Lunachick Has Taken Over the Asylum

Body Mods and Kilts, Yo!

2011-09-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I got my second tattoo started on July 12th, finished up over a month later and touch ups are coming up in a couple of weeks. It was most ambitious if I do say so myself. It's kind of a half sleeve but not. Some say it is, some not so much. It covers the whole front of my upper arm, capping my shoulder and stretching down to my elbow. It took about five hours to finish and yes, man. It hurt. Like woah. But my tattoo artist Christinia at Blue Lotus in Salem, VA is awesome and nice and made it bearable for me. I didn't faint or weep or anything...only on the inside, as I told her. ;p

I've also been stretching my ears for about a month and a half. I've gone from a 20g down to a 2g in that time, which was probably pretty stupid of me. It hurt a bit too, but I'm finished now. I don't want/need to go any bigger. I just wanted to be able to wear cool plugs and spirals so I'm perfectly content with them being at a 2g. Woooot.

AND! It's almost time for the one festival a year I attend now! The Radford Highlanders Festival is coming up on October 1st and I'm uber excited to be going...with any luck, that is. I'm running late with my booth fee, but I plan on remedying that this week. Time to break out the kilt and the monster boots and have a wicked fun time!

Just don't try to get me to eat a scone. I learned my lesson LAST year and will be staying the eff away from those from now on. Bleh.

On the mental health front, I feel as though I'm not doing so hot. My therapist dumped me a couple of months ago and I've been going downhill since. I guess I'd really become reliant upon therapy sessions, which wasn't good, but neither was being dumped like that. I'm still taking my meds and have more scripts for them. There was some confusion with the free clinic over my last appointment. I called to cancel it and was told to leave a message after I was transferred to the nurse's station. I did so, but was never given a call back to reschedule my appointment. They're very anal about no shows, but I didn't receive a letter scolding me for not showing up, either, so I have no clue what happened. I didn't just NOT show up, of course. I DID call and cancel the appointment more than 24 hours in advance like I was told to. So I dunno. *shrug*

I was looking through my sold items in my shop and was really saddened by how little I'd sold this year. I mean, it's downright depressing, really. I used to sell quite a bit but I didn't sell a single piece during the holiday season last year. Boo. Not sure what to do about the lack of sales I'm currently experiencing. I hope my day selling at the festival isn't a bust. That wouldn't really serve to help my state of mind at present. I'm going with the expectation of at least making SOME profit, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for the best.

Still a rabid Vampire Knight fan and am currently (anxiously) awaiting the release of Chapter 75 in a week or so. Cannot WAIT to see how the confrontation between Kaien and Kaname goes...or IF it goes at all. And MORE ZEKI! For cripes sake, I need some Zeki action soooo bad! I don't care if everyone else on the planet thinks it's impossible or ships Yume all the way. I remain a salivating Zeki freak until the end, my friends...whatever it may hold. So there. Neener. ;p

That's all I've got for the time being. I just realized how long it'd been since my last post and thought I'd remedy that. Thanks for reading the rambling.

Fangirl Ramblings A Go-Go

2010-05-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

So, I’m a fangirl. I rant, I rave…I make no sense most of the time to MOST of the world when I start rambling about manga. Vampire Knight, more specifically. I swear, NO manga has ever affected me like this one does. It’s really insane, actually. I’ve read a LOT of manga, too, and most have been gushy Shojo romances that have at least decent endings. This one, however, I fear will NOT.

Why? It’s a tragedy. The entire series has been wrought with it thus far. Many people have died, there’s a love triangle that makes my frickin’ heart want to bleed and I can only imagine what further pain the characters (especially our two main male characters) will have to endure before all is said and done.

I almost think this artist is a bit on the sadistic side, but only when it comes to this series. Her others haven’t been nearly this gut wrenching. Even so, I LOVE Vampire Knight. LOVE it. People, I’ve got Zero Kiryu’s tattoo on me and, depending on how the series ends, I’m planning an entire VK back piece. It doesn’t get much more hardcore than that. ;p

So I ship Zeki (that would be the ZeroxYuuki pairing for those not in the know). Always have, since Chapter 1 way back in the day. Zero is my favorite character ever and like I said, I’ve read a lot of manga in my day. “In my day”? Makes me sound kinda’ old…

Anyway! I’ve been kicking around predictions as to how this series could possibly end well for Zero. I’m kinda’ batting…er…zero, though. *giggles* I really don’t know if Hino-sensei is going to give any of our three main characters a chance at peace outside of *cringe* death, but I have high hopes that Zero will find it after the horrible life he’s lead for the past five years. And I don’t *hate* Kaname, but I don’t exactly like him, either. So I feel Yuuki should end up with Zero. Duh.
I could go on and on about WHY I feel this way, but I’ll spare the world that mess. I do have a pretty wicked bias, though. Hehe. You should see my house. I have Zeki pics EVERYWHERE. And Zero everything. A clock. A pillow. Wall scrolls and posters. It’s all kinds of nuts and maybe even a bit sad. I enjoy it, though. So neener.

So in case anyone was wondering what I do when I’m not making chainmaille and trying to sell it, I’m obsessing over an epic Shojo tragedy. *nods*

I nearly died when I read the Chapter 60 raws. I had SO hoped that Zero hadn’t said some nasty thing to Yuuki, but of course, he did. These days, it seems he can’t stand it if he doesn’t threaten her every time they run into each other, which kinda’ sucks. Dude, we all know you’re not gonna’ hurt her. You may totally effing hate vampires (and you ARE one, you realize…), especially Purebloods, but come ON. You love her. You KNOW you love her but she’s hurt you so much that all you can do is lash out at her every time you see her. I hope Hino-sensei finds a way for them to mend the ginormous rift between them before all is said and done. That’d rock.

