Petaluma Craft Mafia

Craftaluma Vendor: Bird vs. Bird

2011-08-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

We are happy to welcome back yet another Veteran Craftaluma vendor, Bess Petty of Bird vs. Bird Design. Be it luck, good karma, or good ol' fashioned elbow grease, we seem to get the cream of the crop with not only talent but genuinely nice gals you'd wanna hang with. Bess Petty is one of those gals. She is a fellow graphic designer, and nature lover. The first time I saw her work a few years back at our first juried Craftaluma show, I knew immediately she was a graphic designer. The giveaway, her clean, vivid use of color and graphics relating to furry friends and wooded wonderland was after my own heart. Bess finds comfort and beauty that can only be found in nature and translates that into a bold, modern design that is sophisticated and a bit urban. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to snap up one of her totes with the faux bois pattern and a nice squirrel, barn owl or chipmunk. And if you travel light, be sure to check out her matching wallets. Oh, and being a nature lover, dig this, Bess uses recycled scraps of vinyl from banners, magnetic sheeting and the like from job at the sign shop to make her beaver and kestrel coin purses so it doesn't get in the landfill or waste water. Yep, she's talented and green. That's BA NA NAS as Rachel Zoe might say. Or as Bess might say it's just plain Coo Coo common sense! Yes. Thrift, waste not, want not and pushing the envelope beyond what seems possible is what makes Bess a true crafter's crafter. We like her bunches.

So why bird vs. bird you may ask? We're so glad you did... please read on. Then, come on down to the Petaluma Art Center and meet Bess and and her crafty critters.

Petaluma Craft Mafia interviews:
Bess Petty of Bird vs. Bird

Name of business and how you got your name:
Bird vs. Bird Designs The name (and logo) come from a photo in an old Time-Life book about birds that shows a sparrow fighting itself in a mirror.

Where are you from?
Raised in Davis, CA, currently in Oakland, CA.

How long have you lived there?
I've lived in Oakland since 2000something, and in my current neighborhood since 2004.

How did you get started in your particular craft?
My day job is as a graphic designer at a sign shop. The sign industry generates lots of scrap and waste materials like banner, vinyl, and magnet. I started making Bird vs. Bird products as a way to divert some of that stuff from the waste stream.

Where do you get your ideas?
Looking through my many bird books, checking out the wildlife at nearby Lake Merritt, and fiddling around with bits of materials to come up with new products.

Do you have a favorite bird?
I can't say that I have a favorite bird, but if I WAS a bird, I'd want to be a barn swallow--cool colors, amazing flying skillz, awesome mud nests.

Your favorite handbag or project you've created and why?
I made purse featuring a custom portrait of my friend's hen, Ximena. She's a really cool-looking chicken, and I've known her since she was a little baby chick.

Where would you like to be with your business in 5 years?
Umm...I'd like to have a wider range of products and be set up to do more custom work.

Favorite spice in your cupboard:
Cumin

Now that is a great spice! Chosen music to craft to:
The sweet sounds of weekend public radio. I can recite the KQED Sunday lineup from memory.

How do you start your day?
I arise fairly early since I start my job at 8am. Fortunately I only have 10 minute bike commute. Depending on the day I go to the gym before work or have some coffee and read the newspaper.

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side:
I'm thrifty and organized by nature, so the business side of things has come fairly easily. Excel is my friend.

How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Lying on the couch with a book, cooking an extra tasty meal, going for an evening stroll around my neighborhood.

Best thing about living in Oakland :
The best thing about my neighborhood of Oakland (Grand Lake) is that everything is within walking distance: coffee, groceries, farmers market, bakery, hardware store, restaurants, post office, lake, and that there really is a neighborhood feel.

Favorite book and why?
Charlie Harper's "Birds and Words". His artwork is so uniquely and charmingly captures the birds he observed.

Other crafts you would like to explore:
So many! I'd like to become more skilled at sewing apparel and learn how to knit.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
I stumbled onto the Etsy train a just the right time (late 2008) when it was getting popular but before it became so extremely crowded. My early success there made me take crafting seriously and develop it into a real side business.

Your favorite comfort meal is:
Chilaquiles

What's in your handbag?
Nothing very fun--chapstick, wallet, sunglasses and many shopping and to-do lists on little pieces of scrap paper.

Who and what inspires and influences you?
The crafty friends I've made over the past few years. It's great to have people to bounce ideas off of, share tools, discuss strategies, etc.

What is always in your fridge?
Maple syrup. You never know when the pancake mood might strike.

I'm inspired by:
All the awesome things I see people making. Not in the sense of wanting to make the same things, but in the sense of being reminded how many different things can be made by hand with so many different materials.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
Nature

I couldn't go a day without:
Eating at least one piece of fruit.

What really ticks you off?
Laziness really ticks me off

I dream of traveling to:
Cities and back roads all over the US

George, John, Paul or Ringo? Or Elvis...
I've always been fond of Paul circa A Hard Day's Night (which I own on VHS)

What empowers you?
Knowing that I can make things from start to finish--concept, design, prototype, finished product, packaging.

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting themselves through their craft?
Well, I don't support myself, but I think I run my business in a relatively sensible manner. Make some kind of spreadsheet to track every expenditure and sale. Don't buy anything (office supplies, tools, materials, displays) impulsively. See what you can repurpose or recycle for free.

What do you love?
I really love finding free stuff on the sidewalk.

Name a movie or poem or song that particularly moves you and why:
For some reason I could watch The Big Chill over and over again. I couldn't tell you why.

What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
My darlin' husband Matt. No bad day can be that bad with him around.

Any Pets?
One fluffy orange cat--Tucker. He's an excellent ball fetcher and professional late night bed pouncer.

Tucker sounds like a real lover! Thank you Bess, you are the sweetest and I'm so happy to have you join us at Craftaluma again this year.

For more goodness from Bird versus Bird lookie here
(Photos courtesty of Bess Petty © Copyright Bird vs. Bird Design.)

Craftaluma Vendor: Rayne Today

2011-08-19T01:49:00.001-07:00

We're counting down the hours now until Craftaluma "How the Craft Was Won." I am having so much fun meeting my fellow crafters, that I don't wanna go back to real life after Craftaluma. One of my favorite things to do to prepare besides thinking up wacky themes for Craftaluma, is getting to meet some of our ridiculously talented friends. These folks forever inspire and humble me. I'm always learning from our crafty friends, and I'm grateful to be in a place where this is possible.

Rayne Wolfe of Rayne Today is one of the most wickedly funny gals you will ever meet. This lady has got so much on the ball that she IS the ball, and you'd better pull your boots on early in the morning to keep up with her. She's insightful, compassionate, and one heckuva a vintage vixen with a discerning eye turned to the possibilities of the next find. Potential can be found in everything after all, and nothing is safe, a discarded monopoly game piece is fashioned into a one-of a kind cocktail necklace you'd better believe you will need to have!
She's also a hungry reader, which makes me love her even more. Well, that, and the fact we are both huge Myrna Loy fans.

Rayne recently brought me a stash of her newest baubbles; gorgeous and slightly cheeky vintage liquor decanter tags that had been cleverly designed into the most fab necklaces and bracelets. Vintage tags, medals, and ephemera find their way into Rayne's world and have me coveting anything she makes. Her work is unique with a hint of mischief and mystery.
She also makes saucy stitched Mexican peasant blouses that have me dreaming of a getaway to either sunny Aculpulco or at least to the nearest El Torito. Seriously cool blouses. With a blouse like that, I could churn out handmade tortillas like a mad woman.
I'm wanting her to help me with up-cycling some vintage stitched pillowcases my mother and I bought in Shasta, into a blouse. I've worn the pillow cases until the fabric is as soft as butter, and the amazing stitching with deer, forests and flowers is in danger of falling out of the fragile fabric. In Rayne's world, these kinds of dreams are possible; I see an embroidered Mexican Peasant blouse in my near future, and a necklace that spells out my favorite libation of choice:
C R U S H or possibly... V O D K A .

Petaluma Craft Mafia interview with Rayne Wolfe
of Rayne Today.

Name of business and how you got your name:
Rayne Today
Obviously you assume I’m running a business! Actually, the upcoming Craftaluma Show will be the first time I show my vintage assemblage necklaces in my adopted hometown. I do try to put new necklaces up on etsy.com at my shop entitled Rayne Today. On day of show I’ll be off-line on etsy.com to avoid those embarrassing oversells.

Hometown?
I’m a third generation San Franciscan, now at home in Petaluma and the Wine Country.

How long have you lived in Petaluma?
Since Bikram Yoga was Mexican restaurant. Since Cinco de Mayo 1998. That’s where we went to dinner that first night in our first house.

How did you get started in your particular craft?
Remember the opening montage in To Kill a Mockingbird? The dinged-up cigar box with soap figures, marbles, crayons, and a spelling medal? Not only is that my favorite book and movie, but that cigar box is my ideal platform of creativity. That’s where it all starts: junk soup.

I grew up with a deep and wide kitchen drawer full of stuff like that and I was always cobbling stuff together. These bits and pieces that may have meant something to me or once meant something to someone else… No two people would make the same thing from the same items. It’s play for me.

Your favorite project you've created and why?
I fell in love with a vintage silver RCA watch fob. It was heavy and detailed with Nipper listening to the phonograph horn in bas relief. But what do you do with it? It’s beautiful but it’s the kind of thing that ends up in the drawer. I asked Petaluma jeweler Rick Rocklin to solder on a necklace and I added bright red vintage German faceted glass beads. I think I wore that necklace nearly every day for a couple of years. It’s a keeper and it’s inspired all the necklaces that followed.

How to you find your necklace centerpieces?
I haunt thrift stores and Etsy.com, of course. I’ve been to the 600-MILE yard sale in Tennessee and Kentucky, two years with friends and you find loads there. Any thrift store supported by a church or frequented by senior citizens, you find all this junk drawer stuff that’s just fabulous. I believe in re-purposing, cannibalizing broken jewelry to make new wearable art. It took nerve at first because I can always see the beauty in tarnish.

Where would you like to be with your business in 5 years?
It sounds silly, but I ’d really like to see one of my necklaces in a big movie. It could happen.

Favorite spice in your cupboard:
SALT.

Chosen music to craft to:
I also clean the house listening to To Kill a Mockingbird loop over and over. It’s pretty much my favorite thing to listen to, besides James Brown.

How do you start your day?
As soon as I open my eyes I give thanks for another glorious day – even if it’s raining gumdrops. I check that my toes, my ankles, my knees, hips and arms still work, then I hop out of bed and try to live an honest life.

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side?
It doesn’t.

How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Beer helps.

Best thing about living in Petaluma?
Oh gosh, everything. I tell people I cried nearly the entire day we moved here but now you couldn’t get me out of Petaluma with a stick of dynamite. I love the way there’s room for everyone’s passions. I love all the art and music venues and the creativity that is encouraged at every turn.

Favorite book and why?
You already know it’s To Kill a Mockingbird. I love the rythyms in Harper Lee’s storytelling. The courage in addressing race, sex, drug use and mental illness, head on… I just admire her SO MUCH. Some stories are hard to tell and she tackled every hard thing in a small Southern town.

Other crafts you would like to explore:
I’ve been known to assemble Joseph Cornell style boxes when I’m under writing stress. The pressure of people trusting you with their stories is enough to make your head explode sometimes. You need a creative diversion. Sometimes I promise myself art time when I finish writing. I also sew Mexican blouses and embroider them using vintage Vogue Art patterns of roosters and toasters and crazy stuff.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
It made me braver about what I really enjoy doing. I was crafty before “the boom” and I’ll be crafty afterwards – for sure.

Amen to that! Your favorite comfort nosh is?
Lay’s barbeque potato chips and my beloved Diet Coke, which I gave up six weeks ago. “Hi, my name is Rayne and it’s been six weeks since my last soda.”
“Hi, Rayne!”

What's in your handbag?
Tiny versions of everything. A round fold-up hairbrush, a tiny lipgloss, and a dwarf-sized notebook and golf tally pencil. All my doll-sized stuff makes my iPhone look gigantic. I have to keep the volume down because I use vintage wood box purses by Enid Collins. They’re usually pretty small. Or rather, I prefer the smaller styles.

Who and what inspires and influences you?
I am genuinely, utterly, fascinated by passionate people. I don’t have to share your passion. That you are passionate is my drug. I’m also eternally inspired by my late father, Al Rembold, a commercial printer. He was so creative in every way and encouraged my brother and I to always joyfully try stuff out without worrying too much about the end result.

What is always in your fridge?
A big pitcher of decaf mango iced tea from Petaluma Coffee & Tea Company.

I'm inspired by:
Voices. Stories.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
That people are kind and generous.

I couldn't go a day without...
My husband or laughing. Which works out well, since my husband and I laugh every day.

What really ticks you off?
"Dim bar lighting in supermarkets" really ticks me off. If I have to take my sunglasses off to shop, you need to ADD a bar, right next to the donuts case.

I dream of traveling to:
Having travelled a bit, I find myself dreaming of time travel.

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
At the time, Paul. Now? The Reverend Bill Talen of the Church of Stop Shopping. He’s the Thinking Girl’s rock star.

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft industry?
Shortly after etsy.com originally hung out their online shingle I interviewed the founders and had a nice long chat on the state of craftiness. Was it a technology backlash? Had crafters suddenly given each other permission to go further and further? I came away thinking that modern life just demands craftiness. It’s required for sanity. That people are looking for ways to monetize that effort is exciting and proper. Do we need a magazine for every genre? Button jewelry? Lint trap hats? Amateur taxidermy? Well, why not?

What empowers you?
Love.

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting themselves through their craft?
My advice is pretty simple. Put price tags on things.
My writing teacher, Adair Lara, used to say, “Editors are not going to break into your apartment to read your stuff, Rayne!” When I finally did start my career as a writer I learned to put stamps on things and mail them out. As a crafter you have to put price tags on things and find a marketplace. With etsy.com and (free) wordpress.com pages and Facebook, there’s no reason not to create your own virtual shop. If that thought makes you want to lie down until it goes away, try a crafts show or flea market. Try a garage sale! Just try!

I really love:
"Clinique Black Honey lip stain.”

You're throwing a dinner party, who would be your favorite 7 guests?
I like to laugh, so Dean Martin, Truman Capote, Steven Barclay and Garth Bixler, Myrna Loy, night club proprietor, Tex Guinan (“Hello, Suckers!”) and legendary Wine County restauranteur, Juanita Musson. It wouldn’t be dull.

Name a movie, one poem and one song that particularly moves you and why:
There are three movies of which I never tire: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz and Platoon.

What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
A creative challenge with a frightening deadline.

Any Pets? (names and occupation please) :)
Our hounds include Bullet The Wonder Dog, 15, Whiskey, (we didn’t drink till we got that dog plus he’s a licker) 14 and Carmen the Newshound, 10 months.

Thanks Rayne!
For more of Rayne Today, check out her website right here.
Photos courtesty of Rayne Wolfe ©Copyright Rayne Wolfe.)

Craftaluma Vendor: Wild Sprout Design

2011-08-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

Meet Craftaluma vendor, Lisa Ratcliff of Galt, California, a gal who unwinds with drinking wine from the region and a good old fashioned sewing binge! Our kind of gal. Lisa makes the cutest and most practical thing every woman has on her arm, the hand bag or messenger bag, or purse. Whatever you want to call it, to my mind the bigger the better! Her bags are hand-crafted and sewn with such obsessively crafty care that only a true seamstress can relate to. Without further ado, meet the woman behind Wild Sprout Design!

Interview with Lisa Ratcliff of Wild Sprout Design
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

Name of business?
Wild Sprout Design

Where are you from?
Galt, CA

How long have you lived there?
Two and one-half years!

Your favorite handbag or project you've created and why?
The Fossil Messenger Bag, because it is a original pattern of mine that I have endlessly worked on to make perfect!

Where would you like to be with your business in 5 years? I would love to make enough to open my own studio and hire a few crafters such as myself!

Favorite spice in your cupboard:
Smoked Paprika

Chosen music to craft to?
Florence and the Machine

How do you start your day?
I start my day with a strong cup of coffee :)

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side:
I believe in selling great quality products, even if that means I make less on individual items that I sell, everything is equally made with the best materials I can buy.

How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
A glass of Port by Wooden Valley, a winery in Fairfield, CA

Best thing about living in Galt?
Everyone seems to know each other, and we have a phenomenal farming community and the best strawberries in California.

Favorite book and why?
I don't have time to read. my favorite podcast is Mysterious Universe, there is something soothing about listening to an Australian accent.
Other crafts you would like to explore:
I would love to work with leather.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
I believe people are tired of the purses and bags you can buy at the store that are over priced and lined with some type of plastic fabric that will melt in the dryer if you are not careful.

Your favorite comfort meal is:
White bean chili

What's in your handbag?
Wallet, keys, and 15 track and confirm slips from the USPS.

Who and what inspires and influences you?
I am inspired by any and every artitisan that sat down one day and said, " I want to learn how to make THAT!'

What is always in your fridge?
Milk and chocolate syrup for the kids.

I'm inspired by:
Abstract fabric prints and designers.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
Traveling

I couldn't go a day without...
Checking my email.

what really ticks you off?
Having to use my seam ripper!

I LOVE that answer. Where do you dream of traveling to?
South America, starting with Belize

George, John, Paul or Ringo? Or Elvis...
Elvis, not really ever into the Beatles. I am from the wrong generation.

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft industry?
We have shown that buying handmade you are getting a product that is truly worth more than the money that was paid for it.

What empowers you?
Bold and Abstract art

What advice would you give to crafters who wish to support themselves through their craft?
Keep up with the current fashion trend, and if a customer didn't find what they were looking for, ask them for input on what they would like.

I really love...
My Family!

What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
Getting an email from a customer saying she absolutely loves her purse that I made her!

Any Pets? (names and occupation please) :)
Two dogs, Bailey and Sage. Bailey is the eternal optimist and Sage is the disgruntled escape artist.

Thank you Lisa, see you a Craftaluma!

For more Wild Sprout Design, please check out their website here: Wild Sprout Design
(Photos courtesy of Lisa Ratcliff © Copyright Wild Sprout Design).

Craftaluma Vendors: Mend by Ruby Grace

2011-08-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

We love our veteran Craftaluma Vendors, and Natasha Smith of Mend by Ruby Grace is a talented Craftaluma vendor from waaaay back. We heart her. With two young daughters keeping her busy it is amazing this graceful, beautiful woman has time and energy for creative pursuits, and as she says, it's not without guilt. We are pleased that she does make the time. Any creative person needs to be able to carve time to create, or we are just plain miserable! I know this from experience. Natasha makes the most adorable dolls, softy, hand-painted faces (which I adore) with bits and bobs from formerly loved vintage fabrics, frothy and whimsical crocheted pieces and lots of love and imagination. She makes me wanna have little girls or BE a little girl again.
Our gal, Natasha is also a musician, and plays the Ukulele... and I've decided she and I are going to have to jam together with my Piano and her Ukulele's, maybe write a crafty song! LOL. She thinks I'm kidding, but y'all know, I never joke. Never. Welcome her please. We can't wait to have her join us Sunday at Craftaluma for fun.

Interview with Natasha Smith of Mend by Ruby Grace
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

What is the name of your business and how did you come up with that name?
Mend by Ruby Grace
www.etsy.com/shop/mendbyrubygrace
www.mendbyrubygrace.carbonmade.com
Mend is pretty self explanatory, I "Mend"things to lovely, Ruby and Grace are my daughters middle names!

I have always love those names. Where are you from?
I am from Sonoma County, my family has been here for many years, to give you an approximate idea let me just say, my parents and I graduated from the same high-school.

How long have you lived there?
I have been here for 25 years!

Tell us what kind of craft you do and where you see yourself in 5 years:
I am a distracted crafter. I love to try new things, but the joy I get from creating for children especially my own keeps me headed in that direction. I find myself wanting to braid together the old and the new. Nostalgia is my fuel. This nostalgia also plays into the idea of custom made re-purposed items I often create. The desire to share those sentiments of old with my own children and children of that generation is an idea I am passionate about. The ability create a dreamer doll from fabric and a crochet flower somebody created thirty years ago amazes me to this day. I love the thought that I can make a grandmothers handkerchief a friend for her great granddaughter to hold close at night. It's just plain sweet.

I have come to accept that I may just keep evolving and never stop changing, but I would hope in five years that I will still be contently crafting.

Nostalgia. Me too! I often say it's the "story" in something I'm attracted to. Your favorite thing to do with a chunk of spare time?
When a Mother has two children under five a chunk of spare time is scarce and rarely comes without guilt. Hypothetically if I were to have child free, guilt free time, I would find myself connecting with grown-ups, or scouring the thrift shops for inspiration.

Favorite spice in your cupboard?
Easy! Cinnamon

Chosen music to craft to:
My husbands new indie finds. Music is his craft. Seeking it out, always on the hunt for that next find. Some may call him an addict, I call him a musical mastermind. His latest find...East Harlem by Beirut, album The Rip Tide. I could listen to that song a thousand times and still keep it on repeat.

How do you start your day?
I have a feeling there may be a few questions that include this answer; COFFEE! How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side: It doesn't, I am terrible at balancing it out...it's always a challenge! How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week? Time with my honey!
Writing music, playing my ukulele, learning the guitar! Stress free fun...

Best thing about living in Sonoma County?
Since I grew-up in this area, the familiarity is comforting.

Favorite book?
"I was a Good Mom before I had kids” the book is an instant stress reliever, and as a mother makes the day to day chaos seem quite typical..

Other crafts you would like to explore:
My husband owns a Dremmel, the tool that has changed my life, the idea of carving wood or metal really interests me.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
The craft boom has helped me to work through feeling misunderstood as an artist. I know so much of my hesitancy had to do with the way I felt about myself, but to find a place where you belong as an artist is so valuable. I believe in discovering the beauty of how diverse the craft market can be, is empowering.

Your favorite comfort meal is?
Easy, bruschetta and pillows of yummy gnocchi, hmmmmmm!!!

What's in your handbag?
Many many things, let's start off with the cute stuff...lip-glosss, compact, nesting doll key ring, ipod with earphones, babyTylenoll (random), baby wipes (like a brick of them, really not necessary).

What is always in your fridge?
Vanilla Caramel Coffee Creamer!

I"m so happy to know another fellow coffee sister. What inspires you?
My brother he is a musician, and takes his “craft” to heart, he is seven years younger than I am. I find that everyday he inspires me to appreciate that I have a gift. Watching him play reminds me that nurturing our natural gifts equate to loving ourselves and recognizing our self worth. That love then bleeds to all those around us, it's an undying act of generosity.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
Children...

I couldn't go a day without...
another coffee answer “Come on!”

What really ticks you off?
“The fact that I can never find a pair of scissors when I need them” really ticks me off:

Where would you love to travel next?
I dream of traveling to: Germany, I was born there, I am also very interested in the history, it's pretty amazing.

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
John—

How do you feel American craftyprenuers have shaped craft and the craft industry?
I feel we have always been pioneers bringing new ideas to the kitchen table just to fine-tune them.

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to support themselves through their craft?
I would encourage them to persevere through the times that may seem to stand still. It is a difficult process to put yourself out there in the form of art.

I really love “to see:
the responses of the children who appreciate my work, I love it when I see they get me.”

Name a movie or poem or song that particularly moves you:
I would have to say the first song I learned to play on the ukulele holds a very special meaning for me, the bridge of the song reads, when you let me fall grew my own wings, now I'm as high as the sky, and when you let me drown grew gills and fins now I'm as deep as the sea, and when you let me die my spirits free there's nothing challenging me, got to keep awake to what's happening I can't see a thing through my ambition I no longer feel gods watching over me... Ring the Bells by James covered by Judson Clayborn.
What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
A fantastic find! Anytime I discover something incredible from a store that doesn't appreciate it's value.

Any Pets?
Miss Emmy Pie, joined the Smith clan one year ago when we rescued her...

