by Noella Noelophile®

What could be better than Christmas shopping by the beach?

How about: supporting talented artists, celebrating a great community and encouraging some gifted students–while Christmas shopping by the beach?

That’s exactly what you’ll get an opportunity to do, if you’re in Northern California this weekend.

This Saturday and Sunday, December 2nd and 3rd, the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair returns to the Muir Beach Community Center!

For more than 40 years, the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair has been a Christmastime tradition.

More than 40 gifted artists from all over the Bay Area showcase their work.  Exhibits sparkle with Christmas ornaments, wreaths, home and fashion accessories, hand-made jewelry, gifts from the garden and much more.

As you browse, be sure to look for the Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighters.  They’ll be selling their dog logo accessories, clothing, hats, and stainless ware, and your purchases  help fund their goal: building a new firehouse!

And a don’t-miss, is the Muir Beach Quilters’ display.

Not only do they have their beautiful quilts, scarves and gloves for sale, but this year, they have some brand-new handstitched Christmas ornaments!

In addition, they’re the original innovators who started the fair–as a big, informal community party, in 1972!   According to the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair’s website, the Muir Beach Quilters ran the Fair up until 2013.   When the Quilters decided not to continue the Fair following that year’s event, community members kept the tradition going.

Today, the Muir Beach Arts Fair operates with two purposes.

First, to donate a portion of their proceeds to fund local community events, including concerts, summer and winter solstice celebrations and the kids’ Halloween Party.

And second, to give their local creative artists a chance to sell their work.

Once again, this year, the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair has partnered with the California College of the Arts, showcasing the work of some of their students.   Meanwhile, some future California College students may very well be exhibiting–the Fair offers a Junior Artisans/Kids table, where younger exhibitors can showcase and sell their creations.

With food and beverages available throughout both days, and its community and creative atmosphere, Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair will welcome the first weekend in December as it first did in 1972: with a party.

 

The Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair runs from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday, December 2nd, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, December 3rd, at The Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Drive, in Muir Beach.  Admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Scented soaps release wafts of lavender and rose.  Handcrafted glass ornaments sparkle in the sunlight.  Local musicians showcase their talents on the live stage.   Unique earrings dangle temptingly from velvet backgrounds.

Smiling artists guide DIY enthusiasts through stitchery, ornament making and the alchemy of creating bath salts.   Handcrafted food vendors offer samples (good luck avoiding those homemade marshmallows–ummmm, yummmmmm!).  Lines form for food trucks offering tacos, Indian food and warm cookies–not to mention the line at the artisan popsicle stand.

Did I tempt you?   That’s just a preview.

And all this, to tell you that Dear Handmade Life’s Patchwork Show and Maker’s Market Community Festival is in the middle of their winter-show season!   Oakland, Redwood City, Sebastopol and San Pedro are coming up on their itinerary.

All Patchwork Shows offer free admission, and this is still one of my favorite places to shop for Christmas.   Here are the remaining winter show dates and times.

“Patchwork”, Bay Area-style

This Saturday, November 18th, Patchwork Show Oakland happens in Jack London Square.

More than 75 vendors are expected to be on-hand.  DIY opportunties include Christmas ornament crafting, T-shirt painting and creating rose-infused body oil.   There’s also “Book Beast Building” with Salamander Feltworks, which is needle felting and sounds like a lot of fun.

Patchwork Show Oakland takes place Saturday, November 18th, from 11 am to 5 pm. in Jack London Square, Broadway and Water Street.  Here’s the link to the event and parking map.

Next stop: Redwood City

Next, on Sunday, November 26th, Redwood City will welcome the show.

This particular edition of the Patchwork Show will feature more than 100 talented artists exhibiting, along with live music and DIY activities in a central downtown location.   As if that isn’t enough to tempt anyone to visit, ther are numerous restaurants, museums and shops within walking distance of the show.  DIY activities listed so far, for this show, include creating a “chunky knit coaster” and making bath salts, with sensory bottles and “messy play kits” for the youngest makers.

Patchwork Show Redwood City happens Sunday, November 26th, from 11 am to 5 pm in Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway between Winslow Street and Middlefield Road.  Here’s the link for more information.

 

Sebastopol in December

On Saturday, December 2, Patchwork Show partners with Sebastopol Center For the Arts, a gallery and workshop space, for Patchwork Show Sebastopol!   Fine art, food trucks and DIY activities will all be  a part of a festive first-weekend-in-December experience.   While their website doesn’t yet give specifics, this promises to be a great way to spend a pre-Christmas Saturday.

Patchwork Show Sebastopol happens Saturday, December 2nd, from 11 am to 5 pm at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High Street, between Willow and Burnett.   Here’s the link for information.

Grand finale: San Pedro

Last, but never least, Patchwork Show San Pedro winds up the winter-show season, on Sunday, December 10th.  More than 100 vendors, plus food trucks, will be outdoors on the grounds of CRAFTED, a year-round crafts marketplace.   Expect a listing of craft activities and special experiences on Dear Handmade Life’s website in the coming weeks, and don’t forget to also venture into CRAFTED to say “hi” to their year-round exhibiting artists, as well.

Patchwork Show San Pedro happens Sunday, December 10th, from 11 am to 5 pm on the grounds of CRAFTED, 112 East 22nd Street, at Miner.  Here’s the link for more information.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Who and what do you love?  What would you like to give them–at Christmas or any other time?

What if you could make them something special–as a gift from your heart?

The International Printing Museum, in Carson, has some opportunities you might like to explore.

They’ve just scheduled a series of new hands-on “Book Arts” workshops, with the first one happening this Saturday, November 11th.

The International Printing Museum is a unique space in its celebration of the history of printing and books.  With one of the world’s largest  collections of antique printing machinery and graphic arts equipment, they’ve always taught small classes on working equipment.   In early 2022, the Museum opened their 4600-square-foot Book Arts Institute teaching lab, in which printing-related workshops are offered on a regular basis.

Book arts and making

On the subject of printing, as it relates to the loves of your life…

If you have a small crafts business, for example, you might enjoy printing a custom poster about your creations.  Or if you’re involved in a crafts group, performance troupe or other community organization, a one-of-a-kind notice about an upcoming special event might be fun.

For those, check out the “Wood Type Slam” workshop, this Saturday, November 11th from noon to 4 pm.  Instructors Janet Kupchick and Lorna Turner will cover areas including some of the history of letterpress printing, how to select type for your chosen project, and how to lock up your design, ink and print it.

Now, what if you have a special artist in your life?  Maybe you’d like to surprise them with a hand-sewn sketchbook   Or, you have no idea what to buy someone you love but could name twenty reasons why you love them?

Perhaps writing down those reasons they’re special to you, and presenting them in a handmade book, would amount to a gift they’ll treasure forever.

Those are just two possible projects you might like to consider if you take “Book Making” with Jennifer Graves, Saturday, November 18th from 9:30 am to 1 pm.  Each student gets to make a series of simply sewn books, using various patterns and sewing techniques.

There will also be an “Intro to Screen Printing” workshop from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, December 9th.  Beginners are welcome as instructor Glenn Laird takes students through the basics of screen printing on paper, including creating stencils!  I’d probably be designing Christmas trees and holly leaves, but this is entirely up to you.

And, would you like to create your own wrapping paper for Christmas–or for any other holiday?

Then you’ll have a great time at the “Letterpress Pressure Printing” workshop, Saturday, December 16th from noon to 4 pm!   Participants of all levels of experience, including beginners, are invited to join Lorna Taylor and Janet Kupchick for an afternoon with a “Holiday Wrapping Paper” theme!  Students will be experimenting with pressure printing giftwrap using lace, tape, fabric and other materials, and if the photograph on International Printing Museum’s website is any indication, the results will be striking.  The class concludes with a print exchange, so everyone gets to share what they’ve made and take home a variety of colors and textures.

These are just four of the seven listings among International Printing Museum’s new “Book Arts Institute” classes.  There are a couple also listed in January and February of next year–which might even be an opportunity to give an experience, rather than an item, to a special creative in your life for Christmas, 2023.

The Book Arts Institute is located in the International Printing Museum, 315 West Torrance Boulevard, near Main Street, in Carson.

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by Noella Noelophile®

The best time for Christmas shopping, is now.

I know, it’s the middle of June!  And that’s exactly why.

With summertime crafts events happening, now is a great time to discover handcrafted treasures for the important people in your life.  Including you!

With that in mind, here are just a few of the venues where you’re likely to find special things, courtesy of some highly gifted artists and makers.

Patchwork Show Makers’ Market and Community Festival

Downtown Ventura, California and Main, this Sunday, June 18th, 11 am – 5 pm.  Free admission.

More than 50 vendors in a beach town setting, DIY activities and live music make this a community celebration!   Patchwork Show hosts seasonal shows up and down the state of California in late spring/early summer, with their autumn round of craft fairs starting in November.

THEN, they move on to…

Santa Rosa, Old Courthouse Square, Sunday, June 25th, 11 am – 5 pm.   Free admission.

This show features more than 75 vendors, according to host company Dear Handmade Life’s website.   Look for their DIY activities to include hand stamp jewelry making, dried-flower creations with locally-grown blooms, AND a “Patchwork Junior” section for the next generation of makers!

And, for their final show of Summer 2023:

El Segundo, The Works, Sunday, July 2nd, 11 am – 5 pm.   Free admission.

According to host company Dear Handmade Life’s website, special DIY activities and a parking map will be posted soon.  What I can tell you, so far, is that (a) they have more than 60 vendors scheduled; and (b) from past great experience, pretty much anything host company/dedicated small artists’ business Dear Handmade Life produces, is going to be amazing!

And, then there’s…

Santa Barbara Lavender Festival

Old Mission Santa Barbara, Saturday, June 24th, 10 am – 4 pm.  Free admission.

A celebration of creativity and all things lavender, I’m thrilled to see this show continue!  We know this as the “Ojai Lavender Festival”, and kudos to the new organizers for keeping it going.

While I don’t have a specific listing of this year’s vendors, exhibiting artists are encouraged to incorporate lavender and lavender themes into their work as much as possible.   When we visited before, that translated into some gorgeous paintings, fantastic soaps and even lavender ice cream!

Also, local entertainment is featured, and the bands we heard were both top-notch and having a great time sharing their talents.  This year’s entertainment lineup has been published on the Festival website, and is an intriguing-sounding, eclectic program which includes jazz music, Irish dancing and hula.

And, last but NEVER least…

San Pedro Art Association

Supporting artists since 1936, this nonprofit group of talented artists exhibit in multiple venues, in Southern California.

CRAFTED, 112 East 22nd Street, Friday – Sunday, noon – 6pm

According to their newsletter, more than 35 of their members exhibit their work weekly in their booth at CRAFTED Marketplace, in San Pedro.   Photography, watercolor, jewelry, woodcarving and metalworking are just a few of the media in which they share their gifts.

Closer to Buena Park?  Look for SPAA at Buena Park Farmers Market, in the Buena Park Mall every Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm.

Or, if you’re in the L.A. area, find them at Melrose Trading Post, Fairfax High School, on North Fairfax at Clinton, every Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

And–that’s it for now!  Have fun exploring and Christmas shopping!

And please, don’t leave gift wrapping till the last minute, like someone you (ahem) may know, but who shall remain nameless.

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by Noella Noelophile®

What have been some of your most special times with your Mom?

For Mother’s Day, 2023, International Printing Museum, in Carson, would like to help you plan another one.

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14th, they’ll be hosting their “Mother’s and Makers Letterpress Type Slam”.

This is a four-hour workshop where you can learn to create and print custom posters.   On the curriculum: some of the history of letterpress printing, how to select wood type from the Museum’s collection of vintage printers, and how to lock up a form in a chase, ink, and print.

And you’re invited to come join them, to create custom posters as a gift for your Mom or a mother figure in your life.   Or simply for fun.

But also, if you mother is local, you’re invited to bring her and learn together, for a special Mother’s Day afternoon.

This is a very hands-on, active workshop, which culminates in a print exchange where you can take away a portfolio of prints made during the course.

Never done printing before?  All levels are welcome, and it’s going to be fun!   However, class size is limited to 10 students, so now would be the time to find out more.  Here’s the link for registration.

 

The International Printing Museum is located at 315 West Torrance Boulevard, east of the Harbor Freeway in Carson.  Their “Mother’s and Makers Type Slam” happens this Sunday, May 14th, from noon to 4 pm, and the course fee is $75 per attendee.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Remember the yarn-wrapped photo frames we made in second grade?  The folded-paper ornaments?  The woven potholders and bookmarks?

This Saturday, December 17th, the International Printing Museum will give kids of all ages a chance to create Christmas memories like these–by using antique printers!

From 10:00 Saturday morning until 4:00 that afternoon, the Carson-based museum is hosting “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids”!

Participants get to create one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes, including ornaments, bookmarks and screen-printed t-shirts.  They’ll also have the opportunity to create wrapping paper by trying paper marbling, print cards on a letterpress, and even try bookbinding!

Plus, the vintage typewriters are standing ready for guests to type a note to Santa–or to grandma.  There will also be special tours throughout the day of the International Printing Museum, which contains one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of antique printing machinery and graphic arts equipment.

And those working machines are beyond amazing.   (So are the volunteers who operate them.)

During my first visit to the International Printing Museum (was that really ten years ago?), I had the honor of getting to talk with volunteer Luis L. Garcia.  Luis generously shared his time and his story, while demonstrating the use of the linotype machine.   That was an unforgettable afternoon, and a unique experience.

You’re invited to come and discover your own reasons why the International Printing Museum, with its mission of bringing the history of printing and books to life for diverse audiences, is something special.

And incidentally, while this Saturday’s special event is billed as “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids”, very tall kids (our age) are also welcome.  Not to mention, going to have a great time.

“Holiday Krafts Day for Kids” happens Saturday, December 17th, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the International Printing Museum, 315 West Torrance Boulevard, west of Main Street, in Carson.  Tickets are available both online and at the door.  Here’s the link for information.

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by Noella Noelophile®

More than 40 talented artists greet you.  The scent of freshly-brewed coffee fills the air.  You walk along, admiring handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, wooden Christmas ornaments and innumerable other unique gift items.  Gingerbread, popcorn and chocolate brownies tantalize you as you walk by a refreshment area. Music from a topnotch local band fills the air.

Further along,  a beloved local crafting group, the Muir Beach Quilters, invites you to inspect their handiwork.  As you browse their intricately-created quilts (wouldn’t that one look fantastic in your bedroom?), you notice that they’ve also made gloves and scarves.   Meanwhile, at a nearby table, a member of the Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department patiently answers questions from a wide-eyed five-year-old who wants to be a firefighter when she grows up.  The five-year-old beams as she tries on a “MBVFD” logo cap.

Sound like a highly tempting Christmas shopping experience?  That’s only because–it is.  The Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair. a Christmastime tradition for more than forty years, returns to the Muir Beach Community Center, the first weekend in December.

Admission is free, and the show is happening both Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th.

Started in 1972, the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair was initially an informal event, according to their website.  Held at a local resident’s home, this first fair was envisioned as a big community party.

Along the way, though, the fair would evolve into the Muir Beach Quilters Fair.   And it would serve as a vehicle for accomplishing their threefold mission.

The first aim, as written in their mission statement, was simply to host the aforementioned party for the community.

But in addition, the Arts Fair would become an annual showcase for local artisans’ work.   And the third goal: to raise money for a community center.

Today, that community center, built in 1978, hosts the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair.  After the Muir Beach Quilters discontinued their event following the 2013 show, local residents stepped in to continue the tradition.

And today, the Fair has two goals.

First, to raise money to for Muir Beach’s local community district.  All year long, community events, including concerts, a children’s Halloween party and summer and winter solstice celebrations, are funded by proceeds from the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair.

And secondly, the original objective: to showcase the work of the gifted local artists and artisans, giving them a chance to sell their work and make some extra money during the Christmas season.

Of course, the festive atmosphere continues.  And so does a sense of “giving back”.

If you stop by “Cafe Q”, you’ll be treated to a free coffee or tea.   Community groups, such as the MBVFA, Quilters & Garden Club get offered a free table at the Fair.  And you’ll see a Junior Artisans’/Kids’ table, where the youngest creatives get a chance to sell their handiwork.

All this, plus the breathtaking views of the area, three miles from Muir Woods, might just add up to a great start for your California Christmas season.

The Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair happens Saturday, December 3rd, from 10 am to6 pm, and Sunday, December 4th, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Drive, southwest of Shoreline Highway.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Stand by–San Francisco School of Needlework and Design may be starting a new Christmastime tradition!

“Hopefully, this becomes something that’s a regular event,” says SFSNAD Co-Founder Lucy Barter.

“This” is the school’s new Fantastic Fiber Fair, happening on Saturday, December 3rd!  More than 20 artisans–local, emerging, and established–will be on hand.  They’ll be exhibiting all kinds of enchanting creations, showcasing the art of hand stitching, fiber, craft, and embroidery.

And, the other 364 days

But year-round, San Francisco School of Needlework and Design is something special.  A nonprofit, their goal is to share and celebrate the tradition of needlework in the twenty-first century.

And while you may think you know needlework, a conversation with Lucy reveals a LOT of different aspects to the art.  Maybe you were familiar with goldwork, whitework, blackwork and all the different types of needlework from around the world–but I certainly wasn’t!

What’s exciting about SFSNAD–as staffers affectionately call it–is that their approach is multifaceted.   They offer onsite classes, with both staffers and guest lecturers.   Not to mention online courses and introductory “Technique Taster” sessions, in case you’d like to try your hand at a new aspect of needlecraft.   Needlepainting looks pretty tempting to me, but this is your choice!

Then, there are their free, worldwide “Stitch In” sessions.  There’s one online session and one onsite, weekly, and everyone’s welcome.

Plus?  The free biannual “Stitch at Home Challenge”.  Here’s the link for information: SFSNAD’s next Challenge deadline is January 15, 2023 for online entries, and January 30th for work to be received for display in their “Hanging Thread Gallery”.

And Lucy has some exciting credentials, as she continues sharing her expertise.  She trained, and later taught, at the Royal School of Needlework!

 San Francisco School of Needlework and Design hosts their inaugural “Fantastic Fiber Fair” on Saturday, December 3rd, from 11 am to 4 pm at 850 Battery Street, at Vallejo.  You’ll find them on the second floor.

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by Noella Noelophile®

A “Jackalope” is headed our way!

And it’s about to make Christmas shopping fun, festive and filled with excellent food.

Of course, the “Jackalope” in question is the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair.  This Saturday and Sunday, this juried festival will bring more than 200 talented creatives to Pasadena’s Central Park.

That’s not all.

A second opportunity

If you can’t make it to Pasadena this weekend, you get a second chance–as Jackalope Burbank happens in the Downtown Burbank area, December 10th and 11th!

The Burbank show, according to an email from Jackalope  Arts, will feature more than 180 artisans, offering their handmade specialties.  A peek at Jackalope Arts’ “Exhibiting Artists” webpage is both tempting, and a fantastic way, if you can’t attend in-person, to shop virtually and support these talented indie artists.

Just a few of the unique items they’re offering:

• Kitenge fabric notebooks, blankets, wrist purses and more from nonprofit Save the Rain.  100% of the purchase price on these items goes to fund clean-water projects in East Africa;

• Cuddly knitted dolls and Christmas ornaments (and patterns!) from Meemoo;

• Delicate resin flower jewelry from L&K Elegance.

Tempted yet?  I know I am!  Guess I’ll just have to spend some time browsing these online as I do my Christmas shopping.

And now–Pasadena

But, more immediately–with what sorts of treasures might the Pasadena exhibiting artists be waiting to tempt you?

Think sunny-looking modern prints (totes, scarves, wall art and more) from Antenna Art.

Plus, body-care products including my personal weakness–handmade scented soap!–from Francesco Palmieri.   Goats-milk soap, lavender soap and the green-tea variety would be three very likely candidates for my shopping bag.

And yayyyy–Accessory Alchemy is exhibiting!  I met proprietor Ali Krajewski in 2014, and fell completely in love with her  Steampunk- and Victorian-inspired jewelry.  Her miniature Christmas tree pendant, under a glass dome, is still one of my all-time favorite necklaces.

Those are just three of more than 200 indie artists involved in Jackalope Arts’ mission: bringing the local community together to meet the makers behind the creativity.   Here, meanwhile, is their link to the map of Pasadena vendors, for a preview of all the other amazing artisans I haven’t mentioned.

And then there’s the food.

I’ve never had a better cup of coffee than the chicory blend from one of the food trucks at Jackalope Pasadena (wish I remembered the name to give them a major virtual high-five here!).   Plus the meals, from food trucks and artisan food booths, tend to be amazing.   Maine lobster, Baja fish tacos, pork potstickers, kettle korn and ice cream are just a few of the offerings for this weekend’s show.

Have fun, stay safe, eat well and say “hi” to all the incredible artists for me!   I look forward to a time when I can attend this again, in person.

 

Jackalope Pasadena happens this Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th, from 10 am to 4 pm in Pasadena’s Central Park, 275 South Raymond Avenue at Del Mar.  Admission is free.

Meanwhile, Jackalope Burbank happens Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm on San Fernando Blvd in Downtown Burbank, from Magnolia to Angeleno.   Again, admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Admit it, you’re “crafty”.  And so am I.

And for the next three weekends, not only do you get to see some amazing crafters–you get to expand your DIY skills, courtesy of Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival!

Patchwork Show has embarked on a month of appearances in both Southern and Northern California.  This Sunday, November 13th, they’ll be hosting their largest event, in Long Beach!

Expect to see more than 200 gifted makers at this free-admission event in Marine Stadium.   Musical performances, food trucks and artisan foods will be part of the fun.  And Patchwork Show is highly pet-friendly, so you can bring your favorite canine along to explore with you.

It’s also bike-friendly, and they do have a bike valet!

Now–about those DIY activities.

Just a few of the ones listed, for Patchwork Show Long Beach, include making your own jewelry, courtesy of Gogh Jewelry Design.  As well as doing some simple weaving, with Macaf Hats.   And getting an early start on 2023 by making your own crystal wish bottle for the New Year, with Kuboandlucy Stationery Co.!

Kids, meanwhile, can do yarn painting with Hooked Up By Chantel.  Or make their own custom hair bow with Third One’s a Charm.  Or showcase their artistic flair with coloring pages provided by Visual Splat Illustrations.  (And “tall kids” are welcome to color, as well!)

And if you aren’t in the area but would like to know more about upcoming shows, their Oakland Patchwork show happens Saturday, November 19th, in Jack London Square.   And on Sunday, November 27th, they’ll be wrapping up a busy month with 80+ vendors at their Patchwork Show in Santa Rosa.

Patchwork Show Long Beach opens at 11 am, Sunday, November 13th, and runs through 5 pm in Marine Stadium, 490 Bay Shore Avenue at Paoli Way.  Admission is free, and bikes and pets are welcome. 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Crafts alert!  A bunch of fantastic shows are coming up.

You get to browse unique items made with love.

Often, the artists you’ll see are jury-selected.

Many times, participants can do custom orders if you have something special in mind.

But be warned–much of what you’ll see is irresistible.

Here are just a few dates to put on your calendar NOW, before you get super busy for Christmas season 2022.

October 22-23, 11 am – 6 pm, San Francisco. 

Public Glass, 1750 Armstrong Avenue.

Nonprofit Public Glass will host their Open Studio hours both days, with seven artists exhibiting.   You’ll also get to see some demonstrations of their craft!

And there will be plenty to see, as glass artist Maria Enomoto emails: adjacent Yosemite Place Studios, one building over, will offer open studio hours both days, as well.   While I literally just found out about them, their Facebook page shows them offering all kinds of cool stuff: jewelry, pottery, paintings, furniture, photography…and they list their event as “dog-friendly”, so your furry friend can accompany you as you browse.

(While Maria has had a change of plans and will not be onsite those days, be sure to look for her beautiful bowls, glass containers and additional gift items, as well.  Some of her work will be available in the gallery–and don’t miss my earlier interview with her, for a closer look at the craft of glassblowing!)

October 22, 10 am – 5 pm, Newport Beach.

Newport Beach Civic Center Green, 100 Civic Center Drive.

More than 125 artists will be on hand for Newport Beach Arts Foundation’s 17th annual “Art in the Park” Fine Arts and Artisans Fair!

Ceramics,  sculpture, wood art, mixed media and textiles are just a few of the media in which these gifted creatives work.   Admission and parking are free, and if you have junior gifted future or present artists with you, they’ll get a chance to participate in art activities,  courtesy of Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

November 6, 11 am – 5 pm, Old Town Tustin.

Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival, 245 El Camino Real.

This is the first of a series of FIVE Patchwork Show Festivals happening up and down the state of California, this Christmas season!

Patchwork Show is a longtime favorite of mine, with DIY workshops, music stages, food trucks and all kinds of incredible handcrafted gifts.    Tustin, according to their website, is their newest venue, and this is an outdoor show, happening in the Farmer’s Market Lot.

In the past, I couldn’t resist the scented soaps, hand-dipped chocolates (ummmmm-mmm-mmm!) and handpainted cards at the Long Beach and Santa Ana shows.   You’re likely to find all kinds of special things and may even get your Christmas shopping done early.

Oh, and watch out for those artisan popsicles.  They have an alarming tendency to jump into your mouth.

Not in the Tustin area or can’t make it this weekend?  Upcoming Patchwork Show Modern Maker Festivals are happening in Long Beach, Oakland, Santa Rosa and Ventura over the next few weekends!  Here’s the link to their schedule.

November 12-13, 10 am – 3 pm, Torrance.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

Madrona and Torrance Boulevard.

Happy Anniversary to 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, as they host their 53rd Annual Crafts and Fall Faire!

This is always a festive, community-oriented show.  A DJ on the patio provides music, as visitors browse three rooms of beautiful handcrafted items.   Refreshments are available, and you’ll get an early peek at renderings of the Torrance Rose Float (with a great chance to support Torrance Rose Float Association as they prepare for the upcoming Rose Parade®!).

My favorite purchases from TCG, in the past, have included Christmas earrings, absolutely gorgeous photography greeting cards (fields of California flowers!), gingerbread-doll Christmas decorations and candles.  But you’re certain to find your own treasures.  Admission and parking are free.

AND–can you believe I’ve barely scratched the surface here?  Still haven’t told you about Jackalope Arts, Muir Beach or any of the other venues that have something special coming up in the crafts-show department.

Next time.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Needlework.  What comes to mind when you hear that word?

Did you think of goldwork?  Or of art from around the world?  Or of new applications that could inspire the next generation of artists?

Perhaps not.  But nonprofit San Francisco School of Needlework and Design may very well change all that.

Co-founded in 2015 by needlework artists Lucy Barter and Ellice Sperber, this is a world-class artists’ studio–dedicated to preserving and sharing the various aspects of textile artistry.

As you see above, they’re having a special event–to which you’re invited–on Saturday, December 3rd.   And you’re cordially invited to come by, meet their talented artists and see what treasures you find, for Christmas season 2022.

However, a lot of other exciting things are happening between now and then.

SFSNAD, as staffers affectionately call it, hosts regular workshops–both virtual and on-site.  This weekend’s offerings include the online “Introduction to Embroidery Animal” class (take a look, that very cute reindeer certainly caught my attention!).  In-person classes include “Introduction to Embroidery” and a “Technique Tasters” session, on needlepoint.

That’s just this weekend.

As you plan for Christmas, and wonder what to give some of the special people in your life, you may very well like to check out SFSNAD’s upcoming in-person needlepainting courses.   Or their online goldwork “Technique Taster”, in mid-October.  Or their onsite “Bite-Size Embroidery for Beginners“, happening twice monthly.

Not to mention gift-giving an experience!   It strikes me that any one of these classes would make a fantastic gift for someone special.

And…I still haven’t done them justice.

Definitely check out their Stitch-At-Home Challenge!  They’ll be posting results of their recent one, “Purple Reign”, shortly.  Then, there will be another one coming up in which you can participate if you’d like–wherever you’re located geographically!

One final thing (though I’ve barely scratched the surface of all they do, here).   SFSNAD offers an online get-together for stitchery!  While the website doesn’t yet offer new dates for their “Free Weekly Virtual Stitch-Ins“, I had the pleasure of interviewing SFSNAD co-founder Lucy Barter recently.  Lucy said they’ll soon be posting some additional dates for needlecrafters of all types and skill levels to meet on Zoom and socialize as they stitch.

Hmmm.  I may just have to break out that crewel painting of the Italian harbor which I’ve been planning to do for ten years, and join them.

Purely for journalistic research, of course.

 

San Francisco School of Needlework and Design is located on the second floor of 850 Battery Street, at Vallejo, in San Francisco.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Books are a lifelong love for me.

Crafts run a very close second.

If that’s true for you, as well, you might like to check out The International Printing Museum, in Torrance. They’ve just opened their brand-new Book Arts Institute teaching lab!

And they’re currently accepting registrations for all kinds of weekend book- and printing-related workshops.

You’ll recall that The International Printing Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of working antique printing presses. During holidays, they host special events, such as last December’s “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids”. Often, visitors get the opportunity to print something special (greeting cards, posters, gift tags) on a vintage printer.

Now, you’ll get a chance to present your best literary works in a handcrafted edition.

Or, if you’d rather, create custom posters for your living space or upcoming event. Or craft unique cards for the special people in your life.

Currently, the Book Arts Institute lists five new classes for which they’re accepting registrations. Most are one-day workshops, running between six and seven hours with a one-hour lunch break. (The exception: “Composing and Impressions with Metal Type”, which is a two-day course in April.)

Course offerings

The first listed workshop, “Women’s History Month Wood Type Posters”, happens Saturday, March 19th. Artist and award-winning typography educator Christina Aumann is the instructor for this inaugural workshop. Among the areas the class will cover: how to handset wood type, and the basics of printing with a Vandercook proofing press.

I’m particularly intrigued by the workshop which studio artist and author Madeline Holland will offer, on Saturday, March 26th: “Sumingashi Marbling and Japanese Binding”. “Suminagashi”, in Japanese, means “floating ink”, and is an art which dates back to twelfth-century Japan. A look at the Book Arts Institute’s page reveals beautiful and delicate swirls created with this technique.

In April, Christina and Marilyn will be offering workshops in “Composing & Impressions with Metal Type” and “Intro to Bookbinding”, respectively. And in May, International Printing Museum Founding Director /Curator Mark Barbour will host “Intro to Printing on a Platen Press”.

Fees for the workshops range from $125 to $250 for the two day workshop. Class sizes are generally small: most often, eight students, though the “Suminagashi Marbling” and “Intro to Bookbinding” will accept ten. You’ll find all the information here.

The International Printing Museum, in Carson, is located at 315 West Torrance Boulevard, west of Main Street, in Carson. The Museum is open Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm, and Tuesday through Friday, by appointment only. Here’s the link to check out the Museum’s blog, their newsletter and their community services to local schools and organizations!

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by Noella Noelophile®

Remember, back in school, how much fun it was to make Christmas gifts?

Those painted clothespin letter-holders, yarn-covered cardboard picture frames and juice-can pencil holders we proudly decorated and presented on Christmas morning?

International Printing Museum, in Carson, remembers. This Saturday, December 11th, they’re hosting “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids”!

Except–you don’t have to literally be a kid, to participate. We “tall kids” are welcome, too. You get to settle in for a December day of crafting and learning new skills.

And the Museum has an extra, after-December-25th Christmas present for us “bigger kids”! But we’ll get to that.

For “Holiday Krafts Day”, they’re hosting a family-friendly day of crafting. Attendees get to make ornaments, wrapping paper, tags and other exciting Christmas- or holiday-themed fun items. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm, but you may well want to show up around 10:00 that morning and plan on spending the day.

