Monday, May 31, 2010

DRAGON ART FAIR....DeForest, Wisconsin


DRAGON ART FAIR - JUNE 5th - Market Street, Deforest, Wisconsin (10 miles North of Madison, on Hwy 51 or I-90/94

Show will be held "rain or shine"!  HOURS: 9 - 4

This will be a new venue for me, and am looking forward to doing a new show.  Since my first art show of the season was a total "bust", I'm thinking it can only get better!!  As usual, I will be doing a review of this show.

It appears there will be 70 exhibiting artists, great food, entertainment, and also several other events going on in Deforest on the 5th of June.

Deforest Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Historical Society, Deforest Car Show, and Windsor Garden Club Plant Sale.

The art show is put on by the DRAGON ARTS GROUP.  To visit their web page, CLICK on the link:   DRAGON ARTS GROUP

COME JOIN THE FUN......HOPEFULLY ON A BRIGHT, SUNNY SATURDAY!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

"FAERIE FESTIVALS"



The past several weeks I've been doing some investigating on where to place some adverts "on line" or in "FAERIE magazines" to advertise my  fiber fantasy creations.

I was amazed to find that there are a lot of "Faerie Festivals" going on throughout the world!  While I thought most of them were held in the UK, I was happy to find that the USA and other countries also hold these magical events!


For those of you who love faeries and anything connected with them, as I do, I will be listing several FAERIE FESTIVAL links below.  Perhaps there is one in your area that you may want to attend. CLICK on the links below to learn more about each event.

JUNE 5  - Fairy Festival at Summers Past Farms, Flinn Springs, CA, USA

JUNE 18 - 20 - 3 Wishes Faery Fest - Cornwall, England

JUNE 19 - Thistledown Faerie Festival - Bonduel, WI USA

JUNE 19 - Midsummer Fairy Frolic - Middleboro, Massachusetts, USA

JUNE 25 - 27 -New York Faerie Festival - Ouaquaga, New York, USA

JUNE 25 - 27 - Fairy & Human Relations Congress, North Cascades, Washington, USA

JULY 30 - Aug. 1st - FaerieWorlds Festival - Eugene, Orgeon, USA

There are more around to be sure, but this should give you an idea of where all the magical people hang out!  I will list links for any "Festivals" held in August, September and November in another post, so be sure to stop back for a visit.

I also found several great "Faerie Magazines" and online FAERIE web magazine....

FAERIE MAGAZINE - Where you will find tons of delightful, magical articles, photos, information and more!  Just click on the magazine's title to get to their website.

FAE - Faeries and Enchantment - Articles on "fairy fashions", "music", "marketplace", "faery horoscopes" and a lot more!

FAE NATION - Visit this site to find a wide array of categories to explore .... Faery Lore, Art & Illustrations, Events, Books & Magazines, Gifts & Collectibles, Poetry & Prose, Home & Garden...and lots more!

I plan on giving periodic updates to where all the "faerie happenings" are occuring, along with other magical info on the wee folks.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - FinE.R. JEWELRY

Sterling Silver Daisy Bracelet SRA

Emily of FinE.R. Jewelry

"This unique one-of-a-kind bracelet features 3 lampwork beads handmade by myself. The main bead is white with yellow center in the shape of a daisy. The 2 smaller ones are yellow. I used swarovski crystals in matching colors to compliment the lampwork beads and add a little bit of sparkle. All of the findings are sterling silver. This bracelet is about 7 1/4" to 7 1/2" long."


WELCOME, Emily and her Etsy shop, FinE.R. Jewelry, where she sells her handmade jewelry and lampwork beads.  When you pay a visit to this delightful shop, you will find necklaces, bracelets and watches with unique lampwork bead bands, and more.


Take a moment to learn about Emily and her creativity by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


My sister-in-law makes lampwork beads and so one time when we went to visit her she showed me how, and I was hooked! It was hard to pry me away from the torch. We live 1,600 miles away so for about the next year or so I only had a couple of weeks to make beads when we went to visit. She decided to get a new kiln and oxygen concentrator and was going to give me her old ones. My hubby surprised me one day with a torch. Then there was no stopping me.