Thank you Natasha, a pleasure as always and see you at Craftaluma!
xo, CA

For more of Mend by Ruby Grace you can find her at her links above.
(Photos courtest of Natasha Smith ©Copyright Mend by Ruby Grace)

Craftaluma Vendors: Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts

2011-08-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

CRAFTALUMA shows are heavy and ripe with talent. This summer's Craftaluma "How The Craft Was Won!" will be no different. I'm already in trouble. While talking to our vendors, going through photos of their entries I am constantly awed and humbled by the beauty, and unique stamp our crafty friends put on everything they touch. Inspiration can be found everywhere, and nothing makes this crafty mafia organizer happier then seeing creative folks passionately working on their own craft. Bliss.
One booth I'm gonna be going astray at and hanging with is Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts and handing the proprietress, Andy Lowry a lot of my own hard earned paper. (friends and fam if you are reading this, you are seeing a preview of your birthday and christmas presents).
Petaluma be forewarned, you're gonna have to be wrist wrasslin' me over the fruit, butterfly and skull platters... just be forewarned, this crafty girl always gets her prize!
Below is just a weensy sample of the treats that Andy has made for Craftaluma. If this is why girls go astray... I'd say it's worth it!

Interview with Andy Lowry of Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

What is your business and how you got your name?
Why Girls Go Astray paper crafts: www.whygirlsgoastray.etsy.com
The name, "Why Girls Go Astray," was influenced by an article I read as a Women's Studies doctoral student. The essay's thesis was essentially a 19th-century patriarchal argument against the education of women. One of the hypotheses put forth as to why upper-education was a detriment to women's health was that, with this new-found knowledge, many young women were bound to be easily "led astray."

We've come a long way baby. I am intrigued by your thesis. Where are you from?
I was born and bred in Chicago. I moved to Sacramento three years ago (with a six-year pit-stop in Atlanta for graduate school) to marry the love of my life.

I love that as a romantic. How did you get started in your particular craft?
I've always made projects with paper and fiber. My last few years in Chicago, I found that I could make money selling religious-themed and fun-fur pillows. At the same time, I began experimenting in decopage and eventually created several large pieces of furniture for my own use and gifts. I couldn't see how I could make enough money selling that scale and price of item, so I switched mediums and began decoupaging smaller items. I first began with paperweights and magnets, and eventually branched out into vases. I'm now doing an entirely new line of valet plates and serving platters. Utilizing decoupage, naturally.

Your favorite project you've created and why?
I think some of the new intricate serving platters are my new fave items, specifically because of the skill and time it took to complete, and also the aesthetic, which represented a new direction in my body of work.

Where would you like to be with your business in 5 years?
Being able to solely pursue my business without also working a part-time job would be rad. In lieu of that, I'd take the gradual yearly growth of my business as a victory as well.

Favorite spice in your cupboard?
Red pepper flakes; can't live without them

A craft you'd love to try?
Glass-blowing!

What American city or state would you love to travel to?
Hawaii -- anywhere in that state.

Chosen music to craft to?
Currently: Alkaline Trio, Bondie, Adele, Twilight Singers, Go-Gos, Noisettes, Bloc Party, and Def Leppard

How do you start your day?
NPR and caffeine

How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Drinks with my sweetie!

Best thing about living in Sacramento?
Coming from a city without much greenery, right now the multitude of trees and flowers is inspiring my awe and gratitude

Favorite book and why?
The Age of Innocence. Wharton is consistently my favorite writer. Her witty, critical analysis of the 19th-century New York upper-class and customs, plus her sheer gift for writing has always appealed to me

Other crafts you would like to explore?
Casting resin.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
Opened up many more doors and opportunities.

Your favorite comfort meal is:
Sushi, lots of it.

What's in your handbag?
Sunglasses, lipstick, business cards, notebook, phone, breath-mints

Who and what inspires and influences you?
Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, John Waters, Alexander McQueen, Christian LaCrioux, Betsy Johnson, Karen O., Annie Sprinkle, Chrissie Hynde, Poly Styrene from X-Ray Spes (R.I.P., 2011), Cesar Chavez, black feminist theory, pulp fiction novels, U.S. noir and French heist films from 1940-1965.

What is always in your fridge?
Homemade pickles, beer, vodka

I'm inspired by:
My husband, Eric, who is a sculptor and my partner in our many mail-art projects

I couldn't go a day without:...
Buddhist practice

"____" really ticks me off:
An inability to show up on time

I dream of traveling to:
Tahiti

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
John!

What empowers you?
Feeling that I am able to pursue my own artistic vision, not compromise too much, and have it (bonus!) widely appeal to the greater public as well

What advice would you give to crafters who seek to support themselves through their craft?
Talk and network with others. I had to literally figure it out on my own.

I really love "____"...
My hometown of Chicago

Name a movie that particularly moves you and why:
Breakfast at Tiffanys. I've always identified with Holly Golighty's outlook on life and love. Plus, her fashion was impeccable.

I can hear "Moon Riverrrr..." now..What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
Kindness in others, my husband of almost three years

Amen sister! Thank you doll!
CA

For more of Andy Lowry's sublimely gorgeous work check out her shop here

(Photos courtesy of Andy Lowry ©Copyright Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts).

Craftaluma Vendors: Holy Nichos!

2011-08-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Susan Annette Wosk of Holy Nichos is a veteran Craftaluma Vendor , a talented tinsmither who crafts amongst the saints and spirits - literally, speaking. Patron saints such as Saint Francis, Saint Augustine, The Baby Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Frida (Kahlo) (she is a saint in her own right), and any other assortment of saintly flora and fauna make it's way into Susan's colorful and handcrafted art. Nichos are dated back to Spanish colonial times and are typically meant to honor a special ocassion, the dead, a saint, loved one, etc. It is set within a shadowbox casing or recessed dioramas. Susan'sattention to detail and gorgeous use of color is clearly heaven-sent - and the fact that Nichos can be personalized to any person, icon, loved one, event or color scheme really appeals to me, and works to enhance almost any decor- looks great outside as well. Take a basic sheet of tin, then Susan artfully, designs, cuts, shapes, stamps, patterns and then paints it in a meaningful and vibrant way. This ancient and traditional craft is tendered with cultural and spiritual meaning decades deep. Holy Nichos are often offered as a beautiful expression of honoring a loved one at Dia De Los Muertos, rendering it useful and beautiful, which is symbolic of craftsmanship at it's finest. We are blessed to have Susan's beautiful Holy Nichos and her gorgeous self with us at Craftaluma this year.

Interview with Susan Annette Wosk of Holy Nichos
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

Name of business and how you got your name: Holy Nichos!

Where are you from?
Sebastopol, CA

How long have you lived there?
43 years, since 1968!

Tell us the meaning of Holy Nichos and what it represents for you personally?
Nichos are a Mexican Folk Art, where you honor a spiritual being. 'Holy' is used in the universal sense of the word, meaning joyful, creative, and special. Nichos are frames in which you can place photos or scenes.

Your favorite Nicho?
Just recently, one made for Jessica and Bret's wedding, July 28, 2011!

Favorite spice in your cupboard?
Cinnamon!

Chosen music to craft to?
Gospel or The Mamas & The Papas

How do you start your day?
Lately, with a book called Life Magic

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side?
My accountant side comes out and tells my creative side to "stand back!"

Ha! I love that! How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Line dancing! (and it's not country, sorry)

Best thing about living in your town?
SebTown is the mecca of organic produce, loving people and happy family

Favorite book and why?
Life Magic....this gives me keys to who I am...and helps me to run with intuitiveness

Other crafts you would like to explore?
glass art, decoupage, welding & making silver jewelry, water color, acrylic painting

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
Online retail such as Etsy and virtual crafters has opened me up to a worldwide network

Your favorite comfort meal is?
BYP (brewer's yeast popcorn)

I confess, I don't know what brewer's yeast is doing messing around with popcornwhen it should be in a cinnamon roll, but I sure am willing to give it a go! What's in your handbag?
What isn't?

What is always in your fridge?
heirloom tomatoes for 6 months a year!

I'm inspired by:
My children! Music and harmonies, gardens and worms!

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
Love and the power of the heart

I couldn't go a day without?
... pulling a weed

"____" really ticks me off:
snails

I dream of traveling to:
Europe and Africa

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
John

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft industry?
They are making the wave of the future alive now. Since the economy is crashing for the middle class, homemade & homegrown and going to take over!

What empowers you?
Color, making people happy with my artwork, the feeling of tangible creativity

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting themselves through their craft?
Work hard, work often, visit shops you like and show them your wares, be a good person, get out there and be brave enough to present your style!

I really love "____"
My family

I have already decided I want you to adopt me, Susan! :) Name a movie or poem or song that particularly moves you?
Oh Happy Day!

What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
Hummingbirds, Sweet Peas blooming all over my yard, Dancing

Any Pets?
Johnny the cranky cat! Occupation: Complaining

Question of your choice: If you could have one super power....what would it be?
To make all people be kind!

Amen lady! (Thank you Susan and see you at this summer's CRAFTALUMA!

**For more amazing Susan Annette's stunning work see here:
(Photos credits in this post 2011©Susan Annette, courtesty of Susan Annette)

Craftaluma Vendors: Of Cookies and Canines

2011-08-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Meeting Meredith is like taking a bath in an errant ray of sunshine. She beams you with sunny smiles and if you're lucky, you leave with a belly full of her decadent bites of comfort.
I knew this lovely baker and apron lover and I had lots in common, but after interviewing her, I decided we must be long lost twins - who else says "Holy Smokes", wears boots all summer long, (well, maybe Stevie Nicks), is a cookie connoisser, believes in the magic of aprons, loves the smell of rain and is a chapstick addict? Did I mention the red Stetsons? I plan to steal them when Meredith isn't looking and is busy cooking. The fact that she makes buttery citrus sunshine melts, aka, cookies baked withf resh zested Meyer lemons, is the icing on the cookie and this story. They are addicting and I should know. Of course, after sampling all five fabulous and seriously addictive flavors, I was quite hard-pressed to name a favorite. The Triple "C" cookie is loaded with creamy milk and dark chocolate chips, sweet cream butter, brown sugar, aged vanilla and a dusting of cinnamon; the overall effect made me want to propose to this cookie - and chocolate isn't even my favorite flavor. lending an overall smoky, toffee chocolate flavor I can't get enough of. Yep, it is one honey of a cookie, darlin'!

We are happy have this delightful baker, friend and apron maker at Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!" this summer and we are confident you'll love her crafty treats as well.

Meredith, tell us the name of your business and how you got your name:
The name of my business is A Girl And Dog Boutique Bakery. Came up with the name a while back- the first part of it anyway! Always liked the simple idea of a girl and dog doing their thing. The 'Boutique Bakery' part came just before starting the business. I wanted to include the word 'boutique' to stay true to my mission- sharing small batch, gourmet cookies & quality handmade aprons with people- nothing mass produced- nothing done half heartedly. My dream is that it will be big enough to be self sustaining but small enough to always keep quality top notch & (hopefully!) unforgettable.

Where are you from?
I'm from western Washington! A beautiful, beautiful place! I'm thrilled my parents moved us all there when I was 3 ½!

How long have you lived in Petaluma?
I've lived in Petaluma for 5 years now.

Do you have a favorite spice in your cupboard?
Cardamom

Chosen music to craft to?
Holy smokes! So many! Depends on my mood but I have been known to listen to the likes of Lyle Lovett, Tracy Chapman, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Bob Marley, Crooked Still & even a little Irish music from time to time.

How do you start your day?
Always with a little tea & toast- sometimes I save myself & walk downtown with Abe for an iced coffee- that's mostly a summertime activity though!

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side?
Not well. But I'm getting better at it. I have a good friend who's my accountant & she helps me through the paperwork side of things. Getting all the permits & related business has been the biggest challenge for me. But once I check off all the things on my list that AREN'T my favorite & I get to go back to the creative side of the business I am able to quickly refuel & focus on the dream of A Girl And Dog... so it's all worth it.

How do you unwind at the end of a hectic work week?
Couple of ways. I either take a drive to the coast with Abe or grab a beer & sit on the back porch. Or I have a milk & cookie break. Obviously. : )

Best thing about living in Petaluma?
Do I have to pick just one? I suppose the best thing to me right now is knowing I can head down to the local cafe, grab an iced americano & work on the computer while some local artist's playin' his guitar & singin' his songs a few feet away.

Why are your cookies so danged good? :)
Ha! I think my cookies are the way they are because I've been mixing, baking & perfecting the recipes for years & years. I've always baked cookies- it's just kind of my thing- and once I got the hang of using the giant convection ovens at the commercial kitchen- things just kept getting better & better. Plus- I'm really focused on detail. It's about the taste of the cookie (with as many locally sourced ingredients as I can find) but also about presentation. A beautiful cookie's just gonna taste better! I've done some serious work taste testing over the years so I feel fairly confident about that : )

Favorite book and why?
Lonesome Dove! I love the character development. Larry McMurtry writes in a way that allows me to immerse myself in the saga of a bunch of cowboys driving a herd of cattle from Texas to Montana. It's got elements of love, loss, humor, sadness & joy all wrapped up in one incredibly great novel... in my opinion!

Your favorite comfort meal is:
Currently it's grilled chicken over a bed of sauteed onion, garlic, carrots, kale & spinach... with goat cheese on top. A glass of red wine always makes it a bit better too!

What's in your handbag?
Chapstick... among other things... but if I don't have my chapstick I get a bit cranky. And it's the peppermint kind if anyone's wondering!

What is always in your fridge?
Milk, eggs & butter... real butter.

I'm inspired by:
My mom. Also by anyone who quits something that's not right & pursues something that is. With reckless abandon & passion.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
To be totally honest... everything. Some people have said that's a fault of mine- that I live in some kind of dream world- but I don't think that's it at all. I call it hope. And I'd rather be a hopeful being then one who can't find joy anymore.

I couldn't go a day without:
Abe... or my chapstick : )

"____" really ticks me off:
People who check their phones all the time even if they're with you. How is someone on the phone more important than the person right in front of you? I always wonder...

(Amen to THAT sister!) Annoying and rude. Destination dream of traveling to?
Connemara again. I love the west coast of Ireland with my whole entire heart & can't wait to go back again.

George, John, Paul or Ringo? (feel free to expand on why if you wish)
I love and appreciate the Beatles for their musical genius & ability to produce great music for so many years but I don't have a favorite. Am I being judged right now?! : )

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft
industry?
First off I love the name craftypreneurs. I am fairly new to the whole scene (as far as starting my first official business) but what I'm coming to understand is that there's A LOT of creative genius out there & we are lucky, lucky, lucky to be able to appreciate & learn from each other. It's an incredibly talented, colorful world & I'm thrilled to a part of it.

What empowers you?
Staying true to myself always and being unafraid to try... just try.

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting
themselves through their craft?
Be realistic but don't let fear stop you. If you think it can happen- if you believe it will- then that energy will spread- through your work & to those who get to experience it. Good things come from doing what you love.

I really love "____".
The smell of rain in the morning.

What gives you a special swagger?
My red Stetson boots.

Any Pets? (names and occupation please) :)
Abe! My 6 year old black lab. He's my business partner & best friend.

I wear boots all summer long, I notice you favor them too. Do shoes
really make the girl?
I don't know if they 'make' the girl but they compliment her style & her energy. And I'm into that!

Question of your choice:
I think it's all been pretty much covered! Fun!

Thank you Meredith!
** For more goodness from Meredith Harman and her cookies and aprons, check out her website and facebook page!

xoxo, Your PCM

(photocredits in this post courtesy of ©girlanddogbakery.com and ©erinwrightsman)

Extra Extra! Craftaluma Buzz on the Petaluma Patch!

2011-07-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

For a way sweet and nifty exclusive on the Petaluma Craft Mafia's latest Craftaluma show, lookie here.

http://petaluma.patch.com/articles/ladies-and-gentlemen-grab-your-glue-guns

See you all there!
XOXO,
Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

For the Love Of Craft and Book

2011-07-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sipping cocktails, crafting up a storm is not all we Petaluma Craft Mafia do around here ya know.
Many of us are avid bibliophiles. When I first moved to what I now affectionately refer to as my "hometown" of Petaluma, I immediately ran smack-dab into Copperfield's Books because books and I are inseparable and have a date with destiny. Connecting with one's local bookstore, for me at least, was a way to ground myself and settle in. For those who have never visited Copperfield's Books, it is an independently owned bookstore with stores in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastapol, Napa, Calistoga and of course Petaluma. As if being a bookstore wasn't enough, they also host a gallery dedicated to local artists and businesses, a comfortable meeting spot and act as an all-around community supportive bookstore. I have an ongoing love-affair with Copperfield's. The Petaluma store also boasts a rare and used book collection downstairs that is sure to get your tender bibliophiliac heart thumping.

Copperfield's has long been supportive of the local literati, as well as the arts and crafts arena. They always graciously lend us a spot in their much coveted window to dress it up as craftily as we please. This year we decided to go for a paper mache theme based around taxidermy paper mache mounted heads. It was hecka fun, and interesting to see our crafty compatriots all came up with.
We decided to go for a clean kraft wall-papered background (Greta's staple gun is my new best friend) and contrast the kraft with a clean and graphic white for total pop! My love of painting came in handy as I painted my antique fireplace mantel, and too many picture frames to count a vivid clean white. I think I've still got paint under my fingernails. Greta made a sparklelicious unicorn, Jenna made a sweet doe with the longest, sparkly lashes, and I made a ram-bull skull... kinda of Georgia O'Keefish style. Jenna's Petaluma Craft Mafia banner and Greta's delightful origami tweets are the final touch.

The Copperfield's Book Fairies (aka amazing staff) then came out and dusted our window with all kinds of glorious books related to Craft. By the way, Copperfields has a helpful and knowledgeable staff - Many thanks to Patty and Alan for their kindness and gracious hosting of the Petaluma Craft Mafia.
We're really pleased with how it came out. My photos do not do it justice. We got oodles of great feed-back from the community about the window and hope we helped inspire you to get in touch with your inner crafty self!

Copperfield's Books Petaluma
140 Kentucky St.
Petaluma, California 94952

Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!"

2011-07-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Howdy-do Craftistas and DIY'er Sharpshooters!

Summer is here at long last. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is in the mood for a show! We've branded a smokin' hot show for you this summer on August 21st at the Petaluma Art Center for Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!"

The Petaluma Craft Mafia has teamed up with the Petaluma Art Center and we are pleased to announce our first outdoor craft shindig! Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won" outdoor Indie Bazzare.
Per usual we are anticipating a whole passel of crafty talented vendors! Sublime, irreverent, kitschy and just well made crafts of local and independent artists who will inspire you to get your craft on.
Not your granny's craft show, but we know she'd be pleased as punch with the amazing craft found here. So join us, and if so inspired by our pioneering, glue gun waving cowgirl, please dress in your favorite cowgirl threads or throw on a pair of boots.
Along with awe inspiring crafts, we will have live music and treats!!

*** Vendors will need to apply to Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won" show at the links here or below. Keep in mind that this is an outdoor venue. Tents, tables and chairs are not provided.

Crafty FYI ** In addition, we are hosting our annual holiday show this year. Craftaluma's "Holiday Hoe-down" will be December 3, 2011 at the Petaluma Veteran's Hall. When registering for August's "How The Craft Was Won" you will save 40 dollars by registering for both show in advance.

* Applications are due by August 7, 2011. Thanks in advance!

Hold your glue guns folks, this show is smokin' hot!

With love and glitter,

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

** Register for CRAFTALUMA'S "How The Craft Was Won" here:
http://www.petalumacraftmafia.com/craftaluma/howthecraftwaswon.html
http://www.petalumacraftmafia.com/craftaluma/index.html

Meet The Famiglia: Jenna Hales

2011-07-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Meet swell gal and crafty entrepreneur Jenna Hales. I met Jenna through a Craftaluma Show a few years back, she was a vendor and a hoot. She's one of those women you are happy to have in your circle of awesome gal pals as well as professionally. Jenna is a PCM sister and a new mama to her son, baby Kai. We welcome her, her positive spirit and great energy to the Petaluma Craft Mafia.

Business Name: sparklejenna
Website: www.sparklejenna.com

What kind crafty goods do you make? " I make jewelry, plushies, paintings, other crafty objects."

How did you get into this line of work? "I've always been crafty. My mom was always making creative projects when I was growing up and it just seeped into my bones. I can't imagine not working on something crafty, I would go nuts!"

What is the typical work day for you like? "Everyday is different, especially since becoming a mom. I also have a freelance graphic design business (www.totallyswell.com) so depending on which balls are in the air on any given day, I adjust my schedule accordingly. I could spend time on the computer or at my crafting table or a combo, although I can say making things with my hands brings me more fulfillment, even if graphic design is creative it's just not the same as busting out the scissors and glue or sewing machine."

What/who inspires you? "I find creative inspiration everywhere. It could be a magazine, a combination of colors on a sign or a favorite blog. I am inspired by people who follow their dreams. Kelly Rae Roberts is pretty awesome, she built a thriving creative business in just 5 years and shares the steps she took on her journey openly which I really admire. Many artists or crafts people can be so secretive about how they gained success, it's refreshing to have someone out there who is willing to be a mentor for those of us who are up and coming."

Favorite thing about your work? "My favorite thing about my work is the satisfaction I get from doing it and seeing other people connect to it."

What is the single best piece of business advice you know now,that you wish you knew when you were just getting started? "Even if you feel like you don't have the time, do something small everyday to build your business, small steps grow in to something much bigger with time."

What’s in your fridge? "Sweet hot mustard, chicken strips, pie, baby food."

Who’s your favorite poet? "Mary Oliver."

Favorite guilty pleasure? "Cotton Candy."

What’s playing on the I-pod? "Greyboy Allstars West Coast Boogaloo."

What is your favorite way to unwind? "Cuddles with my family, which includes my two dogs."

How do you feel contemporary American women entrepreneurs have influenced American culture and craft? "Craft has blown up over the past few years, thanks to the pioneering spirit of some amazing crafty ladies. I think craft is much more prevalent than it was even just a few years ago."

What about the world still holds wonder for you? "My son, seeing him grow and change is the most amazing experience of my life. I feel very blessed to be his mama."

You’re having a dinner party, as the head of the table, who would you love to invite and have seated on your left, and another choice on your right? "Hmmm, my grandpa and my brother both no longer living."

If you had the chance to sing a live duet onstage, who would you choose to sing with? What would you sing? "That's a tough one. I'd probably throw up and pass out before I ever made it on to the stage, maybe Ebony and Ivory with Michael Jackson - he was weird, but he was rad."

When you die, what would you like inscribed on your headstone and what music would you choose? "I don't know about the inscription, I kind of feel like the whole point is for other people to put what is meaningful to them - after all it won't matter to me :) If I had to choose music, maybe the soundtrack from the movie Amelie."

Where do you see you and your business heading in the coming year? Any goals or particular wishes? "I would love to continue to develop my glitter paintings and maybe even get something licensed!"

What absolutely just makes your day? "A fun surprise in my mailbox!"

Craftaluma 2010: "The Usual Suspects" Holiday Show!!

2010-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Petaluma Craft Mafia! Folks, we are not in the habit of taking candy from a baby, nor nicking the smiles from your bright and shiny faces. Life has us all busy and spread thin, and isn't always roses and red meat - some days it's green salad and scrambled eggs. However, have had so many requests about when our next show is going to be, we could not let you down! No siree.
So Craftaluma, the much anticipated craft show of the year hatched here in Petaluma is ago with the choicest, freshest talent in Petaluma and beyond. We get so much supportive feed back on our shows, vendors and music talent so you my dear friends, could be clinically inspired and happily sated by the crafty Indie vibe you have become accustomed to at Craftaluma. (Not to mention getting your last minute shopping done). And if so inclined, pick up a little something wonderful for yourself for the holidays - hey, what happens at Craftaluma, stays at Craftaluma. We didn't see nothin'!

Our fifth annual show, Craftaluma's "Usual Suspects" Holiday Show is chock-full of crafty DIY wares so meaty in creativity, you'll need a machete to wend a swath through our talented vendors to help you with your shopping list and be creatively inspired.

This year the Petaluma Craft Mafia is teaming up with the amazing Petaluma Art Center for Craftaluma. The venue is centrally-located and beautiful. The team at PAC is having it's annual staff salon show for craft shoppers to oggle as well. We think Art and Craft make a beautiful team.
So please join us for the best craft for miles around, fantastic music to groove to, cupcakes and friends.

