First Blood

I've been sewing like crazy lately making all my t-shirt creations... and thankfully they've been well received. Yippee! It's so fun and rewarding to make something new from something old.

But, I think I started to get a little careless. On Friday... I had my first incident. I was cutting out the binding for one of the dresses and sliced my finger. I think the nail is what stopped the blade. Oh... and I had just changed the blade in my rotary cutter... so it was nice and sharp. At least that meant minimal pain... but tons of blood! I couldn't get it to stop long enough to get a band-aid one... so again, my 5 year old son had to come to the rescue. Robbie helped me bandage it so the bleeding would stop. I looked at it this morning and it's not pretty. It's fairly deep.

My husband's first question... did I get blood on what I was working on (caring right?... really, he was concerned about me). But no, I didn't get blood on anything. I hate cleaning messes, so of course, my first reaction was to go directly to the sink.

To much information? Sorry, I really like to share gory details... and I tried to keep it mild.

My finger is not so happy with me. I was sewing this morning and it seems that it automatically tucks itself in when I am sewing. It's totally involuntary. It makes it difficult to sew since it's my index finger and it's the one I use to feed the fabric through. I can't really blame my finger. After all, if the tip of my finger is it's head... then I slit it's throat - nearly decapitate it - haha!

Okay, enough rambling about my injury. Here are a few of the things I made these past two days. The green one already sold. Yippee!

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Personal Creative Challenge - May/June

Okay, so I've been looking at my stash of fabric and have decided that these beautiful fabrics need to get used. Of course, they are sitting them waiting for inspiration to hit me. Some of my fabrics sit there for a long time. Even if I know what I want to make out of them... it can take me months of figuring it out in my head before I even begin to make a pattern for it.

I also host periodic creative challenges for the local Etsy Street Team, EtsyRAIN (aka Puget Sound Indie Arts). So, I thought I should have my own little creative challenge each month. Since this one is starting in the middle of the month and I have some big shows to prepare for... I'm giving myself to the end of June. If I finish it before then, I'll just start a new one.

I'll post pictures of my creations here. Some pieces of fabric are quite large and might yield more than one item. I'll also be doing this along with the creative challenges I do for the group. This, the group one and my show should keep me plenty busy this summer... oh, and you can't forget all the fun the kids and I will be having!

So the first piece is this beautiful blue & green marbled velour type fabric (see photo). It's soft, but does have a nap (is that the right term), so it will have to be cut with that in mind. I have somewhere around three yards of this fabric (I think). It's also stretchy... so it will lend itself to many things. I'd love to hear ideas of what you picture this fabric becoming. I have a few of my own... but I'm not 100% sold on any of them. Maybe your idea will spark my imagination.

Stay tuned for pictures!

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Spring in Seattle

I love the beginning of nicer weather. I'd say that I love Spring here in Washington, but just a month ago, we had 12 inches of snow. Not exactly my idea of Spring. However, this weekend was very sunny... in the mid to high 80s. The sun was actually out long enough that I got a pretty good sun burn! But it is a small price to pay for the fun we had.

We spent our Saturday having a garage sale... well, the kids and my husband did. I was in bed sick for most of the day.

But, we started Sunday off meeting a few of my fellow PSIA group members at the University District Street Fair. It's quite the event. I went for the good company and to steal booth set-up ideas. Unfortunately, I didn't see any ideas that would lend themselves to what I need. I also didn't buy anything! Aside from some fantastic dragons made from paper mache, fabric and wire, I didn't see anything that I felt I had to have. A bit unusual for me. But it was great to spend a little extra time with some fellow crafty people.

The one thing we saw that was worthy of a picture, was the aluminum base that was being played by a member of the local group, The Tall Boys. I'm guessing he gets a lot of questions about the base because he had a tag on it that said "aluminum". They were entertaining and the base was super cool looking (see photo above)!

After the fair, we took the kids over to Gasworks Park. We were close because we stopped by Trina's in-laws first to pick up some more t-shirts for my latest obsession. Neither Kasey nor myself had been to this famous park. It's a cool place. I especially liked the big hill that sat on the edge of the water. It was a great place to view the Seattle cityscape - especially on a nice clear day. I had one of my T-Shirt capes in the car... so the kids modeled it for me while we were at the park. They love those capes... too bad I didn't have more than one... they ended up fighting over it.

