Today, from noon to 5pm, the Washington Glass School is hosting their 7th Anniversary Open House and party. Visit to check out the amazing artists, buy a glass sculpture, or two, or sign up for a class! Don’t know where to start? Beginners Glass Lovers Weekend is always fun.

If you make it over, stop by and say hi, I’ll be set up in the glass school. And while you’re in the area, make sure you stop by Flux and Red Dirt Studios. They’re right next door!

And if that’s not enough art for one day, here is map to all the different open studios in the Gateway Arts District’s Open Studio Walk:

[click the pics, they grow!]

A whole day of open studio art fun! Today! Saturday, May 17,
Noon to 5pm, 3700 Otis Street in Mt. Rainier, MD

When not writing Harry Potter fanfic, Rania Hassan blogs about
the teaparties she throws for her cats at goshdarnknit.com.

This Friday marks one week of Artomatic in action, and it also happens to be the official Meet the Artists Night.

You can plan your visit ahead of time by checking out the Artist Catalog. Need a place to start? Here is a list of some Crafty Bastards who have artwork on display. I’ve included Artomatic coordinates and links to their catalog pages:

7th Floor:
Rania Hassan: 7 SE C5
Sean Hennessey: 7 SE C5
Dale Hunt: 7 SE D7

8th Floor:
Tigerflight: 8 NE D4
Tina Seamonster: 8 SW B7

11th Floor:
Matt Hollis: 11 NW B2

12th Floor:
Caitlin Phillips: 12 SE D6

[If I've left any of you off, please add your info in the comments!]

With 10 floors and over 1000 artists, you’ll be sure to find something or someone you love. Be prepared to ask questions, and do a lot of walking! There are 10 floors to cover, and the easiest way to get around is via the stairways, so wear comfy shoes. Oh, and ride the metro to get there. With the money you save on gas, you can buy some art.

So come out and meet the artists at Artomatic: tomorrow, Friday, May 16th, 7-10pm. Need more details? Visit this link.

Rania Hassan once coated herself in baby oil and rolled in cheeto dust. Imagine if she’d lost the bet! See the results at goshdarnknit.com.

Maybe I watch too much Sci-Fi TV. Maybe I’m just a little weird. But I sometimes worry about a post-apocalyptic future. Ok, I laughed out loud writing that, but deep down I do worry about it. That said, whether it is the end of oil or the rise of the zombie plague, some day we might have to upcycle. Some day we might only have used materials to make new things. It won’t likely be in our lifetimes, but some current upcycled products make me think about this. These products kind of scare me, actually. The following indie crafters are totally upcycling like it’s 2142.

Toothpaste Tube Pencil Case ($3.75) from Drygoods:

We are in serious trouble if we need to recycle toothpaste tubes into pencil cases. At least we will still have pencils, but still!

This awesome necklace is for when the only wood left in the world has to be cut from old furniture.

Mamoo UpCycled chair leg necklace ($24) by zoradelldesigns:

Plastic bags will replace all the sheep and we will have to make our scarves out of this plastic yarn from Ivy Tea Kettle:

In the future, precious (or semi-precious) stones will no longer come from the Earth. Instead, we will only have ancient Legos. These Upcycled Lego Man Earrings by Isis that cost $5 today will be worth 1 million dollars in 2142.

Makes you think about upcycling in a whole new way, doesn’t it?

Tina Seamonster blogs her life and craft at I Like Seamonster.com. She has no time for the future.

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!

This blog is no stranger to the exuberance that is the Peacock Blue Design Studio. The studio is known for its gorgeous collection of feathered hairpieces, cocktail hats and flamboyant coutures. Though the pieces can range anywhere from goth to cocktail to burlesque to pretty in pink, they are unified by a touch of class that makes the accessories downright fit for royalty.

Wendy took a moment to chat with us, and even provided an update in her own words about her upcoming shows!

“Right now my primary project is creating a new line of lavish couture burlesque ensembles for the Convergence fashion show in Ybor City Florida this August. The theme for the outfits is a secret at the moment. I want to make everything a huge surprise for the show.

I also have some local events coming up over the next couple of months. One is vending at DC’s “Goth Prom” on May 22nd at the TOWN nightclub. Another is a fashion show for Exposureon June 5th at club LIV.

