This weekend is the 3rd annual Renegade Craft Fair here in SF! Hooray! I can’t wait to check out all of the artists. I’m making it a point to visit some old friends and to finally meet some new ones in person.
A few booths I will surely hit are…
Will you be there?
Renegade Craft Fair
July 31 & August 1
11am – 7pm {both days}
Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion
Remember when I did that post about bow tie Brad? Well, I came across more lovely ties that I have to share. I am going to do it in two separate features because I feel they each deserve their own space.
Jenny Rinzler’s shop, Ciuccio, is full of all sorts of handmade goodies including ties that are sewn almost entirely by hand. She is based here in San Francisco and I’m excited to pay her a visit at Renegade this weekend. Check out these lovely fabrics…
necktie 018: $60.00
necktie 013: $60.00
necktie 025: $80.00
necktie 012: $60.00
necktie 009: $60.00
ps – you can also request a custom tie for your special occasion. check out the perfect tie listing photos.
Whenever I go to a book store, I make sure to visit the Children’s section. There is something about the creative way that authors write the moral of the story that I love {guess that’s why they are authors}. And have you noticed how beautiful the illustrations are for kids? It really is inspiring. I came across Emma San Cartier‘s site and it was full of work that reminded me of how much fun it is to browse through my favorite bookstore area. I can just imagine all of these lining the pages or gracing the covers of editions I would enjoy having in my collection. Do you peruse the Children’s Book Section at stores?
Speaking of books…Check out the one that Emma recently illustrated.
This is going to sound so repetitive of me, I know. But I can always use another notebook, right?
It’s funny this love-hate relationship I have with the color pink, and yet check the hot pink awesomeness above. Only certain shades work for me and it is dependent on what the item is. These Classmate Notebooks over at Poketo are surely calling to me, pink and all. Offered in both classic black and hot pink, the books are stitch bound and contain 56 lined pages. They are shown as the perfect partner for their Notefolio {which I also love}.
ps – I’ll take that pen, too.
Sponsor time! Let me introduce you to a gal who I’ve been a fan of and have known online for a while now. She creates beautiful jewelry pieces and is able to balance that with caring for her family.
Meet Jennifer Casady of Jewelry by Jennifer Casady.
Name: Jennifer Casady
Business Name: Jewelry by Jennifer Casady
Where are you located?
My studio is in Herndon, Virginia but I prefer to sell almost exclusively online at my website http://www.jennifercasady.com and my Etsy shop http://www.jennifercasady.etsy.com
What is it that you design and create?
Designer handmade jewelry utilizing solid 14 karat gold, sterling silver, 14k gold fill and semi-precious gemstones. I incorporate metalsmithing, the ancient art of chainmail and wire wrapping to create classic, elegant and understated jewelry that withstands the test of time. My pieces are dainty and delicate which accentuates – not detracts or competes with – a woman’s true beauty and allows the individualism of her inner self to shine forth.
How did you come up with your business name?
Totally unoriginal. *grin* Honestly, I wanted something streamlined and easy to remember, thus, my name.
Where/How did this all begin?
I think it truly began when I was born. I am a third-generation jewelry designer and I have been going to jewelry and gem shows since I was a little girl. My entire extended family is exceedingly crafty and talented, so I have been around crafts, woodworking, jewelry, etc., my whole life. I officially made my first grown up piece of jewelry in December of 2005 and upon seeing my first few pieces my husband immediately encouraged me to sell them. So this is all his fault! HA! Seriously, my husband has been my ardent supporter and encourager and I could not have come this far without him. Once he suggested that I should sell my work, everything has snowballed into this incredible experience and highly successful business. Within a month I was officially set up to do business and started selling online and in my studio immediately. Over the years I have had to streamline and cut back on certain aspects of my business because it became too successful. My first priority in life is to my husband and family, especially homeschooling our girls. Business is always second…ok, ok, I *try* to keep it second, but it tends to overtake everything on occasion.
Who or what inspires you?
I can find inspiration in almost anything, praise the Lord. My main inspiration would be in the beautiful earth that God created and in the gemstones themselves. But I can seriously find inspiration anywhere, from a pile of crayons carelessly abandoned on the floor, to a haunting sonata played with heartbreaking honesty, in the lilting praise of the morning birds as they watch the splash of color brightening the sky, in the glorious full-bellied giggling of my girls’ laughter as they play. Inspiration is always there, it is just a matter of how you look at it and what you do with it.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
The entire process. *grin* I love the flash of inspiration as an idea suddenly crosses one’s mind. I love the wholehearted concentration when one is fully immersed within a project relying on the talent that God bestows upon oneself to bring that flash of idea to fruition. I love the satisfaction in looking at the completed piece, shiny and elegant from the tumbler. I love the thrill of the hunt of finding the perfect gemstones to compliment a customer’s dream piece.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Oh boy. You can *never* have enough tools. *grin* I love tools and only buy the best I can afford (thanks to my Dad who taught me that important principal!). There are several tools that are integral to my business such as my pliers, Jump Ringer (for precise machine cutting of the jumprings necessary to weave chainmail), and most important of all, my camera! My favorite supplies above all are gemstones. I can NOT get enough of gemstones. I fully admit to having an addiction to gemstones (oh, and chocolate, but, that’s for another question *grin*).
