HAPPY FALL!

The Santa Ana winds are starting to blow, and the leaves from the Sycamores across the street are piling along the fence.  The grape vines are losing the last of their leaves and the pumpkins are on the porch...waiting.

It is the season of change.  For me personally as well.  The studio move is finished, but the job of unpacking has not yet begun, and I can't really picture how or when it will all be ready to start production.  It's a whole new space, and I haven't even had time to lay out what work station goes where!  Usually by this time of year, I'm in full Holiday Manufacture Mode, and there are projects everywhere.  Bits and pieces of quilts, edges of fabrics in hoops waiting for embroidery, and already my gift wrapping central is traditionally stocked and ready for my wrap-as-I-finish method of preparing for a handmade holiday.

This year, things are going to be different.  And I'm learning to be flexible and roll with what happens.  I haven't begun to prepare for Christmas.  I won't be unpacked by then anyway, but I do intend to have my studio working again by the end of October.  That means a different approach to gift making and giving as well.  No long production days, so projects will have to be instant!  Simple, quick, fabulous.  That will have to be the name of the game.

While I brood on it, I will start picking quick projects that can be finished by assembly line, or made with co-ordinating materials.  Moving has also revealed a lot of personal things I'd like to get rid of, so I will be making theme gifts that include treasures I want to pass on, mixed with handmade accessories in theme baskets.  Maybe antique china cups and saucers with table linens that match, or silver cheese spreaders with a new cheese board and personalized napkins and a table topper.  I also want to include some gifts for my family that use Christmas colored fabrics without Christmas motifs so they can use these gifts all year if they wish.  And I want to shoot tutorials on these quick projects for the Dramaqueenbee YouTube Channel also, so we can all share fast and lovely project ideas for the season.

Lots on my plate, but lots to look forward to also.  Please join me in multitasking this fall and we'll make this holiday season memorable and special.  Yes we can!!

The only place I can think of to start...is the first box.  Shall we?