Then Robbie had the idea of going to the zoo. It was only going to be open for a few more hours, so we agreed (we have passes). We spent the remainder of the afternoon walking around the zoo. Oh, and they have this great new feature there... you can feed the giraffes! Kasey, Robbie and Alyssa fed the giraffes (I passed since it was $5 a person). I can't tell you how excited both kids were! After the giraffes... we told Lyssie we were going to see the lions next. Lyssie's response was "yay! I pet lion". Uh... no.

We finished the day off with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. What a great Sunday... and I have to tell you, Kasey and I are exhausted! And this is just the beginning of the nice weather. We love summers here. The kids and I enjoy the beaches, the free concerts, the water parks, and so much more! I can't wait until school is out and we have no more commitments until the fall (ha ha... I think I'm kidding myself).

So, we begin another week... I am trying (unsuccessfully) to switch gears from t-shirt dresses back to costumes and crowns. I've applied for a three day show in Maple Valley with a fellow PSIA member, Meghan, and I need to stock up even more. I figure a three day show... I'm going to need double what I currently have. Especially since a month after that one, I'll have the Mill Creek two day show. I want to be sure I have plenty of merchandise! Busy! Busy! Busy!

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A recap of Edmonds

So, I'm finally getting around to reviewing the Edmonds show last weekend. If you didn't make it, you missed a lot of fun! I had such a great time. I wish all craft fairs could be like this one.

We gave out 50 fabulous gift bags (notice the bag in the woman's hand in the photo - the bags were also handmade and reusable!) to the first 50 people through the door and they were gone by 11:00! We had a great mix of vendors... kids stuff, jewelry, paintings, prints, crocheted and knitted items, eco friendly items and sooo much more! We also gave away door prizes every hour/half hour. Each vendor donated a full priced item... and some people walked away with some pretty fabulous things!

I did really well to top it all off. I was happy that people were buying. I also love when my items are well received. I got lots of positive comments... and my most popular items were crowns, scrappy little monsters and the alphabet bean bags! All of which I will have at my next craft show.

Speaking of more craft shows... Puget Sound Indie Arts is talking about some more shows in the fall. So if you missed this one, you can catch one of our others. I'll keep you posted as we have more details

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The first of many!

So, I just posted my first recycled t-shirt item in my shop. This was made from two shirts that I bought on Mother's Day. I can't wait to make more! I have a few other items to post... I hope to get them posted in the next few days. I'm so excited about these... I guess because they are so fun to make and it's rewarding using recycled materials and making them look new again.

Lyssie was pretty disappointed she didn't get to keep this dress. But I we can't keep them all! Currently all the dresses are her size... or just a little bit bigger. I'm hoping, in the future, to vary the sizes a bit more.

Yippee for going green!

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A Fun Filled Mother's Day

I'm not sure how much my kids would agree... but it was my day and so my kids were a little more willing to do the things I wanted to do. My first request... thrift store shopping! Ya, they were less than thrilled. We have a thrift store - next to a Value Village, that has all their clothes for just .99 every Sunday! Of course, you have to be willing to go through clothes that are sometimes a little icky. But, I found some great deals! I got tons of t-shirts (that's the laundry pile pictured to the right) that I will hopefully be transforming into new, fabulous and useful items. I'm very excited about this new obsession of mine. We cleaned them all last night and this morning I got to work! I hope to have things posted in my store no later than the end of the week.

After a few thrift stores, I suggested ice cream (I had been craving Baskin and Robbins for a few months now). This time, the kids were on board. Kasey and I indulged in our own sundaes and Robbie had a bowl of peppermint ice cream covered in gummy bears (mmmm). Kasey and I have decided that the sundae was something that we could never repeat. It was insanely huge... covered in hot fudge and caramel... and sprinkled with heath bar pieces. I'm still feeling guilty about it.

After the huge sundaes... we came home, the boys played a few video games and I got a little work done. We finished the day with the kids modelling for me a little bit. I am still playing with he new lights. I also have found (by accident) that "kids and pets" is not the camera setting to have it on when taking pictures of them inside under the bright lights. My pictures were a bit yellow. Live and learn! I look forward to another shoot with them cooperative. I'm sure it will be a while.