Watch- Brown w/ Blue and White Flowers Lampwork Beads SRA

This unique one-of-a-kind watch has 8 lampwork beads handmade by myself. It is 8" long so if you have a smaller wrist it will fit looser like a bracelet and if you have a bigger wrist it will fit tighter. It has a lobster claw style clasp. It has a working battery, I pulled out the stem to save battery life.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Soon after my hubby got me a torch and my sister-in-law gave me some of her equipment, I was getting quite a collection of beads, so I decided to start making jewelry.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Making lampwork beads is very relaxing to me. I can lose hours. I just love trying new things and seeing what happens, but I also really enjoy making them into jewelry, and the "oooo that's so pretty" I get when I wear something I have made!


Earrings- Ivory and Blue w/ Blue Swarovski Crystals SRA

These unique one of a kind earrings have lampwork beads handmade by myself. Each earring has a lampwork bead and a swarovski crystal. The lampwork beads are ivory with a blue swirl.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Hmmm... I guess a watermelon. Who doesn't love watermelon! With my jewelry and lampwork beads there is something for everyone. I use many different colors in my beads and jewelry. I can even make tie tacks and cuff links for the guys!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Pottery has always interested me. It is something I would love to try one day. I just haven't gotten a chance yet.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I'm not one who tries for the strange or wacky creations. I want my jewelry to be something that people can wear everyday and love!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Never give up in finding your niche!

Emily, it was delightful having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured Etsy artist, and see all your lovely creations.  Thanks for sharing!

To see more of Emily's work, be sure to visit her Etsy shop by clicking on the thumbnails or link below.

Monday, May 24, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LuvToSparkle


Pink and Black - Chunky Stretch Bracelet


Black lucite beads decorated with pink and black Swarovski crystals, then to top it all off a big black bow and chunky pink glass heart. Stylish for any day of the week. Stretch bracelet, should fit most!

Shooting Stars - Orange and Bronze Dangle Earrings

Let's welcome, Sharon and her fun, colorful jewelry which she sells in her Etsy shop, LuvToSparkle.  Pay a visit to Sharon's shop and you will find a delightful array of colorful bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more!  Great prices!


What led you to start creating your art/craft?

A trip to Disneyland. I visited a little shop in downtown Disney and fell in love with all the unique jewelry in the shop! And ever since then I've been creating my own pieces.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Serious internet searching, I wasn't sure where I wanted to start... but then I found this stuff called resin, and you can create just about anything you can think up with it! I fell in love! Then I discovered pearls and crystals and more recently stretchy bracelets.


My Neon Dream - Double Layer Stretch Bracelet

What an awesome explosion of color!!! I adore the colors pink and orange so I used fun pink and orange beads! Then I paired them with some shiny Swarovski crystals, and to pull it all together a large green crystal, FUN!

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

At the end of a hard day at work, I can come home and use my creative side. Also when my friends, family, or strangers truly love my work, it's so rewarding when people enjoy your work!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

LoL! What a great question! Probably citrus like oranges and limes, and oh I love raspberries... bright colors! I love bright and sparkly! hehe


If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Currently I'm looking into metalworking. I've always had an interest in it and I would love to learn how to work with metal, make rings, or unique pendants/chains/whatever!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

To just be yourself. Have fun with what you wear... I think the world is too serious as it is, and I think a lot of my pieces are just fun.


My Heart is Full of Love - Swarovski crystal pendant

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

If you want to do something, do it! If it's what you enjoy, then it won't matter what others think, or if you make it big, don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do.

Thanks, Sharon, for sharing your fun, creative jewelry with everyone! 


Be sure to visit Sharon's links below, where you can see more of her work.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - LOVE, MADDY

Cherries pink and red cabochons - 6 pc. set

This listing is for 6 resin flat back beads (cabochons). Features very lovely cherries in red, pale pink, and fuchsia. The stem has a flower with a rhinestone center. You will received 2 of each color.

Let's welcome Stevie-Lynn and her fun, colorful Etsy shop LOVE, MADDY.  Pay a visit to LOVE, MADDY where you will find delightful, colorful beads to add to your own creative designs. You will also find a selection of fabrics in Stevie-Lynn's shop.

