Radford VA Farmer's Market Kickoff April 18th

Sooo, it's that time of year again: time for the Radford Farmer's Market! *dances*

I think I've got everything ready for tomorrow, though I'm sure I'll forget something, as I always do. Let's hope it's nothing important this time!

For a change, I'll be taking my chainmaille and gemstone pieces, as well as my cutesy goodness from my other shop, Kawaii Cupcake. This means that everything will be under the same tent...two COMPLETELY different themes in one place. Wonder if people will be super confused and think I'm odd?

However, this also means more pricepoints and more variety, which (hopefully) draw more attention to my booth. I'll have items priced from $4-$80, so there will be something for everyone there.

I made some business cards today...nothing fancy, just something to give people if anyone asks for contact information. I'm going to get some shiny new ones when I can, but these will do for now. My car's filled to the brim with stuff for tomorrow, including my 800 lb. tent. But, it's much easier to set up than the lightweight one that I had to put together. That was a major pain to say the least.

To all of you in the area, please come out to the market and say hello! There are lots of friendly vendors waiting to have a chat with you. I'll be the one with the chainmaille headband and the aqua zebra print shirt. I rock like that.

Another Weekend Come and Gone

At least it was a fun one! Though hot and incredibly sticky, Saturday turned out to be another decent day to attend the farmer's market.

The crowd was definitely smaller than it has been, but there was still interest in my jewelry, which is always nice.

I'm working on two custom orders and recently sold two foot flowers to someone in Japan, which is really quite exciting!

My next great task will be ordering supplies. I'm nearly out of everything, so it's going to be quite the job at quite the price, too.

I'm going to be using some new metals, like titanuim, niobium and copper, which will be fun. I'm looking forward to using new things and trying out some new designs, too.

Yart Sale!

I'm participating in the First Annual Etsy Yart Sale! It's, you know, an "art yard sale". So, that' means that if you stop by my shop, you'll find some WICKED deals and steals in my Yart Sale section. Check it out! http://www.lunachick.etsy.com/

On to other things! I smashed my thumb while hammering an earring last night. THAT rocked. Not.

But the earrings turned out nicely, so it wasn't a totally bad experience. Which is always good.

I'm in search of a new work bench, as I don't really have one besides the floor right now. Isn't that sad? To have all these great tools and supplies at your disposal but to not be able to use them?

In other assorted, very random news: the "subtle tan" lotion isn't working, my cat enjoys peeing outside the litter box, I've been living on turkey sandwiches for days and I think I'll dye two front strips of hair a coppery color.

Another farmer's market is coming up again this Saturday. Hope it doesn't rain or blow hurricane force winds like the first time. That would blow. Heh. Blow. Get it?!!! @_@

Festivals and Shows

So, with the festival and show season gearing up, I think I'll share a bit of my glorious wisdom with you.

I've done many, many shows, all of which turned out a bit differently. Some were great, some ok and some just plain SUCKED.

I've learned that you need to scope these things out before you commit to attending them, as you may find out some very helpful and interesting things about the event that you wouldn't have otherwise.

For example, if you go and see nothing but cheap resale junk or notice that there's next to no one there, chances are you should probably pass on trying to sell there next year.

Also take note of how much advertising you notice for the event. If the only way you found out about it was by your mom mentioning it to you, you may want to skip it. If a venue spends no money on advertising, how the heck are the masses supposed to find out about it and go?!!

Anyhoo, on to the checklist. I'm quite sure it will be incomplete, but it's the best I can come up with, after forgetting just about everything one can forget when selling at a festival.

