Heiser Park, Laguna Beach, California

A quick trip to see an old friend, a few hours in Laguna Beach, Gelato and tea.

And, of course, a pebble offering...

Did YOU find it?

Log it in to the Guestbook, and tell us about your find!

A few more photos of the day - the fog creeping in and out and in and out again.... subdued and soft. 

Have a Beautiful New Year, everyone!

/J

REALLY?!?

Looks nice, no?



But, you will notice an acute lack of buyers in background.


The Holiday Hit List show was a complete bust for me.

I don't really want to talk about it.

Oh... yes I do.

When I was first invited, M said he would front me the $100 table fee (plus and extra $20 for applying late, and I'd only just heard about it), so I was quick to take him up on that.

And, THEN, of course, I spent about $50 on making the table presentable and merchandise-able; Tablecloth, Stands, Trays, etc..

I was so excited to see that there were over 60 vendors signed up, it was in a good area of town, so I just KNEW I would make enough money to not only pay him back for the Table fee, but also to buy M that Christmas present I'd planned for, and with MY OWN money (not the money he deposits into my bank account every month, or the credit card he pays for).

I had 5 sales.  I made less than $80.  And I still have to pay the Tax-Man.

The first hour was great - and that's where virtually all my sales came from.  After the first hour, people dwindled noticeable, and by hour three.... no one. 

There was no foot traffic and very little signage.  While everyone there told me that they had seen it in the local newspaper every day, I just wasn't sure.  On the other hand, one of the other vendors, upon hearing me and my neighbors complaining, mentioned that there are simply too many of these things happening at this time of the year.  That's probably true.

So.  No grand Christmas Present for M, I'm afraid.

So. Bummed.


In fact, I still owe him some money (he won't make me pay it, but still).

I talked about the project for 6 hours straight - to anyone who even so much as dared to make eye contact with me, and most thought that the project was an awesome idea, and they smiled and laughed and some didn't believe me when I told them that I actually take these things back to the beach and leave them for other people to find.... But I only sold ONE actual pebble, and 5 little Pebble Clips.  I dunno.  I suppose that the prices are higher than anyone wants to pay, but honestly, these things take at LEAST an hour for each pebble.  I really can't lower my prices, and I won't.  In fact, to that end, I'd actually painted some pebbles instead of crocheting them, planning to sell them for less than $5, but ended up simply giving one of them away to a cute little girl.

I spent at least a week, trying desperately to make MORE pebbles to sell, and even bought some clear glass Christmas ornaments and crocheted them, too... I was up till midnight the whole week before, crocheting and making signs and figuring out the display. All for naught.  Ugh.

But, I'm trying to keep my head up and remember the reason behind this - to keep publicizing the project and hopefully get some interest one way or another.  So.  I'll keep doing that, then.

At least I've got everything I need for next time, Right?

San Diego North Park Craft Mafia Holiday Hit List

IF YOU HAVE ever wanted to find a Curious Pebble for yourself, but haven't been so lucky as to meet me at the beach, now's your chance!

On Sunday, December 4, from Noon-6pm, I'll be HERE:

http://sandiegonorthparkcraftmafia.com/

Of course....

 

Wouldn't you know that the time I need all of my Pebbly Inventory the MOST,  I'd end up having a GIANT ORDER from Etsy? And, I DO mean a GIANT ORDER...

 

Ten Pebbles. 

 

Note to self... If Etsy Sales are slow, sign up for a show. You'll sell out of Pebbles before you can even pack up the car....

 

So for me, that's pretty Giant, especially when you consider that each one takes an hour or so to create. 

 

Now... I'm no Matematician, but that's, like, Ten Hours of work (although, someone might want to check my math, here).

 

Here's a bit of a preview, and the current view of my "Staging Area".... err.... I mean, "Dining Room Table".

 

 

Good thing I don't have plans to have any one over for dinner this weekend, or we'd be eating Pebble Soup.

 

 

  

Of course, Ten of these Sweeties are gone now thanks to Giant Order....

 

But I'll be making more Pebbles just as soon as I click "Post".

Or go to the Post Office.

Or put lights on the Very Large Christmas Tree that has taken up residence in my front room.

Or figure out how to contact the woman who won my giveaway over at One Pearl Button.

Or pick up the mess I've made getting ready for the show.

Or finish making signs for the show.

Or practice a few songs for my professor husband's University's Holiday Party (the new Dean is apparently, something of a Jazz pianist.... but he's also Jewish, so I guess my standard Christmas Songs are out... so... ???)

Or....

Oh geez.  Nevermind.

It's going to be a busy day.