My Heart if So Full of "Tinsel"

I am just back from the "Tinsel & Treasure" show in Danville, CA. My heart is so full of love for these gals and for the opportunity to spend a couple of hours in a place of magic. This is not a big show with many "vendors" and large crowds. This is a collective of women who put their passion and heart and soul into their creations. Everything is handmade; everything is lovingly displayed and graciously handed over to the new owner. Having said that it is not a large show, still a crowd did form. As the doors opened at 9 am, the ladies tapping their toes outside whirled en masse to Donna. Of course they did as that was my primary destination, too. Here is Donna frantically writing out sales receipts, trying to keep the frenzy in check.

As Donna was situated on a corner, I made an end run 'round the corner before the, ah hem, ladies, beat me to it. (I'm kidding here as the crowd was friendly and there was no observed shoving). I came upon the prize items of Donna's large Napolean hats and more and more! Unless you are from Mars you have been to Donna's Blog and seen all the glittery wonderfulness I am referring to. One smart woman snagged most (all?) of these hats. But, I'm OK with it! I got to see them up close and personal. And, bought my own treasures, which are featured above and below. Above are two boxes from Donna, one with a clown theme that she told me she had whipped out the day before and the other is a set of fabulous box with glittered sides with a small crown inside. Also in the pic are some gift tags from Anna Corba. DO click on these pics to get an enlarged image to better see the details.

Here are my othe purchases: The 1/2 moon ornament from Donna; The wreath made from vintage wire, ribbon and various millinary findings plus the 2 tiny pumpkins made of spun cotton and real bullion wire from Charlene Geiger; Two ornament pretties from Iva Wilcox.

These jolly fellows are Dee Foust's. Her guys are large and in charge. One would make the tablescape for a festive party. Her booth was very popular. I was at the show from opening until closing and beyond. For the final 2.5 hours I was taking classes taught by Ulla Milbrath, Ulla's blog. Did I get a pic of Ulla? NO, and I could kick myself. But, go to her blog because there is a splendid pic of here there plus many pics of the marvelous work she does and teaches. That isn't the whole story, though. Ulla is cute and was dressed in a charmingly whimsical spooky top and skirt. This woman smiled for the entire duration of the 4.5 hours of her make & takes, offering lots of encouragement and a helping hand. All of the seats were taken, the craft tables were crowded with glue, scissors, rulers, ribbon, wire, bone folders, the kits, and all of the scraps were swept on to the floor. Guess who got to clean-up? Ulla, that's who. She is delightful and, well, I just fell in love. In addition to this show I got to share meals with my good friends Ellen and Linda. A quick trip to CA, but one full of Tinsel and Treasures.