2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Articipe

Articipe / Erin Adams

articipe.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?

What isn't there to love about spring? Ok, April showers are kind of a pain, but necessary. I love being outdoors as much as I can be, so spring is the beginning of a truly wonderful three seasons for me. I've already started my garden, will go on MANY walks with my dog, support my boyfriend at his mountain bike races, hiking, yard-saling, kayaking, biking, etc... You get the picture.

What's your newest crafty creation?  Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show? 

My newest creation is debuted at the Spring Bada-Bing! Happy Birthday Cake recipe greeting cards. What birthday is complete without a little cake?

Is there a story behind your shop name? 

My boyfriend and I were just being silly with one night while I was trying to thinking of a name for my online shop. He starting making 'word sandwiches.' I blurted out 'Articipe' putting together 'Art' and 'Recipe' thinking it sounded stupid. Then my boyfriend says "EUREKA! That's it!" I still thought it was dumb for a few more days but it slowly grew on me. Now I'm really glad I stuck with it because I have a memorable name, my shop is very easy to search, and I always show up close to the top in alphabetical lists :D

What's your soundtrack while you're working?

Lately it's been Torches by Foster the People. Upbeat and something I can sing along to while hand-lettering.

What are your influences?

Typography I have to say is the main one. I'm a designer by trade and a type geek. When I get a new recipe to work on I never know what it's going to look like in the end. I start putting some fonts on a page and see how everything fits together and fiddle with the spacing and location of the different fonts. 

And why recipes – because I love to cook! Sometimes it's a curse that I chose to do custom recipe designs. I've found that I get really hungry while I'm designing!

Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?

Oh gosh! I don't know.... maybe snow cones? Or maybe paper airplanes....? Yeah! Paper airplanes!

I'm just pulling stuff out of the air here. I mean seriously, mustaches! Who would've guessed that?!!?

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Funnelcloud Studio

Funnelcloud Studio / Rachel Roellke

www.funnelcloudstudio.com
http://www.funnelcloud.blogspot.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?

I get the worst cabin fever in winter, so come spring I'm excited to hit the hiking trails with my two dogs, drink cocktails on the patio, hit up the farmers' market, and go out for frozen custard!

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?

I like to unveil a new mini print at each show - for Spring Bada-Bing it's a humpback whale print. Stop by my booth to check it out! I'll also be bringing back an old favorite - the state map prints including a print of Virginia - my home state!Is there a story behind your shop name?

Funnelcloud Studio got its name because my studio is always a mess - it looks like a tornado ripped through it.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?

I'm From Barcelona and The Decemberists always put me in a productive mood. Sometimes I mix it up with audiobooks or podcasts.

What are your influences?

Geometry and patterns, nature, architecture.Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?

How about dodo birds? I've got some in my shop!

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Beth Hess of Wunder Around

Beth Hess of Wunder Around

http://www.wunderaround.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?

Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures are a great excuse to take a walk or the long way home to soak up everything spring has to offer.

What's your newest crafty creation?

"Yarn" glasses. I've been crocheting quite a bit lately and my growing collection of yarn looked so pretty nestled amongst my glass, I couldn't resist trying to recreate the look.

Is there a story behind your shop name?

I love exploring and visiting new places. Time and budget don't let me travel too far regularly, so my shop encourages me to get out to see--and share--the wonder around us everyday. My colors and patterns are often inspired by what I see while out on the morning dog walk or a day trip.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?

I work at a public access glassblowing studio, so I don't often have control of the stereo! While prepping or packaging, my mix includes the Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Beth Sperlazza Pottery

Beth Sperlazza Pottery/Beth Sperlazza
pottery.sperlazzasaurus.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
My studio is just one block away from the local farmers market. I love being able to see the market gearing up in spring and all the fresh flowers and vegetables starting to appear. I've recently started taking a hard look at the food I'm eating and it's great to know that so much local or organically grown produce is just a block away from where I work.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
I have been experimenting with incorporating printmaking techniques into the surfaces of my pottery. Monoprinting has really been catching my eye, as well as a form of "etching" the surface and leaving behind a dark stain to bring the details out.
Is there a story behind your shop name?
I set up my "official" shop name for business reasons right after I got married and changed my last name. I then realized not much goes with a name like Sperlazza. My husband suggested Sperlazzasaurus to sound like a dinosaur; I still use this as part of my domain name, but I haven't tried to incorporate a dinosaur theme into my branding.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?
I'm really blessed to be the Artist in Residence at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in Fredericksburg Virginia, but along with the MANY wonderful perks of being up front where all the action is comes the fact that your studio is surrounded by many other sounds out of your control. My studio "neighbor" listens to classic radio shows while he's working so currently my current soundtrack is 50's Dragnet radio episodes along with the great hustle and bustle a working gallery and studio.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Dawn Stitches

Dawn Stitches / Kristal Dawn Evens

http://www.dawnstitches.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
I love getting out in the garden! Also watching the trees come in leaf and all the flowers blooming makes me so happy.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
I've been working hard on lots of new banners. There are some that are perfect for nurseries, kitchens, weddings, and more! Also I will have information available for folks to order custom banners. I love working with customers to make their ideas come to life. I will also have a wide selection of children's quilts.
Is there a story behind your shop name?
My middle name is 'Dawn'. And I love all things to do with stitching and sewing!

