MEGAN AUMAN

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what i’m reading: how to change the world

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In my recent funk about the state of the world (especially after reading Deep Economy) I’ve been looking for some more empowering things to read and watch. (Such as Big Ideas for a Small Planet.) This search led me to How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas. Overall, I found this book really inspiring. Bornstein profiles social entrepreneurs from around the world who are making a positive impact on the world around them. Its great to read that people really can make a difference (though none of them did this by making jewelry, but that’s a whole other issue).
My one complaint is that you’d think a book title How to Change the World would be a little more pragmatic – giving some insight into how you too can make a difference. Bornstein talks about the traits that all these social entrepreneurs share, but mostly as skills that few of us will ever posses.
Verdict: Inspiring, but a little repetitive.

and I thought art star was bad

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Note to the organizers of Renegade: While the idea of having a craft show in a pool sounds really cool, it becomes a bit less practical when it is pouring buckets (and the pool is doing what pools are supposed to do, which is hold water) and you are forced to hold onto your metal tent in the middle of a lightning storm to keep it from blowing away.

Needless to say, all of my displays and jewelry got wet. (Something which is not good for paper or steel.) So, I packed up, called it a show, and headed home. Sorry for anyone who came today looking for me, I just didn’t have the energy to return.

Four shows so far this season – rain at every single one. Perhaps this is the universe’s way of telling me that outdoor retail shows may not be the ideal strategy for my business. I’m so glad Pile of Craft is indoors.

grave tiles revisited

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Last night I was at my grandfather’s farm for an auction, and noticed this garden edge tile by the pool.  I spent many summer hours of my childhood at my grandfather’s pool, and must have walked by these a thousand times.  So it seems only fitting that in the days after my grandfather died I was obsessing over these grave tiles in Bonaventure Cemetery.  After all, these cement garden markers are the descendants of the European grave tiles used in Savannah cemeteries.  The grave tiles that I will forever associate with my grandfather’s death even though I couldn’t really explain why.  It seems now I can.

hot

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Its going to be 99 degrees today.  Poor Grizzly has taken to hiding in my office in the basement to escape the heat.  (We don’t have AC.)

100!

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I hit a very exciting milestone today – 100 items sold in my Etsy shop!  Thanks to everyone who purchased something or supported me in some way.  (And thanks to you for reading my blog!)

decorative resurgence

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I’ll admit it – I’ve been a little lax about applying to exhibitions lately.  But I got a call for entries for this show in my inbox that seems, um completely appropriate for my work.  Of course, that most likely means I’ll be rejected.  But still, time to dust off those old application skills.

overbooked

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So, I’m sad to report that I was feeling a little overwhelmed, and had to cut a few craft shows.  I will no longer be participating in the Columbus Arts Festival or the Three Rivers Arts Festival.  (Ohioans – have no fear, I’ll still be at Cain Park.)

And if you’re in Philly this weekend, you can still catch me at Art Star!  (I can’t wait to see so many of my crafty friends tomorrow!)

because Dooce said so

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There always seems to be discussion when it comes to web 2.0 about whether or not the web will destroy conventional retail.  So, I wanted to share this quote I read on Dooce today: “…yes, shopping online is convenient, but being able to walk into a store and finding what you want?  Not having to wait for it to be delivered?  How genius is that?”

information overload

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Lately, I’ve been an information junkie.  I’ve lost all desire to be entertained, and instead have been devouring non-fiction and swapping music for audiobooks in the studio.

But somehow, I’ve been living under a rock, because this week was the first time I watched Big Ideas for a Small Planet.  Perhaps its because on my cable box, Sundance is channel 165 and I rarely surf above channel 72.  But I finally stumbled onto this series while doing research for another project, and now I might be addicted.  Oh well, better late than never, I suppose.