Happy 4th!

by needleyou

Happy Birthday, Shannon!

aka sweetpepita.

Summer of Craft

In another life, before our daughter was born, my husband and I traveled for hours to attend craft workshops in the mountains. And I can tell you, it had to be something really special to get a couple of urban dwellers out of their comfort zone and into the middle of nowhere (and I, of course, mean 'middle of nowhere' in the nicest way).


Letterpress

Geoff learned how to create daguerreotypes and I took a metalsmithing class focused on incorporating treasures collected on my travels. And fresh back from Cuba, I had me some treasures.

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also sponsors artists' residencies, community education programs, and a craft gallery.

Jewelry

So whenever summer rolls around, I think of my time at Penland, immersed in the craft I loved with the person I loved the most. That's my kind of summer. I reckon in 10 years or so, we can make it a family trip. Until then, my husband and I take turns flipping through the catalog, remembering and dreaming.

There are still openings in select workshops in this coming session! But, be warned... you'll really, really want to go.

Yummy and Company on Indie Fixx!

BEST's very own Yummy and Company was featured on Indie Fixx this week!


Read the article here and be sure to check out her awesome new vessels and succulent-inspired jewelry in person at Artscape!

Handmade Nation - Coming to Baltimore!

This is your chance to see the amazing documentary film by Faythe Levine. For free! See you there!

Deadline to Apply to Crafty Bastards

photo by moregeoffsphotos
For all of those making handmade products out there in the area, your time for applying to Crafty Bastards is coming up! July 5 is the deadline! It's an easy application, 3 images, a 300 word limit statement about your craft and a $10 application fee. Crafty Bastards takes place Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 10AM to 5 PM in the Adams Morgan area of DC. It's a definite don't miss event! Need help with your photos or need application tips, check out this article Craft Show Applications Unravelled on the Storque that goes through some very valid points for craft show applications for the new as well as the seasoned craftster.

When you're ready apply here

What I'm Working On -Tigerlillyshop

Last week I really put a ton of time "down in the hole" -a term of endearment which I use for spending time in my studio. In my electroforming corner, I was getting things set up for my plating bath. I have been prepping non-stop to restock my supply of nature jewelry.

My family and friends have been so incredibly helpful finding organic things for me to work with. I have a stockpile of various acorns, seedpods, shells, etc. waiting for me to encase them in copper. It's a slow and arduous process that takes a lot of patience, but so far I have liked the results I have gotten with this batch. I'll have more acorns and super cute new sea shells just in time for summer! I might even try silver plating some of them this year!!!

Favorite Etsy Seller - kelsyhenke

Check out kelsyhenke's professionally photographed letters- you can buy a bunch and arrange them to form words of your choosing!

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

Edita.k.a. Odds & Ends!

Happy Birthday, Jen!

a.k.a. JennyJen 42!