Urban Craft Uprising

New website! Have you seen it?! +Chance to win a 3-day pass to School House Craft!

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce the launch of UCU's new web site! We totally love it, and hope that you do too. We've implemented a bunch of new features to make it easier for you to navigate, such as:

* Separate FAQs for vendors and attendees
* Drop-down list of vendors from all our recent shows
* At-a-glance important dates for apps, deadlines, and shows
* Fun press links so you can see what all the talk's about
* Our blog, integrated directly into the site

To celebrate the launch of our new site and to say THANK YOU for supporting UCU and continuing to help make it awesome, we are offering a chance to win a three day pass to School House Craft!

School House Craft is a dynamic new three day conference for people wanting to gain the skills to run a successful creative small business. Are you considering staring your own business or do you already own your own business that focuses on craft, art or design? Do you have a shop on etsy, sell to shops and galleries, sell at craft fairs or want to start a new venture turning your passion into a business? If the answer is yes this is the conference for you!-The School House Craft Website

For your chance to win, leave a comment on our NEW blog post about this, letting us know why you'd be psyched to attend the conference. We will be choosing a winner at random on May 4th!

Don't forget to check out all the other awesome new site features while you're there!

www.urbancraftuprising.com

***

Thanks to all that came out to UCU's happy hour! Great fun was had by all!

Save the date: A night out with UCU!

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all!

Mark your calendars for Sunday April 17^th as we celebrate a night out with UCU!

Do you have a burning question about how UCU works? What it's all about? What you need to do to become a vendor with us? Or maybe you just want to see the fabulous people behind it all? Well, you’re not alone! Come join us for a night out with the UCU team!

We're hosting a happy hour at the beautiful Columbia City Theater on April 17th from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The UCU team will be on hand to meet all you lovely crafters and UCU fans for this open session of questions, networking and more!

RSVP here and submit your questions ahead of time to our intern Michaela.

The Columbia City Theater is located at:
4916 Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118

Also, we will be doing some great giveaways! Ooo La la! Be sure to bring business/contact cards to enter!

Hope to see you there!

Welcome Michaela, our new intern!

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I would love to introduce our new friend/intern, Michaela! She's awesome and we are so excited that she has joined our UCU team! We wanted to introduce her by doing a little interview...

UCU- How about you tell us a little bit about yourself. Day job? Why you decided to intern for us?
M- Hi everyone! I'm Michaela (pronounced makayla) and I'm very excited to be here as Urban Craft Uprisings' new intern! By day I manage an office in Seattle and by night-when I'm not doting on my pup Rosie- I'm crafting away on some project or another. I decided to intern for UCU after attending a few shows and helping to poster for the Winter 2010 show. I love crafting and I loved all the energy at the shows and really wanted to get more involved. Plus hey- it's just plain awesome!!

UCU- What is your favorite craft?
M- Favorite craft? That's a tough one! I love being creative and trying crafts of all kind but I would definitely say photography and creating miniature things with Sculpey clay have been with me since I was just a wee child crafter. But if we've met recently at a show-or you've seen me around- it's most likely been with my camera, snapping away. I may even have some pictures of you and/or your lovely work!

UCU- What are you most excited for in this new position?
M- I'm so excited to be a part of this fabulous and creative team! I can't wait to get more involved in the local crafting community and also excited to meet new artists and art lovers!

Cheers to a fabulous and artful year!

Calling All Artists- Vancouver

2011-03-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Call for Artisans: Vancouver One of a Kind
Deadline: May 2nd, 2011

The One of a Kind Show Vancouver is back for its fourth exciting year December 8 - 11, 2011. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of the One of a Kind Show & Sale Vancouver at the New Vancouver Convention Centre. One of a Kind Show Vancouver is a shopping destination like no other; with fashion shows, contests, and of course some of North America’s finest artists and artisans!

How to Apply:

The Vancouver One of a Kind show is accepting applicants now. With scholarship programs, student support and the new Booth Buddy programs (where artists can share booths) the show has more support for artists than ever before.

Apply now! The One of a Kind Show Vancouver will be accepting applications until May 2nd. For more information: Visit www.oneofakindvancouver.com or email vancouver@oneofakindshow.com.

2011-01-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

A WORKSHOP: WEARABLE ART AND THE BODY
WORKSHOP INFORMATION:
Instructor: Michael Cepress
Holding a BA in Art from the University of Wisconsin and an MFA in Fibers from the University of Washington, Cepress has worked professionally as a designer and educator for 10 years. An intense interest in the male wardrobe and tailoring traditions has led Cepress to focus on the design and production of menswear and theatrical costume, and he has written on clothing’s relationship to gender and popular culture. Cepress is a 3-time nominee for the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Art Award, and is seeing attention worldwide. Reaching beyond the bounds of fashion, Cepress’ work has traveled
internationally as part of art and fashion exhibitions in London, Athens, Luxembourg and Antwerp. He has worked as costume designer for productions with director Robert Wilson, and his costumes and fashion collections continue to see attention with publication in FiberArts, DANCE Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Seattle Metropolitan and multiple books on the subject of wearable art.

Saturday February 19, 2011 - 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday February 20, 2011 - 10:00am – 6:00pm

LOCATION: INSCAPE ARTS
815 Airport Way South, Seattle WA 98134
http://inscapearts.org/
Workshop is limited to 12 students assuring ample workspace and time with instructor.

MATERIALS
All materials and basic tools needed to complete the workshop will be provided
including various drawing papers, pencils, charcoal, conte crayon, erasers, masking
tape, collage materials, glue, etc for students to work with.
*Students are encouraged to bring their own portable art supplies to ensure you have
a comfortable range of tools to work with including scissors, X-acto knives,
sharpeners, specialty drawing tools, rulers, and other personal tools or supplies you
prefer.
LUNCH IS PROVIDED : Please indicate your preference below.
-VEGETARIAN -MEAT EATER -VEGAN
-Water, coffee and tea will also be available to students throughout the workshop.
-COURSE FEE: $180
-Make checks payable to Michael Cepress Design
-VISA/Mastercard - by phone. Call Michael Cepress Design at 206.334.7602
-15% Student Discount is available to full-time students only (TOTAL: $153)
Payment is non-refundable and confirms your enrollment in this course.
All payments and requests for enrollment must be received by Thurs. Feb 17, 2011.
A receipt for your payment will be mailed to you directly.
QUESTIONS? Contact Michael Cepress at info@michaelcepress.com or 206.334.7602

Glam Garb Interview

2010-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

As UCU is gearing up to kick off our winter show tomorrow, we want to introduce you to Gunlis of Glam Garb. Gunlis grew up in Sweden and was inspired by her mother. She uses only recycled materials for her embellishments and hand dyes vintage clothing to create her timeless designs.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack.
Glam Garb: Robyn, "Fembot", from the album Body Talk.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
GG: Wish I would have had a Facebook fan page. You are welcome to join! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glam-Garb-by-Gunlis/164571140240485

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
GG: Lana is a Norwegian Forest cat and she adopted us 3 years ago. She was a wild one when she started to hang with us. Now she is sleeping on my pillow every night.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
GG: I designed a new cocktail dress for the Holidays. Also, this season I have embellished with tulle and ribbons on bloomers, slip skirts and slip dresses.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
GG: Welcome my customers with Holiday Winter greetings and share the joy I feel being part of this fabulous community of handcrafters.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
GG: Darling!

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
GG: My first three customers will receive a Glam Garb Holiday secret gift.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
GG: Raspberry yogurt covered pretzels.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
GG: Glam Garb Bloomers to wear for warmth under my skirt and dress or as my favorite jammies

Giveaway Winners -- Round 2!!!

2010-12-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

Congrats to round 2 winners, chosen via comment number with Random.org. Please visit us at the UCU booth to claim your prize THIS WEEKEND!

-Ladies & Gentlemen Studios Daily Affirmation Mirror: Maitreya Comment #12
-Tender Loving Empire Friends & Friends of Friends Comp, VOL. 3 : kitschfruit (Jessica) Comment #10
-Devout Dolls Chirpy Birdy Doll: Lindaci Comment #30
-Fable & Fury (stag, ravens, leaves) necklace: Jessica Comment #49
-Amanda Fiebing 3 mini garland set: Amanda Lyn Comment #4
-Belle Epoch 3 little birds necklace: Kelly Campbell Comment #31
-Victory Garden Yarn Skipjack Cowl: population one comment #8
-Liz, Blue Diamond Stamps tree stamp: Meredith comment #28
-La Ru Skull necklace: Katie comment #9
-Slow Loris Shirts custom shirt: Sarah comment #18
-Crystalyn Kae tweed Matinee in green: Callista comment #31
-Karen Thurman felt ball ornament: Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi Comment #8
-Ugly Baby 1 in. shower art and 12 postcards: Aubrey Comment #12
-Jill Bliss two eco journals: Bee comment #28
-Shelly Etc small journal: kjt comment #6
-Queen Bee Penelope Bag: Hutch comment #4
-Ricicli Clothing Animal print wrap/leggings: Samantha Comment #19

Queen Bee Interview and Giveaway!

2010-12-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
QB: I'm loving the My Morning Jacket album 'Evil Urges' these days. On a holiday note, the Phil Spector Christmas album is pretty fabulous.

Crafting uniqueness since 1996 Queen Bee will be rolling in to town in a matter of hours with their great variety of adorable bags to store your stuff in. Win your own Penelope bag by leaving a comment, checking back tomorrow to see if you won and picking it up Saturday or Sunday at Urban Craft Uprising. Then, Monday roll into the office, classroom or market with a fancy new Queen Bee creation on your arm. Easy, peasy if you ask me.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
QB: The Edith tote is an awesome Winter bag - roomy and made out of recycled wool felt with fun applique details. I'm also excited to offer selections from my up and coming new line, Rebecca Pearcy Textiles - hand printed totes and tea towels on sustainable fabrics.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
QB: Beautilitarian!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
QB: Chocolate pretzel bark, pumpkin soup, home made focaccia, mulled wine.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
QB: I have so many hand made items, it's hard to choose. I have a little stuffed elephant that I made a very early time in my life. I love it because it is so sweet and a reminder that I have been crafting since I was a tiny girl.

Take Me Home! Leave a comment by midnight tonight to be entered in a drawing to leave with this bag when you shop at Urban Craft Uprising this weekend!

Shelly Etc. Interview and Giveaway!

2010-12-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
SE: Anything 80's !!!

After taking photographs for years Shelly Etc. (SE) is now selling fun and unique products from photos. Stop by and see her fresh take on coasters, journals and more this December 4-5th at Seattle Center!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
SE: My cat Roddy is a 19 pound maine coon cat. He is very playful and likes to help me with breaking down all of my boxes I get in the mail.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
SE: I am super excited to be offering organic sateen cotton/flannel cotton scarves with my photography on them! (see image)

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
SE: My photography of course!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
SE: Homemade cookies

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
SE: I love my mucho design fabric/chain necklace I picked up this summer.

Win your choice of a journal by leaving a comment by midnight TONIGHT!

Jill Bliss Interview+Giveaway

2010-12-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Since 2001 Jill Bliss has been taking everyday items and turning them in to unique treasures. Stop by her booth this December 4th and 5th at Seattle Center.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
JB: um, i've been doing them so long i no longer remember the first one! "always be prepared for the unexpected and meet it with a smile" is always good advice!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
JB: you can follow along with some of the adventures of my dog, lucy, on my blog. she often comes with me to the outdoor summer sales events - she even has her own set of fans! but for indoor winter sales events, she spends time with friends at her favorite play-all-day kennel instead.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
JB: more posters! more notecards! new art panels! an explosion of pacific northwest nature paper goods!

