Six am came mighty quick on Saturday. After about three hours of sleep we were on the road to Portland to the PDX Etsy Show. Despite the frantic pace the two weeks prior to the show there were still fourteen jellyfish that needed to be finished before we could put them up for sale! So, after downing much caffeine and setting up the show, stitching ensued. The good news is that all dolls were finished in time, and most of them are now happily residing in loving homes throughout Portland and Vancouver!

What I love so much about doing these shows are the people we meet. I’m always so touched by people’s reactions to our pieces. Young children that are so happy to squish a jellyfish, or that get to pick out a monster doll to take home. This weekend I met several older patrons who did not purchase, but just held our dolls, and laughed at the expressions on their faces, and talked at length with us about our process. I’m always amazed at the baby in the backpack who reaches out for our table and points at our dolls with excitement. That’s the very best part of what we’re doing.

The other very big positive in this new endeavor is all of the great artists we’re getting to know in the area. This weekend, we were next to Rachel, the PDX buttongirl. Her vast array of awesome buttons makes it very difficult to choose what to get. She’s very knowledgeable about the Portland art scene and is great fun to sit next to at any venue.

We also had the pleasure of getting to know Mike and Mona of TinyMeat. They’re so warm, and open to collaboration and sharing of ideas it was really cool getting to talk with them. We hope to have the opportunity to work with them in the future on various projects. And let’s not forget the very talented Karina of Luna. Wow! We swapped product for one of her awesome skirts-I love it! Portland is simply overflowing with talent, and we’re so happy to be a part of this very diverse and unique community.

On a final note, we’re very pleased to announce that motokitty will be carrying our pieces in their shop starting early next year. Thanks very much to Cari of mottokitty for her support, the folks of the Etsy street team who made the event possible, all of our patrons this weekend, and especially to all the wonderful local artists in the Portland area. Good weekend, good people, and good night until next time.