Local Craftiness: Craftstraganza

I know you're all dying to know what I found at Craftstraganza on Saturday.;) I can show you a couple of things but the last is a birthday gift for my husband. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise so I'll show you that another time. But here's what I did get...

First of all, I got another fabulous pillow for my couch. Last post I showed you the pillow I bought last year from Katie Benson. She was there again with a pillow that was from the same line as the one I had (Safari). So I immediately snapped that up. I also found this adorable little head scarf from one of the vendors, who I'm a little embarrassed to say I can't remember who they are. I also purchased a hand cut card from Crafterall. Love it! We'll see if it gets sent...

Have to say one thing I noticed though was how much fabric was there. Whether it was clothes, hats, bags, or stuffeds, the majority of the vendors seemed to be working with fabric. There seemed to be a lot that specialized in children's apparel as well. I just walked around feeling more and more fortunate that I had a little boy and not a little girl. There was waaaay waayy too much cute girl stuff. I'd go broke, my marriage would be in shambles... all because I would not be able to resist the cuteness. I mean check out this cute little fairy house by Lucky Nielsen. Little miniature works of art. Alas, there was no Squishy. That vendor didn't participate this year. Still everything was just too Too TOO CUTE! Plus, it was a fabulous time. SO if any of you get the chance to check out a rogue or indie craft fair in your area I'd highly highly recommend that you do.
Happy Monday!!!

Author's Edit: To find a local event where you live, the people over at Indie Craft Shows has compiled a directory that is searchable. You can also add your local event!

Local Craftiness: Ilymore

Aaaargh! It's a good day to be a pirate! My son was headed out the door earlier wearing his favorite shirt and pirate hat and posed quickly. The shirt he's wearing always gets a ton of compliments. It's got the first initial of his name on the front and his age on the back. Usually what happens is he runs by in a blur, another parent goes "oooh how cute!" and as I'm taking off after him I holler out that "a friend of mine made it and she sells them too! Her shop name is iiiiiilllllyyyyymooooooorrrrreee." It's actually ilymore but that's how it sounds as I'm running after my son.

Ilymore stands for I love you more. So cute! As are her creations. Take a look! She sells through her blog at www.ilymore.blogspot.com. The girl shirts are possibly my favorites as she has the cutest fabrics to choose from. But those boys... well you have to agree they just rock them.:)

So head on over to Michelle's blog and design your child's personalized, one of a kind stitched shirt today!!!

Local Craftiness: The Mad Stamper

I've long had it in mind to tell you about a few local artsy mom friends of mine who've bravely begun they're own crafty businesses. I say brave not because they're risking so much- their work is all gorgeous, but because they all have young kids at home. Beginning a venture like this when you have children at home is daring. You never know when you'll be called upon to be Mom and carving out the time necessary to create and run a business is hard. They craft because they love it, or because it gives them something of their own to pursue. I admire them all tremendously for this and thought I'd share their work with you this next week.

First up is The Mad Stamper on Etsy. She specializes in handmade tags, embellishments, and cards. Her designs are always right on and too too cute. Check out the cute little fawn tags and the sweet baby announcements. Karen has this to say about her art (I stole this from her shop profile), and I completely agree with her!

"I am a Stay-at-Home mom who loves her babies more than anything! But I also need time to create. :) Especially with Rubber Stamps!!! Card making is my passion and then papercrafting. Creating is my release, it gets me back in-touch with my inner self, and allows me to breathe again... As a mom to 3 children, that is VERY important! It makes all of us happier in the end ~"

I love the detail and craftsmanship Karen pours into each of her creations, AND I absolutely love Karen. So please check out her Etsy shop- you'll be glad you did!!!

Local Craftiness: The Studio at Rush Creek

Last Monday I walked into the place of my dreams. Seriously. I've dreamed of a place like this. Fortunately for me it actually exists and get this, is only about 10 minutes from where I live in Plymouth, MN. It's called The Studio at Rush Creek and is an art studio, boutique, AND makes a mean mocha. I was contacted by the Studio via Etsy last week and on Monday brought in some work to place on consignment there.

It's a fabulous place. I had a great time looking around and with that lovely coffee smell permeating the air I think I could sit and sip for hours- especially if I can create at the same time. I took a look at their class schedule and they offer all sorts of classes. Painting, jewelry making, an intro to encaustic, and lots of lovely sounding stained glass and glass fusing classes. Slumping glass is one of those projects I've been interested in trying for some time but haven't taken the time to search out an opportunity to learn. The price is right too with the average class taking two hours and costing only $24 plus supplies.

When we met we worked out a class which would introduce my wire and fabric techniques. Pretty exciting! I'll be teaching the techniques for sculpting wire birds and stitching fabric to wire to create a hanging wall display on Thursday, Feb .25th from 7-9 p.m. These are simple techniques and once you've you tried them I know you'll be hooked. The wire work satisfies that need we creative types have to "make stuff" with our hands. Stitching the fabric to the wire is repetitive and promotes a feeling of meditation. Similar to the feeling you get when knitting or embroidering. It's a wonderful craft to try with no experience necessary!

I've done some teaching in the past but this will be my first class teaching these techniques and I am so excited! I would love to have any of you that are local to join me! If you have any questions about the class, please contact me. To register, just click on the class schedule above. Happy Crafting!