DIME FEATURED ARTIST: SHEENA CROFT

Interview by The DIME Store, Photos by Sheena Croft 

1930s beaded silk chiffon dress with trompe de l'oeil bow bolero

For this month’s feature, DIME caught up with the amazing Sheena Croft of No Carnations Vintage. This lady is made of magic. There has to be at least 27 hours in her day. Not only is she the nationally-praised executive chef of Hannah’s Off the Square, but she also runs one of the best-curated vintage shops on Etsy. Read on to find out why this southern gal could give “the most interesting man in the world” a run for his money.

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Sheena, what originally drew you to vintage?

It was quality clothing that was affordable. I would find great labels to mix into my modern clothing. But more to the point it was about the trends at the time. I remember watching 'Desperately Seeking Susan' and seeing Madonna find that second hand jacket with the eye on the back. Suddenly the thrift store find was way cooler than before. We won't talk about the brightly colored crinoline I think I once wore to the seventh grade as a skirt.

1950s Lanz Swimdress

Did you come a vintage collector and by default a vintage seller, or visa versa?

I started collecting before I started selling. I sold jewelry on the side that I made and someone told me about Etsy for my jewelry. Not long after I realized I could sell vintage on Etsy. The first few items in the shop were from my own collection. Not really even clothes or items that would suite/fit me but items that I could not leave behind at an estate sale or thrift store. I just had to have them without never really knowing what I would do with them.

You're also the executive chef at Hannah's Off the Square. How do you balance having two very creative, very different jobs?

Both my love for vintage and my love for cooking fuel my creative side. Every day I think about how lucky I feel to do these things. Finding that perfect balance is everything but perfect. I try to use my down time away from the kitchen in a positive way. Vintage takes up a lot of that time, but selling has allowed me to set more financial goals for myself and that is a great freedom in and of itself. It helps that the vintage is considered a self-employment, so when my professional life needs attention and takes over I can adjust and set the Etsy job at a slower pace.

No Carnations logo

Your vintage clothing Etsy shop is highly successful. What makes your shop stand out from other vintage shops?

I tried to create a brand from day one. I also did lots of research about good cameras, taking quality photos, using photoshop for lighting issues. When it comes to vintage fashion, learning about labels and quality craftsmanship of textiles is equally as important. You need to know that a dress with a Ceil Chapman label can be sold for four times as much as another dress of the same style. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring Etsy sellers or vintage collectors?

My suggestion to other sellers is to research your medium to the fullest, and create a 3 year plan for yourself with attainable goals. I also want to say that social media is a huge part of what you can do to brand and get your product seen. Even when I neglect my shop for a week, I try to re-list five items each day, mention something about my shop on twitter and send out a few Instagram shots. I've had quite a few direct sales from social platforms.

1950s Silk Estevez evening dress with yellow rose print

Where can folks shop your collection?

There is a limited collection of items that rotate in and out at the DIME Store. You can find me on Etsy, and I am happy to take appointments to view and purchase from my personal collection, most of which is not available online.

Sheena Croft, Chef Extraordinaire and Vintage Collector Queen

Do you aspire to someday have a brick and mortar vintage boutique? Or would you rather stay creative in the kitchen full time?

I look forward to my older years, a retirement I suppose, when I can have an encore career. I dream of a nice little flower shop with a wall of vintage wedding & party dresses from the 20s-50s. Kind of a one-stop-shop for the vintage bride. I imagine friends hanging out as well, so I'll keep the kettle on and always have cakes, scones, soups and sandwiches waiting with a smile.

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The DIME Store is a shop and artist collective in downtown Denton, featuring art, craft, and vintage from 40+ local makers. Rachel Aughtry and Shelley Christner act as the "curators and purveyors" of the shop. When they're not at DIME, you'll find them behind their sewing machines or enjoying a margarita at Greenhouse.

WHAT WE DID: JULY 29

Summer in Denton is normally when the college kids leave and the town gets a little sleepy. That hasn't really proved true this summer, as we're still exhausted from all of the activity the last weekend of July had for us. We kicked off the weekend with the Creatives Mixer at the DIME Store organized by Maker Space. We chowed down on The Pickled Carrot, sipped on some new local beer, and chatted about creative commerce in our city. After that we hit up a few shows. You might have caught us peeking into the Ladies of Spiderweb Salon showcase at J&J's, checking out The Tissue Issue at Banter, or standing in line at the bar at Dan's. We got some great reader submissions this week, too. Keep it up, y'all. 

What did you do this weekend? Tag your tweets and instagrams with #WDDI and we'll include our favorites every week. 

We mixed and minged at the Maker Space and DIME Creatives Mixer. 

Chatting with Heather Gregory, one of the Maker Space owners 

We will gladly fill out surveys and info if it means more creative space in Denton.