So, what are some of the new skills you’ll be able to learn, and put to use, to make something fun? Paper marbling, papermaking, screenprinting, origami, bookbinding and calligraphy, are listed among the various media the Museum’s onsite artisans will be demonstrating. You may also get to silkscreen some T-shirts!

Tours of the facility will be offered. Nonprofit International Printing Museum houses one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of antique printing machinery and graphic arts equipment. And that means you’ll get to observe these antique presses in action!

Here’s the link for more information about “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids”, happening from 10 am to 4 pm, this Saturday, December 11th.

Now–the additional present.

If you’ve ever envied Charles Dickens his ability to self-publish A Christmas Carol as a beautiful, cloth-bound first edition–you may soon be able to do the same with your literary masterpiece. Minus the headaches that Dickens had!

In early 2022, the International Printing Museum plans to open their new Book Arts Institute teaching lab! Book binding, paper arts, and printing will be among the classes they offer, according to a recent email from the Museum.

I’ll keep you posted on their schedule as soon as it becomes available.

The International Printing Museum, in Carson, hosts their “Holiday Krafts Day for Kids” from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, December 11th. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door, as well as at this link. The International Printing Museum is located at 315 West Torrance Boulevard, west of Main Street, in Carson.

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by Noella Noelophile®

What’s better than a picnic in a beautiful Southern California park, the weekend before Thanksgiving?

How about–a picnic in that park, surrounded by more than 200 handmade artisans, with music by local musicians AND a chance to have fun learning to hula hoop–or to get a workout polishing the “hooping” skills you already have?

And you don’t even have to pack a picnic basket. Just bring a blanket: food vendors will be waiting to tempt your appetite!

That’s a celebration, Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair-style. And it’s happening in Pasadena’s Central Park, this weekend! If you’re out and about (fully vaccinated and observing all the safety protocols, please!), this is going to be a blast!

(Quick note–if you’re still isolated during these scary COVID days, you still get to “shop handmade from home”! Here’s the link to Jackalope Arts’ “Local Undercover” online marketplace. I bought some gorgeous earrings for some of the folks on my gift list through them, last year. And currently browsing for–well, better not say. No need to spoil the surprise if they read this!)

And, if you are going out. here are the details.

From 10 am to 4 pm, this Saturday and Sunday, November 20th and 21st, Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair will welcome 200+ local artisans to Central Park, in the heart of Old Pasadena. Admission is free, and the focus is on the creative community. This is your chance to meet the artists and hear the stories behind the creations!

Browsing the multiple booths, you’re likely to find treasures including: bracelet kits that can help kids with their math; amazing ornaments (we still hang up the gold “string art” snowflake plaque which I found at a previous Jackalope Fair, every Christmas!); unique planters; slippers and other handcrafted wearables; and more other imaginative, fun items than you have the time for me to list.

While you’re there, don’t forget to drop by the Fuzzie Dot booth and say “hi” to gifted creator Kristin Oxnard. Wait’ll you see her adorable animal blankets!

Starting with a circle, Kristin designs a line of animal blankets for babies and small children, out of an incredibly-soft plush called “minky”. Kristin has patented her unique design, and can take custom orders if you have an animal in mind which you don’t see in her booth. Here’s the link to our earlier interview, in which she shares the story of her small handmade business.

And she didn’t forget us bigger folks–her “Luxie Dot” throws are designed to curl up with on a chilly night, perhaps with a Christmas movie and a cup of hot chocolate! Or, if you’re going out on the town–New Year’s Eve, perhaps?–and want a touch of something luxurious, ask to see her purses, too.

Meanwhile, you’ll get to enjoy acoustic music as local musicians Ricky England, Jackson Crow, and The Simian Racket take the performance stage. But you and your family don’t have to be passive attendees if you prefer to be interactive!

On Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am to noon, kids get to participate in a “kids’ music session”, courtesy of Ricky England. And both days, little kids and us “big kids” get to participate in a hula-hooping workshop, with Eclectic Hoops!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Eclectic Hoops proprietor Jennifer Jensen in 2016, and she’s a performing artist who loves what she does! Jennifer creates handmade dance hoops, and can also do custom designs.

While I personally love her purple fake-fur hoops, if you’re performing live (in a Christmas show or parade, perhaps?) you might like to see her sparklier varieties. These are knock-your-eyes-out gorgeous!

Oh–almost forgot–the food!

The cuisine at Jackalope Arts Pasadena could make the apples, cheese and crackers we used to take on family picnics, look pretty bland, by comparison.

In the food-truck department: on Saturday, you’ll get to sample fusion cuisine from the Thai Mex Truck, while the Kogi BBQ truck will be there Sunday only. And both days, expect to find some amazing burgers, Caribbean cuisine and chai drinks!

Meanwhile, the artisanal food booths will include Ken’s Porkstickers, Avocadamama, Unforgettable Lemonade, Erva Brew, Niki’s Creamery, and Better Together Sweets. So, pork potstickers, plant-based mac and cheese, all-fresh-ingredient lemonade, craft sorbets, and artisanal pudding cups in flavors like strawberry shortcake–wow. You’re sure to find a new favorite–and maybe something special for the “foodies” on your gift list, as well.

And a huge “congratulations” to Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair, for all they’ve done since debuting in Pasadena’s Central Park in April, 2015!

Today. they continue their mission of giving communities a chance to meet creators of the highest-quality handcrafted goods, with shows in FOUR cities: Pasadena, Denver, Burbank and Minneapolis! And when COVID struck, they continued to support artists with the above-mentioned “Local Undercover” virtual market. Currently, they’re also recruiting artists for their spring shows in Pasadena and Burbank. If you have something amazing to share, here’s the link to apply.

Yay, Jackalope! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone onsite again in the very near future.

The Jackalope Pasadena Indie Artisan Fair happens this Saturday and Sunday, November 20th and 21st, from 10 am to 4 pm, in Central Park, on Raymond at Del Mar, in Old Town Pasadena. Admission is free, and free 90-minute parking is available at all “Park and Walk” structures in Old Town. Parking fees are $2 per hour thereafter, up to $8 max, per day.

And, save the date! Jackalope Burbank happens Saturday and Sunday, December 11th and 12th in downtown Burbank.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Yay! The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 52nd Annual Arts & Crafts Fall Faire happens today and tomorrow!

Boo! I can’t go!

As mentioned in previous posts, we’re still self-isolating out of an abundance of caution. You be careful too.

But if you’re out and about (and wearing your face mask, please!) you’ll get to meet some amazing artists if you go. You’ll also be supporting a great cause.

501c3 nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild gives annual scholarships to high school seniors, in the Torrance area, with an interest in arts and crafts. In addition, they give talented local artists a chance to sell their handcrafted work with two annual shows–in Spring and Fall.

The Fall one starts at 10 am today, Saturday, November 13th, and runs till three pm. Hours will be the same tomorrow, Sunday, November 14th.

And some of the incredible handcrafted items you might find?

Well, this is absolutely up to you. But in the past, we’ve bought a gorgeous Christmas-wreath arrangement with velvet ribbons and jingle bells, which we put up every year. And some sparkly dichroic-glass earrings. And a very cute pair of “gingerbread” dolls from an award-winning dollmaker. And some handcrafted cards from an artist who says she never had graphic-arts training (you could’ve fooled me!). And some fun Christmas-tree earrings. And my favorite scented soap. And…

OK, OK. You can tell we’ve been there more than once. Pre-pandemic, this was a favorite for both Spring and Fall.

This year, what might you see, if you go?

Well, the Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s Facebook page currently has a video, offering “a taste” of what they’ll exhibit. Sparkly beaded bags, colorful silk scarves, nicely-packaged scented soaps and whimsical Christmas stockings are among the items they’re showing!

Tempted? I certainly would be, if not for this pandemic. If you go (and again, be safe: mask, social-distancing, hand sanitizer and stay home if you feel sick, please), give them lots of love for me.

The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 52nd Annual Arts & Crafts Fall Faire happens Saturday and Sunday, November 13th and 14th, 10 am to 3 pm both days, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Madrona and Torrance Boulevard. Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Mark your calendar! And it you’re out and about, get out your walking shoes. (And remember the mask, hand sanitizer and social distancing–we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!)

Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival, one of my all-time favorite indie artisans’ shows, has a show happening every weekend this month.

AND–they have a December show planned, in one of their brand-new locations!

Patchwork Show Festivals are free-admission events, featuring a veritable cornucopia of jury-selected, handmade vendors. They feel like, and are, a celebration of local creativity, with DIY activities, food trucks and live music.

And they’re starting off their November schedule in their newest location: the Farmers Market Lot in Old Town Tustin!

Before I go into what to expect this weekend, here’s their at-a-glance schedule.

• Tustin, Saturday and Sunday, November 6th and 7th.

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm PST, at 245 El Camino Real, between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

• Long Beach, Saturday and Sunday, November 13th and 14th.

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm PST, at Marine Stadium, Bayshore Avenue and Appian Way.

• Santa Rosa, Saturday and Sunday, November 20th and 21st.

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm PST, at Old Courthouse Square between 3rd and 4th Streets.

• San Francisco, Saturday, November 27th (Small Business Saturday!)

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm PST, at Westfield San Francisco Center, 865 Market Street, top floor, under the historic dome!

AND–if you can’t make it on Thanksgiving weekend, Patchwork Show returns to the Westfield San Francisco Center on Saturday and Sunday, December 11th and 12th, 10 am – 4 pm PST!

A look at the Tustin show

Now–how about this weekend? What will you see in Tustin, if you go to the first show of the Christmas 2021 shopping season?

In addition to all the talented makers offering their wares, you’ll get to expand your DIY talents, in three workshops: pin press, fall succulents and rag dolls. And small creatives will have their imaginations captivated with Kids’ Storytime (Saturday only, according to Dear Handmade Life’s “events” page for the Tustin show) and Patchwork Junior!

Meanwhile: the shopping. Clothing, jewelry, art, ceramics, home goods, apothecary items and more, are among the treasures you’ll find. I personally love the scented soaps, unique earrings and woodworking I’ve seen in the past, but you’re certain to find your own favorites.

Should you get hungry from all the shopping, their map lists both a pizza truck and Italian ice–admittedly, if I could go, you’d probably see me in line for both!

Patchwork Show’s website advises that they are following both government and local regulations for masking, social distancing and all other protocols in place at the time of the shows. Think safety, and if you don’t feel well, please plan to stay home.

But if you’re in excellent health, taking precautions and out and about, Patchwork Show’s website also encourages you to stop by during both days of the festival. They’ll have different onsite, each day.

An overview

If I wrote about all the fun facts behind Patchwork Show, you’d BE here till Christmas.

I’ll just tell you that it all started with a small, 25-vendor Christmastime craft show in Santa Ana in 2007.

Since then, talented artist Nicole Stevenson, CEO and Creative Director of parent company Dear Handmade Life, has expanded her brand into curating events, education and community for creatives. Annually, Dear Handmade Life hosts “Craftcation”, a week-long crafts and business workshop. I know of no other event like this, and keep promising myself I’m going, once we can say “goodbye” to COVID, once and for all.

And this summer, Dear Handmade Life also premiered their Camp DHL Virtual Summit! I don’t have specific facts yet, but let’s hope it becomes an annual event. If you, like me, can’t quite stop isolating from the virus just yet, this would be a fantastic Christmas gift to give someone special–including yourself.

And–a quick look forward

Of note, for the upcoming Patchwork Shows:

• The Long Beach edition is the largest of the Patchwork Show festivals. It features more than 250 makers, junior artisans, musicians and other talented creatives.

• The Santa Rosa show will have more than 100+ vemdors, the DIY crafts stations will include a DIY ornament workshop on Saturday only. AND you can book ice skating!

• AND, the big news–if you plan on attending either of the shows in San Francisco, you can stay overnight at the Aciom Hotel, right across the street from where the show’s happening, if you’d like (this is optional) and they have pet-friendly rooms! Here’s the link for information about their special Patchwork Show rates.

Enjoy, and stay safe.

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by Noella Noelophile®

San Pedro Art Association wants to add fun to your Christmas shopping season.

Along with creativity, the sound of seagulls as you shop, and a wonderful sense of discovery.

The talented artists of SPAA will be displaying their wares, as you see here, every Friday from now till Christmas, at their brand-new Holiday Farmer’s Market booth!

This could mean: a unique, handcrafted silver necklace for your favorite niece.  Or handcrafted Christmas ornaments for your “Secret Santa” pal.  Or a breathtaking seascape for you–just because you couldn’t resist it!

SPAA has been serving artists since 1936.  Every summer, they offer their “Harbor Wide All Grades Student Art Competition and Exhibition” at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles.  They offer art classes (jewelry design and photography instruction are currently on their website).  And they host special events, such as their “First Thursday Free Guided Artwalk Tour”, on a regular basis.

I’ll have more information on their wares next week, after their inaugural “Holiday Farmer’s Market Booth” this Friday afternoon.  But you may like to come down, investigate and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, a little early.

San Pedro Artists’ Association hosts their “Farmers Market Holiday Booth” every Friday in November and December, from 9 am to 2 pm in front of the Grand Annex, 434 West 6th Street, west of South Mesa Street, in San Pedro.

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by Noella Noelophile®

“You give the best gifts!”

Imagine hearing that when someone you love opens a package this Christmas season.

Buying “indie” is often the fastest route to that kind of a fun response.  With that in mind, here are a roundup of upcoming crafts shows you might like to visit!

Patchwork Show

Originally started in Santa Ana in 2008, Patchwork Show has seen some exciting growth!   I love their selection of unique jewelry, cards and woodworking especially, but there are lots of other treasures there for the finding.  Larger shows normally include free entertainment, workshops, and food trucks.

For Christmas shopping this year, they have five different upcoming shows, as follows:

Oakland – November 2 – Jack London Square, Broadway and Water Street, 11-5 pm

Ventura – November 3 –  Ventura Fairgrounds, Santa Cruz Hall, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, 11 am-5 pm

Santa Rosa – November 10 – Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Hall of Flowers,,  1350 Bennett Valley Road, 11 am-5 pm

Long Beach – November 17 – Marine Stadium, Appian Way at Bayshore, 11 am -5 pm.

Santa Ana –  December 1 – Artists Village, 2nd and Sycamore, 11 am -5 pm.

Jackalope: An Indie Artisan Fair

They’re all about the ways design reflects local culture, with their juried show.  Visitors get to take part in workshops, both free and low-cost.  And they’re multi-city, reflecting the design and maker communities of both Pasadena and Denver.

Pasadena – November 16th and 17th – Central Park, Old Pasadena, 275 South Raymond Avenue, 10 am – 4 pm.

Denver – December 14th and 15th, Stanley Marketplace, throughout the entire shopping complex, 11 am – 7 pm.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild

Happy Golden Anniversary to these talented artists and artisans!  2019 marks their fiftieth show.  I’ve loved their exhibitors’ gorgeous patchwork quilts, Christmas ornaments and dichroic glass jewelry, especially, in past visits.  But you’ll probably find a lot of other new special fun things,  when you visit.

In addition, they have door prizes and opportunity drawings (opportunity drawings partially fund their scholarship fund for high-school seniors), as well as refreshments and music by talented “DJ Ozzie”.

Torrance – November 16th and 17th, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Madrona and Torrance Boulevard, 10 am – 4 pm.

Admission is free to all of the above shows.  In addition, Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s show offers free parking.

These are just three of the possibilities for “shopping indie” and supporting small-business entrepreneurs as we get into Christmas season, 2019!  I’ll keep you posted on more.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Uh-oh–craft show alert!

And if you’re anything like me, you’re asking, “Where?”

This Saturday, October 19th, the answer is, “Lakewood”.

That’s the date of the City of Lakewood’s 27th annual “Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique”, in Mayfair Park!

“Lollipop Lane” will be giving everyone a chance to get some early Christmas shopping in, at a time when we can actually enjoy the experience.  For six hours, they’ll have more than 100 quality artists and crafters on hand, showcasing their work.

Just a few of the exhibitors you might see, according to Torrance Craftsmens Guild’s Facebook page, include Millie Zayn, with her handcrafted soaps and bath products.  (Ohhh, that lavender!)  Or Three Pine Hill, for jewelry with a delicate, chain-mail look (I love the Turkish silver flowers, but this will be your choice!).  And if you’d like to talk to an L.A. County Fair First Prize-winning needle artist, say “hi” to Linda Jensen, of My Blue Heaven Knits!  Linda designs her own patterns for clothing and accessories, and tomorrow’s your chance to see what she’s been working on lately!

Time to browse and choose just the right gift, unique gifts made with love and a chance to support topnotch artists and artisans?  It just doesn’t get any better than that.

The 27th Annual “Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique” happens this Saturday, October 19th, from 9 am to 3 pm in Mayfair Park, at Clark Avenue and South Street, in the city of Lakewood.  Admission and parking are free, and there will be a free shuttle running every 15 minutes from the east parking lot at Lakewood City Hall.  

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by Noella Noelophile®

Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is coming to an end.   Unless…

After sixteen years, OVLF hosts its final Lavender Festival in Ojai’s Libbey Park on Saturday, June 29th.   They’ll have more than 100 vendors, live music, speakers, games and prizes.  Admission and parking are free, and there’s a free shuttle service.

And lavender will be in evidence in every type of use–from lemonade to ice cream to hand soaps.

That’s because the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is always held on the final Saturday in June, to coincide with Ojai’s peak lavender bloom.  Think “gorgeous” and go several steps beyond that, and you’ll have a pretty clear mental picture.

Now think “talented”–and go several steps beyond that. 

So, why does 2019 mark the final Lavender Festival?

Certainly, nonprofit Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, Inc., a/k/a OVLF, has never lost its passion for the production and uses of lavender.  Their 2019 festival will feature a wide array of lavender honey, aromatherapy and beauty products (their soap is a favorite!), decadent desserts and libations with lavender.

Nor have they lost their interest in showcasing the gifts of artisans and musicians, and the passion of local community groups for their causes.

Lavender-inspired products this year will include jewelry, clothing, pottery, candles, and the list goes on!

Meanwhile, the festival will host an all-day lineup of fantastic musicians, starting right off at 10 am with Richard Kaller on Libbey Park’s front patio.   At the music gazebo, you’ll get to hear the Old-Time Fiddlers, Lynn Mullins and Coyote Creek and Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks.

But–the amazing job OVLF has been doing for sixteen years has been the result of an all-volunteer team.  Led by Executive Director Neil Friedrichsen, President Cindy Mullins and Vice President Joy Brown, that team is now ready to retire.

“OVLF’s small, hard-working team has come to the difficult decision to dissolve the non-
profit, end the festivals, and focus individual energies elsewhere,” the group explained in a press release.

“Ideally, OVLF had hoped new members would come forward to join the organization and lead it into the future. But, alas, that has not been the case. So this year OVLF will host its final Ojai Valley Lavender Festival on June 29th.”

BUT…but.

Do you know anyone who’d be interested in assuming the “lavender mantel”?  As in, a group or organization who would like to put their hearts and souls into keeping this fantastic event going?

If so, please have them contact Cindy Mullins at ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org to learn more.

Now, upfront–this will be a LOT of work.  All the setup, coordination, planning and cleanup, that go along with hosting an annual event of this magnitude (OVLF tells us the festival draws more than 5,000 visitors to Ojai annually!) would be a labor of love.  And no matter how much team members love the Festival, a hard truth is that even the most talented people have only two hands.

But if you have a committed small group who love crafts, community and artists, this could be an opportunity for you–and for them.

Meanwhile, if you have time on Saturday, June 29th, how about running by Ojai and showing them some “lavender love” as they host their final festival?

OVLF, we’re keeping a good thought for you!  Thank you for a fantastic fifteen years of crafts, celebration and lavender.  Hope your 16th Lavender Festival is a great one–and that someone steps up to keep it going.

The sixteenth annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival happens Saturday, June 29th, from 10 am to 5 pm in Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, south of East Ojai Avenue.  Admission and parking are free, and a free shuttle is available.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Gifted chef/artisan Tamiza Teja has a special Christmas memory to share.

But besides looking back, she’s also looking towards the future–and a fun Christmas custom which her family observes, every year.

I won’t spoil it by saying what!  But I will tell you that she has something else special to which everyone can look forward, this Thursday, December 13th.

At her artisan bakery/”foodie” gift boutique Tamiza’s Treats, nonprofit Delta Delta Delta Socal Sleighbell is hosting a Vendor Night Fundraiser this Thursday evening, December 13th, from 6:30 to 9:30.

And not only will it be a great opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts–it’s for a fantastic cause.

Vendor Night supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hematology & Oncology Research.  On hand will be some incredible women entrepreneurs, with their one-of-a-kind handcrafted creations.

Like whom, for example?

Well, like Ellie Lieberman, for starters.  This gifted author/craftswoman writes starkly beautiful literature and crafts enchanting fairy doors and worlds through her small business, Acorn Tops.

Or, perhaps like Rachez Miller.  I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet, but her website says she started her homebased artisan candle company, Shay Candles, in 2012.   She offers hand-poured candles and handmade incense.

And like Jessica Silagy, of Knucklehead Ranch.  What can’t this talented artist do?

Her graphics include pinup art and handmade cards, and one of my personal favorites of hers is the pair of fabric custom Christmas trees she crafted, about two years ago.  Currently, she’s specializing in handcrafted pet gifts, which include handmade catnip toys and dog bandanas that’ll give your favorite pooch a seasonal sparkle!

And–beware if you love great books.  Artist/author Barbara Lieberman, of Pipe & Thimble Mobile Bookstore, will be on hand.   More than once, I’ve tried to read just one chapter of one of her latest books!   (And if you’re lucky, she might also have brought her “thumbles”, which are adorable needle-felted elves, with different seasonal themes!   I love my Christmas one, which I bought last year!)

And these are just some of the vendors who’ll be there this Thursday evening.   They’d love to see you.  And, oh, yes.  Hope you’re immune to temptation…

…no, on second thought, I wouldn’t want you and your Christmas gift recipients to miss Tamiza’s artisan fudge, gourmet popcorn and those incredible cookies to which she adds her own magic as a professional chef!

Meanwhile, don’t forget to ask Tamiza what she’s been crafting lately!

As you’ll recall from our October interview, in addition to her gourmet creations, she designs foodie-themed jewelry, creates greeting cards, and has probably been inspired to make at least half a dozen other types of food-inspired gift items since we last spoke!

 

Nonprofit Delta Delta Delta SoCal Sleighbell hosts their Vendor Night Fundraiser this Thursday evening, December 13th, from 6:30 to 9:30 at Tamiza’s Treats, 3525 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite Q, in Torrance.  Tamiza’s Treats is located on PCH and Madison, right near Kinecta.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

You’re walking down the street, when something festive catches your eye.

In a parking lot are tables, covered with white cloths and decorated with garlands, greenery and Christmas ornaments.

As you get closer, you see a table on which sterling-silver handcrafted necklaces dangle from gilded branches.  Handmade rag dolls of varying sizes smile from a second table.   The third is covered with pencil drawings that evoke street scenes, animals and people in just a few deft lines.

Further along, a woman has set up an easel.  Deftly, she mixes colors.  As her brush moves, a seascape comes to life.

This moment of reverie has been brought to you by San Pedro Art Association.  But you don’t have to limit it to your imagination.

Today, Sunday, December 2, SPAA hosts a “Holiday Craft Fair and Harbor Interfaith Toy Drive”, in the B of A parking lot on Pacific Avenue, near 10th Street in San Pedro.

Here’s your chance to find unique handcrafted gifts for all the special people on your Christmas list.   As well as to help make a child’s Christmas magical, by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Harbor Interfaith Services.

As mentioned in earlier posts, San Pedro Art Association has been serving artists, and the arts, since 1936.  Every summer, they host a “Harbor Wide All Grades Student Art Competition” for the local schools.  (Every entrant receives art supplies, there are prizes for the top winners, and the students’ work is professionally framed and displayed at CRAFTED!)   They also offer classes and monthly “First Thursday” free guided art walks.

And here’s an early Christmas gift: SPAA is now planning to offer craft fairs on a regular basis!  Starting in 2019, they’ll host three a year, according to SPAA Secretary Bill Boisselle-Schalaba!  (They held their first one this past spring, and it was great!)

San Pedro Art Association’s “Holiday Craft Fair and Harbor Interfaith Toy Drive” happens Sunday, December 2, from 10 am to 5 pm in the B of A parking lot at 951 South Pacific Avenue (near 10th Street) in San Pedro.  Admission is free.

 

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

 

Getting to Christmas shop by the beach is something special.

And the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair has been proving that for nearly 50 years.

This weekend, they’re just about to prove it again.

This year’s Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair happens this Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2.  And it’s a Christmastime tradition in the quaint town of Muir Beach, which is just over six miles from Mill Valley, in Northern California.

Started in the 1970s in by a community group that became the Muir Beach Quilters, the fair started in the best way: as a big community Christmas party!   And according to their event website, this was an event created with three goals in mind: to raise money to build a community center, to give local artisans a place to showcase their creations, once annually…

…and to throw a big community Christmas party, of course!

Local residents kept the tradition alive once the Muir Beach Quilters discontinued it, in 2013.  And the Holiday Arts Fair’s 2018 edition will feature  nearly 40 artisans from throughout the Bay Area.  You’ll get to see hand-made pottery, wreaths, miniature wooden robots, ornaments crafted from both glass and wood, and gifts from the garden–and that’s just a partial selection.

At the Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair, organizations that support the local community are given a free table.  Look for the MBVFA,  selling their logo clothing and hats, for kids and us “big kids”, to benefit the Fire Department.

Plus, the Muir Beach Quilters are going to display their best!  The Holiday Arts Fair’s press release says they’ll have “quilts, dolls and scarves”.  But I’m going to guess that sentence doesn’t come close to doing them justice!

In addition, the Fair gives next generation of crafters and artisans the opportunity to sell their work, at the Junior Artisans/Kids table.

Also, new this year, visitors to the Fair will get to experience glassblowing.

Want more?  OK.  During the Holiday Arts Fair,  Muir Beach’s Cafe Q offers free coffee and tea for all attendees.  They also have a balcony overlooking the ocean, for you to relax and get a good look at all the cool treasures you found!

And here’s a link to the Artist Gallery, if you’d like to look a little further beforehand.  Many of the previous exhibiting artists will be back this year.  (And I’m wishing I could run my hands over that gorgeous inlaid woodwork!)

The Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, December 1, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, December 2, at The Muir Beach Community Center, 19 Seascape Drive, southwest of Shoreline Highway.  Admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

If  you follow folklore, a “jackalope” is a mythic creature.

But, if you love juried indie crafts shows, with lots of opportunities to visit with talented artisans, you’ll have a wholly different definition.

That’s because the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair is just about to make its autumn appearance in Pasadena.

Next Saturday and Sunday, November 17th and 18th, Old Pasadena’s Central Park will host more than 200 booths.  At each will be a unique, and highly creative, line of handcrafted specialties.

If you have an entrepreneur on your Christmas list, she may very well love the personal organizers and desktop calendars Hadron Epoch is offering.  Need a gift for a fashionista?  Lalamel has some breathtakingly-beautiful silk sheath dresses that just make me wish I had the body to wear them!  Got a “foodie”–or two or three–in mind for something special?  Wallflower Chocolate Company offers American craft chocolate made from scratch.  (However, good luck, keeping anyone from getting into this before you can give it to your intended recipients!)

And these are just three of the artisans scheduled to be on hand at Jackalope Pasadena, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm, both days.  (I won’t even talk about the jewelry vendors, whose work is enough to tempt anyone!  Suffice it to say that during my previous visit to Jackalope Pasadena, I wasn’t going to buy earrings…wasn’t going to buy earrings…well, I’d just take a look…

Okay, okay!  So I did come home with three new pairs.  C’est la vie.)

In addition, each day of the Jackalope Pasadena Indie Arts Fair starts with a free yoga class, at 10 am, courtesy of YogaWorks.

Also, DIY crafting opportunities will be available, for all ages, all weekend long.   Among the creative spaces offering a chance to design something special are Bullseye Glass Resource Center, which will be doing glassmaking demos, and Kidsart Pasadena, who will host a kids’ coloring table.

And prepare to kick back and enjoy the music!   Acoustic musicians will perform throughout the weekend, and you may want to grab something tempting from one of the food trucks, take a break and just be a part of a great time.

Before I wrap this up, here’s some more good news.

Jackalope Arts, which started with a Pasadena show in April, 2015, now has a new California location!  They’ll be coming to Burbank in May of 2019, according to their website.

Meanwhile, if you happen to be in the Denver area, mark your calendar!  Their December show’s coming up, on December 8th and 9th.

The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair returns to Pasadena on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th.  Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, both days, in Old Pasadena’s Central Park, located at Del Mar and Raymond.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Tomorrow evening, and all day Saturday, Irvine is hosting a unique Christmas shopping experience.

Don’t expect a crowded mall, lines in the food court or clerks asking, “Are you a member of our (insert the name here) Special Group?”

But what you can expect: hand-blown glass, folk crafts, jewelry and music.   More than 100 gifted artists will be on hand.  And, based on previous experience, the food will be excellent.

All this and a duck pond, too.

Where?  The Irvine Fine Arts Center, as they host their 36th Annual Holiday Faire.

Festivities start at 5 pm on Friday, and run till 9 pm.  Then, on Saturday, they’re open from 9 am to 4 pm.

We attended Irvine Fine Arts Center’s summer “Studio Arts Festival” last year, and fell in love with the setting and the variety and high quality of work on exhibit.  There were both indoor and outdoor exhibits of just about every creative medium imaginable: pottery, dichroic glass, silver, gold, mahogany and cherry wood… (Yes, I came home with a bunch of new favorites!)

And on the subject of wood, here are two artists we’re looking forward to seeing again.

Self-taught wood artist J. Michael Evans crafts some luminous bowls, warm-looking pens and unique plates which he offers through his small business, Ozarks Wood-N-Stuff.   I especially like his satiny “Supele” square lidded bowl, which you can see in his “Gallery Slideshow”.  And his wife, fellow artist Freda Nelson Evans, emails that he’ll have a number of new items available for the Holiday Faire.

Freda, meanwhile, is an accomplished actress.  Both she and Michael perform in the “Shepherd of the Hills” annual outdoor drama in Branson, Missouri.  In addition, Freda portrays Mrs. Santa Claus at one of the local Missouri shopping areas, as well as a hotel.

(Here is a link to my 2017 interview with Michael, about his work!)

Now, unlike many of the other artists’ events and festivals mentioned on this site, the Irvine Holiday Faire does have an admission charge of $2.00 per attendee.  That’s if you’re a “big kid”, as we are.  Ages twelve and under get free admission, and parking is free.

And I can’t think of a better way to support our local artists while picking up some gifts that are going to wow everybody at Christmastime!

 

Irvine Fine Arts Center’s 36th Annual Holiday Faire happens Friday evening, November 2, from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday, November 3, from 9 am to 4 pm, at the Irvine Fine Arts Center, 14321 Yale Avenue, near Walnut.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Autumn is here!  And one of my favorite signs of autumn?  The craft fairs!

Some great ones are coming up.  With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas headed our way, now seems like an opportune time to give you the dates to mark your calendar.

Let’s start off with…

Sunday, October 14 – San Pedro Art Association Craft Fair. 10 am to 5 pm at 10th and Pacific, between the Watercolor Society and the B of A, San Pedro.  Admission is free.

So far,  says SPAA Board Secretary Bill Boisselle-Schalaba, about a dozen artists and artisans have signed up.

While that sounds like a small number, we had the opportunity to attend their first Spring Craft Fair, and were impressed with the high level of professionalism.   Bill says this pop-up will be “better” than last time, but the artists we met before were fantastic!

So, for their Autumn Craft Fair, what might you see ?

We know for a fact that you’ll get to admire some extremely cool jewelry, courtesy of talented artist/artisan Carlos Boisselle (not sure if he’ll bring his his dreamlike watercolors, but we can certainly hope!).

