Apologies for my noticeable silence the past couple months. What started as some mild lamp-making/Etsy fatigue turned into a full blown case of "I'm Taking the Summer Off, damn it!"
Well, I'm back baby! And I've got something new, exciting and totally different (from lamps) up my sleeve! Look for some changes to this site too...
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The {NewNew} POPs up at 93 Nevins
Yours truly is pleased to be taking part in this weekend's Atlantic Art Walk as a member of everyone's favorite craft consortium, The {NewNew}.
Along with other craftspeople specializing in the use of reclaimed and other environmentally-friendly materials, I'll be selling my wares at a unique pop-up market @ 93 Nevins Street - a formerly derelict building recently reclaimed with the idea to be as green as possible.
I'll have an *exclusive selection of lamps available for purchase (*four only), so get 'em before their gone!

Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of open artist studios, area exhibitions, and public art projects. Local merchants will be hosting a range of artwork and events. The {NewNew} pop-up shop will be open both days - this Saturday & Sunday only - and patrons are invited to shop from a variety of eco-conscious goods including silk screened apparel, fine art drawings and prints, handmade ceramics, paper goods, plush toys, jewelry and housewares.
Along with other craftspeople specializing in the use of reclaimed and other environmentally-friendly materials, I'll be selling my wares at a unique pop-up market @ 93 Nevins Street - a formerly derelict building recently reclaimed with the idea to be as green as possible.
I'll have an *exclusive selection of lamps available for purchase (*four only), so get 'em before their gone!

Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of open artist studios, area exhibitions, and public art projects. Local merchants will be hosting a range of artwork and events. The {NewNew} pop-up shop will be open both days - this Saturday & Sunday only - and patrons are invited to shop from a variety of eco-conscious goods including silk screened apparel, fine art drawings and prints, handmade ceramics, paper goods, plush toys, jewelry and housewares.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Craft fair splurges
You never know what you'll find at craft fair, and as prone as I am to a handmade indulgence, this GORGEOUS bag that I picked up today (@ the Hearts and Crafts Affair) takes the cake!

As lovely as the pictured navy blue is, I opted for a beautiful, goes with everything, shade of tobacco, and I LOVE it! I've been in the market for a super classy - and classic - style leather day bag for some time now, and while this was a splurge, it was also an investment. And as luck may have it, somewhat of a bargain. Apparently the work of the Magnes Sisters retails for several hundred at the swankiest of swank boutiques and department stores, however I was able to snag it at wholesale - yay!

As lovely as the pictured navy blue is, I opted for a beautiful, goes with everything, shade of tobacco, and I LOVE it! I've been in the market for a super classy - and classic - style leather day bag for some time now, and while this was a splurge, it was also an investment. And as luck may have it, somewhat of a bargain. Apparently the work of the Magnes Sisters retails for several hundred at the swankiest of swank boutiques and department stores, however I was able to snag it at wholesale - yay!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Handmade Health & Beauty
During my current hiatus from crafting anything intended to generate an income, I’ve been enjoying an array of other projects. And inspired by a recent (and terrifying) episode of Frontline, DIY and its intrinsic eco-consciousness has crept into my beauty regimen.
Let me be upfront with you, concerning my complexion, I am infected with the same craziness as an anorexic with concern to her weight. Since middle school I’ve been horrified by the appearance of blemishes, and I’ve attacked them with everything possible, including frequent bare-knuckle (or in this case, fingernail) bouts.
It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally starting to realize that the thing to do is to make nice with my skin. That, coupled with the fact that all of the lotions and potions that most of us slather on each day do nothing but go down the drain and pollute the Earth, has me on a mission to go more au naturale.

Once upon a time, someone mentioned to me honey as a viable facial cleanser. Too attached to sulfates, I was afraid to let go of my commercial cleanser, but did incorporate honey as a mask. Well I've finally mustered the courage to ditch the cleanser and really give honey a go.

