Steampunk for the Home 2013 (Sign-ups until 1/18/13 and Send-outs by 2/19/13)

[Craftsunderground]

Wulf, that flea market in the Netherlands should definately be a Craftster Tour destination.

Dustyfro, it sounds like you are really going full "steam" ahead.

Naantje, sorry to hear about your shoulder. Moving can really be hard on your arms and back. Don't over do it.

Danynn, I wish I was as decisive. I get all of the materials I think I need, then I discover I need more or something different. My projects slowly evolve.

ehinders, You are really make progress. Moving parts sounds like a challenge. Go for it!

Leather and Lace, I have done that. We all have. The redo will be even better!

Everyone is really making progress. As for me, I have one project half finished and another one mostly planned. I just have one problem I haven't solved yet, but it will come to me (soon, I hope.)

[Naantje]

Having lived in the Netherlands for the past two years, I can testify that the Dutch free market on Queen's Day (or indeed, soon to be King's Day on April 27th, instead of 30th) is a real gamble. One: you have to go the day before. In most places, people are allowed to put up their stalls from 18.00 the day before, until 18.00 day of. Most of the good stuff gets picked up in the evening. Two: since on this day, stall holders don't need to pay money to put up a stall, they will bring EVERYTHING. Everything you sell is direct money in your pocket, there's no risk involved. Many times I have wondered how people dared to put some of the stuff up for sale, clothes that were so worn the salvation army would turn them down, stuff that was plain dirty,... If a city has multiple places where they organise the freemarket, it really pays off to do a bit of research to locate the parts of town that are more well to do. You'll find better stuff there.

Since the number of participants is generally incredible, competition is killing, especially when it comes to second hand clothes, toys and baby-gear. You really can score steals, because most of the people selling have no clue what their stuff is worth. There will always be a couple of people who ask for way too much, but most people grossly undercharge. (And even then, most people still haggle the price down!) I've bought splendid stuff in mint condition for hardly any money at all.

I do always find it rather exhausting, the overabundance of stuff and the huge crowds can really wear you down. Generally speaking, I prefer flea markets where stall holders have to pay €5-15 admittance, because generally speaking, I feel they have more quality goods on offer, but the fee is not to high as to make them charge more for their stuff for fear of not breaking even. But yeah, it's definitely something to do at least once in your life! (And I must say: flea markets in the dark have a very special charm )

[libertine49]

Well, I had to scrap one project after the logistics just weren't coming out like I thought,  but out of frustration I also finished an impromptu project that I'm very happy with how it came out. I also went to thrift town, which is a 4-story thift store which is filled yo the brim. I love that place,  but our can get expensive.  I had to limit myself and went in with a specific list, even with acceptable alternatives if needed.

[Craftsunderground]

Naantje, you certainly gave the insider's view. I have never gone to a flea market at night, in the early morning, but never at night. It sounds fun, although I think I would bring a flashlight to be sure I could see what I was buying.

Libertine49, I think my second (or third) go at a project is always better than my first idea. And, a 4-story thrift store--be still my heart! It would probably take me 4 hours to go through it.

[dustyfro]

I'm going away for the weekend to a conference, but I hope I can get some noisy stuff done tomorrow morning before I leave for work so that I can take the portable part with me to work on.  Progress is coming, slowly but surely!

[ehinders]

Still in the same spot I was, except I did get some supplies for the large. Still trying to figure out how to make it work.

[Craftsunderground]

I didn't get much done this week. Somehow work keeps interfering with my personal life 
However, I am looking forward to a productive crafting weekend. Yay.

[Wulf]

I didn't get much done this week. Somehow work keeps interfering with my personal life 

Isn't it annoying when that happens? Fortunately I've gone the other direction and have been secretly working on my project at work while things are a bit slack. That ends this week, but I'm done all the smelly, messy parts so it can be brought back home for assembly and decoration.

Wulf

[Naantje]

I´m really starting to worry about my package, my shoulders seem to keep getting worse. When turning my head sideways, I can go about 80 degrees to the left and then it starts hurting, and to the right, I can manage about 50-60 degrees. I´ve been in a lot of pain today, despite painkillers and a diclofenac patch (like Flector or Voltapatch). Going to the doctor on Monday to get it checked out. I might have to totally stop working on one of my crafts because it might be making matters worse I'll be enlisting my fiancé to help with the other crafty parts to try and meet the send-out date!

[Craftsunderground]

Please don't do anything to worsen your condition. After you see the doctor, we can assess the situation. Take care of yourself. I am sure we can work something out.