Women Riders Event This Saturday!

As those of you that follow me on twitter know (and those that don't, click on the linky over there on the right side bar), I've been busy getting ready for an event this weekend.  I've only had about a week to get ready for it, so it's been a bit hectic here in the Armoury. 

I've been busy creating some new pieces including scale maille flower pendants, stretchy bracelets, new Pink Warrior pieces, a couple new necklaces, keychains, etc; and herbal goodness including candles and Sleep Pillows.

I downloaded an app for my Android phone called Square which will let me process credit cards through my phone.  They sent me a free reader and it only costs 2.75% of each swipe.  I tested it out the other day and it couldn't be easier.  I love this little thing and can't wait to use it on Saturday.

The Details:
The event is being held at Jim's Harley Davidson in St. Pete this Saturday, May 21; 10:00-2:00.  Jim's is teaming up with Bikers Raising Awareness (the non-profit that my 3 Day walking team stemmed from last year) to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.  It's a women rider event featuring live music, a poker walk, silent auction, vendors, beer and a 50/50 raffle.  Register for $10 and you can attend a slew of seminars about biking, you will get a free lunch, one poker walk hand, a bag full of goodies as well as two chances to win two $100 Jim’s Harley-Davidson Shopping Sprees.

If you're in the area, be sure to stop by (even if you don't register) to check out the live music & vendors.  It's going to be a beautiful day and I look forward to meeting you!


If you're a 3 Day walker & still trying to figure out your gear, don't forget to check out my Squidoo lens featuring some of what I found to be Essential 3 Day Gear. 

Fun with Power Tools

I spent an enjoyable afternoon yesterday in my theatre's shop. I was busy starting to build some of my display items for my booth. Yes, I have a long way to go still with inventory, but this stuff has to get done at some point, too. I had an idea that I loved and couldn't wait to get started on it.

I needed to create something eye catching that would draw people into my tent, but it also had to appear rustic to fit in at a renaissance festival. I kept being drawn back to using wood; I think it makes a good balance to all of the metal that will be in the tent.

My first stop was to Lowe's to pick up some panels of lovely (looking and smelling) cedar. Once I got to the shop, I drew a couple different sized oval templates (drawing an oval is bit more complicated than you would think!). I've used a band saw before, but this was my first time with a jigsaw. Big difference: with one you move the wood, with the other you move the tool. It took a little getting used to, but I'm proud to say that I didn't screw anything up too terribly in my learning curve. It just took me a bit longer than it would have say Scott who's been using the tool for twenty years. I cut out and sanded six large ovals and twelve that are a couple inches smaller. I plan to make strands of three each, connected with handmade chain, and attached to the pipes of my tent. Step one is complete.

I also have a grand plan to make my own wood burned sign for the outside of my tent, so I played around a little bit with my burner for the first time. Fun! Oh, and I got two compliments that just tickled me: "ooh, pretty girl with power tools" and one of the guys compares me to one of my heroes none other than Rosie the Riveter.

Craft Fair Tomorrow!

Sneak Peek from my living room.

If you happen to be in the area. . .

Athena's Armoury will be participating in the Grand Opening Celebration and Craft Fair for Kids Kottage in downtown Safety Harbor, FL on Saturday, March 7. Kids Kottage is a resource in the community for families, businesses and artists. No child will be charged a fee for accessing any of their services. The celebration includes games, live music, food, archery, and . . . a trapeze act?!

The address is 255 5th Avenue South, one block south of Main Street. The craft fair will be open from 9:00am to 3:00pm with the rest of the event going from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Hope to see you there!

Cramming to Get Ready for Craft Fair on Saturday!

This was my table from a psychic fair a friend from work invited me to show at. This is from a LONG time ago when I was involved with beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, hemp, and candles. I had only just discovered chain maille and only had three pieces of it with me.

I found out yesterday that I can vend (free of charge) at a fair on Saturday. Well, it's really a grand opening of an art and activity center for kids that is hosting a craft fair as part of their grand opening celebration. I had been reluctant to do it because I didn't think it would be my demographic, but the more I thought about it. . .

Well, I'm hurriedly trying to figure out my display and some more kid friendly items. I'm a little stressed out about it because I have so little time to prepare. The way I figure it: worse case scenario, I get to spend the day enjoying being outside which is a luxury I rarely afford myself; best case, well, we all know best case is making some sales and meeting some people. I think I'm going to bring some of my beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, hemp for the kiddies, and my DIY Necklace Kits (with gemstones and sterling silver findings) in addition to my maille to try and tap more people's interest.

I also think I'm going to bring some rings and my pliers and do some demos. I wish I was in the middle of a large project to show and make it more interesting.

My to do list also includes all kinds of businessy kinds of things that need to get done, too, like: price tags, promo stuff, displays, bags for purchases, maybe making some kind of banner.

Here are some awesome fair tips from Amanda (aka MrsDragon) at her blog The Dragon's Wares.

What do you do to get ready for a fair? What's the one fair item you can't live without?