Valentine Craftacular!

I have had a busy couple of months and plan to check in with an update and photos soon so you can see some of the new things I've been making! But first, I want to tell you about my first craft show of 2012! 

The Bookish Life will be participating in the Valentine Craftacular on February 4th at the East Side Club in Madison, WI. There will be around 50 artists and crafters, a photo booth and a make & take craft table. Fun for the whole family! Admission is free and the first 50 shoppers will get a free tote bag stuffed with goodies from the vendors.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the shops who will be at the show. You can go to the Valentine Craftacular website for more information and a full vendor list! Hope to see you there!

Hello June!

Wisconsin has decided to skip over spring and head right into summer. It's hot and humid, folks! After a couple of wacky weather months, I'm thrilled to have a decent forecast for the weekend. I'm especially excited because this means nice weather for the Dane County Farmers' Market!

We are excited to be back at the market for our second season. This year we are happy to be sharing a booth with The Glitter Workshop!You can find us at the market every Saturday through October (weather permitting) and we will constantly be adding new products. You can follow Space Oddities on Facebook for more regular updates on new items and market specials!

This week I have been busy printing a few of my favorite designs on kids shirts and bibs. I even convinced my 4 year old to model for me! Here are some new shirts you can find at the market this weekend. These are also available in our etsy shop!

I adore this 'Raining in my heart' design. It's a little retro, a little moody, and a lot cute.

And here is Jette modeling 'My favorite robot.' which I think is perfect for girls or boys.

And this week Naomi has been busy making beatuful garden markers. They are just $8! Come early for the best selection!



We hope to see you out at the market this summer!

xo

Andrea

Collaborative art wall project: a call to artists!

The recently opened Glitter Workshop, a lovely crafty shop on the west side of Madison, has a great big room that has a whole lot of wall space to fill. The room is set apart from the retail space and is used for craft and art workshops and classes, trunk shows where artists show and sell their work monthly, and craft parties.

After talking to owner Naomi about creative ideas to fill this space, we have decided that it would be so much fun to showcase YOUR creative work! Are you ready for the challenge? The idea is a collaborative art wall which will feature mediums of all kinds - from drawing, painting and photography to quilting, collage, and screen-printing and everything inbetween. Get creative: the sky's the limit! Anyone is welcome to contribute one or two submissions which will be hung on the wall with love and enjoyed by people in the Madison community during Glitter Workshop's monthly trunk shows, workshops, classes and other events.

If you're interested in contributing, please send your work in an approximately 4" x 6" format (please try to stick to something close to this size, it will make it much easier for us to hang your work and make it jive with everything else) and please keep your work family friendly as there will be children visiting this space.

We hope you will participate! If you know anyone who might like to contribute, please pass this info on to them! We're excited to see what everyone creates and can't wait to see how it all comes together! I plan to post updates here as submissions come in so we can keep track of the progress and see the wall fill up!

Submissions can be mailed to or dropped off at: 6138 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI, 53705

For more information about the Glitter Workshop, visit online HERE. 

For questions about the project, feel free to comment here or contact me via e-mail at space.odditiesmail@gmail.com 

fall in love with handmade!

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Fall in Love with Handmade trunk show! It's coming up on February 6th at the Glitter Workshop. Join us for a day of handmade shopping and  yummy treats (I plan to bring cupcakes to share. Yum!) You can find more info about the event on the Craftacular website. Hope to see you there!

xo
andrea

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Our last craft show of the season is THIS weekend, Saturday December 11th. Hope you can make it! The Craftacular is always such a fun show. Admission is free and the first 50 shoppers will get a goody bag stuffed with samples, coupons and more from vendors and sponsors!

We will have pocket mirrors, magnets, art prints, clothing for kids and adults and more! Plus tons of goodies from over 40 other awesome vendors. You can see the full list of vendors HERE.

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Thanks for supporting local and independent artists and crafters this holiday season! 

xo

Andrea

Make Your Own Stocking Stuffers! Saturday December 4!

If you're looking for a fun little gift that you can customize, this Saturday, December 4, is your chance! Stop by The Glitter Workshop, 6138 Mineral Point Rd. in Madison anytime between 12-3 to make your own pocket mirrors, magnets or pins while sipping cocoa and snacking on a holiday treat!

