Etsy and Craft Fairs

Hello everyone,

In a few weeks I will be offering post cards in my Etsy store. Here is an example of some of the pictures I have chosen. You can view my photo stream at: www.flickr.com/photos/kithandkinstudios/

I will be offering them as note cards and pictures that are on canvas with gallery style side edges. I hope to in the next few weeks take more pictures. If you are interested in any pictures let me know. The post cards are going to be around $2 to $3 a piece plus shipping and handling. I also hope to have my art work made into postcards and regular size cards in the future.

I'm working towards a web sight where you would be able to buy directly from me. I will be excepting Pay Pal and Money orders. You can read about my shipping and return Policy on Etsy . Kithandkinstudios.Etsy.com

Speaking of Etsy, it is a wonderful sight. I could spend hours checking out everything. How about making this Christmas a handmade season. Each piece is made by a person with passion and love for what they do. Can't find that in a big box store.

All items on Etsty are hand made, Vintage (over Twenty years old), or items you use to make crafts. You could make your own Christmas presents. I love getting hand made things for my birthday or Christmas. My best friend shops all year at different craft fairs to find the perfect gifts to give to family and friends.

The craft fair season is starting around here. This weekend Kingston is having Kingston Days on the plains. It's like an old time country fair. On Saturday they have an art show, local artist sell and demonstrate their talents. A great place to find up and coming artist.

The League of Craftsmen will be holding their annual fair this weekend through next weekend (Aug 2-10). They are celebrating 75 years . This the best of the best. They are all juried craftsman/craftswomen.

http://www.nhcrafts.org/

The event takes place at Mount Sunapee Resort, Newbury , NH

A beautiful drive no matter which direction you come from. Route 93 to 89.

Another big craft show is The Rockingham Craftsmen Fair. For the first time this year it will be held in Stratham, NH at Stratham Hill Park. It takes place Saturday August 2, 9-3.

All the crafters have been juried . They also put on a fair towards Christmas.

Check out a craft fair in your local area and connect with the talented people that are in your own backyard. Your local newspaper usually is loaded with different events happening in your area.

BE INSPIRED, GET CRAFTING AND HAVE FUN!

Mountain Biking in New Hampshire

Today was a day to head out to the woods and ride some dirt roads and single track. My husband and son's thoughts are, the muddier you get , the better. Shorty was very proud that his whole back side was splattered with it. We started out on a dirt road, then found some single track trails. Lots of hills to go down . Unfortunately, we had to go back up all those hills. It was all worth it though. Awesome trails!

We were at Pawtuckaway State Park. You can access this part of the park in Deerfield. It's off Route 107. Turn on to Reservation Road. The road is a dirt road that forks. Their is a sign at the fork that says the "fire tower" (pointing to the right).Take a right at the fork and find any place along the side to park. The road twist and turns many times. Sometimes you will come across low areas that are washed out after a heavy rain. Not a good road for really low cars, though over the last few years they have done a lot of road work to make it passable.

In this park you will find hiking trails, dirt roads, single track, streams, marshes, beautiful forest, and the Boulder Fields, they are a popular place for climbers to practice their climbing techniques. These giant boulders were left behind during the last Ice Age.

Things to bring when are mountain biking:

A back pack filled with the following items:

• Water
• First Aid Kit
• Tube kit
• Tools to repair bike
• A energy snack
• Camera
• Extra Clothing

It's a good idea to ride with a buddy. If you do ride by yourself make sure you let someone know where you will be riding and when you plan to be back. You can bring your cell phone but don't re lie on it. I know most places we hike & bike there is no cell towers.

Grab the children and start riding. With gas prices going up, bike sales are going up to. If you are looking for a bike it is best to go to a bike shop. Your bike will be better fitted to you or your child. Quality is everything when it comes to a good ride. Expect to pay around $100 and up. A bad fitting bike will discourage anyone just starting out. The technician will adjust the bike for proper fit to you. Shop around and do the research first. I know some shops will do free maintenance on your bike if you buy your bike from them. You might get a better trade in if you deal with the same shop over a long time.

BMX

If your new to riding start out slow and easy. There are many trails in New Hampshire that are labeled easy. Check out NEMB ( New England Mountain Biking ). They have chapters all over New England. They hold events for all riding levels. The latest was at Bear Brook State Park They had family rides, advanced rides, and offered clinics for women riders. http://www.nemba.org/

The Olympics this year will be debuting BMX. My son has been doing this for a few years now. We have noticed an increase in the amount of riders. We have seen a 4 year old girl to a 63 year old man race. It's truly a family event. Everyone cheers and supports all the riders. Their is a track in most States. New Hampshire has Rye Air Field Skate Park in Rye and Whale Back in Enfield. Our track lets you have your first race free. After that you have to pay for a NBL licence. Then at each race, you can pay just for points or trophy/ points. About $12 to $15 a race.

Nature Walk

Today we headed up north to go to The Castle In the Clouds. We had a late start. We arrived there after many hours of detours, due to Tornado damage & car accidents on the highway. It was to late to venture out on all that The castle has to offer, so we are going to try it next week. Stay tuned.

However we did end up on some of the prettiest roads in New Hampshire. Route 25 through Ashland, Meredith, and Moultonborough. I will be going back up in the Fall to take pictures. The scenic roads are sprinkled with old historic homes dating back to the 17Th century. Stone walls, roving hills, and giant maple trees added the final touch to the picture perfect roads.

We ended up in Tamworth at Lake Chocora. The lake has been photographed thousands of times through out the years. Especially in the fall when the trees are at their peak. The Bluegrass band Nickle Creek filmed part of their video, The Light House Keeper, at the lake.

We ate our picnic lunch, Shorty swam, and my mother & I took in the great view while relaxing in our lawn chairs. After Shorty was done swimming we went for a nature walk on a trail that follows the lake. It wasn't very long, but we took our time and explored the environment around us. My mother had been on that trail about 50 years ago with her father. She said she was around shorties age. We saw many signs of wildlife. Scat from deer, feathered nest, and many insects. Shorty brought along his nature journal so he could record and draw what he saw. A Daddy Long Leg had tried to hitch a ride on my shoulder when we were heading back to our car. I'm glad I'm not scared of them. Though if it had been a snake my feet would not have seen the ground for a mile.

Even though the day didn't end up the way we had planned, it was fun. My son got to spend some quality time with his grandmother and mom.

I was able to get some pictures of my Art & Nature class I taught, from our wonderful children's Librarian. I want to thank her for letting me post them.

I'm looking froward to this fall's art classes with the children. I've even had a few mothers interested in taken my class.

Have a Great Night & Have Fun with Your Family!