Feathers, leaves, florals, and some great fabrics for dyeing fun colors. :) Also random sewing bits to jazz up bags and pouches.
Vintage wooden thread spools to complete a sweet little project on my list from Minature Rhino.
Showing posts with label local handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local handmade. Show all posts
19 March 2012
Newest Crafty Haul
Stopped by Creative Reuse Pittsburgh and Wild Stuff Pop-Up Vintage Sale this weekend, and walked away with a haul of new fabrics and fun stuff! Hoping it all will kick my inspiration in the arse and get me in creating mode for the coming indie craft market season! :)
Feathers, leaves, florals, and some great fabrics for dyeing fun colors. :) Also random sewing bits to jazz up bags and pouches.
Vintage wooden thread spools to complete a sweet little project on my list from Minature Rhino.
Feathers, leaves, florals, and some great fabrics for dyeing fun colors. :) Also random sewing bits to jazz up bags and pouches.
Vintage wooden thread spools to complete a sweet little project on my list from Minature Rhino.
26 August 2010
Brand New Creations- Collaged Window Lockets
Months ago, I purchased some awesome handmade glass lockets from my friend Lynne who had extras, not exactly sure of what I would do with them. Well, I finally got around to seeing what would happen when I set out to try creating something with them, and here are the results! Introducing the latest line from SilentLotus Creations... Collaged Window Lockets!
On each locket, one at a time, I began gathering bits and pieces and images to create a collage. I used images and words from vintage and antique paper ephemera like books and magazine illustrations, vintage rhinestones, bits of artificial dried flowers and leaves, pieces of nature like twigs, old enamel pieces, fabric from vintage fabric sample books, and tiny jewels and ornaments from vintage millinery. As the subject emerged for each piece, so did a theme, which let me add just the right touches to create the mood of each finished locket.
I am so pleased with the results, and am super excited to unveil them at this weekend's Crafts N'At indie craft market by the Pittsburgh Craft Collective (PCC) on Sunday! I've already ordered new lockets in both this crystal shape and new shapes (diamonds, and house sort-of shapes), so look for more to come soon (like at Music in the Mountains on Labor Day Weekend- see my events list on the sidebar)! :)
Speaking of Crafts N'At, please come and support the PCC's fundraiser for Animal Friends this Friday night at 6pm at Wildcard in Lawrenceville! The Crafts N'AT Pre-Party will be serving free food, beer from East End Brewery, music, raffles of awesome local handmade goods, and a meetup with adoptable Animal Friend's animals! Please come on out!
On each locket, one at a time, I began gathering bits and pieces and images to create a collage. I used images and words from vintage and antique paper ephemera like books and magazine illustrations, vintage rhinestones, bits of artificial dried flowers and leaves, pieces of nature like twigs, old enamel pieces, fabric from vintage fabric sample books, and tiny jewels and ornaments from vintage millinery. As the subject emerged for each piece, so did a theme, which let me add just the right touches to create the mood of each finished locket.
I am so pleased with the results, and am super excited to unveil them at this weekend's Crafts N'At indie craft market by the Pittsburgh Craft Collective (PCC) on Sunday! I've already ordered new lockets in both this crystal shape and new shapes (diamonds, and house sort-of shapes), so look for more to come soon (like at Music in the Mountains on Labor Day Weekend- see my events list on the sidebar)! :)
Speaking of Crafts N'At, please come and support the PCC's fundraiser for Animal Friends this Friday night at 6pm at Wildcard in Lawrenceville! The Crafts N'AT Pre-Party will be serving free food, beer from East End Brewery, music, raffles of awesome local handmade goods, and a meetup with adoptable Animal Friend's animals! Please come on out!
21 June 2010
SilentLotus and Friends Take on Lawrenceville Little Flea
We went, we vended, we bought, we roasted. Fellow Steel Town Etsy members Tam of Barker's Herbs & Heirlooms, Kathryn of Go Carr Go, and I (SilentLotus Creations) headed to Lawrenceville this past Saturday to take part in the charming and eclectic Little Flea! The Lawrenceville Little Flea is a weekly neighborhood marketplace that happens every Saturday at 36th & Butler, with rotating local vendors of both typical flea market fare and handcrafted goods. From 8am - 3pm, the three of us peddled our handmade creations and vintage goods in the sweltering heat with 12 other vendors, using the temp and hot sun as an excuse to seek out thirst- and tummy-quenching treats from Butler Street's yummy coffee and bake shops (thanks for the iced soy chai and vegan cupcakes, Espresso A Mano and Dozen). :)
Some of my jewels crafted from vintage jewelry components and findings.
