Open Call for MiniBook Collective

Dear Greenville County Creatives, We have a fabulous opportunity to tell you about coming up this February. Art & Light Gallery and artist Melinda Hoffman are sponsoring the first ever MiniBook Collective project. This is an open exhibition for Greenville County artists, crafters, writers, and collaborators to create a "minibook with one sheet of paper, reflecting a sense of place that shares one's experiences of Greenville County, South Carolina." The challenge is to tell your story on a single sheet of paper.

The competition is free to enter and cash prizes will be awarded. To read about further details and rules, check out the MiniBook Collective page. Submissions are due Wednesday, February 29th. And the opening reception will be hosted at Art & Light on Friday, April 6th.

MiniBook Collective is inspired by the Somethink Collective project in the United Kingdom. Check out their beautiful examples below. Quite inspiring, and we hope to see many Indie Craft Parade participants at the exhibition.

Christmas Shopping at the Swamp Rabbit Holiday Flea!

One of my favorite things about the city of Greenville is the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 13 mile walking/biking trail established by the Greenville Hospital System not only promotes healthy living, but also has given people some new business opportunities. When the weather is nice, we're always using the trail, and its been amazing to see new trail-side businesses pop up. One of my favorite places is the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. This cute stand is the perfect place to get a post-run or ride snack or even better, to pick up some local meats, cheeses, and produce. The buy local ethic of Swamp Rabbit Cafe so perfectly matches our own mission, that we have to tell you about their upcoming holiday flea. 

At this event you'll find all sorts of amazing goodies that will make the best gifts and stocking stuffers. I know a ton of people don't have their Christmas shopping finished, and this is a perfect way to complete that gift list.

Here's a little preview of all the goodness.

Accessories and vintage items from Shop Keep.

Chocolates by Raw Shakti.

Homemade Jams from Sallies Greatest.

Handprinted tees by Parachute Clothing.

Goat Milk Soaps by Red Clay Soaps.

Christmas Shows You Don't Want to Miss!

I love Christmas shopping. I love picking up that perfect gift and knowing it's recipient will absolutely love it. Unfortunately, when I had the ideal opportunity to pick out those one-of-a-kind presents at Indie Craft Parade back in September...I wasn't thinking about Christmas at all. I'm sure many of you have the same dilemma as I do, kicking yourself for not gathering those treasures when you had the chance. Well, no fears. Many of our Indie Craft Vendors are involved in special Christmas events, and they've shared with us where you can find their goods in time for Christmas. Some of them are even running online sales. You'll find a lot of your favorites below. So don't procrastinate again! Get out there and find those gifts that are sure to be remembered.

I've listed the information below according to the individual vendors. You'll note that a number of them will be at the same events (increasing your chances of finding holiday goodness).

Katie Coston/Illyria Pottery

An Illyria Pottery Christmas Show We've already had our Christmas show, but we couldn't be a scrooge. Email Katie at kcoston1@gmail.com and set up a time to come by. Not only will you find unique ceramic gifts by Illyria Pottery, but you'll also find a wide variety of paintings by Annie Koelle.

Date and Time: You decide. Send an email with what works for you. Illyria Pottery Studio; 416 Perry Avenue; Greenville, SC 29601

Krista Allison/Canoo

The Big Crafty Sunday, Dec. 4, 12-6pm at Pack Place in Asheville, NC thebigcrafty.com

Presents of Art 2011 Upstairs Artspace, 49 S Trade St, Tryon, NC November 25 - December 24, open Tue-Sat 11-5 Over 60 different arts and crafts vendors in a gallery setting.

Betsy Carr/The Foundling

My studio mate, Amber Mahler of Mani Designs, and I are hosting a Grand Opening & Holiday Sale at our studio here in Asheville.  We'll be opening our shared studio space to the public for the first time, and hosting a sale of our work plus a few friends.  Our neighbor, Mimi Strang, will be doing the same.  We'll have about 10 artists in the building and local food trucks outside.

Found*ling & Mani Designs Studio Grand Opening & Holiday Sale December 10 & 11, 11-6 each day 15B Domino Lane (behind Harvest Records in West Asheville)

Stacey Budge-Kamison/Urban GypZ

I am participating in a Holiday Artist Sale with 6 other Asheville artists in West Asheville Dec. 10-11, 11-6

Cindy Jantz/The Herb Garden Soaps

The Herb Garden Open House Christmas Sale We'll be selling handmade soap including our new Winter and Christmas scents (buy 12, get one free).  In addition to the soap, we'll be offering a variety of scrubs. Gift bags and gift packaging available.

