Got Craft? Blog

21.4.11

our new home

Some of you keeners have already guessed what is going on, but I figured I should at least post a little something about our news. As you can tell, we haven't been writing here much. This is partly due to the fact that the past two months have flown by and that since Rob and I decided to move the blog, there hasn't been much motivation to keep this alive. Yes, that's right. The blog is moving to a new home!

With the Got Craft blog, the one here and my occasional posts over on Granville Online, I just couldn't keep up anymore. So, instead of having one place sit dormant for long periods of time then me feeling mucho guilty and then blogging a few posts, we have decided to meld everything into one. A one stop shop for all things crafty, events and weddings, our work, our inspirations, our travels, random snapshots of life in Vancouver and London and really, anything that interests us. Although we will no longer be posting here and eventually, I will be deleting this blog; I will be reposting from the archives, so please do join us here! See you there!

Andrea + Robert

field trip :: crafty fox pop up market

I read somewhere that weekends are good for the soul and this was just about the perfect two days that one could ask for. Fantastic weather... handmade goods.. met EtsyUK... had drinks and good food with friends... explored new boroughs of London... bare legs and flip flops... just perfect.

The first 50 people through the door received a free tote bag from EtsyUK, so early Saturday morning, we headed off to Brixton to check out the Crafty Pop Up Market at the Dogstar, pub by night, handmade pop up event by day! Sound the trumpets, because we have found our people. An amazing selection of handmade goods plus plenty of DIY workshops and tasty treats over three fabulous levels of crafty goodness.

As I mentioned, we were there early for the bags, so it was still pretty quiet. Up on the third floor, the Etsy lounge was set up for people to enjoy some cocktails and learn how to cross stitch. Parul Arora, a London based designer and photographer who creates the most amazing limited edition ceramics was also on hand upstairs to talk about product photography.

Second floor was filled with more handmade goods such as Sweet View. I couldn't choose which image I liked best! Can't wait until we get the official "ok" that we are able to put stuff on the walls. * sigh * Why yes, we have been living here for almost 3 months now! * hint hint *

Back down to the first floor, this place was hopping! You can view more blog posts about the event (and probably better pics!) by these lovely bloggers urban75 | Take Courage | Katherine Hannaford.

20.4.11

YVR :: things to do :: bake + pw + blim

via one charming party

Bake for the Quake is a collective bake sale to raise funds for Japan's earthquake and tsunami relief. All proceeds go directly to Doctors without Borders. Hosted by Melody and Joy, the event promises to be filled with of the Lower Mainland's most talented cooks and bakers serving up tasty treats! Prizes for raffle and silent auctions will also be available. You can check out some of the lovely goods you * could * take home by Got Craft vendor, The Beautiful Project.

event: Bake for the Quake

date: Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

location: Roundhouse Community Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver (corner of Davie and Pacific)

The event is free to attend and open to the entire family. Please visit their website for complete details.

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via we heart it

Don't forget that Portobello West and Blim are taking place this Sunday, April 24th, 2011! Please check out their individual websites for full details. Be one of the first 50 at Portobello West and you could win a golden egg with gifts by Irit Sorokin, Caroline Calvert and creampuff by GG. Enjoy!

cook :: Peruvian Potato Salad

from the archives: 09.28.10

In the summer, our apartment is like a fiery inferno when it becomes super hot outside. So, during the heat wave last month, there was no way I was going to turn the oven on for anything. Good thing, we had a good mixture of home grown and farmers market vegetables to whip up some homemade potato salad! Potatoes are in abundance right now at the market or even from your own garden, so this can be enjoyed well through the Fall.

This recipe was passed down to me from my Peruvian Uncle who says that it is a Peruvian recipe. The shade of the salad will differ depending on the type of beet you use. Red beets = red salad (and red fingers!).

New Potatoes (choose the small ones)

Beets

Mayonaise

Carrots

Peas (I didn't have any that day)

Boil potatoes and beets. Chop potatoes, beets and carrots into bite sized pieces. Mix in enough mayonaise to make it creamy. I find that one good dollap is enough. Add peas.

It's that simple! Enjoy!

19.4.11

barefoot contessa window displays

Sometimes random ideas pop into my head and I say "Hey, Robert! What are your thoughts on ...?" and his response is usually one of "those" looks. So when I decided that we should contact a local retailer to host a handmade window display showcasing Got Craft? goodies, I had to contact my friend Barefoot Contessa to pitch her the idea. Thank goodness that she loved it! With me in London and numerous emails and phone calls back and forth, I am happy to announce that I am beyond smitten of how they turned out! Aren't they gorgeous? Love! Love! Love!

Thank you to Eva and the team at Barefoot Contessa, Kris for listening to all my demands :), Miranda for the vinyl lettering x 2 and to the Got Craft? vendors that participated in the window displays. Photo credits go to Kris Brownlee and Jennifer Conway. If you are in the Vancouver area, please pop on by to Barefoot Contessa and check out the goodies in person at 3715 Main Street or at their second location at 1928 Commercial Drive.

