Need a Little Extra Cash for Holiday Shopping?

First I want to say that this is not an advertisement and I am not getting compensated in any way for this post....I just thought readers may want to check out this opportunity... 

Have you heard of an online workforce called GigWalk? No, ... I hadn't either until this week. Gigwalk was founded in 2010 with the goal of reinventing how we work in a mobile world. Gigwalk breaks down large corporate tasks into mini projects, enabling companies to get work done, efficiently and effectively using an on-demand mobile workforce.

Yesterday I worked for them for a few hours. Basically this is how it works: a business had a large survey that needed to be completed across the nation. GigWalk broke the large task down geographically into small local projects and posted the work on their website for independent contractors (like me) to complete. The projects in my local area were short audits of product located in a convenience store, pricing, signage...etc. 

GigWalk Screen Shots

It was easy work... I did audits at 8 gas stations on my way home from lunch. I used my cellphone to receive my assignments from GigWalk (all within 3 miles of my lunch location), photograph the required items, and send in my audits from the phone.

Details about yesterday's assignment:  At each location I had to use my cellphone to....

1. Photograph the outside of the gas station building as proof that I was at the correct location.
2. Photograph the signage on the building and around the parking lot. 
3. Enter the building and see if they used a handheld price scanner at the register.
4. Get the manager's name (I just phoned and asked for the name from the parking lot). 
5. Add any notes about the photos that I thought might help the customer.
6. Upload the pictures and information from my cellphone to Gigwalk.
7. Done! Easy Peasy! Payment will be within 12 days to my paypal account.

And the good thing about this job...you work when you want, as much or as little as you want, and you can do get assignments anywhere (your phone GPS looks up where you are in real time). If you have and hour or two to kill between DR. appointments, waiting for kids to get out of school, or in a city that you are visiting, just login for local job possibilities. All you need is a cellphone and a mode of transportation to the locations. 

Honestly, this was easy money and I did it on the way home.  Here is a picture of the app on the phone and on a tablet...

Check it out if you need a little cash this holiday season!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Date Night at The Vine....

Last night my Sweetie and I went to dinner at The Vine Wine Bar and Bistro in our hometown of Blue Ridge, GA. I highly recommend this little bistro for a light meal paired with a nice glass of wine. 

The atmosphere is very casual and welcoming, which is refreshing after spending many evenings in the some of the pretentious in-town wine bars in Atlanta.  They have a nice enclosed patio trackside that has an Italian street cafe vibe and live music on the weekends. The weather in Blue Ridge right now is beautiful for dining al fresco. 

The Bistro offers great small plates...flat breads, cheese plates, and several meat and cheese combinations. They even have a wonderful homemade cake of the day for dessert. 

Also, every Friday they have a wine and chocolate pairing starting at 6:00 PM. Reservations are suggested for the pairing because... who doesn't love chocolate and seating is limited!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Lessons Learned at the Georgia Marble Festival...

This past weekend I was a vendor at the Georgia Marble Festival in Jasper, GA.  Jasper is a small town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range.  Most of the early industry revolved around the marble industry.  For decades Georgia Marble has been mined and used to create historic architecture around the world, including the Archives Building in Atlanta, the New York Stock Exchange, the Supreme Court, and the Lincoln Memorial to name a few. The marble is also used for tombstones for the United States Military at Arlington National Cemetery. Most of the marble is white, but there is also very rare pink marble. It is one of the few places in the world where pink marble is found. The town of Jasper celebrates it's marble heritage the first weekend in October each year.

With my granddaughters Jade (13) and Aidia (14) at the Georgia Marble Festival

I was selling my handmade jewelry at the festival; the things I learned as a vendor at this festival (my second festival since retiring)....

1. The quality of handmade items at this festival was lower end; my jewelry was expensive in comparison with other artists work.  Having never been to this festival before, I did not know this when I applied to be a vendor.

2.  The festival also allowed "retail" vendors to set-up in amongst the artists. The retail vendors were selling mass produced jewelry at less than half the cost of my handmade items. The jewelry was rubbish, but it was shiny stuff that attracted the low end buyers. Lesson learned... I will never sell at another show that allows retail vendors, only shows that are promoting handmade artists.

3.  Inflatable Bouncy Houses = bad artistic vibe. I learned from other artists that a large children's area is not good for sales.  The majority of families are visiting the festival to amuse the kids, not to purchase handmade items.

4.  I need to work on a better way to pack-up my jewelry, individual ziploc bags was tedious and after a full weekend of working the festival I was tired and not happy with the time and effort it took to tear down my booth.  Any suggestions?

I did get to network with other artists and got some great suggestions for future festivals. Overall the festival was a great learning experience and I did make a larger profit  compared to the last festival. I'm pleased with my results, but I will not be joining this festival again next year. 