130 Rubiwood Circle, Greer, SC 29651

Friday, December 9 from 3:00-8:00 Saturday, December 10 from 9:00-5:00 Saturday, December 17 from 9:00-5:00

Rachael Madeline/Loose Tooth Studio

I am having an online sale in my Etsy shop. For the next week I have a holiday promotion where shipping is free, just enter the code 'FBfree' upon checkout. Lots of brand new original work to choose from, affordably priced, framed and ready to display.   Here is a link to my blog, where buyers can read more about my studio process & concepts.

Once Again Sam

I'm participating in three upcoming craft shows / exhibits. I'm also planning on doing a coupon code for my Etsy shop for the week of December 5th through the 11th. The coupon for a 20% off at Once Again Sam is YESPLEASE

Art & Light Gallery Now through the holidays: Open Friday & Saturday's A selection of my felted curiosities are available as well as a line of woodland-inspired ornaments created exclusively for Art & Light. www.artandlightgallery.com

American Advertising Federation's 7th Annual TWIST Art Show Thursday December 1st from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Fish Eye Studios (Greenville) Amateur and professional artists will exhibit and sell work, some of which is related to the advertising industry, but not all. This event is open to the public and there will be a silent auction where all proceeds benefit Special Olympics and AAF Greenville's Diversity, Education & Public Service initiatives and club operations.

Holiday Handmade Hoopla Saturday, December 3 10— Noon (VIP preview, $15) Noon — 6 (open to all, free) Bijou Building, 147 East Main St., Downtown Spartanburg www.hub-bub.com

Savannah Wallace/Maie Dae

We are currently promoting our holiday line on our shop. AND we just launched our very first lookbook for the holidays here.

Brandy Lindsey/Dangle and Thread

Holiday Handmade Hoopla Saturday, December 3 10— Noon (VIP preview, $15) Noon — 6 (open to all, free) Bijou Building, 147 East Main St., Downtown Spartanburg www.hub-bub.com

Bailey Ellis/Bailey O'Neal Jewelry

I am having an online sale via Etsy this Friday, Saturday and the following Monday.

Bailey O'Neal Jewelry Black Friday Sale Friday 5 a.m-Monday at Midnight Black Friday 30% (early bird special 5-7a.m),  Small Business Saturday 20% and Sunday-Cyber Monday 15% off entire purchase.

Rajshel Juhan/Jane Hancock Papers

Save 40% on all items 11/26 - 11/27 use code turkey

Hallie Gillett/Hal the Gal

Afraid all my LIVE shows are done for the year, but the etsy shop is full with lots of new additions!

Mike Merrit/Mike Merritt Art

Presents of Art 2011 Upstairs Artspace, 49 S Trade St, Tryon, NC November 25 - December 24, open Tue-Sat 11-5 Over 60 different arts and crafts vendors in a gallery setting.

Jessica and Britt/Owlette Collective

Porter Flea Nashville, TN, Dec. 3rd, 12-8 The East Nashville Community Center

The Big Crafty Sunday, Dec. 4, 12-6pm at Pack Place in Asheville, NC thebigcrafty.com

K.D.'s Treehouse Holiday Pop-up shop Columbia, SC, Dec. 10, 1-4 KD's Treehouse

Audrey Laine Cunningham/Audrey Laine Collections

Holiday Market and Fashion Show Asheville Art Museum Friday December 2nd

Holiday Handmade Hoopla Saturday, December 3 10— Noon (VIP preview, $15) Noon — 6 (open to all, free) Bijou Building, 147 East Main St., Downtown Spartanburg www.hub-bub.com

The Big Crafty Sunday, Dec. 4, 12-6pm at Pack Place in Asheville, NC thebigcrafty.com

Jennifer Bedenbaugh/Crave Studio

Presents of Art 2011 Upstairs Artspace, 49 S Trade St, Tryon, NC November 25 - December 24, open Tue-Sat 11-5 Over 60 different arts and crafts vendors in a gallery setting.