18.4.11

crafts for the animals

Last year, my friends Kim and Lisa decided to take a girls trip and fly to Las Vegas where they picked up a rental car and drove to southwest Utah. There, they spent a few days voluntering at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; the largest no-kill animal shelter in the United States. From the pictures they posted on twitter and facebook, this place not only touched their hearts, but it also inspired them to launch the crafts for the animal campaign. The For the Animals! campaign will raise handmade donations to animal shelters, and to encourage people to tell stories about how their lives have been touched by shelter animals.

You can read all about Kim and Lisa's stay at the BFAS on their blogs here and here. To read more about the campaign including how you can participate, click here for full details. Kim also has a crochet pattern for a pet mat that is free for all to download here and there are tons of ways to follow along - twitter | flickr | ravelry group

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Growing up, I was never allowed to have pets. So, of course, as a crazy cat lady, I swooned over our neighbour's cats - they had 3 next door and another 2 the house next to theirs. Robert has always grown up with cats, so when we first moved in together (2002), he said that we could get a cat of our own. However, I had to wait 30 days while we settle into our new apartment. Well... three days later, we were parked outside the BC SPCA and I had a list of other shelters to check out just in case. Cleo was the second cat that I saw and it was love. We brought her home... she jumped out of the box and we have been attached at the hip ever since! She's not too friendly to others (classic siamese trait), but loves her family. Cleo is now 15 years old and lives in London, UK. Check out her Van City Kitty feature on Vancouver is Awesome here.

Stay tuned for part two where I show you how to make your own cat nip dumpling treats!

15.4.11

field trip :: decor8 at Liberty

Robert and I ventured down to Oxford Circus Wednesday night for the Decorate book launch at Liberty London. The launch was held in the heritage room on the third floor and it was crazy. There were so many people packed in that room that they even had security watching the door. They certainly love their Holly and decor8 over here! As do I. I have been following her blog for quite a while now, so was excited to learn that she was going to be in London - perks of living in such a metropolis!

Sania, Leslie and Holly pre-styled a table set up and spoke about what inspired them and how they chose their palette / base colours / fabrics and props. Having to do this at each Indie I Do, it was great to learn some tips from the pro's!

After the event ended, we walked around Liberty London and checked out their habadashery department on the third floor. Of course, we also made a brief stop at the stationery and the handbag department. Tee hee! Visit decor8blog.com for more pictures and details about her new book!

14.4.11

LHR :: things to do :: pennants + foxes + boogaloo

found on pinterest by Eli

Meant to post this yesterday, but there is still time to make it to Craft Guerrilla's DIY bunting workshop tonight! Learn how to make your own punk rock paper bunting to celebrate the upcoming Royal Wedding. Go and make, drink and be crafty!

event: Craft Guerilla's DIY craft night
date: Thursday, April 14th, 2011
time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
location: Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street, London E17 4SA

For more details, follow Craft Guerrilla on facebook here.

The Crafty Fox Pop Up Market returns this Saturday, April 16th to the Dogstar in Brixton. There will be tea rooms with a letter lounge; plenty of workshops including cupcake decorating, brooch making, cross stitch and cocktails and photography; 40 stalls of handmade crafts and DJ's spinning all day!

event: Crafty Fox Pop Up Market

date: Saturday, April 16th, 2011

time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

location: The Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8LQ

Visit their website here for a full list of activities, directions and more information.

The Wonder Hill High Market promises to be an afternoon filled with wonderful indie arts and crafts, vintage clothing, accessories, sustainable items and apparently, the best cake in town! You had me at cake...

event: The Wonder Hill High Market

date: Saturday, April 16, 2011

time: Noon to 5:30 p.m.

location: The Boogaloo, 312 Archway Road, London N6 5AT

Interested in selling? A few stalls are available. Click here for more details.

13.4.11

YVR :: things to do :: i heart + make it

photo credit: tiddlywinker

I Heart Crafts Bazaar returns this Saturday at the Artbank Gallery on Powell Street in Vancouver. After a brief hiatus, the ladies (and gents!) are back with crafts, music and tasty treats. As a past vendor and loyal attendee, this is an amazing event with a huge community following and an amazing new venue (bank turned art gallery).

event: I Heart Crafts Bazaar
date: Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th, 2011
time: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
location: Artbank Gallery - 1897 Powell Street, Vancouver
cost: $2.00

For more details, check out their facebook event here.