Take a moment to read Stevie-Lynn's interview below, where you will learn how she became involved in her current venture.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I originally sold note cards in my shop. Combining my love of fabric and sewing with paper. I'd cut images from fabric and sew them onto paper. But it seemed not to be very popular among customers, so I eventually pulled them all from my shop. Now I just focus on selling supplies.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I love fabric, so I decided to sell cute fabric from Japan.



What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Nowadays I don't really have much time for crafting, but I like being able to provide nice sewing/crafting supplies to others at affordable prices.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose and why?

I'd choose a strawberry. They're cute and sweet; which sums up many of the things I sell in my shop.

Sweet green designs fabric (SALE ITEM)

1 fat quarter of fabric (18x22 inches) featuring a cute Japanese print in green. Features varous animals, ribbons, bows, and buttons.



If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

I've always wanted to try needle felting or polymore clay. I just love the 3D aspect you get from stuff made from them.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

When I made note cards, I wanted the time and care I put into making them to come across to my buyer. So I would stamp them "Handmade with love". Now since I just sell supplies, I still package my items with the same stamped image. Because I hope that the love and appreciation for the items will show through and enhance the buyer's own crafts.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

The only advice I have is to keep your eyes open and take inspiration from different things. Also, never be afraid to try a new craft or medium.

Thanks, Stevie-Lynn, for taking the time to share your thoughts and colorful supplies with everyone.  Be sure to visit the links below to see what fun supplies you might find at LOVE, MADDY for your next creative project.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - lilruby by Joan Williams

Antique style Desert Treasure bracelet
by Joan Williams

WELCOME, Joan and her Etsy shop, "lilruby".  Joan's states that she loves to create designs that make you think of "times long ago and far away"!  When you pay a visit to "lilruby" that is definitely the feeling you get when you look at all her lovely pieces.  I could picture the bracelet above being worn by an Eygptian princess! 

Before you visit Joan's shop, take a moment to learn a bit more about this talented jewelry artist by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have had the urge to create pretty much all my life. I've always loved horses and starting drawing them as a small child, which has continued to this day. When I was a teenager, I planned to become a fashion illustrator, and along with the horses, drew an awful lot of girls with long hair and bellbottoms! Although I dreamed of going to art school, I never got the chance and learned about new techniques by reading about them and just diving in.


Gypsy Hoops copper and czech glass earrings


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

When my kids were little I didn't have much time for anything beyond an occasional drawing but eventually dabbled in silk floral design, tole painting and also did some commissioned equine oil portraits (more horses!). I gradually started making earrings and bracelets for myself, and that's when I fell in love with jewelry design.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable aspect of creating for me is the design process - I really love to wander through my favorite bead stores. Something about being surrounded by all those beads lets ideas flow and I can usually design several things in my head.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

Lately I've been thinking alot about taking up oil painting again. Now that our kids are grown and I actually have a room just for beads and art I think I could enjoy that.


Victorian style rose and brass charm necklace

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I don't know that my art conveys a particular message other than the need within me to take inspiration and create something that has beauty, at least to me.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice for others is that if you have that need to create, don't ignore it! Find a way to fulfill it even if you can only steal a few minutes late at night after the kids are asleep!

THANKS, for a great interview, Joan, and for sharing your delight jewelry designs with all of us.  I had fun looking at the different pieces of jewelry and contemplating what "time and place" they reminded me of!

To see more of Joan's creations be sure to visit the links below.

TWITTER

Sunday, May 16, 2010

WINNER OF DZFANTASY'S - "FIBER FANTASY EARRINGS" GIVEAWAY IS.....!


SHARON of GREENVILLE, TN

CONGRATULATIONS, SHARON!

Sharon's entry of May 14th was randomly selected out of the 39 entries I received for this giveaway.

The winner of this giveaway had the option to choose any pair of  "fiber fantasy earrings" they wanted from either my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy or on Zibbet.

