Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Making Time Count or Counting Time...

     I'm not quite sure which I've been doing lately, but I'm going to assume that it has been a little bit of both.  Making my time count by involving myself in several great art/craft shows this Spring has really paid off, but not necessarily in the monetary sense. I've been counting time by each to-do list completed and would have no idea where I was or what day it was if not for the technology of a smartphone. 


IndieGenius Bazaar Spring 2011

     So this season, I've (only) done 3 shows, but it takes more time than one might think to prepare and stress over each one. The Funky Finds Spring Fling a few weeks back was a perfect, relaxing opportunity to reconnect with a few vendors and friends I had come across the previous year.  When Tania over at DFWCraftShows introduced herself to me again, I was overwhelmed with giggles as I was reminded of the MANY times I've introduced myself to the same people...... over and over.  As you might have figured, I'm not really a person who can put a name to a face.  However, if you're wearing an outrageously unique accessory that's a different story and I'll probably remember you for life. I also got to chat with Jennifer over at Textile Fetish & Jennifer M. Ramos Photography to gossip and recount our monsoon encounter at the Carrollton Switchyard Festival the previous Fall.  

Simple Times
  The Peddler Show in Irving just didn't have the same friendly feeling as the handmade/indie shows I had previously been to. It wasn't the best experience I have had, but definitely not the worst. Just a different group of people and a bit more "commercial".  I've been spoiled by forgetting the "Harry Hines" shops and have had the pleasure of being around so many creative people recently. Tania is The Wizard behind the curtain that runs the fantastic website us Crafters should all be thankful for. She literally makes your show itinerary for you! This show was the perfect time to get to know The Curious Cake Shoppe & The Curious Canvas owner a little better, occasionally wish my sister's would have more babies so I could buy more adorable stuff, and talk about not having babies!

Bandit, The Olive Stitch's mascot
     Last weekend's IndieGenius Indoor/Outdoor Bazaar was a blast! I was surrounded by creative and FUN neighbors that made this hot and sunny weekend great. I've recently learned to crochet, so now have a better appreciation for yarn.  Kelly at The Olive Stitch taught me about a fantastic AND organic cotton/wool blend that she uses to make beautiful and super soft beanies.  Her eye for textiles is amazing as I stared at her scarves all weekend long trying to figure out how I could pull off wearing the lovely bright colors. Plus, I HAD to have someone to share my beer-run adventure with. Who knew Oakcliff was dry....well, apparently Kelly did and decided not to tell me. Ha!  

     Ky and Pat over at Book-Inz kept me entertained (80's style) with some music and crazy conversation. Their motto? Screw the day job personality and let your hair down around the crafting gypsies. I completely agreed. Karin with Blossom Shop is my new found twin! Not only do we share similar tastes in jewelry design but apparently the same birth date.  Simply put, Blossom Shop is House of Introspection with a little less weird and a lot more bling. I'm pretty sure I wanted to get to know Karin more when the first thing she said to me was "I bet you're a lot of fun to go shopping with."  Hell yes I am and what better company to share your thrifting finds with than someone of similar mind that would not only appreciate what you found, but envy it as well!

The White Hornet Scout Steampunk Filigree Necklace
  I'm trying to "settle down" and take some deserved days "off" where I can let my creative mind take a break (if it can) and simply just read a book or watch a movie.  We'll see how that works out. I'm not crossing my fingers and won't place any bets on it either.