Heatherbrook Designs

Hiatus

2009-02-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

This blog is officially on hiatus... the only thing I'm making is formula.

Check out our family blog at aphillyfamily.blogspot.com.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2008-11-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

...Well, no, no it isn't. But, in efforts to not be doing my typical Christmas calisthenics when I'm ROTUND with baby, I can report to you that my cards are made, written, addressed, and sealed. I'm not posting a picture because why ruin the surprise for those of you lucky enough to receive them? LOL

I'm also almost done my Christmas shopping and wrapping. I'm a basketball. Soon, I will be a whale. It has to all get done. LOL

Mini-Albums

2008-09-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about making the jump to digital albums and I've been trying to come up with ways to use up a lot of my paper. I need to desperately scale down my crafting area before the baby comes, so I thought about using paper for more items for the holiday craft sale... hence, these mini chipboard albums.

BT: 12 weeks

2008-08-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

This isn't a crafting post, but it's still awesome:

Baby Thompson (BT) at 12 weeks:

I'm at 17 weeks now and we'll have another ultrasound just three weeks from now! Then, we should know if BT is BBT or BGT.

Mama and Baby

2008-08-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is a really horrible picture - I love this so much more in real life... I've been making a bunch more in different colors and sizes and also started making pregnant mommies!

More to come!

Angel Wings

2008-08-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Thompson

2008-07-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I've just entered the second trimester (whoot) and Baby Thompson has been much on my mind as a creative inspiration. I've abandoned all other pottery projects to create mother and baby statues and I'm loving the way they're coming out. I need to take some photos soon... I promise.

Also, I got some adorable charms out of the kiln last night. They are angel wings and they came out better than I thought they would. I need to take pics of those, too.

I am so behind!

Oh well. I'm pregnant. Leave me alone. I've been busy sleeping. And eating.

Stamping Royalty

2008-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been stamping my little heart out. I've made six cards that I plan to submit to the contest. I can't show pictures here (they can't have been published anywhere), but I'm really happy with them.

Send good thoughts!

Stamping Royalty

2008-05-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

Each year, Paper Crafts magazine hosts a contest to identify the "royalty" of stamping. I've entered the past 2 years, unsuccessfully, but I'm working very hard this year!! I WANT THAT CROWN!

Do you have what it takes to be crowned royalty? Each year since 2004, we’ve inducted the crème de la crème of stampers into a posh society known as Stamping Royalty. This could be your year to reign supreme in your sparkling tiara. Winners will be royally honored with a prize package containing the latest stamping products from some of the hottest manufacturers. The retail value of each prize package totals over $200! Winners will also have the opportunity to be published in the November 2008 issue of Paper Crafts magazine and be put on the Paper Crafts magazine designer list to receive our exclusive call for submissions.

Send creative thoughts my way!

Swarovski Love

2008-05-13T07:50:00.001-07:00

I was inspired to bust out the needle nose pliers to make a necklace for myself because I have a tricky pendant that doesn't hang right on any chains. I'm pleased that I have succeeded! But, feel badly that I forgot to take a picture of it. :(

However, I had such a neat time, that I decided to play with some other things... and I *do* have pictures of those:

Pendants: $20 each
Sets: $26 each

Teaching!

2008-04-10T10:03:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited that I have signed up to teach some work shops at the University City Arts League to teach kids how to make those pendants down there...

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YAY!

I hope people sign up... I've signed up to teach workshops before and didn't have enough people sign up to be able to teach them. I'm crossing my fingers!

Paper Collector

2008-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

More pendants! Using my stash of paper! So, I'm not just a collector and a hoarder, I am a USER.

Of paper. Not narcotics.

Cost: $10 each

Summer can't come soon enough...

2008-03-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

...I mean, look how pale I am?? How ridiculously white I am under harsh lights. It's not nice.

Oh... and here are some of those pendants at long last! :-)

More to come... some funky pendants are baking in the kiln as we speak, and I've also been working on using up scraps of my favorite paper with chipboard to create other pendants...

