This month's competition

Hey everyone!!
This month's competition theme is beat the heat! So far we have only received one entry. If you would like to have a go at winning this month, send in or post your entry before Sunday night to be considered!

Also, we are looking for donations that will be used as first prize for the monthly competitions. If you are interested in donated, please contact Katie at peachyandpip@gmail.com or Lauren at horitolauren@yahoo.com
Donating is a great way to get your name out and a great way to get involved with Handmade in Vegas.

A Holiday Elf

 I just made this little guy.  I am just so pleased as to how he turned out!

Fear Me Pendant by HappyBugDesigns

Okay, I have been laughing my butt off since I made this pendant, and needed to share this.  I'm making several different saying to go with the photo.  Thanks for looking!

October Team Meeting

Details and RSVP here

Our October meeting will be on October 12th at 7pm at the same location as last month, Studio 8 Ten on Las Vegas Blvd. We will also be holding our November meeting at Studio 8 Ten but then from December on, we'll be meeting at Findlay Chevrolet community room near the 215 and Jones.

I know some of you were concerned about this location not being safe, but after using this spot last month, everyone who attended seemed satisfied with the well lit parking lot directly behind the studio with direct access to the meeting room as well as the very nice accommodations inside.

I'm open to suggestions as to what we can do at this meeting. If you've got any topics you'd like to see covered or would like to lead an art demonstration, please leave your comment to this post. I'll try and have the meeting details finalized by this Sunday. Our meetings are getting more and more fun as we all get to know each other - I hope many of you can make it for this one!

Details and RSVP here

November Mt. Charleston Show

Hello everyone. There are still two spots left if anyone is interested. We are all filled for jewelers, but any other type of vendor is welcome. Just e-mail me at Nevadawoods@hotmail.com.
For those of you already involved, I have the envelopes stuffed with your flyers, your receipt and some postcards, but I'm waiting on some more postcards before I send them to you. They should be here this week, so I expect to mail off your envelopes early next week.. It's hard to believe that it's already October (well, in two days, anyway).

We'd like to know who will be participating in Art in the PArk this weekend

I think there are many of us who would like to know what team members are in Art in the Park this weekend. I never miss this event and will be there on Sunday, and I'd love to visit our team members. I know Rochelle and Crystal Martin will be there, but who else?

Our t.v spot for the upcoming CSN event

Hi team, I just got this from the Fall Fun Fest event coordinator. It will be running on local channels and also showing in movie theaters around town. We're officially famous! Can't wait for the event :)

updating my shop...

i'm working on updating my shop with some new things!

stickers are $4/sheet

{35 1.5" stickers or 15 2" stickers}

if you need something custom just convo me, i'd love to create something for you!!

and printable invitations/announcements are only $10 and you're free to print wherever and however you would like!!

again, if you'd like something custom, just ask! i'd love to help out!

www.cardsforyoushop.etsy.com

New Glow In The Dark Lampshade Ornaments!

I found a new way to incorporate GITD clay.  Can anyone guess what I used for the chocolate chips?

Megan Dresback (FFTF&B)

Kathy from aangels is Featured on My Blog

Read all about Kathy here:

http://cherylspurplecow.blogspot.com/2010/09/featured-artist-kathy-from-aangels.html

Art in the Park is coming up this weekend!

That's right!  One of the biggest and best outdoor shows in the west is in our own backyard.  Art in the Park will be held this coming weekend, October 2-3 at the parks in Boulder City.  For a close parking space plan to be there early...like by 8am...but don't let parking bother you.  You can ride the CAT busses that will be running every 5-10 minutes and make your day much easier and less stressful.  They drop you off right at the parks and pick you up when you're finished.  All fees for the busses go to a local charity for the weekend.   There will be a handful of our Etsy Team members showing at this event...stop by and say hi to them. 

PAINTINGS

Hey Everyone,
I have a friend who paints beautiful paintings all from her head and free hand. How does one get started in the Art Community with her paintings. I would like to relay this message to her.

Any info. greatly appreciated.

Kathy

Please Vote for JLo

JLo made it to the finals of a pet photo contest in two radio stations owned by the same company. Let the world know you think she's a Real Housepet of Las Vegas. Click each of these links and scroll down until you see the ferret. Then click the radial button by the name JLo.

Then scroll all the way down and click "vote...."

http://931theparty.com/pages/finalsgallery1.html


http://www.ksne.com/pages/finalsgallery1.html

It's weird because for one of the radio stations, I chose a different picture of her with Mardi Gras beads, and that one was way cuter. I think they either just picked which ones they liked or my friends voted for this photo more than the other.