Sharon chose the earrings pictured above, which have a handknit ribbon focal bead, Swarovski crystals and gold plated accents.  Sharon will be receiving her earrings in the next couple of days. Enjoy wearing your earrings, Sharon!

Thanks again to those of you who took the time to enter this giveaway.

It has been fun reading all the comments I've received over the past 2 years while having my "monthly" giveaways.  My next giveaway here on DZFANTASY will probably not be until this coming winter.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ETHEREAL BEGINNINGS..."The Time for Luxury is Now!"

Body Butter Pomegranate Mango Free Shipping

WELCOME, Marie and her Etsy shop, ETHEREAL BEGINNINGS!  As Marie, states in her shop announcement...."The time for luxury is now!" 

Don't we all deserve to take some time and pamper ourselves with delightful, good smelling, "Lotions, Butters, Creams, Perfumes, Spritzers, Body Wash, Shaving, Bubble Bath, Bath Salts and more ~ Naturally Handmade"....OF COURSE WE DO!  These are some of the delightful products you will find when you pay a visit to ETHEREAL BEGINNINGS.  Marie also offers free shipping.

Take a moment to learn a bit more about Marie and how she started on her venture of creating bath and beauty products. You really must read her shop's "Profile", to see all the delicious sounding indredients used in her products.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always wanted to have my own business; to be my own boss. But I wanted my business to be something I was passionate about. A friend of mine came to me one day and said that she had developed allergic reactions to the soaps and perfumes she had been using for years. She was quite disappointed as she really loved the scents she had been purchasing. She felt that she would never be able to use anything scented ever again. Then at a social gathering she had an allergic reaction after she had drank a glass of wine. It was discovered that she was allergic to alcohol. I began investigating and we discerned that it was the alcohol and chemical additives in the soaps and perfumes she was allergic too and not the scents as she had originally thought. During my research for her, I became enthralled with learning about aromatherapy, essential oils, botanicals and naturally made products. I began experimenting and formulating. Now two years later, here I am selling my handmade bath and beauty products and loving every minute of it.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I am a stay-at-home mom with two beautiful daughters and they are just not ready for me to work outside the home. A friend of mine told me about Etsy and how wonderful it would be to be able to stay at home with my girls and run an online business. The best of both worlds.


What aspect of creating your art/craft do you the the most enjoyable?

Developing the scents is my favourite aspect of my craft. While it can sometimes be comical and disappointing when I experiment, I know that somehow I will come up with the right formulation. There are so many new things I still have yet to try and master. I'm looking forward to continuing with my experimentations.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose and why?

A fruit or vegetable, oh my...I would have to say something exotic like passion fruit because it describes the image of what I make. I want my customers to feel pampered, luxurious and exotic when they use my products.

Men's Shaving Cream Midnight Sun Free Shipping

"Our shaving cream provides the ultimate shaving experience. Enrich your skin with luxurious lather that softens the skin, leaving it refreshed and silky smooth".

Scent: A mysterious sweet, earthy aroma. Notes of amber, patchouli, rose and sandalwood blends with nuances of jasmine and citrus to bring out the subtle spice undertones. Base notes of vanilla and powder completes this scent.
 
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

Someday when my girls are grown, I would love to have a B&M (brick and mortar) shop. It is my ultimate dream.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

 My message is "The Time for Luxury is Now". In our society today, we don't take enough time for ourselves. My favourite thing to do when I have time to myself is to soak in a tub with luxurious bubbles or aromatic bath salts. I want my customers to experience that same dreamy feeling that my scents can bring.  They don't have to wait for a two or three hour block of time to themselves. Just 10 minutes in a quiet place massaging their wrists and hands with my body lotion or body butter can lift a person's spirits ten fold and turn a stressful day into a stress free day.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I have learned so much in my short time on Etsy. It has been a blessed experience. My advice is  a) to befriend many online sellers, their advice and support is boundless; b) think outside the box, don't recreate the wheel, but try to be inventive when it comes to promotion, advertising etc. and c) even when you are having a slow sales period, remember why you started this venture, let your crafting rejuvenate and re-center yourself ~ you'd be surprised how it can suddenly turn things around.

