Not all can be won...

Well... last week was a frenzy as we prepared for 2 markets over this last weekend. Getting stock, making stock, doing freelance work... and we were exceptionally prepared for both Friday's night market and Saturday's market.
And no matter how lovingly you make your stock, how great you setup, how carefully you display. There is NO guarantee for sales.
And sales wise, this weekend stood dead on zero. And yet, I will not use the word "bad" for either market, because the atmosphere at both markets was great, the other stall holders were amazing and despite a few rain drops at both markets, the weather was great.

So, there really truly is nothing negative to leave with from this past weekend.

And we move on.
This Friday night, 7 November,  we'll be in attendance at the monthly Night Market at The Shed on R59.
And thankfully, there's no panic to make stock for it, because I don't think my nerves could take another week of time limits (or coffee is playing a trick on me).

I do have some freelance work lined up already for this week, but last night I got so much ticked off Wonder Struck Inc's TO-DO list that I am starting this week with the most amazing weight lifted from my shoulders. And I see that the Post Office is "kind of" back to working order. Which is good news as an international sale happened on the Etsy store early this morning. Shew.

Also...while we're on the subject of our Etsy store.
Please note that,  its been a very hard decision to make, but the cost involved is far far greater than we can support, so as items expire on our Etsy, we WILL NOT be renewing them or adding any new ones.
We will slowly be filling up our Storenvy and HelloPretty online stores and will be enquiring about a Facebook online store.
So whether you're a South Africa or not, you will still beable to buy from us AND we'll be far better priced than on Etsy.

This week I'll also be trying to get shelf rental at a cute little coffee and handmade shop in our town, as we move closer to our dream of having our own brick and mortar store.
It's a slow and trying process to get to where we want to be...but I know its all going to be worth it.

Then... did a poll of sorts on the Facebook page about how people would feel if we made moulds, silicone, resin and such part of our stock items, also some mentioned they'd be interested in classes. All of this is starting to happen!
Again, it's a process, and things are happening (albeit in small careful steps).
We will also be working on tutorials for those who just do not live within reach of our one-on-one classes, so keep your eyes open.

Now, go and have a fabulous Monday (treat yourself to a cupcake or something else you know would make your day that little bit better)
And don't forget how amazing you all are.

♥

When there's a wish

When you work for yourself, there is no such thing as sick leave.
As the sickies start over powering me, I'm trying to finish this list of orders that doesnt seem like its getting any shorter.

I also dont think that standing out in the cold on Saturday was my best life choice, but still so worth watching amazing bands and supporting a great cause.
To those who came past our table, thanks! Much appreciated.

The workroom, however, is flooded with stock and all attempts to sort out... have failed miserably.
We will fight on, especially after a bit of a Facebook sale for you peeps.
Ridiculous prices going, and we'll load pics for you to choose from.

The current big project happening on the table right now while I fight for my health, is a light box. Have this GREAT idea for one, and tthe concept is ready for execution, I'll reveal once done. ;)

Then, it seems I completely missed doing a HOW TO for you guys, because boring adult stuff needed to be done on Friday.... like renewing my drivers license. So apologies for that. With all the crazy public holidays this week I'll do a HOW TO entry so you guys can keep yourselves out of mischief.

May the force be with you!

Wintery fingertips...

While Autumn brings about cosmos on road sides and in fields, colour changes to the leaves and migrating birds,  it's also a great time of year for markets, people wearing colourful scarves till mid day.  Beanies and gloves in different colours. Leaves changing and falling like a colourful carpet on market grounds.
Even though this is a setup to Winter, I cant help my fondness for this season.

Its also when people wear less necklaces and bracelets. Rings and earrings become the most desired accessory choices.
I too tend towards rings in this season and winter, along with my rather extensive scarf and fingerless glove collection ;)
Because, everyone has their obsessions.

So, I'll be featuring loads more rings and earrings, but also I'd like to spot crafties who make wintery luxuries like scarves and gloves... give me a shout so we can load links to your stores and pictures and contact details.

Really hope you guys enjoyed the last HOW TO post, and that you've enjoyed all of them so far, if there's something in particular you want us to look for, let us know.
Right now though we're still fascinated by the polymer clay stuffs and have been scouring another video for you guys on polymer clay for this week's HOW TO.
Yay!

Alrighty, then markets for Wonder Struck inc.
Our next table setup will be at Sundowners on 26 April at Sundowners for the all day music fest "The War to end all Wars" which is being used to raise some monies for an all girls rehab centre for drug dependence.
So, all for a good cause and great music.
Its going to be great!
Hope to see you guys there.
We'll be sharing the event details on our Facebook (which you can connect to via the tab on top of the blog, or on the right hand side panel of the blog)

We haven't got anything else confirmed as yet for May, except on the first Friday for The Shed's Night Market.
But keep checking in to see where you can come buy from our tables around Gauteng South.

