If you're looking for inspiration on how to organize a craft show check out this article about a craft show Grace Dobush of Crafty Supermarket organized in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Juried from over 70 applicants and narrowed down to 20, it's being held on November 21 in a local tavern with live music, food, swag bags for the first 50 shoppers and a Make It! table where shoppers can get crafty with the BYOProjectors - a local craft cooperative. The article gives some really interesting tips that may inspire you to hold your own craft show next year.

For more info on holding cooperative craft shows check out my article on the topic:

Eight Basic Steps for Organizing Your Own Cooperative Craft Show

If you're a fan or crafter of contemporary furniture, you'll appreciate the design inspiration of Thayer Coggin's new Claes chair designed by Clark Coggin. It was showcased during the October 2009 show of the International Home Furnishings market in High Point, North Carolina.

Per Coggin, the influence for this design was pop artist Claes Oldenburg sculptures of colossal buttons, gigantic clothes pins and over-sized typewriter erasers which monumentalized objects of the artist's time. When you've hit the wall and can't come up with a design you like, follow Coggin's lead. Do some research about favorite iconic designers and look around you for inspiration.

FYI - If you're a Nip Tuck fan, another Thayer Coggin chair - the Classic Lounge Chair was featured in episode 21 - the one with the freaky doctor who took a shine to Christian Troy's office furniture.

Image courtesy of PR Newswire Photos/Thayer Coggin, Inc.

The November issue of the Journal of Accountancy had a great article on the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 7 if using Vista or XP.

Unfortunately my 'youngest' laptop operating system is Vista which has been a continuing problem. I've read in other magazines that if you've gotten used to using Vista and are anticipating getting a new laptop in the next 12 months, it might be a better move to wait and apply the upgrade $$$ to the new laptop purchase. Last time I checked the upgrade was about $200 for the professional version, which in today's marketplace is a pretty good downpayment on a basic laptop.

FYI - Microsoft is sending a free upgrade to many purchasers of newer laptops. My son purchased his laptop about 6 months ago and just received his free update.

If you're anticipating an upgrade to Windows 7, first download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade advisor to see if your current hardware/software is compatible.

The current article is not available online. There is a September 2009 article about Windows 7 available that you may find of interest.

Also suggested:

• Should I Upgrade to Windows 7?
• 5 Ways Windows 7 Beats Vista

If you stay current, it's easy to find an arts/crafts contest or show to enter just about every week of the year. The newest one I've received info about is the Absolut Art Award. This year, Absolut Vodka decided to fund a yearly award to international young artists exploring creativity through the integration of art forms.

The first-ever winner is Keren Cytter who will receive the award in a ceremony at Lydmar Hotel in Stockholm. In addition to the cash prize and trip to Stockholm, the artist has the opportunity for a collaboration or an underwritten work with the Absolut Company in the upcoming year.

FYI - Andy Warhol was the first artist to collaborate with Absolut Vodka.

Image courtesy of Absolut Vodka