Meet Matthew Porter and win a calendar!

Meet Matthew Porter. Leave a comment here with your contact info for your chance to win a calendar! UCU- When did you start your business?

MP- December of 2002.

UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

MP- Wood. All my paintings are done on wood so I head out to Home Depot about once a month and stock up!

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

MP- Bluebottle Art Gallery in Capitol Hill, I co -own the gallery with my wife.

Frank and Dunya in Fremont

Fancy in Belltown

LunarBoy Gallery in Astoria

The kids stuff at: Clover, Bootyland, Pop Tots, Retroactive Kids, Happy Planet Toys

A bunch of web sites and I also participate in group shows. I have one in LA in December and 1 in Florida in November.

My web sites as well - www.matthewporterart.com & www.oneredpanda.com

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

MP- Getting to see how people react to my work. I sell mostly through stores so I don't very often get to see the direct reaction from my customers. Also it is great to talk to other vendors and get that community feel.

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

MP- Monkey World 2009 Wall Calendar. Each month features a different scene in Monkey World and it also comes with a cute coloring calendar for the kiddies or maybe just keep it for yourself! [gallery]

Meet Population one

Meet Population One UCU- When did you start your business? PO- I started Population:1 in January of 2005. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? PO- My favorite craft supply is definitely vinyl. I wasn't always a big fan, but once I figured out how to work with it, I absolutely love it! I'm actually in the process of switching all of my designs to vinyl. UCU- Where do you sell your work? PO- My work is available on my website www.populationone.etsy.com, cutxpaste.com, the Fremont Market and of course UCU! UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? PO- I really love selling my bags in person. There's nothing like seeing someone's face when they fall in love with a particular bag. And I appreciate all the feedback too, good or bad. It reminds me why I do this and keeps me motivated to continue doing it. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? PO- I have a new design called the Katrina Wallet Wristlet that is my new item for 2008. It got great reviews when I debuted it at the Fremont Market and Bumbershoot this summer so I'm stocking up for UCU. I am also currently working on a new large weekend bag that I'm super excited to debut at UCU! [gallery]

Meet eight3one and win a onesie!

Meet eight3one UCU- When did you start your business? e3o- We started our business in 2006 when our son Maxwell-Ray was born. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? e3o- We really enjoy working with our screen printing press. UCU- Where do you sell your work? e3o- We sell our work throughout the United States and in some International stores as well. For a complete store locator you can visit our website. www.eight3one.com UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? e3o- We love working directly with people and seeing their reaction to our product. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? e3o- I think our silver crowned monkey will be our hot item this year. Leave a comment here with contact info to win a flying monkey onesie size 6-12 months.

Meet Estrella Soap and win some too!

Meet Estrella Soap and leave a comment with contact info for your chance to win 5 bars of soap in CandyCane, Lavender Mint, Almond, Peppermint Oatmeal, and Lemongrass! UCU- When did you start your business? ES- Estrella Soap Started in 2003

UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

ES- Essential Oils because we're always using them to come up with new scent combinations!

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

ES- Online, in select online-stores, in stores mainly on the west coast, and of course at shows :)

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

ES- I love it all...well minus the exhaustion at the end of a show:) Set up is awesome seeing everyone get their booths set up and we love shopping but most of all the support of the customers truly appreciating what we do is the best feeling.

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

ES- We're really excited about launching our new soap scents including a Wintergreen bar and Root Beer bar. We'll also have our new lip balms and hopefully some bath salts for the show Our website is www.estrellasoap.com [gallery]

Meet Spincycle Yarns

UCU- When did you start your business? SY- 2004 UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? SY- Just this year, we found a new source for merino wool that we can feel really good about. The sheep aren't raised on crowded lots or subjected to injections or antibiotics. They are happy, pasture-raised sheep that don't need meds to live long, happy, fuzzy lives. Their wool is SO SOFT! UCU- Where do you sell your work? SY- At our local farmers market here in Bellingham, in our studio by appointment, and online at www.spincycleyarns.com UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? SY- We LOVE the concentration of other amazing crafters! Last year at UCU we got to meet the talented ladies (and gentlemen) whose work we've been admiring for years, and we got to meet loads of crafters that we hadn't hear of yet. We just wish we'd had more time for shopping! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? SY-Our Sparkleface Scarf Kits. They feature our very special wool/kid mohair yarn, an original pattern, and a "critter" scarf pin designed by our friend Libby from Moth and Squirrel! [gallery]