Zero96 Brewing Co. kept us adequately hydrated with plentiful samples of their local ales. We really liked their Red Ale and are pumped to see what's next from these guys.

The Ladies of Spiderweb Salon had an incredible show at J&J's on Friday evening. They shared stories through a myriad of mediums, and a portion of the proceeds went to the Denton Animal Shelter. Photo by Courtney Marie

J and J's basement was packed for the Ladies of Spiderweb Salon show. Photo by Courtney Marie

The always lovely Jenny Seman of Shiny Around the Edges pounded her drum at the Spiderweb Salon show on Friday. Photo by Courtney Marie 

We checked out Queenie's again this weekend and had an interesting experience. Review is forthcoming. 

Have you peeked into the construction going on at Lone Star Attitude on the square. The rooftop patio they're building seems to be coming along nicely. 

Reader Rachel Merriman sent in this photo she took of the water tower in north Denton. #WDDI 

Chambers opened for stalwarts Seryn at Dan's Friday night.

Seryn played a sold-out show at Dan's. The line to get in was long, but worth it. 

DIME FEATURED ARTIST: CASSIE ARNOLD

Once a month, we partner up with Denton's local, handmade goods shop, DIME, to highlight an artist that is carried in their store. This month, we're chatting with Cassie Arnold about both her fun items for sale in the DIME store and her fine art work that she has on display in various art shows and galleries. Make sure to check out The DIME Store on South Locust, and read on to hear all about this month's featured artist.

The One with the Red Balloon

For this month’s DIME featured maker, we caught up with Cassie Arnold and her eclectic collection of found-object art. The DIME Store carries Cassie’s line of inventive fiber “creatures”, but this girl has so much more up her sleeve. Read on to learn about her handmade critters, unusual assemblages, and how she balances her two feet in the two sides of the art world: craft and fine art.

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Mr. Kitty 

What all kinds of work do you make?

From found object assemblages to hand knitted fibers, I dabble in a little bit of everything! I love the challenge of exploring new materials, and there’s nothing more thrilling for me than deciding whether I will work with clay, found objects, acrylic, or fibers for my next body of work. Storytelling is a key feature in my art, so whatever medium best narrates my experience at that time is what I use.

What draws you to the types of materials you use?

I’m a believer in second chances, so naturally I am drawn to all things rusted and worn. There’s something magical about breathing life into objects that would normally have been forgotten. I like to think of myself as a collector of “things,” and I love waiting for just the right moment when I can reuse an item and make it shine in a work of art.

What originally drew you to the overall "handmade" community?

I grew up in a big family full of writers, artists, needle workers, and avid crafters. By the age of five, sewing on a button was as natural as tying my shoes. I thank my mother for my love of creating because it was her who first taught me how to craft and sew. As an adult, I am not only drawn to handmade items but also the person who made it. I love hearing their story, learning where they came from, and discovering how they perfected their craft.

Miss Foxy 

What do you love about the fine art community?

That last word…COMMUNITY! I love being surrounded by unique, crazy, enthusiastic people who are lovers of life and art! It’s refreshing living in Denton where people not only respect the arts but support it as well.

How do you balance having one foot in the handmade market and one in the fine art market?

To be honest, I’m not quite sure I’ve found balance just yet! One day I wake up as, “Cassie Arnold: artist and sculptor,” and the next I’m transformed into a crafter, wanting to create something handmade for the sake of creation itself. The art world can be tricky. People tend to look at you funny when you say that you are an artist while knitting a baby sweater. “Handmade” is who I am at my core. It’s what originally got me curious about the arts and is the reason why I give support and have such respect for local people making and creating.

How did you become involved with DIME?                                      

I heard through the grapevine about a lovely new space in Denton that supported local artists and crafters. Naturally I was intrigued, so my husband, my new baby and I stopped by one night to check it out. I instantly fell in love with the space and the curators. The DIME store is warm and cozy. It’s a space that invites you in like a best friend’s home and inspires you to rush back to your own home and create. After one talk with Miss Rachel, she investigated my work and invited me to be a part of their handmade “home.”

How does the Dallas art/handmade scene differ from the one in Denton?

To be honest, they are a lot alike. Both are all about endorsing local artists, promoting the arts, and bringing awareness to the community about the importance of supporting the handmade. Despite its size though, Denton keeps the small town feel that makes it easier to connect with the community and other artists in the area.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists who are looking to start a business or become an active part of the Denton creative community?

Don’t be scared to put yourself out there! Rejection is part of the job and being turned away doesn’t mean that your creations aren’t meaningful or special. I promise that even the most unique, unusual and creative works will find their perfect space eventually as long as you’re willing to take risks and be patient.

The collection series 

Simple Love'n (her) 

You can purchase Cassie Arnold's handmade fiber works (i.e. dolls and knitted pieces) at the Dime store or from her Etsy page. Her fine art pieces can be purchased at the Artisan's Collective in Dallas' Bishop Arts District or at local area art shows such as the Art Festival in Deep Ellum.

