Dallas Craftivism

Spring Bash Tomorrow

2010-04-30T19:27:00.001-06:00

Spring Bash Tomorrow
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder/HARRILU

Stop by the South Side on Lamar for one amazing shopping experience. Grab a glass of wine, shop over 50 handmade artists, grab a raffle ticket to benefit Operation Kindness,or be one of the lucky 50 to snag a great goody bag!

Check out the details at http://www.handmadebash.com
Tomorrow: Saturday May 1st
11am to 5pm

Should be a great time-- hope to see you there!

Big news for Tara & our friends at House of Dang

2009-07-10T09:01:00.002-06:00

Check out this article on the NBC DFW website!!!! It's all the latest news about Tara's collaboration with Doug and Andy.
CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT IT.

This Weekend: Saturday 2 Great Events

2009-05-15T11:40:00.003-06:00

Spring Bash is this Saturday!!!
1409 South Lamar, Dallas TX 75215
11am-5pm

Come by & shop 50 amazing local artists, craftsmen & designers AND Enjoy:

- Free raffle
- Free goody bags for the first 50 shoppers
- Free Make-&-Take crafts with Girl Scouts Troop 1637
- Bring CASH for shopping and donations benefitting The Family Place .

All the details can also be found:
http://www.etsydallas.com/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -
Hot Rods & Heels

Where: Excuses Cafe, 3025 Main, Dallas

See Sky Girls by Tara Tonini *Tara to the T* and some other great vendors at the largest pin up show in Texas--
Doors open at 4pm

Check out all the details, schedule & more at http://www.hotrodsandheels.com/

TIME TO GET SHOPPING! THIS SATURDAY!!!

2009-04-22T09:11:00.001-06:00

FunkyFinds next weekend in FtWorth
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder

Funky Finds Spring Fling is THIS SATURDAY in Fort Worth-- Will Rogers Memorial Center from 10am to 6pm.

In addition to the Dallas Craft Mafia-- you'll be able to stroll & shop over 100 vendors! A Family Friendly- Pet Friendly show-- they'll even have a food vendor there so you can snack & shop the day away!! They'll be having a really great raffle that supports several local charities-- and be working with the Humane Society to adopt out some pets...

This show is going to be WONDERFUL-- and it is a great way to see a ton of your favorite local indie artists & designers! Come early & get your raffle tickets-- the FIRST 50 people to purchase a raffle ticket will get one of 50 handmade tote bags (made by the DCM-yay) filled to the rim with super gifts & goodies! Definitely worth wayyyy more than the price of a ticket!!

Come by and see us-- a free event that will definitely make it worth the trip out!! Hope to see you there :)

Check Out the Brass Ball This Friday (Tonight!!)

2009-03-13T14:23:00.002-06:00

Our very own Tara to the T has used her magic again to create a unique one of a kind line of accessories that will be featured in the Brass Ball along with Lip Service Friday (tonight) at The Church find more info at www.thechurchdallas.com

Come by and see what the Steampunk movement & style is all about--There will be fashions by LipService, accessories & styling by Tara To the T, music and more..

Support Local Designers in Dallas!

2009-02-23T17:23:00.001-06:00

PinsPostcardBack
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder

The Pin Show, and independant fashion event, is this Thursday at Union Station-- with an after party, too! Come and support local designers, (as well as a few of the Dallas Craft Mafia members-Tara To the T, Enju & Harrilu), who will be showing off their designs!

Its going to be an evening of fun & fashion-- from local designers that span the gammit of style!

Details:
7pm @ Union Station
http://www.thepinshow.com
Tickets on Sale Now! Or, buy them at the door!

Hope to see you there!!

"Stand by your Man" A tribute to Bonnie & Clyde

2009-01-13T16:16:00.005-06:00

We are just blocks west of the Bishop Arts District, and right next door to Mighty Fine Arts. Google maps can make it tricky....so here are directions.

From downtown Dallas, take 30 west exit Sylvin (Main post office exit) take a left onto Sylvin and go up the hill into the cliff. You will cross over Davis and make a Left onto 10th street. Make another left onto Tyler.

Don't forget Free admission and free drinks provided by Sake2me and Red Strip Beer.