We will have pocket mirrors, small and large magnets and buttons available to create with prices ranging from just $1-7! Feel welcome to bring something special to customize your item - a photo (printed on copy paper weight paper,) a fun paper or gift wrap, old magazine or book pages, etc. OR use pre-cut images and papers we'll have available to create something unique on the spot. We'll have everything from vintage comics and classic books to sparkly papers with holiday themes for you to choose from! This is a project that would be suitable for younger kids, as well. You could have the kids customize a gift for a teacher or grandma and grandpa (maybe a magnet from their own drawing?) or make buttons for holiday party favors!

I had such a fun time at the Holiday Craft Lounge last weekend and wanted to offer one more opportunity before the holidays for locals to craft up something special. Hope to see you there!

If you have specific questions about this drop-in workshop, please feel free to comment here or contact me at space.odditiesmail@gmail.com. 

          

                                                     

Next up: Holiday Craft Lounge!

I am back from a lovely Chicago weekend spent with my fantastic sister-in-law! We had a great time at the DIY Trunk Show, visited the awesome Bleeding Heart Bakery, ate some yummy Thai food and other assorted goodies and had lots of time to chat and chill in the big city and the 'burbs. Such a nice weekend! Serious thank-yous are in order to my sister-in-law for helping me with the show and to the trunk show organizers and volunteers for thinking of every detail and making the show so smooth!

My next show is coming up on Saturday, November 27, right here in Madison! The Holiday Craft Lounge is the perfect spot to find or create the perfect handmade gift! I will have a craft table where you can make your own custom pocket mirrors and/or small (1") or large (3") magnets or buttons. Feel welcome to bring something special to customize your item - a photo (printed on copy paper weight paper,) a fun paper or gift wrap, old magazine or newspaper clipping, etc. Or use pre-cut images and papers we'll have available to create something unique at the event. This is a project that would be suitable for younger kids, as well. You could have the kids customize a gift for grandma and grandpa (maybe a magnet from their own drawing?) or make buttons for holiday party favors!

There will be lots of other crafting options - paper star ornaments, crochet scarves from t-shirts, and crayon pendants to name JUST a few! You'll also be able to shop handmade from lots of local crafters. Find more details on Anthology's website. Come out and make something with us!

Holiday Craft Lounge
Saturday, November 27, 10 AM - 3 PM
Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
Overture Center, 201 State St.


Admission is a can of food or a $1 donation for the Second Harvest Foodbank.

Holiday Craft Shows!

Apparently the time for making time to make is RIGHT NOW, because holiday shows are coming up FAST! We are participating in several events in November and December and while I was (and still am) tempted to apply for a couple more shows, I just know that it would be too much. I am already trying to figure out how on earth I am going to be able to be ready for one show or get a batch of inventory ready for one shop. It will all come together, though. It always does, right?

So here are the shows you can find Space Oddities at for the rest of 2010! 

November 20 we will be heading to Chicago for the DIY Trunk Show! The event is at Pulaski Park Auditorium from 10AM to 5PM and will feature close to 100 artists and crafters from the Chicago area and beyond. We participated in this event in 2008 and absolutely loved it. We met so many fantastic people and had a great show. I'm really looking forward to this one and I'm sure it'll be a great first show of the season! 

On the same weekend, November 19 & 20, while we'll physically be in Chicago, we'll also have some items for sale at Lapacek's Orchard in Poynette where Kim from Kim's Crafty Apple will be hosting her annual Handcrafted Hoedown for the Holidays event. There will be items for sale from several local artisans as well as a mini quilt shop, freshly baked goodies from Lapacek's Orchard and fun tarot card readings from Sass Mama Arts on Friday November 19th. Another great chance to shop handmade for the holidays! 

The following weekend we will be back in Madison at the Holiday Craft Lounge hosted by Anthology. This super fun event will be held downtown Madison at the Overture center on Saturday, November 27 from 10AM - 4PM. You can stop in and find make & take craft activities, demonstrations and handmade items for sale from local crafters. We are planning to have a make & take button/magnet/mirror table (personalize a gift or make something special for yourself!) and will also be selling our wares. Actually, this one will be all me. Chad is sitting this show out and I am dragging a friend along. Total girly craft day!  