And...with that, have a fantastic Tuesday humans ;)

All the pretty things...

Busy fine tuning the online stores at some ridiculous hour again... tell me something that's new. It is amazing, however, that it's not even midnight yet. It feels like it is...but it isn't.

So just what AM I busy with? ... hmmmm ;)

Agate and black glass leaf necklace

Black on UV magenta dragon brooch/pin

Mini razor blade resin pins

Monochrome owl head necklace

As you can see, new photos, new products... it's getting busy up in here!

And for those that want to grab some pieces for themselves we have some GREAT discount codes running on the site (for limited times)

Buy for $20 or more and you can use this code on checkout for ANYTHING in the store

Or... alternatively, if you buy for $35 or more, you can get FREE shipping with code: SHIPME

So go on over to the Etsy store and grab some awesome goodies or as gifts for during the year.

Also been doing stocktake during today, inbetween trying to take new photos of all the products in stock. How did I end up making so much stock?! ....my eyes are even twitching from all of it.

But feeling rather productive these last few days, considering all that's been happening and what I'm managing to get done.

We have LOADS of newness planned for here on the blog too, with some peeps asking for HOW TO's and such to be added. So keep spying in to see what we're going to make with you!

Busy asking around for some fellow crafties to put together bios and abouts so I can feature them on here too.

How rad will this blog be? I can't wait.

But for now... let me get back to work. Stock take and updates aren't over just yet. And there's coffee that needs to be made, which the dogs and cat haven't learnt how to make FOR me. 

Have a great weekend humans!

On sunny days...

Between the nearly three week long post office strike (officially over during last week), standing in lines for three plus hours at a time at the labour department and being resinless... It's been difficult keeping up the pace.

But we're back!

Packages are being sent off again and resin work has commenced again.
Beading work is being...worked on and allowing all the goodness that these longer Summer days have to give, to swirl around us and soak in.

We have THREE operating online stores (Etsy, Storenvy, ideasmarket), the blog (hi!), the Instagram, Twitter AND the facebook page and Pinterest board.
There really is no reason not to be in contact with us ;)

Like us, follow us, pin us, buy from us, share with us. SOCIAL media and all ;)

There's no new market dates for Wanderland yet, but keep your eyes peeled for updates.

Lots of newness is being added to stock, and lots of things that we've painstakingly and lovingly made for you to use and wear.
Believe me... The pains in the hands from all the resin mixing, pouring, sanding and the beading....are worth it when you guys are happy with what we make.

Our positive note for today: "you guys are amazing. Don't ever let anyone let you think or feel any less than that."

Until the next blog update!

In the making...

These four years have defenitely been an...adventure. To put it mildly.
Personal things aside, Wonder Struck Inc has become a part of everyday life.
I'm sure those who have started their own little craft businesses will know what I'm talking about.
Manoeuvring everyday life around production, making, sticking, cutting, gluing, casting, swearing, praying, driving, setting up, unpacking, packing, displaying, paying.... Well and sometimes eating and sleeping.

It's hard sometimes to persevere... But maybe it's slightly easier for me because I'm born with a stubborn streak. But when you DO persevere...these small flecks of "it's worth it" come flickering through the darkness.

To Facebook likers, regular customers/supporters... Thank you guys for yet another month!

Now to begin October.
Yup, already October (shocking).
We almost 2 and a half months from silly season... So please take notes of these dates from us.

25 October - Night Market @ The Shed on R59 from 6-10pm
26 October - Wyetti Market from 9:30am - 3pm
29 November 2013 - last international shipping day for Christmas orders.
29 November - Night Market @ The Shed on R59 from 6-9pm
30 November - The last Wyetti Market from 9:30am - 3pm
7 December - last shipping date for international and local orders for 2013.
16 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 - complete store shutdown (online and markets)
8 January 2014 - All shipping will commence.

We might be squeezing in some last minute markets in December (it ALWAYS happens) which we'll update as we get them.

Because of how crazy it gets we HAVE to have these dates decided and planned out. We will not be shipping or taking orders outside of these dates, so please take note if you order regularly from us (especially supplies and components or stock items).
All payments will also need to be done before shutdown.

And with this update done, have a great 1st of October people. Onward into Halloween month!

~CJ~

Big smiles...

Well... still recovering from a long day out on Sunday.
But, I am so extremely happy and thankful to EVERYONE that came to buy and look in at our stall.

