And then....

Hi all. I'm just stopping by to give you some quick updates.

1. I've joined with the Dallas Craft Mafia! More to come on that. I'll be attending my first meeting in a couple of weeks.
2. My Etsy shop is up and I have 10 or so items available.
3. Superchica merchandise is availabe at Make! Check out their new location... http://www.themakesite.com
4. The Craft Gypsies site is up! http://www.craftgypsies.com
5. I'm cutting more necklaces this week, so if you have a special request or idea for me please send me an email.
6. Bummer... I can't do the Girlie Show AGAIN this year because I have a family conflict. So, I guess I'll have to just wait until 2008.
7. I think I have a cute idea for a mini messenger bag. Stay tuned for pics. They'll be great for summer.

So that's it. Please check back often for more info and be sure to check my NEWS page weekly. :0)

Take care and I wish you an enjoyable holiday.
Judy

Uploading ain't easy.

Hey all. Well, as promised I've opened my Etsy shop, but after 3 days I only have 3 items for sale. Why? Well, because every time I try to upload my images, it won't make the connection and accept the upload. This is a bummer, because I have about 15 more items to list. I've had the problem for 2 days! I promise to keep trying and eventually I will have a fully loaded Etsy page.

This week I'm taking a Super break from Superchica. My in-laws will be visiting us and I'm going to spend this week getting ready for their arrival. After that, it's full swing again. I'm also considering finding a part-time job to supplement my income. So if you know of a position available that would suit a creative, hard working, well spoken gal that doesn't want to stand on her feet all day, please let me know.

On another note, I've designed a new website for the Craft Gypsies, but before you race to open CraftGypsies.com, let me tell you it isn't up yet. You may have visited our site and found that it is "under construction" time and time again. This won't be the case for much longer. Hopefully in the next few days it will be a fully functional site. So to those that have been dissapointed, thanks for your patience.

Happy Mother's day to all the mommies.
Judy

Rain or shine.

Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone that came out to the show this past weekend. It was touch and go for a while when the rain came on Saturday, but we stuck it out and Sunday was really beautiful.

All the vendors at this last event were so talented and I was really pleased to be a part of it. I hope you were able to catch some of the great performers as well. Yes, there were a few no-shows, but over all it was a great bazaar.

Last night, for reasons unkown, my computer could not connect to the internet. So, I was not able to upload pics to my new Etsy shop. That will have to wait until tonight. I was really surprised at how many customers had not already heard of Etsy.com. It's such a great resource for all things unique and stylish.

Check mine out in the next few days, as I add necklaces etc.

Oh, and I'll be updating my mailing list this week too. If you are not already on it, or you've recently changed your email address please contact me. I only send out emails a few times year and I promise not to share your info with anyone. It's a good way to know when and where to find me if you are interested.

Thanks!
Judy

Something for everyone.

It's almost 6pm and I've been working non-stop in my office since noon. Yesterday it was 10 straight hours of sewing, but it's worth it. The time passes so quickly when I'm working and I feel like the days just fly by. Before I know it, the weekend will be here and so will the Bazaar.

What's new for the Bazaar? Well, I've just made a ton of new wrist cuffs, a few new head scarves, new belts etc. In a minute I'll be back in my studio painting more necklaces and a few larger ceramic pieces. Overall everything seems to have a vintage, tattoo, rockabilly type of theme. A little edgy, but nothing serious. Just kinda quirky.

The House of Dang show was so much fun and I met several new people. Thanks to everyone that came out to support us. I sold a few of my newer necklaces and cuffs too. My wares seem to fit in pretty well with the H.O.D. vibe and I think that you may be seeing my work there in the future. (fingers crossed) If you didn't make it out and haven't been to the House of Dang, then I can tell you that it's a really funky place. It's a boutique that features vintage housewares, clothing and furniture, mostly from the 60's - 80's. Mixed in with all of that, are items from local designers as well as artwork. There is so much to see and the prices are really fair. Check it out and then have lunch or dinner at Bangkok City across the street. yum.

Back to work for me. I probably won't blog again until the night before the show or maybe even after. I hope to see you there and please stop bye and say "Hi".

Much love
Judy

It's here!

Yes, finally the big Urban Bazaar is almost here. These bazaars are probably the biggest thing that I do. They take so much preparation and coordination, but they're fun and I meet all kinds of new people. This year we're at the Dallas Farmers Market, but we have a better location. You'll see new vendors and old, plus a 2 days of live local bands. It's all free.
URBAN STREET BAZAAR
MAY 5-6
DALLAS FARMERS MARKET
http://www.urbanstreetbazaar.com

BUT FIRST !
Tonight I am participating in the House of Dang trunk show. It should be a very groovy event and I'm pleased to share it with the Craft Gypsies. We hope to make a good impression and if so, you may see our wares in H.O.D in the future. Please come out to see me and the other designers. It's one big party.
4219 Bryan St.
Near Downtown Dallas
Check my "news" page for a map.

