This, that and the other…

Lots of updates for you, so I'm going to keep it short and sweet and assorted. First up, I'm over on the Blue House blog today with a new Eye Candy theme: The Circus! Head on over to have a look at some of the great images I found related to the circus.

Next up: This weekend is the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale. I'll be a vendor there in booth #43 (just about the same spot I was in last year). This is one of my favorite shows of the year and as a special treat, I will be releasing my new — hot-of-the-presses — illustrated 2012 calendar.

And last but not least, I am so pleased to be part of the new Poppytalk Handmade "Mixed Tape" market. This is a stellar virtual craft fair and I am at lucky table number 99. There is an amazing collection of artists in this market, so please do go poke around on the site.

That's it for now, lovely readers — have a great day!

Eye Candy over at Blue House

Finca Bellavista, Costa Rica via Adventure Journal

No, that's not my on that zip line headed to my new life, but I am over on the Blue House blog today with another round of Eye Candy. This time we're looking at—no surprise here—cabins! Come on over and play along, why don'tcha?!

Picnics, petals and planes

Happy Friday, lovelies. This is just a quick little shout out before I pack up the car and head out today for the Indieana Handicraft Exchange in Indianapolis tomorrow. It was a wee bit late in the day so you might have missed it, but I posted a new Eye Candy over on the Blue House blog yesterday.  The theme was picnic and that is something I am looking forward to many of this summer!

Last week, I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Brianne from Petal + Handmade = Love. She has a feature called "Who Is Art" and asks really thoughtful questions. It was fun to reflect on things a bit. You can read it here.

You may think I haven't been thinking of you with these long lapses between posts, but I have — really.  I took this photo for you on my way home from work yesterday. See? It was just such a funny thing to see lying by the side of the road — I thought you would enjoy it. I will get back to posting more regularly soon… there is light at the end of my overscheduled schedule and I am determined to slow down a bit and enjoy this summer. I hope you'll be here with me! And now, I'm off to the kitchen for a little quick baking. I'll have a recipe for you next week!

Blue House Picnic

I'm over on the Blue House blog today and we're goin' on an Eye Candy picnic! Hope you'll tag along!!

Handmade printed jewelry rack

  

I spent a wonderfully crafty Sunday afternoon at Blue House this weekend helping teach a simple printmaking workshop. We designed handmade stamps and decorated pieces of wood to be transformed into racks — coat, hat, jewelry, etc. The pegs are made from found branches and I love the rustic feel of them. I forgot to bring my camera to class, so don't have photos of the other racks made — too bad because they are gorgeous! I hadn't planned on this rack being a vertical piece, but when I brought it home, the boy suggested it and it's just perfect! So clever, that boy. This way, it fits perfectly into the space I had and I can be completely lazy and just lean it against the wall, rather than hanging it. Isn't it funny how a good suggestion seems so obvious after it's said? It's the perfect display for all my favorite jewels from Courtney Fischer Jewelry, Muggy Tuesday and Glass Action. Yay!

We'll be teaching a second part of the printmaking series on Tuesday, April 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The second class will focus on printing on fabric for your home. There's still room, so head on over to the Blue House web site to register!

 I'm adding this one last photo late in the game so you can really see the pegs!

Happy birthday, Blue House!

Have you heard the news? Blue House has a new blog! Siobhan and the BH are just about to celebrate one year of Blue House crafty goodness and now there's even more reason to celebrate — especially for those of you not in the area! Contributors far and near have already started a slew of posts: DIY projects, crafty book recommendations and more. Today, I posted what I hope to be the beginning of a series called Eye Candy that I hope you will want to participate in. It starts with some inspiration… have a look and play along, won't you?

Handmade home decor for you!

Printmaking fun at Blue House with Siobhan and Nicole! That's right, it's National Craft Month and Siobhan and I will be teaching a fun new series of workshops so that you can join in the festivities! Come on over and learn easy printmaking techniques to add handmade charm to your home.

PRINTMAKING SERIES: HANDMADE HOME DECOR
SESSION 1: Wood  I  Sunday, March 27 @ 12PM - 3PM
SESSION 2: Textile I  Tuesday, April 12 @ 6PM - 9PM

Each session we will introduce a new method and show you how it can be applied to a variety of simple, fabulous DIY projects.The projects do not require special or expensive equipment and you'll leave each session with a completed project ready to adorn your home and the know-how to inspire future projects.  All skill levels and experience welcome! Each session is $48 or $86 for both. 

