Shrine

Thankfully my pal Clarrissa waited till after the election to test my 08ama necklace as a ladder. Can't blame a girl for learning to walk right? Now it honorably sits next to the champagne cork from the night Obama won. (!!)

The new "to do" list

Some might remember this letter tray from an earlier post...

What was originally just a nice display has now developed into a sort of to do list. It's where I put lost buttons in need of re-sewing, charms I mean to do something with or photos I want to remember to admire on a daily basis. Basically I'm thinking I'll put anything small up here, that needs remembering and over time it'll become a little library of "thoughts."

Instead of having to find a suitable mismatched button, I'll know right where I put the matching one! This will also save me the trouble of configuring a back up outfit when I can't think of anything but the skirt in need of mending. Have I ever mentioned that virtually ALL of my mending occurs three minutes before I'm supposed to walk out the door?? Yeah. There I am, sporting half an outfit, frantically sewing on the end of my bed, when I could just throw on pair of jeans and tee shirt like a normal person.

But back to the tray... I'm always really interested in clutter. I certainly don't like messes, but there's something to the little chatchkas we humans collect. Every home seems to have some, whether its refrigerator magnets, tiny toys, rocks & shells, or even "real art." Imagine.

I'm also really interested in people's inability to deal with their clutter. In other words, organization, or lack thereof. In my world, what might look like a simple pile, actually has a lot of rhyme and reason to it. I think this is the difference between a mess and a display, the intention. I love the idea of turning a bad habit, or organizing weakness, into display. My idea for someone who is always throwing clothes on the floor, is to throw them on the wall instead. Install a grid of hooks, or even just long nails, and stuff your clothes up there instead. Sure it'll look like a pot of spaghetti clothes... but you'll have room to walk, you won't have to take the precious time to put them away and over time, it might end up looking kinda cool up there.

So here are all the thoughts so far in my tray:

This stack of British coins looked so beautiful against the dark wood, I just want to regularly admire it. I love the detailed edges... how come our coins aren't as cool?? Also, I might want to design something based off of these patterns.

These sparkly buttons need to be re-attached to this coat.

A squid and my handsome Grandpa in his navy uniform!! I miss you!

A map box I need to find a new chain for and scented green tea oil to liven up my draw papers!

A little lost tree bird checking things out, a broken pin that needs fixing or a new life and green thread that is just pretty.

Two charms that need chains and a "G" typewriter key for the pair of initial cuff links I owe my friend Garth.

Girly and Pink

My wares for the flea are looking quite girly these days and I'm totally into it! Most of these are from two Fleas ago and long gone... but some are still available!

(sold!)

(sold!)

Many thanks to all who braved the rain in the early hours of yesterdays Flea. It meant so much to sell even just a few items, huddled under the tent and our umbrellas! Then, when the sun broke through, so many lovely faces! Thank you for coming out and thank you for your purchases and sweet comments! It perked me up to no end at a much needed time!

This group of friends met up with each other right in front of my booth and I just had to take their photo. Look at how beautifully their outfits coordinate!

Obama everywhere...

I've been taking for granted the fact that I pretty much live in a triple pro-Obama town, have quadruple-pro-Obama pals and practically see his face on every surface from fenders to fanny packs. (ok I didn't see a fanny pack, but how cool would that be?)

I love this DIY verson! Use what you've got people!!

Regardless of your political leanings, you have to admit it's pretty phenomenal to have a Presidential candidate inspire such a wide demographic. My fashion designer roommate had an Obama themed show for fashion week while the grandmother of the child I babysit, who also happens to be a retired judge, is leaving town to go campaign at age 70.

Here's a candidate who is more than just the lesser of two evils, he's someone I'd really like to see become president! So what am I doing now to ensure I can throw some fancy State of The Union Address parties over the next four years? Well, with all the supporters doing work around me, I've sort of forgotten how important it is to represent, but now it's time to get in the game!!!

My suggestion, this necklace from Brookadelphia:
And if you prefer to stay neutral in your advertising... at least choose this sentiment:

I'm a big fan of Brookadelphia. We made a nice trade last Christmas at the Bust craft fair, when I got these rad antler earrings:


This year, at Renegade, I got this awesome "Post Post Modern necklace." It's always is quite a conversation starter.
This jewelry kind of doesn't fit with my usually, pretty old fashioned, girly girl look (is that what it is???) but that's why I love it. This will be my next purchase I think:


Oh, I almost forgot. $10 of the "08ama" necklace goes to his campaign! Go team!!!

Thanks Martha!!!

My lovely and stylish pal Martha, who also happens to be an awesome stylist, took two of my necklaces for some test shots recently. The finished photos make me so happy and proud... I just love how they look! Thanks Martha for working your magic!



And please do check out more of her work at her website!

August = ETSY Challenge!

My friend Cal told me about her plan to make August an ETSY challenge. I thought it was such a great idea that I wanted to do it too. The plan is to focus on uploading new items constantly to try to sell as much as possible in August. I decided to get a head start today with some items I have on hand.

Etsy Buy Handmade Keepitmovingdesign

I survived Renegade 2008!

Someone make the tee shirt already! I survived Renegade 2008!

Scheduling a craft fair in a drained pool is an awesome idea...until... the thunderstorms come and the pool fills up to your ankles! Well, that might be an exaggeration but not for my corner at least. I'm telling you, by the end of the first day, the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair had turned into one of the most fashionable wet tee shirt contests imaginable. Picture it, insanely cute gals in their summer frocks and high waisted shorts bearded boys in their shortest shorts, all running around soaked to the bone. I'm just saying, nothing like giant rain storms to bring people *ahem* together! My friend Anne told about how she and a bunch of kids gathered in the small, drizzle free entrance to wait it out, when all of a sudden one dude says, "Ok... townspeople!" and he spontaneously inspires them all to play Mafia. Way to make lemonade, Mr. and by the way, are you single?

But we survived! All and all, it was a blast! I made new friends and found some sweet new things, which I'll post soon.

Our booth on Saturday before the rain:




The cute kids across the way weren't scared by a little rain, they set up camp like pros!

Love the rolled up jeans and sneaks on dudes, btw...

The rain begins and NEVER ends!!

Slightly freezing...

The next day was a little less rainy. We decided to condense to one table, just in case it rained again. I think it made things cuter! There were many reactions to my Fathers Day sign... the most common being "oh crap! I forgot to call my dad!" Followed by immediate dialing.



I made this tie last minute Sunday morning and it sold right away. I'm glad I grabbed a shot of it. More cattails on the way I think.

New in shop!

This month I'll be participating again on Poppytalk Handmade so I've filled my etsy store with new items! This month's theme is paper and affordable art. I can't wait to see the other tables!!!

Etsy Buy Handmade Keepitmovingdesign

Gold & Gray

This week, my Brooklyn Flea table will be sporting a lot of gold & gray. It's one of my favorite combos lately and I was so psyched to find these elegant leaves. Expect many new earrings, necklaces and hopefully, trees! Apparently, I'm very nature themed lately. I found these really cute acorns that screw open so you can hide things in them! Come visit!

The Boys are back in town

New wares for the fellas. Is it wrong for me to want more boys entering my booth??
I love the message on this sailor photo:

To Ruth-
With love and deep respect.
Charlie BSN
1932

New Stuff!!!!!!!

I've been super busy these days!!!! Here's what I've been up to:











See more photos on my flickr page!