Handmade Happenings, November 18-20

Let us help with your holiday shopping this weekend at events in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill! Keep it local & handmade, Triangle! 

Friday, November 18

Craftland @ The Scrap Exchange - Durham

The annual Holiday Artists’ Marketplace at The Scrap Exchange - All items for sale are created by local artists from reused, reclaimed, or re-purposed materials. Open during regular store hours through the holidays, including the Durham Art Walk this weekend!
Where: Green Gallery at The Scrap Exchange Creative Reuse Center, 923 Franklin Street, Durham, NC 27701

When: Opening Reception Friday - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Artist to visit: Ouida's Trunk 

More info: http://www.scrapexchange.org/

Saturday, November 19
Howliday Shop - Chapel Hill

A variety of unique local vendors will offer you thoughtful and amazing gifts for your holiday shopping! Hosted by Pawfect Match Rescue to raise funds for our efforts to rescue abused and abandoned animals from high-kill shelters.

Where: Chapel Hill North Apartments Club House, 200 Perkins Dr. Suite 230, Chapel Hill, NC
When: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Artists to visit: Music Teachah Designs, Funky & Feisty, MonkeyChiMonkeyDo, Bohemian Earth
More info: http://www.pawfectmatch.org/info/display?PageID=11023

Mistletoe Market - Raleigh

Come shop over 160 vendors, eat lunch at our food court, enjoy the goodies at our bake sale and try your luck at our Basket raffle. $5.00 admission, bring in a can of food for $1.00 off.

Where: Wakefield High School, 2200 Wakefield Pines Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

When: 9:00 am - 4:300 pm
Artist to visit: Tracy Gurly Bath and Body
More info: http://wakefieldhs.wcpss.net/

Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20
Durham Art Walk - Holiday Market 
A showcase of more than 200 artists at sites all over vibrant downtown Durham! Come enjoy local artistic talent, great shopping, live music and great food! Sites are within easy walking distance, but there is also free shuttle service and the Bull City Connector.
Where: Downtown Durham (map & directions)
When: Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm 
Artists to visit by location:
1. Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris Street: metamorphosis metals, Linda Searcy Jewelry, Orange Cat Art, Cockamamie Jewelry, Bordeaux Lane Studio (formerly OldBroomStreet), Flytrap  
9. Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan Street: Hooks and Eyes
11. Durham Armory, 220 Foster Street: Shore Debris
22. Urban Durham Realty, 401C Foster Street: LORiOLA
23. Vega Metals, 214 Hunt Street: Gilded Lily Glass
38. Smitten Boutique, 1105 West Main Street: LaTeDa Adornments
More info: http://durhamartwalk.com/

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

(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!)

Handmade Happenings, October 27-30, 2011

This weekend's event calendar starts early with a Trunk Show at A Southern Season in Chapel Hill on Thursday.  Then join several of our members at a Galleria Craft Fair in Raleigh on Saturday.  See you there!

Thursday, October 27
Trunk Show at A Southern Season - Chapel Hill
Meet photographer Jill Davis during "Made in North Carolina" month at Chapel Hill's landmark gourmet market!  Orange Cat Art's complete line of NC photographic prints, cards will be there, plus 2012 calendars and holiday card sets.
Where: A Southern Season, University Mall, Hwy 15-501 @ Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
When: 10 am - 5 pm 
Artist to visit: OrangeCatArt 
More info: http://www.southernseason.com/

Saturday, October 29
Galleria Craft Fair at St. Raphael - Raleigh
More than 50 artists & crafters presenting: cards & paper crafts, jewelry, doll clothes, Christmas ornaments, cookbooks, silk flowers, purses, decorative items, wood crafts, baby items, baskets, kitchen items, mixes & soups, children items, scarfs, soaps, metal yard art, wreaths, candles and more!
Where: 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
When: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Artists to visit: OldBroomStreet, LindaSearcyJewelry
More info: http://galleriacraftfair.com/ 

Holly Fest - Holly Springs
Entertainment, arts & crafts, pirates, kids' corner, pumpkin carving contest, costume parade, Robinson's Racing Pigs, food for every taste, and much more!
Where: Womble Park, across from 301 Stinson Avenue, Holly Springs, NC
When: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Artist to visit: BeyondWords12 , DesigningImpressions
More info: http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/hollyfest/index.html

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

(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!)