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
JB: one word? that's too hard! oh wait, many people have used the word "soothing" to describe my work of the past year.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
JB: saltines are a big favorite this year so far!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
JB: i still love the duvet cover i made a few years ago from my favorite ikea fabric.

Leave a comment by midnight December 2nd and take home TWO of these nifty journals!
rm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5224812390_82d753291f.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="jb1" />

Ricicli Apparel Interview and Giveaway!

2010-12-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Christina Pezzner takes gently worn, out of date adult size clothing and pairs them down to adorable wares for adorable kiddos. Check out her booth with a few new items that have yet to hit stores this weekend at the Seattle Center!

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
CP: Always, the big super special one to my son, Anthony.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
CP: Baked Brie & crackers with apple wedges

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
CP : Recycled leather earrings from Megan Leone! They look good with everything!

Giving This adorable outfit for a little person away! Leave a comment by midnight tonight!

Ugly Baby Interview and Giveaway!

2010-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Unique waterproof art ready for the shower! Come learn a bit about Ugly Baby and enter to win in their giveaway!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
UB: Sadly, neither one of us really listens to music all that much. If you're accepting podcasts though, I'd recommend: Never Not Funny, WTF, Delicious Mediocrity, The Moth, This American Life, Radio Lab and Wiretap.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
UB: My first craft show was in Renton. There was a hail storm. In April. We were outside. I think when I signed up for it, the lady who was organizing it said we would be sharing a tent. In my mind -- that was like a circus tent. I giant tent with places for you to go sit down and eat lunch. In reality it was a normal 10x10 tent. I learned a lot that day - like: Bring your own table cover so you don't have to dig an old yoga mat out of the car to put on your table.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
UB: We have one cat, Karma. If anyone is looking to own a really loud, annoying cat who sometimes stands on your head in the middle of the night and tries to eat big chunks of your hair -- all the while choking on said hair right in your ear -- please do let us know.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
UB: We've got a ton of our popular one-inch Shower Arts. We always run out of these but we invested in a bunch of new one-inch molds so we can make a huge pile of them at once. Super!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
UB: My tradition: Buying way more stuff than I should.
Doug's tradition: Flirting with the ladies.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
UB: Odd.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
UB: I like to pick one vendor and buy the majority of my gifts from them -- so my family and friends get all get introduced to something super cool all at the same time. Last year it was Estrella Soaps. Not sure who it will be this year.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
UB: We're making lots of soup in our crock pot this year. I'm actually in training for a Crock-Off we're having at work in January. I'm a shoe-in.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
UB: Gosh. I think it's probably impossible for me to pick a favorite. I have so many favorites. Most recently acquired was a tray of plush tater tots with different facial expressions by Scrumptious Delight. http://www.etsy.com/shop/scrumptiousdelight

Giveaway! Leave a comment by Dec. 2 at midnight to enter in the drawing.
Your choice of any one-inch Shower Art we have at the show and a pack of 12 postcards based on our favorite Shower Arts.

Karen Thurman Interview & Giveaway

2010-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Karen Thurman is a Portland based artist who works in felts. She uses the traditional wet felting process to create gorgeous scarves, sweaters and housewares. Be sure to stop by her booth to see her unique wares! Karen is offering up this wonderful felt ornament as a giveaway! Please submit a comment by Midnight tomorrow night to be entered to win!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
Karen Thurman: I have a dog and two cats. My dog's name is bee and she is one year old. She is the sweetest dog in the whole wide world. She is a rescue dog and we were told that she is a german shepherd and pointer mix. She has german shepherd coloring and she does point.

One of my cat's name is Esme and she is almost 21 years old and black. I have had her forever and she is amazing. My other cat is Franny. I found her in a wheel well in Oakland when she was a teeny tiny kitten. She is very nice but she has some issues.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
KT: I have some new felt Christmas tree ornaments. I make a felt ball and needle felt designs on them.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
KT: Polkadotaliscious

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
KT: Drawings from my friend, Patrick.

Crystalyn Kae Interview & Giveaway

2010-12-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

Crystalyn Kae creates limited batches of handbags in her Seattle studio with details that are not only unique but also functional! Crystalyn is being so kind as to provide a tweed Matinee hobo bag in green as a giveaway! Be sure to comment before Midnight on Thursday to be entered to win!!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Crystalyn Kae: I have an embarrassing genius mix of cheesy british pop that gets me in good mood while working in my studio. . .but I wouldn't want to subject UCU shoppers to that. But I would suggest "No one does it" by Department of Eagles. Does that give me better street cred? :)

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
CK: My first big 'show' was as a vendor at Pike Place market. . nearly 10 years ago. The best bit of advice I was given is to not worry about extra props and booth decor. Your merchandise that should speak for itself. This advice has stuck with me, I still pack light, (especially since I don't own a car) and allows me to put my focused on helping customers shop for the perfect bag.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
CK: I will be introducing a collection of new medium-size tweed hobos that are truly One of a Kind - with unique freeform stitching on the outside and fun patterned pockets inside.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
CK: fabulous

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
CK: my grandmother has carried the same leather purse for nearly 20 years, and she has commissioned me (finally!) to make her a completely custom bag. It will have exactly what she asked for, plus a little bit of extra fun that she isn't expecting. I can't wait to see her face when I give it to her.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
CK: walnuts from my parent's 100 year old tree in central oregon. there's always an overwhelming plethora of them available and I'm finding creative ways to use them in recipes. . .like rosemary walnut chex mix!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
CK: On our first Valentine's day as a couple, my husband made me a HUGE amazing 3D collage of a heart, created from bits of my fashion magazines that he'd cut up.

(Photos by Tonhya Kae)

Slow Loris Interview & Giveaway

2010-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Jessica and Arlo are the Slow Loris team. Their motto of "feeling strong and not in a hurry" is indicative of their high-quality, handmade products. Their screen printed designs are created without the use of computers. Jessica & Arlo are kindly providing one of their unique shirts as a giveaway! Be sure to comment by Midnight on Thursday to be entered to win!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Slow Loris: We love anything by Dizzee Rascal, get's the printer dancing and the artist drawing!
Especially this new one of his that came out this summer, "Dance Wiv Me"

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
SL: Probably to bring more change or make things for sale at a price that doesn't involve needing to give change. We've learned to just make tax included in our prices, and deal with all the math later:)

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
SL: Jessica-Well I have two dogs and a pig, and Arlo also has a dog who often is in the studio. So i'll introduce all four!
Basil Rathone/Bee/OldDog~ Wise, 14 years strong and has very handsome tendencies. Can't seem to remember if he just went outside or wants to come back in..or go back out? Who knows? He sure doesn't.

Zora/theZub/Zubbles/little-little~ Resident Ewok, ankle biter&foot licker. Also an old lady, likes to just sit around and look gorgeous.

Pig-pig/MarnieBiddles/NarnieNAh- Potbelly Pig. About 8 years old, he likes to stare at us through the window and waits for me to throw him my banana peel from my desk. He's practically blind and sniffs his way around the 5 acres of property quite well. He is quite spoiled and has 3 dog houses filled with hay for him to choose to sleep in depending on the weather.

Pele/Pe-le-Le-pe/rrrreppes ~ The youngest of the pack. She talks a lot, and often. Can leap buildings in a single bound, sweetest girl you've ever met, likes to sport a bandanna around the neck (just like Arlo) and was rescued from a California desert when just a wee skinny puppy.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
SL: New zip-up hoodies and skirts with new designs, our belt buckles, and art! We're bringing original screen prints. Our flat file is just getting too full, so it's time to clear out some hand printed art!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
SL: Our traditions are actually after the show, we eat out at our favorite places in Ballard! We love ourselves the food at La Isla or Sushi! mmmmmm Sushi.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
SL: Impressions

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
SL: Jessica ~ Jewelry from a Finland Etsy seller I recently stumbled upon. I bought many items for my 3 sisters. Also, for Arlo's birthday, a record player.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
SL: Jessica ~Hard to say, it's a tie between a painting by my great, great grandmother or the family portrait painted by my father right after i was born in the late 70's. Both equally odd and amazing.

LaRu Interview & Giveaway

2010-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lauren of LaRu is a Seattle-based artist who started a craft group which led to making accessories from her fantastic drawings. All of her pieces are one of a kind illustrations on clay sealed with resin. Lauren is providing this super cool skull necklace as a giveaway. Leave a comment by Midnight Thursday to be entered to win!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
LaRu: Lately I have been addicted to the Mike Snow album.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
LR: Make a cheat sheet for figuring out taxes! The first few times I would bring a calculator. I taped my cheat sheet to the clipboard I use to fill out credit card slips. It's way faster and convenient!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
LR: I live with my two bunnies (Zim and Madison), a turtle named Tobias (after Tobias Funke), and my boyfriend's crazy cat Xuxa (pronounced Zoo-sha). All the animals like to interfere with crafting :). The bunnies will pick up whatever I am working on and toss it around. Xuxa likes to lay across anything I am working on. She also has a craving for shinny paper...anytime I leave it out she chews it up. I've lost a lot of drawings to that cat! :)

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
LR: I've come up with a bunch of new designs: foxes, squirrels, crows, and new skeletons. I am excited to see how people respond to them.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
LR: I'm not excited about one gift in particular, but I am excited that I will only be giving handmade gifts this year. No factory made things or department stores for me!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
LR: Reeses and chocolate chip cookies. I can't stop eating them!!

Blue Diamond Stamps Interview & Giveaway

2010-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today we meet Liz of the Blue Diamond Stamp Co. Blue Diamond Stamp Company sells an eclectic line of clear polymer stamps that feature her artwork and other unique found imagery. Each stamp is handmade in my kitchen and packaged in her living room in jewel cases that provide perfect storage and indexing. Using clear stamps in conjunction with a clear acrylic block mount allows for precise placement and easy clean up. Liz is giving away a festive tree stamp! Please comment on this post by Midnight Thursday to be entered to win!

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
Blue Diamond: Accepting credit cards! My first craft show was back in 2004 and at the time I was accepting only cash payments. In 2005, I was able to start accepting credit cards at craft shows and saw a dramatic increase in sales! Even though there are extra fees involved, I would recommend to vendors to look into accepting credit cards if they do shows at least a couple times a year.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
BD: This will be my third UCU and it is usually a priority to start each day with a gigantic cup of coffee. And then continue the coffee intake every few hours....

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
BD: I will have a number of new designs this winter. I am most excited about debuting my two new Seattle-inspired stamps. Although I recently relocated to Portland.... I still feel like a Seattle girl!

VictoryGardenYarn Interview and Giveaway!

2010-11-30T17:30:00.000-08:00

First time UCUer Anna Sharp, the woman behind VictorGardenYarn will be bringing loads of lovely knitted things with her to the Exhibition Hall this December 4th and 5th. Enter to win your own Skipjack Cowl by leaving a comment below!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
AS: Um, I'm actually really boring when I'm in a creative mood...I usually tune in to the classical station on the old kitchen radio and get to work. I guess it relaxes me and lets my mind wander while my hands work.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
(Or--If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?)
AS: This is my very first craft show! I am really looking forward to meeting people and chatting up anyone who happens to pop by my little booth. I've been sitting behind my computer screen trying to peddle my wares for entirely too long now, so getting to talk to people and help them play dress up with my cozies will be quite fun. And since I'm a former retail queen, I sort of miss interacting with my customers!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
AS: I have a boyfriend....does he count?

