Craft Athens

Shutterstitch Giveaway!

2010-05-19T09:14:00.002-04:00

Check out Karen's blog! You could be the winner of this amazing giveaway! Click here for more info.

Facebook Fan Page

2010-02-15T12:31:00.002-05:00

Come join us on facebook! You've probably been there awhile, and now we are too!
Our Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Craft-Athens/304651810546?ref=mf
(you can also click the badge to the right to add us!)

and if you are in our group - join our group page as well!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=310512302147

Craftstravaganzaa!

2009-12-04T09:15:00.002-05:00

Everybody everybody! It's Craftstravaganzaa time again, so come say hello :)

Craftsanity

2009-07-27T19:40:00.001-04:00

My first embroidery, originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

If you check out the Craftsanity podcast this week, you will see that I am a sponsor! I am so excited to be a part of one of my favorite podcasts. If you have not listened to Craftsanity, I suggest you download some right away. They are full of inspiration and information for crafty people like us. Thanks, Jennifer, for helping me live a better crafty life!

Athfest Report

2009-07-16T22:12:00.001-04:00

Tea and pie, originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

I took forever to post, but we had a good time at Athfest this year. I got to talk to some of the Craft Athens Etsy Team there and so many other friends. It was so hot, so I was not out for very long! Here are some of my favorite photos from that weekend.

These are some of the art cars that were parked downtown. I love the little knick knacks all over this car. I bet I can make my car look like this, too!

Here is Liz Durrett at Nuci's Space.

Circulatory System at Nuci's Space.

Slow Rowboat at Nuci's Space.

Captain Number One at Nuci's, too. Yes, that is Jenny!

One more thing - thanks for the Athens love over at Lilly Ella blog! Thanks so much. It is always nice to read about our Craft Athens artists!

Ali's Edible Estate on Apartment Therapy

2009-06-23T19:32:00.004-04:00

Check out Ali's house on Apartment Therapy! I love seeing her new landscape and the cute little drawings. Go Ali! Have a look at her Etsy shop, ipullprints.

Etsy Finds

2009-06-20T18:26:00.001-04:00

Open here please., originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

I love shopping on Etsy, even though I am a seller, too. I found a beautiful handmade doll, Little Dog Goes for a Walk by one of my favorite sellers, Misako Mimoko. Misako Mimoko is really Eva in Spain. Please have a peek at how she packaged my lovely doll!

I love the little teapot character!!

The package had a thank you note to me and was carefully wrapped in tissue paper.

A colorful illustration was the backing scene for the Little Dog. She really is going for a walk.

Look at the detail in those stitches! I love Little Dog's look.

Now Little Dog is going for a walk on my desk! I love you, Little Dog. I think she needs a name. What do you think?

Knit in Public Day

2009-06-11T20:16:00.002-04:00

Did you know World Wide Knit in Public Day is fast approaching? I learned about this from Knitch Knitting! Lots of yarn shops are having events to celebrate this day, so get those needles out and find one near you!

Loot from ICE Atlanta!

2009-06-11T19:36:00.002-04:00

I know Indie Craft Experience was a few weeks back, but I am just getting around to posting about the wonderful handmade goodies I found there. Above are my finds!

First is a great book called Abode a la Mode: 44 Projects for Hip Home Decor by Jeanee Ledoux. She has so many neat projects in this book to spruce up your nest. I especially love some of the lighting ideas and window treatments! You can also read her blog, Re-Construct, all about "Eco Crafts made Easy."

I also picked up everyone's favorite embroidery patterns from Sublime Stitching. I am going to try my hand at those adorable Black Apple designs, or make my own with the transfer paper!

Check out the hilarious potholder I got from Wholly Craft! It is by Curious Machine.

I also was in need of a cute camera strap and I was lucky enough to find one with ponies by Souldier. They had so many designs to choose, it was a tough choice, but the ponies won! You can also build a customized camera strap on their website!

Craft Athens Team: Meet Jenny Winchell of Prairie Dog Inc.

