by steelgoatmarket | Aug 15, 2024 | Steel Goat Market
Are you ready to relive the excitement of your school days, but with a fun, adult twist? We’re thrilled to invite you to our Study Hall Social on September 5th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Steel Goat Marketplace!
This isn’t your ordinary Ladies’ Night—it’s an evening packed with fun, nostalgia, and fabulous prizes. Here’s what we’ve got in store for you:
Step Back into School Days—With a Twist!
As you arrive, you’ll receive a special report card, just like the ones you used to get in school—but way more fun! Wander through the marketplace, where our vendors have transformed their booths into high school “classrooms.” Each booth will represent a different class, and our vendors will become your “teachers” for the evening.
How to Play:
- Collect Signatures: Visit at least 5 different booths and get a signature from each “teacher” you meet.
- Earn Raffle Tickets: Once you’ve collected 5 signatures, head to the register to show your completed report card and receive a raffle ticket. This ticket gives you a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate, good for any class or service at Steel Goat Marketplace!
- Shop & Win: Want to increase your chances? Make a purchase of $5 or more, and you’ll get an extra raffle ticket!
Not in the Mood to Study? Skip Class & Still Win!
If you’re not up for the Study Hall fun, no worries! You can “skip class” and purchase raffle tickets for our Jeep Statuary Raffle. And guess what? These tickets also enter you into the 50/50 raffle, where you could win a cash prize!
Mark Your Calendar:
The raffles will be drawn at 7:30 PM, and you must be present to win—so be sure to stick around for the excitement!
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to support local vendors, have a great time with friends, and potentially walk away with some amazing prizes. Whether you’re here for the shopping, the games, or just to soak up the unique atmosphere, the Study Hall Social is the perfect way to spend your evening.
We Can’t Wait to See You There!
Grab your friends, bring your best school spirit, and join us on September 5th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Steel Goat Marketplace for a night of learning, laughter, and plenty of chances to win big!
by steelgoatmarket | Aug 14, 2024 | Letter to the Vendors
Hello, amazing vendors!
Welcome to the future of event planning, where technology meets creativity! If you’ve ever wished for a brainstorming buddy who’s always available, quick with ideas, and ready to help you map out your next big event, then you’re in for a treat. Meet your new virtual assistant: ChatGPT!
Imagine having a tool that helps you sketch out timelines, brainstorm ideas, and tackle those tricky details—all without having to juggle a million spreadsheets or worry about forgetting an important task. That’s what ChatGPT brings to the table! Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or just diving into the world of organizing, ChatGPT can be an invaluable ally in crafting the perfect event experience.
But remember, while ChatGPT is a fantastic tool, it’s not infallible. Like any creative partner, it might make a few mistakes or miss some details. It’s always a good idea to double-check the information, review the plans, and adjust as needed to ensure everything aligns with your vision and goals. After all, you know your event best!
So, whether you’re looking to create an unforgettable experience or just need a hand with organizing, ChatGPT! is here to support you. Dive in, explore ideas, and let this tool help turn your event dreams into reality. Happy planning!
Step-by-Step Guide for Planning Vendor Events with ChatGPT!
- Define the Event Details:
- Step 1: Provide the basic information about the event, including the event name, date(s), and time(s).
- Step 2: Describe the event’s purpose, main activities, and any unique features or themes.
- Example: “I’m planning an event called ‘A Botanical Game Fest’ scheduled for September 13, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. It includes painting plant portraits and playing games.”
- Outline the Event Structure:
- Step 1: Explain the key activities and their sequence (e.g., painting session, games, etc.).
- Step 2: Mention any specific requirements or constraints, such as time limitations or logistical considerations.
- Example: “We have 120 minutes for the event, including painting and 6 games. How can we best structure the event to fit all activities within this time frame?”
- Request Detailed Information:
- Step 1: Ask for a detailed description of any materials or resources needed (e.g., painting supplies, plant selection).
- Step 2: Inquire about how to handle specific details like participant requirements and any additional elements.
- Example: “Can you help me create a detailed list of materials required for painting? Also, how should we handle the plant selection process?”
- Plan the Timeline:
- Step 1: Request help in creating a timeline that includes all planned activities and breaks.
- Step 2: Consider time for introductions, activity instructions, and transitions between activities.
- Example: “Can you help me develop a timeline for the event that includes time for each activity, breaks, and transitions?”
- Prepare for Customer Questions:
- Step 1: Anticipate common questions customers might have about the event.
- Step 2: Ask for a list of potential customer questions and suggested answers.
