Rocks and Salt give their hats real people names, and it’s only fitting as their hats exude personalities of their own. At the Crafty Bastards Festival (tomorrow!), Rocks and Salt will be showcasing their stylin aviator design. Ladies and gentlemen, acquaint yourself with … Amelia!

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

Amelia. That’s our aviator style hat. We’re making it in some really fun wools with furry or sweater lined earflaps.

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?

We like to ride our bikes all winter long and it gets COLD and WINDY. So we designed Amelia to keep our delicate ears happy and warm.

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

Amelia Earhart!

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

If that deserted island is in Greenland, you definitely want this hat. Then you can be warm and alone in style.

It seems that the most elusive thing to new crafters or “dabblers” is how to create a product line. How do you go from the early phases of making stuff to give to your friends as gifts to making stuff that you want to sell (and that people want to buy!)?

Here, I put this question to Annie of Imogene, a jeweler who uses mostly sterling silver and traditional metal fabrication techniques to create simple and lovely pieces.

Annie says:

I went to university for jewelry and metalsmithing, but when I graduated, I discovered that I didn’t know how to market these skills or where exactly to go with it. Shortly after school ended, I was offered a job as an assistant to a jeweler. I turned this down because the pay was dismal and offered no health benefits on top of that. Instead I worked as a legal secretary. By the time I left my cubicle, I was earning almost three times what I would have earned as an assistant to this jeweler AND I received health benefits. While working at the law firm, I opened up a little online boutique representing indie designers. I guess this was my own way of keeping craft in my life. I began to sell my own jewelry creations in the store alongside the other work that I carried just to “see what would happen.” I also participated in craft shows as the boutique. I then realized that my work was as marketable as the work of the artists I carried in the shop! The income from my day job and craft shows allowed me to expand my jewelry line and eventually quit my day job. I’ve been selling my work now for about four years and have been self-employed for a little over one year. Now I carry only my jewelry line in the boutique.

My advice to everyone is to believe in yourself, your vision, and your product. You have to push forward with no fear. I’ve been rejected to many shows (even Crafty Bastards!), I’ve encountered criticism, skepticism, you name it, but you just have to pick yourself up and move forward. Constantly work to improve and innovate.

Annie’s comments about fear are really valuable. When asked this same question myself recently, I answered that the real failure is the fear. Many new crafters are afraid of failure and the truth is that as long as you are making something that you are not failing, you are learning and getting closer to your goals.

You can check out Annie’s lovely jewelry at Booth #119 this Sunday, September 28th from 10am-5pm at the Marie Reed Learning Center in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Ruffly, handmade, vintage totes inspired by … underwear! Yay! That’s what Laura Teeler will be showcasing this month at the Crafty Bastards Festival, along with new fabrics and designs. I have a soft spot for undies-inspired accessories, including a headband made from the waistband of a pair of undies. Be on the lookout for Laura’s booth to experience all the fuss for yourself.

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

I’m excited about new bag designs and fabrics I’m using. The clutches have been popular so I’m doing those in different sizes. And there’s a ruffley bag. And I’m doing some baby stuff inspired by everyone I know having a baby in the last few years and gifts I’ve made for them.

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 ruffle bottom bag is inspired by those underwear with ruffles on them.

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

Hmm, maybe Audrey Tatou in Amelie. Her fascination with found personal objects and their story. The whole saturated color scheme of her world. Her style is cute-ish but odd (the paintings above her bed), somewhat romantic, and classic designs but with great details.

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

You’ll need something to carry your coconuts in.

Get with it, whole shirts are out. Tamara Embrey of The Devil Made Me Do It knows that all you really need is a pair of fancy sleeves — retro, Rococo-inspired sleeves — that can spice up any outfit and turn old shirts into brand new styles. Get your pair from The Devil Made Me Do It this month at the Crafty Bastards Festival!

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

My Rococo-inspired sleeves (I hesitate to call them arm warmers. Though they certainly will warm your arms to a degree, their main purpose is to fancy-up whatever you’re wearing).

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 actually get many of my design ideas by traveling back in a time machine (I take the whole retro thing pretty literally). I know that sounds like a joke, but of course while I try to be on the forward edge of what’s fabulous to wear, that invariably means looking back. A lot of my pieces have had Rococo-inspired parts lately: flounces, fancy sleeves, rows and rows of decorative ridges, curly ties, ruffles and loops at the neck. And of course, like many Rococo artists, there’s always a good dose of nature influencing (and appearing in) my work. One day while I was making a piece with fancy sleeves, I thought, Why not make just the sleeves? I like the flexibility of just fancy sleeves. They allow you to add a bit of flourish to something staid. Or, they can be contrasted with something very tailored and minimal. I think that would look fantastic and create a great tension in a look. Of course they would make something that is already fancy EVEN FANCIER.

