How was the Show?

I'm not sure I can really answer that.  There were some good things, there were some not so good things.

I'll share pictures and some thoughts.

I arrived and was told I could pick from five tables they had cleared off.  I could use any props I could find in the store.  Considering I really had no idea what I was doing it was pretty hectic and stressful.  I'd brought my own props and thought they looked pretty crappy next to the sleek West Elm stuff.  I guess in hindsight, I should have taken a look at their website and had some idea of what I could use before I got there.

Luckily my dad and my daughter came and they helped pull things together for me.

The staff as West Elm was really nice, except for one sales girl who seemed bothered by all of us.  Oh well.

It was fun meeting some customers and fellow etsians.  I had a few sales as long as the crowd came through, but, weirdly, there was no traffic after 8.  None,  no one, zilch, nada, niet,  not one person walked into the store after 8.  I mentioned this to my husband when I came home (he had visited) he said all of the surrounding stores closed at 8.  There were only restaurants and clubs remaining open.  That explains a lot.

Now, I am glad I met all the lovely people I met but, measuring that against all the time, expense, time, things put on hold to prepare, etc...I just don't know if it was worth it.

(haha...and the west elm manager who took our picture I guess didn't want my face in it.   )

Status on Show Preparations

The purpose of this post was to show you all how much I have accomplished in getting ready for the show.  I feel between orders I have been working hard to get things done; however, when it is all laid out....it doesn't look like much.  AND add to the fact that the little stacking rings and the bangle bracelets were made by my dad, it really doesn't look like much.

So, anyway, this is where I'm at now with two weeks to go and a holiday, three football games (possibly four if they win, ugh playoffs) and all the other assundries such as displays, cards, prep etc.  *sigh*

I must say I am still excited though.  It will be an adventure!

These are the earrings so far.  I'm hoping to have more of each made by the show.  

I'm using my amazing labradorite stones and a little druzy for necklaces.

I've been selling these "looking glass" necklaces forever...I thought maybe I'd put a little twist on them. 

 Fun bangles made by my dad.  He is SUCH a help!

I made the big ring and the little rose rings, but my dad did all the stackers.  He has a ton more he needs to set with stones.

Well, that is it...it really doesn't look like much but I'm hoping more and more will be added soon!

New from the Bench

Pictures and links of my new items and a one that has been "tweaked" some.

and this one was tweaked a little.  A wider, fancier bezel setting. 

I feel all grown up

 
Now I feel like a grown up metalsmith.  I've finally taken the plunge with lots of help from my dad and have upgraded from my little propane micro torch to a professional acetylene torch.  I should have done this a long time ago but I was afraid of the huge tank of flammable, explosive gas sitting at my feet.

Now, it's no big deal.  Its a much gentler, hotter flame.  I think its going to make a big improvement in my pieces. 

and please don't look at my messy bench.  It looks disorganized but I have a system...I promise!

Its only a coincidence its almost Halloween

because this is not for halloween.

My daughters are HUGE fans of Japanese Anime.  T.V. shows, anime books, etc.  Well, this weekend was a Anime convention called "Onicon".  This is a convention that has lots of things related to Anime, video games, books, etc.  There are speakers, games (like live chess where you have to simulate a battle if you are taken) concerts, lectures, and celebrities (not Kardashian like thank-GOD!  my daughter was goo-goo over a Japanese composer!  yay)

My daughters dressed up to go.  Here is how they looked:

and this is who they were supposed to be:

The second day only my youngest dressed up (the older sister had gone Friday night and was tired of wearing all the gear) as this:

and this is who she was supposed to be:

This mask was made by my middle daughter. 

I posted these pictures on Facebook and got a lot of, um, how do you say, questions from people at church this morning.  Yes, it is geeky, yes they are nerds, which they proudly embrace, yes it is not mainstream but I think it is awesome.  When there are so many kids out drinking and being wild, I must say I embrace this fully! 

Let Geekdom Reign!   ...besides, nerds own the world, didn't you know that?