Practical Magic Blog Party...

 Hi teammates!

Kathy and I are involved in a really fun Blog Party with lots of giveaways and fun sites to visit all themed around the movie Practical Magic. It's starts today...check it out!

http://ametistadea.blogspot.com/2010/09/gather-witches-all-for-practical-magic.html

Accepting Credit Cards at Shows

Hi guys - I just wanted to share my experience with this, especially since we've got another team craft fair coming up.  For those of you who don't know about propay.com, it's an amazing resource.  If you contact their customer support team (contact page here) and tell them you are an Etsy seller, they give you a special deal on their premium package.  For only $29 a year ($25? Can't remember exactly) you get an account which allows you to process credit cards online, or using any phone.  It's not just great for fairs, I have customers some times who don't want to hassle with paypal or online payment and just have them call me and I process their payments over the phone in seconds.  There are minimal fees associated with each transaction (see their website for a schedule of fees) but I think it well makes up for the service provided.

I sell at First Friday every month and always process well over $150 of credit card charges each time.  It definitly worth checking out!

Mr. Keith Skeleton and Tombstone

So I bought a silk screening machine, and am going wild with all sorts of new projects.  You basically draw/design an image, scan it into your computer, print it out on a transparency, do a little silkscreen magic, and presto!  A very sophisticated look for tons of different craft ideas.  Here's what I've done so far with it:

My tombstone pillows - what better way to get a good night's sleep!

Mr. Keith Skeleton - super crisp lines and sharp design I sketched myself.

Time to think up a new project!  Man I love Halloween.

sewing/crafting circle tomorrow 9/25 1-5pm

don't forget sewing/crafting circle tomorrow at emergency arts
bring a small hand sewing projects and your destash/swap pile (clothing and crafting supplies)
520 fremont inside emergency arts - on corner of fremont and sixth, 1-5pm, parking at el cortez
hosted by handmade in vegas etsy team member: altered nation (susan)

remember this is the last saturday of every month 1-5pm

xoxo
susan
www.alterednationdesigns.com

My Daughter's Plump Hand Sells Everything!

I just finished this Pretend Play Birthday Cake and have started taking pictures with my kid in it.  I think it adds to the appeal.
Megan Dresback (From Fragments To Funiture & Beyond)

Facebook Team Page

Hey Everyone,
Make sure you check our face book page for all sorts of topics and view of pictures too.

Thx
Kathy

mmmmm......donuts!!!!!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57023642/pretend-play-donuts-set-of-6

I got this idea after going to Krispy Kreme.  I included my little girl in the photo shoot.  I got tired of fighting her.
Megan Dresback (From Fragments To Furniture & Beyond)

Sales Tax on Etsy

Does anyone know what is happening with the sales tax issue on Etsy? I was wondering if this meant we had to start adding sales tax or if it is just optional. I read the information article about it, but it didn't really explain if we have to or not. I don't really want to charge tax if it's not required.

Face to Facebook Art Show at Studio 8 Ten

If anyone is interested in participating in the October group art show at Studio 8 Ten, please visit our website for detailed information, www.studio8ten.com, and click on the home page link to "Face to Facebook Art Show". All people who want to enter a piece in this show must first join our Facebook group page (link on the website), and then message me your email and phone number. I only have a few spots left and I think they will fill up today. We will accept any fine art mediums, as well as crafts that are "not typical". For example, last year we had a baby outfit on display, but it was not the typical onesie and pants so to speak. It was fashioned out of vintage fabrics, with lots of trim, and in a very hip, alternative fashion style. It's hard to describe, so if you want to enter a craft piece, please submit a photo to me via email for approval. Anything from jewelry to dolls has potential if done in a non-traditional, artsy way. This show is a great way to get exposure and do networking, last year over 200 people attended and several artists sold works. Sign-up is open until Friday (pending space, but I will also start a waiting list), but I have to know who is in today if you want your name to appear on the show flyer.

Thanks,
Angela Esler-Whelan
Studio 8 Ten
amesler@hotmail.com
www.studio8ten.com

HALLOWEEN CHARMS

silver solder HAUNTED HOUSE charm
(charm measures 1 x 3)

silver solder with silver glitter around BOO
(charm measures 1 x 3)

black patina with orange glitter around BOO
(charm measures 1 x 3)

http://justcharms.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/justcharms
http://justcharmsandprettythings.blogspot.com

MEETING ON THE 17TH

Hey Everyone Who went to the Meeting!

