Whaddaya Get When You Combine STE With Vintage Hot Rods?

Whaddaya Get When You Combine STE With Vintage Hot Rods & Motorcycles? You get two fabulous upcoming car and motorcycle rallies! Woohoo! Steel Town Etsy crafters will be teaming up with these two fabulous shows, vending our handmade wares along with hot rods, pin up girls, live music, prize givaways, old school good times, and the coolest of the cool around Pittsburgh! Two events you definitely won't want to miss!

Oh, and artisans, both shows are still accepting vendors!


1st Annual Steel City Rockers vs. Mods Vintage Motorcycle & Scooter Rally



Pittsburgh's first vintage motorcycle and scooter rally! Get out the gear, polish up the Nortons, Triumphs, and BMWs or Vespas, Lambrettas,and Allstates (depending on your allegiance) and commemorate this unique period in Motorcycle history with the First Annual Steel City Rockers vs. Mods! Join us for a one-of-a-kind rally featuring bands, DJs, a pin-up-girl contest, raffles, tattoos, entertainment, vendors, and of course, lots of bikes! Special guest judges will be on-site to distribute awards to both motorcycles and scooters. Come on out and help us make this event one to remember! A portion of our proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Hard Head Patrol.

Visit http://steelcityrockersvsmods.com for more info!


Steeltown Shakedown, hosted by The Drifters Car Club



On Saturday, September 11, The Drifters will be hosting the 5th annual Steeltown Shakedown at the Twin Hi Way Drive-In on Route 60 in Robinson Township. This all day car show is open to all pre-65 rat rods, hot rods, and custom cruisers. Shop the vendors and enjoy the various raffles, flamethrower contest, pin up contest, and live music. If that isn’t enough for, then prepare yourself for a one night only showing of a true vintage movie when the sun goes down. Bring your old ride and help us celebrate the 76th anniversary of the very first drive-in movie theater the only way we know how: ol’ skool.

Visit www.steeltownshakedown.com for more details.

A Trip to Creative Reuse Pittsburgh- The Coolest Way to Make Eco-friendly Art!

Last Wednesday, I and three of my best crafty pals and fellow STE admins, headed to the awesomely eco-friendly Creative Reuse Pittburgh (Pgh), a local green organization that accepts unwanted materials for reuse and sells them uber cheap to the creative public! According to their website, Creative Reuse Pgh, which was founded in 2007 and became a project of the Pennsylvania Resources Council in February, is a nonprofit organization that seeks to "keep perfectly good stuff out of the landfill, provide opportunities for people to put it to good (re)use, help forward the movement toward a greener globe, and encourage folks to explore." Sound too idyllic? Maybe... except for that they actually make all of that happen!

A haven to those who can make something out of anything (or anything out of something), the organization's brick-and-mortar stash-shop is located within Construction Junction (who donated the space) on Meade Street in Point Breeze. Creatively cluttered, the two-level space is packed from floor to ceiling with everything you can imagine that could be re-used in making art and given new life. Exploring the nooks and crannies, boxes and piles is really an artsy flea market/thrift store shopper's dream, and during our trip revealed wooden dowels, vintage fabric and notions, office supplies, containers, vintage art, books filled with fabulous wallpaper and fabric samples, random hardware, rubber toys, paper of all types, glitter, hardware, old lab beakers, and so much more!

Their stock includes not only unusual things you may not find anywhere else, but items that sell at craft stores for 20 times the price! The fact that these wares are priced unbelievably dirt-cheap ("starving artist" anyone?) just adds to the already-high bliss factor, as does the fact that each item purchased keeps landfills from growing and leaves the earth a little cleaner and greener. :)

Tamara of Barker's Herbs and Heirlooms, Lynne of Charmed By Nature, Niffer of 19 Moons, and I (Kylie of SilentLotus Creations) had a fabulous visit, all coming away with finds from there and Construction Junction downstairs. Some of us even left feeling a bit "lighter" after donating our own materials to Creative Reuse Pgh- Nif donated "nif"ty payphone and typewriter hardware and Lynne donated -uh- a big box of rubber poop (don't ask). All of us are big on repurposing vintage or discarded materials in unique ways, me just in the last year or so and mostly from their influence. :) Check out our shops linked to above to see what craftastic creations we each come up with!

Creative Reuse Pgh gets new donations regularly, making it a potential new treasure hunt each time you visit. But despite all of their current finds, they can always take more! Next time you have a box or stack of something ready to be discarded or taken to Goodwill, consider stopping by to see if what you have is something they can use. Donating your discards is easy, and much appreciated. And while there, browse for some new goodies. Need creative inspiration or some obscure piece of something that will make your art piece or craft just perfect? I highly recommend making a trip to Creative Reuse Pgh to purchase materials- what you are wishing for just may await you there. :)

Just keep in mind that shopping open to the public only on Wednesdays from 12-5. Other hours are available by appointment only, so if you can't get there on a Wednesday, make sure to give them a call at (412) 202-4036 or email them to set up a different time to go.















A section of Creative Reuse's upper level.















Fabulous vintage prints.





















A view of the first floor from above.
















Lynne's poop was put right out on the floor (front and center)!
















The view that greeted us when we arrived: fabric, notions, and so much more.
















More upper level goodness.

Meet Steel Town Etsy Artisans at April Art & Craft Events!