THIS WEEKEND: Indie Shopping Experience

2008-12-02T08:10:00.009-06:00

Clear your schedule, grab your wallet & head out for a weekend of amazing indie shopping events this Friday, Saturday & Sunday!

Friday 12/5: "Stand By Your Man "A Tribute to Bonnie & Clyde

Art Meets Fashion in this original show inspired by Bonnie & Clyde

411 Tyler Street, Dallas 75208, 7pm

Check out the amazing hair accessories, hats & of course amazing artwork by this truly dynamic duo: designer Tara Tonini (our beloved Tara To the T)& Artist Joey Seeman. Find out more details on Tara's blog (check out the killer Observer article while you're there) http://taratothet.blogspot.com

Saturday 12/6: Urban Street Bazaar

11am-10pm Bishop Arts District, Dallas

http://urbanstreetbazaar.com

Come by & shop talented artists & designers selling their hand crafted wares! You'll find fashion-forward, modern designed jewelry, accessories, apparel, childrens items, toys, house goods, and more! Definitely a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your list. There will be music, entertainment & a silent auction.

Get all the details, directions, etc at www.urbanstreetbazaar.com

Sunday 12/7: Deck the Halls

Southside on Lamar, Dallas

1409 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215

11 am- 6pm

http://deckthehallsdallas.com

Find even MORE great shopping here-- in addition to indie designers & crafters, you'll find a few local businesses with great merchandise & unique, original style!

Come by for a Santa photo opportunity, childrens craft table, cocktails & a raffle benefitting St. Phillip's School & Community Center.

Get all of the details at http://deckthehallsdallas.com

Girlie Show 2008-this weekend

2008-11-04T14:50:00.001-06:00

Girlie Show 2008-this weekend
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder

http://www.thegirlieshow.net

Come by and see a few of the Dallas Craft Mafia at The Girlie Show this weekend!

We are really excited to be headed up to OKC to see some of our favorite gals and be part of The Girlie Show! It is two days of fun-- shopping, music, eating & more!

Hope to see a few familiar faces there!

Urban Bazaar: This Saturday, October 11th

2008-10-09T16:59:00.003-06:00

Come by and see the DCM at The Bazaar!

The weather will be gorgeous and it should make a great day to be spent shopping & getting to know other local artists!

We'll be in the Bishop Arts District from 10am to 8pm
There are fun restaurants in the area perfect for a day shopping and enjoying the gorgeous fall weather!

hope to see you there!!
http://www.urbanstreetbazaar.com

We are going to be Mentor Madres!!!

2008-10-08T13:31:00.004-06:00

We are so excited about the Art Chicas Unidas program run by our pals over at La Reunion. The Dallas Craft Mafia will be sponsoring a girl for this upcoming art event. Check it out!!!

WHAT IS IT - ART CHICAS UNIDAS
Small teams of high school aged girls will work with professional women artists selected by jury and create one of a kind art works based on materials from our 35 acres site in Oak Cliff. The finished art works will be on display that same evening and all proceeds from sales go back into the Art Chicas Unidas program. What makes this program unique? This year we are working with Deaf Action Center, socio-economically challenged schools as well as girls that are getting the full art experience like at Booker T. We engage all walks of life and backgrounds and introduce new skills and interests, from photography to guitar to encaustic.

We will honor our Mentor Madres this year with your names across our invitational postcard to the reception. Even if you can't make the reception November 8, please support this program today. Download the form and mail or email back. Deadline Oct 18 to be on the card! Don't delay!

Want more info? Check out the la Reunion blog and watch the video http://www.lareuniontx.org/lareuniontx/blog/2008/10/mentor-madres-sponsor-girl-today.html

Our Night at the Museum

2008-10-07T03:05:00.003-06:00

On September 19, 2008 the Dallas Craft Mafia had the privilege of being invited to demonstrate their wicked talents at the Dallas Museum of Arts Late Nights. If you haven't been to the once month event you are missing out. Open till midnight the museum was buzzing with music, family crafts from recycled items, an interactive art exhibit, movies and demonstrations by local artists.