My newest lineup on the table for the boutique is a limited edition series of handmade latex millinery flowers for fascinators and hats. I had a recent client request some hairpiece and wigs with latex floral elements to match the latex clothing that was being made for her. So, I transferred what I usually do with fabric to a latex format. I am really excited about the results, and I’m looking forward to unveiling them on the website very soon.”

1. How long have you been making things?

I have been making things since I was at least three or four years old. I come from a pretty creative background. My grandmother sewed clothing for her family and people in the community, and I used to watch her while she made things on her sewing machine. My mom also did a lot of sewing for us as kids, and she has also done ceramics, rubber stamping, tole painting, etc. My Aunt Lynn makes handcrafted cards and jewelry, and has done handmade candy, decorated cakes and all sorts of other fabulous things that have inspired me all my life.”

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?

The thing I recall doing first is making little illustrated books. I would write little stories and then draw illustrations to accompany the stories and bind it all together. Since I was only almost four years old and still learning how to read and write, most of the first stories were spelled phonetically. The spelling improved quite a bit after first grade, though!

3. Why do you make things?

It’s my creative outlet. My day job is kind of dry and very scientific, so making accessories allows me to express the more
imaginative side of my brain. It helps me feel balanced as a person. I consider my creations to be my children, so it is often very hard to part with them for the boutique. I always want to make sure that my creations get good homes where they’ll be appreciated and well cared-for.

4. What sort of things do you make?

For the boutique I create outrageous ornamental accessories, ranging from huge sculptures of hair and odd adornments to cocktail sized hats decorated with feathers to wee little pasties with tassels. I also do some card making around the holidays and for special occasions, because a handmade card really expresses how much you care about someone. I also make clothing for myself and a couple of my friends, although I’ve never ventured into a retail market with my clothing designs because I’m finicky about fit and sizing. I prefer to create and market accessories because they’re usually one size fits everyone!

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

One of my wigs was featured with an article in Italian Vogue magazine in 2006, which is a pretty neat accomplishment.

6. Inspirations?

My hero is Elsa Schiaparelli. She was one of the most innovative, creative and courageous designers in all of history. Schiap pioneered the fashion show as we know it today, with all of the wild and crazy antics on the runway. I also draw a lot of inspiration from historical and vintage clothing. I have a shamefully huge collection of books about the history of fashion.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?

I always need hair, feathers, fabric and Swarovski crystals.

8. Describe your work area (photos please!)

Well, it’s definitely too small, mostly due to the fact I’ve decreased the room size by installing wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets around the room to store all of my supplies. Despite the cabinets, it still isn’t enough storage, as I’ve been crowded out by supplies and finished pieces that I’ve been compelled to keep. I’m also a packrat and compulsive “nabber” - anytime I see something with potential for a project I tend to nab it and hang on to it until I’ve found the perfect idea for it. One of these days I hope to have a larger studio.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?

I have a younger brother and a younger sister, but no pets or plants.

10. Favorite color or pattern?

My favorite color is peacock blue.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?

The September 2007 show was my first year as one of the Crafty Bastards.

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

One of my favorite purse designers is Jenae Michelle of Range of Emotion. I purchased one of her bags from her Torpedo Factory studio. It has the most amazing construction! It is so sturdy I would feel confident carrying a few bricks in it. I also love how she uses recycled and vintage fabrics to construct her bags.

Another favorite of mine is Ellita’s Flying Snail. She makes the most exquisite hand-knit collars, hats and scarves. I’ve collected quite a few of her pieces, and I am looking forward to adding more to the growing collection.

13. Would you like to include a HOW-TO for the blog?

I would absolutely love to write a HOW-TO for the blog as soon as I think of something really nifty with widespread appeal. I’m one of those people who is better with a demonstration than a written description of how to do something. So, it will have to be a pictoral demonstration of the how-to!

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

Everyone should know how to sew on a button and hem a pair of pants.

It has been two weeks since my first post about learning to use my new woodburning tool. During those first few nights of learning, I didn’t think this follow-up post would be as positive as it is about to be. I didn’t think I would get the hang of it, I didn’t think it would be as fun as it is. I thought I would go running back to my trusty Gocco printer to finish my pieces for Artomatic. I was wrong and this is rad.

