Although my creativity hasn't been anything to write home about lately, a few peripheral things are falling into place.
Specifically, our outside events schedule is starting to take shape for the second half of the year... and that's a good thing because the first half of the year hasn't been much of anything.
Most recently we learned that there is actually a small Renaissance Faire in a neighboring town about 15 mi away, and that it's a single day event that is apparently quite well attended, even though we'd never heard about it. It takes place in early September, while the weather is still reliable and decent.
It's pretty good, timing wise, as it still gives me a little while to get stock organized and fill in some holes. While I'm not that fond of outside events, I think it'll be fun!
In keeping with generally taking Alchemy Stones to fairs and events that are not Arts and Crafts fairs — because that tends to be the most successful — we decided to apply as a vendor and we were almost immediately accepted!
Turned out one of the organizers was familiar with us already from having seen the work elsewhere and they were happy to have us.
Meanwhile, two other fairs that we normally participate in around Christmas time have confirmed our applications and naturally sent us invoices to be paid! But it's good to be able to mark some things in the calendar in ink, rather than just a speculation awaiting confirmation.
Depending on what comes along, we might yet add one or two more things if they sound appealing and like they might hit our target audience.
As mentioned, I really have been painting much, and most of my work attention has been turned towards my other beachcombing business which is centered around "found objects" and reselling them to other artists and crafts people around the world. It seems that smaller pieces of driftwood are in high demand, at the moment... go figure!
Seems like there's always a much stronger market for the things we use to make things rather than the actual things we make after they're done and finished. I guess that's just the way of the artistic world.
I haven't been entirely asleep, though.
There's a couple of trays of finished stones currently out in our garage, hardening up and "curing" after getting getting their finish coats applied. They'll be fully ready in 2-3 more days, and then it's on to the photography and listing on Etsy process.
Always something to be take care of, even when it feels like I am not doing anything!
If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!
Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!
My Alchemy Stones Patreon appeal
Alchemy Stones web site and blog
Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!
2026.05.28 AS-TXT-393/363
