Renegade LA: Caposhi

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Caposhi crochets jewellery from soft yarnsThe granny square table covering at the Caposhi booth instantly caught my eye. (Likely because I have the dottie angel book on my mind!) Though there was definitely a trend for dangly feathery earings throughout the fair, seeing them made with yarn and beads was a different take.

"While I specialize in creating unique fiber jewelry, I can often be found knee-deep in a variety of yarny projects - from granny square pillows and scarves to clutches and hand bags. Inspired by all things vintage, I
also strive to provide a quirky balance between old and new in all that I do.

As a trained photographer and graphic designer to boot, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I dabble in these as well. I hope to always offer goods that employ both of these skills, whether I'm selling screened bags or even art prints!"

Renegade LA: Henry Road

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The inspiring colours of Henry RoadFabric bundles get me every time! I love getting precut quarters or remnants... they're the promise of fun crafty times ahead without the commitment and expense of getting fabric cut off the bolt. I bought three bundles from various vendors at the SF and LA fairs. Not sure what they'll become, but I don't mind just looking at the colours and patterns for awhile.

Renegade SF: Pie Bird Press

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Pie Bird Press has impeccable letterpressed illustrated cards.

"Pie Bird Press is a little company with a lot of heart.  We do all our printing by hand on antique letterpresses, and take pride in bold, saturated designs that draw from years of flea market hunting and collecting. Our inspiration comes from a love of all things vintage and colorful, and of the good things in life that put a smile on your face: fireworks, glazed donuts, puppies, lunchboxes, and pumpkins on the vine. Our mission is to spread a feeling of nostalgia and cheer to everyone who receives our cards."

Mission accomplished!

Renegade SF: Plants you can't kill

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Last year one of the repeating motifs were squids and octopus. (The mustache and beard phenomenon continues on, though perhaps is finally nearing its trendy end...) This year? Succulents, plants and terrariums were scattered throughout the fair. One artisan who did it well was Shannon Gerard with her crocheted cacti. She was crocheting (whilst standing) all weekend long it seemed!

Help! (please)

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I've got too many things on my plate right now. In fact my "plate" is more like a banquet hall of things I need to get done before we head to Renegade Brooklyn next week. Some of the to-do list is fun stuff like making swag... postcard sets and button-making. Are there any local folks who want to come by on First Thursday to help assemble things? I'll be in the studio from 3-9pm -- even if you're able to drop by for a short while and make a few things that would be so appreciated.

I am also looking for a regular team of makers and doers, to assist in these hands-on tasks like assembly, button-making, book-making and even some sewing (for the dottie angel book.) We would meet once or twice a month at UPPERCASE over iced coffee and cookies and have a good ol' fashioned making-things bee. The first bee will be this Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Please email me if you're interested (janine at uppercasemagazine dot com) thank you!!!

Crafting a Meaningful Home

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As a book lover, designer and publisher, I am always on the lookout for books that inspire. With review copies, keeping up with the blogs, my magazine and books in progress, it seems that I look at so many things these days that it takes something extra special to grab my full attention. Crafting a Meaningful Home is such a book. Written by Meg Mateo Ilasco (I've blogged about her recent book collaboration with Joy Cho, Creative Inc) with gorgeous photography by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, the book goes beyond the typical craft how-to and really does live up to its title: each of the crafts in the book is made by a different artist or family. Sharing meaningful stories on how culture, family and personal histories inform their crafts and home environment, the book is a very interesting read.

The book arrived at just the right time; Glen and I have been redoing our house: putting down new floors, painting the walls, new furniture and bookshelves... With this clean slate, I am inspired to feature more personal items, crafts and collections. (In the photo above you can see a bit of a lovely crochet blanket that Tif made for Finley, and below the amazing colour combination so-awful-it's-great throw I bought at Value Village.) With all of the activity and work I have to do, I have not had time to sew or crochet... but I remind myself that am crafting a home in the larger sense: Glen and I are creating a wonderful place for all of us to grow as a family.

The book features many of my favourite creative people: Rae Dunn, Joy Cho, Lauren & Derek from The Curiosity Shoppe, Lorena Siminovich and many other fine crafters. Lisa Congdon is also a contributor and her decoupage plates are featured on the cover. Below is a sweet video of Lisa that Meg shares with us:

Crafting a Meaningful Home - Lisa Congdon from Meg Mateo Ilasco on Vimeo.

 

The book is available through Rare Device and The Curiosity Shoppe as well as other fine booksellers.

More felt

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Lots of you were wondering where I got the felt that I'm using to make Finley's letter blocks. I purchased them from Sue Eggen aka Giant Dwarf at the San Francisco Renegade Craft Fair. She had sets of felt that were curated by special guests. This set was selected by Something's Hiding in Here. A brilliant and colourful idea!

Here are some before pictures. I should have bought 2 rolls: one to look at, and one to use.

Tasty stuff!

Fine handmade clothing

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Our fall issue of UPPERCASE magazine has traditionally been the "gentleman's issue" (if you can base tradition on one previous issue!) The upcoming issue (at the printer in pre-press stage) continues that direction, covering a collection of a grandfather's clocks, a Portland distillery, jeans and canvas, scotch, suspenders and other manly pursuits. The other grand theme is the love of books: living, designing, creating, making, remaking books with the occasional crush on a librarian. It is a handsome issue and I look forward to sharing more images and content.

In the meantime, these two videos set the mood. {via A Continuous Lean: a great website that provided a lot of inspiration and links to explore during the making of issue 7.}