Waiting on Chapter 61 is torture, though I’m sure it’ll be a Yume chapter, since the last was mostly Zeki. That bums me out, because Yume chappies bore me. But, it’s all part of the story, so whatev. I can’t wait to read it, whatever may happen. I’ve been hooked on this manga for so long and I’m curious to know how much longer it’ll be running before the last chapter comes out. The ending, I know, is going to be absolutely epic and no matter how it ends, I know I’m going to frickin’ cry my face off. Whether they’ll be happy tears or tears of grief has yet to be determined.

Ok, in other news, I’ll be accompanying my dear Biscuit to a church rummage-type sale this Saturday to sell Kawaii Cupcake goods on the uber cheap. Probably not cheap enough, but she said we’re going to put a “handmade” sign up so people don’t gripe about having to pay $2 for a pair of earrings as opposed to 25 cents. Yeah. >_<

I’ve also been (literally) working my fingers to the bone making maille and trying to get things posted in my Etsy shop. Stainless steel is NOT your friend when you’re working with crap pliers, I tell you.

Okee. That’s all I can come up with atm. Luna OUT! *whoosh*

Sweet Effing Victory!

2010-04-25T22:10:00.001-07:00

Yes, that's me trying to look super badass in my sunglasses. EPIC. FAIL.

Ahem...

So yeah. TOTALLY got back on meds Friday and I couldn't be more grateful to the nice ladies at the clinic for being so incredibly helpful and understanding. The doc that saw me also rocks, and I'm glad he was able to write my scripts.

In a couple of weeks I should be feeling MUCH better. Suh-weet, yo.

Mmm. Sadly, we (my trusty best friend Biscuit and I) were unable to stay very long at the market on the 17th due to RIDICULOUSLY strong winds that day. We couldn't even put the table cloths on the tables and were forced to just lay the jewelry on the tables, which looked absolutely horrible and made me so embarrassed. Sad panda. :(

So we had to just pack up and leave after only 2 hours there. There was just no way it was going to work out with those conditions, but we still appreciate them having us!

My brain's all abuzz with body mod ideas/plots/wicked schemes. I want more ink SO badly, but I'm crazy cautious because I don't want to just get something. I mean, I can even admit that I kinda' rushed into the one tattoo I do have, but I still love it and don't regret getting it.

Since Vampire Knight is such a big deal to me, I get starry eyes when I think of having a VK themed backpiece... *has massive squee attack and falls over*

BUT I'm waiting to see how the series ends first. No use in having a back full of VK tattoos if things don't = WIN for Zero. *nods*

That's all I've got for today. I plan to actually sit and make some wearables this week so we'll see how well that actually goes.

TMI, Luna. Jeez...@_@

2010-04-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

You know what? I've mulled it over and decided that posts about more than just Lunachick Designs would be WAY more interesting, so here we go with a non-Etsy shop post! Wootz!

So not that I really expect anyone to fall over themselves to care, but imma' write this mess anyway. I would like to share with you good peeps more about ME, not just my shop. You already know about that, so I'll give ya' something else to chew on. If I regret it later, there's always the "Delete Post" button. Ahem...

What have I been up to since June you ask? NOT. MUCH.

My life has become so utterly stagnant that I swear I'm going to literally suffocate soon. I've had enough spare time to conclude that college really IS important this day in time and that unless I figure out what interests me enough to do it as a career, I'm utterly effed forever. I don't WANT to be utterly effed forever, so away to the Career Counselor I go next week. I shall take notes like a good leetle squirrel.

Having untreated Bipolar Disorder for years has done much to stifle any further higher academic pursuits I've attempted over the past (nearly) 8 years (dear God, I am getting OLD...) and I'm still struggling with it. I've yet to be able to conquer it and lead any sort of "normal" life. It's totally owned me lately, though I'm much better off than I've been in the past...but that's an entirely different blog. Moving on!

I've been very single for a very long time, and honestly, if given the choice of being single or being involved in the situation I was in (on and off) for some 3 1/2 years...I'd rather someone saw my head off with a broken beer bottle than go back to that. Yeah, it was THAT awesome. I think a big part of the healing process is realizing how incredibly lucky you are that you got out of the crappy relationship that sucked the very life out of you...that changed who you were and how you behaved...what you thought and how you functioned. Really, I spent so much time fretting over what I lost when in reality I'd only lost someone that I'm better of without anyway. Of course at the time, all I could do was be sad and feel like I was so unworthy, blah blah blah. But now as I reflect, I can easily realize how much better off I am now that I'm not constantly being poisoned by someone that never accepted ME. If you can't accept and love and support someone at their worst, you don't deserve them at their best. Am I wrong?

Lessee...as part of my liberation from badness, I decided to at last get a tattoo, something I'd been putting off for like 8 years because I could never decide what would be important enough to become a part of me forever. And this may (and probably does) sound effin' dumb to most of you, but I REALLY love manga. That's Japanese graphic novels for those of you not in the know. Specifically, I dig romantic shoujo manga...that's girly manga...for silly girls like myself that like fairy tale romances (that have never actually had them and stuff...). ANYWAY, my favorite manga is Vampire Knight. I picked up Volume 1 by chance back in 2008 I think, simply because the cover was pretty and it seemed interesting.

Fast forward to now, where I LIVE for the 24th of each month (when the new chapter is released/translated and put online so I can read it). There's a character in this awesome manga named Zero Kiryu. I have read a LOT of manga, guys and dolls...and I have yet to love a character as much as I lurv Zero. He's badass, yo. His story is utterly tragic and I nearly puke when I think of the possibility of the mangaka snuffing him out in the end. It's THAT intense and it's incredibly silly, but still. I really love the artwork and the story and everyone has SOMETHING that gets to them like this. Some get all worked up over movies. I happen to get worked up over Japanese artwork. Neener.

