Dye eggs. They love it! They can be raw, but I'd recommend hardboiled. lol! Have crayons, waterproof marking pens in different colors, and a little pot of melted paraffin wax, if possible. Have jars of pre-mixed food-based dye (amounts are listed on the food coloring pkg). Decorate by drawing on the egg w/ crayon, or dipping them partially into the pot of melted wax, then dipping in a dye. Draw/dip again, and you'll see different colors (wax displaces the dye so won't take color wherever the wax is). Or pre-dye the eggs and write on them with the markers. Another neat thing is to use gold spray paint to make a "special" egg. :) It's all easier to do than describe -- but if you want more info let me know.

I don't sell my stuff, either. I get harassed and hounded by family and friends all the time because they feel I could really make some money off of my stuff. They don't get that I wouldn't make what it was really worth and to make a good amount, I would be so bogged down trying to fill orders. It just wouldn't be fun anymore! I enjoy using the items I make in my home or giving them as gifts. I don't just give things to anyone, though. I have to know it's something they'll love and use. I know one thing if my SIL doesn't STOP mentioning the dang tiles I painted for her and how everyone likes them and wants some, I might flip a nutty. I think she's telling people I will make them for them. She kept mentioning to me that we have to go to their house warming party because others will want to meet me! Oh, please! @@ Her home is not an art gallery and I'm not some up and coming artist! LOL

Rosie - The kitchen does not overlook the family room below. It could, but only if we remove part of the load bearing wall and bring the kitchen into the livint room area. That's far beyond our vision & budget, though. :) herbflavor - the island we have in the kitchen now is freestanding. I think i'll try turning it 90 degrees to see how it feels. i always assumed it would feel too crowded at the back, but I may be wrong. I'd like to keep it counter height so that we can use it as additional counter space for meal prep, etc. i actually use that island more than any other counter area in the kitchen currently. then again, if we are able to open a lot more counter space, we may not need use of the island for food prep. moving the doorway is a possibility. the other thing we thought for the fridge is to get a counter-depth fridge and put it close to where the cooktop is currently, moving the cooktop over to where the freestanding pantry cabinet is now. OR move the fridge to the back wall where the island is currently, and put some kind of seating in that bottom right corner. Thanks - we have some ideas in mind, but I'm definitely happy to get other ideas. it's hard to think outside the box when you've lived somewhere for so long. :)

A few years ago, a small group of artisans from our area decided to start a yearly event called the Prospect Road Craft Crawl. This event is held in late October (for the Holiday gift buying rush) and has grown so much it's amazing. Last year over 40 homes were involved with 72 artisans along a 25+ mile stretch (rural area). Some artisans get together and there can be up to 3 featuring their works in one home. All contribute a nominal $10.00 fee which is used for nicely made road signs, pamphlets, etc. The homes are open from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Advertising costs are kept to a minimum by asking local gas stations and stores to distribute the pamphlets and advertise on their reader boards starting a month ahead of time. I've been looking into joining the Crawl. From all indications it is a great pay day for the folks featuring their art. We are located just 20 minutes from the city and a lot of people come to the area just for the Crawl that weekend. Maybe you can pick up some ideas from what I'm writing here - hopefully so. Remember that word of mouth is the biggest seller, so once you set your plan in action, start talking!!!