Do you prefer your craft rare or well-done? Craftaluma has you covered. Pass the horseradish.

**Vendors: Please email me at cheryl@petalumacraftmafia.com for more info. Our website is being updated and we will have online applications shortly.

Please drop by and say "howdy" to our "Usual Suspects" the creative team in the Petaluma Craft Mafia. See you all there! ;)

CRAFTALUMA "The Usual Suspects" Show
December 12, 2010 from 11-5
The Petaluma Art Center
230 Lakeville Street
Petaluma, CA 94952

Rivertown Revival Benefit at Brixx

2010-06-23T00:12:00.001-07:00

In case you missed our first "Dine & Donate" fundraiser to benefit the Rivertown Revival, you have another opportunity coming up this Thursday on June 24th, at BRIXX!

We had a blast planning our first fundraiser last week at Central Market, and we had a great turn-out, thanks folks! However, if you were out of town, hiding under a rock join us this Thursday at 16 Kentucky Street at BRIXX for delicious eats, good wine and some faboo music!

See you there!

RR Dine & Donate at Central Market, July17th!

2010-06-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, the River Town Revival has made a soul savior out of me. Or would that be a soul savor? I'm helping out the cause and pumping my extra faith and energy into what is surely going to be one of SoCo's best events of the year! Our event is in need of much funding still, as it is run strictly by volunteer basis only, as I write this blog. That means, lots of fund raisers, barn dances and BBQ's with locally raised food and the like. Which to me, sounds like a bit of heaven!

Next week, a favorite and much lauded local restaurant, "Central Market" and Chef Tony is graciously hosting our third fund raiser of the year for River Town Revival. Local diners can feel good about eating delicious food grown and prepared locally with a loving touch, and at the same time help River Town Revival supply our event with much needed items such as hay bales, wheel barrels, signage, kiddie activity tables and the like. All the while, dining from the savory menu from Central Market.

Donation envelopes for your discretion are available, and you can choose how much you can donate. If you can fund us a couple of hay bales, wonderful! If you can provide us a glorious tent to raise the Crafty roof in, we'll knit you a River Monster doll. Promise! Or, if you'd prefer, we'll felt you a crafty horse-head, hey it's a mafia tradition. All donations are tax-deductible.

A soul-savory fund raiser indeed! So, this thursday evening, around supper time, I hope to see you all turn out to join the Friends of the River and River Town Revival for dinner, dessert and donation! I know you will. I'm keeping the faith.

P.S. please feel free to download the poster above and spread the dine & donate gospel.

Bless your muddy souls River Puppies,

Peace, love and sludge,
Your Crafty Soul Saviors
The Petaluma Craft Mafia

Oh, we so purdy!

2010-05-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

It's been too long since our web site, created in 2007 got updated with a fresh look. When we first became an official family, back in 2006 or was it 2007? Anyhoozles, we had about 30 days to put it together. Ms. Moxieville, aka, your's truly, had never designed a web page before, and was sweating bullets. Thirty days, no HTML experience, yikes. Well, somehow, I rose to the occasion, and quickly put together a color scheme and design that was both, clean, campy and sophisticated. We got loads of compliments, and still do! Heck, who doesn't love a good tarantella and to hear poultry noises? For those urbanites who have never woken-up to a rooster crowing, tune into the Petaluma Craft Mafia homepage, and you too can enjoy what I grew listening up to every morning as a child!

Fast-forward a few years, we decided it was time to put our fresh faces on our website with a new look. So, while Memorial day week-end is tempting me out to play, the beer is on ice, the oysters barbecueing, I've got work deadlines, and a few projects that are pro-bono for some local events around town, yet, here I am futzing around on our blog.

We get loads of compliments on our old site, but as I'm updating our web page with member bios, it has occurred to me we've grown and improved a lot since 2006 - learned much about the industry, taken some risks, influenced and inspired so many local craftisans in town, have more diversity, energy, talent and sophistication . We know what we want, and our new look should reflect that. We don't want to go with the tried and true steam-punk look, ever popular again, with it's bold eroded fonts, texturey parchment backgrounds and firmly "Americana" stamped look. It's too easy, and so 1990's- and 1890's too, for that matter. Le Sigh. Besides, if I wanna see anymore of that, I just read Trader Joe's "Frequent Flyer" and see what's on special. Yawn.

So we're toying with a few looks. The later roughs are remnants of our original site and colors, but with more goodies. The second, is more feminine and urban. Since all of us are really creative country girls with adventurous hearts, I'm leaning towards the first comp of the homepage. That and the fact that I'm ready to move on from our old color scheme, is motivating me to experiment a bit. And incorporating images of our hometown of Petaluma, was a no-brainer, but we don't want to O'd on that either. Too gimmicky. We love our town, but we are not the chamber of commerce, though, we have been told we've put craft and a fresh DIY Revolution on the map, here in P-Town.

Decisions. Next time we post, I'm sure I'll have taken the identity a whole new direction, but for now, stay posted!

Peace, love and glitter,

Your PCM

River Town Revival

2010-05-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

Not only does Petaluma have a Craft Mafia, it's also got a river, running right smack through the heart of our town. To some it's a muddy slough, but none-the-less, it's a river by golly, and this summer it's going to be fun on the banks, with a whole host of artsy craftsy folks who love art, food, a fantastic gypsy fortune teller, music, and funky boats. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is rolling up our sleeves, and building our own floating structure, a gypsy Gondola. While we won't win any prizes for speed, our boat is built for style.

This is the first year of River Town Revival. So show some support for our river and join us and our community for what we are sure is going to be a spectacular annual event this July 24th.

Love, peace and sludge,
The PCM

Getting Crafty with the famiglia at Graham's

2010-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

You gotta love it when your crafty sisters and friends LOVE to blog as much as you do. Our crafty sister, Jaime of Sparkles n' Sticks spills the fun on Petlaluma Craft Mafia's last meeting out in one of my favorite places, Graham's Country Crafts. Nothing like fresh air, crafty fun, laughter, cake and some supportive gals to make a meeting more fun! Check out Graham's Country Craft's for our first Open Air Town & Country trunk show in June!

* Also, coming in June, Check out PCM member, and the infamous Ms. Moxie's interview for ProjectHERE, for more about the wonderful woman, Helen Graham behind Graham's Country Crafts.

Ciao Bella!

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

PCM sister, Jaime Martinez of Sparkles n' Sticks

2010-05-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Once is awhile you meet somebody who is like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stagnant and polluted world. Jaime is just that kind of fresh air daisy. She's our crafty compadre, one who favors any color as long as it's pink. She relishes a good cup of coffee and has the kind of spirit and kindness that begets sweetness. Our crafty famiglia is incredibly pleased to have her join us. She not only adds sparkle, she adds so much joy, generosity and a her wonderful sense of humor to our colorful crafty family.
Jaime is a knitter, extreme journal maker and creates the cutest monster dolls you ever wanna snuggle with. She has a vision both unique and filled with a bit of whimsy. We love you Jaime, and that cloud of glitter you rode in on! XOXO.

****Jaime "Grazie a Latte" Martinez****

Whack Weapon of Choice? "Glitter."

Business Name, (and how did you get it)? "Sparkles and Sticks. I wanted my business name to feel fairytale like. But not in a Disney Princess "my life is great because I have a pretty pink dress and singing mice friends and a really boring prince who adores me" kind of way, but in a kind of rustic, semi-sparkly version of a Grimms meets Whedon fairytale. More like a, "my life is awesome because I have super powers that save the world, but I also have singing pet mice and a pretty pink dress that I knit out of enchanted sheep wool, and my boyfriend is in a rockband called Prince" kind of a story."

Also, I use knitting needles (sticks) and glitter (sparkles) a lot. That's really probably a simpler answer.

What your DIY style? "Colorful, imaginative, sparkly, and soft."

DIY Tip? "Add sparkle."

What’s your sign baby? "Aquarius."

What’s your favorite Karaoke song? "Probably something from the Rent soundtrack. It's the only thing that I guarantee that I know all the words to. Want proof? "Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred moments so dear..."

Whats your favorite Italian Meal? "I love a creamy Pasta Alfredo and a cappuccino, paired with a side of cappuccino. I live on coffee."

Rabble Rousing

2010-04-26T13:06:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the Petaluma Craft Mafia gals, just gotta break out and stir things up a little. Blame it on spring fever, long winter nights, or too much tequilla. Our gaggle of gals shown here, rousting and getting warmed up for our "Pin-Ups for Pets" calendar shoot coming soon!

Happy Spring!

Love, peace and glitter,

The PCM

PCM: Naked Lady Party

2010-03-09T23:18:00.001-08:00

March Madness. My birthday month is always lions and lambs or lamb and lions. It looks like March came in with a bang, had a mood-swing, a brief flirtation with 70 degree temps, turning the rolling green hills that surround me chartreuse green, and spawning spring's love-child, the daffodil, which dots every hill and quarry from Sonoma to Petaluma. Aww, well. What is life without a few of Mother Nature's shenanigans?

Speaking of which, we eco-conscious, style-lovin' fashionistas in the Petaluma Craft Mafia are up to our own crafty shenanigans again. We're cleaning out our closets, and deciding to throw ourselves a good old-fashioned Naked Lady Party, (NLP). The last week-end in March will be our NLP shin-dig. However, it's a private party. NLP's have to be fairly small, no more then twenty folks or it can get chaotic really fast. So, if you've received your invite to PCM's Naked Lady Party, count yourself lucky and be sure to bring your bag of NLP threads and a bottle of bubbly, because trying on clothes is thirsty work.

If you can't join us, you can throw your own NLP party. Donate the proceeds or an outfit to charity, such as women returning to work, or another organization that is dear to your heart. There are a few very simple rules, but the rest is up to your creative imaginations.

Here are a few tips from your crafty famiglia:

Abbreviated Terms Key:
NLP = Naked Lady Party
NL= Naked Lady (duh).

1. Size matters. Consider the size of the venue, (host) and keep the attendees to around twenty or less. Again, controlled chaos is the goal. Too many peeps, and it gets out of control fast and the party loses it's mission and focus. Usually this ends badly, bean-dip in coat pockets, schlurrping vodka from somebody's shoe, a teary phone-call to an old flame, and often, in the wee-hours, somebody needs to post bail. I'm kidding. Really. You believe me, right? If you can't post bail, repeat after me: "Controlled Chaos." Now, off you go. (We don't know nuthin' about no brassieres tied around street poles on Kentucky Street). No siree.

2. NLP items. Bring items of clothing and accessory that you think others would want - this is not the place for cast-off junk. Remember, we all have too many things in our closet that have never seen the light of day, time to remedy that. Bring up -to -date, on trend clothing, or vintage items. Either way, NLP karma doubles the better the items that you bring. As Ms. Moxie likes to say, "The Karma you take, is equal to the Karma you make." (she is so danged smug).

3. Music! This is KEY. Make a soundtrack for your NLP that has a variety of up, energy and soothing mellow tunes as well.

4. Organize. Sort out each pile of clothing by size, style and or type. I.e., jeans, blouses, skirts, tanks and tees, shoes, professional clothing, bags, etc.

5. Timer! Fair is fair. Everyone gets timed while going through each pile. So bring a timer, a kitchen timer or second hand works great. No hording. Horder's are banished from the next round of NLP mayhem. So, while it's tempting to "load-up", remember, you will not always want what you try on, be courteous to the next naked lady in line.

6. Strut it! Once you've found your threads, model it down the aisle, show the other NL's what style, second-hand is all about.

7. Eats and drinks. While I rate music as very important, so are refreshment. NL's work up a healthy appetite whilst dis-robing and scavenging with wild abandon. Therefore, make sure your eats and drinks are quality, a quenching cocktail, a sumptuous easy to nibble snack, and still have clean hands to try on clothes.

8. Privacy. Of course, this is a NLP party! There will always be crashers, or folks trying to get a peek at a NLP Party in session. So be sure you have a private place to party, and a private place to slip in and out of clothes.

9. Party Favors. If there is one thing a Naked Lady adores, it is a creative and clever party-favor. You don't have to break the bank, remember, these are tough times, and creativity luckily saves the day. If your NLP has a particular theme, such as tropical, rocka-billy, Eco, Pin-up, whatever, go for something that fits the theme for your favors to give to your Naked Ladies. I feel that giving your Naked Ladies a fresh flower is never a bad idea. One single rose, or even better a dahlia is enough to delight me. I think I'll make my corsages with naked lady miniature dolls for my crafty sisters. But, at an NLP party, anything goes.

10. FUN. NLP with abandon. Remember, you're not only having fun, but keeping the earth greener, upcycling items, and "re-shopping" amongst the ladies you love and whose style you've long admired. This is the time to share some fashion and style tips with your ladies. NLP's are great for learning from women you admire.

PCM Meet the Famiglia: Rocket Orange

2010-02-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

Meet the Petaluma Craft Mafia Family:

Hannah "Goo" Musser

Whack weapon of choice: Needle and thread. Thread a needle and the world is your oyster.
my fist!!! ;)
Business name: RocketOrange

DIY style: 'lil bit this, 'lil bit that!!!

DIY tip: do what you love and different is ok.

Astrological sign: Taurus baby. True to it's name but, i will always say sorry and admit i am wrong!

Favorite Karaoke Song: oh-boy, this is a tuffy to answer for me. depends on the mood. Speeding Motorcycle, Jane Says, I've Got You Babe (with drunken co-wert), any Dolly song and Come as You Are...

Favorite Italian Meal: My father's Cioppino!

PCM Meet the Famiglia: UpCycled-Threads

2010-02-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

PCM Meet the Famiglia Charissa Drengsen of Curly-Cue

Whack Weapon of Choice? Since I am the ADD poster child of crafting, I can't seem to pick just one medium. I tend to bounce between digital, paper, textiles, paint, collage, altered art assemblage, beads, metal, nature, and found objects. I guess if I had to choose one favorite tool of the trade it would be the scissor. I really enjoy taking apart pre-loved materials and reassembling them into something innovative. Some sewing mavens wield their scissors with a delicate sensibility. I tend to snip with gusto. There is a real free style to my process. I tend to craft in the land somewhere between elegance and utilitarian ferocity.
Business Name, and how did you get it? curly-cue design. When I was a little girl my mother used to recite a rhyme at me: "There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very very good, and when she was bad, she was horrid." That's me, the little curly girl. When I was considering what to call my design business I drew from one of my favorite hobbies, quantum physics. There is something in chaos theory called a "strange attractor". Its magnetic force creates a fractal pattern of a curly-cue. My work is all about relativity and working with chaos. Thus curly-cue design was born.

DIY style? A blend of farmhouse chic, steampunk, art deco and eco-comfort futurism.

DIY Tip? Love what comes to hand with all your heart. See all its possibilities, then shove it in a new direction with gusto. Don't be afraid to try something impossible.

What's your Sign baby? Capricorn - Earth sign - the mountain goat. Baaaaa!
What's your favorite Karaoke song? I'm pretty sure I could rock Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" like a rocking thing.

Favorite Italiana Meal? Pasta Puttanesca (Whores' Pasta): olive oil, capers, anchovies or caviar, garlic, kalamata olives, parmesan cheese, red chili pepper flakes, the kitchen sink... over spaghettini noodles. The concept is basically to throw whatever you have in the cupboard into a pan with olive oil and garlic and put it over pasta. Again, the whole concept of using what you have at hand to create something fabulous. It's all in the wrist.

PCM: Meet the Famiglia, Creative Curiosities

2010-02-02T03:45:00.000-08:00

So much going on in the Petaluma Craft Mafia, but, when isn't there? We're in cahoots to spread the crafty gospel all over town and hope to inspire other like minded, folks in our town and beyond to get crafty. While we're at it, we often meet other such like minded souls that we have such a great connection with and share the same vision. We are work hard and have an amazingly fun, kind and ambitiously crafty group of gals, and are proud to call each other "famiglia."

Marla, aka, Creative Curiosities, is one of those women you've felt you've known your whole life. I feel like I can sit in her kitchen, drink cup after cup of tea and plot and dream with her forever. She works full -time, is a busy wife, mom to the cutest little boy, and still manages to spend time with her with her crafty family, the PCM.

Marla is a fellow Piscean, and I can relate to her sensitive, intuitive side. Its wonderful to have such a passionate and dedicated soul to add to our crafty family. She is incredibly organized and always game to help out. Marla's goal is go have her own store someday, and I believe that with her talent, and ambition to work to achieve her goals, she will make that happen.
Marla makes the most adorable everything. She has such an amazing touch for taking vintage bits of fabric, unloved scarves, and turning them into highly coveted pillows, squishy creatures, etc. I cannot resist her pillows that range from vintage to shabby modern. Always vintage, but everything has clean edges, which lends a contemporary feel. I love her touch with textiles, almost as much as I adore her.

Without further ado, meet our sister and crafty "made" woman, Marla.

Meet the Petaluma Craft Mafia Family:
Marla Christine Pedersen , aka "Marla Bing-Bing Mozzarella."

Whack weapon of choice: Needle and thread. Thread a needle and the world is your oyster.

Business name: Creative Curiosities. This name came about when my sister and I were talking one day, discussing dreams and aspirations for the future. I have always wanted to open my own store, full of hand made goods, my own, and other local artisans, and well as a bakery in the back, lounge area to chill, books on the wall to read, back porch…. I could go on. My sister, an extremely talented graphic designer and project manager, came up with the store name Creative Curiosities. It stuck and I’m rolling with it.

DIY style: Eclectic and whimsical. I create goods that will make people smile, giggle, and take a brief glimpse back to their childhood when everything was free and easy. I want to make people fall in love with vintage fabric and buttons that have been magically transformed into squishy friends, pillows, and “aw take me home” items.

DIY tip: Keep your eyes open. You never know when you’ll find a treasure that could be transformed into something fabulous.

Astrological sign: Pisces, a water sign. Pisces fits. I was meant to be a Pisces. I swam my entire life, spent my summers in Lake Erie, which was literally in my backyard. I am sensitive, kind and gentle, but don’t want to be let down, and after I stew about it until I’m about to explode, I’ll let you know. My mom tells me I’m stubborn. It’s just that when I have my mind made up about something, I’m going to do it, and please don’t try to stop me.

Favorite Karaoke Song: I don’t do Karaoke. Period. My soft spoken voice doesn’t translate well singing one hit wonders into a microphone in front of a crowd of people, even if they are all usually drunk.

Favorite Italian Meal: Mmm. Growing up in a small town in Ohio, probably 10,000 people when I was young, all the restaurants were Italian. I think we had five pizza places, three of which were chains. At that point, spaghetti with red sauce, garlic bread, and a house side salad was my favorite. I was luck enough to travel to Italy when I was in college and although broke, was able to sample truly authentic Italian food. I love Italian food. Now my favorites, although I still love the spaghetti with red sauce, would have to be creamy polenta with mushrooms, flat crisp pizza with fresh basil and tomato, and gelato for dessert. I seriously had gelato every day I was there. I was there for four weeks people! Rum raisin, hazelnut, or pistachio are delish!

PCM's Naked Lady Party!

2010-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

Happy (belated) New Year! It's the last day of the first month of the tenth year in 2010. Confused? Us too! The last of the Christmas tree needles are falling off the tree, but the stores are already lined with Valentines, and heck, even Easter candy. I've got the peeps to prove it. What kind of candy is currently lining the shelves is how this crafty lady keeps track of the months. While January is biding adieu to February, you can beat the Petaluma Craft Mafia is busy planning a super crafty year.

As usual, the PCM is never idle. Lot's going on, and we're gearing up for a wonderful 2010. We've got some swell new members to add to an already stellar crafty assortment of creative bon-bons. Everyone does such diverse work, we have a knotty knitter, (Judy, this hysterical image above is for you), a vintage jewelry maker, a re-purposed clothing designer, a lady who just sews the cutest vintage pillows and plushies, and a woman who saves vintage items and consigns them, makes cooool t-shirts. I mean, if life is like a box of chocolates, your Petaluma Craft Mafia is the ultimate assortment of sweets without the tooth-ache.

Petaluma's crafty first famiglia is hatching a whole host of fun things to do this year, and we'll be sure to keep you posted.
One fun event, is our Naked Lady Party we are holding at crafty Mafia sister Alison's vintage consignment shop on Kentucky Street. Sorry, folks, this is a private party in March, and a great way to dust off winter and welcome spring. Our crafty famiglia and a few assorted friends who we adore, as NLP parties can get pretty chaotic fast if you get too many women in one room trying on clothes and sipping cocktails. So if you here lot's of hootin' n hollerin' it's just us, the normal noises!

But, even if you don't get an invite to this event, don't fret folks, you too can host your own NLP, add some new clothes to your wardrobe, and clean out your own closet in the process. I mean, how can you beat that?

Some simple guidelines for hosting your own NLP. Most importantly, have fun and don't invite too many folks, or it can get quickly overwhelming, especially if space is at a premium. Remember, the goal is to find clothes, get feedback from your fellow naked ladies, and leave with some gems, and give some gems. I'd recommend inviting peeps whom you know you admire their taste in threads, vintage or current, or swapping is not going to be nearly as fun.

Music, get the mood going with some music that will keep you grooving as you dig through piles, and pull jumpers over your head. Food, snacks or a MUST. Trying on clothes with your gal pals works up an appetite and can get fatiguing, as any woman knows. A few libations both alcoholic and non-alcoholic for tee-totaler friends to switch it up.

Last but not least, privacy. Yes, you want to be sure to schedule time for when it's men's poker night, and the kiddy's are at a sitters so as not to distract you. Hey! Trying on other's cast-off is not only green, and a great way to get a new wardrobe, but it requires focus.
It's also a great time to think about others. Have some separates or suits that would work well in a more professional setting? Put together an outfit that would benefit a woman of modest means trying to re-enter the work force. There are numerous agencies you can donate the back-to- work items to, who would greatly appreciate it.

Stay tuned here, We'll be reporting back on our Craft Mafia Naked Lady Party.

Ciao, Ciao!

Craftaluma 2010 "Craftyville, The Usual Suspects"

2010-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

ma

Yawwwn, s- t- r- e- t-c - h..... Late winter; time to shrug off the insulating attitudes, peel back the cocoon of winter layers, allow the imagination to roam along the dreamscape that meanders down the cool, blue path to tangerine sunsets. Butterflies, zebras, moonbeams, it's time to plant bulbs for spring fragrance and harvest summer crafty magic, like only the Petaluma Craft Mafia can. Get ready to make a journey to "Craftyville," join the usual and some unusual suspects for Craftaluma 2010!!

The talented creatives that make up the Petaluma Craft Mafia are busy planning our next show! We've got CRAFTALUMA 2010 penciled in on the PCM calendar for JUNE 19th, 2010!! Yaay!

Have you seen the usual suspects of Craftaluma's Craftyville? There's the Church of Craft, spreading the Crafty gospel, (and you know, as the Petaluma Craft Mafia, it's well infiltrated), then there is the river, well, that's where all of our crafty secrets go for a swim. More on that, later. Yes, in Craftyville, your Petaluma Craft Mafia is involved, fighting for craft and giving it a voice. Your crafty famiglia is here, committing craft, living and working in our community, and creating the best craft show in the world. Yes, Craftluma 2010 is on it's way, and we've got the keys to the town.

Stay posted, stay tuned, and most of all, stay crafty.

xoxo, The PCM

"Yes Virginia, There is a Christmas Show."

2009-12-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

Psst. Just wanted to post some info from lovely crafty lady I met recently, one of our SoCo neighbors in Sebastopol. The show is a nieghborhood show, called "Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Show!" The host is a kick, and I can't wait to see what she has planned. Here are the specs:
Peace, love and glitter, the PCM.

Check it out:

Welcome to our 1st annual neighborhood fair,
Contributors: Susan, Sandy, Steve, Nan, Lanette, Virginia, other Longinotti friends.
Hand sewn items: ...bags, quilts, napkins, potholders, placemats
Handmade paper goods...notebooks, gift tags, cards, garlands and more!
Painted folk art...nichos, mirrors, jewelry boxes, wooden crosses, jewelry, oil cloth bags
Furniture...wooden cabinets, chairs (incredibly comfortable outdoor porch chairs & loveseats), toys, kitchen items, so much more!