Tam indulges my picture-taking urges and oversees our tent. :)
Kathryn's fabulous paper-cutting work!
The other vendors were in good spirits, chatting and laughing with one another and with flea shoppers. It was great to meet the friendly bunch, who provided us with some handmade, vintage, and thrifted bargains when we needed a break from our tables. I found an old rocking chair and vintage pieces to use in my jewelry making. :) There were clothes, dishes, photographs, textiles, chairs, tools and hardware, and plenty of supplies for upcycled art and craft projects. Chris from Signworks managed to sell a ginormous disco ball- wish I had a picture of that guy rolling away his enormous (seriously, I betcha two people could curl up inside) purchase, the glass tiles flashing in the sun and blinding passersby. lol
Little Flea.
Customers were friendly, too, and curious, quick to ask questions, join in a conversation, and or express support of our wares. Sales were okay, but I'm told there has been a much better turnout in previous weeks. And, in any case, I witnessed plenty of folks carrying their finds happily away. Like any market, success ebbs and flows on any particular day. I'd definitely recommend giving Little Flea and the Lawrenceville area shops a visit as either a vendor or shopper. It was a great day, and the rotating vendors promise new treasures every week!
Tamara's unique steampunk creations made with upcycled materials.
My original art prints and magnets.
Some of my jewels crafted from vintage jewelry components and findings.
Tam indulges my picture-taking urges and oversees our tent. :)
Kathryn's fabulous paper-cutting work!
The other vendors were in good spirits, chatting and laughing with one another and with flea shoppers. It was great to meet the friendly bunch, who provided us with some handmade, vintage, and thrifted bargains when we needed a break from our tables. I found an old rocking chair and vintage pieces to use in my jewelry making. :) There were clothes, dishes, photographs, textiles, chairs, tools and hardware, and plenty of supplies for upcycled art and craft projects. Chris from Signworks managed to sell a ginormous disco ball- wish I had a picture of that guy rolling away his enormous (seriously, I betcha two people could curl up inside) purchase, the glass tiles flashing in the sun and blinding passersby. lol
Little Flea.
Customers were friendly, too, and curious, quick to ask questions, join in a conversation, and or express support of our wares. Sales were okay, but I'm told there has been a much better turnout in previous weeks. And, in any case, I witnessed plenty of folks carrying their finds happily away. Like any market, success ebbs and flows on any particular day. I'd definitely recommend giving Little Flea and the Lawrenceville area shops a visit as either a vendor or shopper. It was a great day, and the rotating vendors promise new treasures every week!
Tamara's unique steampunk creations made with upcycled materials.
My original art prints and magnets.
14 June 2010
Razblint and the Two Bears
Last year I vended at the same local indie craft event as Margaret from Razblint, known as PenelopeBox on Etsy and multi-talented, dynamic, and compassionate creator of fantastical and adorable handmade creatures, bizarre art, stories and films, and loads more! I fell in love with Margaret's unusual plushies right away, so when we again ended up vending at the same event a couple of months ago I was super happy. When I saw a crafty shopper walking from Margaret's table away with an adorable stuffed panda that would be a perfect gift for my new baby niece, I asked her to make one for me. And she DID! YAY! :)
The panda is just too cute for words, super soft (made from fleecy upcycled sweatshirts), and waiting for baby love (or love from you)! Don't you love her?
When T saw my niece's panda, she asked me to contact Margaret about making another special bear for a new baby, this one a brown bear with a Canadian maple leaf for expecting friends from Canada. haha And she DID! And wait until you see him? He's all soft and brown and velvety (made from an upcyled velvet coat) and very, very wide and squishy. :)
Thanks so much to Margaret for crafting these adorable, sweet bears just for us! You're wonderful! :)
19 November 2009
Hitting the Craft Shows! Visit Me at Local Indie Handmade Events!
I am super excited to be returning to the craft show scene after almost 6 months away! Having taken a much-needed hiatus to refocus and get motivated, I'll be introducing art prints, pandants, and magnets using images from my original brush paintings! As well, look for my new line of jewelry upcycled from entirely vintage components! :D
Gearing up for three nifty handmade shopping extravaganzas coming up at which I will vend my wares. :) Come and visit me at the following indie crafty events, fill your holiday shopping baskets, and support local businesses and hard-working independent artisans!
WYEP Holiday Shoppe, Sunday, November 28th, 10-2 pm at The WYEP Community Broadcast Center, 67 Bedford Sq, Pittsburgh.