ANYWAY x2! Because I love Zero so much...see, he has this tattoo on his neck. It's like a "quell vampire-ness" sorta spell/charm thingy, and it looks totally awesome. So yeah, I totally got it tattooed onto my lower back last November and I'm so happy I did. It may not make sense to anyone else, but it does to me, so it rocks. That's my tat/Zero's tat in the pic. :)

Fast forward to December: two of my amigos were like "Hey! You should play World of Warcraft!" I was then like "Ok, cool!" So I started. And played. And stopped sleeping. And lost track of days until...

March: My main toon, Kayora, reached Level 80 at last. For those uber geeks that care, she's a Draenei Fury Warrior on Turalyon. And I lurv her as well. Now I'm leveling a rogue, who is named (dur) Lunachick.

I've been off meds for months, so I've been wallowing around being mostly depressed for quite a while. I've become pretty reclusive but now that the weather's nice again I've been venturing out more. And I learned how to make sushi, so that rocks pretty hard too.

My shop/creative ventures have been pretty much on hold with the exception of the handful of maille I managed to make during a hypomanic spell a few weeks ago. I haven't visited the Promotions Forum in who knows how long and don't bother dropping links anywhere anymore either. I just haven't been uber motivated to do it.

However, the Radford Farmer's Market Kickoff is coming up next Saturday, so I'm going to that with my trusty best bud Biscuit by my side (unless she decides to sleep in, then I'm going it alone.)

So that's about all I've got to report atm. Not an uber-lot going on. I momentarily thought of attempting those dating sites Geek2Geek and Plenty of Fish again, and then thought better of it. Soooo not ready for all that yet.

Until I come up with something more interesting, there ya' go! Laters, peeps!

YART Sale at Lunachick Designs

2009-06-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm participating in the Etsy Yart Sale again this year. In my Yart Sale section, you can save up to 50% Off!

Yart Sale

I've also been listing several new pieces. I've been working my hands to the bone! I've had five custom orders to work on recently, plus several other projects going on, so I've been keeping busy, which has helped being unemployed and single.

I'm still applying for jobs and hopefully, I'll hear something back from one of them soon.

I'm trying to go to the Farmer's Market every two weeks, but it's a lot of work to set up and tear down by yourself! I didn't do so well the last time I went, but I'm planning on going this weekend.

Until then, I'll be working on some more pieces and ordering new supplies (my favorite!).

Radford VA Farmer's Market Kickoff April 18th

2009-04-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Sooo, it's that time of year again: time for the Radford Farmer's Market! *dances*

I think I've got everything ready for tomorrow, though I'm sure I'll forget something, as I always do. Let's hope it's nothing important this time!

For a change, I'll be taking my chainmaille and gemstone pieces, as well as my cutesy goodness from my other shop, Kawaii Cupcake. This means that everything will be under the same tent...two COMPLETELY different themes in one place. Wonder if people will be super confused and think I'm odd?

However, this also means more pricepoints and more variety, which (hopefully) draw more attention to my booth. I'll have items priced from $4-$80, so there will be something for everyone there.

I made some business cards today...nothing fancy, just something to give people if anyone asks for contact information. I'm going to get some shiny new ones when I can, but these will do for now. My car's filled to the brim with stuff for tomorrow, including my 800 lb. tent. But, it's much easier to set up than the lightweight one that I had to put together. That was a major pain to say the least.

To all of you in the area, please come out to the market and say hello! There are lots of friendly vendors waiting to have a chat with you. I'll be the one with the chainmaille headband and the aqua zebra print shirt. I rock like that.

Annnd Seven Months Later...

2009-01-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, who's been neglecting their bloggy? THAT would be me! Ooops.

I'm a bad pumpkin, as my dear ol' boyfriend would say.

Let's see...the holidays were good to me, in regards to Etsy and otherwise. I had a decent number of sales and got a much needed vacation from my "real world" job.

I'm currently getting ready to dive head first into some metal working, which has me really excited, as I've been poised to do this for about four years now. I've been collecting supplies and tools for a long, long time and I think I'm almost ready. I think I can remember some of the things we did in Studio Art in high school. ;P

Looks like I'll be using my dad's workshop. Even though it smells of sawdust, I'll still be able to use it...if he lets me, that is. I'm known to be a touch messy.

I also signed up for Spring classes. I'll only be taking three, but one is Web Design so that will most likely keep me busy enough. And with working 40 hours a week and trying to handle two Etsy shops on top of that, I should be good to go.

No shows until probably May. As much as I've enjoyed traveling to Winchester for the past two years for the festival there, I won't be making the 400 total mile journey this year.

It's just too far a drive. After I factored in gas and food last year, I ended up making a laughable amount. The atmosphere is great, the people are groovy cool, but it's just too far away.

I will, however, be at the Radford Farmer's Market again starting in May (if Becky will have me. I'm such a slacker). I think this year I'll alternate with my chainmaille and gemstone jewelry one week and my cutesy jewelry the next. That way, I'll catch as much attention from as many different people as possible.

In Etsy news, I've marked down a few pieces, so check out the clearance prices here: Clearance Jewelry

In addition, I've added a $10 or Less section. It's a great place to find some groovy jewelry at a great price!

That's about that for now. I'll be updating with show dates and other Lunachick Designs news more often than I did last year. Take care!

What A Weekend...

2008-06-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Whew! That was a LOT of running around to do for 45 bucks!

I spent almost the entire weekend at shows and I made a whopping $45 to show for it.

Didn't make a cent at the farmer's market and sold three things at another festival that was in the middle of BFE. People came to it, but were only interested in themed items, which I had none of, of course.