All of us on our Face book page would like to know how it went and if u have any pictures to post?
We all would like to see.

Thank you

Final Call for Vendors - CSN Fall Fun Fest!

Even though we'd been given an earlier deadline of August 15, the coordinator for the College of Southern Nevada Fall Fun Fest has asked that any other Handmade in Vegas Vendors who are interested in joining the event contact her ASAP.  As you know, she has made it possible for us to participate for only Friday and Saturday instead of Fri, Sat, Sun and has suggested a few other options to make it easier for us to participate (see this previous post for more information and applications).

NEED SILENT AUCTION ITEMS FOR CHARITY EVENT

Jeff Hagen from the Vegas Art Guild is asking if any artists out there would like to donate a piece for a silent auction at the upcoming the "Best Buddies" charity event. If you are interested, please contact Jeff Hagen at phone 301-7980 or email at jdhagendesigns@msn.com

I think it is a great way for you to get your name and etsy site out to be noticed, and of course help out this worth organization. Here is more information about the Best Buddies Nevada organization.
-------------------------

Best Buddies Nevada will hold its annual Super Hero Ball at Caesars Palace on October 15, 2010. This gala brings together community members, city leaders and local and national celebrities, creating the perfect opportunity for businesses to receive significant exposure while helping a worthy cause. Thus, I respectfully ask you to consider supporting this event.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver started Best Buddies 21 years ago from his college dorm room, when he realized that young people with intellectual disabilities were living an isolated existence without the benefit of meaningful and lasting friendships. The organization quickly expanded across the nation, eventually reaching Nevada in 2008.

We are proud to tell you that over 1000 participants in our community are now involved in this unique friendship program! Now, both students with and without disabilities are learning invaluable lifelong lessons and enjoying mutually enriching friendships with each other. Through these life-changing experiences, our community’s future leaders will be instrumental in fostering a more empathic world for all.

Harrah’s Entertainment has underwritten the entire event so that every dollar will remain in Nevada, supporting local Best Buddies programs. In return for your generosity, we will proudly list your name in our program and slide presentation.

We need your help! There are many ways you can support this fundraiser: by purchasing a seat/table; donating items to our silent auction; or even sponsoring seats for one of our Buddy Pairs to attend. Your gift will make Nevada a better place for all of its citizens. I thank you in advance for your support.
We hope you will participate in this worthwhile fundraiser.
Kindest regards,

Jason Smith
State Director

Holiday Tic Tac Toe!

I'm having fun.....can you tell???????
Megan Dresback (From Fragments To Furniture & Beyond)

Christmas

Halloween

Thanksgiving

National talk Like a Pirate Day

Did you know that today is international talk like a pirate day?!?!

I didn't until I saw my Pirate Mask on Etsy's front page :)

Update - New Location for Tomorrow's Team Meeting

Due to a scheduling SNAFU, we are changing the location of tomorrow's meeting.  Instead of meeting at Findlay Chevrolet on the 215, we'll be meeting at Studio 8 Ten (a gallery of one of our own team members, Angela).  All the other meeting details are remaining the same.  A HUGE thanks to Angela for helping us out at the last minute and offering her gallery on a Friday night.

Please click here for the address, map, parking information, meeting details and to RSVP.

Remember to bring a 8.5x10 page about your shop that we can add to our Handmade in Vegas team tables at events around town.  Contact Marti with any questions - she's the one ultimately putting it together for us, but needs your page.  You can do it scrapbook style, all on the computer, add glitter, whatever you'd like.  But one sided, and able to be slipped into a plastic sleeve.

There will also be a destash table, and a display table for your to show off your latest creations.

Fabric scraps

Hi all -- I am trying to see if I can make it to the team meeting tomorrow. I have seen that there will be a table for us to leave our extras. Before I drag out my 3+ huge bags of fabric scraps. Is there any interest? It is mostly solid colors (cotton and satin) and the scraps are at least 9 x 12. I just have SO many that I will never use them all.

Another Craft Show Opportunity!

Hello Team!!

