News & Updates from Carol Lepard

The 13th Annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival was held this past Saturday. The festival included many Tall Ships, a Cardboard Boat Regatta, a 5K race, a tour of the Heritage Center, several different local bands and Native American activities as well as a Craft Show.

The weather was simply gorgeous (if a bit on the windy side). Here is a photo of one of the Tall Ships I took on my way to the Craft Show.

I live close enough now that I just put all my stuff into a large garden wagon and walked along the river to the festival, enjoying the sights before the show started.

Here are some of my designs featuring Tall Ships like I saw at the Festival

As promised in my last News post, here is a photo of my new crafting space. After almost 6 months, I finally have someplace to craft again.

My apartment is on the small side, but it is all mine (no-one living with me), so I don't have to worry about satisfying anyone but myself when it comes to cleaning or cooking...lol SO, I'm hoping life lets me get back to what I love doing most....designing! Thank you again for all those who have continued to purchase my designs.

Here are my newest designs...and hopefully the beginning of lots of new ones to come soon.

Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has purchased any of my designs the last few months while I was gone.

I have gone through some major life changes while I was gone.....moved out of the (fairly large) house I lived in for 22 years into a (tiny) apartment where I am closer to my girls (30 & 20).

Then I spent the time when I wasn't unpacking with my youngest who was getting ready to have HER first baby!

Abryana Marie was born on April 3, 2014 (after 20 hours of labor)....7# 3oz, 21-1/2" long.

The greatest part of that whole day was that I actually got to help in the birthing process....SO COOL!!! I'll post a photo of my new crafting space next week (now that it is finally put together)...and hopefully some new designs too!

Here are a couple of my favorite Baby Designs in honor of my new Granddaughter.

Many of you know that I sell my finished cards, tatting, jams & jellies at our local Farmers Market every weekend.

Well, several months ago one of our vendors had to have back surgery and has been unable to do any work around his home since.

He and his wife heat exclusively with wood during the winter (which can get mighty cold here!). So, yesterday most of the vendors gathered at their house to cut and stack wood so they will stay warm over the winter.

It was such a joy to see everyone working together.

We had a perfect day with the weather too and everyone brought a dish to pass, so no-one went hungry when we stopped to take a food break.

Here are a couple of my Autumnal designs...one of my favorite times of the year!

If you are ever in my neck of the woods in Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, stop in and check out my little store where I sell my finished cards, my tatting (hand knotted lace), beads and home-made jams & jellies.

I love to make unique jams & jellies such as Elderflower Jelly, Pina Colada Jam, Peach Rhubarb Jam and many other wonderful flavors. I also want to let everyone know that I am still here, even though I haven't been designing much.

I just finished an order for 36 pair of tatted earrings. With that finished, I should be able to get back to designing very soon...after I finish 3 more batches of jam...lol Make your own Market Bags and Dishcloths and save money & the environment!