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Blog Feature on Tango Diva!

  • Jun 19, 2016

Other radio stations should have it so good. Twice a year, profits from the KPFA CRAFTS FAIR supplement operational costs for this popular Berkeley community radio station. So, we’re talking about 200 artists, working in all media, surrounded by entertainment, food vendors, and great people-watching.

The Tango Diva team was overwhelmed.
How do we pick out a couple of artists to highlight with all this talent? After many sleepless afternoons, we finally agreed on “Plan B”; stand in front of the artist directory with closed eyes and point.

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PLUM BLOSSOM FARM
We caught up with Carole, the farm’s founder and sole proprietor, who successfully re-invented her life after job burnout, combining her love of animals and creating art.

Q. What came first, the sheep or the art? (sorry, had to say it)
A: The art came first I suppose, but the sheep came along quickly after, and were always part of the plan, really my favorite part of the plan!

Q. What was your inspiration for the farm?
A. I have always felt a deep connection to animals and wanted to work closely with them in a way that was respectful, and a way that honored them.

Q. How do you do all this?
A. Every year is a little different because of hay prices, vet bills, etc., but I can say, if it came down to it, the animals would get to eat before I did!

Q. Who lives on the farm?
A. I have 27 sheep, 14 ducks, 20 chickens, 2 house dogs, a handsome cat, and one person, me 🙂

Q. Tell us about what you make.
A. Plum Blossom Farm’s website has all my felted soap, beauty products, scarves, home accessories and cat toys. The wall hangings are best seen in person, as they are handmade and custom designed. Sponsorships fund the sheep of your choice for one month to a year, or more. In return, I offer the sheep’s story and photo, along with some felted goodies. This is a popular gift item. It really brings someone closer to the animal and the daily life on the farm.

Q. How did you get started with felting?
A. It was really in preparation for the sheep that I started playing with fiber arts. I began with dyeing wool and mohair. I have dabbled in pinning, knitting and crocheting, but found my home with felting. Felting is so forgiving, and allows a lot of freedom. One’s creativity is the limit with felting, as almost anything is possible. I love it, especially because of the textures and warmth of the fibers. It’s all a tribute to the sheep that grew the wool, making it all the more special and meaningful.

Q. What kind of art did you make before felting?
A. I have played with oil painting and clay for years, but I feel connected to fiber arts, especially felting.

Q. Where are you from? How long in Sonoma?
A. I grew up in Benicia. Sonoma County has been home for 8 years, before that, 2 years in Healdsburg, 6 in Cloverdale.

Q. If money wasn’t an issue, what would be your dream outcome for the farm?
A. I would continue as I am, adopting sheep and giving them a safe and loving home for the rest of their days. In the meantime, I see myself using their fiber to create more functional and beautiful pieces. The buyer gets a lovingly crafted item and a feel-good buzz. It is an all-around beneficial process that way. A cycle of love.

Q. Any shout-outs?
A. Thanks to Jan Etre and the KPFA FAIR crew for being so supportive and organized, which makes for a lovely event, artisans and visitors alike!

 

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ALCHEMY PASTRY
Who created this palace of pastry perfection?

First there was Onie, born at home in Berkeley, California. Her love of travel brought her to Ecuador, France, and Spain, before graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Comparative Religion. After graduation, it was back to France and cooking school, interning with highly acclaimed chefs, confectioners, and vintners.
Circling back to the Bay Area, Onie spent two years working as a line cook before choosing to pursue a culinary degree in Baking and Pastry at The Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley. Back again to Germany, working in a specialty bakery. But wait, there’s more, two rigorous internships in France. Not too shabby, learning by the sides of renown chocolatier Bernachon in Lyon, and M.O.F. Pastry Chef Laurent Le Daniel in Rennes. Onie’s creations show her strong belief in the environmental, “farm to table” ideology.

Returning to San Francisco in 2001, Onie launched her artisan bakery, featuring fine chocolate, pastry, and high-end catering.
Voila! Alchemy!

