Conference for Creative Entrepreneurs

We are the Seattle organizers of the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs . This year will be our first conference with the hopes of having an annual conference along the west coast. As part of the conference, each speaker and attendant will receive a swag bag full of goodies from our sponsors and our local crafters and shops. If you are unable to attend this fantastic conference but would like to participate in some way, this might be right up your alley! We are looking for items to include in the bags. If you include $150 and up of product you will be listed as a sponsor on our site.

Please contact Andrea Porter (andrea(at)creativeconferencewest(dot)com) to be added! When you contact her please include what you will be sending, the dollar amount and if you are donating at least $150 please include your logo. She will confirm your email and send along her address of where to send your merchandise.

Glam Garb Interview

Presenting "a nostalgic feeling of romanticism" from Glam Garb. The chic clothing line began after Sweden-born owner Gunlis studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Gunlis started the sustainable/green design line in 2003 for women in all sizes and ages. So tell us...

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
GG: I love the designing process that leads me into finding more solutions in the creative problem solving, because I do all the sewing myself I have developed my line in a way I never imagined.

UCU: Is there something you hoped to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
GG: Me Me's beautiful essential oils, Estrella's fabulous soap, Crystalyn Kae's creative bags and my cooking must have Secret Stash Sea Salts.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
GG: I would love to make every woman not only look lovely but feel beautiful inside out with the magic Glam Garb spell.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
GG: Because of my busy Summer Event Schedule my vacation was in May. My rustic forest house above the arctic circle in northern Sweden was our destination and we enjoyed taking sauna's the authentic rustic Finnish style.

Thanks Gunlis! Did you miss the show? Catch them online here: http://www.glamgarb.com/

Attic Journals Interview

Michelle & Miguel of Attic Journals have come from Portland with their upcycled journals. Their business was born from Michelle's desire to give an original gift while in the midst of garage sale hunting. Long forgotten books are re-purposed into journals to contain new stories, song lyrics, or secret desires. You could even contain the clues to your untimely murder a la Laura Palmer.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows
AJ: We love hearing the stories of how people have encountered our product and what it means to folks to have the opportunity to buy handmade. We also love the community of vendors. Some of the people we share those show floors with are some of the greatest friends in our lives.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
AJ: We love the work we do with schools and libraries to relieve them of the burden of discarded books. Helping alleviate their guilt of just throwing them away AND getting money into their coffers for new books for kids to read are both pretty rewarding aspects of our work.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
AJ: All of our friends and family seem to be pro-creating, so it seems fitting that we will be looking for baby items this season. It's almost like we've got more baby showers than craft shows to attend this season.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Michelle... breathing under water in order to figure out exactly how long it takes a starfish to travel a mile.
Miguel... flight so that we could visit our loved ones at the drop of a hat.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
AJ: Mountains... of Mexico.

Thanks guys! They're making 2010 the "Year of Using the Entire Book" and in doing so have got oodles of bags of confetti. Check them out online here: http://atticjournals.com/

Unclaimed Giveaway Prizes

Whew! What a weekend. We had a fantastic time at our second summer show and we hope you did too. We couldn't have done it without the three V's: Vendors, Volunteers and Visitors. Many thanks to all of you.

We've got a few of the prizes from our giveaways that were unclaimed this weekend. If you were one of our winners who forgot to collect your winnings you can pick up your prize at Schmancy (1932 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98101). You have until July 31st to claim your item otherwise we will greedily accept it in your honor.

It's Summer UCU time!

This about sums up how we're feeling about our second annual UCU this weekend.

Field Day Interview

Oakland designer Trinity Cross of Field Day will be hanging out with us all weekend with lots of organic cotton, bamboo and recycled wearables. Not only are her deigns made from sustainable materials, but they feature funky and adorable screen printing to boot! She's got great pieces you can feel great about buying.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
FD: All the great hand made goods! I always find something wonderful...love meeting the other makers. Seeing people try on the goods also bring a smile to my face.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
FD: I have been looking for the perfect hand made bag for some time.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
FD: So excited to be back in the North West this summer. You will find me in the Forrest, climbing a tree and jumping off of rocks in to a crystal blue river and finding treasures at thrift stores and yard sales.

Grazie Trinity! Be sure to stop by the Field Day booth this weekend. Can't make the show? Check them out online: http://www.fielddaywearables.com/

And now for some Giveaway Winners!

