Top Ten Reasons to Buy Original Contemporary Art

This post comes from Paula Lewis of Scorched Eyebrow Studio, as shared by Nick from the Handmade in PA blog.

"Free Flight", by SilentLotus Creations. Watercolork, and gesso on birch panel.



Top Ten Reasons to Buy Original Contemporary Art

10. Bring yourself into your décor. Surround yourself with art that speaks to you and of you. You are unique, so why would you settle for the PierWhatever/BullseyeBox carbon copy stuff?

9. Assure your place in civilization by supporting the Arts. Bonus: By buying from local (and there are fabulously talented people in your community) artists, you stimulate the local economy directly.

8. Develop your own collection. Art is lots cooler to collect than stamps or coins and when you collect contemporary art, you can collect artists as friends- and we are a very cool group.

7. Make your neighbors jealous. All of them will wish they had your self-confidence and sense of style!

6. Connect with your deeper self. Buy original work that speaks to you emotionally, not because it matches the couch. (NOTE: It’s okay if it happens to match.)

5. Feel less like a cubicle-dweller and more human by surrounding yourself with art born of real live passion and creativity – art made because the artist was moved to do it, not paid by the brushstroke.

4. Tap into the mystery of the muse. There is something magical that happens within artists that often pushes them beyond their initial vision; share that wonder.

3. Learn something new. Exercising your mind is healthy and realizing you are developing your eye for quality, style, talent while you’re having fun looking at art is a real kick.

2. Honor your inner creative spirit. We all have the need to express ourselves. Twitter, Link’d In, board meetings, and lawyers are not sufficient. Express yourself visually by living with art you love. Get back in touch with your own creative self.

1. Delight in the presence of art that “you get” and realize that the art “gets you!”

Name Contest & Decorating: The NEW Pittsburgh 'Local Handmade' Vending Machine!

Announcing the yet-to-be-named Pittsburgh traveling craft vending machine!! It may look like any ordinary cigarette vending machine right now, but soon it will be embellished, jazzed up and filled with local handmade creations! AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO NAME AND DECORATE IT!



Inspired by the Art-o-Mat machines that offer mini OOAK art, our machine will offer a sampling of what is being handmade in Pittsburgh. Instead of each piece being different, we are embracing our industrial heritage and offering items that are crafted clones of each other like our own Andy Warhol's repeated printings.

The goal of the machine project is to spread the word about the local craft scene by placing the machine in different locations throughout the city - bars, art centers, welcome centers, museums.etc. There will be an under-glass posting area on the machine to advertise local craft events and craft groups. The idea is to share not only access to the crafts themselves but where else they can be found in a store, online and at local markets. Each item will have the biz card of the crafter that made the item, along with the facebook page (to be unveiled once the machine is named!) for the machine so they can post happy customer pics and find out where the machine is going to be next. They even get a folded biz card for the machine with a mini button attached instead of a pack of matches!! The machine will even have its own Facebook page, where all of the current handmade goods in the machine will be displayed via photo.


YOU'RE ALL INVITED!

WHAT: Decorate the Machine Open House
WHEN: Sunday, August 22nd, 2010, 4-6pm
WHERE: Wildcard in Lawrenceville, 4209 Butler Street (map)

Rebecca Morris has VERY graciously offered to let us decorate the machine in her wonderful store Wildcard in Lawrenceville. On Sunday August 22nd there will be a "Decorate the Machine" Open House from 4-6pm. Bring some E6000 (use a Michael's 40% off coupon) and some scrabble tiles, dominoes, glass globs, random fun stuff, steampunk or Pittsburgh-related items, etc., and we will artfully mosaic the machine into something eye-catching and snazzy.

*Note- Please make sure there are no sharp edges or anything that would catch anyone or their clothes.

The machine will stay at Wildcard after the Open House for a trial run to work out any kinks. It is so wonderful to have someone who supports and loves local crafts like Rebecca to do this.

So put together your colorful doodads and join in the decorating fun!

~~* The person who brings the most nifty item to decorate with will win a fabulous prize submitted by a talented local artisan(s). *~~ :)

Light refreshments will be served.


NAME-THE-MACHINE CONTEST!

We are looking for your fabulous ideas for naming the vending machine! Submit names by commenting on the contest's Facebook Page through midnight EST on Saturday, August 21st. The winner will be announced at the machine-decorating open house at Wildcard on August 22nd (details above) and will get a tote bag full of awesome local handcrafted goodies!! If you would like to donate a handmade something to the winner prize bag, please bring it with you on the 22nd to the open house. We would love to see all entrants at our Open House, but those who cannot be present may pick up their prize bag at Wildcard after the event.


