Midwest Craft Caucus

 It was a great event.  One that I wish I could of been a part of the entire time but even going for just the Sunday portion was a great experience.  Olivera of Wholly Craft was the main organizer of this event and it came together great.  We had such a huge list of speakers and panels leaders.

• Suzy Ultman
• Amy Turnsharp of Little Alouette
• Elizabeth Jones of Poshta
• Laura Kuenzil of Rivet
• Megan Green of Stinky Bomb
• Emily Westenhauser of Umbrella Girl Productions
• Danielle Maveal from Etsy
• Alison & Nick Nocera of Alison Rose
• Clinton Reno
• Grace Dobush of Gracie Sparkles & Author of Crafty Superstar
• And many more that you can read on here

 We got to hear from Danielle a representative for Etsy about the great conglomerate and how it started, where it's going and what changes are happening.  It was also wonderful for everyone to get a chance and ask her in depth questions regarding, sales, listings, business practices etc.

Other Great Panels provided information on hiring interns/employees, small business legals, how to take better stock photos, booth set up and presentation for craft shows and events, keeping relations with current and making new customers and those are just to name a few.

 Each panel was packed with a lot of eager people to learn as well as seasoned crafters to put their knowledge out to the collective.  A lot of great conversations were started as well as new friendships and connections.  Some of the key panels that I think were especially helpful were about pricing your work, how to apply for craft shows and inquire why did not get in with grace, also how to get published

Craftin' Outlaws Showcase Showdown!

This was Saturday night after the first day of the Caucus.  We had a mini craft show with the Craft Corner Deathmatch as the highlight of the evening.  We had a great turn out and it helped that it was near tornado weather outside so people got to be stuck indoors drinking more free beer and shopping around while they waited it out. 

I shared a table with my friend Laura Stith of Creux Poche who does these cute reversible fabric bowls.

Some close- ups of a few of my wares that I brought out..  it is hard to be a knitter and sell for these warm months so I have evolved myself into some knit accessories such as my Cat's Band yarn Guards, then my Sewing Pincushion rings and just cute Kanashi type hair pins that I enjoy making.

Here's AmyD Sporting the Craft Corner Deathmatch Champion Belt before the real show begins!

The judges seriously deliberating and trash talking as the teams work hard on their crafts all for the Glory of an Original Flamestitch champion belt.  It was great times and I made out better then I expected for this first time event.  I'm excited to apply for Craftin' Outlaws.  If I get in this will be my 3rd year with them.  

I've also just released the applications for Independents day 2011 also so I'll be busy with that.  I might as well commit Social Suicide because with the wedding coming up and all the sewing and DIY decorations I have I'm not going to have a social life at all.

If you would like to Apply for Craft Alley the Application can be found here!

Before the Road

Sorry I've been a bit MIA over the past week.  I truly wasn't here.  I was amidst great friends in Chicago prepping for my Best Friends Wedding that happened this past Sunday.  I had the privilege of being the Maid of Honor, or as I like to call it Bitch of Honor.  I love my best friend a lot.  I ran back and forth in the city, parking cars, running errands and keeping her cool. It was also pouring rain was I was doing these tasks.  I drove in from Columbus, Ohio Wednesday night.  We met to run some errands and do dinner then I drove off to a friends apartment in Wrigleyville where I stayed till the rehearsal on Saturday.  Before I left this was the outfit that I was wearing.  Something a little casual and fun.

Drapey Navy Cardigan from Anthropologie
Tokidoki VS Marvel Spiderman Shirt
Navy American Apparel knit mini skirt
Harajuku lovers Yellow Jelly Wedges from DSW

 

Close up of my lovely shoes.  If you look for these get them in a size larger then your normally wear.  They are a bit narrow at the front and run all around a little small.  Since they are rubber they will not stretch with your feet.  I got these as a present to myself for my past birthday since DSW was so kind of give me a little discount.

I have a few more posts to make from my Chicago Trip.  Sorry these is nothing on sewing at the moment.  Currently my studio space is a wreck.  It is situated in the basement where we have a non-functional Air Conditioner that is being replaced tomorrow.  In preparation for that all the shelving and storage normally surrounding the HVAC and A/C was displaced to my area.  I'd be lucky to find my scissors in that mess.  On top of the missing AC we found our one and only bathroom to be severely clogged and turns out we need to get our main-stack water line replaced completely.  Now the final kicker I caught a cold of course while running around in the rain.  I am a tad miserable and going to work on some hand sewing projects till after the Midwest Craft Caucus.

If everything goes without a hitch in the house tomorrow for repairs we will be hosting Grace Dobush writer of Crafty SuperStar during the Craft Caucus.  I'm very excited about this!

TiLT

WOW this week kind of went by fast.  It has been a struggle for me to make and think of new and exciting content.  Having a blog is sometimes like homework, you feel the need to do something everyday to give your readers something but at the same time certain posts can be a drag.  I like to try and keep up and make it a mental exercise in writing and being thoughtful on my life and projects.  I'm so happy today is a Thursday.  I have so many things to be thankful for that I am loving and want to share!

1. Being a part of an awesome group, The Columbus Crafty Cotillion.  Not only do they sponsor and hold amazing events throughout the year we are personal.  As a group we support each other in the good and most importantly the bad and dark times in business, craft and life. Being a part of this wonderful circle of ladies (and a few gents) is like having this super awesome dysfunctional family that get's along and get's things done.  During my tribulations this week on a fashion business level these people were supportive and on the forefront helping me to get that resolution and legal advice.  I truly feel lucky to be a member of such a elite force here in Columbus.  You can get to know the group more here!

2. Speaking of events that people in the Crafty Cotillion are participating in I am so excited for the Midwest Craft Caucus!  It is going to be a wonderful first time event in Columbus where we are having professionals from all over present to our audience here in the Midwest about setting up your business, etsy, legal issues, applying to craft shows, etc etc.  It will be full of information and fun!  The events after the daily lectures will include things like the craft show death match, make and take booths as well as a myriad of other local events going on that weekend.  I am beyond excited for this event!

3. Final Adoption.  We did it, we officially adopted our foster kitten Rambo.  We went in and did the paper work over at Cat Welfare. My heart skipped a beat when Andy mentioned that maybe she was on a waiting list or something for people to adopt (total lie he was just freaking me out).  Afterwards we bought her a new collar for all her tags and some new toys to celebrate the happy day!  Above is the hat we force all new kitties to wear.  Below you can see her with her official forever family.

4. Spring colored makeup.  This tease of warm weather here and there has gotten me excited about spring but with the weather the way it is I feel the only way to project my love for colors is going to have to be in my eyes for now.  Makeup used is Lime Crime magic dust shadows, Toki Doki liquid eyeliner from Sephora

5. Fresh made Takoyaki.  Seriously nothing beats fresh made foods especially the delicious Asian varieties.  Today was the soft opening for Foodie Cart at the Mickey's Late Night Slice Short North location.  You can actually see the Miss at work through the window tirelessly turning and checking on the little round morsels.  This was the main reason my TiLT was so late to post today.  I wanted to make sure I could hit them up and really make today fantastic!