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Craft Show Alert....

Just a quick reminder...I will be a vendor (selling my handmade jewelry) at the Georgia Marble Festival in Jasper, GA. 

YIPPEE! 

The Festival is this Saturday October 1 and Sunday October 2 opening at 10am - 5pm. The festival will feature artist booths, food trucks, entertainment on two stages, a kids area, a parade, and a 5K race. Hope to see you there!

Some examples of my jewelry....

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

A Pig Deal - Hogs, Bourbon and Music...

Fall means it's time for a good old fashioned pig roast at our favorite place ITP (inside the Atlanta perimeter) - Local Three.  We'll soon be spending the afternoon out on the patio at the annual “Roast a Fatty” pig pickin’ party. Chefs Hall and Muss slow roast a home-grown hog from Gum Creek Farms south of Atlanta.  They'll be using a roaster that I’ve only seen at their roasts, it's called the La Caja China Roasting Box.  The aromas coming out of that box are delectable and the unveiling of the finished fatty is quite the spectacle.  Camera's flash, the crowd of hungry guests "ooh" and "aah", and we all await the first taste of the roasted pork goodness.

Photos from the first "Roast a Fatty" at Local Three

The Local Three staff also whips up a load of the delicious sides and feature a smooth Bourbon like Belle Meade. Their bourbon is an old family recipe that was developed during prohibition in the '20s. It was so....good!  If you like Bourbon, this is the event for you!

And to top it all off, everyone receives a commemorative “Roast a Fatty” T-shirt….love the logo on the T-shirt from the first event, see the design below.  We’ll see y’all out on the patio real soon…November 6th....y'all join us!  Cheers!

Atlanta Artists and Crafters - New Meetup

Clipboards used for Jewelry Display

While chatting with some fellow Etsy sellers, we were discussing how much we all love creating our art, but we all need to focus some of our time on selling it. I found a new Meetup group in Atlanta called "Art Biz in the 'Burbs"; the sponsor will focus on creative ways to advertise and market our creations through digital, social, and traditional media. Additionally, we will discuss galleries, gift shops, shows, art walks, and exhibitions. Together, we hope to expand our visibility and increase our understanding of the ever-changing art market.

If you are in the Atlanta, GA area and would like to join the group, I've included the link to the Meetup site below.  The first meeting is on Monday March 18 in northeast Cobb. 

http://www.meetup.com/Art-Biz-in-the-Burbs/ 

Wet Feet...

Standing in line to vote was miserable this morning!

Hope your weather was better.

Cheers!

"Southerners" and "Floridians"...what's the Differnce?

I moved from Florida to Atlanta, Georgia in 1995.  Prior to the move I was not considered “southern” even though I lived in the southernmost state in the Continental United States. It has always puzzled me why Floridians are not considered “Southerners”.   For gosh sakes, the state was part of the Confederacy during the civil war, you can’t get much more southern than that.  And until recently (Jeb Bush reign), the Confederate flag flew right next to the American flag at the state capital building in Tallahassee. Florida seems to be thought of as “way down south of Dixie” instead of “way down south in Dixie”.

Thinking about what is different about living in central Georgia (Southerners) vs. central Florida (Floridians), I came up with a few differences but not enough difference to discount the whole state of Florida’s southern connection. Here are some of my observations….

Georgia Fall vs. Florida Fall

When I moved and became a Southerner I was amazed by the change of seasons.  Fall has become my favorite season! Florida just doesn’t have seasons, it’s hot and muggy, then rainy and muggy, and hot and muggy again. My friends in Florida don’t know what they’re missing.

Yes Ma'am, Yes Sir, No Ma'am, No Sir - and the use of them are not optional to Southerners. To Floridians it comes with respect for age.

Georgia Driver vs. Florida Driver

Southerners don't scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway; they just say, "Bless her heart" and go their own way. Floridians are not as forgiving and use the horn, screaming, and hand gestures more often. I’m not defending this approach, but there are a good deal more little old ladies on the road in Florida to contend with.

Southern "Dinner" vs. Floridia Cocktail Hour

Southerners understand “dinner" and "supper" are both meal times and know the appropriate time to use them. Floridians understand “early bird” and “cocktail hour” are also meal times and know the appropriate time to use them.

Georgia Front Porch vs. Florida Backyard

Southerners slow down and sit in rockers on the front porch, they wave as neighbors and strangers pass by. Floridians sit by the pool in the back yard away from all the traffic and gossiping neighbors.

Georgia Funeral Procession vs. Florida view of Funeral

Southerners will respectfully pull over for a funeral procession, but not discuss the death for fear of wandering souls. Floridians know that death is part of life and plan for it with very detailed directions. One of my friends in Florida makes a full-time living coordinating the funeral before it is needed.