Sterling silver and copper are among the metals in which Carlos crafts his jewelry.

Meanwhile, woodworker Liz Stark is similarly going to wow you with her handcrafted boxes.

What can’t this gifted woman create, in wood?  She makes furniture, jewelry boxes and takes custom orders.  Her art involves lots of warm colors and contrasts, so that her media of paint and colored pencils just seem to glow, enhanced by her carving.

(But be sure to check in with her early, if you have someone in mind for whom you’d like to order a special Christmas gift.  Liz says  she needs about a month’s lead time, depending on how complicated a design you have in mind.)

Now, about San Pedro Art Association…

Since 1936, SPAA has been supporting artists and art education.    Every summer, they host their “Harbor Wide All Grades Student Art Competition” at CRAFTED.  Every entering student wins a prize, and gets to exhibit his or her work, all summer!

In addition, SPAA offers classes.  Jewelry design and photography classes are currently listed as available on their website!  Here’s the link for more information.

Meanwhile, let’s continue with…

Saturday, November 3 – Patchwork Show Oakland Makers Festival, Jack London Square, Broadway and Water Street, Oakland, 11 am – 5 pm.  Admission is free.

DIY crafts areas, vendors, food trucks, music–a creative celebration doesn’t get much better!  If this is anything like the Santa Ana and Long Beach Patchwork Shows I’ve attended in the past, good luck leaving without a bag.  Or two.  Or ten, filled with your new treasures.  Unique earrings. handcrafted cards. terraria and ceramics have all tempted me there in the past.  And be warned: the line for Front Porch Pops (artisan popsicles!) tends to get long–deservedly so.

Of course, Patchwork Show, the brainchild of Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell, is just kicking off its autumn appearances.

They’ll be in Southern California, as well, for their Long Beach show on Sunday, November 18th, from 11 am to 5 pm.  That location’s Long Beach Marine Stadium, 5255 East Paoli Way.

Then, look for them to return to their first city,  Santa Ana, Sunday, November 25th from 11 am to 5 pm, at 125 North Broadway!  And, of course, admission is free to all Patchwork Shows.

Meanwhile: how come a lot of our favorite shows keep happening at the same times?

You guessed it–Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild hosts their “49th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire” on Saturday and Sunday, November 17th and 18th.  Look for them to fill the rooms and plaza of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, at Madrona and Torrance Boulevard, with dichroic-glass jewelry, Christmas ornaments, wind chimes, one-of-a-kind photography, handcrafted dolls, ceramics, candles and a lot more.

Like SPAA, Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild is all about serving and encouraging artists.  Every year, TCG awards scholarships to high school seniors with an interest in the areas of arts and crafts.  The Holiday Faire and their Spring Faire raise scholarship funds.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s “49th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire” runs from 9 am to 4 pm, both Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Springtime has a firm foothold on us now.   You know what that means.

Yup.  Lots of very cool spring crafts-oriented events to put on the calendar.   And a bunch of them are coming up.

I’m excited to tell you, a brand-new one happens this weekend.San Pedro Art Association hosts their first-ever crafts fair, on Saturday, April 21st!   You are cordially invited to come check out their handmade show, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, in San Pedro.

Exhibiting artists will be offering wearable art, jewelry, woodcarving and candles.   And if you’re wondering, “What can I do with the kids?”, bring them–they’ll have an opportunity to get creative!  A kids’ craft area will allow them the opportunity to paint rocks in Springtime designs, all throughout the show, and maybe make a Mother’s Day gift for mom, an aunt or grandma.

San Pedro Art Association’s inaugural Spring Crafts Fair runs from 9 am to 4 pm, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1648 West 9th Street, between Bynner Drive and South Dodson Avenue, in San Pedro.  Admission is free, and some parking will be available behind the church, in addition to street parking.Meanwhile, if you happen to be in Pasadena this Saturday, Foothill Creative Arts Group would love to welcome you to their spring show, “Art on Palm”.   They’ll be celebrating Spring in Arlington Garden, a public garden space, as they exhibit windchimes, garden art, ceramics, metal sculpture and more.  Here’s a link for a closer look at some of the work of their exhibitors.

In addition, according to their website, 2017 L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year “Locol” will be on hand, serving up burgers, fries, vegetarian options and “messy greens” from their food truck.  Popular local band “Bullfish” will supply the uptempo energy with their bluesy, twist-of-soul rock selections.

Foothill Creative Arts Group’s “Art on Palm” Spring show happens this Saturday, April 21st, from 10 am to 5 pm in Arlington Garden, 275 Arlington Drive, between Orange Grove Boulevard and South Pasadena Avenue, in Pasadena.  Admission is free.

And on the subject of Pasadena shows: Jackalope Arts is on its way, in another eight days.

This multi-city, juried artisans’ show hops into Pasadena for its Spring appearance on Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th.

Jackalope’s focus is on providing shoppers an opportunity to meet and visit with local crafters, as well as explore their own creativity.  More than 200 hand-selected artisans will be displaying their work in Pasadena’s Central Park.  Some of the unique creations you’ll see: fairy garden-inspired hair accessories, kids’ “fuzzie” blankets in the shape of animals, ceramics that look like lace and sea swirls, and dried-flower ornaments that “bloom” in moisture but require no care!In addition, Jackalope gives attendees a chance to see, and engage in, the creative process. Piinch-pot ceramics classes, natural DIY workshops (participants can create a terrarium, essential oil or a body scrub),  “sheep-to-shawl” fiber demonstrations and fused-glass demonstrations will all be happening throughout the show.  In addition, there will be free hula-hooping workshops (a fun way to burn off the Easter candy we ate a few weeks ago!).

And this year, there’s a painting event, “Jackalope Rumble”, for artists ages 8 to 18, with all supplies provided free and a prize to be won!  All artists get the opportunity to exhibit their paintings in the Jackalope show.  Paintings will be sold by silent auction and their creators get to keep all silent-auction earnings.   “Jackalope Rumble” happens Sunday morning, April 29th, and artists are asked to arrive at the Jackalope information booth by 10:15 that morning.  Here’s the link for more information and registration.

Jackalope Arts Spring Fair happens Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th, in Central Park, at Del Mar between Raymond and Fair Oaks Avenues, in Old Pasadena.  Hours are 10 am to 5 pm; admission’s free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

We all deserve a reward for “springing forward” this morning.   And here it is.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild is counting down to their 19th Annual “Spring Arts and Crafts Faire”, next Saturday!

They’re going to have three shopping areas full of all-handmade creations from talented indie artisans, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center!  Starting at 10:00 next Saturday, March 17th, we crafts maniacs will have the chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by offering a little “green” to our favorite creatives, in return for their made-with-love-and-individuality creations.   If you’re looking for cute additions to Easter baskets (wow, Easter is three weeks away at this writing!), you’re almost certain to find them here.   Or, you might find something special for Mom, for Mother’s Day.   Or perhaps a wedding or graduation gift, since June seems to sneak up on us faster every year.

Ceramics, wind chimes, photography, candles and needle arts are some of our favorites from past Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild faires.  I have yet to leave one of these empty-handed–and you probably won’t either.

While I don’t yet have the listing of participating artisans, I can tell you about a few previous favorites.Needle artist Jackie Demyers, of Crafts By Jacqui, can do just about anything fabric- or textile-related.  She’s currently working on Black Panther pillowcases, according to her Facebook page!

Knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing are areas in which Jackie excels.  Her fabric purses are Easter-morning bright and springy, and she creates beautiful quilts, clothing and baby blankets.   (She also teaches classes!)  Multitalented Evangeline Duran Fuentes is both a published author and an artisan!  While she’s currently at work on a brand-new book, Finding Erin, according to her author’s Facebook page, she also creates some gorgeous woven-bead bracelets and earrings.  Check out her Alluring By Design small-business Facebook page.  But, be warned, you will be severely tempted to buy yourself a springtime present!

And hooray, according to her Facebook page, Krystina Kyle of Fun with Pretend is going to be exhibiting!   Gifted Krystina has won multiple awards for her fabric dolls, and her Facebook page promises some vintage country chic Easter bunnies she’s handcrafted!

(The “hooray” is because, previously, Krystina’s work serving her fellow artists as President of nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild precluded her exhibiting in the fall show.  There are, after all, only so many hours in the day.  But it’ll be great to see her back.)
Here’s a link to our previous interview, in which she gives some background on her small business. .One of my favorite things about nonprofit Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild?  Other than the fact that they’ve been serving independent artists since 1970?

Their Faires give back to the community.

Proceeds go towards their Meghan Newman Memorial Scholarship Program, which scholarships for graduating Torrance high school seniors in the areas of arts and crafts.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild is currently accepting scholarship applications, with a deadline of March 30, 2018.  Current students in the areas of painting, ceramics, woodworking, sewing and much more are encouraged to apply.  Here’s the link for more information.

See you at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, next Saturday, March 17th–as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Spring and some of our favorite creative artisans–present and future!

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 19th annual Spring Arts and Crafts Faire happens Saturday, March 17th, from 10 am to 4 pm at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, at Madrona and Torrance Boulevard.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Community, meet artisans.That, in a nutshell, is the whole idea behind the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair, making its pre-Thanksgiving appearance this weekend in Pasadena’s Central Park.

And you still have one more day to see the work of more than 150 curated local artists, and have fun being creative in your own right.

Jackalope’s Indie Artisan Fair is a blend of colors, scents, tastes, and fantastic, innovative ideas.

But it’s about so much more than buying cool things (although I never fail to leave with at least six bags!).

When you wander through Jackalope Arts, you’re encouraged to take your time, chat with the artists and learn the stories behind what they’re displaying. Personal favorites from past Pasadena exhibitors have included a sparkly Christmas “string art” snowflake decoration, cool antique-key earrings and to-die-for preserves from a family recipe.

Plus, visitors get to do hands-on work and explore their own artistic talents .

DIY workshop opportunities at this weekend’s Jackalope Fair include free pinch-pot workshops with Cobalt and Clay,  canvas-painting workshops for $10 with Pinot’s Palette Pasadena, and live fused-glass demonstrations with Bullseye Glass Resource Center.   Workshops are for all ages, and tend to be a lot of fun.Jackalope Arts is a multi-city show, which founders Sara Diederich and Melissa Shipley started in 2015.  Their vision: an opportunity for locals to get to know the artists behind the creations, in multiple cities.  Jackalope Arts has hosted regular arts-centered events in the San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles areas.   After Pasadena, they’re headed for Denver, with a two-day show on Saturday and Sunday, December 9th and 10 in the downtown McNichols Building.

Meanwhile, if you can’t get to Pasadena tomorrow, you may want to get out your calendar anyway.  Spring shows are in the planning stages, with Pasadena scheduled for April 28th and 29th, 2018, and Denver on May 19th and 20th.And if you’re an artist who’d like to be considered for a future show, or for the opportunity to teach a workshop?

“Early-bird” applications are open now for the April show in Pasadena!  The deadline is January 2, 2018, and you can sign up for Jackalope’s “Interested Vendor Newsletter” to find out when applications open for their Denver spring show.

Day 2 of Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair’s winter show in Pasadena happens Sunday, November 18th from 10 am to 4 pm in Pasadena’s Central Park, located at Delmar and Raymond.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Christmas shopping where you get to have fun, meet talented artists and give back to the community?

That’s exactly what Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild would like to offer you, this weekend.

They’ll be having their 48th Annual “Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire” this Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th, as the Thanksgiving/Christmas season gets off to a start!

Expect to see more than eighty talented artisan vendors, with their unique work in four different areas.  Uptempo music will be filling the courtyard–and this year, you’ll have a gourmet option for lunch.

Best of all, besides hosting an all-handmade show, Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, which has been serving crafters since 1970, is also serving the community.  In addition to their scholarship program, this year their “Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire” includes a toy donation drop for 1736 Family Crisis Center’s Christmas store!   Here’s the link if you’d like to know what they need most.Krystina Kyle is the  President of Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild–as well as the proprietor of a great handmade small business, Fun With Pretend.   Her duties as President have precluded her exhibiting her award-winning handcrafted dolls this year (I’m sorry!), but she’s excited about all the other fantastic artists she gets to serve, as Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild marks its 48th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire.

We talked about what’s involved in this special event, what you can expect to see this weekend and how TCG’s scholarship program is supporting the next generation of artists.

The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 48th Annual Arts and Crafts Faire happens Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona Avenue and Torrance Boulevard.  Hours are 9 am to 4 pm, both days, and admission is free.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Hot chocolate, artists, a magical space–and a week to go, until Thanksgiving.

Can the Southern California almost-Christmas season possibly get better than that?

Well–maybe it can.   Pipe & Thimble Publishing & Bookstore haven’t announced all the artists for their first “Winter Wonderland Art Gallery”–yet!

So far, what I can tell you is that this mixed-media show promises not to disappoint.  Pipe & Thimble, celebrating their first Christmas season in business since their opening in May of this year, will be showcasing works by a variety of local artists.

Here are just a few of those.  (And if you haven’t been already, here’s one look at the inside of Pipe & Thimble, Southern California’s first bookstore to carry all independent authors!)Carol Newell, of “Button Art by Carol”, may be making an understatement.  Her creations go far beyond the projects I remember as “button art”.  If you think “talented mosaic artist” and ask to see her seahorse piece, you’re more likely to be on the right track.

Now, do you happen to be the kind of cat person who will stop and look around at the sound of an unexpected “meow”?   And who will admit to anticipating petting soft fur and hearing purrs?  (You have plenty of company…)

Then, you’ll want to look for brand-new small business exhibitor Sage Kitties.  This is such a new one that they don’t yet have a website.  However, Pipe & Thimble co-owner Barbara Lieberman gave me a heads-up that they’ll be there.  The artist in question, she says, draws some incredible cats.   I can’t wait to see these, and our resident felines say they completely approve!

And really–what can’t talented “artrepreneurs” Ellie Lieberman, Jessica Silagy, Robin Nieto and Barbara Lieberman do?  Pipe & Thimble co-owner Ellie Lieberman excels at crafting miniatures and illustrating books.  (Her young-adult fiction and short stories are pretty amazing, too.)

Jessica Silagy is an inspired graphic artist who can take any concept, from vintage pin-up art to steampunk, and create something whimsical, beautiful and fun.  Be sure to look for her “goddess” prints and pinup calendars in support of pit-bull rescues!

Robin Nieto is a mixed-media artist and the co-author (with Elaine MacInnes) of the Tales From Mema’s Garden children’s series, which teaches today’s tech-absorbed kids to take a wondering look at the world around them.

(And if you’d like a sense of that wonder, ask Robin, when you meet her, if she’s seen any butterflies lately!  She just might show you…well, there’s no need for me to ruin the surprise.)And Barbara Lieberman, in addition to painting, needlefelting, teaching, and creating incredible miniatures and soft sculpture, writes novels that need a warning label on them!

I would suggest something like, “CAUTION: Do not assume you can read ONE chapter before bedtime,” as this has been my mistake with her books, many times.  Her historic novel “To Reap a Whirlwind” and her fantasy, “To Miss the Stars” were just two that had me saying, “Really, I’m turning off the light after just ONE more chapter…”  (I think you know how that turned out!)

In addition, Barb has written a unique, honest and humorous nonfiction account of her struggle with chronic illness, The Unchained Spirit.  This book should be required reading, not just for anyone dealing with an illness, but for anyone who’s ever had a bad day, not quite dared to reach for a dream, or loved someone who was in need of an extra hug.

All this and hot chocolate too?  Absolutely–and you are cordially invited to come down to Pipe & Thimble on Friday evening, November 17th, to support these local artistsand authors–plus the new ones that haven’t yet been announced!

Pipe & Thimble Publishing and Bookstore hosts its first “Winter Wonderland Art Gallery” from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, November 17th, at 24830 Narbonne Avenue, near 250th Street, in the city of Lomita.  Admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

“Oh, you’re so talented!”

You’re highly likely to hear that, this Christmas season, if you attend Seaside Studios San Pedro’s “Ladies’ Ornament Party”, in just under two more weeks.

But first, you’re almost certain to have a lot of fun.

Gayle Fleury, of Aussie Girl Designs, will be hosting this three-hour workshop, which begins at 10 am.  You’re invited to come join the group, sip wine, enjoy snacks and make something incredible for your tree or home.

While I don’t yet have an update on the type of media Gayle is using, she is a talented designer whose specialty is crafting amazing jewelry.  I’ll make an educated guess that she’ll show you how to create some sparkly treasures.

While the Facebook page says”snacks will be provided, it also mentions that food contributions are always welcome.  So if you’d like to bring a favorite finger food or specialty, you certainly can.

Unlike many of the other activities I like to promote on Noelophile®, this workshop does have a cost: $40 per person.

Expect the morning to be well worth it.

Aussie Girl Designs’ “Ladies Ornament Party” begins at 10 am, Saturday, November 18th at Seaside Studios San Pedro, and runs till 1 pm.  Seaside Studios San Pedro is located at 525 North Harbor Boulevard (near O’Farrell), across from the Fanfare Fountains and cruise ship terminal.  Cost for the workshop is $40 per person.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Today is it.

Today, Sunday, October 15th, is Glitterfest 2017’s Fall edition of their  juried, handmade mixed-media art show, in a new location: Fullerton!

We’ve only had the opportunity to attend one Glitterfest show, so far.  But this weekend, we’re hoping to change that.

Glitterfest is unique, among the shows we’ve seen, due to combining vintage home decor with some very cool handcrafted creations.   And every vintage item, rather than being a fragile, don’t-breathe-around-me-or-I’ll-shatter antique, is a “fun” thing we can easily see bringing home as a new treasure.

And Glitterfest founders (and sisters) Sheryl Simpson and Dianne White have a talent for combining old and new, and making them work together.   Spread among the vintage items with a lot of imagination and creativity, you’ll discover a lot of fantastic handcrafted jewelry, clothing and decor for Halloween, Christmas and even Valentine’s Day, courtesy of the talented exhibiting artists..

When we attended before, we fell in love with Gabrielle Acevedo’s Gothic bead art, a/k/a Beads of Darkness.  (Who knew woven-bead necklaces and purses could have such a delightfully spine-tingling Halloween twist?)  We also loved the wax-faced pixies and flocked vintage mini-Christmas trees on display (we remember those!).

And this year, we suspect we’re going to love Susan Arnott’s work even more.  She’s a teddy-bear artist, who creates adorable “bear-necessity” items.  Her webpage also displays a handcrafted bunny that looks suspiciously like the Velveteen Rabbit of our childhood days.  (She has limited editions of some childhood favorites, but better order early–she may easily sell out by Christmas!)

Unlike most art shows we’ve attended, Glitterfest does have an admission fee.  They also seem to have a devoted following: the morning we went, a line of enthusiastic women were waiting outside for the doors to open.

This year, we’re especially looking forward to seeing the very cute decoupage snowman we spotted on Glitterfest’s Facebook page, “in person”.  We also will have an eye out for the snowmen and other Christmas items made of salt-and-pepper shakers (some people are so talented!).   And we always like to see Angela Resendiz’s original fabric art from her small business, The Shabby French Home.  (You guessed it–there’s nothing “shabby” about her work!)

We also probably won’t be able to resist Bee-Kissed Caramels‘ artisan candy–and neither will you.

Glitterfest’s 2017 autumn mixed-media art show happens Sunday, October 15th, at its new  Fullerton location,  Spring Field Banquet and Conference Center,  501 North Harbor Drive at West Chapman Avenue.  Hours are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and admission is $7.00 at the door.

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by Noella Noelophile®

How in the world did October get here so fast?

With shorter days, turning leaves, displays of pumpkins in the stores and even one store putting out evergreeens (yikes!), it’s time to think of Christmas shopping.  But not the crowded-mall type; the kind that’s actually fun.

Of course, I’m talking about indie artisans and getting to meet the people who crafted something special.  Here are several events for which you may want to mark your calendar (they’re not that far away!).

Let’s start with what’s new this year.

NEW: Tamiza’s Treats storefront: Grand Opening, October 27th.

Remember the peanut-butter fudge, chocolate-chip cookies and various other “irresistibles” Mom or Grandma used to make?

So does professional pastry chef Tamiza Teja.

But the difference is, Mom or Grandma probably didn’t create vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free specialties upon request.   Through her artisan bakery, Tamiza’s Treats, Tamiza can provide all of the above.  She also creates gift baskets for any occasion.

“Yummmm” tends to be a conservative commentary on her handiwork.I’ve been buying her chocolate-chip cookies, fudge and popcorn for the past three years or so.  (Purely in the interest of investigative research, of course!)  Everything she makes has a tendency to disappear, very quickly

Now, Tamiza’s planning “Tamiza’s Treats and Artisan Boutique Grand Opening” at noon on Friday, October 27th–just in time to treat some of your favorite ghosts and goblins!  And if you’re a total “foodie” who likes to cook, her new shop will offer food-related and kitchen items, created by high-quality artisans.

Grand opening festivities, Tamiza messaged, will be going on all weekend.   And if you’re looking for a gift for a favorite “foodie”, or something special for a party or other celebration, you might like to talk to her sooner, rather than later.  (She does take online orders.)

Tamiza’s Treats Artisan Treats & Gift Boutique’s Grand Opening happens Friday, October 27th, from noon to 7 pm,, at 3525 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite Q in the city of Torrance.  Admission is free.And since the weeks before Thanksgiving always seem to book up early, here’s another new event you may want to put on your calendar:Pipe &Thimble Publishing and Bookstore Winter Wonderland Art Gallery, November 17th.

Southern California’s first all-independent-authors bookstore opened this past May, as we mentioned in an earlier post.  Now, Pipe & Thimble proprietors Barb and Ellie Lieberman are about to celebrate their first Christmas season as bookstore/magical creative space owners.

Their “Winter Wonderland Art Gallery” will feature works by local artists and photographers.  Just a few they’ve already named:

Jessica Silagy, gifted graphic artist (one of her Christmas cards is still part of our decor; it’s too pretty to send!);

Robin Nieto, co-author of Tales From Mema’s Garden; (Ask her if she’s seen any butterflies lately, and she may just show you something breathtaking!);

Suzanne Gibson, of Suzanne’s Studio; (I love her Halloween pumpkin and Santa paintings!);And, of course, Barb and Ellie, besides being talented authors, excel at creating–well, just about everything.Here are a few of their “Pipe & Thimble Bears”, which they made prior to their store opening.Couldn’t resist falling in love with this cheery miniature painting Barb did, either.  Meanwhile, one of my personal favorites of theirs, for Christmas , is a set of two soft-sculpture fabric trees they crafted, through Barb’s previous handcrafted business “Seeds 2 Inspire”.  Originally, Barb and Ellie designed them as sachets, but given a resident feline whose breathing is more important than scented anything, we went with, simply, decorations.Want to see something enchanting?  Ellie creates fairy-world miniatures: doors, houses and just about anything else magical, through her handmade online  business, Acorn Tops!

(Also, if you love needlecrafting, don’t forget to ask Barb about her needle-felting classes!  A recent favorite creation is her monarch butterfly.)

AND–we’re not done yet.  More exhibiting artists are in the process of confirming!

Pipe & Thimble Publishing & Bookstore hosts their “Winter Wonderland Art Gallery” on Friday evening, November 17th, from 7:30 to 10 pm at their store location, 24830 Narbonne Avenue, near 250th Street, in the City of Lomita.  Admission is free.

Now, how come everything fun seems to happen all at the same time? November 18th is going to be a “crafty” weekend, with Jackalope Arts making its Pasadena appearance that Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th.  (Pictured is show co-founder Sara Diederich.  Notice the shopping bag–she couldn’t resist all the cool gift stuff, either!)

This is an all-handmade, juried arts and crafts fair which I had the pleasure of exploring, after its Pasadena debut in 2015.  They had more than 200 artisans, along with a DIY booth and workshops.  Complete favorites included the hula-hoop workshops with Jennifer Jensen of Eclectic Hoops, the kids’ mask-making workshops by SPACE (South Pasadena Arts Center, and of course, all the cool creative “finds” that had me lugging home a shopping bag full of treasures.Sara mentioned, in an earlier interview, that she and her co-founders created Jackalope Arts as a way for the community to connect and actually have a conversation with the creative exhibitors, rather than simply buy product.  That’s exactly what happened when I attended before: met some fantastic artists whose work is probably going to tempt me again this year!

Another plus?  Pasadena Jackalope Arts Fair now features glass-fusing demonstrations by Bullseye Glass Resource Center–and if you’d like to sharpen your own artistic skills, Pinot’s Palette Pasadena offers $10 canvas-painting workshops, both days of the Jackalope Fair!

The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair happens Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th, in Pasadena’s Central Park, 219 South Fair Oaks Avenue at Raymond.  Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, both days, and admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Swirls of honeylike fused glass.  A morning-light moment, captured on an artist’s canvas.  Patchwork that evokes summertime memories–even as it updates to the present day.

Did I tempt you yet?

If not, the San Clemente Art Association will do a much better job, this weekend.

This Saturday and Sunday, August 19th and 20th, they’re hosting their fifty-seventh annual “Arts and Craft Fair”, at the San Clemente Community Center!

While I don’t have a final tally of the number of artists and fine crafters exhibiting, suffice it to say that the San Clemente Art Association, founded in 1953, hosted its first Art and Crafts Fair in the 1960s.  Their mission, according to their website, is to “foster the appreciation of all arts and fine crafts”.

And this weekend is your chance to find new treasures–and maybe start some early Christmas shopping.  (Wow, did I really say that, already? )

Two artists you’ll definitely enjoy meeting: Michael and Freda Evans, of Ozarks-Wood-N-Stuff!  Both Mike and Freda are performers: Mike is a musician, who has divided his time between  playing upright bass with the South Coast Symphony and performing in Branson, Missouri’s “The Shepherd of the Hills” outdoor drama.

Meanwhile, Freda, who is an actress and singer, portrays “Mrs. Santa Claus” in Branson every Christmas season.

And Mike has two studios, in which he turns some beautiful, warm-looking bowls, plates, goblets and a number of other unique items that will have you wanting to reach out and touch the smooth exotic and local woods he uses to work his magic.

I personally couldn’t resist his smooth cherry wood pens, but he also crafts refrigerator magnets (secret Santa gifts here!), personalized rattles and platters.   Mike emails that the San Clemente Art Association’s Art and Crafts Fair is Ozarks-Wood-N-Stuff’s final California show.

Summertime, a chance to support gifted artists, and the ocean not far away.  California craft shows don’t get a lot better than that.

San Clemente Art Association’s 57th annual “Arts and Craft Fair” happens this Saturday and Sunday, August 19th and 20th from 10 am to 5 pm at San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville (near Avenida Cabrillo).  Admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Rain or shine, they’ll be there–heralding the start of Summer 2017.

And literally hundreds of talented all-handmade artists and artisans hope you’ll come see their creations, as our California summer gets off to an unofficial start.

This weekend kicks off the first of three upcoming “Patchwork Show Modern Makers’ Festivals” in Santa Ana.

Not only is this always a celebration, in the heart of Santa Ana’s arts district–this particular show of the trio carries a special shine.Maybe it’s the fact that Santa Ana is Patchwork Show’s “hometown”.  Festival co-creators Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell first started the Patchwork Show in a Santa Ana parking lot in 2008.But there’s always an extra sparkle of festivity with the performances on multiple stages, DIY workshops and artisan food vendors.  This year’s map and schedule list a “craft truck” and two DIY areas.  And of course, unique jewelry, needlework, woodworking, graphics and all sorts of other cool “finds” are a given.

Can’t make it to Santa Ana this weekend?  Patchwork Show comes to Long Beach on June 11th–and to Oakland on June 24th.

Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival’s Spring show runs from 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday, May 28th, at 2nd and Sycamore Street in downtown Santa Ana. 

The Long Beach Spring 2017 Patchwork Show happens from 11 am to 5 pm at Marine Stadium, Sunday, June 11th, at Appian Way at Bayshore. 

Then, the Oakland Spring 2017 show runs from11 am to 5 pm, Sunday, June 24th, at Jack London Square, located at Broadway and Water Street. Admission to all Patchwork Show events is free. 

While we’re on the subject of crafts festivals the Bay Area, now is a good time to mark your calendar for a Union Street tradition.  The forty-first annual Union Street Music Festival happens next weekend, June 3 and 4.

Huh? Music Festival?

Absolutely.

You and I may be most familiar with it as the ” Union Street Festival”, but according to their website, this is a new update–with a larger emphasis on music,  to keep the Festival fresh and evolving.

This largest of the Bay Area’s outdoor festivals will feature bands in five different genres–including jazz, bluegrass and local–playing on  stages all throughout the festival area (Union Street from Gough to Fillmore).

Meanwhile, the event will still feature the art and craft vendors, community groups and food vendors, along with their beverage gardens, that have brought people back for more in San Francisco on an annual basis.

There will be a juried art section, with cash prizes, and I’m glad I don’t have the judges’ job!  I’ve loved the Union Street Festival since celebrating my twenty-fourth birthday there, about five minutes ago (ahem), and always come back with a new total favorite.  One recent one: a breathtaking photo of the Golden Gate bridge, captured at a pink dawn by a gifted local photographer.

And speaking of “breathtaking”–if you already love this poster, you’ll get to see the actual painting at this year’s Ojai Valley Lavender Festival!“Our very gifted artist is Kristina Grey, a local resident and member of the Ojai Studio Artists,” emailed Ojai Valley Lavender Festival President Cindy Mullins.   Cindy says this painting will be featured in the Art Pavilion, the day of the Festival.

(And not to tempt you or anything–but most of the art in the pavilion is available for sale.)

“Very gifted” would also be an accurate description for the musicians, vendors and speakers who will be a part of this fourteenth annual Lavender Festival.   More than a hundred artists and artisans will be exhibiting their work……and speakers on beekeeping, farming and cooking will be sharing their expertise.

I personally hope the Ojai Valley Raptor Center will be back this year.  Their kestrels, hawks and falcons were a definite fun highlight of the show.

And if you get hungry, there are lavender cupcakes, ice cream, cookies and all kinds of other delicacies made with lavender, at the Festival and in the local restaurants.  However, the popular “Lavender Cooking Class” at the Lavender Inn is currently sold out–with a wait list.  (If you love cooking, though, you might just like to ask about their other classes–they have a full culinary school!)

Looking at the entertainment schedule, we can personally recommend the Steel Cut Band, whom we heard performing a couple of years ago.

However, the Lyra Quartet may just become another new favorite.  They’re an a cappella group who have been performing together since 2013–and they’re the opening set for the Festival.Two cautionary notes here–watch out for the bees!  With lavender everywhere, bees love it (who can blame them?).  Also, traffic does get heavy–you’ll want to find parking early and be careful crossing the streets.  Cars can back up unexpectedly, midstream (as one did during our previous visit), so please be safe.  In addition to checking out the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, I certainly recommend taking the trolley (across the street from Libbey Park) to see the town, if you can.  This travels in a circle around Ojai; it’s a great ride.

The fourteenth annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, June 24th, in Libbey Park, at South Signal Street near West Ojai Avenue.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Pasadena’s expecting a “Jackalope” in Central Park this weekend.

And it’s going to be full of color, motion, talent–and fun.

As an independent-artisan fair, Jackalope Art and Craft Fair is so much more than shopping.

Sure, it’s a juried, all-handmade show with free admission.  And the Spring 2017 edition, in Pasadena, will have more than 200 local artists onsite, this Saturday and Sunday.But when co-founders Sara Diederich and Melissa Shipley started Jackalope in 2015, they envisioned it as a chance for attendees to meet and interact with the artisans behind all the “cool stuff”.   With Spring and Fall shows in Sara and Melissa’s respective home cities of Pasadena and Denver, Jackalope tends to be a weekend-long celebration of creativity.This weekend’s Jackalope Art and Craft Fair will include glass demonstrations by Bullseye Glass Resource Center.  Gifted acoustic musician Meesha Black will be performing onsite, throughout the weekend.  And anyone who wants to get moving–and/or get creative–will have plenty of opportunities!