Raffle (donation to girls orphanage in San Miguel de Allende) for a fantastical ornate outdoor lighting fixture!
Please feel free to stop by for gingerbread cake and hot cider.
Enjoy your holidays,
The homey hood of Virginia Ave
259 and 270 Virginia Ave 824-9675

--
Dec 5th & 6th "Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Show!" held on Virginia Ave in Sebastopol. 10:00-4:00 wonderful handmade crafts.
Dec 19th "Running With Glitter" 12-5 Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall, 60-85 vendors! 1094 Petaluma Blvd South

Why Walk, when you can Run with Glitter?

2009-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

"Baby, It's cold outside," he said. "Why not warm things up with a little glitter?" she smiled mischieviously. A sprinkle here, a splash, there...
The rumors are true, the whispers are telling.... and finally it seems we've landed in a glitter wonderland. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is launching it's third production, after Craftaluma, Holiday Craftacular, and now we're officially, Craftaluma,"Running with Glitter!!"

We were going to take the year off, but our crafty friends and vendors kept pestering us, so, while we will still do our spring show on May 15th, 2010, we're going to get things warmed up
for the Holidays with a runway and craft show. Whew!

Running with Glitter is hosting some of the best talent locally, and in the north bay. Handmade goodness that will help you with your shopping list and support local artists.
Come on down to the Petaluma Vet's Hall, groove to the live tunes, grab a cupcake, and take-in the glittery fashion show with some of the leading, cutting edge DIY'er designers!
We're gonna have a glitterlicious 'ol time, and the admission to the show is one buck, proceeds benefit the Phoebe Washer Foundation for the Arts.

Psst. Get there early for faboo swag bags!!

Peace, love and glitter,

The Petaluma Craft Mafia

What: Petaluma Craft Mafia hosts, Craftaluma's "Running with Glitter" Holiday Show.
When: December 19th, 2009, 12 noon- 5
Where: Petaluma Veteran's Hall
Admission - 1 buck - Swell swag bags for the first fifty folks.

Pin-Ups for Paws

2009-11-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

So many causes, charities, we'd love to get involved in them all. We in the Petaluma Craft Mafia try to help out wherever we can. One organization that is near and dear to our hearts is helping out our local animal shelter, the Petaluma Animal Shelter. We have been brainstorming on this for a few years, and finally the time is right to make Petaluma's first Crafty Pin-Up Calendar. Proceeds will go to Petaluma Animal Shelter. What a fabulous way to support your local Animal Shelter, and see your Petaluma Craft Mafia ALL year 'round! You may also learn a thing or two about a particular craft...

Be sure to stay posted here, and on our Facebook page for updates on our "Crafty Pin-Ups for Paws" calendar coming in 2010.

Peace, love and glitter,

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique

2009-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Pssst! A little birdie just whispered in our ear that the annual Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique is this Saturday, November, 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Open Door Church at 5th and B streets.

Is there anything better then Vintage I ask you? Not unless you're talking a big scoop of Ben and Jerry's coffee ice cream.... or a million dollars falling from the sky. Even, then, it's a close tie! Lucky you won't need a million dollars, because the admission to PVHB is free.

This show is produced by one of the most adorable, sweet and creative women here in Petaluma. She is golden, incredibly creative and has been a encouraging support to Petaluma's Craft Mafia. We heart her! The Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique is one of my favorite shows in Petaluma. Come on down this Saturday, be inspired and say "hello" to Eileen and the crafty vendors. Tell her the Petaluma Craft Mafia sent you... See ya there!

Ciao, ciao darlings!

Your Nortoriously Glittery Petaluma Craft Mafia

Petaluma Craft Mafia HEARTS Modern Seamster

2009-11-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Issue #3 available for download online very SOON!

Last summer, the Petaluma's Craft Mafia were invited to sit down for an exclusive interview with the editorial staff of what is quickly becoming a favorite read for us, Modern Seamster.

It was first love at reading a jam packed full of goodness about sewing, the arts and crafts scene, music, culture, fashion. And of course, we fell in love with the hardworking, hard playing staff (after all, we identified with their spirit, and can do attitude). They took us to lunch, at a local restaurant here in P-Town, and got a gander at our hometown of Petaluma and were surprised it was so bustling! We enjoy it so much, and came away feeling incredibly inspired by the talent and vision of this new magazine. We are part of a series they are doing on our entire famiglia, the Craft Mafia.

If you haven't checked out Modern Seamster do so now, Issue #2 is just amazing! Amazing, and you will just have to be patient for Issue #3, "The sixties" issue!

Amore, and a big shout out to Modern Seamster!

Petaluma's Crafty First Family in the press... again!!

2009-10-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

"We love our hometown paper, with it's crafty hometown flavor."

-The Petaluma Craft Mafia

We crafty mafiaosa peeps, try to maintain a low-profile, but the darned media, why, they LOVE us! And guess what? We love them back!
We appreciate our hometown newspaper's support of their craft family, the Petaluma Craft Mafia, but the spreading the good cheer to the community of creatives and other crafty folk throughout. I can't tell you how many times articles such as Yovanna's have inspired me to try something new, or get involved in something.

A special shout-out to the Argus Courier's talented journalist, Yovanna Bieberich, editor, Chris Samson and photographer, Nina Zhito, the later of whom had to put with a gaggle of craftyness and a pile of frosted donuts as she climbed, manipulated, moved lights around my kitchen to get a shot of craft in action! Mafiosa mascot and crafty canine, Sweet Georgia adores her, and was so sorry to have missed her this photo shoot.

Support your local newspapers, folks. We need our local news and the people that work so hard to craft a paper for the community. Looky here for the article.

Peace, Love and Glitter!

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

PCM welcomes Hannah of Hannah Jolie Designs

2009-07-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Petaluma Craft Mafia is pleased to welcome our newest member, Hannah Musser of Hannah Jolie Designs. I've personally known Hannah for over six years. She has one of the best minds I know; smart, FUN, and the woman knows her music and books. I have been the lucky recipient of her friendship, and many CD's culled from her amazing collection as well. When Neil Young wrote, "Heart of Gold", I'm sure he had Hannah in mind. She is generous beyond a fault. Not to mention, Hannah is one of those rare and beautiful folks you know will be there in a crisis. She's there for you. She'd hold back your hair in an alcohol induced vomit session. For sure! Thick and thin times. Over beers, through the tears. She's a straight-shooter with a merciful hand, and she's a bit fearless. I have a lot of affection and respect for her.

Hannah describes herself as a "nerd" - and if she is, she makes "nerding" fun AND fashionable. She is one of those enviably crafty gals who excels at many things. She makes the most amazing jewelry, modern crafty floral corsages that make many a hipster prom queen or king sigh, and she works in the healing arts as well. (I am SO looking forward to my next massage H., hint, hint. :) We are proud to welcome her into the bosom of our crafty famiglia.

Between crafting and creating her own Indie business, working AND going to school, Hannah is a mom to two seriously adorable tow-headed boys, each with a mop of huge blonde curls, and wire-rimmed glasses. They are the cutest boys. I just wanna squeeze 'em. She makes mothering an art, and I admire her skills. Seriously lucky kids. I don't know how she does it all, but I can relate to her energy and enthusiasm and thrilled to welcome her as part our crafty famiglia.

Hannah Musser
Hannah Jolie Designs
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Makes her home in: Petaluma, CA
Craft: Jewelry and Floral adornments
Fond of: good beer and red-headed Irish blokes

PCM: Welcome Hannah, tell the folks a bit about what you do.

HM: I'm a floral designer, jewelry designer and currently establishing my own business doing those things I love.

PCM: What is your DIY style?

HM: I have an eclectic style, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I love working best with natural products. I love rare and rustic looks. I love the 1940's period and the style of clothing. The colors of Mexico inspire me, as does the ocean water.

PCM: You have a diverse heritage, rich in cultural goodness. From Irish to deep Mexican roots and a bit of German as well. How has your family influenced you?

HM: I grew up watching my abuelita, my mom, and aunts knitting and crocheting. My abuelita would make my doll's clothes by hand and outfits for me and my cousins. My father was a chef, a true artist in my eyes. I have always loved working with my hands. I went to floral design school for a trade and continued to design jewelry for gifts. I decided to just jump in one day and here I am.

PCM: Wow. How wonderful to be steeped in that creative infusion from such a young age by your loved ones. I agree that cooking is an artistic expression, and I find when I'm stressed or grappling over something difficult in my life, cooking helps unlock some of life's puzzling knots and eases the pain a bit. Speaking of food, what is your favorite Italian dish, mamacita?

HM: My Daddy's Cioppino!

PCM: Aww. No hesitation there! I love it when papa's cook. It's so great for kids to see men cook for the family. I think kids really benefit from the male domestic presence in the kitchen....usually! My father made his native New England foods, Maine-style baked beans, Whoopie pies, homemade doughnuts, not healthy stuff, but good stuff. We'd also hunt "wild" mushrooms in our back-woods together, identify them, pick 'em and bring them home to saute in butter... nobody else in the family, wisely, would touch them. I can't believe I'm still alive to tell the tale! LOL!

PCM: What's your sign baby?

HM: Taurus

PCM: You could have wrote the book, designed the t-shirt...you are a true Taurus to a "T" generous, hard-working, strong and unwavering, appreciate fine family, friends, and a keen ear for music and beauty.

PCM: Why do you want to join our crafty famiglia?

HM: I love the crafty life and enjoy sharing it and being a part of that kind of structure. I also love Cheryl!

PCM: We heart you too, Hannah. We are gonna love your infectious joy and energy.

Love, peace and glitter,

PCM

Struttin' our crafty/fashion stuff at Craftaluma's "Running with Glitter!"

2009-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Running with Glitter" where the eco-conscious crafty and fashionistas come to play."

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Our December - May hibernation has come to and end. It felt soooo good! You've been wondering where we've been. I know, I know. But frankly, it felt marvelous to take a snooze from anything remotely smacking of blog and craft. But what better day then to celebrate spring, love, life, craft, ashion and um, glitter...yes, you heard right!

For the record we are strutting our crafty stuff at Craftaluma 2009 this season! The emails started with a slow trickle in late December following Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular, to a steady buzz of inquiries about WHEN our next Craftaluma will be! Gee, thanks everyone for your re-newed interest. We love you!! To set the record straight, yes, Craftaluma 2009 is in the works, and this year that fashion show I've been dreaming about for two years will happen! We have too many local talented Indie designers NOT to have a fashion show. I just know it! That's the Petaluma spirit! Coordinate that with the creative minds behind the Petaluma Craft Mafia, and it will be one heckuva a gittery good time! We are very excited!

Ambitious? Sure, this will be a bigger show, and very high energy with a glittery runway filled with craft, music, and the addition of a glittery runway with sashaying models sporting local handmade DIY fashion and accessories. An eco and up-cycle vibe is encouraged! All of it requires lots of coordination and planning . But you know by now, the PCM is always up for a challenge, and Ms. Moxie, our bella capo, loves to roll up her sleeves, toss the glitter in the air and see where it may land. We've got a hard-working, talented and fun famiglia and a cast of supportive awesome volunteers to help make it all happen. So, if you catch us MIA on the blogs, it's not because we've taken off to Greece like I keep dreaming about - at least not yet! No rest for the weary - crafty! (Martha, eat your heart out!)

We'll keep you posted about the date, and in the meantime, you can of course, always contact us here about applications. The Craftaluma, "Running with Glitter" site will have online applications as well. Vendors, round up your models, and of course your glitter. We are SO looking forward to the submission photos and the coordination between the designers!

Come and be inspired, and have a glittery good time!

Many glittery cheers, sashay, sashay!

The PCM

All in the Famiglia: An Interview with Rain's Embellishments

2008-12-08T21:21:00.001-08:00

Family. There is nothing quite like family, that is unless it's crafty famiglia, and we are so lucky to have Lorrain Garcia , aka, "Rains Embellishments" as a fellow crafty sister in this big crafty famiglia called the "Craft Mafia."

I first met Rain when she joined us for the Petaluma Craft Mafia's first show, "Craftaluma."
Rain is part of our big extended crafty famiglia, and she is part of the extraordinarily talented Sacramento Craft Mafia.

We love our Capitol City Crafty gals! Here is what I know about Lorrain, not only is she a kick-ass talented jewelry and bauble maker, she also has a fine sense of humor, is an accomplished cupcake baker and one of the best dressers I know. She and I share a deep fondness for owls, (you've all seen my owl necklace she made). Lorrain has a generous heart and not one mean bone in her body. She's also an Aquarius for those of you who were wondering. And oh, psst...she's also baaack! We are thrilled because she and some her crafty Sacramento Craft Mafia sisters are joining us for "Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular." Nope, there is nothing like famiglia. And we are thrilled to have them with us!

C: Okay Ms. Rain, please tell us how you came up with the name of your crafty enterprise.
L: Hey there! My name is Lorrain Garcia, my business is Rain's Embellishments. My business name just sort of came into being because it's my nickname Rain: I use to hang out all the time at my bf's house in grade school. She had a little brother who had a hard time saying Lorrain. Whenever he would talk to me he would call out "My Rain" it was so cute it stuck! And Embellishments because my jewelry is my embellishment!

C: Where are you located?
L: Sacramento, CA

C: Hometown?
L: Sactown!

C: Yay Sactown!! Home of Merlino's Orange Freeze and the Sacramento Craft Mafia!! Tell the folks what it is that you make.
L: Currently I've been working with enameled flower pieces, (sugar)skulls & owls!
My three favorite things of the moment. I take a variety of different beads an mold them into
necklace pendants, earrings and bracelets.

C: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about what you do?
L: I love making things with my hands! It really gives me a sense of accomplishment to take different random elements and make them into something to wear! Sometimes it's heart-breaking to sell a piece that I've fallen in love with. Other times I just think I'm making items to add to my ever-growing collection! I'll stay up many a night on a creative binge and then wake up in the morning with sore wrists & hands! I'd have to say that over-working my hands is a major draw-back. Over the summer I was actually having a real hard time with my wrists hurting, so I wasn't able to create that much. I've had to train myself to stretch before I work. Sometimes I forget, but my joints always remind me when I do!

C: Oh boy. Do I know that feeling. I used to ignore it - until one day it refused to be ignored! The pain and numbness started shooting up my shoulder and neck. Still, the pain is worth the creative binges. Speaking of which, what brings you creative inspiration?
L: Sometimes it's as easy as visiting a bead store or fabric store. Other times it's from walking through a gallery or museum...being influenced by other peoples art. Sometimes it's a minor suggestion that someone gives me. I've actually dreamt a piece of jewelry into being! I know it kinda sounds hokey, but I have definitely dreamt about placing certain colors together or various beads.

C: It's not "hokey." I'm a dreamer myself, and trust dreams and intuition. Anytime I've gone against my intuition is when things tend to go awry! Clearly, your dreams are working for you Rain. I sense an extra dimension at play when I look at your work. You have a richness and depth in your color palette as well as the design elements in your pieces. You are fearless, and I tend to admire courage and kindness in all aspects of life. What advice would you give to a designer who wanted to start a business such as yours?
L: For one thing, I have found that there are A LOT of jewelry designers out there! So I definitely recommend that you find your niche! Figure out what makes your pieces yours...figure out your "signature"!
Try something different that sets you apart! That's what your audience will notice!

C: Do you have any exciting news or future business plans you'd like to
share?
L: Shh... it's a secret!

C: Gotcha. We gotta keep it on the "down-low" in the Mafia. LOL! Do you have any favorite crafty haunts?
L: Geez! Where do I start? I love bead stores, fabric stores, scrapbook shops....I loved the bead store I use to work at with all my heart! Sadly, BeadWorks closed two years ago! I do love visiting The Bead Fetish & Piece of Mind, Beverly's Fabric & Crafts, Rumpelstiltskin, The Scrapbook Station, Fire & Rain, Art Gallery, The Crocker...funny enough, Empire Comics, craft night at a friends house - and for that matter, my mom's sewing room!

C: Curve ball question: Sean Connery or Roger Moore?
L: Man, are you kidding, Sean Connery! He's still sexy!

C; It's that Scottish brogue, you can't figure out what the devil he's saying! Tres sexy in it's confusion! What is your favorite midnight snack?
L: Cookies & ice cream!

C: Nummy! Hard question now, Favorite book and movie?
L: Lordy, ya know... there are just too many wonderful ones to name! Empire Records, Reality Bites, Sex and the City, Anam Cara, Love Story, Harry Potter 1-7, if there is ever a Buffy movie based off the TV show, that would most definitely be on top! High Fidelity, gosh, Frida, practically anything by Michele Gondry or Sophia Coppola, the early works of V.C. Andrews...dude, I know I'm missing some other great material! Most any art book
with Frida Khalo, Gustav Klimt or Alphonse Mucha!

C: Le sigh. All excellent choices. Love Story, even the theme song to the movie makes me get a big 'ol painful lump in my throat. I can't handle it. Harry P. rocks. I'm a huge John Cusack fan. I wanna marry him when I grow up and together we shall have fifteen crafty children and a purple-painted picket fence with an orange Karman Ghia parked in front. Someday, Rain, we are just going to have to have a big 'ol sister city movie and dinner craftalong in each of our fair towns. Let's make it happen! Okay, the dinner party question, your throwing a dinner party, who would you invite and why?
L: My Grandma Carmen because I miss her laughter! My mom, sis, niece, dad, bf Chris, and my other bffs Amanda & Erin all because they are all the people I depend on the most! And when I close my eyes, they are the people I see sitting around the table! I could probably name other "famous" people, but really, I think I would just be too nervous to eat and I'd rather be enjoying the delicious meal full of warmth and laughter!

C: Now that is a typical Rain response, and why we love you so much! Thank you darlin' and we can't wait to see you and your sisters next Saturday in Petaluma!

You can find more Rain Goodness here at her blog and more about our crafty cool sisters in Sacramento right over here.

Twin Crow Studios

2008-12-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Courtney Cerruti of Twin Crow Studios was one of our amazing vendors at Craftaluma. I was thrilled to have her join us again for our upcoming show, as her world of bell jars, re-purposed tea cups, mushrooms, and other assorted flora and fauna of beauty and kitsch; all drew me. I wouldn't mind living in a Courtney Cerruti made world!

C: Hi Courtney, what's the name of your business and how did you come up with it?
CC: Twin Crow Studios was created out of a brainstorm between me and my boyfriend. I love birds and bird imagery and I have a bit of a bird nature in my collection of seemingly random bits of things, paper, string, objects etc. I use twin imagery in my drawings and ATCs and it also

C: Where are you located?
CC: the Bay Area

C: Hometown?
CC: Oakland, CA

C: What is it that you make?
CC: I make all things paper. Currently I'm into making miniature paper shoes and miniature worlds in teacups or inside of cloches.

C: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about what you do?
CC: I love making things, its just what I do. My boyfriend's 6 year old says her dad is a good reader and I am a good "maker." She thinks I can make anything!
What I like least about making things is that I don't make enough money in crafts to do just that and nothing else.

C: Where do you find creative inspiration?
CC: Objects, images, beautiful things inspire me. I love saturated color, antique and vintage objects, the beauty in things used, things that have a history. I also like materials, often a discarded piece of metal, a broken nutshell or a piece of moss is enough to get me going on a whole series of work.

C: Any favorite crafty haunts around the bay area you like to visit?
CC: The Alameda Antique Market on the 1st Sunday of the month is a good place to find unusual and old things. But usually just a trip to the thrift store will suffice.

C: Have been wanting to make it out to the Alameda Market. Bless those Thrift stores for their crafty inspiration and goodness! Courtney, what advice would you give to a designer who wanted to start a business such as yours?
CC: Make stuff and see what happens.

C: Mmmhmm... Do you have any exciting news or future business plans you'd like to share?
CC:Visit my blog to see what's new!

C: Sure will. Now what the folks really wanna know is, Sean Connery or Roger Moore?
CC: Sean Connery.

C: LOL! You were expecting that one. Finally Sean stands a chance in this Roger Moore biased blog! :) What is your favorite midnight snack?
CC: Tea and chocolate chips with Mila (my boyfriend's 3 year old)

C: That could certainly lead me astray in the midnight-hour for sure. Favorite book and movie?
CC: Anything by Toni Morrison, and Bleu with Juliet Binoche

C: I'm a huge Juliet Binoche fan, in my minds eye, I had cast her in "Chocolat" years before the film came out! Okay Courtney, If you were throwing a dinner party, who would you invite (living or not living) and why?
CC: Other than my boyfriend, I would invite Frida Kahlo, Maria Janosko, Marilyn Manson, Nathalie Cheung, da Vinci, and Morgan Freeman. I was in love with MM when I was in high school and how often do you get to live out a high school fantasy? Maria because she's hilarious and a good friend, Nathalie because she lives in France and I miss her, Frida because I love her work, da Vinci because he was my first favorite artist and Morgan Freeman because I want him to be my friend.

C: Morgan is the man, would love to have him as my friend and neighbor. He's a cool cat with a big heart. I just might crash that dinner party. Maria Janosko...hmmm, she sounds like one of our crafty vendors! You have great taste in dinner partners Courtney. We will see you both soon at Mafia Made Holiday Crafacular!

The Crafty Wren

2008-11-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

As I was saying in a prior interview, when the shadows come calling, I feel lucky to gain so much inspiration from my fellow craftisans. We had Wrenay Charlton, aka, "Whimsy" 'and her other business venture "The Crafty Wren" at our first show Craftaluma. I adore Wrenay not just for her positive and creative spirit, but also because she is a joy to be around, and lucky for us joy is contagious. One thing we can promise you is that Wrenay is one crafty chick!

C: Okay, Ms. Wrenay, I'm a big fan of your crafty wares, but tell the folks who may not be familiar all about your crafty self.
W: "I actually have 2 businesses; Whimsy & The Crafty Wren
Whimsy came about as a way to frame all the things I make. I like to dabble in different arts and crafts, so I felt it best to come up with a name that describes the mood and feel of my products."

"The Crafty Wren" developed out of "Whimsy" I started to make jewelry from my art and recycled materials. I wanted to separate the jewelry from all of the other goodies I make, so I decided to create the secondary business. My name is Wrenay, but my friends and family call me Wren, so that's where the Wren comes from.

C: Where are you located?
W: Crockett, California. Never heard of it? I'm not surprised! Crockett is actually in the East Bay, off of Hwy 80. It is the last exit before you cross the Carquinez Bridge into Vallejo. It's really a sweet little town, and home to the C&H sugar factory.

C: Oh, I know where Crockett is! If there's a sugar factory you can bet I know my way there. I can see a visual on those tall sugar stacks in my mind's eye when I cross the bridge! Me and Crockett go waaaay back! :)

C: Hometown?
W: Los Angeles, CA.

C: What is it that you make?
W: I love experimenting with new processes and materials. I always have something in development! Currently, my focus is on paper goods, plush creatures, and pendants.

C: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about what you do?
W: For me, the process is always the most interesting and fun part of creating something. There is always a new discovery along the way, so I am constantly learning how to improve the final piece, or coming up with something new. I guess the least favorite part of creating is the clean up!

C: Amen, to that I'm a bit of a neat freak, but lately my desk has exploded. What brings you creative inspiration?
W: My schedule is pretty hectic, so I tend to appreciate the quiet moments and I give myself at least 15 minutes each day to sketch down ideas, and thoughts. Lots of those seeds turn into my creations. Music, nature, my kid's laughing, all hugely inspiring as well!

C: What advice would you give to a designer who wanted to start a business such as yours?
W: First and foremost, love what you do and be your own biggest cheerleader! When you make the leap from creating for recreation, to creating for business, you spend a ton of time marketing your work. I cannot stress how important it is to do your research, get your paperwork in order and network as much as possible. A great book to read when you are ready to take the leap is Craft, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco

C: Do you have any exciting news or future business plans you'd like to share?
W: My products are now being sold in brick & mortar stores throughout the bay area. One of my goals for this year was to make connections to get my work off-line and into boutiques, so I am very happy to have met this goal.

C: Send me your links to the brick and mortar before you walk away Wrenay. ;) Okay, I'm gonna throw you off track here a bit, Sean Connery or Roger Moore? :)
W: hee hee. Roger Moore

C: What is your favorite midnight snack?
W: Pizza!