We have arrived. Friday. Summer. Urban Craft Uprising. Only one more sleep until indie shopping heaven is upon us. The UCU team is buzzing around like the little bees that we are getting everything ready. Vendors are doing there last minute preparations to make everything perfect for all you eager shoppers. And lastly, we've arrived at the end of Round 4 Giveaways. And the winners are...

Fused Glass House pendant - Jenna
Lady Konnyaku scrunchie - Traci Bixby
Crystalyn Kae purse - Gina
Figs & Ginger earrings - Buffy
Monkey Sock Monkey book - olliemae
Blue Diamond Stamp Co. stamp - noraolsen
Polymath Design Lab jewelry set - babyssleeping
Idle Hands Designs necklace - samsakara
Handmade Marketplace book - Elena

Congratulations to you all! You can collect your new treasures from the UCU booth on Saturday or Sunday from 11-5. Thanks to all the vendors for their fantastic gifts and to each and every one of you, the readers of our blog. Didn't win? Don't forget we've got free SWAG BAGS for the first 100 people in line both Saturday and Sunday. We just stuffed these bags to the gills with awesomeness that you don't want to miss. Plus 10 swoon-worthy RAFFLES happening this weekend too! See you there.

Bread and Badger Interview

Tired of characterless glassware crowding your cupboards? Sandblasting glass duo Bread and Badger will be hauling their original art drinkware all the way from Portland for this weekend's show. Amanda has taken a few minutes to answer our questions.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
B&B: The quality and variety of the handmade goods at UCU keep me coming back. Plus, I love a good excuse to do some traveling, socialize with crafty folk, and I always come home with new pieces of art!

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
B&B: I love being my own boss, but the best part of actually making my products is the feeling I get when a customer tells me how they've been affected by something I made.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
B&B: Nothing specific, but I know it when I see it. ;)

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
B&B: I might like to be in two places at once, so I could work all day, but relax somewhere at the same time. It's hard to pry myself away from working because I enjoy my job so much, but I never have enough time for all the things I want to do.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
B&B: Mountains! I prefer hiking and the quiet of the woods. Part of me wants to be a survivalist and live off the land.

Muchos gracias Amanda! Be sure to stop by the Bread and Badger booth this weekend, Can't make the show? Check them out online: http://breadandbadger.com/

Amongst the many vendors who will dazzle you with their wares this weekend, we also have a bundle of talented and published authors who will be at UCU to inspire you with their writing. Meet Kari, author of The Handmade Marketplace, who will be signing her book from 12-4 both Saturday and Sunday! I had the privilege of talking to her a bit and including her in our Giveaway extravaganza!

What inspired you to write this book? Is it based on personal experience?

I was working as a buyer in a small home goods boutique and I was adding a lot more eco-friendly and handmade goods to our stock. Etsy was new on the scene and I was using it as a resource for finding product. I would send requests to artists and crafters I found via Etsy and I soon found that they had lots and lots of questions about selling their work to me as a shop keeper. People wanted to know why I wanted to see an example of their work before I ordered it, they wanted to know how to price for wholesale, they wanted to know why I would need different photos... soon I found myself writing long and lengthy emails, explain these things and more, and after awhile the idea of the book came to me. It wasn't until much later, after I was laid off and the owner closed my store and I found myself unemployed that I thought about writing a book.

I wanted to write a book that addressed all of the kinds of questions sellers had been asking me when I worked in that shop. I wanted to help and inspire people at the same time. I have a pretty strong background in marketing and public relations and I've read lots of books on those topics. While I always learned something, reading them always felt a bit like a chore. I really wanted someone like my sister to understand and relate to what I had to say, as well as my grandmother or the creative teenager next door. I wanted boys and girls to find value in the book and I tried really hard to write to all of those people.

I really believe that anyone can do anything if only they have the right tools. I'm not saying that The Handmade Marketplace has all of the answers, but I hope that is it approachable and understandable to people no matter where they are in their selling journeys. I wanted a book that helped people learn and make them feel good at the same time. My greatest wish for The Handmade Marketplace is that it not only provides useful business advice, but also courage, inspiration and community.

Do you have plans for another book?

