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.

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Sean Hennessey is a bit of a Renaissance man when it comes to art. He started out in theatre and has since journeyed to become an artisan who knows how to manipulate concrete and glass into monumental works of relief art. Based in DC, Sean insists that his work is better for you than breakfast. Well we’re not inclined to argue with that! Check out more of his work at his Where’s My Coffee Blog and official website.

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

archaeological, metaphorical, industrial

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?

I am working on a new series of working focusing on using kiln formed plate glass pieces, coated with oxidized concrete. I’m very excited about this new direction!

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community?

Yes! Since I travel in and bridge the circles of the arts community and the craft community, my work gets widespread coverage through the diverse audiences that both attract. Recently I collaborated on a theatrical performance/ installation that brought in an even more diverse audiences.

4.What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?

I’m utilizing skills and materials not generally seen in the craft world. concrete, industrial plate glass, but in a narrative way. plus, its ruggedly manly!

5. 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?

I worked in professional theatre previous to going full time as an artisan. Working 90 hours a week, for little money was rewarding for a time, but after 10 years of it, I decided I’d be better off working for myself and making things closer to my heart.

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

Hardware stores mostly. Salvage places are great too! I’m mostly found of Second Chance, in Baltimore.

7. 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 come from a fine arts background, and was always drawn to the notion of the artists/ crafter designing and creating their own works of art. To me, the art and the craft are interwoven, and I don’t have the desire to separate them.

8. 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?

I’m always happy to talk about techniques with people. I would always encourage people that if they see a technique they are interested in, Ask!

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Around these parts, Tina Seamonster may well be codeword for quirky, inspired, cyber sci-fi zombie paraphernalia. Tina’s work has decorated many an arts event in the district, her plaques imprinting the most whimsical yet ponderous thoughts onto wood. They have a perplexing way of making you sad and nostalgic, and yet weep, laugh and smile all at the same time. You can check out more of her work, which includes colorful tshirts, plaques, gocco prints and cards! Etsy Shop. Blog.

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

Funny. Melancholy. Affordable.

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?

I am making lists and hoping to check everything off. I am thinking a lot about bees and time. I am making a whole new batch of the wall pieces like those that I made for Artomatic. I am excited about this! Also, am making some kid’s shirts on organic cotton (new Peanut Allergy design and bringing back the famous Pandas Poop Too Much).

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

I am one of the few people who is serious about printing shirts with a Gocco. Using the tiny Japanese printer is very very limiting. I like that. I like that what I do is lo-fi and different. I like that you can tell that my shirts are printed by hand. I encourage others to try it. Figuring out how to use multiple 4×6 screens to print designs is fun. I also realized that I am one of the few crafters who is really telling jokes with my products. The reactions I got at Artomatic this year taught me that! I also love to tell stories and am not afraid of words as art.

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?

While I started my website just prior, selling at the first Crafty Bastards in 2004 taught me that people would actually like what I do. Before that I just felt a little crazy, making all this stuff. And last year, I decided to take my online shop seriously and it has been awesome ever since.

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

I buy almost everything online. I like buying supplies on Etsy from real people. A woman in England recently sold me some wood from her yard. I love this. I buy Gocco supplies from Judy at Northwood Studios. Judy ships fast and is a twin mom like me.

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 think that the fact that real people can create these micro-brands and work and sell from home is really good for everyone. Getting people out of the office and into the world is so important. I hope that the handmade revolution continues so that more people have the opportunity to work for themselves and live a happier life. So, buy handmade so that people can continue to avoid offices!

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?

I will have DIY Make a Felt Pin Kits at the Craft Mutiny Supply Swap (Booth #56). We will have a bunch of other kits there and a zine called The Dabbler for people who, um, want to dabble in new crafts. You can find my how-tos on the Crafty Blog.

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Tiger Flight’s Beth Baldwin creates sad-eyed owls, sweet yetis and new friends with funny stories and lives of their own. Her guys are colorful and small and this makes them irresistible. Check her out at Booth #73 this Saturday at Crafty Bastards Silver Spring.

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

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?
Since the last Crafty Bastards in the fall, I’ve created two new characters- Eddie the Yeti and Corn-y the Acorn. I also have a big family of Owls called the Owlingtons that come with a name tag…I’ve been making them since before Christmas.

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?
While my Baddie dolls require patterns, I let the materials dictate the design of The Owlingtons. I make them from sweaters that I felt and fabric scraps that I’m able to scavenge. So I just kinda….freestyle the owls.

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?
To be honest, I’m still not convinced I do. I know I feel happier when I’m in the zone making stuff, but there are times when nothing is coming together and I question what I’m doing….I think being an ‘indie crafter’ or an artist or whatever you want to call it, you really have to have perseverance and not let those moments stop you. Although sometimes, I wonder if it’s just as important a skill to know when to pull the plug, you know?

5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies? (shop, home depot, junkyard, bookstore, G St. Fabrics?)
For my owls, it’s a specific Goodwill that seems to always have lots of wool sweaters. When it comes to just buying fleece and felt, I like whomever has stuff on sale!