Cost: $20 each

Porcelain Pendants

2008-03-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been very interested in wearing unique pendants on chokers and I've started making a line of pendants out of porcelain clay at the pottery studio. The first of these have been completed using molds that I press the clay into. I've also started experimenting with some stamps to make unique designs... I've just ordered some leather cords and I can't wait to see them all put together...

I hope they are as cool in person as they are in my head... pics coming when I have them!

Cows on Parade

2008-03-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

I just love these!

These fun little cows will eventually be magnets... once I get to the craft store or hardware store to buy some magnet pieces! But, I thought I'd go ahead and show them to you because I love how they came out.

Mooo.

Goodbye to February

2008-03-03T12:40:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to give another shout out to my friend, Jennifer, over at Jericas Designs for her inspirational challenge about crafting every day for the month of February!

It was a very good month for me of getting things done and I really enjoyed participating in the challenge.

Whoo hoo!

Writing

2008-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry that I don't have any photos to show you. Perhaps, I can get one of me typing. I've been busy writing: mostly in my book, but a little for From the Q (see link somewhere on this page - I'm too lazy to track it down right now).

The book is going well. It's not going super fast (I'm at about 45 pages), but I'm happy with the progress and pieces are starting to make themselves clear to me, which is a real treat. I can't wait for it to be done so I can read it from start to finish, but at the same time, I'm not in a rush. I feel like if I try to hurry through it, I will miss something important.

But, it's going really well.

ANOTHER Treasury

2008-02-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I got another treasury!! Luck is on my side over at Etsy. :-)

This one is a buy and replace and I stocked it full of my favorite sellers:

BNR Beauties!!

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

2008-02-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

I want to wish a very happy birthday to my friend, Rachel, who was celebrating over the weekend!! Wishing you lots of health, happiness, and fun over the next year and always!!

Rachel's birthday gave me an opportunity to try some additional techniques at Color Me Mine - stamping with a light color over a dark one. I was so glad to hear from Rachel that she liked the way it turned out!!

Happy Birthday, Rach!!

Guest Crafter: It runs in the family...

2008-02-07T07:58:00.001-08:00

Today, I want to share some crafting with you that isn't even mine! It's my dad's!!

Dad has a tendency to embrace his hobbies like a choking victim claws the floor. Meaning, he goes WHOLE HOG or he goes home. It's been a long parade: corvettes, scuba equipment and boat, ham radio, golf, Harleys. Now, he's all about cowboys and shooting enthusiast stuff.

A little while ago, he decided to start working on his own leather projects. These ambitions started small and recently have developed into massive undertakings that I am AMAZED he made himself. He dyes the leather, cuts it, sews it, and most incredibly does every bit of the stamped embossing. And no - he does not have a big flower stamp that he presses into the leather. At Christmas, he showed us the flower design in a book of templates. He then pressed into the leather to match it, using etching tools.

This project is his new gun belt or as he says "his new rig." He decided to make something similar to the Roy Rogers version he wore when he was 10. Sadly, that one doesn't fit anymore.

I think that Dad should start making leather purses and then I can market them and together we can put Coach out of business and then I won't have to go work every day. But, in lieu of that master plan, we should at the very least make him an Etsy page.

Finally, a Treasury!

2008-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to get a Treasury on Etsy for eons!! Finally! I am a curator:
Tattoo Life.

Here's a sampling of some of the items in the treasury...

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!

2008-02-05T05:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my parents, who are celebrating an amazing 36 years of marriage!!

My parents live in a little cabin in the woods:

To commemorate their anniversary, I made them this:

In retrospect, I should have added context around the cabin so that it doesn't look so odd that the right side is different (but that's how it is in real life)... oh, well, nothing is perfect I guess.

I hope that they enjoy it!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! xoxoxoxo

February Creative Challenge

2008-02-01T15:19:00.001-08:00

Whoo hoo - Creative Challenge Month!

