An Arty Week!

This week, I'm tired; very tired.

But there's a good reason for it.  I've been busy and today has been my first day off to sit down and pretty much do nothing much but paint.

Sunday's Creative Market was small but I made $21.50.  I don't really count the rent on my stall as I've paid it 3 weeks previous, and it's been paid out of another account.  However, not for long.  My sub-account for that will be my main account to be using for the rent and my float and rent will be coming out of that.
Anyway, the Creative Markets were down by 12 stalls this time around unfortunately.  However I was told by other retailer that this isn't anything out of the ordinary when it comes to the beginning of the year, it will pick up when the Markets get going again next month.

I had my lovely little stall working well and quite a few of my friends showed up to see what I had on sale.  Mum showed, but Dad didn't.  Geoff Treagus - a friend of mine - showed but he didn't have any money on him.  And three ladies from the Queen Bees Craft Group showed too.  They were really impressed with my little stall, but they wondered why the markets themselves were so small.  I said that next month will be better.

Yesterday, I went to Garden City and bought some more paint for a commission I had been asked to do by a neighbouring retailer.  She asked me to paint up 24 Crafty Pegs for her in Zig-Zag partial pattern for her in burgendy and silver on mauve.  Very pretty.  I'm halfway through the commission and needed more paint.  I also had to buy some more string for the Cool Pencils so I thought to go for gold and silver so that they looked good when on display - eventually.  

So, what have you been doing lately?  Do let know as we'd love to know about your progressing arts here as you know about mine.  Until my next post, keep creating.

Slow Down Week A Good Idea

This week has been a good idea.

I've had time to think about what other things would make my stall at the Creative Markets better.  What little things would make it stand out, what details would make my life easier there for the day.  And how I could easily make my display pop!

Just last week, I bought another card table.  This one is going to be for wrapping things from the display table.  I'm not going to have plastic bags with me this time, no... I'm using the good, old-fashioned paper lunch bag.  Last week, Mum and I put our heads together and I said to her that I've been looking into getting myself a rubber stamp with 'Lynda's Crafty Pegs' on it for the craft markets.  I'd stamp it on the paper bags and it'd look all very retro and old-school.
Well!  She thought that was fantastic!  I told her that people at the last market told me about the bagging people at Rocklea and I had checked them out online, but the companies were far too expensive.  So, I thought to go cheap, but not nasty, and give people something they could relate to... and remember having when they were young - and what better way to go but the old paper lunch bag you used to have you tuckshop money put into when you went to school?  

Earlier in the week, I bought another card table from Bunnings.  I was thinking of taking my craft table along with me, but it was too much bother packing up everything and storing it in the car overnight.  So, I bought another one - what harm was it going to do?  None.  
I picked out a different coloured table and made sure it fitted in my storage facility and then threw out the box.  Otherwise, I've been working on the small detail stuff... I've been getting together the doilies, the extra table cloth, making sure all the rest of the stock is wrapped and ready.  I've marked the boxes I'm taking with me to the markets.  I'm even going to buy extra milk on the way home on Saturday so all I have to do is buy a paper on the way to the markets... there's no running around.  I also have to make sure I have enough veggies with me to make a slow-cooker stew on Saturday afternoon/night for Sunday's dinner.  I know that sounds like an overkill; but last time, I didn't feel like cooking - so this time I won't either.

And I'm excited about the markets this time - whereas I was terrified last time.  I have the right tables, the right gear, the right prices... the right everything... it's been a great learning experience and I'm happy I've tried it out and like it.  And Mum is excited that I'm doing something I like too; that it's something I enjoy and that I'm not giving up all because I made next to nothing last time.  This time, I have some new things people may like which are going to be surprises; and that's going to be the fun part.  Until my next post, keep creating!

Busy Saturday... Next Week? Slow Down.

Today, I woke to my alarm and didn't want to get out of bed... yeah, I had a late night.  Really shouldn't have, but I did.

Next weekend is the Creative Markets and so I thought to get in today and do my last varnishing day.  I painted up a second coathanger and a few more pegs, then I jumped in and spray varnished everything in the varnishing box.
It didn't take long, but I did tick off a few neighbours with the slight smell the spray varnish puts off.  However, I can't help that.  The wind wasn't strong and it was quite hot, so everything dried in record time... thank goodness.

