Mark your calendars! Ecofest is April 22, 2023

https://learninggate.org/support-lg/ecofest/

Tampa International Airport has a new ambassador. She's a gigantic flamingo named Phoebe. I was inspired to make these earrings in Phoebe's honor. Have you seen Phoebe yet?

That was quick! 2022 just flew by. We're already a week into 2023. Can you believe it? This is going to be a great year! Ive got some new events, new ideas, and more planned for 2023! Stay tuned for more updates and maybe even some surprises.

I've been attending SharkCon for about 5 years as a spectator. As someone who has been obsessed with sharks since I was a little girl, this was an event made for me! Each year I'd bring home my bags of stickers, t-shirts, posters, and yes, even jewelry. I'd sit and listen to the speakers give presentations on shark biology and conservation. I even met Richard Dreyfuss at a SharkCon! So last year while wandering the show floor, I thought what it would be like to be a vendor. So I went to the information booth and got the details. They didn't have a date set yet so I had a year or so to decide. Earlier this year when SharkCon 8 was announced I decided to give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did! I met so many awesome people and saw some amazing art and products. I sold a lot too. So much so that I have already signed up for next year. So yes, ReUsin by Susan will be at SharkCon 9! I can't wait!

BREAKING NEWS!!!
I just received confirmation that I will be a vendor at SharkCon on July 16th and 17th at the Florida State Fairgrounds! This is big! I have loved sharks since I was a little girl. I saw an article in a magazine about sharks giving birth and I have been fascinated by them ever since.  I started college as a marine biology major but soon learned my skills were better suited to the humanities, so sharks just became a hobby.  I learned to scuba dive so I could swim with sharks, I collect shark stuff,  read shark books, and have volunteered at two local aquariums.

​So what is SharkCon? Well its like ComicCon for shark geeks like me.  Its a gathering of conservationists, advocates, divers, educators, artists, the occasional celebrity (Richard Dreyfuss, Ian Zeiring), and other ecological organizations to discuss our shared passion for sharks and the environment. I've been attending SharkCon as a spectator for years. After attending last year I decided this was the year to do it as a vendor.
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I can't tell you what a thrill it was to meet the cast members and screenwriter from Jaws! Richard Dreyfuss was delightful!
I also got to meet Ian Ziering from Sharknado. He was so awesome! This year's guest list is still evolving so check the website to see if there is someone you want to meet. So far I don't see any film and TV stars but there are some great conservation heroes speaking.

Every now and then my passion for sharks collides with my passion for making jewelry.  I make a few pieces with a shark theme but I guess now I will have to step it up!

If you want to come see what SharkCon is all about here is  link with more info, guest list, other vendors, and more. Save the Date. July 16th and 17th, 2022 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
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After a two year hiatus due to Covid, Eco Fest is back! I was very excited to participate in this eco-focused event. I mean, how could I not? I love that this is such a family friendly event. Its organized by Learning Gate Community School and all the students, parents, and faculty are volunteers. The help with loading, setting up, bringing the vendors water, and even covering our booth if we need a bathroom break! Other events could learn a lesson from them. There was a good crowd, great weather, lots of entertainment.
This year it was held at MOSI which, to me, was a perfect location. I hope they do it there again. In previous years it has been at Julian Lane Riverfront Park and Lowry Park.  I think this was the best that i have done.

Wow! That was fun! Today I got to participate in a panel discussion about art entrepreneurship with my county's monthly series Local Stories Live. Each month they profile local businesses and discuss various topics related to our process, inspirations, and impact. Its a 30 minute virtual event that is also broadcast live n Facebook and Hillsborough County's access tv channel. I have watched some of these events in the past and they are a good way for a business to get a little time in the spotlight. I was thrilled to be asked to participate! Their goal is to promote local businesses and inform the community of the resources available through the county for small businesses through the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center.  You can watch the recorded session here. Check it out and let me know what you think! 

These are fun and easy to make! Take a bottle cap and cut out a 1 inch image and glue it inside. Glue a magnet to the back and that's it! You can add glitter, stickers, or you can seal it with Mod Podge or clear craft glue. Its a great rainy day project for kids of all ages!

Who doesn't laugh when you see googly eyes? I know I always do. I couldn't resist using them to make some fun and funky jewelry!

Just in time for Halloween, a bottle of eyes necklace! Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!

Each year Creative Loafing, Tampa's free weekly altenative newspaper holds their coveted Best of the Bay Awards. People get to mominate their favorite restaurants, galleries, hangouts, and more. This year I was nominated in two categories- Best Hand-Crafted Jewelry and Best Place to Shop Green. It may sound trite but it is an honor to be nominated. Voting ends September 9th. 2021. You can vote using the button below.