Laura Ray/Pogo Shop

The pogos and I will be joining other local artisans at the 3rd annual Sustainable Midlands Holiday Celebration in  Columbia, SC. Monday, Nov. 28th. 4:30 - 8:30 pm at the lovely 701 Whaley St. Gallery. Tickets are available at http://www.sustainablemidlands.org/?p=2986

Erin Godbey/17 Dove Street

Holiday Handmade Hoopla Saturday, December 3 10— Noon (VIP preview, $15) Noon — 6 (open to all, free) Bijou Building, 147 East Main St., Downtown Spartanburg www.hub-bub.com

Lauren and Jason/Marisol Spoon

Porter Flea - Nashville - Dec. 3rd The artisan market will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, from 12-8 PM indoors at the East Park Community Center, 600 Woodland Street, located in East Nashville.  Porter Flea: Holiday will feature handmade gifts from over 60 local and regional artisans and designers, half a dozen popular food trucks, and live DJs.  This one-of-a-kind market event will also benefit the East Park Community Center and Metro Parks.

Chatty Crafty DIY Holiday, 2011 Saturday + Sunday, December 10 + 11 Warehouse Row, North Bldg, Suite 118 1110 Market Street Chattanooga, Tenn. Chatty Crafty is a juried DIY/Indie Craft Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This event plays host to DIY and Indie crafters & their wares from around the country.

The Rock & Shop Market Motorco, Full Steam Brewery & The Trotter Building - Durham, NC December 17th 2011 12-6pm An indoor shopping, music & fashion event spotlighting emerging local bands and designers selling their wares. Grab a beer at the bar, shop local from talented designers and hear great music.

Tools of the Trade: Marketing

We all know that making our crafts is the easy part. Running the business is where it gets hard. Even though Indie Craft Parade isn't necessarily a business, it takes the same focus and effort of a business venture to put on our event each year. So we want to share the resources we use to make our lives a little easier. To follow up on last week's post on keeping your business organized, we wanted to give you a few online sites we use that focus on marketing and selling goods.

Facebook is truly one of the best ways to network your small business. The social sphere online has a massive audience, which means your products can be spread way beyond your physical contacts. The more you post, the more people will acknowledge your presence. Plus Facebook provides a perfect occasion for others to spread your information. It definitely takes creativity and a bit of discipline to maintain your online presence, but the rewards are certainly worth it. We've heavily relied on Facebook to get the word out about Indie Craft Parade. Besides it's potential to reach new people, Facebook makes it very easy to create events and interact with fans.

Mail Chimp has been a great tool for managing our email campaign. The software is surprisingly simple and easy to use, and it has features such as customizable templates which make the emails going to your fans look organized and professional. Not only does Mail Chimp manage your email lists, but also it shows you stats about unsubscribers and if your emails were read. The service is also free.

Big Cartel might be a good fit for you if you are thinking about opening an online store. Although we think Etsy is a fabulous resource for selling your goods online, Big Cartel gives you your own website, and you won't have the hassle being lost among the thousands of other vendors on Etsy. We've used Big Cartel to sell Indie Craft merchandise after our event in September. The entry level of Big Cartel is free. That subscription only allows you to sell a couple of products at a time, which isn't a problem if you're just getting started. But the prices of higher subscriptions are reasonable if you want to fully customize your store.

Twitter has many of the social benefits of Facebook paired down into small bits of information at a time. Unlike Facebook where you primarily follow friends and personal contacts, twitter allows you to follow and be followed by people with similar interests. This is an excellent way to get your products and information out to a group of people with a specific interest in arts and crafts. If you're not particularly internet savvy, and maintaining both a Facebook and Twitter account isn't appealing, you can link them together. You can configure your accounts so when you update one, the other updates as well, saving you the time and effort.

Again, this list is just the beginning of helpful resources. We'd love to hear your opinions and experiences about these services and others that you've used. Let's help spread the knowledge!

Tools of the Trade: Staying Organized

As you expand your craft business, find new inspiration, and make new connections, it's very easy to get bogged down in one particular area--how to organize everything. This happens to everyone, so we wanted to share with you some online (and free!) programs we've used to keep all of the craziness that comes with running a craft fair in check. They're all so easy to set up, online support is easy to access, and they can be accessed from multiple devices.

Dropbox allows you to store and share files online. This is particularly helpful if you have large files that need to be transferred and reviewed by multiple people. File sharing is extremely easy to set up, and you won't have to chase down emails to find the right files. We've used it to send artwork to vendors and other collaborators.

