The Takoma Park JazzFest is coming up on June 15th, and they’re searching for crafters and artists to participate.

I haven’t been to a Takoma Park festival in a few years, but I remember the crowd being laid-back and pleasant, and there’s that quaint old town friendliness that flows throughout Takoma Park…

JazzFest, now in its 13th year, has about 90 10′ x 10′ spaces available for crafter/artists. The cost is $65 for all crafters, artists and resellers, or $30 for community organizations and non-profits. The Takoma Park Farmers’ Market is next to the festival site, so theres a built in crowd to start with.

This year’s festival theme is “A Taste of New Orleans”. Expect lots of jazzy, R&B, Zydeco, and boogie-woogie musical acts, and there will be a booth dedicated to the Tipitinas Foundation, which collects donations for displaced/homeless New Orleans musicians.

For more information visit tpjazzfest.org.

While their website is under construction, if you’d like a booth at the fair, contact Bruce Krohmer directly at 301-838-8909 or jazzybruze@aol.com.

Absolutelysmall has a new Chickenpants video. What more do you need on a Friday?

Are you using video in fun or interesting ways to showcase your handmade goods? Let us know! Email us at craftyupdates@washingtoncitypaper.com.

Where do skateboards go when they die?

Novia Scotia!

That is where 2ReVert creates one of a kind jewelry pieces out of 100% post-consumer recycled skateboards. Post-consumer means old, used, broken skateboards. If you think the idea is brilliant, wait til you see the results. These pieces are not only a crazy great use of trash, they are beautiful and stylish. The photos speak for themselves.

To add to the “wow,” their pieces are also incredibly affordable, ranging from $18 to $30 in their online shop.

I’ll never look at a skateboard the same way again!

Tina Seamonster rarely sleeps. She blogs her life and craft at http://www.ilikeseamonsters.com.

Today is the last day to submit vendor applications for Crafty Bastards Silver Spring!

Not sure where to start? Check out previous blog entries for basic registration instructions and get application advice and hints from former Crafty Bastards jury members and vendors.

But hurry! All applications must be completed by midnight!

Last year, we didn’t get to post all the Q&As of vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair, so here they are now!

Today we feature none other than Tina Seamonster, whose quirky ingenuity has contributed to Crafty Bastards in more ways than we can count. Tina gets her namesake from her fantastical world of zombies, cyber warriors, bunnies, and split-second Internet poetry that can leave imprints on your heart for days. She also acknowledges that pandas poop too much, and that tickles to no end.

In addition to her creations, Tina maintains a strong digital presence, providing helpful tips and how-to’s at the Crafty Bastards blog, sending out podcasts on cult sci-fi at Television Zombies, and keeping a colorful Etsy shop that pleases all of our aesthetic sensibilities.

1. How long have you been making things?
My baby book says, “At two, Tina drew her first pircture. She says it is a monster.” This says it all.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
Watching my grandfather make doll furniture out of clothes pins. I used to collect them for him, pick them up at the store as a kid, hundreds and hundreds. He made me a set of furniture with fabric that I picked out myself at around 8. The fabric was brown with little white stars. He was nearly blind, but sat for hours carving and glueing.

3. Why do you make things?
So that I won’t turn into someone I don’t like.

4. What sort of things do you make?
Shirts, cards, lots more.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
Every time you make something, it is a success. The act of being alive and not being a drone and adding someting interesting to the world is a success.

6. Inspirations?
Color and dreams and the funny small things in the world.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Gocco ink, bulbs and screens.

8. Describe your work area.
Kitchen table. Small corner beside the couch. Sad tiny spaces.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
Twin two year olds. Husband. 10 year old Boston Terrier.

10. Favorite color or pattern?
Orange!

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
Every single year.

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
I really dig Rania Hassan and Sean Hennessey. They are super supportive and their work is just so thoughtful. My favorite handmade purchase are all from Glitterlimes. I get a new one each year for Xmas and they last and last and are so pretty. El Lohse is also amazing because her work is so colorful and inspired by t.v. and movies. Her paintings live right over my work space.

