Boise Holiday Market Annex

Great news holiday shoppers! You will be able to find the full line of Miss Courageous jewelry & accessories at The HOLIDAY MARKET ANNEX, downtown Boise in the old R. Grey Jewelry Gallery space. This space is located on Idaho street between Anthropology and the new North Face store in the Mode Bldg.

The store will be open only for the Christmas shopping season. It's a great opportunity to support local artists and purchase unique handmade gifts while avoiding the hassles of the mall!

It is now open and there will be a Grand Opening on 1st Thursday, Dec. 4th at 6 p.m. The space will be open daily with the following hours: Mon – Wed. & Fri., 11a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Every Thursday in December as well as Tues., Dec.23rd, we will be open until 8 p.m. in conjunction with a special Holiday Promotion sponsored by the Downtown Boise Assoc. Saturday & Sunday will be 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Think Green on Black Friday

The Etsy Trashion Team is having a virtual trunk show, Friday November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving. Check out this blog posting on re-maker.blogspot.com for more info. There will be a lot of free prizes and fabulous shopping deals!

Speaking of deals...
From Black Friday until Cyber Monday I am offering a free set of record vinyl wine charms with any purchase of $40.00 or more in my Miss Courageous shop. (plus free shipping worldwide that weekend) This offer is good Friday Nov 28 - 9:00 p.m. Monday December 1st. Just write "think green" in the notes to seller to receive your free gift!

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,
please bring me a 1961 falcon wagon, the tree would be nice too.
I've been good, sort of.



Okay, picture this, shiny black paint, the side panel striped just like my etsy banner, pink, orange, gold with "Miss Courageous" in bright yellow... dark tinted rear windows, and the back full of my market stuff that will never have to be completely unloaded. It's genius.

Groovy Gift Ideas

I can't tell you how many times people have asked if they can buy my record bowl I used as display at the market. So I decided I should make some to sell. But I couldn't bring myself to do the traditional melted wavy bowls that you heat in the oven. I didn't want to hear people say "I can do that." I want to hear people say "How did you do that?" Soooo.... I present to you, a smooth, hand made bowl, labels and hole sealed, ready for entertaining!


($20.00 available at the Capital City Public Market and other craft shows this season)

And because entertaining isn't complete without beverages, I have cut the label portion out of the records, backed them with reclaimed cork, and sealed them with shiny resin for fun coasters. Choose your favorites for a set to make a wonderful personal gift!


($6.00 each or 4 / $20.00 available at my booth at the Capital City Public Market and other craft shows this season)

upcoming events:
Capital City Public Market: Saturdays 11-3 thru x-mas
November 21, 5-9 pm: Craft O Copia Handmade Holiday Show at The White Pine in Nampa
November 29-30, 9 am- 5 pm: Idaho Indie Works Holiday Boutique
873 W. Cagney Drive in Paramount Subdivision (off of Chinden between
Linder and Meridian)
Meridian

Boise Art Museum presents...

wishing you a
GREEN holiday!
* an eco-friendly holiday shopping event *

November 15 - 16, 2008

- Gifts Made from Recycled Materials

- Local Artists, Eco-Friendly Items

- Unique Gifts for Everyone on Your List

- Gift Wrapping

- FREE Admission to Boise Art Museum!

Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Dr.
www.boiseartmuseum.org

and yes, Miss Courageous will be there!

Rock Your Home & Office

Okay, so I've had things for the home for a while now, but I haven't really featured them on the blog yet...

Recycled Record Vinyl Drink charms:
Rock Star Drink Charms available at btcelements.com


Flowers available in my Etsy shop:


and the office, well isn't it about time you had some rock-n-roll at work?

Business card holder available at my Etsy shop.

Don't work too hard, remember, it's happy hour someplace.

the Big & the Little

Ahhhhh... this is why we all need to get out and see mother nature.

To appreciate the vastness.

And to observe something a bit smaller.


I've just returned from a trip through the Oregon mountains and out to the coast, and if you've never been through Oregon, you should add it to your list (if not for the natural beauty then at least for the delicious locally brewed beers and coffee!)

What do poodles, sewing machines, and dragonflies have in common?

They're just some of my new shapes for recycled record vinyl pendants!

Awareness Month

October is national breast cancer awareness month. Just mention the word cancer and people will tell you stories. Sad stories, scary stories, and stories of hope and survival, courageous stories.
So I have created my own version of the awareness pin out of pink record vinyl. I gave some of these away at the Capitol City Public Market this spring during the Race For the Cure and I will be making more today to give out this Saturday as well.

It's a Major Award!

Okay, I know that a major award really is a lamp shaped like a ladies leg, but doesn't it sound fun to say "Major Award!"
As a last minute entry to Art in the Park I wasn't expecting to take home an award. I wasn't able to attend the dinner where they announced the awards since my mother in law had been watching Greta all day and I needed to get home. So when I arrived the next morning and people kept coming by congratulating me it was such a nice surprise!
I won "Most Unique Art" (and yes! ***grin**** $200.00)

My booth display.
At one time we counted 27 shoppers in my tent!