My latest creations are all tattoo and pin-up inspired, so if you love it then come on down and get it. I plan to work hard to build my inventory before the bazaar and I think it will all have that same theme. I've also been recently wanting to incorporate a little graffiti art into my work. So we'll see. :)

I hope to see you there. Please come by and say "Hi" at either event.
~Judy

A lot of new things happening.

Hi again. I'm about to leave the house to attend a promo event for The Craft Gypsies. So far we're doing very well and we now have several shows under our belt. Of course this is not a detraction from Superchica, but instead it gives me more opportunities to see and be seen.

What's coming up?

April 22nd we are going to be at the Oak Cliff Earth Day. This is a really exciting event and there is a lot to do and see. If you haven't visited Oak Cliff before, this is a great chance to do so. There is so much going on the "The Cliff"! The community is very supportive of the arts and particularly local artists!

May 5-6 (Cinco de Mayo weekend) The big Urban Street Bazaar!! I'll have a large booth and promise to have lots of fun new stuff. The weather should be beautiful and the Farmers Market will be in full swing. Check out urbanstreetbazaar.com for more details. Live music, hancrafted goods, great atmosphere and a live auction too.

We may also be doing the Second Saturday Sale in May at Southside on Lamar, so look for more details there.

Good news! I'm opening an Etsy shop! So many of you have expressed a desire to shop from me online, but it's really difficult for me to keep up with a shopping cart since I'm a one woman show. In the next month you'll see my shop open and I'll be selling necklaces etc. So check it out.

Hope to see you at an upcoming event!
Judy

Thievery and other things.

This past weekend I was shocked to learn that the local studio currently selling Superchica merch. was robbed. I was hit hard. All of my necklaces, pins, ceramic housewares etc. were just gone. Snatched by someone with N.C. No class. This was a big blow to many of the vendors who had most if not all of their merchandise taken as well. Honestly.


The fact is that we can narrow down who is responsible for this smash and grab. I'm convinced it was a woman and that it was someone that is also in the local crafting community. It's crazy to think it, but it's true. Who else would steal an expensive pair of scissors? Your average man would never know that a pair of scissors could be valuable and if he did, he would not be the type of person to break into a store and steal. Many t-shirts were stolen, but all of the hangers were left nicely hung on the racks. They even took patterns and fabric that would never appeal to anyone other than a seamstress. The clues are all over the place.

What's done is done. So, I'm facing a lot of work in the near future to replace what has been stolen. We plan to hold a fundraising event in March to help cover our losses and keep us going. If you would like to donate furniture, household goods or anything that would be a good seller, please contact myself or the Make studio.

Wish me luck and better times in the future, and as always thanks for supporting Superchica.

Upcoming Events

Wow, the ball is really rolling for Superchica and the Craft Gypsies.

Here's what's ahead.

SALON SHOW - SATURDAY FEB 3
The Gallery Salon Suites
14833 Midway Rd. Suite 205
Addison, TX 75001
Sale is from 9am-1pm

GUYS HAPPY HOUR
VALENTINE'S SHOPPING PARTY
Thursday Night - Feb 8th
5-8pm
118 N Windomere Ave
Dallas, TX 75208

We're all hoping for some good shows ahead and to see this really take off. If you are interested in hosting a trunk show, please contact us through my website or visit http://www.myspace.com/craftgypsies.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Yes, I know that was 2 weeks ago... but I've been taking a small vacation, so it seems like just yesterday. I'm back and ready to start new projects and get the ball rolling again. The latest news is that I've aquired an industrial sewing machine that will allow me to work with heavier fabrics! You're sure to see new products as a direct result.

The next big thing is that I'm part of a new Dallas based group of crafters/designers that will be showing more often. So, instead of waiting months to get your Superchica fix, you can see me every month or maybe more. Details are coming, so check back in a week or so.

Also, I'm hoping to consign with a few more stores in Dallas and surrounding cities. If you have a suggestion regarding a boutique please pass it on. I would appreciate it :)

There is also a chance that I may begin to sell my accessories through the website again. Not sure yet, but it's either that or open an ETSY shop. We'll see what actually happens, but I have been receiving requests for online shopping, so I want to be able to accomodate.

Ok, that's all for now.
I may have a show in a few week and will list the info on the NEWS page.
~Judy

Merry, merry, merry....

