Behind the Scenes: Part 2

So guys, all these things I told you yesterday...still upset me. But in some ways, maybe this is a push to start something bigger.

I really do enjoy vending at the DGM and the RYM. But if it's a hostile place...maybe it's time to move on. I know we still have a few weeks to find out if we're RYM vendors...my hopes are not too high. I'm just being honest here. It's basically the same people, who jury both Markets.

For all our amazing customers who reached out...Thank You! I'm not sure what you can do. Last year we were "wait listed" at both Markets. At the DGM, after about a month...we sold weekly. The entire season at the RYM...I think we sold 2 or 3 times. So who knows.

Last year when we weren't scheduled...I had tons of customers emailing, calling, and texting me. Guys, it's not me. It's not my decision. And like I said last year...you have to ask the Market staff. Because I don't know. They don't really tell us anything.

You guys are the customers. And you have to be the ones, speaking up. This is your Market. And without you...the Markets are nothing. But a bunch of vendors. If there are vendors that you'd like to see...speak up. I'm not the only vendor in this position.

There was so much more to add yesterday. Like those people who kept turning us in...they'd come and take pictures of all of our items. I'd see them taking notes of our products. Guys, it takes a lot to build a business. And an inventory like we have. I research online. I buy patterns and books. I do testing for designers. I design my own products. The kids give me ideas...that I have to make come to life. Most of all, we work 7 days a week!

So it's pretty heart crushing to know, there are fellow crafters out there, trying to take your business down. Market life is not easy. There's a lot of work that goes into it. You see me on FB and Insta...promoting the Markets. I try and highlight other vendors. I want to help build up everyone's business. Not tear it apart.

And sometimes I think people who haven't done this, have no clue how much work is required. I HATE that other vendors were essentially "stealing" my Mom's ideas. And by the end of the season, there were a number of people making the same items. Guys, we all have great ideas! Don't go stealing other people's ideas.

What's in our future? I'm not a 100% sure yet. I'd love to say, there was a great mistake made. And we'll be selling this year. Because it is 95% of the fundraising that we do for our foundation. But I don't know. I've sold at other Markets. In other cities. Maybe this summer, I'll try that again. For the last 3 months, I've been selling on Facebook. So anything is a possibility!

But I'm really not sure. We'll continue to make things. Maybe for a few months, I'll concentrate on things that I enjoy making. Because when you get stuck in the Market Schedule...for months and months...I'd find myself making items that didn't completely bring me joy. But I did it, because they were what sold.

I'm just glad this happened now. I was about to invest in some signage, new business cards, and new equipment. We're in the middle of a rebrand of sorts. Like a new tent, chairs, and shelving. We were going to do things different this year. Glad I hadn't quite made that investment.

Lastly, to our customers, Thank You! For everything. We're still here. If you need anything. I'm ALWAYS here if you want to order anything. I can meet you around town. Thank You for your wonderful smiles. And your great support. You guys, are honestly the reason we kept going. 💕

2019 Goals

Do you have big plans for 2019? Was 2018 a tough year? For us, as a business it was one of our better years. Can't complain much there. We honestly only had 1 "bad" day at the Rail Yards this season. And one Craft Fair that didn't really work out. But it was a pretty good year.

But let's talk about personal stuff. It was such a tough year! We lost so many people in our lives. It's hard, when you realize an entire generation is slowly dying. The toughest, was my Nanie (AKA Grandma). She is the one that taught me how to crochet. That sparked so many things, in my life. Gave me so much creativity. Saying those goodbyes were so tough. Losing our dear friend, Landis was also difficult. In fact, they passed just days apart. Lastly, my brother's unexpected death...well we're still trying to make sense of it all.

My Mom and I both struggled with our health this year. In ways I cannot even begin to explain, I struggled. At my lowest point, I could barely walk. We both endured months of physical therapy. I moved on to aquatic therapy. Which, by the way, was a lifesaver! There have been countless doctors' appointments. And well, things still feel really uncertain. My Mom is stable in her cancer. Right now. She is doing so much better.

Me? Well, there are so many questions. I have a ton of tests and appointments in the new year. And fingers crossed, some answers. I was released from PT and AT earlier this month. And physically, didn't seem ready. But insurance only pays for so much. I shouldn't complain, I think I had 5 months of therapy. So I was sent home. And told to return if something else goes wrong...in a few months. I still have days, when it is difficult to walk. Most nights, I don't sleep. And my weight is all over the board. But I'm trying to physically do better.