 And finally, on December 11 we will be at the Sixth Annual Holiday Craftacular! This show is very special to me because my first real show was a Valentine Craftacular in 2007. The energy of this local show is one of the things that got me so excited about crafting when I was first starting and that is still true today. This event will be held at the East Side Club, which is a new location from the past couple of holiday shows. 

We have been working with the fantastic Naomi of Glitter Workshop to design this year's Craftacular posters/postcards/etc. I hope you like the design! 

 

Okay, seriously: Time to focus, Andrea! I truly do not know where to begin. My lack of time combined with my distraction with all things crafty is making it difficult for me to build inventory. I plan to do some supply ordering this week so that I will have what I need to get as much ready as I can in the coming weeks. Wish me luck! 

And as always: Make time to make! I will, too. I really will.

school days + craftacular

After a super crazy week last week, I have managed to have the most mellow weekend of the entire summer. We have been having some quality family time and catching up on things around our house. I could use a few more days, but man, it has been nice.

Last week my little man started kindergarten. I'm so excited to see what this year brings. He's an amazing kid and watching him grow and learn is the best. And my daughter starts preschool and ballet class this week. It's all happening!

Aside from all of the school craziness, we have been busy this week working on a new design for the Sixth Annual Holiday Craftacular. It seems early to be thinking about a holiday event, but if you're a local crafter, the time to apply has already arrived!

I have also been working on getting some new inventory ready for the farmers' market. It's been very slow going. The only thing I really want to make lately is pendants. We also have a sweet new kids' t-shirt design coming soon. Before this weekend's market, that is (I hope!)

Have a fantastic week! 

How much art can you take?

Another summer weekend jam packed with crafty goodness!

Have you been to Confectionique market in Middleton yet? This weekend is your chance! Jessica and Anastasia will be showcasing beautiful handmade goodies made by themselves and several other local artists Saturday AND Sunday, August 7 & 8. Get ready for a treat! These ladies are always crafting up something new and reinvent their beautiful store space for each market.

Also on Saturday AND Sunday (August 7 & 8) is Art Fest at Greenway Station in Madison. Here you'll find lots and lots of local arts and crafts vendors - jewelry, glass, photography, sculpture, painting, wood and more will be represented. Plus live music and free activities for the little ones!


And don't forget, you can find Space Oddities and lots of other vendors peddling delightful handmade wares Saturday at the Dane county farmers' market . Craft vendors are at the top of State street extending onto Mifflin street and our tent is usually somewhere close to Taste of India.

If you're looking for a special gift this weekend, you know where to go! Support local businesses and find something handcrafted and unique. We are so lucky to live in a city where the big box stores are not our only options!

xoxo
andrea

old, new, revamped.

I visited my dad last weekend and picked up this beautiful sewing machine while I was at his place. Isn't it dreamy? It used to be my grandmother's and I am so thrilled that it has been passed on to me. I have been wanting to learn to sew for a long time and have tried my hand at some small projects without much success throughout the years. This time I will be armed with a new (old) machine that inspires me just looking at it. I can't help but imagine the hours and hours that my grandmother spent at this machine. She loved to reupholster furniture and made so many gorgeous things with this lovely piece of equipment over the years. I hope that I can create something nearly as awesome! Thankfully I have a sweet, talented friend who is willing to show me the basics and get started the right way. Thanks Jenny! You rule! I cannot wait for sewing 101.

On to the new! We have been making lots of new goodies to try out at the farmers market lately. These "My Favorite Robot" prints debuted at the market a few weeks ago and have finally been added to our etsy shop. We have used bright, bold colors and fun printed papers to screen print this fun robot print on. I love the results! These framed prints would be so fun in a kid's room!

I also printed some new shirts this week. Well, the design is an oldie but a goodie. I've just changed up the color scheme a little bit. I love our cupcake shirts but was ready for something other than the "cherry vanilla" pink and white on brown. The new, revamped version of this shirt is called "berry vanilla" and features a new mixup of colors. These shirts are available in our etsy shop now!

