New Year? Time for your Social Media Checkup!

Needing time and a FAQ for a 2011 virtual face-lift? If you answered "no" to this question then you obviously have TOO much time and knowledge for your own good....so share some with the rest of us, eh?
Well, if you won't, I will...via the amazing people at Handmade Spark.

Knowledge Collage by nonfiction tees

Again, YES AGAIN, they have provided me with a list! *squeel* I love lists! So much so that I've often wondered if obtaining personal gratification from check marks places me somewhere in the DSM. Probably....but, I digress. So, it's time for your annual social media checkup! Are you and your business up to date? You can find her full page here but I've provided some links and a small preview of what YOU should be checking off of your first list of 2011.

"follow me" tattoo socks by post

Facebook Fanpage Landing Page
A very helpful tutorial written by Viviana Izzo. This saved me SO much time.

Twitter v. Facebook 
Yes, there is a reason to read this article even if you THINK you know the answer. Because, you're probably wrong, lol.

Get To REALLY Know Your FB Friends Via Etsy
This is an amazing new tool brought to you by Etsy that allows you to search their site for great gift ideas for your FB friends based on their likes/interests.  (Who knew your Cousin Roger liked America's Next Top Model!?!)

Using FB Insights To Target Your Customers
Like Viviana says....absolutely invaluable information.  Perhaps more than you need, but I doubt it. Dig deep!

Making Etsy Shop Gift Certificates Available On Your FB Fanpage
HOW FREAKING AMAZING IS THIS? Viv is just a genius for compiling all of this info.

As I go through my first business lists of 2011, I'll be filling you in with tips on how to really involve yourself in today's internet market. Oh, and I'll probably be asking for someone to hold my hand or a Kleenex as I make some new transitions myself :)

Happy New Year!


-LAWisecup

Handmade Spark Hearts the Pets!

One of my favorite rapidly emerging sites is Handmade Spark. If you haven't heard of it, you will soon enough.  This site is generating more buzz and information from AND about crafters.  So much info, it's a bit overwhelming at times but what a variety it is!  So, Jennifer Schulting has offered a few links on what to give our fuzzy family members, the kitties and puppies!

Australian Shepherd Christmas card by Telia Fleming Hanks

Cute, cheap, AND environmentally friendly.  Couldn't ask for anything better!

Kicking the Christmas Season off right in Carrollton

Please join Vintage Martini, Ten of Arts, and the rest of the fantastic shops in Downtown Carrollton this weekend for 2 special events.  A candlelit shopping stroll Friday night from 5-9pm and Christmas on the Square all day Saturday!  Check out the flyer below for more details on getting into the spirit in style.

info provided by Vintage Martini

A message from the Dallas Flea

Howdy! Join The Dallas Flea this Saturday as it  celebrates its one year anniversary.  Enjoy  hip wares from 70-plus Texas artisans as  well as live tunes, sweet bites, gift  giveaways, and free swag bags. Hope to see you there!

The Dallas Flea
Yes, we're a flea market but we're a heckuva lot more.  Four times a year we round up 70-plus Texas creatives and companies under one roof (yep, we're indoors) to unload new and vintage goodies and grub.  Since this isn't your average flea, we also have live music, gift giveaways, and a free smartwater for everyone that joins the fun.  If that wasn't enough, the first 100 shoppers score a nifty canvas swag bag.  Five bucks gets you in the door (kiddos 12 and under are free) and parking is on the house. 
Check us out!
www.thedallasflea.com

Jewelry Making Classes at The Artful Bead

Lindsay Wisecup Copyright 2010

 

 

 

    It’s turning out to be an exciting and busy season full of shows for House of Introspection (HoI) that keep me up until 3am every other night. But, that’s not the only crazy thing I enjoy doing!  I really DO love my job.  More often than not, you’ll see me at “the shop”-The Artful Bead.  

     The sister store to the original Ft. Worth location, Artful Bead has been open in Carrollton for just about 2 ½ years.  The first time I found the store, it was two hours later before I hazily stumbled out to my car with a bag full of one of a kind “pretties” and so many ideas I couldn’t contain them! Now, I have the pleasure of working in jewelry making heaven and sharing this experience with others all over again. 

