My battery is flat. I have no energy or enthusiasm for anything (not even this site) other than eating cakes and moaning about being stressed. The wedding is stressing me out and I’ve given up the exercise.

I’m intelligent enough to know that if I eat fast food and cakes and do no exercise I’m bound to feel sluggish and cranky but when I feel sluggish and cranky I want a cream cake and to sit in my pj’s all day. Ahhh it’s a vicious circle so it is!

So, me and Him Indoors are off for some battery recharging on what we call our ‘geriatric holiday’. Long siestas, lots of reading, afternoon teas and paddling in the sea. I hope it does the trick.

Back next weekend xx

Posted: May 16th, 2008 under Life stuff.
Comments: none

Following a slump in COTW posts I am over the moon about the latest one. Emily of Subu is not only a huge inspiration, but a wonderfully kind and talented individual. If you don’t believe me…read for yourself:

Tell me a little bit about yourself, how old are you, when did you first get into crafting, how long have you been doing Subu inc?
I am turning the big 3-0 this year and am finally doing the things that I want to be doing. I have always been creative in one sense or another. Growing up with a mother as an artist and a father who dabbled in ceramics meant that we were always encouraged to create and play. Having said that, I stated making books about 2 1/2 years ago and have been quietly obsessed ever since. Subu, Inc was the natural progression as a I didn’t have room [or enough friends] to pass along my stuff too.

Tell me more about Sue and Rose. How did they inspire you to name Subu inc after them, what about them influences the way you craft/approach things?
From what I have been told, Subu was an amazing woman by all accounts. She was kind, generous, loving, funny, and downright crafty. She was always working on some project, whether it was a blanket, a sweater or some delightful article of clothing. Rose was a spunky, strong and independent woman. I hope that I am a compilation of the wonderful qualities of my grandmothers and am thrilled to be able to honor their memory is such a fun way. I couldn’t think of a better way to keep them close to my heart.

Do you think that coming from a crafty family has helped you or has made it harder to find your own niche?
I think that the desire to create something has always been in my blood. I loved art in school but never really thought that I could make a career out of it. It wasn’t until a few years ago that my fingers found their niche. I think that for a lot of people it’s about trial and error, about playing around in different mediums until you find the one that fits just right. Does that have anything to do with my family, who knows. I do consider myself to be quite lucky to have found bookmaking though. I can’t even remember what my life was like without it!

What do you love most about paper?
I think the better [and shorter] question is what don’t I like about paper…and that would be nothing. There are so many different variations to paper: color, texture, size, shape…No two sheets are the same. And everything makes a gorgeous book.

Which of your creations are you most proud of and why?
My newest creation is always the one I am most proud of. Sounds lame, I know. But it’s true. I fall in love with each piece that I make. The feeling of accomplishment when I am done is just amazing; I am pretty much beaming after each one. I think my fiance is a little sick of me saying: “Look babe, isn’t this amazing?!” I think he is just humoring me at this point.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement with your work/designs?
My greatest achievement would have to be that I am able to continue doing what I love and be profitable. I am in awe with each and every sale that I make, each blog feature, write-up or review, and each request I get from companies to create products for them. I am truly amazed at the response I get for my work and relish in every minute that I am able to continue doing what I love.

How important is the internet to you in reaching buyers for your items? 
I would say it’s about as important as food and water. In all seriousness, I don’t think I would be able to do what I am doing. The vast majority of my business comes from online customers, whether they are large companies or individual buyers in places like the UK, France, Italy, Canada, and India. I also wouldn’t be able to reach as wide of a market within the United States. 

Describe your work in 5 words.
eco-friendly, fun, spunky, simple yet sophisticated

What are your goals for the coming year?
To take over the world…oh wait, that’s next year’s goal. This year I am focused on continuing to do what I love and make pretty books. Success is just a wonderful by-product of my passion.
 
Whose work do you feel deserves attention?
There are so many fabulous crafters that I am lucky to connect with on a regular basis that I don’t know if I could pick just one. Here are two current favorites:Lauren Haupt. Her work is amazing. I love the vibe of her jewelry. Carol Lee Designs - she has two fantastic lines of greeting cards [HateMail and JunkMail] that are just amazing. 

 What’s the most rewarding thing about what you do?
I think the connection with other people is the most rewarding. I have the best customers who leave the most kind and uplifting feedback. I have been brought to tears on a few occasions. Also knowing that I am helping to reduce waste and take care of the planet one piece of paper at a time gives me an excuse to continue on.