- Example: “What are some common questions customers might ask about this event? Could you provide answers to these questions?”
- Review and Adjust:
- Step 1: Review the provided plan and timeline.
- Step 2: Identify any gaps or areas needing adjustment based on your specific needs or constraints.
- Example: “Review the event plan and timeline for any potential issues. Are there any adjustments needed to ensure everything runs smoothly?”
- Finalize and Communicate:
- Step 1: Prepare final documents or summaries for internal use or customer communication.
- Step 2: Ensure all details are clear and accurate before proceeding with promotions or event execution.
- Example: “Can you help me draft a summary of the event details and timeline for our website and promotional materials?”
Summary Example Prompt
“Hi ChatGPT! I’m planning a vendor event called ‘A Botanical Game Fest’ scheduled for September 13, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The event includes painting plant portraits and playing 6 games. We need to fit all activities into the 120-minute timeframe, and we also need to provide clear information to participants. Can you help me with the following:
- Develop a detailed timeline for the event.
- Clarify what materials and resources are needed.
- Anticipate common customer questions and provide answers.
- Review the plan for any potential issues and suggest adjustments.
- Prepare a summary for our website and promotional materials.”
Embrace the Benefits of ChatGPT! for Event Planning
Incorporating ChatGPT into your event planning process can be a game-changer, especially if you’re navigating the world of event coordination with limited experience. Here’s why this tool is such a valuable asset:
- Creative Brainstorming: ChatGPT offers a wealth of ideas and suggestions to help you think outside the box. From innovative themes to engaging activities, it can spark creativity and provide fresh perspectives.
- Efficient Planning: With ChatGPT, you can streamline your planning process. It helps structure timelines, allocate resources, and ensure no detail is overlooked, making the planning phase more organized and less stressful.
- Detailed Information: Need help clarifying what’s included in your ticket price or what materials are required? ChatGPT can assist in creating detailed descriptions and answering common questions, ensuring your event details are clear and comprehensive.
- Time Management: By providing a structured timeline, ChatGPT helps you manage your event’s duration effectively. It ensures you have enough time for each activity, breaks, and transitions, so your event runs smoothly.
- Problem-Solving: If you encounter any hiccups or need adjustments, ChatGPT can offer suggestions to refine your plans. It’s like having a flexible, knowledgeable partner who’s ready to adapt to your needs.
While ChatGPT is an incredible tool, it’s important to remember that it’s a collaborative partner. Always review and adjust the information provided to fit your specific requirements and ensure everything aligns with your event goals.
By leveraging ChatGPT, you harness the power of technology to enhance your event planning experience. It simplifies complex tasks, offers creative solutions, and supports you every step of the way. So, embrace this innovative tool, and watch your event ideas come to life with greater ease and efficiency.
Happy planning, and may your events be as successful and memorable as you envision!
by steelgoatmarket | Aug 14, 2024 | Steel Goat Market, Vendor Spotlight
Meet Sarah Knight, the creative force behind Sundae Sundries. What started as a quest for a fulfilling creative outlet turned into a passionate journey into the world of needle felting. Sarah discovered her love for this craft at a convention class, where the medium of wool instantly resonated with her. Now, through her vibrant creations, Sarah brings a touch of joy and magic to those who encounter her work. From tiny animal earrings to intricate multi-media pieces, Sundae Sundries reflects Sarah’s dedication to transforming imagination into reality.
Interview
What inspired you to start creating/selling your craft?
After years of not finding a creative outlet that ‘clicked,’ I took a needle felting class at a convention. Suddenly, I understood how so many traditional media artists can just look at a blank page and the art just flows—because I have that same feeling when handling wool for needle felting. Whether I’m making the tiniest animal earring or a larger multi-media piece, I love that I can take what is in my brain and make it a reality!
Describe your creative process. How do you get into the ‘zone’ when working on your craft?
I can usually start crafting any time I know I have 10 minutes of downtime, will be sitting, and have my supplies in arm’s reach! I’ve been known to needle felt while watching TV, as the passenger in the car on a long road trip, or even during the occasional long work meeting. It’s a fantastic way for me to keep my hands busy while my mind is engaged elsewhere.
Do you have a favorite or most meaningful piece that you’ve created? What’s the story behind it?
My favorite piece is my first-ever pair of “Roctopus” earrings! I created them to wear to an Umphrey’s McGee show, inspired by their song “Roctopus.” They’re little smiling octopi with music notes all over their heads. Every time I wear them to a show, I get so many compliments, and it really makes me feel great to know I made something that makes people happy.
Who or what influences your work the most?