Marie, thanks for a great interview.  You have some delightful sounding products!  May your dreams all come true.


To learn more about Marie and her ETHEREAL BEGINNINGS products, be sure to visit the links below.

FACEBOOK

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - THE SIMPLE THREAD

Verona Upcycled Bag

by THE SIMPLE THREAD

The Verona Upcycled Bag is a versatile hand bag that I have made by hand using a cotton pillowcase in a red, orange, and fuchsia block pattern. The handles which have also been re-purposed were originally wooden hangers. To add comfort to each handle, I have added a leather grip that has been molded to the wood and double hand stitched.




WELCOME, Judy and her Etsy shop, THE SIMPLE THREAD.  When you pay a visit to THE SIMPLE THREAD, you will find fun, whimsical hats, as the main items of creativity, but also "upcycled bags", pom poms and headbands.

Let's take a moment to learn a bit more about Judy and her creativity by reading her interview below:

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I can’t remember not being an artist. I have always been making things. I did a lot of building and constructing objects as a small child. I also began sewing at eight. I received my first sewing machine for Christmas when I was twelve and it is the same machine I work on today. Throughout adolescence, I went through sewing spurts, mainly sewing with little formality. During my time as a sculpture major in college, I really developed my sense of planning and began to make my own patterns for various soft sculptures. After finishing college, I began feeling that the act of art making was selfish and an act of gluttony. So, I put aside my making for teaching art in an elementary school. Over the past several years of abstaining from the act of making work, I have begun to feel extremely repressed. This is what brought me to upcycling and making utilitarian objects such as bags, hats, and headbands. I am able to enjoy developing and construction again and ultimately I believe this will lead me back to making fine art.


The Prince Josiah Fleece Hat Size toddler

What better than a cozy fleece crown to keep your little prince warm on a cold winter's day. This ready to ship Princess Josiah is suitable for ages 1-3 with a 20" circumference, but please check your little prince's measurements to make sure it is just right for him. If you need a different size don't hesitate to convo me and I will make your prince a crown that is just perfect for him

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Sewing is accessible at this time in my life with a little one and far easier then having a metal studio or working with wood. Plus, there is a level of immediacy and gratification that I am able to experience. This is much needed since I have been on a hiatus from art making for several years.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Working through the concept and patternmaking.


The Princess Addison Fleece Hat Size toddler

What better than a cozy fleece crown to keep your little princess warm on a cold winter's day. This ready to ship Princess Addison is suitable for ages 1-3 with a 20" circumference, but please check your little princess' measurements to make sure it is just right for her. If you need a different size don't hesitate to convo me and I will make your princess a crown that is just perfect for her.



If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would choose a mango. I have never eaten one, but I have often peeled and sliced them for my family. This connects to my work because I do not use a purse or wear hats or headbands, although I have made them for others. In addition, I enjoy the color combinations and textures of the mango as well. This is where my inspiration in making accessories lies..with the patterning, color combinations, and textures that I am able to utilize or create.


Blue Fleece Pom-Poms

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I would have to say printmaking because I love the limitless processes.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

As artists we do not have a choice as to whether we should create because we must. It is up to us to be passionate about what we do and everything else will follow.

Thanks, Judy, for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity with everyone. 
 
To learn more about Judy and her delightful creations pay a visit to the links below.


TWITTER

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

DZFANTASY FANS.....Save on purchase/s of my Fiber Fantasy Jewelry!


NEW STYLE
Beautiful Knit Necklace Chain with Swarovski Crystal Pendant


DZFANTASY "FIBER FANTASY JEWLERY" SALE

FOR

DZFANTASY FANS!

If you are a "fan" of DZFANTASY, or if you become one.....you can save $5.00 on each purchase of any necklace, earrings or face pin....MAY 11th - MAY 31st.  The savings will be refunded via PayPal.

Add a bit of color, whimsey and magic to any outfit.  These creations are light weight and very unique.  You will be sure to receive a lot of compliments.  Swarovski crystal accents!  Great gift ideas!