What’s the most difficult thing about what you do?
Stopping. I am pretty addicted to crafting and feel like I go through withdrawal when I don’t have the opportunity to make things. Oh and walking out of a craft store withOUT purchasing something. That’s really hard.

Posted: May 11th, 2008 under Crafter of the Week.
Comments: none

Tell me a little bit about yourself, how old are you, when did you first get into crochet, how long have you been doing Jay Bird Designs, how did this develop into your current site/store?
My name is Jennifer J. Cirka, aka J, and I am 34 years old. I am happily married to my husband, Ron, of 5.5 years and together we have a beautiful 5 year old little girl named Heather. We are originally from Pittsburgh but have been living in the wonderful Western Slope of Colorado for the past 8-11 years. I learned the basics of crochet from my maternal grandmother when I was really little. It wasn’t until after high school when I picked up a book called “Teach Yourself to Crochet” that I really learned how to do it. Plus, I am still learning new techniques all the time! I started out making baby blankets for all my friends and then in 2003, after the birth of my daughter, I found out about the ebay boutique community. I had always had a knack for sewing and crafts, so I thought I’d try my hands at making children’s clothing. I needed something to make my items stand out more, so I started adding crocheted accessories to the sets. Eventually I realized that my crocheted items sold better than the sewn, so I started focusing my direction towards crochet.
In the beginning of 2007 I started creating my own crochet patterns and have been very successful with them. This has now become the main focus of Jaybird Designs. But I still do love to sew, so you’ll see some sewn items too in my store!

How did you come up with the name Jay Bird Designs?

I grew up in a time where there were A LOT of little girls named Jennifer. I was usually one of 6 in each class. So I had a lot of nicknames growing up….and one of them was Jaybird.

Tell me more about My Pink Zebra Boutique. What inspired you to create the site, do you do it yourself, what do you enjoy most about doing the site?

The Pink Zebra Boutique is an actual boutique in Texas, owned and run by my best friend Trevor. She is also a children’s wear designer who sells under the name Kraftymommas Boutique. The shop has been open since January of 2007. In August of 2007 she decided to open a corresponding website and she asked me to run it for her. The site/shop is AMAZING!! It features designs from over 15 different independent designers from around the US. We make custom and ready-to-ship items for babies, moms, children, and the home. You’ll find just about anything you could want on the site, and if you don’t, just contact us and I’m sure one of the designers would love to work with you to create the perfect item!

What do you love most about crochet?

Crocheting relaxes me, LOL! I can sit there mindlessly and watch a movie while I do it. I also love that it keeps my hands busy and is an excellent way for me to express my creativity!

Which of your creations are you most proud of and why?

That’s a hard one! I love almost all of my designs, LOL! But, I would have to say it is the “In Her Easter Bonnet” pattern in the April 2008 edition of Crochet World Magazine. This design was the first item I had ever submitted to a magazine for publication!! To have my first submitted design accepted is a huge accomplishment and it was a huge boost to my spirit that told me I was headed in the right direction with my business! Then, when the magazine came in the mail and I realized it had made the cover, I think I called everyone I knew!! A COVER!!!! On my first design!! YES, I am definitely proud of this one!

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement with your work/designs?

I feel my greatest achievement has been to get others enthused about crocheting!! I teach beginners crochet classes at my local yarn store and I love seeing their faces when they learn a new art! I love seeing what others have made from my patterns and love hearing their comments on how excited they are about what they have made.

How important is the internet to you in reaching buyers for your items? 

Very important! Without the internet, there would be no Jaybird Designs. There is not enough interest in crochet locally for me to support my business.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere!! I really love looking at sewn clothing and accessories and then trying to create the same look in crochet.

What are your goals for the coming year?

I would like to have 5 designs accepted for publication in 2009, which means they will be accepted this year. I would also like to create 5-6 designs for self-publication
 
What (if any) crafty sites/blogs do you visit regularly?

Some of my fellow crocheters:

http://kimguzman.bravejournal.com/

http://journals.aol.com/crochetwithdee/CrochetWithDee

http://blog.thecrochetdude.com/

http://www.gocrochet.blogspot.com/

some general crafty and boutique  blogs:

http://ycmt.wordpress.com/

http://www.designersnotion.blogspot.com/

http://dashinfashion.blogspot.com/

http://secretsfromthestudio.blogspot.com/

What’s the most rewarding thing about what you do?

Teaching others to crochet!

What’s the most difficult thing about what you do?

I have a hard time deciding on how much money to charge for each of my items, LOL!!

