A Treasury For Late Winter Warmth

HangingHalo put together this nice collection from Etsy just in time for the end of winter. I really enjoy how colorful it is.

'Dress a Snowman or Yourself' by HangingHalo

Scarves, hats, coats, and mittens galore!! Cute accessories you'll need to keep cozy!!

puppet gloves mandalinarossa $39.00	Whimsy Gnome Slouch... Raimbowtree $68.00	Baby/Toddler Scarf ... ASweetAroma $7.00
Knit Hat with Ruffl... nekhbet $22.00	Violet, Plum, Blue ... PunteBella $26.00	bibiana - a massive... bungaloe $34.00
Hi and Bye Fingerle... KnitWitChicago $	New for 2011 - Back... FlorasFinest $29.95	Wool Hat and Mitten... TurnUpGreen $40.00
Baby mitten - Fleec... pascalineNY $10.00	Cloche Hat in Choco... bonniesknittin... $85.00	Tweet Tweet Peace B... mimabirdboutiq... $20.00
Child's multi-c... WalkingCrowStu... $44.00	Handmade Mini Scarf... scgeraci $28.00	ON SALE Half Price-... marymatsumoto $32.50

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Holiday Mess

I have a real knack for getting overwhelmed during the holiday season. I mean really, who doesn't? But it seems to me that the time from Halloween to Valentine's Day is one big blur. Coincidentally this time of festivities coincides with scarf selling season. So being in business for myself makes this situation two-fold. I get busy, find extra things to do, get stressed, and make mistakes. Fixing these mistakes is the extra time that "frosts the cake", if you will.

I've started to consider the possibility that I'm not as busy as I think I am. An outsider (let's say my husband for example) might say that my "to do list" isn't worthy of a freak-out. But if reality is nothing more than your own perception of life, how do I rationalize myself out of this predicament? Do I simply not attempt to do all the things I want to do?

Anyway, I'm just here to admit that I'm getting in my own way. In just three weeks I've made three mistakes. They were all pretty minor. But with this most recent episode I've noticed they're adding up. If you don't mind, I'm going to elaborate on the latest issue so you catch my drift. Someone ordered an item online. I packaged it up for her and mailed it out the next day. The problem is that I packaged it while finishing up a few other pieces, baking gingerbread cookies, and getting ready for a holiday party. Due to this level of multitasking I forgot to confirm that I put the right item in the envelope. So, of course, I sent the wrong item. How embarrassing. What a ding-dong. Luckily I caught it before the customer did. Now it is just a matter of making it right, and trying to get the other piece back. In all this I have created three times as much work for myself.

Since this issue I have been harping on myself because I knew I would get busy and act this way. So I've made a list of holiday conduct.

1. SLOW DOWN!
2. FOLLOW STANDARD PROCEDURES  Don't rush and assume you've remembered item numbers, titles of pieces, or you house keys for that matter. Check.
3. ALLOW YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO WORK Be reasonable. Figure out how much time you have and then realize how much you can accomplish. Do the most important things first. Don't make up extra things to do.
4. DO NOT DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE No matter what.
5. BE CONTENT WITH ANY ACCOMPLISHMENT Everyday doesn't have to be record-breaking. Continue working. Don't cut yourself an unneccessary break, but stop trying to constantly out-do yourself.

Those steps that must be performed immediately are underlined. These steps must be performed without reference to the checklist. When the situation permits, non-underlined steps can be accomplished with reference to the checklist.

(I'm helping my husband study for flight school. I've modeled my list after his study guide. Typing it has made me laugh. I have obviously memorized a few things too. If it works for the army it should work for me too.)

By not following these simple steps I've created more work and stress for myself this week. In addition, I looked like a rookie. Not anymore. I'm shaving this mustache!

Ski Barn Paramus, NJ

This is the Florida Scarf collection available at the Ski Barn in Paramus New Jersey. They are located at 846 Rt. 17 North. The number is 201-445-9070. they are also at http://www.skibarn.com/

Ski Barn Lawrenceville, NJ

This is a photo collage of the scarves and hoods that are available at the Ski Barn in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. They are located at 2990 Rt 1 North. The phone number is 609-530-1666. They would be delighted in your patronage, either in person or online at http://www.skibarn.com/.