Yes I do! I have a little something in the works, but it's still to new to mention publicly. I have received lots and lots of emails from people since The Handmade Marketplace came out, and I use the feedback from these emails to inspire my future projects. I would encourage anyone to write to me at hitherekari at gmail.com and send questions or topics they'd like to see addressed. If I can help, I will.

How did you get involved with UCU?

Last year or maybe even the year before, Kristen Rask put out a call of Twitter, asking if any craft book writers wanted to come to UCU to sign books. I had just signed my deal at the time, and my book wasn't even written, but I contacted her anyhow. One thing led to another and this is the first UCU since the book came out - and now I'll be there signing copies! I'm really excited to be there. Also, I love Twitter and all of the connections I've made there.

Your blog details your travels as you promote your book. What are you looking forward to on your trip to Seattle?

So much! I'm really mostly excited to attend UCU of course, and if time allows I'd like to go to Groundspeak (the geocaching headquarters) and I'd love to take my camera to Pikes Place Market and maybe find a yummy cupcake or two. I'd love to go to CakeSpy Shop and meet Jesse Oleson - we've met before, years ago, but I doubt she'd remember. Also I'd love to eat dinner at Delancey! However, I'm only there for two days really, and I'll be working for most of that time, so I'll be happy with a good cup of coffee and a nice walk around the city and having a blast signing books at UCU.

Leave your nice words in comment form below for your chance to win Kari's book, The Handmade Marketplace. We will get you a copy after the show!

Idle Hands Designs Interview & Giveaway

If you're the type who doesn't go for pastels and find yourself drawn to the dark side then we've got the silver-smith for you! Idle Hands Designs caters to those who indulge in the lighter side of the dark side. Lyndsey began making jewelry with a slightly shadowy twist back in 2006. She's bringing all the goods to accessorize your gothic romance.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
IHD: The community for sure. It's a really fun event and the UCU team is fantastic. Even as a vendor your treated like a guest.
UCU: *blushing*

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
IHD: Creating a piece that someone connects with and makes them happy. The sutured heart necklace is such a statement piece. Hearing the stories of heartbreak and recovery makes each necklace very special. And the mustaches keep my days fun and exciting!

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
IHD: everything!!!

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
IHD: Magic wand would be helpful in general ::)

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
IHD: Mountains

Thanks Lyndsay! And thanks for giving us the "Whoo" owl necklace as a giveaway. One lucky reader will be selected at random from the comments below. We will announce the winner on Friday.

Polymath Design Lab Interview + Giveaway

I am mesmerized when science and art come together because their product is almost guaranteed beauty.

Enter Polymath Design Lab, one science-minded woman’s efforts in the craft world. Shannon has put her knowledge in numbers to beautiful use. Her Spirosketch set is a fun item I want to take with me everywhere, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to stop by the PDL booth and try out her awesome functional and fancy designs.

Tell us how you got started

“I have a degree in biology, and I am really inspired by the intersections of different fields - such as art and science or craft and technology. And of course, as with a lot of the UCU vendors, I've been making things for as long as I can remember. But it was when I found a way that I could have access to a laser cutter that the ideas really got flowing and Polymath Design Lab was born.

Now I create jewelry, accessories, and home decor items that are fun and modern with a geeky twist - some of my designs were generated by computer code that I wrote, others might be inspired by anatomical drawings or scanning electron micrographs, and others play with geek-culture symbols like pirates and ninjas. I also work with wearable electronics, though so far that's pretty much all in the form of custom commissions.”

What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?

I get so much energy from interacting with customers at UCU and other big craft shows. It's so much fun to talk with people who are excited about my work - I always come away from the show tired but walking on air. And I adore the moments when someone walks up to my table and gets one of my geeky in-jokes!

What is one thing you consider to be a helpful tip for having a successful craft fair visit?

Talk to the vendors, we don't bite! Before I had my own business, I was always a bit reticent to talk to craft fair vendors unless I was pretty sure I would buy something from them at that show - something about not wanting to get their hopes up. Now that I'm on the other side of the table, though, I realize that I don't have any expectations that just because someone talks to me or even tries a piece on that they will buy it... plus, the little interactions all through the day help keep my energy up and make the day more fun for all involved.

