The show at 111 Minna was pretty small. I think there were around 13 vendors, and the majority of the crowd was there for the free pie, so as Jen, my table buddy, aptly put it, we were “accessories to the pie”.

My table buddy, and amazing illustrator, Jen Oaks

Anyway, sales-wise the show was ok. Could have been better, but it was a great learning experience. I met a lot of cool local artists and crafters, and ate really good pie… and maybe had a drink or two. When in Minna…

Also, I wanted to share a little mannequin fail with you guys.

This would be fine if I made slippers for Muppets.

I wanted to make foot forms to better display my slippers (a lot of people seemed to think they were little clutch bags from far away)… anyway, I tried making these by stuffing a sock with other socks and a toilet paper roll. Not exactly a winner. Looks like I’ll have to cave and buy some online.

It’s an arts and crafts festival which will be hosted by the San Francisco Pie Extremist Group. I know you’re probably thinking: What is that? Who are those people? Answers lie within this link.

Anyway, come out on Saturday, February 12th from 5-9pm for some great pie, art and handmade goodies. I’ll be selling special Valentine’s themed slippers and hats! For more info about the event and how to get yo’self to arguably one of the coolest galleries in San Francisco (in my opinion) click here.

Above: Jaime of Sparkles and Sticks, Elsie of Red Velvet Art and Lil Ol’ Me

One of the highlights of our little quest was meeting Elsie of Red Velvet Art. She’s an incredibly inspiring crafter and artist and I was so excited to meet her. She was really nice in person, which is always great.

Aside from meeting and greeting, I picked up some great prints:

Russian Doll by Regan Smith Clarke

Elizabeth I by Caitlin Kuhwald

I also picked up a great Andrew Bird poster for the mister by Hero Design Studio but I forgot to photograph it before I gave it to him… fortunately I found an image of it on their site. All in all, it was a great day at Renegade SF! I can’t wait for the next one.

Oh yes… OH YES! It’s happening. It’s free. It’s at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Hopefully the weather will be a lot nicer than the last time Renegade was in town. And hopefully I’ll see more of my favorite crafty people IN THE FLESH! The crafting world has its share of celebs as well – “you better believe it” – as my Dad likes to say.

Anyway, we’re two weeks away! I have a lot of friend/family birthdays coming up. I can’t wait to see what I can find.

Below is a photo of The Ferocious Few performing at the Haight Street Fair last weekend. It was hot, crowded, and I was ready to bounce, but then I heard retro-sounding guitar riffs backed by hyper drumming and had to stop and listen. I stayed for the rest of their set. Check them out July 15th at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, or google them and give your ears a treat.

I’m off to the North Beach Festival today! Here’s hoping I do not get visited by claustrophobia again!

She & Him? THE SPECIALS? Echo and the Bunnymen? JAY-EFFING-Z?!?! GAHHHH. I need to go, but my more logical side is shaking it’s frugal and wise head. Especially if we can only purchase three day tix. Man oh man. Oh Coachella, why must you tempt me.

In other news, my roommate and I went to the Long Beach Antique Market on Sunday and boy oh boy was it hot!

I don’t know why… but I assumed it would be indoors so I didn’t wear any sunblock. Needless to say my skin is pretty mad at me today. BUT I found a lot of great deals. I was surprised by the wide variety of goodies the Antique Market vendors had to offer. From vintage clothing to old comic books and action figures. There was something for everyone. My favorite find of the day was a Paul de Longpre framed print for only $5. Yeow Yeow. All in all good times were had.

Anyhoo, it’s been a while since I’ve last updated, so here’s a little visual update:

Patchwork – Indie Arts & Crafts Festival
Where?
The Road Less Traveled & Harvey’s Lots
2202 1/2 North Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(the corner of Buffalo & Main St. right off the 5 freeway)

When?
Sunday, May 4th, 11am-5pm

How Much?
The event is free, but be prepared to spend that moola. Independent artists & crafters need your support!

I STILL don’t get it.
According to the website…
Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Fair celebrates local handmade goods, transforming Buffalo street in Santa Ana’s museum district into a hub for emerging artists to showcase their items. Complete with live music, delicious food from local resturants and over 50 vendors, Patchwork is an event like no other in Orange County.

It sounds like this is going to be a great event. I can’t wait.

So, I went to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for the first time ever this past Sunday. Why it had to be a record breaking 100+ degrees that day is beyond me, but I came home appreciating the fact that I don’t actually live in the Renaissance times. I would be pretty sad if I could only take one shower per year. And probably really grumpy.

Sanitation aside, I had a pretty great two hours at the Faire. I did a lot of people watching, and was amazed at how animated the cast members were considering the sweltering heat and layers of Renaissance garb. Kudos to you guys for keeping the magic alive. So be sure to visit the Renaissance Pleasure Faire! If only for the giant swing that only costs 300 pence and the boobs (if you’re into that). I recommend planning on going on a cooler day or later in the day for ultimate comfort, and minimal sunburning.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Where?
15501 E. Arrow Highway
Irwindale, CA 91706
626-969-4750

When?
April 5th – May 18th, 2008

How much?
Adults – $25
Kiddies (Ages 5 – 12) – $15

I STILL don’t get it.

I’m sure you’re wondering what motivated me to go to the Renaissance Faire and spend 2 hours of my Sunday in the hot hot heat. Well, it all comes down to two things: I love crafts. And the Renaissance Faire was full of vendors who had tons of unique goodies to offer and display. Secondly, I love anything that is themed. Just ask my college roommates. I love themed parties, themed movie nights, you name it. So any chance to dress up or make an unusual outfit is right up my alley.

Anyway, here are some photos from the Faire. Enjoy and fare thee well! I must away!

So, Sunday afternoon I moseyed over to my favorite fabric store of all time (M&L Fabrics in Anaheim) with my friend Hava. As she was paying for her fabric, a bright pink flyer caught my eye. The flyer was advertising none other than…

The Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival



Where?
Pomona Fairplex
101 W McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
When?
October 18-20, 2007
Thurs.-Sat., 10am-5pm
How much?
$8, but $7 with coupon …one time admission good for all 3 days of the show, so save your ticket!
I STILL don’t get it.
This festival will consist of exhibitors who will fill us all in on the latest and greatest supplies in the quilting/sewing/crafting world. In addition, “Make and Take” workshops and free educational seminars will be available. I’m a beginner when it comes to quilting, so I think this will be a great opportunity to see quilters in action and get some tips from people who have been doing this stuff for years (probably even before I was born… maybe even before my mom was born). Anyway, it’s hard to learn how to quilt by reading about it. So go check out the festival and learn some quilting tips that will impress your grandma like whoa.