The DCM showed their stuff with sewing, crochet and jewelry making. Julie, Judy and Whitney sewed some sweet treats for the fall with pumpkins and scarves. Jacky crocheted fall inspired wrist bands and Amber created her one of a kind earrings.

It was great to get to talk with people and answer questions and pass out a little advice on how anyone can create their own art. Having children get involved and get inspired was a big bonus for us all.

Interested in going to the next Late Nights at the Dallas Museum of Art? For more info go to: http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/Experience/ID_012952

This Thursday! Halloween Sale At Make!!

2008-09-28T03:18:00.002-06:00

Join us on October 2nd from 6-10pm at Make Studio in the Bishop Arts District for First Thursday & a sale on Dallas Craft Mafia member's merchandise of 15% off! We'll be hanging out, enjoying a few treats and hoping to see some friendly faces!

Make Studio

313 North Bishop Ave

Dallas, TX 75208

(214)256-3061

DCM Halloween Sale!

2008-09-26T16:30:00.003-06:00

The Dallas Craft Mafia will be have a SALE at Make in the Bishop Arts District

Thursday October 2nd, 2008

Come visit us for drinks, snacks and a night full of shopping for unique handmade items. 15% off all DCM members merchandise!

DMA this Friday: Come Spend a Late Night With Us!

2008-09-18T14:17:00.004-06:00

Come spend an evening with us and the Dallas Museum of Art! We'll be there from 9pm-11pm this Friday, Sept 19th on the concourse demonstrating some of the things we can make. We'd love to see some friendly faces and discuss crafting of course!

There will be a ton of fun activities going on at the DMA-- its part of their late nights series.. for all the details, Check out the DMA website
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/Experience/ID_012952

Show Pony Show TOMORROW IN DALLAS!!!

2008-08-16T17:34:00.003-06:00

Don't miss out on some of the best and unique shopping for quality, hand crafted gifts, apparel, accessories, childrens items, art, jewelry, glass work, and more! Tomorrow from 11am to 7pm!!

Its perfect for the whole family! It all happens tomorrow the Continental Lofts in Dallas! Its an inside show-- so you can be sure to be comfortable rain or shine!

3311 Elm Street
Dallas, TX
MAP HERE

Come for the shopping, entertainment and fun interactive craft! Support local Dallas artists and craftsmen.

Shop Over 35 Talented Designers, Craftsmen, and Artists selling their carefully crafted wares
A progressive craft project for you & the kids (FREE!) thanks to Etsy Dallas Street Team
Show Pony Photos Noon - 2pm: Come get your photo with our REAL live Show Pony!
Swing Dance Demonstrations by the fabulous Acme Swing Dance Group
(shows at 11:30 am and 2:30pm and include Skippy's Charleston & Shim Sham)
Incredible Raffle all benefiting La Reunion-- a local charity that supports artists (see more here)
Donate your Old Electronics to LaReunion-- and support their cause
Enjoy the tunes from our guest DJ
Check out the artist installation at the Lofts!

We hope to see you there!

We have a PONY!

2008-07-30T12:41:00.004-06:00

The Show Pony Show will have pictures with the pony from noon-2pm.

Come out for the best in show! Shop all our amazing booths with vendors ranging from pottery, art, jewelry, clothing, kids apparel, screen t-shirts, plush, hats and so much more!

Best of all it takes place in the well air conditioned Continental Lofts.

The Show Pony Show

2008-06-23T16:26:00.004-06:00

Get ready to apply for this summers rock'en handmade shopping event!
We are looking for handmade artist's, designers, crafters and makers of all kinds.

Vendor applications are available now on our blog! http://showponyshow.blogspot.com

You can also keep on top of things though our myspace! http://www.myspace.com/showponyshow

For those who are looking for a great business opportunity, We have several levels of killer sponsorship packages for the event. Visit our blog for all the details.

Or-- checkout our google site here: http://sites.google.com/site/showponyshow/

YAY! DCM & USB in Funky Finds

2008-05-13T10:01:00.002-06:00

Hooray! The Dallas Craft Mafia is mentioned in today's Funky Finds post recapping the Urban Street Bazaar. !! check it out: http://tinyurl.com/5mntj6

Do you Get All the News?