But overall, a fabulous Mother's Day. Not exactly a traditional Mother's Day... but a perfect one for me. Many thanks to my wonderful husband and my awesome kids.

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Payment in Fabric

You know what I love about having your own business? Accepting different type of payment! I've traded services before and that was fun. I got to share some of my pieces with some kids that really love them... and I got paid by a young artist's awesome paintings.

But, what I love most about being in business for myself is accepting fabric for payment! I made a custom I-Spy bean bag for Trina of WovenChains... and she paid me in pieces of fabric from her fabric stash! I told her to choose what she wanted to give me... that way it was a fun surprise!

Look what I got! I'm so excited! I've seen Trina at several PSIA events... and we have conversed online for a while... so she has had the chance to get to know me and little and my likes. I don't think she could have picked a better selection! I love the Asian prints... definitely a favorite of mine... Lyssie loves blap blaps and dragonflies... and the bright colors in the other ones are spot on! Yippee for me!

Yesterday I also got a stash of yarn from Dawn, ScaryWhiteGirl, (4 skeins) and while I did pay for them... I paid so little, I felt like she gave them to me... another win! I had such a fun day yesterday... I'll share more about the show later. Right now, I just wanted to gush about the fantastic materials I walked away with!

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Puget Sound Indie Arts in Edmonds - Part 6!

Yippee! We are sooooo close to the Edmonds fair. And, I'm very excited to share the last of the vendors with you!



Maluhia


I love that Jonah, the artist behind Maluhia uses japanese fabrics. These fabrics are so much fun! and they are unique - you don't see many of these floating around Seattle! As a side note, she sells her fabrics as well... so if you see the perfect fabric for that project you've been working on... check out her shop here!

Maluhia has a wide range of items from purses (picture on the left) to luggage tags. Her camera straps are fabulous! I'm considering one... and can't wait to check her out at the show.

And look at her Classyfied (pictured to the right). What a great, discreet way of carrying your girly items!

Also, Maluhia has contributed to the 50 free grab bags... and I hate to spoil... but it's in her shop and it's well worth the trip!
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Ottermoon Designs

I'm currently working on my pixie costume line... so this little flower dress caught my eye. It's sooo cute! I'd love to see my daughter sporting this. Ottermoon Designs has tons of adorable items for little ones from hats to dresses, sweaters to shorts.


I'm also a big fan of felted items. And Ottermoon has some great felted items. Look at the colorful felted rocks! How fun are those? I've enjoyed browsing her store... and I'm sure I'll enjoy browsing her items in person even more.

Nothing beats touching and feeling.

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Entangles

Not only does Julia, that artist behind Entangles, do gorgeous jewelry... but she makes it from found and rescued items. Yeah green!

I met her at a local craft show that we were both involved in. She has some beautiful pieces that never make it to her online store. She's very popular at the fairs and it will be worth coming to the show just to get a glance at her latest creations.

Her jewelry would be the perfect gift for mom, grandma, and yourself. Also, Julia has contributed to the gift bags as well.
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Dancing Monkey Jewelry



Dancing Monkey Jewelry may be the last shop I'll be featuring... but still one of my favorite jewelry shops. Martha, the talent behind Dancing Monkey Jewelry, makes limited edition and one of a kind jewelry.

She uses a lot of pearls... and I love pearls! She also hand forges many of her designs... and I love the look of hand forged jewelry. I know she's been busy at work making some new pieces for this show... I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

I've now given you twenty-four reasons (I'd be reason 25) to come check out our show. Be one of the first 50 through the doors and get a much coveted gift bag. Or, if 9:30 is a bit early for you... come anytime during the show for our hourly give aways.

For those of you reading that aren't in the Seattle area, thanks for bearing with me while I continue to promote this show. We are all very excited and I am truly looking forward to having so many fabulous artists in the same place.

See you there!

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Preparations... will begin tomorrow.

Just two days away, you would think I'd be nearing complete with my preparations for the show on Saturday. Ahhh... but you don't know me very well! I have fortune cookies to finish, displays to finish up, necessities to gather... and what I have I been doing this week?

