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!

Polymath Design Lab Interview + Giveaway

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

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

Tell us how you got started

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monkey Sock Monkey Interview + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Charming Candy Interview

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

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

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

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

Briefly describe how you got started doing what you do?

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

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

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

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

See you Ladies in all your sweetness in July!

ShellyEtc Interview + Giveaway

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

Tomonster Interview + Giveaway

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

Ugly Baby Interview +Giveaway

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

Wooly Bison Interview+Giveaway

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

Manticore Interview +Giveaway

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!

Texture Clothing Interview + Giveaway

Teresa, from the Bellingham-based Texture clothing is starting our week of Giveaways off right. Combat this cold “summer” weather with her knit mitts! Check out her soulful designs here.

An old pro at UCU, she’s been a vendor for 5 years. Texture is “clothing with a conscience” Teresa developed a line of clothes and began selling to shops and festivals, which was a different path than her intention to make costumes for theater. Very cool when success comes unexpectedly. Here are Teresa’s thoughtful answers to my questions. I loved hearing from this truly earth conscious business owner.

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

We are ‘towards zero waste’ company. We recycle everything we can, even finding old boxes to ship out our orders…

I design clothing, accessories + home décor to fit into the scrap pieces that we create when we cut our clothing out. After that, the smaller scraps are donated to other local businesses in bellingham, to local schools for craft projects and to people who like to create + craft. After that, our smaller bits can be sent to bellingham’s industrial compost!



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

I enjoy choosing the colours for the season and for the displays. I enjoy sketching out and designing clothing that will flatter the bodies of curvy ladies. I enjoy hearing from customers how much they love the clothing and how good they feel in it. Texture clothes are meant to make women feel beautiful!

What kind of snacks will you have in your booth to survive the long but exciting hours of Urban Craft Uprising?

Raw veggies (in the form of a salad…), fruit, nuts…and COFFEE (with honey + cream).



Thanks for your time answering questions, Teresa. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful designs in July!

Comment below to be considered for these lovely gloves! Winners will be announced Friday! Woot woot!

Amanda

Schmancy Interview+Giveaway

Check out Kristen Rask, originally from Cleveland Ohio, she is the brilliant woman and crafting maniac who opened Schmancy in downtown Seattle 5 1/2 years ago. Schmancy is a treasure trove of toys and other awesomeness hand-picked by Kristen herself. Kristen is also the Director of PR and Marketing and now sponsorship for Urban Craft Uprising. She is a crafter for life and considers crafting to be a great way to be a part of the community. She has three books and a fair amount of art curation under her belt. How can you deny her awesomeness?

Ms. Rask and Schmancy are giving away a handmade pouch that is good for makeup, craft supplies, money, etc. The lucky winner will be able to choose from the assortment at Summer UCU Schmancy booth. So, leave your comment below! A winner will be picked tomorrow!

Lets get to know Kristen a little better!

What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows? I think UCU is the BEST! We have a great team of volunteers, our vendors rock, our customers seem to really enjoy the show and Seattle is a great place where people not only support this event by coming but they actually spend money at it! It's a wonderful way to meet makers, learn about products, feel inspired and have something in the months before to work towards. I am a BIG FAN of UCU!

What do you like best about crafting/creating your product? I like to say that "art/craft/hobbies save lives". Being creative is a great outlet for stress, sadness, happiness, etc. I love making stuff so being able to sell it is great fun! I love when customers are excited about something I have made and will hopefully take it home and treasure it.

Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU? I am all about the trades. I love being able to make money and then trade with fellow vendors. It's just another perk. And then you pimp out your friends :) BUT mostly, I am just really excited to see everyone! It's like a reunion!

Thank you Kristen and Schmancy, looking forward to seeing your cute handmade items at UCU!

-Amanda

Meet Rebe + Giveaway

I am especially excited to meet new vendors from outside Seattle. Check out the wonderfully chic designs from Rebe they are from Calabasas, CA. They are offering up this fantastic Pocket bag for today's Giveaway. So, lets talk to ‘em!

Hey Rebe (actually, her name is Debby), How did you get started doing what you do?

I started Rebe 10 years ago while raising 3 daughters on my own. My oldest daughter is an artist, and at that time only 15 and she gave me the motivation to do something I loved.

How many times have you taken the vendor endeavor? Is this your first time at UCU?

I have been doing shows for many years but this will be my first UCU and first time showing in Seattle.

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

I love working directly with the customer. I like to see them trying on my pieces and making them happy.

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

I make unique clothing using amazing fabrics that I design to be timeless and appropriate for all ages.

