An unexpected surprise!

  It's been about a year since I decided to go full time with my company Vintage Fairy Finds. I could not in my wildest dreams imagined how many amazing, kind, creative and talented people I would meet through my travels. When I opened for business, I knew what I wanted to provide as far as customer service. I felt like I could give more personal attention at a show, but I wanted that to carry over into my Etsy shop as well. I knew how I liked to be treated when I shopped online and I wanted to give my customers that same experience. I have 3 main commitments when it comes to my online shop...

                       1) Speed

                       2) Quality

                       3) Kindness- good old fashioned customer service :)

I love when I order something and it shows up really fast, so I make almost daily trips to the post office. Luckily I live around the corner from one, so it is convenient for me as well. Next, I only buy what I love. I personally use all of the components that I sell. I sometimes find myself having a mental tug of war over whether or not I can part with most of them. I make jewelry that lasts, so everything is tested for quality before it goes up for sale. I also love to get a surprise in my order. I always include something in my orders no matter how big or small. The main reason is I want you to smile when you open your package!  No matter how good or bad your day has been, I hope to bring just a little bit of happiness into it. Plus it's good Karma right? I love random acts of kindness!

  I have lots of customers who have written beautiful thank you notes and have shared personal stories of how jewelry making and art has saved them in some way. This is main reason why I absolutely love what I do. I have always firmly believed you get what you give. I feel so grateful and fortunate for all of the people I have crossed paths with over this last year. The support and camaraderie with the designers and creative souls has been priceless.  

  A few days ago I received and email from a customer I met a year ago my 1st time vending at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show. Julie had recently decided to take the plunge too. She had a bunch of great ideas and as we spoke I could feel her excitement as well as her hesitation. Let's face it -on some level all of us are a little insecure about what we create. It's like letting someone peek into your diary. I tried to reassure her that her ideas were amazing and our conversation got my wheels turning as well. I received a thank you note from her for our chat and she said she hoped to do something nice for me someday.  It made me smile and feel that I was on the right track. If I could make an impact on just one person at a show, then all the hard work was worth it. Few days ago I received another email from Julie, but I never expected this...

Julie got published in this Summer's Jewelry Affaire Magazine!

Isn't her work stunning?!

I was so happy and excited for her! I ran out to my local bead store, Garden of Beaden, and grabbed a copy! (You be sure to do the same! It's a great issue!) Her pieces are gorgeous! She also let me know as thank you she listed my shop in her materials list. I was so excited! It meant so much to me that she would even think to include my store in her materials list and how cool to get to see what she made with the rhinestones she purchased from me! 

There I am! Vintage Fairy Finds :)

It was so kind of her and unexpected.  I wish her much success and creative inspiration in the future! Her act of kindness just proves that what goes around comes around.  Good things do come back to you and sometimes when you least expect it. She made my day- (heck my week!) and reminded me it's almost time for Pasadena again! I can hardly wait! Who knows who I will meet this time?

Check out Julie's Etsy Shop Ribbon Tapestry...
www.etsy.com/shop/RibbonTapestry

be sure to stop by and see all the new treasure in my Shop too...

www.etsy.com/shop/vintagefairyfinds

I hope to see you at Pasadena in a few weeks! Until then, keep on creating!

Sparkle on!

 Crystal

Time to Catch my Breath!

OK I know this post is long overdue, but so much has happened so fast, I hardly know where to begin... I guess I will start by recapping a little...

January 2013
I was at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show for my second appearance  I had so much fun seeing everyone and I made so many new friends and connections. I can't wait until July to see you all again!

Two short weeks later I was off to Tucson in the beginning of February. I have wanted to go to Tucson for the last 15 years. I have friends that have gone, so I thought I knew what I was in for. I finally made it! I'm in Tucson! Apparently I hadn't a clue how busy it would be!