Being Southern means many different things to many different folks. What does "Being Southern" mean to you?

Cheers!

Rust, dust and an aging crust!

I've mentioned before that I'm a big supporter of buying local and an even bigger enthusiast of buying handmade merchandise.  I also make an effort to upcycle odds and ends around the house giving them a second life as it were.  

I was recently introduced to an Atlanta artist named Rodger Thomas of Benclif Designs. Rodger’s creations are right up my alley (literally, in Atlanta) and his use of up-cycled materials is refreshing.  Relics that would otherwise collect dust are repurposed into useful household lighting, giving them a new life, function, and keeping the original designs nearly intact.

From Rodgers Website…

"Rust, dust and an aging crust! That's what I look for when I am out there hunting for my lighting inspiration."

 “My art creations are all about upcycling. I take vintage and antique relics from the past and give them a new purpose.  Chrome percolators, plastic rotary telephones, metal sprayers, lunchboxes, Thermos bottles, vintage tin cans, jars, adding machines, projectors and a myriad of others, all make for some pretty interesting and exciting lighting creations.  Those are things I search for when junking.”

 “Obviously, my percolator lamps are my favorite! But I am always on the hunt for that vintage relic in a basement or closet…that certain thing in which or on which a light bulb will shine new life.  Sometimes, I don’t have a vision for it initially but just a sense it can become a light or lamp. I’m the upcycling guy (or at least one of the upcyclers)!  My passion is lights and lighting, but repurposing and upcycling speak to my sense of efficiency and practicality.”

I love this local artist’s work, you can view his recent designs in his Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BenclifDesigns

Cheers!

Lori in Atlanta

Pssst, Small Business Owner, Do you shop local?

Shopping locally has become more and more popular as consumers strive to support local businesses and farmer markets. Shopping locally is a powerful way to attract shop-local oriented consumers and give them a more compelling reason to visit you. It also lets small businesses support each other directly, and can help build new relationships for marketing.

Etsy buyers can do this by utilizing the “Shop Local” feature on the home page. “Shop Local” shows the 100 most recently updated shops for a specific location. You can search for artists in your country, your state or even your own zip code. Who knows, you may find that a talented artist lives right down the street from you.

 Shopping local has other great benefits:

• the environmental impact is reduced
• you’ve reinvested money in your own community
• you’ve supported a local small business owner
• chances are you will receive great customer service
• reduced shipping cost (I love to save money!)

If you have an Etsy shop, check your profile and make sure your “Location” is not blank. Buyers like knowing where as well as who they are purchasing from. Your location helps personalize your shop and you will show up in “Shop Local” searches for your geographic area.

If you are not familiar with this type of Etsy search – take a peek at ‘Shop Local’ on the Etsy homepage.

Below I’ve listed some of my favorites from our location: Atlanta, GA

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94835731/elmo-and-cookie-monster-sesame-street

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74556150/organically-grown-buy-local-custom-100

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92716537/handmade-rice-bowls-ceramic-pottery-pair

Just a few of my Altanta Favorites! Cheers!

The Yellow Daisy Craft Festival

#8 Logging My Favorites

This is the eigth installment of a ongoing log of my favorite things. Once a month I will post a favorite. It might be a person, or a place, or even an event. Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better. I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

Have I mentioned yet that I’m a craft festival, flea market, farmer’s market, and antique market type of gal? More than anything I love supporting handmade and homemade artists. This weekend is one of my favorite events, the Yellow Daisy Festival.

Despite its growth from a small arts & crafts show to the four day event that it has become today, the Yellow Daisy Festival continues to be a big show (over 400 crafters) with a small-town feel. Multi-generations of mothers, daughters and grandmothers will be roaming the wooded trails together in search of the perfect item. Just look at the map, the festival is huge and it’s jam-packed full of artistic vendors and shoppers.

I’ve found that there is no apparent rhyme or reason to the location of the vendors throughout the massive festival area, although I must say that the setup works. A supposedly one-way path is often walked the wrong way by newbie’s, but nobody seems to care because most shoppers are really only interested in getting to the next booth. The paths are shaded by huge native hardwoods making the day more enjoyable; our weather here in Atlanta can still be a bit warm in September.

Whatever your passion, you will find fun items to purchase at this festival. I’ve also found that the festival is a great place to go and get new inspiration. So many wonderful artists all in one place! Shoppers and crafters alike enjoy the atmosphere of the event. There is live music, fabulous festival food and crafter demonstrations all day.

One of my favorite stops each year is the antique grain grinding machine (below) from Logan Turnpike Mill. It spurts, sputters, shutters and occasionally backfires as it grinds the most superb stone ground grits. I’m not a native southerner, but I do love good grits!

Here is the link to the festival website if you are interested in getting more information. Hope to see you there! http://festivals.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=14