Halloween and Vine: The AFTERMATH!

Ok, not much of an "aftermath," but it sounded so dramatic, I couldn't resist!

Prepping for Halloween and Vine was the usual chaos and long days. Neighbors stepped up to help me with my inventory process and to help pack my things away in bins. I managed to get a sign painted--mostly.

 In the end, I didn't have the time to put the thorns in, but that'll get done soon.

After setting up on Friday, Mr. ShellHawk and I went to the artists dinner. This year, we were lucky enough to have Sonoma Tintype there to take our pictures if we wanted!

He brought costumes along, or you could wear your own. Below, Annie Libertini wears a mask of her own making.

The tintype turned out really creepy! 

 Her husband, Michael, sat for a portrait, too!

 I can't recommend Sonoma Tintype enough! Just beautiful work!

Meanwhile, there was schmoozing and dinner to be had!

 

 And we got to see each others' booths set up before they were emptied out by avid collectors!

Chicken Lips had a big, beautiful display this year. I really wanted the little ghost twins, but unfortunately, they were gone by the time I had a chance to look up from my own booth!

I sold a bunch of jacks this time. And I had a couple of people tell me they specifically came to the show to see me! Wow! Some folks came out who have been collecting my things since the old Apple Hill days, if you can believe it! 

During a lull, I got out of the booth to walk around and see a few other people's displays, including this one, by Zombie Nose. Such a talent!

Time for a quick selfie...

 Artist Jorge de Rojas of Hohohalloween made the Halloween lantern to hang from the chandelier. It was beautiful! And he is just a spectacular human, too, by the way.

I wish I had gotten more pictures of the different artists and their wares, but I just didn't get the time.

Then it was time to pack up and say goodbye until next year, except for a small after party, at which I saw this amazing find:

So jealous to see one of these with all of the cups and the original cork!

Well, Halloween and Vine never ceases to exceed my expectations, I must say. The show coordinators are wonderful, passionate about Halloween and keeping the show filled with nice people who are the most talented artists they can find. No drama, just great fun and great art!

On to the next show, at Oak Park Brewing Company in Sacramento, for Second Saturday!

Annual Mug Shot

In spite of time constraints, I couldn't resist setting up the annual mug shot! You can see them in person in Petaluma at Halloween and Vine this Saturday!

And it looks like I'll be doing Second Saturday at Oak Park Brewing Company in October, so you have another chance to adopt some jacks before they're gone.

I know I promised to get some in my Etsy store, and I will do my best to get that done after H & V. It's been hard to get everything done while having a job this time of year!

Weekend Shenanigans, Part 3

Well, it's been a couple of days over what I thought I would post this, but it's the busy season, right?

Well, anyway, once I got home from my Hallowe'en retail therapy excursion I sat down to my laptop to catch up on a few things and check on my Facebook feed. Turns out my buddy, Cory Hunt (Nightmare Playgrounds, Preston Castle) was teaching scare actor techniques just up the road from me, at Heartstoppers Haunted House!

I haven't had a chance to see him in a couple of years, and I know the owner of the haunt, Joel Watson (who was in the documentary Halloween Home Haunts with me a couple of years back), so a visit was in order!

With a regretful wave and a promise to be back shortly (which didn't happen, and you knew it wouldn't!), I piled back into the car and drove out to Heartstoppers.

I can't show you a whole bunch because I don't want to ruin their surprises, but I had to share the above window with you! Tissue paper over the window gets that great stained glass effect.

Of course, selfies with Cory were a requirement. We texted one over to the Davis Graveyard crew...

Heartstoppers current location is at an old arcade/miniature golf course. It's been abandoned for years and while they keep trying to sell or lease the property (it became an RV sales lot for a little while) they haven't had any luck. It works great for the haunted house, though, because of all these cool tunnels which run under the property!

There are a bunch of talented actors and artists. One of them painted this incredibly creepy mural:

The picture doesn't do it justice. It's very impressive in person!

 After they packed it in for the evening, I twisted some arms to get them to go to The Fat Rabbit in Folsom. It's a nifty place with reasonably priced, good food, craft beer and a convivial atmosphere. We had a blast! It was so wonderful to spend some time with "my people!"

 A last selfie with Cory and it was back home, much later than I'd expected, but with a happy heart.

Weekend Shenanigans, Part 2

After I drove back from Sacramento, I had to stop by Lowe's to pick up some parts for a project I'm working on for my Halloween and Vine booth. I was delighted to walk in and find that Halloween had come to Lowe's, too! Someone had even taken one of their little headless dishes and put a jack-o'-lantern head on it, making a cute little creep who looked like he was ready to find himself some candy!  

 I also needed to pop by Joanne's to pick up a couple of small things. Home Goods is right next door, so I popped in to see if they had their Halloween stuff in, yet. They did, and man! They have some really great offerings this year!

I really wanted this guy, but I had no idea where I would put him.

 

I was in snow globe heaven! Lots of them to see this time around.

 
 This ghost looked like the father of my mini-boos, standing at about two and a half feet tall! I wanted him, too, but again, no place to put him. :(

 
 And oh, the lanterns this year are gorgeous! I may go back and grab one to add to my collection...

They look like proper ladies, waiting to go to church, don't they?

He looked very Tim Burton-esque to me. Charming and whimsical!

 

After an hour or two of going through the Hallowe'en aisles with a fine-tooth comb, I made my selections and brought them home.

 I fell in love with this little bat, who hangs upside down from a chain. Inside is a place to put a tea candle! 

 I went a bit nuts with the snow globes, I have to say. But I'm not sorry!

I was happy to find this Headless Horseman snow globe, as I missed out a couple of years ago!

This guy reminded me a bit of Stewie, so of course I had to bring him home!

Part three tomorrow!