13. Would you like to include a HOW-TO for the blog?
See Tina’s Etsy and Gocco entries on the CB Blog.

14. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Use a computer.

Each week we feature an advertiser from the Crafty Bastards Classifieds. This week the honor goes to:

Je’suis Divo!

Craftiest Bastard of the Week

Je’suis Divo is the artistic vehicle for fashion illustrator and visual artist Rodney Jamon. Based in Washington, DC, Jamon started the company in 2002 to express a unique style inspired by his studies of artists Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Henry Matisse, as well as fashion design icons, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.

His artwork ranges from dark dream-like impressions to gorgeous figurines draped in exuberant fashions. See more artwork at Je’suis Divo’s myspace page!

Jamon’s work is available for viewing by appointment. Also, stay tuned for upcoming art shows in the DC area.

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

Make stuff? Place a Crafty Bastards ad, it’s FREE!

If you are looking for something to do this weekend in D.C., we’ve got a few suggestions.

On Friday, Crafty Bastard Matt Hollis will be showing a new free-standing sculpture in “The End of Nature” art exhibit at the Warehouse Gallery. About the show:

In this wide-ranging group exhibition, artists take a melancholy, hopeful and sometimes humorous look at what they will miss most after “The End of Nature.”

The End of Nature at the Warehouse Gallery
Opening Reception Friday, April 11th, 6-9pm
1017-1021 7th Street NW Washington DC
Metro: Mt. Vernon Square Green/Yellow Line

And Saturday, you can do some shopping over at The Shop at Civilian Spring Trunk Show.

About the shop:

Tucked in the back-office of Civilian Art Projects, The Shop presents Civilian visitors with a ‘curated shopping experience’ featuring hand picked items by local artists and designers.

Unique items available at the Shop include limited edition hand-printed tees, small works of art by local artists, limited edition art books, videos & dvds, letterpressed notecards, leather wristbands, silkscreened ties and scarves woven from recycled clothing.

Featured artists include Erik Jackson, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Cynthia Connolly, Betsy Packard, Bookish Lady, FIsticuffs, Anita Walsh, Angela Jerardi, Linda Hesh and Richard Chartier (just to name a few!)

Many of the artists will be on hand to talk about their work at the trunk show.

The Shop [at] Civilian- Spring Trunk Show & Reception!!
Saturday, April 12- 11am – 4pm
406 7th St. NW (3rd floor)- Just 2 blocks from the Verizon Center and Chinatown Metro.
For more information call 202-347-0022

Join us at Quarry House Tavern on Monday, April 14th, 7pm-9pm, for a chance to ask questions and get advice on everything from vendor statements to application photos and other general tips to help make your vendor applications stand out.

We would love to see all you veteran Crafty Bastards who are interested in helping people with their applications and encourage anyone looking for an excuse to hang out with like-minded crafters to attend. Come out and enjoy the awesome beer selection and yummy food at Quarry House while we fill the place crafty chatter. No need to RSVP, just stop on by.

Where: Quarry House Tavern (8401 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD)
When:Monday, April 14th from 7pm-9pm
Cost: Free!
Who should attend: Crafters in the DC area

Don’t forget! Application Deadline is next Wednesday 4/16!
Vendor applications are due next Wednesday, April 16 for Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair being held Saturday, June 28 at Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. Apply today.

Last year, we didn’t get to post all the Q&As of vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair, so here they are now!

Honeybear Designs comes straight from the heart. It’s a reference to a fragment of Julia Neumaier’s own childhood poetry, titled ‘My Honny Bare,’ in which she begins: “Where old people cross strets But I see you No Where …” She was 6 years old.