I will keep updating this post with all my goings-on.

February 1: Today, I listed three items in my Etsy shop and wrote 4 pages in my book.

February 2: 7.50am. This was an early time for creativity... I have to leave shortly for a full day of sorority events, but I got up early enough to have a tiny bit of writing time... just a page today, but every page is one more I won't be writing later.

February 3: 10.51am. Another page. We'll see if I do more later or if I decide to work on some other stuff... but I'm exhausted and feeling the need to rest today. So, I'll be happy with my page.

February 4: 5.04pm. It's Monday and I had dental things today (which were encouraging), but I did manage to think creatively very briefly and wrote an itty bitty amount. I may also make some valentines tonight for Etsy. An idea came to me last night in which I can use my new stamps. :-)

February 5: 11.18am. I am happy to report that last night, I made 5 cards (2 valentine for etsy, 2 st patty's for etsy, 1 st patty's for my aunt) and that this morning, I posted the 4 for sale on my etsy page. Also, happy anniversary, Mom & Dad!

February 6: 1.56pm. Last night, I made some new items for my Etsy shop, which I listed this morning. Also, I contributed an entry to a new blog on movies: From the Q. Tonight, I am going to pottery class... I have an idea for some four leaf clover things and hopefully, I will have cows to glaze.

February 7: 5.51pm. Alas, there were no cows to glaze last night, but I did do some handbuilding, which was fun. Today, I was a major stressball at work, but did manage to write about 2.5 pages for the book... so, that's a little something on a bad day.

February 8: 9.55am. Yesterday, I had a rough day followed by a fun happy hour, but in between managed to write 2.5 pages. Whew! Oh - and the night before, I made valentines and candles to take over to Vix today. I need to stop by the hardware store in a bit to pick up the felt circles to finish off some coaster sets to take over, too!

February 10: 7.42am. I had a very nice, relaxing weekend (much needed). I went to happy hour, saw a play, went to the gym, watched a movie, watched TV, finished a good book! I did get in a little creative time (although not much to be honest). On Saturday, I picked up the necessary felt circles to complete another set of coasters and then walked over to Vix to drop off 4 sets of coasters, 4 valentines, and 3 candles. When I got there, Emily told me that all my stuff (except for 1 coaster set and 1 candle) had sold! Yesterday, after I watched a movie on DVD, I did some creative writing with a blog post on From the Q about it. As I said, just a little this weekend. But, it was a nice weekend, so I'm not complaining.

February 12: 10.50am. Yesterday, was out of hand. I had an all day meeting and I didn't get home until almost 7pm. I had a conference call that went from 9pm - 10.10pm. I was utterly un-crafty feeling last night. If it weren't for the freakin' challenge, I would have just slept the sleep of the righteous without having to break out glue. But, since it was the challenge, I did craft a little: altering another of those journals. Ironically, I ended up really liking it a lot and wouldn't have made it if I didn't have to do so. Maybe I'll post a picture of it later....

February 13: 4.58pm. Yesterday and today, I am pleased to report that I wrote a bit in my book and that I am up to 41 pages.

February 16: 6.23pm. Busy, busy with all the fabulous Valentine's celebrating!! On V-day itself, I created an Etsy treasury and that was about all I had time for: I worked non stop and then Ed and I went out... On Friday, we went out again for a FABulous dinner at Waterworks, but I did manage to get a small amount of writing done. Got a bit done just now, too. I love the character I just introduced. Most of the characters don't spend a lot of time with the heroine, but I want them to stand out and this one definitely did.

February 19: 10.23am. Sunday, I had another busy day, but I started it off with some writing, which was very cool. Yesterday, I worked on scrapbook pages for the alumnae chapter scrapbook. Last night, I actually got an idea for another book (I know, I know - I need to finish this one first!). So, this morning, I wrote out an outline for it, so I wouldn't lose anything. It will be called "Waiting for Michelle." I still need a title for the one I'm working on now. None of the ones I come up with seem to fit.

