Cuff Links

Cuff links. I have intended to design and fabricate some of these for quite some time now. The two pairs I recently finished made their debut at the craft show I participated in a few weeks ago (see previous post here). They received lots of compliments and I was even approached by a bride-to-be who asked if I could design a pair of custom cuff links. They would be a heartfelt wedding-morning gift for her future groom -- what a great idea!

At last, I have expanded my line of products to include pieces for men. And it is no coincidence that they are available just in time for Father's Day and wedding season ;)

Check out the new Millipede Cuff Links (shown above) here and the Dimple Cuff Links here.

Happy Birthday, chickens!

Last week marked the first birthday of our crazy chickens, Rocky, Boxy, Feathery and Princess (as you may have guessed, they were named by our small children).

We celebrated their first year with a "cake," made of rice and corn (their fav foods). Our feathered friends clucked happily while they gobbled it up, but we took a pass on having a slice of that treat.

Our first year of raising chickens has been full of memories -- those tiny fluff-ball chicks, their big move into the new coop, the FIRST egg!, the time they escaped while we were on vacation...the list goes on and on, and they still manage to amuse us endlessly.

Our family takes great pride in having chickens as pets and egg producers. We highly recommend it! Anyone interested in learning about raising backyard chickens can read more here.

Unexposed Talent: IMH Designs

IMH (In My Hands) Designs creates bold and beautiful clutches that would be the perfect accessory for your summer soirees.

This week's Unexposed Talent makes each of these high-quality clutches by hand in a variety of fabrics from casual to formal, traditional to modern. There is a clutch for every gal's style in this shop.

A portion of all sales will be donated to charity, making your purchase rewarding in more than one way. (Read more about crafting for charity here.)

Visit IMH Designs' Etsy shop to see their full selection of cool clutches.

Matryoshka Mania

Ever since I saw the crochet pattern for the Roly-Poly Matryoshka Dolls (see previous blog post about this here), I have been smitten with those little Russian crafted souvenirs. So, to satisfy my craving for these nesting dolls, I have put together a little gallery of some of my favorite Matryoshka-theme crafted items. Enjoy!

(clockwise from top left:Orange Nesting Dolls Wall Decals, Organic Lavender Matroyshka Doll, Babushka Brooch 024, matroyshka cupcake decorations -- set of 16, Needle Book x Matroyshka in green polka dot, Nintendo DS Lite / Camera / Gadget Travel Case )

If, like me, you want to know a little more about them, read the history here.

An Idea Whose Time Has Arrived

Starting with a newspaper article I was reading on slow family living, I clicked through several links until I found myself on the website of the Future Craft Collective.

This brilliant organization's focus is to provide ways to build connections through crafting. On their site and blog, they offer various projects and tutorials to help get you on your creative way.

To give you an idea of what they are all about, the Future Craft Collective answers the question "What are we doing?" with the following:

*We offer ideas for the promotion of self expression

*We want to provide a place for crafters and non-crafters alike to find inspiration

*We want kids to understand the thrill of creation over the desire of consumption

Great reasons to want to be involved, but it was Future Craft Collective's answer to "Why we do it?" that won me over:
"We truly see this as an idea whose time has arrived, and one aimed to arm families, friends and community groups from all over with the tools they need to craft positive change in the world!!"

Their tag line pretty much sums it all up. "Make Stuff Together."

Unexposed Talent: The Conemporary Wall Art Co

Give your room a modern flourish with Contemporary Wall Art Co's bold graphics.

This week's Unexposed Talent offers vinyl art decals that will look fabulous on your walls, windows, mirrors, fridges, and ceilings. The self-adhesive yet removable graphics are available in your choice of 18 colors, matte or glossy, and they will custom size most designs to your specifications, so you'll get exactly what you want for your space.

The coolest part? They can also create custom wall decals of your own photos.

Check out their new Etsy shop to see the collection of designs they are currently offering.