Have a great week! If you're in the Madison area, don't forget to visit us at the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturday! We still have RAD DAD buttons and t-shirts along with lots of other unique gift ideas for father's day (think star wars magnets, lord of the rings inspired prints and robot t-shirts!) that you can pick up while you're downtown!

xo

andrea

busy June.

It's been a busy week! We had a fantastic Saturday at the farmer's market. The weather was gorgeous and there were lots of people at the market. We sold out of our raining hearts t-shirt design and our RAD DAD shirts were also popular with father's day coming up soon. Now I must find some time to print...and it's time for some new designs. I'm trying to decide if I will do another run of the raining hearts shirts or not. I really love the design but I feel like it's time for something new. Chad and I have something in mind for a new womens' shirt design so hopefully we can get that together and printed SOON! It's going to be lovely, I can't wait!

Here are the new Rad Dad shirts. This run is a little different and is printed on blue and grey t-shirts. I really like how they turned out. We will have these available at the farmers' market and etsy shop. We also sent a small batch to i like you in Minneapolis!

Aside from the printing, I have also been working on some graphic design for the upcoming Summer Craftacular this week. Chad created the artwork and I have been working to put it all together to make into promotional items for the show. The craftacular is an indie art/craft fair in Madison, Wisconsin. This is the sixth annual summer event and it looks like it's going to be a great one! Handmade items from over 70 vendors! It's sure to be an excellent and super fun show. If you're a crafter, you still have time to apply for the show. The deadline is June 13, so don't wait! You can apply right HERE.

Today was a special day. We finally took the training wheels off of my son's bike. I have been kind of paranoid about this but it turns out he was totally ready. Without any fear or instruction, Lars hopped on that bike and rode off into the wind. I am so proud! It's such a cool moment! I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He'll be in kindergarten before I know it!

And then there is my sweet girl. She was cheering Lars on with the bicycling shenanigans today and was also hunting gnomes. What a goofy lady. Okay I am determined to get LOTS done tonight after I get these sweet kiddos to bed. It's all happening! Have a fantastic week!

Nuit Blanche Market

Confectionique is having an evening market this week! Join Jessica and Anastasia for their first Nuit Blanche Market in their beautiful shopping space! You can find lovely treasures while you sip wine and listen to vinyl on the stereo. It doesn't get much better than that!

Hope you can make it! More info HERE.

Dinosaurs, Robots and Esoteric Creatures

We finally put together some coloring books! This is a project that Chad and I have been talking about for a long time. Our kids love coloring and it's not often that you find a really unique coloring book that both kids and parents can appreciate. This first book - dinosaurs, robots and esoteric creatures - is a fun combination of some of Chad's favorite illustrations. We plan to create several more books with fun themes that we think kids and adults with both enjoy. These coloring books will be featured in Chad's etsy shop and at our local shows including the Dane County Farmers' Market. We're hoping to enlighten Madison kids on the subject of trilobites, griffins, and of course goofy robots and lots of other awesome creatures!

xo
andrea

a whole lotta craft

I am so glad to live in a city that is bursting with handmade goodness everywhere I turn. This weekend is stuffed to the brim with opportunities to kick out the craft!! Just in case these aren't already on your radar...

Join crafting sisters Jessica and Anastasia for their first Confectionique market on Saturday April 24. This monthly craft market showcases their own work as well as treasures created by other local artists/crafters. The very first Confectionique market will be from 10AM -4PM at 8300 Airport Road, Middleton. Check it out!

Also on Saturday is the Spring Fling Craftacular! Yes, you read it right! Naomi at Glitter Workshop has decided to hold the craftacular events more frequently so we can enjoy the crafty goodness all year long. Really, who wants to wait an entire year between craftaculars? Not this lady. As always, get there early (doors open at 10AM) to snag the swag! First 25 shoppers get the goods!

And if you feel like visiting us, we'll be at the Dane county farmers' market where you will find delicious locally grown produce AND an awesome handmade market. Last week was the first market of the season. This week it just might be rainy. We're hoping it's not but I suppose if it is, at least we'll have more time to check out the other amazing events that are taking place all around our lovely city!