   The Artful Bead is not just a bead store.  Heck, some people have no clue what we sell (just this past week I was asked if we sold contacts and plant food, wtf?).    From precious and semi-precious stones, unique glass, Tibetan and Hill Tribe silver, chain, resin, metalworking supplies, silk, and the largest selection of seed beads in DFW, this store has it all, really. 

    

Mandy Ainsworth Copyright 2010

   So, young grasshopper, you say that you LOVE the pretties but just can’t figure out what to do with them? The jewelry making Zen masters are here and you’re in luck. Myself, along with several other super-talented instructors, can teach you the basics AND the newest techniques/styles to adorn yourself with jewelry pieces only you will have; truly one of a kind.

   Each quarter, we have a varying selection of classes to choose from and 90% of them are beginner level, so what’s keeping you at home? Click here for the quarterly calendar and see what we’re dying to share with you.  Easily sign up for your classes online as you view detailed descriptions and photos of your soon to be newest hobby.  

Lindsay Wisecup Copyright 2010

  I absolutely love to teach, it truly is satisfying, and oh so much fun to have customers/students come back with new creations and ideas to share with us.  I always loved “show and tell” when I was in school...and think I always will.  Click here to view our entire calendar, or simply follow a link below to find what you’ve been looking for.

-LAWisecup

Basics

Chainmail

Found Objects with Ice Resin

Bead Weaving

Silversmithing

Precious Metal Clay

Wire Crochet

Mixed Media

Holiday Ornament 

AND SO MANY MORE...

Trunk Show & Mimosas at Vintage Martini

   So, we’ve finally had a day below 80 degrees and us Texans are excitedly dragging out our most fashionable winter boots (to wear to bed if we have to!). We turned on the heater for perhaps the first time this season and reveled in the warm, toasty smell of dust bunnies being baked in the air vents.   We even had to use our defrost button in the car this morning!  All of these events can only mean one thing: its Holiday shopping season!

    I am so very excited to be involved with this Saturday’s events in Downtown Carrollton because they’re kicking things off right- with mimosas!  Ok, so that’s not REALLY the main attraction but oh, what a perk.  Among the festivities hosted by the local shops’ Holiday Open House, there will be an exclusive trunk show featuring my newest designs at Vintage Martini from 10am-5pm. 

  This gem of a store sells the very best in vintage clothing and accessories, from the Victorian era through the 80’s. These pieces (featuring designer shoes, jewelry, hats, scarves, and more) have been rescued by Ken and Greg and fabulously displayed for your draw-dropping pleasure.  Not only can you browse my wares and theirs, you MUST take a peek at the greeting cards. A giggle (laugh so hard you cry is more like it) is guaranteed. 

 So, get this Saturday morning started off right with a mimosa, errr, I mean honey nut cheerios?

   

Oh, nevermind…..we all love shopping so come by and check it out.

-LAWisecup

Local Fruits/Veggies/Flowers/Herbs and Handmade Gifts? Coppell this Saturday!

     If you're looking for something to do this Saturday morning, the 30th, (and yes, that's morning as in 8am-12pm) then you need to head over to the beautiful city of Coppell and experience their fantastic Farmer's Market.  Oh, this isn't just any weekend, it's their annual Fall Festival with so much more!!!  HoI will be there this Saturday, the 30th to display some new goodies that will blow your mind (and not your pocketbook). I haven't even had a chance to take pics of my newest designs of funky and definitely one of a kind jewelry. 
  
   So, before you get all crazy and start dressing up for those Halloween parties that night, stop by for some local homegrown of all kinds.  Some fresh flowers for your party, or a thank you gift?  Some yummy veggies and fruit to boost your antioxidants before you start downing the "adult" beverages? Some whimsical (and in some  people's minds) Halloween-worthy accessories.  We'll have it all this weekend.  Hope to see you there!

P.S.  Their Pun'kin patch is the best!!! Real, awesomely imperfect pumpkins with character!  No FDA approved pumpkins in this patch, they're awesomely gnarly!

-LAWisecup

Dallas Hurricanes, Cowboy Boots, & Good Friends

    As I've mentioned, this past weekend was Carrollton's first annual festival and it was a huge success!  Despite the small hurricane that blasted through Dallas last Saturday, I did manage to stay happy, warm, and optimistic with help from a lot of friends, both new and old.
 

