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! 

Summer, Sewing, Swag...

Hope you are enjoying your summer! It is moving so quickly. Somehow my oldest will be starting kindergarten in a month. I don't know how this is possible...it feels like he was just born! 

It was another busy week, starting with a fantastic t-ball game (Lars is doing better every week!)  I also got to spend some time with the lovely Jenny of The Painted Daisy who is helping me learn some sewing basics. I managed to finish this bag with a lot of help. I really love the vintage ribbon accents. See, without Jenny's direction, i seriously would have just used the ribbon FOR the handles. I'm excited to start learning to sew and hope to make the time to take a consistent class in the fall. I really want to be able to feel comfortable sewing so that I can do my own thing! 

Saturday Chad vended solo at the market while the kids and I visited Naomi of Glitter Workshop and her sweet family to celebrate a special 2 year old's birthday. We had such a nice time and my kids didn't have any major freak outs, so that is good. It was also fun to see Naomi's current sewing projects (she's learning, too...and is tackling a way more advanced project which is inspiring!) and crafty work space. I also (finally!) managed to get hair cuts for both of my kiddos this weekend. They are looking pretty sharp for the time being so I had better get some photos before they get shaggy again.

The farmers' market has been a little slow lately but we are still enjoying it. I have to admit that Chad and I are both looking forward to autumn and the last few farmers' markets so that we can have a few more Saturdays free. Our schedules are already jam packed so vending at the market is a big commitment for us. We're not completely sure if it's something we'll do again next year or not. Only time will tell! As for this season, we plan to vend Saturdays right up until October 23, weather permitting. We are calling it quits a couple of weeks early (the market runs up through the first weekend of November!) as we have a fun mini-vacation planned at House on the Rock for Halloween weekend. We're going to the Neil Gaiman American Gods event! I'm super excited!

Oh! also finally finished a little something for the Craftacular goody bags this weekend! I'm looking forward to this event but can't believe it's already just 2 weeks away! I was definitely hoping to have more new things made before now. As usual, I will probably wait until 2 days before the show and then I'll begin to freak out and make last minute arrangements. It's kind of my thing. And it usually works out okay so I guess I will just roll with it. The Craftaculars are always such great events so no mater what I have or don't have to sell, at least I know it'll be totally fun! If you're near Madison, stop by to check it out on August 15. The first 50 shoppers will get free goody bags stuffed with awesome swag from the vendors!

And because I keep forgetting, I want to mention now that I have a couple talented friends who have recently opened etsy shops! You can now find beautiful photography prints by the very talented Sharyn Morrow at Sharyn Shoots. And if you're looking for super fun gift soaps (pac-man, owl, retro/mod designs to name a few) you should check out Little Sparrow Soap. 

Okay I am off to check out this splash park that my kids keep talking about. Have a fantastic week! 

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!

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

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

Shows to apply for! Contests to win!

A couple of things you should know about!

First, before you do anything else, go to Christopher and Tia's blog for a chance to win a set of my French Text Revamped notecards! I believe you have through Wednesday but hey, why wait.

Next, there are fantastic craft shows coming up in Wisconsin this winter and it's time to apply!

Glitter Workshop is now taking applications for the Winter Craftacular on December 6th. It's at a new location, downtown Madison at the Masonic center. For more info and to apply for this awesome show click HERE.

And if you're a member of the WIST (Wisconsin Etsy Street Team,) it's time to apply for our second annual WIST Holiday Trunk show at Lazy Jane's in Madison. For more info and to apply for this event, click HERE.