I am organizing a fundraiser/craft fair for my kids' school, Kids' Co-op Preschool & Kindergarten and I would like to invite all of you to participate! Holiday Shop at the Co-op is scheduled for November 6, 2010, from 10am-4pm. It is an outdoor event happening at the school. I expect to have more than 30 vendors and lots of traffic, too. As a preschool and kindergarten, we have a built-in customer base of families and children and I would like to encourage those of you that make something for kids to sign up to be a vendor. At the Co-op, we are very interested in imaginary play, dress up, learning games, arts & crafts, books, and just about anything that kids love! And, as a family environment, home decor, scrapbooking, baby stuff, clothing & accessories, and everything else will have a place.

Kids' Co-op is a wonderful non-profit school located near the corner of Decatur & Craig. This is our family's second year there and I can tell you that the school is amazing! Your participation will support a school that teaches and loves my children, as well as the children of 65 other families every day, and has for the last 25 years. If you are interested in being a vendor, send me an email at PeachyAndPip@gmail.com and I'll send you everything you need. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone else you know who may be interested!

Thank you!!
Katie


www.kidscoop.org



Upgrade to Artfire Pro Account for flat $5.95 month

For the last two years ArtFire has grown with your feedback, ideas, and support into a venue that truly aligns the interest of the sellers with the interest of the marketplace. While in beta, sellers on ArtFire have listed over 1,800,000 products for sale, over $4,000,000 in artisan goods have been sold, and ArtFire has been covered in some of the most prestigious news publications in the business. Early next week, we will officially exit our open beta testing phase. For a full list of the final changes and updates you can expect, please stay tuned for more information in Staff Announcements of the Chatterbox forums. To celebrate the beta exit, we are running an exclusive promotion to lock in the best rate ever offered for an ArtFire PRO account. We will be making a group deal offer to everyone who wants an ArtFire PRO account. If we can get 20,000 people to commit to an ArtFire PRO account, every single person who opts in will lock in a rate of $5.95 per month for as long as they maintain an active subscription with ArtFire. As with everything ArtFire does there are no hidden fees, no long term contracts, and no surprise charges. We will be publicly announcing this promotion early next week, but we are giving current ArtFire members the opportunity to sign up early. If you have friends or family that might be interested you can let them know they just need to sign up for a basic account to get early access. We are setting a hard cap at 50,000, and if we hit that number of Pros before next Monday, the deal will never be announced outside of the community. Thank you for your continued support of ArtFire. Every member of the ArtFire team is excited and working to make this holiday season the best ArtFire has ever seen. ArtFire’s future is as strong and vibrant as our community. John Jacobs President and CEO Hi Team- I don't know if anybody else sell on other online venue other than Etsy.  But some of you may have heard about Artfire.  Well this is a copy and paste email that I got.  Not pushing this on  anyone, but maybe it might be of interest for those that might not want to put all their eggs in one basket. Cheers- Keona 

Screen printing, anyone?

Hi guys - I'm thinking very seriously about investing a big chunk of change into screen printing supplies (the Yudu machine and some accessories) for a new idea I'm hoping will pay off.  Have any of you done screen printing before or had any experience with the Yudu machine?  Any tips or expert advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, anyone know a local place where I can buy waterbased screen printing paints and emulsion?

And one more question for you screen printers - could I do a screen print on velour or is that fabric not suitable for screen printing because it's too fuzzy?

FREE BROOM RIDES ( HAND SOLDERED) HAPPY HALLOWEEN

THIS IS SO CUTE FOR HALLOWEEN!
EACH GLASS PIECE MEASURES AT 1 X 3.
WITH 4 GLITTER BEADS THAT CONNECT EACH
GLASS TOGETHER AND A BLACK RIBBON SO
YOU CAN HANG IT! THE BACK OF THE LETTERS
HAVE CUTE PAPER BEHIND THEM.
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK.
THANKS FOR LOOKING :)

You're Invited !!!

The Henderson Art Association, (HAA ) Meeting and Speaker Series:

presents

Coach Margit Macchia

Discussing “How to Market Your Artwork” artists can create extra income or become “financially well off” on any kind of income.


Tues . Sept 21, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Findlay Toyota
7733 Eastgate Rd
Henderson
2nd Fl Conference Room

The HAA meeting and speaker series meets the 3rd Tues of each month
( No meeting in December)

First Friday Opportunities at Studio 8Ten...

Hi group!  As some of you may know Angela from Studio 8Ten provided an opportunity for the members of the HandMade In Vegas group to rent space at the gallery for only $30.00 for the months of October, November and December.  I don't know about you, but to my mind $10.00 a month for a booth space during the city's largest monthly art event is a screaming deal and not one to pass up lightly.