Well, I started off the week making more dresses from t-shirts and an apron from a fat quarter. I moved back onto costumes and started making a woodland cloak (it's sitting unfinished because I don't have a trim for it). And yesterday, I sat around with the kids doing nothing (granted, I didn't have much choice since I was a bit unsteady on my feet). And my big plans for today... while my son is at the Reptile Zoo in Monroe with a friend, Lyssie and I will be hitting the thrift stores! I have so many ideas... and not enough shirts that I want to cut up. So we will be on the hunt.

I have promised myself that I'd finish up the fortune cookies tonight... and the rest of the stuff tomorrow. I'm certain I can do it. Just one more day of foolin' around and I'll be back to work! Ha, famous last words!

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Puget Sound Indie Arts in Edmonds - Part 5!

The Spring Arts and Crafts show is this Saturday! I have to admit, it's getting a bit tedious to do these mini features four at a time, but I'm running out of time and the ones that are left... you don't want to miss. So, let's jump right in! Here are some more of what you can expect~

Norik

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Norik's bookmarks. They are beautiful sterling silver, sometimes copper, free formed and cold forged. Wow! The artist behind these fantastic creations, Nora, is super creative!

I haven't really spent a lot of time shopping around many of my fellow PSIA artists shops, but I have spent a bit of time in Nora's admiring her unique designs and her inspiring creativity.

If you have time, you also need to check out her other store. Her wire wrapping is unbelievably beautiful! I can't wait to just spend a little time around Nora this Saturday and hope that some of her creativity rubs off on me.
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Art by Norm

Norm! The name always reminds me of Norm from cheers... and perhaps if you dressed him up in a hoodie, he might pass for him as well. But Norm, Heidi's alter ego, is a fun and colorful little soul who makes me smile every time I see him.

Heidi has been flexing her creative talents lately and bringing Norm into different mediums... felt, buttons, linocuts and more!

I'm sure she will be bringing some fabulous pieces to the show on Saturday. Oh... and I like to imagine that Norm's crown - is one from World of Whimm. One more thing... check out her Art by Norm website . It's a lot of fun too!
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Emmakat


I first met Emma at our group's holiday party. We had an ornament exchange where we all exchanged hand made ornaments (so much fun!). But, I remember taking special notice of Emma's ornament. I loved it and it is SO pretty and creative (see picture to the left). You can even buy this beauty in her store.

Emma's main focus though, is jewelry. She makes pieces of jewelry that are delicate and pretty. Simple yet sophisticated. I had a hard time choosing the other photo I'd feature in this blog. I think the Emerald earrings were perfect... a little tribute to the Wizard of Oz - and perhaps the beautiful Emerald City she lives in.

Emma is also the owner of a Gocco. She does some fabulous paper items as well. She is an architect and it shows in many of her pieces with their clean, simple lines.

Also, if you are in the area, this might be one of your last chances to see her work in person as she will be moving within the next few months. I'll be sad to see her go.
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Seattle Bead Creations

Cheryl of Seattle Bead Creations sort of beat me to the punch. She featured my store in her blog before I could do hers. I promise though, that nothing she said had an impact on what I write here now.

I enjoy Cheryl and her good nature and fun sense of humor. I didn't feature any of them here, but check out her ladies... they are a hoot!

I love the green bracelet she has that I featured in the picture on the right. It reminds me of the hungry caterpillar... you know, the one who ate through all the different foods? I'd love to wear that bracelet just for the fond memories that it brings.

She has jewelry that looks fresh and earthy. Come check them out for yourself at the first Puget Sound Indie Arts show on Saturday! If these past five blogs haven't convinced you... and the 50 free swag bags and hourly give-aways. Then perhaps, the final four artists will. Stay tuned!

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First Impressions

I'm currently struggling with my display for the upcoming art show. I set it all out this weekend and the final layout (see picture)... I'm okay with, but I'm not sure if that's because it's just better than the other ones.

The challenge is that I have so many different types of items, each one is unique, everything is extremely colorful and I only have a six foot table to work with. I've had to narrow down which items I would be taking (infant things are getting left behind as well as many of the costumes, oh... and the ImagiMonsters). I'm feeling like I might need to narrow it down even more... but I'm not sure what to eliminate.