But 2019, is just a few hours away. And all I can say is, I know it will be better. This year is going to be better. We'll be stronger. Two Crafty Hearts will continue to grow. And we'll continue to raise money for our foundation.

So what are my goals for 2019? I have a ton! For all parts of my life. Mostly, to stay positive, grow our business, and be more open to life experiences. But here are a few of my goals...

Two Crafty Hearts/Love For Blue Goals:

 1. Continue to grow as a business. We are entering our 19th year! Do you know it all began, when I ran for Queen at my church? I won. And we continued to sell our crafts. It wasn't until 2015, that we really started to expand our business. And put a ton of effort into it.

Applications are put in. And we're hoping that we get into the Downtown Growers' Market and Rail Yards Market. Hopefully weekly at the DGM. And semi weekly at the RYM. We are also hopeful about Craft Fairs and other markets in the coming year. Unfortunately, most people will tell you about things...after the applications are due. So it's up to me, to investigate and get things in.

And I'm still debating the entire Etsy thing. About 10 years ago, I sold a TON on there! It was a ton of work. But I enjoyed it. Maybe I'll get our shop going again. Another avenue to raise money.

 2. As far as our foundation, I'd like to have 4 fundraisers this year. I've set the dates. And we're looking at a 5K and Car Show in April, a Tea Party in July, a Dinner and Dance in October, and a Holiday Kids' Party in December. And of course, our weekly Market sales.

Part of this, is also looking for donations. You know, artisans, business people, and others to donate. Either a product, giftcard, or money. I was hit earlier this year, with a CRAZY expense to use a local park. So we definitely need some sponsors. I also use donated items for prizes, raffles, and silent auctions.

 3. Market ourselves. By this I mean, T-Shirts, bags, and hats. It's tough out there. I've been selling T-Shirts since 2015. And included bracelets. But I'd like to expand. I just need to find a reasonable source. Some places, make it unrealistic to turn a small profit.

 4. Be more connected in our community. And expand our presence. It's hard. Especially when you are trying to grow your business/foundation. I want to get our message out. I want to help more kids. And I know, this only happens by getting out and about in our community.

 5. Lastly, I want to be more steady on our online stuff. Like posting on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, our blog, and with our groups. I want to be consistent with our CALs, I want to start a Sip and Stitch group, and perhaps get another Crochet Class going.

So much to do! So little time. Lots of reaching out to our community. And asking for the help of others. That's the most difficult part. I wish I had another person...or army, to help me out.

Personal Goals:

These are the hardest! When I really have to look into my soul. And ask myself, what I want.

 1. Be healthy. I want to not hurt as much. To be able to walk. And eventually sleep. I want answers from my doctors. To continue with some sort of Aquatic Therapy. Maybe get back into yoga. Eventually, being able to walk my dog.

Nothing too crazy. I've lost and gained so much weight this year. And all I want to do, is be healthy. I've started to give away my "big" clothes. I don't want to be there again. At the same time, I don't want to be the woman I was in my early 20s. 97lbs, and always weighing my food...and working out. There has to be a happy medium.

More than anything, I want to feel good. I know I can't run anymore. And Zumba is out the window. But there are other things. And ways. Who knows, I might learn how to swim this year.

 2. Self Care. I did pretty good this year. Every Sunday, I had some "Me Time." With the exception, of the week my Nanie passed away. And by that, I mean just some time for myself. Sometimes reading, other times writing, maybe just listening to my favorite music.

I ALWAYS pamper myself a bit. With a face mask, some nail polish, and sometimes a bubble bath. But mostly, just time to focus on me. Pampering doesn't hurt. But it's about taking care of oneself. Your inner self. The part that needs the most care.

In 2019, I want to do all of this. And do the self care, that will make me stronger. Making time for my doctors' appointments, going to the dentist, or getting my hair cut. Those things don't hurt either.

 3. Reading. I LOVE to read. Like no body's business. And this year, I've really slacked. I've tried to pick up a book many times. But with everything physically going on with me...I just can't get it together. It's horrible. My goal is to at least read one book a month.