Handmade Happenings, October 21-23, 2011

We have another "Road Trip Edition" of the Handmade Happenings for you this weekend!  Head towards Charlotte for a jump start on your Christmas shopping in Concord, and while you're in the neighborhood, visit the Barbeque Capital of the World for their festival. If you're staying in town, come out to the Raleigh Amphitheater! See you there!

Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23
31st Annual Christmas Made in the South - Greater Charlotte Area
Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, dichroic glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature's funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more!
Where: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy 49 N, Concord, NC
When: Fri & Sat - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sun - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Artist to visit: ShoreDebris
More info: www.madeinthesouthshows.com/Cabarrus_Christmas.html

Saturday, October 22
28th Annual Barbeque Festival - Lexington
The streets of Historic Uptown Lexington transform into a great big playground with food, entertainment, shopping and lots of family fun. The uptown area is filled with arts and crafts vendors, six entertainment stages, street performers, and festival food. Three large tents serve up thousands of pounds of barbecue sandwiches, freshly made from the festival’s official area restaurants.
Where: Lexington, NC
When: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Artist to visit: Izzy's
More info: http://www.barbecuefestival.com/

Bud Light City Fest - Raleigh
Motley Crue's Vince Neil will be playing the hits of Motley Crue at this weekend's show.  Enjoy the Bud Light Rage Cage on Lenoir Street featuring food vendors, art vendors, and more!
Where: 500 South McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
When: 5:00 pm - until?
Artist to visit: latedaadornments
More info: http://www.raleigh-amphitheater.com/event/bud-light-city-fest-2000


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

(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!)

Local Featured Seller: Le Animale

I am Laura Johnston of le animalé. My creations are miniature animal totems, illustrations, jewelry & gifts - all animal-inspired! I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my soulmate and two awesome dogs, Cody & Chloe. I'm a nature-lover, so my favorite places to visit are all of the nature parks and lakes in our area. There really are some fantastic hidden treasures, and I like exploring new places to find them.
Why did you choose your shop/company name? I chose the name le animalé because as my shop is completely animal-inspired, I wanted something fairly simple but not too generic that describes what my shop is about. le animalé is just a made-up phrase, which is perfect for my work - unique, lighthearted, fun, quirky.

Where do you create? My work is done in my home office, right alongside my boyfriend who also works from home on his own business. Our dogs hang out with us, too. I have two desks: one for my computer/printer/records and one where I make my creations.

When did you start creating? When I was very young. The moment I especially remember is from first grade, where I illustrated a book report that I had (the illustration happened to be an elephant). At that point I realized art was something I really enjoyed, and wanted to do more of. From that time I've explored so many different creative mediums, but I've only just recently started working in 3D. I'd say a couple of years ago was the first time I really attempted to make a sculpture, and it wasn't until maybe 6 months ago that I did it regularly. But I absolutely adore working in 3D, now!

What do you do when you are not creating? I spend time with friends and family, enjoying good, old-fashioned conversation, board games, and new adventures. I like to travel and explore. I'm working as a part-time freelance photographer, shooting business & actor's headshots and model portfolios (I was a full-time photographer before le animalé). I'm also working on my application to go to grad school so I've been doing a lot of studying and prep work for that. And lastly, when I have time, I like to read, watch some mindless TV, and sometimes I get a wild hair to bake. Yum!

What are your goals? Oh, so many goals. In a nutshell, I want to get into grad school, continue working on and growing le animalé, graduate with an MBA, and be a serial entrepreneur.

After you've gotten an eyeful of these cute little animals, you can find Laura on her blog, facebook page, and twitter.

NCTriangle Team members who would like to be featured on the blog, contact Shore Debris.

Local Featured Seller: Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Who are you? Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Where are you located? Cary, NC

What do you create? Jewelry in fine metals, sterling, fine silver, copper and brass with semi-precious stones (cabs mostly), faceted gems, and colorful glass beads.

What is your favorite place to visit in the triangle? I don't think I have one favorite location to visit - in mild weather I love to see all the beautiful flowers in local botanical gardens (and my own flower garden!) and, of course, the many NC beaches for the relaxing sounds of the waves and smell of the salt air!

When did you start creating? I am a very late bloomer in jewelry making - my first exposure was a wire wrapped ring session at a local bead store in Cary in early 2009. From there I started taking classes in more wire work. It was then a natural progression to move to metalsmithing - took several metals classes at the Pullen Arts Center to expand my growing skills.

Why did you choose your medium? I love to manipulate metals and am continuously amazed at what can be created with metal wire and sheet! Currently I am learning how to make lampwork glass beads - it is now my passion of the day!