2008-05-12T08:30:00.000-06:00

While it may at times be sporadic, we're getting better at offering more information, news, links and other interesting info in our newsletter! Be sure to sign up for the inside scoop on the Dallas Craft Mafia and all of our events, etc! Here's a sample of our last one--

This Weekend!

2008-05-09T08:15:00.002-06:00

Come see the Dallas Craft Mafia at the Urban Street Bazaar this Saturday starting at 10am! There will be a ton of great items there-- check out more info, map, etc at www.urbanstreetbazaar.com

Hope to see you there!

The Paper Quilt Project

2008-03-05T09:31:00.002-06:00

my paperquilt submission: A day in my life
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder

A few months ago I sent in a submission for an on-going project that I think is pretty amazing-- the Paper Quilt Project. Check out the website for more details:
http://www.freewebs.com/paperquilt
the gallery: http://www.freewebs.com/paperquilt/gallery.htm
or the blog here: http://paperquilt.blogspot.com

For 12 months artists of different backgrounds, countries, etc submitted a small paper collage made of samples sent out by the organizer. This happened from January 2007-December 2007. They had a few days to complete and send back their submission- and each month a different mini quilt was made. The theme was "a day in my life" to give a tiny glimpse of our day via a small paper collage-- I did have fun making it-- I used screenprint, gocco, and collage to complete my sample (shown).

Now that it is being completed, the quilt will be sewn together and auctioned off for charity. I can't wait to see the final quilt. With each submission there was a little interview/questionnaire we had to fill out-- asking a few simple questions but giving a much better look at who each artist was. Reading through them is as interesting and fun to me as it was to be part of the quilt.

I would definitely recommend checking out the site, gallery, and blog. It is a amazing how many different views, looks and ideas were generated from small scraps of paper, and one determined eco-conscious organizer (Dawbis).

Crafting A Success Plan

2008-02-27T15:55:00.003-06:00

Like many other artistic/ crafty people I feel like my mind is going 1000 miles an hour and there are so many wonderful ideas and just not enough time to execute them. I was given this wonderful book by a dear friend and I thought this bit of direction would inspire others to create a success plan for themselves.

The Book:
Handmade for profit!

The Woman:
Barbara Brabec

The Goal:
Put your plans in writing to make them achievable
************************************************************************

**The following is quoted from the Book, Handmade for Profit by Barbara Brabec**

#1 My Dreams & Goals (immediate and long-term)

#2 Money talk (your reasons for working, your income goals, an estimate of how much money you'll need to get started and where you'll get this start-up money)

#3 Time (number of hours you plan to work each week, where you will find them and how you plan to fit everything into your daily schedule)

#4 Business Brainstorming (business names you like, ideas for products you might make, where you will set up a business management corner in your home, what office supplies and equipment you'll need to manage your moneymaking endeavor, how family and friends might help you achieve your goal, etc.)

#5 Production Plan (supplies and materials needed, supply sources you need to locate, how you and others will produce goods for sale, what outside help you might need)

#6 Marketing Plan (how and where you plan to sell everything you make)

********************************************************************

By creating the above template for my business I have found my mind more focused. So I hope that this helps you as well. I have also attached a photo of the book for all of us visual creatures. Go out and purchase the book, I found it worth every penny!

Lovesss!
Tara to the T

KICK-ASS GNOME KISSES

2008-02-21T01:12:00.009-06:00

Hello everybody! So I think these little guys are a great little treat to give for kid's at school or if you are like me I handed them out at work as my Valentine's Day gift. They are perfect especially if you are on a budget. A bag of kisses comes with 54 and lots of the rest of materials most of us probably have lying around the house.
HAVE FUN!

KICK-ASS GNOME KISSES

Here is what you need:

Package of Hershey kisses (I like the multi-colored Holiday packs. For today I used the Easter ones but for Valentine's Day I used the Red and Silver ones)
Package of Garage Sale Labels-The circle kind
Package of 7mm wiggly eyes
Contrast color thread and needle (or elmer's glue)
Hot Glue (or elmer's glue)
Felt (I like a contrast color from the kiss)
8oz Can for circle template
Scissors
Marker for Tracing
Pens

Step 1- Trace circle on felt using 8oz can as template.
Step 2- Cut out circle and cut in half.

