Steampunk Weekend in Jefferson, TX

Funky Finds is based outside of Jefferson, Texas, a charming historical town in deep East Texas. There is always something fun going on in this small but busy town. For example, this weekend is Pilgrimage. The town will be filled with Civil War reenactors participating in the re-enactment of the Battle of Port Jefferson that took place in 1864. I personally will be dressed in period costume while acting as a docent at one of the historical homes on tour. I love playing dress up!

Last month, Jefferson hosted The Steampunk Illumination Society from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The group held their Steampunk & Paranormal conference here because Jefferson is considered to be the most haunted town in Texas by paranormal experts, as well as Discover, Travel, and Sci-Fi channels. Also, the group enjoyed the Steamboat and train rides.

I was excited about this event, because two designers I know from the DFW area decided to participate as vendors. Lindsay Wisecup is the creative mastermind behind House of Introspection & she has vended at many of Funky Finds' art & craft events in Fort Worth. Teaming up with her for the first time was Amy Jewell, a talented designer, who teaches multiple classes, as does Lindsay, at The Artful Bead in Carrollton. For this event, Amy decided to try her hand at millinery, or hat making, and I must say she was successful in creating eye-catching accessories!

It was great to have time to visit with Lindsay & Amy in a relaxed atmosphere. Usually we see each other briefly during all the hustle & bustle I experience during a Funky Finds event! In addition to their goods, there were other vendors selling a wide variety of unique items ranging from clothing to jewelry. But, I must say, it was extremely fun people watching AND meeting a man on stilts! Steampunk attire is very creative & interesting.

If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk culture, check out this article I wrote back in 2009. Many people visiting the vendor area asked, "What IS Steampunk?" I heard Lindsay tell one curious shopper that "Steampunk is like Victorian times, but with ray guns." Now you're REALLY intrigued, aren't you!?

Be sure to LIKE Funky Finds on Facebook for up-to-date information & announcements!

(pictured: 1. Me as a docent in December during the Candlelight Tour of Homes; 2. House of Introspection Display; 3. Amy & Lindsay; 4. Me & A Man on Stilts)

Thank you!

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in, sponsored, volunteered at, and attended the inaugural Funky Finds Spring Fling in Longview, Texas! Because of you, the event was a success! 

We are happy to announce that we raised $550.00 through the charitable raffle benefiting The Humane Society of North Texas and four dogs were adopted at the event! Also, $50.00 was raised for The Humane Society of Marion County through popcorn sales! 

SHOPPER SURVEY: If you attended the event, we would love to get your feedback! 

The event booklet is now posted on the event website & photos can be found on Funky Finds' Facebook page. Feel free to post any photos you may have, too! 

THANK YOU AGAIN TO OUR LONGVIEW SPONSORS:

 Vintage Soul, a decor junktion • Fort Worth Opera
 Embroidery by Andrea • ZooTap.com

Join us this weekend!

SPONSORS - Funky Finds Spring Fling in Longview, TX

Funky Finds events would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors! Please show some love to the following businesses and organizations that have helped make the Funky Finds Spring Fling possible!

Vintage Soul, a decor junktion, is located at 907 N. 4th Street in Longview. This fabulous decor mini mall features 50+ local vendors offering Vintage, Shabby Chic, Antiques, Women's Accessories, Art, Children's Clothing, Home Decor, Furniture, Crafts, Home Scents and many other unique gift items! If you're looking for unique items, this is THE place to shop!

Fort Worth Opera will soon be hosting the annual Fort Worth Opera Festival (May 12 - June 3). The festival features four fabulous operas - Tosca, The Marriage of Figaro, Lysistrata, and Three Decembers. Season tickets are available, as well as single tickets. If you're interested in attending any of the performances, I'd suggest buying your tickets asap as they are going fast! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this wonderful organization that has provided the swag bags for both the Fort Worth and Longview events. Like FW Opera on Facebook.

Embroidery by Andrea specializes in personalization & monogramming. Andrea can embroider a wide variety of items, including blankets, tote bags, burp rags, bible covers, key chains, aprons & much more. If you have an item that you want custom embroidered, simply contact Andrea Tolar McKerley for pricing. These items make wonderful personalized gifts for everyone on your list!

ZooTap Inc. features a social networking site, as well as a site featuring musicians & their tunes. ZooTap.com is a social community where people of all walks of life join together in a single common place - a social people zoo, if you will. As a member, you become part of the zoo crew network. This is where you can define who you are and express yourself unedited to your friends or to other crew members - tame OR wild!! This is a great way to stay connected with others worldwide or in your local area.

SWAG (Stuff We All Get)

Many craft shows offer swag bags as a way to attract shoppers & create excitement. If you are not familiar with swag, it stands for Stuff We All Get and is primarily used by business owners to promote their business. At Funky Finds events, we giveaway swag bags in conjunction with the charitable raffle. The bags are always good quality & include promo items from event participants, as well as other business owners.

As a business owner, you may have wondered what promo items receive the best response from shoppers. In my experience, a piece of paper or business card alone does not garner a strong response. Yes, the recipient may keep it or look at it when they get home. But most times, that piece of paper ends up in the garbage can.

We believe that your swag should relate back to you, your products, and your specialty. For example, if you create pottery or ceramics, your swag could be a simple little clay ornament or hand-made button. Something the recipient can use in their own crafting endeavors.

Recipients also seem to appreciate goodies they can actually use, such as a keychain or change pouch. Of course, you should certainly include your business card with any type of swag so the recipient can visit your website or contact you in the future. The whole point of swag is to promote your business!

While researching craft show swag online, we came across a variety of ideas. One crafter said they had attached their business card to a seed packet. One jewelry designer had the idea to contribute jewelry cleaning cloths. Another said she had given out candy ring pops with her business card attached to the ring band. This got a good response, but really only made sense because she in facts sells jewelry.

Even if you only have a business card, try to include something else with it. The item doesn't have to be overly elaborate, just something little, like a button or felt shape that could be used in crafting.

We strongly encourage all businesses to include swag / promo items when given the chance at events. It shows you are serious about promoting your business & that you jump on the opportunity to do so when it's available. Just be sure to put some thought into what you're contributing & don't be afraid to get creative!

(Photos: Top - Funky Finds Swag Bag Spring 2012; Funky Finds Swag 2010; Stitch Swag 2007)