Every Saturday is Small Business Saturday for a small business like me. Almost every Saturday for the past 19 years I have been selling my unique, handmade jewelry at the Ybor City Saturday Market. It is one of my biggest days of the year and I look forward to all the new customers I meet! Every year the movement just keeps growing. More people are choosing to support small business and shop local. I will have lots of new items as well as my usual offerings. I hope to see you there!
The Ybor City Saturday Market is located in Historic Ybor City at Centennial Park
1901 N 19th St, Tampa, FL, United States, 33605
www.ybormarket.com

Due to the Extreme Heat advisories we are currently experiencing in Central Florida, the Imagine Museum Sunset Market has been cancelled. I will be there on September 1st instead. Please come by and check it out!

I'm trying a new market on August 18th! The Imagine Museum in St Petersburg has a Sunset Market on the first and third Friday every month. It starts at 5pm and runs until 10 pm. You can find out more from their website. I will also be at my usual spot on Saturday at the Ybor City Saturday Market. I'm excited to bring my Upcycled Jewelry to a new audience.  Who knows? This may become a regular thing! If you are in the area stop by  and check it out!

 A few weeks ago I was interviewed by 83 Degrees Media's online magazine for a story profiling the Ybor City Saturday Market. The story way published this week and I have to say, my involvement notwithstanding, they did an amazing job capturing the essence of the market that I have called home for over 19 years! 
Read the article here

Shark Con 9, the annual gathering of shark enthusiasts was held July 15-16, 2023 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The event features guest speakers from shark research, photography, diving, and celebrities from Shark movies. This year Shark Con celibrated Jaws 3D and stars Louis Gossett Jr and Leah Thompson.

I came back for my second year as a vendor. I had a great spot and got to meet some fascinating and fun people. Ill definetly be back next year!

I made some new items just for Shark Con this year. Recycled Nautical Chart Jewelry. I'm really proud of how they turned out and the customers really liked them!

If you are interested in attending next year's Shark Con you can find out more at www.sharkcon.com. Rumor has it Richard Dreyfuss from Jaws will be there!

Come out and celbrate Earth Day with me at EcoFest!

EcoFest 2023 is right around the corner! Its back at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) for the second straight year. Join me and lots of other Eco friendly vendors as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd.

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.
​

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.
​

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!