Unfortunately, I've been informed by Angela today that the event has been canceled due to lack of interest.  Kathy & I are still scratching our heads over it.  I have contacted Angela to see how many people she would need to have involved in order to carry on with the event.  I'm looking forward to hearing from her soon and will let you all know on Friday at the meeting what she has said.

I think it would be a shame not to take advantage of  a potentially profitable event that could also offer a great deal of exposure.  If there is anyone here who would be interested in this event and perhaps didn't know about it, please post here and let us know.

New Stuff by FFTFandB

I'm going to do a whole series of tic tack toe games.  Thanks to my older sis who gave me the idea! This is my first one.
Megan Dresback (From Fragments To Furniture & Beyond)

Two spots Remaining for Mt. Charleston November Show

Hi everyone. I just wanted to update the status on the November 21st show at The Resort at Mt. Charleston. I have two spots left at this time. The jeweler spots have all been filled, but we are open to other types of vendors for those two remaining spots.
So far, I've received the signs and postcards, and the printed flyers are on their way to my house. Once I get them, I will send receipts, flyers and postcards to participating vendors.
The web site is still up and has updated vendors on it in the links section. The address again for that is http://mtcharlestonartsandcraftsfair.webs.com. Join the site.
Anyone who is interested in participating in the fair can contact me at nevadawoods@hotmail.com. I don't expect those two spots to last long.

Sixteen Ways to Keep Your Lover

I created a treasury of beautiful handmade items from some of our Handmade in Vegas Etsy Team members  with gift ideas for men to woo their woman.  The price range will fit any budget!!
Go see my "Sixteen Ways to Keep Your Lover"!!
Heatherp22- Aquariart

Team Treasury

Click on Treasury above to comment & click at Etsy and then click here to view this inspiring Autumn Poem!

Steve Powers Great Craft Festival Nov 5,6,7

Hi Team,

It's been a while:)

I wanted to share my latest creations and let you know I've jumped head first in the BIGGEST show I've ever done! I've always wanted to be apart of this grand venue and so I'll be there in Novmember. I would like to extend a special invite to visit my booth and "mention handmade in vegas team" and recieve 20% off your total purchase! Visit me BOOTH y25

Hope to see you there!

Also here is some pics from my other shop dedicated to adorning out little Diva's we LOVE!

http://www.divamommydesigns.etsy.com/

www.hipcouturediva.etsy.com

Is there still any room at Mt.Charleston???

Vendor Opportunites - posted by Second Nature Jewelry Designs

Chance to win $1,000!

I just got this in my email box.  I donated to their last auction and got a lot of attention from it, and this time, there is even a $1,000 prize for the crowd favorite!  All the auction proceeds go towards supporting and running First Friday.  Even if you don't win the prize, it's a great cause to support.   Here's the email with more information:



Dear First Friday Art Family,
Our last fundraiser at Firefly at the Plaza was so successful and so much fun we have scheduled a second one for...

Craft Workshop: CandyCorn YardStake

Candy Corn Yardstake or Door Greeter Workshop

Saturday, September 25, Martin Home

10:00 am

$19

Reserve your space now

702-595-5018 or craftycritter@cox.net

Come join me and create this fun piece for Halloween.

Candy corn measures about 12" tall. Door greeter version will hang on wire.

All materials and supplies included.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

Chocolate anyone?

Handmade in Vegas with so much love...



For you to click and share...


Blessings,


Susy
Proud member of Handmade in Vegas Team

Booth Display Ideas and More

I was going to write a couple of posts to put here about booth displays, lightling and more...then I realized you can just visit my blog to read them all.  Just click on the tag label 'Display ideas" in the column on the left and several will show up for you.  I hope they help and get you thinkng about your booth set ups for the season.
Twiddlebugz Designz Blog

Halloween MadeinVegas team treasury

We're a talented bunch I tell ya! Hope one of you post wizards can get the pic up for me again:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c859aeab4676d910eac9c9e/vegas-does-halloween?index=0

Upcoming Craft Shows

Hi all you fabulous crafters and artists... I'm just curious about upcoming shows who's participating in which shows. I'm signed up for the CCSN and The Mt. Charleston ones...

I'd like to know which upcoming everyone is going to be in and which ones should I consider.

Being this is my first year doing any shows I'm hoping some of you who are veterans in this field can give me some advice.

BTW I had a blast at the Mt. Charleston one and am looking forward to doing more of these shows! I even bought a banner to display and of course is announces me as a proud member of the Hand Made in Vegas Team!