Here's what I have in the picture above from left to right; pixie skirts and mermaid tails. The mermaid tails are a big seller on my site, so I'm figuring I should have them at the show. Since I have the rack there, I figured I'd also bring my new pixie skirts.

In the front I have one set of alphabet bean bags... again, these have been popular, often selling within a week of posting them in the store. A tutu on one dress form with a crown that matches. A basket full of Scrappy Little Monsters. I could leave these behind... but they are soooo cute! I really want to gauge the interest in them. Of course, they aren't displayed real well since I have such limited room.

Robin hood hat - again, another big seller. I have four crowns on display. These are my top seller... and I had to really cut back on the number of crowns and try to represent the colors they come in. Since each one is unique, this is really hard... and there are many colors not represented here.

Indian Headdresses - regular one and the chief. I debated leaving these behind as well, but they sold well at my first craft show... in fact, I think I sold 4 of them out of the total 6 sales.

Button magnets - these are from my On A Whimm site and I'm bringing them for my low sales point. I figure if kids are there, they might want to buy something for mom. These are $1 each or 6 for $5 and I have $2 button broaches.I also have fortune cookies that say "Happy Mother's Day" for $2 each.

Jingle balls - yes, I could leave these too... but they are the only baby thing I'm bringing... and I would like to cover all ages. Tiaras - I couldn't fit my normal display for these on the table. I think these might be good sellers for the girls... a few of them match the mermaid tails and pixie skirts.

And finally, the butterfly costume. I bring this one because it's my Wow! piece. I'm not sure if there will be room the side of my table, but if there is I could put this on the standing dress form. I'll be putting it in the car just in case.

See what I mean... I have a lot going on and the table looks a bit cluttered - and in my opinion, that's not good for a first impression. I've yet to figure out a way around this. Since the show is all PSIA members, I'm hoping they will be able to give me some input at the show. These smaller shows are all kind of "trials" leading up to the Mill Creek show where I'll have a 10x10 booth.

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Puget Sound Indie Arts in Edmonds - Part 4!

It's coming! It's coming! The Puget Sound Indie Arts (PSIA) Spring Arts & Crafts show at Artworks in Edmonds is coming this weekend! PSIA will be holding their first joint Arts & Craft Fair and have chosen Edmonds as their city! I'm super excited, not only because I'll be one of the vendors... but because I live close to Edmonds! Yay!

So, I'm on Part 4 of my introduction to all the participating vendors. If you've missed any of them, you can check out Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 in my previous blogs.

You aren't going to believe the talent in the next handful of artists that I'll be sharing with you... like the others, they are pretty remarkable!

ArtworkSW


Until tonight, I admit, this was another one of the PSIA members that I didn't know. I had no idea what kind of art work I would see when I clicked on the link to her Etsy store. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and a bit in awe of the amount of work that goes into these beautifully detailed pieces.

Check them out! She draws all of her art work in black and white with a fine tipped pen. Wow! Check out the detail in her Hydrangea!

My other favorite pieces in her store (you have to visit it... it's fun to browse!) are the greeting cards. I especially love the Dragon Fly... simple design - but intricately detailed! I can't imagine the amount of time it would take to finish one of these.

I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to seeing these in person!

Baubles by Hand (and It's Made at Home)

Meghan of Baubles by Hand is a busy lady! Not only does she make fabulous jewelry... but she also has a second store which caters more toward kids... play dough (read my blog about her store here)!On top of both stores, she also holds a day job!

I've heard that she will have both things at the show on Saturday... as well as her brightly colored magnets. Look at those photos! Would you be surprised to hear that she is an interior designer as well as a graphic designer? I envy her photos! As Marlo would say, my photos want to be like her photos.


Meghan also uses ceramic pendants in many of her jewelry pieces that are hand made by her talented mother. I can't wait to see what unique pieces she has in store for this upcoming craft show!

Oh - AND she contributed to the 50 free swag bags for the first people through the doors!

Common Object Jewelry (Livewire)

Julie of Common Object Jewelry is so fun to be around. She has a great sense of humor and so much talent! I've been to her work studio where she teaches mosaics (ya, I know, I'm showing you jewelry here... but her talents go far beyond) and it's definitely a place of creativity!