WEEKEND PHOTO RECAP - FEATURING ETSY DENTON

That was probably the last weekend of (semi) decent weather we'll have until October, Dentonites. Hope you made the most of it. It was hard not to with all of the various events going on. While many Denton ISD seniors prepared to graduate on Friday, the folks over at DIME and Etsy Denton prepared for their annual Summer Bazaar. We hit it up and had a blast. Did you manage to grab one of our stickers while you were there? Slap it on your neighbor's car and rep WDDI for us, if you did! Below, you'll find photos from our excursions at the Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar at the Greater Denton Arts Council building and a few random photos from other events this weekend. Before we craft fair'ed it up - we managed to hit up the now smoke free Rubber Gloves to kick off our weekend properly with a Sweet Talk/World of Pleasure/Pink Smoke showdown.  Throw #WDDI in your 'grams and we'll post our favorites in our Monday photo recap next week!

Rachel Aughtry of RACHELelise smiles as she talks to patrons of the Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar. 

 photo by Amelia McBride

Customers, young and old, rummaged through the various homemade items and vintage finds at the Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar this past Saturday. 

 photo by Amelia McBride

Caitlin Crawford of Austin St. Apothecary. 

 photo by Amelia McBride

Shelley Christner of DIME and Home Again, Home Again. 

 photo by Amelia McBride

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The weekend saw lots of other interesting things, too. We were surprised to find Oak St. Drafthouse to be standing room only Friday evening seeing as so many of the college students have already vacated for the summer. 

In what seemed to be rather quick, Vigne has already started operating in their new location further down on Hickory St. in the old Cellar 22 spot. 
#WDDI

Oak St. Drafthouse was attacked by a cardboard robot on Saturday evening. Extremely cheap viral marketing for Pacific Rim maybe? 
#WDDI

Rusty Taco kept us coming back for more. We apparently weren't the only ones. Their patio seemed to be pretty packed the entire weekend. Did you get a chance to try their jalepeno-watermelon margarita yet? 

Clint Jerome of Pink Smoke

photo by Dave Koen 

World of Pleasure

photo by Dave Koen 

Jeff Burke of World of Pleasure

photo by Dave Koen 

Steven Svacina of Sweet Talk

photo by Dave Koen 

Sweet Talk

photo by Dave Koen 

 photo by Dave Koen

JIVE FIVE: THE DIME SUMMER BAZAAR

Rachel Aughtry and Shelley Christner of The Dime Store have been hosting the Etsy Denton Summer Bazaar for a few years now. This weekend, our favorite handmade market is sure to please. We're excited for some of our favorite local makers and artists to all be under one roof where we can find art for our walls, pillows for our couches, gifts for all of those summer weddings and new hand towels for the kitchen since ours seem to always be stained from chocolate, wine and darker colored alcohols. 

This isn't our first time at the Summer Bazaar. We've gone elbows to elbows with other handcrafted patrons before. Thusly, we took it upon ourselves to assemble some do's and dont's in the form of a Jive Five for you to abide by when you hit up the Bazaar on Saturday. Read 'em below and add your tips in the comments!

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The talented Mandy Cave will have a few Denton-centric watercolors available

TO DO'S:  

Get there early. The first 50 people in line get a 'goody bag' stuffed with fun things, like 'free drink' cards from Jupiter House and stickers from us. 

Come a little hungry. Plenty of food vendors will be around. Make sure to grab a bite at one of the food trucks while you're waiting in line to get in. If you see Shiitake Swerve around, try their original taco!

Smile! We'll be out there taking a few photographs and want to see happy, peppy people buying goodies. 

Encourage your friends from Dallas to take the A Train in and join you at the market. Then, hike across the parking lot to Hoochie's for cold PBRs and a po-boy afterwards. 

Make sure not to miss the Dowdy Studio Wagon - aka the world's smallest handmade shop - setup outside of the Greater Denton Arts Council building. 

Grenade plushie from Fuzzy Muffins

Dino-plushie from Fuzzy Muffins

TO DON'TS:  

Don't complain about the line. Just be friendly and be excited that local artists are drawing such a great crowd. 

Don't overlook Fuzzy Muffins, located behind the plushie octopus. There is likely hiding a stuffed grenade and dinosaur, both of which are way too cute to handle. 

Forgot to grab cash? Don't worry about it too much. Just about all of the vendors use Square now. 

Don't take a snack from the 'honor snack bar' provided by Amitea and the Cupboard without leaving a little cash. That's just rude. 

Father's Day is just around the corner. Don't forget to grab a gift for your pops or grandpops while you're there. We can personally vouch for the beard oil from Austin St. Apothecary for the hairy old men in your life.