 4. Faith. I LOVE my faith. I hang onto it, like no body's business. It's the ONLY thing that has gotten me this far. I want to continue to read the bible daily, to study it, and keep my daily prayer journal going.

I would like to find a good bible study group. Or a group of ladies, who have the same love of God. Earlier this month, I went to a Girls' Night Out with my Mom. To my cousin's church. It was so fulfilling. Not our religion. But the faith was strong. And I enjoyed it.

This is what I miss most, about the community I used to live in. That sense of community. When we'd meet to study the bible, craft, or just hang out. I need to find a group like this.

 5. Speaking of...I want to have a "Local Circle." When I used to live by myself, in another city, I had that. A group of friends, that became my family. We'd worship together, play together, and perform together. We did life together. In every aspect! I miss that so much!

I want that here. Unfortunately, I didn't really keep up with my friends from school. And these days, most of my friends are of retirement age. I'm looking for a bit of a younger circle.

And when those people ask me why I'm not married...or don't have kids. Well, I have a new response for all of you. Do YOU know a good man? Honestly, this part of my life is...well let's not talk. Unless you know someone.

 6. Fun Mail Fridays. I'm really good about this, with our foundation. But I want to do this with my family and friends. About halfway through the year, it all fell apart. And I want to get it going again.

 7. Getting ready. As easy as it sounds, it gets lost. Especially when you are home. 90% of the time. I live in oversized sweats. Rarely wear makeup...or do much with my hair. I want to change that. Again, probably not were things were 10 years ago. But to get it together. Use some of that crazy makeup stash. Feel good about my hair...my cousin did an amazing job. So get it together girl.

 8. Stop being a "Yes Girl." Say what's on my mind. Don't be afraid. Stop avoiding people. They will still be around, if they were meant to be. But were does it get me, to always say yes? Be stressed out!

 9. Start those new businesses. That one, that includes my passion (baking). Continue to grow my blogs. And grow my YouTube channel. All things I once did. And LOVED. It's time to pick up that passion.

10. Hit those goals. By that, I mean a trip for my Mom and I, a new pup, working on the house, maybe a car, and hopefully a job. All those things, that require me to be doing better physically.

There you go. My goals for the year. How about you? Anything special planned? Big goals for yourself, business, or craft? I can't wait to see 2019! 💕

We Did It!

Guys, I got some GREAT news! We DID it! Thanks to all of you. Did you know, that we have a foundation? We started it in February 2015. It was my Dad's dream. Before his passing. And we've been working hard, to hit our goals.

Well, we hit it again. Thanks to all of our wonderful customers! Thank you all! Every single sale, helps us. And do you want to know what our numbers are?

1. We were able to award a $1500 scholarship, to a graduating APS Senior. Headed to NMSU. That is so exciting!

2. During the 2017-2018 school years, we were able to pay for $1000 worth of field trips. For local APS schools. That came out to about 4 field trips. That just makes my heart smile! So many kids, got to do something fun! This was something my Dad did a lot of! Giving back, to the parts of our community, that just couldn't afford these fun days.

3. We were also able to sponsor some local youth sports this year. For a total of $1000. Which really made me excited...we doubled that number from last year.

Our goal for next year, is to provide 2 scholarships. And double our field trip money. I'd also like to double our sponsorships.

But you know what? It is all because of you. All the people that continue to come to the Downtown Growers' Market, and the ABQ Rail Yards Market. Each sale. If it's $2 on a flower sucker bouquet. Or $60 on a Christening Set. Every bit of it helps.

And I want to personally Thank You. I literally sat here, and cried, while writing out the checks. It may seem silly. But my Dad, Blue...it's what he did all the time! And it was truly his dream and wish, for us to continue his work. He was so passionate about helping out the Albuquerque Youth. He wanted every single child, to have a chance. To participate in sports, music, go to college, have fun on a field trip, and own a book. He was so PASSIONATE about this!

What's up next for us? Well, if you following us on Facebook, then you see our Events all the time. I try and let everyone know where we are...and when we'll be there. For example, this weekend we'll be at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market on Saturday. At Robinson Park. From 8AM-12PM. On Sunday, we'll be at the ABQ Rail Yards Market. From 10AM-2PM. So we hope to see you at one of our events. :)

But there is something new. The Wednesday Lunch Market. On Civic Plaza. Wednesday from 11AM-2PM. We'll be at spot #36. It's something new, and I hope to see some of you there. It should be a fun afternoon!