I'm now out of business cards, though...ok, I have like five left, but still. That's almost out!

I need to reorder them ASAP but that, as we all know, costs money, which I don't currently have much of.

I also need to buy a new tent for the big show coming up on July 12th. That's one that I do very well at so I'm not taking the dinky tent this year.

In other news, still no stimulus check. I've got one custom order in the works and something else on hold to be purchased on Wednesday. That'll help!

I got word a few days ago that my financial aid for college was approved, so now I actually get to go back. That's very big for me, as it's been five years since I was forced to drop out to work full time.

Now, I'll be attempting to work full time (need the $ and insurance) while taking a full course load. Five out of six classes will be independent learning classes and one will be a night class that lasts for three hours on Mondays. That's a long time, but I think I'll just shut up and deal with it.

I need college. That's become apparent in the past few years. I don't want to be stuck at the front desk answering phones and typing for the rest of my life, you know?

If I'm ever going to follow my dream of opening my own shop, I have to do this. If I don't, stuck is where I'll be forever, jumping from one crappy job to the next for the rest of my life. I really, REALLY don't want that.

So, off to college I go! Wish me luck.

Another Weekend Come and Gone

2008-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

At least it was a fun one! Though hot and incredibly sticky, Saturday turned out to be another decent day to attend the farmer's market.

The crowd was definitely smaller than it has been, but there was still interest in my jewelry, which is always nice.

I'm working on two custom orders and recently sold two foot flowers to someone in Japan, which is really quite exciting!

My next great task will be ordering supplies. I'm nearly out of everything, so it's going to be quite the job at quite the price, too.

I'm going to be using some new metals, like titanuim, niobium and copper, which will be fun. I'm looking forward to using new things and trying out some new designs, too.

Snakes and Spiders. Eww!

2008-06-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so not so much "eww" on the snakes, but those OTHER things...bleh!! Gross!

The excitement of the day at work was the appearance of a giant black snake in the parking lot. It was only there for a few minutes before it slithered back into the cow field.

So, disaster was avoided. No one tried to run it over or anything, thank god.

The spider, on the other hand, must perish. It's apparently camping out in the men's room, which is WAY too close for comfort.

And of course, being men, they won't squish it or move it. They just leave it there so it can make its way to the front and get on me. Great. *dies*

Now I'll have to be checking under my desk every five minutes for the rest of the day.

On another note, the Foo Fighters are wicked awesome. "Let it Die" is a really good song, even though it reminds me of my ex boyfriend.

That's about all the news I have for today. I've got another Farmer's Market coming up Saturday, so we'll see how that goes. I'll be making new pieces for it tonight and tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll avoid any further finger smashing.

Yart Sale!

2008-06-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the First Annual Etsy Yart Sale! It's, you know, an "art yard sale". So, that' means that if you stop by my shop, you'll find some WICKED deals and steals in my Yart Sale section. Check it out! http://www.lunachick.etsy.com/

On to other things! I smashed my thumb while hammering an earring last night. THAT rocked. Not.

But the earrings turned out nicely, so it wasn't a totally bad experience. Which is always good.

I'm in search of a new work bench, as I don't really have one besides the floor right now. Isn't that sad? To have all these great tools and supplies at your disposal but to not be able to use them?

In other assorted, very random news: the "subtle tan" lotion isn't working, my cat enjoys peeing outside the litter box, I've been living on turkey sandwiches for days and I think I'll dye two front strips of hair a coppery color.

Another farmer's market is coming up again this Saturday. Hope it doesn't rain or blow hurricane force winds like the first time. That would blow. Heh. Blow. Get it?!!! @_@

You Don't Mess with the Zohan=Ack!

2008-06-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

WARNING: SPOILERS!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~

UGH. That pretty much sums it up. What a waste of Adam Sandler!

This movie was so hyped up, then offered nothing but gross out moments and a cheezy plot...or lack of a plot altogether.

There's lots of Zohan banging old women and having a massively exaggerated package, stupid dancing and so much hummus that I never want to eat it again.

I was majorly let down. At least I didn't have to pay for it.

Moving on, I was also let down by my metalsmithing loot. I get there and chick hands me a small box.

"Where's the rest?" I wonder to myself. I came to find that was it. Me=irritated, to say the least.

I dropped $125 on some wire, a few pieces of copper sheet, 8" of solder, a hammer, some dinky pliers (that I already have), some sandpaper, a firing block (I've got two), three leather circles, a cloth mask, a saw (I have two) and two hammering blocks. All used, too. WTH??!!!

I felt majorly ripped off and I almost left without the stuff. That was a lot of money tor fork over for such a small amount of supplies.

I know how much this stuff costs and I could've bought it all new for much less.

This is a "live and learn" situation. When someone says "make an offer", don't make it the highest you'll go. Stupid me!

*Sigh* I'm just a sucker, really. ;P

Monday Again

2008-06-09T13:40:00.001-07:00

Soooo, how's Monday been for ya'? Mine's been woefully uneventful, hot, sticky and all around "eh".

The highlight of my evening will include three wicked cool things:

1. After work tonight, I'm going to pick up my best friend. We'll then proceed to a stranger's home to pick up what has ended up being $125 worth of metal working tools and supplies (hey, she said make an offer...)

2. After picking up said metal working tools and supplies, we're going to go to Domino's and get a FREE pizza and wings, courtesy of my job. This is perk #1.

3. We're THEN going to go to a FREE movie, again, courtesy of my job. Can't wait to see You Don't Mess with the Zohan! Perk #2.

Suh-weeeet. I hate my job, but I love free stuff, so in a strange sort of way it balances out, I suppose.

However, I WAS asked to take on two additional tasks today, in addition to the 147 I already handle. Did I mention that my raise after being here over a year was .21?