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PILLOWISH DESIGNS
From her small studio in Monte Rio, CA, Kristin Thurman designs custom upholstery and cushions, making them from her collection of beautiful fabric remnants and upcycled materials.
She especially loves designing custom Zafus.

What is a Zafu?
Glad you asked. It’s a small round cushion, traditionally used for centuries in zen meditation. Kristin explains that the modern zafu can moonlight for yoga and interior design. Nothing is stopping you from using your zafu for meditation, followed by TV watching, maybe even an impromptu table for snacks.
So call already. Keep in mind it’s Pacific Daylight Time in Monte Rio.

Video by Mark Day
KPFA Crafts Fair

Artists are standing by in virtual galleries 24/7.
Enjoy

get your own DIY felting kit

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Ferdinand and Flora

romney sheep breed

 

Ferdinand and Flora

One of my favorite things about having a flock of sheep is watching and learning about all the individual personalities and social dynamics of the group.  I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide a place for sheep who needed homes and that has brought different breeds and traits together.

One of my favorite pairings that has come from this combining of flocks, is the bond between Ferdinand and Flora.  Ferdinand came from the Mendocino coast as part of my Karakul flock even though he is a Romney cross. Flora, formerly known as Auntie, came from the interior of Mendocino county.   Flora is on the left in the photo below and Ferdi is on the right.  He has both horns and a tail.


It is funny because if I had to put two sheep together from my flock it would have been these two.  They are so similar!  They are some of my most timid sheep  I have and only want to be near me if I have a little treat.  They both stayed very close to sheep from their original flocks, until they found each other.  They are some of the most beautiful sheep I have, these photos just don’t do them justice.  Plus they provide my heaviest and finest fleeces in the flock.  What a combo!  They have found their other halves!

I first started noticing that these two were spending a lot of time together about a year ago.  It just seemed like whenever I would see one of them, the other was always nearby. So I started actually paying attention.  Now when I see one eating breakfast and the other is not with him or her I search for the missing friend as that is quite unusual!
They seem to take comfort in each other and I can see how they would be able to understand each other since they are so similar.

I feel very fortunate to have these darlings in my flock.  They will feel comfortable around me someday as I always win everyone over eventually!  It just takes time, patience and love.

Those are some of the most rewarding interactions I have, because it changes in just one day.  I have experienced it many times.  Someone will be nervous around me for a long time and then one day, they let me pet their face or scratch their back.  From then on it’s like the trust gate has been opened and they never have the fear of people they once did.

I know that I’ll get there someday with Ferdinand and Flora too.  Until then though, I’m so glad they have each others friendship to carry them through the days.

I love this photo because it reminds me of Lady and the Tramp eating spaghetti!  🙂 

 

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Spring Shearing

rabbit and friends

This years shearing day went perfectly!  Lovely weather and a smooth progression.  Every year is slightly different and exciting as it shows the wool from at least six months growth.  Twenty seven in all were sheared this time; seventeen Wensleydales, seven Karakuls and three Corriedales.

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I often have some anxiety the morning of thinking that my little darlings are hungry and are going to be slightly uncomfortable even if only for a few minutes.  As soon as my shearer John arrives though he calms me down just with his presence.  That in turn calms down the sheep as well so everyone becomes more relaxed.

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How Plum Blossom Farm Came To Be

corriedale sheep persephone

People often ask how I got into this business.  Here is my story:

I was not raised on a farm. Shepherding wove its way into my life over several years. I was working at a job that left me stressed and unfulfilled. Waking up with dread every morning thinking about the day that lay ahead of me. I craved purpose and connection. I was longing for my calling.

That got me started looking around at my other options.

