Thursday, February 28, 2008

Crafters for Critters

When I first started out with Bake Sale Designs, Crafters for Critters was one of the first places I sold something I had made. I donated a cute little green bag and it sold! I was very excited that someone would actually buy something I made. And the proceeds went to a good cause. Crafters for Critters(CFC) "collect[s] handmade/individually-created items and put[s] them up for sale. The proceeds are then donated to animal rescue groups." Awesome.
In any case, I hadn't donated anything to CFC in awhile and I thought it was about time.

So check out their shop. They really do get some cute things: like these vintage pattern notecards and these printed tea towels. The vegan truffles always tempt me. And since it's an animal friendly shop there's always goodies for your pets. I've gotten my kitties some treats, including this catnip toy. And this adorable grocery list is now sold out, but I got it hanging on my fridge. It makes me not mind so much writing out the grocery list. And of course some of my good are up in their shop as well.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

American Craft Council goes New wave

ArtScape isn't the only good old art show inviting in the "indie" crowd. The American Craft Council is doing the same with their Amerian Craft Show in Baltimore. I'm fairly well acquaimted with this show since George and I go each year to help one of the artisits, a friend of his mom's, take down her show. It's quite an experience to see the convention center go from a packed art show to a bare bones concrete warehouse. They start taking up the potted plants and carpet right away and soon cars are pull into the sapce to load up.
Before the take-down George and I always wander around. While it's not exactly our style, I usually find a few artisits/crafters that I like. But I can normally never afford anything.
This year, maybe I'll be able to afford something from one of the "New Wave" artists. I can't help putting "New Wave" in quotes. Who came up with that? I know it's referring to a new movement, but all I think of is New Wave music--and the web agrees with me since the first thing that comes up when you google "New Wave" is a wikipedia entry on New Wave music.

I digress. The press release below will explain it all and tell you who these New Wave artists will be attending the February show in Baltimore. I actually did recive an invite to apply, which I was flattered by, and I submitted an application, but alas, didn't get in. There's only one "bag" person who did get in. I don't really know anyone who is in, although I've seen Twigs and Heather and Bright Lights--Little City around. And I do believe Margaux Lange made a very special engagemnt "ring" for a certain mafia member.
I did spot there are a few paper people, letter press, stationery, etc. That's cool because I can't even think of anyone currently in the American Craft Council show who's doing that. Anyway, check out the New Wave and the American Craft Council in B-more.


____________________________________
New York, NY (February 1, 2008) – The American Craft Council has opened the doors of its most prestigious show, The American Craft Show in Baltimore, to the New Wave Craft community – artists typically labeled ‘indie’ as they usually exhibit and sell their work at small local craft shows.

The Council invited 300 artists of the national New Wave Craft community to apply to a special section of the show: out of 100 applications, 15 have been juried in. Their handmade items are varied and include: lampshades made out of cocktail umbrellas; colorful adult and children’s clothing made out of vintage and reclaimed fabrics such as sheets, drapes, table linens, and lace; and jewelry incorporating Barbie parts; among others.

The New Wave Craft section which will feature the 15 artists together will be positioned among the 700 booths of professional craft artists who will present their high-quality, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, home décor and more at The American Craft Show in Baltimore, the largest juried, indoor craft show in the nation. Each year, the show attracts upwards of 25,000 crafts enthusiasts. Visit: www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

The 2008 New Wave Craft Artists at The American Craft Show in Baltimore:
Amy Alison (Chicago, IL): www.sodabyamy.com
Julie Belcher & Kevin Bradley (Knoxville, TN): www.yeehawindustries.com
Heather & Kerry Alice Collins (Nahant, MA): www.twigsandheather.com
Erika Ebert (Philadelphia, PA): www.erikaebertpress.com
Dolan Geiman (Chicago, IL): www.dolangeiman.com
Chia Guillory (Austin, TX): www.chiahats.com
Regina Jiron (Bethesda, MD): www.beadjewelryshopgirl.etsy.com
Tia Keobounpheng (Minneapolis, MN): www.silvercocoon.com
Becky Klay (St. Paul, MN): www.smallmotordesigns.com
Margaux Lange (Brooklyn, NY): www.margauxlange.com
Nancy Pizzaro & Andy Witt (Chicago, IL): www.circaceramics.com
Eli Reich (Seattle, WA): www.alchemygoods.com
Erica Schlueter (Verona, WI):www.jewelrybentmetal.com
Niki Ulehla (San Francisco): www.nikiulehla.com
Heather Wells (North Attleboro, MA): www.brightlights-littlecity.com

Monday, February 04, 2008

DIY@ArtScape 2008! Call for entries!

If you're a Baltimorean, you know what ArtScape is (I've also heard it called FoodScape.) Ever since Geroge and I moved here we've embraced ArtScape, or maybe we were more consumed by it. We've always lived right in the middle of the neighborhood that hosts the three-day art event so it was easier to just go with it than fight it. It's the largest free public arts festival in the country.

Anyway, this year ArtScape has a new opportunity this year for crafters. For the first time, Artscape will include “DIY@Artscape.” In the past few years, some indie craft types have been sneaking into the 'fashion' section with t-shirts and what not. But now thee's going ot be a whole section of stuff I can actually afford at ArtScape!
So anyway, in short, it's a huge event, I know people who have done the 'fashion' section and they have done really well and you can apply!

* Art car from ArtScape. I was trying to get the logo for ArtScape 2008, but it wasn't happening, so this is what you get.

Artscape takes place July 18th, 19th and 20th. You can apply for a table space for the whole 3-day weekend, or for one or two days.

Go to ArtScape's application page, and scroll down to the crafter/DIY@Artscape “Call for entry” to obtain all the necessary info regarding fees/rules/applications etc.

Online applications are due by MARCH 30! Help spread the word!

I really hope that it becomes a permanent part of Artscape. So let's get in some awesome applications!
I *Heart* Craftster
Join | List | Previous | Next | Random | Previous 5 | Next 5 | Skip Previous | Skip Next
« Blog Baltimore »