inventory in my computer--dead.

Wouldn't even turn on-not a circumstance a new business wants to be in. I'm crossing all 5 fingers that this can be fixed without the loss of any data AND without forking over a ton of money. Say a little prayer to the technology gods for me....

When I buy for the shop I envision how products can be put together to make a great gift. Sometimes, we could all use a little help doing this.

So, I fabricated my vision and created these. These "sets" are specially priced versus buying what is in them individually.
(Psstt....they are in limited quantities.)



The Powder Room Set contains 2 "ruffled" hand towels, a bar of "glittered beyond gorgeous" TokyoMilk soap, and a "chippy" (we love vintage) white cast iron soap holder. Seperately these retail for $25.50, the set....$20.00. (I don't need to mention they are all "tied up with string" ala Urban Maket style, do I?) A housewarming gift, a thank you gift, a teacher gift, a just because you love glitter and pretty soap gift.

The Office Chic Set---Working might not be that fun sometimes, but the supplies you use don't have to be ugly, do they? This set includes 8 designer files folders-Paris style, a legal pad that is anything but yellow, a pack of matching post-its (again, not yellow), and 2 Japanese gel pens. The pictures are bad, but you get the drift. A gift for a co-worker, your siser who just landed a new job, or a girlfriend who just opened up her new shop. Ooh, what about a teacher gift? They deserve "chic" for all that they do.

The London goodies finally made it here--I was thrilled with all of it. This DIY Felt Doll kit will be at the shop and online shortly. All the supplies, directions, etc for you to create her. Of course, I need to be able to know how it works and a "shop sample" so I gave her a whirl.

Miss Emily (that's really her name) is done. I switched out her star beads for ribbon, but pretty easy as long as you line up the holes correctly (they are pre-punched in all the felt pieces.) What a great gift for the "crafties" in your life.

Along with Emily and her sister, there was also a load of "pretty paper." Started this art project for the walls of the Urban Market using the pretty paper that we sell as the background. A few more in the works, but I'll share the wall when it's done.

You can get the "heads" here if you'd like to try your own.

There you have it for today. Thanks to whomever invented this daylight savings thing--It's pre10:00 p.m. and I'm done posting. Do wonders ever cease?

October Tour Around the Shop

I wanted to take pictures of the shop open this weekend but I didn't. I snuck in on Sunday and snapped a few so I thought I'd give you a behind the scenes tour. (Behind the scenes=not open in this case.)

Welcome to the Urban Market.

This month's theme was Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered. There are white lights running across the ceiling so it really does look Bewitching. (Provided they are on.)

On a side note, remember VH1's "pop-up" videos?? They played videos but inserted little known tidbits on the screen about the scenes. Just wanted to get you in the mindset.)

-the tree branch used in the display was not easy to get. Big Mr. literally fell on his tush when helping me gather my twigs. Apparently, fallen tree branches are rather brittle. He shakes his head and whispers, "Another deposit." Yes, I'll never be able to pay him back. Thankfully, he gets me and doesn't ask too many questions.

-the Halloween candles smell divine. A little vintage Halloween image and scents of cinnamon, apples, and something that in her words, makes Mrs. Possibility want to eat.

To the right of "Oak Hollow" (or ridiculously hard to get tree branch) is one of my favorite displays.

Inside this display lives the most divine smelling soaps. A laundry fragrance (a must for guest sheets) and a dish soap that honestly, makes people want to do dishes. The scent lasts long after the water has drained from the sink.

May I recommend Fresh Grass??

-the refrigerator is circa 1950. It was in a cabin purchased in 1958 and recently found it's way to me. I love the shape and the aqua color. I was thrilled when Mrs. Tootsie suggested the possibility of this lovely living at the shop.

North of Mrs. Tootsie's fridge lies the corner of sparkle. The corner of all things handmade. All pieces here have not been touched by any factory. I think I speak for these ladies, too, when I say the sign above speaks the truth. Their pretties add the cherry on top.

-People always want to buy the vintage seltzer bottles. See it in the middle of the photo? If you have any, they are wanted.

