Saturday, January 30, 2010

PCM's Naked Lady Party!



Happy (belated) New Year! It's the last day of the first month of the tenth year in 2010. Confused? Us too! The last of the Christmas tree needles are falling off the tree, but the stores are already lined with Valentines, and heck, even Easter candy. I've got the peeps to prove it. What kind of candy is currently lining the shelves is how this crafty lady keeps track of the months. While January is biding adieu to February, you can beat the Petaluma Craft Mafia is busy planning a super crafty year.

As usual, the PCM is never idle. Lot's going on, and we're gearing up for a wonderful 2010. We've got some swell new members to add to an already stellar crafty assortment of creative bon-bons. Everyone does such diverse work, we have a knotty knitter, (Judy, this hysterical image above is for you), a vintage jewelry maker, a re-purposed clothing designer, a lady who just sews the cutest vintage pillows and plushies, and a woman who saves vintage items and consigns them, makes cooool t-shirts. I mean, if life is like a box of chocolates, your Petaluma Craft Mafia is the ultimate assortment of sweets without the tooth-ache.

Petaluma's crafty first famiglia is hatching a whole host of fun things to do this year, and we'll be sure to keep you posted.
One fun event, is our Naked Lady Party we are holding at crafty Mafia sister Alison's vintage consignment shop on Kentucky Street. Sorry, folks, this is a private party in March, and a great way to dust off winter and welcome spring. Our crafty famiglia and a few assorted friends who we adore, as NLP parties can get pretty chaotic fast if you get too many women in one room trying on clothes and sipping cocktails. So if you here lot's of hootin' n hollerin' it's just us, the normal noises!

But, even if you don't get an invite to this event, don't fret folks, you too can host your own NLP, add some new clothes to your wardrobe, and clean out your own closet in the process. I mean, how can you beat that?

Some simple guidelines for hosting your own NLP. Most importantly, have fun and don't invite too many folks, or it can get quickly overwhelming, especially if space is at a premium. Remember, the goal is to find clothes, get feedback from your fellow naked ladies, and leave with some gems, and give some gems. I'd recommend inviting peeps whom you know you admire their taste in threads, vintage or current, or swapping is not going to be nearly as fun.

Music, get the mood going with some music that will keep you grooving as you dig through piles, and pull jumpers over your head. Food, snacks or a MUST. Trying on clothes with your gal pals works up an appetite and can get fatiguing, as any woman knows. A few libations both alcoholic and non-alcoholic for tee-totaler friends to switch it up.

Last but not least, privacy. Yes, you want to be sure to schedule time for when it's men's poker night, and the kiddy's are at a sitters so as not to distract you. Hey! Trying on other's cast-off is not only green, and a great way to get a new wardrobe, but it requires focus.
It's also a great time to think about others. Have some separates or suits that would work well in a more professional setting? Put together an outfit that would benefit a woman of modest means trying to re-enter the work force. There are numerous agencies you can donate the back-to- work items to, who would greatly appreciate it.

Stay tuned here, We'll be reporting back on our Craft Mafia Naked Lady Party.

Ciao, Ciao!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Craftaluma 2010 "Craftyville, The Usual Suspects"

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awwwn, s- t- r- e- t-c - h..... Late winter; time to shrug off the insulating attitudes, peel back the cocoon of winter layers, allow the imagination to roam along the dreamscape that meanders down the cool, blue path to tangerine sunsets. Butterflies, zebras, moonbeams, it's time to plant bulbs for spring fragrance and harvest summer crafty magic, like only the Petaluma Craft Mafia can. Get ready to make a journey to "Craftyville," join the usual and some unusual suspects for Craftaluma 2010!!

The talented creatives that make up the Petaluma Craft Mafia are busy planning our next show! We've got CRAFTALUMA 2010 penciled in on the PCM calendar for JUNE 19th, 2010!! Yaay!

Have you seen the usual suspects of Craftaluma's Craftyville? There's the Church of Craft, spreading the Crafty gospel, (and you know, as the Petaluma Craft Mafia, it's well infiltrated), then there is the river, well, that's where all of our crafty secrets go for a swim. More on that, later. Yes, in Craftyville, your Petaluma Craft Mafia is involved, fighting for craft and giving it a voice. Your crafty famiglia is here, committing craft, living and working in our community, and creating the best craft show in the world. Yes, Craftluma 2010 is on it's way, and we've got the keys to the town.

Stay posted, stay tuned, and most of all, stay crafty.

xoxo, The PCM

Friday, December 4, 2009

"Yes Virginia, There is a Christmas Show."

Psst. Just wanted to post some info from lovely crafty lady I met recently, one of our SoCo neighbors in Sebastopol. The show is a nieghborhood show, called "Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Show!" The host is a kick, and I can't wait to see what she has planned. Here are the specs:
Peace, love and glitter, the PCM.