What's your soundtrack while you're working?
I've become a big fan of Hulu. I especially like to watch travelling and cooking shows. Project Runway is always a favorite too!Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?
Well I certainly love hedgehogs! I think woodland themes are still quite popular and will always be one of my favorites.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Holly Camp Cards

Holly Camp Cards
www.hollycamp.com / www.hollycampcards.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
I love how wildflowers just KNOW to bloom in complimentary colors. Every time I see a patch of yellow and purple flowers, I'm completely tickled.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there a specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
I have recently become obsessed with needle felting, especially round little birds and ducks. In fact, this will be the very first craft show where I have these needle felted cuddly critters available! It's definitely an interesting process to try and carry-over the same feel from a greeting card to a mound of wool. What's your soundtrack while you're working?
Best Pandora station ever – TLC/Waterfalls. Trust me, your work day will turn into The Best Day Ever.What are your influences?
I try to pay attention to tiny details – good color combos, interesting patterns, and fun textures in the most random spots. Whether I'm walking through a park, an alleyway, or a gallery, there's always something worth whipping out the pocket sketchbook.

Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?
A complete infatuation with the handwritten word. Or, perhaps... underwater origami?

Sponsor Spotlight: Quirk

Photo Credit: Quirk

We all know that Quirk is a First Friday hot spot, that it's filled with lovely art and handmade treasures, but did you know that Quirk is also one of our great sponsors? Owner, Katie Ukrop, has long supported the Richmond arts community and we are thankful for all that she's done!!

Photo Credit: Howell via Scoutie Girl

Next time your in the shop, tell them thanks for helping us create a great craft show!

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Hothouse Posey

Hothouse Posey
www.hothouseposey.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
The newness of spring makes me happy. If winter has done its thing (which it didn't so much this past season) then we get to, once again, witness the emergence of dormant creatures like bees, frogs, butterflies as well as all the burgeoning blooms. It's beautifully magical. (This helps me forget all the blasted pollen that seems to appear mysteriously every spring.)

What's your soundtrack while you're working?
The answer depends entirely on my mood and whether my family is asleep when I'm working. Michael Franti & Spearhead and The Brian Setzer Orchestra keep me company often but Macy Gray, The Wailin' Jennys, and West African Highlife also make for motivating backgrounds.

What are your influences?
Nature, color, texture, and a blank 'canvas' are my muses. Hokey but true.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Tigerlilly Shop

Tigerlillyshop
www.tigerlillyshop.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
EVERYTHING blooms, that is the best! Time to come alive and grow again!
Is there a story behind your shop name?
In grad school, as an avid gardener, I was always digging in the yard in the sunshine acquiring more freckles. I had a friend would visit, calling out a nickname he made up for me: Tigerlilly. I decided on that for my Etsy shop name long ago in 2005. As my shop grew out of control, I realized my business had the same characteristics of that old fashioned, almost invasive, robust and wild perennial flower, the orange tigerlily.
What are your influences?
I have always watched the cyclical nature of the passing seasons. You can see time pass in the landscape. Where I live in Baltimore City, I try to find where the natural landscape peeks through and thrives in my urban environment. I have found great inspiration in Patterson Park, the Baltimore Museum of Art's Sculpture Garden, and in my my own city garden plots and backyard container garden.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Whispering Willow

Whispering Willow

www.whisperingwillow.net

What is your favorite thing about spring?

There's so much to love, it's hard to pick up one thing! Our lilacs are quite amazing. We have two right by our front door and get to enjoy the fleeting loveliness of their scent every time we come home.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?

We have been introducing new products every month. Our most recent addition is a natural body wash made with organic oils and essential oils and sold in recycled plastic bottles. We are offering it in lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?

Anything by Iron & Wine is perfect.

Sponsor Spotlight: Strawberry Fields

We couldn't do a show like Spring Bada-Bing without our great sponsors. Sponsor's help us keep admission to our shows free of charge. The way it should be!