February 22: 8.52am. Good morning!! Let's see... on Wednesday, I went to pottery where I made some tiles and glazed some tiles. Last night, I did 4 scrapbook pages!

February 23: 11.17am. Snow day yesterday, so I left work early! Yay!! No desire to craft, though. I made myself alter a journal so that I wouldn't slack off, though. :-). Today, I wrote a page and a half in my book and a new blog entry for From the Q.

February 25: 2.40pm. Wrote a bit yesterday, wrote a bit today... I'd like to have more time to devote to writing. I need a laptop.

March 3: 3.39pm. For the last few days of February: did some writing on the 27 and 28 and made a card for Lucinda on the 29th.

Crafting for a Cause

2008-02-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been working my little fingers to the bone on a series of scrapbooks that I am donating to 5 upcoming auction events that benefit the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. These are pre-decorated albums with spots for photos and journaling. The winning bidder just has to add her own!

Find more photos like this on Indiepublic

Jennifer's Meditation - a Challenge

2008-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jennifer, over at Jericas Designs has issued a fabulous challenge for the month of February. I encourage you to check it out here: Meditation on Crafting, but the long and short of it is a challenge to do something creative every single day in the month of February. This could be as simple as sketching out ideas for something or writing in your journal, or could be as involved and complicated as you want.

These are my creative goals for the month:

1) Work on my book
2) Catch up on my personal scrapbooking
3) Work on my historian project for the alumnae chapter
4) Make cards or other small paper crafts
5) Make or list items for my Etsy shop
6) Attend pottery class

Won't you play, too?

DIY Revolution

2008-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

I don't feel like blogging.

Here.

Go read some stuff.

BBC News Article on Online Craftiness

Paper Hoarder

2008-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

I love patterned paper. I am the only person I know who requires a rack to keep paper organized by color and it's still over flowing and not organized. My name is Heather and I am a paper hoarder.

So, I decided to work on some new objects for my near-empty little Etsy shop that would allow me to play with patterned paper and miscellaneous embellishments from my stash... you know, the extras in a package left over after I used specific items for a scrapbook page or something.

I got some blank journals and started decorating my little heart out...

As a result of all my busy-ness, I have received a complaint: My husband believes that there are tiny scraps of paper that are invisible to the naked eye on his side of the bed and they attack him in the night. That's the price of art, though. What can you do?

Have your cake and craft it, too

2008-01-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

So, last Saturday, I was feeling very lazy and didn't really feel like taking off my PJs, so I spent a couple of hours chilling with my Pooh blanket and Saturday morning TV. Of course, there is no more Scooby Doo and the gang and much of the programming for children is weird (ie. the cartoon "Horseland" which made no sense at all).

However, I was very taken by the show, "Cake" with its show-within-a-show format. Here's the short of it: Cake is a girl with some friends and her own TV show (I'm assuming a cable access thing like "Wayne's World") called "CakeTV" and on this show, she makes crafts.

Crafts.
She's like Martha Stewart for girls with hot pink cell phones. I couldn't look away.

CakeTV

I haven't really been crafting lately...

2008-01-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

...but I've been thinking about it.

I recently agreed to make a series of custom-designed scrapbooks to donate as auction items at upcoming events for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. So, I started looking around to see what's new in the world as I shopped for some albums... and I stumbled across these:

Are these the coolest things you've ever seen or what?? I can totally picture one of the albums as this super hip rock girl album that I will be fighting with myself over because I'll desperately want to keep it.

Not exactly a recap on holiday crafts

2008-01-02T08:58:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Regretfully, I can't really offer you an update on any of the holiday crafting sales I was involved with. My car accident on 12/13 prevented me from being involved with the end of the UCAL sale or from attending the holiday shopping party held by Vix.

However, I thought it was really cool to note that www.buyhandmade.org had 11,227 people who pledged to "buy handmade" this holiday season. Since the news was saying that retail sales were down this year, maybe that means those pledges meant something.