Step 3- Cut in half again so you have 4 pieces.

Step 4- I use contrast embroidery thread (same color as kiss) to hand stitch the hat into cone shape. However you can use Elmer's Glue to glue the edges together and secure it with a paperclip while it dries. I just don't have patience for Elmer's Glue.

Step 5- Put Hot Glue (or Elmer's Glue) on inside rim of hat and adhere it to top of kiss. It should fit nice and snug on top.

Step 6- Glue on wiggly eyes.
Step 7- Write message on label and stick to bottom. Voila! Now you have a KICK-ASS GNOME.

Gnomes and Kisses!
-Whitney

Have you read this?

2007-12-18T13:26:00.000-06:00

I was sent this link for an article in the New York Times on the Handmade Consortium- if you have a vested interest in the DIY movement you should take a look at it. (Even if you are not a crafter or maker but just wondered how the whole thing got started you should read this, too.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/magazine/16Crafts-t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&em&en=f6aed7d6861c7a73&ex=1198040400

by the way, have you pledged to have Handmade Holidays at http://www.buyhandmade.org/ ?

and have you checked out What Would Jesus Buy? http://wwjbmovie.com/

Happy Holidaze,

Amber

This Weekend!

2007-11-07T10:12:00.000-06:00

Junius Heights 1st Annual Historic Home Tour and Arts & Crafts Bazaar
This Sunday, 11/11/07

Come see Chromosapien, Enju & Superchica-- And get a jumpstart on your Holiday shopping by supporting local and unique artists! It will be at the Garden Cafe on Junius St., Dallas.
For more information please check out http://www.juniusheights.org/

Stitch Guerrilla Craft Fair & Fashion Show

This Saturday, 11/10/07 in Austin

Harrilu will be at Stitch (booth 408). Come to shop, check out the entertainment and a fashion show by independant designers. The show will be at the Austin Convention Center. Find out all the details at http://www.stitchaustin.com/

Pledge to buy handmade!

2007-10-25T09:41:00.000-06:00

Start off the holidays on a good foot- take the Handmade Pledge! By promising to only buy handmade goods this holiday season, you are not only going to get lots of hugs and kisses from the recipient, you will also support the indie community. Handmade Holidays are the way to go!

You don't know where to buy handmade goods, you say? Start out with these local shows:
*Bishop Arts Hoedown- Thursday, November 1st in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff. contact julie@themakesite.com for more info
*Junius Heights Arts and Crafts Bazaar, November 11th at the Garden Cafe on Junius St., Dallas- coinciding with the Junius Heights Home Tour, come out and meet local artists and do some shopping.
***Hipsters Handmade Holiday Bazaar*** at the Dallas Market Hall on Dec. 1st with love bands, crafts, and demos. www.urbanstreetbazaar.com
*Deck the Halls- being thrown by Armhole and the Texas Tarts, you can't miss this party at the Sons of Hermann Hall on Sun., December 2nd. contact jacky@texastarts.com for info.
*Winter Art Fair- December 8th at the Alex Sanger Elementary School at 8410 San Leandro Dr. Dallas, 75228 call (972)749-7600 for more info.
*of course, you will always find a treasure at the Deep Ellum Sellums which occur every second Saturday of the month on Elm Street in Deep Ellum from 8:30-11:30p.m.

and you can always make your own creations, as well! You don't know how to start? Take a class at Make Studio at 313 N. Bishop Ave. and impress your loved ones! Julie will teach you everything from sewing and silkscreening to jewelrymaking and fused glass!

contact us at dallascraftmafia@yahoo.com for more info.

This has been a crafty PSA from your local Craft Mafia. signing off--

We're Back & Ready For More!

2007-10-19T13:51:00.000-06:00

The Girlie Show was wonderful! I had a ball meeting so many of the Girlies and shopping the show! It was truly a fun show, so well run -- with great music and really quality vendors! We're all gearing up for more great shows over the next couple of months, so stay tuned for more! We'll be toting our wares in and around Dallas, Texas and beyond!

Halloween is just around the corner! We have just started utilizing our etsy shop and have a few seasonal items for sale! Check it out: http://dallascraftmafia.etsy.com/

I love the felt monsters that Superchica made-- really fun and festive decorations that are handmade with Halloween love!