If you do make it downtown, I would also recommend Anthology for a dreamy craft fix. Easily one of the most inspiring stores in the city, this place always has new treasures waiting to be discovered. It's also Altered Clothing month at Anthology! "Bring your own skirt, shirt...and select from an assortment of fabrics. Make your own iron-on patches, and stitch around the edges for added decoration." What fun!!

After you've packed as much craft into your days as you possibly can, here are some more killer events of note to look forward to this weekend...

Highway 18 Drive-In. It's open! Alice in Wonderland under the stars!

and

Roller Derby! Bout 5! Saturday Morning Cartoon theme!

Maybe we will cross paths this fine weekend? See you around!

xo
andrea

It's all happening!

Happy spring! We have been busy making lots of goodies for the upcoming Dane County Farmers' Market. It starts THIS WEEKEND, April 17, and will be happening Saturdays through the beginning of November. We are not used to vending every week and it's going to be a learning experience for sure. I can't wait! I'm hoping for sunshine and lots of people out enjoying the day. I am also excited for SPICY CHEESE BREAD.

Here are some of our latest creations. First, this is Chad's answer to "what should we make for mothers' day?"
















And as always, lots of fun with recycled images. I've been tearing up comic books and an old Loteria set this week.






















Hope you are enjoying spring. Happy crafting!

Cupcakes & Crafts!

Discover unique handmade items made locally.

Meet the artists.

Treat yourself to something sweet!















Check out our next event at Daisy Cupcakery in Madison on Sunday March 14, 4pm - 8pm.

Here are some of the artists who will be showing their work:
Storyline Design
Glitter Workshop
Prettifications
Whimsy House
The Painted Daisy
Little Dandelion Studio
Space Oddities
The Apple
Helen Mary Beck
Bare Tree Apparel
Haley Studio
Bernie's Girl
Odd Stuff by Xanthe
Daisy Petal Designs

Click here for more info and to RSVP to the event on facebook.

Hope to see you there!

Well I think I'm officially over winter. It seems like I always get to a point around February or March where I just can't handle the season any more. This year the crazy is apparently coming early for me. The cold and snow are not my favorite but those things aren't what bother me. It's the lack of light. The grey days. Such minimal sun. I am so glad that the days are getting longer because I am totally done with it being dark when I leave for work in the morning and having something like an hour of daylight when I get home. This lady is looking forward to spring!!

We have a couple of shows coming up! If you're in the Madison area, please stop by the Valentine Craftacular at the High Noon Saloon on February 13. Free goody bags for the first 25 shoppers! We'll also be showing off our goodies on March 14 at the Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery from 4-8pm. Hope you can make it!

I love Valentine's Day. I especially love Valentine's Day crafting. It's a good thing that I got started early this year because I think I have hit a wall with creating for the holiday. I made some fun cards and goofy buttons and printed some old favorites. One of last year's designs was featured on geeksugar.com along with several other great geeky valentine cards. Awesome!

Hope you are enjoying February! Or at least tolerating it. Spring will be here soon!

xo
andrea

We're having a SALE.

We're having a 3 day sale on EVERYTHING in our etsy shop. 40% off of all items! That means $9 t-shirts and tote bags, $4 pocket mirrors and great prices on handmade greeting cards to name a few deals. Sale begins today 1/27/10 and will end on Friday 1/29/10 at midnight. Please see my shop announcement for more details. Stop by our shop to find some goodies for yourself, your family and friends, and strangers. You can click the link above or click below to be directed to certain items.



Enjoy your week!

xoxo
andrea

Hope you're enjoying the holidays! I had a nice mellow, relaxing few days with my family. I took a break from my shop and let myself get a little more disconnected with things than I have in awhile. I had to go back to work today but I am somehow back in chill out mood tonight. It's great! I'm looking forward to another long weekend coming up with not a whole lot on the agenda. We probably won't do much but a family movie night on New Year's eve but I'm looking forward to it for sure!

I do want to share one fun bit of news with you. I'm featured along with 2 other local artists in an article called "crafting a business on etsy" in January's issue of Wisconsin Woman magazine. You can read it online HERE (link will be on the left of their home page) or pick it up at several local grocery stores/gas stations/libraries in the Madison area. Very fun!

Well, I am off for a night of chutes & ladders and brownies & ice cream. Enjoy your week!

xo
andrea