On the opposite corner of Oak Hollow and Confidence, lies Inspiration Corner. Blank journals, stationery, cards, just waiting for some ink. Jot yourself an affirmation note on a vinyl chalkboard---"This, too, shall pass."

Last stop on this tour, the Make Center. No explanation necessary, just supplies to create your own art. Melissa Frances, oh how I love the pink Mica flakes. Yes, we have them. Click here to see a project using them. Ooh, sparkly..I'm a sucker for the bling.

-Can you find one of the "goth-ed" girls in the Make Center?"

Thanks for taking the tour. We're open again in November, restocked and ready for you. More later. (I'm supposed to be watching the Vikings like a good Minnesotan. Failing miserably.)

Yo-Yo's and Business

Bad girl, I know. Not posting as often as I'd like. Just where have I been, you say?Well..

School started last week for little miss and mister so I've been doling out check after check after check...Lunch money, new clothes, supplies, sports wear, vocal lessons, gas money..you get the picture.

Like most moms, I'm sure, I take a photo of the kids on the first day of school each year but this year...let's just say they were less than cooperative.

This is my revenge...(hee, hee). Teach them to mess with tradition.

On another note, I've been completely obsessed with these. So guess what I do when I become obsessed? Yes, I try.

So I googled and found the recipe for a yo-yo, the foundation of this statement piece.

My version (mixed with my stash of buttons-oh, how I hate to use them.) But I can't wait to wear this with a white t-shirt and jeans
No flash...

Flash....

Really, I've been trying to concentrate and plan for the Urban Market's big weekend. It's Nickle Dickle Day (what? yes, I said Nickle Dickle not smelly pickle..) and it brings a plethora of people to this little town. If you visit, hope you stop by the Urban Market.

We are serious eye candy.

Friday, September 18th 9-5p.m.
Saturday September 19th 9-5p.m.

See you then!

22 Days Since the Last Time

Ok, I know..it's been 22 days (what!?) since my last post and I apologize..bad, bad, blogger. I've been completely preoccupied with the shop, with the value exchanges going on in my life, with finding the perfect merchandise, with being the perfect mother, with trying to balance all of these priorities.

You've read it here before, but when I feel overwhelmed-I stop working. I shut down.I do nothing. This includes blogging with a shitty attitude.

I'm better today-I started small and just did the tasks. Amazing how one step at a time really works. Do they have AA for anxiety? I'd be a perfect candidate.

The market really has three purposes- two of which we are delivering on; offering trendy, affordable goods and supporting independant artists.

The 3rd and most important but sadly the most overlooked is; to find and feed what is inside us.

We are all creative on some level-the Market should be a place of inspiration. A place to feel some excitement to create. To create something, anything.

The supplies to create something concrete are there but somehow they just don't fit. They don't make sense. Making sense out of this area is #26 on the list of to-do's.

I'll start small (like here).

1. letter d, 2. Paper Pulp Letters with Sewing Pattern Decoupage-6 Letter Word, 3. CTMH Black & White Letters for My Craft Room, 4. Paper Mache Letters, 5. Altered DREAM Letters, 6. 7/365 - Love


The Urban Market sells papier mache letters. They beg to be made into something-to be altered, to be customized. They are literally $2/a piece. $2 art? Are you kidding?

I haven't had the time to make any examples so I found some help from some Flickr elves who get it. The above artistas can offer some "Letter" inspiration.

Image from Miss Minnie via Fat & Sassy

Ironic, as I was pondering this post, that I ran across a tutorial from another insanely talented blogger who has layed out a step by step how-to for these $2 fabulous finds.

Get going, make something.

I'll leave you with this thought... Step #1 for Anxiety Anonymous members-good advice for everyone else.

1. mouthwash

Seems like forever..

Seems like forever since I've posted anything. I've been enjoying the deck, the sun, and "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan.

I added yet another year to my life this month, and now am officially halfway between 30 and 40. Still not a fan of ice cream (please note my cake. Big Mister and the kiddies love ice cream), still hate drama, and wish I could be 17 again just for one day.