Register by email bluehouseannarbor[at]gmail[dot]com or by phone: 734-780-1762.

Hope to see you there! And don't forget, this Thursday is the March Crafty Meetup at Blue House. Sign up here!

Local Love: Miss Monet Photography

 

Think pickles! These silly, fun, charming photos were taken at the Blue House MittenMade Holiday Craft Show by the talented Monet of Miss Monet Photography. She's so fun and easy-going that even I — who am extremely resistant to photos — was happy to jump in. (That's me, just below.) It seems to take her just a mere second, yet the results are amazing. She's certainly got that special touch. Miss Monet is offering $25 off the session fee if you book by February 1 — just mention that you saw it here. So if you're in the Ann Arbor area, drop her a line! 

(That's silly Miss Casey of Fartsy Arts — she's just brimming with a sense of humor that's reflected in her art!) You can check out the rest of the MittenMade Holiday Photo Booth shots here.

Come get crafty at Blue House!

I was going to start this post by saying that now that it's getting cold out, isn't it time to find a new activity to occupy you while sitting cozy inside on a blustery day sipping cocoa? But then… it happens to be close to 70ºF here today. But we all know those days are coming soon enough! If you're in the Ann Arbor and are interested in that cozy indoor activity perfect for blustery winter days, why not learn to knit? I just so happen to be teaching a couple of workshops at Blue House Ann Arbor in the coming months.

Knit One

Just the basics to get you started: Learn to cast on, knit and cast off.

• Sunday, October 31: 1 - 3 p.m.

• Monday, November 8: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Knit One.2

Did you take Knit One but ned a little help remembering what to do next? Need a little refresher or helping starting a project? No problem, this session will get you back on track and started on an easy knitted hat that you can finish in time for the worst of the chilly Michigan winter.

• Tuesday, November 30 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

And if knitting's not you're thing, don't worry! There are plenty of other workshops to suit a wide range interests. 

• Learn to sew with uber-crafty Amanda Schott of Dang Argyle 

• Sign up for one of the new metal jewelry design classes with the oh-so-talented Courtney Fischer 

• Experience an amazing printmaking workshop with Marcy Davy of All Things Grow 

Check out the full listing of workshops on the Blue House web site!

And if you're not that into taking a class or don't have time, you can find handmade items from all of these artists in the consignment area at Blue House. Okay, that's my plug for today. As you can tell, I am smitten with the BH and want everyone to know it! 

Necklace love: Muggy Tuesday

I made just one purchase last weekend in Chicago and it was this beauty. For me it was all about the texture and color — an impulse I just couldn't resist. It was made by the two lovely sisters: Margaret (aka Muggy) and Sarah (aka Tuesday) who combined are the dynamic Muggy Tuesday. They live and craft together in Chicago creating gorgeous jewelry, hair accessories and home goods with recycled glass, crocheting and felting. Check out their shop, Facebook page, or tweets for more info.

And if you're in Ann Arbor, don't forget that tonight's MakersMeet at the Blue House. Bring your latest crafty project to work on and hang with the ladies. (Boys welcome, too, but you haven't made an appearance yet!) See you there!

Come be social & crafty at the Blue House

What are you doing with your bad self tomorrow evening? I know what I'll be doing to stay out of trouble: I'll be curled up in a comfy chair over at the Blue House gettin' my craft on. If you're in the Ann Arbor area, how about stopping by for a little crafty socializing? We're having a casual drop-in "MakersMEET," so pull up a chair with that project you've been working on, come start a new one you've been meaning to get to, or just come and chat and chill. Feel free to bring some wine, beer, snacks, what have you... or nothing at all but your sweet self. Now I just need to decide whether to bring the little sewing project (top photo) I started at the June MakersMEET and haven't touched since -- or my latest knitting project (bottom photo). Hope to see you there!