C: Favorite book and movie?
W:There are so many…
My current favs:
Fiction book: A Lion Among Men (from the Wicked series)
Fine Art book: By Hand, a look at craft in contemporary art practices
Movie: I'm really behind on movies. One of top 3 of all time is Cinema Paradiso

C: I wanna go see "Wicked" in the city! Love Cinema Paradiso, too! Okay Wrenay,Your throwing a dinner party, who would you invite (living or not living) and why?
W: Mae West-someone has to be brasher than I, since I will be hosting!
Ryan Adams-love his music and he could entertain during any lull in the festivities
Jack Black-for obvious reasons
Yoko Ono-aww, poor yoko…has she finally overcome the Beatles, "killer" stigma?!! I think so. She is an amazing conceptual artist.

C: I'd better be getting an invite to that dinner party! Please seat me between Jack and Mae...or better yet Jack and Ryan, I promise to behave.
Thank you Wrenay Charlton, and we will see you at Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular quite soon!

You may find The Crafty Wrens' goodies right here, lookie.

Velvet & Tweed

2008-11-18T22:20:00.001-08:00

Working solista in the creative field certainly has it's highs and lows. Even in this downslide economy, I'd still take working for myself, and all the risks that come with that, then working for "the man" in a corner office cubicle again, le odor of burnt microwave popcorn wafting down the blue industrial carpeted, bad fluorescent lit hallways, the lonnnng meetings that seem to go nowhere, but offer a great excuse to order in Thai food for everyone. And there always seems to be at least one manic and crazy-eyed co-worker everyone is afraid will go off the deep end someday and maybe take a few of us down in the process. Zoikes! Nope, I sure don't miss those days at all, even when it's so tempting to pack it all in and receive a hard earned fat regular paycheck with paid vacation and benefits again.

It's not easy wearing all the hats sometimes, and though it's self imposed, in order not to burn out I often look for inspiration and guidance from others in the creative field. I learn a lot from these women (and men) and am inspired again and again by these generous and talented folks who like me, are risk takers at heart.

Enter, Tina Schreiber of "Velvet & Tweed." Tina found me on one of my blogs, (I've been a bad, bad blogger of late). Tina's shop is an adorable
infant and toddler's clothing shop in the city, and she is one of our many talented vendors joining us for Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular. I liked her and her chosen craft immediately, and though she's made her home in San Francisco, she's a midwestern gal from Cleveland, Ohio, with a midwesterner's sensibility, and a fine mind to dream and create with. Her love of her chosen craft of well-made children's clothing is obvious and her eye for wonderful design and fabric shines through. Psst. I'm a sucker for a finely outfitted dapper little dude, and the lovely laughing little ladies modeling Velvet & Tweed's fine collections.

C: Welcome Tina, please tell us how did you come up with the name of your business Velvet & Tweed?
T: The name came from a passion for textiles, their textures, colors, and ability to transform a simple frock into something that evokes emotion and creates memories. When looking back on photos from a first Christmas or a family picnic, it is wonderful to remember how your little girl twirled in her favorite dress, or how dapper your little boy looked on grandpa's lap. Fabric such as tweed, velvet, pink silk, and crisp cotton can turn an ordinary outfit into something really special.

C: Where are you located?
T: San Francisco

C: Your hometown?
T: Cleveland, OH

C: What is it that you make?
T: "We design and make special occasion clothing for infants & toddlers, intended to be timeless and lovely, heirloom outfits that can be passed down for generations."

C: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about what you do?
T: "My favorite thing about what we do is seeing the reactions of moms & dads to our clothing-- the look of nostalgia and an innocence captured for their little ones. After all, children grow up quickly; there is no need to rush it! My least favorite thing about what we do is finding enough time in the day to do everything we want to do for this amazing brand!"

C: Tina, what brings you creative inspiration?
T: "My creative inspiration comes from my childhood. My parents had lots of diverse interests and I always wanted to be involved: from sewing and baking to camping and woodworking. These wonderful childhood memories inspired me to capture these moments in design: the perfect garden party dress, the sweetest pink birthday party dress, or the coziest corduroy jacket."

C: What advice would you give to a young designer who wanted to start a business such as yours?
T: "Get as much experience as you can in your field. Realize that you can learn a great deal from working for big companies and finding mentors to guide you. Your perfect business will reveal itself with the experience you've collected."

C: Do you have any exciting news or future business plans you'd like to share?
T: "Our most exciting news is how quickly we are growing and how well received we are by the most beautiful baby boutiques across the country and around the world! Internationally, we can be found in Australia and Norway!"

C: That is wonderful news! Velvet & Tweed going international. And speaking of inernational, or international man of mystery that is, Sean Connery or Roger Moore?
T: "Roger Moore (but actually, I'd like to nominate a candidate: Daniel Craig!")

C: LOL! I'd have to agree with that one, Roger Moore is infinitely more interesting then Sean Connery, devilish glint in his eye as though he is in on a private joke with you. And Daniel C. isn't too shabby either, we almost share a birthday!

C: A lot of us creatives burn the midnight oil, I'm one of them and often find myself on a weird eating schedule not in sync with my 9-5 friends. What is your favorite midnight snack?
T: "Cheese & Crackers!"

C: Thatta girl! And in my book, the stinkier the cheese, the better! Favorite book and movie?
T: Favorite Book: "Water for Elephants."

C: I loved Water for Elephants! I read it when it first came out, it was my inspiration for Craftaluma. Plus, I have a major soft spot for Elephants, and am sickened by how they are mistreated in captivity and hunted down for their tusks in the wild. Do you have a favorite movie?
T: (at the moment) "Miracle on 34th Street."

C: Your throwing a dinner party, who would you invite (living or not living) and why?
T: "My closest girlfriends (4 of the most inspiring, fun, professional women ever), Martha Stewart (my role model), and my boyfriend (lucky guy to be surrounded by such amazing women!). Oh, and Julia Childs as the chef, and Bing Crosby to sing while we dine."

C: It's so important for women and entrepreneurs to surround themselves with supportive great gals and cronies, I'm totally down with that. Thanks Tina. I can't wait to see you soon at Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular!

You can find boutiques that carry Tina's delightful wares at:

Velvet & Tweed
http://www.velvetandtweed.com

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

2008-11-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Just thirty-six (3-6) more days until Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular!! (le Gasp)!!

I feel like a multi-tasking Elf amped on caffeine, stress and red vines, busy putting the Holiday Craftacular site together, swag, vendors, sponsors, canoodling around town with the crafty famiglia handing out posters, postcards and charming and okay some extortion of our local and very supportive sponsors. :) Kidding, really, no "protection fees" have yet been mentioned.

Crikey! I haven't even pressed one single Moxieville card yet! Why does this seem familiar? Ack! It's just my job to stress a bit, I suppose, whilst hatching and making the crafty plans come to fruition. Yes, some pretty busy elves we be.

We have a great show planned! We've assembled some of the hippest and awe inspiring professional crafty DIY'ers you ever saw, (they are SO together!)- I'll betcha a hot butterered rum that your shopping list items will miraculously get checked off one -by-one before you know it. Don't go for the bland, go for the grand, unique handmade this holiday season. Our crafty vendors can dish it out. This ain't your dear granny's craft show, but y'all know that by now! But certainly bring your dear granny to the show, I'll bet she'll be inspired by how much craft has progressed.

And the question is, have you been naughty or nice? A little of both? Regardless, you owe it to yourself this busy holiday season to join Petaluma's Crafty First Famiglia for some holiday crafty merrymaking and mischief. Meet the Petaluma Craft Mafia under the mistletoe with your favorite beverage and get down to some serious, awe-inspiring shopping with local talent and some inspiring gorgeous crafts from some of the most prolific DIY'ers south of the north pole. Dang!
We have a super talented photographer who will be a vendor this year, and rumor has it she'll be taking holiday pictures, so you'll want to be sure to get some holiday memories all the while grooving to some Sonoma County's finest homegrown bands.

We're counting the days here at the Petaluma Craft Mafia until Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular, and we can't wait to see you December 13th at the Petaluma Veteran's Hall!! Don't forget we have some mighty fine raffles,so save your ticket receipt at the door for a chance to win some way cool swag and prizes.

Don't forget to bring a toy for tots and get an extra raffle ticket!

P.S. Happy Birthday to all you November peeps in the house! Scorpios , just rock! xoxo!

Cheers,

Ms. Moxie and the PCM

Mafia Made "HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR!!"

2008-10-10T18:01:00.001-07:00

Dreams of holiday tinsel and Sugar Plum fairies waltzing through your head? Have you ever wanted to meet Bumble the abominable snowman from "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer?" Stir that together with a sprinkle of Nightmare before Christmas and you have Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR! You can bet your candy-cane striped toe socks, we've got another crazy show planned!

The Petaluma Craft Mafia is pleased to announce our first annual holiday show, "Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR" to debut on Saturday, December 13th from eleven to five at the Petaluma Veteran's Hall.

Our first show CRAFTALUMA was such a success, we keep getting requests for when we would have another show, so we decided to put together a holiday show with some of the most talented DIY'ers, crafty crafters and kick-ass artisans we could assemble - that includes you!

We will have plenty of crafty how-to demos from many of our inspiring and talented vendors. Mojo talented and local live entertainment from the ever-fresh and pretty dang crafty themselves, Bluebellies and adorable Gabby LaLa. You'll be thrilled to know that the Petaluma Craft Mafia plans to have another crafty raffle. **Vendors, (please send us your swag and any goodies you would love some lucky person to have to promote your wares and your crafty company). Swag bags to the first 50 folks through the door. Our theme is a Retro Winter Wonderland with a hint of kitsch and a bit of underground fantasical Holiday flavor going on -remember, this ain't your dear granny's craft show. Bumble the Abominable snow man may drop by and take pictures with the young folk...and you never know who else....

Get your Holiday Shopping done in one fell swoop, and come away inspired by our crafty cast of characters this year at Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR. Belly up to our decorate your own christmas cookie and cupcake table... I might have to find an excuse to work that table...hmmmm...

** VENDORS: Vendors, applications are now available, Send me an e-mail (here or at cheryl@petalumacraftmafia.com) and I can forward you an application. FYI: This show is for Crafty, DIY, craft and art, items only, no re-sale or multi-level marketing items, thank you! I'm working on the downloadable application and website as we did for CRAFTALUMA in my spare time, so please be patient. :)

** SPONSORS: Please contact cheryl@petalumacraftmafia.com if you are interested in sponsorship and/demo table.

Show attendees and adoring public: We heart you! Thanks for coming out to support your crafty famiglia and their friends at CRAFTALUMA, and making our first show such a success. We couldn't have done it without you!

HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR starts at noon and admission is 2 dollars. You will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of our awesome crafty prizes, and if you bring a toy for our "Toys for Tots" you will automatically get another chance at the raffle. Children under 16 are free. Crafto'licious swag bags for the first 100 folks through the door!

Come on down and meet Petaluma's Crafty famiglia, we'll have a jolly 'ol tinse'licious time!

Cheers,

Cheryl and the PCM

"Mafia Made" HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR
Saturday, 11-5 December 13th, 2008
Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall
1094 Petaluma Boulevard South
Petaluma, CA 94952

PCM does Des Arts in San Francisco

2008-09-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

As I was saying in a much earlier blog, the line between fine art and craft gets very blurry ..especially after a few mai tai's.

Love Art? Wanna support emerging, talented artists, oggle some mighty fine art AND juggle your cocktail in one hand? Well, tomorrow night is your chance to do JUST that.

Elaine Barr of Rock n' Roll Crafts and Stencil1, an esteemed member of the PCM is heading on down to the sweet little city by the bay tomorrow night for her very first art show...go Elaine!

Here's the particulars:

NEW ART 08
September 17

HOTEL DES ARTS
447 BUSH (at Grant)
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

featuring DJs:
SAMALA + ZAI + TOM THUMP

Free Drinks... yep, free drinks ...need we say more

• over 500 original works of art from emerging artists

• 100% of sales go to the artists..
• bring a checkbook + support emerging artists DIRECTLY

Petaluma's Crafty First Famiglia

2008-08-12T13:33:00.001-07:00

Its always kind of a trip to get recognized around town by complete strangers. I guess it's mostly due to my wacky writing and blogging (that I've been waay guilty of not doing much lately). My husband teases me that he feels like he's with a celebrity because, often times than not, we get comped free goodies and food around town, and thus in part why I've stopped blogging so much. Not that I don't appreciate kind folks in town and their generosity, that's really pretty freakin' cool! but it makes me feel kind of weird, and in spite of my rabble-rousing, I'm a pretty private gal. I loathe having my picture taken - just ask my friends, family or Elaine, who is often witness to me diving under tables and pulling disappearing acts when she gets her camera out. I was an Aborigine in another life. But blogging is my way to connect with my community in relative anonymity, and allows me to exercise another form of creativity.

Not that all my blogs have been hearts and flowers mind you, hey "truthiness" in journalism is important, and at least one or three reviews have not escaped my truthy if poisonous pen. :) But right now, things are uber busy around Moxieville, but I see more blogs on the horizon soon....shudder, some of you! ;) Be very afraid! :)

Some folks in Petaluma may know and heart my awesome crafty famiglia as well. I heart them too, and the unique talents and personality they bring to our famiglia. We're planning on doing a series of crafty film shorts, and a photo shoot soon for some promos. We are working with a talented local Indie Film maker, Don Lewis, "Hey Don!" And, we are cooking up some great ideas sure to set me off laughing so hard, that I won't be able to craft and keep a straight face during the shoot. but I don't believe you can ever be too rich or laugh too much ...or eat too many apple fritters. And though none of us may be rich, we are wealthy with laughter and have a great time. Now if I can manage not to bale under a tree or table during the shoot, it's gonna be a hoot! And we've not shortage of ideas and materials to work with! You might see us around Petaluma with Don, and if so, stop by and say "howdy!"

Speaking of my uber crafty sistahs, here is a shot of our crafty famiglia, (the core) goofing it up at a local Mexican joint. (they had to shut the joint down after we got through with it)!

From left to right is, Felt Baron, Moxieville (moi), Rock n' Roll Crafts and Pincurls and Peacoats. Motley crew we are, and dangerously crafty!

I'll be posting our film short here and on my various other blogs around cyberspace, so look for PCM , "Girls on Film" soon!

xoxo.
C.

Rejoice, working girls who heart handmade jewelry!

2008-08-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, ya'll know I heart Jen Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club (very important to add "club" when googling Naughty Secretary) to death ...and I haven't even met her yet, she along with my mum are probably the sole reason I got back into crafting.

As an illustrator, I'm always trying to find new media in which to work my own original art into, and being a huge fan of resin, it was Jen's jewels that got me hooked on resin. She has a funky and unique spin on her jewelry which just speaks to me; Kitsch, soul and fun.
So, I've been anxiously tapping my foot waiting for her new book to come out, and at last it has! Woo hoo! My local bookstore, Copperfields, called me last week and delivered the good news!

I can't wait to get my hands on a brand spankin' new copy of, The Naughty Secretary, "The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry".... I love that Jen adds all kinds of fun tips, recipes - that's my kind of book!

Check it out now, hot off the presses!

Pom Thangs!

2008-08-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

So, you may think Petaluma's Craft First Family had been drinking one too many craftini's (oh yes, a special PCM martini recipe) while dipping into the pom poms one crafty afternoon.

Nope, just coffee and birthday cake at this crafty meeting one lovely, sunny morning.
We decided we needed to leave business on the back burner and do some craft for some promos I'd concocted. My vague goal was to make "chicks" as P-Town is famous for our chickens, butter and eggs, film galore and of course wrist wrasslin' - yup, we got it all! However, I'd never worked with poms before, so my plan, per usual was off the cuff.

As these things go, sometimes you just can't premeditate, and as we talked we sort of got in a "craft zen" (you crafters know what I'm talking about) and our Pom Pom chicks, came out looking like bugs, chicks and punk rockers - -even a few KISS look-alikes in the bunch.

So, I'm not sure If we are gonna use these as promos or not (LOL) but they were hella fun to make, and I was amazed to see what my crafty famiglia came up with out of felt scrap, glue and pom poms. They did me proud with their ingenuity! Check 'em out. High art or low art, who cares? Making Pom Thangs works up an appetite, and so we celebrated Elaine's birthday with a great 'ol cake Allison baked, yummmers!

A great project to do with kiddies on a rainy day or at a make n' take table at our next craft fair ...hmmmm.

Happy birthday to all my Leo lions and lionesses,

PCM wins Arte y Pico Award!

2008-07-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

Aww. I was just informed that our little blog over here at PCM, was chosen by a very talented blogger herself, Elaine Barr, and awarded the mucho coveted Arte y Pico Award! Whooo hooo!

So, when I find some time I mean to pay the Pico Award forward and choose five blogs I heart to pieces too. You know, so many blogs so little time! Thanks and mucho appreciato!

Cheers!

About Arte Y Pico Award...
The Arte y Pico Award is meant to be paid forward to five bloggers who you want to recognize for their creative talents, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community...helping to make the world a better place, one blog pots at a time!Now it's your turn...If you have been selected for the award, please pay it forward, following the steps below:1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the "Arte y pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.5) Please post these rules! - Be my guest to copy and paste from here..The Arte y Pico blog is in Spanish.To read it in English, click here. The translation is not perfect.

Artsy - Craftsy go together like ...

2008-07-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay. I don't know about you my fellow crafty compatriots, but do you ever get sick and tired of people asking the difference between "arts and crafts?"

I do! They always look at me, with that "look", as if I hold the answer to global warming, or third -world famine. You know what I mean? It happens at the most inopportune moments too, like at a party, you're juggling your blackberry margarita in one hand and a deep-fried cheeseball in the other, when you find yourself cornered, as your sneaking in a quick double-dipping of your chip. You think your about to get chided for such a careless display of hygiene, when instead you're asked "So, tell me, Cheryl, you're a crafter, explain the difference between craft and art?" This is generally, followed up with a quick disclaimer such as, "Oh, I'm an oil painter, by the way."

Crafty girls and boys, how often have you found yourself in this same scenario? Not long ago, I found myself cornered at the supermarket by a very earnest man, who seemed puzzled by my answer. He seemed to be looking for a definitive and concrete answer to this pressing question. He finally decided that he agreed with me. It was a strange conversation, but it got me thinking. I mean, why is it so important for people to segregate the two, or at the very least try to compare and categorize?

Guess what? My answer is that I do not separate the two. I know my artsy friends with the expensive degrees feel terribly slighted by my theory on arts and crafts, but I don't care. Craft has always been artsy and art has always been crafty. End of story.

If I had to break it down in a simplified manner, I might say that perhaps craft, or "craftsmanship" used to be assigned to the category of goods and products that were made out of necessity for humans to live and function comfortably. You need blankets, throws quilts to stay warm and cover you, hence, a necessary part of living life in relative comfort. You need a pair of shoes, you need a roof over your head, or pottery, or paper goods to write and express or communicate upon. However, nobody said these goods had to be pretty, just functional. But somewhere along the line, craftisans from way back decided that beauty in everyday, functional objects was important too. Look at ancient native Americans and their beading, basketry, etc. Look at any European immigrant and their needlework embroidery on such functional items as pillowcases and linens, tablecloths.

Art, is it a necessity? Can you live without that sculpture or water color painting, or that beootiful ring?

Some would argue that beauty is not a necessity. But I happen to think that what appeals to the eye, warms the heart, and is what makes us human. I think we crave to experience other human expression in it's varied art form, from music to drawing. So, I argue that art is craft, and craft is art.

In this crafter girl's head anyway, arts and crafts are like peanut butter and jelly. You cannot separate them. Why would anybody want to? A misplaced sense of elitism? I generally get sneers on my theory from the art camp, not the craft camp, but occasionally a craftisan will decry my theory and a few of you craftisans can be every bit as elitist as the artisans. ;)

I just got back from Portland last week. I heart Portland, with it's love of nature, awesome bookstores and coffee, and I love how Portandians aren't afraid to take on a good topic and rant about it - in a constructive way.

It was by sheer coincidence that I'd had this topic on the brain, when I came across an article in the Portland Mercury entitled, "Is it Art? or is it Craft? " You know that got my attention!
It seems my beloved Portland agrees with this crafty blogger's theory. So much so, they even opened a museum dedicated to just that, The Portland Museum of Contemporary Craft.

The museum was founded in 1937, seeing an evolution of American craft evolve and explode in the 1970's (yes, I remember my mum was HUGE into macrame). Since then, the 80's and 90's took a new perspective on craft from a fine arts point of view. Allegedly, it was during this period that Craft took on an "identity crisis." Now, from my perspective I'd say that it was the fine arts camp crying "foul" about that. But, I digress.

Here we are in the infancy of the 21st century, and critics ( don't we love to hate 'em) are now calling this new craft revolution which was spawned in America and now hitting the UK hard, "promiscuous." Le sigh.
Borders are dissolving, and this makes some folks mighty uncomfortable. Craft has always been rich and complex, and some craftistas are just wickedly fun and inventive with their chosen craft/art. Nothing wrong with that.

The curator at PDX, Namita Gupta Wiggners is a brave visionary, and I for one, admire her work. Wiggners says that, "We want to stay flexible, We think of 'craft' as a subject, as a verb, and through a range of perspectives." Amen, sistah, is all I have to say.

The PDX Craft Museum is a real museum and hosts a 1,000 plus project collection that maps the history of contemporary craft through such outposts as Etsy to Crafty Wonderland and hey, I just know my crafty sisters in the Portland Craft Mafia will be a part of this too.

Little did I know that while I was in Portland, the annual Craft PDX Block Party was going on right on 6th and Davis! Cripes! I missed it, and I was just minutes away.

But that 's what I love about craft and Portland, it's that community feel. You know that if you were to throw a block party, folks would actually come! Much like Petaluma!

So while some folks are still duking it out as to what makes art- art,and craft-craft, I say if you looked around lately at the work our craftisans are making, or took a trip to Craft PDX who showcase such talent, it could change your mind and blur those artsy-craftsy borders forever...and that's not just the blackberry margarita talking.

Happy birthday to my fellow watery sign cousin, you crabby Cancerians!

We done did it!

2008-06-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

I know, I sound like a Hee-Haw reject, but I guess my brain is a little fried from Craftaluma, and we sure are proud! Thanks everyone, our attendees, the fabulosa entertainment, our sponsors my entire crafty famiglia and all of you crafty vendors, you sweet craft things you, who make our hearts sing!

I'll post vid and or photos later. I'm done crafted out for now, folks.

Rest, work play and then on to the next show, Petaluma Craft Mafia presents, "Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular!"

Craftaluma!

2008-06-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

Craftaluma eve is upon us , and by noon tomorrow, birth shall commence. I once heard one of my former san Francisco Craft Mafia sister's say, she would never have kids and that producing a craft show felt is like giving birth. I can't agree more! :)

So, I'm chill and actually relaxed. Whatever will be, will be. We've had last-minute sick crafters, last minute add-ons, last minute emergencies, a venue change, and uh, some communication issue and disorganization with certain parties pertinent to getting our show on the road, amongst other things, but we're taking it like champs.
It doesn't hurt to have such an awesome famiglia who roll-up their sleeves and pitch in like true famiglia. I am grateful.

Tomorrow we Craftaluma, no turning back now. Cheers!

Stuck on Stickers

2008-06-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Okay. You can stop holding your breath now...collectively, Petaluma. The day has arrived!
Exhale.

So get ye down to Mrs. Grossmans on Cypress Avenue and throw a little mad money for a lot of way cool and cute stickers at Mrs. G's. This only happens once a year, so you won't want to miss. I got a first-hand peek at the goodies offered up...and smokes, something for everyone and SO much to choose from!

And even if you're not a stamp book queen, never fear, all kinds of uses and juicy goods to haul away to make any crafter and collage artist happy! Day sleepers, set your alarms, 9:00 - 5:30!

Cheers!

Mrs. Grossman’s
3810 Cypress Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
mrsgrossmans.com

It's not all apples and oranges

2008-06-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest crafters and a member I am proud to call a friend is Tami Lovett-Brumfield. You know the one, she makes the cutie felt veggie and fruits such as oranges, and sour apples ...and a even a few acorns here and there.