What/who inspires you? Nature's flowers and the artistic lines of Asian art are what I lean towards for my creations. Also, my growing circle of jewelry artists have had a great influence in my journey in metals.

Where do you create? I am fortunate to have access to several venues besides my small home studio. My home is equipped with mostly small hand tools that I use for wire wrapping, metal forging and torching or soldering small pieces. Whenever I need a larger torch or heavier equipment (eg. rolling mill, hydraulic press, kilns) I have studio cards at both Pullen Arts Center and NCSU Crafts Center.

What are your goals? To learn as much as I can to grow my business - keep taking classes and workshops to expand my skills.

After you've checked Linda's extensive selection of jewelry on etsy, she has a blog, facebook page, twitter account, and Artfire store that are all worth visiting.

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

Featured Local Seller: Bill Swindman Photography

Who am I? I'm Bill Swindaman of the not all that imaginatively named "Bill Swindaman Photography."

Where am I located? I live in Carrboro, NC.

What do I create? I do photography, mostly nature photography, primarily landscapes. I certainly, however, enjoy finding a beautiful bloom or an interesting animal to observe and photograph, and I'm working on getting better at pointing my camera at other people and other subjects. I print my own work too, a process I also find enjoyable.

What is my favorite place to visit in the Triangle? Photographically, I'd say Duke Gardens because of the variety of subjects. Also Jordan Lake, particularly on quiet, foggy fall or winter mornings. Otherwise, I guess my favorite spot is having drinks and dinner with friends at Jujube's restaurant in Chapel Hill.

When did I start creating? Though I've intermittently enjoyed taking photos since I was very young, mostly when traveling, I began to seriously pursue photography in the fall of 2006 with the purchase of my first digital SLR.

Why did I choose my medium? I guess I chose photography partly because I got a little good feedback on my initial efforts from friends and because it is an excellent excuse to travel to and go exploring in beautiful natural areas.

Who inspires me? The photographer John Shaw has been my inspiration for a long time, both for his wonderfully composed and executed work and for the excellent insights he has provided in his books and other writings.

What inspires me? Being outside in a natural area at 5:00 am, watching the colors of dawn appear and listening to the animal world gradually awakening. Making a few sales on Etsy from time to time is a great motivator too!

Where do I create? I do most of my actual photography in the Carolinas with occasion journeys to neighboring states. I'm particularly attracted to the low country, the swamps and wetlands of eastern North and South Carolina, though with the recent triple digit temperatures I'm starting to escape to the mountains more often. For photo editing and printing, I am fortunate to have one room of my townhouse dedicated primarily to the photography stuff.

What are my business goals? Initially my goal in opening an Etsy shop was simply to be able to share my photography with more people, not really to make money. Between Etsy, photo sharing sites, facebook and my website it has been satisfying to have more people see and react to my photos. I'm semi-retired now, but still need to work periodically at temporary or part-time jobs. My new goal is to be able to make this part-time work be exclusively photography.

After you've viewed Bill's exquisite prints and notecards on etsy, don't forget to take a peek at his photography website or follow his page on page on Facebook.

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

Local Featured Seller: Amy Jo Art and Jewelry

Who are you? Amy Jo Art and Jewelry

Where are you located? Durham, NC

What do you create? Custom paintings and handmade jewelry of all kinds.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle?" I love Ornamentea. They have wonderful classes and great technique projects available. The staff is helpful and friendly. I also love to go to Marbles Museum. I have three kids and they love it there!
When did you start creating? Since as long as I can remember. I've been painting and making jewelry most of my life.

What is your most cherished handmade item? A pair of earrings my daughter made for me when she was 8 years old. They are silver plated with dangly glass pearls.

Why did you choose your medium? The body is a work of art. I love to make jewelry that will compliment the body and to help the wearer express themselves with more art. I chose to paint because I love it. I like to incorporate symbolism and hide small features in my paintings that only myself and the buyer know about. I love to paint trees. Trees are special in many ways.

What inspires you? I get inspired by nature. As I said before, I love trees. Flowers and insects are beautiful, too. I love color and style and organic shapes.

Where do you create? My "studio" is currently my dining room table. I hope someday to be able to use a spare bedroom in my house so that I can dedicate a space and not worry about having to clean up for guests!