   Friday was a whirlwind of setups, rearranging, lots of lifting, and finally....relaxing excitement. Michell was there to keep me on track (aka remind me what I was supposed to be doing) and was such a huge help.  She educated me in the delicacy that is the Fletcher's corndog AND kept me out of the local antique boutique! I also met Oscar, the first curious merchant to step out of his store and ponder at my odd display setup. I wasn't paying much attention as I tried to carry on a brief conversation about what I made and sold, all while scurrying around in circles. Unbeknown to me,  Oscar is the warm and friendly owner of  Custom Color Fine Jewelers! Ha! His store was located just a bit behind my booth and they provided me with some much needed dry space, friendly conversation, and a complimentary ring cleaning while we weathered out Saturday's storm.  Their specialty custom jewelry was to die for! Every color of sapphire imaginable set in unique matte silver bracelets/cuffs and one of a kind platinum pendants.

   Saturday's weather was starting to put me out until Lizzie came to see me!  Lizzie, for those who don't know, is one of The Artful Bead's most valued customers, a favorite student of mine, and a gifted jewelry maker who likes to try almost anything. Lizzie likes to think of herself as my PR Manager or Marketing Coordinator and she does a fantastic job, lol.  I'm still a bit shy when it comes to introducing my work but she makes sure everyone (the family dog included) knows that Lindsay's jewelry is "out of this world". Thanks Lizzie for the support, the company, and helping me get my booth moved. Val and BBear were there to help me as well, I couldn't ask for better friends, really. 

   Yep, you read that right, my booth was moved.  After the downpour in the afternoon, the Festival coordinators and volunteers were helping all the remaining vendors/crafters move their tents to a better location. I ran into Ken, (or did he run into me), from Vintage Martini in the process and was able to set up right outside of his shop.  Ohhhh, now I knew this spelled trouble but I couldn't resist!  After finding this jewel of a boutique last year (yes, I'm a late bloomer) I have had to refrain, many times, from drooling all over their merchandise.  They simply have THE best in quality vintage clothing and accessories in Dallas.  Not to mention the hilarious gift cards by Ken (I'm presuming). My Amykins enjoyed "The Martini" as much as I did and walked away with a new forest green hat!  After all that fun, she was still able to help me load up!  It was a great (if exhausting) weekend.

   I'll be doing one last show (until December) this coming Saturday at the Coppell Fall Festival Farmer and Crafts Market.  I hope to see you there!
  



    
   

Carrollton's Festival at the Switchyard - $5 This Weekend

  I've been preparing all week for another great show.  This one, sure to be one of my favorites with live music (Old 97's, Polyphonic Spree, and Robert Earl Keen), crafts, food (hooray funnel cakes!), and some tasty carbonated hops. I am so excited to be previewing a new design from an older 'found' box of goodies. Let's just say that Val will be happy to see these babies go to good use AND with jewelry involved. The City of Carrollton's new Festival at the Switchyard is going to be a blast! Oh, and don't they have the most adorable mascot EVER?  This is Traxx.
 
   I have seen Carrollton (a suburb of Dallas for those non-Texans) grow over the past 12 or so years due in large part to the 'newly' built and still expanding, George Bush Turnpike.  This toll road, pretty much built in my front yard, has cut 30 minute drives/commutes in half for a large part of the metroplex. Although I will admit that I don't like dishing out money to drive on pavement that my taxes should have already paid for, it is an amazing time saver.
   
   This year, the city's Festival will be unveiling a much anticipated other form of transit.  Yes, public transit...gasp! An amazing concept that I am happy to say has finally reached us. Downtown Carrollton will be home to the latest station to connect Dallas via the DART railway system.  Other station constructions in the area are underway as well. I had been waiting and hoping for this to happen for several years (since the Denton college days) and am so very excited to see my new home town moving forward. 

  I will admit that a lot of yesterday was spent tweaking my displays for the change in tent size from previous shows. Thus, the promised "display tutorial" will be for next week so check back. Oh, I know I know...but I promised.  Well, think of it this way: you'll get even more info on what NOT to do as this mad scientist, yet again, experimented to the point of exhausted eureka-style happiness.

-LAWisecup

Two down, one to go...for October that is.