During the first hour of the Jackalope Fair, 10 to 11 am Saturday and Sunday mornings, visitors will get to take part in the “Coloring Pop-Up Party” for little kids and us big kids.  Hula hooping workshops with Jennifer Jensen, of Eclectic Hoops, will be happening throughout the weekend.  And if jewelry making, painting, crafting dreams catchers or creating terrariums is a project you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll get that opportunity, for a small fee.

Adding to the air of general festivity will be the food trucks.  While the chance to visit with the artisans is the best part, for me, I still had the best cinnamon coffee I’ve ever tasted at Jackalope, during their Fall 2015 fair, courtesy of one of the visiting food trucks.

This spring, the listed food trucks include Greenz on Wheelz’ healthy delectables, Slammin’ Sliders’ tempting offerings (kobe mushrooms? Lobster? YUM.) and Contra Coffee and Tea’s artisanal brews.And what kind of treasures are you likely to find?  Too many to list, but a sense of freshness and fun prevails at Jackalope.  Just a couple of the vendors who caught my eye with their intriguing creations are Dot’s Daughter Designs (big, bold flowers and striking figures in warm colors on “future collectible” greeting cards); Indie Republic Design (ohhh, that ruffled black bodysuit!) and Boots Raven’s vibrant-colored geometric earrings.

There’s also an exciting new addition to this year’s Pasadena Jackalope Art and Craft Fair.  As of 2017, they emailed, they’re partnering with the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to promote their mission of ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness for Skid Row women.  Jackalope attendees will get to see the MADE by DWC booth, with items created by program participants in collaboration with community artists.  Both the Information Booth and the DWC Booth will be accepting donations if you would like to help support DWC, which provides a 12-week job training program and work experience to program participants.Jackalope 2017, Spring edition, is looking fantastic already!  (And please note–if you’re not in the Pasadena area this weekend, the next show happens in Denver in July.)

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair happens this Saturday and Sunday, April 29th and 30th, from 10 am to 5 pm at Central Park, located between Fair Oaks Avenue, East Dayton Street, Del Mar Boulevard and Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Looking for something fun to slip into an Easter basket?  Or a Mother’s Day gift, birthday gift or, very possibly, your favorite “indie” author’s latest book?

Look no further than Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild, Saturday morning at 10.This Saturday marks their eighteenth annual “Spring Arts and Crafts Faire”.

More than sixty talented artisans will be on hand, offering three exhibit areas full of  all-handcrafted special things, including ceramics, art glass, fabric art and candles.  Music by DJ Ozzie always adds to the festive atmosphere, and there will be both door prize and opportunity drawings.   Best of all, Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s annual shows support a great cause: scholarships for local high school students with an interest in arts and crafts!

Looking at TCG’s Facebook page for additional new favorite artists, I’m loving Kards By Angie’s handcrafted greeting cards (wow, the shoes!),.and Susie Yarian’s wind chimes, especially. And did you know that Krystina Kyle, of Fun With Pretend, is a multiple award-winner for her fabric dolls–and takes custom orders? Ask her to show you her mermaid doll!

Not to be missed, as well, are the independent authors.  Talented storyteller Evangeline Duran Fuentes can make Mexican folktales, sign language and Christmas in a strange town all accessible and welcoming to her readers, in three of her most recent books!  (Those would be Cry on Hallows’ Eve, Feel the Sound and A Tumbleweed Christmas, respectively.)  Her children’s books are enough to open any young person’s eyes to the magical journey that is reading.And thank goodness the show happens on a Saturday!  Author Barbara Lieberman is introducing her latest book, Love in the Middle, at this particular crafts fair.  There goes sleep!   (I tried reading “just one chapter” of her second book To Reap a Whirlwind in bed.  Two hours later..I was still “hooked”–and no closer to turning out the light!)When you go, be sure to ask Barb and equally-gifted author Ellie Lieberman about their latest artistic collaboration: their brand-new all-indie bookstore, set to open on May 6th!  (Here’s a link to a sneak preview, but they’ll certainly do a better job of describing what’s going to be happening at their small-press, Pipe and Thimble Publishing!)And check out Barb and Ellie’s new miniatures: their “Pipe and Thimble Bears”, in honor of their brand-new venture!  Here’s just one, their “chef bear”, but these cute miniature teddy bears come in all kinds of themes–including fairy tales and other professions, such as firefighters!

That’s a spotlight on half a dozen of the exhibitors who’ll be on site on Saturday, but you’re sure to find many more favorites.  See you there!

The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 18th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Faire runs from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, March 18th, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Madrona Drive, at Torrance Boulevard and Madrona.  Admission and parking are free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

OK.  So today’s been a windy, cold and rainy Friday in Southern California.

But, we’ve just seen some harbingers of spring.

Robins, daffodils, wild violets and hyacinths?  No–even better.

Three major juried fairs are currently accepting applications for all-handmade vendors.  Here are their dates and information!

Glitterfest!

Show date: March 19, 2017 in Fullerton.

Described as a “mixed-media art festival”, this is a fantastic gathering of both vintage collectables and unique handcrafted items.   Vendors seem to have as much fun being creative with their glittery tables, as with their handcrafted offerings.  And fans obviously feel the same way.  We had to wait in line outside, before the doors opened, at the most recent Glitterfest! we attended!

I’m not sure “vintage collectables” does justice to some of the glass Christmas ornaments, violet-patterned English teacups and the 1950s-era typewriter we saw on display when we attended.  Maybe the magic of this show is in the mix!  These items can show up right alongside a vendor’s brand-new, hand-tooled leather purses, woven beadwork or folk-art ceramics.  But talented founding sisters Sheryl Simpson and Dianne White certainly get it right–and seem to have a great time with all the talent and glitter.

Deadline: Glitterfest!  is accepting applications through March 1, 2017.  Here’s the link to apply.

Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair Pasadena

Show dates: April 29th and 30th, in Pasadena.

A relatively-new show, started in 2015 by a team of three talented maker/entrepreneurs, Jackalope has been drawing more than 200 vendors, twice a year, to Pasadena’s Central Park.  (And since co-founders Sara Diederich and Melissa Shipley are from Pasadena and Denver, respectively, they also host fairs twice yearly, in Denver.  The next Rocky Mountain-setting Jackalope Fair happens in July.) A definite strong point for Jackalope Fair are their hands-on art workshops, both for kids and “big kids”.  And that’s in addition to all the unique, high-quality handmade creations (we found one artisan who took 1960s string art and made it her own, a metalworker with Christmas ornaments and personal Yetis among our previous show favorites!)

Deadline: February 17th.  Here’s the link to apply.  They actually had “early-bird” applications on January 2nd–I’ll have to tell you about this one a little sooner, next time!

 

Maker Faire Bay Area

Show dates: May 19-21, 2017, in San Mateo.

This is not a standard “crafts fair” as much as a maker showcase, with all kinds of cool DIY stuff from makers of all ages.

San Francisco Bazaar happens in conjunction with this one, with more than 80 artisans exhibiting.  However, San Francisco Bazaar’s web page says they will open for applications soon, while Maker Faire Bay Area has issued their “Call for Makers” now.  As I check with San Francisco Bazaar, I’ll err on the side of caution by giving you deadlines for Maker Faire applications.  They list “crafters” among the DIY exhibitors for whom they’re looking, and their deadlines are as follows:

• First round of applications: Open through 11:59 pm, February 12, 2017.

• Second round of applications: Open through 11:59 pm, February 19, 2017.

•  After that second deadline, they’ll review applications based on available space.

 

Get busy, have fun, and good luck!  Hope to see you at the fairs this spring.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Approximately ninety gifted all-handmade vendors, plus music and food.

Did you just exclaim, “Where?!?”

If you did, I can’t blame you–and they’ll be back on Sunday.This was the scene, Saturday at Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 47th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  Three rooms filled with beautiful jewelry, pottery, lots of Christmas ornaments, clothing and graphics were enough to weaken the resolve of the most stalwart, “I-have-plenty-of-Christmas-gifts-bought-already-and-don’t-need-anything-else” browser.Because, of course, there are exhibitors on the plaza and outside the entrance, too.

As mentioned before, I love Krystina Kyle’s award-winning handcrafted dolls, which she sells through her small business, Fun With Pretend.

When we visited on Saturday, she had gingerbread people she had sewn–because her son really loves the classic story, “The Gingerbread Man”.  I won’t ruin a surprise, but if you happen to buy one of her gingerbread dolls to go with your Christmas decor, even the box in which she’ll pack the doll is clever and creative!In December, we’ll be featuring a conversation with Evangeline Duran Fuentes, who  is an incredible storyteller.  She was exhibiting her children’s book, Waggles, with another children’s book forthcoming within the next week–and a new novel coming out early next year.  (And you’ll love her Christmas book, A Tumbleweed Christmas, based on her experiences in Texas as her kids were growing up.)But we haven’t said a word yet about her sparkly bracelets, which she sells through her small business Alluring By Design.       

Evangeline uses Swarovski crystals to create cuff bracelets that would be fun to wear for an evening out or any special occasion, and are–well, completely alluring.Who else did we especially like?  Who didn’t we!  But due to limited space, here are just a few favorites:I love the name, and the Christmas stockings!  Danielle Fowler, of Sumtinprty Crochet,  had an exhibit of festive-looking stockings and other granny-square-inspired creations.  AND she takes custom orders!

In the first room we saw was Robyn Wellman, of Younique Ornaments.  She comes up with ornament designs that would look like patchwork–if patchwork could sparkle.  Robyn says crafting each of her ornaments takes her several hours.

On the subject of sparkling and shining–Donna Gary, of Donna’s Designs, excels in that department!  I completely fell in love with her stylish scarves and wraps.And who wouldn’t be inspired–even as she’s losing sleep while staying up to read “just one more chapter”?  That’s been a hallmark of author Barb Lieberman’s fiction books in the past.  Multitalented Barb (r), crafts all kinds of cool book swag and has just published a moving and deeply personal new nonfiction book, The Unchained Spirit.  Just a few pages in so far–and already it’s reached out its pages to grab me–sleep will just have to wait.

In addition, when you stop by Barb’s booth, you’ll also get to meet Acorn Tops proprietor Ellie Lieberman (center), author of the new book Solving For X, and one of the featured contributors to the dragon anthology A Horde of Dragons.  

Ellie’s previous book, Society’s Foundlings, tells a story of very dark circumstances in such a way that the beauty shines through (and I don’t know how she does that, but it’s a great read).

Also, Ellie crafts enchanting fairy doors, fairy bottles and fairy houses–and she’s starting to make a new batch of them!

A third gifted artist at the booth?  Jessica Johnson, of Jessie J Inspirations (l).  In addition to her imaginative and beautiful graphics, now Jessica is sewing some of the Seeds of Inspiration’s sachets and other cool fiber-art creations!  (Those standup green Christmas trees are a personal favorite.)

(And–Barb has some wonderful news!  Can’t tell you much more about it yet, but I’ll certainly be filling you in on the details in the future.  Think “creative”, “exciting” and “encouraging in 2017”, and you’ll be on the right track.)

Congratulations to Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild on another fun, almost-Thanksgiving craft faire with a festive atmosphere!  Their Christmas music, courtesy of DJ Ozzie, had us humming along, they were hosting a charity raffle and the whole event had a warm sense of community!  And if you’re in Southern California and would like to see some of this firsthand, today’s your chance.  Their 2016 “Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire” is open for its second and final day, Sunday, November 20th at 9 am.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 47th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair’s second day happens Sunday, November 20th, from 9 am to 4 pm, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  Torrance Cultural Arts Center is located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, at Torrance and Madrona.  Admission and parking are free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

‘Tis the season!   OK, technically we have to have the turkey first.  But now is a great time to think of Christmas shopping, with a lot of help from talented indie “artrepreneurs”.

With that in mind, here’s another round of upcoming craft fairs, happening in the next few weeks. .

This weekend’s a “biggie”: Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 47th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire happens this Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th!  Besides showcasing more than ninety talented exhibitors, they’ll have music by DJ Ozzie, a drawing for door prizes, and, of course, food.

I’ve already given you the heads-up that gifted Krystina Kyle, of Fun With Pretend, will be there with her award-winning handcrafted dolls.  But, did I mention……that artist/author Barb Lieberman, of Seeds of Inspiration, and author/artist Ellie Lieberman of Acorn Tops, have a brand-new publishing company?   Their new joint venture, Pipe & Thimble Publishing, is founded on the idea that all authors and artists should be treated with respect and fairness.  Can’t wait to see some of their new selections!

In addition, this year’s flyer is dangling temptation in front of our noses.  Cute handmade greeting cards, beaded Christmas ornaments, mosaic fused glass and modern-art silver pendant are just four of the offerings that may leave you quietly smiling to yourself as you watch the “Black Friday” insanity from a safe distance.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 47th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair runs Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th.  Hours are 9 am to 4 pm, both days, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, at Torrance and Madrona.  Admission and parking are free.

Meanwhile, up north…The 2016  Renegade Craft Fai Holiday Tour is in San Francisco this weekend!   They’ll have 300 vendors onsite at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, according to their website.  I’m especially loving the cards, albums and Christmas ornaments by Cardtorial; Emily Gutman Quilt Shop’s rainbow-striped baby quilts, and that cute jewelry by Seoul Little. (Hashtag stud earrings?  Clever!)

In addition, they’ll be featuring  DIY workshops,  music by DJRedLite, and food and drink to tempt just about everybody.

The Renegade Craft Fair, San Francisco, happens at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, at 2 Marina Boulevard (just east of Laguna and north of Bay Street),  from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th.  Admission is free.  Their website warns that parking lots onsite are open to the public but have limited capacity; you may want to think about walking, biking or taking public transit.  (After all, everything’s close to everything, in San Francisco!)

Meanwhile, if you’re in Southern California–your turn’s coming!  Renegade Craft Fair Los Angeles is coming up Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, in Grand Park, near West First and South Grand Avenue.  Hours will be 10 am to 5 pm, both days, and admission’s free.

And finally, next weekend?

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival makes one more winter appearance, in Southern California, on Sunday, November 27th.   (That’s Sunday after Thanksgiving, of course, so this is a great opportunity to walk off all that turkey!) It’s also a great time.  Their vendors are selected by jury, and they always have a fantastic variety of scented soaps, jewelry, ceramics and much more.  My particular weakness is the artisan sweets, and those handcrafted marshmallows and fudge would make great gifts for anyone with a sweet tooth.

In addition, they’re sure to have music, crafts and an overall festive atmosphere, as Patchwork Show “comes home”.  The show’s happening in Santa Ana–the site of the first-ever Patchwork Show.

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival happens Sunday, November 27th, from 11 am to 5 pm at 2nd and Sycamore Streets, in Santa Ana.  Admission is free.

That’s our roundup of crafts festivals for now.  Enjoy, and a very Happy pre-Thanksgiving week to you and yours.

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by Noella Noelophile®

“Grab a hook and a ball of yarn,” directed yes4arts volunteer Susana Ethial.It was Sunday morning, at yes4arts’ first Winter Holiday Fair.The workshop area at Torrance Cultural Arts Center awaited students in knitting, sewing and crochet.  Numerous fiber artists were on hand to share their expertise.  And lessons were free.

(That’s in keeping with the mission of yes4arts, a nonprofit organization which designer Paula Bennett started in 2015.  They say it best on their website: they’re “dedicated to inspiring and empowering people through free fiber art classes”.)Susana, who is the proprietor of Ethial’s Crochet, says on her Facebook page that she can teach anyone the art of crochet.  She proved that statement in about twenty minutes.

Now, understand–this reporter grew up with needle arts.  But my mom was left-handed.  So although she could teach right-handed knitting, crochet remained a backwards mystery.Thanks to Susana and yes4arts, that statement is no longer true.

Meanwhile, over in the sewing area, Debra Knox and Elaine Geanakopoulos were teaching quilting skills.“I used to hate sewing,” Debra commented.  During her school years, she said, shop classes were more of interest to her–but they were only for boys.  Girls had to learn home economics.  (Ugh, those weren’t the “good old days”!  In my hometown in the 1960s, girls had to sew kerchiefs and aprons.  Boys got to make cool things like door knockers and key holders.  No wonder she was bored!)Quilting, though, would change her mind–and engage her creativity.

Debra said she began quilting about five years ago.  Today, she’s program chair of the African American Quilters of Los Angeles.Here’s the pattern on which she’s currently working.  Debra says this one was inspired by an African painting.  (Would you like to see the completed quilt?  You may just get that opportunity! Debra was giving out “Save the Date”  flyers for the African American Quilters of Los Angeles’ 2017 show, which happens November 4, 2017!)“Come and enjoy,” invited Elaine, as she displayed this kimono she had created.  (It’s an award-winner in the 2015 Hoffman Challenge Trunk Show!  Debra emailed that this win means the kimono traveled for a full year as part of the Hoffman Challenge’s exhibit of winners.)

Elaine’s invitation referred to her free community quilt workshop, which she teaches every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, in Inglewood.  And beginners are both welcome and encouraged.

“Students make a quilt to start with,” she explained.  “I like to work with good quality fabrics: cotton, for the beginners.  Cotton is very forgiving.”Quality, she explained, had been a cornerstone of her training as an art major in college, where her areas of expertise included ceramics, textiles and metalworking.  “My professor said the quality of your piece is determined by the quality of your supplies.”

Elaine said she started her workshop about five years ago, and she teaches a small group.  Between one and nine students come in weekly.  (Her workshop happens from noon to 3 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3320 West Manchester, in Inglewood.)

Like yes4arts, Elaine asks nothing in return for her time and expertise.  However,  donations of materials and equipment are welcome.  “I love sewing machines (and) fabrics (if people want to donate),” she said.At another table in the class area, artist Jamie Armenta was teaching kids to make dolls.  These dolls, she explained, are the same type as those made in the Renaissance!Nearby, designers Roberta Barry (l) and Polly Martens (r) were ready to teach sewing classes.  Polly is the proprietor of Radishlady Designs, through which she sells fun fashion accessories (her Pokemon bags are adorable!).  Roberta crafts striking quilted lap rugs, coasters, zipper bags and more through her small business R Sew Cute.  

And both Roberta and Polly have booths located at CRAFTED, in San Pedro.  Normally, you can find Roberta at CRAFTED’s Booth 143 and Poly at Booth 148, Fridays through Sundays in this year-round handmade marketplace..While yes4arts taught fiber arts classes as a feature of their fundraiser Winter Holiday Fair, they also had music, food and a number of vendors, showcasing their creations.One of the first exhibits we saw was Mystery Mace.  Company CEO Tracy de los Santos, COO Yiting Lin  and Sales Manager Kevin Leach explained that they were selling this product through a ten-week entrepreneurship program at their school.  (They all attend the University of La Verne, and Tracy emailed, after the event, that they have four weeks left in the program.

Mystery Mace is pepper spray, disguised in glittery silver, gold or pink tubes that look like lipsticks.   Their marketing line is, “Your safety, beautified.”Tracy, Yiting and Kevin said all proceeds from Mystery Mace get donated to Laura’s House, an Orange County women’s emergency shelter.  But the program ends after ten weeks and Mystery Mace’s Facebook page says their website went up on November 4th.  So if you’d like to know more or support them, you may want to check it out fairly soon.An especially fun vendor at yes4arts’ first Winter Fair was Kellie Schmidt, who has a brand-new small business!  Talented Kellie handcrafts lotions, body scrubs and hair serum through her skincare company, With Love, Kellie.   Rumor has it that she may also be offering a line of handcrafted soaps in the near future.

Look at the colors and creativity!   Deborah Shaphran and Vicky Tonoblo have been ceramic artists since the 1980s.  If you think their work here is aptly named (their business is called Truely Terrific), wait till you see their tiles and fused-glass vases!  And, in fact, you’ll get a chance to do that this weekend.

Deborah and Vicki will be hosting their annual Holiday Boutique this weekend, Friday, November 18th through Sunday, November 20th, at 4283 Grand View Boulevard in Los Angeles.  Their boutique hours are 9 am – 6 pm Friday, 9 am – 4 pm Saturday, and 10 am – 3 pm Sunday.  Admission’s free; expect to see all kinds of cool creations, including quilts, raku pottery, chimes and pet stuff.  So far, all the artists we’ve covered were exhibiting outside on Sunday.  That’s because, inside, all the displays were the result of one person’s creativity…

...Paula Crochet Fashion designer Paula Bennett,  founder of yes4arts, designed and made EVERYTHING in the room: jewelry, dolls, clothing, and more.Now, although yes4arts’ first “Winter Holiday Fair” was a welcoming gathering of creative artists, you’ll notice one thing from the pictures.  Sadly, attendance was much lower than expected. The unseasonable 80-degree temperatures may have chased people away from Christmasy outdoor events.  So might some of the upheaval from last week’s unexpected turn of events, on Election Day.But Paula says she will definitely be continuing yes4arts, and her mission of empowering the next generation of fiber artists by sharing her expertise.  (And she’s doing that by putting a new and slinky twist on crochet!  She designs halter tops, wedding dresses, evening gowns and much more, and sells her patterns.)Would you like to support Paula as she preserves the needle arts and inspires others through free fiber-arts classes?  Check out yes4arts’ link.  She never charges for classes, but volunteers are welcome.

Better yet, consider coming by to say “hi” and see what she’s created, as she displays her work at the upcoming 34th Annual Wilson Park Christmas Boutique, Sunday, December 11th, 9 am to 4 pm in Torrance.

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by Noella Noelophile®

 

How time does fly–and it’s time to have fun.

As in, lots of “indie” craft shows are coming up, in the next few weeks!  Here are a few you might like to put on your calendar.

In fact, I’m going to go out of sequence for just a moment.  One of our all-time favorite artists is making her “Holiday Fair” debut on Sunday, November 13th!Designer Paula Bennett, founder of nonprofit yes4arts, hosts her first “Winter Holiday Fair and Family Fun Day” in Torrance on Sunday, November 13th.  Free knitting, sewing and crocheting workshops (with materials included!),  craft vendors, a silent auction, food and entertainment will all be part of the festivities.

Now, if Paula’s name sounds very familiar–she’s the talented artist who’s taken the “traditional” fiber arts and turned them into……a way to empower the next generation to create their own sleek, sexy designs.

Her goal, with yes4arts, is to preserve the needle arts through free classes–while sharing skills that can help students become creative entrepreneurs.  In return for her time as an instructor, she asks her students to teach others what they’ve learned.

While this is her premiere “Holiday Fair”, Paula is no stranger to planning amazing events.  Every spring, she hosts a “Needle Arts Fashion Show”, with music, entertainment and crafts as well as a showcase of knitted, crocheted and sewn original designs.

Like the spring fashion show, this first “Winter Holiday Fair” will be a yes4arts fundraiser.  Here’s a link that will tell you more about the free workshops.  And if you have time and would like to volunteer to help as Paula hosts her first “Holiday Fair”, she’d like to hear from you.

Yes4arts’ first “Winter Holiday Fair and Family Fun Day” runs from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday, November 13th at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive North at Madrona.  Admission is free; free fiber arts classes start at 11 am.

Okay–back on schedule.  If you’re in the Bay Area, here’s some excellent news for this weekend.

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival starts its round of winter fairs today, in Oakland!   Personal favorites from this particular show have been jewelry, great scented soaps and some gorgeous graphics, in the past, but that barely does it justice.

On hand will be more than 100 vendors.  Live musical performances happen all day, food trucks are featured (but leave room for a handcrafted popsicle and/or sweet–vendors have small-batch artisan foods to die for!) and there’s also a “Patchwork Junior” area, according to co-founder Nicole Stevenson’s “Dear Handmade Life” website.  This is where makers under 18 get a taste of selling their work at a craft fair–how cool is that.

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival runs from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday, November 5th in Oakland’s Jack London Square.  Admission is free.

AND, this is the first of three shows!  Southern California is next on Patchwork Show’s itinerary, with shows scheduled for:

Long Beach, Sunday, November 13th, 11 am to 5 pm at Marine Stadium, Appian Way and Bayshore.  Admission is free.

Santa Ana, Sunday, November 22nd, 11 am to 5 pm,  2nd and Sycamore Streets.  Admission is free.

And we don’t want to forget a relatively new favorite, either.

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair started in Pasadena in April, 2015–and it’s received a well-deserved rousing response.  Co-created by talented planners Sara Vausbinder, Melissa Shipley and Laura Fischer, this is a three-city show that features more than 200 vendors.  Its emphasis is on getting to meet and talk with the exhibiting artisans.

A major strength of Jackalope, besides the unique offerings from so many talented vendors, is its art workshops.  The winter edition of “Jackalope” comes to Pasadena’s Central Park on Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th.  Getting a look at some of the listing vendors, I love those rich-looking handcrafted wooden bowls, the papercutter’s special gift boxes (wow, how talented some people are!) and those European handbags especially.  But nothing beats finding new favorites firsthand.

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair, Pasadena edition, runs 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th in Pasadena’s Central Park.  Admission is free.

Not in California?  If you’re reading this from Arizona, Jackalope comes your way Saturday and Sunday, November 26th and 27th, 10 am to 5 pm at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road near Pima Freeway.

Meanwhile, the Colorado edition happens Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, 10 am to 5 pm at the McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue, east of Bannock Street, in Denver.  Again, admission to both these shows is free.

That’s it?  No, not really.  There’s more to come–but this will get you started!

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Summer, 2016, has been a great one–and a highly creative time for San Pedro Art Association.

This weekend, they’re concluding summer with a celebration of new talent.

Sunday, September 11th, SPAA hosts a closing reception for their “Harbor Wide Student Art Competition”, which has been on display at CRAFTED since June.  .

These are some seriously talented young artists.

San Pedro Art Association has been conducting their Student Art Competition since 2011.  Just prior to the close of the school year, elementary, middle school and high school students throughout the San Pedro area are invited to submit their art.

Winners receive prizes including SPAA memberships and cash prizes.  And every participant receives a ribbon, art supplies–and his or her work gets framed professionally and exhibited in CRAFTED, San Pedro’s year-round marketplace!

On Sunday, SPAA will provide lunch and welcome students, parents and anyone who’d like to come celebrate their youngest creatives one last time.  But that’s just one of the many events San Pedro Art Association sponsors.

This autumn, San Pedro Art Association celebrates their eightieth anniversary!  They’ve been supporting, promoting and teaching artists since 1936, according to their website.  They host “First Thursday Artwalk” events  monthly (their next one happens on October 6th).  Their fall class offerings include jewelry design, painting and photography instruction.

Meanwhile, you’re cordially invited to come to CRAFTED this Sunday afternoon, have a light lunch and get to applaud the artists who may very well be creating your new favorite things, in the not-too-distant future.

San Pedro Art Association’s Closing Reception for their “Harbor Wide Student Art Competition” happens Sunday afternoon, September 11th, from 2:00 to 5:00 at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, 112 E 22nd Street at Miner, in San Pedro.

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by Noella Noelophile®

How would you like to do some “time traveling” this weekend?

This evening, in downtown Anaheim, you’ll get that opportunity.

At 6:00 tonight, the 18th Annual Swingin’ on the Promenade and Anaheim Art Crawl Experience join forces to transform the downtown area into a 1940s swing club–with more than 70 exhibiting artists.  There will also be a tribute to filmmaker John Hughes (of “Home Alone” and “Pretty in Pink” fame), courtesy of POPzilla Gallery.  And admission’s free!

Anaheim’s Art Crawl Experience, also known as ACE, is now in its sixth year.   This is an art walk/arts festival happening four times annually: on the second Saturday of February, May, August and November.  ACE locations are from Anaheim Boulevard to Harbor, and along Center Street Promenade–and you can walk OR get a complimentary ride aboard “Polly the Trolley”.

So, what might you see during this edition of ACE?  Just a few of the indie crafts vendors exhibiting, according to a news release, include Two Tribes Pottery (Native American artist  Rowan Harrison’s striking hand-built creations), Sylvia Loves Pink  (her adorable original stuffed cats and owls are my favorites!) and our total favorite “original art from a generous heart artist, Jessie J Inspirations!   (Ask her about her pinup calendar and the great cause it’s supporting!)Taking my best guess, I’d also say you might find some new favorite authors there.  Barbara Lieberman, Ellie Lieberman  and Evangeline Duran Fuentes will all be exhibiting.  In addition to being three talented craftswomen, these are storytellers, with a capital “S”–and three distinctive styles.  Barb creates highly-addictive historical fiction–and reworks fairy tales to appeal to “tall kids”, our age.  Ellie writes starkly beautiful prose, with an underlying compassion that shines through the bleakest scenarios.  Evangeline’s warm, imaginative stories evoke her cultural heritage and her memories of growing up in East Los Angeles.

Now–the dancing.

If you arrive early tonight, you can take a free dance lesson, courtesy of Atomic Ballroom Irvine.  They’ll be teaching from 6:00 till 6:30.  Then, it’s “show us what you learned” as an evening of music follows–courtesy of Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander, and DJ Vintage Pete.

In addition, the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center will offer free admission to their most recent exhibits.  Attendees of tonight’s Art Crawl Experience will get to see works by Nicolay Paskevich, created exclusive for this event!

Indie crafts, a night of music and dancing under the stars, and, oh yes, great food, from the gourmet foods booths throughout Anaheim Art Crawl Experience.  And, admission’s free.

A summertime evening in Anaheim doesn’t get a lot better than this.

 

Anaheim Art Crawl Experience and the18th Annual Swingin’ on the Promenade happen in conjunction this evening, August 13th, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm in downtown Anaheim.  Crawl locations are from Anaheim Boulevard to Harbor Boulevard and along Center Street Promenade.  Admission is free.  For GPS, use 201 Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805, according to their news release.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Crafts, music, dance and great food are all excellent components of a weekend.

So are family activities–including one Fido might like.

And you can get a generous helping of all of the above, today and tomorrow, at the 33rd Annual San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival.

The very best part of any summer festival, for me, is getting to meet and support the gifted members of the local creative community.   You’ll get plenty of opportunities to do that here…

More than 150 artists are set to exhibit their work, both days. (Talk about the best kind of opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping!  And, yowwww–guess what’s exactly six months from today!?!  I’d better get busy shopping.)

There’ll be ten gourmet food booths, and food trucks.

Don’t be too surprised if you feel like dancing.  They’ll have live entertainment, and a large family area.

Wine and Craft Beer Tasting returns for this year’s Festival.

So does a major hit from last year: the Pet Fashion Show.   (Wonder what the well-dressed poodle is wearing, for Summer 2016?  Something cool, I hope.  Preferably with a parasol–San Anselmo’s temperature is forecast to be in the upper 80s this weekend.)

If you’re in the Bay Area this weekend, check this out–and enjoy a gourmet chocolate for me.

The 33rd annual San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th, from 10 am to 6 pm, on San Anselmo Avenue, between Tamalpais and Bolinas Avenues.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Remember summer camp?   Where you made knotted bracelets that you and your best friend swore to wear forever?  And roasted s’mores around the campfire?

Now you can experience it again–minus the campfire and mosquitoes.

This Saturday, June 18th,  CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles invites you to “summer camp” as they host their “Summer Camp Etsy Craft Party”!  From 11:00 Saturday morning, they’ll have all kinds of workshops on the grown-up version of popular camp crafts.Once again, you’ll get to tie-dye.  (CRAFTED says you can either bring something you’d like to dye, or buy a shirt onsite). There’ll be a charm bracelet workshop, as well as one in which you can make a metal fortune-cookie charm.  Printmaking will be happening–and there’s even the opportunity to make your own nail polish.   And here’s a craft you probably never created at summer camp–“tie-dye cookies” you can paint and eat!