Anyway, I'm happy it's all done.  I can catch up on sleep, put away everything and organise my tables, and work on getting it all done up for the day.  

This next week, I'm expecting something in the mail.  Mum offered to help me out with the ordering and purchase of a rubber stamp.  She ordered it in and yesterday and I'm totally stoked that it may arrive before the day of the market!  Yay!  It'll be 'Lynda's Crafty Pegs' stamp for my paper bags that I've bought... which are just ordinary brown paper lunch bags.  Yep, I've decided to keep it very retro and plain and basic; keep my costs as low as possible so my artwork speaks for itself.

Well, I hope to you see you guys there - who can make it.  Sunday 23rd, February.  9am - 1pm.  Springwood State School, Logan City.  It's the Creative Markets... until my next post, keep creating.

Busy Week - Especially Today

Today, I was hoping it would be a good, slow day of catching up with the small stuff.

I was wrong.

Instead, there was a lot of small stuff, but really it was just fiddly crap I didn't like dealing with, and other stuff I needed to do before the Creative Markets started up again this year.

So, I was out the door before 10am and off to Logan Central Plaza to Go Fabrics where I bought 4 metres of white polycotten to make a throw for displaying the little jugs this month.  I'll reuse the fabric to display the coathangers next month or so that I'm working on; so that won't go to waste.

Anyway, I was off to the Op Shop around the corner to collect a book for an overseas thing I was doing online with Bookcrossing.com.  This didn't take long, but I did get chatting to the lady there.

Once I was back on the road, I headed to Springwood, where the really fiddly bits started for me.  First:  the bank.  I had to get some money out.  Second:  Sam's Warehouse for a box.  Third: the doctor's to drop off a cheque from Medicare.  Then, I was off to Coles where I bought some chocolate and then I was off to Mum and Dad's house after running into some of ladies from Queen Beez Craft Group.  We chatted for a while, and then we went on our way.  

While at Mum and Dad's, I told Mum that I really wanted to get myself a stamp to put on the paper bags I had bought last pay - to make it look cool.  She thought it was a nice idea.  So, she looked up the stamp company she used when she worked at Mt Gravatt Primary School and then we made a plan about the stamp and she called for me, and we had to wait for an e-mail with a quote.  

Not lot ago, we got the e-mail and between us, over the phone, we both talked it out on what the stamp should look like and found it was going to look great.  Well, I hope so... it's just going to be a plain old rubber stamp where I'll need a stamp pad and ink (these two things I can get from Officeworks; easy!) and so I'll be more into the markets than last year... I can't wait!

Three weeks to go before the first Creative Markets on 23rd, February at Springwood State School.  9am - 1pm.  Until my next post, keep creating!

Preparation Is The Key

My brother was a boy scout.

Really he was.  But he didn't stick it out and become anything like one of their leaders or a Den Leader or anything like that... he was just a boy scout.  But he did teach me the most important thing about being scout:  Be Prepared.

And that is something I'm doing just a little under a month from the first Creative Markets of the year.  Yep, I've begun to really knuckle down and work hard at preparing my stall for what it will look like next month by working on it now; well before the stall even gets set up.

Today, I went out and bought two business card holders from Officeworks for $2.99 each.  They're black mesh metal business card holders which will make my cards more likely to look better and more interesting to customers.  I also have bought a bigger plastic 6 litre box for the stuff that's going to go on the table and easel which will make my stall look good.  I don't want to be running to and from the car for box after box for this and that; so one box with all the gear in it will do.
I'll have two boxes of stock if I have to and then, the easel, small tressel table and my soft esky and chair.  It won't be much, really.

The best thing I've done is creat an event on Facebook and invited all my friends on there - even the ones overseas - so they all know when, where it is and what time it starts and finishes and how to get there (yep, it's got a map there too) and then, they can come if they can fit it into their weekend.  

Now, all I have to do is work on my stock and make sure I have everything all ready to sell.  I can't wait to start up the Creative Markets again, it'll be so much fun.  Until my next post, keep creating.

