My nerdy heart is so excited about Rebound Designs‘ new paperback wallets. Your favorite classics and their vintage cover artwork on your wallet? Nuh-UH! Ingenious. You’ll find yourself wanting to spend more money just so you can pull out the wallet and bask in the glory of oohs and aahs.

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

Paperback wallets! My newest product line is made from old paperback books, covered with a waterproof vinyl, and the inside of the billfold is lined with pages from the book. They’re very durable, just the right size for your cash and have 2 pockets for credit cards. I can do pretty much any trade paperback, and custom orders are always welcome. You can have your favorite book made into a wallet you carry every day, and they also make excellent gifts.

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 impetus for this product was entirely customer driven. For years, men have looked at my Book Purses and said: “I wish I were a woman so I could carry this purse!” So, I resolved to make wallets out of paperbacks. They’re the perfect size, and I always wanted to find a use for all the discarded paperbacks that come my way, along with their hardback brethren. It took several years of trial and error to find the right vinyl for the covering, and the best way to line the edges, but I have finally perfected the technique.

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

I’d like to think that any author would be honored to have a wallet made from one of their own books. My favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien, who was also an ardent environmentalist, so I would hope he would admire the inherent recycling of my work. I also once heard an anecdote about Mark Twain; that when he read a book, he would tear the pages out as he read them, and leave them scattered on the floor. I have not been able to verify this (Wikipedia, why hast thou forsaken me?) but if it’s true, I think he would appreciate my wallets in good humor.

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

Well, is this a deserted island that you intended to go to, or were you marooned there after a shipwreck or plane crash? In the case of a wreck, the wallet would be an excellent thing to have with you! Chances are, it would already be in your pocket, so you wouldn’t even consider it as one of the three things to grab from the sinking wreckage. Plus, since it is waterproof, you would still be able to read the 2 pages enclosed in vinyl as the interior lining. However, if you are going to the deserted island on purpose, I recommend waterproof matches, a sharp knife, and a satellite phone with a rechargeable solar battery instead.

Biggs & Featherbelle is a godsend for those dry winters that can turn your skin into a frightening piece of parchment paper. At the Crafty Bastards Fair, B&F are going to feature their new body scrubs that will pamper your skin without smothering it in oily residue. Be on the lookout for these luxurious scrubs!

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

Our new body scrubs! We just starting making them this summer and are really excited to have a new product. We have three types – Salty Bean scrub, Sugary Nut scrub and Sweet Coffee scrub.

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 idea was to make a scrub that was not swimming with oils and does not leave your shower floor a hazard zone. Biggs & Featherbelle body scrubs are chock full of exfoliating goodness with moisturizing qualities. The three scrubs loosely coordinate with several Biggs and Featherbelle soaps for a full shower experience.

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

Alligator Man! Haven’t you heard of him? Well…I am sure his rough skin could use some exfoliating and moisturizing. But really, anyone who wants to slough off those dead skin cells and bring some moisture and life to their skin.

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

Your skin will be really dry from the sun so moisturizing is key. Plus you will want to scrub away the island dirt. Everything is edible (might not taste good) so if you are stranded with no food and really desperate you can eat your scrub. Or you could even use it to cook some fish you catch. The essential oils will calm your mind so you don’t freak out and come to the realization that you are stranded! Then when you are finally rescued, everyone will be so amazed at your glowing, soft skin!

Washington City Paper and Urban Outfitters want you to vote for your favorite 2008 Crafty Bastards vendor!

10 vendors from 10 different craftegories have been selected by City Paper Staff based on construction, creativity, originality of product and use of materials. From those 10, you can vote for the one who you think should be crowned The Craftiest Bastard of 2008.

Here are the 10 City Paper picks (in no particular order) you can vote for:

• Craftiest Jewelry – Alitas Jewelry
• Craftiest Designs – El Jefe Design
• Craftiest Home Decor – Bright Lights Little City
• Craftiest Beauty Products - Biggs and Featherbelle
• Craftiest Plush - My Paper Crane
• Craftiest Clothing Line – Mignonette Designs
• Craftiest Accessories – Cherrybox Studios
• Craftiest Paper Products – Goshdarnknit
• Craftiest Kid’s Line – Sheriff Peanut
• Craftiest Illustrations – Jamie Zollars

The lucky Crafty Bastard with the most votes will receive a grand prize package valued at $1,900, including:

• $250 Urban Outfitters Gift Certificate
• $100 Gift Certificate to Café Trope
• One City Paper 1/2 Page color ad to advertise their product(s)

Cast Your Vote online here until October 1st, or cast your vote at the City Paper booths, on-site at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, September 28.

