Anime Matsuri 2014

March is quickly approaching and boy have I been busy!!! I've been trying my hardest to prepare for the upcoming Anime Matsuri convention buy making 10 things a day. It's been pretty tough. I've been super sick though. I did however end up making like 50 charms last weekend hahaha. I'm just not really sure what to make for this conventions. I'm not so down with what's popular right now in the anime scene. I guess I'll find out though! I've just been sticking to what I know will sell for now and shows that is see people cosplay a lot. That's a good strategy right? I also order myself a car magnet to advertise my shop while I drive around in my car. Hahahaha. It might work? You can tell KittyFace was NOT happy about being my model lol.

I ordered a Grell cosplay to wear for the convention though! I'm super excited about it! I also got a lovely lolita styled short kimono too! I just hope they get here in time! (I also hope they fit! LOLOLOLOL)I kind of want to do my Chun Li cosplay again but I usually run out of energy by Sunday and the fact that we will be driving home that night too doesn't do much for me wanting to dress up y'know? Buuuuuut we'll see :D

I also purchased my booth for Alamo City Comic Con today. Holy cow!!! The price of the booths double Dx I'm so lucky my good friend Allison likes to share booths with me! I'm really looking forward to the convention though even though its not until September hahaha. I really liked the people and the atmosphere. Hobbit.Town and I are gonna be at booth #545 so y'all better come say hello :)

I also did some awesome trades for Wear if you Dare team that I'm on for Etsy. I got some really awesome items and made some really nice friends. I really like trading with people but rarely get the opportunity to do so. I need to fix that!

So, I guess that's about it for right now. As usual my show and convention schedule are at the bottom for you to come see me <3



Show and Convention Schedule
March:
March 14-16 - Anime Matsuri Booth #631 Houston, Tx
March 22-23 - Lost in Wonderland San Antonio, Tx

April:
Apr 5-6 Starving Artist Art Show San Antonio, Tx
Apr 11-13 LoneStar Comic Con Schertz, Tx
Apr 26 Alamo City Toy Show Booth #241 San Antonio, Tx


May:
May 3 Masuyo Anime Organization 4 Year Anniversary
May 24 Music Festival at The Korova/ Limelight *
*Anime Odessy TBA San Antonio, Tx

June:
June 14-15 *SciFest TBA San Antonio, Tx
June 14 The Korova 6pm
Jun 22-24 - Texas Comic Con Booth #151 San Antonio, Tx

July:
*Jul 11-12 Capital City Con TBA Austin, Tx


August:


September:
Sep 26-28 - Alamo City Comic Con Booth #545 San Antonio, Tx

* Pending

Soda Pop Culture 2

My first show of the year was this Saturday and I have to say it was super fun. I was called Soda Pop Culture 2 and it was hosted by Nine Tails They are like the sweetest people ever and the event was specifically pop culture themed. I was really worried about not fitting in since it was more geared towards artists and sometimes I don't really feel like an artist but it turned out great. There was live music and art and all of the people who came were super nice as well as the other vendors and artist :D

I tried to make a variety of valentines day items. But, I didn't really sell any!! Lol,I guess maybe its not close enough for people to think about? Or maybe they weren't obvious enough lol. I made blind boxes that were super cute and I only sold ONE!! They each come with a mystery surprise in them. Its either a ring, or a charm, or a pair of earrings. A lot of people looked at me like I was cray though when I was like "those are blind boxes!" So....maybe not as many people know what they are as I think hahaha.

I also made some cute little angel and devil charms as well as some little broken bandaged heart charms. Then I went crazy and made like a tiny army of pusheen cat charms. I even made a little ring along with a bunch of sweets themed rings. I didn't really sell any of those either. I am happy to report that i FINALLY sold a lolita candy pearl bracelet. I swear they are one of my favorite items to make because I feel they are super pretty but they are the hardest thing to sell! *end rant*

I've also noticed that I don't really ever look at people when they are taking my picture unless I ask them to take my picture lol. I'm looking down in all of the pictures that aren't mine xD Oh well, I guess I'll work on being more aware of my surroundings. The only gripe I have about the show is that it was outside at night and once the sun went down the area that I was in had no lighting. My Dad was nice enough to bring me a lamp though so that people could see mine and Allison's tables lol. Up until that point were were trying to light our tables with our cell phones. My arms got tired REALLY quick hahahaha.

Some of my friends I hadn't seen in a while also stopped by the event. That was really cool and a nice surprise :D My table was also by my good buddy Allison of Hobbit.Town Jewelry so that made the nice super fun too. The weather was super nice too. It was pretty hot during the day but once the sun went down it was nice and cool without being cold, if that makes any sense lol. We've been having some super crazy weather in Texas lately. So I'm greatful it wasn't thirty degrees once the sun went down xD

I didn't put my banner on my table this time, which may have been a bad idea. People didn't really know who I was. I did however put a super soft and fuzzy mustache blanket on it. I was going for a valentines day theme. It was red and black...those are v-day colors right? It was cute I think. I also purchased a new bracelet displace. I feel like it show cases my bracelets better.They hand down instead of handing on a little post so you can better see the bracelet and what's on them.