In any case, wishing you all a very happy 2008!

Color Me Mine... after

2007-12-17T17:22:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to see the way my cookie plate looked after it was fired! Color Me Mine was definitely a terrific outing - well worth my time and money. I made this fantastic (if I do say) plate to use for future Christmases and this ornament to commemorate our wedding day:

In other news, this has been a very rocky week for me. Last Thursday, I was struck by a car when I was crossing the street. My cuts and bruises are healing pretty well, but my teeth are a mess. I just thank God that it wasn't worse and I look forward to being able to chew food again sometime in the new year. Argh.

UCAL Sale Photos

2007-12-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

I took some photos the other night at the UCAL sale and I'm really happy with the way they turned out. I'm really pleased with the layout of the sale and the fantastic items that people have made this year. For example, Trina made a whole series of bird houses and some new, beautiful mirrors. They look like quilts! She also made these gorgeous pillows again this year.

This year, Jennifer (Jericas Designs) made a new series of jewelry pieces with semi precious stones and gorgeous pendants...

...In addition to her old favorites.

Of course, we also have tons of ornaments, pottery, and so much more!

I do wish I had taken photos at the opening, though... This little display of coasters would have been a little bigger! Always a good problem to have - when things sell faster than you can photograph them!

Overall, it's a really good sale... I just wish that the crowds were coming out... it's been a slow sale so far. So, if you live in the Philadelphia area, stop on by: 4226 Spruce Street!

Crafting on the Go

2007-12-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

The opening of the UCAL sale went very well! We were really busy and the crowd was good... of course, it's always a bit stressful, too, because there is so much going on and I was so busy! So, it was very nice to have some relaxing crafting time in a different environment on Saturday. My alumnae chapter has long talked about visiting a local Color Me Mine branch to "paint our own pottery" and finally did it this weekend.

Although we're not making the pieces ourselves, it's still a very creative process. You select a piece (sizes ranging from small ornaments to piggy banks to huge platters and much more) and then your color palette of under glazes and then get to work! They have stencils and foam stamps and all sorts of cool things to use.

I realized when I was there that it's such a stress reliever to sit and paint things and focus closely on that... I guess it just lets your brain sort out other things on its own while you're busy. Or something.

In any case, the prices are very reasonable (just a $10 base for under glazes, glazing, firing, and using all their stuff) and then you pay by the piece. They fire things on such a reliable schedule that your pieces are done a week from when you painted them.

So, these are the before firing pictures... next week, I'll share the after!

PS. I know I owe pictures of the UCAL sale - I need to get on that!

Just a reminder: UCAL Holiday Craft Show opens TOMORROW

2007-12-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast this year has gone! Already, it's time for the University City Arts League holiday craft show and sale.

The opening is TOMORROW from 5.30p - 7.30p. It's a West Philly tradition, so come on out!!

For a glimpse of what awaits you... some photos from last year's show...

My Loot at Vix Emporium

2007-12-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to see that Emily at Vix Emporium had taken some photos of the store once it was filled with fabulous crafty goodness!

I was even more excited to see that there was a picture featuring MY fabulous crafty goodness!

It's a little hard to make out, but look at the second shelf... there are candles wrapped in cellophane (mine!), little boxes that were painted and decoupaged (mine!) Even harder to see: on the third shelf toward the back, there are handstamped "thirsty" coasters (mine!).

The University City Arts League Holiday Sale - Opening 12/7

2007-11-30T06:51:00.001-08:00

It's so hard for me to believe that another holiday season is upon us! A week from tonight, the University City Arts League (UCAL) is hosting the opening of our annual holiday sale! I love participating in the UCAL sale each year. It's a great opportunity to see what other crafty people have been up to all year and to buy some handmade gifts for the holidays.