With Honeybear, Julia is well aware of the charm that dwells in the stroke of a pencil. She features her own girlish pencil doodles on a colorful array of soft hand-printed tees. Her jewelry consists of vintage beads such as 1930’s & 40’s Bakelite, 1950’s hand-carved ivory and Japanese molded glass, as well as semiprecious gems such as ruby, quartz and amethyst. According to Julia, she has always loved digging into the past, whether it’s studying history or echoing jewelry styles of the 1940’s and 50’s.

1. How long have you been making things?

Since I can remember.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?

This magazine I made when I was little, “The Handy Kitty Work Out.” 4 issues of crafting, like making pinwheels and paper snowflakes. Each issue featured kitties in 1980’s Olivia Newton-John-esque workout gear.

3. Why do you make things?

Because it makes me happy and therapy is expensive.

4. What sort of things do you make?

I hand-print t-shirts of my drawings and design jewelry using vintage beads and findings. I also make paper products, like cards and whatnot.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?

I got into Crafty Bastards two years in a row and I’ve been self-employed running my own business for many years now. Also, having my jewelry selling in boutiques was a big step.

6. Inspirations?

My t-shirt designs are specifically inspired by childhood, but I find inspiration in lots of things - people, experiences I have, movies, books I’m reading, music, history, etc…

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?

Pen and paper.

8. Describe your work area (photos please!)

It’s cluttered, it’s a basement and not photo worthy.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?

I have 2 kitties, Scout and Lillie, and a dog named Frannie.

10. Favorite color or pattern?

I like black, grey and red; always been a fan of tartan plaid.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?

Yes and always a pleasure!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.

A wallet that I got from Handmade Bags of Love. Not only neat looking and functional, but it has held up for three years.

13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?

Hard to decide on just one thing. How about check your oil - it’s a good starting point and the downfall of many a car. Of course, once you learn to do one thing, you won’t be able to stop.

My closet is full of old t-shirts for bands that don’t exist anymore. Unrest, Braid, Jawbox. Heavens, we must own every shirt that Q and Not U ever printed. Most of these shirts are too big or too small or too old or the wrong color or just plain don’t say anything about us anymore. But whenever my husband and I are trying to get rid of clothing, someone always says, “No, I love that shirt!” or “Remember that show?” And we keep them. And we carry around our memories in dozens and dozens of pieces of sentimental clothing. We will never wear them again, but we can also never part with them. Hostages, we are.

zJayne has come up with a way to recycle these old t-shirts, by turning them into reusable grocery bags. In her shop she writes, “Paper or Plastic? How about neither. It takes as much petroleum to make 14 plastic bags as it does to drive a car one mile.” I love the idea of dumping plastic bags, but always forget to bring my own bags. And I don’t think that buying a non-plastic bag to replace my plastic bags at the store is really helping anything, just adding more lame bags to my house. But, this, repurposed old t-shirts into bags. This is cool. This is smart. This has character. I picked this one up from zJayne’s shop last week:

She doesn’t waste any piece of the shirt either, as she turns the sleeves into cute little wristlets.

I have been testing the bag out for sturdiness all week by actually using it as a diaper bag. This means it gets filled to the brim with pointy toys, sippy cups and fish crackers. It is awesome. And we use the little wristlet to safely carry our twins’ inhaler. (Seriously, how did this become my life?).

The bags are so well made. They have reinforced bottom corners and a stitch tucked at each handle. The raw edges which do not fray give them a neat urban look. zJayne suggests that you roll a bunch up and keep them in your car or your desk drawer. She even gives discounts if you want to buy a bunch. You can pick up one bag for $5, 2 for $9, 3 for $12 or a dozen for $48.75.

Since upcycling is meant to combat the way we consume and waste in our society today, this product is awesome because it not only repurposes the old shirts, but also solves our plastic bag problem. I would love to see these shirts for sale in every grocery store in America.

But first, I think it would be rad if zJayne would sell a PDF tutorial so that all us DIYers could give new life to our closets full of sentimental t-shirts.

Tina Seamonster blogs her life and craft at http://www.ilikeseamonsters.com. She makes stuff because she is no good at sports or drinking.