     It's Sunday, the day whose night I usually end up contemplating whether to watch Ghost Hunters (your smirk appropriately inserted here) or be productive.  Tonight, it's neither.  Instead of my mind winding down after a long weekend at the Plano Centre Crafts Show, it won't stop to rest.  Millions of thoughts concerning business practices, etiquette, improvement, marketing, etc. are all I'm thinking of.
     Had I not been fortunate enough to lovingly wiggle my way into my second home, The Artful Bead, I would most definitely be overwhelmed right now. Here, I have learned invaluable information that calms the anxious fears of any entrepreneur.  Instead, I'm exhilarated (and still anxious). I suppose I've always liked a challenge. Probably one of the reasons I miss going to school.  (Yep, never thought I would say that either) No tests, no deadlines, no goals? Boring! 
     One thing to keep in mind when measuring these goals: measure them against yourself, your imagination, and capabilities and no one/nothing else. Otherwise, you'll never be satisfied.
    

More on this upcoming weekend's Festival at the Switchyard !
YES- live music, beer, crafts! Only $5 to spend a gorgeous weekend outside at Downtown Carrollton's Yearly Fair/Festival.
Also, a step by step "how to" on a handmade,low-cost display case (with pics) coming in just a few days.

-LAWisecup

A Crafter's iPhone App

The Artful Bead, 2 locally owned bead stores located in the DFW area, have recently released a new App for the iPhone!  This is amazingly awesome!

 

"Every bead weaver, knitter, quilter, or embroiderer has wondered “what size is that bead?” This app is the solution. Precisely sized, accurately shaped drawings of all common sizes and shapes of Japanese seed beads, so you can thread a few beads on a needle or wire, lay them on the screen, and easily determine what they are. Included are bead counts per gram for the same beads, and reference tables for wire gauges and metric/US length conversions."

Read more about it here.

 

-LAWisecup

THE Bishop's Art District Urban Street Bazaar- This Weekend

   

  I'm starting to realize I'm having a hard time sitting still as the weekend draws VERY near.  I'm excited!  The rapidly growing and re-vamped area of South Dallas, known as Oakcliff, is home to The Bishop's Art District.  This little mecca of friendly, diverse, and just plain happy people is host to The Make Studio's 11th Urban Street Bazaar this weekend.

  Happy. That simple word is really what comes to mind to describe the people perusing the indie boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, florists, sweet shops, delis, and fantastic restaurants/bars.  Really, if you think about it,  it has always been the people who make the places.  No matter how cool or fashionable a venue is (whether it be a shop or a bar), it isn't going to be there very long without a following of loyal patrons.  What I've witnessed so far is that the people of Bishop's are a genuinely friendly, smiling, look-you-in-the-eye kind of group. 

 I'm not just talking about the shop owners here.  You could argue that they have an "agenda" because they're running a business.  But, I would wager that one visit would turn your opinion around in a heartbeat.  Just last week, on a Friday night, I visited Zola's Everyday Vintage  (one of my favs) and the newest addition  to Bishop's,(with whom I was really impressed) Dirt Florist.  Again, I was surprised by the warmth and easy conversation that unexpectedly developed with the respective owners, having never met either of them before.

 So, the business owners are inviting.  Is that not enough for you?  Well then, how about doing a little social experiment.  I want to encourage  you to keep your head up when you're out and about this weekend.  It's something I have still have to consciously think about but it really makes you see how a simple gesture, like making eye contact with a stranger, is often absent in our lives. Absent a lot from what I have noticed. Well, that's not the norm here.  Perfect strangers of all social genres and ages actually smile and speak to each other as they stroll the sidewalks. When recently asked what I value and look for when initiating a friendship I named trust and honesty as extremely important. It sounds cliche, but you can tell so much from looking into someone's face...that is, if they will even look you in the eye. 

  I can't say that Bishop's is a "haunt" of mine, but I don't even have haunts!  So, I'll just say that it is fast becoming a place that encourages casual and friendly encounters that are guaranteed to be full of interesting topics, atmospheric aesthetics, and...you guessed it, eye contact.  That's the kind of place that makes me  happy and I'm guessing it's contagious!

  So, if you haven't had a chance to take the easy drive to visit this gem, do so this weekend (yes, the weather is going to be GORGEOUS)  for the Urban Street Bazaar (running from 12-8pm Sat and 12-4pm Sun) and check out not only the one of a kind handmade vendors on the streets, but stop to visit a new boutique and restaurant, or 2...you might just find a new favorite.    

I'll be there, so make sure to stop by and say "hi!"

