A Crafter's Paradise

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today's post is still about the Martha Stewart American Made craft event. There was a market where the makers/owners were present.

There was also an exhibit of the 2013 Honorees' beautiful products.

And what is a Martha Stewart event without craft sessions? Here, a demonstration of Martha's newest products like glass etching materials and decoupage kits {with an oil cloth finish!}.

I was able to score a bottle of paint! TADA!

There were also many interactive stations like braiding friendship bracelets...

Paper lace making using these cool craft punches...

And creating relief patterns using silicone molds and special clay.

There was also a DIY embroidery booth.

The beginnings of my project {it's still a work in progress since I didn't get to finish it at the event}.

We also got this bucket with retro candy.

And one of the most useful giveaways were these totes that were silk screened on the spot.

A little reminder that "American Made" is alive and well. And with creativity and hard work we, too, can be on the road to successful entrepreneurship.

Have an inspiring weekend!

Meeting the Makers

As you've noticed, all this week, I've been telling you about a recent event called Martha Stewart American Made, a craft soiree featuring businesses born out of passion.

Everyone loves a success story and each participant and honoree has one to tell.

I was able to walk around the American Made market showcasing more than 80 purveyors and crafters from all over the United States. Here are some of my favorites:

Aren't these paper flower lovely and so lifelike? They're made by Livia Cetti of The Green Vase.

I got to chat with the owners of Vermont Rolling Pins, a husband and wife duo {he makes the rolling pins, she takes care of marketing/photography/social media}. These are rolling pins that are worthy of displaying in the kitchen but they do a good job with rolling dough. Hmmm, which one to choose? 

And look, Martha Stewart bought one of the rolling pins herself! {I whispered to the owner, "It's Martha!" and we both pretended we weren't starstruck}.

By their booth display alone, I already knew that Parcel was one little magical store filled with gifts and paper goods. I would love to step into their shop and hang out there all day!

Bellocq Tea specializes in luxurious tea blends. The packaging is premium and the service, personalized. A trip to their Brooklyn store is on my wish list.

Vintage by Crystal is a story land of ornaments. These are meticulously made using an old German craft of spinning cotton...isn't that TADA!? I love how each piece is unique and has a soul.

If you're interested in the other shops that participated at the American Made market, and maybe do some shopping yourself, check this out. Have a happy Thursday!

Admirable Makers Part 2

Owning a business is a goal for a lot of people, myself included. It's a daunting endeavor but for the many who have started theirs and recount their stories of success and failure, only ignites courage -- that little push we need -- within us.    

This was the theme of Martha Stewart American Made, a recent fair in New York City, celebrating the maker, the handmade, and the local enterprise. Part of the event was an night of award giving to businesses that showcase quality and innovation. I featured some of the nominees yesterday. Here's the last of the batch:

Back to the Roots, urban mushroom farmers.  Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez went into business instead of pursing a career in the corporate world. Their goal is to develop products that connect families to food. Their advice for those who wish to start their own business: "Get out there and demo and talk to customers! Share your idea –– don't get caught in the idea that "someone will steal this." A passion or idea is 1% of the challenge, executing is the other 99%. Sharing your passion with others –– customers, partners, friends –– and getting their feedback and thoughts will help you see where the opportunity exists. What about it gets them most excited? Just share and talk to as many people as possible. Get a booth at farmer's market, and don't leave till you talk to 200 people. You'll leave with a much better business plan than any online research will get you!"

Woodberry Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant. Founders Mike and Amy Gjerde's food for thought: "Do what matters to you, and only what matters to you."

Pinnell Custom Leather, maker of leather products. Founder Charles Pinnell has this advice: "Stay true to your work, stay true to yourself, and stay true to your customer. Say what you mean and mean what you say."

Archi's Acres describes themselves as "developers of sustainable, hydroponic, organic farming to create opportunities for our returning veterans." Everything about that statement is TADA! Founders Karen and Colin Archipley have this to say about turning one's passion into a business: "Be willing to dedicate 100% to making sure your dream is realized. Prepare, prepare, prepare....Know your product, who your customer is and know your competitors and be ready to devote your life to making it a success."

I hope you found their stories inspiring. See you tomorrow!

Admirable Makers Part 1

If you've ever read Martha Stewart Living Magazine, it spotlights a lot of small business owners from across the United States who make products with their hands and hearts.

It was only fitting that those featured in the magazine over the years come together in a craft market called Martha Stewart American Made held last month at the Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Central Station.

