Selling Out for Crazy: Accessory Fun

How many times can I say things start as a joke? Somehow the best ideas are borne from poking fun at everything around you. From time to time some GREAT ideas are hatched and in the end you're left shaking your head at HOW things came about. I have quite a few. Some of my friends will remember my utter disgust at how we were asking for donations for items and/or $$$ for a fundraising basket at school. Typically we'd solicit everyone alive for stuff to create and out-do the next group. It was somewhat of an annual tradition, however that particular year the requests were going on just days after the devastating earthquake in Japan, where thousands died, even more were homeless and destitute. IMO, there was NO WAY I was planning to solicit anything for some gaudy basket just for praise and notoriety. Our class was NOT going to do it at all! Needless to say, I was coerced by many other parents and the instructor to plan this basket. I was furious. In my mind, IF this was going to happen, then the requests would be for provisions since WE live in California -Earthquake country! Hell, we were just going to ask for rations of water and candles. *sigh* Wouldn't you know that the basket was the biggest draw that year? Our Earthquake Preparedness kit was a HIT... And spiteful me put all our raffle tickets into that particular basket. And won.

Again, I have many similar stories. We jokingly consider doing things all the time. Inevitably once the wheels start turning the end result is something to behold!

My latest and greatest is tied to another "good idea."

Let me preface by saying, while I love and admire DG, the production team, the writing team, the entire cast, any of the crew, and even craft services, I do not hold myself to any one group. You might find me on a board or two, but I choose not to fall into quite a few fan groups for a gazillion reasons that are my own. Those are definitely on a need to know basis. Your feelings are spared just by not knowing. Seriously. Don't worry. I like most of you.

Let me also say I tend to not like doing things the way everyone else does. Originality goes a long way in my book. While I'm not a prude, I do feel that there's a level of taste that one can subscribe to while making your presence known out here in cyberspace. Toss in an original clever thought or two and it's just golden.

Having said that, @onapinandneedle and I were up late one night chatting about what "gift" should be given to any of the cast/crew we should happen to meet. I also wanted something I could make to give to my new found fangirl friends. In this case, we were talking about the LA Fan Event in January. EVERYTHING has been done: earrings, necklaces, t-shirts, pins, posters, books, thank you cards, birthday cards, food items (store bought and home made {eep}) charity donation requests, you name it. It would be like re-inventing the wheel. We joked all night about it, but @onapinandneedle just had to say that she would love a wristband/cuff with rivets. From that ONE idea, I came up with what would be my little side gig and I absolutely LOVE IT.

Incidentally, Sam and company did get their gifts. He indulged me for those few moments and even had me put it on his wrist (YES, I HELD HIS HAND FOR MORE THAN A FEW MOMENTS). No way Cait would wear it with Dolce, but she did admire the craftsmanship. It definitely wasn't going near DG's diamond tennis bracelet, but being the gracious woman that she is, she thanked me and put it with her other treasures from the fans. Ron was nice and held onto it. Maril was even sweeter, had me put it on her wrist, and said it was her favorite gift. She even tweeted it the next day. *sigh*

All this reminiscing brings me back to the idea borne from a joke. It's now a fun, fun way for me to contribute to the fandom. As a side bene, I make some pin money! I have the best time burning and staining each unique piece. Ok, the words might be the same, but each and every item is different. No two are alike in design. What I love the most is that nothing about it is kitschy, nor are they part of a bling-y trend. It just looks good. A bit rustic and boho enough for everyday, but still stylish to wear with a great outfit. (Oh, yeah, I wear mine everyday. Even today with my Easter outfit!!!)