Backdrop Part II

This time of year I spend time getting ready for outdoor shows. Going through my travel tubs, checking supplies and making or ordering things I need. As I talked about in part I, I also work on my displays.

 I made small wooden stands for bracelets and I inspect them for any nicks and digs. Those that are scratched get a new coat of black enamel spray paint.

Then it is on to busts. I inspect them for any stains, places in need of glue or other damage. I also check to be sure I have the number and sizes (small, medium, large) I need as things get disorganized after doing winter indoor shows. Then they get packed into 2 bags.

I carry a tool bag with me to every show. I empty it out and check to be sure everything is in working order and that I have everything I might need at an outdoor show. I package some of the smaller items in baggies so it is easier to find things in the bag. Tools, level (to make sure my tables are level), shims (for really uneven ground), tons of various sized bungees, stakes and metal plates for the tent in windy weather, white duct tape and blue painters tape, zip ties, shop towels (super absorbent), rope, duster and a few other assorted itmes. Many a time my booth neighbor has benefited from this collection!

I also check my lights. I have 2 systems, one for when I have access to free power and then a battery system for when there is no power or it is expensive. After several tweaks last year to my battery system I have a new 12 volt led setup. We tested it in the driveway at dusk. It will get is first real test drive the first weekend in May.

Outdoor shows here I come!

View from my Tent - Paper Collage

At a recent show in Shoreline, WA my neighbor was Linda McClamrock, a paper collage artist.

Linda is a self-taught paper collage artist, using a combination of recycled paper, acrylic paint, and a sense of whimsy.  She uses old magazines, vintage sheet music, and any other paper that strikes her fancy.

Her tools of the trade are sharp scissors, glue stick, and old magazines. Some pieces also have acrylic paint in the background. The finished pieces are coated with gloss medium for better adhesion and color preservation.

Each of her pieces are handmade originals. She does not do any prints or copies. You can see more of her work on her Facebook page and in her online Etsy shop .
 

 


A dozen birds on the wire - 8" x 10" x 1". Acrylic paint, wood panel, acrylic medium, primer, and recycled paper from old magazines.

Oh the Things People Say

Recently there was a post going around Facebook about 10 things not to say to an artist/crafter. I had heard everything on that list. I have also seen numerous posts on artists online groups I belong to complaining about the stupid or rude things people can say.

Yes I get a little tired of every third person telling me "I love the way you use sand dollars in your display" or "pretty' or "I'll be back" or "nice stuff".  But I smile and acknowledge the comments. And yes I have had comments that I consider rude or thoughtless. Those customers I quickly dismiss (sometimes sticking my tongue out at their retreating backside).

I feel that the customer is wandering by hundreds of booths that day and they took the time to come into mine. And not only are they coming in, but they are making an effort to communicate with me and telling me something they feel is positive about my work. And for every ten common comments, there is one that really stands out. "I love your use of color" or 'you have a nice sense of balance". Or from someone who did come back "I like your work the best". One of my favorite comments was just recently "your work reminds me of things I see in the Sundance Catalog, except that I can afford this".

And the sand dollar comments (I use them to display bracelets), even tho they can get old, they remind me of a very happy experience. A young girl and her mom came into my booth. The girl was admiring the sand dollars. I reached into my supply box and got a sand dollar and gave it to her. She burst into tears!! Her mom explained that the girls dad had just passed away and that they used to go to the beach to collect sand dollars.  So we all hugged and a few more tears were shed by all. (I get teary eyed just writing this!)

Most of the time the comments are meant to be a compliment and I take them that way. There is always a silver liming if you look hard enough.

View from my Tent - Silky Hut

Another of my very fun neighbors at taste of Coeur d'Alene was Busarin of Silky Hut from Phoenix Arizona. Busarin creates whimsical fine silver jewelry. "Creativity is everywhere. Pick a simple thing and make it remarkable, is what I lvoe to do for special people like you" says Busarin.

She makes collections of jewelry based around a simple and everyday idea. My favorite was her cooking series - earrings with whisks, spatulas, stock pots and cleavers! The best way to describe her work is to show you.....

 From her Miss Pac Man series.
 

 From her music collection.
 

Save the bees.......
 

From her flower collection
 

A camper!! 


Pirate ship necklace from her nautical collection.

View from my Tent - Original Sin Jewelry

 

When I was at the Taste of Couer d'Alene I had the funnest neighbors! That makes such a big difference in the enjoyment of doing a show. Across the isle from me was Margaret Aden and her Original Sin Jewelry.

Many of her designs twine fine gauge wire using a centuries old basket weaving technique into delicate and structured jewelry.  This is how Maraget describes her technique:

"The technique I use is an adapted basket weaving technique.  Instead of using fiber, I use metal which has been drawn into gossamar threads and then woven and twined, free form and using my ten digits with an occasional hand tool. I pursue structure and texture using non-traditional settings to show off bumpy, sparkly, crunchy focals.  I’m known for incorporating skeleton keys into my jewelry and other vintage objects.  I don’t find them– I hunt for them." 