Grassroots Business Association

I thought many of you might be interested in the Grassroots Business Association

Grassroots Business Association is a group of small business owners working on forming a non profit organization for both aspiring and current small business owners. Our purpose is to: educate, inspire, empower, network and support people pursuing an independent career path. We want to provide an opportunity both for individuals who are just starting to think of pursuing their own business and for current owners who are looking for community support, resources and opportunities. We would like to be inclusive of all different forms of small businesses: crafters, web designers, graphic designers, artists, boutique and gallery owners, catering businesses, wedding and party coordinators, clothing labels, bookkeepers, career advisers. Basically any type of business that includes you being the boss! Next meet and greet is November 20th.  Check website for more details.

Meet Marlo from Tote2go! and win a bag

Meet Marlo of Tote2go UCU- When did you start your business? T2G- Which one? Haha! I've been a serial entrepreneur ever since grade school, so there have been quite a few. My current favorite business of mine is: Tote2Go! - a line of reusable shopping bags made exclusively from repurposed, reclaimed and remnant fabrics. I made my first tote bag last year (2007) and debuted them at UCU last December!

UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

T2G- Hm. That has got to be fabric. Lots and lots of fabric from curtains, duvet covers, sheets of all manner of prints. The brighter the color, the happier it makes me! I especially love finding a vintage sheet that might not make it onto another bed, but is fabulous as a new Tote2Go! Double Shopper set! Some fabric was just meant to be for carrying with and not sleeping on, you know what I mean?

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

T2G- I am excited and very proud to say that I just landed my very first wholesale account with Eat Local in Queen Anne (eatlocalonline.com). Their food is some of the yummiest gourmet small-batch handmade frozen dinners I've ever had. I love that they focus on locally grown/produced organic ingredients and offer reusable containers that you can wash and bring back for more! I am so honored to feature my work there...it's a perfect fit for my work!

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

T2G- UCU's customers are second to none, really. Everyone who shops there truly knows how much love and hard work it takes to make something by hand. I have to say, it is so completely refreshing to have a discussion with a customer about the *reason* I make something and not *just* the price, you know what I mean? I love UCU's customers to pieces! I can't wait to meet more of them this year!

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

T2G- Definitely my Tote2Go! Double Shoppers! They are a set of 2 reusable shopping bags that are made exclusively from  repurposed, reclaimed and remnant cotton and cotton-blend fabrics that I find at my "local charitable organizations" (Goodwill, Value Village and the like). The best part? They *both* fold up into their own pocket with a secret wrist strap that pops out to make them ultra-portable! Super cute and functional for sure! Leave a comment here with your contact info for your chance to win a coupon to win your own Tote2go!  Redeem either day of UCU or online if you don't live in Seattle. [gallery]

Mee

Did You Write a book?

Hey folks, This year for UCU we are going to have a booth for author signings.  We already have some great authors lined up but would always love to have more!  If you wrote a book and are interested in taking some time out of selling and sit at our UCU booth to meet your fans and sell some books please contact me! kristen dot rask at gmail dot com

Meet Slow Loris Shirts

Meet Slow Loris Shirts UCU- When did you start your business? SLS- 1997 in Oakland, California UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? SLS- RUBYLITH!  and an xacto knife.. UCU- Where do you sell your work? SLS-

New York.......

http://www.openspacebeacon.com

WASHINGTON..........

Easy Street Records - Seattle

20TWENTY - Seattle

Retrofit Home - Seattle

Red Snapper - Anacortes

The Business- Anacortes

Adrift - Anacortes

Backporch - Anacortes

Guemes Island Resort - Guemes Island

Andersons - Guemes Island

The Paper Doll - Bellingham

OREGON......

Tender Loving Empire

CALIFORNIA...........

Still Life - San Francisco

Neighborhood - Venice

MASSACHUSETTS............

Motley - Boston

AUSTRALIA.............

Ruck Rover General Store

4/ 595 Beaufort St

(corner Chelmsford Rd)

elvis 4 cleo

Sydney!

We also sell on LITTLE PAPER PLANES!

http://www.littlepaperplanes.com/

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? SLS- Getting to see the familiar faces of people we've become friends with over the years,  whether it be other vendors or past customers! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? SLS- Our new hemp/cotton skirts we screen printed on,  made by local company "Texture" out of Bellingham.  We think they're pretty great! Also our new new moleskin notebooks we did a collaboration on with the randL/chikabird girls! [gallery]

Meet Rachel Ann Austin

Meet Rachel Ann Austin

UCU- When did you start your business?