The craft show season is officially kicking off as Spring rolls in, and we are all super excited to get out there to sell our handmade wares, network with other local crafty folk, and meet our craft-loving Pittsburgh customers!

Look for us at the following upcoming local events, both in PA and OH. We hope to see you there!

PITTSBURGH

April 10th:
I Made It! Market presents Chili With the Works: Spring Arts & Chili Festival. South Side Works in the former Joseph Beth Booksellers space. Saturday, April 10, 2010, 2-8pm. 60+ local indie craft vendors. Celebrity-judged Chili Contest sponsored by SSW and ESPN Radio. Live entertainment and activities for the kiddos.

April 23rd:
Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District. Shop w/our local artisans at Northside Urban Pathways School at 914 Penn Ave! Art. Music. Dance. Networking. Fun. A free showcase of art and entertainment in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Friday, April 23rd between 5:30 and 9:00 pm.


OHIO

April 9-10th:
ArtIsAlive 2010 sponsored by ArtsinStark in cooperation with The Canton Museum of Art. Canton, OH. April 9-10th, 2010. A great party with great stuff, great entertainment and a whole lot of fun, fun, fun.

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

Affordable Yoga in Pittsburgh!

Yoga. Outdoors. Free or Just a Few Bucks. Seriously? Yuh-huh- right here in Pittsburgh! Visualize yoga-ing on a brilliant summer morning or evening on the cool grass, energizing the body, breathing deeply, practicing pratyahara (sense withdrawal) by tuning out the sounds of the city to find your own inner happy place. Just what we need to wash the grime of a hard day's vending away, or rid our lungs of fibers from a day of mad knitting!

Several days a week, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Breathe Yoga Studio offer classes led by trained yoga teachers in various areas of the city. Classes are open to all levels of students, from beginner to advanced. Move your body and rejuvenate your spirit while getting a good soaking of Vitamin D!

Photo by Melissa McMasters
FREE YOGA (Yay!)
Stretch, strengthen, center, and breathe at FREE CLASSES hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy! At Schenley Plaza across from Oakland's Carnegie Library, teachers guide students through a full practice on the plaza lawn. Through the last weekend in August, take a Monday lunchtime yoga class at 12 noon from Pratique Yoga, or venture out on Saturday mornings at 10am for a class led by Candice Lain. Some days the classes are serenaded by local musicians. If the weather is iffy, classes may be held under the pavilion at the plaza. Limited mats will be available. (Thanks to Heidi Zelli of Pittsburgh Yoga Examiner for the photo and for tipping me off to these freebie classes.)


CHEAP YOGA (Yay!)
Through the end of September, Breathe Yoga Studio offers $5 CLASSES on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30am at behind REI at Southside Works, and on Sundays at 9am at Grandview Park in Mount Washington.

On most Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, catch a class in Frick Park near Squirrel Hill just off of Beechwood Blvd and Nicholson, otherwise known as Blue Slide Park. Into the Fall, instructor Linda Meacci leads yogis through a mindful, challenging class surrounded by trees, bird song, and community. Classes are by donation (suggested donation $7)! If there is anything more than lite rain, class will be cancelled. For more info, contact Linda at 412-427-4781 or lmeacci@hotmail.com.


PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN YOGA

There are several organizations in the city with a specific mission to make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Becky of Folding Space Yoga explains the "pay-what-you-can system" on her website, stating that students simply pay "whatever you can spare." Becky teaches regular, indoor classes open to all skill levels every Thursday night at 6pm at The Union Project in Highland Park. She also offers ongoing classes at Magee Recreation Center in Greenfield on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

Human Race Yoga holds regular classes for students based on the pay-what-you-can system, too, believing that everyone should have access to yoga "regardless of race, age, income, or education." They offer an ongoing beginners-level class at the Dormont Public Library on Tuesdays at 7pm, and an all-levels class on Thursdays at 7:30 right after Becky's class at The Union Project.

Check out these great opportunities to learn from compassionate teachers, and begin or grow your yoga practice at a cost anyone can afford!

COME PREPARED
Ahh... that post-yoga zone when the mind feels refreshed, the heart feels calm, and the body feels expansive and strong can be even more wonderful after a class under the glow of the sun and with the earth under our feet. And without depleting our pockets! Who could turn that down? But to make sure your practice fosters bliss rather than stress, it's important to come to class prepared.

Firstly, arrive early to get a good spot, and leave time for parking (especially in Oakland)! I've missed the beginning of several classes because I couldn't find a parking space. As the days can be very sunny and warm, put your sunscreen (water/sweat-proof) on and bring water to stay hydrated. Wear cool, unrestrictive clothing in lighter colors, and you may want to have a hat and sunglasses with you just in case the sun is too bright. Bring a mat if you have one, and/or a large towel as they tend to slip less (mats can become slippery on grass and from perspiration). I prefer to use my mat, sometimes on top of my towel- I always end up using my towel for something during class. I've found it helpful to bring an additional small towel or cloth for wiping away moisture from my body and my mat, and for covering my face if it's super sunny during sivasana (final relaxation).

A final pointer? Honor your body's limitations and don't push past your comfort zone. An asana (pose) should be comfortably challenging, not painful. If you have an injury, it's best to bring this to your teacher's attention before class, if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions during class or after. Finally, keep it enjoyable!

Take advantage of these terrific yoga-tunities before the season ends! Hope to see you there. :)