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

Adam Ant. I’ll let Adam speak for himself on this:

“I’m the dandy highwayman that you’re too scared to mention. I spend my cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention. The DEVIL take your stereo and your record collection! The way you look you’ll qualify for next year’s old age pension!… I’m the dandy highwayman so sick of easy fashion. The clumsy boots, peek-a-boo roots that people think so dashing. So what’s the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking? It’s kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he’s making.”

Stand and Deliver, Adam and the Ants

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

Well, many people don’t realize that all of my pieces are waterproof and flame resistant. I’ve designed each of my sweaters, skirts, and dresses so that with the addition of some simple sticks and pegs and one piece of rope (could be vine), each can easily be transformed into a small but fashionable weatherproof shelter. Nah nah nah. Just kidding. Only the sweaters make good tents. The skirts are actually floatation devices. And the hats just make you the most fabulous coconut on the beach.

Check out The Devil Made Me Do It in booth #40 at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair this Sunday, September 28th from 10am-5pm at the Marie Reed Learning Center in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC.

One of the best things about Crafty Bastards is the community of vendors, volunteers, and visitors it creates. We all have stories about people that we meet at Crafty every year and in the end it is really the best part of the fair. Maria Fyodorova of Barefoot Czarina wrote to tell us about one such connection:

I’m excited to be a part of the Crafty Bastards experience in 2008. I love that Crafty Bastards works to connect local artists with the buying public and with each other. I’ve lived in DC for almost 17 years and it is encouraging to see the artistic community that is emerging. Crafty Bastards is also a great way to meet people from around the city that you might never meet otherwise. As a matter of fact, I was lucky to meet Ksenya, one of the Crafty Bastards volunteers, at the volunteer/vendor party, who ended up modeling some jewelry for me. We connected immediately because we were both born in Moscow. She just moved to the States and had signed up to volunteer for Crafty Bastards to get involved in what the city has to offer and to meet people. She had this fearless, yet laid back quality that really resonated with me – it was the kind of vibe I was going for with the new line.

Here are the results of Maria and Ksenya’s collaboration:

Of her work, Maria writes:

I have always been inspired by nature in my designs, but have, over the last few years, become more aware of the negative environmental impacts of the metal and gemstone industries. This year, I decided to incorporate reclaimed and vintage materials into my designs to decrease their impact on the environment. For a number of pieces, I have used reclaimed and vintage leather. I have also scoured flea markets for pre-owned and vintage jewelry components to incorporate into my designs. I am also psyched to be working on a small line of Obama-inspired jewelry, which will be available at Crafty Bastards. (Ksenya is wearing two Obama necklaces in one of the photos.)

Check out Barefoot Czarina at booth #42 at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair this Sunday, September 28th from 10am-5pm at the Marie Reed Learning Center in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Oh me golly, get ready for this. Leslie of Oliba Soap will have Wasabi Soap Bars for sale at the Crafty Bastards Festival this month! If this curiosity doesn’t entice you to her booth, I’m not sure what would. These soap bars are moisturizing and exfoliating for the skin, and a sweet treat for the olfactory senses — not to mention a great conversation piece for the powder room!

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

Our soaps are all equally wonderful but there are a few that stand out above the rest. One in specific that is a customer favorite is our Wasabi Bar. It smells amazing and not nose hair singeing like you would expect. Everyone who smells it just adores it.

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 story behind this one, or inspiration I should say, was actually sushi. Oliba is obsessed with sushi and food seems to be the main inspiration for most of our products. We love to explore scents and organic materials that differ from the norm, as well as keeping within the guidelines of being all natural. Any time we get the chance to mix the two, it’s either a win or lose situation. In this case it worked out amazing!

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

Martha Stewart. You know she has a wild side! Her love of the handmade, natural soaps and all things food is her dream combo. She’d also love the fact that this soap not only smells yummy, but is ultra-moisturizing and exfoliating as well, which our Martha needs after a hard day’s work in the kitchen and garden.

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

This soap is a must in helping to keep your skin moisturized during the long hours in the blistering sun. And let’s face it…everyone needs to stay clean, even if you are on a deserted island, you’ll want to smell your best when being rescued.

These lovely one-of-a-kind blank porthole journals by Bowerbox Press make you daydream about being the captain of a ship. I imagine the little book being my only friend during a long journey across a great sea.

1. Does the porthole journal have an origin story? Did the idea come to you in a dream or other strange way?
The idea came to me when I found an old glass lens, and was thinking about the portholes on boats. I gathered different sized lenses, and have been working out different ways of creating the porthole to the interior of the book.