In the past few weeks, I have completed about 25 pieces, only ruining about 3! So far, I have only mastered transferring words, not images. Words are easier because you can concentrate on transferring each word, one letter at a time, making sure not to burn the paper into the wood. This is done by using the tool with one hand, while gently lifting the paper as you transfer. It is kind of how you check to see if a fake tattoo has transferred to your skin. Hard to explain. The instructions on the tool actually explained it, but until I messed it up a few times, it was hard to figure out. Transferring images has proven more difficult, so I am still working on that.

This piece is a combination of the star stamper that actually burns stars into the wood and the laser transfer (with multiple fonts):

Close up of the little stars:

Here is how it looks on the wall!

While this piece came out the best so far, the message is a little too cheerleader-y, so I held it back from the two shows I am making these for this month. (I wrote the text after having given birth to twins, so cut me some slack!)

You can see how the transfer really works well on the unpainted wood. I have found, though, that painted wood can be a little more difficult. A few tips so that you can learn from my mistakes.

1. Only let the pen/tool heat up for 5 minutes. Don’t turn it on, go off to watch Battlestar Galactica and come back an hour later. That thing will be too hot! It will then ruin the first half of whatever you are about to do. Along those same lines, don’t try to use a tool that hasn’t heated up.
2. If you plan to paint your pieces, do so the day before. Your paint needs to be completely dry before even trying this.
3. Don’t forget to reverse your images on a computer and then print them out. This can easily be done in Photoshop.
4. Read and follow all of the instructions on the package. I didn’t and this is what caused stress the first night.

Here are a few pieces that were painted before using the tool to transfer laser prints:

You might notice on these that the tool will sometimes transfer a faint clear bit when you run it over blank paper. I tried to minimize this by cutting my designs out very close to the ink. It isn’t a big thing, but might bother perfectionists. Transferring onto the painted pieces takes a bit more patience than the bare wood ones. Don’t be afraid to mess up and if you do, just paint over it and try again.

Of course, this tool can do like 20 other things. I urge people with drawing talent to try it out as a pen! I would love to see something other than deer heads and cowboys drawn on wood! I would really love to see what people with actual artistic ability can do with this tool. Don’t hesitate to comment on the blog if you do try it out. Along those lines, let us know about any kind of new craft you are trying to learn.

Tina Seamonster blogs her life and craft at http://www.ilikeseamonsters.com. Oh! You can see a whole wall of these finished pieces at Artomatic, 8th floor (SW, B7).

The Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair is coming to Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, June, 28th, and we need volunteers to help us make this Crafty Bastards the best yet!

We’re looking for volunteers to help us by working in 3-5 hour shifts at the fair. While there is no monetary pay, you will receive FREE MOVIE PASSES, a FREE CITY PAPER TEE, and get to SCREEN YOUR CRAFTY T-SHIRT FOR FREE at the exclusive volunteer party. We promise lots of FUN while working with a great group of like-minded crafty folks.

The Volunteer Party is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center; more details to come soon.

If you’re interested in volunteersing or have any questions, please email Kimberly at craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper.com.

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

The Devil Made Me Do It Clothing!

The Devil Made Me Do It makes one of a kind clothing that is 99% recycled, 100% FABULOUS. The clothing collection includes knit hats and girlishly flowing knit sweaters and skirts.

What’s more, you get to feel great about supporting this crafter. According to Tamara, all work is hand made (so you feel better about the whole sweatshop thing) from 100% fine recycled materials (so you feel better about your impact on the environment), and one-of-a-kind (so you won’t see yourself coming and going on the streets).

See the Devil Made Me Do It website for more items!

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

Ballston Arts and Crafts Market kicks off this Saturday from 10am-4pm. Buy handmade lovelies for mom while the kiddies rock out during a special Rock-n-romp featuring Exit Clov, Carol Bui and Gist from noon-4pm.

Disclosure: There are several Crafty Bastards bloggers participating in the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market. Kristina Bilonick organizes the monthly event. Tina Seamonster will be there tomorrow with the Craft Mutiny and Susan Hsu is playing with her band Exit Clov. It’s gonna be awesome.

SquidFire’s Spring Art Mart, also this Saturday, will take place at Mount Vernon Park in Baltimore from 11am-6pm.

If you’re in Charm City, swing by and check out the handmade goodness from artists like the Broken Plate Co., Sweet Pepita, Rebound Designs, Woolarina, DeNada Designs and more.

Vendor list and directions available on SquidFire’s website.

And of course, the mammoth Artomatic opens today. 1,000 artists. 10 floors, and 28 days of mad crazy artiness. Visit Artomatic.org for details. You can view photos we posted from Artomatic 2007 here.