Art in the Park & Hyde Park

I just found out this morning that I will be at Boise Art Museums 54th annual Art In The Park this week end, September 5,6,& 7th. Yippee!!! I'm so excited to be a part of this huge event! Please stop by my booth to say hello, I'll be at booth 143.




The following week I will be joining the IdahoIndieWorks Etsy street team at the Hyde Park Street Fair. Come support local Etsy artists!

And The Winner is.....

So I went to Random.org to have a number generated, each post was assigned a number in chronological order. And the lucky number is 20! Congratulations to Cynful, I'll be contacting you to select your buckle from the available choices!

Thanks for playing everyone, remember, be safe: BuckleUp!

BuckleUp Give-Away!

So heres the deal. Take my survey, post a comment, and if you like, please sign up for my e-mail list (I won't spam you, I promise!) and one lucky person will be chosen for a free belt buckle! BuckleUp belt buckles are made with reclaimed wall paper samples and upcycled jar lids for a one of a kind buckle you are sure to get many compliments on! Entries must be received by midnight mountain time August 31st. Watch for new listings soon at BuckleUp.etsy.com!

Buckle Up on Etsy

I make belt buckles because I love accessories. And I love fun accessories. I make upcycled buckles because I can. So I've moved them into their own little space on Etsy. It's called BuckleUp and so far there is only one listing, but as soon as the resin has cured I'll have a whole new batch o' buckles to list. So stay tuned, and stay safe, buckle up.

Donate your jar lids or mint tins and receive $5.00 off any belt buckle, either on etsy or at the capitol city public market.

Hyde Park Gallery

Miss Courageous jewelry is now available in Boise's historic north end neighborhood! Come visit the wonderful Hyde Park Gallery on North 13th St. in Boise. You'll find beautiful works of art and a wonderful neighborhood shopping experience. I love places that support local artists! Some of my other fellow Idaho Indie Works artists can be found there too, jmcraftworks, pheartsb, refinerii, and paintedpawstudio.

Miss Courageous on Boise's Channel 6 News

Fly away with Bella Grano

Check out the Idaho Indie Works Blog!
BellaGrano is giving away a super-de-duper cute-as-all-get-out airplane necklace!

The Front Page

Oh the elusive front page. And I missed it. Apparently this was on the front page two weeks ago, and I didn't get a screen shot. Worse yet, I didn't get a sale! LOL

It's My Birthday Sale!

I'll be having a sale Saturday July 19th at my space at the Capitol City Public Market to celebrate my birthday!!!
All necklaces (regularly $18.50) will be only $15.00 each or 3 for $43.00!!!
Can't make it to the market? Contact me to take advantage of this special offer!

Recent Press For Miss Courageous

These just hit the newstands! Eagle Magazine and Meridian in the Middle just released their "Green Issues" and they did a piece on local green fashion. Now if they had just mentioned where to purchase my products.... at Capitol City Public Market, at JuJu Accessories, at Cinnabar Caffe, coming soon to Sparrow in Nampa, and of course on line at misscourageous.etsy.com.

New Banner

I'm loving my new banner at the market. I'm still working on my displays, I know there are some better solutions so you can shop and see things easier. I'm still crossing my fingers to get into art in the park, so I need to be ready!

My Recent Etsy Indulgences

I love shopping. Okay, most women do. Shopping on Etsy can give you an even better feeling. Not only have you found something you really like, but it's also way more unique than anything from the mall, AND you're supporting independent artists at the same time.

It just doesn't get any better than that. Here are my recent purchases for you to admire:


my new hat from bkmhattitude , I lllllove it!

My new purse:

from hollyberrydesigns it's called the goldilocks bag because it is just the right size.

I haven't received my other purchases yet, but you can bet the mail carrier is going to be my best friend when I receive them!

Soaps to go with my new downstairs bathroom:

from anniepoo ,you just have to love her shop name!

And finally a car litter bag to match my Element:


from allysonhill ,she was the featured artist and I didn't even realize it when I was choosing something from my favorites. I'm so excited about this, the straps are fully adjustable and theres a liner inside to hold the trash bag. Super cool design!

Okay, I'm off to find some more great things, I've been eyeing a t-shirt from feralgirl and I could also use some new dish towels :)

Fine Line Between Courageous & Crazy

So people are telling me this will get easier. So people are telling me they warned me. So people are telling me I'm nuts. So we adopted a puppy. We had no intentions of getting a large dog. We were even planning on waiting until Greta was out of diapers. But sometimes opportunities arise that you just can't pass up. Or maybe you just fall foolishly in love. This is Trixie, a 5 month old chocolate lab. She needed a home. Apparently I needed less sleep and less time to get work done. And Greta needed someone to get all riled up when it's getting close to bed time. So, tell me again, is it going to get better? easier? am I crazy? But aren't they adorable???