Craft Show Booth Makeover

This weekend was the debut of my new and improved show display and, frankly, it was such a relief to stand behind a display table that I could take pride in.

I participated my first craft/art shows last holiday season, and quickly learned how important merchandising and booth displays are. I needed to seriously rethink my table, so I started by reading related articles and obsessively looking at other artists' booth display photos on Flickr. This gave some good general ideas, and a few examples of what not to do. Then I remembered a fellow artist had told me about Bruce Baker's CDs on booth design and sales techniques, so I ordered them up and heeded his insight.

When redesigning my display, I considered table height, varying levels, signage, colors, and overall impression. When at the show, I kept in mind the great advice he gave about selling, like standing as much as possible and never using the word "no."

I definitely saw a difference in how my jewelry was received by shoppers. Because I had made it easier for them to view my pieces, they stayed longer and tried more pieces on. And because I had a new view on how to interact with the customer, they asked more questions and stayed engaged in friendly conversation longer.

What a difference these changes have made. I hope to fill up my summertime schedule with more shows and events, and I plan on making retail selling a larger part of my business strategy.

If you are considering being involved in shows, or want to renovate your booth display, Craft show 101 is a great place to start. Good luck!

Unexposed Talent: KristineNoel

This week's Unexposed Talent is Kristinenoel. Based out of Houston, this photographer's images are captivating and reminiscent of the past.

Kristinenoel believes in "capturing the beauty of the actual." She describes her images as "new but they evoke a timeless and vintage feel through the artistic use of texture and processing."

Her Balloons on the Up and Up series would be a whimsical addition to any room, and her Red and Pink Poppies with Blue Sky (pictured above) is a stunning interpretation of the road side.

Kristinenoel's images demonstrate that "beauty is everywhere and in everything." Experience that everyday artistry in her shop, here.

Bloggers Unite for Hunger and Hope

BlogCatalog and Heifer International have partnered to call for the end of world hunger and start of hope today, "Bloggers Unite for Hunger and Hope" day. They have asked that bloggers use today's post to bring awareness to world hunger, so here goes...

The statistics of people living in "absolute poverty", or who are considered underfed or chronically hungry are staggering. Those unfair numbers are not just from far away places, but right here in the US as well.

What can you do? Buy a cow, give someone a micro-loan, make a small donation, click to give free rice, or take some other action to end world hunger.

"...the worst thing you can do is nothing." — Theodore Roosevelt

Millipedes and Indecision

My new work seems to be all over the place. Settling on one concept to design a new line around is proving to be a challenge lately. This indecision is just part of the creative process, I know.

I have buttons and millipedes and navels and other wacky concepts floating in a cloud above my head, but can't seem to pin one down.

These Millipede Earrings have made it to the finals. Their only other companion piece so far is the Millipede Ring . The Button Ring and necklace are an idea that could make a good line of jewelry as well, but these and other designs will have to be turned over in my head and developed further.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the designs I mentioned above -- all opinions welcome. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Backyard Beauties

While some parts of the country have recently had some wild weather, the Northeast has been enjoying a string of glorious days of sunshine and warmth.

I thought this would be a nice time for an inspiration spread, as we emerge from our homes and enthusiastically begin moving our lives outdoors again. Enjoy these photos from my own backyard.

Unexposed Talent: OhMyCake

Keeping in line with the previous post and making handmade gifts for children, this week's Unexposed Talent is OhMyCake.

Found this shop while browsing Etsy (I've done this before, haven't I?) and fell in love with the delightful sewn toys.

The shop has a small assortment of felt baked-goods that speak for themselves. I am drooling over the Strawberry Egg Tart and Cherry Roll and the Fruit Cake, which can be "cut" into 4 slices. I think the Pretend Play Food Donuts and Cookie (pictured above) takes the cake. Yum. And fun!

Handmade Friends

Between the holidays and the endless roster of birthday parties to attend, we have alot of kids' gifts to give throughout the year. I am always searching for crafty ideas that will satisfy the gamut of recipients, from infant to 8-year olds, both boys and girls.