But anyhoo, in other news, after I get these tools and other assorted goods tonight, I'll be that much closer to beginning working with metal further, which really excites me!

I'm wondering where I'll be doing this, though. My apartment is hardly the place to be playing with acid and fire, so I may have to end up setting up shop in my parent's basement...after they spray for spiders, that is. (Ack!)

All I need is something hairy dropping down on me while I'm trying to work, right?

That's about that for now. I'll report back later and let you know what I score tonight. Ta ta!

Festivals and Shows

2008-06-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

So, with the festival and show season gearing up, I think I'll share a bit of my glorious wisdom with you.

I've done many, many shows, all of which turned out a bit differently. Some were great, some ok and some just plain SUCKED.

I've learned that you need to scope these things out before you commit to attending them, as you may find out some very helpful and interesting things about the event that you wouldn't have otherwise.

For example, if you go and see nothing but cheap resale junk or notice that there's next to no one there, chances are you should probably pass on trying to sell there next year.

Also take note of how much advertising you notice for the event. If the only way you found out about it was by your mom mentioning it to you, you may want to skip it. If a venue spends no money on advertising, how the heck are the masses supposed to find out about it and go?!!

Anyhoo, on to the checklist. I'm quite sure it will be incomplete, but it's the best I can come up with, after forgetting just about everything one can forget when selling at a festival.

Basics Needed:

*Tent (you know, unless it's inside or you want to bake outside)
*Tables
*Table Cloths/Table Skirt
*Chair(s) with a tush paid
*Cash box/bag/etc. with plenty of change
*Displays for your wares
*Bottled water/etc. to drink, unless prohibited. Some of these places are whack.
*A snacky, unless also prohibited. Again, some places have a cob up the wazoo.
*Someone to assist, unless you feel like being overwhelmed and stressed the f*@! out.
*Your wares. Don't laugh, I've DONE IT before. I've totally left the house without them. :
*Tape. Tape is your friend. You'll need it, trust me.
*Signage and business cards. Vereh' important. You wanna' get your name out there, right?
*Promo items, if you've got em'. People dig free stuff.
*A mirror if there will be trying on of items. People like to look at themselves, I've noted.
*Knuckle buster (Credit card imprinter) if you're taking cards
*Cell phone with which to call card transactions in on.
*Business card holder(s). We like to look like professionals, now don't we?
*Pen/fine tipped Sharpie. You'll NEED it.
*Calculator, unless you're good at adding in your head. Then screw it!
*Extra tags, in case you've forgotten to tag/need to re-tag something
*Some supplies to work with. People seem to enjoy watching you make things in front of them. It also helps them understand that you did, in fact, make the items you're selling.

That about does it for my checklist. I'm sure I've forgotten things, but that's pretty much what I take with me every time I go to a show and the list hasn't failed me yet.

Don't stress out, have fun and be friendly! Say hello to everyone that stops by your booth. You don't need to ask abouth their life story or anything...just say hi and converse with them if they want. Talk about the weather or something neutral.

If people ask stupid questions, try not to let it get to you. They're just silly and don't know better than to ask "Is any of this REAL?" or "Did you make any of this?"

Even though you may want to bitch slap them, refrain. They'll go away soon, I promise.

Thus concludes Lunachick's Festival Survivor Guide. Maybe I'll add more later, but I'm at work, it's 5:27 on Friday and I'm getting the hell out of here.

Cheers!

Robert Plant: A Review

2008-06-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last night my best friend and I went to see Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Though I wish I'd gotten more Robert Plant, it was still a wicked show.

Don't get me wrong: Alison has a GREAT voice. She can be very haunting and she provided several "wow" moments, but none like Robert did.

We wondered at first if he'd lost his ability to pull off those power notes he's so well known for.

And then, he let loose with them and the place exploded. So yeah, Robert Plant's still got it, thirty years later.

His stage presence is odd...he claps his hands a lot and does the Robert Plant dance while not singing, which was really interesting to watch.

You can tell he still loves what he's doing after all these years. And the microphone stand swinging. That was pretty fun, too.

So cheers to you, Robert, for still rocking after all these years.

Radford VA Farmer's Market

2008-06-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, my second time working the Radford farmer's market was Saturday, and the weather was much nicer than the first go round.

No wind, no rain and what appeared to be a pretty good turnout.

There are lots of great vendors with lots of goods to browse through, from vegetable plants and herbs to aprons and, of course, jewelry.

Still, the jewelry represented is all so different that each booth seems to have its own catagory.

I was next to a nice young lady names Star that had some lovely beaded earrings for sale. Never one to resist a shiny, I walked over to look them over and was happy to find lots of variety, color and texture on her table.

On the other side of me were a mother and son team selling vegetable plants. I had a nice conversation with the mother and the son assisted in adjusting my table coverings after the wind blew them up onto my displays.

That's what I enjoy about small town markets: the relaxed nature and friendly atmosphere. Most people are very nice and want to talk to you about your work, where you're from, etc.

Of course, I also had a few that scoffed at my prices, asked "is any of that REAL?" and that were generally unpleasant, but that's life, isn't it?

I also had a few sales, which is always good. I've determined that I'll be going every other week or so...I've gotta' sleep in SOMEtime, right?

So, if you're in the area of the New River Valley in VA, stop by some time! The market is every Saturday from 8-1 in Radford just off Main Street by the train tracks. You'll see the sign as you're coming in.

If you're interested in becoming a vendor, check out their website here: Radford Farmer's Market

End of May Newness

2008-05-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Well, not much has been shakin' around Lunachick land lately, but I HAVE managed to get a few pieces made.

I've decided to work the Radford farmer's market every couple of weeks or so. I went once a couple of weeks ago and it went pretty well, save for the wind that kept blowing all my displays over. That part=not so good.