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

I love finding new fabrics and putting together color, patterns and texture in ways most people don't think possible. I also love to make pieces people will have in their wardrobe and wear forever!

True that! I love your style. I hope you have a great time in Seattle and at UCU, Debby!

Leave a comment below for your chance at snagging this awesome carry-anything Pocket Bag from Rebe. Winners announced Friday!

-Amanda

MALUHIA Interview + Giveaway

We have so much in store for you this week! Lots of Summer UCU Vendors to introduce and lots of lovely items to give away! I hope you're as excited as I am.

Without further ado meet Maluhia!

She is a 5 time Urban Craft Uprising veteran and “thrilled and grateful to be coming back.” Wowee! Well, we’re excited to have her. As a young girl in the Philippines she took an interest in sewing when her mother owned two boutiques. She learned to sew on a treadle sewing machine and from that experience came the wonderful creations that make up Maluhia.

Check out her fantastic “Apple a Day Pinafore” for little girls. It could be yours! Leave a comment here and we will pick at random one lucky winner Friday June 18^th. Pick up your prize at the UCU booth at the show July 10-11!

Don’t forget to check out my dialogue with this awesome seamstress!

What is your favorite part about Urban Craft Uprising or other large-scale craft shows? I look forward to checking out new items for sale by great vendors and more importantly meeting my customers in person. I love the atmosphere!


What sets your company apart from others who offer similar products? I offer a huge variety of items with different price points and all handmade by me from fabric choices to the very last stitch.

What do you like best about crafting/creating your product? I am very eclectic and that’s the main reason I have a wide variety of items. I like using bold, bright and cheerful fabrics that put smiles on peoples faces. It doesn’t matter if a person comes out of my booth without buying anything as long as they are smiling when they leave.

Is there something you are hoping to shop for, a treasure you'd like to find at this year's Summer UCU? For some reason I am drawn to hats at craft shows. I always end up buying a hat.

What kind of snacks will you have in your booth to survive the long but exciting hours of Urban Craft Uprising? Chocolates! I have 2-3 bowls of chocolates in my booth at all times courtesy of my very supportive hubby.

Great talkin' with you!

Leave a comment below to be entered to win!

-Amanda

amandafiebing.com

Meet the Interns: Amanda

With less than a month to go until the second annual summer Urban Craft Uprising we're getting really excited around these parts. We've even added a couple new faces to help make this show the best one yet. UCU has brought on not one, but TWO interns for this July's show. Without further ado, let us introduce you to: Amanda. Amanda may not have been born in Washington, but she is about as native as they come. Originally from Wisconsin she moved to Washington at the age of 7 and the beautiful scenery and diverse cultural atmosphere spurred her to make Washington her permanent home. She studied Painting and Drawing at the University of Washington and now maintains her personal blog amandafiebing.com while growing her art skills in paper collage and felt techniques. Let's get to know her a little better, shall we?


UCU - What are your goals for helping to make this show a success?
A - I would like to be a positive driving force for the UCU team. I would like to allow myself to be a sort of jack-of-all trades for our team. I am super psyched to be a part of the social networking aspect and plastering the town with info about the show. When we get closer to the show I would like to be on top of my tasks and in the ready position to help out where I'm needed.
UCU - What are your favorite aspects to big craft shows?
A - Actually, I'm somewhat of a novice when it comes to big craft shows. That's a good reason for me being here. I love crafting and the DIY movement/community and makes me really happy to see DIY-ers succeed. So, I think what I will like the most about this UCU Summer Show would be being there to meet a lot of crafters and be a helpful resource to them.

UCU - We heard you're an avid cyclist. Where is your favorite place to bike and what makes it so special?
A - I love biking! There are so many awesome places in the city to go but I would have to say my favorite place is riding my bike on the San Juan Ferry to Lopez island, riding around the island and camping at Spencer Spit State Park (http://sanjuanislands.kulshan.com/Washington/San+Juan/Outdoors/Spencer+Spit+State+Park.htm). Because if there is one thing I love more than biking its being in the San Juans.

UCU - Any hidden talents you'd like to share?
A - Cooking, but that's not really hidden, you should see my facebook photos. But I think if there was one thing most people who know me don't know that I am really good at remembering numbers. Last week, my grocery bill was $71.43. Pretty good, eh?

UCU - If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
A - Flying. Its always been flying for me. Its selfish because usually when I'm sitting in traffic I want to be able to fly over all the cars to get where I'm going. Maybe that's why I like biking so much, I don't have to drive as much anymore.


Thanks to Amanda and Alexa for taking the time to answer our questions and getting us rolling on the interview train. We'll be starting our vendor interview blitzkrieg next week (including some delightful giveaways). Stay tuned!