Posted: May 5th, 2008 under Knitting/Crochet, Crafter of the Week.
Comments: none

Tell me a little bit about yourself, how old are you, when did you first get into art, how long have you been working as an artist, how did this develop into your current works?
 
My name is Deirdre Gill and I am twenty-eight years old. I have always loved art,illustration and being crafty. Growing up I would spend hours upon hours creating some piece of artwork or another. I the decided to major in illustration in college, because I loved creating a narrative in my work. While in college I developed my love of design and pattern.

How did you come up with the name Clever Bird?

When my fiance, who is also an illustrator and designer, and I decided to start our own design studio, we knew we wanted a name that was intriguing and somewhat “organic” sounding. We were so in awe of a scene from a David Attenborough documentary in which the Bowerbird, from New Guinea, creates a sort of gallery or instillation in his nest to attract his mate.  He collects beautiful objects like flowers, beetle wings and berries and meticulously arranges them. This bird is a true artist. We found out that the natives of New Guinea call him “Cleverbird”. So this is how we came up with our name.
 
Tell me more about the Green Guide for Kids. What inspired you to create the site, do you do it yourself, why do you think it’s important to focus on teaching kids green issues?
 
Protecting the environment is an issue that I hold dear to my heart. Last year I decided to write and illustrate a “Green Guide” for kids. Along the way I decided to start the blog as a way to reach out to kids, parents and teachers in order to share ideas and inspiration for protecting the planet. As of now I write the blog by myself, but I would love to get more kids involved sharing their ideas and experiences. I truly think that kids are great agents for change. They have seem to have a boundless energy and belief that they can do anything. Instead of sitting around talking about doing something, they just do it.

What do you love most about working with the materials that you do?

I mostly paint in oils. I love how rich the color is. And if I mess up I can always paint over it.

Which of your illustrations are you most proud of and why?
I would have to say that I am most proud of either The Kite or Alphabet. I think that they both have a strong sense of design and color. I tend to like the work that I had the most fun in doing. And both of these pieces were a lot of fun to paint.

- What do you feel has been your greatest achievement with your work?

I think that my greatest achievements are still to come. Especially with the book I am working on, The Green Guide for Kids. I feel that it has the potential to inspire kids and make a real impact on their lives.

You are based in Brooklyn. The New York scene seems so huge I’d worry about being lost in the crowd, do you find it to be inspiring or intimidating? Tell me more about what the scene is like there for an insiders point of view?

New York scene is a little overwhelming. Artists here are a dime a dozen. But Brooklyn’s art scene is stronger than ever, and a little less mainstream. There is a real creative vibe in my neighborhood. There are writers, illustrators, crafts people and musicians everywhere. People around here are pretty supportive of eachother’s work.

How important is the internet to you in reaching buyers for your items?

The Internet is a great way to spread word about your work. I discovered ETSY only a few months ago and I love it. There are so many talented artists. And it is so satifying knowing that you are supporting artists when you buy from ETSY.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from many different artist and periods in art. But I am most inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and Japanese art. I also love to look at patterns.

What do you love most about working with the materials that you do?

 I mostly paint in oils. I love how rich the color is. And if I mess up I can always paint over it.

Which of your illustrations are you most proud of and why?

I would have to say that I am most proud of either “The Kite” or “Alphabet”. I think that they both have a strong sense of design and color. I tend to like the work that I had the most fun doing. And both of these pieces were a lot of fun to paint.
 
What do you feel has been your greatest achievement with your work?

I think that my greatest achievements are still to come. Especially with the book I am working on, The Green Guide for Kids. I feel that it has the potential to inspire kids and make a real impact on their lives.
 
You are based in Brooklyn. The New York scene seems so huge I’d worry about being lost in the crowd, do you find it to be inspiring or intimidating? Tell me more about what the scene is like there for an insiders point of view?

The New York scene is a little overwhelming. Artists here are a dime a dozen. But Brooklyn’s art scene is stronger than ever, and a little less mainstream. There is a real creative vibe in my neighborhood. There are writers, illustrators, crafts people and musicians everywhere. People around here are pretty supportive of eachother’s work.
 
How important is the internet to you in reaching buyers for your items?

The internet is a great way to spread word about your work. I discovered ETSY only a few months ago and I love it. There are so many talented artists. And it is so satifying knowing that you are supporting artists when you buy from ETSY.
 
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from many different artist and periods in art. But I am most inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and Japanese art. I also love to look at patterns.
 
What are the main characteristics of your work? How would you describe your work in 5 words.

My work today is a marriage of pattern, color, design and narrative. If I had to use five words to describe my work they would be: Color. Curiosity. Pattern. Nature. Wonder.