2009-06-07T10:23:00.007-04:00

I have known Jenny for a while from the music scene here in Athens. I am a fan of her felting, knitting, embroidery, and beards! Let's learn more about Jenny and her Etsy shop, Prairie Dog Inc.

Tell us about yourself and your craft.
My name is Jennifer Winchell and I run a craft business called Prairie Dog Inc. I came to crafting through knitting but since then I have learned (or tried to learn) many other skills and mediums with varying results. My crafts tend to lean on the side of being bright solid blocks of color, which is where my personal tastes also lie. I like things that are bold and simple with a touch of cottage cuteness.

How long have you been crafting?
It's hard to say when I started crafting. I've always liked creating things. I went to college for Ceramics and there's always been great debate over whether that's a craft or an art, but I don't really distinguish the two much, except to say that I think art is more of an intellectual process and craft is more of a visceral reaction. That said, I think something can be both art and craft and the two worlds definitely overlap.
I guess I really got into crafting, though, when my college roommate taught me to knit. She said I was her only success story as everyone else she taught had given it up. I still enjoy knitting in the winter but have also found that I'm somewhat impatient for results, and so have taken refuge in the more immediate satisfaction of creating something like a felt pin or a pillow.

Are you originally from Athens? If not, how did you wind up here?
I'm not originally from Athens, and like a lot of people, I came here for school. I actually grew up in the midwest. I was born in Omaha, NE and spent almost all of my childhood in Topeka, KS. I moved to Atlanta with my parents when I was in high school and my Dad got a new job. The HOPE scholarship basically tells the rest of the story. I went to UGA and came out with a BFA in Ceramics and Art.

What are some of your favorite and least favorite things about living and crafting in Athens?
I love Athens because it has all the concieniences of a big town with a the feel of a small one. I love that there is a large community of artists and musicians here so there's always someone to get advice from and bounce ideas off of.

The one thing I don't really like about living in Athens is the university, which is ironic because it's the reason I'm here and the reason the whole town is here. I have to admit that when I lived near downtown and I had to wake up to people tailgating at 8 in the morning on a gameday, I really hated this city.
On the flip side of having so many artists and musicians here, there's also the problem of over-saturation. It's a little hard to stand out in such a large crowd of talented people. Overall, though, I think Athens is a great place to live.

Do you feel Athens is a good place for artists? Why or why not?
Hmmm, I guess I sort of answered this above. Oops. To summarize, though, I think Athens is a great community for artists because there are so many others like you who you can lean on for support, but that great number can also be a negative when you're trying to get your items seen.

Please tell about some of your favorite things to make.
I think my favorite thing to make is probably my Beardie pins and ornaments. They're really quick to make but satisfying because each one ends up looking slightly different. I don't have a template or pattern for them so they all have different expressions or slightly different hairstyles.

What is a typical day like in your studio?
Well, during the week I spend my mornings working at Barnes and Noble, so when I get home in the early afternoon I try not to fall asleep and then I get working on crafting and keeping up the online store. I usually have a few things to photograph, which I will do first to make sure I have enough daylight. I always use natural lighting. I tend to be a little all over the place when it comes to making things. I like to try out different crafts a lot so what I make depends a lot on what kind of mood I'm in. Lately, it's been embroidery so I might make a pillow or embroidery a little hoop of wall art.
Sometimes I sketch out my designs but a lot of the time I free hand it or sketch something right onto the fabric. I guess I'm a little impatient.

Name five websites that inspire you.
Honestly, I'm not really online a whole lot. I think I'm more inspired by things I see everyday or a feeling I get. Does that sound cheesy? Yep, that definitely sounds cheesy. I don't read very many blogs and especially not religiously, but I'd have to say that Emily's from The Black Apple is something to see just because of how she's managed to capture this wide audience of people who basically hang on her every word. It's kind of amazing. I think she probably would have been a great preacher or salesman. Also, I know she's an extremely hard worker who basically spends every waking hour sketching or painting or making(when she's not cooking up a storm or blogging about these things that she's doing) and that's inspiring in itself.

