Have you heard? Etsy interviews New Duds

Etsy interviewed VT's own Torrey and Tessa of NewDuds and hannapt for their spotlight called Quit Your Day Job: New Duds.

Torrey and Tessa are also past Queen City Craft Bazaar vendors!

Have you heard? Recycling Looks Up

Moe O’Hara photo by: Matthew Thorsen

Read about the upswing of recycling by several local crafters in Recycling Looks Up this week in Seven Days.

Shop Local: urban-farmgirl

Hippie boots by Burlington local urban-farmgirl.

Seriously now. Could these boots get any cuter?

Shop Local: Bella Buckles

I found these sweet belt buckles today on Etsy from this VT crafter. Bella Buckles are one of a kind designs made from recycled materials.

More VT craftiness in the paper

Tie One On
In this weeks Seven Days read about how aprons are making a comeback and how a few VT indie crafters are leading the pack designing them.

Also from Seven Days Stuck in Vermont Eva gives us a sneak peak into what it's like being VT indie designer Ava Bishop.

Craft with the band w/ Jack Talcum of Dead Milkmen fame at The Bobbin

Twitter

I have been on Twitter for quite some time now at twitter.com/rockergirrl Tweeting everything from my gardening, cooking, crafting and about Queen City Craft. I have decided to make a separate account just for Queen City Craft. Join me.


Follow Queen City Craft

The Bulleting Board: i heart handmade summer virtual market

Registration for I HEART HANDMADE SUMMER Virtual Arts & Crafts Show is open May 15 - June 5, 2009.

Register NOW

Burlington on Design*Sponge

Our lovely Queen City has had the privilege of being featured on the amazingly delicious Design*Sponge!

Thank you !

Small City Guide - Burlington VT: Part 1

Meet the Makers: Part 2

Have you heard? Pop Goes Crochet

Vickie Howell's Pop Goes Crochet!: 36 Projects Inspired by Icons of Popular Culture is now available. I can't wait to get this book!

The Bulletin Board: Winooski vendor opportunities

Two great vendor opportunities in Winooski.

The Winooski Farmer's Market is still accepting applications for craft vendors. The Winooski Farmer's Market Begins Thursdays, June 4 and runs through October 15, Thursdays from 3:30-6:30pm in front of the Champlain Mill. Click here for more info

Winooski Riverwalk Festival is also accepting applications for craft vendors.
Friday, June 26, 4pm–Fireworks (rain or shine) Click here for more info

Show reviews

Happy Monday!

I am tickled with joy over two reviews of the show from these wonderful blogs. Not only am I happy for the great reviews, but also because I have found two new indie craft blogs to love.

Thank you Sarah and Missy!

Paper + Stitch

Cloth, Paper, Stitches

Show Recap

The show is over and I am exhausted! In my eyes it was a huge success. Despite the rainy weather we had a steady flow of customers all day long. The customers loved the selection of vendors. I had one customer tell me her husband wouldn't come with her because he said it would be just another boring "grandma craft show". She said she couldn't wait to go home and tell him how wrong he was. It seemed like I hit my goal of delivering a show with high energy, creativity, and uniqueness. The customers seemed very pleased.

All in all the vendors felt a bit of the crunch of the economy. The general word was that people were buying but they were buying smaller ticket items. In my opinion this was expected. We all know how the economy has changed our buying habits. I know when I was planning my booth for the show I made a choice to have many lower cost items. I believe other vendors did the same.

One thing I want the vendors to know or anyone else out there looking to start doing craft shows is to know important to know the show you are applying for. Check out the info and background of each show. Look at he past vendor list to see how your work compares. It is important to try and match your style to a show you think might be a good fit. Style and price is important. The other important piece to remember is that some days you have good shows and some days you have bad.

To me a successful show isn't always about how much money you bring in. I did pretty decent at yesterdays show but it certainly wasn't my best day money wise. I did however make a few contacts that I hope to bring about exciting business opportunities in the near future. Sure we all want to make money at these shows but remember it is also a marketing tool for your business. You should be able to walk away from each show you do and learn something.