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?
Since my owls are one of a kind, I do tend to let them get a little folk-arty so I don’t entirely stress that everything is absolutely symmetrical and there’s a lot of embroidery and blanket-stitching. I think people like the fact that they’re old sweaters too…I’m thinking about making small owls for anyone who has a sweater to donate to me- it’s getting harder and harder to find decent wool sweaters.

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?
Probably not at this time, but last Christmas I did a ‘make your own ornaments’ workshop for a store in Baltimore that carries my dolls. I had patterns and techniques, I probably will do something like that towards the end of the year…

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Fisticuffs Leather specializes in cuffs and watchbands decorated with pieces of found art. Not only are the cuffs distinctive in their style, they make use of recycled and reclaimed leather. John Davis is the man behind these unique designs. Visit his booth this Saturday and wrap one around your wrist. It’ll make you feel strong. You might not be able to walk away without it!

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

Bad Ass Leather!

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?

Yep, I’m working on some new stock as we speak. I have a whole new Cuff to show off but you’ll have to wait until the show.

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

It isn’t widespread. I have seen something similar but not in the craft community.

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?

It all came to fruition at the beginning of 2008. I had been building it up and doing more shows. I finally realized how much I disliked working the 9-5 and decided to just go for it.

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

That would definitely be thrift stores. I love to thrift in general. Finding supplies at the same time makes it really convenient.

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?

Actually the Green aspect is what inspired me to begin with. All my Cuffs are made from 100% re-loved leather. The only thing new is the fasteners holding them together. I also like to incorporate fun stuff I find in my travels such as washers and other interesting things.

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?

I will not have any take and make this year but I’ve been thinking about what that could be. Perhaps the September show? There are several places that offer kits. Stop by my tent and I’ll tell you about them.

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Thembe Fashions handmakes classic, unique, and original accessories and clothing. Philissa Williams, the mastermind behind these ultra chic designs, has made a name for herself in the DC area creating wearable pieces of art with vintage materials. According to Williams, Thembe speaks to those who have a strong sense of self. Get em’ while they are hot!

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

vivid, original, unique

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?

To prepare, I am just trying to make everything better and more eye catching.

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

My craft is know though in the DC fashion scene. My things are different because they are wearable pieces of art.

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?

I just figured since I love creating so much, why not. If it makes you feel good while creating, then why the hell not.

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

I like to go to the thrift store for vintage material, G Street, Michaels and friends hand me downs.

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 started making clothes by remake my own things and then from there I just started reconstructing. Now, I use new and used material which I feel is the only way to create. I like to incorporate recycled anything in my craft.

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?

No kits. Maybe tips.

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Eric Burris exploits his talent in metalsmithing by creating pristine pieces of jewelry from start to finish. The value in his jewelry is not only in its beauty but in his ability to turn raw metals into pieces of art through a special technique called Mokume gane. The technique is born out of japanese sword-making and into english as “wood eye metal”. Check out photos of the fascinating and time-consuming process at his official website.

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

archaeological, metaphorical, industrial

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?

Most of my jewelry will be new, but there will be some oldies too.

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

Jewelry is popular, but mokume gane is not very well known. It’s one of my goals to make it more popular.

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?

I’m still working on it actually.

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

I pretty much buy from jewelry suppliers, except for copper. I use recycled copper tubing, melt it and make my own sheet metal.

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?

It’s definitely important to me. I try to buy “green” silver as much as possible. I’m also a produce buyer at a coop, so the handmade movement goes right along with our ideals at the coop.

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?

I won’t have any diy, but I will have info on how I make the mokume gane.

Not only will you be able to swap your unwanted arts and crafts supplies at the Craft Mutiny Supply Swap Booth #56, there will also be fun demonstrations and handmade crafting kits, too!

Want to learn something new? Try your hand at crochet or gocco printing? Meet other crafty folks? The Craft Mutiny is organizing several free demonstrations tomorrow. Here’s the schedule:

11 AM - Crochet with Chauncey (Swap Booth) - see how this DC area artist gets his crochet on!
12 PM - Shrunken Punks Panty Hose Zombie Heads with Spooky Daddy (Booth # 58) - Craft Mutiny is sponsoring a few kit giveaways here, so don’t miss it!
1 PM - Knitting with Woolarina, Jess, Kelly (Swap Booth) - learn some knitting basics!
2 PM - Gocco Printing with Tina Seamonster (Swap Booth) - See how a gocco works, from burning screens to printing postcards!
3 PM-5PM - Grab Bag Crafting with Sandra (Swap Booth) - see what you can make with a bag of random supplies! Results will be added to a fridge door that will be displayed at a DC museum!!

There will be supplies for you to try out, or take away for a small donation.

You can also pick up handmade kits that will teach you to make felted soap, hand-sewn pins, and a soda cap pincushion. Their new zine, The Dabbler, is all about crafting with bottle caps!

So, check out the Craft Mutiny Supply Swap at Booth #56 tomorrow!