You can purchase from either my DZFANTASY shop on Etsy or Zibbet, by clicking on the links below.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - KIRAMEKU

Berry Ring - Limited Edition

by Kirameku


It is my pleasure to have Maxime and her Etsy shop here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist.  I thought her shop name was very unique, so it was interesting to read in her Profile, how she chose the name....KIRAMEKU......"As for my shop’s name, it’s actually a Japanese word to describe the shine of the ocean and the diamonds. I thought it fit the shop so perfectly, because, I go crazy for everything that shines!"

Take a moment to read Maxime's interview below to learn a little bit about her, and then be sure to visit KIRAMEKU to see her lovely creations.

Sparkling glass crystal bracelet

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

For jewlery; I would say simply curiosity at first, when I was younger. I left that hobby aside and picked it up a few years later beacause I couldn`t find jewlery that suited my tastes. As for arts, it is my biggest passion, so I just kept studiying it and experimenting, they are just too many possibilities ! It is so fun !


How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
The medium for art took a while. After trying out oils, watercolors, gouache and acrylics, I saw that I like the waterbased one better, so there you go. As for the jewlery, I would simply say anything that shines I love !

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I think it is the experimenting part that I love the most, I`m so curious ! I just love to discover new techniques.

Turquoise Flower Paper Earrings - Limited edition


If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would say berries. You simply have to take a peek at my Etsy mini and you will know exactly why.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

 Hum, I already touch a lot of medias so I would probably say painting on wood.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

If my art could talk, it would say: look around, see the beauty within everything.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Hum, advice... I would probably say document as much as you can, you can never learn enough on your media. Knowing it inside and out is a must.

Thanks, Maxime, for sharing your thoughts and lovely creativity with all of us. 

To see more of Maxime's work, be sure to visit her links below.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

FEATUARED ETSY SHOP - HATT STREET

SALE Teal button toque

by Kendra
This toque will beat the competition black and blue. Think girlie toques are just for sissies? Think again! Bright blue teal and black keep this toque edgy and tough. Blue spirals down to the black brim, and two off white buttons finish the punch.





Let's welcome Kendra and her Etsy shop, HATT STREET. Pay a visit to HATT STREET, and you will find an array of lovely, colorful crocheted items...jewelry, spring toques, WINTER SALE ITEMS and more.  First, take a moment to learn a bit more about Kendra and her creations by reading her interview below.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

My dad taught me how to crochet when I was young, and my mum also taught me how to knit. I kept forgetting how to knit, though, so after the first ten times she showed me, I gave it up as a bad job! The crocheting stuck, and when I saw how much toques sold for in stores, I decided to start making my own. Plus, that way I got to pick whatever colours I wanted! People started commenting on my toques, and I started making them as gifts, and things grew from there.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

Ah, can we blame genetics?! I never made a conscious choice to create with wool, but it works for me!

The Daffodil Bracelet

Nothing says spring like daffodils. April is also Daffodil Month with the Canadian Cancer Society, and this bracelet combines a crocheted daffodil with their royal blue colours to help spread the word. The band of the bracelet is stretchy, and measures 7" around when relaxed, and can stretch up to 11" at the maximum.  $2 from the proceeds of this sale will go to cancer research.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love a challenge. I love creating custom orders for people and seeing their reactions to my work. I love trying new things and writing my own patterns.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I want to say a potato but I don't know why...


The Slouchy Toque

Lightweight and bright, this toque is the perfect accessory for those cool spring evenings when you just want that little extra warmth without getting a jacket. Slouch fit with a snug band, in a cotton blend yarn.



If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Food! I love to cook, and I make some pretty excellent cakes.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I don't think I have a message, exactly... Just want people to have fun with winter!

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Let yourself be creative. Go with what works for you, and have fun with it!


THANKS, Kendra, for sharing your thoughts and creativity with all of us.  Kendra has some great sales going on now for her winter items, so don't pass up the chance to get beautiful, handmade creations at great prices.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

ARTIST'S REVIEW OF - 34th Annual Madison Audubon Art Fair 2010

Lobby of the Warner Park Community Center
on day of the Audubon Art Fair


This past Saturday, May 1st, I exhibited at my first art show of the season at the 34th Annual Madison Audubon Art Fair.  I rather had a premonition that this day might not be one of the best I've ever had at an art show!