A few months ago, I found Amigurumi crochet patterns of the cutest stuffed toys on Etsy (Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals). They were irresistible, so I bought a few patterns and and got to work figuring out how to stitch these fun little friends.

I am, by no stretch of the imagination, a seasoned crocheter. My crocheting experience before this endeavor included scarves, blankets, and any other item that is rectangular. So, crocheting these adorable 3-dimensional objects was an intimidating prospect. I soon learned I had nothing to fear. The patterns were very well written, with clear instructions and pictures to accompany me through the steps. Before long, I had a pile of Juggling Chickens, Horses, and BlueBirds to give.

Nuts About Crochet, and FreshStitches are two shops I have purchased patterns from, so I can attest to their great customer service, and easy-to-follow patterns. Amigurumi Kingdom and Amy Gaines also have some precious patterns. I am thinking Amy Gaines' Matryoshka Roly-Poly Dolls are going to be my next project. Wish me luck!

To learn more about Amigurumi click here. Watch a tutorial video here. I also found some free patterns (score!).

All Buttoned Up

A small silver button-like bauble sits atop a thin ring shank, making this this a delicate and delightful ring. The forged dome has two polished silver wires threaded through four holes, which stand out against the oxidized background and suggest a sewn-on button.

The "button" measures 11mm (slightly less than .5"), while the thin ring shank measures 1.5mm.

For more information on this piece, click here.

Unexposed Talent: M.E.K.O. Kids

This week's Unexposed Talent is M.E.K.O. Kids -- a line of THE most adorable children's wear.

Established by friends Leslie and Ashley, M.E.K.O.Kids opened their Etsy shop less than 2 weeks ago, but I have a feeling it won't be long before their business takes off. Their products include custom baby, toddler and kids apparel, plus bags, aprons and more.

The line was born out of the desire to create cute clothes for their own children that were still functional and affordable. These precious pieces, from dresses to patchwork shorts feature eye-catching fabrics from the likes of Amy Butler and Heather Bailey. Perfectly placed ruffles and pockets adorn the clothing, which is all machine washable and dryable.

They also make bags and aprons for grown-ups that are both stylish and practical.

Pop into their shop to see the whole line of beautifully sewn items. You won't be disappointed.

Artist Challenge: Create for a Cause

In tough times, sometimes it's easier to donate your skill and labor in lieu of money. As communities, businesses, and families alike struggle with cash flow, the organizations who count on the kindness of others to help those in need suffer even more. With that in mind, now seems like a good time to consider donating an item of your creation to the charity fundraiser of your choice.

Take a cue from Chuck from DownToTheWireDesigns who, after having the opportunity to design some pieces for a non-profit, realized that he could easily donate something to one auction a week throughout the year with little hardship to himself. (read his story, featured on the Etsy blog, here)

Tamara, from McFarland Designs, runs a project called Jewelry for Charity, where she donates a percentage of all her sales from both her bead shop and her jewelry shop to a different charity each month. She started the project in 2007 and as of March 2009, she has raised a whopping $9,685.00 for various causes. Read more about her Jewelry for Charity fundraising project here.

I recently had the opportunity to donate a necklace for a charity auction. Designing a piece that would reflect the specific sentiment of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day was a unique and satisfying challenge. To read more about my experience designing the necklace, click here.

As artists and crafters, we should consider ourselves lucky to have the ability to create objects of value. For the price of our donated time and materials, we can help improve our own communities and beyond, one treasure at a time.

If you need a hand choosing a cause, Charity Navigator can help you find one that's right for you.

Ethical Metalsmiths

The following is an excerpt from Ethical Metalsmiths' December newsletter:
It has been shocking to learn that the precious metals and gems that are integral to our work are shadowed by a dubious past. None of us made a decision to work with silver mined by children or gold leaving a trail of mercury contamination. No one believes that supporting armed conflict or polluting rivers to make jewelry is acceptable. No one thinks mining should have absolute priority over all other public land uses in the US. No one knowingly wants to make, buy or wear jewelry that is tarnished by such practices.