Merry Christmas! I'm so glad that we've finally gotten to the pinacle of the holiday season. It's time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor and celebrate. Thank you to everyone that has supported Superchica this year. You don't know how much it means to me that I can make something that people enjoy and appreciate.

So I wish the very best to you and yours.

~Judy

Wow.

Wow. Really, that's all I can say. It's just so unbelievable that it rained today and that it's in the 40's. More later, when my fingers thaw.

Urban BAZAAR is here!!!!

Ok, so tomorrow and Sunday are the big days. In case you haven't been to one of the Urban Bazaars before, here's the skinny. It's basically a great shopping experience! Over 35 designers selling hand made , one of a kind creations. Everything from jewelry, handbags, dresses, shirts, belts, paintings, photography packages and so much more.

Yes, it's going to be a bit chilly. Nothing too bad though... mid 50's to low 60's. That's sweater weather and we are so lucky to get that here in Dallas. There will be food and drink vendors at the Market so you'll be able to have lunch while you shop. You can also shop the Farmers Market itself and get your weekly produce shopping done, then pick out a Christmas tree and you're all set.

Come by to see me. I'd love to meet you!

Must get back to work, lots of last minute things to do and prepare and pack.

Don't forget to tell your friends :)

Special Delivery

Hi Superchica friends. I just wanted to let you know that I began making deliveries today. If you ordered a custom ornament from me then I may have already called you to get your delivery address. So, if I missed you today, then plan on getting them tomorrow. :)


Everything seems to be going well for the show, but I'm getting really busy. I've added some fun stuff to my inventory today including a set of ornaments that represent the 12 days of Christmas. That would be a great gift! Also, I've got some cool platters and mugs.

See you soon.
Judy

Christmas is coming like a rocket!

Does anyone else feel like the holiday season just ambushed you? I can't believe we're just weeks away from Christmas. Well, it's all good, but I've got to get moving.

So, my next big show is the Urban Street Bazaar @the Farmers Market. Check out the NEWS page on my site for more info. It's going to be a big one, with lots of great vendors and Christmas Trees and an Ornament charity event etc. I really hope that you can come out to see me and see what I've got to offer this time around.

I had placed a survey on my MySpace page asking if people could tell me what kind of chain they prefer for my necklaces. Well, the most popular answer was a silver chain with clasp. That's great! So, I'm going to be ordering some and adding them to the necklaces. I'd love to know what you think.

These next two weeks are all about production and planning, so wish me luck.


See you at the Bazaar!!!

Creative Christmas Show

Ok, so there is only one more show before Christmas!!! I was so glad to do the Creative Chic's Christmas on Friday. We had a great time and the house was really packed for most of the day and night. Thanks to anyone that came out to see me. This time my custom ornaments were super popular and I'll be cutting and painting like crazy for the next 2 weeks. A few of you snagged t-shirts too and I hope that you'll wear them with pride. :)

What will you see at the Christmas Urban Bazaar??

New t-shirts in black, chocolate and red.
Tons of necklaces and I'm working on some all-new wooden/ceramic pendants.
Of course my wrist cuffs in all the winter colors.
I'm also working on more belts and possibly a neck wrap that I have an idea for.
Lots of fun signs and wall hangings as well as Christmas ornaments.
OH, and this time I have a 10x10 booth, so it's going to be roomy.

I promise there will be some great crafters at this event and you will be able to do so much of your holiday shopping. Plus, you can score a Christmas tree and food for week while you shop.

My own Austin Chronicle

This weekend we took some time to escape to Austin. We went to see the much talked about Stitch show and support a few friends that were a part of it. Stitch was quite the spectacle!! We knew it was a big deal when we arrived to find a line of over a hundred people at the door. We waited 30 minutes to get in (even though we purchased tickets in advance) and wow was it crowded. It's so refreshing to see that kind of support for handmade/crafty artists! I wish we had that kind of vibe in Dallas, but I really think it just doesn't exist. I saw all ages in attendance but mostly it was people under 30. I think having UT in their town makes it the perfect haven for alternative goods and artists.

The upside of Stitch: I loved the atmosphere. Lively music, moody lighting, colorfully clothed shoppers and of course seeing all the handcrafted goodies. The fashion show was amazing and so well orchestrated. I found myself wishing I had my own collection of 4 outfits strutting down the runway. Truly it was well done. OH and my "goodie bag" was packed with coupons, pins, magnets, paint, glue and other fun stuff. Score.

The downside of Stitch: I saw lots of people looking and not as many buying. I also thought the selection was a little redundant. Mostly when it came to screenprinted shirts, purses/bags and vinyl goods. At one point I said to my husband "Didn't we see these at another booth?", thinking maybe a few vendors had more than one booth (but they didn't). I would have liked to see a little more variety, but it was still enough of a selection to go home with some great stuff.

