Not Your Average Neckwear!

Last night, The WonderCraft gals hosted a little party at our new space at The Art Pad as a trial-run for the fabulous Grand Opening celebration we're planning on Feb. 25th. Stay tuned for more details on that - you're gonna love it!

The theme of our GO party is "Tie One On" & we'll be doing techniques such as embroidery & screen-printing on thrifted, possibly super-ugly, neckties all night long. Here are some more pics from our experiments last night:

Our crafty pals from the EtsyAustin team, Samantha of Nepenthe's Bathtime, Cathie of Sweet Wolf & Camille of Diamonds and Guns, checking out the beautiful selection at Lapis Lane Beads.

Camille sported one of the pretty crystal-adorned fascinators she's making now - love it!





See all the pics from our pre-party in our Soft Grand Opening Flickr set. And be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, February 25 so you can come out & embellish a necktie with us, enjoy fantastic local makers of handmade goods, tasty local food & drinks, plus lots more!

Artist Spotlight: Merritt Gade

Merritt Gade is one of the awesome artists we represent in our trailer boutique. We've known Merrit for a while now and have always admired her work, professionalism, and dedication, so thats why I decided to have her as our very first in our Artist Spotlight series. Right now The WonderCraft carries her earrings and crocheted bracelets, come by to see her work along with over 10 other vendors in the trailer during open hours at The Art Pad, this weekend and most, Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm.

How and when did you decide to start your crafty business?
I have been crafting in my spare time since graduating from college in 1999 with a degree in Fine Arts. I worked a standard office job for about 10 years and, at one point, begged for and received a modified schedule so I could have a full extra day for crafting. Over those years, I made a few sales off and on and felt optimistic about people receiving my work well. I grew a belief in my own drive and ability to get up every day and work. I could not see a future doing anything other than making and creating things for a living, so I saved money, planned ahead, and finally took the leap to full time crafting on January 9th, 2009. It's been barely a year and I have no regrets and no intention of stopping. I love it and hope to just improve and grow and craft all day, everyday for as log as I can.

What is your favorite product to make?

My favorite things to make are tiaras. I've been in love with the Crown Jewels since childhood and find the intricate beauty of each unique piece enchanting. I could get lost in their eyes, so to speak. My tiaras are on a smaller scale than those, but creating twists of gold with pearls on the ends and crystals wrapped around is just too much fun. I love that each one is different, too. My favorite is the Wild Tiara, because of it's color and texture.

Anything new coming up?
I'm working on improving my tiara line as well as learning more about marketing in that field. Each person is different and has plans all their own for their special occasion and I want to better serve those needs. I also have items for the home, like furniture and lampshades, made and it is on the agenda to make more. I plan to open an Etsy shop that gets these unique pieces out there. Photographing lighting is hard, though, so I have a lot to learn and hone before launching.

What is your favorite local business (besides The WonderCraft of course)?
It's a toss up between Legendary Beads and Bead It, and luckily they're within walking distance of each other. Both offer totally different and inspiring goods. Any time I get cranky about anything having to do with this job, I remind myself that I get to bead shop for work and that's never a bad thing. Also, I could probably eat a Thundercloud sub every day.