1. not exorbitant or extravagent by city standards, however in a rural setting (like upstate new york) it is in fact, quite fancy.
2. a wonderful blog dedicated to art, design and other things that are indeed upstate fancy.
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I’ve been using paint chips from Home Depot to display my brooches at outdoor craft fairs for the last few summers. But this pales in comparison to the new Sherman Williams TV ad by the amazing people over at Buck. They have animated an entire world created only with paint swatches. Seriously you have to check out the commercial to believe it.
Check out Fluid Forms, a new interactive custom map inspired shop from designer John Briscella. Have a pair of stainless steel earrings made to commerate your hometown. Or perhaps a beautiful wood bowl that showcases the typography of your alma mater. Maybe a map clock so you always know what time it is in New Zealand. These goods are not only beautiful but they can be designed just for you! Check it out.
On Saturday I received a call from an old friend that I haven’t seen in about a year. It’s not because we live so far away from each other there really is no good reason at all for the time lapse in our friendship. We met up in Central Park, with Matt and Einstein and spent the afternoon walking around and enjoying the cooler weather. We came across these two birds at the boathouse, whom at first glance looked to be fighting. Turns out the smaller one was squawking at the larger one to feed it, which of course it did numerous times. They then hung out with us and seemed to be enjoying watching the boats pass by almost as much as we were.
On Sunday evening the world will say goodbye to Sawyer, Kate, Desmond, Jack, Ben and Not Locke for the last time ( I suppose). Even though the series will be over, that doesn’t mean that you can have a few things to remind you of this amazing show. An awesome fun beach tote designed by Nathan Cabrera, Lost spoilers shirt from Tina Sea Monster, Man in Black poster from 52 bad dudes, and of course the Dharma survival kit from Handmade by JC.
And of course if you are looking for something to wear check out the Dharma bunny pendant from quite clever, or the Dharma pin from Chocolate Mint Crafts.
I just stumbled upon these amazing bags by design collective Mariclaro Canada. Their bags are 99% upcycled from items like seat belts, airbags, upholstery and inner tubes. Seriously how cool are these bags. Aside from being eco-friendly you also know that you have a one of a kind handbag. I know what’s going on my holiday wish list.
When I was growing up I always wished I needed glasses. Well last year I finally got my wish and I now sport a pair of lenses while reading and working on the computer. I’ve been thinking about updating my look and getting a new pair of glasses but the ones I always find myself drawn to are way out of my price range. That is until today!
Say hello to Warby Parker. Warby Parker creates boutique quality eyewear at an affordable price ($95.) That in and of itself is amazing, but what makes this company even better… You can pick out five pairs you are interested in and they will ship them to your home (free) and let you try them on and decide which you want to put your prescription in. You ship them back (free) they do all the dirty work and send you your brand new specs! Oh, and if that wasn’t enough they also have a conscious. For every pair you buy they also donate a pair to someone in need! Seriously if you wear glasses, Warby Parker is the only way to go!
I had an amazing time at Art Star Craft Bazaar this past weekend. The weather was wonderful, the people were friendly and my booth neighbors were amazing. So today I bring you one of my personal favorite from the festival, Found Studio.
Found Studio is the work of an amazing artist, Kacey Buchanan Stafford. Her mixed media collage paintings come in a variety of sizes and each one is created on a wood “canvas” so they are ready to hang as soon as you get it home. I can’t even begin to describe the incredible texture each piece has when you get to see it up close, they are just stunning. Found studio also has some really awesome shirts, brooches, magnets and of course the signature ceramic bacon and eggs. I came home with a set of these beauties and Couldn’t be more excited about hanging them on the wall. If you are in the baltimore area and want to check out the work for yourself they will be at the “Pile of Craft” show on June 26.
I am getting ready to pack up the car and drive down to Philly in a few hours. I hope that I see a few of you tomorrow and Sunday at the Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penns Landing. Matt and I will be working our Peppersprouts booth with some new pins, and whiteboards. Our good friends from KimmChi and Fubabee will right across the aisle from us as well. KimmChi has some awesome screen printed shirts, and Fubabee’s paper goods are just beautiful! Hope to see you there!
Art Star Craft Bazar is only 2 days away. I can’t wait to set up shop and meet some new people. Another shop I am really looking forward to checking out is Sweetie Pie Press. They have a huge range of fantastic pins, and paper goods. I’ve been a big fan of these secret message envelopes for a while and am excited to see them in person! I hope to see some of you too.
Next up in this weeks picks from the upcoming Philadelphia Art Star Craft Bazar is… Phil Barbato. Phil makes so many awesome things, from shirts, to prints, to little stuffed monsters. This guy is sure to be hit this weekend with the young and young at heart. I’m really looking forward to checking out his work in person, and I think that bear shirt has Matt’s name written all over it!