This year, I will be selling cards, candles, pottery, clay ornaments, hand stamped "thirsty" coasters, as well as a new item this year: chipboard ornaments that I have designed and decorated with paper, ink, embossing, stamps, and ribbon. I'm loving these new ornaments as they are very bright and festive and not heavy - these babies won't be breaking any branches and they also make great tags for gifts!

There will also be a ton of pottery on sale - all made right in the UCAL basement - as well as lots of jewelry (my buddy, Jericas Designs will be out in force) . It's always a great way to kick off the holiday shopping scene if you haven't started your shopping... or for those of you who have finished shopping for others, it's a great time to pick up something for yourself.

Important info:

The sale will kick off with a grand opening in the UCAL gallery on Friday, December 7, 2007, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Visitors will have a chance to meet the artists who teach and take classes at the Arts League and whose work will be available for sale.

The sale runs until December 18, 2007. Regular sale hours will begin on Saturday, December 8, 2007, as follows: Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm to 5:30pm and Monday through Friday from 4:00pm to 9:30pm. UCAL is located at 4226 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

More info about UCAL:

In 1965, a handful of West Philadelphia artists, art collectors and students of the arts got together to form the University City Arts League in a modest Victorian twin at 4226 Spruce Street. Today, some 4,000 students each year, from tots through teens and all the way to senior citizens take painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, quilting, pottery, music, dance, screen writing and foreign languages...to name just a few of the 70 classes that are offered each term. And that's not even counting the baker's dozen of one-time workshops held on weekends, ranging from belly-dance veil techniques to conquering the piles of paper in your otherwise artistic home.

http://www.ucartsleague.org

Oh the weather outside is... not quite winter

2007-11-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

So after much avoidance on my part, I finally started my personal holiday cards this weekend. You will be pleased to know that no one was harmed during the construction of these cards and that I still have all my fingers. It took me a long time to get motivated to start my cards this year... maybe because I was feeling itimidated - I always end up sending at least 100 cards and I sort of feel like, "man, i just DID this" what with the wedding invitations earlier this year. Plus, it doesn't feel like winter outside (hence the title of this entry). And plus, I bought new stamps for this year's card and then just couldn't wrap my head around what I wanted to do... but, then it all came together and now I *love* them!! I can't post a picture here because I don't want to ruin anyone's holiday joy, but I am seriously happy... they are very simple cards, but I think very pretty and the fact that I haven't designed the Mt. Rushmore of Santa greetings YET AGAIN makes me feel very relaxed. And I need that, people, I really do. I mean, this is the same woman who almost took of her own finger last week making Christmas ornaments. Clearly, I need to take a break from the over exertion.

Crafting 911

2007-11-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my.

Have you ever used a Crop-a-dile? It's an amazing little tool. It has two heavy duty hole punches and a silent eyelet setter all on one tool. One squeeze and everything compresses. If I had more hands, I could punch two holes and set an eyelet all at one time. Since I just have the two hands, though, I was able to punch one hole and attempt to set an invisible eyelet into my left pinky finger.

I think it should be impossible for a person to injure herself so badly so quickly and so silently. It immediately raised into a HUGE bruise and thank God that the skin broke and bled, otherwise I was on my way to a very bad situation, I think.

This sucks.

When buying homemade gifts, tack on a little extra for Neosporin, will you?

Vix Emporium - OPEN for business!

2007-11-18T06:06:00.001-08:00

Last night, my crafty friend Jennifer* and I went to the grand opening of Vix Emporium in West Philly. It was a very nice time: good crowd, yummy snacks, beers for those interested in imbibing. I tried to take some photos for you good people but then realized my batteries were dead. :-(

In any case, the store looks great and I love the way my stuff is being presented. AND while we were there, I was lucky enough to see one of my pieces get sold. That's always a nice feeling!

If you live in Philly, be sure to check out Vix Emporium at 5009 Baltimore Avenue. Fabulous handmade items at very reasonable prices... And if you need inspiration, it's diagonally across the street from the Dock Street brew pub, which we visited as well. Also reasonable prices, but no handmade crafts. Except beer. :-)

*She of Jericas Designs... link over there on the right.