I spent last week making these little lovelies. I haven't even attempted to create in the past few weeks so it felt pretty good. Lots of trial and error but finally, a finished product. I love them.

Spent today reorganizing the shop and dressing the window. Some new stuff, and a replenishment of some hot sellers. These pictures look so blah but the shop in real life is sparkly and colorful....my digital camera doesn't do it justice.

These Papaya prints are hot! I love them and I think they speak to most people. Not to mention, the artwork is divine. (And each one has something glittered...)

So I'm open again this weekend so you know the posting will be sparse until I can get a handle on multi-tasking. So not there yet.

June's dates and hours:

June 4-6;
Thurs 5-8p.m.
Friday 12-8p.m.
Sat 9-5 p.m.

June 11-13
Thurs 5-8p.m.
Friday 12-8p.m.
Sat 9-5 p.m.

I'm Back!!!

I'm reminded of that quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." I'd like to add that it also takes one to remodel and open a store in 30 days.

So, thank you-all of you, you know who you are. For the late nights, the lighting, the floors, the windows, the box-breaking downers, the pricers, the supporters, the shoppers, my retail neighbors who furnished magaritas, good kharma, pink balloons, and a calculator when I surely had a panic stricken look on my face.

All of you- the "cheerleaders" in my life-I am forever at your service.

So, I learned a few things these past few days. This just wouldn't be a post without a lesson or two, right?

-To have faith in yourself. Take 3 deep breaths. Stay true.

-I posted this on my facebook page but I'll write it here. This little endeavor is much like planning a wedding. You plan and plan and plan for the perfect day, the right vibe, the perfect colored napkins. The day comes when you return from your honeymoon and two thoughts go through your mind, "Now, what?" and "Oh, shit. This is for life."

-Jewelry must be kept in a locked cabinet. I myself hate shopping for jewelry when it's locked up. I hate waiting to find a salesperson to unlock it and I want to touch and feel it. Well, whoever has the one-of-a-kind pink bracelet that they didn't pay for-I only hope you gave it to your mom for Mother's Day.

-I need to dress my window and I need a "sidewalk" sign. I need a calendar and a website-like ASAP.

-Apparently, the most popular sizes for t-shirts are small and extra-small.

-Lastly, always have PLAN B. A pen and a calculator.

Hours this week are:

Thursday 5-8pm

Friday 12-8pm

Saturday 9-5

Hope to see you there!

Progress???

These are so not my usual pretty foo-foo staged pictures. I don't even want to post this ugly mess but I was reminded today to enjoy the process. (That possibility family again..)

I said process, not progress. Though both are happening-I really want to get to the design part. This view is driving me crazy. (Please note from previous post, the false ceiling is no longer, the interior walls, adios.)

"How do you eat an elephant?", my Big Mister says..."One bite at a time." Oh yes, but can we eat a little faster?

More later, I'm tied up in wires and drowning in plaster dust.

I have keys!!

You are looking at the front door to the Urban Market. Yes, it's official today--the shop is mine.

Needs a little (well,er, a lot) of love but I thought it would be fun for us to watch the transformation. Not much to look at today but I'm anxious to see what this imagination of mine can come up with. If you think I've jumped off the face of the earth, I didn't. I'm just here.

My studio was whining about my lack of attention so I gave it some affection this evening. I thought if I let myself create and not think about the work ahead of me (just for one day), I might be able to sleep tonight.

I overheard a woman I work with, let's call her Sissy, say one day, "I'm pretty. I don't have to be smart." I laughed and then quickly scribbled down her quote. She's a garage sale queen and has given me a few supplies from her stash.

Her thank you gift above.

Sissy lives her life and doesn't take herself too seriously. She just is who she is, she does what she does. Sissy definitely sleeps at night-without waking up to google one more thing or to add to "the list". She believes ironing is a waste of time and stretchy pants are a gift from God.

Ah, Sissy? I think you're maybe smarter than you think.