Thank you to all the wonderful vendors who participated in the show this year. I really appreciate the support.

Thank you to all the customers who came down to shop for the day. Your business and feedback about the show is so much appreciated.

Here are some pictures of around the show. Click on anyone to see the whole photo set.

www.flickr.com subsixstudios' Queen City Craft Bazaar Spring 09 photoset

Queen City Craft Bazaar is here!

Come on down on Saturday May 9th to Union Station for the Queen City Craft Bazaar! Over 40 vendors will be selling amazing handmade products. Get a last minute Mothers Day gift or treat yourself. Free admission and Free parking! See you on Saturday!

Even more sneak peeks

Here is another look at some of the wonderful products being sold at the Queen City Craft Bazaar on Saturday. Come by for a closer look. All images click through to the crafters website.

More crafter product sneak peeks . . .

Here are a few more product sneak peeks from the vendors you will see on Saturday. All images click through to the crafters website.

Preview

Check out a sampling of some of the exciting products you will find at the Queen City Craft Bazaar this Saturday from 10-5 at Union Station in Burlington. There will be over 40 indie crafters. Here are just a few pics of some of their work. All pictures have click through links to the vendors website.

See you in a few days!

Save the date!

Ad comes out in Seven Days tomorrow and will run for the next three weeks. Look for it.

Queen City Craft Bazaar Vendor List

The vendor list for the Queen City Craft Bazaar has been finalized. There are over 40 amazing vendors who will fill the top and bottom floor of the train station at 1 Main St. Check out there work and then come support a fun day of indie craft on May 9th.

danmade ceramics
db's tees
Woollymama Fiber Arts
Amanda Ferland
ReArt
Bazis Studios
Bella Bueno Jewelry
Claudia Venon
Donna Ellery
The Crafty Hedgehog
elm-bellishments
Esther Sullivan Design
George Breisch Gonzalez
Gina Mauro
Big Girl Company
The Bobbin Sew Bar + Craft Lounge
Jamilary
Jennifer Kahn
Jess Graham Studio
Jesse Danger
Happy Fantastic Designs
Petuniabutt Designs
May Day Studio
Kimiko Yumoto
LindseyLu
The Fuzzy Bunny
Mannybeads
Inner Wolf Batik
Clean City Soap
Ori Jewelry
Bianchi Street Studio
Mountain Ash Design
Sarah Russell Pottery
Sarah Ryan Studio
Stacie Mincher Designs
Rivulette
Tabbatha Henry
With Our Hands
New Duds
Alchemic Designs
Birdie Handmade
Subsixstudios
Jen Wagner
made by moe

Sponsorship info

Sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Please email me at queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com if you would like to discuss any of these options.
-Kacey

1. Full business sponsorship $175 includes:
-Logo with link on www.queencitycraft.com for 6 months 125x125 ad spot
-Thank you listing with logo and link on www.queencitycraft.com
-Logo in Seven Days ad which will run for three weeks before the show
-Opportunity to hang your business banner at the event.

2. Website sponsorship opportunities

Level 1 $50.00
-125x125 ad spot with link on www.queencitycraft.com for 6 months
-Sponsor thank you listing with logo and link on www.queencitycraft.com

Level 2 $10.00 pay per month
-125x125 ad spot with link on www.queencitycraft.com for 1 month

Queen City Craft Bazaar Vendor Update

Applications for the Queen City Craft Bazaar are no longer being accepted.

Thanks to everyone who applied!

The final vendor list is being created today and notifications will go out by tonight.

The Bulletin Board: Stowe Street Arts Festival

Waterbury, Vermont celebrates the Stowe Street Arts Festival on July 18, 2009!

Reserve your spot now to show, share and sell your work at this fun, welcoming and well-attended annual event. We're taking the arts literally and all inclusive: we'll celebrate all the arts, from culinary to visual and everything in between. Come and enjoy the day!

Here’s what you need to know:

• When: Saturday, July 18, 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine

• Where: Historic Stowe Street in the heart of downtown Waterbury. The street is closed to vehicles on the day of the festival. Waterbury is 10 miles from Stowe, Montpelier and Waitsfield, 25 miles from Burlington.