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
AS: Gosh, my business is so new, I'm excited to be offering everything! If I had to pick though, it would be my kitschy 'Atomic Christmas Ornaments' and my newest neckwear design, which will be released at the show. (It's a cross between a cowl and a collar...and it has pom-poms!)

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
AS: I'll be making traditions as I go since this will be my first show...but I kind of want to have fresh flowers here and there in my booth...I think that might be tradition #1.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
AS: Vibrant. (Or colorful.) (Or cozy.)

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
AS: Well, everyone usually gets some sort of hand knit or hand crocheted something-or-other from me, but this year they will all be receiving a cornucopia of home-canned goods. I actually think I have one more batch of goodies to can and then all my presents will be taken care of. Phew.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
AS: Soup! I love to make giant vats of soup in my big enamelware pot. Then for those nights I'm feeling too tired to cook or have too many cozies or hoops to make, I can yank the pot out of the fridge, throw it on the stove, and heat up some warm yummy goodness with absolutely no effort. A favorite soup would be a white bean/kale/sausage combo...I think that's my Portuguese side coming out!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
AS: That would be the most amazing ring my boyfriend MADE for me from an old silver quarter. He actually spent most of his lunch hours out behind his office building banging away at this quarter on an old, unused railroad track, all because we live in a tiny apartment with no workbench and there was no way for him to work on it at home without me knowing what he was doing. It makes me all warm and fuzzy whenever I see it on my hand...which is every day. But then again he also made me a set of wooden knitting needles...so I guess we have a tie for favorite handmade item!

Get It! Get It Get It! Leave a comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

Belle Epoch Interview and Giveaway!

2010-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dana McCoskey (DM) is the girl behind Bell Epoch. Inspired by travels, colors and nature she creates innovative jewelry that she is bringing with her to Urban Craft Uprising on December 4th and 5th.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
DM: When I first read this question I accidentally misread it as “pick a song that gets you in the mood” and blushingly, my first thought was Al Green. But after I reread it properly as “creative mood” the easiest thing to say is that I have been listening to a lot of Nightmares on Wax DJs shows and wefunkradio.com while at work in my studio this fall. I really love all types of music from country to jazz to hip hop; so I hope to hear an eclectic mix at UCU. As for a song to nominate for the show, I think you should definitely play James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas”.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
DM: That my girlfriends and I were not going to get to hang out while trying on jewelry, casually drinking pinot noir; but instead we were going to have to work our butts off, with no bathroom breaks or food, for hours!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
DM: I have no pets. I do however spend a lot of time with wild birds. In addition to trying to make life more beautiful by pursuing my creative passions, I have traveled the world to work with bird research and rainforest conservation. Animals give me great joy and I hope that one day if I become less of a traveler and more of a homebody, I will have a really awesome dog to hike with.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
DM: I am excited to bring my natural feather hair pins to Seattle. They are cute, inexpensive and make great little gifts.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
DM: I am not very traditional. Day of show I’m usually just drinking coffee, helping customers, and looking around the other booths to find handmade items that I want to take home.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
DM: Earth. I think about this planet everyday.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
DM: I made my sisters really cute lockets that I am super excited about.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
DMI: live in the rainy valley and really, really love food. But when I am in the snow it is usually because I have traveled into the mountains with my snowboard or skis, and there I typically have a half frozen granola bar of some sort in my pack to nibble on.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
DM: My sister Michelle makes handmade alligator scarfs. I love mine because it is so unique and cute, that whenever I wear it I meet the most interesting people who also admire it and want to talk to me.

And we are giving this adorable necklace away!

The "Three Little Birds Necklace" is made with brass, ruby zeolite, moss agate, and smokey quartz.

Please comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

Amanda Fiebing Interview & Giveaway

2010-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Amanda Fiebing is a local artist who works in fibers creating ethereal mushrooms, terrariums and even colorful garlands. Make sure to stop by Amanda’s booth to wish her a successful first UCU show! Amanda is graciously giving away a set of 3 of her mini garlands! Please comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Amanda Fiebing: Panda Bear and Bjork have been in heavy rotation in my studio. But if I were to choose one song for the UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack it would be James Brown’s Chonnie-On-Chon or Goldfrapp’s Rocket.

UCU: If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?
AF: This is my first Urban Craft Uprising! I’m looking forward to what is sure to be a crowd of sweet people looking for great unique gifts.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
AF: I’ve got two little grey Persians named Ben and LuLu. They are my studio helpers for sure.

UCU: What items are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
AF: Mini Garlands! What could be more cheerful and up-lifting than candy-colored felted garland? Bright, fanciful and just for fun. They are simple decorative pieces that add a dash of color to rooms, windows, holiday and party decorations and gift-wrapping. My garland also comes in larger sizes for larger spaces and projects. And I will be accepting a limited amount of custom orders for the holiday season.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
AF: Lovely

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
AF: I’ve been stalking my fellow UCU’ers online so I can use my breaks efficiently and do my Xmas shopping during the show. I am most excited about buying all handmade for friends and family.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
AF: Snow or no, when winter rolls around I revert to my Scandinavian roots and I head straight for pickled herring on Triscuits. Also, Turkey.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
AF: I made the mistake of packing “light” for a summer trip to Iceland which resulted in scouring of the Reykjavik for a sweater. I found a vintage handmade Icelandic wool sweater at the Kolaportid flea market. Its definitely one of my favorite possessions as it reminds me of the trip of a lifetime.

Fable and Fury Interview & Giveaway

2010-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Combining the romanticism of Victorian chic and curiously wayward subjects with modern techniques and materials, Fable & Fury creates unique jewelry and wearable art. Woodland creatures, peculiar portraits, and follies of nature appear in imaginative vignettes, cameos and silhouettes intricately crafted in black and satin finished stainless steel. Jennifer is kindly providing this Stag, Ravens and Leaves necklace for the giveaway. Please comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Fable & Fury: "Possum of the Grotto" by Rasputina

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
F&F: I wish I'd known how rewarding, fun and stress-free vending at a craft show could be. Instead, I spent a number of anxious nail-biting weeks prior to the show worrying for nothing!!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
F&F: Opal, my one year old blue torbie kitty, is a sweet lil' cracker. She chirps and coos like a Tribble from the old Star Trek episode. She loves to get soaked in the rain, and often in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping, she pins my face down with her front paws and kisses me to pieces. Her cuteness is quite unbearable.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
F&F: An ornate woodland scene neckpiece, detailed with a stag, ravens and oak leaves.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
F&F: Askew

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
F&F: An antique humidor for my boyfriend's cigar collection.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
F&F: Sara Lanzillotta's siamese twin plush "Zombaby." I adore everything I have of Sara's!!

Devout Dolls Interview & Giveaway

2010-11-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

Sara Lanzillotta of Devout Dolls handcrafts one of a kind creations that are both cute and creative, with a touch of the macabre. Sarah is offering up a Chirpy Birdie as a giveaway! Please comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Devout Dolls: "Gut Feeling" by Devo, "Super Jellyfish" by Gorillaz, "Charlotte Mittnacht" DeVotchka, "Mishto" by Gogol Bordello

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
DD: How much of everything to bring, this would include stock, change and bags! You just never know what to expect. My take on it now is, it's better to have too much then not enough.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
DD: I have Rubin Monkey Bean the Chihuahua, his other name is Grandpa. He's kind of grumpy and, for being so tiny, he has a very large personality and an even larger bark. He's very sweet and cuddly though too. I also have Momo the cat. A black and white kitty who's not so friendly but we love her anyways.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
DD: I'm pretty excited about my new stuff, unicorns, Chihuahuas and taxidermy pins (made of fabric, not animals).

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
DD: That would be the "oh god I'm not ready freak out dance". It's all the rage among crafters right now. You start running around in circles and it involves a lot of foul language. Just the thing to get your heart pumping and ready to go!

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
DD: creepycutetastic

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
DD: homemade vegan soups with homemade bread

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
DD: Ooh, that's a hard one, I have so many, currently is an amazing sweater my friend Hansi knit for me.

Tender Loving Empire Interview + Giveaway

2010-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Based out of Portland Tender Loving Empire seems to have their hand in a bit of everything. From artist collective to record label this diverse group will be heading out to UCU this year with an exciting new compilation, Friends and Friend of Friends Vol.III. One lucky follower will take home a copy free of charge by entering in our giveaway.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
TLE: You can't ask a record label that question and get a simple answer. Here's a whole list!
Some of our favorite Tracks:
"Juniper" by Y La Bamba
"Wake (Keep this Town Alive)" by Finn Riggins
"CPR- Claws Part 2" by Typhoon
"Tallest Building in Hell" by Jared Mees and the Grown Children (A very uplifting, cheerful song, despite its title)
"Hoop + Wire" by Boy Eats Drum Machine
"Monkey Play" by Gratitillium
"Opposite People" by Hosannas
(In fact, if you'd like to put our Friends and Friends of Friends Compilation in the playlist mix, we'd love to donate an extra one. DIY music at a DIY Craft Fair seems fitting to us!)

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
TLE: Our new kitten, Mabel, definitely deserves mention. We tend to have a little bit of trouble waking up in the morning to work after late nights seeing local bands around town. Thusly, Mabel has filled a much needed role in our family: the alarm clock. At the first hint of sunrise, she's up, ready to play, licking our noses and pouncing on our feet under the covers. Its hard to wake up on the wrong side of the bed when your day starts with a purring fuzzy face in your face. Thanks for the motivation Mabel!

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
TLE: Aside from the brand new Friends of Friends and Friends compilation that we're offering up to the UCU blog giveaway, we're super excited about our new hoodies! Both of our hoodie designs are printed on the COZIEST American Apparel hoodies to keep you extra warm during a Northwest Winter. The latest design features a Geometric Forest designed by TLE's own, Jaclyn Campanaro. Little spherical clouds drop crystal-shaped raindrops over a conical evergreen. Our Rose City Bird's Nest hoodie is back by popular demand as well. Stop by our booth to try one on and check out our other new tshirt designs as well!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
TLE: Online, and at the Tender Loving Empire store in Portland, our CD's sell for $10 + shipping. But at UCU, we offer all of our albums on a sliding scale to help you take a chance on new music you may not of have heard of and fill stockings on a budget!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
TLE: Cartoon Monster's Sail Boat Automata http://www.etsy.com/listing/49916468/hand-crank-boat-in-a-box-automata-indigo This is the one item we will be bringing from our brick and mortar shop! Turn the crank and the little boat sails the sea! It's the perfect gift for anyone at any age. Stop by our table at UCU to see it in person.

And they're giving this away! A copy of their new Friends and Friends of Friends Vol.III. Leave a comment and it could be yours!

Hidden Talents Unveiled : Nov 30th

2010-11-26T22:37:00.000-08:00

Check out Hidden Talents, coming up on November 30th in downtown Seattle! Please RSVP if you are interested in coming!

Giveaway Winners---ROUND 1!