I am continually influenced by Wolfie of My Arm Can Fly (https://myarmcanfly.net/). She is who I learned from originally, but her creations are so perfect and magical that I know I’ll always be striving to achieve that level of awesome.
Share an interesting or funny story related to your craft or selling experiences.
After creating my first set of Roctopus earrings, I began making additional pairs to sell at Umphrey’s McGee shows. While at the Burlington, Vermont show, I sold a pair to a fellow fan in the crowd. She tracked me down the next night to tell me about how every time she went to the bathroom after putting the earrings in, the smiling octopus faces made her smile too… which was huge for her because just earlier in the month her father had passed away, and it was the first time she saw herself smile after losing her dad. I don’t think I’ve ever been so touched by selling a single pair of earrings before ever.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a vendor for Steel Goat Marketplace?
The community! I am always blown away by how hard everyone works to support each other, whether employees at the Steel Goat or just other vendors—we all want to see everyone succeed in wild and awesome ways!
How do you stay inspired and motivated, especially during challenging times?
I lean on my partners—both my husband and my business partner Kat (of Dapper Hare Designs). They will remind me of all the good stories I’ve heard as a result of my art or just take the strain off for a little bit by helping with a craft or bringing me some food.
Are there any new techniques or materials you’re excited to explore in your craft?
I recently started looking into incorporating non-animal fibers into needle felting (flax and acrylic fibers in particular). These are much harder to work with because these fibers don’t “lock” together the way natural fibers will when felted, so they require much more work to compact and use. However, it introduces a way for me to have options that aren’t animal-based (though wool is sustainable and doesn’t harm the sheep, it isn’t considered vegan). I hope to bring some of these options to my space in 2025 as I learn more about the methods.
If your craft could talk, what do you think it would say about you?
“Oh no! Please stop stabbing me!”
Outside of your craft, what are your other passions or hobbies?
I am an avid Fursuiter—in fact, the reason my business is named “Sundae’s Sundries” is that my main fursuit character (or fursona) is Sundae Possum. I have attended Anthrocon, Pittsburgh’s local Furry Convention, for over 12 years and attend 4-5 additional conventions annually. I am also a very big fan of the band Umphrey’s McGee and go to as many of their shows as I can—I’ve already been to 10 this year with another 7 planned for 2024!
If your craft had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Bringing a smile to faces that really need it.
What’s the weirdest request or custom order you’ve ever received?
An anteater! (I’m still trying to figure out the best way to capture an anteater in wool.)
If your craft were an animal, what animal would it be and why?
A sheep, of course—but one that can morph into any other animal it chooses!
Share a quirky or funny habit you have while working on your craft.
I do my best needle felting to music—the rhythm of the beat helps me keep a steady rhythm felting!
If you could collaborate with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you create together?
Gavin Guile of the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks—I’d love to see what could be woven from light to add needle felting to—or even just weave in some cool UV patterns into my blacklight reactive items to really make them unique and pop!
What’s the oddest or most unexpected thing that has inspired one of your creations?
I have a watermelon corgi figurine that started out as a pig but just turned into a corgi. The wool created its own image!
Share a memorable moment with a customer that made you smile or laugh.
About six months after I first decided to try selling earrings at Umphrey’s shows, I ran into the person who bought my first-ever pair of earrings at a different show! She showed me how she’d turned the earrings into hair clips so she could have them with her at every show, even the ones she wanted to wear other earrings to.
If you could teleport your craft anywhere in the world for a day, where would you send it and why?
Just outside of Idaho Springs, Colorado, because I love getting to share my work with my parents and teleportation is so much cheaper than plane tickets!
Additional information:
In addition to the Steel Goat Marketplace, you can find me on Etsy and Instagram, where I will announce upcoming concerts and furry conventions I’ll be attending and selling at!
Did you have any social media accounts I should include for people to find or follow you? A website or blog people can stay up to date with:
https://sundaes-sundries.com/
Conclusion
Sarah Knight’s journey with Sundae Sundries showcases the magic that can happen when you find a craft that truly resonates with you. From needle felting on the go to creating heartwarming connections through her art, Sarah’s work brings smiles and joy to those who encounter it. Be sure to check out her creations at the Steel Goat Marketplace and follow her on Etsy and Instagram to stay updated on her latest adventures and unique pieces. Whether you’re a fan of needle felting, a fellow Umphrey’s McGee enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the power of handmade art, Sundae Sundries is sure to inspire and delight.
by steelgoatmarket | Aug 11, 2024 | Steel Goat Market, Vendor Spotlight
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