I love animals and being outdoors so I looked into different areas of farming. During my research I became interested in sheep.
Sheep have personalities that requires patience and calm. In my search of different breeds I found Wenslydales. They have long, lustrous fiber and are hardier than many of the modern breeds. The plan was to buy a foundation flock of ewes and breed them. Wenslydales are a rare breed, expensive and hard to find. A Wenslydale lamb may bring ten times the price of a regular breed. Breeding and selling is the typical business model as that is where the money is.

I am a solo farmer. I do almost everything required on the farm. During the year I may fix fences, move hay, clean the barn, carry grain sacks, trim hooves, give vaccinations and minor vet care when required. Also, I do everything the business requires as well. I built and maintain my website, handle all my print and packaging, apply to fairs, fill orders, respond to customers, stay active on social media, build relationships with wholesale and retail customers. All with a feeling of purpose and gratitude because this business takes care of me and mine. It seems to me anyone who loves what they do can get meaning from even tedious tasks when it is part of their dream.

Lambing season is wonderful, exciting and for me, anxiety causing! Watching a mother bond with her lamb is so rewarding. Although the moms don’t need much help, I am there to dip the umbilical cord in betadine, give the ewes warm water and molasses and get Mom and lambs into a separate pen to bond.

But that first lambing season a fatal flaw in my business model struck. I could not bear to part with the lambs! How could I sell a sheep knowing it would be going to someone who probably would not have the compassionate approach I did. Worse, I knew those lambs would end up in the slaughter house someday. These were my babies. How could I live with myself after sending them to slaughter?

Well I didn’t. I kept them all. I was so embarrassed. Family and friends knew my big sheep breeding plans. And here I was protecting those sheep. Now how was I going to make money? No one makes enough money to survive just by selling wool. Wool prices are so low, many sheep farmers don’t even bother to sell it and just sell the lambs to market.

My only alternative was to start making products from the wool. Felted soaps and wall art, scarves and dryer balls. All products I could make myself and sell online and at crafts fairs. It was tough. I really had no brand or way to get my products to stand out. The focus was on the individual items not on the sheep or on what made Plum Blossom Farm unique.

The first year I didn’t even get accepted by half of the craft fairs I applied to. I am sure it was the amateur quality of the photos I had. I was starting to feel like a failure. That my emotions led me to abandon my business plan and here I was working so hard and earning so little.

It was then that I had stroke of luck to find out about a way to brand my business. To stand out and get customers really engaged with what I am doing.

I needed to open up about my values, my appreciation for time-honored farm methods, compassion for animals, the traditional family farm. It is a throw back to a simpler time. Maybe it sounds simplistic and nostalgic but there are people who are attracted to this approach. My traditional farm is an antidote to the commercial large farms and big ag. People love that I am keeping these traditions alive.

I used a web-based graphic artist to redesign my logo more in line with my values of organic, compassion, love of sheep, and affordable luxury. Then I used that to update my business cards and packaging. One bold move was to make the sheep the front of the business. I am writing a story for each one and have them on the web site. I went further by identifying the sheep whose wool is in each product. Hangtags now identify the individual sheep and include a photo and link to their story. I have been working on improving my photography skills and the results are really paying off.

Customers have really noticed the difference. At fairs they tell me stories about their farm experiences and how my products are tied to these memories. They love the idea of my compassionate farm.

The results are the proof. Last year my income was twice the prior year. I would estimate that about 50% of my customers buy because they are interested in the products. But the other 50% buy because they are attracted to my stories and farm values. I don’t’ think it is a coincidence that my income has doubled since I began nurturing this new brand.

You know what else? I am actually making more money with this approach than I would have if I stuck to my original breed and sell business idea. And I sleep so much better knowing my sheep are well cared for and have a forever home with me.

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Old Ewe Friends: Dandelion and Chrysanthemum

One of the things I like best about my farm is getting to give a forever home to my animals. Usually when livestock is no longer profitable they are sold off to auction which eventually ends in slaughter. I love my animals dearly and could never do this to them. I am willing to care for them to the end and give them a peaceful retirement. It’s actually one of the most rewarding things I do.

