It's Wednesday. No humping jokes.

Gosh, it's been days or maybe even week since I last stopped by here to post something.

Sorry.  Whirlwind time.  After the newsletter goes out, there is always a little frantic flurry of orders, calls, emails, questions and just stuff that goes on.  So I've been a little buried in all of that.

Plus the fair just started.  The new (in name only) Washington State Fair.  Well, to be fair (eh, pun) they do have a new ride. And a new luminaria exhibit. But mostly it's the same fair you've known since you were a kid and loved every year in September.  Sacks of Fisher scones. Krusty Pups. Earthquake onion burgers. And all the hawkers and vendors and rides and animals and concerts. The rodeo part just ended, and now we're into the concerts.  Tonight Cheap Trick is playing.  Tomorrow it's Ceelo Green (fun!)

I've been working down there a lot over the weekend, and back again to re-stock my little display.  It's been pretty busy in our little Artists in Action store, and we've got new artists, lots of demos - it looks good.  I'll be working again both of the next two weekends, just in case you want to say "hi" while you're scoping out the excitement.

Not much time for making products this last week, and I need to get going on that too, or there won't be anything to sell in the next few months.

And I'll just say that this week's weather is dazzling gorgeous and it's such a crying shame to have to head inside, to the basement of all places, to work on my stupid work. Ok, it's not really stupid. It just feels stupid to miss these last few days of perfect sunshine and warm weather before the rains come back.

Autumn Newsletter 2013

As I always do, I'm publishing the new Autumn 2013 newsletter on the blog for those of you who might not be on my mailing list.  Just want you all to know the very latest news!

And to save time, I'm just going to do one single, but very special linkie-poo to the seasonals page on the website, which contains everything in the newsletter, rather than trying to link each new item to its own page.  There are only so many hours in the day people.  You'll have to do one extra click to save me like hours of extra work.  Seems fair, right?

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

Lauren DeStefano,

Wither

Dear Friends,

We squeezed every last drop of summer out of the tube – splashing in the waves, picnicking in the parks, and chasing the ice cream trucks like it would never end.  But end it has. Autumn peeped around the corner and flipped the switch - on both the lights and the thermostat. 

But oh, what a glorious thing is this new season!  Mother Nature is throwing a party and has decorated the whole place with such a riot of color.  Golds and reds, oranges, yellows, and burgundies – the trees glowing with a beauty they’ve saved up all year.

The dwindling hours of sunlight make it even more precious – perfect rays dappling through the trees, ending the days with ever more gorgeous sunsets.   We head inside to the comforts of home, the contentment of well-worn routines, and the tranquility of quiet evenings.  Warm socks, cozy sweaters and spiced cider are just some of autumn’s abundant luxuries.  Like the biggest pile of leaves on the block, let’s jump in and revel in it!

AUTUMN HARVEST SEASONAL SOAPS

This year’s Autumn Harvest soaps highlight our favorite fruits and spices, taking the very best of the season and celebrating nature’s bounty.  ($4.25 each or 4 bars for $16.00)

Almond Ginger:  A companion to our very popular bath salt – we’ve made a soap with the same scent so you can layer your personal fragrances or match up items for gift sets.  Sweet, nutty almond, a touch of cream and warming ginger – it’s absolutely delectable and delicious.

Clove Orange:  Making orange pomanders is a favorite craft project for the holidays – sweet oranges studded with cloves and tucked into bowls around the house.  This soap is scented with sweet orange oil, spicy cloves and a pinch of cinnamon stick.  Lighter and fresher than our Breakfast Soap, it’s the perfect fragrance for fall. (100% natural soap)

Cranberry Harvest:  Most requested fall soap last year!  Tart, juicy cranberries and zesty orange peel, loaded with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and pepperberry. This is a soft red bar - brightly fruity with a nice compliment of traditional spice.

Honey Bee:  Fresh honey is the special ingredient in this soap, gently soothing and calming skin while adding extra moisture.  Scented with warm beeswax, sweet honey, and pretty orange blossoms, it’s soft and comforting.

Pumpkin Moon: Traditional pumpkin, vanilla and spices blend with earthy, woodsy Nag Champa and moonlit forest.  It’s a bewitching and unique take on a pumpkin scent blend. 

In addition, I have all of the summer seasonal natural veggie soaps on the menu.  Pure Pumpkin and Carrot Ginger fit autumn perfectly.  And the Cucumber Yogurt and Tea Tree & Blue Clay are special any time of year.

Autumn Home Fragrance Sprays

New this year – Apple Harvest spray.  An irresistible blend of tart, juicy green apples, bright orange peel, and spice notes of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.  It’s the quintessential scent of Autumn and one whiff transports you to nostalgic memories of apple orchards, cider presses, the crack-snap of crunchy leaves and bobbing for apples.

And it’s not too early to start spritzing a little festive spicy holiday spirit around the house too!  Holiday Spice is our most requested seasonal spray - every year since the very beginning. Oranges, cranberries, spices and greens all blend together for the perfect scent of magic and delight. (4 oz bottle - $ 6.00)

BLACKBERRY POMEGRANATE LIP BALM

Our newest lip balm flavor for fall:  Blackberry Pomegranate.  Pucker up! Rich berry and tart fruitiness make this delicious – and necessary too, as we head into drier weather and heated homes.  Our natural lip balms are chock-full of super moisturizers like avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, and on and on.  There are flavors for everyone: watermelon, mint, grape, raspberry, coconut, vanilla, lavender.  Check out the site for the full list of yumminess – I’m sure you’ll find one you can’t resist. (1/2 oz, $3.00)

THE SEASON OF SHOWS, SHOWS, SHOWS

The next few months are chock full of craft shows, fairs and festivals too.  I’ll be doing what I can to bring the goodies to your ‘hood.  See the enclosed calendar or log onto the website to get more details on the “Show Schedule” page.

As always, I sincerely appreciate your loyal business throughout the year, and wish you a brilliant and abundant harvest season!