Pinterest. We've mentioned this before, but Pinterest is the best way we've found to keep all of our visual inspiration in one place. As you browse the internet and come across things you like, you simply "pin" them to your personal boards, and they'll link you back to your original source. This is an awesome way to catalogue DIY projects, tutorials, and all of the random things you love. Pinterest was our means for keeping an inspiration board for Indie Craft Parade 2011. And other people used it for making wishlists of things to buy at the event. Check out the Indie Craft Parade Pinterest Board to see what we find inspiring.

Google Docs might be our favorite collaborative tool. Last year we used an online project management software that worked well, but Google Docs has proven to be even more convenient. We've used it for sharing documents with each other internally as well as surveying our vendors after the show. It's a super handy and free way to keep everyone organized and on the same page.

Evernote is like the ultimate to-do list. If you need to access both visual and written information, this might be perfect for you. Not only can you keep your online picture clippings together, you can also record to do lists or plan meetings and trips. Also Evernote has a keyword search function that makes it easy to find everything you've squirreled away.

This is just a short list of websites we like. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these or have you recommend what's been helpful for you!

Greenville Open Studios

Many of you probably work or live right around the corner from a Greenville artist, and you don't even know it. Local artists don't always work out of galleries or official studios, which is why you should take advantage of Greenville's annual Open Studios. This event not only gives the community a chance to meet more of Greenville's artists but also to tour their work spaces, to get to know their processes, and to connect on a more personal level. Open Studios this year falls on Saturday, November 5, 10am - 6pm & Sunday, November 6, Noon - 6pm. A few artists are even open on Friday evening.

About Greenville Open Studios from the Metropolitan Arts Council:

Now beginning its tenth year, Greenville Open Studios began as an idea cast about during a casual conversation between a small group of artists several years ago; they discussed doing something to raise awareness in the greater community of the tremendous creative energy in the area. The idea has evolved into a full-fledged annual event. The goals of Greenville Open Studios are to provide free and convenient community access to visual arts, to educate and create a dialogue between artists and the general public by opening artists’ place of work and inviting the community-at-large to participate in the creative process, and to create new marketing opportunities for artists. It is the organizers’ desire that the project will open up the world of visual artists to everyone – from the seasoned collector to the first-time art buyer to the curious general public.

Also check out the Open Studios page for more information about their mobile site which is complete with studio maps--very handy in finding which artists are closest to you.

Every year this event proves the great talent we have in and around our town, and you really don't want to miss out on the chance to enjoy it. Mark your calendars!

Muse Fest

Last night we attended the opening gala for Muse Fest 2011 in Old Town Rock Hill, SC. It's a weekend long music, film, and art festival that is centered on an indie craft show. Muse Fest is very much a sister event to Indie Craft Parade, and we were so happy for their invitation to join in the festivities. If you're near or traveling to Rock Hill this weekend, please check out Muse Fest. It's free and open to the public and runs all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tell your friends!

The event is held in Rock Hill's super cute Old Town at the historic Post Office and Court House. Although the Post Office/Court House has been converted into the UP Gallery, it still holds tons of original charm.Muse Fest decked the building out in their iconic hot pink--complete with a crocheted lamp post out front!

Works by Jay Owens (from Indie Craft Parade's jury) are on display in the permanent gallery.

Check out all of the interior's gorgeous details! We're in love with the vintage PO boxes.

Some of our favorite vendors from the evening:

The Cordial Churchman - handmade bow ties and neck ties, and a former Indie Craft Parade Participant

Bounden Studio - handmade books

Other friends from Greenville and from Indie Craft Parade: Sew Sew Lovely, Emily Clarke Studio and Phoenix Fire Studios

To see the full list of participating vendors, check out the Muse Fest Craft Vendors page.

Artists at the Saturday Market

The art scene never slows down in Greenville, and we have another exciting event to tell you about. The Art & Light Gallery at the Flatiron studios is hosting four crafters this Saturday, some of which were exhibitors at Indie Craft Parade. There will even be a tutorial for felting. Don't miss it! Here's the information from Art & Light's website:

Saturday, October 22 is Market Saturday at Flatiron Studios.  Fine craft and Indie Craft Parade exhibitors will spend the day with us selling their wares - to include Bess Whittington, Deb Potter, Joanna Bursch, and Angie Craft.  Deb Potter will also offer a pumpkin felting class - $10 which includes materials (continual 20 min. sessions 1:30 - 4:oopm).