I have two very old girls from my original flock who are both 14. Usually sheep are not kept around much longer than 8 years and those are usually breeding ewes. So my vet always has to get creative when he comes to the barn because he sees ailments he never sees in sheep. As he says, “Sheep are rarely allowed to grow old.”

I have to say my old girls are some of the sweetest souls I have ever known. Kind of like some dogs who are energetic and high strung when they are young, the older they get the mellower and sweeter they become.

Dandelion (gray) and Chrysanthemum (white) are my two oldest girls at the moment and I’m so glad they have each other right now. They both have their challenges- Chrysanthemum has arthritis and Dandy has some lung issues. However, on the whole they are doing great and loving life. Especially since I spoil them rotten!

They get the first pick of all the produce that gets donated to the farm. Usually picking out the softest fruits and veggies. Strawberries, melons and citrus being amongst their favorites.

They also get their own room in the barn which is a luxury. I let them stay in the hay room where they get their own space and get to eat all night long if they want. Before I moved them in there they were losing weight because they just couldn’t eat fast enough to keep up with their younger flock mates. This way they get to eat as much alfalfa as they’d like at their leisure.
Each morning they join the flock for social time and fresh air and to go grazing on the pastures. They also get as much sheep feed or grain as they can eat to help supplement their diet.

They are getting used to this lifestyle and now tend to refuse any thing less than the best produce or hay! Which is fine by me because it tells me they’re getting enough to eat.

They still have their personalities in tact. Chrysanthemum loves to be scratched, petted, and hang closer to the barn, finding the best and softest bedding. Dandelion will proceed to ram me in the butt with her head if I’m too slow in getting the grain to her in the morning. It makes me laugh every time!

I feel blessed to be able to give these girls a good home until the end. I really have you and all my customers to thank for that as you are a part of what makes this possible. So thank you from me and two old ewe friends!
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New Scarves

This year I am planning to make my wool lock scarves lighter and shorter.  I was wearing a collar style, wool lock scarf to fairs.  I was wearing that one because I had messed up on one of my longer scarves and I made that one work.  But customers were always complimenting the scarf I was wearing and asking if I had more of them.  So this season I’m giving the people what they want.  Look for them at coming fairs and email me if you are interested.  Each one is unique and so very special!

gray lock felted scarf

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2016 Fairs

2016 Fair Schedule.  If you want links to each show and more information there are links to each on my Events Page.

 

CONFIRMED FAIRS FOR 2016:
March 19-20 :Voices in Cloth, Richmond

THESE ARE POTENTIAL FAIRS FOR 2016. ONCE I GET CONFIRMATION I WILL LET YOU KNOW.
April 29-May 1: Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco

June 19 & 20 : KPFA Summer Arts Fair

June 25-27: Urban Craft Uprising Seattle

July 16 & 17: Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco San Francisco

September 10 & 11: Mountain View Art and Wine Fest

September 17-18: North Country Fair, Arcata

October 8 & 9: San Carlos Art & Wine Faire

November 7 & 8 Urban Epicurean Fest San Francisco

November 13, 14, 15: San Mateo Harvest Festival

November 19 & 20: Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco

November 26 & 27 SF Etsy Indie Emporium

December 2, 3, 4 Humboldt Artisans Fair, Eureka, CA

December 18 & 19 KPFA Crafts Fair, Richmond, CA

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New Scents for 2016

lavender mint soap

Every year I try to incorporate something new into my sales inventory.  I usually try to mix things up by dropping some items and adding or bringing back others.  I will probably downsize the amount of scarves I produce since they didn’t do as well this year.  Wall hangings are going to be coming back by popular demand.

I will still offer all of the same felted soap scents online but will be leaving a few behind when I head to shows.  Oatmeal, Pomegranate, Plumeria and Sandalwood will be traded for Chocolate, Citrus Miny, Honeysuckle and Cedarwood.  I’m excited to see how they perform next to my current bestsellers!