My sister was supposed to be at my house at 5 a.m. on Saturday so that we would have plenty of time to make it to the show, and set up before the 9:30 a.m. starting time of the show.  Well, about 5:15 a.m. I get a call from my sister on her cell phone saying she was lost, as she had to get off the freeway due to a large accident or something.  Now you have to know that it doesn't take either of us very much to get lost.  I'm terrible at giving directions over the phone because I drive by landmarks and not streets.  Therefore, trying to envision where she had ended up wasn't that easy for me!  After about 20 minutes of both of us trying to figure out the best way for her to get to my house,  we finally suceeded!  Now we were only running about 45 minutes late.

No worry!  Using her GPS, we did find the Warner Park Community Center building giving us a good amount of time to haul our stuff in and setup.


SILENT AUCTION SETUP AT SHOW
(Artists are asked to donate a piece of their art, where people can then bid on it.)

I've done this particular show for several years now when it was held at the Olbrech Botanical Gardens in Madison, and this was the second time I've done it at the new location at Werner Park Community Center.  I have to say that since the show was moved to this new spot, it hasn't been the same show as far as sales, people attending and the ambience is just not there. 

Setting up in a gym with grey plastic all over the floor doesn't make for a good environment for an art show.  On top of that it turned out that the people running the show mixed up my booth number with an artist friend of mine.  She wanted electricity and paid for, and I didn't.  I was given her booth and she was given mine.  We both already had our setups half up before we realized this.  To make matters worse her medium of "jewelry" was listed under my name, and my medium of "fiber" was listed under hers on the program.

Well, OK, my jewelry friend and I both decided to go with the flow!!  I know these shows are organized and setup using volunteers, and realize it takes a lot of work to put them together, but when artists pay a pretty good fee for their booth fee, I feel they should at least be assured of some quality treatment.

A portion of my "booth setup" with my new fiber jewelry and fantasy figures!

I'm so lucky to have my sister, Dianne, to help me with the display...actually she does most of it after we've set the gridwall up.  I just hate that part of doing a show!

My newly designed "jewelry diva", sitting in her chair is watching over things!

We are all set up and still have 10 minutes before the show starts!  I don't know how we managed that!  Now all we had to do is wait for the people to come flowing in.  Well, sorry to say that did not happen!  I have never seen such low attendance at this show.  I thought it was bad last year, but this year was unbelievable!


View of indoor part of the show

 NOTE: I took this photo in the middle part of the day, so you can see that there wasn't very many people attending.

View of the artist exhibiting outdoors...also not a lot of people!

One thing I always love about doing a show, whether good, bad or horrible is the fact that we always meet some delightful people, and can visit with past customers and meet a few new ones.  We've also always been lucky to have a delightful artist in the neighboring booth.

 Below is a photo of  our next door neighbor's booth, Anne Alessi of Waunakee, WI.  Anne designs and creates gorgeous "loom knit hand painted sweaters and silk scarves!  (Anne, thanks for the scarf!) To learn more about Anne and her exquisite designs, pay a visit to her web page by clicking on the link below:



Below is a photo of a piece done by a truly talented glass artist!
(I had taken a few other photos, but somehow they weren't in my camera when I got home!)

The photo doesn't even begin to do justice to her work!

To sum up this show, I'd have to say there were a lot of very unhappy artists with many not even making their fees (myself included).  I actually only sold one tiny fairy for $49.00 and donated another for the same price to the silient auction, so that equals ZERO!  Not to mention my booth fees and gas.  Needless to say, this is one artist who won't be doing that show again.  Two years in a row, of low attendance and sales, makes me look to other venues, as I'm sure some of other artists attending will also. There is some wonderful art at this show, but it appears it is going the way of many of the art shows in this area.

What is the cause....it is hard to say....lack of promotion and advertising, the economy, location???

My next show will be coming up on June 5th.  It is a show I've never done before, so we shall see what happens there.  Stay tuned!  To all you artists and crafters out there....BEST OF LUCK, and may you find a few great shows!