August 2023 Newsletter

Find a PDF version of this newsletter here:

Annual ACF Picnic

ACF's Annual Picnic for members & your families is set for
August 27th at Lawrence Parkfrom 1-4PM.


Members are asked to either bring a dessert orside dish - If your last name begins with:

  • A-L - Please bring a Dessert
  • M-Z - Please bring a Side Dish

NEXT GENERAL MEETING

September 20th
7:00PM
Country Fair KitchenBuilding at Flathead County Fairgrounds

STICKERS!

We're doing another round of ACF stickers in advance of Christmas Show.  Want to design one?

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT STICKER DESIGNS IS SEPTEMBER 14, 2023.
YOU CAN SEND THEM BY EMAIL TO WEBADMIN@ARTISTSANDCRAFTSMEN.ORG OR YOUR CAN UPLOAD THEM HERE:
HTTPS://ARTISTSANDCRAFTSMEN.ORG/PAGES/PHOTO-DROP

  • Sticker designs MUST include the ACF logo. Designs can be circle, square or rectangle.
  • Winners will be selected by majority vote by the membership.
  • For those of you looking to earn a few more participation credits, you will get 1 credit for submitting one or more designs. (that's 1 credit per person, not 1 credit per design).

Have fun with those designs and we can't wait to see what you come up with!

ALSO:

Summer Show 2024 poster designs submissions are being accepted now through November 1st.

Did you like the newACF stickers? Bulk order your OWN personal stickers for your business.

Submit orders by October 1st to webadmin@artistsandcraftsmen.org

REMEMBER THE REASON

A RANDOM THOUGHT FROM A RECKLESS REDHEAD

MONTHLY ARTICLE CONTRIBUTION
By Jenny Reed, ACF Board of Directors - Publicity Admin

As summer begins to wind down for some and continues at full steam for others, I have found myself thinking about why I got into home crafting to begin with. For many of us, it was a passion we had for the craft or art that we produce. We found our way to craft shows for many reasons, but the main ones were to share our passion with others.  And to make a profit from what we love.

The issue I have run into as of late is that making things for a profit has overshadowed my desire to share my passion. I work to make the products that sell rather than to try new things. Granted, I like the products that I am making and I am proud of them but it starts to feel like a chore rather than a pleasure to make them.  I have found myself spending less time doing something I loved and more timedreading the items I need to make for a show.

If you are relating to this in any way, I am here to say it is OK to feel that way. Working through these times of feeling stuck can be hard, but the key is to find your passion for your projects again. Here are some tips try:

  • Take one day, whether you choose to do this monthly or weekly, and use thattime to try something new. It may be a different version of something you already produce, or it can be a completely different craft altogether.
  • Take a step back for a day or just an hour. This gives you time to think ofyour projects and helps you decide which direction you want to take your business.
  • Don't give up on yourself.  A slump can happen to anyone but you can get out of it. It may take time, but you can do it.
  • Take care of yourself because, without you, the shows would not be the same.

Above all else, remember the reason.  Remember the reason that you fell in lovewith your crafting. Remember the reason you enjoy doing shows. And above allelse, remember that you are in control of where this life takes you.
Every one of you is important and help make ACF a great organization.
When all else fails and stress has its grip on you, instead of beating your head against the wall, screaminto a pillow. It has less side effects. Believe in yourself and love what you do.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.