I envy Julie for many reasons... one, she lives on a house boat... two, she has children that are grown and out of the house... and three, she has oodles and oodles of talent!

Okay, enough gushing about her... now, I'll gush about her jewelry. Look at all the adorable monkeys! Do you remember these common objects? Perhaps the memory of the one on the left is a little fuzzy... let me help you out. I'm fairly certain I've seen that monkey hanging around a cocktail or two. And the chain of monkeys - do you remember those cool Barrel O Monkeys??? Okay, that one is currently sold... but maybe she'll have them at the show... the one this Saturday in Edmonds! Check her out!

I Make Cute Stuff

And finally, last, but certainly not least... there is Marlo of I Make Cute Stuff. I saved hers for the end of this blog because she has so many links, I figured it would take me a while... and trust me, you don't want to miss any of them!

Marlo, aka - PSIA assistant organizer , is a gal of many, many talents. True to her name, she makes cute stuff! She those bags on the left... well, they are magic! They fold into themselves and into one cute little bundle that can fit nicely into your purse. Go green! Not only will these little babies save tons of paper and plastic grocery bags at the store... but they are also made from "recycled, repurposed, upcycled and remnant fabrics". She'll have even more at the show!

Oh... and for the comic book lover... check out her pendants! She has many others including BIFF!, Bang! and KaPow! These are just the tip of the iceberg as far as her jewelry. Though she probably won't have any of these pieces at the show, it's worth checking out her other shop - MarloM and her website. That's her day job.

See, I promised some talented artists... and there are more to come! This is going to be a fabulous craft show... you really should stop by. And if you can't make it as one of the first 50 - stop in any time... we are also having hourly give-aways!

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Puget Sound Indie Arts in Edmonds - Part 3!

Another round of artist that will be attending the Arts and Craft show on Saturday, May 10th (day before Mother's Day!). Check out Part 1 & Part 2. The show will be held at Artworks in Edmonds, WA. If you are in the area... you will want to come check it out! The first 50 people will get a free gift bag of sample products from many of the Puget Sound Indie Arts group. Over 20 artists contributed! No fliers and paper in these bags!

Here's some more of what you can expect!... (I'm sure again, formatting will be off. Forgive me - or forgive blogger as I try every time to fix it).

Woven Chains

I've ordered from Woven Chains before. I have to tell you, her stuff is fantastic! The key chains pictured... are addictive. I bought three to give as a gift and I ended up keeping all three of them!

Trina is the artist behind these fantastic creations. She's such a fun and wonderful person and she loves what she does! I think it shows in her work. You need to touch and feel these things... soooo cool in person.

Trina links hundreds of little tiny (I mean tiny) rings together to form various chainmaille designs. Look at all the work that goes into the beautiful bracelet that I've featured on the right. Trust me, you'll want to check her store out. And if you are in the Puget Sound... it's worth checking her stuff out in person.

Trina also contributed great samples of her work to the 50 free gift bags. Be one of the first 50 through the door and you might be lucky enough to own one of her fantastic pieces!

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Scary White Girl

So different from WovenChains, but another one of my favorite Etsy sellers. I've ordered numerous hats from Scary White Girl Designs. They are my daughter's favorite hats. She never wants to leave the house now without a hat!

Dawn, although a bit on the white side, is not scary at all. In fact, she's a real great person! She has a very eclectic store offering something for all ages and genders. From ACEOs to crocheted items like the hilarious decapitated dollie pictured.

She can crochet like no one's business! She makes crocheted food, animals, flowers and so much more! All of which are her own design.

Check her out at the show on May 1oth! Oh... and those gift bags include a little something from her shop as well.

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Catalyst Designs

Okay, I'll be honest, I don't know anything about Catalyst Designs. And until this feature, I hadn't even been to her store! But I am so glad I found it (PSIA is such a talented group!).

Here's a little bit about her from her profile : "I began making jewelry as a young child. It was "found art" style composed of papers, feathers, shells, beads, computer parts--whatever was available and caught my eye. I try to hold on to that same open-minded spirit in my new mediums."