Also, I like just browsing around Etsy. It's the one sight that I spend a significant amount of time on. I love hopping from one shop to the next and discovering people I haven't seen before and then getting jealous that they thought of a great idea before me.

Besides making things, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy sleeping. I also like to read quite a bit, and watch the occasional bad TV. I used to craft almost exclusively while watching movies because I love movies, but I don't do that as much anymore. I think I've seen everything. I'm also in a band with my boyfriend Tim, called Captain #1. It took me a long time to overcome my fear of performing in front of other people, and while it's still not my favorite thing to do, I like playing the music, especially when I can tell people are enjoying it.

Thank you, Jenny. You can see all of Jenny's creations at her Etsy shop and see Captain #1 play at Athfest later this month.

Indie Craft Experience Coming Up!

2009-05-25T09:59:00.003-04:00

Don't forget Indie Craft Experience is Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31! Both days it runs from 11 am until 7 pm. Come and check out all the great handmade goods!

Five Under Five

2009-05-20T20:58:00.009-04:00

I am enjoying Daily Candy emails this week that are doing a series for different locations of "Ten Under Ten" things you can do around town that are under ten dollars. Well, I looked at Craft Athens and found some really great finds for under five dollars, before shipping! Here we go...

Let's talk art. Who doesn't love buying cute artwork to adorn the walls of their homes? This print is by ipullprints and meets our $5 mark.

Magnets are a fun way to spruce up a fridge, office, or craft room. Christy Wooke has a very affordable and customized magnet for $4! What a steal!

Pretty much everyone knows a gal that loves earrings. I spotted these Sky Blue Earrings at Joyful Creations, and they meet our $5 price.

Check out this lovely giraffe pendant from Jenny at Mountain Majesty. This little charm is $4. Animal prints are so in, don't you know?

If jewelry isn't your thing, why not some new lippy? This yummy German Chocolate Cheesecake Lip Balm is only $2.75 and is made by my friend Daisycakes Soap.

Handmade Wedding

2009-05-19T19:52:00.006-04:00

Our good friend Libby from Daisy Doodles on Etsy is getting married this weekend! We threw her a fabulous wedding shower last week, but my cake message written in icing got a little runny. Other than that it was, like I said, pretty fabulous! Libby has been planning her big day for a while and has found some great things to spice up her big day right on Etsy!

Wedding favors are these cute little garden kits complete with seeds, soil pellet, and they are even personalized! These fun favors are made by Kikibird Crafts.

Libby found these very pretty pendants by Art Made By Tammy for her bridesmaids. I love the colors and the vintage style. Libby showed me these when they came in and they really are charming.

Finally, let's talk cake. This little birdie cake topper Libby found is super cute. This little bird couple is made by Red Light Studio and the birds can even come out of the nest! These are simply perfect for the almost newlyweds, Libby and John! Best wishes, Libby!

Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Spring 2009

2009-05-07T19:18:00.002-04:00

Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Spring 2009, originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

We had a great time at the Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa last weekend. It has taken me some of this week to recover! Here is the view from our table. We had a little rain on Saturday, and Sunday was cloudy and breezy. I think my tent was safe from winds being so close to our neighbors, Christy Wooke, Prairie Dog Inc. and Laurel Hill!

Raoul wrote about our days on two parts here and here. A big thanks goes to the woman in charge, Serra, for making such a successful day for so many artists! I look forward to the next Craftstravaganzaa!

Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Spring Market

2009-04-23T21:22:00.004-04:00

This is a reminder that the spring edition of the Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa is happening Saturday May 2nd, 11am to 7pm and Sunday, May 3rd from noon until 5pm. Mark your calendars cos I know there will be many wonderful handmade goodies this time around. Also, this is the first time that the Craftstravaganzaa is two days! Come check it out and say hello.

Beauty Everyday.