Although mining issues are complex and far reaching, we believe that well-informed metalsmiths and jewelers, because of their deeper knowledge and connection with materials and their understanding of the cultural and social values of jewelry, have a unique perspective and potential to bring about needed changes. This is why we founded Ethical Metalsmiths. Click here to read the full article.

Please visit the Ethical Metalsmiths website to sign up to receive their newsletter and find out what you can do.

Unexposed Talent: Half a Cup of Tea

Half a Cup of Tea, this week's Unexposed Talent, caught my eye while window shopping on Etsy a few weeks ago. The shop features miniature paper treasures that capture the imagination and fascinate all who see them.

Glory, the Hong Kong-based paper artist started out as a buyer on Etsy, but during her year of browsing the endless shops, her creativity was stirred. She began honing her paper engineering skills, and after a series of small "accidents," ended up with a line of the most fascinating tiny paper sculptures.

Here's what the artist has to say: "I like to picture a complete scene with meticulous details everywhere. I imagine I'm painting a tiny picture with my knife. The process is painstaking, but the result is stunning and satisfying. And I always like to incorporate emotional elements or storytelling qualities in my art."

Her pop-up bookmarks are a delight and would be a cherished gift for the reader in your life. The 3"x 3" framed Cuckoo Cuckoo Miniature Paper Sculpture , with its mind-boggling details, would be a conversation piece for years to come.

Visit Half a Cup of Tea's Etsy store and you'll quickly be as enchanted as I was.

To read more on paper engineering and pop-up books, check out the post In Praise of Paper Engineers and Magical Lives from the blog, 'L' is for Latte.

How Craft-Based Manufacturing Can Provide Self-Sufficiency for the Homeless

I recently learned about Project H Design, a charitable organization whose tag line is "Product design initiatives for Humanity, Habitats, Health, and Happiness."

Project H Design has an initiative called Abject Object, which focuses on assisting the Los Angeles homeless in finding healthy, creative, and educational ways to move towards self sufficiency.

To learn more about how Abject Object is "Moving from a 'hand out' to a 'hands on' model of rehabilitation", click here.

For more information on Project H Design, click here.

Seed Time!

Ahhh...back from our family vacation. We got a sweet sampling of summer weather, but our beachy glow was quickly extinguished when we came home to a frigid downpour. An over-stuffed mailbox produced some much-awaited items that soon made our day seem sunny again. The seeds and seed potatoes had arrived. Let the fun begin!

We wasted no time and started the seeds yesterday.

The tried-and-true vegetables came first: tomatoes (large and cherry), peppers, zucchini, butternut squash, basil, and cucumbers are all on their way to germination. Next came a few new varieties we added this year: watermelon and birdhouse gourd (we're excited to dry the ripened gourds and make them into homes for our backyard friends). I have never had any luck with corn, but we are going to give it one more try, since the seed company included them as a freebie (anyone have any advice?).

There are plenty more veggies to go, but they will be sown directly into the garden: lettuce, sugar snap peas, rainbow chard, carrots, string beans, kale, and various herbs. Some will be planted as soon as we can wade out into the mud pit that is our garden, some will have to wait until after the danger of frost has passed.

The garlic is up (pictured above), after wintering in the frozen earth. We regret not planting parsnips last fall, as we would be pulling those sweet treats and adding them to soups right about now.

This year's all-organic, mostly-heirloom garden promises to be our biggest ever. We have found a new use for the forgotten sandbox by turning it into a raised bed for the potatoes. I also have my eye on a grassy patch that would make a great spot to grow some fruit.

As our garden takes shape and the seedlings turn to plants, the rewards for our efforts bloom before our eyes. Few things are more satisfying than home-grown food. Happy gardening!

Click here to learn more about when to plant what.