Why did you choose your shop name? Well, it's my name and what I sell. I'm not a very creative writer. I suppose I could have come up with something a bit more original and expressive, but I was lazy and this was the best I could come up with at the time. :)

What are your goals? Personally, my goals are to raise my children to be creative people. All three of them are creative in their own ways. Professionally, I'd love to be able to paint and make jewelry full-time. Unfortunately, right now I work part time to pay the bills and make my jewelry in my free time.
What do you do when you are not creating? I love to play with my kids. I also love to be lazy and vegetate on the sofa with a good book. I should be ashamed to admit that, but I'm not. I hate cleaning.

So once you've perused the beautiful creations available at Amy Jo Art and Jewelry, don't forget to stop by her facebook page.

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

Featured Local Seller: Jus Shar Designs

Who are you? Jus Shar Designs (JusShar)

Where are you located? Raleigh, NC (Just moved here in May from central IL)

What do you create? Most anything handknit or crochet, but mainly afghans and accessories

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle?" I haven't found a special place yet, but right now A.C. Moore and Michaels (for yarn) see quite a bit of me

When did you start creating? I remember my mother teaching me to knit/crochet when I was really young...sometime before 5th grade

What is your most cherished handmade item? It was actually sewn - my daughter's christening outfit

Where do you create? My big, comfy chair in the living room while watching one of my DVR'd shows

Why did you choose your shop name? Jus is after my departed grandfather Justin, and Shar is for my mother Sharon (who is still alive)


What are your goals? I'm a full-time student of web design/interactive media, so I don't have a lot of time to devote to growing a large business. My summers are spent creating as much as I can before school starts back up. I'm just hoping to make extra money to do special things with/for my family. I love creating for others, and hope each recipient enjoys their Jus Shar design as much as I love making it.

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

Featured Local Seller: Bohemian Earth

Who are you? Jameela from Bohemian Earth

Where are you located? I live in Carrboro, NC

What do you create? I create earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"? I'll have to give one outside and inside favorite triangle place. My favorite outside place in the Triangle is probably the Bolin Creek/Battle Branch Trail in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. I love being in nature and there is plenty to look at and enjoy in the forest along the trail. One of my favorite inside places is the Ackland Art Museum on UNC Chapel Hill's campus. There is always an amazing exhibit or three and I see something new and beautiful each time I visit.

When did you start creating? I've been making earrings and the occasional necklace since I was a young teen. I began making things for my Etsy shop this spring.

What is your most cherished handmade item? About six years ago, I made a pair of earrings with light green jade, rutilated quartz, and matte hematite stones. There is something about the way the colors combine that create an instant sense of calm. I still love wearing them!

What/who inspires you? I have been inspired by many artists and authors to create things of beauty through actions and words. Frida Kahlo, Gustav Klimt, Toni Morrison, Julia Kristeva, St. Hildegard von Bingen, and Tamara de Lempicka are a few of the people who have inspired me greatly.

Where do you create? I usually create things in the small space in front of my computer desk. I spread all my materials out on the floor and just start crafting! This always confuses my dog, as he tries to get as close to what I'm doing as he can without stepping on anything. The glint of pliers and the sounds of my tackle box opening (where I store many items) peak his interest.

Why did you choose your shop/company name? I chose my shop name, Bohemian Earth, for a few reasons. One, because I love the Earth and its gifts of minerals, metals, and other materials I use in jewelry making. Two, because I think the word, bohemian, captures my spirit and the feel of what I like to wear and create. I love a large variety of styles from many cultures near, far, eastern, and western. I love the extravagant as much as the minimal and everything in between. So the word, bohemian, and its many associations from Gypsies to artists to peoples of mixed heritages seemed perfect for what I set out to embrace and create.

What do you do when you are not creating? When I am not creating jewelry, I'm spending time with my husband and dog, I'm working out or in Yoga or Nia dance class, or I'm working towards my PhD in English by reading, writing, or lesson planning.

So after you've visited Jameela in her etsy shop, do take a peek at her blog, facebook page, and twitter!

Team members who want to be featured on the blog, please contact ShoreDebris.

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.

Happy New Year!

Here are a few items that seemed to me appropriate for the New Year's greetings.  Fresh, full of hope, or just for fun.  Best wishes to you & yours for 2011!

Sweet Orange and Honey Soap by KarensSoaps

Olive Tree Scripture Art by LindaRobbsArt

icarus necklace by metamorph

NC Seasons 2011 Desk Calendar by OrangeCatArt

Blood Orange Carnelian Necklace Double by PaperPearlsBoutique