Crafted at O'Connor Brewing

This year, Crafted added a Spring show to its lineup. I was pretty excited since I haven't participated in a big show since the very first Crafted - 2.5 years ago! There was no shortage of people that's for sure. However there were a shortage of buyers - for me at least. Not sure if people didn't have a reason to shop, or felt flowers weren't on their 'must-haves' list, but it wasn't my best show. I did get to see a lot of old and new friends, bought a beautiful new necklace and drank some delicious beers...so I really can't ask for more than that!

debut of con'FELT'i, an idea from the hubs after seeing my clippings all over the house.

brooches and hair clips are always my best sellers. this year i added several different back options,
so the brooches are very versatile.

also the debut of mini flower clothes pins. cute for hanging photos, attaching cards or organizing paperwork.

#57: Craft Show

Clockwise from top right: From Heather's Hands, Sincerely Stephanie, Kill Devil Skates and Of the Earth Body Care

We are down to just one Town Fair left for the 2014 season! Some adjustments were made to this year's programming, the biggest being the time. Recommendations were made from the merchants that the time be moved to later in the evening, which I totally agreed with and also that it should be on Friday nights. I think we were able to capture more of the leaving-work, happy hour crowd and play on the entertainment that the city books every weekend.

Top: Acara's Jewelry; Bottom Left: T&E Collar Shop; Bottom Right: Kado

We were able to gain more artists and involve the existing Town Center retailers for two "Fashion Friday" events. Each year we plan to introduce new and exciting attractions or ways to promote the participants. If you've ever been to a Town Fair, let me know your thoughts!

Clockwise from top right: Dockside Photography, Yoonique Designs, Sweet Indulgences by Tonja, Dwell Jewelry

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to read all about it and here to a see a gallery of pictures of everyone participating. 

Autumn Brooches

Some nights I make things and I feel like I should probably never craft again. I will have to say that last night was definitely NOT one of those nights. Kitsch asked me to teach a class so we decided on Fall Brooch class (to be followed up by a Holly-Day Brooch class in December), in early November. I was kind of cramming to get them done so I could photograph, package and drop off to the shop....which never means a good outcome. Although, I'll have to say I'm pretty happy with the way these cuties came out.

These would make lovely boutineers, brooches or corsages for an Autumn wedding, a nice hostess gift, or cute stocking stuffers for all the ladies in your family. I'd be happy to take custom orders :)

I may make another batch tonight for Glass Gardens to showcase at the Portsmouth Farmer's Market, which is every Saturday at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for class details, or check Kitsch's class schedule for updates.

#29: Craft Show

I loved this little lady (I'm guessing) her son. They looked through every quiet book on my table during my latest craft show, The Town Fair at Town Center. Her son would almost quiz her on how many sides a pentagon has or what animals they were looking at. There were a couple that stumped him so I had to jump in with the answer (it was a waffle in the breakfast book, of course!). The woman thanked me for allowing her to take a look and told me my work was beautiful. To me, the craft show was 100% worth it.

Number 29 is off the list! I'm participating in my third 92 Days of Summer challenge. Read about the project here.

Monday Musebles

I kicked off the weekend with our Divaris Website Launch Party. Or, most commonly known to all the employees as jeans day and happy hour after work. I was pushing for the launch party, so this will have to do. We had our fair share of drinks and apps at Yardhouse to ring in the site - I promise you that!

The rest of the weekend was filled with rain (or threatening rain), crafts, art and large white tents. I hit up the Boissevain Bazaar on Saturday morning. What a great show! More than 10 local vendors showed up to display their goods in the parking lot behind With Lavender & Lace. I talked with Kelsie (owner of WL&L) and she is planning on doing more of these popup craft shows. Why not, right?

On my walk back I passed this tiny little house with a makeshift porch from old shutter doors. How cute is that? 

The second monthly Town Fair and Stockley Gardens proved to be.... meh.... just okay. The weather really wasn't on our side for the Town Fair. And the only thing I couldn't live without from Stockley was a bag of kettle corn.

Another dreary night from our friend's balcony at Shore Drive. I would really appreciate it if Mother Nature would give May a good talking to and bring on a proper Sunny Spring! Fingers crossed for next weekend!

May Town Fair

Saturday is this month's Town Fair at Town Center. This month will feature 30 local merchants with everything from fair trade to handmade, upcycled and home-baked goods (we were only at 15 vendors last month - what a great turnout for us!). The weather will definitely be warmer than last month's fair, we're just hoping the rain stays away. I'm also looking forward to this weekend's event because my Better Block partner John will be selling right next to me (just like the old days ;). The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., come out and support the local, handmade marketplace!