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The self proclaimed "the mullet of craft fairs" - craft fair in the front and party in the back, Make it features over 90 artists, crafters and designers showcasing a wide selection of goods. Make it fuses handmade shopping, a licensed bar, music spun by DJ Brodevious and a silent auction to benefit the Union Gospel Mission into a 3 day craft extravaganza.

event: Make it!

date: Friday, April 15th to Sunday, April 17th, 2011

time: Friday - 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

location: Croatian Cultural Center - 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

cost: $5.00 (kids 12 and under are free)

For more information and a discount voucher, visit their website here or facebook event here.

11.4.11

Etsy's Got Craft?

I have a confession. I don’t always buy organic. I’m not a vegetarian. And yes, I have even set foot in the dreaded big box store that Shall Not Be Named (hint: it starts with a “W”).

I’ve been working on this guest blog post introducing Got Craft’s newest sponsor, the fabulous handmade marketplace, Etsy, for days now and I think the guilt of not living 100% by Etsy’s credo of “buy, sell, live handmade” is getting to me.

Etsy, for the uninitiated, is an online marketplace devoted to helping people make a living by making things. Etsy was launched in 2005 and since then has grown to over 7 million registered users with more than $300 million in annual sales. While there have been plenty of internet success stories (and failures), what sets Etsy apart is their commitment to community, advocating the handmade lifestyle.

“The main tenet of this lifestyle is choosing handmade over mass-produced objects whenever possible. We feel that this creates a more sustainable, environmentally and socially responsible alternative to the current economy.” ~ Adam Brown, Etsy Marketing & Press Team

As if that weren’t awesome enough, they also promote community by connecting artists & crafters from all over the world. I started my own Etsy shop in 2008 and it literally changed my life. I’m continually learning new tricks & techniques, meeting new friends and have been able to sell my work to buyers all over the world (um, Estonia? Hope you’re enjoying the prints!).

When you buy something from a seller on Etsy or from a local market like Got Craft, there will forever be a story attached to that item. Just looking around my house right now, I see the bicycle earrings that I bought from fused glass artist Groovy Glass Girl. When I wear them, I’m reminded of Poppy and that makes me smile.

My desk has a stack of greeting cards handmade by Sandy of Firefly Notes:

My pencils, pens and erasers are stored in a Kukubee pouch:

My fridge is decorated with bottlecap magnets from Raven’s Rest:

I look at those things and think about the person behind them, lovingly creating them. There’s something different about knowing who the person *is* who made that particular trinket with their own two hands.

Apparently “legally” I’m not allowed to tell you that shopping at Etsy will make you a better person, but I will say that it feels really good to support the people in my community and to support creativity in general.

I may not be 100% there yet, but I am striving to live handmade. And thoroughly enjoying the journey!

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aCageyBee.com is the internet stomping grounds of painter kgb (or Kris G. Brownlee, if you're not into the whole brevity thing).

An artist, crafter and all around Maker of Stuff, I finally realized that spending my life doing something I don't love is a lot crazier than following my dreams. I hope you'll join me for the journey!

7.4.11

A.L. Designs - feature #50

Name: Adrine from A.L. Designs

Website links: Website | Blog | Etsy | Twitter

What do you make?

I love to make handmade jewelry, miniature food and deco cosmetic cases.

What or who inspires you?

I always love something with flowers, plants, birds, fairy and things that are natural.

I have been playing with clay for 5 years and I still love it. The clay is where I search for different techniques to be used on my current designs.

How did you get started?

Initially, I went into art in order to design unique pieces for myself to wear. However, in time, I came to fall in love with it and started exploring the various crafting techniques, I just can't stop doing them everyday!

What are your favourite materials to work with?

My favourite materials are almost everything. It can be fabric, charms, stones, pearls and more. I can’t sit still and just doing one type of craft all the times. I love exploring new techniques.

What is the hardest and your most favourite part of crafting?

Hardest will be thinking the name for the creations and photoshopping the photos. That really can be very time consuming. Favourite part will be crafting. I love creating a lot. I think good sleep is important.

List 5 of your favourite links and why you like them
Etsy: I love purchasing goods from there and they are reliable, not to say one of a kind as well for those handmade items.
Stomp: Daily Singapore news of what people see and they post comments. Deviant Art: I enjoy admiring other people work be it any form of art.

Flickr: Enjoy browsing all kind of photos that people are sharing.

Facebook: Connect to all my new and old friends even though everyone is busy with their own lives.

Do you have any advice for those in the biz?

Always stay positive and be happy in life ... never let negative thoughts affect you. I did before, but never will I do it again. If I can so can you!

Do you consider yourself an artist or a crafter?

I consider myself to be both.

(photo images courtesy of A.L. Designs)

If you are interested in being featured, please send us an email at info(at)gotcraft(dot)com.

Check out our past features...

Bubbly Shnooks - feature #49

Yummy Yarn - feature #48

Cutesypoo Toys - feature #47

Locomotive Clothing - feature #46

Hand & Shadow - feature #45

Kove Handmade - feature #44

Sam Bradd - feature #43