RAA- I first started painting while working at an art supply store about five years ago. After that I worked part-time in an office while building my business and I finally went full time about two years ago. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? RAA- I always look for a good brush and constantly stock up on too many tubes of paint.

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

RAA- I sell at several shops in Portland – Noun, Tilde, Flutter and Cheeky B. I have some other shops around the country and have a few other holiday shows this year – Crafty Wonderland and One of a Kind Show in Vancouver, BC. I also sell directly from my etsy site.

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

RAA- I love being a part of shows that highlight the great DIY culture and its fun to see so many fabulous artists and crafters in one place.

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

RAA- My map paintings are always hot and I think my map pendants will be a big hit this year – The Seattle Times may be featuring them in their holiday gift guide.

You Bazaar!

If you live in the Bay area or in SF, You Bazaar is looking for two last minute vendors.  For more information visit the website

Meet Intertwined Designs

Meet Intertwined Designs UCU- When did you start your business? ID- summer of 2000 UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? ID- My big rotary cutter to cut my fabric UCU- Where do you sell your work? ID- Festivals, www.intertwineddesigns.com, stores UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? ID- I get to interact with my customers, and see their joy and reaction of buying hand made clothing. UCU- Most anticipated 'hot item' at your booth this year? ID- The Expectation shirt...it's a Hemp jersey shirt with ribbed neck band and cuffs with decorative serged stitching. [gallery]

Looking for vendors in LA

[gallery] Please mention Narumi if you apply!

Meet Snap and win a makeup and coin set!

Meet Michelle from SNAP UCU- When did you start your business? SD- 5 years ago

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

SD- online at www.snapcatalog.com and at stores across the country

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

SD- I love seeing so much creativity concentrated in one place! There is a camaraderie amongst the artists and crafts-people that you don't find at most of the big fru-fie trade shows. I like the relaxed atmosphere and all of the peeps that come to check out our wares!

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

SD- totes, yo! Leave a comment here with your contact info for your chance to win a makeup and coin set from SNAP! [gallery]

Meet Gwen from Lekker Life Clothing

Meet Gwen UCU- When did you start your business? LL- Right after I graduated fashion school in the summer of 2006. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? LL- My left handed Gingher scissors my Dad got me for Christmas a few years ago. UCU- Where do you sell your work? LL- In Seattle: Bouncing Wall, Frock Shop, 20/20, & Petaline.net. I have other stores in Portland, OR & Berkeley, CA, too! UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? LL- I love seeing what other vendors create; what THEY spend their time in their studios making. Also, the customers just "get it"! They understand the uniqueness of hand-made items and it really encourages me to continue what I'm doing! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? LL- My jumper dress with patch pocket (see attached picture). I've sold quite a few of these at my boutiques already (sadly the floral printed one is sold out, but I will have many more in other fabrics). They flatter many body types, are easy to layer, are comfortable AND you can machine wash them! [gallery]

Meet Bread and Badger

Meet Amanda of Bread and Badger UCU- When did you start your business? BAB- January 2006

UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

BAB- E6000 glue. You can glue anything together with it! It's also my least favorite craft supply because it's so messy and toxic-fumey. :(

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

BAB- My website (www.breadandbadger.com), Etsy store (www.breadandbadger.etsy.com), local craft events, Trillium Artisans in Portland and two stores in Massachusetts (Magpie and Buckaroo's Mercantile). Urban Outfitters is licensing some of my designs to put on pint glasses, so you should see those hitting stores soon!

UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

BAB- I love hearing feedback directly from customers. It's amazing to see someone's face light up when they "get" my design sense. I also love getting to know other craftspeople in my area and checking out their wares.

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

BAB- Mustache Pint Glasses!! They have been featured on a lot of major blogs and it's the top seller in my shop. [gallery]

Meet Karen Hewig and win an organic lavendar sachet!

Meet Karen Hewig

UCU- When did you start your business?

KH- About a year ago I decided to turn my felting hobby into a business. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

KH- My favorite craft supply is wool roving from local farms here in WA State.  I am always amazed at its beauty and natural color. UCU- Where do you sell your work?

