Today I wrote on the Winnipeg ECO Collective blog that getting artists organized is akin to nailing jello to a tree. It conjures up a hilarious mental image…just as long as you are not the one holding the hammer. I can only imagine how frustrating it can be, but try as I might not to fall into the “jello” group, in this case I was definitely one of the wigglers! See, the thing is, not only am I generally over-scheduled, but I am a chronic procraftstinator. I’m sure that I drove Jody positively mental in her efforts to get me to meet with her and commit to the collective; then, as the opening date started to loom, getting me to come in and set up my stuff.
Jody was persistent, though, and I have to credit her for not giving up on me! 8 hours (!!!) before our invite-only preview on Saturday night, I was in the shop getting my shelves hung and fluffing my pillows. (I’m sure that if I had left it any later than that, Jody would have attached me to the wall and left me there as art!) What can I say? I was having issues with my display materials and the opening coincided with an inventory count that was called at short-notice at the day-job. Gah!
Excuses (and a few new grey hairs) aside, I think I can honestly say that we pulled it off. By the time R and I arrived at the shop on Saturday night, it was full of smiling, champagne-drinking people who had nothing but wonderful things to say about the shop and all of the amazing goods on display. After making the rounds, it was fun to stand back and watch people say “wow!” when they came through the door, and then “ooh and ahh” as they made their way around the shop. Granted, they were “friends & family”, but they looked like a fairly honest, unbiased bunch.
I suppose the true test will come tomorrow when we open the doors to the public. We’ll see if I sleep tonight at all, or if I let my excitement/nerves get the better of me. Of course, if that happens, I can always use the time to make a spaghetti necklace to replace the one I sold during the party!
July 12, 2010
July 7, 2010
El Cheap-o Display-o
One of the biggest challenges that I have been faced with since starting my crafty business is how to display my product effectively and affordably. While there are hundreds of commercial display options out there on the market, most are prohibitively priced; especially when you are trying to *make* more money, not *spend* more money. Spinners, racks and stands all add up to a big expense and are often a gamble for a crafter who is still trying to figure things out and who is faced with the challenge of different table sizes/set-ups at nearly every sale.
The opening of the shop is proving to be an interesting exercise because it is forcing me to come up with something that not only follows my esthetic, but that of the store itself; plus, whatever I come up with has to be both fabulous AND frugal. Thankfully, “my colours” (black & white) are the same as the shop colours and Jody has all sorts of things for me to appropriate. So far, I have ganked a bench, 2 empty frames, a magnet board, a curio cabinet, a towel bar (for hanging t-shirts) and a shelf…at least, I *think* there’s a shelf.
My only big headache (so far, knock wood) has been trying to find something to go inside the frames to hold my pendants and pins. My first thought was to upcycle a bulletin board or two; they’re everywhere, right? Wrong. Then I went in search of new cork, which turned out to be both frustrating and expensive. Ceiling tiles? Homosote? Nope. Nope. I finally decided on peg board, but only on the condition that I could avoid using big, ugly pegs. I came up with the brilliant solution of using machine screws while wandering the aisles of Home Depot last night. The #10s fit the holes in the peg board *perfectly* and I can use them two different ways – head-out for the pendants and shaft-out (ooh, that sounds really inappropriate!) for the carded pins. Total cost for pegboard and screws for two frames? Less than $15.
The opening of the shop is proving to be an interesting exercise because it is forcing me to come up with something that not only follows my esthetic, but that of the store itself; plus, whatever I come up with has to be both fabulous AND frugal. Thankfully, “my colours” (black & white) are the same as the shop colours and Jody has all sorts of things for me to appropriate. So far, I have ganked a bench, 2 empty frames, a magnet board, a curio cabinet, a towel bar (for hanging t-shirts) and a shelf…at least, I *think* there’s a shelf.
My only big headache (so far, knock wood) has been trying to find something to go inside the frames to hold my pendants and pins. My first thought was to upcycle a bulletin board or two; they’re everywhere, right? Wrong. Then I went in search of new cork, which turned out to be both frustrating and expensive. Ceiling tiles? Homosote? Nope. Nope. I finally decided on peg board, but only on the condition that I could avoid using big, ugly pegs. I came up with the brilliant solution of using machine screws while wandering the aisles of Home Depot last night. The #10s fit the holes in the peg board *perfectly* and I can use them two different ways – head-out for the pendants and shaft-out (ooh, that sounds really inappropriate!) for the carded pins. Total cost for pegboard and screws for two frames? Less than $15.
