Friday, February 25, 2011

On Being a (Gulp) Hipster

I just realized that this:



makes me sound somewhat like a middle-aged housewife, trying to keep up with her hip offspring. What's that thing the kids call it? Graphitics...graf...graffiti?

Which is funny, and timely, considering I've recently had to accept the fact that I apparently fit the description of a....hipster.

A friend recently sent this link to me. On the page you see this image:




I'm ashamed to admit how many of them apply to me. Why ashamed? Well, who wants to be classified as any one thing? So I wear decade-old Converse and Vans - it's only 'cause I've OWNED them that long! (Hey, I take care of my things...and my shoe size hasn't changed since the 7th grade.) I'm obsessed with documentaries, LOVE Apple products, lomographic photography, go to "shows", the list goes on and on. The only thing that really saves me is that I've yet to own a pair of skinny jeans. And the fact that I refuse to use acronyms. LOL, my ass. I LAUGH OUT LOUD.

Here's the thing: I HATE that label. It makes me think of kids with funky hair cuts, poorly fitting/matching clothing, and pretentious ideas without actual knowledge. People I refer to as "kids". There's nothing innately wrong with them but I just can't identify with them. Nor do I have to! I haven't been a "kid" for longer than I care to admit to. I'm no geriatric and I still get the occasional carding when buying booze but I've been out of high school now for almost as long as it takes to get in.

Like most people, I like what I like. Can I help that some are considered items du jour? So I love grammar, noir movies, indie music, and Charles Bukowski. Ditto for pulp art, Varga girls, surf music, and chick-lit from the 60s. I've loved these things for YEARS. It's taken me a lifetime to acquire the knowledge and obsessions I have and I proudly cling to them, even while they fade in and out of the popular conscience. I'm not saying that every "hipster" is a poseur, but is it my fault that that's a stereotype I carry around in my head? And, therefore, don't want to be associated with? I can't be the only one. I suppose the true "hipstery" thing is fiercely imaging/insisting that you don't fit ANY mold. That you're an original. Even though you realize you look/sound an awful lot like that other "original" guy standing next to you. The truth is there are very few things that can still be called original. Everyone and everything is a melding of all its influences and surroundings. So it is with a long sigh that I admit...I suppose...I might, indeed, be a "hipster" myself.

The good news? Exit Through the Gift Shop really was quite a good documentary.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Retro Indie Market Recapped - Finally!

What to say about MY FIRST CRAFT SHOW EVER?

It. Was. AWESOME.

I don't know why I was so nervous! I worked like a mad-woman in the weeks leading up to the show, literally crafted up to the last minute, had my house A WRECK while I concentrated on nothing else for at least a month, wasn't able to complete all the items I wanted to have ready, anyway, and you know what - it didn't even matter. It was fantastic. The girls who organized the show did an impressive job and found a great location and selected a wide variety of vendors selling all kinds of adorable items. Then they threw in delicious baked goods and even swing dancers! I don't know how they got the word out, considering it was the first annual of this specific craft show, but they managed to attract a steady stream of shoppers looking to spend their hard-earned cash.

I had a HUGE table centered at the very end of the first floor. You could not miss me. I just wish I had brought more items. I'd planned on having a tidy, minimal looking table because I'm not fond of the cluttered, scattered displays that I've often seen at shows. Well, that backfired on me a little 'cause I had a VERY minimal looking area. I wasn't expecting to be lucky enough to have an actual dining room table - I've seen what most folks have to work with and that's what I prepared for. Oh well, live and learn! Regardless, all the customers were very nice and complimentary of my work and I'm very happy with the amount of sales I made. I was even interviewed by a reporter for the New Times, had a beanie featured in their images of the show, and made it to a brief mention in the article! AND I sold her an item. I was very fortunate to not only have The Doomed there with me but even Rapid Mood Swings flew out from LA to help out, too! All in all, a great time, great first experience, and I can't wait to do it again.

And I don't have to! My next show is lined up for April and I'm already working away to prepare for it. Up next, though, I really need to get my shop in order. I made lots of new things that I haven't had a chance to photograph or list on etsy yet and lots more ideas to make.
Here's a sneak peek of what's to come:


Button Fascinators
Embroidered Hair Clips


Monday, February 21, 2011

Retro Indie Craft Show

I haven't had a chance yet to do a proper blog post about MY FIRST EVER CRAFT SHOW (that's how I say it in my head every time), but here're a couple pictures from the event.



Gentleman getting in the way of the only shot I took of my set-up.



Handmade banner with lettering stenciled and painted by The Doomed.

Full recap coming up in the next post!

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