KH- I sell my work at www.FeltedStyle.Etsy.com, www.FeltedStyleFabric.Etsy.com, www.HipEliving.com and www.LakeWoodGallery.com

More local stores coming soon! UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

KH- This is my first big show and I am very excited!  In smaller shows, my favorite part is demonstrating how I make wool felt.  People are always amazed how soft fluffy wool roving can be turned into firm felt with just soap, water and a little elbow grease!

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

KH- Mini table art!  (More coming this week to my Etsy shop)

[gallery]

Meet Coco Howard

Meet Coco Howard UCU- When did you start your business? CH- I started Softlife in the winter of 2007, not too long ago! I had been making stuffed creatures and needle felted paintings for years at home in secret, then I started the Daily Creature Blog ( http://softlifeindustry.blogspot.com/ ) and the idea of Softlife as a business began to gel for me. It has been pretty fun so far! UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? CH- Well, I do have a wool fetish. I really love the sculptural possibilities that needle felting allows me. Also making creatures out of old sweaters has made me appreciate all the different textures and patterns that exist in the world of knitwear. UCU- Where do you sell your work? CH- I sell my work primarily at my the Softlife studio which is located upstairs at the Anne Bonny ( 1355 East Olive Way, Seattle), at Schmancy ( 1932 Second Ave, Seattle ), and in the Softlife Etsy store. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? CH- This will be my first big show. I am looking forward to meeting all of the other artists as well as all of the consumers of craft! UCU- Most anticipated "hot" item in your booth this year? CH- Who really knows? I plan to have a line of plush pugilists, and a line of Creatures of Mystery among other things. Perhaps these will prove to be the "hot" items at my booth this year! [gallery]

Meet Spooky Mama and win a small alter!

Meet Spooky Mama UCU- When did you start your business? SM- I started my business about a year ago. I have always made things, but just for friends. I was told repeatedly that I should sell the things that I make, so I thought, "Might as well give it a chance." UCU-What is your favorite craft supply? SM- My favorite craft supply is glitter! UCU- Where do you sell your work? SM- I mostly do custom work through referrals. I also sell at I Heart Rummage and through Etsy UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? SM- My favorite part of doing large shows is that I get to talk with other crafters and see what they do. I love seeing how other people see things. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? SM- I don't know if I really have an aticipated item, but my altars are always one of a kind and fun! Leave a comment here with your contact info for your chance to win your own small alter! [gallery]

Meet Kim McCormick and win a dog sweater!

UCU- When did you start your business? KM- Started my business about 5 years ago or so, but it seems I've always been doing it in one form or another! UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? KM- Favorite craft supply - Goodwill! UCU- Where do you sell your work? KM- I sell my work at Andaluz, Frock Shop, Etsy, Fremont Market and various trunk shows UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? KM- Favorite part of doing these shows is meeting the customers and other artists. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? KM- My hot item at this show should be my appliqued sweaters! Made all of recycled findings. [gallery]

Meet Koko Designs

UCU- When did you start your business? KD- Six years ago. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? KD- Bullseye Glass Company and the things people throw away/get rid of. UCU- Where do you sell your work? KD- My studio and Etsy in the near future. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? KD- Meeting like-minded artist, interacting with people that are interested in supporting the arts, and the contagious energy of creativity. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? KD- Recycled glass beads (handmade with a torch) incorporated into jewelry that is made from found/recycled wire. [gallery]

Meet Leah Nobilette and win an extra small spiky vase!

Meet Leah Nobilette UCU- When did you start your business? LN- It will be three years ago this December. I had always made work but didn't start selling outside of my studio until then. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? LN- White earthenware.  I can't do anything with out clay. My favorite tools would be be found in most homes a wood ruler and a pairing knife. UCU- Where do you sell your work? LN- Three fabulous stores in Portland, Oregon. Tilde (http://www.tildeshop.com), Relish (http://www.shoprelish.com/) and Noun (http://www.shopnoun.com/) UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? LN- This will be my first big show! I'm looking forward to meeting new people. UCU- Most anticipated 'hot item' at your booth this year? LN- The popular spiky bowls and vases.  Or something new-I'm using ceramic molds of birds from the 1950's to add to bottles and bowls. ( no picture yet ) [gallery]

Meet Gunlis from Glam Garb and Win something!