July 6, 2010
Holy shirts!
With the mascot away at the lake, I have been making more frequent visits to Value Village in search of cool, upcyclable goods. As with any thrift store, sometimes you luck-out and sometimes you leave empty-handed.
Thankfully, my last couple of visits have been of the lucky variety. Last night I scored 2 awesome t-shirts, 2 boxes of rare, vintage dominoes (double 9s!!), a couple old books, the original “Careers” board game, a weird stock exchange card game, and a vintage Ouija board* (which I was almost afraid to bring into the house…).
Anyway, I was so excited by my haul that I raced home and got straight to work cutting up a pile of t-shirts that will (hopefully) be fabulous, smooshy pillows by bedtime tonight. Or, at least by the time the shop opens on the 13th…
*Fun fact: did you know that Ouija boards were made in Salem? Heh.
Thankfully, my last couple of visits have been of the lucky variety. Last night I scored 2 awesome t-shirts, 2 boxes of rare, vintage dominoes (double 9s!!), a couple old books, the original “Careers” board game, a weird stock exchange card game, and a vintage Ouija board* (which I was almost afraid to bring into the house…).
Anyway, I was so excited by my haul that I raced home and got straight to work cutting up a pile of t-shirts that will (hopefully) be fabulous, smooshy pillows by bedtime tonight. Or, at least by the time the shop opens on the 13th…
*Fun fact: did you know that Ouija boards were made in Salem? Heh.
July 2, 2010
What?
July already? How did that happen?
For the past 2 weeks I have been telling everyone that the shop will be "opening in July", and, even though I am fully aware that July follows June, for some reason it seemed like such a far-away, abstract concept. It's a whole 'nother month, for pete's sake! Now that we are two days into it, though, July is very, very real and I am *this close* to calling a craftemergency. Or, at the very least, red-flagging everything on my "to-do/to-glue" list...
Gah!
For the past 2 weeks I have been telling everyone that the shop will be "opening in July", and, even though I am fully aware that July follows June, for some reason it seemed like such a far-away, abstract concept. It's a whole 'nother month, for pete's sake! Now that we are two days into it, though, July is very, very real and I am *this close* to calling a craftemergency. Or, at the very least, red-flagging everything on my "to-do/to-glue" list...
Gah!
June 29, 2010
Small Changes
I can't tell you how excited I am about moving into our new shop on south Osborne. I stopped in there this past Sunday to scope out my space and I have to admit I have thought about little else since. Right now, it’s just 8’ of blank, white wall, but in less than two weeks it’ll be full of Tickety-goodness. My mind is literally swirling with ideas – frames, desks, stands, baskets, shelves, drawers – it’s getting rather crowded up there!
In preparation for the “big move”, I am doing a little general tidying-up and rearranging. Since purchasing my domain name, I have had ticketyboo.ca redirecting to my Etsy shop. Now, as of today, it brings you right here to the blog. There are a couple of reasons for the switch, but it’s mostly just to make it easier for people to contact me and keep up on what’s new and exciting. Plus, with most of my energy going into the collective for the next 6 months, I won’t be updating my Etsy shop as often. (Not that I have been lately anyway, but that’s a whole other story…)
In preparation for the “big move”, I am doing a little general tidying-up and rearranging. Since purchasing my domain name, I have had ticketyboo.ca redirecting to my Etsy shop. Now, as of today, it brings you right here to the blog. There are a couple of reasons for the switch, but it’s mostly just to make it easier for people to contact me and keep up on what’s new and exciting. Plus, with most of my energy going into the collective for the next 6 months, I won’t be updating my Etsy shop as often. (Not that I have been lately anyway, but that’s a whole other story…)
June 25, 2010
Big News...really.
Sometimes I wish I was one of those just-this-side-of-twee uber-bloggers that post stuff like:
“Oooh! Something divine is in the works, but I can’t spill the beans just yet. Hold tight, my darlings…I’ll be back with an exciting announcement soon! In the meantime, look at these adorable kitten-heel slippers! Smooches!”
Of course, a non-announcement of that magnitude is then followed by 187 comments which range from "Squeeeeee! Can't wait! Hugs!" to "Squeeeee! I need those slippers! Hugs!" I know, I know. It's exciting stuff. It's a wonder that more monitors are not ruined by the 187 low-fat, extra-hot caramel macchiato spit-takes that I assume accompany such outbursts.