2009-04-21T18:21:00.001-04:00

Tulip., originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

I was very excited to see some of my local favorites, Rebecca Wood, Kristen Bach, and Rinne Allen featured on Design Sponge. Check out their lovely homes and inspiring work! How cool is that?

I also checked out their blog, Beauty Everyday to see what these gals had growing. I especially love the photos that document their daily lives and the recipes and photos from the garden!

If that does not get you inspired, You should check out the Craftypod podcasts. I recently listened to a very good episode about branding your craft business. As always, Sister Diane is the hostess with the mostess! I love her podcast.

One last thing - I was checking out other Esty teams and found lots happening in Seattle. Check out Etsy Rain!

Knit Night at Athica.

2009-04-15T22:37:00.001-04:00

I am knitting this little bear., originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

Thursday, April 16 is Knit Night at ATHICA. This event goes along with their current exhibit, Crafting Romance. Please come by and knit a few!

Flossy the Pony is in my Shop!

2009-04-14T19:31:00.001-04:00

Flossy the Pony, originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

Hello all! I have just added some of my fab Flossys to my SHOPPE SUGAR COOKIE on Etsy. I just love the way they came out! I hope you do, too. Now you can have your very own pony!

Think Spring

2009-04-11T09:41:00.002-04:00

This little canary pillow makes me feel ready for springtime! This adorable softie is by Jenny of Prairie Dog Inc. You can check out her shop for more lovely birdie pillows, knits, and felted charms. Yay spring!

2009-03-26T21:16:00.006-04:00

Flossys., originally uploaded by sugar-cookie.

I made some little ponies to help organize my embroidery floss. I call them Flossy the Pony. They are very helpful, and they look very cute. You can read about my inspiration for Flossy at Rancho Cocoa.

After I posted about Flossy, blogs I never knew posted about it. Check out what Cuteable had to say, as well as Feeling Stitchy and Super Cute Kawaii, too. Thank you to all the blogs that are excited about Flossy! Just keep an eye on Shoppe Sugar Cookie to get a pony of your very own.

Hello, Bunny!

2009-03-15T22:13:00.004-04:00

As some of you may know, we found a very adorable bunny! We call her Oreo and she is a very good bunny. Oreo loves to sit on my lap and have a salad! I am learning to care for our new pet and you can read all about how we found her here.

I was looking at Jones Handmade Goods and thought these crowned rabbit cards would be perfect to send announcing Oreo's addition to our "family."

Craft Athens Team: Meet Christy Wooke

2009-03-10T21:58:00.007-04:00

Christy Wooke is one of my favorite artists that I met here in Athens. She is a super sweet gal and has such style with her tiny works of art that adorn everything from post-its to wooden disk magnets. I caught up with her to learn more about her and her inspirations.

Tell us about yourself and your craft.
I want to be an illustrator, so I guess I'm that. I'd just like to be paid for it. OFFICIALLY. To supplement creative frustration, I started selling things I could draw on.

How long have you been crafting?
"Crafting," I'd say 1 year.

Are you originally from Athens? If not, how did you wind up here?
I'm moved to Athens after I graduated from college. I'm not sure why, but I think I had this idea that Athens was a haven for artists.

What are some of your favorite and least favorite things about living and crafting in Athens?
Favorite: Big City Bread. Being surrounded by farming country. Living in a liberal county in the middle of Georgia. I love that I live in a town where I can be outside a lot without breathing Atlanta pollution. (I draw a lot outside.) Athens feels small (in a good way). Everyone knows each other, at least peripherally.

I love living here, I just can't afford to! Which is something I don't like about Athens...

Least Favorite: Jobs...?

Do you feel Athens is a good place for artists? Why or why not?
I think whether or not Athens is a good place for artists depends ultimately upon the individual. I find people here are very supportive, and I feel welcomed here (especially by the crafting community here). But realistically, I personally make a very teeny, tiny amount of money on anything artistic or crafty, and of course I'd like to pay my bills AND afford groceries. I do think Athens is great if you're content to stay here. But for most of us, you aren't afforded opportunities for greater success than community recognition. I want to build a career that involves drawing all day instead of trying to illustrate on the side. Where's the jobs, Athens? Maybe if I interneted more...