2010-11-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

Congrats to all of our pre-Thanksgiving giveaway winners! Winners were chosen via comment number through Random.org. Please find us at the UCU Booth at the Winter show to find out how to claim your awesome prize!

For all those who didn't win this time around, keep commenting! We have a ton of great giveaways coming up in the next week leading up to the show!

-R&L Goods notebook set: Elena (Comment #4)
-Texture Clothing mitts: Barrie (#21)
-Matthew Porter print: Jen (#1)
-Debbie Weiss Maude bag: k a t (#8)
-Cakespy mug: Angie (#15)
-Secret Stash Salts: Tara (#4)
-Foamy Wader Roxie necklace: Mo (#12)
-Bunny Lee print: Dawn Edge (#2)
-Danger Peach necklace: Sarah (#4)
-Rakka Deer cards: wastedpapiers (#1)

Ladies & Gentleman Studio Interview + Giveaway

2010-11-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Jean Lee and Dylan Davis are Ladies and Gentlemen Studio, specializing in “good things”. They are graciously providing one of their L&G Daily Affirmation mirrors! The mirrors are one-of-a-kind vintage repurposed mirrors each with a positive phrase laser etched. L&G believes that we all need some encouragement to get ourselves through the day. The mirror is made with wood frame painted in gold. Dimension: 7" x7".

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Ladies & Gentlemen Studio: Journey- Don't stop Believing

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
(Or--If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?)
L&G: We're looking forward in seeing the response from the people attending the show, since it'll be our first time at UCU and also doing a craft show for our studio!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
L&G: We don't have a pet, but would like to get some ducks....they're the new chickens!
UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
L&G: We're pretty excited about our vintage one-of-a-kind Daily Affirmation mirrors. Also we're excited that we'll be officially launching it at UCU!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
L&G: It's our first year, so we need to think of a tradition. But an idea to start a tradition is to make some hot cider or ginger milk tea for ourselves and whoever wants some!

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
L&G: Cleverly-nostalgic.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
L&G: Our Chalk-It-To-Me piggy banks, since we got some friends with babies or young kids, and think they'll really enjoy the use of it.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
L&G: Homemade marshmallows or dark chocolate covered pretzels

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
L&G: Our favorite handmade item as of now is our Chalk-It-To-Me Piggy banks. Essentially this product was our baby where we were part of the whole process from start to finish. It was like giving birth to it without the physical pain. We're pretty proud of the fact that we're able to materialize our ideas and actually make it work! It also has a special sentiment for us in a sense that it symbolizes the possibility of making our dream happen in pursuing our own creative studio/business!

This Charming Candy Interview

2010-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today we meet Kate and Susan of This Charming Candy. They make unusual and delicious lollipops of all colors and flavors.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in a creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack.
This Charming Candy: Constructive Summer by The Hold Steady. We know it's not summer, but we love that song!

UCU: What Item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
TCC: Our Greatest Hits collection! We've taken the most popular flavors from all the collections we've sold and brought them together in one place! It's an easy way for customers who haven't tried our lollipops to sample the best of the best.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would it be?
TCC: Delectable. No wait, delicious. No, um, yummy. It's so hard!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this year?
TCC: Kate: I've been enjoying some mulled cider with the mulling spices from World Spice. It's perfect as I relax at the end of the day in front of the television with my husband.
Susan: Honeycrisp apples from Merritt Apples in Mt Vernon - the best honeycrisps I've ever found.

Get The Goods!

2010-11-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hello all you woderful people who have been reading interviews and entering in giveaways. We decided that Turkey Day was a good day to pick us some winners! So, all postings before Thanksgiving will close Turkey Day at 10p.m. After you have had your dinner, pie and wine glance over the posts to make sure you have your name on all the goodies that you adore. Check back on Friday evening and see if you have a special something to pick up when you come shopping this December 4th and 5th at Seattle Center!

Blonde Chicken Boutique Interview

2010-11-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

This Blonde Chicken passionately makes sustainable and colorful yarn from her home in Johnson City, TN. Stop by her booth and give her a Seattle welcome this December 4th and 5th at Seattle Center.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
BCB: I always start the day with the biggest coffee I can find. That, and my lucky striped kneesocks!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
BCB:

Beauregard is my bagle pup (beagle + basset), who serves as security and (sniffy) investigations.

Andre is grumpy middle-management + complaint department.

Stella is Vice President of Cute and Counselor of the Nap.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
BCB: Squooshy. Fun. Colorful. (I can't pick one!)

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
BCB: I'm crocheting little lucha libre dudes for my little brothers. They are totally into wrestling right now and I love that I can give them a handmade gift that they'll really play with!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
BCB: Peppermint mochas, gluten free sugar cookies and many many apple crisps.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
BCB: For my wedding, my husband's grandma's best friend gave us a crocheted throw. We snuggled under it for the first few years of our marriage and now I keep it in a maple chest. I just love it to pieces.

Rakka Deer Interview + Giveaway

2010-11-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today we get a chance to meet Rakka Deer, a local artist hailing from Bremerton and showcases a range of subjects from Star Wars characters to Kermit the Frog. Kris is generously offering up a set of 5 cards with envelopes. The cards include a mixed media paintings of a Beastie Boys cassette tape, an Atari Joystick, a Maneki Neko and Optimus Prime as well as one card of Inigo Montoya drawn on "Hello, My Name Is..." stickers.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Rakka Deer: "I Sink, I Swim" by Seabear. It's not a super current song but it works for me every time.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
(Or--If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?)
RD: UCU isn't technically my first craft show but I'm going to treat it as such since it's such a freakin' behemoth. So, in that regard, I'll say that I'm really looking forward to the energy that such a large crowd has. We could power Seattle with UCU crowds for, like, what? A year at least!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
RD: My BF and I have four cats. I'll introduce them: Ms. Peel, Ava, Fujiko Mine and Clouseau but I won't tell you much about them because I could very easily slip into crazy cat person territory and bore you. (If you really want to see photos of my cats though, come by my table and you can see the ones on my phone.)

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
RD: New cards and paintings from my latest 365 blog Stupid F--king Awesome!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
RD: Oatmeal for breakfast? True but dull.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
RD: Smarvelous? Great. Now I have that song stuck in my head.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
RD: Probably some Doctor Who stuff that I'm making for my nerd friends in the UK. NEEEEERDS!! (I love them though.)

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
RD: British chocolate. It's what I get in exchange for the Whocrafts. I think it's a fair 'cause Brit choccies are where it's at.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
RD: I have this fantastic skull that my friend Noah made that I adore. Also, a very happy plush onigiri that I bought on Etsy. There's no way that you could eat rice that smiley!

Material + Movement Interview

2010-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Heather Kraft is the designer behind Material+Movement jewelry designs. Her Incarnate Anew line uses porcelain pieces with gold and silver findings. This will be Heather’s first show so let’s give her a warm welcome!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Material + Movement: "What Kind of Woman Is This" By Buddy Guy. I'm a sucker for blues.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
(Or--If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?)
M+M: As my first show, I'm most looking forward to sharing my work with so many people!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
M+M: At the moment I am petless, but wanting! Most of my life I've had dogs, and I've been thinking about names for the next dog I am able to have. Some include: Georgia, Hossa, Herman, and Edwina.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
M+M: Some necklaces from my Heirloom collection. They are beautiful compositions comprised of 14 pieces or more of vintage porcelain. They are more like wearable sculpture!

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
M+M: This one probably isn't new, but a buffet of snacks! A good days work isn't complete without an array of nuts, fruits, and chocolate.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
M+M: Providential.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
M+M: Brussel Sprouts. I'm not kidding, those things taste amazing.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
M+M: A skirt I made from my mother's high school tennis team shirt. Vintage cotton is oh so soft!

Danger Peach Interview and Giveaway

2010-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Danger Peach is the maker of some dangerously adorable bags and accessories. Get to know her better before you stop by her booth Dec. 4th and 5th when she returns to Urban Craft Uprising.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
DP: I just recently adopted a 9 year old Schnoodle named Oscar from Old Dog Haven. He is sweet and funny and is so snugly he makes it really hard to get out of bed in the morning. Were BFFs!

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
DP: I have some new embroidered art pieces and embroidered accessories that made me giggle a lot while making them! You will have to stop by my booth to see what the are! :D

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
DP: I always make treats and bring them to some of my favorite venders for a little sweet pick me up.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
DP: Cheeky!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
DP: When it gets cold I always crave a soy peppermint mocha. Mmmmmmmmmm.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
DP: Gosh that's tough, I have so many that I love I'll have to name a couple. I have an abstract painting that belonged to my Grandparents. It hung in their dining room and as a kid I was always drawn to it's colors and textures and when no one was looking I would run my fingers over it! For my Birthday my sister gave me a felted finger puppet she had made that I had been crushing on for a while. He has braces and I named him Caesar, like the salad.

GIVEAWAY.GIVEAWAY.GIVEAWAY.
Leave a comment to have a chance to take home this funky necklace!

Help get Moveable Type on the Road!

2010-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Kyle Durrie of Power and Light Press, a letterpress studio based in Portland, Oregon has a dream to build a mobile print shop in the back of an old delivery truck and tour the country sharing the art of printing. Kyle has started a Kickstarter campaign to support the Moveable Type project. More information can be found here. Please check out the details and consider supporting it!

Elisa Shere Interview

2010-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today we'd like to introduce Elisa Shere, maker of beautiful jewelry with recycled, non-mined sterling silver that was processed in an earth friendly refinery!

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
Elisa Shere: wish I would have known how much fun being part of the indie craft community is! My first show was Pile of Craft, put on by the Charm City Craft Mafia in Baltimore. I've met so many friends through that show and all the other shows I've participated in. I can't wait to meet all the great Seattle crafters and shoppers.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
ES: I have two wonderful canine companions, Ladybug and Louie. Ladybug is a basset/beagle mix and is super sweet, but oh so naughty. And Louie is a Jack Russel Mix. He's very polite and protective. They both came from the shelter and are just the cutest things - and they make great studio companions.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
ES: I'm very excited about my new ceramic line. It combines my two passions, ceramics and metalsmithing. Each piece is made entirely from scratch, and include handshaped ceramic centerpieces with my own original drawings.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
ES: Well, my crafty friends and I have a tradition of hiding a toy spider in each others show stuff, so perhaps the spider will make its way to Seattle this year!

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
ES: Unexpected

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
ES: I haven't done any shopping yet, but plan to stop by Sam Trouts booth for a tee shirt for my husband and Steel Toe Studios for one of their key chains.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
ES: Pizza to eat and hot cocoa to drink :)

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
ES: I love my Circa Ceramics mug. They are a crafty duo out of Chicago who make amazing retro graphic ceramics.

Bunny Lee Designs Interview + Giveaway

2010-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bunny Lee of Bunny Lee Designs is an imaginative artist specializing in beautiful things. For the giveaway she has kindly contributed a 9"x12" limited edition print of her drawing "Gabriel" (pictured at bottom of this post).

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Bunny Lee Designs: Good Intentions Paving Co. by Joanna Newsom

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
BLD: I wish I would've known how important and how difficult it is to catch a potential customer's eye.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
BLD: My new line of Christmas and winter greeting cards and gift tags

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
BLD: Beautiful

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
BLD: I'm pretty excited to give all of them, because I've decided to only give my own products this year. I haven't yet decided on any particular gift though.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
BLD: Am I doing this way too early? I haven't even seen my breath fog yet. I've been eating mass amounts of PB&J this month. The best one I made was Adams no stir creamy with Bonne Maman Fig on Milton's Whole Grain Plus, lightly toasted in the oven.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
BLD: Dulce, my beautifully caramel colored weird alien head thing plushie. Made by Coco Howard and bought by her son for me.