Part of the event was to take notice of these "Tastemakers", who are described as the next generation of great American makers who inspire us with their beautiful goods, quality craftsmanship, and innovative ideas. These creative entrepreneurs turned their passion into a thriving business. 

They were recognized in an awards ceremony. Below are the 2013 American Made Honorees. Maybe their stories can help us take that first step in creating a business that we can each call our own. 

Spoonflower, a website where you can design your own fabric, wallpaper, decals and giftwrap. Gart Davis and Stephen Fraser, founders, acknowledge collaboration as part of their success: "It's the character of crafters around the world, creating a friendly, encouraging atmosphere."

Shinola, makers of watches, bicycles and leather goods. Heath Carr, business owner, has this advice: "Make sure you stay true to your original vision, and don’t get dissuaded by those who will want to tell you why you can’t do this or that. Focus instead on why you should, and what story you want to tell the world."

Folk Fibers, championing natural dyes and quilting. Founder Maura Grace Ambrose has these wise words: "It's okay to wait until you're ready. I got a job in "my industry" right after college and burned out after a year. The following six years I spent following my interests to different jobs including portrait photography, preschools, and farming. Now that I have Folk Fibers I can see a very clear connection between all these disciplines and where I am now. I learned to be okay with my path and trusting that things would work out."

Portland Meat Collective, a travelling butchering school. Founder Camas Davis has this to say: "I started a business that would teach me what I wanted to do. I suspect one could start a Portland Cheese Collective or a Portland Carpentry Collective using the same basic model. If you can't find a class to teach you the thing you want to know, create a class yourself! Also, it's okay to start small. Test the market. Don't commit yourself to a 3,000 square foot space until you know you have the clientele you need. Lastly, people love a good story. If you are passionate about something and you want to start a business based on that passion, be sure to tell your own story about your own passion. It will connect people to you instantly."

Lindsey Adelman Studio, lighting designer and owner, offers this advice:  "Work for other people that you respect first. Then be true to yourself and –– practically-speaking –– meet regularly with a business coach to get it started. It helps you plan and helps turn what you love into profit so you can live off of your work. And honestly I believe everyone benefits when people follow what they love. The support will show up."

More honorees and their businesses tomorrow. Have a nice day!

American Made

Did you have a nice weekend my dears? Autumn is in full swing in my part of the world. That means the weather's chilly and the leaves are showing off fall's finest colors.

In mid-October, I went to a beautiful craft fair in New York's Grand Central Station. I found it so inspiring, I wanted to share the highlights with you.

The fair was called Martha Stewart American Made. It honors those who revive lost art forms and pioneer new industries. It celebrates small businesses and artisans, handpicked by the editors of Martha Stewart Living, who are turning well-designed goods into a way of life.

You know you're in for a treat when there are free sugar cookies!

Lots of free samples like baked goods, pickles, cold cuts, tea and spreads.

There were a handful of crafting tables so guests could try Martha Stewart's craft supplies. Employees of the company were on hand to demonstrate use and cheer on everyone willing to try. 

There was also a mini market showcasing handcrafted items from all over the US. Accessories and jewelry, food and drink, home goods and decor, paper goods and personal care products were well represented.

There were also a lot of DIY demos and book signing providing great audience interaction.

Tomorrow, we'll take a peek at the companies honored during the event. See you then!

Stamped and Flocked

I hope you guys had an exciting Halloween!

Today, another use for flocking powder but without the Halloween theme.

I'll use it to dress up some plain card stock -- my take on personalized stationery.
 

Traditionally, flocking powder is used for stamping projects. Aside from applying rubber stamps to ink pads, they can be applied to glue pads. The rubber stamp {now with a layer of glue} is pressed onto paper. The image is then showered with flocking powder, resulting in a velvety design.

I'm going to attempt to do this with the resources I have.

First, I decided on which part of the card stock I wanted the image. Then I marked the center with the help of a ruler and pencil.

Because I don't have a glue pad, I'm experimenting with tacky glue that I poured on a flat lid.

 

I set-up my work station by lining it with scrap paper {flocking powder will yield a mess}.

I gently immersed my rubber stamp into the shallow puddle of glue.

I cleaned up the excess glue from the edges of the rubber before stamping it on my card stock.

I piled on the flocking powder so that the entire design was covered.

I tapped out the excess flocking powder and here is the result. My technique doesn't quite capture the scalloped details of the border and the thin edges of the letter O.

I tried it again with this "love birds" rubber stamp.

A thick dusting of flocking powder.

Still the fine details do not come out.

But I still have a homespun greeting card just the same. TADA!