Please tell about some of your favorite things to make.
Coffee.

What is a typical day like in your studio?
No such thing. I draw on post-it notes at work --sometimes. I try to sell those... The majority of work I do at home is for larger-scale, non-craft projects. Usually I get to work on crafts/small illustrations a few days before a craft show on magnets, pins, pin cushions and the like. You know, the fun stuff.

Name five websites that inspire you.
I'm not really online much. So I'll name the 5 I visit everyday: Politico, Wikipedia, gmail, Universe Today, and ...... I can't name 5. I'll name 5 artists instead: Jim Woodring, Walt Kelly, Kurt Vonnegut, Gary Panter, William Steig. Too bad they're all men.

Besides making things, what else do you enjoy doing?
EATING. But also I read and watch a lot of movies, listen to music, and nerd out with video games. I also love petting my flop-dog and being outside at Big City Bread doin' things (usually reading...).

Thanks, Christy! You can check out more of Cristy's work at her Etsy shop and keep up with her and her creations on her blog!

Snow Day!

2009-03-07T11:30:00.002-05:00

We were very thrilled to see snow last weekend in Athens. Only I was less thrilled to get my car stuck in the snow, too! We were at the Tracy Street Warehouses for Canopy's Birthday Party when it piled high!

Here is a lovely cactus in the snow!

The next day we finally made our way downtown the next day. We were happy to get out of the house where it was warm. We had no power! I was glad to get a hot tea at the Grit! I was also happy to see some snowmen around town, too.

AUX Event Report

2009-02-28T10:32:00.012-05:00

Here are some scenes from last week's Aux Event here in Athens. All these photos are by Raoul de la Cruz.

We spotted some Craft Athens team members at the handmade market. I especially liked some of the new goodies I saw, like prints from ipullprints!

We went inside to watch and hear Dark Meat.

It is always nice to have a parade here in Athens. I have been to so many here in Athens!

Later on we caught some music by Killick. We enjoyed his handmade instrument.

We came back later that night to see Maps and Transit. I especially liked Julie Phillip's silks aerials combined with the music and projected paintings.

Home is Where the Heart Is

2009-02-19T19:44:00.003-05:00

Some Craft Athens Team members are showing houses in the Home is where the Heart Is auction. Please come and see houses created by Jangles, Genevieve Gail, and Sugar Cookie!

Here is more about the event from Genevieve Gail:

The event will take place at the Lyndon House on Friday, February 20th from 6-8pm. All of the houses will start at around $20 and bids will go up in $5 increments so you can get an awesome piece of local art for a great price! So, if you live in the area and want to get out and support your local Athens Area Habitat for Humanity come on out!!! We will have hors' devours and a cash bar and then you can grab a great dinner downtown afterwards. There, I just planned you the perfect Friday night date- ha ha. Oh, and if there is anyone interested in donating but can't make it to the event please shoot me an email and I can get you in contact with the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity peeps.

Aux Event

2009-02-14T11:55:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, February 21 the third Aux Event held at Little Kings. It looks like another fabulous line up, as usual!

Sale on Ducklings...

2009-02-09T14:47:00.008-05:00

I just spotted this adorable print called Ducklings for Sale in the Shutterstitch Etsy Shop. This print makes me ready for the warm days of spring! This print is so cute and reminds me of this video from Sesame Street where the little baby chick hatches from an egg. It used to drive me to tears as a child because I thought it was so cute.

Craft Athens Team: Meet Beth Cyr

2009-02-03T20:14:00.010-05:00

If you live in Athens, you may have seen Beth Cyr's nature inspired jewelry around town in some of your favorite shops. I know I have! Beth is a very talented jewelry artist, but that's not all she does. Please read more to learn about Beth.