BE IN THE MACHINE

Interested in having your own crafty creations for sale in the machine? Please let us know!

Submission Guidelines:

*All types of art and crafts will be considered, and Pittsburgh-themed creations are especially welcome. In order to ensure that a diversity of items are available in the machine at any given time, not all artisans will be accepted to be vendors.

*Items must be smaller than a pack of cigarettes and priced at either $5.00 or $10.00 (the machine will have one row of $5.00 items and one row of $10.00 items). Boxes that fit the machine will be at the Open House (details above) for test-runs of your item size.

*Those who are accepted must submit 20 finished pieces to start.

*The fee to vend in the machine will be small, mostly to cover cost of boxes, printing and any rent charged. 100% OF VENDING MACHINE SALES GO BACK TO THE ARTIST!

*Email a clear picture of your items to Lynne of Charmed By Nature at slkrop@comcast.net for consideration.


Please offer any suggestions for the project including places you think might be interested in hosting the machine. Once the Facebook page is up, please suggest it to your friends!!

Thanks!!

An Action-Packed Indie Crafts Weekend for STE Artisans!

Steel Town Etsy artisans have got a busy buzzy weekend of indie craft shows this weekend with I Made It! Market! Come and see our wares in person and say hello! :) Shop local, buy handmade! Hope to see you there!

WYEP Summer Music Festival- Friday, June 25th, 4-8:00 pm, Schenley Plaza in Oakland. Enjoy an evening of free live music and fun, including a kids area and a local crafter marketplace. I Made It! Market artisans will be outside on Schenley Drive between the Carnegie Museum and Library. For more information on this fantastic outdoor celebration of music and arts, visit WYEP's Website at: http://www.wyep.org/.




Handmade in Marriage- Saturday, June 26th, 11-5 pm, Wildcard in Lawrenceville. The first annual indie wedding showcase featuring 20 local vendors who can help make your day PERFECT! Meet local photographers, disc jockeys, designers specializing in: jewelry, clothing, invitations, flowers and more. This event is free to attend. Visit www.handmadeinmarriage.com for more information.




I Made It! Market Indie Craft Sale and Birthday Party, sponsored by The Cotton Factory- Sunday, June 27th, 12-5 pm, Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Squirrel Hill. There will be cake, balloons, kids activities, a local indie artisan marketplace. See I Made It! Market's website for more details.

The Newest Additions to the STE Crew

Our newest batch of STE members is a big one, full of talent and bursting with Pittsburgh handmade pride! Show'em some Steel Town love! :D Welcome, everyone!

AnnieVicar- Handmade art dolls made from scratch - no molds or pre-made parts

archidisiac- Original drawings, sketches, and paintings

atlantisak- Handcrafted jewelry using sterling silver, natural gemstones, glass and unusual materials

AuntEsThings- Custom web graphics and fine art

CraftersEmporium- Destash sharing for the crafty

CreekBedThreads- Various home goods and accessories, such as pillows, purses, and pouches, using current designer fabrics as well as vintage finds

FemmeDiable- Unique handpainted and handmade artwork, crafts, jewelry, clothes etc.

foodforthesoul- Rosaries, chaplets, prayer beads, etc.

gocarrgo- Greeting cards, posters, jewelry using paper cut images and art

GreatStuff2730- Original photography (Angela Rocco Photography) and vintage items

ImageCraftCreation- Handmade jewelry, pandora style bracelets, and custom charm bracelets

jennyrebel- Fiber crafts, mostly little stuffed animals...some pottery to come soon!

Lynniebbags- Handmade bags/purses

MAKOandMYLO- Handmade totes and bags

michelespatterns with scrappykwiltkits- Quilting, rug hooking, needle punch, and embroidery

MommyMakingMemories- Diaper cakes & other diaper baby shower items, and some scrapbook pages

mylittlecornerdesign- Folk art paintings

pimasbeads- Gemstone and crystal jewelry, some supplies and a few antiques

robinsnesttreasures- Handmade purses & totes, vintage jewelry & accessories, stuffed toys, wreaths, & more

rosarenee- Jewelry, primarily earrings and bracelets made with paper beads that I create myself

Samst132- Jewelry for All Occasions!

thedreamingowl- Handmade accessories, created through knitting, crocheting, sewing, and/or beading

thetwistedtree- Quirky paintings, whimsical scarves, and unique beaded jewelry

ThirtytwoFlavors- Hair accessories and charms

uniquedesignsbyjill- Handmade purses/bags

We're Growing! Many More New Members!

