My friend Ki of Junk Market fame and Country Home invited me to her hometown to meet all her friends.
That I haven’t written about this trip before is just an example of how numb I can be sometimes. Ki invited me over six months ago to see the bonanza and meet her friends. (I once had a kitten named “Ki,” but that is for another blog.)
I am actually doing a book signing tomorrow and Friday and will be on TWIN CITIES LIVE channel 5 tomorrow afternoon to promote my book ENTERTAINING SIMPLE. It is all too exciting to meet so many new people and really experience all of the JUNK of the Midwest. I probably should have rented a tractor-trailer truck to come home. Anyway, if you live in the area or are making a special trip to the bonanza, please stop at my table for a visit.
HALLOWEEN news
In my last entry, I filled you in on the beginning of my HALLOWEEN book and how the job of producing it came right after the entire season had folded. This was ultimately a blessing in disguise because it was then up to me and my team to discover fresh ways to conjure up Halloween ideas and crafts.
It was a fun challenge. I began by gathering all types of UN-Halloween-types of ingredients to make fun items for all over the house. Getting ice cream from the freezer one night made me think that embellishing ice cream treats could be a COOL way to create some fun for kids. I didn’t realize how truly easy it would be.
Bewitching things like carrots and other vegetables as a stand in for jack-o-lanterns was a perfect way to update the creepy things you can make that don’t involve a great deal of carving. And making a tasty meal out of everyday items that had been manipulated to look like something else was not only fun, but the ingredients were in the pantry anyway … so, why not?
There was one particulary complicated challenge, however … I hate to leave you with a cliff hanger until I return from the Junk Bonanza … but, I REALLY have to go…. Check out my Monday blog. Matthew
September 10th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Your Halloween book arrived today from Amazon! Yippee! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Halloween is a big deal in our neighborhood and we’re going to do it up this year with all of the projects from your book. I can’t wait!
I’ll post pictures on my blog and tell everyone to get your amazing book!
Thanks!
(Sorry about all the exclamation points!)
September 11th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hey!
What a rock star you are! Thanks so much for the pic and signed book! I sooooo love the book - There is no way I will be able to pick a fav - way too cool! I can not wait to make the owl cake!!! I did miss your other book. I will need you to sign a copy for me when you can catch your breath. Hope you have a GREAT Friday at the Junk Bonanza!!!! Stacy
(Blogless in MN!)
September 14th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Hi, Matthew! Great meeting you this weekend at the Bonanza! I was one of the blonds (Lori, the owner, was the other) from the Round Barn Potting Co. right across from where you were signing your books. It was a great weekend, other than the short power outage we experienced, and can’t wait for next year!
But I have to tell you I especially loved your book, the Gifts from Nature! There were so many wonderful ideas in it, I really couldn’t start to pick my favorite.
Thanks again, Matthew, and congratulations on your new magazine!
Lanette @ Cottage Elements
September 16th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Hello Mathew –I first heard about you through Linda’s blog a while ago. Then I was at Micheal’s Arts and Craft store and saw your magazine. I just had to buy it and am I ever glad I did. What eye candy!! My favourite is the display with the black and white witch socks, broom and hat etc.. What fun!! I am going to try and find the time to make those socks!! Thanks for the inspiration. :o)
September 18th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Matthew,
It was great fun! Everybody loved visiting with you! I got a chance to sit in my comfy chair with a cup of coffee and relax with both your wonderful books…Thank you. (I noticed your book, Halloween Tricks and Treats, was beating Martha on Amazon .com yesterday. Well deserved!) You are the best!
Take care,
Ki
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