So Much Work For My Love of Pegs

Over the last few weeks, I've been working hard on painting my pegs, pencils and making magnets.  I've also been offered some tiny little jugs to decorate by Linda Fountain; they have turned out to be great little things!

My next go at The Creative Markets this year is next month, 23rd, February actually, from 9am until 1pm.  I'll have a 2x2m stall this time, as I found a 3x3m stall a little too big for my needs. 

Anyway, since my last post, I've gone out and bought a small tressle table, 3mt of Calico and found some fabric I bought a few years ago that I thought would go well as a table cloth.  I hemmed up the Calico and am using the lovely, silky Rayon with a lovely red and white pattern on it.  I had bought around 3 metres of it then another 2 metres and still didn't buy enough of it to make a skirt and little shawl combo... and by the time I wanted to get more, they didn't make it anymore.  So, I was stuck with this fabric; until now.

Now, I have this lovely red and white speckled table cloth.  I want to do more and put together a set of shelves for the jugs... but I might just little boxes for them and throw doilies on them instead or some leftover Calico over them and make them look good with the Doilies - now that sounds good!

Anyway, I'm up to my ears in ideas, as you can see, and there's still a few weeks to go until the Creative Markets at Springwood State School.  And this time, I'm more relaxed about it as I know what to expect from them, I know what's expected out of me, and I know how to work my wares as well.  The best thing is that I'll have a smaller stall and it'll be more enjoyable for me, and I'll be able to keep an eye on everything better too.

So, there you have it:  less than a month out from the Creative Markets, and I'm working out even more ideas than I know what to do with!  But I'm loving how this is all going.  So, how's your creative processes going?  Is your creative world in a great spin?  Or are you working on something great?  Do tell!  Until my next post, keep creating!

Creative Markets... Here I Come!

Yep!  I've put my name down for every month this year for the Creative Markets so if you'd like to come to see my wares, you're most welcome.

My stall will be at the Springwood Creative Markets, which are on the last Sunday each month.  They start at 9am and go until 1pm.  I'll be having a Discount Box every second month for those who would love to find a great bargain, and the prices in that box start at just .50c!  How cool is that!  

So, if you'd like to come and see my Crafty Pegs, Cool Pencils and Magna-Pegs, you're most welcome to - and you might find a bargain too - at the Creative Markets... the first ones are at the end of February; that's where the first Discount Box will be!

Until my next post, keep creating!

All Prepared For Christmas!

I'm all ready for the Christmas Holiday season... what?  Christmas presents?  Nah, I don't mean those (but yeah, I bought all those and they're all wrapped under the tree ready to be ripped open on the day better known as 'The Orgy of Greed' to my family).  What I'm talking about is my craft supplies.

This week, I've spent that little bit more money on my supplies to make sure I don't have go anywhere to buy any supplies... and I mean, if I do, it'll only to get dolly pegs and that's it (Yep, they haven't arrived from the UK yet... that idjit hasn't heard of air mail... he sea mailed the damned things!).  
So, yesterday, I was up Garden City doing some last minute Christmas shopping and I needed to get some dolly pegs and bought myself a tub of gold paint.  Okay, sure, I have 3 tubes of gold paint, but they're on the lighter side now I've used a good lot of them... so I've decided to get myself a tub of the paint to cover all my bases.

Today, I was off to check the mail, put money onto my load&go card and then check on Mum and Dad's house for mail, any parcels that might show up and then off to the chiropractors.  However, on my way to those places, I went to the FDB's and scored myself 30 magnets - at $2.00 for 10 that's a great deal - and a roll of cellophane - which was also $2.00 a roll.  So for under $10, I have enough supplies to see myself through until the markets next February... yay!  I can't wait until I have it all sorted.

So, what are you getting up to this holiday season to prepare and keep yourself creating until the school holidays are over?  Do tell!  Until my next post, keep creating!

Queen Beez Craft Group Breaks Up for Christmas

Today was my last day at my craft group.  So, instead of taking along my craft gear, dressing in my paint-stained outfit and smock and taking along something to share, I dressed in a lovely outfit and took along something to share and left my painting gear at home.

Yes! I went there today to socialise, not to paint. 

