Sneak Peek: Art Star

Lots of picture posts lately! But it's been hopping here at LC headquarters. Here's a peek at what I'm making for Hello Bluebird's jaunt to Art Star Craft Bazaar.

Birds of a feather

Yesterday I attended the first of what I hope to be many crafty meet-ups at Hello Bluebird. What a fun time! Approximately 20 ladies, all handmade business owners, gathered for a potluck brunch, item swap, and all around good time. Many of us had only met online or admired each other's work but had never met in person. There was a lot of "oh, YOU'RE so-and-so!" Tara from scoutiegirl posted a recap and pictures (I'm the one in the hat!) on her awesome blog, so check it out. Also, huge thanks to Stephanie Corfee for getting the ball rolling!

In the air...

After all of the snow in February, we are finally in the midst of a glorious "warm" streak here in eastern Pennsylvania. The temperature has been in the 50s, the breeze has been light, and the birds are coming home and singing away on my rooftop. Hope springs anew!

Speaking of new, I have been hard at work on designs for spring and summer. In the past week I released two new hats: the "Pamela" summer cloche with buttons and the "Millie" slouch beanie. They are already posted in my Etsy shop and will also arrive at Hello Bluebird soon!

Shop here!

I didn't post a "Laundry Day" this week (you'll notice, perhaps, that they come every other week... or so) because a) I forgot and b) I thought it would be fun instead to create a holiday shopping guide. So if you live in southeastern Pennsylvania and want to find the best presents for the folks on your list, read on for my personal picks.

Hello Bluebird
HB is an indie and handmade boutique located at 609 Penn Avenue in West Reading. Alex is super friendly and has a little something for everyone. She also specializes in products made right here in Pennsylvania (including my hats). For more info, visit hellobluebird.net.

Edna's World
Love the look of 60s and 70s mod? Edna's, tucked away at 413 E. Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown, has the real deal - and fab prices! Proprietress Donnis has everything vintage, from clothing and accessories to housewares and even furniture. Call 610-473-3362 for more info and hours. She is usually open Friday evenings and Saturdays.

Studio B
You had to know this one was coming. But before you blow it off as too expensive, let me fill you in on a little secret: art lessons are immensely wonderful gifts for any age, and Studio B offers classes for all ages and skill levels. Also, the current show of small-priced works offers art for under $200 - an affordable investment you can give to someone special! Visit studiobbb.org for more information and a class list.

In other news, my friend (and gallery director) Sue wins the Awesome Person of the Week Award for gifting me her old old Dyson vacuum. Yes, it is held together with duct tape, but it is still hands-down the best vacuum I have ever owned! Now if only I can figure out how to release the locking mechanism...

Crafty By Nature

A last-minute turn of events has placed me at Crafty By Nature this Sunday! While I was at Hello Bluebird in West Reading last night, celebrating their grand opening and enjoying a "hot" date with my husband, stellar artist Stephanie Corfee offered me her spot. It's absolutely perfect because my participation in Boyertown's Oktoberfest later this month fell through, to my disappointment. So now we enter the whirlwind of preparations: picking up hats from Alabaster's (my contract with them is up), gathering items for my booth, making a few more hats/gloves/scarves, printing signage, etc. If you're in the area, come see me and all the other wonderful artisans at Shupp's Grove on Sunday!

Grand Opening!

I finished my hoodie! Pictures coming soon, I hope. Meantime, an announcement:

Hello there, bluebird

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take some of my hats over to Hello Bluebird in West Reading. Already I can tell it's going to be an absolutely fabulous shop! I had to hold back the drool as I got a sneak peek at some of the other items that will be for sale. If you live in the area or are ever through for a visit, this is a must-stop! Grand Opening is on Thursday, September 3 during Penn Avenue's First Thursday event, and many of the artists/crafters will be there (including me!).

Today I finished my Sys Fredens V-Neck Top, and I love it! I think I'm going to make another with some tweaks, including a hood. Pictures are forthcoming.

I'm not dead, I'm having an affair...

...with another project, that is! Besides hats, another of my many loves is fashion. I make a lot of my own clothing and am constantly visiting our local thrift stores to see what I can find - and sometimes to see what I can use to make something else! After a long time thinking and dreaming about it, I finally decided it was time to take the plunge and launch ReEdited, my very own collection of recycled and upcycled fashions. Check out a little of what I've been doing at ReEdited.etsy.com. More to come soon!

I have also been working on some new hats for Hello Bluebird, a new handmade/indie shop opening up in West Reading. And of course I'm still trolling along on my Sys Fredens V-Neck Top, which is very close to being almost done. Did I mention I taught myself needle felting? I think I need a nap.