Call to Local Artisans and Small Business Owners

2010-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Cascade People’s Center is planning an event on Sunday, December 19, 2010, 11am-5pm, to help promote you to the South Lake Union Community.
They are soliciting local artisans (basket weaving, pottery, jewelry, etc.) and small business owners in the area along with retailers at this point to see if there is enough interest before we begin marketing. It will be fair of sorts for artisans to sell their work with a few retailers to promote themselves and possibly sell refreshments and/or small items. They will have tables set up at the center for $20 each for the day.

If you have an interest in being part of this event please contact Terry at: madelineandfrancine@yahoo.com by Monday, November 22nd. Based on interest they will proceed with marketing the event.

Elisabeth Space Interview

2010-11-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Elisabeth Space is a local artist who uses precious metals, vintage pieces and gemstones to make one of a kind jewelry pieces.

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
ES: Random songs I'd happily play on repeat while crafting my goodies:

Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, it's huge and everywhere, but it makes me smile and whistle along
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HNY0rx2fw4

Ocarina by Birds and Batteries
http://music.birdsandbatteries.com/track/ocarina

When Water Comes to Life by Cloud Cult
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYyHAXZKaPQ

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
ES: Emme and Miles, two flubby, sweet tiger kitties. Sometimes they love each other and bathe together nonstop, other times, Emme won't give Miles, her constant suitor, the time of day. They love to sit by the fire. Or on my lap, regardless of how inconvenient this may be for me.

Emme

Miles

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
ES: Something I wish I would have known for my first craft show was to plan out some foooood. Standing at your table all day makes for a long day, but it's even longer if you forgot to bring food. This year, I'll have the help of my best friend during both days of the show, so we can tag team.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
ES: Oh my, I wish I was seasoned enough to have some show traditions under my belt, but honestly, this is my first show in 2 years so I'm feeling a wee bit rusty. Thankfully, I'm really excited, too!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
ES: Boring answer: Quinoa is a staple in my home, so I make it on a regular basis.
Honest answer: Chips and salsa. I'm obsessed with the Gorditos brand salsa (from the restaurant in Greenwood) sold only at Madison Market.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
ES: This year I'm pretty excited to give people gifts my homemade granola. Realizing just how much money my bf and I were spending on fancy bulk granola, I decided we had to learn how to make it ourselves. Batch after batch, we've pretty much honed the recipe to a high level of awesome.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
ES: My favorite handmade item would probably have to be our coffee table. It was made by someone I've known for 15 years. To him, it was just a utilitarian piece, but to me it's unbelievably special.

Interview with Alexa from Foamy Wader and Giveaway!

2010-11-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Alexa, the creator behind Foamy Water, is returning to Urban Craft Uprising this December with old favorites and new creations in tow!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Alexa: Patrick Park "Something Pretty" or a semi-Holiday addition Guster "Donde este Santa Claus?"

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
Alexa: Winter 2009 was my first craft show and I wish I had taken advantage of the Friday load-in (amongst many other Freshman missteps). I'm really excited to mark my one-year anniversary doing craft shows to see just how far I've come.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
Alexa: Sadly not pets :(

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
Alexa: I have scaled down my original "constellation" necklace design and will have a collection of "petite constellations" available at UCU.

ex: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59295668/river-bend-necklace-aquamarine-rock

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
Alexa: Delicate

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
Alexa: I am included in the 2011 CRAVE Seattle Guidebook, so all my ladies will be getting a copy.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
Alexa: I'm a tea drinker. I love when its cold enough to drink tea all day long. I just tried Flying Botanical's Red Chai. Yum!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
Alexa: I have a thing for pug dogs. Having said that, my friend Jamie knit a hat for me and stitched a felt pug face on it complete with heart-shaped buttons for eyes. It is my absolute favorite handmade item I have ever received!

Leave a comment to win todays giveaway! The winner will receive a "Roxie Hart" Necklace which is a 20mm faceted crystal ball hanging from 36 inches of delicate silver-plated figaro chain!

Secret Stash Salts Interview & Giveaway

2010-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today we'd like to introduce an especially tasty vendor for UCU Winter 2010. Secret Stash Salt's award winning flavors are becoming quite well known throughout the Seattle area. Joseph Conrad and Janna Wemmer blend hand-harvested premium salts with only natural ingredients to flavor. With intriguing blends such as Almond Orange Cardamom and a tasty Bloody Mary to a savory Chorizo, food and creativity blend wonderfully. Their salts make wonderful gifts and make sure to stock up on some for yourself as well!

Secret Stash is providing their delicious Coconut Garam Masala salt as a giveaway!!

UCU: What are you nibbling on this winter as the snow falls?
Secret Stash: In the morning, scrambled eggs tossed with chorizo salt and a cup of strong coffee. We've also been baking a lot of granola with almond cardamom salt and falling back on this gem for potlucks and parties: Coconut Macaroons with chocolate ganache, flecked with coconut garam masala salt.

Wonder Thunder Interview

2010-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Wonder Thunder aka Meagan Claire Hall and Sasha Barr is a fun collection of food inspired treats such as their supercute tea towels and vegetable shopping bags. Be sure to stop by their booth at our winter show as well as check out their blog!

Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Wonder Thunder: Great songs to craft to: Ricky Skaggs-Country Boy, Loretta Lynn-Fist City, Tom Petty-Rebels

What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
Wonder Thunder: Bring something to eat.

If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
Wonder Thunder: Fatty: Ten year old grey tom cat of the streets. Found in the gutter as a kitten. Lounges on blankets as an old man. Cat food connoisseur. Biter of pomeranians. Avid singer, screamer, noise maker.
Cathy: 1.5 year old rescued fluffy rebel of the streets. Spends her time stalking Fatty and bird whispering. Paper bag obsession. Is the softest creature ever created on this mammal filled earth. Also an avid singer, she and Fatty duet the night with songs of heartache, revenge, and d-i-v-o-r-c-e.

What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
Wonder Thunder: We're most excited to be offering our vegetable bags since we weren't able to last year. Grab a fist full and don't ever let go!

What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
Wonder Thunder: The trappings of tradition: This year, we will continue to bring you the most hilarious and heartbreaking creations of usable and anthropomorphic food themed treasures.

If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
Wonder Thunder: witzelsucht

What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
Wonder Thunder: Paula Deen's donut hamburger, I've never done anything like this, yall!

Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
Wonder Thunder: Memaw Hall's jam cake, made by hand every year.

Learn about Debbie Weiss from Rebe and enter to win a Maude Bag!

2010-11-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Debbie Weiss (DW) is one half of the mother-daughter team that is Rebe. They have cultivated a collection of accessories and bags made with one of kind fabrics assembled in eye catching combinations.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!

DW: I have 2 dogs and a bird. The dogs are both rescues, one is 4 and a half and was dropped off at the animal shelter when he was 4 weeks. His name is William. He is my pride and joy, a real character. I often refer to him as pig-pen from Charlie Brown since he always seems to be enveloped in a cloud of dirt. The other boy is Wesley. He was 3 in October. I adopted him from a friend who found his broken back mother pregnant and starving in the street. He idealizes William. The bird is Jackson, a parakeet now 6 years old. He loves people! I lost all my pictures of everyone when both my computer and phoned crashed this past month. Time to start taking more! Oh by the way William was the inspiration behind our dog bag, http://myrebe.com/shopexd.asp?id=348

Giveaway! Leave a comment to be entered to win!

The Maude is designed to carry just your essentials. Wear it across your body to keep your personals safe but easily accessible or string it through your belt loops for a different look. An inner zip pocket easily fits all your credit cards, identification, and cash while the outer pocket is the perfect size for an ipod, cell phone or palm organizer. Clip keys to the handy D-ring and you're ready to dash out the door, hop in the car, or take your dog for a walk!

rebe
www.myrebe.com
www.myrebe.blogspot.com

Cakespy Interview and Giveaway!

2010-11-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Jessie Oleson (JO) is head spy of cakespy. She spies out of her new retail location on capital hill filled with all sorts of fun, kitsch items featuring...you guessed it, cake!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".

JO: "Africa" by Toto. No hesitation.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
JO: Bring. Lots. Of. One. Dollar. Bills.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
JO: I have two pugs, Porkchop and Olive, and a guinea pig named Falafel. Porkchop often comes to my retail store with me, and has a large fan base. I call him the Mayor of Capitol Hill.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
JO:New tote bags, mugs, and prints of a new series of Andy Warhol quotes illustrated in cupcake form! OH! And my awesome new holiday cards, including "Rudolph Meets Unicorn".

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
JO: I always make cookies for my shoppers. This makes me a very popular girl at the show.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
JO: Sweet.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
JO: My presence in NJ, I am splurging on airfare to go back home and spend the holidays with my parents at my childhood home.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
JO: Eggnog Nanaimo Bars and hot chocolate! Breakfast of champions!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
JO: Felt "meat" magnets by Mucho Design, another great Seattle artist and vendor at UCU!

Cakespy is giving away this adorable mug. Perfect for the cold and windy weather that will most likely be what we know as winter this year! Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing.

website: cakespyshop.com

Matthew Porter Art Interview and Giveaway

2010-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

Matthew Porter (MP) is a busy local writer and artist. Currently he has five books published with Simply Read Books out of Vancouver and a has collaborated on a line of Children's clothes! We are excited to see him at Urban Craft Uprising Winter 2010!

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?

MP: I am excited to showcase my newest series of paintings and prints entitled Pedigree Pooches. The series showcased a selection of pedigree dogs. I am hoping one day to turn it into a children's alphabet book with a different breed highlighted for each letter. I will also be offering commissioned pieces if people want to get their pooch immortalized!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!

MP: I have two cats - they are siblings. A brother and a sister - Louie & Maggie. They are great but love food a bit too much! Every time I have toast they want a lick of butter. I have to put a bit on my finger for each of them to lick or they give me no peace!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?

MP: I was just back in England to visit my family, I grew up there but have lived in Seattle 12 years now. So I got to nibble on all my favorites that I have not had in over 3 years. My favorite being cheese and onion potato chips. You wouldn't believe the number of different flavors we have in England that are not produced in the US. So sad but one I can definitely skip is prawn flavored!

Images:
Pedigree Pooches, 9" x 9", acrylic paint on wood ($100) or 8" x 10" print ($10)

Matthew Porter Art
www.matthewporterart.com
www.facebook.com/matthewporterartwork

Giveaway Item! Leave a comment to be entered a drawing to win.....

Item:
24" x 36" Glossy Poster
100 lb paper gloss - 4 Color Front

I went back to my roots and revitalized the first show I did for the gallery I previous owned, Bluebottle over 7 years ago. The show was entitled "The Cat that Ate the World" it showcased paintings of an enormous robot cat eating and destroying landmarks throughout the world. This time it is a monkey!

Flipside Hats Interview

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Kori Giudici, founder of Flipside Hats creates handmade creations that are gorgeous and flattering on everyone. Stop by their booth at our Winter show to find a great cold weather accessory!

UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Flipside Hats: Song: Robyn, "Bum Like You" or "Konichiwa Bitches". It gets me moving!