3 of my new necklaces inspired by the "theme" of Sunday...sold out!
we were barely unpacked when the first of the 3 sold. The other 2 sold in moments after.
So thank you everyone for not only liking what I make/stock but just for coming out to make the market a success.
Boo to those that didn't get dressed up, where's your inner child?!
To the knights and trolls and middle earth kids, you were all so amazing!!

Sadly, because of battery issues, I didn't take any pictures, but I'll see if I can get ahold of some so that if you were in Gauteng and didn't go, you can see what you missed!

Then store news:

Freedom v.1 tees - we still have loads of stock from this run of prints, so grab yourself a shirt either from our Etsy or Bigcartel store for UNDER $15 (excluding shipping).
South african buyers, this tee will cost you R95 (postage is R35).

Freedom v.2 - thanks to John at Nuclear Design for our upcoming Tee collab design. As our stock lowers on the other tees, we'll setup a run of these new unisex tees, so watch out!

Squareheads - because of our single workloads and projects, this project is moving really slow for John and I, but it WILL be happening, so keep watching out for it.

The Quotable Zoo - my new sideproject...
Those who know me best know that I am very much a stationary/typography/word/quotes/font junky, so I decided to create an outlet for it ;)
I have registered a store with Etsy, but it's not ready yet to make an official "opening". I am so excited to start listing prints!

Again, thank you to those that read this blog, support our Etsy store and who follow us on Twitter. It is YOU that will help me take this to where I'm dreaming to go with it.

Much love. Blessed be,
~Zoo~

Dancing... in the rain.

Well... it feels like forever since I've updated. Probably because of how much has been done since the last update!

A *complete* stock count has been completed. Pricelists and accounts updated.
We have a snazzy photographer playing with the stock and... we've still got another 12 days before our next market.

Also...the work on the logo is just going so well! I can hardly wait for it all to be finalised!

John and I have also made some progress on Squareheads stuff... which you'll have to check on the blog for ;)

But that's all for today's blog post...
My favourite sond ending for today's post is "Vicious Circle" by Aaron Lewis.
Until another post :)
Have a great 86400 seconds today!

A little bit of interest...

As I sit at my desk (functioning purely on 3 hours of Saturday morning sleep and 2 cups of coffee FOR THE DAY), I have to be excited about the 2 or so arrivals of new stock components... and the new stock thats being made!

...the excitement might also include the fact that I finally got a new mouse for my notebook. Its red and shiny.

But besides that.
I will be working on putting together stock that can be repeated, even if not EXACTLY, it'll still all be made/put together/broken/recreated by me or Wonder Struck Inc friends.
But for March (and our Wyetti market this month) we still have stacks and stacks of OOAK (one of a kind) pieces in stock.

Resin unicorn cameo in resin setting, with 2 dyed agate beads on chain - necklace

We are swimming in cameo necklaces right now (crushing so hard on it all) and... ribbon hairclips!
Oh yes... we were hairclip mad about a year ago, but stopped making when market people showed no interest, but recently we've just been swamped with queries for our hairclips. So I've knuckled down today and made 8 pairs of totally new OOAK hair clips.

Rhinestone key pendant and dyed agate - necklace

Also, just ordered some more pocket watches! I did a test order on one and I've been arguing with myself about taking it for me! That...is how awesome it is.
With this slow set of changes I'm making for Wonder Struck Inc, I hope you'll enjoy what is in store ;)

Pocket watches now in stock. 3cm diameter.

Matching silver chain, as either a necklace or traditional pocket chain - R130 (in South Africa excluding postage)

Take it off! ...10% at least

Everything has just been so crazy, but I eventually got around to loading our 10% off coupon code on our Etsy.
On checkout the coupon code is - HAVE10OFF
It'll even apply to any new lsitings I put up during March, so go get some discount!

Alot of the new stock will have more crystals and glass and semi-precious beads, like our key inspired necklace with 5 dyed agate beads and a rhinestone blinged out key pendant.
(R80 including postage in South Africa)

Please keep in mind that no 2 crystals (dyed or natural) will look identical, not even dyed agate. Though we try use the closest matching ones in pieces like this.

(Due to some technical issue (our photos not wanting to load correctly) we can't show you any new goodies on this blog post, but they are on our Etsy store now)

What a weekend! ...

Well... our one and ONLY "down the rabbit hole" necklace was sold this weekend along with the ring we made to match it (but didn't list).
We've "de-activated" Down The Rabbit hole on our Etsy for now.
We've just had a swarm of unexpected sales this weekend...and this week is going to be spent making more stock for a "ladies tea" this Saturday.
And we thought it would be a quiet month ;)