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Honestly? First and foremost is to have FUN! No matter what, always have fun. Also, stay true to what your love and passion is. If you get too focused on making money and creating profit vs. creating your passion, than your art will become compromised. Truly, it will. Allow your passion to take flight and it will soar. Have patience. As time passes, expand and refine your skills. We can
always learn how to do what we do better and with a higher degree of precision.
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Ok, this is an easy and hard question all rolled into one. *grin* I have purchased sooo many indie creations! One of my favorites has to be my Mohops! http://www.mohop.com Annie is an incredible designer and I love seeing her business flourish over the years. But, without a doubt, my favorite indie creation was a gift from my husband and was a collaboration between him and one of my best friends Rhonda of Prolifique Jewelry. http://www.prolifiquejewelry.etsy.com It is a gorgeous PMC necklace lovingly made by Rhonda that includes all three of my daughters middle names hand stamped into the beautiful design.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now? What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
Chris Tomlin, Todd Agnew, Fernando Ortega, George Winston, Josh Groban…the list goes on and on and is very diverse. But my favorite crafting music right now would have to be blessed silence. HA! Can you tell that I have three young children?!!
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I am not much of a TV buff, but my husband and I were completely hooked on Lost and watched the entire series. But, now that it is over I am not sure if anything else will really catch my eye. I enjoy not being hooked to the TV so I can spend more time playing with, uh, I mean creating my jewelry. *grin*
What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate. Any and all forms. HA!
What’s your favorite candy?
See above.
Coffee or Tea?
I prefer to start my day with coffee (and relish each and every drop because it is my only quiet time throughout the day!), but I will then drink tea throughout the remainder of the day.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Oh goodness…with three girly-girls ages 7 and under I’d be utterly content to wander through almost any store as long as I was alone! *grin* At this stage, I am not picky.
Any pets?
Two schtinker kitty cats who get into anything and everything! Anybody want them??!! *grin*
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Israel. I would love to visit some of the places where Jesus walked.
Do you have a day job in addition to your crafty business? What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I am blessed to be living the exact life I want to live…a wife to my awesome hubby, Mommy to three hilariously adorable girls, homeschooling the two eldest (*grin* my 5 month old is not quite ready for homeschooling yet) and running my own business. I love this life and am utterly grateful to the Lord for helping me to live my dreams.
What are your plans and/or goals (business/personal) for 2010?
Oh just normal ones…to live each day to the fullest and enjoy each moment with our girls as they grow. I’d love to find the time to pick up my torch again and expand my metalsmithing skills. But I’m patient (sort of, *grin*) and I know I’ll get to that goal when I am able and the girls are older.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! We should talk chocolate one day. ;) Check out some of the current pieces at Jennifer’s shop {many are one-of-a-kind}…
Gwen Necklace: $104.00; Tangelo Cluster Drop Earrings: $82.00
Flat Queen’s Link Bracelet: $74.00; Minimalist Necklace: $33.00
Solid Gold Collection – Midnight Earrings: $126.00; Victoria Necklace: $56.00
Enjoy 20% off site-wide with code Mixed20. Free USPS First Class Domestic Shipping.
I was already a huge fan of Ursula and Oami‘s clothing and accessories and now…
I am diggin’ their new shop called Twentyfive. Recently launched, the online catalog is of limited edition pieces {just 25, you see} and they are offering up free ground shipping.
Have you seen these heirloom recipe card boxes by Rifle Paper Co. yet?
These boxes {$120.00/ea} are currently available for pre-order via Anna’s site. They are made by local craftsmen in Florida from locally salvaged hardwood {rescued from being sent to the landfills!} over a three-month-long process. You can choose from two designs {floral or type} that have been screen printed on the lids of the beautiful limited edition solid wood homes for your tasty recipes. Each box includes 12 dividers and 24 recipe cards.
Anyone watching The Tour? I keep checking online to see what kind of coverage is available {without having to sign up and pay a huge fee}. I can’t believe the crazy crashes that have already taken place so early on. If you’re following it, who are you cheering for?
{the only way I could make it up those hill climbs they do.}
via weheartit
Did you?
I had all of these grand plans to work on some creative projects. Well, I’ll try again tomorrow.
Make Something Good Today Large Print by Please Be Still: $39.99
Happy July! Seriously, though, where did June even go? What are your plans for this holiday weekend? I’ll be working as usual and will be here in the city the whole time. I figured in celebration of July 4th, I would put together a post full of reds, whites, and blues. Enjoy!
via pepytta
via weheartit
via weheartit
via pinterest
via Creature Comforts {via Anna Williams}
via mem’s
via slimmer_jimmer
via Belltown
via clickclique
via glitz
via PinkMoose
You know I have a love for animals, right? So you can imagine the joy I felt when I saw what Tara has in her shop, Ink+Wit…
The Foxy Friends and Elephant Safari Linen Tea Towels or Wall Hangings {$20.00/ea} are begging to come live with me. The adorable designs are screenprinted using water based inks. I say there’s no choosing between the two so if you’re considering purchasing them…well, you know what I think.
aloha! i’m Liana. this is my site. i am not a professional writer. i pretty much just write the way i talk. it’s fun meeting new online friends and introducing these amazing artists. i’ll do my best to keep you entertained.
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