So where was I?
Yes, yes, lots of hours spent getting ready for the big day!
I had stopped drinking coffee as a New Years resolution, and it was going fairly well until this month, then, well, not so much. I think I have given up caffine at least a half a dozen times in the last 10 years. It’s not easy when your life requires endless stores of energy. If I could hook up an IV of the stuff I probably would. I delude myself into thinking that I will give it up again soon ( I hope).
Back to the point…. Sunday morning finally arrives and the mermaids begin to set up and help with all the last minute details, I am so blessed to be surrounded by 25 extremely talented women who work very hard to make our event so magnificent. I could go on forever about these gals. Many travel hours to come sell their beautiful wares. They are stay at home moms and women who support their families and themselves with their handiwork. They sew and paint , hunt down treasures like super women, and their talent is extraordinary! When you purchase an item from the Mermaid’s Mercantile you are supporting families, art and women who are passionate about giving life to vintage finds and creating by hand!
Last Sunday’s turnout was overwhelming! We had the biggest show ever, and it was wonderful to hear all of your kind words and enthusiasm! The only problem was that the cashier line was too long! (thank you for your patience,we will have more help and a speedier system next month.). We had a enthusiastic crowd of shoppers from the minute we opened. So many of you came from hours away. We met so many new friends, and it was exciting to meet many that I have admired through their blogs.
In the information age and the world of blogs it is fun and exciting to meet all of you who have posted wonderful pictures and words about our event. I speak for all of the artists and send you a big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
In the midst of all of this joy Sunday Hendrickson, stylist extraordinaire, arrived to photograph our day. I have to say, she was just as lovely as her work! She so graciously took the time to meet and chat with all of the girls and get to know some of the stories behind what they do and why they do it before taking photos. In the midst of all the excitment, I did not get a picture of Sunday, ( I know, I know ) I will try to describe her: a tousled mane of sandy blond hair, enormous smile, kind, enthusiastic, and down to Earth! It was a day I will always be thankful for. Sunday Hendrickson’s work can be found in just about every design magazine on the shelves, and you can read more about her home and Romantic Country Magazine on Fifis O’Niell’s blog http://fabulousfifi.typepad.com/ . Look for a feature on the Mermaid’s Mercantile in an up coming issue very soon!
Here are more of the blessings that happened on Sunday….
I got to share the day with my sister Janina! Many of you know the story from my personal blog http://debisdesigndiary.blogspot.com/. I just found my new sister on facebook last month along with my biological father and a whole family of relatives. Janina is an extraordinary pastry chef and she brought her yummy cupcakes to the Mermaid’s Mercantile. Never one to shy away from an unconventional idea (sort of like…me!), she delighted us with Lavender Cupcakes with Rosewater Buttercream in addition to Deep Chocolate Cupcakes with Crunchy Peanut Butter Frosting. You can read all about her sweet adventures on her blog or come taste her creative confections next month! (She’s developing a special Mermaid cupcake just for us. But don’t worry, it won’t be seaweed flavored or anything THAT strange.)
The list of talented women who came to see us was amazing, Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss showed up with her talented gal pals. I have admired her dreamy events online and in print for ages. The chance to meet Kim and chat with her was such a pleasure! Kim’s next dreamy event will take place in July and it is right up my alley. Les Sirenes takes place in the Belamar hotel in Mannhatten beach. Kim has a few spots left. If you would like the ultimate dreamy creative experience, visit Kim’s workshop page and sign up before her event is full.
I know you all have been waiting for the winners of the seashell letters and the Marie De la Mer class!
and the winners are:
For Best Vintage Outfit…….. Mattie Allober! Mattie is is pictured above in her darling Chartruse and vintage boots and will recieve a sheshell letter of her choice.
The winner of the Marie class……… is Kim Fille de Fleur! Kim has a reserved spot in my Marie de la Mer class on July 9th. I have three spaces left for this over the top class. Please call the store if you would like to join us! 858 755 7630. Speaking of Marie Antoinette, I learned a lot of interesing facts about that fashion icon through all of your great comments!
Thank you to all who participated in our give aways. There will be more to come, so please keep visiting the blog and letting me know what’s on your mind. You never know when one of your comments will win you a fabulous prize!
Congratulations to all of you who spun the wheel with the fabulous Nicki Glade and won so many wonderful giveaways! Thanks to our wonderful artist, we had giveaways all day long! Nicki was our exuberant greeter and carnival barker! She’s also a talented needle felting teacher and artist! Thank you Nicki for taking our event over the top!
The next Mermaid Mercantile is going to be TWO days! June 26th and 27th We have some exciting giveaways planned as well as some very special guest vendors from out of state!
Stay tuned! The giveaways and special announcements will be posted throughout June and they will be GOOD!
sincerely,
Debi
Wow…looks like all your hard work really paid off. I am so sorry I wasn’t there, but am thrilled that you all had such a successful day. Nice job!
Hi! This is Mattie Alcober! I am very excited that I WON the vintage dress contest! Please keep me posted on what the theme will be for the June 26/27 event! I’ll be sure to participate and bring all of my friends again! xo
Debi
I just found your blog via Lori at Vintage Bling. I am so excited to come to your next MM! I live in the mid-west and will be visiting my family in San Diego. Can’t wait to see all your beautiful things!
rosie