Last Minute Gift Countdown

2007-11-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

I think this is a really cool idea... this blog: http://www.cottonspice.com/CSblog/ is hosting a two week "Last Minute Gift Countdown." On each day between November 5-17, a different crafter will provide instructions on making a different handmade gift.

Here is the list of participating designers in order of their appearance on the blog:

November 5 - Tracy Souza from Plumcute Designs http://www.plumcutedesigns.typepad.com/http://www.plumcutedesigns.com/
November 6 - Susan Brubaker Knapp from wwwbluemoonriver.blogspot.com/ and her website is http://www.bluemoonriver.com/
November 7 - Tammy Harrison from http://www.quilttherapy.com/ and her website is http://www.quiltalicious.com/
November 8 - Helen Stubbings from www.helenstubbings.blogspot.com/ and her website is http://www.hugsnkisses.net/
November 9 - Alex from http://moonstitches.typepad.com/moonstitches/
November 10 - Lei from My Many Colored Days
November 11 - Beki from Atsy-Crafty Babe
November 12 - Tammy Harrison from http://www.quilttherapy.com/ and her website is http://www.quiltalicious.com/
November 13 - Karen Gass from Cotton Spice
November 14 - Nancy Flynn from http://belleepoquewhimsy.com/
November 15 - Tammy Harrison from http://www.quilttherapy.com/ and her website is http://www.quiltalicious.com/
November 16 - Karyn Weir from Karyn Weir www.trailmixdesigns.blogspot.com
November 17 - TBA

Crafting Diva

2007-11-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have been a mad little crafting monkey lately! With the opening of Vix Emporium coming up on Saturday, I had to bust a move to get my stuff done... and while I was busy, figured I should make double the goods for the upcoming holiday sale at the University City Arts League.

I've been making stone coasters, stamped candles (some neat new designs this year which I'm very excited about) and packs of cards... in fact, I was so behind yesterday that I had Ed cutting and gluing. I can report to you that he has lots of enthusiasm, but isn't the best glue-er. :-)

We did take a break for some extracurricular fun this weekend, though, at a friend's wedding. I sort of wish we hadn't felt compelled to drink every alcoholic beverage in the city of Philadelphia, but we did have a very good time!

Go Portland!

2007-11-12T08:07:00.001-08:00

How cool is this??
I love this idea of informing the community about the work of local crafters.
Awesome stuff!

Handmade Holiday Alert links shoppers, makers
Friday, November 09, 2007

In an effort to help Portlanders support local micro-businesses, DIY Alert has launched a limited-run e-mail newsletter called the Handmade Holiday Alert.

"Portland has such a talented community of makers," says DIY Alert 's founder, Diane Gilleland, "and many of them earn part of their living from their handmade work. We wanted to provide these artists and crafters with better exposure to holiday shoppers."

The Handmade Holiday Alert will be sent to over 700 subscribers each Friday through Dec. 21. Each issue introduces five local makers, and tells stories about their work. Subscriptions are free, and available at www.diyalert.com/user/register.

"This is a very personal approach," says Gilleland. "We're trying to help shoppers understand that they're buying from real people - fellow Portlanders. We want everyone to see the positive impact they can have by shopping locally for holiday gifts - not to mention, see the amazing variety of stuff out there."

The Handmade Holiday Alert also encourages shoppers to buy handmade gifts rather than mass-produced ones this season.

"Handmade things are so much more personal and special," says Gilleland. "Why give another factory-made gadget, one of millions in existence, when you can give a one-of-a-kind scarf or handbag - something with a story behind it?"

DIY Alert is an online hub for Portland artists and crafters, offering a managed calendar of creative events around the city. The website regularly profiles local artists and crafters, and offers reviews of local creative spots. DIY Alert is perhaps best known for its Crafty Google Map of Portland. (http://www.diyalert.com/Crafty_Portland_Map).

