Swap-O-Rama-Rama spells SUCCESS!!!

I want to take a moment to tell you about the success of the...

First Annual Swap-O-Rama-Rama 

Due to our sponsors, donors, and tireless volunteers we were able to not only save over a thousand pounds of clothes from being wasted when there was so much more life and potential within them, but we inspired 200 people to reuse their clothes in many different ways. These people learned how to turn an old pair of pants into a hat, learned to use the sewing machine (some for the very first time), and got hands on experience with a screenprinting machine. There were so many great local crafters available working with the attendees and workshops available. Everyone who we have spoken with since felt so empowered and cannot wait for the next one. I am even receiving requests to do it in 6 months rather than a year. We will see. :)

My favorite moment was when I got a chance to sit down with a girl of 8 years and make a skirt with her. She had never once used a sewing machine before. As much as I am catering my events to adults, seeing the kids who are so receptive to this lost art get excited about sewing really excites me. It makes me believe that new generations will adopt sewing as a way of life and be more likely to create rather than consume. The message is for everyone. I encourage you to e-mail me, comment on this blog or any of our other forms of social media and let me know your story of inspiration or your favorite moment at the Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Also, check out the links below for both the media that covered event and wonderful pictures that document what a great time was had by all.

I have to send a special thank you to Rob Appell who brought out 9 sewing machines for everyone's use and spent the whole day tirelessly helping people create. Also a huge thank you to the media who featured us. We were in The Tribune, The Mustang Daily, Dave Congalton Radio Show, and Fox News came to the event. Also Information Press will be running a story next month so check that out.

Last but not least, I will include some numbers here for you so you can fully grasp the success of the event.

• Swap-O-Rama-Rama made a $1578 gross profit and a net profit of $1074. Our main expense was the venue but were helped out tremendously in this aspect with the $350 we received in event sponsorships so thank you to all of you.  Our main expenses were the venue, printing, and craft supplies so next year we will be looking for specific sponsors to cover the costs or donate these items so that more money can go towards EcoSLO. This is an amazing first run and and I am overwhelmed with the success of it all.

Peace, Love, and Crafts!

Jennifer Alexander

Event Coordinator for Swap-O-Rama-Rama

Co-Founder of UpcycleSLO 

Keep up with UpcycleSLO!
www.upcycleslo.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/UpcycleSLO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Luis-Obispo-CA/UpcycleSLO/300310626576

Media:

http://www.myfox11.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4712554&h1=Swap-O-Rama-Rama%20Takes%20on%20Recycling&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=45033&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=90651689

http://www.myfox11.com/Global/story.asp?S=12330380

 http://edbroadcasters.com/podcasts/congalton/04-15-10.mp3
(23-41 minutes)

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/04/15/1105164/event-aims-to-encourage-creativity.html

http://mustangdaily.net/swap-o-rama-rama-event/

Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcycleslo/sets/72157623767393573

4 Sleeps Until Swap-O-Rama-Rama!!!!!!!!

Wow! Just 4 days. Can you hardly believe it? I can and I can't. It seems like I have been working on this event for awhile now but then again this thing, my baby, has seemed to have grown and taken on a life of it's own in such a relatively short time. I don't want to prematurely congratulate it's success but I feel we are ready, I feel the community is ready and excited, and I feel confident that everyone will enjoy this event for the purpose of which it was created. To be empowered and inspired to create more and consume less.

The community seems to have embraced this event. People calling me for tickets are telling me how they have heard about it within every group they hang out, not just one. They hear it from the media, from facebook, at the coffee shop and because all their friends are seeing it there too they are hearing it from all their friends. The media has caught on and both the Mustaing Daily and The Tribune will be running stories about it this week. And an Information Press reporter will be there at the event so that he can write a post-event story. If nothing else comes out of this event, it has been worth it for me anyway because it has given me the opportunity to network with so many amazing people in the community, find awesome resources and collaborative personalities that exist here in San Luis Obispo, and it has allowed me to spread the word of UpcycleSLO which was one big reason of doing this event.

I still hope to raise a good deal of money for EcoSLO and grace everyone with a fun and well-organized event that they will want to come back to again next year. Some highlights of the event are:

• The Cottonball of Morro Bay will be on hand with 10 sewing machines for the attendees to use
• Yudu Screen Printing machines will be available to experiment with
• Awesome workshops including a Basic Sewing & Tension Workshop, Accessories Galore, and Pillowcase Possibilities
• Jewelry making, knitting, scrap-use, spinning, and quilting tables where you can sit down and learn from the experts
• Kid's Hour from 2pm-3pm - Kid's get a chance to turn themselves into "Upcycle Superheroes"
• A drawing to win prizes such as local gift certificates, gorgeous recycled hiphugger bags, jewelry, a jewelry making class for you and your friends, and more
• And the Fashion Show begins at 5. Get up and show your talents, see local talented artists and their upcycled apparel, and learn where you can shop for great recycled clothing all over the county

Check out all the great things you won't want to miss!

Swap-O-Rama-Rama's New Sponsors