Happy Holidays!

This is a show of items available at the Ski Barn in Eatontown, New Jersey. They are located at 305 Rt 35. The phone number is 732-578-9460.

As always, these items are One of a Kind. Stop by, or contact them soon, if you are interested in any piece shown.

Happy Holidays.

Hello World, Philadelphia

This is the collection available at Hello World in Philadelphia.
They are located at 257 S. 20th St, between Spruce and Locust. The shop number is 215-545-5207.
Remember, these items are one of a kind. So if you see something you like get there fast!
Happy holidays.

Available at Earthtones

 

Florida Scarf fans in Southern New Jersey get pumped. This is what will be available at Earthtones. This retail location is at 19 N. Centre St, Merchantville, NJ. The number is 856-488-1830. Aside from these fabulous scarves and hoods, Betsy stocks great pottery, jewelry, and gift ideas. Merchantville is a great place to hang out and have lunch, or coffee, and shop.

Details

I've been watching this series on PBS. Obviously, it is called "Craft in America." For anyone that is not familiar, it documents the lives of American artists of a particular craft. The people on the show are just wonderful. Everyone's craft and personality are very different from one show to the next. I can even get my husband to watch it. Of course marriage is always a compromise, so it's one show about art for one show on the military channel. ( I would love a combo-show, "Crafting in the American Army") Last night one of the artists said something that really hit home with me. It was, "Being an artist means mastering the materials of your craft in order to express your heart."
This statement really puts it into words for me. I make scarves. Maybe your thinking, "no big deal." But I really put all of myself into each one. Every piece is different so I give it a personality of its own. Unfortunately this can mean way too much time is spent on one piece. The problem is, I don't feel complete until I feel the piece is complete. I want to be satisfied and I want the consumer to be satisfied. It is far better to spend an extra 10 or 20 minutes on something and really be proud of it than to rush through it.
This is my third season making scarves and I've really been inspired by small details this year. It's about getting into the piece and using five or six types of fabric and adorning them with handmade buttons or vintage beads. I really want anyone who buys my piece to feel special when they wear it. I want an individual to feel like I made it solely for them. Each scarf has a voice. Eventually one will speak to you.

Here are few examples of where I've been going this season:

This piece is actually available now

http://www.scgeraci.etsy.com/

This piece will be available at Hello World, Philadelphia.

This piece will be available at Hello World, Philadelphia.

No factory can produce the level of quality and aesthetic that an individual craftsman can. If you would like to be inspired further, as I have, watch that series on PBS ( Netflix too)

HERE IS WHAT PBS HAS TO SAY ABOUT IT

We have a deep sense of longing for the handmade. Perhaps because each of us, in our own way, has had a craft experience. Sometimes it’s an object passed down to us, or one that crosses our path, and connects us to others in traditions, heritage, and rituals.

Craft gives pleasure as well as function. It is inspirational as well as useful. It is the best representation of who we are as a culture. Craft is democratic. It is broad enough to accommodate anyone who makes something or appreciates the handmade. Craft is all around us. You’ll find it wherever you look – hiding in plain sight.
Craft in America offers you a place to explore these connections and to inspire your own creativity – through the PBS documentary series and this website. Join us on this voyage of discovery. View the programs online or purchase DVDs of the Peabody Award-winning series for your home library.

Introducing Cassandra Helton

Just as before, I would like to announce that Florida Scarf is no longer a one-man band.  Some friends have joined to allow for more creativity and ingenuity in scarf manufacturing. Now instead of a single influence, our designs encompass the inspirations of five people from five different places on the planet.

This is Cassandra. She is a fashion designer and boutique owner. With her clothing line, Helton Hill, Cassandra breathes new life into awesome vintage finds. Her home and studio are located in Portland, Maine. Her boutique, The Closet, is in St. Augustine, Florida. Cassandra’s style has a sexy European vibe mingling with classic American vintage. Through Florida Scarf the artist has highlighted some of her favorite prints and paired them with bright and cozy fleece. At our website you can shop her vintage innovation.

http://www.floridascarf.com/

Want more of Cassandra's solo work?

http://www.heltonhill.com/