Craft Recipe: Jack-o-Lanterns

There are so many ways to make fun carved pumpkins these days! I am a fanatic when it comes to carving.

First, I draw a design on a piece of paper and hold it up to the pumpkin to trace-- using a pushpin to poke a hole every couple of centimeters so that I can remove my paper and see my design in holes on the pumpkin.

Next, I cut the top making a key-hole shape (it keeps the lid from falling in) at the top and scoop out the insides using a pumpkin scoop or a big serving spoon. When I'm done scooping, I take the pumpkin to the sink and rinse it out-- it gets rid of some of the stringy bits and makes it less sticky to work on. I also try to carve out a flat space for my candle/light. Cut a small hole on the backside of your pumpkin an inch or so down from your top for a vent-- it helps from the top of your pumpkin lid going black!

For the carving, I use pumpkin saws, carving knives, or kitchen knife to cut out my design. Other great things to use are electric drills (they make perfect polka dots!). Another fun thing to do (if you are a carving fool like me) is to use carving tools just to remove part of the pumpkin shell/skin -- it creates a cool glow effect with a lit candle. These do last a lot longer-- but I recommend electric/battery powered candles on these.

To preserve, I use vaseline or petroleum jelly around the cut edges-- it seals it and keeps it from deteriorating so quickly.

Other fun things to add and do: Paint! Add it to a carved pumpkin or use it for a no-carve solution! Great for small children!! I have been known to spray paint or use other acrylic craft paint a pumpkin to match a theme-- from 60's to a disco ball. Think about using glow sticks or strobe lights to fill your pumpkin-- very fun effects! you can also use fake finger nails for teeth or pipe cleaners and styrofoam balls for antennae or crazy eyes! Using other bits of the pumpkin for tongues and eyeballs are easy to! just use a toothpick to secure it to your pumpkin.

We're Girlie Girls!

2007-09-28T10:17:00.000-06:00

The Dallas Craft Mafia will be participating in the 2007 Girlie Show in Oklahoma City! This is a show put on by women for women crafters, but you don't have to be a girl to shop it ;) The show will be on October 12th from 8p.m. to 12a.m., and 13th from 12p.m. to 5 p.m. Come on out and shop and party with us. Support your local craft familia!

Show Pics and thoughts.

2007-09-19T13:44:00.001-06:00

So that was fun! We are so thankful to all of you that came out to see us and support The Dallas Craft Mafia. It was really encouraging to see new faces and get a chance to chat and hang out. Thanks to our guest vendors: Creme Tangerine, Texas Tarts and MH Dog. Rachel McBride provided the Yummiest Vegan cookies!!! Thanks!

We hope you had as much fun as we did and that you'll come see us again soon. Check out our individual websites for updates on shows, sales and new merchandise. The DCM is working hard to become a driving force for Indie Craft in DFW. XOXO Judy

The Trunk Show is This Weekend!

2007-09-05T06:57:00.001-06:00

I have been scurrying around all week getting ready for our Trunk Show this Saturday at Make Studio. We will be showing our wares and having a lot of fun. Come by to register for our raffle, shop or just to meet the Mafia! In addition to Harrilu, Chromosapien, Enju & Superchica (the Mafia), you can meet & shop MHDog, Creme Tangerine and Texas Tarts.

Project Make will also be showing off their creations in a fashion show at 1pm!

Click here for a map to Make Studio

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can get up-to-date info on all our events and news!

It should be a lot of fun-- I hope to see you there!

:) Megan (harrilu)

The website is up!

2007-08-16T23:48:00.000-06:00

Alrighty folks. I'm happy to say that our MySpace page is a GO!

Visit our MySpace!

Add us to your friends list. :)

~Judy

the world needs more good news

2007-08-13T13:10:00.000-06:00

An anonymous person posted a comment asking if we know the date of our Dallas Craft Mafia Trunk Show. Indeed, after much consideration and collective brainstorming, we gals have the dirt on our show! The event will be on Sat., September 8th from 10a.m.-10p.m. at Make Studio in Dallas' historic Oak Cliff. We are starting small and have already selected our vendors: please understand, if you are interested in being a vendor we will have these shows every few months, and applications will be posted the next go-round.