We'd like to show off the shop of one of our great sponsors!! Strawberry Fields is a sweet spot filled with flowers and finds! It's also loaded with lots of handmade goodies from many wonderful Richmond crafters, several of which will be at this weekends show. Karen Shonk Designs,  Zou Zou's Basement, Tasha McKelvey and Modern June all have loot at Strawberry Fields.

Photo by Kelly McCants

Please visit Deanna's lovely shop at 423 Strawberry Street in the fan or order some pretty flowers online! You won't be disappointed!! While your there say hi and thanks from the Richmond Craft Mafia for being a great sponsor!

 Handmade Goodies and Pretty Flowers Photo by Kelly McCants

Assembling the arrangements. Photos by Chris Owens.

Do you love flowers and have an hour to spare? Check out the Blooms the Brighten workshops held in the glorious shop.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Inedible Jewelry

Inedible Jewelry

Jessica & Susan Partain
www.inediblejewelry.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
The farmer's markets starting up again! We can't think of anything better than looking forward to 9 months of wildly fresh local produce and seeing all of our craft show friends!

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
We've been having fun making all kinds of tiny pies. And for math nerds, we've even made some Pi pies! We do have lots of other fun new goodies too: a cool cheese platter, beautiful ombre layer cakes, adorable little honey bears, and exquisitely detailed artichokes.Is there a story behind your shop name?
We make jewelry that looks like food, and have a love of wordplay. We started out at a farmers market in a very food-obsessed town, so we were playing with people's expectations, especially when they were surrounded by the scents of freshly fried cinnamon donuts, spicy tacos, melty cheese, and tons of fresh fruits and veggies. We've lost count of the number of times folks have wandered over, hungry, asking, "So, you can eat this jewelry?!" It's a fun way to start a conversation, and we like to think being inedible is memorable.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?
A very happy mix of 80s pop, salsa music, and anything upbeat and cheerful. Or episodes of Arrested Development, Law and Order, or Modern Family.

What are your influences?
Food, in all forms! We love to cook real food, so we draw our inspiration from everything food-related. The farmer's markets, magazines, foodie blogs, all those awesome food photos that come across our instagram feed, having a quick dinner with friends (SO many times we've exclaimed- "ooh- this would make a great necklace!", much to the confusion of the waitstaff.) If it's edible, we're interested.

Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?
We keep pushing for pie to be the next big thing. Thing of the possibilities with pie: sweet or savory, fruity, haute cuisine with innovative crusts. Even more versatile than cupcakes, and people already incorporate bacon! Imagine a wave of handmade pie shops, pies on tea towels, pie pops at weddings and birthdays, "I like pie" tshirts with clever graphic design, and of course pie jewelry.

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Fibre Craft

fibre craft

www.fibrecrafthandmade.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?

Inch worms! Just kidding.. my favorite thing about Spring is finally being able to eat weekend brunch on my back porch in the sun.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?

One of my newest creations is a clear cuff bracelet made from recycled acrylic glass (aka lucite or plexiglass). They bring a fantastic modern touch to any outfit and especially pop with Springtime brights and neons.

I'm also really excited to have a line of handmade neckties for men at the show. Craft shows rarely focus on a male audience and I know men value hand crafted care in their accessories as well. I create the ties using a variety of textures and they are unlike any tie you would find in a store.

Is there a story behind your shop name?

My shop name was born out of one of my biggest inspirations: texture. I've tried to focus on using as much natural and organic fiber as possible (linen, wool, etc). In a lot of modern, mass-produced clothing and accessories you don't find lasting and natural materials anymore. Vintage material on the other hand is almost always full of rich fiber and texture and has become the perfect way to bring a small bit of luxury back into accessories and wares.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?

This might make me sound like a nerd, but RadioLab is one of my favorites while sewing. You can soak in knowledge and create at the same time! When I max out on Jad and Robert, my recent faves have been Grimes, Tanlines, and Love Inks.

What are your influences?

Some of my top influences are texture, classic patterns, bold color, and vintage style. I've been thrifting since I was a kid and altering vintage clothing has always been a hobby. It's only recently that I've begun to view a thrift shop as a fabric store and hunt for classic patterns and natural textures that can be recreated into modern styles.

Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?

Geometry and neutrals mixed with neon are popping up everywhere right now. In my process, using found materials sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with current trends (since I begin with material that is already out there) but I find it challenges me to mix classic with trendy and I love that about my work.

Five Fab Finds: Glass and Pottery

Here are just five fabulous pretties that you can find at this weekends Spring Bada Bing! 

 Killer Tumbler Set from Cephalopod Ink

Yellow Bot Bank from Turner Bots! 

 Love Bird Mini Bowl from Tasha McKelvey

Pretty Pottery from Beth Sperlazza Pottery!