Polymath Design Labis offering “A Spirosketch set! Spirosketch is a bracelet and necklace set that also works as a drawing tool - a way to carry a little fun with you all the time. There are gears on the inside of the bracelet and the outside of the pendant, and all you need is a paper and pen or pencil to make beautiful spirograph-style drawings anywhere you might be.

Leave a comment below! Winners will be picked before the show this weekend!

Blue Diamond Stamp Co. Interview & Giveaway

Today we present to you a crafter for all you crafters. Liz of Blue Diamond Stamp Co. will be bringing her line of original clear polymer art stamps to the second annual summer UCU. Be sure to stop by her booth and get the perfect stamp to spice up your next paper project.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale
craft shows?
BDS: I love selling to customers in person! I had always dreamed of opening a brick and mortar shop someday... and craft fairs are as close as I can get. I appreciate having the chance to explain my product, hearing comments about customer's favorite designs, and learning about how they will later be using the stamp.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
BDS: I like that it often feels like a science experiment. The process requires precisely timed light exposures during certain phases to harden the polymer goo- but depending upon specific conditions it still may or may not turn out as expected. Though often frustrating, through a couple of trials I can usually always figure out the timings needed for a perfectly etched stamp.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
BDS: I think most of my jewelry collection has come from craft fairs. I made earring purchases at the last two UCUs, and I think unique earrings are what I will be looking for again this time.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
BDS: I wish I had the power to change the weather. Who wouldn't appreciate more sunny days in Seattle!

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
BDS: Beach!

Thanks Liz! And thanks for giving us this great rocket ship stamp to give to one of our crafty readers. Want to win? Leave a comment below! We'll select one winner at random and announce on Friday.

Monkey Sock Monkey Interview + Giveaway

Happy Tuesday, Folks! We’re down to the final stretch of vendor interviews and just days away from the much anticipated summer UCU show! I couldn’t be more excited to meet all the wonderful vendors in person. Without further ado here is a little ditty about Monkey Sock Monkey! Two lovely ladies based in Bellingham and Acme, Wa who are happy to “teach people how to make sock animals of any stripe” !

Describe how you got started doing what you do? - I had always been inspired by Cary's pottery, and when I moved to California after college, I sent her one sock monkey a month for a year as a thank-you for the joy I got from eating my Grape Nuts from her awesome bowls every day. She sent me back drawings of the monkeys having times... it went from there.

Is this your first time at UCU? - This is my second time at UCU. Last Christmas was a blast, except that I broke my hand when I was being careless and hurried loading stuff in on Saturday morning. No seriously, I broke it! All weekend I wore it in a sling made of christmas ribbon... The awesome ladies at the booth next to me were completely lovely and helped me set everything up, though, and the show was totally fantastic. This year I will load in, calmly, on Friday. :)

What is one thing you consider to be a helpful tip for having a successful craft fair visit? - This year I plan to make my precious iPhone do some heavy lifting by processing credit cards. If I was super savvy I'd invest in the Square card reader because it looks AMAZING, but I'm just going to have Paypal available for those inevitable "oh you don't take cards?" folks.

Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU? - I was mesmerized by the miniaturefood jewelry that I saw in December at The Sprinkle Factory's booth. I just noticed they have a "Waffles with Butter and Syrup" ring on their blog - I must own it. Waffles FTW!

What are you offering up to our readers as a Giveaway? - Our book! Sock Monkey & Friends!

Zowy! Sock Monkeys and animals make great homemade gifts, and are just sweet to have around. Leave a comment and make this helpful book yours! Winners will be chosen Wednesday!

Figs & Ginger Interview & Giveaway

UCU vending duo Elijah and Rhonda of Figs & Ginger will be coming back for more fun at this weekend's show. They're making the long trek all the way from Asheville, NC, with all of their adorable bunny, birdie and deer jewelry.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
FG: The vendors! Checking out what other people are creating is fabulous!

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
FG: We love it when customers tell us they gave someone special our jewelry as a present and they loved it.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
FG: A good belt that's not made out of leather.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Elijah -The power to turn into any animal because then I could do loads of cool stuff like fly, breath under water, run super fast or be incredibly strong!

Rhonda- I would be able to purify anything (think captain planet). like: making my non organic raspberries nice & organic yummy, or making the Gulf of Mexico not ruined by BP, I don't mean to make that sound as dramatic as it does....

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
FG: Beach for vacationing. Mountains for living.