Tami discovered when my birthday is a few weeks ago (my birthday was actually in March) and one day after an awesome lunch at Sea Modern Thai here in Petaluma, she surprised me with a belated birthday present. Is she thoughtful or what? Not only is Tami creative, but apparently clever, as she has me figured out as well. She gave me some wonderful bracelets, one an aqua retro aqua bake-lite affair, and the other a double-strand wooden beaded bracelet. I heart them and wear them both all of the time. I hope they make my skinny wrists look bigger!

Oh, but that isn't all, we all know Tami makes just about anything out of felt, and knowing that the acorns, squirrel and Oak Tree are Moxieville icons for my company, she felted me the sweetest acorn magnets as well. Check out the fabulousness of these in the photo. (I paired her felted acorns with my felted squirrel I made last winter, see moxieville blog for the squirrely details).

After seeing my funky squirrel creature I made last winter, (see moxieville blog) she figured he could use a few, uh, nuts to keep him company. I mean, can these felty nuts possibly geet in cuter?...Maybe with some x'd our eyes or something? Acorns gone bad...nutty. Whatever.

Anywho, I think she should consider doing a whole line of these. I also love the ice cream cones, doggies and bones she's been working on. I'm trying to talk her into doing felted sushi, sashimi and ungari with eyeballs...all packaged and barcoded like you find at the A&P. But you won't get a peek here. You'll just have to come see for yourself at Craftaluma.

CRAFTALUMA: Venue Change

2008-05-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Gather round crafty-cool crafters and craftoholics, due to a plethora of crafty applications, we have been forced to change our venue from our beloved downtown Phoenix Theatre, to the Petaluma Veteran's Hall. Both great venues.

Though we can't stay away from the Phoenix, so expect the PCM to host trunk shows at the Phoenix and a few charity events as well this year.

The new address for Craftaluma, "The Greatest Show on Earth" is:

CRAFTALUMA
Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall
1094 South Petaluma Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94952

(by the bowling alley) ! Huzzah!

Come on down and meet the "notoriously crafty" Petaluma Craft Mafia. (We promise to behave).

See you there!

Craftaluma

2008-05-12T15:33:00.001-07:00

The Petaluma Craft Mafia is proud to announce that our own homegrown "Craftaluma" will take place on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 from noon until 5:00 PM. The show will feature local crafters, artists and passionate do-it-yourself-ers (DIY'ers) with hand-made offerings ranging from toys, home accessories, purses, clothing and other accessories, stationery and hand printed greetings, paintings and baby products, bath and beauty products to jewelry, and much more. Shoppers will also get a chance to , participate in crafty demos, make n' takes. Peek into the future and have your fortune told by Madame Kat. See local artists at work. Digg the tunes of local musicians and bands. Awesome goodie bags for the first 50 attendees and raffle tickets are available. Admission to non-vendors is 1 dollar.

Attention Crafty Vendors, wish to strut your awesome crafty stuff? Applications are now available for your convenience to submit online at http://www.craftaluma.com. Vendor application deadline is June 10th. For more info, please see our website or contact petalumacraftmafia@yahoo.com.

Craftaluma, "The Greatest Show on Earth."
June 29th, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: The Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall
1094 South Petaluma Boulevard
Petaluma, CA 94952

AltCraft call for Admissions

2008-04-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Listen up my fellow crafters and DIY alternative artists, a little birdie just whispered in my ear that The American Craft Council show in San Francisco is now accepting applications for the AltCraft section, (formerly New Wave). This is a bustling, vibrant opportunity for indie crafters and I just knew y'all wouldn't want to miss it!

This will be American Craft Council's 33rd show in the Bay Area, taking place at Fort Mason Center, on August 15-17. The Council is committed to strengthening ties with emerging artists, and is offering a unique shared loft space to ten artists who will be juried in and will pay a discounted space fee. The deadline is May 23. The show also features wine tastings, live demonstrations and an established crowd of craft devotees.

Ten makers will be juried into this bustling section, which celebrates the populist, experimental and youthful vitality of the renewed handmade movement. Artists who have never exhibited at an American Craft show may apply.

Located on the San Francisco waterfront between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, this juried show serves a well-established audience of Bay Area craft enthusiasts, including a growing demographic of younger craft admirers. The average booth is valued at $1,000 but as part of the Council’s commitment to indie crafters, the cost of participation is just $300, which includes a 10-ft table in a shared loft space. Plus, there’s no application fee!

The deadline is May 23. Please submit:
• (3) low-resolution images of your work
• A brief description of your work (materials, dimensions, techniques)
• Your contact information (mailing and email addresses)

Send submissions and inquiries to Erika at ebrown@craftcouncil.org.
The subject line should be: San Fran AltCraft Application

Finalists will be announced in June.

Cheers!

Mrs. Grossman's Fabulous Warehouse Sale!

2008-04-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Listen up my fellow crafters, collage artists, scrap bookers and sticker aficionados: our own home-grown Mrs. Grossman's is having a craftastic warehouse sale on Friday, June 27th, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Now, I've been inside the trenches of that warehouse and there are some mighty cool goodies in there! Some of my favs (besides the signature heart sticker include, fabric stickers, artsy paper stickers that just never hit it with the scrap book crowd, and are totally gorgeous!

I scored some cool fabric stickers not long ago poking around in the amazing finds of the warehouse, that looked like ric-rac and am having so much fun with it,and some fabric stickers in ticking stripes and dots that I printed on top of! Very funky and gave a new dimension to my original illustrations.

I urge you to head over first thing with your latte and a big tote to carry all your fabulous finds and bargains galore home in. Your boss will just have to understand that you have priorities before heading into the office on a certain Friday in June. And hey, maybe invite them to come along too! Share the good news and score some points at the same time!

If you sign up here for Mrs. Grossman's newsletter, you'll get to find out first-hand about all future such events and special sales.

So mark your calendars now, 'cause if your like me, those dates get filled fast, and you won't want to miss what our Mrs. Grossman's is bringing to the warehouse sale.

See you there!

Mrs. Grossman’s
3810 Cypress Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
mrsgrossmans.com

Tag, you're it! ...

2008-04-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Frankly, I love a good game of tag. Sure do. Do you ever notice you tend to get tagged when you least expect it, or your brain is so engaged elsewhere, that what's left over to return the tagging favor with is mushy grey tissue for brain? I swore I was much more interesting than this, ...but on paper I guess not.

So my crafty friend Elaine over here , done tagged me, (the rascally varmint). See what I mean? I'm starting to sound like Yosemite Sam ... but I've been tagged and I'm a good sport, except when it comes to spelling-bees. (see below for details).

Okay, heads-up y'all because you never know who is gonna get tagged. It's a wild-card. You've been warned.

xo,
Cheryl

this is how it goes:

1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.

2. Post THE RULES on your blog.

3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.

4. Tag 7 people and link to them.

5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Here are 7 random facts about me:

1. As a child I decided when I grew-up my vocation in life was to be a mermaid or a bus driver. Neither happened. :)

2. I have a Whoopie Pie named after me. http://www.westcoastwhoopies.com

3. I have a photographic memory due to my synesthesia, and will beat you in a card-game of Concentration every time.

4. I collect vintage and kitschy salt& pepper shakers, and funky head vases.

5. I cannot attempt to speak Spanish without craving Mexican food.

6. I won the spelling bee many times in grade school. Once, in the second-grade because I refused to sit-down after misspelling one word, and nobody noticed. (Still feel guilty about that one).

7. I broke my ribs, twice my first year of college in a nasty car accident. Weeks later after some fast healing, a cute guy asked me to dance at a Halloween party. Apparently he had a jealous GF lurking abouts, who walked up and punched me hard ...in my broken ribs.

Seven bloggers I've tagged...

1. Anna

2. Allison

3. Amy

4. Carrie

5. Colleen

6. Jen

7. Marilyn,

Posted by Cheryl Aronson

Baz Biz/Maker Faire 2008!

2008-04-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

Long time no blog, I know. I won't offer up any excuses. Just bizzy around here at Moxieville getting our Craftaluma on and wearing a gazillion hats!

But I pause for a quicky blog because I just had to remind you all to hold on to your felted beanie caps because Baz Biz/Maker Faire San Francisco is just three weeks away!
I know you've been waiting, wondering and anticipating.
Crafty crafters, mad scientists galore this year at Biz/Baz. You won't want to miss this annual extravaganza and discounted tickets are available here until April 25th.
Check out what this year's Faire has to offer right here. We love the folks over at Craftzine who help make this awesome event happen.

This year's event introduces an evening program on Saturday,May 3rd from6-1- featuring Fire Arts, Power Tool Drag Racing, Flaming Lotus Girls, Steampuk Spectacular, Boiler bar, Abney Park, and many, many more treats in store...

The Faire has grown to over 400 makes this year, which is just incredible! The Crucible, Swap-O-Rama Rama (yes!) Bazaar Bizaare, Cyclecide, MakerKids, TechShop, Neverwas Haul, Homegrown Village, Exploratorium, Live Music, Life-sized Mousetrap...are you feeling the excitement yet?
And I haven't even mentioned the make events ...such as cars,sustainable food, photography, DIY Camping (now I though all camping was DIY, but I gotta check THAT out), Pinball, Robots, Rockets. Too many to list here, whew, but enough events for everyone to get all tingly and inspired by.

Here's the specs:

Maker Faire
May 3rd&4th
San Mateo Fairgrounds

If you can imagine it, you can MAKE it!

Hope to meet you there.

CRAFTALUMA

2008-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

CRAFTALUMA is just around the corner. I panicked last night as we had just returned from a mini working-vacation (is there any other kind?) and realized we have less than 3 months to do everything. It sent me straight into a design binge fueled by coffee and red vines and I got the application, poster and postcards designed last night. Still need to get our web page up and running. Whew! I was certain my bad clown dream would re-surface due to our carnival theme (and all those clowns) we have going on for CRAFTALUMA, but thankfully it did not. Digg the macabre clownish colors. This is my beta version so this may all change.

Vendors, I will have the vendor application up shortly. In the meantime CRAFTALUMA is Sunday, June 29th from 12-5 at the Phoenix theater in Petaluma. We're panicking a bit as we are getting so much interest that I'm afraid we might not have room for all the vendors. Maybe next year we'll host CRAFTALUMA at the Mystic as we get rolling!

Cheers!

Digg this -Felt Baron in Giant Robot!

2008-03-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Crafty lady Tami Lovett-Brumfield of Petaluma Craft Mafia is featured in the current issue of Giant Robot! (see pic top right.) Crafty cool editor Erik Nakamura couldn't pass up this funky-fresh table stocked with felted home grown produce at Tami's booth. We think he has fine taste: Crunchy carrots with toothy grins, apples and oranges that smile winningly from their crates ... no wonder Mr. Nakamura found them irresistible. A veritable Farmer's Market of softies at booth number 49!

The Felt Baron had already sent most of her crop of sweet apples, oranges and ice cream sandwiches off to good homes by the time Erik and his shutterbug skills got down to business. Good eye mate! We love you Giant Robot. What felty goods will Tami be crafting up is anybody's guess, but we'll keep you posted right here!

The Big Ass Book of Crafts!

2008-03-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Does this book make my booty look big? Looking for a new crafty book to move and inspire you into Craftdom? Or at the very least motivate you to pick up some odds an ends around the house and make something cool, clever and real purrty? Then you’ve gotta check out Mark Montano’s big ol’ book "Big Ass Book of Crafts" which is chock-full of inspiration for any age, and craft skill level.

What I love is that Mark is VERY keen and passionate to help you get your craft on. He covers interior design from furniture making to recycling bits and pieces to make a gorgeous and useful project. He’s got a great eye and relates to the projects as though he is on your level, not a craft god who assumes you know a brad from a staple. Fun for family, week-end crafters or those with oodles of craft muscle and know-how. Lots of variety to keep creative minds intrigued and beautiful photos.
I'm looking forward to making the lampshade and a few of the other intriquing hip projects Mark has lined up!

Lawd, I love crafty folks! I’m trying to get Mark to do a demo or signing here in Petalumsky at Copperfields! Wouldn't that be cool? He knows and loves Petaluma very well! Hmmm ... I wonder if I could get him to got through my garage with me ...I know he'd have a ball looking through all my cast-offs that are clogging the main artery of our little garage. I'll be he could do a craftolicious make-over on all of it!

The Big Ass Book of Crafts is BIG and chock-full of ideas for recycling stuff you never knew had so much oodles of potential. The bottom line is ya'll are just gonna have to go out and find the book yourself and get inspired!

S.F. Maker Faire is in the Air!

2008-03-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

You've been waiting for it, you've heard all about it and now the San Francisco Maker Faire is on it's way late this spring, May 3rd and 4th to be exact at the San Mateo Fair Grounds.

Build, play, hack, shop DIY till you drop, and get some inspiration from my crafty friends from all over the Bay Area and beyond. Meet some of the craftiest and creative folks who create things you didn't know you needed or even existed for that matter.
For more info and if you're a crafty tech or art vendor it's not too late to apply. The deadline is March 12, 2008, so as Paula Abdul would say, "Rush, Rush, hurry, hurry darlin!" Get that application in pronto for consideration.

See SF Maker Faire FAQ for more info - Linky-poo here.

The Felt Baron

2008-02-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

From time to time Petaluma Craft Mafia and Moxieville will be conducting interviews on these blogsites of our own crafty famiglia, The Petaluma Craft Mafia. We may include other nifty and crafty folks we admire as well. It's all good! The Petaluma Craft Mafia has grown since we founded our famiglia late last summer. One of our newest members is Tami Lovett-Brumfield. Tami is transitioning her company Felt-Baron into 3 Black Dog Design. She impressed me not only with her clever and original felt plushies, but her kindness, grace and humor. She is an absolute professional and is generous with lots of fun and warmth to share. We're very proud to welcome her into the Petaluma Craft Mafia.

Like me, Tami is a fellow illustrator as well and she is the culprit that turned me onto gouache. (Yeah, you all remember the blog.) And I'm looking forward to any more tips she may have to share with me. She keeps us well-supplied in awesome stickers from Mrs. Grossman's, where she works as a sticker designer. She is generous with her sunny and wise humor and of course adorable felty Neopolitan ice cream sandwiches. We heart her!

Welcome Tami, please tell us the name of your business.
FeltBaron
www.feltbaron.etsy.com

Tell the folks what you make...
Plushies made from felt and fleece.

How did you get into this line of work? My mom taught me how to sew when I was a little kid and I’ve always liked to make things. I came across “The Cute Book” by Aronzi Aronzo last year and it really inspired me to sew again.

What is the typical work day for you like?
During the day, Monday through Friday I work as an illustrator for Mrs. Grossman’s Paper Company in Petaluma. From the time I get home, until the wee hours of I turn into the Feltbaron soon to be 3 Black Dog Design.

What and who inspires you?
Everything!

Favorite thing about your work?
It makes people smile and it won’t break if you drop it.

What is the single best piece of business advice you wish you knew when you were getting started?
Do your homework first.

What’s in your fridge?
Some cupcakes from Tuesday’s cupcake swap.

Oh man, we ate all of ours! Who’s your favorite poet?
Does Dr. Seuss count? No, I’m kidding I don’t have one.

Dr. Suess absolutely counts! Favorite guilty pleasure?
Pie and fried chicken.

What’s playing on the I-pod?
The Foo Fighters

Himself loves the Foos. What is your favorite way to unwind?
A cup of decaf tea sitting in bed with my dog watching episodes of “Keeping up Appearances.”

Where is your favorite crafty haunt?
Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. If parking weren’t so expensive I’d be in there all day.

How do you feel American women crafty entrepreneurs have influenced American culture and craft in general?
They’ve saved us from the mountains of mass produced products. Handmade items are really valued and appreciated again. There seems to be a rediscovery of things we’ve all valued as children but forgot about.

Amen! Hail American Women Crafters! What about the world still holds wonder for you?
People that throw cigarettes out the window.

Yeah, and The Donald's hairpiece! Speaking of famous and not so, when throwing a dinner party who would you love to invite and have seated on your left, and another choice on your right?
William Shatner and Thomas Hardy

If you had the chance to sing a live duet on stage, who would you choose to sing with? What would you sing?
William Huang from American Idol because I might actually sound like I could sing next to him. The song we’d sing would be “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” because I could actually remember the lyrics.

Not to get all macabre on you, but as we are in the "Mafia," what would you like enscribed on your headstone and what music would you choose?
“Here lies Tami, she died smiling” Music: Hells Bells by AC/DC, I want to go out with a bang.

Where do you see you and your business heading in the coming year? Any particular goals or plans? My focus for the beginning part of the year is getting a website up and running. Asides from rebuilding my plushy inventory, I’m working on some new designs for this year.

What words of advice would you give crafty entrepreneurs?
Take risks, have fun, and do what you love.

What absolutely just makes your day?
When people say they like my work!

Thanks Tami. To check out Tami's felt-up goods check out her Etsy shop above.

CRAFTALUMA! "the greatest show on earth"

2008-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Since forming the Petaluma Craft Mafia last summer with my three cohorts in crime, (now double), I've been wanting to come up with a name for a local Petaluma craft show that is uniquely Petaluma. There were lots of names that came to mind, ideas come easily to me, but everything I came up with was either another regional show elsewhere in the country, or it didn't feel like "Petaluma" to me. Then a couple of weeks ago, before the holidays it came to me, "Craftaluma." Craftaluma? Yep. My other two founding members lurrved it. I wasn't sure, but felt like we were on to something, and Himself hated it. Then the theme and tagline came instantly, "The greatest show on earth." Kind of Barnum & Bailey, no? Elephants with knitting needles, a big top, trapeze artists with a yarn net... nawwww.

So, I posted a poll along with some other craft show name suggestions for my crafty famiglia to vote on, and hands down "Craftaluma" was the winner. Yay! Now the design process begins. It would be a no-brainer to do a carnival theme, and my original thoughts were to do that, but I'd like to do something a little unique that incorporates both Petaluma and that running away to the carnival crafty feel. Romantic, but slightly soiled around the edges with carny sweat and the sweet waft of stale caramel corn and greasy corn dogs on a stick.

I haven't done a thing with the design until this afternoon as my famiglia and I are planning for our Petaluma Craft Mafia's first show this summer. Yay! But it has been on the back-burner of my subconscious and I think inspired a scary clown dream a few weeks ago.

We are very excited about our show, but have loads to get done, loads.

Are you a local craft vendor? Look for "Craftaluma" information soon. If you're interested in being a vendor or caterer or a local band looking to strut your musical or crafty stuff, you can contact us for an application at cheryl@petalumacraftmafia.com.

Just uh, please don't send in the clowns.

The Art of the Cupcake

2008-02-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes. Who doesn't love 'em? I personally don't trust non-cupcake lovers. Do you? Something slightly sinister about those rare cupcake "disser's."

My mom was the first one to turn us on to the wonders of the cupcake. In the summer she'd make orange chiffon with cool citrusy pastel orange, lemon and lime icings. And her good ol' fashioned white cake with fudgey chocolate (my grandmother's recipe) make a grown man weep with joy. We were fortunate to have a mother who could make anything out of a little flour, sugar and loads of creativity. So the cupcake has a special place in my heart because of her and her special way of presenting them.

Yesterday we had our Petaluma Craft Mafia meeting and I thought it might be nice if we had a cupcake swap. It went quite nicely. We had a nice variety from carrot cake to chocolate-orange. My company colors and a favorite flavor! Yummy!

Cupcake historians, (yes there are those who study the cupcake) believe the cupcake is truly an American invention, brought about by some confusion over a measuring term and the challenges of baking in the days of old when Americans simplified the baking process from weighing to measuring, hence "cup" cake. Hostess was the first commercial bakery to announce the arrival of the pre-packaged "cupcake." Since then the cupcake has gone in and out of vogue, but never with children. Children have always known the value of the humble cupcake. It is only in the recent years cupcakes, much like craft have forged a revolution and cult following in the hearts of creatives everywhere. Cupcake cafes and bakeries specializing in the tiny treat cropping up everywhere. I couldn't be happier!

I haven't had a ton of time to bake of late. But baking and cooking are a great way for me to relax. As I whipped up a batch of pastel and purple ballerina and conversation candy heart cupcakes before our meeting yesterday, I thought, my goodness I think I need to do this more often. Not quite like a good massage, but relaxing none the less.

The best part about cupcakes swaps is that you get to see what inspires other people. Some like them plain, some like them fancy. My favorites are good old Americana like what the Magnolia Bakery in NYC whips up or even the Cupcake Cafe. Just the best fresh ingredients, and a rich buttery or chocolately homemade icing.

I was toying with making my famous Red Velvet cake into cupcakes, perfect for Valentines day. But figured lemon and vanilla were crowd pleasers. I may make a Red Velevet cake anyway.

Himself had no complaints, except that he had burned his dinner I had left him. When I walked in late in the evening, he had already eaten not one, but two cupcakes. This was his dinner as his galavanting wife had abandoned him for her crafty chicks last evening. How did I know? The distinct aroma of burnt food, and a certain tell-tale purple smudge of the smeared icing drying on his face. Clever cupcake detective at your service.

There is a certain sweetness from visualizing a grown man enjoying sparkly purple cupcakes adorned with a tiny ballerina when pressed for dinner plans. Awwww... It's also a great way to show your valentine how much you care.

Let him eat cake!

Petaluma Craft Mafia Hatches a Half-Dozen.

2008-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

Since forming the Petaluma Craft Mafia with my other two founding members Anna and Dee, our crafty little famiglia has grown by double this past month. In the land of butter and eggs, (and films), commonly known as Petaluma, we are hatching creative DIY chics as fast as a hen lays eggs. In livestock speak, our famiglia head count is now a half-dozen and counting.

Yay!

We approached our membership carefully and methodically as we had such a great existing group dynamic. Adding or subtracting members can change chemistry tremendously for the better or worse.

And for the worse was quite simply not going to cut it.

The Petaluma Craft Mafia had simple and honest criteria that we expect from our members: Play nice, be professional within the group and our community and exercise good communication skills and adhere to our basic rules and policies. Listening is number one. Follow-through on correspondence and group activities are key in excellent communication.

Our founding members are busy women with many commitments and responsibilities outside of the Petaluma Craft Mafia. So, we decided early on that baby-sitting other grown women was just not going to work for us and would cramp our style tremendously. Plus, we wanted to have fun. It's no fun having to coerce other members into doing what they should be doing anyway. And if not, a major red flag for potential flakiness and possibly obstinance. In other words, not our kind of member.

They had to fit with our core group and roll-up their sleeves in community and group activities as well as help promote each other's businesses. Commitment to the the group's well being is priority. Selfishness is something we wanted to avoid at all costs. Squatting with the PCM name was just not going to cut it.

We had clear things we outlined in our membership criteria. I also received some excellent counsel from my girls in Richmond. Hey Richmond! They were doing what we knew we wanted for our group as we saw it growing. While growth can be scary and we didn't wish to come across as exclusive, yet we knew we didn't want to disrupt the good chemistry and wanted to keep the harmonious flow going. The Craft Mafia probably says is best, "no Ax murderers need apply" Or something like that. :)

Very important to us too, is possessing a sense of humor. Oh Yeah. The Petaluma Craft Mafia thrives on fun. Fun and hard work. The two should go hand in hand.

Seems simple, the requirements not terribly stringent, but finding good members is not always easy.

So, it is with much pleasure that I announce our newest member, the charming , and talented Tami Lovett-Brumfield of The Felt Baron. We feel she will make excellent addition to our crafty famiglia and we are proud to have her aboard.

The Petaluma Craft Mafia is hatching a craft show this summer. And will post applications at a later date for vendors and local crafty folks. More on that later!

Himself, who knows all the work I've put into the PCM, teases me, "Is it cheaper by the dozen?" Well, I don't know about that, right now we're working on a half dozen for this crafty famiglia, but maybe a dozen ...I'll keep you posted!

BTW- The PCM chics may be thrifty, but we're never cheap .... cheep, cheep!

Craft Mafia in the New York Times

2008-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

I so meant to blog this over a month ago, but you know the holidays got the best of me. Just a quickie link to the awesome mention our talented and diverse crafty Mafia received in the New York Times last month.