I had also heard of folks using straight up olive oil to moisturize (and even to cleanse). Why not give it a whirl? Surprisingly and a bit counter intuitively, it made my face appear less oily by day’s end. I also read up on shea butter, and was intrigued by all the goodness it has offer. So this week I’ve been using that as my moisturizer.
I think there’s something to this au naturale business. My face isn’t perfect, but perhaps improved overall. It’s actually feeling dry though, which seems odd.
Next up, the oil cleansing method. I’ve heard wonderful things about it, and given that I no longer feel so attached to using a “cleanser,” I’m ready to see what all the fuss is about.
Let me be upfront with you, concerning my complexion, I am infected with the same craziness as an anorexic with concern to her weight. Since middle school I’ve been horrified by the appearance of blemishes, and I’ve attacked them with everything possible, including frequent bare-knuckle (or in this case, fingernail) bouts.
It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally starting to realize that the thing to do is to make nice with my skin. That, coupled with the fact that all of the lotions and potions that most of us slather on each day do nothing but go down the drain and pollute the Earth, has me on a mission to go more au naturale.

Once upon a time, someone mentioned to me honey as a viable facial cleanser. Too attached to sulfates, I was afraid to let go of my commercial cleanser, but did incorporate honey as a mask. Well I've finally mustered the courage to ditch the cleanser and really give honey a go.

I had also heard of folks using straight up olive oil to moisturize (and even to cleanse). Why not give it a whirl? Surprisingly and a bit counter intuitively, it made my face appear less oily by day’s end. I also read up on shea butter, and was intrigued by all the goodness it has offer. So this week I’ve been using that as my moisturizer.
I think there’s something to this au naturale business. My face isn’t perfect, but perhaps improved overall. It’s actually feeling dry though, which seems odd.
Next up, the oil cleansing method. I’ve heard wonderful things about it, and given that I no longer feel so attached to using a “cleanser,” I’m ready to see what all the fuss is about.
Monday, March 30, 2009
From drab to fab
When it comes to making jewelry, much of my energy is spent re-imagining and re-working previous efforts. That said, I am so happy with my most recently reincarnated piece, pictured here.

Formerly, each of the three gemstones had been the centerpiece of its own totally blah pair of earrings. All of which had been collecting dust in my re-do pile. And like a slap to the noggin, it finally dawned on me that grouped together, their mix of colors and shapes works really nicely together!
Formerly, each of the three gemstones had been the centerpiece of its own totally blah pair of earrings. All of which had been collecting dust in my re-do pile. And like a slap to the noggin, it finally dawned on me that grouped together, their mix of colors and shapes works really nicely together!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I got (new) skills
I recently (yesterday) spent a lovely afternoon at the home/studio of Caja Jewelry's Andrea and Juan, learning the basics of metal sawing and piercing. I was also joined by fellow student and {NewNew} member Lydia of Smallest Friend.
I can say with absolute certainty that Andrea and Juan have no cause to fear me as a future business competitor, however I was pretty darn pleased with the finished pieces that I came away with.

I was convinced that the below - my pièce de résistance - would look cool with a chain just going through the loop of the "i," but actually it doesn't hang so well that way. So now I'm looking forward to drilling a hole in it without the aid of real jeweler's tools.

And the work of someone with real skills, all available from Caja Jewelry:

I can say with absolute certainty that Andrea and Juan have no cause to fear me as a future business competitor, however I was pretty darn pleased with the finished pieces that I came away with.
I was convinced that the below - my pièce de résistance - would look cool with a chain just going through the loop of the "i," but actually it doesn't hang so well that way. So now I'm looking forward to drilling a hole in it without the aid of real jeweler's tools.
And the work of someone with real skills, all available from Caja Jewelry:

Friday, March 27, 2009
Craft fair season is in the air...

I'll remind you as the date gets closer, but get excited for peak craft fair season with the {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team's Spring Handmade Cavalcade? Put a spring in your step and buy something fun for yourself gosh darn it!
Event Details...
Date: May 9 & 10 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: The Bell House, Brooklyn (149 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Click here for directions.
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