As you may have guessed, I’m NOT one of those bloggers. Don't get me wrong; I can be twee. I can even be a drama queen at times (just ask my fella). Generally speaking, though, if I have news, then I’ll tell ya. If I don’t have news, I’ll stay mum; allowing my poor blog to collect cobwebs and dust bunnies from sheer neglect.
:brushes away the cobwebs:
So, my…uh…darlings, I have news! After much mulling (thoughts, not wine), I have decided to join an “eco-craft collective”. I’m still vague on a few of the finer points, but I can tell you that the group will be comprised of some very clever/creative/crafty chicks, the shop will be located on Osborne in the old Ken Segal Gallery space, everything for sale in the shop will be eco-fabulous…and it’s opening soon. Like, really soon. Like, I-gotta-get-busy-and-make-some-product soon. (I think July 10th is what we’re shooting for…)
I’ll have more details and updates for you as we get closer to the opening date, but, like I said, I have to get my craft-on. Wish as I might, those domino pins ain't gonna make themselves while I sit here thinking up ways to make people "squeeee".
On that note, here are some fabulous, kitten-heel slippers to look at while you wait…
Smooches! (I couldn’t resist.)
“Oooh! Something divine is in the works, but I can’t spill the beans just yet. Hold tight, my darlings…I’ll be back with an exciting announcement soon! In the meantime, look at these adorable kitten-heel slippers! Smooches!”
Of course, a non-announcement of that magnitude is then followed by 187 comments which range from "Squeeeeee! Can't wait! Hugs!" to "Squeeeee! I need those slippers! Hugs!" I know, I know. It's exciting stuff. It's a wonder that more monitors are not ruined by the 187 low-fat, extra-hot caramel macchiato spit-takes that I assume accompany such outbursts.
As you may have guessed, I’m NOT one of those bloggers. Don't get me wrong; I can be twee. I can even be a drama queen at times (just ask my fella). Generally speaking, though, if I have news, then I’ll tell ya. If I don’t have news, I’ll stay mum; allowing my poor blog to collect cobwebs and dust bunnies from sheer neglect.
:brushes away the cobwebs:
So, my…uh…darlings, I have news! After much mulling (thoughts, not wine), I have decided to join an “eco-craft collective”. I’m still vague on a few of the finer points, but I can tell you that the group will be comprised of some very clever/creative/crafty chicks, the shop will be located on Osborne in the old Ken Segal Gallery space, everything for sale in the shop will be eco-fabulous…and it’s opening soon. Like, really soon. Like, I-gotta-get-busy-and-make-some-product soon. (I think July 10th is what we’re shooting for…)
I’ll have more details and updates for you as we get closer to the opening date, but, like I said, I have to get my craft-on. Wish as I might, those domino pins ain't gonna make themselves while I sit here thinking up ways to make people "squeeee".
On that note, here are some fabulous, kitten-heel slippers to look at while you wait…
Smooches! (I couldn’t resist.)
June 15, 2010
Sharing Craft - Wednesday, June 16
I'm really looking forward to this event, which is happening tomorrow night at McNally Robinson. I'll be bringing my Domino pins and pendants, new Scrabble pendants, and upcycled t-shirt "spaghetti" necklaces and bracelets.
I think it's going to be a really interesting mix of items, as all of us are a little bit left-of-centre when it comes to jewelry-making, and definitely worth checking out!
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library invite all crafters - the veteran and beginner - to drop in between 7:00-9:00 pm in this casual and creative environment where you are encouraged to share your craft challenges and joys with skilled crafters from MCML. This is a special session dedicated to the art of jewelry making featuring Rebecca Hadfield and her creatively recycled and whimsical creations, environmentally friendly jewelry courtesy of Ruth Schulz Smith, Studio Lune’s own Melanie Welsey who is known for jewelry made of everything from beads & charms to leather, and leather and feather creations from Sigourney Burnell. MCML is dedicated to the study, preservation and an understanding of craft and to the promotion of the work of craft artists. Sharing Craft has become a great way to meet those goals.
Sharing Craft Wednesday Jun 16 2010 7:00 pm, McNally Robinson Grant Park in the Travel Alcove
I think it's going to be a really interesting mix of items, as all of us are a little bit left-of-centre when it comes to jewelry-making, and definitely worth checking out!