Angie Craft Ornamental Gourds

Joanna Bursch Fiber

Deb Potter Yarn and Scarves and Felting

Bess Whittington Fiber

Live from Brooklyn, Live in Greenville: Printmaking Show this weekend

This Friday evening, there's a great indie printmaking show in Greenville that you won't want to miss. Dapper Ink (as you may remember from our Indie Craft Parade/Etsy Craft Night) is hosting a show by former Greenville artist Dailey Crafton, the creator of the Live from Bklyn studio. This show called "Live from Brooklyn, Live in Greenville" will feature unframed linocut and silkscreen prints as well as printed home goods and letterpress items.

The event begins at 7PM on Friday, October 14. If you can't make it to the opening, the show will be hanging for the following week. Dapper Ink is open weekdays from 9:00 to 4:30. Or you could contact the folks at Dapper Ink for evening and weekend hours.

Check out the Live From Bklyn Etsy Shop for a preview of the home goods.

Handprinted flour sack towels

Handprinted greeting card

Featured Sponsor: Etsy

Etsy supports many local events across the nation, and we are so excited to have their support. Each year they not only contribute funds to help us put on the event, but they also help us spread the word about Indie Craft Parade. In addition, many of our artists have Etsy shops, and we use some of the Etsy tools (like treasuries) to promote our show and get people excited about what kind of goods they'll see at Indie Craft Parade.

From the About Etsy page:

Etsy is the world's handmade marketplace.

Our mission is to empower people to change the way the global economy works. We see a world in which very-very small businesses have much-much more sway in shaping the economy, local living economies are thriving everywhere, and people value authorship and provenance as much as price and convenience. We are bringing heart to commerce and making the world more fair, more sustainable, and more fun.

The Etsy Booth at Indie Craft Parade

This year we had the privilege of having official Etsy representation at our event. If you stopped at the Etsy booth, you talked to a member of the South Carolina Etsy Street Team. Volunteers from this team handed out information about their team members and explained how the site works to those who weren't familiar with Etsy. This is a great support group if you're an Etsy seller or would like to be. You can join this team if you're an artisan "living in South Carolina who maintains an etsy shop containing a minimum of 5 items" Visit their page for more details.

Etsy is a great tool, especially for artists who are just getting started and want to quickly and easily set up an online shop. They also have many great resources for finding handmade goods.

We've often explained Indie Craft Parade as Etsy in person. So if you missed the show, or want to know where else to buy handmade goods, Etsy is a great place to start. Use their Shop Local tool to help you find artists near you!

Inspiring Booth Displays

From now till Christmas many of our Indie Craft Parade followers will be busy with craft shows. Some of you are old pros at craft fairs and have mastered the art of displaying your goods. Others might be new to the craft circuit and are still figuring out the art of presentation. So I've gathered some tips using some of the booth displays at Indie Craft Parade. While we didn't have a single weak display at the event, and all of them were great examples of quality booths, I've chosen to highlight a few that demonstrate some good pointers for showing off your work.

Displaying two dimensional art can be difficult. Joey Bradley opted for a wall display instead of a table. I love how clean his booth is and how he incorporated some large objects that coordinate with his subject matter to break up the visual space.

Illyria Pottery's booth was a show stopper. While you might not need this much height on your table, it works well to have something visually striking about your booth to draw the visitors in.

If at all possible, show off your wearable goods (clothing, jewelry, purses, aprons, anything!) on dress forms or mannequins. The visitors to the Parachute Clothing booth had an easier time seeing the size and fit of the items as well as imagining themselves wearing Parachute goods.

Maie Dae really created unity with her booth. Since many of her jewelry goods were vintage or upcycled items, her booth reflected that theme using recycled crates and boxes or old door knobs.

For even more inspirational booth ideas, browse the 2011 and 2010 Indie Craft Parade Flickr pools!

Ad Space for Grabs

Hey Indie Craft Parade Vendors! We just wanted to tell you about a cool way to get a little more attention for all the goodies you sold our festival. There's a new website being launched called Indie Show List, a source for all things crafty. Although the website isn't fully operational just yet, they do have a social media presence. Besides being a great resource for craft news, Indie Show List wants to give you some press. They're currently hosting a competition on their Facebook page for the best booth display. Simply upload a picture of your booth to their wall with your information. If they decide your's is the best, they'll give you 2 months ad space on the new www.indieshowlist.com. With all of the amazing booth designs we saw at Indie Craft Parade, I'm sure you'll make their decision very hard. Check them out. All the details to the competition are here.

