Glam Garb Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attic Journals Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Field Day Interview

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

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

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

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

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

And now for some Giveaway Winners!

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

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

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

Bread and Badger Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Idle Hands Designs Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Diamond Stamp Co. Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figs & Ginger Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crystalyn Kae Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

Lady Konnyaku Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fused Glass House Interview & Giveaway

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Dotted Line Jewelry Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Original by Thea Starr Interview & Giveaway

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.

Laura Bucci Handmade Interview & Giveaway

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.

Citizen Robin Interview & Giveaway

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

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

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