Craftstravaganzaa!

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

Craftsanity

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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.