Rob Walker wrote a great story about the DIY spirit that is alive and thrivin' here in the good ol' USA. Even the euros, such as the UK are starting to smell the DIY Spirit from across the pond. It's an excellent time to be a crafter or a confirmed DIY'er. But that shouldn't be news to any of you crafty sorts out there.

If any of your are still carrying around antiquated notions about what a crafter is or should be, Rob's article should enlighten you a bit and bring you into the current century.

Enjoy!

Vivid Scarlet Impressions or (how funky is your chicken?)

2008-01-20T00:06:00.000-08:00

"How funky is your chicken, how loose is your goose?"

Remember that cheer we used to do? Yeah, that one!
Okay, true confession time. I (Moxieville), was a cheerleader, albeit briefly for one season, because it really kind of sucked.
I couldn't hack it. Our first away game it poured, literally poured torrents of unrelenting rain, and you could take my blue and gold skirt and wring it out. We looked less like cheerleaders, and more like wet, yowling pole cats. Our captain, just told us to go out there and smile when I'd look her way and shudder with cold, hoping she'd get the hint and let us off the field and into warm shelter. Not on your life, buster! she was a hard-core cheerleader captain, an old-school down to her big hair-do and big nails.

Not much to cheer about there. Adding to that misery, two of my fellow cheerleaders, who surprisingly were best friends, argued incessantly, thus ending their friendship and ruining what could have been a fun time for the rest of us.

Frankly, I only tried out because I had a mad crush on one of the footballers. So, I was surprised I made the cut! Luckily, as it turned out, he had a crush on me too, or it would have been a complete waste of time. Of course, cheerleading wasn't all bad. I loved the travel and of course the music and dance routines. Loved the music! But I was never one of those compact gymnast, head-bobbing, squat little cheerleader types. I was too tall and possibly to philosophical to really ever fit the stereo-type.

So here we sit making some PCM, funky chicken tags. I haven't done this sort of crafting in a very long time, and its kind of zen like, printing, stamping, smooching the tags - printing, stamping, smooching the tags. Okay, the smooch was actually a stamp, we're into hygiene around here. But, don't put it past any of us not to leave a vivid scarlet imprint on our papery goods. We're those kind of girls. We leave vivid scarlet impressions wherever we go...

I decided we should make some PCM swag to send over to Indie Valentine to help out our St.Louis famiglia, and we need as much swag as we can get around our own neck of the woods too.

I hope to get this desk cleared off by tomorrow, because I still have loads to do for Valentines and Chinese New Year.

I just know I'm gonna have nightmares about red roosters.

Strawberries N' Cream

2008-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

I love strawberries and cream. Mixing the decadent with the healthy.Hey! A girl's gotta live a little. While, I'm not quite ready to post product photos yet, the girl with the most moxie, aka, Moxieville put me on the spot on her last blog.

Yes, I do have a new product in the works. I have not formulated any specific Siren Suds products for the face, at least for commercial use. I make them for myself and a few select friends all the time. Moxie has been begging me to make a facial scrub, maks, toner and spray mists forever. She is pretty persuasive.

What she doesn't realize is that, it means more work for her too. As my designer, she gets to design the new labels. Actually, She'll probably just fix the type and description because I like the labels as they are.

Strawberries n' Cream for Sirens is a gentle,and so yummy you might just want to scoop some up and eat it! But, I wouldn't recommend that!

I promise to post photos as they are ready.

Here's to lovely skin in 2008!

Let ye be burdened with Heart and Flower

2008-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

LOVE is in the air. Love. Love Love. That four-letter word that makes the world go 'round. The Beattle's said,"All you need is love." Ali McGraw said, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Aretha said, "L-O-V-E, find out what it means to me. Fool!" Actually, Aretha said something a little different. But you get the drift.

Duly noted. Last year was not our best Valentine's day. It was the day my mother's cancer took command central of her brain. Such a benign term for what the unpredictable cells did to her brain, "sugaring" as the oncologist called it. Microscopic sugaring of the cancer cells created such pressure on her brain she went into a seizure. She awoke at around 2 A.M. looked at my father and laughed, we rushed her to the hospital where she fell in and out of consciousness burning with fever.
We finally brought her home with the help of hospice, and on February 22, 2007, she left us. The year has flown since that day.
I was trying to decide which photo I was going to post for this blog. I'm creating a few funky Valentines in a technique I've never used before, and I thought that I would post photos of those.

Then, I remembered my secret stash of Valentine's candy. ( Yes, you knew this candy girl couldn't wait). But for some reason, my mind kept straying back to the clay dove and cherub I photographed in my mother's garden days after she died. I don't know why I took this photo, but it compelled me to. What was odd, was that my mother would have made sure the statuary wasn't full of mud. Perhaps that is why I took the photo. A rare opportunity to capture the blight on an angel. In a blink of an eye, or the snap of camera, everything gets out of focus. So, the cherub and dove won out over the red and pink chocolate foiled hearts and the homemade DIY Valentines.

This crafter is not going to bah humbug Valentine's Day, though. I like Valentine's Day, but I've never luuved it. St.Valentine would have wanted us to celebrate our affection and love for family and friends, by creating out own special Valentine's keepsakes and goodies, without the dictates of the retail world.

Did you happen to notice that this month's tunes have a theme? Yep, just listen. Who says this crafty blogger isn't in the cupids and candy spirit?

The Petaluma Craft Mafia doesn't really aim to break your heart. Okay, well perhaps just a wee little bit. It can feel kind of good. If you haven't had your heart broken, you need to live a little. The thing I do heart about Valentine's Day is that as much as I'm skeptical about the holiday itself, I enjoy so much designing stuff around it. See, I'm a die-hard romantic at heart, so my ambivalent feeling of Valentine's day surprise even me.

I'm working on a few Valentine's Crafts, one inspired by a commission I'm doing for a client. I will most likely post the Valentine's later. Anna is going to post something. She has a surprise. Well, it's not a surprise to me, see, because I"m on her team of official testers. It goes with the territory. Jeesh! :-)

I'm always curious to see what other people do for Valentine's Day, as Valentine's Day was never a particular favorite of mine growing up, so it's fun to see who gets excited about this particular day of hearts and flowers.
You could say I love Halloween, and I'm learning to like Valentine's Day. We were thinking of making rooster and heart cards, with a risque greeting. This is chicken and egg country , ya know. I nixed that idea, as I've done something similar to it before.

My thought was that the Petaluma Craft Mafia would kick the year off right with a big ol' Indie Have a Heart" Craft Show." Everybody feels we should wait until late spring. Tsssk. Okay, but next year we're gonna do a Valentine's Craft Show. It should put a spring in your step and a glow in your heart to anticipate this holiday with deep pagan roots. Randy villagers everywhere eagerly looked forward to St. Valentines Day. But you already knew that. It was the Roman Catholic church that put a 'kabosh' on the whole celebration of Valentine's Day, thinking it would have a devastating affects on the sanctity of marriage.

Until then, Valentine's Day is exactly one month away. What will you be doing? How do you spend your romantic day? Do you go out? Exchange tokens of luuuve? And in your secret heart of hearts, what do you really want for Valentine's Day?

Hey? I just got an idea to do a sweet little Valentine's goodie swap.... hmmmm.
Anybody crafty crafters game?

p.s. Lookout for stray bow and arrows!

Friday Night Knitting Club

2008-01-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, author Kate Jacobs, invited me to come to one of her book signings for her new book, The Friday Night Knitting Club.

I am not a knitter, though I believe I would like to learn. My mother was teaching me a few crochet steps, and last winter we started a very easy project of a hot pink crocheted scarf. Alas, we never got to finish it. So, there it sits, in my knit/cross-stitch project bag mocking me to finish. I've got a lot on my plate right now, but knitting has long appealed to me. It's a very tactile and portable craft, and once you get the hang of it, I hear it's a wonderful way to knit and purl your cares as you work stitches.

Kate is from Canada. Hope, B.C., as a matter of fact. Like me, she's a small town girl who couldn't wait to set off for greener pastures after school. She is a writer and editor and has worked for Working Woman and Redbook among other publications.

Kate says she loves writing for and about women. The Friday Night knitting Club is about a diverse group of women who get together for knitting, education and encouragement. Hey, much like the Petaluma Craft Mafia! Those Craft Mafia ladies sure have great ideas. Each sharing their own tales of heartbreak and joy. How they come together is un-premediated, and each member of the group have their own quirks and problems they are trying to cope with. Some of the friendships are not easy ones at first. Some gel immediately.

The central character is a woman and successful entrepreneur named "Georgia." (Of course, you already know why I like this name). Georgia is trying to raise her daughter and juggle her Knit Show Walker and Daughter. I skipped ahead in the book by accident,and hit the Reader's Guide by accident. I was stopped cold when I read that one of the characters get's cancer. Ovarian Cancer. That's all I'm going to say, because I don't want to give the book plot away. But, I found it interesting that Ovarian cancer was the cancer of the character.

Ovarian cancer is the most deadliest of cancers for women, but it doesn't get the press other cancers do. Since our family has experienced first hand how horrible and devastating this cancer is, I felt it was an interesting twist of fate that Kate had invited me to her book signing. I applaud her for writing a bit about it and doing the research. And oddly enough, I felt it was my mother saying "hello, dear. When are you going to pick-up that crochet project we started?"

Of course, my mother wasn't large on endearments, "cher-bear" was one, but dear isn't one she would have used. But, I felt like being a the reading was where I was meant to be this crazy past week-end.

Kate's reading was at Reader's Books in Sonoma and The Book Passage in Marin. I missed the Reader's event, but I made it to the Marin reading. I very much enjoyed her reading, and hearing about Georgia, Darwin, Peri, Anita and the other unlikely friends in the Friday Night Knitting Club. Kate herself is a delight, and I was surprised Copperfield's Books was not on her Book Tour for FNKC. Knitterly, here in Petaluma, would have been an ideal place for her to do a reading. Perfect. Would have drawn quite a crowd.

Kate was headed for NYC, after her Marin signing and back to the publishing world to share a reading back in the Big Apple. Her favorite thing to do is write fiction in her pajamas at home in the wee hours. My kind of gal. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her husband and beloved pooch.

If you're looking for a great winter read to curl up with along with a mug of tea, you simply must pick up a copy of Friday Night Knitting Club. You will find a recipe or two in the novel to try. Speaking of which, Kate's new novel, Comfort Food will be coming out in May.

Look forward to it Kate! We hope to see you in the Spring!

Crash, bang boom.... the things we endure for our customers

2008-01-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

A woefully long tale of car bash-ups, patience, and the things we do to earn our customer's appreciation. The crafty life is not without risks,... y'all.

Happy January and a very crafty New Year! My brain knows that it's 2008, though my hand cannot seem to write this date.
I read recently that the year 2008 is supposed to be a very good year according to the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 7th. This year, 2008, eight being very important, is "Year of the Mouse." Eight is considered to be lucky and full of promise and good fortune. It's a very symmetrical number, very balanced. Balance is spoken of much throughout asian culture. You must be in balance to retain good health, prosperity and happiness. If you are out of balance in one area, the other areas will try to compensate to make up for the one imbalance, then all kinds of things can happen. If can affect your health, relationships, etc.

So, yesterday, as I was boxing up a few orders to take down to the post office, I could not shake the feeling that I should wait awhile before I went out. But I really like to ship as early as I can so people are pleasantly surprised I've exceeded their expectations. Under- promise, over-deliver usually works for me.

Do you all ever get these weird unexplainable feelings or premonitions? Being a Piscean, perhaps explains much I suppose. We get them all the time. When Pisces says, don't board that plane or invest in that stock, you should listen! And sometimes, we Pisceans should listen to our own excellent instincts. Still, I wanted to get all my errands done so I could get back to the desk and produce! My work agenda is making my desk shrink.

I've been told by those that love me that patience is not my strong suit. As I'm pretty easy going, I've always considered myself a fairly patient person. I am not always patient with myself. And with the exception of the mean spirited, I've always considered myself to be fairly patient with others. So though I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions, I decided patience is a virtue I could learn to cultivate this year.

The other evening as I was frantically trying to accomplish 14 things at once, an e-mail popped into my box. It was from a lovely site asking you to pop by and randomly choose a ball. When you click on that ball, a word is revealed to you. Whatever that word is, would be the one you should meditate upon. Guess what my random ball revealed as my meditative word?

Patience.

Yesterday, after running to the bank, I swung by our old Post Office on 4th street, and was in luck to find an awesome spot in front. I did a neat parallel park (I am very proud of my parallel parking skills if I do say so myself). I locked the doors, cracked the windows a bit for Georgia to have some fresh air, and dashed inside with my packages ready to ship.

A few minutes later, as I descended the steps of the post office on the way to the car, I was flagged down by a woman as I was opening the passenger side front door to put my bag and planner inside.

"Miss!" Miss!!" she hollered. She was double parked in middle of the street and looking really sheepish and not meeting my eyes as she made her way in my direction. I was surprised to find myself feeling vaguely annoyed with her summons, and I wondered with an odd sense of dread if she was even talking to me. I turned around to see if she could be possibly trying to summon somebody behind me. Whatever she wanted, it felt like bad news in polyester walking my way.

"Are you talking to me?" I finally asked her feeling, yes, I admit a bit impatient.

"Yes! I ran into your car!" she said somewhat out of breath as she reached my side, and with an expression I could not read in her eyes.

I was stunned. I almost didn't believe her. I didn't want to believe her. I was only in the post office a few minutes. Suddenly, I saw my whole day flash before my eyes. There would be insurance exchanges, endless phone calls, repair quotes. Just like in those old Bug's Bunny cartoons, I felt like steam was about to pour out of my ears. My productive Monday, gone. My disbelief turned back to my original and unexplained annoyance with this woman.

NO. This couldn't be happening.

I ran around to the driver's side and sure enough a large, sizeable dent. It buckled the door and I was worried the hinge was damaged and I might not be able to open the door. Then I remembered Georgia had been waiting for me in the car. I looked for our very hard to miss Great Dane, who usually manages to get her extra-large body in the front seat when she's waiting for me. At heart, Georgia wants to be the driver. She's an Aries, you know.

"But you're okay," she said insistently, matter of factly cutting in on my thoughts.

"Well, I should hope so, I wasn't the one in the car." I said a little miffed. I opened the door, (at least it still opened and checked out Georgia, she seemed shaken, a bit wary which is not like her at all, but in one piece.

Looking at the car, how in the heck did this lady manage to do this? Some mighty uh, creative parallel parking? A depth perception problem? Jeesh.

Then the lady, whom I shall refer to as "Mrs. Raviolis" because her name is so similiar to this spelling and pronunciation, apologized and said she wanted to take care of everything." "I want to do this "the right way," she said firmly.

Of course, I couldn't have agreed more.

I still didn't understand Mrs. Ravioli's explanation as to how she could have done the damage in the first place. And so forcibly. Accidents do happen, and sometimes to the best drivers with the best intentions. However, if she was parallel parking, wouldn't she have clipped a bumper instead of the entire door? It was a little fishy.

"I thought there was a space, and then I realized there wasn't .... she trailed off then waved her hand, as if by way of explanation. "Oh, I could just curse in Italian right now," she said shaking her head dramatically.

I'm usually the emotional one, but I remained very unmoved by Mrs. Ravioli's display of emotion.

Then she turned to me and looked me over. Sometimes when I'm very upset I get very quiet. "The quiet before the storm" as Himself likes to say. This was a quiet time as I was trying digest what she was telling me, and kicking myself for not having my cell phone on me for once. The day somebody rams my car, I leave my cell phone at home. Yep. I should have listened to my instincts about leaving later. I wondered if I should call the Petaluma police to get a record of the damage she had done.

"Well, at least your taking this very well," she said suddenly, shrewdly appraising me. "I'm glad you're not too upset. I just... I just don't want to get sued!"

That, my friends is when I felt like some mighty colorful language could bubble up from my tongue.

Sued? This woman with the depth perception of a bat and apparently the most curious parallel parking skills on the Western Hemisphere, missing her mark by about eleven feet, was worried she would get sued? By me? Did I look like the litigious type? I knew I didn't, but it made me wonder if the woman was hiding something, or not telling me all the details. Had she been drinking? Was she on medication that prohibited driving?

Word of advice to those who collide with others, never mention the possibility of being sued. You are as much as accusing the person you ran into that you think they will sue you. Not the best way to get things handled. Talk about adding insult to injury.

I stared at her long coral-painted fingernails with sparkly bits embedded into the ends and finally spoke. "Nobody wants to get sued, I said, but I want this taken care of. My day is already shot, I want to make sure my dog is okay. Now, I'm going to have to go home and call my insurance company - immediately. Now let's get this handled shall we?"

I think she could hear the sudden ice in my voice, because Mrs. Raviolis quickly whipped herself into action, and asked me what I needed from her.

What did I need? My brain was suddenly confused. Insurance policy, phone number.... license plate... what else? This doesn't happen to me everyday, ya know, so suddenly the details of what I needed to do were a bit foggy. Was I protecting myself enough by getting all the necessary info from this woman.

"Now, you call my insurance agent at AllState." she said.

Why would I call her insurance agent? Good lord. My insurance agent would handle all that. I would only need to talk with her agent in the need of a statement.

We walked over and examined her car, which had a minor paint scrape on the back right bumper. No dents. She whipped out her cell phone and began taking photos of her car and mine. I kicked myself once again for not having my cell phone on me.

"Not too bad, she said, maybe about 300 dollars?" she asked me.

How in the heck would I know? I don't exactly look like your average body and fender kind of gal. Not by a long shot. But I did know, possibly the entire door would need replacing judging by the dent and the buckle in the support areas. Three hundred dollars might cover the paint job, if she was lucky. And we all know about the price of labor. Ack!

Later, safely at home, I phoned my agent. She got it handled so smoothly. It took minutes, and she waived my deductible and gave me a o% fault, as she rightly should. Then she set up my rental car. God bless Triple A and their personable and professional folks.

I went to get estimates for the repair work, which is considerably more as I predicted. Mrs. Ravioli's estimate was way under the ball park.

I'm bummed. I will miss my old reliable "Georgia mobile," as we call it while it's in the shop getting it's injuries repaired. It's been reliable for an American made jalopy. I've dodged two tornados in Georgia with it, out-ran a fierce rain and lightening storm in Wyoming. I bought it in Georgia, and it's been across the country with me. Best of all, it's paid for and it's never let me down. One of these days, I will have to replace this jalopy. That will be a sad day. It doesn't deserve to have it's doors crashed into to by Mrs. Ravioli's new black and shiny SUV. I will drive this thing until the wheels fall off if it keeps running this strong. Though, Himself has been investigating a hybrid due out next spring that gets 300 mpg. Wish somebody would have invented this car years ago.

We hope to get the Georgia mobile back as good as new. If not, you'll hear about it from Mrs. Aronson, loud and clear.

On that note, anyone have some particularly good luck with auto body repair shops here in Petaluma? Any referrals? Or any suggestions as to ones we should steer clear of? I think we've made our choice, but I like to get as many referrals as possible.

Poor Mrs. Raviolis. I'm sure she didn't intend to crunch my car, or try to maim my dog, and it probably ruined her day too. And I suppose, as I was not in the car when she mangled it, I should count myself lucky she didn't pull a hit and run.

Then again, the post office is mighty busy. Somebody would have certainly witnessed her collision with my car. In fact, there was a woman parked in back of me watching the whole scene. So, she might have witnessed it. Not that Mrs. Raviolis necessarily has the character of a "hit and run" type, but as a body repair estimator said, "We see it all the time, people saying they will take responsibility for their actions, then they don't."

Look on the bright side, I only went to the Post Office at that particular time because I wanted to be sure to get my packages shipped early to my customers. What I won't do, for you my wonderful customers. Sighh. :)

So, January has arrived with a bang weather-wise with all of these storms knocking out our hot water heater and knocking out power to over a million people in NoCal. The old jalopy, (who's birthday is in January, btw), got a bit of a crash-bang up too.

But hey, I'm sure my customers received their packages in a timely manner.

Which is a good subject for another blog, what won't you do to please customers? What will you endure and where are the limits? For me , it a lack of ethics and rudeness. I know some people will put up with this for a very well-paying client. I will not. We have our limits.

Happy New Year, and happy birthday to all my fabulous "Cappies" out there!

Brooching the Subject

2007-12-31T17:11:00.000-08:00

"I saw an Angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

- Michelangelo

Do you brooch? Until crafters started taking everything from hand knitted scarves to jewelry by storm, and stamping everything with their own unique style, brooches were relegated to the back of the jewelry box. Or, at the very least considered something your dear sweet, heavily powdered cheeked old grand-ma ma would wear when playing bridge with her heavily powdered cronies also encrusted in big baubbly brooches galore.

Not anymore. Brooches were big about five years ago when they re-debuted with such style and verve, that style-licious babes everywhere were sticking brooches on everything from their favorite jackets, bags and hand knitted caps, to sweaters, blouses , skirts and even shoes.

Oh yeah, the brooch made a Gi-normous come-back, and I don't think it's going away anytime soon. Why should it? Brooches are versatile, and can add snazz to anything your heart desires. Even pin your favorite guy. With a little imagination, your brooch could be the one thing that pulls an entire look together, and given half a chance, the piece D' resistance!

Brooches are not just the carved bone Italianate cameo you inherited from your great aunt Harriet. (and there is nothing wrong with antique and vintage cameo's in this girls book). Brooches come in all styles, genres, shapes, colors and materials these days. From wood, to felt, fabric, knitted doo-dads, to plastic, resin, acrylic and lucite. Brooches range from High-brow to low-brow. Up-town gorgeous or down town edgy. Naive folk art to pre-mediated sophistication. The choices are endless . I have a fabulous kitschy brooch made out of pasta shells and macaroni that I've had for years. I love it, and plan to keep it as long as it will have me. I pray I never have to boil it and add a little marinara in the event of a raging pasta craving.

So, this year as I was bottling up Isabella Lemoncello and adding the stories to Isabellas's new relatives, I got an idea to try making wearable art out of a few of my illustrations. So far I've done Space Odyssey Venus, and Good Luck Bird Girl.

When I'm in the middle of an illustration, many times a story seems to seep out. Like the Illustration is trying to communicate to me that it must have it's own story, independent of anything I'm drawing. Maybe some of you know what I'm talking about. Do you ever create something, maybe it's jewelry or a painting or a knitted scarf, and it seems to tell you what it wants you to do do finish it, or how it want sto look. My illustrations do that and sometimes have their own stories.. I think Michelangelo was quoted as saying, "I saw an Angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

I would never compare myself to fellow Piscean, Michelangelo, (though I would love to recruit him for the Petaluma Craft Mafia). But, he said it perfectly. Sometimes what you seek to create already has other ideas independent of your plan. Sometimes you have to surrender and let that divine plan work through you. You have to get out of the way of yourself. Michelangelo learned to do that quite well.

Stories are like that too. I sometimes create an illustration, with no intention of a story being associated, but the story comes anyway.
When creating these little illustrations, of course the stories arrived whether I wanted them to or not. It feels wrong not to include a story with the picture brooches when they so plainly are telling me their own story, so I decided to name a whole series of them, "Storyville" by Moxieville.

I'm thinking of sewing some of them too. Maybe adding fabric trim, flora and fauna trims. Though I've always really liked flat prints, sort of like Lautrec or Japonism prints. Adding a three dimensional elements might be fun or may not work at all.

We shall see, so for the moment here I go venturing into jewelry again. One of these days I'd to work with a jewelry person who knows this craft really well. It would be fun, and we could "Cross-craft" so to speak. Dee and I are experimenting with a few stitched cards we talked about months ago. Anna and Dee are collaborating on scented sachets and eye masks. And as soon as they've completed one they're actually happy with I'll post it right here. A-hem. Hint, hint. But no rush girls. ;-)

I love this idea of cross crafting. Two heads are better than one, especially when my fellow crafty gals are such great fun and easy to collaborate with! Collaboration with a great group of like-minded creatives from different disciplines can be a blast. I sometimes learn a thing or two about other crafts I'd had no interest in before.