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library invite all crafters - the veteran and beginner - to drop in between 7:00-9:00 pm in this casual and creative environment where you are encouraged to share your craft challenges and joys with skilled crafters from MCML. This is a special session dedicated to the art of jewelry making featuring Rebecca Hadfield and her creatively recycled and whimsical creations, environmentally friendly jewelry courtesy of Ruth Schulz Smith, Studio Lune’s own Melanie Welsey who is known for jewelry made of everything from beads & charms to leather, and leather and feather creations from Sigourney Burnell. MCML is dedicated to the study, preservation and an understanding of craft and to the promotion of the work of craft artists. Sharing Craft has become a great way to meet those goals.
Sharing Craft Wednesday Jun 16 2010 7:00 pm, McNally Robinson Grant Park in the Travel Alcove
Re:mix Re:cap
I must've been flying high after the Stitch & Bitch because I totally forgot to come back here and blog about how it went.
In a word: great! We had about a dozen S&B'ers out for the afternoon and fun was had by all. It was a really mixed group and I think everyone really got into it. They all left with a completed project*, so that's something! In a fabulous show of support, my good friend Ruth and her daughter came out and cranked out 3 or 4 projects between them. Had they been the only ones there, it would have been a good time, but they turned out to be the proverbial cherries-on-top of a an awesome afternoon.
The event was over at 4, but I ended up staying a little longer to chat with Tracy while she finished off her dress project. While we were talking, I think we may have come up with a plan to have another altered-clothing day in the fall. Fingers crossed!
* I made 2 halters, an empire-waist t, a skirt, a couple necklaces, and a rockin' altered Rolling Stones shirt (which turned out so good that I am going to whip up a few more just like it to sell). All in the interest of demonstrating, of course. ;-)
In a word: great! We had about a dozen S&B'ers out for the afternoon and fun was had by all. It was a really mixed group and I think everyone really got into it. They all left with a completed project*, so that's something! In a fabulous show of support, my good friend Ruth and her daughter came out and cranked out 3 or 4 projects between them. Had they been the only ones there, it would have been a good time, but they turned out to be the proverbial cherries-on-top of a an awesome afternoon.
The event was over at 4, but I ended up staying a little longer to chat with Tracy while she finished off her dress project. While we were talking, I think we may have come up with a plan to have another altered-clothing day in the fall. Fingers crossed!
* I made 2 halters, an empire-waist t, a skirt, a couple necklaces, and a rockin' altered Rolling Stones shirt (which turned out so good that I am going to whip up a few more just like it to sell). All in the interest of demonstrating, of course. ;-)
June 4, 2010
Remix - tomorrow!
Let's see...
T-shirts - check
Scissors - check
Sewing machine - check
Illustrated instruction sheets - check
Anticipation - check
Excitement - check
Nerves - check
Well, I think I'm all ready for tomorrow's Stitch 'n' Bitch at MAWA. I have more than a half-dozen projects for people to choose from. Ironically, only two require actual stitching. I'll just have to make up for that with a little extra bitching. I kid.
But, seriously, I have some really cool, fun ideas for restyling plain ol' shirts. Now I just have to worry about whether or not people actually show up...
Stitch 'n Bitch with Rebecca Hadfield: T-shirt Restyling
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA)
Street: 611 Main Street
T-shirts - check
Scissors - check
Sewing machine - check
Illustrated instruction sheets - check
Anticipation - check
Excitement - check
Nerves - check
Well, I think I'm all ready for tomorrow's Stitch 'n' Bitch at MAWA. I have more than a half-dozen projects for people to choose from. Ironically, only two require actual stitching. I'll just have to make up for that with a little extra bitching. I kid.
But, seriously, I have some really cool, fun ideas for restyling plain ol' shirts. Now I just have to worry about whether or not people actually show up...
Stitch 'n Bitch with Rebecca Hadfield: T-shirt Restyling
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA)
Street: 611 Main Street
June 1, 2010
Countdown to Remix!
Today's horoscope: You could temporarily turn into a nerd as you get so excited about an idea that you lose track of your emotions today.
Temporarily? What?
...did I mention how excited I am about leading Stitch 'n' Bitch at MAWA this Saturday?!?! The mascot and I made a Value Village run tonight. I bought 5 t-shirts for "Remixing", including a Bengals shirt that I will wear with a healthy dose of irony.
Temporarily? What?
...did I mention how excited I am about leading Stitch 'n' Bitch at MAWA this Saturday?!?! The mascot and I made a Value Village run tonight. I bought 5 t-shirts for "Remixing", including a Bengals shirt that I will wear with a healthy dose of irony.
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