Making the Sale: Interview with Katie Coston

For many artists, creating great work is the easy part. It's selling their work that gets difficult. So we asked Katie Coston, a professional, full-time potter, to share some tips for increasing your sales at Indie Craft Parade or other venues. Katie's one-of-a-kind pieces sell extremely well at her shows. But it's not pure artistic talent that's brought Katie and Illyria Pottery success. Her winning personality and experience keep her customers coming back. Indie Craft Parade: How do you first engage people when they come to your booth or to a show?

Katie: Engage customers just like you would engage with anyone anywhere. Be friendly and genuine. If they are coming to your booth, remember that something has drawn them. Maybe it's you. Maybe it's your work. If they seem like a "leave me a alone, and let me shop" kind of person, I usually tell them to let me know if they have any questions, and I get busy doing something else.

Katie's Booth at 2010 Indie Craft Parade

Indie Craft Parade: Generally people don't like being pressured into buying things, but as the artist, you have to make the sale. How do you convince people they need your goods without being too pushy?

Katie: I strongly dislike pressure from sales people. Actually, if a sales person is hovering, I tend not to buy. Since that's how I feel, I assume others are similar. I like to welcome people, and then let them shop. If they seem interested in something, I'll often come back and mention an alluring feature or interesting fact about the piece they're holding. Micah (my husband) and I work as a team, and he can get away with "chatting people up" (as our British friends would have it) more than I can. He knows about the process and has been involved enough to have a connection with each piece. His personality is naturally social, and it works for me to have him talk about my work, since I don't want to sound like I'm singing my own praises. If you're on your own, I guess you'll need to find a middle ground, and/or bring a friend along who loves your work. It's better to not make the sale the first time around than to give your customers a reason to not come back.

Indie Craft Parade: You have a lot of repeat customers that come to your shows, visit your online site, etc. How did you develop that faithful following?

Katie: We try to always keep things fresh--our displays, pieces, and even venues. Certain things are standard, but we don't like to stagnate. If I have something that's been around, I get rid of it anyway I can. Who wants to come to your next show and see the same things you had last time? Be personal and real. Show genuine interest in the individual and not their wallet. Get to know your customers and find out what excites them.

Indie Craft Parade: Any other tips you like to share?

Katie: Selling can be difficult. A good solution is to be just as creative in your marketing and selling as you are in your creating! Have a wide variety of pieces in a broad range of prices. I aim to always have something available for that college kid who can only spend $10 or that mom who can't go over $20. I do have customers that will by $100+ pieces, but I try to be realistic and have options for various needs, tastes and budgets. With each item ask yourself, "Would I buy this piece for this price?." Be honest! Chances are a lot of other people think like you do.

Thanks, Katie! Be sure to check out her work and online shop at Illyria Pottery.

Perfecting your Art: Interview with Cory Godbey

The world of arts and craft is competitive, and it takes a great deal of time and effort to make your work stand out. That progression can be long and difficult, sometimes fraught with criticism and even rejection. But for the people willing to stick it out, the end is rewarding. We've brought you an interview with Cory Godbey, a Greenville artist who's spent a number of years making a name for himself in the illustration community. Having experienced both the ups and downs of perfecting his art, Cory understands the dedication and perseverance required of a professional artist. Still on the journey (but having come a long way) he has shared some advice and encouragement for artists who are continually striving to improve their work.

Indie Craft Parade: As a professional artist, you've worked for a number of years on perfecting your techniques and personal style. What do you think was the most important thing to focus on during those growing years?

Cory: For me it's always been a matter of working hard. Working hard and wanting it. It's also competing with yourself, I believe. Of course you can get discouraged looking at all the awesome things everyone else on the internet is doing. But remember to keep your head down, be professional, and work at it like nothing else matters. I'm still growing, I'm able to do things now that I know I couldn't a year ago. Same for last year and the year before. I don't think any true professional "arrives." They're constantly pushing themselves; they don't sit back and coast.

Indie Craft Parade: Your work seems very popular and well-received. Have you always enjoyed that success? Can you describe some of your experiences before your work was accepted at the level you wanted?

