Tucson Preview & Trunk Show 2011

While I DO have a blast ranting and raving about the adventures I have in my garage and buying ridiculously weird crap at thrift stores , I actually have a RJ! (Yes, a real job people.)  How do you expect me to fund my completely dysfunctional habits? The Artful Bead currently has two stores in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area that not only serve as THE bead and jewelry making Meccas of Texas but also unknowingly bankroll my strange obsessions. (see Exhibit A below)

Vintage Rolla-sagge Chair by Niagra

   Our yearly bash is coming up next week and we've been frantically getting things prepared to show off the most unique treasures brought back from Tucson 2011. Frantic not because we're unorganized (lol, who would EVER believe that) but because our judgment and attention gets blindsided by those "oh so awesome shinies" that are adorning our back room waiting for their spotlight moment next Thursday. Us, distracted? Nevah!!!

   What is a Tucson Preview you might ask? Think of a gallery opening but with jewelry and art making baubles ready for your designing pleasure. Your creative juices will be flowing more than the wine we'll be serving. This year we are also bringing our newest stone vendor along for the ride to show you things you've only dreamed about!

   So, stop by next Thursday the 17th in Carrollton OR next Friday, the 18th in Ft. Worth from 3-9pm to experience the most unique beading and jewelry trunk show DFW has to offer. Can't wait? Make sure and visit our Facebook page and click on "Like" to keep updated with new pics and info over the next week and beyond!

-LAWisecup

Good Tunes + Beer + Acid + Mirrors does NOT equal a Led Zepplin Concert

    Yes, this may sound like I've just had a flashback to the 60's and am about to embark on an illegal vacation but unfortunately that isn't so.  I've just gotten back from running around to pick up my essential tools for tonight's mystery project courtesy of Mandi over at Vintage Revivals.

    This chica has a crazy life but somehow manages to accomplish the most amazing upcycled vintage DIY projects I've ever seen.  Simply a-freakin-mazing and she actually finishes them! They're not half-ass done like most of the crap in my garage!

 

Acid Etched Mirror Vintage Revivals

    I visit this particular page on her site at least once a week drooling over her acid etched mirror mural creation.  Not only is some variation of this project going to be the centerpiece of one of my walls, but I'm also narrowing down some craptastic headboards with mirrors at the Gooldwill to turn my bed into a traveling vintage time machine of badass-ed-ness!  (FYI, if you live in the Dallas area I've cleaned out all of the mirrors until next week so good luck mwahahahah)

Acid Etched Mirror Vintage Revivals

   So, for my first half day off in awhile, I farted around town to get all of the necessary supplies to begin this adventure and it's now 6pm (huh, go figure I guess I got distracted) and I'm about to make a go at this.  I'll post pics of how mine turned out but don't wait until then to get the itch to try this thing.  Check out her complete tutorial here and while you're there, you'll definitely want to stop by and look at the ever-so-popular Anthro-inspired teacup lamp tutorial.

You can totally see you kicked ass in the awesome category. Anthropologie can suck it!

Mandi @ Vintage Revival's Version

Anthropologie's Version

VS.

I'm now off for some Zepplin...er, I mean Zen time in the garage!

-LAWisecup

I'm such a Giver!

Yep, that may sound like a virtual (and corny) pat on the back but I have so much to share I don't know where to start! After spending the evening re-vamping the blog's layout and using my 3rd grade Photoshop skills (thanks Chell) I'm ready to hit the sack.  HOWEVER...I do have one teaser before I head out.  Val and Mary just got back from Tucson with the biggest and craziest motherload ever of beadstuffs, chain, glass, vintage, stone, and just plain awesomeness.  We were so busy today we couldn't even get into all the goodies but I do have one picture to share that was taken while they were there.

I'm now putting on my special pj's because it's better than Christmas...I can hardly sleep.  I'll be waking up promptly at 5am to get to work so that I can start digging my way through a sandbox of jewelry making goodies.

More to come later this week along with an update on my own social media checkup!