Tell us about yourself and your craft.
My name is Beth Cyr. I never really know what to tell people when they ask
me what I do. I don't know how to classify myself other than an artist. So I
usually say something like, I'm an artist, I make jewelry. Jewelry artist
sounds kind of pretentious. I also sometimes say that I am a metalsmith, but
it doesn't seem to cover it either. Jeweler/metalsmith kind of works, but
there doesn't seem to be a single word that covers what I feel like I do.
Its silly, I know.

How long have you been crafting?
I've been working with metal since... 2001 I guess. I took an intro to
jewelry and metalsmithing and signed up to major in it the next semester.

What made you start the Craft Athens Etsy Team?
Athens is so incredibly supportive of the arts, but I hardly ever get sales
on Etsy from people in Athens. A few people I know shop on Etsy, but it
seems like for a long time, everyone I talked to had no idea what Etsy was.
So I wanted to create a team that would help bring awareness to Athens
residents that they can shop local online, on Etsy.

Are you originally from Athens? If not, how did you wind up here?
I am not originally from Athens, I was born in Connecticut grew up in
Alabama and in northwest Georgia, just south of Chattanooga - then came to
University of Georgia and ended up staying! Which had not been my plan even
when I graduated, but it just sort of happened and I love it here.

What are some of your favorite and least favorite things about living and
crafting in Athens?
I think my favorite things is that as a whole, its very acceptable to be an
artist. Athens residents really seem to respect and like to support local
businesses, whether you're an artist, musician, farmer, or just a local
boutique. I'm not sure that I have a least favorite!

Do you feel Athens is a good place for artists? Why or why not?
I definitely think so. Most artists like to be part of a community that in
general supports the arts. And Athens is big for music, visual and
performing arts, so it has a lot to offer.

Please tell about some of your favorite things to make.
My favorite things to make are anything that involves a torch and a hammer.
I find that pieces that don't involve both of those elements just aren't as
fun.

What is a typical day like in your studio?
A typical day involves spending a lot of time on the computer! I usually
make a list of projects I need to work on. Since most of my business is
custom work, I keep a board with all my orders listed on it. It helps to
keep me focused on what tasks I need to get done that day.

Name five websites that inspire you.
Astronomy Picture of the Day - I love astronomy!
Etsy Metal - my other street team - amazingly talented friends!
Flickr

hm... I don't think I have 5... I spend a lot of time on Etsy!

Besides making things, what else do you enjoy doing?
I've been reading a lot lately and doing a little bit of writing. I try to
do yoga just about every day as it makes me very happy. I also love movies,
all kinds, even some pretty bad ones. I'm pretty easily entertained!

Thank you Beth! Please have a look at Beth's shop on Etsy and check out her wonderful creations!

LOVE

2009-02-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

There is the LOVE performance coming up on February 6, 7, and 8 at Canopy Studio and I am in this show! I posted all about it at Rancho Cocoa! I hope you can come!

For Your Walls...

2009-01-30T14:08:00.005-05:00

I have been looking at my collection of art and trying my best to get it framed and put on the walls of our home. I have been doing good, but I am always looking for new art to decorate the walls. I have been inspired by some of my favorite decorating blogs, Apartment Therapy, Design is Mine, and Designsponge, to name a few.

But you don't need to look far for something to spruce up your walls. Just check out some of the Craft Athens Etsy shops.

Cindy Jerrell of Black Cat Graphix has been one of my local favorites for a while. I love her style - to me it is like stepping into another time or place. And if you have ever met Cindy, you might think she looks like her art - and to me she does! I always love seeing her work grace the cover of Flagpole each October!

Joe Havasy is another local artist I admire. The amount of work he produces is unreal, and just check out the detail and color! I also like all the characters that Joe imagines. There is one for every personality! I check Joe's Etsy shop often because things are always changing, and I like to read his comic in the Flagpole, too.

I met Cathy for the first time last year. I have seen her art here and there downtown. Her Etsy shop is called Kitty Butt. Look at that little kitty! Just look at those eyes! Now I gotta go and give my kitty a great big hug.