Visit her Facebook page to view many examples of her gorgeous work.

https://www.facebook.com/Original-Sin-Jewelry

And if you happen to be in the Tuscon area you might want to sign up for one her classes at her new studio space.

Project - Tent Weights

To weight the corners of my 10x10 tent I have been using white cat litter tubs filled with sand. They were an easy and inexpensive solution. But this spring I have noticed that they have seen better days. The plastic is starting to deteriorate and at least one bucket has a crack that I have sealed with white duct tape.

 

My neighbor in this photo is using a common type of weight - pvc pipe filled with sand or concrete. I decided it was time to replace my tubs. I perused the internet to see how others are making these tubes. I opted for cement. One addition I liked was to add handles, both for ease of carrying and to keep them from rolling around in transit. I also decided on white bottoms and tops. I used one 10 ft length of 4 inch pvc cut into 4 pieces.

My new tubes ready for cement. 

Cement mixed and filler (old laundry detergent bottle) ready.

We decided to add a twist for more weight - we filled them halfway and tapped them on the ground to settle the filling.

Now the twist - we added 1/4 bag of lead shot #8, which is 12.5 lbs. 

Then we continued filling, tapped some more to settle, brought the cement to the top

 and then added the cap fitted with the eye hook. 

Last step was to glue on the caps and wipe off any excess glue or cement. 

We checked the weight - all are around 40lbs. That gives me 160 lbs, which is close to what I had in my old tubs. I also still have my first iteration of weights - small pvc/cement tubes that are 12lbs each. If I need extra weight I can always add these.

Ta da! Once they set and the weather is drier we will pop up my tent and add the right length ropes.

What to do with the left over cement? Why make a leaf casting birdbath of course! 

I will know in a few days if it worked.

View from my Tent - From Where I See It

 

There is a photographer that frequents the waterfront, where you will often find Beadware in the summer, whose pictures I am very drawn to. They are pictures of Seattle that look like they could be watercolors. This past Friday the artist, Doug Tostenson, presented me with a copy of his book, "Seattle....Where I See It". It is a collection of his photographs that take you on an artistic journey through the streets of Seattle.

His photographic style is described as high-contrast, painterly and otherworldly. Visit his website to view more of his Seattle collection and to view scenes from New York and Hawaii. You can also learn where to see and purchase his book and individual prints.

Thanks for the book Doug!

View from my tent - Rich's Stained Glass

Last weekend at the Sumner Art Fest my neighbor was Rich of Rich's Stained Glass Art Originals. 

His tent was filled with gorgeous flat stained glass panels.

 The Seattle skyline is amazing!

He has won various awards for his beautiful fish.

Rich does panels, entry sidelights, cabinet doors and repairs. You can contact him for more information at sericglass@comcast.net

Custom Shutter Covers

In the past I have wrapped the shutters that my earrings are displayed on with plastic wrap - which is not only expensive but wasteful. Last summer while at the Lavender Faire I met a seamstress who helped me come up with some covers for them. She spent this winter tweaking my design (with help from her engineer husband). She found fabric that met all my criteria - washable, durable, water resistant, a little bit of stretch and soft on the inside. I have been using them since the first weekend in May and I love them!!

I usually am putting them on while the shutters are hanging, but this was my test drive at home.

They have a nice pocket at the bottom to catch any wayward earrings. 

I discovered this works as planned when a pair leaped off their card in Wenatchee.

Their is a velcro strip along the length of the front as well as top and bottom. There are also button holes at the bottom for the eye hook. I run a rope thru these when the shutters are hanging to help stabilize them.

The top flap extends over the hangers. This protects things in transit and makes them fairly weather tight. At a show this last weekend in Anancortes they got rain tested. The tent walls were wet and there were some drips from the roof. The outside of the covers were damp in spots, but the earrings were nice and dry!

I LOVE my new covers!! They are so easy to get on and off and one person can do it by themselves. 

Thank you Lorie, seamstress extraordinaire!!

View from my Tent - Pirates!

This past weekend Blue Fox Glass and I had booths in Port Orchard 

at the pirate themed Murder Mystery Weekend.

 I had a beautiful view out the back of my tent of the bay, ferry and Bremerton.

 We were entertained on Saturday by a family of young fiddlers.

There were many a pirate to behold. Look closely and you will see a skeleton pirate on the right by the tree. He entertained us by scaring unsuspecting folks wandering by!

A costumed participant in the sea gull calling contest. 

View from my Tent - Boats!

This past weekend at the Olympia Wooden Boat Fest I was surrounded by boats!

Across the isle from me was Dog Gone Sailboats.

 Sailboats to twirl on your deck, small sailboats for kids toys, business card holders,

party favors and placecard holders and even pirate ships on wheels. 

Out the back of my tent I had a gorgeous view of pretty wooden boats and the Olympic Mountains.