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
Flipside Hats: To not be attached to the outcome; enjoy the show!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
Flipside Hats: Miss Ting, the most beautiful, pure white fluffy kitty with blue eyes. She's a bit remiss, but oh so lovely.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
Flipside Hats: We have several new lines in recycled and organic fabrics to introduce in addition to our classic P-town caps. My new fave is the DRIVER CAP, a hip rendition of the old school stand-by. For the ladies, it's detailed with funky flowers for a sexy tom-boy appeal. So fun! And among my other new styles, I love the FIXIE CAP, an urban twist on the cycling cap in fabrics that you can wear around town easily.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
Flipside Hats: Always treat myself to a great breakfast and get there with enough time to settle in.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
Flipside Hats: Shifting

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
Flipside Hats: I bought about a dozen pairs of the coolest socks you can imagine from the SOCK MONSTER in Ballard, and I can't wait to give them out!

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
Flipside Hats: Well, I sure hope the snow falls! And when it does, I'll be nibbling on homemade ginger cookies and peanut butter peace bombs. YUM!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
Flipside Hats: I have a 10 month old son, and although he's not technically "hand-made", he is home-made! and he's my favorite by far!

Texture Clothing Interview

2010-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Texture Clothing creates apparel and accessories with a conscious. Combining great natural fibers with edgy, fashionable patterns that keep our heads turning season after season. We are excited to welcome the Texture Clothing team to Urban Craft Uprising this Winter 2010 and see what fantastic clothing options for chilly wheater they have in store for us.

Teresa Anne Remple (TAR) is the proprietress of Texture Clothing. She resides in Bellingham, Washington and is the naturally caffeinated instigator and inspiration for Texture Clothing.

Website: http://store.textureclothing.com

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
(Or--If this is your first show, what are you most looking forward to?)
TAR: how to merchandise my clothing + accessories in a better, more appealing way.

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
TAR: no pets.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
TAR: I have been dyeing special fabrics and screen printing on them before making them into clothing. So, I am excited about having new, and one of a kind items to offer customers who shop at the booth this year.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
TAR:going out for a nice dinner on Saturday night with fellow vendor friends.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
TAR: I haven’t planned my gifts yet…

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
TAR: Meat + Potatoes

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
TAR: at the moment, it would have to be a waxed cotton rainjacket that I bought from rebe!

Texture Clothing has graciously provided you a chance to win a pair of KnitMitts to be picked out at UCU 2010 Dec. 4, 5! Leave a comment for your chance to be entered in the drawing.

R&L Goods Interview

2010-11-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

A true collaboration in every sense of the word is R&L Goods. Housed in a shared duplex, founders Jean and Chika create accessories and wearables for the “right and left side of your brain.” They often collaborate with other artists to create their truly unique creations.
UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?

R&L Goods: Ha ha - I wish I had known how important my projected attitude is to customers and to myself. I used to just sit at my table and wait for the sales to come. Even if the sales came - I think the act of being so sedentary made me come off as a real sour-puss. Now I realize the importance of keeping energy up - when it's slow, get in the booth and re-merchandise. Whatever you do - don't just sit there and watch the clock. As a shopper, I find that that to be booth repellent - no matter how much cool stuff is in there. Teaming up with Jean opened my eyes to the reward for projecting friendly conversational energy.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
R&L Goods: Our new Piano Nobile prints on our notebooks and wallets! We love their work, we love working with them, and it's just so cool to get to make our goods from original hand screened textiles! We think their prints are gorgeous, and we're so proud of how handsome they look on a finished book or wallet.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU Winter 2010?

R&L Goods: A good breakfast with lots of protein, a strong cup of coffee, and a beer at 3 o'clock :)

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?

R&L Goods: Thoughtful.....so we hope.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?

R&L Goods: Some leftover Halloween candy, and fistfuls of rice crackers. That might go beyond nibbling.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have?

R&L Goods: We both have rings of very special significance made by Andy Cooperman - a fantastic Jewelry artist who lives and works just a few blocks from us in Ballard. Jean's engagement ring was a top secret surprise and was designed by Andy and her fiance at Andy's studio. My husband and I worked with Andy on our wedding rings - which involved a couple of studio visits, sketching, and lots of talking. We managed to reach a design that reflected our story and Andy's artistic influence - and though I don't expect to receive any envious stares from strangers - I think it's perfect. And it seems that Jean's ring is just as perfect for her.

R&L Goods is graciously offering a pocket sized refillable notebook (design of the winner's choosing) as a giveaway! Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win!

All Call for Artists: Alleycat Acres

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Alleycat Acres is a farmer’s collective of volunteers who work with unused spots within the city to cultivate food which is delivered via bike to food banks and places of need around the area. Their organization is currently seeking artists to work together in collaborative projects creating limited runs of items that reflect the mission and values of Alleycat Acres. They can be any medium and would be sold online and at fund-raising events, splitting the proceeds between the artist and operation expenses for Alleycat Acres. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Christine at christine@alleycatacres.com for more information, or visit their website at www.alleycatacres.com.

Come craft with us on Sunday!

2010-11-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

This year we thought it would be fun to have a craft party to get ready for our winter show. We want to bust out all kinds of fun signage and decorations for the show and if you come, it'll be awesome.

Bring craft supplies and we'll provide snacks, drinks, more supplies and the space. Not only will it be fun, but a great place to meet new friends from your crafty community!

Date: Sunday, November 07
Time: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Open-house style... come and go as you please!)

Please email us for an Evite.

Craft-In

2010-11-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

I just got a copy of the awesome box set, Craft-In, edited by Kathleen McCafferty. We hope that many of you that enjoy the show also enjoy making stuff. Whether you sell it or just do it as a hobby is besides the point, we all love to be creative! Craft-In has 12 project booklets inside. They are super cute and easy to throw in your bag to work on your during your lunch hour or bus ride.

Included inside are the following:

*Jar Lid
*Great Cupcake Makeover
*All the Hoopla
*Stupid Sock Creature Social
*Crochet Cactus
*Pet Portrait Embroidery
*Mint Tin Tiny World
*Strawberry Fields Forever
*Shrinkable Adornments
*Little Ireland
*Retro Paper Doll Party
*Culture Club Pocketbook Logs

You could get all your holiday gifts made using this handy box-set! We are giving away 2 copies to 2 lucky winners. Leave a comment here to win. We will draw names on Nov. 15th and you will be able to pick up your winning at the Urban Craft booth on either Dec. 4th or 5th!

Meylah: An Ecommerce Solution Built for Creative Entrepreneurs

2010-10-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today we want to introduce you to Meylah, an ecommerce solution specifically built for creative entrepreneurs. Meylah is devoted to the creative community to provide the best solutions for individuals to learn, share and support each other’s business growth online and they have created an easy to use and integrated solution specifically built for creatives to launch and manage their online business through blog-powered storefronts.

While there are already millions of creative entrepreneurs online, there are still millions of others that are staying out of the online space because setting up, running, and managing current ecommerce solutions are difficult and intimidating. Meylah’s blog-powered storefronts are easy to use and offer a unique solution for creative professionals to connect, grow and support their customers allowing novice users the ability to launch their business online quickly and build it for long-term success.

Meylah believes in the relationship between community and sales and many people are growing their own substantial communities (and customer bases) online using social media tools like WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, but have limited means to sell to these same communities that they are building. Even the easiest-to-use plugins for these platforms are difficult to setup and manage, and none of them offer an experience that integrates community building and selling as its core purpose. With Meylah, you are building a community and selling to them in one integrated experience.

Meylah’s extensive market research has shown that across any online venue or platform, people with good design and media skills sold their products way more frequently than the competition while people with very poor skills sink to the bottom quickly. Meylah feels that it shouldn’t be a strike against a great artist or crafter if they don’t have experience writing HTML or using Photoshop. Meylah’s templates are designed to enforce good design behavior, minimizing the competitive disadvantages and they make it easy to present everyone’s work in a beautiful, optimized format that puts the focus on their work, not on how well they can use software.

For more information about Meylah, please visit their blog, take their tour and check out some of sample storefronts of current members. And, Meylah is celebrating their 1-year anniversary this month so they are giving away 1-Year Premium Memberships for FREE (a $240 value) so use this promotion code (MEY1YF ) when you sign up to build your storefront and hurry, it won’t last long!

Want to play with UCU?

2010-10-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

photo by toomuchcoffeegirl

We're looking for an intern for the Winter 2010 show and interviews are next week. If you're interested, email moxie@madebymoxie.com quickity fast.

Congrats to Idle Hands Designs!

2010-09-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Lyndsay and Idle Hands Designs have been featured in a Quit Your Day Job blog post on Etsy!

Meet Anna from Mochimochi Land!

2010-08-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Another author coming this winter is Anna from Mochimochi Land!!! I did a little interview with her for you to enjoy!

UCU- Tell us a bit about your book?

MML- I'm so excited about my first book! Knitting Mochimochi contains 20 all-new patterns for knitted toys that can be appreciated by both adults and kids - the designs are all kinds of creatures, from Squirrels on Wheels to Feet Eaters (slippers with big buck teeth) to a Grouchy Couch. The book includes photo tutorials on all the special techniques that I use, and it also has an illustrated glossary of basic knitting techniques. And there's also a section on how to design your own knitted toy.

UCU- How did you get into knitting adorable monsters and other creatures?

MML- I was knitting as a hobby for a few years before attempting to design my own knitted toys. In late 2006, the company that I worked for was opening a new gallery, and I thought it would be fun to knit some creatures for my coworkers in the shape of our new gallery logo.

Once I knitted a shape and put a pair of eyes on it, I was instantly hooked, and I just kept coming up with all different kinds of creatures to knit. I keep wondering when I'll get tired of it, but I haven't yet!

(I'm happy to say that gallery hanahou is still going strong, and one of my logo dudes is on the office wall.)

UCU- How often do you get to create new work vs. the time you spend on orders, emails, photos, etc.?

MML- Designing is definitely my favorite thing, so I try to make as much time for it as I can. Since last summer, one way I've been ensuring this is through my "Tiny" series - every week, I design a new miniature knitted toy and post a photo of it on my blog. It's been a really fun and rewarding challenge, and I've made patterns for some the Tinys too, which are available on my website.

Link to Tiny series: http://mochimochiland.com/category/tiny-things/

UCU- What are you looking forward to most when you come out to Seattle?

MML- I'm psyched about my first trip to Seattle. I'm looking forward to visiting Schmancy, along with some knitting stores that I know in the area, and I'm hoping to try some local food favorites. I also can't wait to meet all the west coast crafters at Urban Craft Uprising!

Meet Twinkie Chan!

2010-08-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

We are already getting our author lineup and I thought it might be nice to learn more about them. So I would love to introduce you to < href="http://www.twinkiechan.com/" target="_blank">Twinkie Chan!. You may already be familiar with her work or her pictures! She's cute and so is her work. Here's a little interview I did with her.

UCU- Tell us a bit about yourself and your new book!

TC- Hi, there! I live in San Francisco, and I started my business in 2005. I've been crocheting zany doodads since I was little, and I finally combined my love for fake food and DIY into one giant yarn-y mess of food-themed crochet scarf madness! I worked in publishing as a literary agent for about 10 years, and it was very surreal to be on the other side of the publishing coin once I got my own deal for a crochet book!