• What: The festival consists of artist exhibitions, live music, dance performances, art and culinary demonstrations and a community arts parade.

• How: Be a part of the Stowe Street Arts Festival – click here for artist registration form and fee information. Discount for early-bird registration - April 1. Musical and performance artists are invited to request stage time – email ssaf@revitalizingwaterbury.org with the details of your proposed performance.

• Why: The Waterbury community values the arts and artists, and we want to make July 18 a day for all of us to celebrate the artists in our midst!

If you have questions please contact Elissa Campbell at 802-229-1342 or ssaf@revitalizingwaterbury.org

Revitalizing Waterbury hopes you will join our celebration on July 18. We want you in Waterbury!

Calling all indie crafters!

The application deadline for the spring Queen City Craft Bazaar has been extended to Monday March 30th.

Announcements will be made starting after Tuesday March 31st.

Online Eco Show

I heart handmade is now accepting applications for exhibitors for the I *HEART* HANDMADE ONLINE ECO-SHOW, presented by American Craft Guide. Please note this is an ONLINE craft show. The ECO-SHOW will run from April 15-29, 2009. Apply now!

Visit their site for all the details.

Looking for sponsors

Queen City Craft is looking for sponsors. If you are a VT business or crafter who would like to advertise with Queen City Craft we currently have two options.

Web ads
$10 montly rates for 125 x 125 square ad displayed on the right side of the website.

Queen City Craft Bazaar Sponsors for May 9th event
If you would like to be a sponsor of the Spring Queen City Craft Bazaar you would get your name and logo listed on our website, in our Seven Days ads, and the option to hang a banner at our event on May 9th at Union Station. Contact Kacey for pricing.

contact kacey@subsixstudios.com if interested in either option.

Vendor application

Vendor applications are no longer being accepted. Thanks to all who applied. Notifications will be going out by Tuesday night 3/31.


Welcome to the Spring edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar!
The event will be held at Union Station at One Main Street on Saturday May 9th from 10-5pm. More detailed vendor info will be available once the vendor list is established.

This is a juried show. All vendors must send in an application to be reviewed by the deadline set below in order to be considered. Given the high number of applicants and few spots, late applications will not be accepted. Vendors will be contacted with the status of their applications the week of 3/23. Payment does not need to be sent in until you have been notified of your acceptance.
We are offering two levels for vendors. Bottom floor in the main train station room is $50. Top floor which is on street level at One Main Street is $40. There will only be approximately 14 top floor spaces available and approximately 25 downstairs. The final floor plan is being worked on now.

Application deadline is: Extended to Monday March 30
We will notify vendors: after March 31
Vendor fees if accepted will be due no later than: 4/15*
*Due to the cost of advertising and event space your space will not be held if payment is not received by the deadline.
Vendor spaces will be: 6ft x 4 ft.

Please send the following info to queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com no later than 3/30
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Application begins here:

Vendor Name:

What level are you requesting? Top floor is $40 / bottom floor is $50:

Business Name:

Address:

Phone #:

Email:
Website:

If you are sharing a booth, who are you sharing it with? (both people still need to apply)

What types of products do you make?

What is the price range of your merchandise?

Are there any special space needs that you have? *please note we will do all we can to accommodate special needs but we cannot guarantee it.

Where did you hear about the Queen City Craft Bazaar?

If you don’t have a website/etsy shop/flickr account/ blog that shows pictures of your work, please send up to five pictures to queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com
Make sure that these pictures are small files and are jpeg format.


Thanks and good luck!

Crafter Spotlight - Emily Stoneking

I am pleased to showcase the incredible talents of Emily Stoneking. Although we have yet to meet in person I have been an admirer of her work and her blog for a long time. I am thrilled to share her talents with you all. enjoy.