Thanks to the both of you! And thanks for giving us these adorable circle bunny earrings to give away to a lucky reader. Want to be said lucky reader? Leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce this Friday.

Crystalyn Kae Interview & Giveaway

A colorful Crystalyn Kae bag draped on the shoulder of a woman about town is the mark of a sophisticated urbanite. Her line of hobos, clutches, totes and more are not only chic but durable too! Crystalyn got her start making her very first bag back in the 7th grade. She earned her BA in Apparel Merchandising while interning at Liberty of London. She began selling her own designs at the Pike Place Market in 2001. She now sells online, through stores across the country and has been featured in In Style magazine, Cool Mom Picks and Treehugger. I even spotted her work in the movie "World's Greatest Dad".

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
CK: I get such a 'high' out of meeting my customers. I only do one or two events a year, so I look forward to the interaction and feedback that I get from my customers!

UCU: What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products?
CK: My specialty is making stylish bags that are functional & durable enough to be worn everyday for years. I enjoy the challenge of making style functional.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
CK: I love working with new materials to create something beautiful that also solves a need in a person's life.

Thanks Crystalyn! Also thanks for giving us this awesome messenger bag to give away to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible. We will select one winner at random and announce this Friday.

Lady Konnyaku Interview & Giveaway

We are only 1 week away from the second annual summer UCU! To mark the countdown we're re-introducing you to three time UCU vendor, Hawaii-born Malia of Lady Konnyaku Designs. Shortly after graduating from UW with a degree in Chinese Malia enrolled in a school for fashion design in Ballard. She says "learning how to sew and make clothing was way more difficult than learning Chinese!"

UCU: What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products?
LKD: Every aspect of my business is done with these two hands; I have no assistants. All designs are comprised of clean unused fabrics, 80% of which are vintage. I offer custom alterations to my local customers. Oh yeah, did I mention that I make extremely solid, high-quality clothing? No crap poop here. Come by my booth, check out the stitchery and see for yourself. Talk to me. How many people can say they are wearing a 100% handmade t--shirt? Be the one.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
LKD: Honestly, I love working my own hours. Oh yeah, making clothing is very satisfying... watching a heap of fabric turn into something colorful and cool! Seeing the miles of smiles as people try on Lady Konnyaku Clothing at UCU!

UCU: What kind of snacks will you have to survive the long & exciting hours of UCU?
LKD: We bring a little cooler; inside you can find lots of water and spam musubi. We also hit up the lady who sells those delicious blondie brownies.

Thanks Malia! In the spirit of the 90's throwback Lady Konnyaku has been churning out those once ubiquitous chubby hair accessories: Scrunchies. We've got one to give away to a lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible. We'll announce the random winner on Friday.

Lady Konnyaku is also offering free hugs! Be sure to stop by her booth to get yours.

Yet More Giveaway Winners

We've come to the end of Round 3 of our interviews and giveaways and competition for these great freebies has reached new heights! So glad to see everyone getting pumped for the show. Can you believe we are only 8 days from UCU shopping heaven?!
On to the winners...

Danger Peach necklace - Angie
Flutterbudget necklace - Alexandra
Hello Again Monsters monster - Hi, my name is Judy.
Citizen Robin ring - Fairy Godmother
Ugly Baby postcards - Diana
Laura Bucci Handmade cozies - Altered Designs by Tami
Tomonster cards - SimpleTakes
An Original by Thea Starr brooch - Devon
ShellyEtc night light - Cynthetic
Dotted Line Jewelry earrings - k a t

Congratulations you lucky devils! Be sure to stop by the UCU booth July 10-11 to claim your prize. Didn't win this round? Don't be down-hearten. We've got lots of great giveaways we will be posting through next Wednesday! Keep your eyes peeled and keep posting for a chance to win.
Get a jump on Round 4 of giveaways with Fused Glass House's pendant posted below!

Fused Glass House Interview & Giveaway

Rachel of Fused Glass House began her journey creating back in the 80s. Originally formed as Ear Rig her design styles have morphed through the years from simple beading in the 80s to stained glass in the 90s and on to glass fusing and metal-smithy in the last decade. She'll be making the trip up from Portland for our second summer show in just 9 days!

