And the porch light is turned off

Our tour officially closed yesterday, November 7th, as it has in previous years to allow for late-comers and to keep the statistics consistent.  But this year it's different... 

After hosting the tour for 7 years and literally being a 1 person operation, I'm considering ending its run.  By now, with 7 years under our belt, I thought it would be easier to get new artists and to keep past artists but every year it's been a struggle as artists say they're "too busy".  I need to re-assess the value of hosting the tour, especially as this year our numbers (both in trick or treaters and sales, and therefore donations) are low, about 1/3 of 2014's statistics.  And I thought last year was tough, as I'd just moved and was not able to spend the time I wanted to on the tour.  This year I did pretty well with my list of targets, so it isn't my efforts that were lacking as they were in 2014.

  We're not reaching our potential buyers, not like we did in former years, and since advertising is supposed to be the responsibility of each and every participating artist I fear I'm being let down. There is always the golden group, the gals I know who are telling folks about the tour, but those who share with me their promotional activities are few.  (In case you're unfamiliar with the artists' guidelines, there is no fee for taking part in the tour but, by taking part, all artists agree to help advertise.) 

So, what shape will the tour take in 2016?  Or does it stay buried?  Or will it morph into a smaller but more dynamic beast?  If you have comments or ideas, please share them with me by email, woosel{at}scratchingatthewindow.com.     

In the paper!

Pumpkins for sale!

I just added these kits to the Tour:  pumpkins!  A kit includes everything you need to make a 1 1/2 x 2 inch pumpkin EXCEPT needle, thread and stuffing.  Each costs $5 plus shipping, with the full $5 going to Salthaven Wildlife!  Check out my studio page at http://www.halloweenstudiotour.com/artist1.htm, I have 11 kits ready to go! 

Culture Days Preview 3-Minute Movie

Our Culture Days preview September 26th-27th was successful!  Check out the video I filmed before the fun began:


and, as of today, we already had 10 sales! 
  But of course the official opening is October 1st when all the artists will be ready to show off their trick or treat goodies!  One day to go!
  Here's our corpse bride greeter and trick-or-treater Nancy Klebaum, who purchased one of Adrianne Jeswiet's stunning candle holders!

Culture Days -- getting ready!

It's almost Autumn and the smell of apples, wet leaves and Hallowe'en fun are in the air!  This is of course my favorite time of year, when the colors are just starting to tint the trees and plans for October are starting to solidify.
  Our Tour is on, of course, and this year we are once again honoured to be a Culture Days event!  Not only that, but for the first time ever the Tour has a physical location for 2 days only, September 26 and 27 at our bed and breakfast, The Flying Leap.  The online part will run all month but the opportunity to see some of the art first hand is yours on these two special days.  And there is LOTS MORE to see and do here in Elora, just take a look at the passport (below).  We are "brightspot" #8:

The B&B part of our house is in the process of being transformed into our informational, demonstration and art areas.  Here is a picture of the sun room with all the Culture Days and Studio Tour (also on the same weekend) information and my bat conservation display. The two little bags contain stickers and bat cut outs for little hands to take home, while I have the true-or-false bat game on the table and lots of informative pamphlets.  I hope to spread my love of bats and dispel negative superstitions about these amazing and gravely in trouble creatures.  (By the way, Ontario has 8 different species:  come and learn about them!)

  And of course the Corpse Bride is excited to welcome everyone to our home!  (She may stay up in our entry way until Hallowe'en: she's a great g-hostess!)  Watch for her at the Culture Days Kickoff Friday night from 6:00 - 11:00 at the Fergus Grand Theatre!  

  And a huge round of applause to our Cultural Coordinator, Fergus & Elora Tourism, Elizabeth Bender!  She's pulled together a real "cornucopia of culture" and made it easy to be a part of this incredible group!  Thank you, Elizabeth!

   

Back from the dead

Boo!  It's time to start thinking about Spring... er:  Hallowe'en!!  Yes, indeed, I just created our 2015 Facebook event page and our 2015 Culture Days event page!  Take a look!  
  And now I need artists!  Contact me if you'd like to take part, and this year we are going to have a physical location for our Culture Days preview:  Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm come to the Flying Leap Bed and Breakfast to see our art, hear about our passions and be dazzled by the creative process!