Check it out:


Welcome to our 1st annual neighborhood fair,
Contributors: Susan, Sandy, Steve, Nan, Lanette, Virginia, other Longinotti friends.
Hand sewn items: ...bags, quilts, napkins, potholders, placemats
Handmade paper goods...notebooks, gift tags, cards, garlands and more!
Painted folk art...nichos, mirrors, jewelry boxes, wooden crosses, jewelry, oil cloth bags
Furniture...wooden cabinets, chairs (incredibly comfortable outdoor porch chairs & loveseats), toys, kitchen items, so much more!

Raffle (donation to girls orphanage in San Miguel de Allende) for a fantastical ornate outdoor lighting fixture!
Please feel free to stop by for gingerbread cake and hot cider.
Enjoy your holidays,
The homey hood of Virginia Ave
259 and 270 Virginia Ave 824-9675



--
Dec 5th & 6th "Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas Show!" held on Virginia Ave in Sebastopol. 10:00-4:00 wonderful handmade crafts.
Dec 19th "Running With Glitter" 12-5 Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall, 60-85 vendors! 1094 Petaluma Blvd South

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Why Walk, when you can Run with Glitter?



"Baby, It's cold outside," he said. "Why not warm things up with a little glitter?" she smiled mischieviously. A sprinkle here, a splash, there...
The rumors are true, the whispers are telling.... and finally it seems we've landed in a glitter wonderland. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is launching it's third production, after Craftaluma, Holiday Craftacular, and now we're officially, Craftaluma,"Running with Glitter!!"

We were going to take the year off, but our crafty friends and vendors kept pestering us, so, while we will still do our spring show on May 15th, 2010, we're going to get things warmed up
for the Holidays with a runway and craft show. Whew!

Running with Glitter is hosting some of the best talent locally, and in the north bay. Handmade goodness that will help you with your shopping list and support local artists.
Come on down to the Petaluma Vet's Hall, groove to the live tunes, grab a cupcake, and take-in the glittery fashion show with some of the leading, cutting edge DIY'er designers!
We're gonna have a glitterlicious 'ol time, and the admission to the show is one buck, proceeds benefit the Phoebe Washer Foundation for the Arts.

Psst. Get there early for faboo swag bags!!

Peace, love and glitter,

The Petaluma Craft Mafia


What: Petaluma Craft Mafia hosts, Craftaluma's "Running with Glitter" Holiday Show.
When: December 19th, 2009, 12 noon- 5
Where: Petaluma Veteran's Hall
Admission - 1 buck - Swell swag bags for the first fifty folks.



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Pin-Ups for Paws





So many causes, charities, we'd love to get involved in them all. We in the Petaluma Craft Mafia try to help out wherever we can. One organization that is near and dear to our hearts is helping out our local animal shelter, the Petaluma Animal Shelter. We have been brainstorming on this for a few years, and finally the time is right to make Petaluma's first Crafty Pin-Up Calendar. Proceeds will go to Petaluma Animal Shelter. What a fabulous way to support your local Animal Shelter, and see your Petaluma Craft Mafia ALL year 'round! You may also learn a thing or two about a particular craft...

Be sure to stay posted here, and on our Facebook page for updates on our "Crafty Pin-Ups for Paws" calendar coming in 2010.


Peace, love and glitter,

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique




Pssst! A little birdie just whispered in our ear that the annual Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique is this Saturday, November, 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Open Door Church at 5th and B streets.

Is there anything better then Vintage I ask you? Not unless you're talking a big scoop of Ben and Jerry's coffee ice cream.... or a million dollars falling from the sky. Even, then, it's a close tie! Lucky you won't need a million dollars, because the admission to PVHB is free.

This show is produced by one of the most adorable, sweet and creative women here in Petaluma. She is golden, incredibly creative and has been a encouraging support to Petaluma's Craft Mafia. We heart her! The Petaluma Vintage Holiday Boutique is one of my favorite shows in Petaluma. Come on down this Saturday, be inspired and say "hello" to Eileen and the crafty vendors. Tell her the Petaluma Craft Mafia sent you... See ya there!

Ciao, ciao darlings!

Your Nortoriously Glittery Petaluma Craft Mafia

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Petaluma Craft Mafia HEARTS Modern Seamster

Issue #3 available for download online very SOON!




Last summer, the Petaluma's Craft Mafia were invited to sit down for an exclusive interview with the editorial staff of what is quickly becoming a favorite read for us, Modern Seamster.

It was first love at reading a jam packed full of goodness about sewing, the arts and crafts scene, music, culture, fashion. And of course, we fell in love with the hardworking, hard playing staff (after all, we identified with their spirit, and can do attitude). They took us to lunch, at a local restaurant here in P-Town, and got a gander at our hometown of Petaluma and were surprised it was so bustling! We enjoy it so much, and came away feeling incredibly inspired by the talent and vision of this new magazine. We are part of a series they are doing on our entire famiglia, the Craft Mafia.

If you haven't checked out Modern Seamster do so now, Issue #2 is just amazing! Amazing, and you will just have to be patient for Issue #3, "The sixties" issue!

Amore, and a big shout out to Modern Seamster!