See something exceptional at Artomatic? Send your images to craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper and tell us about it.

Lots to do and see this weekend. Get out and enjoy the spring market season!

Keep your crafty cool this summer with tons of craft workshops and events hosted by the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center.

As a partner and host of Crafty Bastards Silver Spring, Pyramid Atlantic knows how to keep the crafty masses happy with events that will have you learning and crafting with like-minded folks.

If you’ve never been to Pyramid Atlantic, you need to check out their ginormous space, located at 8230 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD. Pyramid Atlantic’s extensive equipment collection allows members to work with a letterpress machine, screen print posters and T-shirts, make paper by hand, and work on many other crafty activities. Pyramid Atlantic also hosts arts and crafts workshops and events throughout the year that are open to the public.

Pyramid Atlantic has memberships for sale at a reasonable price, and purchasing one gets you into all their workshops at a reduced rate as well as invites to their exclusive events.

NOT YET A MEMBER? HERE’S A GREAT DEAL — To support the Crafty Bastards community, Pyramid Atlantic is giving all Crafty Bastards the opportunity to attend any of their Summer Workshops listed below, at the member rate!!

To get your Crafty Bastards Pass to attend any of the workshops/events at the member price of a mere $10, all you have to do is be signed up on the Crafty Bastards mailing list (sign up on washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards). You’ll get your free pass in an upcoming email blast.

Questions? Email craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper.com.

Upcoming Pyramid Atlantic Workshops & Events

5/13 – Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm (REGISTRATION FULL)
Letterpress Happy Hour Special Night for Graphic Designers to Mix and Mingle

5/21 Wednesday from 6 pm – 9 pm
Paper Making Society
Papermill Diva Gretchen Schermerhorn hosts this papermaking group
where you can design and produce your own paper.
Cost: $10 - members
$20 - non-members.

5/20 Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
Letter Press Happy Hour
Join like minded letter press maniacs for “old school” printing at its best.
Bring a project that you would like to work on, collaborate with others or
just have fun learning to set type and print.
Cost : $10 - members
$20 - non members.

5/27Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
Letter Press Happy Hour
Cost : $10 - members
$20 - non members.

6/3 Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
Letter Press Happy Hour
Cost : $10 - members
$20 - non members.

6/4 Wednesday from 6 pm – 9 pm
Paper Making Society
Cost: $10 - members
$20 - non-members.

6/17 – Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
Letter Press Happy Hour
Cost : $10 - members
$20 - non members.

6/18 Wednesday from 6 pm – 9 pm
Paper Making Society
Cost: $10 - members
$20 - non-members.

6/24 Tuesday from 7 pm – 9 pm
Letter Press Happy Hour
Cost : $10 - members
$20 - non members.

For more information about Pyramid Atlantic and all the cool stuff they do check out pyramidatlanticartcenter.org.

I feel like all of the best upcycled products are bags. I’ve reviewed bags made out of old t-shirts, bags made out of contruction fencing and now here are bags made out of the hated plastic grocery bags. With all of these bags made out of waste, there is really no reason for anyone to ever purchase a non-upcycled purse or tote.

So, fused plastic bag bags. Some of the bags that I am going to show you today are made by fusing together all those unwanted plastic grocery bags. I think what makes these bags cute to me is that some of them are made with grocery bags from regional stores that we don’t have here, so they aren’t the usual ugly Safeway bags. It helps to have some bags in colors other than Safeway tan. Take a look at this green one ($45) from Scary Carrie Creates:

This lunch bag ($14) from Kim Quilts saves 9 plastic bags from a landfill. It is made by using a unique folding technique, then they are quilted over to ensure they are more durable.

She also has some larger bags ($22). The quilting really makes them cute:

A few more plastic bag finds:

Fused Wristlet ($12) from HoneyBearRecycles

Recycled Plastic Basket Organizer ($15) from Curious Doodles.

Wanna do this yourself? Personally, I wouldn’t do this myself because I worry about the fumes. I mean, how safe can it be to use an iron to fuse these plastic bags together? I would rather let others do it for me! But if you are interested in trying it out, there is an awesome tutorial on the Etsy Labs website, here. Check out a tutorial for quilted fused plastic bags over at Craftastica.

Tina Seamonster blogs her life and craft at I Like Seamonsters. She has too many bags.