Emily Stoneking
The Crafty Hedgehog
Burlington, VT
CraftyHedgehog.etsy.com

1. What is the name of your business, what do you create and sell and how did you get started?
My business is called The Crafty Hedgehog (the name was a spur-of-the-moment decision that ended up sticking). I create knitted toys like bunnies and frog princes. I also create knitted art objects like dissected frogs and lab rats. On the side I also do yarn paintings, linocut note cards, stained glass…whatever strikes my fancy at a given moment. I got started because I knit obsessively, and I quickly realized that a girl can only own so many knitted hats and scarves. I didn’t have enough money to constantly knit sweaters, so I decided to make and sell little toys in order to feed my knitting addiction.


2. What/who inspires you?
I find inspiration all over the place. It’s hard to live in the world without constantly noticing the incredible work that other people are doing around you. I love to see what other sellers on Etsy are making, as well as looking to artists in the past. If I had to narrow down my favorite artistic styles, they would be (in no particular order): Art Nouveau, Bauhaus and Arts and Crafts. I’m also fascinated by science, and particularly the early sciences – anything that could involve a wunderkammer. I loved visiting the Mütter Museum last year, and I always love reading blogs like Morbid Anatomy.

3. Give us a peek into you work space. Where do you create? Describe your work space or studio.
Hmmm. I don’t really have a workspace at the moment. I have a guest/storage/craft room, which is actually just an unusable room filled with stuff we never use, but can’t seem to get rid of. I’m currently trying to get it in order, but that will probably take a long while. The nice thing about knitting though, is that I can really do it almost anywhere. I knit on the bus to school, I knit at school (none of my professors have ever minded), I knit while watching TV or movies, I knit while I’m waiting for my dinner to show up at a restaurant…my workspace is everywhere!



4. Where do you sell and promote your work?
I sell my work primarily on Etsy. I sell both finished objects as well as the knitting patterns I’ve written.



5. What are three things you can't live without?
Air, food and water. Less literally, my life would be far less enjoyable without my family and friends (I’m counting that as one!), the ability to come up with an idea and then bring it into existence, and double mochas from Speeder and Earls.


6. What are your three favorite things about Vermont?
I love Vermont’s sense of history (I grew up out west where there was nothing older than 75-100 years), its incredible landscapes and the sense of community that there is here.


7. What does the term indie craft mean to you?
It’s hard to say. I feel like there is a wave of enthusiasm out there for creating items that are both beautiful and functional, and I think it might be in response to a collective sense of a plastic childhood. I had plastic dolls and plastic Halloween costumes. Everything had been thought and created for me. I remember in the sixth grade, I didn’t have a costume, and I was too old to wear one of those plastic apron-with-mask get ups. I made a tail out of a feather boa and glued pink felt circles onto 2 grey pairs of socks. With some cardboard ears, face-paint and a grey sweatshirt, I made myself into a cat. I’m sure it was terrible, but I really felt a sense of pride in what I had made. Recently I’ve seen a snowman-in-a-box kit, containing everything you would need to decorate a snowman. Sticks and coal and a carrot made from plastic. I think that indie crafters see that and are both horrified and compelled to try to remind people that we can do it better, cheaper, and with less harm to the environment, if we just invest a small amount of time and care. Phew! That got a little long-winded, didn’t it?


8. Any new products, projects or news you want to share?
Well, I’m working on creating some new creatures for my knitted dissections line: fetal pig, earthworm and a starfish are at the top of the list. As for news, I heard recently from a set designer who wants to use one of my dissected frogs in an upcoming Noah Baumbach movie! A few days after that I got an email from someone at Knitty.com, telling me that she was going to feature my yarn paintings in the upcoming spring issue! I always hesitate to mention these kinds of things until they’ve happened, because there is always the chance that they might not come to pass, for whatever reason. But both of these seemed fairly certain, so I’m spillin’ the beans!

Thanks Emily! Check out her etsy shop below.

2009 Art hop dates

SEABA has announced their 2009 Art hop dates!

The 17th annual event will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, 2009.

June begins their registration process so mark your calendars now.

read more here.

Summer Artist Market - Burlington

Applications for the summer artist market in Burlington are due on April 1st.

Get all the info here.