We've more than doubled in size over the past couple of weeks! Check out our newest crew of Steel Town crafters! And give'em a happy welcome! :D



aBcChildren
Custom children's designs with personalized apparel and hand knit hats with silk flower clips



BitsyKids
Accessories for little ones- knit baby hats, hair accessories and baby quilts



christiecreations
Practical Gift alternatives: Blooming Bouquets and Baby cupcakes



coconutrobot
Handknit and sewn accessories and clothing for babies, children and adults



CropCircleOfFriends
Handmade cloth dolls



dianewrightdesigns
Diane Wright Designs: handcrafted jewelry from high quality materials using beadweaving, stringing, and metalsmithing



iriz26
The Buttercup and Thistle: hand poured soaps, floral arrangements, & beautiful, realistic door wreaths



jetpackagenda
Eco-Friendly screen printed t-shirts and stuff



LaFurr
custom pet accessories and home textiles



LexiandGem
gemstone, fine silver and felt jewelry and accessories



MyersFlockFiber
The Alpaca Farm Store @ Myers Flock & Fiber Farm: Arts and crafts made from fiber from my own alpaca herd



pootinkies
Baby blankets, bibs, burp cloths, binkie holders, car seat covers, big kid blankets (adult size really), kid and adult softies



slcaccessories
custom pet accessories and home textiles



sleepingbunny
upcycled hand-sewn sock animals and handknitted items



SugarSugarScrub
Handmade Sugar Scrubs, Whipped Soaps & Body Butter, Lotions, etc.



vicskitschn-
Artwork by Victoria Cessna: Original artwork (primarily paintings)



whatshethread-
Vintage and vintage inspired aprons, clothing, embroidered towels, bags, totes, and plenty of other bitchin' handmade wares



WreckinRachel
Handmade kitschy, retro, rockabilly, and halloween aprons, purses, and vintage clothing items

Pittsburgh Teamies Get Ready for I Made It! Market's Winter Season

Etsy Pittsburgh team members' favorite indie market's winter season offers three great opportunities to avoid the holiday shopping rush! I Made It! Market, our area's (and Los Angeles') unique and most popular indie craft scene event, starts off a trio of crafty bashes with I Made It! Junior at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on November 22nd, 12–4pm. December's exciting craft-aganzas start off with I Made It! for the Holidays on December 5th, 12-5pm, at Pittsburgh's Union Project. The Last Minute Market happens On December 19 from 10 am – 6 pm at the Screw Factory in Cleveland, OH, a collaboration with Cleveland Handmade. This is a great opportunity to expand your customer base and network with Cleveland artists.


Come out and support local indie artisans, meet Etsy Pittsburgh crafters, and finish your holiday shopping list with unique Steeltown creations!

America Unchained! Support and Celebrate Local Businesses and Artisans!

On November 21st, 2009, take part in America Unchained, a campaign by the American Business Alliance (AMIBA) in which everyone in the US is encouraged to support only locally-owned independent businesses for the entire day! This is a great opportunity to build awareness of indie artisans and crafters in your local economy, as well as any other non-chain businesses. Whether shopping, eating out, or doing other business for this entire day, AMIBA says, can "maximize the impact of your dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy!"


As the holidays and shopping madness fast approach, consider purchasing local handmade gifts for everyone on your list! Did you know that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do?! AMIBA director Jennifer Rocke explains that indie biz "pays local employees, use the goods and services of other local indie biz, and give back to the community far more than chains." According to Rockne, independents generate 70% more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores! Pledging to buy only handmade for the holidays (or anytime) can give a huge boost to your neighborhood's economic well-being. You'll have the perfect opportunity at Pittsburgh's I Made It! for the Holidays at the Union Project on December 5th, when 50 crafty area vendors will gather to vend their handmade goodies!

The choice of what businesses to patronize can have huge and lasting consequences. Take America Unchained on the 21st as a chance to spread the word that small indie businesses like artisans and crafters are critical parts of your cities' cultural, social, and economic impact. Supporting them is better for us and for the community's health and prosperity!

Thanks to Karen Holsopple of Pittsburgh's East End Food Co-op for her article that inspired this one!

Strange Folk Festival is Coming!

by EJ


This September 26th and 27th, 2009, Lz and I are lucky enough to be participating in a great festival known as The Strange Folk Festival, near St. Louis, MO. (Technically, it's in O'Fallon, IL.) Our lovely friend Autumn Wiggins is the mastermind behind this driving force in the midwest. She has received love from her hometown city for her efforts, and Lz and I definitely wanted to be a part of it.

There are alot of activities planned for all to enjoy including great local food vendors, music performances, kids craft activities, live blogging stations, and a program Autumn and friends have put together known as The Upcycle Exchange.



If you happen to be around the Midwest at the end of September, come join us for some crafty fun!