Hope you have all had a great holiday weekend!

Update on Mt. Charleston Show-Nov. 21

Happy Labor Day weekend. I just wanted to let everyone know that we still have about four spots left. I know it is far in the future, but there will be lots of traffic (always up here). I am going to advertise it the same way as before, including an ad in City Life. I just ordered the flyers and already have some signs made. If you are interested in being in the show, please e-mail at nevadawoods@hotmail.com. If we just end up with 16 vendors, that's fine, too. I'm still planning to keep it limited to our team. Last time, I had several people on our team who wanted in at the last minute. That may happen again. Don't forget to check out the webpage at http://mtcharlestonartsandcraftsfair.webs.com. A list of participants is on there under links. Joint he site. It' s always up there and gets lots of traffic. It's a good way to advertise your shop whether you are in the show or not. Kathy also added several pictures of our last show.
I was looking at Keona's posting about volunteering(Yay, Keona, you are so great!!!). I noticed she mentioned the Handmade in Vegas t-shirt. I have one of these in almost every size from small to X-large. I had them made through Vista Print's "free" items over the last few months, but by the time I paid postage, they weren't actually free. I am going to pass them along to Sarah whenever I get to a meeting( that Findley 215 location is pretty far from Mt. Charleston!!!!) So, if anyone else plans to volunteer at First Friday, there will certainly be a tee in your size available!!!
Take care, everyone, and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

First Friday September 2010

Hi Team! 


<----That would be me (byKEONA)  there in the picture making our first $2 dollars in tips for volunteering at the beverage booth for September 2010 First Friday. 

If you going to volunteer FYI:
*bring your own personal fan (you will be constantly moving)
*wear something ultra comfortable
*be prepare to really work (it's busy for all those hours)
*it's ok to accept tips (we made a total of $30, I was clever and had it on display with my sport bra strap holding it.  People thought it was cute to add to it and by the end, it turned into a huge bouquet of $1s)
*have fun and smile
*stretch first, if you don't, you will pay for it the next day.  If you have a bad back, this will not be good for you. 
*People are really nice and many interesting characters...

I believe we sold about $1500 - $1700 in beverages at $2 a bottle.  Do the math and you will understand how busy we were :)

I brought the Mister and one of my best friends to help out.  This is a great cause to volunteer your time, as it help with the Art community here in Las Vegas.  They are in need of volunteers.  There's other places like the information booth that might be less action if you don't really want to break a sweat. 

We all had a wonderful time there.  And we sure past out right away when we got home, we slept like babies.  I have a size medium "Handmade In Vegas"  tshirt for anyone to wear if you are going to volunteer.  I didn't have mine on because I could not find it that day.


Cheers-
Keona

Miniature Halloween Village

I just finished this one.  The pumpkin patch is my favorite.   I made most of it out of polymer clay but used a little wood and felt here and there.   Happy Upcoming Halloween Everybody!

Megan Dresback (From Fragments To Furniture & Beyond)

The Pet Cemetary (some of the headstones were made with glow in the dark polymer clay)

The Haunted House & Pumpkin Patch

The Street

Decorate a Skull to Help the Homeless

I've just heard of a really great artsy opportunity for the altruistically inclined.  The Corner Gallery in Boulder City (another great place that sells and supports local artists) is doing a very cool Day of the Dead themed art event.  For $10, you purchase an undecorated ceramic skull and go nuts on it, decorating it however you'd like using every inch of your creativity.  This is open to all ages. You would then return the skull to The Corner Gallery by Septebmer 27th and it will be put up on silent auction all through October.  On October 29th, there will be a Day of the Dead party at the Gallery with food, festivities and fun and the highest auction bidder will be announced. You'll get a kick out of seeing how all the locals have decorated their skulls and see if yours was hot in the silent auction.  Please also submit any art you may have with a theme to “Day of the Dead.”  Items will be up the entire month of October.

And the best part?  A percentage of the sales from the silent auction will be donated to Family Promise of Las Vegas, a group which helps transition homeless locals from the streets back into homes and jobs.  Who knew skulls could be so helpful?

The Corner Gallery owner, Chris Frausto, is selling out of skulls as fast as she's getting them in, so before you go down to get yours, please call ahead to make sure she's got some on hand or to add your name to the list for an incoming order.  You can call her at 501-9219.

For more information on The Corner Gallery and upcoming art events and vendor opportunities, click here.