DIY Street Fair and 2012 Illustrated Wall Calendar

Here's a look at my tent at this past weekend's amazing DIY Street Fair in Ferndale. I don't have many photos beyond that, because I didn't make my way too much beyond that! It was a super busy, busy successful weekend and I thank everyone who came out and supported all the wonderful vendors.

I had run out of business cards recently, but didn't wan to order more just yet because I want to redesign them a bit. Instead, I punched out circles from some of my misprints and wrote all my info on them — people seemed to dig it. Hmmmm… do I still need traditional cards?!

I also debuted my new 2012 illustrated wall calendar — and it was a hit! I sold out early on Saturday, took orders to ship and then rushed home to bundle up some more for the final day! It is now available in my Etsy shop, too.

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!

DIYpsi Indie Art Fair & Craft Show

A fun time was had by all at the second DIYpsi event in Depot Town this Saturday. Thanks to everyone who came out — it was so nice to see so many familiar faces and good friends!

Indieana Handicraft Recap

First up: Sunday Afternoon Housewife. I met this clever, clever gal—the other Martha—at last December's Bazaar Bizarre in Cleveland and she was kind enough to play hostess for the weekend. She and her husband Mark live in a gorgeous old house with a menagerie of sweet beasties. Martha makes really fun Scrabble Tile pendants, glass tile pendants and silk screened tees. Her blog is a great source for crafty advice, tips and more.
 

Jess from Paper Acorn was also a guest at Martha's and it was great to have the chance to hang out with this lovely crafter who is a spectacular paper artist. Her display — as are her products — was as refined and beautiful as ever.

Oh my goodness! Aren't these the greatest?! These hand-crafted birds by Carol Davidson aka Davidson Handmade are just magnificent. She does not appear to be online, so all you get are these photos. Sigh…

Last but not least, Detroit's finest were on hand: Perfect Laughter was in the house with their latest in display perfection to showcase their silkscreened beauties. Their name banner was hand stenciled by Dennis — amazing! I am coveting, coveting, coveting their "The Cure for Anything is Salt Water: Sweat, Tears or the Sea" print.

Flint Handmade

Hello! I spent a great day in Flint this past weekend for the Flint Handmade Holiday Craft Market. Thanks to everyone who made it out — and if you couldn't get there, here's a peak. 

I got to admire a whole crew of monstas all day long with Frankenstitch Productions across the aisle from me. Stephanie is one talented lady with an incredible imagination. We traded and now Jungle Gym Jane and Nelson Sloth have a new home here in Ann Arbor. Aren't they sweet. Jane's head and tail wobble like crazy making her a really fun dancer. 

You might have noticed, too, that new little box to your right. I'm getting all fancy and started a real mailing list. I hope to send updates monthly, including special deals and discounts for subscribers. So give it a shot, join the list. And for those of you in the area, I look forward to seeing you at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday at the Fillmore!

Michigan Root Jamboree in Ypsi

I'm off to the 2010 Michigan Roots Jamboree today — a two-days outdoor music and art festival in Riverside Park in Ypsilanti with urban camping, local beers and a HUGE lineup of music. Come on down and check it out — it looks like the weather is going to be gorgeous! Admission is $20 per day, kids under 12 free. More info here. Have a great weekend!

Maker Faire Detroit 2010

As promised — finally some photos from last weekends Motor City Maker Faire at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Start looking for details for next year's Faire because it is really a sight to see! You can also check out the Detroit Maker Faire Flickr pool, join the Detroit Maker Faire Facebook page, and a nice roundup at Boing, boing.

The sign pretty much says it all!

Life-sized mouse trap board game. You can support this fantastic attraction (as well as a whole slew of crafty projects) over at Kickstarter.

And last but not least… Chris of Detroit GT shows off his wares from a revamped bread truck!!

Let the DIY HOLIDAY Season Begin: Especially in Detroit & Chicago!

Cheery new gift tags now available in the shop.

I have never been one to break into the holiday cheer business until well after Thanksgiving — it usually hits me about a week or so before Christmas and then I scurry around like a madwoman. But this year, being so much more involved with the online world of making stuff and with craft shows and all, I have been fully caught up in the business of holiday cheer since the very beginning of November.

This is where the world of online shopping is blessed: no dang Christmas music even if you do start your shopping early — the best! It's easy to get so caught up in it all that you think you are behind. I have to keep reminding myself, that, no, I'm actually ahead of the curve; it really is still a week before Thanksgiving. AND, I am so pleased to admit that I LOVE it. I love the whole kit and kaboodle of dwelling on gingerbread and candy canes, holly and ornaments way too early. So, as I said in the title of this post, "Let the Holiday Season Begin!!" Bring on the snow! And better still, bring on the shopping! I have two holiday oriented shows coming up right around the corner — come on out and be merry!

The first is this Saturday, November 21 in Detroit. It is the utterly fantastic Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Majestic Theater from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. I was new to the area last year and went as a shopper to this fair and it blew me away. An amazing roster of vendors, delicious food — and beer, what more could a giddy holiday shopper want?!?! So come on down this year and see what it's all about! More details and directions here: www.detroiturbancraftfair.com.

The second show is the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in Chicago, December 5 and 6. It's from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. To me, this is the mother of all craft fairs. Hundreds of tremendously talented vendors from near and far with such a wide variety of handmade items to share. I'll be sharing a table with the lovely, talented Michelle of Elevated Press who makes beautiful letter-pressed stationary.

Hope you are starting to feel the cheer, too!