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
FGH: I love to talk to people about what I make, get positive feedback. I adore it when repeat customers come up showing off a piece they've been wearing for years, reminding me of different design directions I've followed. It's also feels crucial as a somewhat solitary artist to be part of the community of people who feed their souls and bellies with their creative selves. Shows tend to offer that artist camaraderie piece, the feeling that we belong to a larger whole.


UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
FGH: Playing with color, hands down. It's therapy.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
FGH: Several. A t-shirt for my sweetheart, little stuff for my boys, a baby gift.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
FGH: Today? I'd love to be the hero that takes all the oil from the Gulf waters and sets it back where it belongs in the bowels of the earth far under the ocean, leaving the sea pristine, and its life as vibrant and healthy as can be.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
FGH: Beach. Sand, preferably swim-able water, tide pools, walks and bonfires. With kids, it's divine, they are happy and both worn and smoothed out by it.

Thanks Rachel! We've got one of Rachel's cute pendants to give away to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible. We'll select one winner at random and announce here on the blog next Friday (aka the eve of the second annual Urban Craft Uprising summer show!).

Dotted Line Jewelry Interview & Giveaway

Let's play word association. Ready?
"Dog" makes you think of "cat", right? "Summer" conjures up "vacation" thoughts to be sure. "Dotted Line". Bet you thought "sign on the", huh? Well not anymore! UCU returning vendor Dotted Line Jewels will make you forget all about where your signature goes.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
DLJ: I LOVE the energy that the crowd brings.... it kind of feels like I'm at a big party. A big, crafty party. Events like UCU allow me to connect directly with my customers, which is incredibly satisfying and rewarding.

UCU: What do you like best about creating your product?
DLJ: I love being in my studio. It's cute and cozy, and is full of art that inspires me.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
DLJ: A new skirt from Tina Witherspoon (Glamspoon)!

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
DLJ: Hmmmm.... My friends will make fun of me for this, but I'd have to say 'the ability to be in 5 places at once'.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
DLJ: Neither. I love to travel, so when it's time to get out of town - I get out of town! This summer it's looking like a couple of trips, one to Japan and another to Italy and Belgium.

That's a lot of international travel! Thanks for answering our questions Annie. Also, thanks for giving us these lovely aquamarine earrings to give away to one lucky reader. Methinks the competition will be stiff for these pretties. Want to win? Leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce tomorrow; so don't delay!

This Charming Candy Interview

Feeling glum that the Sun is hiding today? I cheered up when I read this thoughtful response from vendor This Charming Candy. Read on and put some sugar in your step today. Meet This Charming Candy in their own words:

We are Kate and Susan, the founders of This Charming Candy, and we love watching people smile when they taste our handmade lollipops. Maybe it’s because our flavors are a little more sophisticated than what’s available from mass-production candy makers. Maybe it’s the way lollipops recall a more playful time in our lives.

All we know is that we’re on a mission to bring a little charm to your day in the form of sugar-on-a-stick, and it seems to be working Kate and Susan have been friends for over 10 years and have so much in common it’s scary. We’ve both been mathematicians, librarians, and have escaped fromcorporate life in big high-technology companies before deciding to go into business together. We both love to cook, so it’s no surprise to our families and friends that we’d choose to do something culinary.

But really, we swear we aren’t the same person.

Briefly describe how you got started doing what you do?

Susan: I made my first lollipops as part of a science project, believe it or not. I loved watching the syrup boil, learning how to handle it, playing around with pretty food coloring and coming up with new ways to combine familiar flavors. I started bringing lollipops to gatherings with friends around New Years 2009. Soon I was totally hooked on making lollipops. All the positive reinforcement from my sugar-loving friends sure didn't hurt either.

Kate: I came on board shortly thereafter, running from my latest experience in a big technology company. I spent a lot of time eating the lollipops that Susan was making, being fascinated with watching Susan make lollipops, enjoying eating the lollipops, and wanting to do what I could to make sure everyone I knew did too.

What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products?

We emphasize unique flavors and curating those flavors into themed collections. Our Spice Rack collection is the most popular, with Salted Caramel, Tangerine-Clove, and Vanilla-Cardamom lollipops. Even though most of our flavors are aimed at adults, the beautiful and fun Celebration Time collection -- Root Beer Float, Bubble Gum, and Birthday Cake -- is popular with all ages.

See you Ladies in all your sweetness in July!