A Manatee Valentine.

2009-01-26T22:20:00.004-05:00

Back in November I adopted Ariel with my Shoppe Sugar Cookie Etsy earnings. Ariel is a manatee who lives at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida. I love the updates I get from Save the Manatee Club. It is like getting a letter from Ariel!

I have been excited about making manatee items to celebrate Ariel's adoption. Check out my manatee buttons. Each button I sell will go towards saving the manatees. The last update I got Ariel sent a Valentine. Please think about adopting a manatee for a loved on this Valentine's Day!

The Sweatshop has Moved.

2009-01-22T22:12:00.002-05:00

I just learned today that my friend Annie from Annie's Sweatshop has moved to Canada. Don't fret, you can still get her wonderful eco friendly and recycled pet products from her Etsy shop! Good luck, Annie! I will miss seeing Annie walking Porter and Stout in Athens!

Love is in the Air...

2009-01-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for gifts for your sweetie, I have some clever ideas for you, direct from Craft Athens Etsy team. First up is this adorable Heart Bead Set from Jangles. I love the pure red and white heart with the little accent beads on the sides.

Well, I am not sure I will be carvin' my initials on a tree anytime soon, but Beth Cyr's Tree Bark of Love Pendant will be a fine substitute. And you can have it customized with you and your sweetie's initials.

Board game night? A Valentine? You decide with these clever LOVE letter Scrabble Magnets from Be Inspired, one of our newest Craft Athens team members!

I hope these lovely lovelies inspire you to check out Craft Athens team member's Etsy shops this Valentine's Day!

Yes We Did!

2009-01-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

Can't get enough Obama? Maybe get a shirt for yourself or your mama! Check out these fine shirts on sale at Satisfactory!

Laurel in Daily Candy!

2008-12-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled when I read Daily Candy earlier in the week when Laurel's jewelry was the feature! Go Laurel!

Hand. Craft. It.

2008-12-20T21:45:00.000-05:00

Last weekend some of the Craft Athens Team took part in Hand. Craft. It. handmade market that took place in lovely Madison, Georgia at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. There were so many talented artists there, it was a truly amazing event.

One of my first stops was Genevieve's tables. She had quite a bit of new stuff since I last saw her. This time she had some adorable bird necklaces and some new art prints she had been working on. As you can see, she did a little shopping herself, just look at that fabulous hat she picked up!

Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves had a bunch of upcycled hats that were sewn from vintage sweaters. They are all so cute, too. I love all the different colors to choose from. Serra also had so many screen printed shirts and jewelry she has been making.

Laurel Hill was there, too. I have to say I simply love her jewelry! Each time she has something new and unique at her table. My favorites are the little banner necklaces and pins (cos I have them in my collection) and the poppies.

We also met Jean-Marie of Daisycakes Soap. Her table was the best smelling there! I got some of her Chai Tea Lip Balm and I have been using it ever since!

Prehistory had a variety of cute knitted scarves, plush acorns, paper goodies, and stickers. I especially love the wrist cuffs (cos I have one of those that Tara made, too!).

And I only took a few pictures of our tables, but here is one I will share. These are some of my wooden charm necklaces and pins!

I got to leave the table for a little while and catch the preview screening for Handmade Nation. It looks like a great deal of love and hard work went into this film - and I so look forward to seeing it when it is officially released. I know a few people that will show up in the film, so I am interested in what they have to say! How inspiring!

Later in the day a few bands played in the cute theatre that was across the way from where the market was held. I had enough time to leave Raoul manning the table and go catch some of Hope for Agoldensummer play. I love seeing them perform and they always look like they are having a good time singing and laughing with the audience. Sadly, I did not get to see Bowerbirds or Ola Podrida play later that night, but I did record this from Hope for Agoldensummer's set.