I met so many people from all of the country and in fact all over the world...Japan, Australia, Minnesota, Florida...you name the place, someone was there representing. I was ill prepared! I ran out of so many things on the 1st day!  A good problem, but needless to say a problem by then end of the six day show.  I always learn something at a show. Now I know what to expect for next year! I was amazed at how many people from opposite ends of the earth were drawn to the same aesthetic as me. There were several people I met that I felt like I had known them for years and yet we were meeting for the first time. I guess creativity and the love of things with a past was our bond. Towards the end of the week I met Shannon Rutt. Shannon and I hit it off right away. She owns a traveling bead store called "Beads on the Bus." If you are in Colorado look her up! She has converted a VW bus into a creative caravan! I love the look and just think it is the coolest idea! She travels around to outdoor markets and does private parties from her bus! It was nice to meet someone with a similar drive and love of jewelry making. I wish her the best of luck with her business! Please check out her Facebook or website if you get a chance and be on the lookout for Beads on the Bus!

https://www.facebook.com/Beadsonthebuscom

or

www.beadsonthebus.com

Beads on the Bus - Highland Ranch, Colorado

I met so many kindred spirits that were taking classes in the same building. Most people came back and shopped a second time once their creative wheels began to turn! I think that is my favorite part of what I do. I love seeing it all click when the person realizes there are no rules! It's too cool!  I have to admit, I was a little star struck when Lisa Palvelka stopped by and shopped my table along with some of her students! Besides new customers, I continued growing bonds with my fellow vendors from the Pasadena Show. We all had so much fun! It is hard for me to believe that I get to make a living doing what I love. I had not anticipated that I would sell so much jewelry and art in Tucson and I was leaving for Northern CA in just a few days! I came home from Tucson and only had 10 days to create new inventory for Glitterfest which was rapidly approaching on March 9th as well as make some samples for Concord. I locked myself in my studio and created as fast as I could! 10 days later I was restocked, but ready for a nap needless to say :)

  By the time I got to Concord, CA, I felt like I was back at bead camp for the weekend! I couldn't wait to catch up with everyone! It makes working so fun to be constantly surrounded by creative people. We all feed off each other and then magic happens. We inspire people and get their creative juices flowing. Before you know it we are sending people across the ballroom to get chain from this person and a finding from another vendor and we create this synergy between the vendors that I just love! 

I arrived home just in time for Glitterfest on March 9th, my favorite Art show of the year! I was so excited for the new venue! It was a fantastic show. I cannot wait for the Fall. The food trucks were amazing and the room was huge! 

It never ceases to take my breath away looking across that ballroom at all of the amazing creations. 

I met some new people and was very glad to see so many familiar faces! I was super happy I sold my new angel! I had be wanting to make another since the first one was kidnapped. Once again I forgot to take a good photo in all of the hustle and bustle, so this is what I caught with my phone before this one flew away.

One of my favorite customers that I met at the Pasadena show walked up and said he had to add this one to his collection. She took 2 days and a ton of solder to create her. I am super happy she is in good hands! Transformation has been sort of an undercurrent in my life for the last year :)

So now you are caught up! All this has been happening while I run to the post office to make sure everyone gets their treasures from my Etsy Shop as quickly as possible. It's been sooooo crazy but so much fun! I wouldn't trade it for anything! After Glitterfest I decided it may be a good idea to take a few weeks off from shows and get a chance to catch my breath, but not for long...
 My next event is on April 18th from 7pm-11pm. It's an art event taking place in Pomona, CA at the Luna Lounge on Temple Ave. I was contacted through my Etsy shop my one of the curators. I will be showing my art and jewelry designs. It's through a really cool organization called RAW Natural Born Artists. They feature all mediums including performance art, fashion, as well as the visual arts. There will be about 30 local Artists showcasing. Please come down and support us! Let me know if you can make it & I will put you on the guest list!

http://www.rawartists.org/crystalbasica

 

I have much more happening in May as well as some local bead store events that are in the works! Check out my calendar for where I will be next and check out what's new in my Etsy shop! Hope to see you soon!
Sparkle on!
Crystal

Here Comes 2013

It's amazing to me how fast time can fly! 

So much has happened this year. I have met so many new people and I have learned so much. It has really been a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I am so grateful for all of the magical things that keep happening. I cannot wait to see what 2013 has in store! I know one thing for sure, I am going to be a busy girl next year! 

    My first show of the year is a boutique show at Hilary's Vanity. I was lucky enough to met Hilary at a show I did in Long Beach in early December. She designs Steampunk and Gothic clothing. She thought some of my jewelry designs would be a perfect fit, so I am heading to Chatsworth, CA on January 5th! 

   A few short weeks later I will be selling supplies along with my jewelry and art at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show. I am super excited for Pasadena! My table is twice the size of last time and it's a good thing because I have so much new product! I am busy working on some new kits and I was lucky enough to meet a gentleman with vintage 1940's Swarovski rhinestone components new old stock! I bought it all! I have been listing a few pieces on Etsy but the pictures do them no justice. Everything is just gorgeous and sparkles like crazy!