Better Block: Day 1

photo by Steve Earley | The Virginian-Pilot

Ta-Da! The Better Block space! I know it doesn't seem like much now, but we have big plans in store. Luckily the space didn't need too much work, since the front walls are already painted. The rest of the building is basically off limits due to a leak in the ceiling and broken glass in the loft windows. Last night we made a floor plan that includes a craft library and tons of pallet furniture. My friend Susie hung the Christmas lights and the lit the place so nicely! We swept the floors and tore down some of the ceiling (and swept the floors again).

the back of the space which will be hidden by fabric partition
boards donated for the weekend by EcoTrends

The Virginian-Pilot has been giving the project a ton of great coverage in the newspaper. You can see the articles here and here. My pop-up business partner, John from Glass Gardens, was interviewed over at NorfolkLive. It's a great feeling to have such an awesome community spirit behind this very involved project.

The ceiling was dangling in the window and what kind
of display could we make with that in the way?
It had to go. Thanks for the help, Jen :)

We were able to move in John's collection of junk (and I say that as lovingly as possible), which we will use for displays and tables. Tonight is going to show a huge transformation. We're building tables, bringing merch, painting and so much more...stay tuned!

Town Fair at Town Center

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce the Town Fair at Town Center, a handmade and fair trade marketplace that will be happening every month from April to September in Town Center, Virginia Beach. My friend and co-worker Alli and I have been working on this project for almost two months now and we're finally able to call for artists! 

It's going to be a fun, relaxing and handmade way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You can find more information here and also download an application if you're interested. Even if you're not applying, come out and see yours truly - I'll be there every month!

Monday Musebles

I drove a lot this weekend. 172.6 miles to be exact. And where did I go? No where in particular and specifically, everywhere. Saturday morning we attended the Better Block community walk, which was pretty much like the walk-about the Norfolk Arts District did a few weeks back....the turnout was great! A few of the Kitsch girls were there and we spoke briefly about working together for a business popup for the weekend of April 12th - which is AWESOME! We're getting the details worked out, so there isn't too much to report just yet. It did make the rest of my weekend very busy with looking for display pieces and extra arts and crafts supplies. I thought I'd share some of my finds and potential purchases here!

Vintage cardboard cutting mat. Thinking I could use it for bolts to wrap fabric around.

New antique shop on Granby Street I visited for the first time.
VERY reasonable prices and the merch is in pretty good shape.

The Store for Stores in Norfolk, a place everyone should go at least once!
These card and paper racks ranged from $40 to $100.

More from The Store for Stores. The bin shelf is only $67 and comes with the bins! Now only if I had buttons to fill all those bins... I like the idea of the picnic table shelving unit, it would take up a lot of space!

At Urban Castaways in Ghent. I'd love to hang fabric from vintage pants hangers from the metal birdbath on the left.

A vintage wooden drying rack...another way to display fabric or paper.
Hoping I can get someone (i.e. Barney) to make this for me!

Crafting time at Grow Interactive

I ended the weekend at the 7 Cities Crafters meeting, which is held monthly at Grow Interactive on Granby Street. I had two firsts here: first time attending a meeting and first time at Grow. Whoa, totally love both! And totally want to have an office space like this one day!

Fred Huette Spring Herb Sale

Gorgeous necklaces I somehow resisted
buying at the art show two years ago.

You've probably never even heard of the Fred Huette Center – or the annual herb and art sale. I missed this art show last year since I was still in Ohio, but it's definitely worth stopping by. The historical center puts on a two-day herb sale and art show with loads of regional artisans. The art is very unique and since the cost to partake in the event is relatively cheap, the prices are very affordable.

Handmade mermaid from the art sale two years ago.

The craft show runs Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are cooking demonstrations, the garden will be in bloom, lots of herbs for sale and more than 40 vendors selling their handmade crafts.

Spring Bada-Bing!

So if you've absolutely fallen in love with Kitsch (like 99% of the population in Norfolk ;), you must check out the Spring Bada-Bing craft fair in Richmond this Sunday. It features many Kitsch-like artisans, with fun, funky and absolutely adorable arts and crafts. The shindig starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., so there's plenty of time for shopping. Unfortunately, I'll be missing this year's show, but I'm getting a chance to do my first maternity photo shoot!