-LAWisecup

Steampunk creme de la creme

Well, I got myself in trouble today....again.

I was headed to Ft. Worth to visit family when billboard marketing took control of my vehicle, made me exit the freeway, and pull into an antique mall.  It wasn't my idea...I SWEAR!

I was doing really good until I found these guys. Or really, they found me. Their odd, globe-like shape kept reflecting the light and catching my eye.  At first, I thought it was possibly a compass, or eyeglasses, or....


Oh no, these guys are MUCH cooler than that.  These globe-like pocketwatches fit in the palm of your hand, have a tassel, are made of brass, are see-thru on both sides, and scream "make me into a pendant!" I couldn't resist.  This is Steampunk creme de la creme. Yummy!

I've been playing in the garage again!

CCL HoI. All Rights Reserved 2010.

    My most recent Disaster  produced some awesome bangles that I'm in love with.  I usually wear 2 or 3 at a time and have been constantly rearranging little piles of beads/charms/etc. that I think create a theme for each bracelet.  This line of bangles I have named "Karma Charm" based on the first one I made for myself that incorporated a hand milagro. (More about milagros in the next post). Each bangle is made of copper, sterling, and brass with handmade patina goodies, vintage chain, stone, glass, or genuine African trade beads from the 19th cent. Having so many different types of material in a single piece makes me ecstatic!

CCL HoI. All Rights Reserved 2010.

     The heat (or much of anything else) hasn't stopped me from enjoying my favorite pastime. However, I am adding to my (imaginary) Christmas list a climate controlled studio. Good ole' air conditioning. Ahhhh, I can't really complain now....two months ago it was over 100 degrees in the garage until about 2am when it would slowly start to simmer down.  

    

     I never thought having an entire garage filled with tools (most of which I'm clueless about) could make me so happy. Most women would consider a pedicure or bubble bath their "alone time" but I cannot tell you how much I enjoy sitting on the old, scratchy, chartreuse 1960's chair, drinking a beer, and staring at a new pile of Disaster I have made....waiting for inspiration to hit me in the face.  Because that's usually how it happens as I'm sure a lot of you know.

Now, I'm definitely not the most time efficient or structured person but I do make the most of this waiting game. Actually, it is where the name House of Introspection came from.  I tend to do more thinking than making with my alone time but I'm starting to believe that's what it's about. When I would ask my Mother, as a child "where's Dad?" I already knew the answer 90% of the time: "out in the garage" she would say while shaking her head.  Now, I understand a bit more. 

 

Featured in...

Forged Copper and Brass Patina Citrine Necklace. CCL HOI All Rights Reserved 2010.

One of my favorite pieces has been featured in a new online gallery entitled :

"Necklaces: Unique Artistic Creations for your Neck"

A sampling of the many necklaces you can find on Handmade Spark. Handmade jewelry, steampunk, metalwork - you name it, we have it!

I'm so very excited and honored to have my forged necklace among the other 10 Artist's creations.  Many thanks!

-LAWisecup

A happy belated 1 year anniversary,,,

House of Introspection (HoI) was started in the summer of 2009, just yesterday. Especially true in the world of crafts marketing and entrepreneurial endeavors.  I was vividly reminded of this shocking fact when I opened my email box this morning to find the following quote:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” -Ghandi

Handmade Spark Business for Sellers blog made a special point today to rejuvenate our sense of self, business, and priorities.  How long has it been since you evaluated where your business has been and where you WANT it to be going? Are you discouraged, in a "rut", or just freakin' tired? This bit of wisdom from the infamous Ghandi rallied my heart and soul this morning.

Yep, you know we are all in some sort of growing phase. It never stops.  Ugh, change...some people can take it and others cringe at the word.  I used to be the type of person who started pouring on my concrete shoes whenever that word was spoken.  I was immovable, determined, unaccepting of what life threw my way. I knew best and nothing was going to change or get past me unless I had a say-so! *Laugh* So, things have changed. 

Now? Well, Change and I are starting to begin a timid, but growing relationship.  There is nothing I can do to stop it, nor do I necessarily want to anymore. More often than not it brings with it a refreshing (or at least educational) view.  So, next time *&%^ seems like it's heading for the fan...give it a chance and maybe a little change is what you needed to get the creativity/spark/energy rolling again.

And....my best wishes to all consciously striving to complete the cycle Ghandi describes above. 

-LAWisecup