I Made It! Market for the Holidays, Saturday, December 5th, 12-5pm at the Union Project, Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market & Open Studio, Saturday, December 19th, 10-6pm at The Screw Factory in Lakewood, OH.
Gearing up for three nifty handmade shopping extravaganzas coming up at which I will vend my wares. :) Come and visit me at the following indie crafty events, fill your holiday shopping baskets, and support local businesses and hard-working independent artisans!
WYEP Holiday Shoppe, Sunday, November 28th, 10-2 pm at The WYEP Community Broadcast Center, 67 Bedford Sq, Pittsburgh.
I Made It! Market for the Holidays, Saturday, December 5th, 12-5pm at the Union Project, Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market & Open Studio, Saturday, December 19th, 10-6pm at The Screw Factory in Lakewood, OH.
09 November 2009
America Unchained! Support and Celebrate Local Businesses and Artisans!
As the holidays and shopping madness fast approach, consider purchasing local handmade gifts for everyone on your list. Not only will your giftee receive a one-of-kind, well made treasure, but your economy will get a boost!
On Saturday, November 21st, 2009, take part in America & Canada Unchained, a campaign by the American Business Alliance (AMIBA) in which everyone in the US & Canada (everyone else, too) is encouraged to support only locally-owned independent businesses for the entire day! This is a great opportunity to build awareness of indie artisans and crafters in your local economy, as well as any other non-chain businesses. Whether shopping, eating out, or doing other business for this entire day, AMIBA says, can "maximize the impact of your dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy!
Did you know that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do?! AMIBA director Jennifer Rocke explains that indie biz "pays local employees, use the goods and services of other local indie biz, and give back to the community far more than chains." According to Rockne, independents generate 70% more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores! Pledging to buy only handmade for the holidays (or anytime) can give a huge boost to your neighborhood's economic well-being. Check out upcoming local indie craft fairs near you, and meet and support area vendors peddling their unique handmade wares!
The choice of what businesses to patronize can have huge and lasting consequences. Take America Unchained on the 21st as a chance to spread the word that small indie businesses like artisans and crafters are critical parts of your cities' cultural, social, and economic impact. Supporting them is better for us and for the community's health and prosperity! You'll have the perfect opportunity to do so at Pittsburgh's I Made It! for the Holidays at the Union Project on December 5th, when 50 crafty area vendors will gather to vend their handmade goodies! See you there! :)
Thanks to Karen Holsopple of Pittsburgh's East End Food Co-op for her article that inspired this one!
On Saturday, November 21st, 2009, take part in America & Canada Unchained, a campaign by the American Business Alliance (AMIBA) in which everyone in the US & Canada (everyone else, too) is encouraged to support only locally-owned independent businesses for the entire day! This is a great opportunity to build awareness of indie artisans and crafters in your local economy, as well as any other non-chain businesses. Whether shopping, eating out, or doing other business for this entire day, AMIBA says, can "maximize the impact of your dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy!
Did you know that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do?! AMIBA director Jennifer Rocke explains that indie biz "pays local employees, use the goods and services of other local indie biz, and give back to the community far more than chains." According to Rockne, independents generate 70% more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores! Pledging to buy only handmade for the holidays (or anytime) can give a huge boost to your neighborhood's economic well-being. Check out upcoming local indie craft fairs near you, and meet and support area vendors peddling their unique handmade wares!
The choice of what businesses to patronize can have huge and lasting consequences. Take America Unchained on the 21st as a chance to spread the word that small indie businesses like artisans and crafters are critical parts of your cities' cultural, social, and economic impact. Supporting them is better for us and for the community's health and prosperity! You'll have the perfect opportunity to do so at Pittsburgh's I Made It! for the Holidays at the Union Project on December 5th, when 50 crafty area vendors will gather to vend their handmade goodies! See you there! :)
Thanks to Karen Holsopple of Pittsburgh's East End Food Co-op for her article that inspired this one!
27 July 2009
A Treasury of Steel Town Handmade
Check out this array of handmade awesomeness from Etsy Pittsburgh's Steel Town crafters!
To see more handmade creations from Pittsburgh artisans, check out Etsy Pittsburgh's Etsy shop!
by bbkbags
by maudesplace
by CERCAjewelry
by octarine
by lazypeas
by hairycarrot
by wandamarie
by 19Moons
by BarkerBell
by silentlotus
To see more handmade creations from Pittsburgh artisans, check out Etsy Pittsburgh's Etsy shop!
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