And everyone noticed what I was wearing.  One lady complimented me on my lovely skirt and top; and I said I wanted to have a good day off and just hang out for the last day... and she smiled saying that it's good I do keep my good clothes separate from the clothes I use for my paintings and artwork.

But we all brought along a plate and there was so much food we all went back for seconds and had a lovely time just sitting around and chatting about what we were going to do for Christmas, what the Christmas Party was like for the craft group and how our weekend was too.  
Before we knew it, two hours has passed and we all packed up and left to go home one by one... not to see each other until next February.  Coral and some of the other ladies bid me farewell and told me to take care of myself until next year; and I told them that Mum might be joining us next year too.  Coral smiled saying 'the more the merrier'... and I really do hope Mum does, she'd love the social arena of it.

This arvo when I arrived home, I got changed into my painting clothes and sat down at my craft table and worked on a few things before dinner.  Then, I worked for an hour and half after dinner until the semi-final of 'Supernatural' came on.  Tomorrow, I'll be out for a good part of the day to lunch, but for the rest of the week, I'll get my butt into the craft chair and working hard at my Crafty Pegs.

So, what are your plans for the holidays?  Working at your craft like me?  Or are you going to take a well-earned break?  Until my next post, keep creating!

The Creative Markets!

5:45am:

I was woken by my alarm.  I didn't want to get up, but I did.  The morning was nice and cool.  It had been raining only about a half hour before, and it looked like it was going to be a rainy day.

6:40am:

I had eaten breakfast, put on make-up, loaded up the car with my goodies, packed my lunch, bought a litre of milk (yeah, I drink that much in a day) and then bought a paper and was off to the Springwood State School. 
The roads were clear.  It was such an easy drive... and I forgot to buy some tissues, so I went to the 7/11 down the road from the school and bought a travel pack.  Ironically, I didn't need them.

By the time I arrived at the school, it was just on 7am.

7:30am:

I was set up, put all my boxes, excess stock to the back of my stall and opened my green chair.  I had an hour to kill before the Creative Markets actually opened.  So, I took some business cards and walked around to some of the other people's stalls to see what they were selling.  There's some very talented people out there... 

8:45am:

People started coming in dribs and drabs.  By 9am, the place was filled with stall owners and customers.  I had a few people walking and looking at my stuff, but not buying yet... then they'd come back with their kids and they'd buy something.  When the kids didn't like the prices of the pencils, I made them a deal and made a quick sale... they walked away happy.  So did their folks.

10am:

Kellie Smith came to my stall and had a quick look-see.  She loves my work!  She picked out some pegs and sprung pegs too and was my first sale of the day!  She was amazed at the detail work that went into the designs!  

11:30am: 

My feet were killing me.  I was on my second home-made ice coffee (and boy did I need it!) and Vivienne Treagus showed up with Little Miss Zoe in tow... they were wonderful to see!  Vivienne bought some pencils and a couple of magnets and then went away to give Zoe some lunch.  But they returned to sit with me for the rest of the time until 1pm.

12:20pm:

The crowds came in waves - I found.  So there were rest times of around 5 - 10 minutes at a time... this is good.  But I was told by some of the stall owners that sometimes, it's more hectic... while other times, there's no sales at all.  
Then, my folks come through the crowd that was there.  Dad first, then Mum.  They had driven up from Brunswick Heads to collect the boat and take it back down there.  They were so proud of me and Dad said I looked tired; but it must be fun doing this kinda thing.  

12:56pm:  I pack up in 3 minutes... seriously!  So did everyone else.  Mum had walked away 6 minutes ago, came back and I was packed up!  She was stunned!  Dad was a great help with carrying a few things out to the car for me, so I didn't have to carry them out in two trips.

Summary of the Creative Markets:

I had a great time.  It was under cover, so we didn't have to worry about getting sunburnt or the weather.  But it was very humid as the multi-purpose shelter we were using wasn't designed to let in much air.

I made enough money to cover my $55 rent on my spot.  Otherwise, I made $3.00 profit after that... which isn't bad seeing it's my first time.  

I've decided to have another go there at Springwood in February when the Creative Markets come back next year... I'll have more stock, more variety and more designs to choose from.