Basics Needed:

*Tent (you know, unless it's inside or you want to bake outside)
*Tables
*Table Cloths/Table Skirt
*Chair(s) with a tush paid
*Cash box/bag/etc. with plenty of change
*Displays for your wares
*Bottled water/etc. to drink, unless prohibited. Some of these places are whack.
*A snacky, unless also prohibited. Again, some places have a cob up the wazoo.
*Someone to assist, unless you feel like being overwhelmed and stressed the f*@! out.
*Your wares. Don't laugh, I've DONE IT before. I've totally left the house without them. :
*Tape. Tape is your friend. You'll need it, trust me.
*Signage and business cards. Vereh' important. You wanna' get your name out there, right?
*Promo items, if you've got em'. People dig free stuff.
*A mirror if there will be trying on of items. People like to look at themselves, I've noted.
*Knuckle buster (Credit card imprinter) if you're taking cards
*Cell phone with which to call card transactions in on.
*Business card holder(s). We like to look like professionals, now don't we?
*Pen/fine tipped Sharpie. You'll NEED it.
*Calculator, unless you're good at adding in your head. Then screw it!
*Extra tags, in case you've forgotten to tag/need to re-tag something
*Some supplies to work with. People seem to enjoy watching you make things in front of them. It also helps them understand that you did, in fact, make the items you're selling.

That about does it for my checklist. I'm sure I've forgotten things, but that's pretty much what I take with me every time I go to a show and the list hasn't failed me yet.

Don't stress out, have fun and be friendly! Say hello to everyone that stops by your booth. You don't need to ask abouth their life story or anything...just say hi and converse with them if they want. Talk about the weather or something neutral.

If people ask stupid questions, try not to let it get to you. They're just silly and don't know better than to ask "Is any of this REAL?" or "Did you make any of this?"

Even though you may want to bitch slap them, refrain. They'll go away soon, I promise.

Thus concludes Lunachick's Festival Survivor Guide. Maybe I'll add more later, but I'm at work, it's 5:27 on Friday and I'm getting the hell out of here.

Cheers!

End of May Newness

Well, not much has been shakin' around Lunachick land lately, but I HAVE managed to get a few pieces made.

I've decided to work the Radford farmer's market every couple of weeks or so. I went once a couple of weeks ago and it went pretty well, save for the wind that kept blowing all my displays over. That part=not so good.

I'm in the process of looking for a new place to live, as my current digs are WAY too expensive and offer no room for me to work.

I have no work space to speak of and I'm tired of hauling everything to my parent's house just to get anything done.

The hardest part is to find a place that allows pets. 9 out of 10 that I've found don't, which doesn't work for me. My two cats gotta' have a place to live, too.

That's that for now. We'll see how much I can get done for the rest of the day.

I'm BACK!

Whew. It's been a long four months, lemme' tell ya'! We won't get into all the personal issues I've been facing. Let's just say there has been a whole slew of them in rapid succession, but I'm doing better these days.

Moving on! On the jewelry front, I don't have any shows coming up until the end of next month, when I'll be attending the Northern Shenadoah Valley Pagan Alliance Gypsy Faire in Stephens City, VA.

I didn't sell much last year, but it was such a fun environment that I really want to go again this year, so I'm doin' it.

I've been on a buying frenzy on Etsy, snatching up groovy cool supplies and turning them into even groovier pieces of wearable art.

Also becoming apparent as of late: life is EXPENSIVE. Thus, I applied to be the jewelry teacher at the local Michael's (again). I taught there for over a year before I went full time and they made me stop. :(

Hopefully, my old boss will hire me back and that will give me a little extra money. I'm thinking of teaching private classes, too.

I finished up several new pieces lately, including the Mage, the latest in my RPG series (Sold so far are The Dancer, The Warrior and The Thief), and a really beautiful necklace, Desert Fire (see above...)

I'm looking forward to creating more new pieces for the Gypsy Faire. I wonder if I have enough displays these days? I may just have to investigate that further.

Be sure to swing by my Etsy shop at www.lunachick.etsy.com to check out all the new additions!

That's all for now. More updates to follow soon!

Today's Featured Artist: plasticpumpkin

Ren Adams (plasticpumpkin) creates beautiful and inspiring fine art work that reflects her love for and dedication to each piece.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

plasticpumpkin: It was never a conscious decision. I've just always done it. I ruined my baby book, too.