I'm in the process of looking for a new place to live, as my current digs are WAY too expensive and offer no room for me to work.

I have no work space to speak of and I'm tired of hauling everything to my parent's house just to get anything done.

The hardest part is to find a place that allows pets. 9 out of 10 that I've found don't, which doesn't work for me. My two cats gotta' have a place to live, too.

That's that for now. We'll see how much I can get done for the rest of the day.

My Feature

2008-03-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

A local magazine, the New River Valley Magazine, contacted me through Etsy, informing me that they wanted to do a piece on my jewelry.

I'm super excited! I've never been featured in something like this before, and I hope that there will be some nice exposure because of it.

My interview with the writer is Wednesday. She's going to give me a list of questions to look over beforehand so I'm not taken totally off guard during the interview. I'm glad I'll have a bit of time to think over my answers. I'd hate to sound silly or something. ;P

I'll be sure to mention Etsy and how awesome it is and all the great stuff you can find there, too.

In other news, I've spent this gloomy Saturday making a few pieces, none of which have been photographed due to said gloominess.

There's a show coming up at the end of the month. It's not a large one and I didn't sell much there last year, but the atmosphere is awesome and there are some really cool people there, so I'm going again anyway, despite the three hour drive each way.

I've also decided to spring for an E-Z up tent this year. I'm sick of having a great booth display and a sheezy little open tent that nearly blows away with the least little breeze. Part of my tax refund should assist nicely.

For the remainder of the day, I'll be working on more pieces. Wonder if I'll get anything done?

I'm BACK!

2008-02-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

Whew. It's been a long four months, lemme' tell ya'! We won't get into all the personal issues I've been facing. Let's just say there has been a whole slew of them in rapid succession, but I'm doing better these days.

Moving on! On the jewelry front, I don't have any shows coming up until the end of next month, when I'll be attending the Northern Shenadoah Valley Pagan Alliance Gypsy Faire in Stephens City, VA.

I didn't sell much last year, but it was such a fun environment that I really want to go again this year, so I'm doin' it.

I've been on a buying frenzy on Etsy, snatching up groovy cool supplies and turning them into even groovier pieces of wearable art.

Also becoming apparent as of late: life is EXPENSIVE. Thus, I applied to be the jewelry teacher at the local Michael's (again). I taught there for over a year before I went full time and they made me stop. :(

Hopefully, my old boss will hire me back and that will give me a little extra money. I'm thinking of teaching private classes, too.

I finished up several new pieces lately, including the Mage, the latest in my RPG series (Sold so far are The Dancer, The Warrior and The Thief), and a really beautiful necklace, Desert Fire (see above...)

I'm looking forward to creating more new pieces for the Gypsy Faire. I wonder if I have enough displays these days? I may just have to investigate that further.

Be sure to swing by my Etsy shop at www.lunachick.etsy.com to check out all the new additions!

That's all for now. More updates to follow soon!

Today's Featured Artist: Zoe Stewart

2007-10-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Zoe's shop? It's FUN. It's

Name: Zoe Stewart
Location: Edinburgh/North Yorkshire
Shop Link: www.zoestewartuk.etsy.com

What made you decide to start creating?
I left uni deciding to do a teaching career and i had to wait a year like a year out, so in between i decided to do something with my degree and started sewing.

When did you start? i started sewing when i was younger... my mum done a few parent toddler groups that me and my younger sister used to get to go and help and the first thing i ever made was a beanie frog, ha ha

What has been the most difficult part of selling?
getting people to buy, i have only sold things to friends and family and on a certain auction site, but nothing yet on etsy, as i only started to list items at the start of october, but getting yourself known out there is a hard task indeed!

Which piece are you most proud of?
Henry, has to be.... lol everyone likes him, and i have many more on their way too, henry is just fantastic.

What is your favorite material to work with?
cotton, Its just great the variations of it and it sews really well and its great for kids, washes well i mean... theyre messy devils

What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?
when i see something finished and someone actually buys it because they love it, that makes me smile to see that ive made someone else happy,

Any advice for others selling their work?
be patient, if you havent had a sale it will come, no one knows when but it will, and promote yourself, get in the forums and the chat and try and list every moment you can....

What's a random fact about you?
lmao i went to bible camp, my husband only found this out a few weeks ago and thinks its hilarious, and i spent every summer in school, learning extra for exams and summer reading groups to help people that werent so great or confident

Anything else you'd like to say?

i love etsy and the surroundings, everyone is so fantastic with each other and helps in any situation, all you need to do is ask for the help and you get it.... its fab, and tea of course, couldnt manage a day without it!!

Today's Featured Artist: plasticpumpkin

2007-10-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ren Adams (plasticpumpkin) creates beautiful and inspiring fine art work that reflects her love for and dedication to each piece.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

plasticpumpkin: It was never a conscious decision. I've just always done it. I ruined my baby book, too.

Lunachick: When did you start?

plasticpumpkin: Probably before I could walk. Both of my parents are artists and I was always surrounded by art supplies.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: Choosing the wrong venues and getting told that a 2-year old could do better. Hauling tables, canopies, and all of the other trappings to in-person art fairs, only to have a bomb of a day. Staying positive is important. Supporting your fellow artists is important. Remembering that some days are good and others are bad is important. Sometimes it's a little difficult to keep oneself centered, so I'd say that's the biggest challenge. Moving forward, even when you question the path you're on. It's hard... but it's not impossible.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

plasticpumpkin: I am not proud of anything that I do. Chinese brush painting is about capturing the chi of your subject. It's about focus, serenity, tranquility, and modesty. To be humble is the most beautiful thing. When I look at each piece, I can see that I could have done better. Each piece is one step farther along the path of improvement. It's a lifelong path.