I also just came into a HUGE stash of vintage pocket watch parts. 

I hope you all can come on out and see what's new! The Pasadena show starts on Jan 17 and runs through Jan 20th 10AM-6PM daily. 

   I am super excited that I am going to get to do some traveling in 2013! I will be heading to Tuscon, AZ for the Tucson Bead Show at the Windmill in February and and Concord, CA in March. I have a few other places in the works too as well as some of my regular local trunk shows! I am amazed daily by all of the incredibly creative people I get to meet and am truly grateful for all of my customers and friends for their support and inspiration! I feel so very lucky I get to spend my days doing what I love! Let's make 2013 one to remember!

Sparkle On!
Crystal

Handmade for the Holidays

   As much as I don't want to admit it, the holiday season is upon us! I would like to say I am taking some time off after Glitterfest, but it simply isn't true. I have several shows coming up between now and the end of the year, so it's been back to work for me! I recently went down to Beadology in Huntington Beach  for a special one day show honoring my dear friend Melanie Doerman. Her husband, Asbjorn, came down in the afternoon to help us do a book signing for her amazing book "The Art of Forgotten Things." 

Asbjorn & Erin

At Erin, Beadology's Owner's request, I brought down all of my vintage and mixed media pieces and parts so that her customers can create their own versions of Melanie's incredible designs. We had a blast :)

Me & Erin with lots of treasure!

   I will be back to Beadology the weekend after Thanksgiving for a 3 day trunk show Friday-Sunday. I love showing everyone what to do with all of my vintage pieces. Erin is having a fabulous Black Friday Sale and it's Small Business Saturday, so it's going to be a fun & busy weekend! I have a bunch of new design and ideas to share, so come on down to Beadology and play! 
   I really think that one good thing that has come out of these hard economic times is realizing we still have choices and power. Shop your neighbor! There are amazing artists and craftsmen in your community! Get out there are support small local businesses! How about making your gifts this year? It's so much more meaningful when you put your positive energy into what you are giving this holiday season.
  I am involved in a few shows this season supporting the handmade community. First up in this Friday and Saturday The 2012 Christmas Art, Craft, Vintage Festival. Local Artist Donna Gunn is opening up her home for this small gathering of local artists. Friday is a preview for friends and family, then Saturday is open 10-5 to the public! Donna makes incredible purses and is an amazing metal smith. Dana Primavera is another local artist with gorgeous handmade journals & art. Julie Hart will be there with handmade aprons for the chefs & bakers on your list.  Starla Howard will have her hand crocheted snowflakes and Pamela Wright will be there with her handmade ornaments as well! Glorious Treasure will be there with some fabulous vintage decorations and pieces and I will be there of course with some new re-purposed creations...

New pendants I have been working on :)

 Come on down and get started on your holiday shopping! 

Then this Dec 7th & 8th I will be participating in a show in Long Beach supporting this same idea of shopping handmade for the holidays, the Uptown Village Market. 

Bixby Knolls is this darling little area nestled in a quaint residential area in Long Beach. Friday coincides with their art walk and we will continue the fun on Saturday. Over 65 Artists at this event including my good friends Robin Dudley-Howes and Lisa Loria. More details to come! Hope to see you soon!

Best Wishes!
Crystal

It's that time again!

 It's finally Fall, my favorite time of year. The weather has finally cooled down and there is that crispness in the air. That means it's time for Glitterfest again! I've kept busy with so many trunk shows in September, this time Glitterfest seemed to sneak up on me! I have been locked in my studio for the last few weeks creating all sort of new goodies for this Saturday. I have kept busy with several new art pieces. This little creepy guy is coming...

and I have loads of new jewelry designs to share...

If you have been to Glitterfest before, then you know what an amazing day it is, but for those that don't be prepared to be amazed! 50 different artists from doll makers to paper artists to jewelry designers to assemblage artists and everything in between. The ladies of Whimzy in Tustin put on one fabulous  event. They carefully select each artist to ensure a wide variety which means a feast for the eyes! The event is held in a ballroom at the Elks lodge of Santa Ana, CA which we fill with more creativity than one room should be able to hold. I know I can't wait to see what everyone else has made! Hope to see you this weekend! For more all the details check out...

 www.glitterfest.com

Best Wishes!