This trunk show will feature the works of Enju, chromosapien, Harrilu, and Superchica, along with a few local guest artists! We will have a Project Make fashion show, so please come out and show support for your local Craft Mafia! Fun will be had by all :)

We have a new website as well! Super Judy of Superchica fame has assembled a mighty fine website. Check it out at http://www.thedallascraftmafia.com/. And please sign up for our monthly newsletter while you're at it.

Cheers,

Amber

Dog Crazy

2007-08-08T06:32:00.000-06:00

Its not too hard to notice that I'm more than a little dog-crazy. I don't have children, so my 2 hairy mutts end up getting the full wrath of my maternal instincts.

In the wake of the huge dog food recall and all of those poor people who lost their furry family members, I have been paying a lot more attention to the ingredients listed in my pet food and their treats. I have found a great source of dog treats that are organic and that my dogs flip for--called TheChocolateLab. She bakes each batch using organic ingredients that are good for my dogs and that are also really creative. She based her ingredients and recipes from what her dog likes and what a vet recommends and approves.

Some of my favorites are Looks Like Lobster tastes Like Chicken and the Jive Turkeys. She features all sorts of recipes-- from the Carob dipped to Pupcakes. Check out http://www.njchocolate.com/ or http://thechocolatelab.etsy.com/ for more information and a full listing of her pet goodies.

I really like that these are organic, and I have also used them for gifts for friends with new pets or for someone brave enough to pet-sit for me.

---Megan (Harrilu)

Art and television.

2007-08-02T08:31:00.000-06:00

Hello fellow crafters and craft lovers. Well, we've entered August and for me that means higher temperatures and less motivation. The craft wheels have to keep turning though and tonight there are 2 great events in Dallas. One is First Thursday in the Bishop Arts District and the other is a trunk show at The House of Dang. If you live in the D, definitely hit one or both. Here's a link to info:
http://www.themakesite.com
http://www.myspace.com/thehouseofdang

Now for something else.... Has anyone stumbled upon the new channel called OvationTV? It's the only network devoted to art and personal creativity with the best of performance, people, art, music and film. So far I've seen a wonderful program about Mark Rothko (one of my favorite painters) and last night I saw a another great show about Degas and his sculpture The Little Dancer. Everyday there is something I'm really interested in. If you have cable or satellite tv you should be getting this channel.
http://www.ovationtv.com

One more thing. Recently my husband and I had a great discussion about art and music and wondered if painting is dead. By that I mean, could it be possible that everything that can be done in the realm of canvas painting has in fact been done? I plan to write an article about this for the DCM newsletter soon. Think on it and share if you like. :)

Enjoy your day.
Superchica

We're putting on a show!!!

2007-07-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

So, the rain has let up a little- just enough for us to get some serious planning done for the fall. We will have our first craft show in September! Yay! I've wanted to host an event for a while now, and who better to have in the group than Super Julie, who has hosted a few big craft shows in Dallas.

We are also working on a new look for our website. We have a logo in the works and a fresh face to be revealed soon!

Rainy Days are for Crafting

2007-06-28T08:41:00.000-06:00

Wow! the rain has been never-ending lately. It just doesn't feel like summer without hearing kids at the pool next door and super sunny days. But, I'm not exactly complaining. I don't miss 100 degree heat and fried foliage.

With all the time indoors, I've spent a bit too much time staring at my house. It's definitely put me in the mood to redecorate my space. So, I recovered a lamp shade and made a couple of cushion covers. Its amazing how the small changes can make such a huge difference!