What are your goals for the coming year?

I’d love to get my book published and to do more of the artwork that I love to do.

Whose work do you feel deserves attention?

My friend and classmate Kristen Branch makes 3-D illustrations with puppets. The final result is awesome!

What (if any) crafty sites/blogs do you visit regularly?

I visit the wedding blog “Something Old Something New” religiously. And not just because I am engaged. Mackenzie, the blogger, has a great sense of design and style. I also like to browse her line of invitations when I need a little inspiration. I also love Print and Pattern.

http://kenziekate.blogspot.com/
http://www.kenziekate.com/
http://printpattern.blogspot.com/

What’s the most rewarding thing about what you do?
 
I love when people enjoy my work. And I get to work from home.

What’s the most difficult thing about what you do?

Maintaining the balance between art that is inspired and commercial.

Posted: May 5th, 2008 under Art/Illustration, Crafter of the Week.
Comments: none

It’s a bank holiday. Correction, it’s a sunny bank holiday. Elaboration, it’s a sunny bank holiday in which Him Indoors is in the same city as me and I’m foolishly at work! Cue some sticking it to the man by using some of my day to get posts up on the site.

One of my more recent projects (no pics cos I *still* can’t find camera cable) was a small tote bag and pocket for holding it which attaches to my keys. This is because almost every single time I go to Aldi up my street I never have enough room in my bag for my shopping and don’t want to pay for another bag that will just sit in the pile in the kitchen drawer.

With more and more supermarkets pledging to do their bit to reduce plactic bag waste and encourage shoppers to re-use bags, I doubt I’m the only person carrying their own bags about and that’s definitely a step in the right direction.

 But what about the non-crafty among us? Don’t you think if they had a pretty tote to hand they’d use it instead of a vile plactic carrier? Of course they would - so enter Morsbags…

The simple idea behind Morsbags is to get together with people in your local community, drink wine (personally I’d prefer a nice hot chocolate and cake) and make reusable cloth bags (from old duvet covers, curtains from charity shops etc) and hand them out to the unsuspecting public for free on specified dates outside different supermarkets. You get to meet new people, do something marvellous for the planet, get your craft on and beat other pods (groups) of baggers with your morsbag tally (nothing like some good ole fashioned competition).

Personally I’d love to see one of these in Glasgow (it seems a previous attempt has been made here). Interested crafters should head to go to www.morsbags.com and find out more about events/pods in their own area.

Posted: May 5th, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none

This weekend the third North Fife Open Studios event will take place when over thirty artists, designers and makers open their studios to the public.

Over the 3 and 4 May 2008 there is the opportunity to see a wide range of work including textiles, metal, glass, ceramics, jewellery and furniture. 

The event has a selection of routes covering Auchtermuchty, Dunshelt, Falkland, Newburgh, Collessie, Giffordtown, Cupar, Gauldry, Ladybank, Strathkinness, Blebocraigs, Wormit and Newport on Tay. 

One of the new participants this year is wood artist Leo Norris, who is based in Ladybank.  He uses local hardwood grown in Fife and metal to create a range of objects including clocks, bowls and mirrors.   His work often features recycled materials.

North Fife Open Studios is on Saturday 3 May 2008 from 10am to 7pm and Sunday 4 May 2008 from 11am to 5pm.  Participants display a white ‘open studio’ sign board with a number corresponding to their number in the brochure which can be downloaded, or just viewed, at www.openstudiosfife.co.uk

Posted: May 2nd, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none

Felt Nation, the first major exhibition of contemporary Mongolian felt to be shown in the UK, takes place this month in Glasgow.

The exhibition has been originated by the Collins Gallery in collaboration with the three main feltmaking associations of Mongolia: The White Circle Centre, Duuren Sanaa and the Sukhleg Felt Studio.

It will comprise a broad range of work from functional to decorative by leading makers, selected by Laura Hamilton, curator at the Collins Gallery during a research visit to Mongolia in 2007, in partnership with the three group directors and Swedish curator and collaborator, Gunilla Paetau Sjoberg.

It initially evolved from a study  visit by members of the Scottish Felters to Mongolia in 2005 where they  attended a conference organised by  the White Circle, explored and experimented with felting techniques and established partnerships with local specialists .

Although feltmaking is more of a craftform than an industry in Scotland, it nevertheless draws on an abundant resource of wool and offers an alternative means of utilising a material traditionally used in the now declining weaving and knitting industries.  In comparison, the Mongolians or “people of the felt walls” have produced and developed felt for over 2,000 years, making it an integral part of their lifestyle, embodying clothing, containers, furnishings and the very structure of their homes or gers. It has always and indeed remains an important form of currency.  