[gallery] UCU- When did you start your business? GG- 2003 UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? GG- lace, ribbons and yarn.
UCU- Where do you sell your work? GG- Please see "store & event page" on my website
UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? GG- I love to see all the wonderful merchandise and meet all the creative designers under one roof. Myself, I love to meet with my customers and get inspired by them.
UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? GG- One of a kind Crinolines/Tutu skirts hand-dyed in my own mix of colors Leave a comment here with contact info for your chance to win your own hand-dyed slip skirt valued at $45.  Winner will be chosen on Oct. 22nd.

Meet Its All Retro Baby and GIVEAWAY!

UCU- When did you start your business? JN- In 2005, but I started making the baby items in 2004, in anticipation of the arrival of nephews, nieces and friends babies. I then thought to myself, everybody is doing it why don't I ??? Jane came January 1, 2005. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? JN- Bias tape..My own worst enemy. Double stiched around every bib. It is time consuming but more durable wash after wash. UCU- Where do you sell your work? http://www.itsallretrobaby.com Seattle : Bouncing Wall Portland : Cheeky B Frock Union Rose Many other fine establishments all over the internet and world. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? JN- Ok...Total dorkiness here. It's the people. You get to hang out with others crafters that LOVE what they do. Then, to be honest, It is great to here that other people like your stuff, between compliments and sales, my head gets happy! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? JN- Hospital Take-Out® One Baby to Go!™ and Hopefully I will have a new set prepared Hospital Take Out One New Mommy to Go!™ Leave a comment here with your contact info for your chance to win a bib! [gallery]

Meet Sprout Jewelry

UCU- When did you start your business? SJ- I started selling as a hobby about 2 years ago. Things snowballed pretty quickly, and after a little over a year, I was able to leave my job to work on Sprout Jewelry full time! UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? SJ- It's always changing based on my latest inspiration! I love playing around with silver wire of different gauges, because it can just be used in so many different ways. UCU- Where do you sell your work? [gallery]SJ- I try to diversify my sales by doing markets and craft shows, as well as selling in stores and through my website. Etsy is also a huge source of sales. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? SJ- I'm coming to Seattle from NYC, so I'm really excited to see the city and the sites! Big shows are great because there is so much energy and anticipation. The sellers are excited to see the crowds of eager shoppers and the shoppers are excited to have so many vendors and cool wares to choose from. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? SJ- My mixed metals line and sculptural, three dimensional pieces are really attracting a lot of interest. People really like to pick these pieces up and try them on. Then there are basics -- like my sterling silver stacking rings -- which people like because they go with everything.

Meet Devout Dolls

[gallery] UCU- When did you start your business? DD- I started making plush and dolls in 1998 UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? DD- Fabric!!! drool! UCU- Where do you sell your work? DD- www.DevoutDolls.com www.DevoutDolls.Etsy.com I Heart Rummage www.IHeartIndie.com Bluebottle Art Gallery in Capital Hill    www.bluebottleart.com Gargoyles Statuary in the University District  www.gargoylestatuary.com Monkey House Toys in L.A.  www.monkeyhousetoys.com For complete store and show listings, go to www.devoutdolls.com/stores UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? DD- I love meeting my customers and seeing their reaction to my work. It gives me such a thrill! It's also really fun to be with such a large group of people that also do similar things to me. UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? DD- leopard skin kitty scarves! Meow!

Meet MeMe Cosmetics

[gallery] UCU- When did you start your business?

MC- I started making soap in 1997, but did not officially start my business until 2005. It took years of education (I have a diploma in Herbal Medicine & Aromatherapy), research and product development. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?

MC- Essential oils.

UCU- Where do you sell your work?

MC- On my website: www.memecosmetics.net, at the Vancouver Farmer's Market (weekends April - October), at Street Fairs in Portland, Oregon, at Craftywonderland, Urban Craft Uprising and at a craft fair I'm organizing in Vancouver, Wa called the Outlaw Craft Fair. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?

MC- Meeting new crafters, seeing how clever people are, introducing myself and my products to a new market.

UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?

MC- My Mineral Makeup Powder (7 simple, pronounceable ingredients), very cute bubble bath cupcake gift sets.

Sam Trout

[gallery] Meet Sam Trout UCU- When did you start your business? ST- July 2001 UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? ST- Tape of all kinds UCU- Where do you sell your work? ST- Velouria, Bouncing Wall, Pretty Parlor, www.buyolympia.com, www.samtrout.com, Presence art of Living, Presence of Mind (PDX), Moksha, samtrout.etsy.com UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? ST- Seeing the reactions of customers to my newest work and seeing the crafter community UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? ST- Hopefully a new sweatshirt.