Lunachick: What is your favorite medium?

plasticpumpkin: Chinese brush painting. I also really love oil pastels, mixed media (especially acrylics and pen), and beeswax.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

plasticpumpkin: I believe each individual painting has someone for whom it was meant. There's nothing more exciting than helping that someone get that special something. Uniting them with a piece of art that speaks to them and that they will enjoy for a lifetime.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

plasticpumpkin: Hang in there. Do what you do because you want to. Because it needs to come out. Don't worry about the rest of it. It can be discouraging, but it will all fall into place in the end.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

plasticpumpkin: I am short, have red hair, and I am currently obsessing over traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu).

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

plasticpumpkin: Thank you for taking the time to ask such interesting questions!

Today's Featured Artist: SilverDragon

2007-10-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Meet SilverDragon, who creates absolutely gorgeous works of wearable art using quality materials in a wide array of colors.

She blends style with the utmost in craftsmanship, her work standing out in a crowd with no problems whatsoever.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating? When did you start?

SilverDragon: If there was a conscious decision to begin creating, I certainly don't recall it. As far back as I can remember I have always had the desire, the urge to create.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

SilverDragon: The most difficult aspect of selling is coming up against a mindset that looks with disdain at an artform not well comprehended. The market has been inundated with poorly made objects (generally made by poorly paid artisans) unsing low quality amterials that mimic the art I and other beadweavers create. Most people have no first hand experience
comparing and understanding the difference. This is a great obstacle and I am a shy (however opinionated) person.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

SilverDragon: Glass and stone beads are my favorite materials. I love the smooth surfaces, the sparkling faceted surfaces, the many and varied hues and finishes. It's like solid paint and makes for wonderful experimentation of color and texture combinations.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

SilverDragon: Possibly the most satisfying thing is to have others "oohing" and "ahhing" and actually paying me (and thereby honorong me) for my work.
Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

SilverDragon: Don't undersell your talent, your time, nor your work. Artists deserve to earn pay that does not insult us and indeed makes it possible for us to live by our handiwork.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

SilverDragon: My favorite color is RED!

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

SilverDragon: Thank you for being a part of this project and for asking such excellent questions!

Lesson 4,893 Learned + Prospects

2007-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm WAY too out of practice to ride a bike more than 2 seconds. I rode a measly 1.7 miles (that's NOTHING on a bike!) yesterday, and my butt is killing me!

I also nearly crashed about a dozen times. I haven't been on a bike since middle school so I'd gotten the hang of it by the time we were done.

Ugh...I need a wider, cushy seat if I'm going to do this. My poor hindparts can't take it. Oh, and it's a kid's mountain bike I'm riding, too. Not super smart on my part!

In other news, I have a show that's done well by me in the past coming up next Saturday. The theme fits well with my pieces, so I'm rather looking forward to attending again.

I've also been given several opportunities to display my work on consignment in local shops and galleries.

The only problem is this: I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with everything. I also don't want to essentially have my best pieces on hold while still trying to do shows and sell on Etsy.

I suppose this means I should get to work making new things, possibly even have a sale to clear out some of my older, more basic pieces.

I just don't know. It seemed like a great opportunity, but I'm just worried I'm getting in over my head. I suppose we'll see.

Now, I'd better get to work!

Today's Featured Artist: arosebyname

2007-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Today's featured artist, arosebyname, creates amazingly intricate works using many different beadwork techniques. Her designs are both colorful and detailed, making them fun and right at home in anyone's jewelry collection.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

arosebyname: I've been creating in one way or another since I was a child. Drawing, painting, knitting (didn't work), crocheting (even worse), embroidery, writing, poetry, cross-stitch and beading. And yet, there are still things out there I would love to try!

Lunachick: When did you start?

arosebyname: I started beading over 10 years ago with my daughters. It was when the bead critters were popular. As the years have progressed, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate.
Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

arosebyname: It's been difficult self-promoting. I know I do the best that I possibly can with each and every piece, yet there is something about talking it up that is very difficult for me. It probably has a lot to do with being raised with the "one must be humble and not boastful" mindset.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

arosebyname: Right now my favorite piece is "Linked to the Sea". It was a labor of love and I really like how it turned out.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

arosebyname: Delica beads and Nymo thread.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?
arosebyname: I love it when I have an idea in my head and I can make it become reality. It may take five or six attempts, but when it happens, it is wonderful!

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

arosebyname: All I can tell someone is to stick with it. I have been very frustrated with the lack of sales, but I know that if I push myself to promote, I can pull the buyers in.
Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

arosebyname: I have been happily married for 21 years.

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

arosebyname: Keep creating, we're making the world a more beautiful place!

Today's Featured Artist: StudioMarcy

2007-10-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd like you to meet StudioMarcy. Her lampwork beads are whimsical little wonders that are bright, detailed and full of life.

Lunachick:What made you decide to start creating?

StudioMarcy: I worked in watercolors and wanted another medium that involved the layering of transparent colors. Glass seemed like the answer at the time.

Lunachick: When did you start?

StucioMarcy: 7 years ago.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

StudioMarcy: Marketing myself and putting myself out there. Generally, most of my business is repeat business, so once customers who enjoy whimsical glass art find me, they remain customers.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

StudioMarcy: It's not for sale, but I did an Inuit inspired glass piece of a face inside of an eagle mask and acid etched it. It's all in neutral colors and very different than my usual style. The face turned out beautifully. It will be in an ad in Ornament Magazine's October issue with my other AJC Street Team co-members.