So, broaching the subject of brooches, look for more Storyville by Moxieville brooches on the Etsy. Lots of fun things planned for the New Year. Speaking of which, one quarter of our craft mafia is pregnant and having contractions as I write this. Will Dee ring in the first of the year with a New Year's Eve babe? We shall see!

Until then, Happy New Year!

And then there was Maude

2007-12-19T14:22:00.001-08:00

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, forget the calling birds, why not call Maude instead? Actually, you can try getting a hold of Maude, but you'd have better luck reaching Maude's alter-ego and proprietress Ms. Jess Brown. Jess opened Maude with friends and business partner, Stacy.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Jess not long ago at her store, Maude on Kentucky Street in downtown Petaluma. She and I are clearly kindred spirits. She has an eye for unique, beautiful things, and I can tell she is a sensitive soul and a creative crafty gal as well. I fell in love with her tiny shop and with Jess herself.

Not having children, (yet), I really haven't much need to climb the sweet and gently curved wooden stair case that leads into the the quaint children's shop that is Maude. Though everyone from dear friends to business colleagues in town have been urging me to go visit Jess's store. Sure, occasionally I go shopping for baby shower gifts or tots, but no need to go looking for anything for my own wee ones as Himself and I currently have one extra-large dog. I'm afraid nothing at Maude's would fit Sweet Georgia.

Let me tell you, Maude's may be customized for tots, with it's vintage inspired clothing, hand made sweaters, caps, sweaters and softie toys, but adults can find a few things at Jess's french-asian inspired shop to get hung over the moon on as well. (At least I did)!

When I say french asian, it's that her shop has a simple and complex feel all at once. Vintage-modern. The items are spare, hand picked with care. The merchandising and display is simple, yet sophisticated and elegant with an organic feel. Many of the fabrics are vintage or vintage inspired, with an air of Japonism about them in pattern and color. A distinct feeling of mid-west sensibility, with a slight decadant French undercurrent running through out. The cherry on top is a slight thread of eclectism of the pattern which feels very Japanese to me.

The children's clothing lines are mostly handmade from Jess's favorite designers, and practical enough for everyday wear. Maude also carries a few local artisans such as Phoebe Washer's pieces, and some other local bay area artisans prints she personally likes.

So, on the fourth day of Christmas, turn your thoughts to the wee children in your life. Maude carries several items sure to bring a smile to the wee one's as well as their parents.

One item I fell in love with, is a Kokeshi doll (I love Kokeshi dolls and have made a few over the years). This Kokeshi doll was a nesting Kokeshi, with two tinier, painted versions of himself nested inside. Much like the Russian Matroshka dolls. The Kokeshi was housed inside of an amber glittered pine cone ornament which opens up to reveal the Kokeshi, one fine french chocolate from L. Voison, and a Mighty Midget Series story book. Each amber glittered pine cone contains a different Kokeshi doll, chocolate and storybook. Which one you get is a surprise!

Guess which one I got? I received the chocolate orange flavor chocolate (my company colors and a favorite flavor L. Voison chocolate) AND my surprise story was Rumpelstiltskin. Remember my blog about pickles and Rumplestiltskin almost two years ago? So, this was kind of a nice and karmic surprise.

Enough about the Kokeshi dolls and miniature books. I loved these as well as the jars of gorgeous Japanese candy I spied on the tall white corner shelf. Though, I behaved and left it alone.
The shining star at Maude's is clearly her impeccable taste and the choices Jess makes of what to bring into her shop. This must be very hard as there are a whole sea of talented designers out there. Of course, Maude also makes their own clothing as well, Stacy, the co-owner of Maude makes the Maude line of clothing for children. Can't wait to see what she'll come up with next year.

Speaking of talent, I did mention earlier that Jess is a crafty gal didn't I? Jess makes the most adorable softie dolls you ever did see. I want one! She may have inspired me to make a few softie dolls. My mother made dolls like this, but each doll maker clearly has her own look. Jess Brown's dolls are made with love, and gorgeous scraps of vintage fabric. Jess is having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for the orders. Not a bad problem to have, but frustrating when you can't find the time to keep up with the orders. Check out the photos. They speak for themselves.

Maude plans to carry a women's line of clothing next year... stay tuned for that!

P.S. - I know, I'm only on the fourth day for scouting out handmade and interesting local finds for my fellow Petalumans, but remember, the first day of Christmas actually starts on, the first day of Christmas, which as we all know is December 25th ...so I'm still way ahead of myself!

If you'd like to visit Maude, you can find this adorable shop here:

133 Kentucky Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-763-1858

Petaluma Crafty - Cocoa L'Imogene

2007-12-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

Cocoa L'Imogene. A crafty kit to give or receive.

Last year, I finally took a firmer step in my promise to start making more handmade gifts. I have my own reasons for doing so, I've always been fascinated with China and Asian cultures in general. Whole blogs could be written about it. Currently, things have gone askew with imported and manufactured goods. It gets down to politics, economics, greed and moral decisions. When did giving a simple gift become a moral decision? If you've small children, it's even more frightening.

And it begs the question, isn't is immoral to manufacture items that contain known poisons? The same poisons and toxins of which we were assured by these manufacturers years ago that they would never again be used in the toy making process again?

Being a crafty sort, you may find the various components needed to assemble your "homemade" DIY gift to potentially have it's hazards. Wasn't that ribbon made in China? And it was wire with a metallic thread running through.Yikes! That nifty little painted nesting can your homemade item is housed in, (Could the paint have lead)? And what about that paint made in China, you painted that cute little wooden nutcracker tchotcke (also made in China) that adorns the gift?

See what I mean?

You almost can't escape it. It's not that I'm against saving money at the register, au contraire, but I believe that one day we are going to be very sorry. Ultimately, our bill will come due. I hope it's not more cancer or a collapsed U.S. economy we will never dig ourselves out of. China is getting wealthy, but they are also becoming the most polluted country on the planet. A big one.

Their bill? It will also come due.

I'm no different than most Americans in regard to time and budget. I may have big Martha ideas (though I pride myself on being a bit "off" than our dear Martha). But I don't have Martha's budget, or her team of assistants.

BTW- You don't suppose? Naww! Martha's 'crafty' line made in China?

It's a sword. A double-edged one. Let's say I decide I want my stationery line or my crafty dolls mass produced, because they are selling like hotcakes. I don't have a huge budget, and I know China can do it faster and cheaper to cut costs. There are even companies in San Francisco who will reproduce my patterns for cheaper too. But not nearly as cheap as China. Here is where you lose control of your product. Some U.S. companies and Europeans even know what's going on, and the potential dangers. But still, they do it.

Sometimes, they are taken advantage of with copyright infringement. It's scary. I just read that legally, China is not bound to responsibility if there is a problem with production. Let's say you've paid for production work, but haven't received your goods and it looks like you never will. Fat little you can do about it except never do business with them again and spread the word so they get a bad reputation.

Of course, that doesn't happen very often, because most business people in China are fair and smart. They want to do business with you. With that said, Overseas copyright infringement is scary and is a reality. I believe there is a lot of talk about overseas copyright law taking effect recently. This is good. Toxins in toys and good sproduced overseas are a still a reality. Only we can stop it.

All of that to talk about a simple cocoa kit recipe. Whew. Where was I? Oh yes, homemade gifts.

So last year, I started the process. It started out as an idea to thank clients and spilled over on to friends and family. I made two huge batches of Limoncello, and some hot cocoa kits. Easy! Though, the Limoncello was scary. I'd never made it and it takes a bit of time (2 mos) to go through the distilling processes. That's the toughest part isn't it? The waiting.

This year I'm doing the same, but also made some soaps that my fellow crafter in crime Anna, helped me whip up. The bath goddess, Anna, crafted a scent especially for me! I have my own scent! Just like J. Lo and Coco Chanel. Ha! It's made with Bergamot orange, almond and clove honey. I adore bergamot orange. Orange is also my company color, which is very thoughtful of Anna to include this fav ingredient. Bergamot sounds lovelier, so we'll just say that. Bergamot soap just became another homemade gifty item this season. (Thanks Anna)!

This is for those who have little time. Or perhaps you don't know a knitting needle from a pine needle. Or, perhaps just feel hopelessly lost in the world of arts and crafts. I have a recipe for you! Hot cocoa kits. Kids like it as well as grown-ups. You can customize them any which way. Last year I made triple chocolate and peppermint chocolate. But you could also do, orange chocolate, Mexican chocolate, white chocolate caramel, etc. The choice is yours.

Here is what you'll need:

Cocoa Kits

Basics:

A quart jar with a lid or seal

1/2 Cup Good quality chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet bars

1 Cup Sugar, white and or brown

1 Cup Powdered good quality cocoa (Droste is nice and has color depth)

1 Cup Powdered milk

1/2 tsp salt

Now you have the basics, you can customize with chopped peppermint candies for peppermint hot cocoa, marshmallows, dried orange, caramel, white chocolate, etc.

You simply layer it any which way you please. I layered it so that the dark and light ingredients alternated for a layered effect. Also, I put more fragile ingredients at the top layers to hold shape and texture.

Pop a homemade label on and a hand-written note. You're good to go.

Last year, After bottling so much Isabella's Limoncella, I got loopy and also made a custom label for the hot cocoa kits. I decided 'Cocoa Le Imogene' was Isabella's french cocoa cousin. Last year Isabella got a story written about her. (I still think Holly Hunter would be the perfect fit for the role of Isabella).

This year, I wrote one for Imogene as well. Everyone kept asking me about her story last year. So, it was only fair Imogene has her own history and story this year as well. It has a surprise entrance from another foodie personality of another homemade gift we're making. Since we're keeping it in the family, these Euro cousins, (Isabella's Italian and Imogene is French), meet-up with their American cousin. She's from the deep south, and something to do with cheese straws. I'll blog on that later.

In the meantime, whip up some creative cocoa kits. Handy on a cold afternoon. Everything is there, you just add boiling water. You could also make layered cookie kits in a jar or a lovely (lead-free) tin. If you can find one! It's from the heart, and that's what really matters.

So I made festive bright red, Limoncello and Cocoa last year. Oddly, people really seemed to like them. So if they really didn't like them, they should have kept mum because now they're getting another this year!

A gift card from Best Buy is always a nice alternative. Himself, told me to say that.

Have a Happy and lead-free Holiday!

One Craft Show, One lesson in Chinese Foot Binding

2007-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

This Saturday was the Petaluma Farmer's Market Holiday Boutique. And if you think Petaluma Crafters just have chicken and eggs to offer, you're so mistaken.

It was of course, a different crowd then my usual Mafia crowd, but certainly none the less talented for it. We pulled up at 8:49 on the dot and barely got a parking space. Hermann Sons Hall is tiny but mighty in presence. This building has much character, or as one crafter said,"Everything here is real." She's right. The hard wood floors, tall arched molded ceilings. Even the lighting feels better with the windows facing east and west. I love the strange bathroom! Very clean and vintage funky. It felt like a powder room from an old Farm house.

A few of the crafters I already knew, such as the talented and spicy Charissa Drengsen. (Hi Charissa!) Charissa is the owner and designer at Curly-Cue Designs. She is one of my favorite red-heads, and she's smarter than the dickens with a wicked sense of humor to boot. When you grow up with sisters such as Charissa and I did, you learn to have a sense of humor or you will boil over waiting for your turn to use the powder room.

Charissa designs some of my favorite jewels and baubbles such as her asian and naughty girl necklaces, and vintage inspired dolls. Some come with record-bowl dresses. In fact she makes a whole lot of very inspiring crafts from cards to wrist warmers. Some of her pieces are riddled with humor others are downright beautiful and mystical. She's a crafter I always look forward to seeing and we made a pact to do chinese food soon.

And speaking of beauty and humor, another crafter I had the opportunity to meet is fellow Petaluman, Karen Baggiani. I liked Karen right away. You can sometimes tell a lot about a person through their craft. Their likes and dislikes, sense of humor or if they even have one. Sometimes artists and crafters, much like writers, express another side of themselves through their craft in ways we sometimes miss in everyday communication. Karen's aprons and oven mitts were both beautiful and fun. And Karen is beautiful and fun! Old time western pin-up gals in various poses. She also made some gorgeous African inpired pieces as well. Karen says she's really gotten out of crafting, but you'd never know it by her work. She puts a lot of pride into it.

My mother, an old ranch girl herself would have loved these ranch girl inspired kitchen duds. I was very inspired by Karen. Lately, I keep telling myself to find a new sewing project to get back into this particular craft I abondoned in my teens. Oh yes, I 'm the 4-h goldmedal winner and can sew a mean button, fix a torn seam, but I don't really sew anymore. I think Karen inspired me to do it. I hope to run into her at more faires. Her attention to detail is to be admired. She showed me a jacket she had made. Beautifully lined, and very well-made. She would have loved my Great-Grandmother KaKa. A perfectionist. A custom made jacket that has stood the test of time very well. You'd pay a lot for a jacket like this on the market - if you could find it. Clothing is disposable today. Even from some of the more expensive stores. wash it once, loose threads appear everywhere, weak seams show themselves.

My neighbor to my left was disarmingly honest and funny. I just hit it off with Shea immediately. Shea Brown is a photographer, and a marvelous one at that. Her nature prints would make the real flowers wilt with shame on how beautifully her very impressive lens has captured their short life span. Shea is from Texas, and smart and spunky. She is very happy to have landed in California, though most of her family is still in Texas. She shared with me tidbits in between our customers about her life and her craft. At one point she pulled out her camera, putting my bitty digital to shame. If she was the voyeuristic type, I think she could spy on Neptunians or Plutonians with that scope! I had instant lens envy. Shea had brought her husband's blown-glass work as well. Tod Brown is a glass blower. His work is amazing. He makes hollow glass beads that look like those old time paper weights, but with a distinct organic feel. You could swear those are really poppies or mollusk shells or quartz lining the walls of his glass beads.

Children and adults alike have long been fascinated by glass. Shea, a natural teacher, drew mesmerized adults as well as children to her like a moth to a flame. Several budding artists and glass blowers here in Petaluma, judging by her rapt audience. I was fascinated by the process of pyrex as I heard Shea explain it time and time to tiny upturned faces wanting to know more, peeringdeep into the vortex of a multi-colored glass bead. Best of all, Shea is an absolute doll. I found another new friend and look forward to seeing her as well as my other swell and crafty ladies as future shows. And Shea, my pics turned out horrible. Especially ones of the glass, so send me yours!

A couple across to my left, that I never got the chance to go over and see their work, came by and bought one of my kitschy Holiday pieces. I had put a packet of forget-me-nots along with my Lucky Kitchen and Garden Gnomes" and they bought one. They were adorable and I regret so much not going over to their booth. I hope to see them around soon.

One of my customers was Lesley, a lovely Petaluma woman who told me she has a good friend in Chicago who also goes by "Moxie." (See, Moxie is everywhere now). My adorable customer Lesley, told me about her friend who is a publicist (I hope I got that right Lesley) for many heavy-hitters out there. (I do not want to drop any names in case I'm not supposed to). Anyway, I loved this customer. She bought a package of notecards, my letterpressed flats, with the 'Moxie' name so she could send it to her friend back in Chicago who sounds like a hoot. Lesley said she wears all vintage clothes and is just gorgeous. Siggh. Some gals just have it all. Anyway, I hope she likes the cards! I know I liked Lesley, and her friend back in Chicago should know she has a thoughtful friend here in Petaluma to think of her.

Another dynamic Petaluma lady I met, who just happens to be a fellow illustrator is lovely and talented Patty of Patty Lou Designs. Patty, her handsome husband John and their adorable daughter came by and chatted. Patty gave me a few of her cards which are whimsical depictions of cows, flowers, hearts and whatever whim the muse brings her way. We illustrators work in mysterious ways! Patty's grandmother is a prolific AND profound cross stitcher and embroidery artist. Her work has a vintage 1930-40's influence. It speaks to my kitschy side.

Patty's energetic grandmother lives in Minnesota and sends Patty hefty boxes of embroidered tea towels and doilies out to California. Being a Sunday stitcher myself, I fell head over heels for her designs from vintage patterns which are retro like my own. As my company colors are orange and chocolate ( Yep, much like Hermes -) I had to purchase one of her grandmother's "Orange" tea towels. Quaint and spare but just the right amount of kitsch. Just amazing.

Guess what? Patty is a Gnome gal too! In fact her whole family is. I felt like I came across my long lost kin yesterday! Thanks Patty and John for helping to make my day. Oh! And their little daughter, loves squirrels. Yup. We definitely must be long lost relations. She kept coming by Moxieville booth with an enchanted smile and staring at my squirrel mascot that I'd just lacquered a believable chocolate brown, making everyone hungry. That one, absolutely gorgeous and going to be some kind of heartbreaker when she grows up.

So many awesome crafters and I regret I didn't go around and meet more of them. Another awesome crafter and chick I had the pleasure of meeting was Alyssa Conder who makes the cutest hair doo-dads for children you ever did see. Big flowers and diamondy things. Inspired by her own two little daughters, she gave me one and I wore it to Chopstix for dinner afterwards. Got loads of compliments. Alyssa is a character. A major character! She reminded me of a couple of people I know melded into one very unique person. Alyssa doesn't have a website or I'd point you in her direction. Look for her at local craft shows though. Like me, she has a day job, but she is just bursting at the seams with crafty creative ability.

This was my first show at home in Petaluma. I was honored to be a part of the Farmer's Market group, as I was a newbie and they all knew each other from way back. The diversity was wonderful and Erica did a good job of putting it together from the baked goodies and gingerbread scones from Heaven Scent Cafe to the live entertainment. Bruce Sexauer did a fantastic job setting tone with his band. I didn't realize it was him at Shea's table, when I made a semi-naughty joke out of one of his questions. I will forever be embarrassed about it. But Bruce seemed to get a good, pre-show laugh anyway!

After we'd packed up to head home, we headed or Chopstix. Chinese food has become my traditional after-show dinner. I had developed a major sore throat from chatting so much with customers and other vendors, that I was craving some hot sake. The couple sitting next to us just happened to have been at the craft show. Small world! As we were getting ready to leave, the owners of Chopstix came by and inquired about our dining experience. I told Linda, I loved what they had done with the space.

"OH! she exclaimed suddenly very animated, "You must come with me!!" She grabbed my arm and we left Himself at the table with a bewildered look, wondering if we were heading to some underground Opium den, or at the very least I might learn Chopstix's secret to that awesome black bean garlic sauce.

I got the grand tour of the building and an explanation of the design which her son-in-law had done. "He has another restaurant in Shang Hai." Linda explained. He is quite a designer with an eye for color, texture and space. The chinese antiques,such as the celadon urns and armoires were an excellent choice.

I loved the lights and what I thought must be stained bamboo lined walls, and told Linda so.

" I just got back from Shang Hai. The lights, just like the lights you see in the streets of Shang Hai. Very traditional." Linda said proudly.

And it was just a lovely, comfortable effect. Linda's son-in-law is a pro and knows what the heck he's doing. Perhaps he just has a very good eye, but the space is both open and intimate at the same time. Hard to pull off.

She pointed out the vintage advertising prints of pin-up Asian women of decades long ago, hawking everything from cigarettes to shoes.

"See those shoes? Just like shoes from the old days. My grandmother had shoes like that- very tiny feet." Linda pantomimed how small her grandmother's feet were. She told me about the ancient practice of Chinese foot binding.

"Terrible what they made the women do. Bind their feet so they couldn't run away!" She laughed.

"It's hell being a woman sometimes in any culture." I agreed. I'd never let anybody bind my feet. I'd read horror stories of the deformity and the terrible smells of the foot that caved in on itself like a claw, making it difficult to wash. Women couldn't run. Only teensy little steps could be taken, and it resulted from this barbaric practice of foot binding. Chinese women of yesteryear would have to take mincing steps just to get from point A to point B. Adding insult to injury, being brainwashed into thinking it made them look more delicate to take tiny steps, when in reality they were almost like concubines in their own families. China has such a deep, rich culture that has influenced so many Westerners. But aren't we lucky that particular practice never came in to vogue? Western women would not have stood for it. They would have put their foot down. Bad pun.

The hot sake was making me feel very sleepy. I had no voice left to speak. I told Linda I would be back and hopefully before the next craft show. What a day. The ancient art of American craft and ending the day with an impromptu tour of one of Petaluma's finest Chinese food restaurants, hot sake and a lesson in Chinese foot binding.

Only in Petaluma.

Petaluma Holiday Arts & Crafts Boutique

2007-12-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of the Market is hosting a holiday arts and craft boutique this coming week-end. We at the Petaluma Craft Mafia are pleased to be a part of this craft fair as we are very fond of our local Farmer's Market and the lady who runs it. Your's truly plans to be there, representing the Petaluma Craft Mafia. Yes, PCM is in our own crafty hood this week-end. Yaay!

It feels good to be home doing a craft show. And it's at Hermann Sons Hall which is beginning to feel like home to this feisty crafter. I feel very comfortable here. Hermann Sons Hall is small, true, but it has good, um, feng chei you might say.

The Holiday Arts and Craft Boutique is sponsored by Petaluma Farmer's Market. We plan to donate a few items for the nifty raffle, and you can count on local unique items such as handmade jewelry, decorations, stationery and greeting cards, (Ahem I wonder who that could be?), bath items, dried fruits, jams and jellies and oodles of holiday baked goods and hot foods served up by Molly from the Tea House. Lots of local goodness to partake in.

Hark? What is that I hear? Angels? No, it sounds like ... live entertainment. Yes! Bruce Sexauer and Friends will join us to give us some music to feed the soul.

See you there!

December 8th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hermann Sons Hall
860 Western Ave.
Petaluma, CA 94952

How Bizaare!

2007-12-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. San Francisco's annual Bazaar Bizaare Fest is upon us and just in time for the holidaze, I mean holidays.

We plan to check it out and see if Petaluma Craft Mafia is bizaare enough to meet Bazaar's standards. I think the answer is most likely, yes. In fact, why would we even question it?

Mrs. Grossman's, a Petaluma favorite and Craftzine will be just one of the sponsors at this year's Bizaare event. Promises to be a famously bizaare time with mucho goodies for your gifting pleasure.

Bazaar Bizaare San Francisco, Saturday December 15, 2007
11:00am - 6:00pm
San Francisco County Fair Building
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

$1 at the door

Smells like Moxie

2007-12-02T23:06:00.000-08:00

Happy December! We're ramping up things for the Holidays and planning to have a rockin' 2008 for Petaluma Craft Mafia. I just put the holiday banner up on the PCM blogspot and will look for a few holiday tunes to take us into the New Year.

I just got the Petaluma Craft Mafia postcard promos designed, and realized Moxieville is looking a little sadly slim in the promo and swag department. Woe is me. No buttons, postcards, nothing. So, I brought out my squirrels, acorns and oak trees, (all Moxie mascots you know). Where I ended up with the postcards was a surprise even to me. My brain does work in mysterious ways. 'Smell's like Moxie Spirit' is what I ended up with at the end of the eve. Kitschy and a bit silly.

Moxieville logo has always been very classic, but not too serious, I hope! So, when I came up with the idea of scratch n' sniff postcards a few months back, I had a good chuckle. Ridiculous, but then having a squirrel as your company mascot is not exactly un-ridiculous. (I do believe I've made up a new word). So, tonight I put a little rough comp of Moxieville postcard together, and will work out the design details later. I've no idea why I designed something so difficult, as scratch n' sniff design is foreign to me.

I asked Anna for her advice on this, as she is the scent and bath goddess in this crazy craft famiglia of ours, but she wasn't sure how it would fly. Scented oil's would simply stain the paper, even though it's coated and glossy. None of us are clear on how scratch n' sniffs work exactly and are produced. Maybe an alcohol based spritz scent would work? I think the way scratch n' sniffs are actually designed, is that the scent is applied layer under layer. Then printed layer over layer? Therefore, when you scratch it, you eventually wear away the surface layers to get to the next layer of scent. But this is just a theory.

As we are on a budget, I'm looking for ways to make this work on the home-grown level. I've been wanting to do a scratch n' sniff item for years. I'm thinking of oranges or lemons, something fresh and citrusy. We'll keep you posted ... in the meantime, any scratch n' sniff experts out there, be sure to give me a holler!

In the meantime, all my frolicking Sag friends out there, happy birthday!