Many of the traditional applications were suppressed under the Soviet-backed socialist regime but since 1990, the Mongolian government has actively encouraged a nationwide review, revival and expansion of the craft.  The consequent developments in applications, new techniques and the integration of traditional with contemporary motifs, have created an exciting and innovative body of work of an international calibre. 

The exhibition will present an overview of current practice alongside an exploration of the roots of this indigenous art form, concerning processes, customs and taboos associated with different parts of the country, materials, the origins of complex, geometric patterns and abstracted animal motifs, and the symbolic uses of colour, embroidery and appliqué.

Exhibits will include: garments, accessories, rugs, hangings and a half sized ger.  Resource material will comprise : graphics of common designs, samples of different types of felt (made from camel hair, goat hair, sheep’s fleece, natural and chemically/organically dyed ), documentary films of traditional and contemporary processes produced by the Scottish Feltmakers and by the Sukhleg Felt Art Studio, and translations of poems pertinent to feltmaking traditions, collected by Professor L. Batchuluun, author of the internationally recognised, academic monologue: “Felt Art of the Mongols”.

The exhibition is supported by a full day Sympsiom on Saturday 10 May with presentations about the Scottish Feltmakers’ study visit to Mongolia, a review of partnerships between Swedish and Mongolian feltmakers, a historical exploration of Central Asian feltmaking and textile art, an examination of the wide cultural diversity which exists in Mongolia and its impact on traditional and contemporary textile crafts and the development and promotion of “felt painting” by the Sukhleg Felt Art Studio.  There will also be demonstrations by visiting Mongolian makers at lunchtime and at the end of the day.

Workshops/demonstrations by visiting Mongolian makers will also be held on Monday 12 May and Tuesday 13 May 2008.

Felt Nation: Contemporary Mongolian Textile Art is on from 10 May to 21 June 2008 (closed 26 May 2008 at the Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ. Tel: 0141 548 2558    Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 12 noon to 4pm.  Admission free.

Posted: May 2nd, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none

Before I tackle the most ridiculous pile of posts and tasks I just wanted to do a simple post to say I’m acutely aware that post-Paris things have taken a distinct slide on the site.

I *know* that the site only seems to get the odd event and Theme Thursdays and little else but I have excuses (shouldn’t that read ‘reasons’?) folks.

The lack of photos on here is because I can’t find my damn USB cable and the reason I can’t find my cable is because my craft room currently resembles a garage as the bathroom is still being renovated so the craft room is full of sawdust, grout, tiles and towel rails.

The reason I haven’t posted about my Sampler goodies is because I wanted to include a pic. The reason I haven’t posted a COTW in a while is because I was waiting on responses and now I have a couple ready to start putting up (just in time for busy weekend with Him Indoors. Argh.).

OK, listing all this is not getting any of the above done (and I have to make an apron for a swap deadline due tomorrow!! Eeks). I just wanted to let you know the site is still v important to me and, if you stick around, I’ll try my best to make things up to you - it’s a new month after all!

Posted: May 1st, 2008 under Site stuff.
Comments: none

Deadline: October 2008 (RECEIVE)

Objects of Desire 2009
Chapel Gallery
Ormskirk, Lancashire
WHAT: Artists invited to submit work for selection in annual contemporary craft group exhibition.
WHO: Artists working in ceramic, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, lighting, furniture etc.

Please send a c.v., artists statement and a selection of approximately 6 images via email (jpg’s), CD or prints to:

Ruth Owen, Gallery Officer,
Chapel Gallery
St. Helens Road
Ormskirk, Lancashire
L39 4QR
(email) ruth.owen@westlancsdc.gov.uk

Visit website for complete details: chapelgallery.org.uk/current_opportunities

Posted: April 27th, 2008 under Events.
Comments: none

I don’t know if I mentioned it before but before I started this crafty site of mine I worked on another site which was all about music (as well as one on snowboarding and skateboarding).

I would spend most nights at gigs or interviewing bands. This carried on for over 10 years but things have changed and only last month my hosts finally deleted the last remnants of the site from their server.

The site and my job (and just band-related things in general) took over my life and I went cold turkey for a long time, but this past week I have been enjoying trawling the internet for new bands and gigs to look forward to.

So (I know you’re people of fine tastes), tell me, what song is rocking your world right now?

Personally I can’t get enough of the new Death Cab song today..

Posted: April 25th, 2008 under Life stuff.
Comments: none