To celebrate Independence Day, my own independence (more on that to come...), and indie design in general, I thought I'd bring back the giveaway with these fun "July" earrings. They are from my "Beaux Style" line of earrings, sterling silver vertical loops that pass through the ear and catch at the bottom, with vintage glass beads. So come out of hiding and say "Hi" in the comments. I'll randomly choose a winner on Friday- it could be you!!!
I am starting a new feature where I interview artists and crafters about their creative process. I figured this blog shouldn't be only about me and my work, but about the larger creative community as well. My first interview is with the lovely and talented Becky of this chickadee. Enjoy!
moshi moshi messenger bag
1. What do you create?
as much as i can! mostly i knit, sew or crochet items but there are all sorts of ways to create and be creative. playing music, making food, writing...all of these things count too.
2. How and when did you get started?
a tricky question, because i have always dabbled...but if i have to trace back, i think the genesis of my current creative compulsions was a christmas way back in 1998. that year my mom gave me knitting needles, some yarn and a how-to book. it changed my life. seriously.
knitted infant sets
3. Who or what inspires, influences and motivates you? i have so many answers for this question. my mom and grandmother are huge inspirations. they sew, knit, crochet, cook amazing meals and live life with joy. my gramma is 91 and she is still making beautiful handcrafts. they also give me quite a bit of motivation. when i think that i can't do something i remind myself of everything that my they have accomplished with determination and strength. also, i have some incredibly talented friends who are whose creativity is electric and exciting. and then there is music! and art! and nature! and really crappy, terribly made, mass-market goods! those are excellent motivators. they make me want to go home and make things immediately.
4. Do you make your living as an artist/crafter? i'm trying. that's the goal.
5. Did you formally study, and if so where? haha. nope.
fall mini pouch for large tote
6. When and why did you start your own business, and how did you choose the name? i've been working informally for a little while now. but this past year i decided to buckle down and get somewhat professional. so i started a blog and chose a name, this chickadee. i gleaned that from my mom and gramma (again). it is something that they've always said, a way they referred to themselves. as in: 'this chickadee is going to bed' or 'this chickadee is going for a walk.'
7. What are you most proud of? i'm proud whenever i complete a project. especially if it is something that i then get to wear or use, or i can see other people wearing/using. one of the best feelings was making a dress for the first time and wearing it out.
Reminder!!! Trunk show Sunday featuring my work, Cara Ober, Elena Volkova, Kelly & Tj and this chickadee! Email for details!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Psssst! Check out this chickadees blog! There is a profile about me- Dandelion Blu- today!
blushing!!!!
I love this shirt by Super Maggie, it's obvious why... but I also love that it benefits animal welfare! Check out Crafters For Critters, where all the proceeds from the donated items go to different rescues, shelters and animal related causes. You can search by your favorite designer or item. Perfect for the holidays and keeping up with the "handmade pledge." Keep an eye out for Dandelion Blu items, I plan on donating soon! Thanks to this chickadee for reminding just how cool this site is!
No real "theme" here, just a few of my current faves!
Tiny gardens by Green Ware Design. The pot is hand made and then filled with beautiful succulents.
Steel ornaments by Megan Auman Home, I'd hang this all year!
Letter press hedgehog greeting cards by Papered Together.
Silk screened "Fy" hoodie by Circular Accessories.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!
My "famillia" who stuck it out with me throughout the very long day. Thanks gals!!!!
Earring tree o' plenty
Enameled pendants on display
Hair pins and some new enamels
All in all I had a very good day- I had no idea what to expect since it was only my second show, and after the unbelievable success I had at Crafty Bastards- I knew there would be no comparison. I got to hang out all day with my good friends who so graciously helped me hawk my wares, thanks guys! Check out my friend's new blog, this chickadee, she is working her fingers to the bone creating home goods and other goodies. I also got to shop some of my favorite vendors, something I didn't get to do at Crafty since it was a hectic non stop buying bonanza! I got soaps and other delicious goods from Biggs and Featherbelle. Some new silk screened T's from one of my all time faves Red Prairie Press. And I salivated over Megan Auman's welded steel jewelry. I got the chance to meet and chat with Patch Ink as well as Brookadelphia. And my sales were nothing to sneeze at as well! I felt like it was a good flow of action, I was neither mobbed nor deserted, and I actually got to talk to my customers this time! The venue was a bit odd though, it seemed to be in a residential area of Bethesda, so that may have impeded a lot of foot traffic. It appeared to be a ballroom type rental, complete with the wall o' mirrors for a a more "spacious" feel, drunkenly spinning disco ball, and the ever present drop ceiling. I felt like I should have my camera, and be frantically trying to "find the bride." But that was my former life... shudder. Plus, I had several people email me afterwards saying they couldn't find it, so I don't know if that effected anything. Also, we were sort of crammed in there like sardines and had to construct elaborate "passage ways" to get out from behind our tables. Luckily we were neighbors with the lovely, talented, and oh so patient Palace of Varied Industries and Scarves by Helen, so we could be chummy but actually be able to leave our area! I think the vendors were immensely talented and there seemed to be a good mix- Lot's of jewelry, but hey, that's a given! I look forward to future events by The DC Craft Mafia! Cheers!
That's me wearing my new Julie Lake necklace as we headed out for an amazing birthday dinner. It's my favorite new piece, welded stainless steel. My husband rocks! Maybe he'll get me the earrings for Xmas......
Take the Handmade Holiday Pledge! I did! Support artists and their blood, sweat, tears, and immensely creative talents buy shopping indie designers, artists, crafters, etsy, etc. And just think, those hand stitched, organic cotton plushy toys won't be on the latest recall list....
I found avalove designs today on Etsy. After spending a gazillion dollars yesterday at H&M, clothes that I am sure all my students will be wearing as well, (yay! twins with a 14 year old- oiy) I kinda wish I'd found avalove first! I luv, luv, luv this purple cowl dress with peacock flowers. I also like this white tunic shirt with the pressed flower silk screen. Her clothing is hand printed and in limited edition, so it's like wearing a piece of her artwork. And you can be sure nobody is going to be wearing the same dress as you at a party- oh the style drama. I appreciate her motto which I snatched from her profile on etsy:
"the motto: to inspire and be inspired! and to create positive products for people to wear, and feel positive IN! "
And I know of some beautiful handmade jewelry that would go great
with her designs....
Have a great weekend!