And in case you don't know about it, we're planning 3 fundraisers. For our foundation. The first is a Tea Party, on August 4th. So ladies, let your friends know. We are hoping for a large turnout. Littles are welcome too! We'll have all the fixings for a Tea Party, some crafts, and lots of items for sale!

All the money we raise, goes to our Love Caregivers program. We send little notes, cards, letters, small gift cards, and much more...to caregivers. If you know any, you can definitely nominate them. We try and send out 3 cards/notes a week. And one larger item (gift card, package, pay a bill) once a month. So we can definitely use a little help.

Also, with Love for Caregivers, we ALWAYS welcome cards, postage, and gift cards. It all helps. If you'd like to make a donation, let me know. And since I've been a caregiver since 2010, I know...some days are tough. And just a little note...can make your whole week better.

Our other two fundraisers are a bit bigger. First we'll have our "Annual Fundraiser," which includes a 5K Fun Run, Car Show, and a sale of our crafts. We'll also have bake goods and such for sale. Along with a raffle. It is a fun day! All the money raised, goes into the Love for Blue Foundation. So we can continue to do good work in our community. And help fight Colon Cancer.

Lastly, mark your calendars! This Fall, we are planning our First Annual Dinner and Dance!!! I am so excited for this! We will have local New Mexican musicians. A yummy meal. And tons of items for sale...and a raffle. Not only are we hoping for a fun night...but we're hoping this is our largest fundraiser to date!

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment. Come out and chat. Or send me an email. We are so excited! This has been such a blessed year! Thank you all! You are the village, that has allowed us, to meet our goals. And we appreciate it, much more than I could ever say! 💕

CAL #3: Traingles and Stripes Baby Blanket

Hi Guys! Happy February! So I've been wanting to make a bigger project. To be 100% honest, I like to make blankets in the winter. And only in the winter. I've managed 4 baby blankets since New Year's. I'm on a roll. But probably because it's been so cold here. I HATE having to sit down and crochet a blanket, in the middle of summer. But winter...I can make a blanket in a day or two.

And after chatting with a few people on Facebook, a blanket seemed like the most obvious way to go. I've been looking at a ton of patterns. I know a lot of beginner crochet peeps are following us. So I didn't want to tackle a king sized anything. Have you ever tackled that size? Me...not quite that big. It's a little heavy...in many terms...to tackle that size of a project.

So we're tackling a baby blanket. I figured it would be the best way to go. On top of that, Baby Season is almost here. So we better start getting ahead of the crowd. 

To be honest, I was searching for something completely different. And I came upon this picture. Followed a few links. And found the pattern. I thought it would be perfect for our foundation. So I'm being a little, I don't know the word for it...selfish? Because I need to start making items for our next fundraiser. 

As far as the CAL, I'm thinking this should be a fast one. The pattern is really easy. And I think many of us, will be pushing to work ahead. I thought of making this one of those CALs, that takes the entire month. But I think we can get this one done, in 3 weeks. 

Working 1-3 color section, every week. Basically 18 rows a week. By the end, we will be anxious to get that trim done. And call it a day. What do you say? Are you in? Is it too fast? Let me know your thoughts. 

Oh, and I'm completely stumped by my color choice. Initially, I was drawn to this pattern, because of the picture. I like the simple pattern. And feel like this pattern needs a solid color. No variegated yarn for me. At least for this project.

I really like this entire project. The color scheme used. The pattern. The design of the diamonds. But I have 4 large balls of Lion's Brand Baby Soft. 2 in Creamsicle. And 2 in Bluebell. I'm thinking one of those colors would be a nice option. I can't really tell you how much yarn you will need. The designer doesn't state. But I'd say less than 4 skeins total.

I'm making my blanket a little larger. Starting with a chain 102. Instead of a 90. I find when selling, this is a good size. And while I'm thinking about it, I have a large amount of a cobalt blue yarn. Ugh! The decisions...

But in a nutshell, 3 weeks. We'll have a baby blanket! If you're like me, you might work ahead of schedule. Because I HATE having undone projects laying around.

Don't forget to print the pattern, get some yarn, and work rows 1- 18. That's the first 3 color sections. 💕