Quite Boring

Dissecting typewriters is quite boring. To add insult to injury....I made a whole post detailing HOW to do this. Yep, here's a big apology for that one!

Dissection of a Typewriter

     Have you ever sat in your garage late at night and wondered what the guts of an antique typewriter look like? Being the well adjusted and "normal" person that you are, probably not.  OHHH, what you have been missing!

     Taking things apart never appealed to me before I fell into the jewelry making business.  If something was taken apart or in pieces, it was simply broken. End of story. If anything in my house quit working, it usually meant that it would have to be dismantled, left on the counter for a good two weeks, and then eventually thrown away in frustration.   Today things are much different. If anything is broken and beyond my ability to repair it, there is one only one alternative. (No, not the dumpster).  Dissection!

      Scraping parts for use in my mixed media jewelry has become a wonderful source of enjoyment.  Not all the parts are used, or even saved.  However, I usually come away with a few odd pieces, one or two fingers with band-aids, and a little more knowledge about engineering and how this relates to other objects you wouldn't have even thought about. It's always a surprise!

So, with no further ado....the dissection of a typewriter for your art jewelry needs.

 

First, open that baby up and pop the back top off to see the inside keys. Lift them up, let them drop, poke at them, compare them to your piano...you get the idea. OK, that was just your warmup. Now, on to the real how-to.

Next, you're going to want to flip the typewriter over to see the "underbelly".  Believe it or not, this is the easiest way to get to the front keys without cutting up your hand or inventing some crazy tool that cuts flush at a 57.8 degree angle.  Instead, grab your chain cutters (memory wire cutters) and a pair of heavy duty snips.

 Now, pry off the space bar and any other metal hardware that might be screwed into place.  Cutting each individual key off from the underneath will be your best bet on getting a clean(ish) cut and making this a quick job. For this particular typewriter, this was all possible using one of the two tools named above, whichever fit better at that certain angle. I was able to cuff of all the keys except the top row (numbers) and shift keys.

 Next, you can appreciate the nifty job you did, look for any keys that went flying across the room, and ponder the possibility of creating a market for medieval torture devices made from old typewriters in today's world.

Finally, flip your typewriter upright and get those last pesky keys off.  Can you believe that you've probably just saved yourself about $75 worth of work and wasted a good 15 minutes of your time? Yep, that's right! So, the next time you go thrifting and see that beautiful old 

junker sitting on the table and it's under $20, GRAB IT!

Perhaps you've been wanting to make one of these:

www.hoiboutique.com

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.

    

Spring Cleaning, Flinging, & New Digs

I90 Death Trap

    The third annual Funky Finds Spring Fling was this past weekend and as my first show of 2011, I was thrilled with the abundance of great artists (whom I hope to find wandering around on Etsy or FB), bountiful shoppers, and awesome weather. Since I live in North Dallas, I've had a mini roadtrip each morning for the past 3 days and didn't mind at all...despite the Texas road workers not so funny attempt at a death trap where I30 meets I90. Are these obstacle courses for the "oh so classy" trucks with ginormous tires TX is famous for? Hell, who knows, but it definitely made me keep my eyes on the road. 

    For the past few weeks, I've been scrambling around the remains of last November's displays, product signs,  and the rest of the crap in my garage.  I've re-found (probably for the fourth time) some treasures and come up with some new ideas and lots of inspiration. Along with the inspiration, I have also added another 12 "to do" projects to my List. If you don't know already, I love lists....love love love. Why? Because I am forever finding myself running around in circles if I didn't have one, or two, or three...going at a time.

Power tools + pvc + beer + art = good times

  
      First up, building a 10X10X8 ft. booth for some upcoming shows this Spring.  Sure, you can buy one online (for the cost of my month's salary) but what would be the fun in that? No stress, no physical labor...pffft, boring! So, I decided to do some online research, buy some pvc pipe, drink some beer, and play adult tinker toys. Viola! The result was more than I had expected. It worked. Yes, it has that DIY look, but why would I have it any other way.  Plus, I totally got to play with my Christmas present...a new 18V power drill. Don't judge me, power drills rock.

I'm addicted to light fixtures

     Part deux involved some more math and lots of fabric. I automatically defaulted to the best there was: Mom. Yes, Mom came to the rescue with a serger and her trusty calculator. Did you know bankers need calculators too....who knew? Math is apparently not their super power either.  Twelve fabulous black curtains later, the vision I had was starting to become more clear but first I needed more money and paint....Ugh!

The new Casa

      It's been a few years since I've picked up a paintbrush and there's good reason why. I had no patience. Therefore, everything I would try to paint would come out looking like crap layered on top of more crap. I've learned a helluva lot of patience in the past few years and went about this project with a different approach.  I would actually plan this out...measurements,colors, and all.  This result was quite satisfying. No, it's not your flashy and scripted glossy 5X3 business sign but that's the complete antithesis I was going for!  If it looks like one of those ridiculous trucks with big ass tires (refer to paragraph one) ran over it more than a couple of times then I'm sure to like it.  By the way....to answer a question I get quite often...no, I do not know why people pay money to own something that looks like it has been sitting out in the elements for 3 decades. I'm one of those people and still have no clue.

New Digs Spring 2011

     So, a little more cleaning and flinging led up to some new digs for HoI.  Same furniture, different house if you will.  Debuting this past weekend at Funky Finds, I received a lot of feedback and many appreciated compliments/suggestions.  It was interesting to see how people reacted differently to a new setup and how shifting things around a bit throughout the day seemed to have an impact as well.  It's not a science yet, but I'm working on it!

Cute Kitten Pile Overload

 
  I met some great new (and always friendly) artists and saw amazing techniques I never knew existed.  It was a wonderful event and not just because it was full of puppies, kittens, and benefits for the Humane Society of North Texas. I am delighted again to find that the strength and helpful nature of the art community in DFW is still around.  Thank you for the warm welcome to Spring 2011, I look forward to sharing these other artist with you in the future. Cheers!

-LAWisecup

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!

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