Cory: Well I don't know about that! That's very kind of you to say. With my personal work I can never gauge what will be popular. For example with my prints or with a show, I can never tell which will be the best received or most popular. I just do the work I like. I'm my only guideline, if that makes sense.

One of my biggest hurdles was being declined to a certain annual of illustration. I had already made it into more "prestigious" books, but that didn't matter to me as much as being accepted into this particular book. I applied for the last 4 or 5 years, rejected each time until this past year. You know what? Each time the rejection only made me better. I did my best to keep myself professional, focused, and I just worked even harder for next year. I give this example because I want people to know if they're rejected from something, they should use that frustration to improve. Just take it and work harder. Let it motivate, not frustrate.

Indie Craft Parade: What advice would you give to artists and crafters who are struggling with moving their work to the next level?

Cory: The advice I give to anyone who asks me that is basically the same advice I've been given by friends and mentors; just keep doing it. It takes time, effort, and heart to be a professional--to work at a level that you're proud of. I'm still working towards that level. Just decide what it is you want and fire towards that with abandon.

Children's Art Auction for the Pendleton Place Children's Shelter

Hey everyone. We want to tell you about an awesome opportunity that the people of Greenville have to give back to their community through the arts. Next week at Spill the Beans downtown, children's paintings will be auctioned off to benefit the Pendleton Place Children's Shelter. Pendleton Place provides for kids who have been either abused or abandoned. As part of their program, they teach the kids to paint and expose them to the arts. In turn these kids have created paintings to help bring in funding for the organization that has helped them so much.

The event is Thursday, August 25 from 6-10 PM. We've included some pictures of the kids' work. They're really great, and this would be an awesome organization to contribute to. Please consider attending.

Here are some more details from the Pendleton Place website:

A group of volunteers from Origins Church are working with local Greenville artists to help teach our children the joy of expression through painting! They will be helping children create canvas paintings to be auctioned at a community event to benefit the shelter. We are so grateful to be a part of this project and to be able to expose the children at Pendleton Place to the therapeutic advantages of art. The Art Auction will take place on Thursday, August 25 from 6-10PM (bidding ends at 9PM) at Spill the Beans on Main Street. Please consider supporting our volunteers by 'friend-ing'Pendleton Place Art Auction on Facebook to learn more information about this event! If you cant' attend the event, but would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to support our young artists, please click here.

Advice for our Vendors: Taking Online Payments

Although the world of craft fairs is largely run on cash, there are a few great ways for vendors to accept electronic payments from customers who just can't live without plastic. I want to share one of those with you today: Square App. I've personally used this method at art shows, and I can undoubtably say it's made made my experiences much easier. The Square App is simple, beautiful, and so easy to use. I really don't even need to say much about it. A portable credit card reader fits into the earphone jack of your smart phone or tablet, you swipe the customer's card for the amount of their goods, and you're paid the next day.

All of Square's vital information is located on their website, but that's about all there is to it. Payments are secure. You can even send email or text message receipts to your customers. And the best part about it, it's absolutely free to get started. Square charges a small fee per transaction made, but honestly, it's worth it to have the ability to take cards at your booth. Check it out!

Finding Inspiration: Interview with Annie Koelle

We want the Indie Craft Parade Blog to be a helpful resource for everyone in the arts and craft community. So we've decided to include a series of posts that will help both developing and seasoned artists with a variety of topics. We want to discuss things like creating a winning booth, effectively selling goods in person, establishing an online presence and the like. To share this information effectively, we're going to the people who do these things the best. We'll be interviewing (mostly) local artists to get their tips for making your products, branding, or general presence in the art world even better. Today, we're starting with Annie Koelle. She's a painter who presents gorgeous scenes from the natural world. In the 7 years or so I've known Annie, her work has never ceased to amaze me. Everything about her work is inspiring, so I asked her to share some thoughts on the topic of finding inspiration. Sometimes artists burn out or get discouraged when trying to develop new ideas or styles. Annie is continually producing new pieces, and she has graciously shared with us her approach for keeping her work fresh.

To see more pictures of her work, check out this post from 17 Dove Street that features one of Annie's recent shows, hosted in a garden.

Indie Craft Parade:

Frequently artists and crafters are at a loss for new inspiration--either new artists don't know how to branch out or seasoned crafters get burned out. You're always working on show material, how do you keep your work new and fresh?

