Local Featured Seller: Kitsch Lorraine Style

My name is Pamela Batson and my store is Kitsch Lorraine Style. I'm located in Charlotte. I was born and raised here, then moved to Chicago in 1996, and recently moved back here last year. I make handmade jewelry including pieces with resin, natural stones, seashells, and some vintage pieces mixed in with new pieces I find. My inspiration comes from some of my favorite things, including Day of the Dead memorabilia, classic films and silent movies, nautical themed and vintage items.

Day of the Dead Cats Photo Frame Earrings

 My favorite place to visit in the triangle would probably be the State fair because I'm a big kid at heart.   I've always enjoyed doing creative things, but I just started seriously making jewelry about a year ago. I love working with resin and polymer clay because there are so many uses for them. Some of my favorite things to make are the resin bracelets. They remind me of the 60's Lucite bangles which I love.

Wire Wrapped Evil Eye Bracelet

 I create most of my items in my home. I chose the name Kitsch Lorraine Style because my middle name is Lorraine and I love vintage B-52's (ie: Quiche Lorraine). My most cherished item is a necklace I made in dedication to my great-grandmother who raised me. My personal goals include branching out and selling my jewelry in different boutiques around the area and possibly in other locations in the U.S.

Sea Shell Eco Resin Bracelet Bangle

When I'm not making jewelry, I am watching animals (I have a pet-sitting business), catching up with friends, or taking advantage of going to the beach and the mountains.

Don't forget to heart your favorite items in  Kitsch Lorraine Style!

NCTriangle Team members who'd like to be featured, please contact Shore Debris.

Local Featured Seller: RocketBetty

Who are you? I am Margo Scott of Rocket Betty Designs.

Where are you located? I have a home studio in Durham, NC.

What do you create? I create sassy retro styled clothing designed to showcase a woman’s beauty. The lines are classic mid-century while the fabrics are unexpectedly modern and fun.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle?" I love the Raleigh Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds. Every time I go, it's like a mini treasure hunt for gorgeous relics of the past.

When did you start creating? I made my first real sewing project as a freshman in high school. From there it blossomed into a degree in Costume Design and a life long love affair.

Why did you choose your medium? Mostly I work with cotton and cotton/lycra blends as they lend themselves to the crisp clean lines of the mid-century designs and the bright modern colors and prints I love.

What inspires you? I collect classic (mid-century) pin-up art, pulp art, vintage magazines, catalogs, and ads. The lines are clean and the women are curvy.

Why did you choose your shop/company name? Rocket Betty has been my online name for years so I just moved it into a business name because it works perfectly with the retro & rockabilly culture.

What do you do when you are not creating? Often you can find me in downtown Durham catching up with friends over cocktails, taking in a great live music show, or hunting for vintage treasures at the thrift shops.

So after you've checked out Rocket Betty Designs on etsy, don't forget to like her facebook page and follow her on Twitter @RocketBetty.


NCTriangle Team members who would like to be featured on the blog, please contact shoredebris.

Handmade Happenings, June 17-19, 2011

Looking for something fun do to with Dad this weekend? Join us in Raleigh this weekend for Maker Faire and The Saturday3 Fair!  Whether he's an mad scientist, do it yourself-er, local-vore, or just curious - we've got you covered.  Happy Father's Day to all the Triangle Dads!

Saturday, June 18
Maker Faire: North Carolina
Makers, Crafters, Inventors, Evil Geniuses, Scientists and Artists come together for a day of family-friendly fun and inspiration. From home-made cookies to home-made robots, Maker faire NC promises something for everyone in a showcase of the American creative spirit. Come join the fun!
Where: Gov. Scott Kerr Building, NC State Fairgrounds, 
 1025 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raleigh NC 27607
When: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sellers to look for: LindaSearcyJewelry, Liv'nGoodJewelry
More info: http://makerfairenc.com/
(Thanks to team member BullCityCraft for supporting this event!)

The Saturday3 Fair @ NOFO
Join us for food & fun under the tents! Over 100 products from tarheel food artisans - join us for lunch, and bring a cooler to fill with goodness to take home, including cheeses, meats, fresh bakery items, desserts, sauces, pickles, dairy and more. Local artists offering jewelry, children's clothing, paintings, etc. Live music by Larry Vellani of Mebanesville with his “Roots, Rhythm & World.”
Where: Five Points - 2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608
When: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Seller to look for: OldBroomStreet
More info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NoFo-The-Pig/307408632277?sk=wall&filter=2

We hope you'll visit our NC Triangle Etsy Team members and say hello. Check in each week for more handmade arts &crafts festivities this summer!

(Members, if you have an event coming up next weekend, send your information to Orange Cat Art by Wednesday night to get onto next week's calendar!)