One more note about Austin... Don't eat at Nueva Ondas. We got a recommendation for this place and it had been voted Best Migas in Austin in the Austin Chronicle. It was really terrible! We both ordered Migas and were shocked by the lack of flavor and authentic ingredients. Let's just say soggy tortillas, tomato sauce, strangely bland chorizo and cheddar cheese do not make a good plate of migas. The service was nice and the atmosphere was nice too, but the food is a bummer. Still haven't found a favorite place to get Mexican in Austin. Curras is okay, but not AMAZING. Ah, someday...

Today I'm painting like a mad woman. Yes, I'm getting ready for the show on Friday. So, I may not have time to post much else before then. If you are interested in attending and would like more info take a look at the NEWS page or send me an email with your email address and I'll fill you in.

A chill in the air.

Hi again and thanks for coming back. :)

So, today I went to scope out the new location for the Creative Chic's Christmas show. This year we've moved a few streets down to a great location. I just love this house! It's warm and welcoming with big rooms and lots of red. I'll be in the front room, so if you stop by the show you won't be able to miss me. Tonight I'm loading the kiln with lots of goodies and as usual crossing my fingers that it all comes out okay. Just last week I had a major explosion, which is really rare and it was just before the Farmers Market show. No worries though, I can always make more!

Friday we're heading for Austin and the big Stitch show. Yes, it's true. I didn't make this years line-up, but I'm fully prepared to try again next year. So, this time it's all about shopping and checking out the competition. We're staying at the oh so darling Austin Motel in the heart of South Austin. It's quirky place that feels just like home. We plan to see friends, eat at Magnolia's at least twice and try some new places too. Hope to see you at the Stitch show!

Til next time
Judy

Happy Halloween!!!

It's time for Trick or Treats!

I just love Halloween. It's the color and the candy and pumpkins and candlelight and so many things that make it my favorite holiday. Tonight I plan to hand out candy, watch scary movies and eat caramel apples. I hope you plan to have a fun and safe evening too.

These days I think Halloween is interepreted in many ways. For me Halloween is all about the idea of spookiness. Dark castles, flickering candles, bumps in the night, jack-o-lanterns glowing on the front steps and of course the candy. It's also a chance to be creative by carving a pumpkin, making your own candy, sewing a costume and decorating your home.
Nothing too gory, nothing too contemporary, just good old fashioned scary stuff.

Wishing you a spooky night!

Hot and Cold

HI. I've revamped this blog about 25 times and I think I can live with this look, but don't be surprised if you see it change again.

What's up today? Well, it's all about cleaning house. Literally. I have to get my house in order. After a show my place is a total wreck!! I get so busy working that I let everything else fade into the background and then the night before a show I'm running around like crazy packing and doing last minute things. This results in my throwing things where I shouldn't throw them and so now I've got quite the mess on my hands. I'm sure those of you who are very creative can sympathize with me on this. I also have this weird habit of throwing objects while I'm working with them. What do I mean? Well, let's say I'm using scissors. I'll make my cuts and then instead of placing the scissors gently on the table so that I can use them again... I throw them. It's totally strange, I know. The problem is that I don't actually know that I'm doing it until I need to use the scissors again and they're on the other side of the room. It's not just scissors though. I do this with tape, pens, staplers etc. My husband has actually witnessed me doing this on several occasions, and he still loves me. :)

I'm in the process of doing a few custom orders and I'm also working on the next show. A new idea has come to me. I think I'm going to make some 3 dimensional portraits out of clay. You might see these at upcoming shows. Yes, they'll be time consuming, but I think they could be really great.

Review of the Walk n Wag:
It was really fun to hang out with all the various types of dogs, so that was great. Honestly the turn out was not what any of the vendors had hoped for, but I still met some new customers and I hope that I'll see them again in the future. This time ornaments were very popular and I'm getting excited about incorporating more Christmas goods into my show. Oh and t-shirts were a big hit too!! I'm going to print all new ones for the 2 Holiday shows coming up. The low point of the day was when we loaded up the truck and found out that someone had crashed into us and drove off without leaving a note! Who does that? Sadly, I think it was another one of the vendors. Vendor on vendor crime!!! What is the world coming to?

A new day and new blog.

HI Superchica friends. :)

So, it was too confusing to keep reformatting my blog page, but not to worry. This great site is hosting my blog and you can access it from my website anytime. I plan to work on a better template that matches my page, but for now this is it. :)

More to come later. This is just a fresh start.

Thanks for visiting!!
Judy