Perusing through her store (not a lot of items listed right now - perhaps preparing for next weekend?), I fell in love her her swirls! She has done that by hand! Both sets of earring I've pictured are so unique and hopefully a small preview of what we see next weekend.
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Sweetpea Cards and Gifts

Are you shopping for more of cards and candles kind of person? No worries! We have that covered as well~ Sweetpea Cards and Gifts is just what you are looking for.

Sherrie makes various soy candles and unique cards. She makes her candles both scented and unscented. Her candles are all soy, so they burn longer than wax candles! Her cards are creative and, although not currently in her shop, she makes some fantastic gift tags!

Sherrie is the driving force behind the PSIA Arts and Crafts show next weekend. She is organizing the whole shebang! And she's doing a mighty fine job! In addition to the huge job of organizing it, she's also preparing for this show as well as another one the day before! Now that's a busy lady!

Can't wait for next weekend! It's going to be so much fun!

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Puget Sound Indie Arts in Edmonds - Part 2

Here is the second of numerous blogs I will be doing about the artists who will be at the Puget Sound Indie Arts show on May 10th. You can read the first of these posts here!

These are not in any particular order... (I apologize again if formatting is off. Blogger tends to do that when you have photo heavy blogs - I've tried to fix it)

Wire Tree

I have met Beth, the artist behind Wire Tree, once I believe. We didn't have much time to talk, but I feel like I've come to know her just from our communications online and her blog... she's a warm person as well as a talented jewelry artist.

Beth also has a blog - which I enjoy reading from time to time. She has documented her journey of jewelry craftsman to seller very well... and I love reading about all of her ups and downs.

I also enjoy her beautiful and simple jewelry. She describes her shop as "Jewelry crafted from sterling silver, fine silver, semi-precious stones, and beads are inspired by the natural world."

Beth is also a photographer (though she doesn't currently have any photos in her shop). The photo I've included is one of my favorites... and it's sold.

Come see her latest creations at the PSIA Show in Edmonds on May 10th. I believe Beth has also contributed to our free gift bags for the first 50 people.

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Mary Newton Designs

I don't know Mary Newton personally... but browsing through her store, I have found numerous pieces that I'd love to own. Of course, with my kids, jewelry is dangerous.

But check her out! The "Lucky" earrings were hand stamped and they have a bit of a hammered texture giving it a really organic appearance. Hmmm... do you think they would bring you good luck? Might be worth a try!

She also has a sale section... and it contains some awesome pieces! Check out "Imagine That"!. Can you tell I really love the hand stamping in the sterling silver?

Check her out at the show! I know I'm looking forward to seeing her there!

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Marin Made

Another artist that I haven't personally met. But for some reason, I picture Marin as a very energetic and fun person to be around. I wonder...

Anyhow, she is a knitter among other things. She knits hats, scarves and the fabulous arm warmers that I've pictured to the left. Apparently she started knitting arm warmers out of pure survival at her day job. Check out her blog and read more!

And are you a coffee drinker that loves a little chocolate now and then? Look at her delicious looking spoon dippers! She sells these as well in her shop and from the look of her sales from these... they've been popular! I'm not a coffee drinker. But if I was, I'd be giving these a try because I am definitely a chocolate lover!

Can't wait to meet Marin! Saturday, May 10th @ Artworks in Edmonds. Be there because she will be!

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Ugly Baby

Okay, now for a seller that's a little more off the wall. Rosalie of Ugly Baby - creator of Shower Art, is a hoot! Really, I'd need a feature just about her to give you a proper introduction. Maybe soon! But for now, I'll give you the condensed version.

Shower art is resin pieces that Rosalie and her husband make for hanging in your shower... although as she states; "Or anywhere else. We're no dictators". While she does a few cute ones... most of hers are hilarious. A few of my favorites are You Have A Big Gigantic Brain, Never Marry a Ninja, and How Come I See Butt (the last one is sold... but I had to share).

Recently, she started making cards. She got a Gocco (I'm jealous) and so, she now makes Tater cards. I pictured my favorite one. On the inside... it says "Tater Toot". You can buy it in her store... or you can just come to the show on Saturday, May 10th.

One more thing, check out Rosalie's other endeavor, bARTersauce.

Read more...