Recovering a lamp shade is super easy-- here's how I did it:

I used a paper bag and cut it so it was 1 large piece of flat paper (cut out the bottom portion) to make a pattern for the fabric/paper that I wanted to use.
I pulled my lampshade off my lamp-- luckily it is white and pretty plain (if you have pleats, or a designer fabric that would show through, carefully take off that layer, leaving the posts and under layer/lining on the shade).
I started on the bottom left of the paper and carefully rolled the lamp shade, marking the top and bottom with pencil on the paper bag as I rolled -- this shows you the shape and amount of fabric you will need. If you have a big shade, you may need to find a larger piece of paper or tape the bags together to form one piece.
After making it all the way around on the shade, I cut out my pattern that I had made
Using the pattern, I cut about 1/2 inch from the top and bottom of the pattern so that there is fabric to wrap around the top and bottom edges of the shade. I also cut the fabric approx 3/4 inch longer than your template (for a nice clean seam).
Using Fabric glue (You could also use spray mount), I spread small amounts of the glue as I rolled the shade--carefully glue the fabric on, by placing the shade down on one end and rolling it slowly, smoothing out wrinkles and bubbles as I went-- similar to how I created the pattern.
Once I made it all the way around, I folded the fabric onto itself, making a clean neat edge to glue down for your seam.
For the top and bottom, I cut small slits around the edges around the top and bottom and applied more glue to wrap them into the inside of the shade, creating a nice round edge.

That was it! Pretty easy-- takes a bit of time, but much cheaper than a new lampshade, and if I wanted to go further, I could use trim to cover any imperfections I left at the top and bottom rims of the shade.

Being indoors so much has also inspired me. In the last couple of weeks I've been working on new designs that I want to test to print on fabric. It is a bit of a different process than some of the other items I print, but I have a real desire and interest in fabrics and wallpaper and hope that I can experiment with it enough to make a few designs I love. We'll see. I really want something fun and original that would actually turn into something else fun to buy or use.

Fingers crossed the rain stops soon!

Megan

Harrilu
http://www.harrilu.com/

Craft- The Next Generation

2007-06-20T14:15:00.000-06:00

Hello fellow crafters and craft supporters!
What's up this week? Well, speaking for myself I've had a crafty few days and yesterday I had a chance to pass on a little of my craftiness. When you were a kid did you know you were creative? Did someone open your eyes to the world of art and craft? I remember a project that I did in kindergarten. It was very simple really, but I loved it. Our objective was to take a large piece of construction paper and create a collage/mixed media piece using fabric, buttons, pipe cleaners and other little objects. I made a bunny. He was orangey and brown with green and mustard buttons all over. I used a lovely piece of vintage fabric (which at the time was not vintage) to fill his body and pieces of bric-a-brac to outline it. This was a really meaningful project for me (obviously) and to this day I can still see that bunny and somehow I'm still working with vintage fabrics, buttons etc.

A young friend of mine visited me in my studio yesterday. She's only 8 years old, but there is really something special about her. She describes herself as very creative and told me about how she's fascinated with the Mona Lisa. Well, that was just about all I had to hear. I invited her to join me for a few projects and my hope was to give her an outlet to express herself and explore various kinds of crafts. At the end of the day we had made several sculptures and partially completed a little dress and some embroidery. I'll be meeting with her again to complete the projects and I hope that I've been an encouragment to her.

Here's a fun project I came up with when I was about 8 years old....
Work on a metal or glass surface that is non-porous and easy to clean. Using markers (not perm) draw a circle or square onto the surface and fill it in with lots of color but not a specific design. Then squeeze regular white school Glue on top of the colored shape you've just made and using a cotton swap or your finger, mix it all around, but keep it in some sort of circular or squarish shape. You should see the colors from the marker mixing with the glue. The glue should be thick, maybe a 1/4 of an inch. When you're happy with the color you're done. Let it dry overnight and the next morning peel it off and punch a hole in it. You have a cute little pendant. It's a fun project for kids that is easy to wash up with soap and water.

That's all for now. Have a great week.
~Superchica

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a blog.

2007-06-08T11:52:00.000-06:00

Helloooo, Dallas! It is time to get to know your friendly neighborhood crafters. We're five DIY badasses with an agenda. We're all in The Dallas Craft Mafia for a reason: to promote our businesses and thus help each other rise to superstar status in the craft world. (we hope.)

We are also motivated to help those around us. We will hereby promote craftivism as a goal of the DCM- that is, volunteerism through crafting- within the group and beyond. We have selected a few programs with which we will volunteer our time and efforts to make our world a better place :)

We are going to accomplish a lot, and you will see more of us around!

G'day,

Amber

Dallas Craftivism

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Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a blog.

the world needs more good news