Good luck to the top ten, and stay tuned to see who was picked as The Craftiest Bastard of 2008!

JennyJen42’s Narrative Bird Party Pillows spin delightful stories of the birds who mingle and party in her back yard in Baltimore City. Just looking at these cotton pillows can ward off any signs of gloom. Keep your ears open for the sound of birds twittering 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?

I have a number of narrative bird party pillows. They are inspired by the bird parties that surround my mulberry tree in my back yard. It’s such a joy to see these little fellas when you live in the city with your own little piece of paradise. My favorite ones are the bird bath and clothesline story pillows.

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?

Being a Baltimore Urbanite, I usually only see city birds. Moving into a historical area in charm city, with a semi-wooden lot, I have witnessed many a bird party in my back yard. The best time is when the mulberries begin to ferment and the birds, of many species as well as the squirrels, all hang out and chow down and actually get drunk! The first time I saw this event, I had to find a way to illustrate it. The cut out shapes remind me of the birds I made as a kid! The settings are also a mesh between life today and life as a kid.

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

I would love for Todd Oldham to have one of my pillows in his home! Right by his Charley Harper collection! It is Todd Oldham that brought Charley Harper to the lime light for me. They are both inspirations for me and my birdies!

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

This Birdy pillow will bring you joy everyday you look at its bright colors and cheerful story. Comfortable to lay your head upon, as well as a feast for your eyes!

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????

I met a crafter the other night who asked me a really interesting question. How do you go from a “dabbler,” someone who makes all kinds of stuff to a crafter with a brand and 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!)?

I thought I would ask some of this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors this question. First up is Tamara of Block Party Press. She uses hand carved stamps (blocks, hence the Block Party title) to create amazingly textured polymer clay jewelry.

Here you can see how her work has progressed. The pendant on the left is from 2006 and the one on the right is brand new.

Question: How long did it take for your product line to become what it is today?

Answer: It has taken about 2 1/2 years. I stumbled upon my signature technique quite by accident while trying to make myself a pendant I couldn’t find in the store. Around the same time I found Etsy and thought I would give it a try. I had been a stay at home mom for 3 years, and I had been trying to come up with a way to make some money so the planets aligned and I started Block Party Press. Honestly it was the right product at the right time. I wish I could say it was a brilliant scheme that I had planned all along, but it was just me jumping in with both feet hoping to make it work. I learned all of what I know now about selling my art by doing it.

Question: What did you start making at the very beginning?

Answer: In the beginning I was strictly making pendants. Basically I had very little jewelery making skills or supplies, so I worked with what I had and at the time I thought the majority of buyers were crafters, so I thought selling a “supply” rather than a finished piece would be more profitable. Eventually I have expanded to finished jewelry pieces and now I am moving into creating wall art and home decor items. I think it is important to always keep innovating. I am always trying to think of new products, new color combinations or new themes for my art. I am always working on something new and I think that keeps things fresh for both me and my customers.

Question: How did you know when you got it right?

Answer: Honestly, I didn’t know. I knew that I liked what I was making and I just hoped someone else would too. I knew that other people really liked what I made from sales and from comments from fellow artists and crafters. Their comments and support and customer feedback made me want to continue to improve and create new things.

Question: How did you know it was time to start selling your creations?

Answer: I think when I found a technique that worked for me, that I enjoyed making and a venue that worked for me I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try. I knew very little about the indie craft scene and have never been to art school, so I was pretty in the dark about the possibilities of selling my art and so my expectations weren’t very high. I also had the encouragement from family and friends which is always helpful.

Question: Final thoughts?

Answer: My main thoughts are make something unique, make it well, love making it and know your audience. Take a chance.

Tamara has a blog where she writes about her craft and her inspiration. I love how she is always examining texture. Check out http://blockpartypress.blogspot.com/

You can find (and buy!) some of Block Party Press’ work at the Crafty Bastards Arts and Craft Fair on September 28th. She is booth number 38.

If you would like to share your From Dabbler to… story, email Tina at craftyupdates@washingtoncitypaper.com

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.