The Big Crafty in Asheville

2008-12-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

We had a chance to visit Asheville, North Carolina for the first time last weekend. We went to the Big Crafty holiday market. It was great, and what a great space to have it in! There were so many amazing artists, and just as many shoppers! A few of our Craft Athens team members were present, too.

We saw Jenny of Prairie Dog Inc. at her table. She had Tim with her, too. I think he is the inspiration behind her very adorable beardys! How cool would those look on your tree this year?

Christy Wooke had her table set up - I am always looking at her stuff cos it is so cute! Just look at those little pin cushions and magnets! Swoon!

Holiday Cheer Spreads and Earring Give Away

2008-12-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

I just read over at Genevieve Gail's blog that she is spreading some holiday cheer by having an earring give away! Simply create a comment with your favorite holiday recipe and viola, you will be entered in the give away. Easy as, uh, pie!

Craftland in Providence, RI

2008-12-09T21:35:00.001-05:00

If you live in the Providence, Rhode Island area, please have a peek at Craftland! There are so many amazing artists participating there, including, ahem, me! It is sure to be a fantastic shopping experience. What a great way to shop handmade!

Hand. Craft. It.

2008-12-05T22:38:00.000-05:00

Hand Craft It is going to be a really fun event! This handmade market and music festival takes place in Madison, Georgia, and it is pretty cute there! I know cos I have been and they have a chocolate shop! Please come by and say hi to some of our very own Craft Athens artists, like Daisycakes Soaps, Genevive Gail, Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves, Laurel Hill, Prehistory, and Sugar Cookie!

101 Reasons to Buy Handmade

2008-12-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the holidays? Are you ready to buy handmade for the holidays? Why not try taking the Handmade Pledge? You won't be alone this holiday season! I know I am trying my best to buy handmade or make things myself this season. I know it is a little difficult when most of my family loves them some video games! (But maybe I can make them one? Haha)

To get you in the holiday handmade mood, I read some good reasons to shop handmade this holiday season over at Poppytalk. Can you think of reasons to buy handmade this season?

2008-12-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

Several CraftAthens members will be at the 283 Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec 6th from 11 - 4pm. ERC is having a market that day as well, so make sure to come downtown and shop the sales!!! Hope to see you there!!

The Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa...

2008-11-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

was super! Serra, of Gypsies Tramps & Thieves does an amazing job organizing it, so I hope to see you all there for the spring sale!

xo
Laurel

Holiday Happenings

2008-11-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

I just found out about some more crafty holiday markets taking place in Athens soon. Shop handmade and meet some of our fellow artists at the sales, like Serra from Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves, who has screen printed tops and jewelry in her shop.

Barrow Elementary Holiday Sale (at their library)
December 4

Patti & Friends at Athica
Deceber 5, 6 and 7

Go Bar
December 16 from 4-9pm

More Holiday Fun

2008-11-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Get your handmade goods at some more Athens holiday markets! You can also find some of our fabulous Craft Athens team members with their handmade items at these sales, like screen printed shirts and ties by Satisfactory!

283 and Espresso Royale Cafe Craft Markets
Saturday, December 6 from 11-4pm

Big City Bread Holiday Market
December 12 and 13 from 4-9pm

Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa Holiday Market

2008-11-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

Athens is very crafty, did you know that? Forget the music scene, we got crafts!

Did you know about Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa? It is Athens very unique holiday market. You can find all your holiday gifts right in Agora's parking lot on November 22! Who would have guessed? Please come by and say hi to some of our Craft Athens members who will have their goodies at this fabulous holiday market - Like Laurel Hill, Genevieve Gail, and Black Cat Graphix, oh and me, to name a few!

Myspace!

2008-10-30T10:19:00.001-04:00

I'm working on getting a myspace page set up - check it out so far. and if you are a member of Craft Athens - make sure to give me your etsymini code! (the thumbnail size, 3 x 2)

Check us out here.

Craft Athens

2008-10-28T09:33:00.001-04:00

We are a group of Athens, Georgia artists who have come together to help promote Etsy and ourselves of course!