Lunachick: When did you start?

plasticpumpkin: Probably before I could walk. Both of my parents are artists and I was always surrounded by art supplies.


Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: Choosing the wrong venues and getting told that a 2-year old could do better. Hauling tables, canopies, and all of the other trappings to in-person art fairs, only to have a bomb of a day. Staying positive is important. Supporting your fellow artists is important. Remembering that some days are good and others are bad is important. Sometimes it's a little difficult to keep oneself centered, so I'd say that's the biggest challenge. Moving forward, even when you question the path you're on. It's hard... but it's not impossible.


Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

plasticpumpkin: I am not proud of anything that I do. Chinese brush painting is about capturing the chi of your subject. It's about focus, serenity, tranquility, and modesty. To be humble is the most beautiful thing. When I look at each piece, I can see that I could have done better. Each piece is one step farther along the path of improvement. It's a lifelong path.

Lunachick: What is your favorite medium?

plasticpumpkin: Chinese brush painting. I also really love oil pastels, mixed media (especially acrylics and pen), and beeswax.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: I believe each individual painting has someone for whom it was meant. There's nothing more exciting than helping that someone get that special something. Uniting them with a piece of art that speaks to them and that they will enjoy for a lifetime.


Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

plasticpumpkin: Hang in there. Do what you do because you want to. Because it needs to come out. Don't worry about the rest of it. It can be discouraging, but it will all fall into place in the end.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

plasticpumpkin: I am short, have red hair, and I am currently obsessing over traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu).

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

plasticpumpkin: Thank you for taking the time to ask such interesting questions!

Lesson 4,893 Learned + Prospects

I'm WAY too out of practice to ride a bike more than 2 seconds. I rode a measly 1.7 miles (that's NOTHING on a bike!) yesterday, and my butt is killing me!

I also nearly crashed about a dozen times. I haven't been on a bike since middle school so I'd gotten the hang of it by the time we were done.

Ugh...I need a wider, cushy seat if I'm going to do this. My poor hindparts can't take it. Oh, and it's a kid's mountain bike I'm riding, too. Not super smart on my part!

In other news, I have a show that's done well by me in the past coming up next Saturday. The theme fits well with my pieces, so I'm rather looking forward to attending again.

I've also been given several opportunities to display my work on consignment in local shops and galleries.

The only problem is this: I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with everything. I also don't want to essentially have my best pieces on hold while still trying to do shows and sell on Etsy.

I suppose this means I should get to work making new things, possibly even have a sale to clear out some of my older, more basic pieces.

I just don't know. It seemed like a great opportunity, but I'm just worried I'm getting in over my head. I suppose we'll see.

Now, I'd better get to work!

Today's Featured Artist: arosebyname

Today's featured artist, arosebyname, creates amazingly intricate works using many different beadwork techniques. Her designs are both colorful and detailed, making them fun and right at home in anyone's jewelry collection.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

arosebyname: I've been creating in one way or another since I was a child. Drawing, painting, knitting (didn't work), crocheting (even worse), embroidery, writing, poetry, cross-stitch and beading. And yet, there are still things out there I would love to try!

Lunachick: When did you start?

arosebyname: I started beading over 10 years ago with my daughters. It was when the bead critters were popular. As the years have progressed, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate.
Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

arosebyname: It's been difficult self-promoting. I know I do the best that I possibly can with each and every piece, yet there is something about talking it up that is very difficult for me. It probably has a lot to do with being raised with the "one must be humble and not boastful" mindset.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

arosebyname: Right now my favorite piece is "Linked to the Sea". It was a labor of love and I really like how it turned out.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

arosebyname: Delica beads and Nymo thread.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?
arosebyname: I love it when I have an idea in my head and I can make it become reality. It may take five or six attempts, but when it happens, it is wonderful!