2016 marks CRAFTED’s fourth year of hosting the largest ETSY Craft Party on the West Coast, according to their Facebook page.  They’ll be doing the “summer camp” theme right, with hot dogs, photo booths, live music and indoor and outdoor games.  And of course, you will be able to get s’mores–the grown-up version, with sea salt, will be on sale at their Red Car Market!CRAFTED, which is San Pedro’s year-round all-handmade marketplace, has free admission and free parking.  The “summer camp” crafts workshops range in price from $4 to $10, and there’s a special candle-pouring workshop for $25.  (This is a limited-space one, happening at 2 pm, and you’re requested to RSVP at hello@banterandbliss if you’d like to go.)And of course, you’ll get to see talented local artisans exhibit their work, perhaps find some new summer treasures, and admire the work of tomorrow’s artists, in the “San Pedro Art Association Harbor Wide All Grades Student Art Competition Exhibition”, on display at CRAFTED from now till September.There’s also a free workshop, on creating the woven-yarn “Ojo de Dios” ornaments (remember those?), grown-up version, in CRAFTED’s demonstration area.

Here’s the link for session information.  But hurry–the bus is leaving soon!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located at 112 East 22nd Street, near Miner, Warehouse 10, in San Pedro.  Their “Summer Camp Etsy Craft Party” happens Saturday, June 18th, from 11 am to 7 pm, with workshops in CRAFTED’s courtyard, at their Creation Station and at a number of the shops throughout the marketplace; here’s the list.  Admission and parking at CRAFTED are free, while there’s a nominal charge for most of the “summer camp” craft workshops.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Hooray!  It’s the weekend!

Even better–it’s a weekend when a lot of cool stuff happens.

This Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th, the 62nd Annual North Beach Festival happens, in San Francisco’s historic North Beach area.  This free event is  is a Bay Area tradition–and promises to be a great time.

Festival weekend plans include more than 125 arts and crafts booths, amazing food (in a City known for great restaurants anyway!), beverage gardens, and live entertainment.  We count six separate stage areas, featuring music and poetry readings, on their event website.

In addition, the kids get to be creative in a kids’ chalk area–and everyone gets to ooh and aah as the local artists showcase their Italian street painting talents!

(I admit: this one, especially, wowed me.   The fabric of this gentleman’s clothing looks so realistic that I’d almost expect to hear it rustle!)

In addition, from 2 to 3, both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi hosts the long-running traditional “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony.  (The Shrine is located at 610 Vallejo Street, between Grant and Columbus.)

Besides being a don’t-miss way to start the summer in San Francisco, the North Beach Festival supports a great cause.  Proceeds from the Festival fund neighborhood projects, including installing and maintaining hanging flower baskets, sidewalk steam cleaning of businesses, and supporting neighborhood organizations that help to keep The City–well, San Francisco.

Admission is free to the  62nd Annual North Beach Festival, happening Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th, from 10 am to 6pm in multiple locations in San Francisco’s historic North Beach district:

Grant Avenue, between Columbus and Filbert;

Columbus Avenue between Broadway and Green; and

Vallejo and Green Streets between Grant Avenue and Columbus.Meanwhile, if you’re In Southern California this weekend, you’ll get the opportunity to see crafts by the beach–as Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival makes its summertime appearance in Long Beach!

While Patchwork Festival has multiple locations, this is their largest event, according to their website.  They’ll have more than 200 all-handmade vendors on site, as well as multiple music stages.

Entertainment can be unique (who knew Long Beach even had a Ukelele Club?  Their motto: “If it’s not fun, we don’t do it”!)

And at any Patchwork Festival, no one goes hungry.

Think artisan food vendors with handcrafted candies, homemade bread, sauces…and just in case none of that grabs your fancy…

…These are another delectable feature of Patchwork Shows.   I personally love India Jones–and yes, they do leave me “jonesing” for more of their samosas!Predominant among all the creative vendors, showcasing their work, is a sense of fun.

I personally always seem to find new favorite scented soaps and cool jewelry at Patchwork, but you’ll have a lot of opportunities to find your own treasures. Here, Toushonta Hogan offers her natural soaps and oils from Scentsational Soaps. In all probability, you’ll get a number of chances to be creative with DIY projects, as well as pick up some amazing gifts for grads, brides, early Christmas shopping–or treat yourself to something special.

And not only is Patchwork Show family-friendly, but canine-friendly as well, with your favorite four-legged companion welcome–and a free shuttle!

The Patchwork Show Handmade Modern Art Festival comes to Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, Appian Way at Bayshore, on Sunday, June 12th, from 11 am to 5 pm.  Admission is free.

Want one more, for this weekend?  O-kay.CRAFTED, in San Pedro, is having all-weekend-long paper crafting classes at their “Creation Station”, where you can make Dad a Father’s Day card for next weekend!  This is a low-cost class ($3 for instruction and materials).  Classes start at 10:00 this morning, Friday, June 10th, and continue until CRAFTED closes at 6:00 on Sunday evening.

They’ll also be hosting jewelry making classes this Saturday and Sunday, and printmaking workshops starting Saturday afternoon at 1:00 and continuing throughout the weekend.  And of course, since CRAFTED is a year-round crafts marketplace, you’re likely to find some unique handcrafted treasures here, as well.

One more note–now is the time to mark your calendar for NEXT weekend!  On Saturday, June 18th, CRAFTED hosts an all-day “Summer Camp Etsy Craft Party”, with games, giveaways, and summer-camp crafts all through the market!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located at 112 East 22nd Street, near Miner, Warehouse 10, in San Pedro. Their new hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,   11 am to 7 pm. Admission is free

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by Noella Noelophile®

Did you hear something that sounded like, “zoom”?

That’s exactly how this month seems to be going!  With Memorial Day weekend coming up, here’s a quick look at some upcoming California almost-summertime crafts fairs.SANTA ANA – PATCHWORK SHOW Modern Makers Festival.

Sunday, May 29th, 2nd and Sycamore, 11 am – 5 pm.  Admission is free.

More than 160 local vendors celebrate the “unofficial start of summer” in this all-handmade festival.   Fine jewelry and costume, scented soaps and handcrafted cards have been among my favorite “finds” here.Live performances are part of the fun…

,…and so is the opportunity to “get crafty” at one of the DIY areas. And, the food is completely fantastic!   Between the artisan-food area and the food trucks, this is a “foodie’s” day out.  I personally always hurry to get in the Front Porch Pops line–can we say “summer on a stick” here?  But you’ll probably find quite a few other personal favorites, as well.Santa Ana is right where it all started for the Patchwork Show.  Co-founders Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell opened their first show in the parking lot of Delilah’s store, The Road Less Traveled, in 2008.  Since then, the show has grown to a twice-yearly event in three different cities–both in Northern and Southern California!

The best part?  This is just the start of the 2016 Springtime Patchwork Shows!  Patchwork comes to Oakland’s Jack London Square on June 4th–and to Long Beach’s Marine Stadium on June 12th!

SAN FRANCISCO – UNION  STREET FESTIVAL.

Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 4th, Union Street, Fillmore to Gough

10 am – 6 pm.  Admission is free.

Again, where does the time go?  This will be the 40th annual Union Street Festival–and it’s never looked better!

To say the exhibiting artists have some incredible handmade work, would be an understatement.

Among the exhibitors this year, according to the website, will be S for Sparkle (I love Kate’s delicate rings and the “tiny pop of color” earrings she creates!), along with fiber artist Judy Sauer (if you want to see a gorgeous “table topper”, here’s one!) and glass artist Frank Thompson, who manages to get sea, rainbows and iridescence all into his glorious work.

Live music, dancing, health and fitness, and great food are all a part of the Union Street Festival.  So are health and fitness, and kids’ amusements!

And–this is the second year they’re having a juried fine-art section!  You’re invited to take a look as the judges vote on the best for cash prizes.

One other feature that’s always popular at the Union Street Festival?  The craft beer and wine sampling pavilions; and tickets are available now.   But, one warning–if this will be your first time at the Union Street Festival, and you want to have dinner afterwards, in one of the area restaurants, you may want to look into making reservations NOW.  Union Street lives up to San Francisco’s reputation for great restaurants, and a lot of Festival attendees will have the same idea.OJAI – OJAI VALLEY LAVENDER FESTIVAL

Saturday, June 25th, Libbey Park, 10 am – 5 pm.

Admission is free.

This one offers more than a hundred vendors, lavender for sale everywhere and all kinds of lavender essential oils, soaps and lavender-related food items.  Lavender ice cream, iced tea and even lavender-flavored entrees were on the menu when we went for the first time last year.In addition to all the artisans, the Festival had a crafts booth where visitors could make lavender wreaths, as well as live music by some very talented local bands. 

And while I don’t see it listed yet, I hope the Ojai Valley Raptor Center will be exhibiting again this year.Bob, the kestrel, hammed it up for the camera when we were there–and may be ready for an encoreAnd if you happen to love cooking, Chef Robin Goldstein teaches a very popular special class on “Cooking with Lavender” at the Lavender Inn, especially for the Festival.     Here’s the link with a phone number for reservations.Now, two warnings.  If you’re going to this one, get there early, as it does get crowded.  Free parking was available, last year, when we pulled in at 9 am.  Two hours later, every spot was taken.  And–the traffic can be heavy!  The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival’s deservedly popular, but as mentioned in a previous post, we narrowly missed being hit, by two different cars, as we tried to navigate one pedestrian crossing.  So please be careful.  And again, we highly recommend the Ojai Trolley, for a gorgeous ride around town.

Enjoy, and I’ll see you at the festivals!

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by Noella Noelophile®

Melissa Shipley is celebrating an anniversary this weekend.  And you’re invited!

Melissa is one of the three cofounders of Jackalope Art and Craft Fair.  Unbelievable as it seems, Jackalope is now a year old!   Melissa talked about her experience with Jackalope Arts, offered a preview of this weekend’s fair, and provided information for anyone who’d like to get involved in the future.

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair’s second Spring Fair happens in Pasadena’s Central Park, this Saturday and Sunday, April 30^th and May 1^st.  Then, it’s destination: Denver, as they partner with one of Colorado’s longest-running festivals, for their Summer 2016 Jackalope Art and Craft Fair, in August

Here is their consultant, Winston, who is a bow-tie specialist and will be accompanying Melissa to this weekend’s Jackalope Fair.

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair is an all-handmade, juried show with more than 200 vendors onsite.  But, the words barely do justice to the experience.  When I had the opportunity to explore their Fall 2015 show, I fell in love with the handmade clocks, scented soaps and jewelry.  Jackalope, like the mythical animal for which the show is named, showcases imagination at its best—with “how-did-they-come-up-with-that” creations that suddenly become essentials for your life and living space.Jackalope’s emphasis is on the creative community: giving guests a chance to meet and talk with the artists, as opposed to simply offering work for sale.  Their DIY crafts workshops (which are free!) are a definite plus, and were a popular draw last time. And. unfortunately, I have to give you an abject apology.  Due to server issues, my site’s been down most of the weekend. This post was scheduled  to give you a preview of the show, which starts Day 2 at 10 this morning.  Can we say “short notice” here?  I’m sorry!  

However, now that the server’s back, here’s the info on Jackalope for today–and let me be the first to advise you, they’re coming back to Pasadena for their Fall Fair, Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th!

Day 2 of the Jackalope Spring 2016 Art and Craft Fair happens today, Sunday, May 1, and runs from 10 am to 5 pm in Pasadena’s Central Park, 275 South Raymond Avenue, north of Del Mar, in Pasadena.  Admission is free.   And look for a return appearance for their Fall Fair, Saturday and Sunday, November 12th and 13th, from 10 am to 5 pm, both days.

Traveling to Denver this summer?  Say “hi” to Jackalope Arts as they partner with the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival!  They’ll be set up inside the fair, Saturday and Sunday, August 12th and 13th.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Okay–so we did just start the workweek.

But that’s no reason not to look forward to this weekend–when Artisanal L.A. is all set to tempt you!.

Artisanal L.A‘s Spring show starts at 11 this upcoming Saturday morning, April 9th, and runs through 6:00 Sunday evening, April 10th, at The Reef in downtown Los Angeles. There will be more than 150 makers onsite.If you haven’t attended an Artisanal L.A. show before, the term, “foodie’s dream” barely covers it.

Vendors are local artisans who whip up small batches of some of the most delectable specialties we’ve ever tasted.  But–as you’ll see in this picture from the Fall 2013 show–they don’t just let you look at their creations.  They’re giving out samples!  (If Coldwater Canyon Provisions offers you a taste of their preserves–or anything else–you might want to say “yes”.  Rondo Mieczkowski handcrafts these from family recipes, and our Thanksgiving guests couldn’t stop raving about his dill pickles, last year!)However, the food is only the beginning.

Artisanal L.A. is a celebration, pure and simple, of makers of all kinds–bakers, gardeners, craftspeople.   They have ongoing workshops on organic farming, cooking and crafts–which sometimes present a real challenge, as a number of interesting events are all going on at the same time! Artisanal L.A.’s 2016 Spring show schedule includes DIY workshops on leatherworking, making caramels and chocolate, mini loom weaving and gardening (there’s a Saturday class on “drought or no drought” tree care!).

Meanwhile, the kids will have a great time, courtesy of Barnsdall Art Center.  They’re offering a series of kids’ crafts, both days.  (Tissue-paper flowers, pretty pendants and make-your-own greeting cards are just three of them–just in time for Mother’s Day! Here’s the link for registration information.)

Among the makers you’ll get to see at Artisanal L.A.’s Spring show?  I seriously love the sparkly creations and gorgeous silver-and-gold silhouettes from Mei Elizabeth’s philanthropic jewelry design company.  (Even better, sales support a great cause, as you’ll read on her website.)  Goat Rodeo’s goat-milk soap looks intriguing, with scents like “cilantro lime” and “lavender mint”.  Also, those unique-textile chairs and accessories, created by Folk Project, manage to be striking, whimsical and welcoming, all at once.

And you’ll be maaaaad about the cute baby goats!  (Sorry–couldn’t resist.)  You’ll get to see them, both days, courtesy of The Sanctuary at Soledad.  Again, another great cause: they’re both a farm and an animal rescue, with a strict no-kill policy.

Great food, talented makers, DIY workshops–and a chance to hear singer/songwriter Katie Ferrara perform on Sunday afternoon at 2, in the Copa Vida Coffee Lounge.  Can a weekend event possibly get any better?

Well, in Artisanal L.A.’s case–yes.  Pre-sale admission tickets are available online, at a discount!

Artisanal L.A.’s Spring show runs Saturday and Sunday April 9, 2016, from 11 am to 6 pm, both days at The Reef, 1933 South Broadway near Washington Boulevard, in Los Angeles.  Tickets are $10 in advance, online, or $15 at the door, with a weekend pre-sale admission price of $15 for both days.  Spring show programming is subject to change.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Last October, we fell in love.

And so will you, if you come to Anaheim on February 27th.

Glitterfest! was a new show for us, and we found lots of gifted artists, who were having fun being magical.  We especially loved the woven-bead black cat necklaces we saw, along with a new take on spoon jewelry and some tiny Parisian-scene refrigerator magnets that practically jumped into our shopping bag of their own accord.

Interspersed with all the cool handmade creations were vintage items like English bone china, some classic silver candelabra and wax-faced Christmas elves we remember from growing up in the 1960s.   And of course, displays sparkled and shone–with glitter!

OK, now it’s your turn.

Glitterfest!’s Spring Show happens on Saturday, February 27th, and sisters Sheryl Simpson and Dianne White are preparing a great time.  According to their Glitterfest! website, among the exhibiting juried artists will be Lisa Loria.  (She paints, sculpts and makes dolls and jewelry, but that doesn’t really do justice to her work.  Take a look at her blog–I especially love her “shoedelier”!)

Gourd artist Candace Navarrete will also be onsite.  She created some amazing Halloween gourd art for the Fall Glitterfest show. Check out her black cat and witch designs for Halloween on her Howling Moons Blog. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with for Spring!

And the metalwork of Despina Buoncristiani is enough to give anyone a serious case of “bracelet lust”!  The copper one with the dragonfly has me “oohing” and “aahing”, but you will certainly find your own favorites among all her fine silver, mixed metal, brass and copper jewelry.

Prepare to “glitter”, and we’ll see you there.

Glitterfest!’s Spring Show happens Saturday, February 27th, 10 am to 3 pm at The Business Expo of Anaheim, 1960 South Anaheim Way, near the 5 and south of East Gene Autry Way.  Admission is $7.00.  Plan to arrive early; this is a popular one!

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

O-kay.  Here we go again.

Another weekend when I wish I could be in three different places, at once!

This Saturday, November 21, artists, dancers, and overall “creatives”–and their families– get to celebrate almost-Thanksgiving, at San Pedro’s second annual “HeART in the Park” event!

This is a free event, with live exhibits/demos by artists including Los Angeles Spinners Guild, painter Wendy Wallstrom and digital photographer Larry Hodgson.  They’ll have music, line dancing, face painting for the kids, and much more.In addition, there’ll be a creative “giving back” opportunity you’ll enjoy: Empty Bowls San Pedro will be there to host “Paint Out in the Park”!They’ll have bisque bowls which you can paint, for free, to support a charity, courtesy of Regina Fernandez and Gayle Fleury, of Seaside Studios San Pedro.   The bowls will be used for an ice cream social, in February 2016 (February 13, if you and your Valentines would like to mark your calendar!), as a fundraiser for Harbor Interfaith Services.

San Pedro’s second annual “HeART in the Park” event happens Saturday, November 21st,  at Anderson Memorial Senior Citizen Center, 828 South Mesa Street, between 8th and 9th, in San Pedro.  Hours are noon to 4 pm, and admission is free.  However, please consider bringing donations of food or toiletries; they’re hosting a charity drive for Harbor Interfaith Services.

Fortunately, if you hate to miss a great “crafty” adventure, the Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild have scheduled their upcoming show so you don’t have to.  Their 46th Annual Holiday Arts and Craft Faire, also happening this weekend, is a two-day event at Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

They’ll have more than 90 exhibiting artists onsite, according to their event Facebook page.They’ll also feature music, courtesy of DJ Ozzie, food, and a raffle prize drawing.  But, of course, the main “draw” (“draws’, probably, as there are ninety of them!) would be all the talented all-handmade exhibitors!

Just a sampling of what you’ll see?

Well,  I’m loving those cute cards from Playa Paper, for both Christmas and Hanukkah, on their Facebook page!  The whimsical stuffed cats, by Mary Chamberlain, are another favorite, and look like perfect stocking stuffers.  Chairperson Mary Anne St. John’s handcrafted Christmas earrings may tempt you to the point that you wind up with some new favorite accessories.  And while I haven’t met her yet, that recycled-tin jewelry by Terry Madison, of Tin Snippets, looks both intriguing and beautiful.)

And of course, total favorite authors/artists Barbara and Ellie Lieberman are a can’t-miss!  While they’re mother and daughter, their individual styles are quite different.

Barb, proprietor of Seeds of Inspiration, will be on hand with her handcrafted aromatherapy pillows and sachets.  If you’re lucky, she may also be taking orders for her new book, To Reap the Whirlwind, which is the prequel to her recently-published historic love story, Message on the Wind.  (To Reap the Whirlwind is set for release on January 16, 2016.)

Meanwhile, as proprietor of Acorn Tops, Ellie creates an enchanting miniature world: fairy doors, gardens, dolls and houses.  The magic spills over into her writing: her first book, Society’s Foundlings, is a short story for young adults, with a subtle beauty among the stark setting that is the world of her four protagonists.Ellie is currently writing a short story for the upcoming anthology A Horde of Dragons, to be published in July, 2016.  Look for a number of other new and exciting works from her, as well, within the next few years.  As she inspires with her writing, Ellie is also reaching out to the community in other ways.  She’s involved in supporting a fantastic nonprofit: The Uprise Books Project, which uses banned and challenged books to inspire underprivileged teens.

Those are just a few of my “picks” for the weekend–but you’ll probably discover a lot of favorites of your own!  Have fun!

The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 46th annual Holiday Arts and Craft Faire happens Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, located at Madrona and Torrance Boulevard.  Hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

More than 200 all-handmade vendors were onsite, at Central Park.Anyone who wanted to make something fun, had that opportunity.And attendees had a great time, getting to meet and talk with the makers at last weekend’s Jackalope Art and Craft Fair, in Pasadena.

This weekend, “Jackalope” hops into Denver, for a two-day stay.

During our visit to this second Jackalope Pasadena, we enjoyed early Christmas shopping–and exploring the many unique talents the exhibitors displayed.Jackalope Arts co-founder Sara Vausbinder looked like she was having fun–and like she couldn’t resist buying something amazing, either!  (Sara and partners Melissa Shipley and Laura Fischer have good reason to be proud of their creation.  Jackalope Art and Craft Fair just made its debut in Pasadena in April!)

One of the best parts of Jackalope Art and Craft Fair?  Its mission is to give attendees a chance to meet the makers, and hear the stories behind their high-quality creations.At the Coldwater Canyon Provisions booth was Rondo Mieczkowski, offering his small-batch handcrafted artisan jam, preserves and pickles. You’ll recall, from an earlier interview, that everything he makes is from a family or heirloom recipe..  His tarragon cherries and dill pickles are to die for, and his strawberry-rhubarb jam is an award-winner!  And aren’t these gorgeous?  David Ortega is passionate about woodworking.  But, he says, he hadn’t originally intended to start a small business when he made his first clock. After friends commented on the beauty of his work, he made a couple of other ones to sell on Etsy, and his small business, Heirlooms Etc., was born!  (Jackalope Pasadena was actually David’s first craft show.  If  you’d like to see his work firsthand, he’s exhibiting at Paseo Arts and Holly Fest, in December!)Another favorite?  Tandy Wilson’s TZ Metalworks and Design creations!   Her owl ornaments are a lot of fun, and her dragonfly lantern is absolutely beautiful.

And for our Christmas decor, we found a little Thread Therapy was just what the doctor ordered!  Crystal Van Brimmer takes a vintage craft and makes it her own in a fresh and festive way.  She has all kinds of Christmas and all-occasion string-art designs!

Asked how she came to choose string art, Crystal explained that she’d been asked to teach a class.  She wasn’t certain what to teach, until she surfed the web, saw some of the vintage pictures and decided this was a medium she wanted to try.

(We remember string-art from ‘way back when, but we don’t remember it looking this professional!   We couldn’t resist her gold snowflake, for Christmas.  But if you’d rather have a custom design, Crystal can do those, as well.)And, seriously, who doesn’t need a yeti?  These scary-cute handcrafted fantasy monsters are available through Yetis and Friends!

Meanwhile, graphic designer Amedeo Tessuti was offering his intricately-patterned T-shirts.  He had some “awesome holiday shirts” available through his small business, Kraken Creative Company.

And the theme was steampunk, with all these cool creations by Ali, of Accessory Alchemy!  If you’re in the Southern California area, she’s also exhibiting at the Patchwork Show, in Long Beach, this Sunday.

We also had the opportunity to meet Jen, of Eclectic Hoops.   She was inspired to start making hoops, she said, after attending the Burning Man Festival.  In addition to these “fun” fur hoops, she makes some standard candystriped ones–and some flaming ones.  But, she tells us, she lets the experts take care of the technology on the latter!

Throughout the afternoon, Jen would offer prospective clients a chance to try her standard hoops.  She also offered a hooping workshop, on Sunday afternoon!

Meanwhile, SPACE Arts Center, from South Pasadena, offered hands-on DIY workshops…

…and, here is one of the masks participants could make.  (SPACE Arts Center has a “Handmade Holiday Boutique“, opening today!)

The second Jackalope Pasadena Fair also had food trucks, and some of the best coffee we’ve ever had.  It was a great way to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon…

…and they even offered the opportunity to go home with a new “forever” family member, courtesy of the Pasadena Humane Society.

People were already asking when the next Jackalope Pasadena was coming to town, as we left.  And you might like to mark your calendar: Sara says the Spring show returns to Pasadena the weekend of April 30 – May 1, 2016!

Meanwhile, Jackalope Art and Craft Fair is traveling!  This Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th, they’ll have more than 100 juried artisans at their “Winter Fair” at EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th Street, near Walnut, in Denver, CO.  Hours are 10 am to 5 pm, both days, and admission’s free. 

Then, on December 12th and 13th, the Jackalope Fair makes its first Arizona appearance, in Steele Indian School Park, 300 East Indian School Road near West 3rd Street, in Phoenix, AZ.  Again, hours are 10 am to 5 pm, both days, with admission free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Uh-oh–a “Jackalope” is on the loose!

And three different cities are going to have a great time.

This Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, the second Jackalope Art and Craft Fair is happening in Pasadena.  This is a brand-new, all-handmade multicity arts market, just started in April of this year.   And their mission is to give communities the opportunity to meet the makers.  (They also have hands-on DIY workshops, since all of us are “makers” in some way!)

Jackalope Arts co-founder Sara Vausbinder has a background in music, PR and special events (she has her own record label!).  She and partners Melissa Shipley and Laura Fischer created Jackalope Art Fair to run in each of their three home cities.  (Jackalope shows are coming up in Denver and Phoenix, within the next few weeks.).

Sara talked about the experience of creating Jackalope Arts, shared a favorite experience from the first Pasadena “Jackalope” (which is a great lesson in branding and preparation!), and offered a preview of this weekend’s Jackalope Art and Craft Fair.

The second Pasadena Jackalope Art and Craft Fair happens this Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Central Park, 275 South Raymond Avenue, north of Del Mar, in Pasadena.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

O-kay.  So we did just have a weekend.

But, lots of us are now thinking about Christmas shopping.  And besides, what’s coming up in San Francisco next weekend should be enough to cure anyone’s case of “the Mondays”!

San Francisco Bazaar has evolved into something brand-new.  Next Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, they’re premiering “Urban Epicurean Festival, a Festival of Food, Drink and Design“, at Fort Mason.  (But it’s much easier to call it Urban Epic Fest!)

Urban Epic Fest will feature some of the best Bay Area artisan food crafters and vintners. They’ll also still include a wide range of great “makers” and artists.  In addition, though, they’re going to have a series of hands-on workshops, including succulent terrarium creation, gardening and beekeeping.

San Francisco Bazaar co-founder Jamie Chan is the director of Urban Epic Fest, as well as an arts entrepreneur in her own right.   (She’s the  proprietor of fiber arts boutique Urban Fauna Studio.)  She talked about her background as an artist, her experiences makng San Francisco Bazaar a reality and how she decided to develop the popular crafts show into Urban Epic Fest.  And, she offered a preview of what visitors will see at Fort Mason when they visit the first-ever Urban Epic Fest, next weekend!

Urban Epic Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, 11:30 am to 6:30 pm at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Boulevard.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

How would you like to spend Christmas Eve in an overcrowded mall?  Where you frantically grab six kinds of the same “whatever” for friends and family members?

Me neither.

So, here’s a “roundup” of some favorite upcoming crafts and artisan fairs–and some new ones!–that you might like to put on your calendar.  I can recommend at least three of these from experience, for unique, locally-made gifts with a story–and a gifted artist–behind them.

And the best part is, the first one happens in the Bay Area this weekend.The Patchwork Show comes to Oakland tomorrow, this Sunday, October 25th.  It’s happening 11 am to 5 pm in Jack London Square, and admission’s free.

Then, in November, they’ll have two Southern California shows: in Long Beach, at Marine Stadium, Sunday, November 15th, 11 am to 5 pm.  Or, if you’re free Thanksgiving weekend, you can also check out the Santa Ana edition: Sunday, November 29th, 11 am to 5 pm at 2nd and Sycamore.

This one’s a total favorite, created by Dear Handmade Life artists Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell in 2008.  Cool jewelry, soaps, clothes, a hands-on crafting booth and those hard-to-resist artisan popsicles are just a few of the fun things you’ll find!

New this year is the Jackalope Art Fair, now gearing up for their second appearance in Southern California.  They’ll be hosting their Fall Show on Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, in Pasadena’s Central Park.  Hours are 10 am to 5 pm, both days, and admission’s free.

This is a juried fair with more than 200 vendors, and their website reveals a wide selection of very imaginative creations.   They’ll also be offering some onsite workshops!  I’m hoping to see this particular show firsthand in November.

I’ve just had the pleasure of interviewing Jackalope Arts co-founder Sara Vausbinder.  She and fellow creatives Melissa Shipley and Laura Fischer have implemented their special event in  all three of their home cities, to give their communities a chance to meet the artisans.  So, another Winter Jackalope Fair is happening in Denver, the following weekend: Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th, at EXDO Event Center.  Then, there will be a December “Jackalope” in Phoenix, Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th at Steele Indian School Park.

In San Francisco, meanwhile, something new has been added!  San Francisco Bazaar creator Jamie Chan is evolving her event into “Urban Epic Fest”, as a first-of-its-kind Bay Area convergence of  artisan foods and drink with the work of talented makers.  Billed as “A Festival of Food, Drink and Design”, the Urban Epicurean Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th, at Fort Mason Center’s Festival Paviilion.  Hours are 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, both days, and admission’s free.

So, what might you experience at Urban Epic Fest?  They’re having workshops including craft brewing, air terrarium creation and easy cheese making–in under ten minutes!  (There is an admission charge for workshops, and advance registration is recommended).  Meanwhile, I count more than 170 exhibitors in the “craft and design” category alone–without even telling you about the artisan coffee, chocolates, tea and other items that will delight “foodies” in their vendors’ gallery!

Just heard of another relatively new craft show, as well, happening in Southern California.  The Mosaic Craft Fair. 

“There are so many talented and creative vendors!” emailed founders Claudia and Leslie.  “We are up to 75+ vendors now.”

Also, according to their flyer, they’ll have kids’ activities, artisan foods and music at their second annual holiday show in Alhambra, on Sunday, November 15th.  Hours are 10 am to 4 pm at “The Alhambra”, at 1000 South Fremont Avenue.

I haven’t yet experienced this one.  However, considering the beautiful photographic art prints, jewelry and handcrafted leather items on their Facebook page, I may just have to do some investigative reporting!And of course, no roundup of crafts events would be complete without the Renegade Craft Fair.   They’re the “indie” craft fair groundbreaker, started in 2003 to showcase independent artisans.  They’re currently in eight cities, including London, Austin and Chicago.

They, too, will be coming to San Francisco’s Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, the weekend of November 21st and 22nd, for their “Holiday Renegade Craft Fair”.  Hours are 11 am to 6 pm, both days, and admission is free.

They promise more details forthcoming, but their webpage mentions that they’ll have DIY workshops, in addition to their artisans’ exhibits.  I can certainly tell you, from experience, that these do not disappoint!  I’ve loved the inlaid wood cutting boards, antique-key jewelry and scented soaps from among the treasures their independent “artrepreneurs” create.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles can also look forward to a Holiday Renegade Craft Fair.  The Southern California edition is set for the weekend of December 12-13, in Grand Park, downtown L.A.  Hours for the L.A. show are 10 am to 5 pm, and this is a rain-or-shine event, with admission free.And–last but never least?  A don’t-miss Christmastime event for me is Handmade in South Bay’s Third Annual Holiday Boutique!  Doesn’t seem possible that this all-handmade group of passionate entrepreneurs will have been doing this for three years already.  But this third special Christmastime event happens Saturday, December 5th, at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, 112 East 22nd Street in San Pedro.  Their hours are 11 am to 6 pm, and admission’s free.  

HMSB’s Holiday Boutique has really grown since the first one, with an Authors’ Alley that may just tempt you to curl up, one afternoon, and give yourself a pre-Christmas treat of a great read accompanied by some hot chocolate and cookies.  Their all-handmade vendors, last year, offered everything from handsewn quilts to steampunk jewelry (which resulted in a note with the words, “You know what we like!”, from some favorite Christmas gift recipients!).