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

StudioMarcy: Soft glass. Most people don't know there's a difference, but there is. Mine is the type that often comes from Murano, Italy in many colors and is used in a lot of beadmaking. It's called soft glass because the melting point is lower and it isn't quite as durable as "hard glass" which is borosilicate, or many people know that as Pyrex. That type of glass works differently and doesn't have the same color spectrum.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

StudioMarcy: Making customers happy. I do a lot of custom orders and their delight of designing just what they want and then me transforming it into glass makes me happy too.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

StudioMarcy: Provide the best customer service and communication that you can. It will make you stand out. And make your work the best you can too.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

StudioMarcy: I've lived in Wyoming. Not many people can claim that. (I'm in Atlanta, GA now.)

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

StudioMarcy: Visit my shop... http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com I have whimsically fun lampwork glass beads and mini sculptures and love to do custom orders. I make a lot of pendants of people's pets, which is fun and a great way to show your love for them.

Today's Featured Artist: Giftbearer

2007-10-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

Giftbearer creates imaginative, intricate and one-of-a-kind works of wearable art in such a wide array of mediums that it boggles the mind.

She blends excellent craftswomanship with undeniable aesthetic qualities, her designs never failing to amaze.

Lunachick: What made you decide to start creating?

Giftbearer: Since I was a child I've always loved making things and the idea of innovation is exciting to me. I enjoy doing what hasn't been done before and experimenting with materials. Jewelry is something I absolutely fell in love with once I started. If the right man came along he'd have to love it as much as I do, or I'm afraid he'd have to go, LOL. Jewelry is my life, and although I don't wear it often, I really feel as though each piece has a soul, and so I treat each as an entity with a life of its own.

Lunachick: When did you start?

Giftbearer: It came about first as a part-time thing after my son was born. He is now 23 years old and I'm still growing and expanding upon my skills in the field.

Lunachick: What has been the most difficult part of selling?

Giftbearer: I guess the most difficult part about selling are those times when you're absolutely knocking yourself out and still you're not selling. A few days of that is one thing, but a dry spell that stretches out for weeks or months can be hard on an artist, not only financially, but hard on morale. Keeping hope alive is vital during those periods in order to stay creative and continue to come up with things that are exciting.

Lunachick: Which piece are you most proud of?

Giftbearer: Really there are two:
Hint at Something Deeper

Fine Silver Early Budding Vine Bracelet With Chrysoprase Cabs

Lunachick: What is your favorite material to work with?

Giftbearer: I love Copper, Fine and Sterling Silver, and Gold. I also really love wood, gemstones such as Chrysoprase, Opal, Tourmaline, Spinel, Ocean Jasper, Larimar, Labradorite, Emerald, many types of Garnet other than the plain standard red, Variscite, Rainbow Moonstone, and natural fancy colored Diamond and Sapphire.

Lunachick: What's the most satisfying part of creating/selling your work?

Giftbearer: I love creating something new and innovative, and getting paid for it is the best compliment in the world. When I sell something I've made with my own two hands it is satisfying in a way no 9-5 traditional job could ever be. I enjoy things that I've bought more with the money I earn than if I were waiting for a payheck from someone else's company.

Lunachick: Any advice for others selling their work?

Giftbearer: Spread your work around and really look to see where it fits and will get the best response. Continue to monitor what the market is doing. I think it is possible to stay true to yourself and still be responsive to what your customers want.

Lunachick: What's a random fact about yourself?

Giftbearer: I have a lot of Iroquoise Indian in my lineage.

Lunachick: Anything else you'd like to say?

Giftbearer: I welcome custom orders, inquiries from brick and mortar stores, and I'm selling my work at the following places;
http://Giftbearer.etsy.com
http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1882
http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/148-Giftbearer
and a brick and mortar store called VIX Emporium, located at 5009 Baltimore Ave, in West Philadelphia will soon be carrying my work; http://vixemporium.wordpress.com/

Upcoming Shows

2007-08-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

So, with summer winding down, I'm gearing up for the holiday show season!

Coming up on September 8th, you can come see me at Chateau Morissette in Meadows of Dan, VA. It's a winery in Southwest VA that's pretty dang awesome, if I do say so myself.

After that, stop by the Radford Highlanders Festival on October 13th on the Radford University campus.

To help you spot us (my boyfriend and myself) up top is a pic of what our booth tends to look like. Note the shimmery celestial table coverings and the extremely dinky tent...

In other Lunachick Designs news, more new maille is on the way! I'll be working my little fingers to the bone creating new and intriguing designs, so stay tuned!

I suppose that's that for now, but remember: Shimmer, Sparkle While You Can!

*Abbi*

Welcome!

2007-02-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

Hello, and welcome to the Lunachick Designs blog! Here you'll learn a bit about me and what I do.

My name is Abbi and I'm from a small town in Southwest VA. I've been designing and creating artisan jewelry for around three years. My favorite materials to use are genuine gemstones and sterling silver, though I've got many styles that incorporate other materials as well, such as 14k gold fill (which is gold over sterling silver), Swarovski crystals, organics such as shell and amber, Czech glass and other metals in my chainmaille pieces.

My specialties are wirework and chainmaille, which I enjoy most of all. I'm in the process of touching up some pictures in my shop on Etsy, as well as expanding to include a few new lines, including a Vintage line of antique brass and copper earrings.

More chainmaille is also on the horizon, so be on the lookout for all the new pieces that will be coming soon!

I'm looking for new marketing ideas to expand my clientele. I live in a very small area and have only a few opportunities to attend shows each year, so online selling is a great way for me to reach people I wouldn't normally be able to.

Please have a look at my shop and check out my jewelry! I've got many unique pieces that you won't see anywhere else. I've invested lots of time and money into my art and am looking forward to expanding and experimenting with more involved pieces in the future.

Custom orders are encouraged, so please contact me if you have something in mind!

*Abbi*

Lunachick Designs