Gilleland also is the founder of the popular monthly Church of Craft gatherings held at the downtown Portland Multnomah County Library.

The Hillsboro Argus - http://www.oregonlive.com/living/argus/index.ssf?/base/lifestyle/119463797386780.xml&coll=6

Topiaries in the mist

2007-11-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to share with you all the things I prepared for my wedding... I made everything from the invitations to the programs to the centerpieces to the favors! Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of the favors, but the rest is here... :-)

Is it true that crafts are not for the younger generation?

2007-11-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article today about the holiday season being such a busy time of the year for artists and crafters and was saddened to read that many of the crafters interviewed explained that their sales have gone down in recent years. They postulate that the reason for the change is that the younger generation doesn't value handmade crafts or going to craft shows.

I just don't get that.

"My generation and younger didn't grow up going to craft fairs," Ventrella said. "It's not something many young people do."

Personally, I've always enjoyed craft fairs because I find it so interesting to see what other people like to craft. It just seems that there are so many cool things that you can make that I've never even thought of... and I consider myself a pretty crafty gal.

I think, too, that I'm just getting to a point in my life where I have a whole lot of stuff. Do I need another sweater from the Gap or another gift card I'll forget to use? I really don't. But, I do appreciate the work of others and being able to say "oh, you like this bracelet? A friend of mine made it" or "oh, I bought it at the holiday craft sale" or whatever.

And when it comes to it, I guess I'd rather give my $20 to a crafter than to Wal-mart.

In any case, here is the article if you are interested:
http://hazelwood-bridgetonjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/11/07/news/sj2tn20071106-1107hzw_crafts_1.ii1.txt

And all you youngsters: stop shopping at Urban Outfitters. It's overpriced and badly made. If you want something that looks handmade or vintage, why not just buy the real thing?

Psssttt...

2007-11-06T14:47:00.001-08:00

...I've set up an itty bitty Etsy shop!

Itty bitty because there is only one item in it right now!

You can check out the link over there on the right... and hopefully, there will be more to come in my shop!

I'm encouraged by the fact that I just "opened" for business and 4 people have already visited my shop. I know, I know. 4 people... practically a mob scene. But, we start small and then envision great things.

Truthfully, I don't know how well stocked the Etsy shop will be before the holidays. Between Vix and the upcoming craft sale at the University City Arts League, most of my stuff is being directed somewhere already. But, I thought that starting a spot over at Etsy would make me feel more legitimate in a way... and maybe that will inspire me to just craft every waking hour. LOL

Sharing the love

2007-11-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

http://jericasdesigns.blogspot.com/

Check out my friend, Jennifer, over at Jericas Designs. She makes fabulous jewelry - including my wedding jewelry...

Go over to her page (now, I'll wait)...

....
....

Did you see the bride in the slide show? THAT WAS ME.

:-)

Seriously, Jen's stuff is awesome - check her out!

Vix Emporium

2007-11-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that my work will be featured in the new shop, Vix Emporium, at 50th and Baltimore*.

Vix will be opening to the public on November 17th (5p - 10p) with a grand opening event! If you are in the Philadelphia area, you might want to stop by... if you are in the Philadelphia area and are my friend, perhaps you'd like to grab a beer with the hubby and I after shopping. :-)

* Philadelphians may remember Mia Lou, which formerly occupied that space. My work was featured there as well.

A new venture - the Heatherbrook Designs blog

2007-11-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I have floated across the internet... LiveJournal, Two Peas, My Space, A Cherry. I have been adrift on the seas of HTML, encountering irate crafters, pirates of vulgarity, and so many other joys to behold.

In an attempt to ground myself in my own creativity and truly get my ducks in a row with Heatherbrook, I am starting this new blog with the best of intentions. I intend to actually update it! Even a year from now. The saints preserve us.

This will work best if people comment and communicate with me... so feel free to tell me what you like, what you hate, and how you think the Democrats will do in '08.

Cheers.