1. Is there a specific product that you will be selling at the fair that you would like to talk about?

I will be selling mostly concert posters I was asked to do from around DC and some from NYC, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Some of the latest work has been posters for My Morning Jacket (including super limited-edition variant versions), Silver Jews, and Melvins. I also was asked by the AIGA in Florida to do a poster endorsing a candidate. I decided to do a poster for Barack Obama which is a play off of an AC/DC album. We will be selling the poster with profits going to the Obama campaign.

2. Does this product have an origin story? Did the idea come to you in a dream or through a portal or other strange way?

The Obama piece took a lot of directions. I originally wanted to do a “serious” piece about the election. Being in and around DC, there are so many issues that I have opinions on, yet articulating those opinions in a graphic manner is difficult for me. My sketch book has varying degrees of imagery from the passive to the angry; pictures of tree depicting hope to a sketch of Bush and McCain hugging with the words “Fuck You Buddies” under it. In the end, I decided to do something that made me and my friends smile. I used the AC/DC motif because of the constant attacks by the Republicans calling Obama a rockstar and figured it is better to embrace the name than run away from it.

3. What famous personality (alive or dead, real or imagined) would most likely be found wearing/holding/admiring this product? Why?

Maybe Henry Rollins? He likes both AC/DC and Barack and would possibly get the humour of it. Even if he did not smile.

4. Convince me that this piece should be one of only 3 things I could take with me to a deserted island!

It is made of paper and can be used to start a fire, the metallic silver ink can be used to signal planes and you can fend off tigers by giving them paper cuts!

Sherry Insley of Dandelion Blu’s got a knack for divining the special qualities in everyday things and then turning them into precious adornments for your neck. Look out for her “Lace Collar” series at the Crafty Bastards festival this month! She’s added new colors since the last showing.

1. Is there a specific product that you will be selling at the fair that you would like to talk about?

I am re-introducing my “Lace Collar” series in different colors at Crafty D.C. I had a few at the Silver Spring show in light pink and light blue. I added white, black and a lovely light violet. They are enamel on copper with either silver or gun metal chains.

2. Does this product have an origin story? Did the idea come to you in a dream or through a portal or other strange way?

I have been working with lace but in a different application. Previously, I was using pieces of lace to screen the powdered glass through, resulting in a flat image of lace. One day while working in my studio I thought “why not try using the lace as a stencil, cut the copper out by hand and then enamel it- That won’t be time consuming!” I was picturing those crazy lace collars that ladies (and gents) wore in the Renaissance- with a modern twist. After several tries, a trip to the Dr. for a tetanus shot, and many misses, I got the right shape.

3. What famous personality (alive or dead, real or imagined) would most likely be found wearing/holding/admiring this product? Why?

Hmmmm, someone sort of girly but likes an edge, since it’s glass on metal. Maybe someone historical since the lace I used as the template was vintage. Marie Antoinette? She definitely was girly and liked her jewelry.

4. Convince me that this piece should be one of only 3 things I could take with me to a deserted island!

Well, you want to look good for your rescue, no? And if all else fails you could probably use the reflective qualities to start a small fire with, or signal passing planes. Bartering with natives????

Take a trip to TLane’s Etsy store and you’ll find a candy shop for all ‘green’ shoppers. At the Crafty Bastards Festival, be on the look-out for her adorable canvas lunch bags!

1. Is there a specific product that you will be selling at the fair that you would like to talk about?

I’d like to tell you about my canvas lunch sacks because they are great for any green-minded person on the go! I use one everyday to carry my lunch to work. They are made out of cotton, washable canvas, and are 7″ wide by 10.5″ tall with a 4.5″ gusset. All of the stenciled designs are one of a kind (each lunch bag is unique).

2. Does this product have an origin story? Did the idea come to you in a dream or through a portal or other strange way?

Many of my lunch sacks feature utensils (knife, fork, spoon). I started using these because they remind me of signs on the highway notifying drivers that food is at an upcoming exit. I also create stencils featuring a bear with a giant fork or dropping/juggling fruit. They remind me of roadside attractions and oddities across America. I love road trips.

3. What famous personality (alive or dead, real or imagined) would most likely be found wearing/holding/admiring this product? Why?

Johnny Appleseed because he could easily transport his seeds in this sturdy sack. I think he would also really be impressed by the velcro closure and handle.

4. Convince me that this piece should be one of only 3 things I could take with me to a deserted island!

This sack would be very helpful if you were on a deserted island because you could collect food from the beach and the ocean in it. It is washable, so after collecting food you could wear it as a hat. Finally, if you found some soft grasses, you could stuff them inside, seal up the velcro and use it as a pillow at night.

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

Wasted Potential!

Wasted Potential was born after two art school graduates felt discontent with their so-called “creative” professions. They embarked on an experiment to see what happens when 2 professionally trained artists leave their studio settings. With one part graphic design and one part crafts, the only logical result was — T-shirts! Awesome ones!

Visit the Wasted Potential Website!
Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

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

Push Mah Buttons!

Push Mah Buttons is the legend of students who are “dropping out of school and starting new lives as neo-hippies that travel the country in a VW Bus, peddling their button wares.”

You must check these buttons out! Push Mah Buttons Etsy Shop.

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

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

Isabel’s Rose!

Isabel’s Rose is the new and ever expanding line of handmade glass bones, hearts, cupcakes and more, from artist Lori Flanders (aka LORiOLA). Go to the Isabel’s Rose website or Etsy Shop and find a work of art to wear!

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

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

Bohemian Babydolls!