2. What famous personality (alive or dead, real or imagined) would most likely be found wearing/holding/admiring this product? Why?
Perhaps Sherlock Holmes, or the captain of a flying ship, would use this book to jot down notes and maps. They seem like an old and weatherbeaten favorite book - with a little surprise.

3. Convince me that this piece should be one of only 3 things I could take with me to a deserted island!
If you take this to a desert island, not only could you keep a diary to stave off insanity, but you just might be able to start a signal fire with the glass lens!

Check out Bowerbox Press in booth #137 at the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair at the Marie Reed Learning Center in Adams Morgan, DC.

Ever itch to say something to a loved one without really having to say it? This holiday season, take a load off and let Alastair the grumpy gnome do the dirty work! Tina Seamonster (of CB blogging fame) will be showcasing her deliciously endearing and cruel holiday cards at this month’s Crafty Bastards festival. Muhahahaaa … this way YOU can spend the rest of the holiday spreading good Christmas cheer!

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

My new line of holiday cards! Alastair is a grumpy gnome and he wants you to be honest. Being honest during the holidays is even better than being honest on normal days. Making your friends and family cry because your honesty is borderline stressful is even better. Seriously, these cards are super cute and funny. They say stuff like, “All I want for Christmas… is for you to stop being a miserable drunk.” Or “For you to stop having sex with strangers that you meet on the internet.”

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?

Alastair is who I wish I could be on Xmas morning. He does not pretend things are peachy. He wants to piss people off. He wants to tell people that they drink too much or worry too much or have sex with too many strangers. And with the help of my illustrator pal, Chris Piers, he came to life.

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

I know for a fact that Ricky Gervais (British comedian, The Office) would give these out to everyone he knows. He might hand them out to people on the street, even. They are the perfect mixture of cringe, humor, mean and jolly, just like Mr. Gervais. My dream would be for Ricky to give one to Jack Black and they would both laugh. Or he could send them randomly to crap celebrities like Nicole Kidman or The Jonas Brothers or Madonna.

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

Hahaha. These cards would remind you that you loved your family even though they disappoint you. Not sure that helps on a deserted island. It also makes a cute bookmark if you take a book with you to the island.

If you haven’t quite acquired that dream home yet, at least you can give your current place a vintage makeover with This Chickadee’s matching linen table toppers. They are bold and vibrant, with an inviting hint of Southern hospitality. Choose your style from five sets at this month’s Crafty Bastards Festival!

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

To complement the a la carte placemat and coaster line-up, I’ve stitched together some matching sets from vintage linens. Four placemats, four coasters and four napkins combine to make a lovely table topper and get along well since they are all cut from the same cloth. The placemats and coasters are quilted and the napkins neatly hemmed. There are five different sets available, each print is as lively and bold as the decade it was born in. Everything old is new again!

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?

Placemats require a good amount of fabric to construct, and after the last show my stash was reduced to stragglers. New fabrics are fantastic, but their production does create environmental waste. So I’d been dreaming up ways to introduce repurposed/recycled fabrics into the collection and had started collecting some vintage linens. Then I had an “I wonder…” moment and just started snipping and sewing.

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

Well, Scarlett O’Hara did famously make a ballgown from curtains but I don’t see her as much of a hostess. Other southern ladies come to mind, though, like the characters in steel magnolias. Someone who would welcome you into their home and make sure you felt comfortable being there. You know that Dolly would insist on you staying for dinner. She’d be taking your drink order when you walked in the door and sending you out with full belly and a bag of cookies.

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

When you start to lose your mind from drinking seawater, you could have a delightful little tea party with your imaginary friends.

First I have to ask. Is the plural of Yeti, Yetis? Should Yeti have an uppercase Y? Where is the AP Style for magical creatures? Does J.K. Rowling have one? Can I get a copy?

There are few humans who don’t love the Yeti. Beth of Lemon Cadet puts her powers of sewing to good use with her awesome Yeti baby gear!

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

I’ve been hard at work on a new yeti design. He’s much bigger so there’s room for many more teeth! I also gave the yeti on the onesie a matching plush friend.

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 love Christmas movies. One of my favorites is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because of its most important character Hermey, the elf who wants to be a dentist. In the film he befriends the Abominable Snowman. Because of that, I became really interested in the Yeti and started collecting them and drawing them.

It was only natural that I have a yeti in my clothing line.

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

If they made really really big onesies, I think the Loch Ness Monster would wear one. Maybe I could just make a shirt for him…

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

Of course if you were heading out to a deserted island, one of the three things you’d bring would be your baby. The kid has to wear something and it should be one of these.

Check out Lemon Cadet in Booth #10 on September 28th at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair!

Tina Seamonster blogs her life and craft at tinaseamonster.com. She is writing a brief history of how Yetis are the new unicorns.