Annie:

I'm always viewing the world as an artist, always on the look out for inspiring things--which is why my work is a reflection of everyday things I appreciate. I'm constantly searching for ideas to run with. I look in decorating magazines, the living breathing growing world, fashion catalogs and magazines (I have several binders of clippings), blogs, artists past and present, poetry, music, and antique stores. And a million other things I'm sure. I also make little composition sketches to remember a painting layout. Usually I will come back to them and decide they are silly. Most of the time I don't use them, but it ends up leading on to other great ideas. I have no regrets ever in recording fleeting ideas. Take an idea and run with it in all possible directions. Don't worry about playing it safe. Always be harvesting ideas!

PIndie CraftParade: Although you do a wide variety art/craft genres and styles, every piece you do is decidedly "Annie." Can you share any tips for artists trying to show their personality or put consistency in their work?

Annie:

I think that's something that develops over time, so have patience. I had a little bit of a head start, having been given art lessons as a youth, long before college. I can't say that a few years ago I was as consistent, but now I am confident in the mediums I'm working with, so I know how to successfully experiment with them. Also, it may be the subject matter, everything I work into a painting has a very personal connection to my life, past and present. Little things I appreciate such as the birds in my yard, the fig tree I pick from, or perhaps something associated with my childhood.  Here is a good tip: whatever sort of art it is, it must be an absolute overflow of yourself, that you present in a skillful, creative way. It has to be what you truly like, and it has to be good enough that you would hand over money for it --as if someone else had made it. Any sort of handmade thing, it had better be something you'd buy yourself and put in your house, wear out to a party, or hang on your wall. Strive for that! Think about it while you are planning and creating. I think that's the key, I'm finally sure (after years of trying) of what I really like, and I am beginning to figure out how to make art I would actually love to hang on my wall. But not always--can't knock it outta the park all the time. Sometimes its just about getting something out of your brain and into your hands.

Indie Craft Parade:

 Can you suggest any resources for artists looking for new inspiration?

Annie: Like I said, I find resources in a million places, but here are a few of my favorites.

Decorator magazines: I don't really read art magazines. The decor ones actually show you what people hang on their walls.

Pinterest: Follow my art inspiration board.

Poppytalk Blog

Dear Ada: I love the book list she has on the side.

FFFFound Image Bookmarking

Simply Lovely Blog

Where the Lovely Things Are: New Fave!

Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards

We always want to let people know about new opportunities to get involved in the art and craft scene, and today we have a good one! You must check out the Garden and Gun Annual "Made in the South Awards."  This is an awesome chance to show off your handmade goods.

Check out the official information from their website:

Artists and designers, don't miss this great opportunity to share your work! If you live in the South and make amazing things that fall into one of these categories — food, sporting, fashion, home — then you need to enter this contest! Garden & Gun hosts the Made in the South Awards each year to celebrate "the rich cultural traditions of Southern craft, design and ingenuity." The deadline to enter is August 1st, so make sure you get your work in fast. Winners receive a cash prize as well as being featured in the Dec/Jan issue of Garden & Gun.

August 1st is coming up quick, so if you want to enter, be sure to do it quick. Check out the application here.

Also, take a look at some of the featured winners from last year. Some seriously gorgeous stuff here!

Leather bags from Emil Erwin

Handcrafted Furniture from Holler Designs

Lace designs from Gabrielle Jewelry

CoCraft This Upcoming Weekend

Just wanted to let everyone in the Greenville area know about a super-fun crafting opportunity coming up this week. This Saturday, July 23, is a CoCraft night hosted by Mandy Blankenship. You can either learn how to make cloth napkins or bring your own crafting supplies to work on personal projects. The party will be held at 514 Glenwood Ave. in Anderson, SC. Please RSVP here if you can make it! For further details, check out the CoCraft page.

Exciting Book Release

Here's some fun news from the world of design and crafting. Design*Sponge is releasing a book! For the past few years this enormously popular blog has inspired its followers with its posts on home decor, fashion, food, graphic design, and of course crafting and DIY projects. The new book features an entire section of Do It Yourself projects, providing tutorials on a variety of subjects. So, check out the book trailer below. It's beautifully produced. If you're already a D*S fan, you can imagine all the goodness that will come from this publication. If you're just now hearing about this blog, you'll want to check it out. You'll be amazed at the inspiration that's in store. http://vimeo.com/22861096