Crystal

Shows, shows and more shows!

September is jam packed with trunk shows! It's also Bead Shop Hop month! I was at Brea Bead Works last weekend. Tara and I had a ball as usual with Scott and Wendy.  Lots of new faces doing the Shop Hop this year!

This weekend I will be closer to home at Garden of Beaden in Upland, CA on Friday and Saturday from 10-7 and Sunday 10-5PM. I just scored some amazing vintage brass. Come on down and check it out! The Bead Association has come up with a movie theme for the Shop Hop this year. Each store has picked a movie and are decorating accordingly. I am really looking forward to the Garden of Beaden show because she has picked "Across the Universe." Anyone that knows me knows my other love is music and I LOVE the Beatles. Shop owner & my friend, Irene Sanchez, has amazingly talented children. They have a band called Groovesession. So many good things are happening for them! They have been on tour all summer but they are back in town and I hear a rumor that Sarven may stop in with his keyboard to play some Beatles tunes for us. I may have to sing a few with him. I honestly cannot think of a better combination ... Music and Beads :) My idea of heaven! Be sure to stop by if you are in the area and check out Groovesession's facebook page to see where they will be next!

www.facebook.com/GrooveSession

Next weekend I will be heading South to Bead Gallery in San Diego! Fri & Sat 10-7PM and Sunday Sept 23rd from 10-5. Their theme is Twilight. I have something in mind with a mixed media vampire twist ;) Come on down and play! 

Well, back to working on new creations for Glitterfest for now! October 13th is just around the corner! Really? Only 30 days until Glitterfest! Where does the time go? Hope to see you soon!

Sparkle on!
Crystal

P.S. Can't make it to a show? Check out my Etsy Shop... 
www.etsy.com/shop/vintagefairyfinds

New Adventures...New Inspirations

This crazy year is flying by! I have so much to share, but pictures are more fun :) I recently participated in the Pasadena Bead and Design Show at the end of July. I had so much fun! My neighbor Mavis Leahy was a blast and so sweet to me. She kept giving me little bits of treasure as gifts. Check out what have been busy making with these amazing antique steel cut itty bitty seed beads she bestowed upon me...

Here are the amazing French brass charlottes courtesy of Mavis :)

Look how tiny they are! The black beads at the bottom
are size 15's. They are more than 1/2 the size of them!!!

These tiny little treasures have put me over the top in love with this project!  I am loving the mix vintage Turn of the Century finds among the landscape of glass seed beads! It's almost done. I will post a photo of the completed bracelet soon :)

   I was SO grateful to be next to Mavis. Not only was she my first official customer purchasing a lovely pair of earrings, but she had tons of advice and encouragement. She also has a similar affinity for the slightly creepy and unusual...so naturally we got along swimmingly! I am saving some of the other creepier treasure she gave me for a project for Glitterfest.  At one point during the show, Mavis commented that it was destiny that placed us next to each other and I couldn't have agreed more :) She is yet another inspiration in my life and I am thankful for the renewed spark she lit within me. 

Be sure to check out Mavis' amazing creations on her website...

www.turkeyred.com

I LOVE her bone assemblages and her beautiful handmade tapestries. She uses her incredible collection of antique textiles and weaves forgotten pieces and parts into stunning works of art. 

For those of you that missed it this time, here are some photos of my table at Pasadena...

$1 Tray Steals!!!

Cameos & Settings

Soldered Rings 

Vintage Chain, Baroque Pearls, and Kits for sale!

Cool shot of my table courtesy of
Dolores Marquez of Bead Gallery

and another...

And another....

Last one!

   Pasadena was an amazing adventure and learning experience. I met so many new people and shared so many ideas. Big thank yous to all of my helpers and to all of the friends & customers that came out to support me! You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

   I am very excited to announce I will be back in January for the Pasadena Show! Mark your calendars... I will also be selling my wares in Tuscon, AZ in February and in Northern California this Spring! Check out my schedule on the side of my blog for all the details. I have lots of shows booked in California through the end of this year, as well as trunk shows that are being mailed all over the country. The Southern CA Bead Shop Hop is coming up too! I will be at Brea Bead Works, followed by Garden of Beaden, and Bead Gallery for the final weekend. Hopefully I will see you at one of these fantastic stores this September! I have so much more to report, but I have talked your ear off long enough for now! I will do another blog post soon :) Back to the studio...

Sparkle on!

Crystal