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

arosebyname: All I can tell someone is to stick with it. I have been very frustrated with the lack of sales, but I know that if I push myself to promote, I can pull the buyers in.
Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

arosebyname: I have been happily married for 21 years.

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

arosebyname: Keep creating, we're making the world a more beautiful place!

Today's Featured Artist: StudioMarcy

Today, I'd like you to meet StudioMarcy. Her lampwork beads are whimsical little wonders that are bright, detailed and full of life.


Lunachick:What made you decide to start creating?

StudioMarcy: I worked in watercolors and wanted another medium that involved the layering of transparent colors. Glass seemed like the answer at the time.

Lunachick: When did you start?

StucioMarcy: 7 years ago.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

StudioMarcy: Marketing myself and putting myself out there. Generally, most of my business is repeat business, so once customers who enjoy whimsical glass art find me, they remain customers.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

StudioMarcy: It's not for sale, but I did an Inuit inspired glass piece of a face inside of an eagle mask and acid etched it. It's all in neutral colors and very different than my usual style. The face turned out beautifully. It will be in an ad in Ornament Magazine's October issue with my other AJC Street Team co-members.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

StudioMarcy: Soft glass. Most people don't know there's a difference, but there is. Mine is the type that often comes from Murano, Italy in many colors and is used in a lot of beadmaking. It's called soft glass because the melting point is lower and it isn't quite as durable as "hard glass" which is borosilicate, or many people know that as Pyrex. That type of glass works differently and doesn't have the same color spectrum.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

StudioMarcy: Making customers happy. I do a lot of custom orders and their delight of designing just what they want and then me transforming it into glass makes me happy too.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

StudioMarcy: Provide the best customer service and communication that you can. It will make you stand out. And make your work the best you can too.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

StudioMarcy: I've lived in Wyoming. Not many people can claim that. (I'm in Atlanta, GA now.)

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

StudioMarcy: Visit my shop... http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com I have whimsically fun lampwork glass beads and mini sculptures and love to do custom orders. I make a lot of pendants of people's pets, which is fun and a great way to show your love for them.

Upcoming Shows

So, with summer winding down, I'm gearing up for the holiday show season!

Coming up on September 8th, you can come see me at Chateau Morissette in Meadows of Dan, VA. It's a winery in Southwest VA that's pretty dang awesome, if I do say so myself.

After that, stop by the Radford Highlanders Festival on October 13th on the Radford University campus.

To help you spot us (my boyfriend and myself) up top is a pic of what our booth tends to look like. Note the shimmery celestial table coverings and the extremely dinky tent...

In other Lunachick Designs news, more new maille is on the way! I'll be working my little fingers to the bone creating new and intriguing designs, so stay tuned!

I suppose that's that for now, but remember: Shimmer, Sparkle While You Can!

*Abbi*

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to the Lunachick Designs blog! Here you'll learn a bit about me and what I do.

My name is Abbi and I'm from a small town in Southwest VA. I've been designing and creating artisan jewelry for around three years. My favorite materials to use are genuine gemstones and sterling silver, though I've got many styles that incorporate other materials as well, such as 14k gold fill (which is gold over sterling silver), Swarovski crystals, organics such as shell and amber, Czech glass and other metals in my chainmaille pieces.

My specialties are wirework and chainmaille, which I enjoy most of all. I'm in the process of touching up some pictures in my shop on Etsy, as well as expanding to include a few new lines, including a Vintage line of antique brass and copper earrings.

More chainmaille is also on the horizon, so be on the lookout for all the new pieces that will be coming soon!

I'm looking for new marketing ideas to expand my clientele. I live in a very small area and have only a few opportunities to attend shows each year, so online selling is a great way for me to reach people I wouldn't normally be able to.

Please have a look at my shop and check out my jewelry! I've got many unique pieces that you won't see anywhere else. I've invested lots of time and money into my art and am looking forward to expanding and experimenting with more involved pieces in the future.

Custom orders are encouraged, so please contact me if you have something in mind!

*Abbi*

Lunachick Designs