Off The Chain - Sketchbook

Since it has nothing to do with Chainmaille, I figure any posts I make on other topics will be titled as such. Clever, aren't I?

sketch done using Prismacolor fine line markers, highlighters, and a white out pen

Apologies for not keeping up with this blog better. I often times find myself bereft of words, and my camera has been less than cooperative in recent months. I've been trying to jump start my creative juices lately, and even though I dont consider myself a great artist by any means, I do have fun sketching now and again. Lately I've been heavily inspired by quite a few mixed media artists, and I love posts where they share what theyre doodling, so there you have my motivation for this little scribble.

I'd like to point out, I have finally learned how to incorporate my twitter feed on the blog! Check out the left side bar. If you want to join me on twitter I'd be delighted. I'm still learning how to use that though, too.

I will do my utmost to get some photos of the newer jewelry pieces I've been working on to share with you, soon. In the mean time, please enjoy my bright little bloom.

HOLIDAY INDIE GARAGE SALE

What are you doing this weekend? 

I'll be here - 

(image)

Check out this list of awesome vendors who will be there with me!

MAYDAY MAYDAY

I've been quiet on the blog these days - but I have news to break the silence - HOLIDAY SHOWS

Coming up fast is the MAYDAY! Underground show

I started vending at the Mayday shows just this year but it is becoming a fast favorite of mine - the crowd is super friendly, the event coordinators are so helpful, and the show itself is an all around good time.

The travel time is a bit of a downside, but I dont have as many opportunities to hit the road these days as I used to and the trip is always worth it.

There are going to be Swag Bags for the first 50 people and this year I am going to be contributing! So if you are one of the lucky early birds who gets a bag you might be able to receive a little something that for now is an exclusive bit of sparkle. Not going to give away what it is here, but stay tuned if I decide to spill the beans. I will be selling a few new things as well, plus lots of holiday items! I've been looking forward to getting my little black christmas tree out again.

I have more show news coming up too, so I hope you'll stick around.

Blue Is A Good Color

Especially when it shows all the places my jewelry goes. I updated the map of all the items I've sent orders out too -

Make yours @  BigHugeLabs.com

My master plan is getting closer - once I cover the US I'll move on to the rest of the world

What A Funky Time

Yesterday I got up bright and early and packed my car to head to the Everson Museum for the 3rd Funky Flea. By 8:30 we were finally parked (after circling the block twice) and unloading. I managed to get my tent fixed, so I was able to finally use for a show! I put the bent side at the back so hopefully it wasn't noticeable.

I was a little worried about the weather, but other than a few blustery gusts of wind, it was fantastic all day. There was a great crowd of people, both customers and other vendors I got to chat with.

It was a little different being able to set up TWO tables, since I've been so used to the limited space at the Indie Garage Sale. I almost didn't know where to put things - and I realized I really need to do some work on my display. There are two other shows I applied to for this year and they are also bigger sized booths, so  coming up with new ideas will keep me busy.

I loved that the event was at the Everson. Such a great location - 

There was a good mix of vendors selling vintage items, artwork, and other handmade crafts - I'm always tempted to buy so much, but this time I managed to keep my spending pretty low - I got a dress for little M from Sleevescape, and 2 silver trays from a booth 2 spots down from me.

The food vendors were fantastic - Darwin had the BEST turkey clubs, and Roji Tea Lounge  had some delicious libations to enjoy.

 In closing, here are some more photos of my booth -

Did you go to the Funky Flea? What did you think? What did you buy? I'd love to hear. Also, any suggestions for my booth layout are more than welcome.

Stay Funky

2012 Shop Goals

Recently I posted on my facebook page that I had completed one of my shop goals for the year by submitting one of my pieces to a contest. I figured I'd share some of the others with you too:

1. Make an awesome chainmaille belt (for me, first, then possibly production pieces)
2. Create a website - I've been thinking lately of doing a stand alone site instead of using Etsy
3. Start and finish a "picture a day" project - maybe a weave a day? or whatever it is I make?
4. Blog at least once a week (ok - this one leaves much to be desired, but I'm working on it)
5. Take a class
6. Teach a class
7. Do 4-5 shows/year
8. Attend a workshop
9. Work on creating "my brand"
10. Enter at least 1 competition/contest
11. Create a brochure/catalog for my jewelry

(Italics are items in progress)

I've got a few new items in the works, and a giveaway idea or two, so stay tuned! I'm on facebook regularly, and you can also find me on Twitter if you ever have any questions. I'd love to hear from you.

Small Victories

Remember the state of my workbench that I shared with you last time?

Well, here's what it looks like now - 

(Forgive the poor quality cell phone pic)

Granted, at the moment it's only because I have shows the next two weekends, so I had to clean the table to take it with me. I'll take my wins where I can get them.

This also means I'll have a clean slate when I get back to business! I'm planning to reorganize this room anyways, so it's helpful that the big stuff will be moved out of my way. I love a good spring cleaning, and I've had a very bad case of cabin fever for a while now.

I'm plugging away on last minute details for the Indie Garage Sale, but I hope to be all finished by friday when I pack my car and head out to happy valley. If you're in the area I hope to see you there!

Photo from Indie Garage Sale