It's coming out in November by Andrews McMeel Publishing, and it's called "Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear." People will get to see the ins and outs of all my funky patterns. Most of the book contains patterns for scarves, but I threw in some patterns for smaller projects as well. I shot all the photos in one night at 4am in my living room, and I drew most of the diagrams (but my friend helped me with the how-to-crochet illustrations because I'm a terrible artist!), so what's in the book is pretty much 99% Twinkie Chan!

UCU- Writing books is a different experience for everyone. How did the process go for you? Any parts you really loved or really didn't love?

TC- Since I'd worked in publishing for so long, I'd seen all the ups AND all the downs of the whole process. I am the type of person who prepares for the worst, but I got really lucky and had a really positive experience. Since I was so familiar with how a book comes to be, I didn't experience many surprises along the way. The only surprise was how DELIGHTFUL it was to work with everyone at Andrews McMeel! My deadline to write the book was a bit tight since I had a lot of other crafty stuff going on at the same time, but I really loved the whole process anyway. It was most fun to see how the publisher was going to lay everything out and turn all my random tidbits into a BOOK.

UCU- Where else are you going on tour with your book?

TC- Right now, I only have a mini West Coast tour planned for November/Decmeber: San Francisco, L.A., Portland, Seattle. I would like to tour the book on the East Coast, too, at some point soon! I am going to try to hit up more craft fairs out of California now that I have the book to sell!

UCU- What's your favorite part of crocheting awesomeness?

TC- I love figuring out a pattern for some object that I've conjured up in my head. It's like a discovering a new wonderful planet! But I get really antsy and repetition really gets to me ... so I'm always on the lookout for the next new project to conquer!

UCU- Top 5 things you are looking forward to seeing in Seattle!

TC-
1) My friends! I actually have quite a few friends living in Seattle now, and I can't believe I haven't really visited there for like 7 years!

2) Is there still a bar there called Cha Cha? I had fun times there!

3) Pike's Place Market. I have been there twice, but never for long enough. My boyfriend "Hairy" and I love food (natch!) so we really like to visit big marketplaces wherever we travel.

4) Seriously, I look forward to visiting Fancy and Schmancy! Schmancy (I believe) had a scarf show back in 06 or 07 and this was the first place I ever shipped my scarves for consignment. I actually hung out with Sally from Fancy with a group of people on one night in maaaybe 2002 before Twinkie Chan ever existed, and I visited her store the next day, so it will be fun to see it again!

5) LEAD ME TO YOUR CUPCAKES.

Call for Vendors: Kitsch N Stitch

2010-08-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Kitsch N Stitch's Aug 22nd show is accepting applications now! Click the Contact link at mourningmarket.com to apply.

Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs- Round Table Event

2010-08-05T14:38:00.001-07:00

We are excited to announce a special special round table reception hosted by The Conference for Creative Entrepreneurs.

The event will feature small group discussions about running a small business, networking opportunities with members of the the art, craft and design community, craft and product demonstrations, special discounts on services and products from our sponsors, and sweet snacks too!

Free To Attend
Friday, August 13th from 4:15 - 6:00 PM
Century Ballroom , 915 East Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98122-3849

RSVP now at: http://roundtablecce.e.../

As a SPECIAL THANK YOU to the first 50 people who register by August 11th, you get one FREE conference session of your choice on Saturday or Sunday! Session registration will take place on Friday when you check in for the round table event. RSVP today to ensure your space at this amazing event!

To see conference choice options on Saturday and Sunday check out our schedule: http://www.creativecon...

Additional classes will be available for $25 per session - cash only - register day of at venue location.

Conference for Creative Entrepreneurs

2010-07-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

Field Day Interview

2010-07-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

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/

2010-07-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-04T10:55:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-02T21:02:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

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!

ShellyEtc Interview + Giveaway

2010-06-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Heads up people, we’ve got a fresh one! Not only will this be her first time at UCU, this show is Shelly Etc.’s third show ever! Shelly, who just started vending at craft shows this past May, is a long time photographer and just started putting her work in Seattle stores last year. Check out her etsy store for a preview of what we’ll be seeing on July 10-11!

Hey Shelly, what do you like best about crafting/creating your product? I like it when people are amazed, intrigued and ultimately smile at the end result. I like to make people happy, and printing my photography on products such as nightlights and aprons bring happiness into a person's life every time they look at or wear it!

What kind of snacks will you have in your booth to survive the long but exciting hours of Urban Craft Uprising? I'm going to have some fruit, cheese, and plain crackers, and of course I'll have to get something across the street at the mobile food carts!

Shelly Etc. has donated on Brooklyn Bridge Night Light to the Giveaway! Leave your comment below to cure the things that go bump in the night. :)

-Amanda

An Original by Thea Starr Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago Thea Starr started making bags and items for babies out of vintage fabrics. One dog year later the vintage fabric is still in use but being turned into flower hair accessories. Whidbey Island native Thea has relocated to the Continental United States (that's a joke for all the Island folks) and has taken a moment to answer some questions for us.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising?
AObTS: Getting to meet all the vendors & appreciators of handmade goodness. I love to chat it up with people who make the stuff they are selling and can tell me all about it. I love to do the same for my own customers too!

  UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
AObTS: I love to play with my fabrics. I really love "saving" all the vintage kimonos from becoming part of a landfill and giving them new lives.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
AObTS: I am always on the hunt for the ultimate t-shirt. I've always had good luck finding the best ones at UCU in the past.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
AObTS: Ability to breathe under water. I grew up on an island and I always wished that I could be a mermaid. I still think it would be cool.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
AObTS: Toes in the sand at the beach for sure!

Thanks Thea! We've got a vintage kimono fabric flower brooch to giveaway to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible. We'll select the random winner and announce on Friday.

SEATTLE SQUARE Pioneer Square Outdoor Market

2010-06-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Alert Crafters!

Seattle's local and independent business community is at it again! The latest addition to the outdoor market trend is Seattle Square, located in Pioneer Square. It brings me great joy to see our neighborhoods come together to put on their own marketplace.

"A New Outdoor Market Launches in Pioneer Square
The SEATTLE SQUARE to feature locally designed apparel, vintage goods,
mobile food, and headliner DJ’s

Seattle, WA (June 29, 2010) – Kicking off on Saturday, July 17th, Pioneer Square will feature a new outdoor market from 11am – 5pm every Saturday for the rest of the summer. What once sat empty and overlooked will soon be filled with local designers, mobile food vendors, public art and music. The Seattle Square will feature a mix of Downtown restaurants like Delicatus, with mobile food vendors including Skillet, Ram & Rooster Dumplings and Parfait Organic Ice Cream--to name a few! The market will also host a wide range of vintage and craft vendors; selling everything from locally designed clothing, to handmade housewares and accessories, to mid-century modern furniture. To top it off, local and national DJ's will be providing a soulful, upbeat soundtrack each afternoon in the park.

For all info on how to become a vendor go here:
http://www.theseattlesquare.com/ "

-Amanda

Tomonster Interview + Giveaway

2010-06-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am a collector of leather boots, and the one thing that peeves me about storing them is having to stuff them with cardboard so they don’t flop over and wrinkle. I may search no more.

Not after I’ve found these adorable boot stands from the brilliantly creative mind of painter Tomoko a.k.a. Tomonster. This summer is Tomonster’s first ride on the UCU bandwagon. We wish her and her plushies all the best!

Briefly describe how you got started doing what you do?

I've always loved drawing and painting and one day my friend bought my painting and I was like "really???" after that, I haven't been stop painting since! I just love that people like my paintings and make them smile and that makes me smile. :)

What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?

I just love to paint and again, I love to make people smile and that makes me smile. My paintings are cartoon-ish and funny and colorful, so people seems to like them and characters are silly and cute, so they smile!!! Also My favorite plush is my own boots stands. They make your boots stand up and protect them when you aren't wearing them! And they protect them while they are hugging each other!!!

What are you offering up to our readers as a Giveaway?

5 different Cards from my paintings. Check out the lovely paintings here.

Leave a comment below to participate in this giveaway. See you in July!

-Amanda

Laura Bucci Handmade Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

The eco-friendly coffee cozy marks the clear distinction between the amateur urbanite and the professional commuter. Laura Bucci Handmade takes this functional heat filter and turns it into an aesthetically pleasing art piece to brighten any morning. Laura's art extends beyond the cup as well to buttons and textile wall art pieces. She's hopping the border from her home in Vancouver, B.C. and bringing her fresh style to UCU's second annual summer show. Let's get to know her better, shall we?

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
LBH: This summer will be my first time at UCU! It's great to see a large variety of work from different mediums! Vendors benefit from the exposure and the feedback! It's a wonderful opportunity for vendors to make new connections with like-minded peers, or to finally meet names that you know of through online surfing. It's great to meet store owners and be able to talk about your work face to face!

 UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
LBH: I enjoy the thinking stage and then the designing stage. Coming up with ideas and bringing them to fruition is very rewarding.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
LBH: I just discovered Dinah Coops work (http://dinahcoops.com/) through the vendor list on your website and I would love to have one of her tea towels or a set of napkins. Her modern aesthetic is refreshing and fun!

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
LBH: I wish I could function on 5 hours sleep?! (Eight meets my needs better.) I would have more time for the constant buzzing of ideas in my head!

UCU: Vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
LBH: I think mountains. I dream of hikes in the woods, happy isolation with nature, swims in lakes, camping, silence, and no technology!

Grazie Laura! We've got 2 re-usable coffee cozies to giveaway to one lucky reader. Leave a comment below to be eligible to win and leave those biodegradable coffee sleeves behind. We'll select one winner at random and announce here on the blog on Friday.

Ugly Baby Interview +Giveaway

2010-06-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

This morning, after a very busy but fun weekend, I was standing in the shower still half-asleep and wishing it wasn’t Monday. I realized I was all clean and so logically I got out, but what if there had been more to do in there? Imagine it, what if there was art to look at in the shower! Crazy idea, right? No, only half right. It’s a crazy awesome idea! It’s the idea from today’s featured summer show vendor Ugly Baby. They are the masters of unique shower art, waterproof art that can hang by a suction cup. This will be their 4^th time at UCU and I’d say its time we got to know these lovely people a bit better.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Minnesota and Doug hails from New Hampshire but neither of us talk funny anymore.

What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows? They are just so exciting. I'm excited just thinking about it. Knowing that hundreds of people who make things are going to all be in the same place. It's just neat. There's a really great energy at these shows and it's always great to see the huge crowds of people supporting the handmade movement. It just makes me like people more in general.

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

I can honestly say that no one offers similar products. We invented Shower Art and we're the only ones who make it. So......if you want some...yer gonna have to deal with us.

What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?

I like that Doug and I are just basically trying to crack each other up in the process of making these. We create them upside-down and backwards to when we go to pop them out of the molds, there is always a big reveal where we're rolling on the floor laughing at each other.

What are you offering up to our readers as a Giveaway?

A set of nine postcards based on our favorite Shower Arts: This Goat Hates your Butt, Meet the Zombies: They Love each other and BRAINS, Ours is a love that Shall Not be Named, Zombie Love is Eternal, When I Grow up I Want to be Bacon, I Believe in Super Safe Sex, This Zombie Earned His Wings, I Support Gay Ninja Marriage and Double Hugz.

