It's been a while!

I didn't even realize it had been over 2 weeks since I posted last! Well, I've been busy.. not only with the holidays and all, but also with Heavy Petals! I'm trying to create as much as possible in preparation for possible shows that I want to sign up for - most importantly the Renegade Craft Fair. They haven't even released their 2012 dates yet but it will most likely be in September so I've got a while but it's been a dream of mine since I went years ago. I think my work would fit (and sell) really well. One downfall: it costs $400 for a table and you have to bring your own full setup. But if my best friend Laura comes up with some brilliant crafts (which I'm sure she will!) then we will split a table which is much more reasonable, and she has everything for the setup. Perfect!

I scored an AMAZING lot of vintage buttons from Ebay for waaaaaay less than I should've paid. All colors including gold and silver, some were even bakelite which are rare and have a higher resale value. I'm just making use of them along with some great vintage feedsack fabric I got off of Etsy to make these..

Vintage yoyo button
pendant necklaces

Also something I'm very proud of is my new spinning earring rack to use for shows. I was planning on building one with pieces of wood on a lazy susan, but in a very fun and productive trip to resale and antique shops with Laura, my plan changed direction. At the Brown Elephant in Andersonville, two metal wine racks were calling my name. I decided to tie them together using picture hanging wire and then string the wire across in order to hang my tags from. I don't have a before photo, but here's the after...

 

I wanted it to feel a bit vintage, rustic, I don't care if the wire isn't perfect. Once all the tags are on it will be awesome. I also plan to collage the base with some old photos and text from old encyclopedias that I have so it will blend in a bit better.

Last thing I've revamped is my tags! Eli bought me an awesome die cut machine which I love - the Sizzix Big Shot. Only bad thing is that you have to buy dies for each project, and they can run you anywhere from $17-$50. But I suppose you build up a collection over time. So I only have one set right now, (Spellbinders Labels 11) which has 6 dies of the same shape but different sizes so I can use them for all of my different types of jewelry. You can see above the earring tags cut from "vintage theme" solid color pack of cardstock. I also have created a pocket type of holder for the yoyo necklaces in which the chain tucks neatly inside..

Previously I was using business cards cut or punched to accommodate the jewelry. I enjoy the more handmade feel of these, though. Plus they're fun to make.

Now off to enjoy a day to myself, planning to make some more earrings and I think some pins too!