Best of all, though, they’re a “give-back” kind of group.  So in addition to supporting the local artists and entrepreneurs in their journey, they’ll be hosting a Young Entrepreneurs’ section, as well as supporting DTSL Arts students.  And while there’s no official word yet this year, last year, the local Cub Scouts were on hand to gift-wrap purchases, in return for donations to their organization.

So–these are just a few of the excellent independent-crafts events at which you may find some amazing gifts to give those you love, for Christmas 2015.  Enjoy, and I may very well see you there.  Writing this has made me feel “Christmasy” already!

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Vintage Christmas ornaments, a juried selection of handcrafted creations by more than 50 locat artists, and–chairs for event fans, outside, as they wait for the doors to open?

That’s absolutely right.  And that’s a quick preview of Glitterfest, a handmade mixed-media art sale.

Glitterfest happens next Saturday, October 10th,  at Anaheim Business Expo Center–but a little advance warning seems fair.  While doors open at 10:00 am, people tend to get there early–and Glitterfest founders (and sisters) Sheryl Simpson and Dianne White welcome their fans with chairs, so they can wait comfortably.  Which is a thoughtful start to what sounds like it’s going to be a very enjoyable day!

While I haven’t had the opportunity to experience this one onsite yet, I hope to rectify that in another week.  Meanwhile, Sheryl (a mixed-media artist in her own right) shared the story of Glitterfest, explained what first-time Glitterfest visitors can expect, and discussed some exciting changes at Whimzy!, a treasure-filled vintage-item-and-crafts store of which Dianne is the proprietor.  (Hint: in 2016, if you’re “crafty”, you may find even more you’ll enjoy on the premises!)

Besides previewing Glitterfest’s Fall show, Sheryl also gave us a great tip on Christmas decorating–as well as a heads-up on some upcoming Christmas-season special events, for which you may want to mark your calendar now!

Glitterfest’s Fall Show runs Saturday, October 10th, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Business Expo of Anaheim, 1960 South Anaheim Way, south of East Gene Autry Way in Anaheim.  Admission is $7.00; here’s the link for more information.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Crochet and knitting never looked so slinky–or so “tomorrow”.New nonprofit 501(c) yes4arts hosts their “Fiber Arts Fashion Show” this Saturday evening.  This will be the first major fundraiser for the organization, which inspires and empowers students through free crochet, knitting and sewing classes.  Five designers and seven outfits will be featured, and it’s going to be an entertaining, inspiring evening!

Designer and yes4arts founder Paula Bennett says the group just became a nonprofit about two months ago.  Paula, who is the proprietor of Paula Crochet Fashion, has some exciting goals in mind to expand yes4arts’ capabilities to share fiber arts techniques with the next generation!At her booth at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, Paula previewed both the fashion show and a special yes4arts event, set for November, which will teach her students some of the basics of creative entrepreneurship.  She also talked about her experiences as an artist/entrepreneur, and offered an advance look at the designs she’s contributed to Saturday’s fashion show.She also explained how these dolls are changing the way people look at crochet!

Yes4arts’ first “Fiber Arts Fashion Show” happens Saturday evening, July 25th, from 6 to 10 pm in Toyota Meeting Hall which is part of Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  They’re located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona, in Torrance.  NOTE: while the flyer lists ticket prices at $35, advance sale price is $25 each.  Here’s the link for more information.

Are you an artist who can donate one or more of your pieces to yes4arts’ auction for that evening?  Paula would love to hear from you; here’s her contact form.

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by Noella Noelophile®

One week from tonight, at 6:00 pm, is going to be exciting.

That’s when the first-ever Fiber Arts Fashion Show benefit event, in support of new nonprofit yes4arts, takes to the stage at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  Visitors will see the work of five different designers!

And this is going to be a celebration of local creativity, and making the arts accessible to the next generation.

Nonprofit yes4arts inspires and empowers anyone who would like to learn needle arts.  Founder Paula Bennett has been crocheting since she was a girl–and her designs tend to be slinky, sexy, romantic and anything but the stereotypical “crochet” image.

Yes4arts teaches free ongoing classes in crochet, knitting, and basic sewing.  Anyone, from beginner level on up, is welcome to come and learn.   Paula teaches classes on weekends at her booth in CRAFTED, in San Pedro, and her volunteers also teach at schools and senior centers.One of Paula’s specialties is teaching young girls how to crochet so they can make their own prom dresses.

But younger students are also welcome.  On Fridays, fellow artist Katherine Monasterio teaches classes in making these stuffed animals!

Paula says that next Saturday evening’s show will include seven different designs.  Among the designers supporting the show with their talents are Vintage Soul, which creates flirty feminine corsets and elaborate costumes, and LF Cubed Designs.

“I can’t even describe the jewelry he makes,” Paula says.  “You’ll just have to see it.”  (LF Cubed proprietor Luis Fournier creates unique accessories and home items out of recycled circuit boards and e-waste!)Best of all, one hundred percent of the evening’s profits will go to support yes4arts, according to their website, and their goal is to keep these arts free and alive to everyone.  (While Paula doesn’t ask for money, she does request that each of her students volunteer to teach the art she’s taught them to someone else.   Volunteers are welcome to help, and she can also use donations of yarn and crochet hooks.)

There are still some tickets available for next Saturday’s Fiber Arts Fashion Show.  You’re cordially, and creatively, invited to come out and support a great nonprofit that’s empowering the next generation of fiber artists!

Nonprofit 501(c) charity yes4arts’ first Fiber Arts Fashion Show happens Saturday evening, July 25th, from 6 to 10 pm at Toyota Meeting Hall, which is part of Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  They’re located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona, in Torrance.  NOTE: while the flyer lists ticket prices at $35, advance sale price is $25 each.  Here’s the link for more information.

Like to know more about Paula’s free classes in knitting, sewing and crochet, or to help her preserve these arts by volunteering?  Stop by her booth at CRAFTED, in San Pedro, on Saturdays and Sundays!

 

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Two weeks from tonight is it.

Your chance to support some gifted artists, and to pass on a maker’s art that isn’t dying out, thanks to a determined artist/entrepreneur.

That, of course, would be Paula Bennett–who’s using crochet to empower women, and to preserve the art of crochet and hand-knitting by teaching free classes.  Along the way, Paula is also showing young girls that crochet goes far beyond “granny squares” and afghans.  In fact, one of the projects in which Paula involves her young students, is the creation of their own prom dresses!.Paula, who grew up with crochet, is a professional designer who’s staging a unique fashion show through her new 501c nonprofit, yes4arts.  All the outfits on display will be handmade (think: crocheted, knitted and sewn).  They’ll also be accessorized with handmade jewelry designed by local artists.

Best of all, all proceeds from the show go to support Paula’s new organization, San Pedro-based yes4arts.  They provide not only free classes, but free materials for knitting, sewing and crochet projects.  Yes4arts project volunteers teach at CRAFTED, in San Pedro, as well as schools, group homes and senior centers, according to the organization’s website.

Like to help inspire the next generation of fiber-arts “creatives”, while preserving the arts of crochet and needlework?  Paula and company would love to have you attend the show, a week from next Saturday!

Yes4arts’ first Fiber Arts Fashion Show happens Saturday evening, July 25th, 6 to 10 pm at Toyota Meeting Hall, which is part of Torrance Cultural Arts Center.  They’re located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona, in Torrance.  NOTE: while the flyer lists ticket prices at $35, advance sale price is $25 each.  Here’s the link for more information.

Like to know more about Paula’s free classes in knitting, sewing and crochet, or to help her preserve these arts by volunteering?  Stop by her booth at CRAFTED, in San Pedro, on Saturdays and Sundays!

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by Noella Noelophile®

“I’m going to step out of the crowd here…”

“Good luck with that.”

That conversation, in the middle of Saturday’s Twelfth Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, pointed up the event’s well-deserved number of attendees.Art, crafts, speakers, music and, of course, all kinds of lavender-inspired treats, drew thousands to this early-summer celebration of lavender and community.This was the first time we’ve had the opportunity to see the Festival, which was an all-day event in Libbey Park.  Particular favorites from the day, besides the artists we saw, included community organizations such as this one.

This American Kestrel, named “Bob”, proved to be a real ham when he saw our camera!We also had the opportunity to meet Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue President Karyn King.  The beautiful boy she’s hugging is Foxen, whom she’s had since he was nine months old.

“His previous owners didn’t realize he needed to be indoors, and he was constantly crying,” Karyn explained.  So, she fostered Foxen, and another family adopted him, but…

“The kids were allergic to him,” Karyn says.  “I couldn’t let him be rejected a second time.”

Karen says Foxen surfs for charity, every September at Surf Dogs, in Huntington Beach.

In the petting zoo, we loved these lavender chickens!

And this band, Steel Cut, was excellent, and having a great time. (Live entertainment continued all day.  In a separate area, speakers discussed topics including sustainable farming, beekeeping and cooking with lavender.)Favorites, among the artists with whom we spoke (though it’s hard to choose favorites!) included “puzzling” artisan Jeannette Aragon, of The Puzzled One.  She handcrafts wooden puzzles and toys, and can custom-design just about anything as a puzzle!Another artist whose work we really liked is Rodi Shemeta Ludlum.  We’ve never seen fabric pottery before–but that’s exactly what she creates, for her Rolling Blackout line!  Rodi’s colorful and beautiful fabric bowls and vase designs include sun colors, sea greens and blues, and striking black and white.  A personal favorite?  Her blue ginger jar!A number of attendees came with their four-legged friends.  Couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this beautiful girl.  Her name?  “Ice”!We loved the Lavender Festival itself; the only caveat, if you go next year: watch out for that traffic.  Arriving about 9 am, we were able to get free all-day parking (!).   However, in two more hours, not only were there no spaces to be had, but crossing the street became treacherous.  We jumped out of the path of a car that was going to turn the corner, despite the pedestrians in the crosswalk, only to have another vehicle that had just passed inexplicably start backing in our direction (!).  So please be careful when you leave Libbey Park and explore the rest of this otherwise-great community event.An alternative?  The Ojai Trolley, which we rode, runs every hour and takes visitors to various locations throughout the area.  It’s a good time and a beautiful ride through Ojai.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Approximately thirteen years ago, a California artist received a rejection.

Her response was something Ojai still celebrates–and so can you.

One week from today, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival happens in downtown Ojai’s Libbey Park.  This is a free all-day, community-wied celebration of “Everything Lavender! Everything Ojai!”, complete with talented exhibiting artists and all-day live entertainment.

“My absolute best experience in working with this lovely festival has been the ability to further the education of many of our local residents,” emailed Festival President Cindy Mullins.

The “education” part is due to the scholarships.  Ojai Valley Lavender Festival awards scholarships to Ojai Valley youth to help them pursue green careers, according to the Festival webpage.  Recipients’ educational programs either focus on the beneficial uses of lavender, or on agricultural practices involved in growing the fragrant plant.

For this year’s Festival, more than 5,000 attendees are expected–and they’ll all get to experience the benefits of this generosity.  Lavender oils, lavender sweets, lavender lemonade, lavender ice cream, soaps–and of course, some vendors with non-lavender but unique handmade items–will all be a part of the Festival.

Art, music and education are at the core of the celebration.  The Festival’s lively all-day musical lineup, in the gazebo, will include the talents of Richard Kaller, Ventucky, and Smitty and Julia.  The park’s south end will feature a speaker stage, with presentations on cooking, self-sustaining farming and beekeeping.

And the Art Pavilion will display local artists’ talents.  OVA Arts recently put out a call for “lavender-themed art”; come see the first-, second- and third-place ribbon winners!

Meanwhile, the lavender celebration is on, throughout the town!  According to an Ojai Valley Lavender Festival press release, any food or beverage establishment in town, that day, will feature a lavender-related item on the menu.  Lavender creme brulee, lavender margaritas, lavender meringues and lavender berry smoothies are all mentioned.  And while I can’t say I’ve ever had lavender coffee, there’s a first time for everything!

This will be a first for us, and looking at the list of vendors, I’m especially looking forward to seeing Imagination Depot (this is a small business run by a couple who make old-fashioned wooden trains and cars, as well as hand-embroidered stuffed toys).  ResinArtNation looks interesting; the homepage explains that the artist uses her photographs and stamp collection to make jewelry.

And of course, total favorite artists from before will be on hand:  Mother-and-daughter artists Barb and Ellie Lieberman–proprietors of Seeds of Inspiration and Acorn Tops respectively–have both recently published new books, Barb’s third and Ellie’s first.

Barb’s second book, To Miss the Stars, literally cost me sleep–I couldn’t put it down!  (And if there’s a wedding in your future, you might also like to ask her about her bride-and-groom sachets–very cute and creative!)

Ellie, meanwhile, uses her talents for an enchanting take on “fairyland”.  She creates fairy houses, fairy doors and gardens.  Can’t wait to read Society’s Foundlings, her first book!And Jessica Johnson, proprietor of Jessie J Inspirations, creates graphics that are ooh-and-aah gorgeous!  Jessie recently illustrated her first children’s book, and according to her blog, she also just exhibited her work in another art gallery, this month!

Meanwhile, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival promises to be a celebration of “community” in the best sense.  A look at their vendor list reveals not only the local lavender farms but nonprofit Welcome Home Soldier Foundation and Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue.

Can’t wait to see all this!  And–here’s the story behind the festivities.

Cindy emails that all this came about when an Ojai-area artist attended a lavender festival in Squim, Washington a number of years ago.  The lady was so impressed, Cindy says, that she applied to become a vendor–only to be rejected, due to not being a local artist.

“She came back to California determined to have her own festival and thus, in 2004, the Ojai Lavender Festival was born,” Cindy emails.

The original founder moved on five years later, but, Cindy says, several locals decided to continue the festival, now called the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival and celebrating its twelfth anniversary.

Happy Anniversary, Ojai Valley Lavender Festival!  What a good thing the Squim, Washington festival said “no”.

The 12th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday, June 27th, in  Libbey Park, between South Montgomery and South Signal Streets in downtown Ojai.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

If you’d been in Santa Ana on Sunday, you would have seen one sure sign that summer’s on the way.

Santa Ana’s edition of the Spring 2015 Patchwork Show was a lot of fun.  This is the second one of three (with the third coming up in Long Beach in two weeks).  They had a great turnout, and we found lots of new favorites among their 150-plus vendors! We couldn’t resist the handcrafted Crimson Rose soap created by sisters Charlene Corn and Debbie Churchill, of Ceecee and Bee.

These are natural and organic products especially designed for sensitive skin.  Charlene and Debbie grow some of the ingredients for their soaps themselves, in their own herb garden, according to their Etsy store information.  Charlene said she also crocheted the washcloths she was offering for sale, at their booth!

Melinda Boyce creates vibrant, colorful graphics through her art print and paper goods company, Cactus Club Paper.   I’m honestly disappointed in my camera exposure here, as it doesn’t come close to doing justice to the blues and greens on her whale print.  Her cards, art prints and phone cases are available on Etsy–and don’t miss seeing “Llamarama”, which is one of the most fun among her designs.  (Her rainbow-tinged “Space Bear”, complete with stars, is another favorite!)

As usual, the Patchwork Show was a foodie’s paradise.  Besides the food trucks, there were vendors offering macarons, s’mores, artisan popsicles and various other forms of culinary creativity…

…Can we say “coolness” here?

In the area of food, we’re very proud of ourselves for somehow managing to resist The Kandy Jar’s homemade fudge and peanut brittle (THIS time!).  Artists and candymakers Kat Hinckley and Randy Mason told us there were NO substitutes, of any kind, in their products.  “These were my grandmother’s recipes,” added Randy.   (If I hadn’t given up chocolate for the summer, Randy and Kat, I know I’d have indulged, hours ago!) There was an eclectic mix of handmade (our favorites) and vintage items for sale.  And the Max Love Project booth provided some really good news!In a 2013 interview, Justin Wilford shared his story.

Justin and his wife Audra created the nonprofit Max Love Project as their their four-year-old son, Max, fought brain cancer.  Max Love provides resources and teaches families whole-body wellness strategies to fight childhood cancers.

Well–one of the staffers at the booth told us Max is now eight years old, and doing well!

Right next to the Max Love Project booth was another new favorite.

InFORaCAUSE founder Nick Ventura created his socially-conscious retail store in 2013.  All the products he offers are brands benefiting different causes.  These include: education, peace in the Congo, and ending hunger.  In addition, InFORaCAUSE donates 5 percent of their net profit to community nonprofit organizations, according to their website.

Next, we met Anthe Wosczyna, of Little Muse Designs.  She completely wowed us.

At first glance, her intricately-patterned mandala earrings and necklaces look embroidered.  Closeup, though, you’ll see that they’re actually woven–with solid materials!  Anthe said she creates her unique pieces with Japanese glass beads and Swarovski crystals.

In addition to all the talented exhibitors and DIY crafts stations, there were bands to add to the festive atmosphere.  Here, Gal Musette rocks the OCCCA stage.

Is it any wonder that Santa Ana loves Patchwork?   In a sense, this is a “welcome home” anniversary celebration for the festival, which creators Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell first started in a Santa Ana parking lot in 2008.

And if you couldn’t make it to Santa Ana this weekend, for whatever reason?  Not to worry.  The next Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival is set for Sunday, June 7th, in Long Beach!

The third  Spring 2015 Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival happens Sunday, June 7th, 11 am to 5 pm, at Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, Appian Way at Bayshore, and admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Memorial Day Weekend is here!  So first of all, we’re acknowledging it with love, gratitude and thanks to our veterans, active members of our Armed Forces and their families.

And secondly, we’re headed into summer!  Here are a few of the special arts and crafts  events you might like to keep in mind and/or put on your calendar–starting with today.

Today, Saturday, May 23rd, at noon, at Seaside Studios San Pedro, you’ll get a chance to learn  French-style silk painting with artist Susan Patricia!  Her work incorporates vibrant colors and airy scenes that feel like she’s captured summer itself.  (But words can’t do her justice–see what you think of her portfolio!)

There are still a couple of seats available in the workshop, which runs from 12 to 4 pm.   Participants get to create a 22’x22″ Chinese silk for either framing or a pillow, and a 15″x60″ handrolled Chinese silk scarf.  The class fee of $85 includes materials, and you can pick up your projects next weekend.  Space is limited, though, so call Regina, at (562) 673-7660, to reserve.

Seaside Studios San Pedro is located at 525 No. Harbor Blvd. #3, between Beacon and O’Farrell Streets.

While you’re in the San Pedro area–this weekend or any other summer weekend–you might like to catch the local trolley and pay a visit to CRAFTED. They’re a year-round crafts marketplace, open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.  Their vendors offer handmade jewelry, artisan candies, clothing, purses, home decor and a lot more.  They also have live music in the afternoons, along with a different DIY workshop every weekend.  Today and tomorrow, they’re having hat-and-visor-painting classes at their “Creation Station” from 11 am to 6 pm.

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located at 112 E. 22nd St, at Miner, in Warehouse Number 10.  Admission and parking are free, but you may want to catch the waterfront Red Car down from the cruise terminal.  It’s a lot of fun, with some great views of the harbor.Tomorrow, Sunday, May 24th, a total almost-summer favorite returns to Santa Ana: the Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival!  This is a free event we absolutely love: eclectic crafts, artisan foods, great music and DIY workshops.The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival runs from 11 am to 5 pm at Second and Sycamore, in Santa Ana.  And if you can’t make this one–you get another chance next month!  They’re coming to Long Beach on Sunday, June 7th, from 11 am to 5 pm, and they’ll be located at Marine Stadium (Appian Way and Bayshore) in Long Beach. OK, I keep talking about Southern California here–but Northern Cal is getting ready for an iconic summertime celebration!  San Francisco’s 39th annual free Union Street Festival happens June 6th and 7th, from 10 am to 6 pm, on Union Street between Steiner and Gough.  In addition to crafts, local technology and fitness, they host a fashion show, along with live performances.  One element here that makes this one more of an over-21 venue than some of the others: beer and wine sampling.

What else is going on this summer?  Well, back to Seaside Studios San Pedro–as   proprietors Regina Fernandez and Gayle Fleury make sure there are plenty of creative “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” options for everyone!

For the littler kids, their first session of “Summer Kids’ Art Camp” starts Monday, June 15th, and runs through the 19th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.   Young artists between 7 and 13 get to spend a week painting, doing wire wrapping/sculpture, working in ceramics, weaving baskets, and more.  There will also be a second session in July, from Monday, July 13th through Friday, July 17th.  The fee is $150 per child, per session, but some discounts are available for siblings or pre-enrollment, according to Seaside Studios San Pedro’s Facebook page.  Call Regina (562-673-7660) or Gayle (310-221-2914) for more information.

Thankfully, Regina and Gayle haven’t forgotten us “big kids”, either!  Seaside Studios San Pedro is hosting a one-day Glass Art and Glass Clay Class with world-renowned glass artist Paula Radke, on Saturday, June 27th from 1 pm to 5 pm.  Here’s the link for more information.

But–as usual–there’s more going on in the creative community than there is time to enjoy  it all.

Of course, Saturday, June 27th, 10 am to 5 pm would also be the date and time of the twelfth annual  Ojai Valley Lavender Festival.  This is a celebration of all types of ways to use lavender (cooking, soaps, oils, lemonade, ice cream, etc.) as well as another gathering of talented artist entrepreneurs with their one-of-a-kind handmade creations.  Their program includes live music, all day, as well as speakers on the topics of all things lavender. (Where is J.K. Rowling with her “Time-Turner” mechanism when we really, really need her?)

The twelfth annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival happens in Libbey Park, at East Ojai Avenue between South Signal Street and South Montgomery Street.  Parking and admission are free, and free shuttles are available.

And as we get into July (bring your parasol for this one, it’s always hot and sunny, but fun!), we certainly can’t forget Renegade Craft Fair, which returns to Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th, from 11 am to 6 pm.  Renegade has been showcasing indie craftspeople since 2003 (before they were called “makers”!), and always has an impressive lineup of unique jewelry, fiber art, woodworking, glass, ceramics and much more.  Their Los Angeles location will be Grand Park LA, at North Grand Avenue between Broadway and Spring, and admission is free.

Then, the following weekend, it’s off to Northern California for the talented Renegade community!  Their San Francisco Fair happens Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th,11 am to 6 pm,.

Renegade San Francisco Fair will be located in the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd, on the corner of Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St.   Again, admission is free.

Also, if you happen to be a wholesale buyer of crafts for your own business, Renegade hosts their “San Francisco Wholesale Market” on Friday, July 17th, from 12 noon to 5 pm.  RSVP is required to attend on Friday; here’s the link.

Now, how’s that for a “crafty” start to Summer, 2015?   Have a safe and creative holiday weekend.

 

 

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

First of all– a very happy Mother’s Day weekend, to you and your Mom!  And all the other special women who’ve passed down their favorite crafts.

Now–in case Mom loves lavender (and who doesn’t?), here’s a date you and she might want to keep in mind.

On Saturday, June 27th, the Twelfth Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is happening!   This is a day-long celebration of all things lavender, with lavender-themed art on display, a variety of handmade-only crafts offerings (lavender and otherwise) and live entertainment, all day, at the Gazebo in Ojai’s Libbey Park.

While past Lavender Festivals have included lavender ice cream, lavender lemonade and artisan soaps, not everything has to be lavender-related.  Crafters have been on hand, in the past, with jewelry, quilts, accessories, stained-glass mobiles, and all kinds of other cool (handmade-only) offerings.

You may very well like to plan a “girls’ weekend away” in Ojai for you and Mom, to check this one out.  Or, if you’d both like to help out, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival’s Facebook page says they always welcome volunteers, too!

The Twelfth Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival happens on Saturday, June 27th, from 10 am to 5 pm in Libbey Park, located between South Montgomery and South Signal Streets in downtown Ojai.  Admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Summer is almost here.  And Handmade in South Bay would like to invite you to something special.  So, now’s the time for some advance notice!

On Saturday, September 12th, HMSB will host its Second Annual “Salute Our Troops All-American Barbeque” at Ma Griffe Galerie!

This is a fantastic time, with gifted artists in a beautiful creative space, for an excellent cause.  (Oh–and the food’s really good, too!)

You’ll recall that HMSB, as a group of-handmade-only Southern California artist entrepreneurs, give back to the community at each of their events.  This particular one is a fundraiser for San Pedro’s Packages for Patriots, a nonprofit which sends letters and care packages to deployed service members.  So far, Packages for Patriots have sent more than nine thousand packages to our troops, according to their website.

All proceeds from the “Salute Our Troops” barbecue will be donated to Packages for Patriots, according to HMSB’s information page.  And if you’d like an idea of what last year’s BBQ was like, here’s a video that will give you a glimpse of the fun.

What I remember best from last year’s “Salute Our Troops” barbecue was sitting at a festive table in Ma Griffe Galerie’s sunny garden.  There was lots of laughter, a buffet in addition to the barbecue, a funny photo booth, complete with costures,  and a silent auction and raffle.  Our table kept winning things!  And after lunch, guests were welcome to browse inside Ma Griffe, which is a jewel box of an artists’ space, to see the work on exhibit.

Well, we can’t guarantee the “winning things” part.  But all of the above other features will be a part of this year’s barbecue–plus a special musical performance by The Satin Dollz!

Last year, HMSB’s inaugural “Salute Our Troops All-American BBQ” raised $3,263 for Packages for Patriots, according to Seeds of Inspiration proprietor and HMSB founding member Barb Lieberman.

“We’re hoping to top that this year,” emailed Barb.

Would you like to help Handmade in South Bay reach that goal–and have fun on a September Saturday afternoon?  Reservations are required, and they warned us that space is limited.  Here’s their link for more information; hope to see you there!

.Handmade in South Bay’s Second Annual “Salute Our Troops All-American Barbecue” happens on Saturday, September 12th, 12 to 3 pm  at Ma Griffe Galerie, 3624 South Gaffey Street at Leavenworth Drive in San Pedro.  Seating is limited and all proceeds go to nonprofit San Pedro Packages for Patriots.  More information is available here.

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Sweet.  Savory.  Salty.  Sour.  And all different variations thereof.

That’s what you’ll get to experience, if you have a chance to attend Artisanal LA’s Spring Show this weekend.Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Artisanal LA, this is a two-day festival, at The Reef, that’s a “foodie’s” delight. 

In addition to more than 150 local vendors offering free samples of handcrafted specialties, they have two days’ worth of DIY workshops on creating artisanal foods, gardening and handcrafted objects for the home.According to their website, this spring’s class offerings include Saturday’s “Growing a Community” with Artisanal LA founder Shawna Dawson; “Beekeeping 101” with Long Beach Beekeepers; and “Personalized Coaster Making”, courtesy of Deakin Leather.  Heart Beet Gardens will show attendees how to “Grow Food Not Lawns”, on Saturday afternoon in the garden classroom.  Sunday’s program includes sessions on  “Sourdough Everyday”, with Red Bread, and “Making Non-Toxic Baby Care Products” with Melissa Ramaekers.Another favorite aspect of Artisanal LA: the indie artisans and “makers” who’ll be on hand.  This spring’s exhibitors include A Question of Eagles, with their nature-inspired jewelry, ceramics and quilts; Bison Star Naturals, with their vegan soaps, and Inedible Jewelry, with their miniature food accessories.  (Their cotton-candy necklace and birthday cupcake earrings are laugh-out-loud fun!)   And while you’re there, be sure to say “hi” to Angela Price, proprietor of Eden Condensed; she creates some gorgeous terrariums and small-space gardens.

Have a great time at Artisanal LA, and  be sure to come hungry.  You certainly won’t leave that way.

Artisanal LA’s Spring Show happens this Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th,  11 am to 6 pm at The Reef, 1933 South Broadway, at Washington, in downtown Los Angeles.  Tickets are available online, at a discount, or at the door.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Remember how, on December 6 of last year, there were craft fairs popping up everywhere?

OK, we seem to have the spring edition of that, next weekend.

A favorite, that I’m sorry to have to miss, gets the first mention here, as they prepare for their show next Saturday, April 25th.

Handmade in South Bay’s shows are seriously addictive.  According to their Facebook page, their all-handmade exhibiting artists will include Que Sera Designs, with beaded jewelry that looks almost good enough to eat; The Delightful Bee, offering whimsical felt flowers and magnets; and iDesignforyou, with some beautifully-stitched spring and summer purses.  The suede seventies-look handbeaded fringe is a total favorite!

HMSB gives back to the community with every show; this time, they’ll be donating a portion of their proceeds to HoneyLove Urban Beekeepers.  So, part of their special event will be  a “Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden” workshop by Lara Hughey.  (Barb Lieberman of Seeds of Inspiration e-mailed that the workshop’s happening from 1:00 to 2:00 that afternoon, and there’s a charge of $20 per attendee for the session.

A DJ, young entrepreneurs’ section and Artists’ Alley promise to keep things “buzzing” with activity.

Now, I’m going to stop with the silly bee jokes for a minute, to ask you to consider helping HMSB’s special guests.

Arts and Services for the Disabled, of Long Beach, will be at the show this Saturday, displaying their work and collecting donations.   Not only do they create some gorgeous art–they also offer life-long learning in the arts, and career opportunities, for people with disabilities.

And in March, their main office was burglarized twice, resulting in the loss of their computers, cameras and a flat-screen television.  According to their website, their loss totals around $12,000, counting the revenue from classes they had to cancel as a result, along with the stolen equipment.

So, they’re determined to push forward (and a big hug to them, they’ve been supporting artists since 1982!).  They’d like to ask the community for support.  Please consider helping if you can?  (You can also get a look at their work on their Facebook page.)

Barb e-mails that, while they can always use cash donations, they do have a “wish list”, which is as follows:

– Art supplies

1.  Paint brushes
2.  Watercolor paper
3.  Acrylic paint
4.  Watercolor paint
5.  Low-fire clay
6.  Disposable latex gloves
7.  Aprons
8.  Colored pencils
9.  Markers
10.  Paint pens​

They would also love to have iTunes gift cards, since their programs have iPads.  If you can deliver any of the above to them at HMSB’s Spring Boutique, it would be much appreciated.

As if HMSB’s Spring Boutique weren’t a “honey” of a show already, they’re also hosting an Author Alley.  Rumor has it that Seeds of Inspiration proprietor and author Barb Austin Lieberman just MAY “sweeten” things by offering a peek at her third book, Message on the Wind, scheduled for a launch party at CRAFTED the following day!

I’m “stung” that I can’t “bee” there–OK, OK, I’ll stick to my day job.

HMSB’s Second Annual Spring Boutique is a free-admission event, happening Saturday, April 25th, 11 am to 6 pm at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, 112 East 22nd Street, near Miner, in San Pedro. 

Ever eaten your way through an event–while shopping for handcrafted items?  That opportunity’s going to be available next weekend, too.

Artisanal LA, created by Shawna Dawson in autumn of 2010, is a mecca for “foodies”.  Homemade bread, family-recipe preserves and sauces, macarons and hand-dipped chocolates have been just a few of the yummy samples available to attendees in the past.  The last time we went, there were almost 100 vendors there, with much more than soup to nuts, and DIY workshops and presentations throughout both days.  If Mom loves any or all of the above, you may want to take her along, as your guest–or surprise her with some special handcrafted edibles for Mother’s Day, in a couple of weeks.In addition to food and workshops by chefs and urban farmers, Artisanal LA offers handcrafted gifts.  Total favorites from before included Angela Price’s mini-terraria, through her small business, Eden Condensed….. and these great mugs by Marie and Robert of Lustered Walnut.Artisanal LA’s Spring Show happens Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th, from 11 am to 6 pm at The Reef, 1933 South Broadway Street near Washington Boulevard, in Los Angeles.  Tickets are available at the door or online.

And…something new has been added, for Spring 2015.

This brand-new Art and Craft Fair, Jackalope, makes its debut that same weekend (of course!  I wish I had a time machine, so I could attend all of these!).