Mitten Made @ Blue House Preview

It's hip. It's handmade. It's crafty goodness. Are you excited yet? I know I am. It's just two more days until MittenMade, the two-day craft extravaganza we've got planned for you at Blue House Ann Arbor. And I knew some crafty folks who are scurrying around like crazy to put the finishing touches on their goods to show off to you. It's this Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24 and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. I hemmed and hawed over what to show off because there are so many great people coming to show off their wares, but I decided to share a little peek of a few vendors who were less familiar to me until recently or that I've only seen online. I can't wait to see them in person! Here we go:

Always the Forest

Almapottery

Little Sister Designs

365

Courtney Fischer Jewelry

All Things Grow

For a full list of vendors, check out the Facebook page for the event. There will also be treats on hand from Sweetwaters, Domino's and Decadent Delights.

But wait… there's more…

The first 50 shoppers each day will receive a sweet bag of swag from our most awesomest local business sponsors and many of the vendors. So come early, stay late! Get your art fair fix without braving the crowds on Main Street! We want to see your smiling faces!

P.S. So much happening at Blue House!

Just a quick little P.S. for today: There are some great things happening at Blue House Ann Arbor this week! There are still a few spots open in the beginners knitting classes I'm teaching on Wednesday:

Let’s Knit Together
Wednesday, May 26, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., $26
Designed to get kids introduced to knitting, this workshop is great for parents or caregivers to take with their little one. You’ll learn the basics, including casting on, the knit stitch and binding off. All materials included.

Knit One
Wednesday, May 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., $26
A small group gathering to get you started with the basics of knitting. You’ll learn to cast on, knit, bind off — and purling depending on how things go. All materials included.

For more info or to register, visit bluehouseannarbor.com, email bluehouseannarbor@gmail.com, call 734.780.1762 or drop by and check out the space! 1026 Main St. in Ann Arbor.

MakersMARK! Handmade Nation screening
There’s also still room for the Handmade Nation screening at Blue House this Tuesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. Handmade Nation documents the new wave of art, craft and design that is capturing the attention of the nation. It is the feature film debut of director, author, artist and curator Faythe Levine. Levine traveled to 15 cities and covered more than 19,000 miles to interview artists, crafters, makers, curators and community members. Email Siobhan Lyle at bluehouseannarbor@gmail.com or call 734.780.1762 to reserve your seat!

Hope to see you around the Blue House this week!

Happy Earth Day!

Come on out this Saturday for Re-Make, a FREE Earth Day event at the Blue House in Ann Arbor! There will be live music from Joe Reilly, hands-on eco-craft activities, demos and more. It runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and will be packed with family-friendly fun - so come on down!

Also, head on over to Indie Fixx right now because it's the last day to enter the Indie Fixx Earth Day giveaway. There are two prize options with lots of green goodies, including a print and note pad from me - yay! Don't you wanna be a winner?!?!

Casting off: Knitting at the Blue House

Doesn't she look like an old pro? Rory was one of the students in my first Knit One/Intro to Knitting workshop at the Blue House last week. In just two hours she, along with Julie and Kaylee, were casting on, knitting, casting off like they were born to it. We even got to some purling and laughing. I'm pretty sure they would all do it again. There's another workshop coming up next Friday evening, so if you're in the area and looking to learn how to knit, why not join us? Stay tuned for more dates or you can check out the Blue House web site for more workshops and info.

Come do arts and crafts with me

I was at a party recently with a friend who was wearing knee-high black leather boots with a sizeable heel. After a few drinks, someone made the suggestion that she was wearing "Come f*@%! me" boots. After a bit of stammering and gasping, she thrust her arm out pointing down at my colorful, chunky clown-like shoes (artfully shown above) and said, "Then what are those?"

Without missing a beat, he replied,"They're 'Come do arts and crafts with me' shoes."

Hey, what can I say? My shoes may not be sexy, but at least my message is consistent. Because that's my message for you today: Come do arts and crafts with me. Literally.

I'll be teaching a two-hour Intro to Knitting workshop on Friday, April 23 from 7-9 p.m. at the Blue House in Ann Arbor. We'll be making funky, modern accessories like a sassy knitted cuff or reusable sleeve for your coffee cup. I'll show you how to cast on, knit, check your gauge and cast off. We may not get quite as sassy as the cuff seen above by Dull Roar on Etsy, but I'll show you the skills to do just that. You might even pursuade me to teach you to purl if the group is game. Now doesn't that sound risqué?! The class is just $26 and includes yarn as well as a set of needles to take home. We've only got room for six students, so head on over to the Blue House website and sign up now.

And when you get to the Blue House, you'll know me by my shoes!