pretty crafty thing

Pretty Pictures

These incredible photos from talented Midwest artist Alicia Bock capture the simplistic beauty of the everday.

Friends I am a little under the weather today so no Friday post. Have a great weekend and I'll be back Monday.

Kate Durkin "Tasty Goods"

I went Christmas shopping at the San Francisco Craft Mafia show this last winter and walked out of the great show so excited about my purchases. One of my favorite - a small wood painting of bubble-bees on a red background by Kate Durkin. I reluctantly gave this coveted gift to my roommate - at least it is in the same house! Kate's work has been on my mind ever since and I can't wait to get a few pieces of my own. You can see Kate's fabulous creations in San Francisco in several places over the next few months.

Definitely check out her mural at Rose and Radish and the room she decorated at Hotel Des Arts (ask for room 507!).

And at just one of the greatest San Francisco Craft Fairs - The Maven Craft Fair - May 12, Noe Valley

Canadian Eco Chic

Hooray for Quebec jewelry designers tomate d epingles. They create fun, whimsical reconstructed jewelry pieces combining recycled, vintage and new components. You'll find lots of great spring and summer additions at their Etsy store. I especially love the leather and red button Calder inspired necklace.

When in New Paltz...

I love this idea! New York artists April Warren and Eileen Brand collaborate for a very interesting show at the Main St. Bistro in New Paltz, New York. The artists chose 10 words at random and each painted a piece for each word, exhibiting the beauty and intrigue of the individual mind. Very cool ladies.

I know New Paltz feels very far away New Yorkers but surely its time for you to get out of the city. Go - its pretty.

TEN WORDS

April 17th - May 14th, 2007

Main Street Bistro

52 Main Street, New Paltz, NY

A few of my other April Warren favorites.....

Discarded goodies

On Thursday, May 10, St. Vincent de Paul Society’s hosts its second annual “Discarded to Divine” event. Fashion designers raise money to clothe the homeless and poor by creating and auctioning couture fashions made from discarded clothing pieces.

There will be an auction:
May 10, 2007. 6pm-8pm.
Gap Inc. Headquarters, 2 Folsom Street, San Francisco
$35 advance purchase $45 door

Karen Ericksson

Swedish based artist Karen Ericksson creates really pretty ceramics and wall hangings. Simple designs, pretty colors, striking whites - so gorgeous and elegant. Available at Eden and Eden in San Francisco and at her online store.

iWEAR - Do You?

A little edgy, a little sweet!

iWEAR-Do you? jewelry created by Hollywood artist Dawn Pilpel is super fun. Pilpel makes bracelets, earring, necklaces, you name it ..from nuts and bolts found at her local hardware store. She embellishes them with sparkly stones, making uniquely pretty pieces.

Wednesday with Crafty Chica

Crafty Chica has so many fun DIY ideas and all with a little Latin flair. I found this cool idea for all of your favorite fabric scraps that you have been holding on to on the Crafty Chica blog. Here is what our favorite craftster posted...

"What to do with all those fabric scraps...hmmm...problem solved! Turn them into puffy fabric appliques. I have a box of nothing but fabric scraps, including images I've printed out on fabric paper. Rather than throw all of them out, I salvaged them by making a batch of appliques. These are fun to keep on h and because you can iron them on to t-shirts, totes, jackets, even jeans or shoes. OK, so here is how I did it!

What you need:

pinking shears
fabric image (can be cut out from an old t-shirt, or a patch you have or fabric transfer paper)
Assorted fabric scraps
Pinch of batting
Pins
Sewing machine
fusible web or liquid fusible web (great for heavier appliques!)

How to make one:
Cut out your image and lay it on a piece of fabric that will act as a nice border. Add a pinch of batting between the two pieces and pin in place. Sew it in place. If there are clean lines, sew along the lines to give it more texture. Now sew it to a larger piece and keep adding on until you get it the size you want. When you are done, zigzag around the edges a couple times so it won't fray.

Apply fusible web according to package directions. However, I got so excited, I added painted dots on my rickrack and I really should have waited until i ironed it on my tote bag. But I managed to iron around the paint, no tears - thank goodness!

Iron it on your item. I put mine on a tote bag that I plan to garnish even further."

Ohio Rocks Jewelry

 

Heather Grandmont makes simple, elegant sterling silver handcrafted jewelry with just the perfect amount of funkiness. Earrings and pendants fabricated from sheet metal; add a little dark brushed patina, finish with a pearl or small stone and voila' - a beautiful, fun piece of Grandmont jewelry. I just love all these amazing Ohio jewelry artists. Go Ohio!

P.S - A little known fact - I am a buckeye, born and bred.