There is no reason at all to walk around Crafty Bastards this Saturday without an awesome moustache. That’s right! Look for Spooky Mama’s moustache painting during Rock and Romp’s performance at 11:30 a.m., right next to the main stage in the merch booth. While the staches are not free (where can you find a free one these days?), the Spooky Daddy coloring books are!

Another super reason to come and hang out at Crafty Bastards Silver Spring this Saturday!

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Caitlin Phillips of Rebound Designs brings new life to old books with her one-of-a-kind Book Purses. It is the ultimate in upcycling. And if you think her hard back purses are awesome, just wait to see what she is doing with old paper backs! Check out Caitlin in Booth #7 at Crafty Bastards Silver Spring this Saturday!

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

Ingenious, literate, recycled

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?

I try to be prepared for a show at all times, so the hard stuff like booth display and major inventory is mostly done. I still have some tweaking to do, like redesigning my hangtags and making some new signs, and there are still lots of new purses to be made. And, I am working on a long-awaited new product!

*drumroll please*

Paperback wallets! The one major complaint I get is from guys who wish they could wear a book purse. So, I have heard their pleas, and will be debuting the Paperback Wallet at Crafty Bastards. Of course, the wallets are perfect for women as well. I am also taking custom orders, so if you have a favorite paperback that has fallen apart, bring it to me and you can have a custom wallet made at just the right size to fit in your Book Purse!

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

Making purses out of recycled material is definitely widespread. You may have seen purses made out of cigar boxes, license plates, juice pouches, or record albums, but the Book Purse is my own invention. Since I began making them, others have cropped up, which is natural because it is the greatest idea ever. However, my Book Purses will always stand out because of my utmost dedication to quality and professionalism. Each piece is carefully planned and executed, with the fabric and handles matching so perfectly that you would think the fabric was made to go with the book. While I use old, damaged books as my primary material, the finished product looks beautiful and polished. I also do a large number of custom orders, so that customers can have a Book Purse made out of their own book, or one that really means something to them, as well as have input on the materials.

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?

Before I began my indie business, I worked as a salesperson for Cutco Cutlery. This was a great experience, because it taught me a lot about working for myself, planning my schedule, dealing with customers, marketing, and sales, especially. I sold Cutco for almost six years, ran an office for one summer, and was Top 10 in the nation in sales two years running. After selling knives door to door, I can pretty much sell anything.

I took my first Book Purses to Eastern Market a week or so after I made the first one, and they sold right away. I kept making them during the week and selling them on the weekends, and after a few months, I realized I wasn’t setting up many Cutco appointments anymore. I was so in love with crafting that I began doing it full time without even realizing it. I left Cutco almost four years ago, and have been making and selling as Rebound Designs ever since. It’s been a lot of hard work, but the experience I got from being an independent salesperson was invaluable, and has made a huge difference in my being so successful now. Since I graduated college, I have never had a boss other than myself, and I never will.

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

Most of my books come from library discards, thrift stores, yard sales, or even the trash. I often get donations from people looking to clean out Grandma’s attic. My fabrics come from a variety of sources, mostly local quilting shops, and also my mom’s vintage quilting stash. Once a year, my mom and I go up to Intercourse PA in Amish Country to go to the amazing quilt stores up there.

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?

Absolutely! My work is certainly three of those things, and I am always thinking up new ways to be more environmentally and socially conscious in my work. One of the biggest reasons I was so happy to begin crafting professionally is that it is a rebellion of sorts, a rejection of corporate consumer culture. There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to own beautiful things, but the handmade revolution encourages people to make it themselves, or buy it from individual artists, rather than buying into the glossy mass market, mass produced artifice we are told we ought to want.

It’s hard to put into words just how strongly I feel about the new craft revolution. I am so inspired by all of the crafters I know making a life, not just a living, by making things. It’s really the American Dream, making something out of nothing and being your own boss. I try to share my passion for craft with all of the people I meet, my family, friends, and especially my customers. Even if you don’t make something yourself, buying crafts from the artists is vital part of the craft revolution. I’m glad my customers know that by supporting me, they are supporting an independent artist and the local craft scene, and not child labor in some third-world country.

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?

I have some ideas for a little DIY kit, but it won’t be for the book purses, it’s for a new project I’m working on. If I can get it done in time, you’ll see it in June. Otherwise, wait for the September Crafty Bastards.

For anyone wanting to make their own work, remember that inspiration, not imitation, is the sincerest form of flattery. It’s important to find your own voice for making things, to find a style of work that really speaks to who you are or what you want to project, and not to not just simply copy what you’ve already seen. If you could make anything in the world, what would it be?

Rather than just going to the craft store and buying new supplies or kits, take some time to look around your life and see what you can make out of the things you already have. I’m always inspired by trash; empty jars, cardboard tubes, broken earrings, etc. Take something you would normally throw out or put in the recycle bin, and see what else it could be. Or come to the Craft Mutiny Swap Booth, and see what treasures other people have trashed!

Also, let yourself be open to be weird. My best ideas are the strangest ones, the ones that come in the shower or when I’m driving, or just as I fall asleep. Keep a notebook and pen near you always, and write down all your ideas, no matter how strange they seem. Otherwise, you might forget the best idea you ever had.