CRAFT SPECTACULAR

Silver Linings.

rasquachedesign — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:46:10 +0000

Well, the whole Girl’s Guide to Web Design didn’t work out for me, but I’m still so, so glad I tried. I learned a lot through the process.
A. My friends are sooooo good to me. Like, amazingly good. They worked hard, on my behalf, to get me the votes I needed. In the end, I didn’t gather enough, but I really learned how lucky I am to have so many friends and family members who would easily, without a second thought, go to bat for me. I love you guys.

2. Uhm, I have a LOT of web design skills to get my website in a good place. I really want to learn WordPress. And Thesis. But seriously, when I want to get something done, I am capable of much more than I originally thought. Check out my site: www.craftspectacular.com

3. Asking for help isn’t so bad, afterall. Those of you who know me know that it PAINS me to ask for help. And this scholarship required it. Although I’d prefer to do things on my own, I’ve come to realize that team work is a wonderful thing. I’m forever grateful for this experience.

Emma’s Helping Hand Tree on my school whiteboard

So, again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU all for your help! We’ll get ‘em next time!

xo, E

You know you need The Girl’s Guide to Web Design when . . .

rasquachedesign — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:41:45 +0000

. . . you see this. A stock WordPress theme and a complete inability to convey the spirit of you and your business.

As those of you who know me know, I am a creative artist with an entrepreneurial spirit. When have you ever seen me WITHOUT some sort of side venture, second business, little independent shop? For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Erika and I’m a venture-holic. I seriously love the thrill of starting a new web venture, whether it be a crafting shop, community blog, or art groups. And I know some stuff when it comes to web design. I can handle the basics — and then some. But one thing that hasn’t quite clicked for me yet is this – WordPress and coding. A little fun fact about me is that, although I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades, I’ve found myself intimidated by two things: WordPress and hair braiding. Know of a scholarship for French Braiding?

As soon as I heard about The Girl’s Guide to Web Design, I knew it was something I HAD to do. Had. As in, NOT an option. But, as a public school teacher, single mom (to THE most awesome and exuberant 10 year old, Emma), and part-time artist, crafter, and entreprenuer, I knew I couldn’t financially afford to jump in. In fact, I’m sure Amanda could vouch for the fact that when I first inquired about the program, I asked – semi-jokingly, “Is there a scholarship I could apply for?” Because I knew, considering my load, treating myself to something like this, despite how completely valuable and PERFECT for me, was just not something I could do.

So, here comes this scholarship. I knew I had to jump at this. What do I plan to do with this amazing gift?!

1. My website, Craftspectacular will become the big, bad-ass, community centered art, craft hub that I’m dying to create. I want to showcase my art, provide online tutorials, inspire others through DIY projects, make creativity an everyday experience with mini-craft projects, follow the growing art community developing in my town and help it grow even bigger and better, and more!

2. I want to teach this to my students! Wouldn’t you have loved to learn a potentially life-changing skill in high school that could shape your future? My kids are creative and so many have big ideas that need help becoming real. I want to enable them to get a step closer through the acquisition of these valuable, practical skills.

Now, although I’d be absolutely thrilled to win a scholarship for either edition, I really, really want the First Class edition. I want to interact, and take part in discussion, and brainstorm and pow-wow with others. Please, oh, please go here and ”LIKE” my entry so that I might be so fortunate to win this scholarship. Because then, in no time, you’ll see an amazing website for Craftspectacular, a blossoming art community and a pack of hungry young web designers in Laredo, Texas taking the world by storm!

Smells like fresh Art and Barbeque in the morning. . .

rasquachedesign — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:28:10 +0000

Have you ever been to a craft fair, or art market, or art bazaar? And have you ever been a vendor, selling your crafts, chatting with customers, socializing with strangers? Well, if so, you know just how awesome it can be to chat up customers and make new friends. I love that about being a crafter. I’m pretty sure I’d be an awesome shop-girl.

This weekend we were invited by a local cafe-gallery to set up a mini art bazaar on their lawn, while they grilled sandwiches ala fresca, and live music wafted through the downtown air. It was awesome. I met so many nice people, enjoyed a nice (complementary) cup of joe, and a beautiful day.

Caffe Dolce, located at 1708 Victoria is always such an amazing supporter of new art ventures and local independent artists, not to mention they make a mean Chicken Chipotle Sandwich and some mighty fine Nutella cupcakes. Swing by when you can!

I made dreamcatcher necklaces with handmade ceramic beads, friendship bracelets, DimeWorks, and stationery products. I met so many nice people and it made me so eager for another.