According to their Facebook page, Jackalope’s vendors will include Accessory Alchemy (which we love; had the opportunity to meet Alexandria at HMSB last year, and just managed to snag the last of her Christmas-tree steampunk necklaces!).

Visitors to this new event will also get to experience the delectable Coldwater Canyon Provisions (think yummy preserves and pickles from Rondo Mieczkowski’s family recipes!).  There’s also a vendor with whom I’m unfamiliar, at this point, but which sounds intriguing: The Angry Mushroom Emporium offers handcrafted guitars!

And in addition to offering juried selections from more than 200 vendors, they’ll also have workshops.  SoCal Etsy Guild hosts a “Kids’ Crafting Corner”, both days of Jackalope, and the workshops for us “big kids” include how-to’s on terrarium building, making beaded bracelets, making lip gloss, and blending essential oils.

Jackalope Art and Craft Fair is happening next Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th from 11 am to 6 pm, in Central Park, at 275 South Raymond Avenue near Del Mar, in Old Pasadena.  Admission is free.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

According to forecasts, we’re in for a gray, rainy Southern California weekend.

But at least one area of Anaheim today will be “aglitter”–thanks to artistic sisters Sheryl Simpson and Dianne White.

They’re the founders of “Glitterfest“: a handmade-only mixed-media arts and crafts festival, with their Spring show starting at ten this morning at Anaheim’s Business Expo Center.

Sheryl and Dianne emailed that they’ll have more than fifty artists on hand, showcasing their creations,.  And they say there’s going to be an incredible range of treasures on hand: everything from vintage jewelry to home decor, knitted items and paper creations–plus supplies for makers!

Want a preview of the show?   Glitterfest’s Facebook page includes pictures of some stunning copper bracelets (I love the dragonfly!) by Despina Buoncristiani; an enchanting silvery Easter-egg creation from Robin Dudley-Howes; and the whimsical, angel-inspired paintings of Lisa Loria.  Can we say “gorgeous” here?

Now, to be sure you’re not disappointed–this is a one-day event.  So you will need to brave the rain if you’d like to see Glitterfest’s Spring show–they wrap up this afternoon.

But it sounds like a great reason to get out the umbrella–travel safely, and have a good time.

(Can’t make it for whatever reason, but need a special  project to keep young artists happy on a rainy weekend?  You might like to check out Sheryl and Dianne’s “Glitterfest Gazette” blog–their St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids are really cute!)

Glitterfest Spring Show runs from 10:00 this morning, Saturday, February 28th, to 4:00 this afternoon, at Anaheim’s Business Expo Center, 1960 South Anaheim Way at Stanford Court.  Admission is $7.00 per person.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Here’s one sure sign that spring’s coming.

Artisanal L.A. is looking for some talented makers for their upcoming Spring Show.  They just began accepting applications on January 20th, with an early-application deadline of February 18th.

Now, if you haven’t attended Artisanal L.A. before, this show is, quite literally, yummy.

It’s all about the local food scene in Los Angeles–with workshops, DIY classes, author appearances and approximately a hundred hand-selected vendors offering fresh-baked bread, sauces, meats, hand-dipped chocolates, handcrafted coffees, pastries and lots more tempting things.

Artisanal L.A. is a curated event; they’re looking for both irresistible handcrafted delectables and crafts that appeal to urban farmers, kitchen enthusiasts, chefs and anyone else who loves raising and preparing something delicious.  All products must be made in the U.S.A.

In addition, Artisanal L.A.’s website says that, while they are not a jewelry or fashion showcase, they occasionally accept vendors in these areas if the items offered would be relevant to their audience.  (Tote bags suitable for a farmers’ market are one example they give.)

Like to know more about showcasing your luscious independently handcrafted treats–or your imaginative housewares, kitchenware or gardening goods?  Here’s a link for more information.

Not a “maker” in this area, but hoping to attend?  Artisanal L.A.’s tickets go on sale in February–and in addition to their shopping, learning and tasting possibilities (we can recommend the hand-dipped chocolates, but that’s up to you!), they’re planning some surprises, with an expanded urban farming and gardening section!

Artisanal L.A.’s Spring Show happens Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, at Magic Box at THE REEF, in downtown Los Angeles.  Tickets go on sale in February.   For consideration as a vendor, here is the application link.

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by Noella Noelophile®

What are you doing this afternoon–or next Saturday?

How would you like to paint and be creative, in an art studio–for a good cause, and for free?

Artists Gayle Fleury and Regina Fernandez, of Seaside Studios San Pedro, would like to have you come down and paint a bowl, at no charge.  Their studio’s open from 10 this morning till 3 this afternoon, and next Saturday.  They’ll fire your finished masterpiece in their kiln, and use it in another two weeks for an exciting new community project…

…to which you’re invited.

Meanwhile, as you visit with Gayle and Regina, you might just like to see what they’ve been making.  Gayle is the proprietor of Aussie Girl Designs, and she designs some fantastic accessories.  She was wearing a very fun handcrafted kangaroo necklace the last time we stopped by.  (Her dragonfly one is pretty breathtaking, too.)  Regina, who’s the owner of Port Town Pottery, comes up with ceramic creations that range from whimsical and warm to out-and-out beautiful.  (Her Christmas angels and trees are a favorite, but be sure to ask to see her “lace” designs, they are gorgeous!)

And if you’d like to learn “how to” with these talented ladies, Gayle teaches a jewelry-making class every Saturday morning at 10.  Meanwhile, Regina teaches ceramics on Monday afternoons at 4, and you can call her at (562) 673-7660 if you’d like more information on either class.

Have a great and creative weekend!  Oh, one more thing.

When you go to Seaside Studios San Pedro, beware of the wild “dingo”.  She’s a total sweetheart and may love you half to death.

Seaside Studios San Pedro, located at 525 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 3, are located between Beacon and O’Farrell Streets, across from the dancing fountains.   Regina and Gayle would welcome you to come and glaze (paint) a bowl, for free, in support of Empty Bowls San Pedro, both this Saturday, January 17th, from 10 am to 3 pm, and next, January 24th, which will be the final Saturday for painting before the Empty Bowls Soup Supper on Saturday, February 7th.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Remember how, when you were a kid, Grandma  brought out a huge plate of Christmas cookies and candy?  And Mom allowed you to take one or two, at most?

Funny how that comes to mind here.

Here is a listing of some of the upcoming indie crafts markets you might like to consider, for your Christmas shopping.  I’m posting them early, so you have time to make up your mind–because it seems like Saturday, December 6th, is a popular day!

On Saturday, December 6, Handmade in South Bay will be having their annual “Holiday Boutique” at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles.  (And Happy Anniversary to them!  Can you believe their fantastic, indie-crafter-supporting organization is now a year old?)

Their handmade-only show will include more cool stuff than we have room to describe here, but we’re curious to see Gale Rugnetta’s “Viking Knit” jewelry through her small business, Angel Art Dreams.   Not to mention Susan Springer Anderson’s hand-stitched leather notebooks, which she sells as The Delicate Utility.  And of course, we’ll be saying “hi” to a lot of previous favorites–and “congratulations” to Barb Lieberman, of Seeds of Inspiration, who, in addition to her other talents, is a just-published author!

One other note before we leave this particular show–Handmade in South Bay gives back by supporting a different charity, every time they do a show.  This time, they’ll be raffling off gift baskets and donating the proceeds to Fort MacArthur Cub Scout Troop.

Handmade in South Bay’s Second Annual Holiday Boutique takes place Saturday, December 6, from 11 am to 6 pm at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, 112 East 22nd Street at Miner, in San Pedro.

That same day, Artisanal L.A. hosts their “Holiday City Market”, throughout Old Pasadena.

This one’s BIG–they list their venues as “Holly Street and beyond”, and their promotional material advertises that they’ll have 150 makers there!  While a specific address isn’t given, they say visitors can browse independent businesses throughout Holly Street, Mercantile Avenue and Mills Place.   I’ll update this as more information becomes available, but this first Old Pasadena “Artisanal” promises to have something for every “foodie” on your list, as well as unique wearables, home items and jewelry.  Artisan coffees, preserves, fresh-baked bread and some to-die-for chocolates all made our “favorite” list, at the most recent Artisanal L.A. we attended.

Artisanal L.A. hosts their “Holiday City Market” in a first-time partnership with the City of Pasadena and Old Pasadena Management District on Saturday, December 6 from 11 am to 10 pm, throughout Holly Street, Legge Alley and the surrounding areas.  Look for the white tents; they say they’ll be located in six separate areas of Old Town Pasadena.

And, just to give you even MORE choices, the Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Fair is happening the same weekend, at Pomona Fairplex!   They’re actually a three-day event, with more than three hundred artisans showcasing their work.  Blown glass, wood carvings, hand-woven wearables and children’s clothing will be just a few of the treasures on hand.  And this is going to be a party: crafting demonstrations, entertainment, strolling performers and contests will all be a part of their festivities.  They’ll also have an interactive “Kidzone”, where the youngest festival goers can create their own Christmas ornaments and more, in a free “make and take” area.

There is an admission fee for this one, and they’ll give you a discount if you bring canned goods to donate to the Foothill Family Shelter.  You’ll find more information here.

One other footnote: does your family need a new member?  This may be your chance to give a loving cat or dog a forever home; no-kill animal shelter Priceless Pets will be on-hand for pet adoptions.

The Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show, currently in its 42nd year, makes a Christmastime stop at Pomona Fairplex, Building #4, 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th.  Hours are 9 am to 6 pm Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday.

 

But, the special events in San Francisco promise to keep you traveling, as well.  December 6 also brings a touch of Sweden to the Bay Area, with the Swedish Women’s Educational Association’s annual Christmas Fair!

This one really sounds like a don’t-miss event, with all-Swedish shopping (handmade textiles, ceramics and glassware!).  They’ll tempt you with traditional Swedish food (those sandwiches on their Facebook page look beyond delicious!) and entertain everyone with their special “Lucia processions”, four times daily, featuring local school-age “Lucia maidens” and tomten (gnomes).  Their flyer warns you, get a seat early-this is a popular Christmastime treat!

SWEA’s Christmas Fair happens Saturday, December 6th, from 9 am to 4 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1111 Gough Street, north of Ellis, in San Francisco.

AND…if you happen to be in Northern California, don’t forget what opens this Saturday…

(Can’t wait to tell you more firsthand, but every Great Dickens Christmas Fair we’ve ever attended has had some unique and imaginative crafts.  Not to mention all the Dickensian food, entertainment and dancing.)

The 36th annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair opens tomorrow morning, Saturday, November 22nd, at 10 am, at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue near Calgary Street, in Daly City.  The Dickens Fair runs for five weekends, through Sunday, December 21, from 10 am to 7 pm.

Enjoy–and keep the weekend of December 13th open if you can.  That’s when San Francisco welcomes the Christmas version of Bazaar Bizarre,  and the Renegade Craft Fair comes to Los Angeles!

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by Noella Noelophile®

You’ve seen the Christmas lights in the stores (already!).  You probably haven’t heard your first Christmas carol yet, but that’s coming, any day.

But, here’s an early sign of Christmas that you’ll love: fall 2014’s first Patchwork Show  is happening in Long Beach this Sunday!

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers’ Festival dates back to 2008, when artists and entrepreneurs Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell opened their first Patchwork Show in Santa Ana.  Since then, it’s grown to a biannual round of shows in both Northern and Southern California, with musical performances, artisan foods and all kinds of eclectic crafts.  Admission to the shows is free, but be warned: leaving without buying something usually proves to be impossible.  Artisanal s’mores, handcrafted cards, some gorgeous redwood earrings and jasmine-scented soaps have been just a few of the creations that have somehow wound up jumping into our arms, in the past.

This first fall Patchwork Show happens at Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, Sunday, November 2, while Santa Ana can look forward to theirs for Thanksgiving Sunday, November 30, at 2nd and Sycamore.

In Northern California?  Nicole and Delilah haven’t forgotten you: the show comes to Jack London Square on Sunday, November 16th!

The Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival comes to Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, at Appian Way and East Sorrento Drive, this Sunday, November 2.  Hours are 11 am to 5 pm, and admission is free.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Fresh-baked bread, mouthwatering preserves, spicy goat cheese and velvety chocolates come as no surprise, at Artisanal L.A.

Book signings, cool workshops on creating specialties like fermented sodas, and talented artists, with an array of eclectic works, are all to be expected.

But–baby pigs?  That’s a new one.  The same goes for the goats.

All of the above will be part of the fun when Artisanal L.A.’s Fall Show opens at The Reef, later today.  And not only is this event a total foodie’s dream (with free samples everywhere you go), but a great place to learn how to plan or transform your garden, set a festive fall table or whip up a batch of kimchi.

Those baby pigs and goats, according to Artisanal L.A.’s Facebook page, will be on hand for your “hanging out” pleasure, as you enjoy talking with your favorite farmers.  There’s no specific word on the source of the oinking, maa-ing new additions, but they should be fun to discover.

As should everything else at Artisanal L.A.

Among the artisans listed as exhibiting this year are creators of: luxury candles; butcher-block cutting boards and furniture; and unique vintage textiles and furniture.  Book signings today and tomorrow include Aida Mollencamp’s Keys to the Kitchen, this afternoon at 1.  Visiting chefs will be demonstrating how to wow your guests with special concoctions, and vendors will be offering all sorts of delectable things.  (Last year’s favorites from this particular show included crusty bread from Los Angeles Bread Bakers and the delectable Masala Chocolates.)

Also, Angela Price, of Eden Condensed, will be teaching classes, at 1:00 today and tomorrow, on “Crafting a Cocktail Garden”.  From her earlier interview on this site, you’ll know that she excels in creating something fun or beautiful in very little space, so this is going to be an interesting presentation!

While you’re there, say “hi” to Rondo Mieczkowski, proprietor of Coldwater Canyon Provisions.  But watch out–his artisan pickles and preserves are from family recipes, and they have a tendency to be seriously addictive!

And someone else not to miss is gifted poet Billimarie.   She will be on hand, once again, with her (pink!) typewriter, creating poems for free, on the spot.

Come prepared to learn some cool kitchen and garden techniques, to wind up buying more tempting things than you originally planned, and, most of all, to enjoy.

Artisanal L.A.’s 2014 Fall Show runs today and tomorrow, from 11 am to 6 pm, at The Reef, 1933 South Broadway near West Washington Boulevard, in Los Angeles.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Kids are back in school.  Leaves are falling.  And, there’s one other sure sign it’s autumn: fall craft fairs!

Today, Penelope Lane Boutique will be hosting theirs.

Their 2014 Fall Boutique is set to feature eighty handcrafted booths.  According to their Facebook page, some of the “goodies” they’ll be offering include: retro spoon rings (remember those, from the 1970s?), unique handmade wrap watches, some very cute felt dolls, handcrafted journals, clever baby T-shirts, and the list goes on!  According to Penelope Lane’s website, they’re welcoming “a ton” of new vendors to this particular show.

Now, one difference from most of the crafts events you’ll find listed on Noelophile®.  While parking is free for the Penelope Lane Fall Boutique, they do have an admission charge: one dollar per person.   That’s certainly not exorbitant, but I didn’t want it to come as a surprise if you go check them out.

Want to know about a couple of free (and favorite) crafts venues for this weekend, as well?  There’s always something interesting going on at year-round weekend crafts marketplace CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles.  This weekend, their listed DIY workshops are quilting, glass fusing and Japanese doll origami.

Also, A Little Known Shop, in Anaheim, features work from approximately thirty different artists and artisans–including some gorgeous new hand-dyed silk scarves that would really make a nice Christmas gift for about six people on my list–how about yours?  They post flexible weekend hours on their Facebook page, so you might like to check before you head over there.

Happy Saturday, happy Autumn, and happy browsing!

Penelope Lane’s Fall Boutique runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm today,, Saturday, September 27th at The Grand, 4101 Willow Street, east of Grand Avenue, in Long Beach.  Parking is free; admission is $1.00.

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by Noella Noelophile®

When isn’t CRAFTED planning something interesting and craft-related?

Well–they’re doing it again.  And we’re giving you some advance notice on this one, so you have time to plan for it.

Next Saturday, September 20, year-round crafts marketplace CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles hosts an Etsy “Mom and Pop-Up Shop”, featuring the SoCal Etsy Guild.  And not only are they adding a one-day crafts festival to all the cool stuff their permanent makers create–they’re also having a Game Day!  Giant Jenga, milk bottle ring toss and a hula hoop station will all be part of the fun, all day.

Now–how about this weekend?   Well, this afternoon from 1 to 2, CRAFTED hosts a  preview showcase from the upcoming “San Pedro Tri Arts Festival”, with some of the performing dance companies.  Their “Creation Station” is having a “Paint Chip Earrings” workshop, today and tomorrow, and the Pat Morvan Jazz Group is playing today, from 2:30 to 6:30.  And of course, CRAFTED always has unique handcrafted jewelry, clothing, soaps, teas and a lot more from their talented onsite artists and artisans.

Enjoy!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located at 112 East 22nd Street, at Miner, in Warehouse 10.  Their hours are Friday through Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, and admission and parking are free.  If you’re visiting San Pedro’s new Downtown Harbor Plaza, you might like to take the 1.5 mile free trolley from the waterfront; the end of the line is at Miner, right across the street from CRAFTED’s entrance.

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by Noella Noelophile®

“I’m going crazy making ducks!” exclaimed glass artist Shirlee Yantz.

Shirlee, speaking from her booth at year-round crafts marketplace CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, is far from the only one with ducks in mind this weekend.Tall Ships® Festival L.A. 2014 is in progress, from now through this Sunday, August 24th, in Los Angeles Harbor.  On Thursday afternoon, a six-story, world-traveling rubber duck, courtesy of artist Florentijn Hofman, led the Festival’s opening parade.   The duck is currently on display in L.A. Harbor, as the festivities continue. So, local artists are rising to the occasion.

In addition to an onsite booth at the Festival, CRAFTED has a portside hands-on craft station, featuring free or low-cost maritime-themed  “make-and-take” workshops.  Among the souvenir crafts visitors can create, today and tomorrow: yellow duck headbands, duck and dolphin lanyard keychains and “seashell air plants”.

But–the fun doesn’t stop at the harbor.CRAFTED‘s free-admission marketplace is open, today and tomorrow, featuring nautical-themed wares from dozens of eclectic artisans, along with DIY workshops.

When we wandered by on Friday, a fleet of folded-paper boats were ready for launch as sailboat mobiles at CRAFTED’s “Creation Station”.  A cooky-cutter booth featured ships and yellow ducks (cookies and cutters) and another booth, further down, offered cute, knitted fuzzy yellow duck slippers.

Shirlee, as you can see, is sporting duck earrings she created.   Her wares today include pins featuring her take on the “rubber duckie”, and when we stopped by her booth, she said her duck-related merchandise was selling out.  She also said she had supplied some wooden duck shapes  for decoupage, at CRAFTED’s portside DIY station.  No word on whether those may still be available today, but it’s definitely worth asking!

And once the Tall Ships®  Festival is a memory, CRAFTED will be looking ahead.

You may want to mark your calendar for a week from Sunday, which is August 31.  Shirlee teaches a fun beginning fused-glass class, the final Sunday of every month.

She might even tell you how to make a yellow duck, if you ask nicely.

Tall Ships® Festival Los Angeles 2014 gates are open from 10 am to 6 pm, today and tomorrow at Los Angeles Harbor, and day sails begin at 9 each morning.  The entrance and ticket booth are located near San Pedro’s Maritime Museum, at 6th Street and Nagoya Way.  Meanwhile, CRAFTED, at 112 East 22nd Street, Warehouse 10 in San Pedro, offers free admission and is open today and tomorrow from 11 am to 6 pm.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Really?  We’re halfway through August–already?

Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of interesting, arts-oriented summertime events going on.

Tonight, for example, A Little Known Shop hosts their monthly “Artist Walk and Food Truck Night” from 6:00 to 9:00 at Community.  Artist Emily Klinger will be on hand, inside the shop, with her vibrant, intricately-patterned prints.  Much of her work is inspired by the ocean, and the cultures of Southern Calfornia, though cat lovers will especially love one painting in her portfolio (no, I’m not telling–you’ll just have to take a look to find me-out).

While there’s no word (as yet) on the other exhibiting artists, we can tell you that A Little Known Shop always has something new in their selection of handmade-only items.  Their Facebook page mentions that they just received a bunch of new creations from independent artisans.

Not familiar with “Community”?  It’s a hidden treasure: a plaza of small, independently-operated art-oriented shops hidden behind double doors at 423 South Brookhurst Street, south of West Broadway, in Anaheim.

Going to the downtown Long Beach area this weekend?  You might like to drop into the Cultural Alliance of Long Beach.  Their featured artist for August is Robert Biddle, whose patterned abstracts are currently on display in an exhibit entitled, ” African American Stories by Robert Biddle”.  On exhibit, along with his work, are wood carvings by Prince Augustine Osawemwenzee Ogiemwanye.

Cultural Alliance of Long Beach, in case you haven’t yet had a chance to visit, is a nonprofit whose mission is to support working artists of all ages, in all disciplines, and connect them with the public.  Their Bungalow Art Center, located at 729 Pine Avenue near 7th in downtown Long Beach, is open today and tomorrow from noon to 5 pm, and Wednesdays through Fridays from 4 to 9 pm.

And, last but never, ever least?  San Pedro year-round crafts marketplace CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles gets a visit from a rubber duckie this weekend!

They’ll have a ten-foot tall “baby duck” on display, as a preview of the L.A. Waterfront’s Tall Ships Festival, happening next week, August 20th through the 24th.  (The ten-foot tall duckie is a replica of the world’s largest rubber duck that will lead the Tall Ships Grand Parade of Sail at the start of the Festival on the 20th.)

And once you’ve had a chance to take a picture with “baby duck”, CRAFTED invites you to explore!  They’re having a two-hour writers’ workshop at 1 this afternoon in their Booth #184, Read On Till Morning.  There will also be an ongoing DIY class, all day in CRAFTED‘s “Creation Station”, in which you can choose a fabric and craft your personal-style tote bag, or make one for back to school.  And as you browse the marketplace and find treasures from more than 100 independent artists and artisans onsite, you can hear live acoustic music from “Brooklyn 232“, who start their first set at 2 this afternoon.  (CRAFTED, of course, is in Warehouse 10, 112 East 22nd Street near Miner, in San Pedro.)

Crafts under the stars, African woodcarvings and a giant rubber duck–just three ways to continue the summer fun this weekend!

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by Noella Noelophile®

What’re you doing this weekend?  You may want to add CRAFTED to your plans.

From now through this Sunday, the first-ever Los Angeles Quilt Show and Fiber Art Fest is happening, at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles.   From 11:00 this morning, they’ll be exhibiting quilts from artists at all different skill levels–and you’re encouraged to come down and vote for your favorite.  People’s Choice Awards are presented at their closing reception, Sunday afternoon at 4!

But between then and now, there will be some other fantastic special events.  And this isn’t for quilters only.   Teachers and fiber artists of all kinds will be there, and there will be workshops and hands-on activities.

Today at noon, modern quilter and designer Alissa Haight Carlton is giving a presentation at CRAFTED.  And while you listen–you might like to be crocheting.  That’s because, according to the L.A. Quilt Show’s website, they’ve chosen a high-profile site to “yarn bomb”, and they really need your creative input.  If you can create a granny square to be a part of this, they’d love to have your help! And then, on Sunday, August 3, you get to work with a very gifted quilter–and help a great cause!  CRAFTED artist Patsy Johnson will be leading an “improv quilt workshop” that day from noon to five.  She’d like to have you join her to make a quilt block–and later in the day, the blocks will be sewn together in a quilt which CRAFTED will sell to benefit a participating charity, at next year’s show.

One of my personal favorite things about CRAFTED is their weekly hands-on workshops.   And with all the quilting going on, this weekend’s DIY sessions are a natural choice: embroidery.  Both today and tomorrow, CRAFTED’s “Creation Station” hosts an “embroidery basics’ class with step-by-step instructions.  The class price is listed on their website as five dollars.

Still just can’t get enough of quilting?  OK, there’s more.  On Sunday, you’ll also get to meet Latifah Saafir, the “Quilt Engineer”!  According to the Los Angeles Quilt Show’s website, the exact time she’ll be on hand is still to be arranged.  However, there’s also a listing of “12-1pm” for her presentation.

Of course, with all the special events, I almost took for granted what makes CRAFTED special in the first place.  As a year-round crafts marketplace, they’ll also have: more than a hundred gifted and eclectic artists, exhibiting their work for sale; food trucks; and live music.  (Blues singer/songwriter Chuck Alvarez stops by this Sunday afternoon, to do the honors.)

And at 4:00 Sunday afternoon, CRAFTED hosts the “grand finale” of this inaugural Los Angeles Quilt Show and Fiber Art Fest: the closing reception and awards.  Can’t say that I envy the judges their job–choosing just one winner, in each category, has to be a tough decision!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles hosts the first annual Los Angeles Quilt Show and Fiber Art Fest, currently in progress, this weekend.  Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and hours are 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3.  CRAFTED is located in Warehouse Number 10, 112 E. 22nd Street, near Miner Street, in San Pedro.

 

 

 

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

This weekend’s forecast: clear and sunny, with unique jewelry and intermittent scented soaps and candles.  There’s also a 99-percent chance of leather- and woodworking, with musicians and some food trucks moving in from the coast.

That’s because there are TWO free indie crafts fairs coming to Southern California, this weekend.

This summer, the Renegade Craft Fair makes its Los Angeles stop in a new location.  Their July Market is happening in L.A.’s new Grand Park, from 11 am to 6 pm, on both Saturday and Sunday.   This is always a blast, despite the heat (parasol, sun hats and sunscreen highly recommended, and don’t forget to hydrate!).

Past favorites from this innovative show have included Jennifer Stewart-Thorn’s lacy Topiary Designs jewelry.  We also like Rondo Mieczkowski’s dill pickles and award-winning Tarragon Cherries, from his Coldwater Canyon Provisions artisan foods small business.  (He handcrafts these in small batches from family heirloom recipes.  Who wouldn’t be tempted?)   And B.O.S.S. Girls Inc. was a great find-we love their scented soap AND their mission of teaching young women to be entrepreneurs!

Then, on Sunday, you’ll have a choice to make.  It’s the second day of Renegade Fair, AND the date of something special from Handmade in South Bay!

Hard to believe, but Handmade in South Bay, while a talented group of independent artist entrepreneurs, aren’t even a year old yet!  They started their organization in September of last year, and have already hosted: their first December Handmade Boutique, a later Holiday Boutique, and April’s First Annual Spring Show.  Boardmember Barb Lieberman shared their story in an earlier post, here on the site.

Keeping up with their tradition of creative ambition (and yes, I do believe they can change the world!), they’re hosting their “Sizzling Summer Bazaar”, this Sunday afternoon, July 27th, from 12 to 4 pm at Ken Miller Recreation Center, in Torrance.  You’ll recall some of the favorites from before, mentioned in last week’s post.  And, uh-oh, they’ve just added temptation to temptation.  Their Facebook page says  M&M Ice Cream’s food truck will be there, too!

Renegade Craft Fair hosts its Los Angeles July Market Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, 11 am to 6 pm in Los Angeles’ Grand Park, 200 North Grand Avenue near West First Street.  Meanwhile, Handmade in South Bay hosts their “Sizzling Summer Bazaar” on Sunday, July 27, noon to 4 pm at Torrance’s Ken Miller Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Boulevard near Madrona.  Admission is free to both events.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Ready to do some early Christmas shopping?  Mark your calendar for a week from Sunday.

That afternoon,  Handmade in South Bay want to give you an opportunity to find some unique handcrafted treasures!

From noon to four pm on Sunday,July 27th,  they’ll be filling Torrance’s Ken Miller Recreation Center with all kinds of cool stuff, as they host their “Sizzling Summer Bazaar”!   They’ll have more than forty exhibiting artists onsite–and their rule is, everything on display MUST be handmade.

So, what kinds of creations do they have in mind, to tempt you?  Too many to list here, but some favorites from their Spring Bazaar included some extremely clever baby mobiles by Melissa of The Delightful Bee (ask to see her cat magnets, too!), and Lainie’s glittery, honey-scented “honeycomb” soaps (from Lainie’s Lathers).  And don’t even get me started on the all the beautiful and unusual jewelry they’ll have,  from vendors including Maybeline of Que Sera Designs and Donna with her “Beadaful Designs”!

I’m also looking forward to seeing what Robyn and Annie, of Younique Ornaments, have come up with, this time.  Their quilted Christmas ornaments, on their Facebook page, are gorgeous!

And if you’re stuck for a gift for someone, Barb Lieberman, of Seeds of Inspiration, can probably help.  Ask her about the possibility of sending her apple-pie-scented star sachets to service members, in the name of a gift recipient you’d like to honor.

All this and food trucks, too–and a raffle to benefit Team Guardian Angels, from the American Cancer Society.   And, fair warning–Handmade in the South Bay’s flyer  lists Angel’s Gate Roasting Company as one of the vendors who’ll be there.  So, Handmade in South Bay’s Sizzling Summer Bazaar will be: eclectic, fun, creative, “giving back” AND coffee-scented.

See you there!  I’ll be the one with all the packages.

Handmade in South Bay’s “Sizzling Summer Bazaar” happens on Sunday afternoon, July 27th, from noon to 4 pm at Ken Miller Recreational Center, in Torrance, 3341 Torrance Boulevard, just east of Madrona.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Quick!  How many ways can you use lavender?

If you go to Ojai today, you’ll come back with some new answers to that question.

The eleventh annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival starts at 10:00 this morning.  They’ll have more than 100 vendors, offering all kinds of lavender plants and products.  According to their website, there will be artisans and crafters, aromatherapy oils, and food (prepared with lavender, of course!).

According to their website, the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival was created in 2004 with a mission: to educate the public and promote the many uses of lavender.  So their entertainment includes both musical performances by gifted local artists throughout the day, and presentations on lavender and how to use it.  Scheduled speakers will be talking about aromatherapy, sustainable farming and cooking with lavender for all of us “foodies”.

So, you’re cordially invited to come and enjoy a day of lavender, Ojai-style–and maybe even sample some lavender ice cream, lemon bars or even lavender creme brulee in one of the local restaurants!

The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm today in downtown Ojai’s Libbey Park, at East Ojai Avenue near South Signal Street.  Admission is free.  Please, no smoking or alcohol, or pets.

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by Noella Noelophile®

Really?  Already?  Yes–it’s that time.

As in, time to wish a very Happy Birthday to Danielle Ochoa.  And to her joint venture, A Little Known Shop, opened one year ago today with business partner Eva Lacey!

You can bet there’s going to be a celebration.  Not only of the shop’s one-year anniversary and Danielle’s birthday–BUT of their brand-new location!  They’ve moved one door down, into Community’s Suite “N”–with a new layout to display the creations from gifted local artists!

So, Danielle and Eva invite you to the party.  No word on whether there will be cake, but they’re having a Grand Reopening tonight, with tamales, a raffle, and, of course, additional new creations from artists including Felt Flanerie and Quiet Doing!  Stop by if you can and wish them Happy Birthday/Anniversary.  (Singing is optional.)

A Little Known Shop, located at 423 South Brookhurst Street (south of West Broadway), in their new location of Suite “N”, will host their Grand Re-Opening Anniversary Party this evening, May 31 from 6 pm to 10 pm.

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by Noella Noelophile®

(Let’s start this by saying “thank you”.  To all our service members, and to the families of all those who have served.  Because without them, we wouldn’t have the freedom for me to write about these special events–or for any of us to attend them.)

Now, what’s going on, in terms of special crafts events, this Memorial Day weekend?  A lot–including:

 Redlands Festival of Arts, Saturday and Sunday, May 24th and 25th.