Twitter

Are you on Twitter? You should be. Don't be afriad. Jump in, join the conversation and start promoting your business now.

Join me on twitter for craft updates and start promoting yourself to the world now.

Save the date - beCAUSE Craft Show

Mark the date on your calendar and come on down. I will be there selling and will be donating a % of my profits to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central New England Chapter. My mother was diagnosed with MS last year and so I am doing this to support her local MS chapter. There will be many other great vendors supporting other fantastic causes and organizations.

beCAUSE main website
beCAUSE on Facebook

Handmade by me

Have you heard about this new social networking site for crafters?

check it out here.

Crafter Spotlight - Zoe Loomis of Birdie Handmade

Zoe Loomis of Birdie Handmade
location: rural VT
birdiehandmade.etsy.com

Zoe and I met many many years ago and I am happy to call her my friend. She is an inspiring and creative woman with a lovely family and an eye for design. enjoy the spotlight. -kacey





1. What is the name of your business, what do you create and sell and how did you get started?

My business name is Birdie Handmade. I create one of a kind, handmade goodies from recycled textiles. This started out as just something to take up my time and keep my fingers busy, but I've since discovered that I love to create using the color and texture that you get with wool and fibers, and I enjoy having something to do that uses the other part of my brain - the part that isn't always called on in my "other" job as mommy (to three wonderful kiddos).



2. What/who inspires you?

I am inspired by so many random things (in no particular order); my children, selfless people, the light on the hills behind my house, the way old houses age, music, people who stay true, my friends, the ocean at sunset, courage in the face of overwhelming odds

3. Give us a peek into you work space. Where do you create? Describe your work space or studio.

I create from my home. I live WAY out in rural Vermont, so I spend plenty of time at home. I'm also a stay at home mom, so I've created a studio that I can work in while my children play around me. It's slightly crazy, but oh so warm and welcoming. We live in an old general store and grange hall that had been abandoned until we bought it four years ago, so my work space is in the part of the building that used to be the store. I use the old counters to work on, and the shelves are full of my fabrics. I have to be able to look at all of my fabric at once to get an idea for my next creation. I'm always getting ideas by seeing one piece of material bump up next to another. I love that I can be sewing a dress while my daughter toddles around my feet, but of course it can sometimes be total and complete chaos around here. If I take a break to have a cup of coffee, I am sitting by the woodstove looking out at a beautiful field and the hills behind it. I can't think of a better place to work.


4. Where do you sell and promote your work?

I have two main outlets that I sell my work through. The first of course is Etsy (if you don't know it, you should!) I love the Etsy community and the inspiration I get from the amazing and talented artists who show their work on the site. The other main place that I sell my work is at my local farmer's market - the West River Farmer's Market in Londonderry, VT. I love meeting and talking to my customers face to face. It is a wonderful and festive atmosphere, and it feels so right to be part of a system that promotes local businesses over the mega corps that surround us. I guess it's slightly subversive. I also sell my work in select boutiques, but as I'm sure many of you out there know, finding the right balance in the wholesale market can be tough when your work is handmade and one of a kind. However, it is cool to know that there are people as far away as Hawaii that can walk into a store and find something that I made.


5. What are three things you can't live without?

My Children, Red Wine & Chocolate, Sunshine



6. What are your three favorite things about Vermont?

Evenings on the front porch, the ease with which I can touch the natural world around me, the pace of life that puts substance and friendship before the less important stuff.



7. What does the term indie craft mean to you?

Indie craft means interesting people using their hearts and hands to create things of beauty and value; it's a revolution in a way, away from the mass produced junk we are bombarded with. It is people with insight and brains saying that we don't need anyone else to tell us what is cool. We can decide for ourselves, and we're smart enough to make it ourselves too - or find someone who can make it for us!



8. Any new products, projects or news you want to share?

Check out my website www.birdiehandmade.etsy.com to see what I do. Everything is one of a kind, and I try to list new goodies once a week. Come warm weather, check to see what craft fairs and markets I'll be at. I'd love to meet you in person!


thanks Zoe! You can find her products available online at birdiehandmade.etsy.com