Hear that? You can share the shower art phenomenon with postcards! So fun, I might need a few. Leave a witty comment below for your chance to snag this awesome giveaway. Same as before, winners will be announced Friday and the lucky duck can pick up their prize at the summer show July 10 & 11

-Amanda

Citizen Robin Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

The earliest known examples of mosaics made of different materials were found at a temple building in Mesopotamia, and are dated to the second half of 3rd millennium BC. Flash forward a couple thousand years and you'll find Citizen Robin here in Seattle hard at work turning a pile of beads into evocative mosaic jewelry. She's taken a few minutes to answer our questions and has given us a little something to giveaway as well!

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
CR: Absorbing all the creative works is inspiring and exciting. The support for an alternative culture proves we don't have to live by manufactures alone, I am grateful for the facilitators.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
CR: Watching the image appear in the beads, like a photograph appearing in the darkroom.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
CR: Go Robot! Jewelry for weirdo's. His work is amazing!

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
CR: As a kid of the 60's I always wanted Samantha Stevens Bewitching power. She used it for good, as simple as a clean home to peace for people, all with a twitch of her nose.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
CR: Mountains, if I had to choose.

Thanks Robin! And thanks for offering up your Space Needle Beaded Ring for one lucky winner to take home. Want to be that one lucky winner? Leave a comment below! We will select the winner an random and announce on Friday,

Hello Again Monsters Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Back in Aught-5, Seattle native Romie of Hello Again Monsters turned a graffiti character into a plush monster and made a wonderful discovery. She discovered that not only was she good at making the stuffed creatures, but they were a hit. For instance, who wouldn't want to win this little charmer? Best of all; you can!

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
HAM: I love craft shows because it is the perfect way to meet all the cool people who like the things I make!

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
HAM: I love to sew. And I love make believe. Sewing monsters!?!? Its like the greatest thing on the planet. Now if I could only figure out how to do it full time....

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
HAM: I'd definitely love to meet some other plush vendors and maybe swap something cool. I'm also really into finding some cool jewelry, maybe an awesome big fancy ring or necklace.

I'm thinking that can be arranged. Thanks for answering our questions Romie! For a chance to win the Red Monster then leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce on Friday, here on the blog.

P.S. Hello Again Monsters abbreviates to HAM. I love that.

Flutterbudget Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

There are few better ways to start the day than with a jewelry giveaway! Seattle UCU vendor Flutterbudget has taken the time to say hi and answers our questions as well as put up for grabs the Arianna Necklace (shown to the left). Want to win? Read on.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
FB: I love the creative energy at any craft show but especially the large-scale shows. I feel like I'm with my tribe and our combined creativity can take over the world! Plus I love to shop handmade so I'm in retail heaven.  

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
FB: I love making one-of-a-kind pieces with existing materials; each one is a puzzle of color, texture, composition and construction.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
FB: Although I make jewelry, I love to shop for necklaces. I bought an amazing necklace at Crafty Wonderland - a tiny pvc cloud with silver-chain rain: I adore it. I'm all about skirts for summer so I'm hoping to find some of those too.

UCU: If you could have any super power, what would it be/why?
FB: Laser-beam eyes so I could solder pieces together with a pointed stare.

UCU: Its summer vacation time. Beach or the mountains?
FB: That's a tough one - I'm going with Mountains; they're more inspiring to me.

Thanks Shannon! Might I just say, Laser Beam eyes; a totally functional super power? Nice thinking. Now back to our giveaway. Want to win? Leave a comment below! We will select one winner at random and announce this week's winners on Friday.

Want to get your shopping list ready for the show in 2 weeks? Check out Futterbudget's Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/flutterbudget

More Giveaway Winners!

2010-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday ya'll! We are now only 2 weeks away from our second annual summer UCU and competition has gotten stiffer for these great giveaways. So without delay I present to you the names (or codenames) of the prize winners.

glam.spoon Capelet - Danielle
LaRu Necklace - Lisa B.
Emze Designs Dish - erianams
Texture Clothing Gloves - Fairy Godmother
Devout Dolls Elephant - Tsuki aka LittleGrayFox
Tender Loving Empire Tee - Gina
Down to the Wire Designs Earrings - Maya
Manticore Record - gullyer
Boodlebags Wristlet - Michaela
Wooly Bison Bag - Campfire Kam

Hearty congratulations to all of our winners! Looks like luck shined down on you today, since the sun certainly did not. Be sure to stop by the UCU booth July 10-11 to claim your prize. Didn't win this round? Don't be down-hearted. We've got lots of great giveaways we will be posting up until the show! Keep your eyes peeled and keep posting for a chance to win.
Get a jump on Round 3 of giveaways with Danger Peach's owl necklace posted below!

P.S. Sorry to all the Spambots who commented. You were disqualified due to your overall lameness.

Danger Peach Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

"I have always been drawn to anything creative. From painting to theater to making earrings for myself in 3rd grade out of tissues I colored with highlighters; I have been making things and being involved in the arts in many forms since I was a child." 2nd time UCU Vendor Rachel of Danger Peach has focused that creative energy into embroidery. And adorable embroidery at that! She will be premiering all new work at UCU, so do not miss it. Danger Peach has also given us a cute, cute, cute hand embroidered plastic owl necklace with vintage fabric on the back to give away to one lucky reader. So Rachel, got a couple questions for ya.

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
DP: Urban Craft Uprising has the stable core that you want from a well put together craft show and you will find that consistently at every UCU show. In addition, from show to show, they bring you new art and new experiences in a fun and unique way.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product? 
DP: I love working with vintage themes and materials and reworking them into something new infused with my personal point of view, sense of humor and style. My work is where I get to express anything I want in any way that I want. At the moment I am making things from many materials into jewelry, accessories and wall art. All with one thing in common, embroidery! There are no limits or boundaries, it can be whatever I want it to be and that is very exciting and freeing.

Fantastic! Thanks Rachel. Want to win the owl necklace? Leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce on our blog next Friday.

Wooly Bison Interview+Giveaway

2010-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Seattle local, Wooly Bison has been honing her designing and sewing skills since 2003 and she’s been to Urban Craft Uprising twice before this summer show. The quality of her bags is impeccable and they are super cute to boot! I am absolutely swooning over these! At her booth she’ll be sharing the step-by-step process of how she puts her bags together in the form of a book she’s working on. Very Cool! Plus she has an awesome recycled wool wallet that she is offering to one lucky reader who might need a Wooly Bison bag to put it in!

Here’s a little more from Wooly Bison…

What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products? Practically everything I sell is completely one-of-a-kind. Since the fabric is recycled from clothing and jackets, you can only get so much material out of it. If you see something you like, better grab it!

 What do you like best about crafting/creating your product? I love that everything is different, so it's fun to choose what sort of lining and colors for snaps/buttons will look good for each thing.  

 What kind of snacks will you have in your booth to survive the long but exciting hours of Urban Craft Uprising? I have a magic thermos that keeps things cold ALL DAY, so lots of iced tea, Cliff bars, chocolate (sorry to sound like a stereotype), dried mangos, and I always bring a good sandwich. All of the basic food groups, of course!

Mmmm sandwiches, sounds good to me!

Leave a comment below for the fantastic wallet giveaway. Winners will be announced tomorrow!

-Amanda

Boodlebags Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Local bag maker Boodlebags is returning for her second UCU show. Formerly a gallery artist/painter, Angela, owner of Boodlebags, gave up painting due to the toxicity when she had children. She had always enjoyed sewing and found that she was really good at it. Let's get to know her a little better, shall we?

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
BB: I love the people - their energy, and that they're there to buy, not just gawk. I also love the higher caliber of artisan - you meet some amazingly cool people who are really good at what they do!

UCU: What is one thing you consider to be a helpful tip for having a successful craft fair visit?
BB: A checklist. Having a pre-packing checklist ensures that you don't miss anything. It gives you a chance to think about things you might not consider if you're doing everything on the fly.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
BB: Designing and prototyping! I do enjoy production to a point, but then I get itchy to create something new.

UCU: Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU?
BB: Gosh - there's always something cool! I rarely go in with a plan or thing in mind, I'm just open to whatever wonderfulness I find. The hard part is limiting my spending...

Thanks Angela! We've got one of her cute Cha-Cha Wristlets to giveaway to one lucky reader. For a chance to win leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce on Friday. The winner can pick up their new bag at the UCU booth at the show in 2 weeks.

Manticore Interview +Giveaway

2010-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

It looks like the sun has decided to make an appearance today! And even more exciting we are going to meet a first time Urban Craft Uprising vendor!

Meet Dave of Manticore. He’s a rockin’ painter and stencil artist from Bremerton, WA. His story is pretty inspiring and is work is wonderfully detailed, I’ll let him tell you all about it.

“I began stenciling on records when I was in college. I was too broke to pay new canvases and began culling out my least favorite LPs for the cause. Stenciling was just a hobby for I couple of years. Two years ago I broke my neck in a diving accident. I ended losing most of the muscles in my hands and forearms. Stenciling helped me regain those muscles and also became my sole income.”

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

I always like bartering with the other crafters at the end of a show. I've got a low of cool art on my walls I would not normally have.

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

Always have a positive attitude. It is very easy to get down when sales are slow, but one customer can easily turn a whole weekend around.

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

While I paint on windows and second hand canvases, the painted vinyl record is my flagship product. I make many of my stencils out of record sleeves, so there is very little that goes to waist. A lot of my subject matter are pop icons, but I really set my art apart from my competition with very colorful and intricate backgrounds. My paintings are also pretty cheap. I sell my records between $5 and $25.

Thanks Dave! Can't wait to peruse your pop art in person!

And to top everything he’s giving away one of his records, readers choice! So, leave a comment below, then get yer booty to UCU July 10-11 to pick out your awesome new art piece. Winner will be picked Friday!

Down to the Wire Designs Interview & Giveaway

2010-06-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes something so simple as a hole in a class schedule can open a world of creative possibility. That was the case for return UCU vendor Chuck of Down to the Wire Designs. Chuck took Intro to Jewelry Design from UW to fill a gap in his schedule and found he really enjoyed working with the materials and had the much needed patience to see a project through.
So Chuck, tell us...

UCU: What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows?
DttWD: I really like meeting and interacting with the customers. That used to be my least favorite part because I was always so self-conscious and nervous about it, but over the years it has gotten easier. It's nice to get direct reactions to my work and it is always interesting to see what people are drawn to.

UCU: What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products?
DttWD: I think I have a very refined sense of design. There are a lot of jewelers out there but my work always stands out as unique and well-made. I have been able to create an entire cohesive line of jewelry that is unique and constantly evolving without being derivative of the work of others. If you come to my booth at UCU you will see a lot of work that is unlike anything else you have seen.

UCU: What do you like best about crafting/creating your product?
DttWD: I really like the process of working with metal-- cutting it, shaping it, connecting all the parts together. Metal is a very forgiving medium to work with-- you can fix almost any mistake. Most people look at jewelry and have no idea how someone could make it-- in that way it feels like alchemy.

Jewelry is also unique in its accessibility. I often tell people that you can learn the basic jewelry skills in a day even though they may take years to master. Most people can take a one-day workshop and can be making pieces worthy of selling within a week or two. There are not many art mediums that you can say that about.

Well, thanks for answering our questions. Chuck has also given us these lovely Cupped Sterling Silver Padlock Earrings as a Giveaway! Want to win? Leave a comment below. We will select one winner at random and announce on Friday. The lucky reader can collect their new treasure from the UCU booth at the show in two weeks.