Bohemian Babydolls Unite! These are some incredibly cute handmade summer dresses and jewelry for your shopping pleasure. The dresses are available at SMASH! in Adams Morgan. You can see a greater selection of babydolls, vinyl and other fineries at the Smash! Records website!

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

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

The Broken Plate Pendant Company!

The Broken Plate specializes in giving new life to old dinnerware, ceramics, glass and “anything else in my way.” Each piece of glass is wrapped in copper tape and lead-free silver solder to create an original, precious piece of jewelry. Visit the official website to pick out a favorite!

The Broken Plate also custom-makes pendants. So if you ever find yourself with broken pieces of a ceramic that had sentimental value, ask her to turn it into something beautiful (and that can adorn your neck!)

Crafty Classifieds for goodies like this and more!

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

In the week leading up to last month’s Crafty Bastards Festival, we began posting a series of interviews of crafters who were going to be there. Unfortunately, in all the hustle & bustle we were unable to publish them all. This continues the Q&A’s that we weren’t able to get to!

The devil was of ahead his times when he made Tamara Embrey start her own line of upcycled sweaters and and knit caps. The Devil Made Me Do It builds on Embrey’s determination as a teenager to make the clothes she wasn’t seeing on store racks. Her designs showcase her eye for both elegant designs and jagged-edge sensibilities, all rooted in her concern for the environment. Visit The Devil Made Me Do It online and drape yourself in Embrey’s lovely designs.

1. Using three words, how would you describe your work?

Whimsical, Elegant, Punk-Rock

2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?

Well, I’m making like crazy, of course. I am trying to make a few summer-weight items, because so many people have asked for them. But my true love is wool, so I’m still doing that too. I want to get some men’s shirts done because I think guys ought to have something interesting to wear other than a t-shirt.

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?

My craft is fairly widespread, but re-cycling, or up-cycling, clothing is really FINALLY coming into its own. More and more people are doing it, and doing it well. And more and more boutiques are carrying it, and celebrities are wearing it. In the last few years, I’ve really noticed an upsurge in respect for this kind of work, especially in Europe and on the West Coast. What makes my stuff different is, I guess, my design eye. That’s unique to everyone, I suppose. All those years of living in New York City and looking at art and fashion every day definitely seeped into my bones.

4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?

After I did it. I never thought about it like, Hey, I think I’ll open an indie shop. I have been making things for a very long time for myself. At some point I decided to make things for other people and to try to sell them. People liked my stuff and were willing to pay for it. That allowed me to keep making more stuff. Pretty soon that was what I was doing full time. Oh yeah, it’s always a lot of hard work. But it’s work I love doing, so…

5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?

Value Village. All thrift stores, really, but Value Village is my current fav.

6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?

I am definitely all about the grassroots, one-of-a-kind, handmade, recycled AND environmentally/socially conscious aspect of Crafting, both as a maker and a buyer. One of the reasons I decided not to go to fashion school was because I HATE the whole consumer culture machine that pumps out (insert adjective or expletive here), tells people they aren’t already fabulous and so absolutely MUST buy some certain (usually banal) thing, and ruins the environment in the process. I didn’t want any part of that. At the same time I recognize the pleasure beautiful things give people. That’s where the handmade and the artistry come in, and why I work exclusively with recycled materials. My idea is: fewer things, better things.

7. After seeing your work, may would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?

I do have a little advice about trying to sell your work, though: Pay yourself. Don’t undervalue your time (In other words: Put a decent price on your work). You’re not competing with Walmart (you can’t, so don’t try); you’re making Crafts with your hands. Really think about how much work you put into a piece, taking into consideration all the practice of your craft and promotion and research and all that you do to really make your work fine. Then don’t be afraid to charge people for that. That’s the only way to truly revolutionize the way people shop and spend and think. And chances are that if you haven’t learned to value what you’re doing yet, the public won’t either.

In the week leading up to last month’s Crafty Bastards Festival, we began posting a series of interviews of crafters who were going to be there. Unfortunately, in all the hustle & bustle, we were unable to publish them all. This continues the Q&A’s that we weren’t able to get to!

Just as you shrink from buying soaps for fear of synthetic additives, Biggs & Featherbelle have decided that you should have an alternative — handmade body care products that are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives! Their soaps are made from unique recipes that use the properties of natural resources to heal and nourish different skin types. Pamper your eyes with their array of body butter bars, lip balms, soaps and bath soaks at their official website.

1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?

Clean, natural and fun

2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?

Making soap…we are always making soap. We are excited because we have a new summertime product. We are bringing our new body scrubs to Crafty Bastards!

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?

Surprisingly we never see many other body care vendors at the shows we do. There are tons of great handmade body care folks in the community but there is not an abundance of them at the shows we do. I never frown upon other body care vendors or view them as competition. We are all working together to open up the customers eye to using natural, handmade goodies for their bodies instead of all the commercial junk out there. Our products generally stand out for their ingredients and packaging. We are sticklers for a very clean product with only essential oils and nothing synthetic.

4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?

We slowly have worked our way into it over five years. The dedication, planning and hardwork never ends but we love it!

5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?

We source our raw materials from a lot of different places. A large chunk of our money goes to Columbus Foods for soap making oils and Camden Grey for essential oils. We would love to get everything local but some of our ingredients are unique and not available everywhere. We like to get the best quality and a fair price so we can pass that along to our customers.

6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?

Our products are all about being handmade and green so we love the fact that more people are understand and embrace the value of it.

7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Will you have any DIY kits available for sale at Crafty this year? Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?

People are welcome to ask us questions anytime! We have even done some demos on making products. We learned by reading books and experimenting. If anyone is interested in handmade body care products, we have a lot of good books and information to pass along.