Lovely Glass work from Wunder Around!!

Yesterday, new RCM member Karen Shonk, appeared on Virginia This Morning on WTRV.  She had a great time sharing all the goodies that we, the members of Richmond Craft Mafia, are giving away over at the Young House Love blog!!

We're taking over $350 dollars of great loot. Head on over and see all the goodie and enter to win!! Wednesday, April 11th at 8pm EST or at 10,000 entries (whichever comes first). While your there check the 15% off coupon codes that you can use in our individual shops now through then end of the month.

xoxo,
RCM! 

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Lazymuse Productions

LazyMuse Productions

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lazymuse

What is your favorite thing about spring?
In Greenville, NC we have about two weeks in April where the city is covered in azaleas, dogwoods and cherry blossoms, I look forward to it every year.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
This spring I am bring my new crocheted cacti and fish!

Is there a story behind your shop name?
My last name in Muise pronounced "muse," so basically the name Lazymuse is just a play on words.

What's your soundtrack while you're working?
Prodigy, or some other loud, high energy electronic music. It doesn't seem like that would go well with crocheting, but somehow it works for me.

What are your influences?
Nature, and my nieces and nephew.

Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?
Vikings, totally.

Call for Volunteers!

The Richmond Craft Mafia is looking for volunteers for the Spring Bada-Bing Craft Show on April 15th.  

If you are interested in helping with morning set-up, we need folks willing to arrive by 8:30 am for a quick meeting and some coffee.  The vendors start arriving at 8:45 for morning move-in.

If you would like to volunteer later in the day, we also need volunteers to: deliver lunches to vendors, greet & give out programs, and use a clicker to help us get a visitor count.  The shows runs from 11 am to 5 pm.

This year we would also like to have some volunteers hand out Spring Bada-Bing fliers at the RVA Street Art Festival from noon to 2 pm on Sunday. www.rvastreetart.com

Please email us at rvacraftmafia [at!] gmail.com with the time you plan to arrive on Sunday and let me know if you have any physical restrictions and if you have a specific task you want to help with (handing out fliers, greeting customers, load-in, etc) so we can plan the best job for you on Sunday.

Thanks!

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Happy Felties!

Mary Dell
Happy Felties!
www.happyfelties.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring?
I love the cheerful daffodils and tulips that pop up to say hello! It’s always a lovely way to usher in a new season with new life. :)

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show?
My newest creation is felt applique headbands! I love accessorizing my hair - it’s one of my favorite outfit accents. And I love felt, so it was only natural to create a marriage between my two fave things. Is there a story behind your shop name?
I spent a good deal of time thinking up my shop name. I wanted something short and catchy, but that summed up the “feel” of my work. I knew I wanted to mention felt because that’s my “thang” ;). My work has lots of personality and oftentimes cartoon qualities as well. Thus I came up with the name “Happy Felties!” because I make super cute items with felt and they’re HAPPY! =)What's your soundtrack while you're working?
I’m a total 80s geek so I usually have some Hall and Oats, Michael McDonalad, The Fixx, George Michaels etc. playing on Pandora.

What are your influences?
I’m heavily influenced by my everyday life - especially my children and my animals. My kids are wacky and my animals are silly so I have a lot to draw from! Trend spotting: foxes, hedgehogs, mustaches, oh my! - What do you think will be next hottest craft trend?
I’m not sure what the next hottest craft trend will be. Maybe they’ll be a resurgence of nerd chic! That would be awesome!

Volunteers Needed for Spring Bada-Bing

The Richmond Craft Mafia is looking for volunteers to help out with Spring Bada-Bing next Sunday, April 15th.

Volunteers shifts can be as little as an hour - starting at 8:30 am and going thru 5:00 pm.

Please email rvacraftmafia [at!] gmail.com to volunteer and get more info.

Thanks!

2012 Spring Bada-Bing Vendor Q & A: Tributary

Tributary/Beth Rice

www.tributary.etsy.com

What is your favorite thing about spring? All the flowers and plants that are starting to grow again! Also, I love getting our garden ready for veggies and herbs.

What's your newest crafty creation? Is there specific item you'd like to feature for the show? I've been doing a lot more soft toys and plush in the last few months. I really like the process of making an object that will be played with or hugged and not just something to look at. My favorite creation I've been doing lately are the plush boy dolls. I'm really pleased with how the final design came out. These were directly inspired by reading Lost and Found by one of my favorite children book authors/illustrators, Oliver Jeffers.Is there a story behind your shop name?
What's your soundtrack while you're working? I usually use the time to catch up on some podcasts, like CraftSanity and the Splendid Table.

What are your influences? Children books, nature, hiking, and my wonderful husband!