According to their website, 2014 marks the second year Redlands has hosted this free event.   Their two-day festival will include more than 120 artists, from throughout  California and neighboring states, as well as an eclectic live-entertainment schedule.  Barbershop vocals, funk, rock and jazz and a performance of today’s dance moves, with the audience invited to participate, are just three of the scheduled performances.

Redlands Festival of Arts takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 10 am to 5 pm in Smiley Park, 125 West Vine Street near South 4th Street, in Redlands.  Admission is free.

Fiesta Hermosa, Hermosa Beach, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 24th-26th.

With more than 300 exhibiting artists, the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce bills them as “the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California”!  According to their website, they’re now celebrating forty-two years of shows on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.  This weekend’s Fiesta Hermosa will include a carnival and petting zoo for the kids, as well as live music from 11 am to 6 pm each day.  And expect to see some highly-creative work in leather, glass, ceramic, mixed media…and a lot more!

Fiesta Hermosa takes place Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26, 10 am to 6 pm on the downtown Hermosa Pier at Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach.  Admission is free.

And, I admit, this is one of my favorites.  The Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival makes a stop in Long Beach this Sunday, May 25th!   Now in their seventh year, they’ll host more than 100 local vendors, with some unique and beautiful creations.  They also have live music, and this will be both pet-friendly and bike-friendly, with a bike valet and their location right at the water’s edge.  And while you’re there, you might like to congratulate  Patchwork founder and “Dear Handmade Life” creator Nicole Stevenson on her just-published first DIY, craft, food and creative-business magazine!

The Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival runs from 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday, May 25, at 5255 Paoli Way, near Bayshore and Appian Way in Long Beach.  Admission is free.

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Things may be a little “bizarre” in the Bay Area today.

At least, that’s the vision of some talented “creatives”.

As the Maker Faire opens at the San Mateo Event Center, the San Francisco Bazaar’s going to be a part of it!  They’ll have ninety vendors, offering amazing stuff that includes Tony Fredericks’ gorgeous inlaid As Wood As It Gets creations.  And Dawn Kathryn Moore’s jewel-toned patchwork quilts and handmade animal masks.   And Noah Farb and Chris Clen’s 3-D printed jewelry!

The San Francisco Bazaar is an outgrowth of Bazaar Bizarre, started in Boston in 2001.   According to their website, they’re one of the longest-running fairs in the Bay Area, with an emphasis on local artists.

And can you believe, this is just a part of what’s going on at today’s Maker Faire?  Billed as Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth, they’re a two-day celebration of the DIY movement–showcasing new technologies and new ways to be creative!

Come check out the lasers, robots and kinetics–and be ready to learn and share what you’ve discovered, about creating something amazing!

San Francisco Bazaar is part of this weekend’s Maker Faire Bay Area, happening today and tomorrow, May 17th and 18th, at the San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, south of the 92 freeway  Hours are Saturday, May 17th, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, May 18th, 10 am to 6 pm.  Here’s the link for ticket information.

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

Yay, this Sunday is it.

In addition to Mother’s Day, it’s also–the start of the Patchwork Show season!

Which means, if you’re up in the Bay Area, you might like to take Mom to Oakland’s Jack London Square.  You’ll both enjoy celebrating with more than 100 very talented local artisans, at the Patchwork Modern Handmade Festival!

Plus, you’ll get to show Mom how creative YOU are, when you craft your own Mother’s Day card for her, at a DIY workshop, courtesy of San Francisco Bay Etsy Team.   Or, make her a pompom flower pin, at Handcraft Studio School’s workshop.   And there’ll be live music!

Also, be warned–even if you’re just coming from Mother’s Day brunch, you may be severely tempted.  Among the gorgeous handcrafted jewelry, unique clothing, soy candles and other seriously cool original items are incredible artisan foods.   Some of the hand-dipped s’mores, pastries and gourmet popcorn on display do have an alarming tendency to jump directly into your mouth!

The Patchwork Modern Handmade Festival is the inspiration of artists and entrepreneurs Nicole Stevenson, of Dear Handmade Life, and her aunt, Delilah Snell, of The Road Less Traveled.  Since 2007, Nicole and Delilah have been bringing Patchwork Shows to Santa Ana, Oakland, and Long Beach, twice yearly.

Can’t get to Oakland this weekend?   Well, mark your calendar; in two more weeks, the Patchwork Modern Handmade Festival comes to Long Beach–and it’s scheduled for Santa Ana on June 15th!   (And if you’re in Phoenix, Arizona, it’s headed your way in the future!)

The first Patchwork Modern Handmade Festival of 2014 runs from 11 am to 5 pm, this Sunday, May 11th at Oakland’s Jack London Square,  55 Harrison Street, near 20th Street.  Admission is free.

 

 

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by Noella Noelophile®

What could be better than a spring art show that’s been going on for more than fifty years, with free admission, an all-original juried selection and ethnic food trucks?

All of the above activities, in support of all of us who love to read!

This weekend, that’s exactly what’s happening, as Friends of the Sierra Madre Library host their Fifty-Second Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair.  They’ll have approximately a hundred artists on hand in Sierra Madre’s Memorial Park, with entertainment throughout the day.

So, what kinds of art will be on exhibit?  Their 2014 Featured Artist is innovative jewelry designer Beverly Jones, whose pieces include work crafted in fabric, leather and enamel–and who is the first jeweler to receive this distinction.

Congratulations, Beverly–we’ll enjoy seeing what you and your ninety-plus fellow talented creatives have to offer!

The 52nd Annual Sierra Madre Art Fair happens in Sierra Madre’s Memorial Park, Sierra Madre Boulevard and Hermosa Avenue, this Saturday, May 3, from 9:30 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, May 4, from 9:30 am to 5 pm.  Admission is free.

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Feel like seeing (or being) an Easter Bunny today?  Hop on over to CRAFTED!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles  is having an all-day Easter celebration.  When they open at 11:00 this morning, they’re having an Easter-egg candy hunt.

Then, at noon, you and your  family get to be “crafty bunnies”, as CRAFTED’s Creation Station offers workshops in egg decorating and shows you how to make your own wearable bunny ears.

Feel more like seeing–and touching–the real thing?  You can–from 2:00 to 4:00 this afternoon, at  CRAFTED’s petting zoo.  They’ll have bunnies, ducklings, a baby goat and an artist–who will be doing face painting and  creating even more cute spring animals.

Not familiar with CRAFTED?  They’re San Pedro’s year-round crafts marketplace, open every weekend with crafts workshops, music, special events and more than ninety eclectic artists, exhibiting their work.  Fair warning: some of them create artisan foods–and if you didn’t get enough Easter chocolate today, their hand-dipped creations will remedy the situation very quickly!

Have a very Happy, hoppy and “crafty” Easter!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is open today, Sunday, April 20th, from 11:00 am to 6 pm, and is located in Warehouse Number 10, 112 E. 22nd Street in San Pedro.  Parking and admission are free.

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by Noella Noelophile™

“Handcrafted items only, please.”   Where?!?

Well, this weekend, the answer is. “In Torrance.”

The City of Torrance’s Youth Council is having its 27th Annual Spring Boutique, starting at 9:00 tomorrow morning, Sunday, April 6.  According to their entrance rules, NO mass-produced items are permitted, and anything on display must be hand-knitted, hand-sewn or otherwise improvised.

Which means they’ll have some very cool stuff.   According to their Facebook page, items on display will include toys, ceramics, needlework and clothing–and everything you see is created by someone who put her heart and soul into her work.

Sounds like a great place to shop for Easter, Mother’s Day, and even find some Christmas gifts at a “fun” pace, instead of a frenetic one!

The City of Torrance’s 27th Annual Spring Boutique is happening Sunday, April 6, from 9 am to 4 pm, in Charles Wilson Park, 2200 Jefferson Street, southwest of Plaza Del Amo.  Admission is free.

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by Noella Noelophile™

Spring is here.

Flowers are blooming red, white and blue–with logo centers.  Orange-blossom scents waft from his-and-hers wedding sachets.  Whimsical stenciled bird houses are making an appearance.

In other words–it’s time for the Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 15th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Faire!

Talented artists will be exhibiting “everything handcrafted”, today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.   Admission and parking are free, with music, food trucks, and prize drawings all a part of the festivities.

According to their website, the Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild started more than forty years ago.   A nonprofit, they sponsor two major crafts fairs each year, as well as providing dolls and Christmas ornaments to hospitals.  Proceeds from their Spring and Holiday Craft Faires go towards scholarships for Torrance high-school seniors with an interest in arts and crafts.

Happy Spring!   See you at the Faire.

The Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 15th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Faire runs from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, March 22nd, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Madrona Drive, at Torrance Boulevard and Madrona.  Admission and parking are free.

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by Noella Noelophile™

“‘Tis celebrating they are, at CRAFTED!”

OK, enough with the phony Irish accent.  My (Irish) ancestors would be cringing!

What’s authentic, though, is the good time to be had, for St. Patrick’s Day, this weekend at San Pedro’s year-round permanent crafts marketplace.

Tomorrow, Sunday, March 16th, authentic Irish band Dublin Public takes CRAFTED‘s stage at 2 pm, to perform three sets of “traditional Irish drinking songs and ballads”.  And throughout the day, at CRAFTED’s “Creation Station”, visitors get a chance to create a four-leaf clover pin and clover wall decorations, for St. Patrick’s Day!

Want to learn a craft that’s not necessarily Celtic–but unique?   From 3:00 to 5:00 tomorrow afternoon, there will also be a chain mail earrings workshop, courtesy of Eileen Karrigan, of Eileen’s Beaded Jewelry!

And you don’t even have to “look to the rainbow”–just take the 110 Freeway and exit at Harbor.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is open tomorrow, Sunday, March 16th, from 11:00 am to 6 pm, and is located in Warehouse Number 10, 112 E. 22nd Street in San Pedro.

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Already?  This Sunday, we “spring forward”?

Uh-huh.

Sunday, March 9th, 2:00 a.m., Daylight Saving Time begins.  “Spring forward, fall back,”, or, “Monday comes an hour earlier”, whichever you prefer.

But–there’s also a plus side.  Spring, or almost-spring, means some fantastic crafts events are coming up!

Here are just a few you might like to keep in mind.

This weekend?  Year-round eclectic crafts marketplace CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles  is one of the sponsors of LA Weekly’s The Essentials Sixth Annual Food and Wine Event, this Sunday, March 9th.  So, in addition to fantastic artisan food and libations, you’ll get a chance to check out the work of a very gifted group of “artrepreneurs” in a full marketplace at the L.A. Mart!

LA Weekly’s Essentials Sixth Annual Food and Wine Event runs from noon to 5 pm this Sunday, March 9th at the LA Mart, 1933 South Broadway near West Washington Boulevard, in Los Angeles. 

Then, next weekend, A Little Known Shop, in Anaheim, hosts their Second Annual Cre-8-Bit Crafts Show.  That’s next Saturday evening, March 15th, from 6 to 9 pm.

In addition to the handcrafted gifts on display from their talented local artists, they’ll have an “8-bit-themed art gallery” based on classic video games–and food, drinks, live art by artist Abe Lopez, a raffle and lots of fun.

A Little Known Shop is located at 423 South Brookhurst Street, #M, south of Broadway, in Anaheim. 

Then, the following weekend?  Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild has its 15th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, March 22nd.  

According to their Facebook page, they’re planning for this event to be their biggest one yet, with more than sixty exhibiting artists offering jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, purses…and much more.  They’re also supporting a great cause: their onsite opportunity drawing benefits a scholarship fund for graduating seniors in the Torrance School District.

Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s 15th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair runs from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, March 22nd, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3333 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona Avenue.  Admission is free.

And looking ahead to April–Handmade in South Bay is currently planning its First Annual Handmade in South Bay Spring Boutique, on April 26th.  Their plans include forty-plus talented artisans, classes onsite and gift wrapping (after all, Mother’s Day won’t be that far away!).

New artists’ group Handmade in South Bay hosts its first Spring Boutique on Saturday, April 26th, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Joslyn Center in El Segundo, located at 339 Sheldon Street, at the south end of Recreation Park off Eucalyptus Street.

Getting ready to settle down to some serious crafts-shopping yet?  Well, just to tempt you further…

The month of May brings the first Patchwork Shows of 2014–to both the Bay Area and Southern California.   I’ve attended two of these so far, and always wind up finding something special.  My personal favorites (so far!) include Look Coy proprietor Alexandria Huggett’s vintage-inspired fascinators and the incredible work Justin and Audra Wilford are doing to help children with cancer, through their nonprofit Max Love Project.

Now–it’s your turn to find your favorites, for Spring 2014!

The Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival takes place in Oakland on Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 5 pm at the Jack London Square Market Building, 55 Harrison Street, near 20th.  Two weeks later, the first Southern California Patchwork Show is happening in Long Beach, 11 am – 5 pm at 5255 East Paoli Way, at the boat slip off Appian Way.

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by Noella Noelophile™

“I am blingin‘!”

This was a comment from a workshop participant, during the Craft and Hobby Association’s 2014 Mega Show, this Saturday, in Anaheim.  She wasn’t the only one!

As designer and author Erica Domesek conducted two workshops on jewelry making with Swarovski crystals, additional areas throughout the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend also sparkled–literally and figuratively–with innovation.

(All this “bling” inspiring you?  Check out Swarovski Elements’ website–which includes free design project instructions and DIY videos with the “Professor of Crystal”!)

DIY and crafters’ marketing workshops were scheduled throughout the day.  Award-winning new crafts innovations inspired visitors.  Designers showcased their best work.

Total stand-out favorites, for me, included this:

(Who would have thought of creating the “Seven Wonders of the World” in yarn?  Some people are so gifted!)

And I also loved these felting and tatting displays.  One display, further along, actually included white sheets of felt printed with “cow” black spots–laugh-out-loud fun you may expect to see in your local fabric store, very soon!

And there were also reminders that we are a creative community.   On hand were two special arts-related programs:

Operation Write Home has volunteers craft cards which they then donate, to be sent to service members who can use them to write a letter home.

Meanwhile, Charity Wings is a volunteer- and donation-powered nonprofit art workshop, based in San Marcos, that provides free art classes for other nonprofit organizations.

With all this innovation, education and community, it looks like it’s going to be a very “crafty” 2014!

The Craft and Hobby Association offers resources for retailers, crafts entrepreneurs and anyone who’s interested in spending more time increasing their creativity.  Their 2014 Megashow in Anaheim is a trade-only event–here is the link for membership information.  Their website includes their new online creative community, cre8time.org.

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Sarah Christensen’s Christmases are filled with artists, music, travel plans, laughter–and food trucks.

That’s because Sarah is Director of Vendor Relations for the Renegade Craft Fair, currently in its eleventh year of providing Christmas shoppers a way of finding unique (and fun!) handcrafted gifts.

Sarah talked about her experiences with this vibrant indie-craft event, and shared one of her favorite Renegade Fair Christmas memories.

The Renegade Craft Fair makes its Christmas visit to California as follows: this Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in Los Angeles State Historic Park; then, Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fort Mason in San Francisco.

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by Noella Noelophile™

On the first day of Craftsmas, my CRAFTED said to me,
“Make some cool art to go with the tree”!

OK,  I’ll stick to my day job.

But the fact remains–CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is starting something special this afternoon.

Today, at 1:00 pm, is the first of their Christmastime DIY “Twelve Days of Craftsmas” workshops!  Every weekend, from now till December 22nd, the talented resident artists will be hosting two-hour “make-and-take” workshops at CRAFTED’s “Creation Station”.
Craft Coordinator (and lifelong artist) LIndsey Sochar starts off the series with a Puzzle Piece Reindeer workshop, this afternoon.  This Saturday, Shirlee Yantz, of Enchanted Chic, shows everyone how to make glass snowflakes and menorahs!  And on Sunday, December 1 (wow, already?), Deborah Selva, of The Jungle Bee, teaches a DIY on paper roses.   Additional workshops, the following weekends, include cotton-ball wreaths, Christmastime magnets and festive hair barrettes.

Definitely a great–and creative–alternative to battling bargain hunters at a crowded mall!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located in San Pedro at 112 East 22nd Street, in Warehouse 10.  They’re open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with extended hours, 11 am to 8 pm, now through December 22nd.  “Twelve Days of Craftsmas” workshops run from 1 to 3 pm at the Creation Station, located towards the back of CRAFTED.

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by Noella Noelophile™

Wow.  How did this happen?

Five minutes ago, we were in the middle of summer.   Now, Thanksgiving’s coming up, in less than two weeks.  So, by the time everyone’s munching on leftover turkey sandwiches, there will be–gasp!–twenty-six days till Christmas.

Christmas is so NOT about shopping.  But no one denies that giving a gift to someone you love, and watching his or her face light up, has to rank in life’s top-ten experiences.

And if you’d like to give unique, handcrafted gifts made in the USA and support independent artists, here are a list of upcoming crafts festivals and special places you might like to check out, for your Christmas 2013 shopping.  You could have a lot of fun in the process!

Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival

California Dates/Times:

November 17, Long Beach, 11 am – 5 pm, 5255 Paoli Way.

November 24, Oakland, 11 am – 5 pm, Jack London Square Pavilion, 98 Broadway.

December 1, Santa Ana. 11 am – 5 pm, 125 North Broadway.

The Patchwork Show was created by artist/entrepreneur/writer/general renaissance woman Nicole Stevenson, with the idea of creating a vendor-friendly venue and “making cool stuff happen where you are”.  And has she ever!  She and her aunt/fellow creative entrepreneur and co-founder, Delilah Snell, now run six of these shows a year–and they just added an “edible edition”, in Costa Mesa, this past October.   And, heads-up if you’d like to give an “experience” gift to someone this year–they also host an incredible craft entrepreneurs’ conference, called “Craftcation”, every spring.   Craftcation 2014 is accepting registrations now!

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You know how, when it’s time to put up the Christmas tree, some people break out these incredible handcrafted ornaments?  And you think, “Wow, I could do that!  Wish I’d gotten started early!”?

Well–yes, you could.  And now you can–thanks to A Little Known Shop, in Anaheim.

Next Friday evening, November 15th, artist/Little Known Shop co-owner Eva Lacey will be teaching a hands-on ornament workshop, using Polymer clay, at The Makery, right next door to A Little Known Shop.   The class runs from 7 pm  to 9 pm, and attendees can expect to take home ornaments that not only can be used on your tree–but pretty enough to be used as a decoration year-round!

 A Little Known Shop is located at 423 South Brookhurst Street, south of West Broadway, in Anaheim.  They’re open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm–with, of course, extended hours for special workshops like this one!  Call them at (714) 982-8584 for more information.  And yes, if you thought this said “Thursday, November 14th” before–you are NOT imagining things.  Eva says the workshop has now been rescheduled to Friday evening, November 15th from 7 to 9.

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Halloween isn’t happening until next week–but CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles has a “treat” in store, this weekend!

This Saturday, October 26th, the SoCal Etsy Guild are presenting their “Mom and Pop-Up Shop”, from 11 am till 8 pm!

So, what’s a “Mom and Pop-Up Shop”?  According to CRAFTED’s webpage, this is a one-day special indoor festival.  Dozens of additional artists are scheduled to be there that day, selling their work, in addition to the seventy-five-plus permanent ones who offer their creations for sale on a regular basis.   There will also be live music, make-and-take workshops for the whole family, games, giveaways and food trucks.

Know a “crafty” friend who might like to exhibit her creations?  They’re accepting vendor applications until this Thursday!

SoCal Etsy Guild’s “Mom and Pop-Up Shop” takes place at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, 110 and 112 East 22nd Street in San Pedro, Saturday, October 26th, from 11 am to 8 pm.  Admission is free to the general public.

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When was the last time you handcrafted a wooden spoon?

Or, for that matter, made a fizzy tea as a healthier substitute for soda…whipped up your own goat cheese…or learned the ins and outs of beekeeping?

This weekend, you’ll get all those opportunities–and more–as Artisanal LA returns to downtown Los Angeles for their Fall 2013 show!

“We have…nearly 40 workshops, demos, panels and book signings,” says Artisanal L.A. founder Shawna Dawson.  “We now have an entire floor (of the L.A. Mart) dedicated to education and workshops.”

These workshops, though, are just one aspect of the event.    Artisanal LA is a seasonal, weekend-long showcase of the best artisanal food vendors from all over the country.  Rainbow-colored macarons from Hollywood, nut butters from Brooklyn, and meats from San Francisco are just three of the specialties available.  And as you stroll, taste and learn, you can also find some very cool handcrafted gifts.

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How can anyone NOT love a festival that includes a “Chocolate Chip Cookie School”?

To say nothing of hands-on workshops where you can learn to make fall pickles, and demonstrations that include “Historic California Recipes”, “Simple and Delicious Goat Cheese”, a “Tamale Tour of South America”, and even a session on how to make honey wine–better known as “mead” to connoisseurs!

It’s all set to happen in Costa Mesa, the first weekend in October, as the Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival serves up its “Edible Edition”!

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Los Angeles State Historic Park became a creative kaleidoscope today.

Artists offered unique handcrafted jewelry, handpainted yarn, carved nightlights, and a host of other innovative ideas they’ve brought to life.  Workshops went on all day, allowing visitors to be creative in their own right.   A bevy of food trucks offered everything from Indian food to gelato.

And the best part is, tomorrow’s Day Two of L.A.’s summer Renegade Craft Fair.

Sarah Christensen, Renegade Craft Fair Director of Artist Relations, talked about today’s Day One events and what  visitors will get to see tomorrow!

The summertime Renegade Craft Fair runs from from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, July 21, for its second and final day at Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 North Spring Street   Admission is free.  The following weekend, their San Francisco summer show will be at Fort Mason on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Uh-oh.  It’s that time again.

Time to plan on grabbing an umbrella and sunscreen, and heading for the summertime Renegade Craft Fair!

This eclectic collection of imaginative artists is set to make an appearance in Los Angeles next Saturday and Sunday, July 20th and 21st.   Then, just in case you’re Bay Area-bound, you can also catch them in San Francisco on the following weekend, July 27th and 28th.

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“I’m bored!  What can I do nowwww?”

(Remember how we said that, in summers past?  And now, you may be hearing a reprise, courtesy of the next generation?)

Lisa Cherry, of The Makery modern crafts studio, has a solution.  And neighbors Eva Lacy and Danielle Ochoa, proprietors of A Little Known Shop, are helping to implement Lisa’s great idea: a ten-week series called “Crafternoons”, for kids ages five to ten!  Eva teaches and uses her artistic talents for face painting, while Danielle “minds the store” at their new Little Known Shop.

“Crafternoons”, which run for two hours on Tuesdays, just launched last week in Anaheim.  These special programs start at 1 p.m., and include drawing, painting, assemblage, and storytelling.

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Couldn’t make it to Friday’s birthday open house at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, or didn’t know about it in time?  Don’t feel bad–look what they’re doing Saturday, in honor of the Fourth of July!

CRAFTED’s Shop American Saturday will include appearances by the Long Beach Derby Gals, a nail bar, face painting for the kids and some tempting burgers and funnel cake available for purchase!

And don’t be too surprised if you wind up dancing.  Their live bands kick off at 2:00, with eight different groups playing sets till 8:00 that evening!

Also, you could win something amazing!   Bring wearable items of clothing to donate for their Veterans Clothing Drive and Raffle, and you’ll receive raffle tickets, for a chance to win American-made goods.

It’s going to be a star-spangled weekend as CRAFTED launches into its second year!

 

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles has extended hours tomorrow, June 29th: 11:00 a.m. till 8 p.m.  Their regular hours are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 pm.  Parking and admission are free. 

 

 

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Two warehouses–one renovated, one in the works.   More than a hundred artists displaying their work, with more to come.  Fifty-two weekends of workshops, live music, food trucks, special celebrations and creativity.

All of the above have added up to an exciting first year for CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles.  And at Friday’s open-house birthday celebration, even blazing temperatures couldn’t subtract from the fun.

Visitors were treated to cupcakes, divinity, coffee and wine.  Lots of laughter and socializing went on, and guests gave some rousing cheers during a presentation by Rachel Waugh, CRAFTED Executive Director, as she mentioned some of the artisans who have been onsite since CRAFTED’s opening day.

The loudest cheer, however, was directed at Rachel herself–for all her hard work since her arrival at CRAFTED in August, 2012.

Just prior to the celebration, Rachel talked about her experiences, some of the factors that make CRAFTED special, and their plans for the future.

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Can CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles really be turning one year old, already?

How time does fly when you’re learning crafts, listening to live music and buying unique handcrafted gifts.

Year-round crafts marketplace CRAFTED did, in fact, open its doors on Friday evening, June 29, 2012.  And this Friday, June 28th, you’re invited to come celebrate with them as they host an open house, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.!   They’ll have special treats from their exhibiting artists, libations from Off the Vine and coffee and tea from Sacred Grounds, in San Pedro.

Want to get some shopping in, with lunch, before the party starts?  They open at 11:00 that day, with the Don Chow Tacos truck scheduled to make an appearance at noon.

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Feeling “crafty”?  Susan Varteresian and Lauren Macaluso invite you to come party with them!

As their Creative Outlet Studios venture, in Costa Mesa, celebrates its first summer in existence, they’re having an Etsy Craft Party this Thursday evening, June 20th!  Think music, raffles, food, drink, fun, and of course–lots of chances to be creative!

Scheduled crafting sessions include natural fabric dyeing, cardmaking (and a chance to give back–you get to make one for yourself, and one for a charity!) and a nail bar, with suggestions from Pinterest.  Zombie country-soul pop band Hank and her Ponies will be there to entertain,  and you just might win something amazing, and handcrafted, from A Little Known Shop, which is supplying raffle prizes from local Etsy sellers!

Think a little chocolate or some incredible macarons or sugar cookies might fuel the creative process even more?  They’ve thought of that, too–their dessert bar will be ready for inspection!  There will also be wine and beer available for sale.

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Sunday’s Patchwork Show Modern Handmade Festival was a celebration!

Tents lined Broadway as more than 150 crafters converged on the downtown area of Santa Ana.  Festivalgoers admired everything from luster-fired ceramics to artisan soaps,  sculpted gold jewelry and handmade vintage clothing.

Music filled the air as performers played on three music stages.  Families lined up to create something special of their own at the “Amazing Human-powered Art Machine”.   A few steps away, organizers talked with attendees about their proposed upcoming Orange County Rock N’ Roll Camp For Girls, currently funding on Indiegogo.   (They have four days left and are nearly three-quarters of the way to being completely funded!)

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This upcoming Wednesday, May 8th, is a special occasion at CRAFTED.

Normally, this year-round crafts market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  But this week, the Celebrity Solstice comes into port–and CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles has special hours, to celebrate!

From 10:00 that morning to 4:00 p.m., CRAFTED will be open, with live music by songwriter and artist Loretta McNair, special handcrafted gifts available (in case you couldn’t find something special for Mom!), and wine tasting, with a chance to meet Central Coast winemaker Greg Allen, from Cuatro Dias winery!

Can’t make it this Wednesday?  You might like to look ahead to the weekend’s crafts classes–you can make a picture frame for Mom, this Friday, Saturday or Sunday!  Classes start at 11:00 a.m. this Friday, May 10th, in CRAFTED’s “Creation Station”!

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Artisan ice cream making.  Beachside yoga.  Networking.   Beer and croquet.  A chance to learn all about starting and/or growing a small business…or an opportunity to just “hang out by the beach and make stuff”.

It’s all going to be a part of Craftcation 2013.

This is a combination small-business and crafts conference, and the brainchild of Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival co-founders Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell.

2013 is their second year of Craftcation, which is the first conference of its type in Southern California.  This year’s four-day Craftcation Business and DIY Conference happens in Ventura, from Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24th.

So far, according to Craftcation’s website, the “crafting” workshops will include such topics as knitting, jewelrymaking and felting.   The small-business sessions will cover such areas as pricing, legalities and booth design for craft fairs.   And the social aspects of the conference will feature a barbecue, a “Ventura food tour” and an ’80s dance party!

But–if you’d like to go, don’t procrastinate.  The deadline for registration is March 1.

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Create something special, get in the Christmas spirit, and have fun.

That’s what it’s all about at CRAFTED, in San Pedro, these last two weekends before Christmas.

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is San Pedro’s year-round crafts marketplace.   And they’re currently celebrating the “Twelve Days of CRAFTSmas,” with a series of hands-on weekend workshops with their talented artists.

Their next workshop happens this afternoon, December 14th, from 2 to 4, with Lindsay Z. of Wood Brain, who will be showing attendees how to make a unique Christmas postcard, for sending or decorating!

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“I am not here to buy anything,” I told myself sternly.   “This is all about talking to artists, OK?”   With that resolution in mind, and microphone in hand,  I entered the Summer 2012 Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles State Historic Park, last July.

Well…um…

Three hours and two pairs of earrings, two cakes of scented soap, a wooden card that’s perfect for my husband and a Renegade Craft Fair T-Shirt later, I accepted that my steely resolve needs work!  (At least, where unique handmade crafts are concerned.  How come I didn’t buy a partridge in a pear tree?   No one seemed to have made one, in July!)

That may not be an issue as the Renegade Craft Fair opens its Holiday Show this weekend in Los Angeles, and next weekend in San Francisco.   And if you find yourself going overboard on all those independent creative entrepreneurs’ wood/pewter/silver necklaces, handpainted pottery, fabric arts and all kinds of other “goodies”–take heart.  Your dilemma’s best summed up by a comment from Sarah Spies, Director of Media and Vendor Relations, as I voiced my determination not to purchase anything else:

“Good luck!”

The Renegade Craft Fair runs from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 8th and 9th, in Los Angeles State Historic Park, and from 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 15th and 16th, at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco.

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It’s full of color, sound, and creativity.  Everything you see has an artist’s story behind it.  And forget what you think of, when you hear “crafts”–this is definitely NOT your grandmother’s macrame!

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is a vibrant new crafts market, where almost a hundred fifty talented artisans have permanent stores.   Browsing their aisles, you’ll find everything–from jewelry based on folk magic, to margarita cupcakes and handcrafted shoes!

These are juried artists, selected for their quality and uniqueness.  A walk through CRAFTED leaves you with a sense of warmth, celebration and some very special people who are creating and sharing what they love.

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Sharon and Rachel say CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles accepts crafters with unique, all-handmade, high-quality items.  There’s a juried selection process; if you are a crafter who’d like to be considered, check out their website!

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The Renegade Craft Fair happens in Los Angeles and San Francisco in December!   And it all started off with an artist who couldn’t find what she was looking for.

In 2002, Renegade Craft Fair Co-Creator and Director Susie Daly was making jewelry.  She’d made enough inventory to start selling her work in new contemporary-crafts venues.

The only problem was, no such venues existed at the time.

So, Susie accepted the challenge.   With 70 crafters chosen in a juried selection process, she coordinated Chicago’s first Renegade Craft Fair, in River Park!

Susie recalls that inaugural event as being simple, low-key–and refreshing.   Crafters enjoyed offering work they loved to create, in a setting designed especially for them.  Within two years, the Renegade Craft Fair was branching out to Brooklyn, New York.

“I was there on a trip and walked past McKinley Park, which reminded me of River Park,” Susie explained.  Inspiration struck, and Brooklyn became a “Renegade” city–soon followed by San Francisco, Austin and Los Angeles.

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The Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival has four upcoming shows, for Fall, 2012!   And that includes one in a brand-new location: Oakland, on November 18th!   “Patchwork” features more than 100 artists, plus music, crafts classes and food trucks–and admission’s free!

The NEXT “Patchwork” show?  Mark your calendar–it’s coming up quickly.  It’s happening in Santa Ana on Saturday, November 25th!

“Patchwork” is the invention of artist/writer/designer and teacher Nicole Stevenson, creator of the “Random Nicole” wearable-art line.   With her aunt, fellow artist/entrepreneur Delilah Snell, Nicole started the first Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival in Santa Ana in 2007.  Recently, Noelophile™talked with her about her experiences.

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