East Valley (Phoenix) – Page 6 – Travelcraft Journal

November 12, 2013May 23, 2023

Why startup teams need craft time

They stood around the edges of the room, unsure what to expect. They were developers or visionaries or businesspeople. They all wanted to be part of launching a successful startup. They would have only about 2 days to make that dream come true.

But first, I had something important to share with them: instructions for a craft project.

During Startup Weekend, participants create a business within just 54 hours (forming teams, honing a business model, pitching their idea to judges). Chandler’s Startup Weekend 2012 included a pre-event mixer that the organizers had asked me to put together. They wanted a craft project that would also serve as an ice breaker to help potential teammates get to know each other. I didn’t know of any activity like that, so I invented one.

Stephanie Liebold, BoldAvenue.com, leads Chandler Startup Weekend participants in a creative mashup pre-event mixer. — Photo by Gangplank HQ.

The participants who showed up to the optional mixer had no idea it would involve pipe cleaners, scrapbook paper, glue and scissors. But I tasked them with creating several pieces of “wearable art” (left up to their interpretation) within a time limit (of course) and then trading their creations with the other aspiring-entrepreneurs-turned-crafters in the room.

I encouraged them to be creative and make awesome stuff – both during the crafting mixer and throughout their startup-building weekend. It was interesting to see how different people approached their task: waffling or diving in, chatting or isolating themselves, overthinking their first piece or remembering the big picture, panicking about the deadline or taking it all in stride.

I was impressed with their creativity. They created pipe cleaner eyeglasses, paper necklaces, ties, tiaras, aprons, bracelets, rings.

It was an unorthodox way to break the ice, but it got people making things and talking to each other. It also revealed how they approach the creative process, time pressure, instruction, and collaboration.

Are you thinking about launching a startup?

You should definitely do a craft project with your potential team first.

You also might like to consider taking part in a Startup Weekend where you are. The next Startup Weekend Chandler is this weekend (11/15-17), and there is still time to register. Just sayin’.

Update: I totally forgot I had a discount for you guys! Use promo code BURN for 25% off when you register for Startup Weekend Chandler 2013 .

October 26, 2013May 23, 2023

Getting crafty for a cause

Last year, a lot of independent preschools and daycares in Arizona were hit hard with new fees from the state, including the not-for-profit preschool and kindergarten that my mom runs in Mesa.

To keep things afloat, Mom got crafty. She organized a craft fair fundraiser with handmade items, food, and products from local businesspeople. The school raised money from the entry fees and vendors were allowed to keep the profits from the items sold at their booths. Win-win.

It was such a hit, she’s doing it again!

For any Phoenix-area crafters/vendors who would like to participate, you can download the application PDF here. (Submit it by Novemeber 1st to avoid late registration fees.) Everyone else can come and shop on November 9.

I debuted my Bon Collage brand of handmade and upcycled gift items, including mini-journals, fancy bobby pins, gift tags, and a holiday spice mix. Admittedly, I have not done much with Bon Collage since then, but it will probably make another appearance. (And one of these days, I’ll be able to put more time into it.)

If you are out of state and would still like to help, you can make a donation by contacting Trinity Church.

July 8, 2013May 23, 2023

Craft Hack and mini envelopes

We stayed in town for the Fourth of July, which was a good thing for us, because our friends Bryan and Joanna made us a wonderful brunch. And it’s a good thing for you, because this blog has been a little heavy on the travel and light on the craft, and it’s time to balance things out a bit more.

So the first craft-related thing I wanted to tell you about is Craft Hack. I mentioned going to Craft Hack when I had my journal fail (I do want to follow up on that, since I ended up finding a journal-making solution that I think turned out pretty well.) Basically, Craft Hack is a time for people to get together, work on and show off their art and craft projects. If you aren’t working on anything currently, every month there’s a demonstration, and you can try that out.

It will be this Wednesday (and the second Wednesday of every month) at Gangplank Chandler at 6pm. You can get more details on the Craft Hack East Valley Facebook page.

I also created a flyer, using this envelope template and modifying it a little. You can print off the flyer, get the info, and then fold it into a little envelope for your business cards or to tuck into a scrapbook for small mementos of your summer travels (a presssed blossom? coins? ticket stubs?).

We handed these out last month when Craft Hack had a booth at the Chandler Art Walk (which has moved to different indoor locations to avoid the summer heat). I wish I could have stuck around longer and explored the other booths a bit more. It looks like there was some great stuff there! I’ll have to go another time, when I’m not getting ready for a camping trip the next day.

If you want to make your own envelopes, here is the envelope template I used for the flyer. I scaled it down quite a bit from the original 3″ x 6″ size, so that we could fit 2 on a standard 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper. And also because the mini-envelopes are so stinkin’ cute!

I also came across this page with a ton of other envelope templates and tutorials. That could keep us all busy for awhile!