So, that's about it for this month. I don't have any shows until the second week of March! It seems so far away but I'm sure its going to arrive in no times!!! Hopefully I'll post again soon :D

March Schedule:
March 14-16 - Anime Matsuri Booth #631 Houston, Tx
March 22-23 - Lost in Wonderland Wondrelands Mall San Antonio, Tx

Late Night Crafting Madness!!

Ahhhh!!! So, I've been trying to make lots of charms recently. Michael's was having a sale on clay so I decided to get the colours I needed while I can :D 4 for $6 is awesome! They came out to $1.50 which is the second best sale they have for clay all year. Sadly, I went to get flesh coloured clay and did not lol, however, that comes in a giant block which isn't on sale and since I have a coupon for 50% off that I left at home that worked out for the best...

Recently, I've been trying to make a lot of marketable things. I did a lot of Pusheen cats, some pikachus, piranna petes, a bunch of tardis (what is the plural for Tardis?), some zombie toasts, rilakkumas in a bathtub, and i have a whole mess of headless 10th and 11th doctors...(if only I had bought that clay!! *shakes fist at self*)

Yeah, those are some of the works in progress :D I liked the themed pusheens the best :D And yes...that is a sailor moon one :D I've added a few shows to the list too! Booking a hotel for Anime Matsuri was a nightmare too D: They tried to overcharge me by almost $300 TT_TT That was slightly tramatic but I got a room!! Or at least that is what my invoice says *crosses fingers* It still doesn't feel real. I thought doing two shows was overwhelming last year I've got a whole mess coming up soon! I'm excited and scared all at the same time hahaha!! Wish me luck and pray that I don't lose my mind before February 1st!!

Show and Convention Schedule
February:
Feb 1 - Soda Pop Culture 2 San Antonio, Tx

March:
March ? - Lost in Wonderland TBA San Antonio, Tx
March 14-16 - Anime Matsuri Booth #631 Houston, Tx

April:
Apr 5-6 Starving Artist Art Show San Antonio, Tx
Apr 11-13 LoneStar Comic Con Schertz, Tx
Apr 26 Alamo City Toy Show Booth #241 San Antonio, Tx


May:
Anime Odessy TBA San Antonio, Tx

June:
SciFest TBA San Antonio, Tx
Jun 22-24 - Texas Comic Con Booth #151 San Antonio, Tx

July:


August:


September:
Sep 26-28 - Alamo City Comic Con TBA San Antonio, Tx

Happy New Year! 2014 Already?!

Wow, the year has just flown by yet again. I guess it is true, once you become an "adult" the years just seem to fly by lol. I say "adult" because I don't feel like a full fledged adult yet. I know some of you know what I mean ;D

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season! I did. I got to spend it with my family and then I also got to go to New Orleans for Christmas with my boyfriend and his family! Aside from losing my drivers license it was really cool. There were artists and musicians everywhere! In the middle of the streets even! And the food was amazingly delicious. I'm lucky we walked all over the place hahaha!

I have a few attainable goals this year ;) Most of them are shop related. My big goal is to try and do at least one show ever 3 months. So far I'm off to a good start. I have a show coming up on Feb 1st called "Soda Pop Culture 2" It being up on by a local shop called Nine Tails. They are very big on working with local artists and vendors. There will be live music and live art as well. I'm super excited about that.

In March I'll be doing a show with Allison of Hobbit.Town Jewelry in Houston for Anime Matsuri. Its going to be my first away show. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I wont have to luxury of being able to come home and make charms every night so I'm a little worried about not having enough merchandise with me :S I guess I better get to making charms!

In April Allison and I will be doing another show in Schertz at LoneStar Comic Con. Its another away show. Okay its like an hour away but still its not in San Antonio lol. Its going to be interesting since its a smaller convention. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

That's it for all the confirmed shows right now. I've listed my prospected calendar for the year so far. The TBA are shows who have yet to open their registration or post dates yet.

Goals for 2014
1. To do at least one show every three months. I feel like this is a good goal. I've got a few shows scattered throughout the year already. Its the fall/winter I have trouble booking.
2. Actually list items I sell at shows that I don't have in my shop. I'm very bad about listing items I make for conventions that are popular. I took me a year wise up and list my doctor who charms lol.
3. Figure out how to consistently sell more than one item a month. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but my traffic flow through Etsy is horrible. While I sell pretty well in person at events and shows I really don't sell well online. Maybe if I blog more? I've found making connections with people at conventions helps a lot though. Maybe this goal should be work on networking ;)
4.Find enough crafting buddies to have crafting parties/hangouts. Its sounds silly but there's so much you can learn from others :D

So there you have it! Goals for the future!! Until next time y'all <3

Show and Convention Schedule
February:
Feb 1 - Soda Pop Culture 2 San Antonio, Tx

March:
March ? - Lost in Wonderland San Antonio, Tx
March 14-16 - Anime Matsuri Booth #631 Houston, Tx

April:
Apr 11-13 LoneStar Comic Con Schertz, Tx


May:
Anime Odessy TBA San Antonio, Tx

June:
Jun 22-24 - Texas Comic Con Booth #151 San Antonio, Tx

July:


August:


September:
Sep 26-28 - Alamo City Comic Con TBA San Antonio, Tx

Alamo City Comic Con 2013 Update

For those of you in the San Antonio Texas area who have always wanted to meet me (wow, that sounds really vain) I'll be selling at the Alamo City Comic Con held here in October :dance: I honestly can't wait. I'm super excited about going. I love love love comics and video games, and getting to sell at one of the largest pop culture conventions in my city is a dream come true!!

