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