If anyone knows any tricks for balancing puppy, toddler, and a business feel free to share! (or any tips on getting my poor kitties,that have been hiding for the last week, used to this clumsy giant pawed playmate?)

Greta is modeling a record album tote made by her aunt Dawn, aka: freakyoldwoman and her alter ego starlettwinkie so check out her shops and tell her I sent you!

Getting ready for market

Here we are, the countdown to Capitol City Public Market opening day. It starts on Saturday April 19th. Am I ready you ask? Oh heck no! I don't have enough product, I'm not organized, and I'm not sure of my set up. Funny, but I'm not really worried about any of that. I am worried, however, about the weather. Mother nature can do brutal things to outdoor markets, and my main enemy: wind. The tent turns into a giant kite, and I turn into Mary Poppins, holding on to the center, ready to fly away. Not to mention displays and signs can blow over.
Weights: check! Walls: check! Heater: check!

So with one year under my belt here are some of my tips for doing an artists market or craft show:

• have alot of change. Then get more.
• put your information on the customer copy of your receipt book before you start, you can use a stamp or print labels, this way, if somehow they don't get a business card, they still have your info.
• Make a price list with tax and total, if you're like me my math skills are completely absent early Saturday morning. I still use a calculater for figuring change, that and plenty of caffeine and I'm in business.
• Have things in different price ranges. I like to have available impulse items, like magnets & keychains. People like to have something to bring home when they've been enjoying themselves and these small items can fit the bill easily.
• Have discounts for multiple item sales. I have a 3 for price on most of my items, for instance all necklaces are $18.50 or 3/$45.00. People will remember someone who has a birthday coming up, or that new outfit they need to accessorize.
• Raise your tables. This makes a huge difference, and thanks to my friend Angie for sharing the tip. I used pvc pipe as "stilts" to raise the table up to 36". High enough so people don't have to bend over to see things and the little sticky toddler fingers can't grab things as easily.
• Put something at eye level. Have something interesting to draw people to your space. Whether it's a colorful sign or a hanging display, it will make your booth more interesting. (Last year I had the wall o' bottle caps, I may do something different this year!)
• Get a banner for the front of your tent. Make one if you have to. Create brand identity and get your name out there.
• Give your customers the option of wearing their purchase or carrying a cute bag. I have at least 50% want to wear their new treasure, and advertise for me in the process.
• Dress appropriately, layer. You never know with early spring, and if you happen to be set up in the shade it's going to be even colder. If you're in the sun, you may need some sunscreen. Prepare for both! Pack some "little hotties" hand warmers and a tube of SPF.
• Know where the nearest atm is, especially if you don't take credit cards.
• Have a sign-up book for e-mail mailing list, you can let your customers know about new items, special sales, or send them coupons for their next visit.
• Learn to smile when someone asks how you make things or other trade secrets (I'm still working on this one!) It's okay to make a joke or be evasive about answering, just don't be rude.
• Have different levels on your display tables. This brings more visual interest as well as gives you more room to showcase your wares. Last year I stole my husband's shoe shelf from the closet, this year I found some shelving at Lowes that you can easily break down and remove the legs. I'm looking forward to being able to pack things into the car easily.
• Bring your tools so you can alter or adapt things to your customer's wishes. I will happily switch cord lengths or change a pendant to a key chain to please a customer.
• Make friends with your neighbors. You never know when you might need change for a $50 or run out of credit card slips, or simply need a quick potty break!
• Please don't just sit behind your table, greet people, welcome them, walk around and interact! Show that all of these wonderful creations came from you and yes, you do have a personality. :)
• Most of all have fun! I am so fortunate to be able to sell at this venue, and I love seeing people shopping and having a good time.

I'm sure I have a few more tips, but I think I've given you enough for now, and I've got to get to work, the clock is ticking!!!!

Idaho Indie Works Etsy Artists Show & Sale

My wonderful etsy street team had our first big event last night. I must say, it was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Etsy introduction to the community. You can see photos of the event in our flickr pool: http://www.flickr.com/groups/boiseidahoetsystreetteam/

Based on the crowds last night, I'd say most of Boise now knows about Etsy!

A big hug and thanks to Sem Olaya from Decore Furniture Concepts for hosting the 25+ artists that showed up to display and sell their wares.

Buy Local, Buy Handmade!

First Blog Post!

Good evening Miss Courageous!
I've finally started a blog... I'll be posting some of my favorite creations and some wonderful finds here so stay tuned! I'm also planning on bringing you "tales of Miss Courageous" stories of everyday courage from ordinary people as they "be heroic". Get ready for some whimsy, wit, and inspiration, because after all, there's a little "Miss Courageous" in all of us! :)
Be Heroic,
Millie