What y'all need to know:

ACCC Website: www.alamocitycomiccon.com/
ACCC FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Alamo-C…
When: October 25-27
Where: Henery B. Gonzales Convention Center
200 E Market St.
San Antonio, Tx 78205

Booth Location: B19

I'll be sharing my booth with Allison Franks owner and operator of Sinsperations and Hobbit Town Jewelry. Please, please, please feel free to check out here awesome and unique creations!!!
Allision's Blog: hobbittownjewelry.blogspot.com/
Sinsperations Etsy:www.etsy.com/shop/Sinsperation…
Sinsperations FB: www.facebook.com/Sinsperations
Hobbit Town Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/hobbittownje…
Hobbit Town FB: www.facebook.com/hobbittown.je…

What I'll be selling. Charms!!! Of course that's a given. Kawaii charm bracelets, earnings, and necklaces. Lolita accessories. I'll also be offering deco: boxes, jars, gameboy covers, phone cases, photo frames, and mini sweets. Steampunk jewelry as well :D And a new line of felt keychains

I'll be posting more about it as the even get closer. (omg! it's almost October!!!) So, check back offten

Also!! Don't forget about the 15k giveaway on my deviant art account!!!! My 15k viewer will receive 3 CHARMS of their choosing!! Just send me a note and a screen shot d4 portfolio

Hope y'all are having a good day!!! Until next time <3

Quarterly Post: Tips. Reviews, Etc.

I know...I need to update more and I saw it all the time!!

Let see what's going on in the world of ZGR?

I'll be selling in the dealers room at Alamo City Comic Con here in San Antonio, Texas October 25-27 so if you're in the area please come and say hello :D I'll post more info as it gets closer but for now here is the link if you'd like to check out the page. Alamo City Comic Con

I plan to start doing reviews of booths at conventions as well. While at San Japan this past month I ran into another charm maker!! We seem to be few and far between down here :( Her booth was super awesome and full of adorble sweets themed charms, however, the booth was also really unfriendly, not to say that she was unfriendly in any way! Its just the way she had her booth set up. It made it very hard to, not only talk to her but, look at her products :( Her table was set up using gridwall cubes which are amazing, btw, if you have a lot of products and not enough space! (Go vertical! Beat the system!!)

I feel the mistake she made was putting it all at the very front of her table and making an arc/bridge creating a barrier that cut her off from con-goers and potential customers. It made it difficult to not only see her but talk with her and you had to kind of squat down to get to the charms she placed on the table underneath. It was almost like reaching into a cave. I find, from personal experience, that talking to and engaging people is a great way to draw them to your booth or table. Also, the ability for someone handle and look at your products it very important. It establishes an intimate connection with the item, sounds silly I know, and potential customers are more likely to buy from you if they can handle and inspect what they are interested in.

The rest of her set up was good. He charms were Sweet Lolita and Deco themed. She divided charms by groups into colorful bowls like they were treats and hung a few from the arc :D She even had tiny little squishy charms I couldn't resist and had to buy!! I'm a sucker for squishies and scented charms lol.

What else is new?
I opened a Storenvy shop. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It seems more about liking items than actually selling items. Kind of like a pintrest for stores but instead of "pinning" you "envy" items. I like that you can directly link it to your facebook page if you have one for your shops and how it is free :D Free is very attractive. Don't get me wrong, I love Etsy, but their fees are not so great :( It seems kind of glitchy though. The marketplace link doesn't take me to the marketplace lol. Please feel free to check out my shop: ZombiesGoRawr Kawaii Charms The site also lets you create free customizable webpage. Its nothing super fancy but you can make it your own. If you're looking for a shop, or a new shop, I'd say give Storenvy.com a try. Its free to setup and use so there aren't set backs.

So, until next time my little zombies! I'll be letting y'all know how to keep your clay clean!

Chain Rant!!

I have been trying to make a specific pair of earrings since about mid June. Needless to say I never seem to have to have the right materials in stock when I sit down and actually work on them. And its nothing special either, it also I don't have the right color head pins, or I'm out of jump rings! Now its silver chain! SILVER FREAKING CHAIN!!! lol.

Does anyone know where I can buy spools of various styled chains? I can find the chunky charm bracelet verity just fine, its the normal necklace type I can't seem to run across. I'm tired of having to run to Michale's every other day and spend $5 on basically a necklace's worth. I'd rather spend $20 on 100 necklace's worth.

Tip of the Day
Make sure you have all your supplies!! Lol!! I guess that's more of a lesson learned than a tip <3

Progress was made though. So I guess I can end my rant now.