Craftaluma Vendors: Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts

CRAFTALUMA shows are heavy and ripe with talent. This summer's Craftaluma "How The Craft Was Won!" will be no different. I'm already in trouble. While talking to our vendors, going through photos of their entries I am constantly awed and humbled by the beauty, and unique stamp our crafty friends put on everything they touch. Inspiration can be found everywhere, and nothing makes this crafty mafia organizer happier then seeing creative folks passionately working on their own craft. Bliss.
One booth I'm gonna be going astray at and hanging with is Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts and handing the proprietress, Andy Lowry a lot of my own hard earned paper. (friends and fam if you are reading this, you are seeing a preview of your birthday and christmas presents).
Petaluma be forewarned, you're gonna have to be wrist wrasslin' me over the fruit, butterfly and skull platters... just be forewarned, this crafty girl always gets her prize!
Below is just a weensy sample of the treats that Andy has made for Craftaluma. If this is why girls go astray... I'd say it's worth it!

Interview with Andy Lowry of Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

What is your business and how you got your name?
Why Girls Go Astray paper crafts: www.whygirlsgoastray.etsy.com
The name, "Why Girls Go Astray," was influenced by an article I read as a Women's Studies doctoral student. The essay's thesis was essentially a 19th-century patriarchal argument against the education of women. One of the hypotheses put forth as to why upper-education was a detriment to women's health was that, with this new-found knowledge, many young women were bound to be easily "led astray."

We've come a long way baby. I am intrigued by your thesis. Where are you from?
I was born and bred in Chicago. I moved to Sacramento three years ago (with a six-year pit-stop in Atlanta for graduate school) to marry the love of my life.

I love that as a romantic. How did you get started in your particular craft?
I've always made projects with paper and fiber. My last few years in Chicago, I found that I could make money selling religious-themed and fun-fur pillows. At the same time, I began experimenting in decopage and eventually created several large pieces of furniture for my own use and gifts. I couldn't see how I could make enough money selling that scale and price of item, so I switched mediums and began decoupaging smaller items. I first began with paperweights and magnets, and eventually branched out into vases. I'm now doing an entirely new line of valet plates and serving platters. Utilizing decoupage, naturally.


Your favorite project you've created and why?
I think some of the new intricate serving platters are my new fave items, specifically because of the skill and time it took to complete, and also the aesthetic, which represented a new direction in my body of work.

Where would you like to be with your business in 5 years?
Being able to solely pursue my business without also working a part-time job would be rad. In lieu of that, I'd take the gradual yearly growth of my business as a victory as well.

Favorite spice in your cupboard?
Red pepper flakes; can't live without them

A craft you'd love to try?
Glass-blowing!

What American city or state would you love to travel to?
Hawaii -- anywhere in that state.

Chosen music to craft to?
Currently: Alkaline Trio, Bondie, Adele, Twilight Singers, Go-Gos, Noisettes, Bloc Party, and Def Leppard

How do you start your day?
NPR and caffeine

How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Drinks with my sweetie!

Best thing about living in Sacramento?
Coming from a city without much greenery, right now the multitude of trees and flowers is inspiring my awe and gratitude

Favorite book and why?
The Age of Innocence. Wharton is consistently my favorite writer. Her witty, critical analysis of the 19th-century New York upper-class and customs, plus her sheer gift for writing has always appealed to me

Other crafts you would like to explore?
Casting resin.

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
Opened up many more doors and opportunities.

Your favorite comfort meal is:
Sushi, lots of it.

What's in your handbag?
Sunglasses, lipstick, business cards, notebook, phone, breath-mints

Who and what inspires and influences you?
Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, John Waters, Alexander McQueen, Christian LaCrioux, Betsy Johnson, Karen O., Annie Sprinkle, Chrissie Hynde, Poly Styrene from X-Ray Spes (R.I.P., 2011), Cesar Chavez, black feminist theory, pulp fiction novels, U.S. noir and French heist films from 1940-1965.

What is always in your fridge?
Homemade pickles, beer, vodka

I'm inspired by:
My husband, Eric, who is a sculptor and my partner in our many mail-art projects

I couldn't go a day without:...
Buddhist practice

"____" really ticks me off:
An inability to show up on time

I dream of traveling to:
Tahiti

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
John!

What empowers you?
Feeling that I am able to pursue my own artistic vision, not compromise too much, and have it (bonus!) widely appeal to the greater public as well

What advice would you give to crafters who seek to support themselves through their craft?
Talk and network with others. I had to literally figure it out on my own.

I really love "____"...
My hometown of Chicago

Name a movie that particularly moves you and why:
Breakfast at Tiffanys. I've always identified with Holly Golighty's outlook on life and love. Plus, her fashion was impeccable.

I can hear "Moon Riverrrr..." now..What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
Kindness in others, my husband of almost three years


Amen sister! Thank you doll!
CA

For more of Andy Lowry's sublimely gorgeous work check out her shop here

(Photos courtesy of Andy Lowry ©Copyright Why Girls Go Astray Paper Crafts).

Craftaluma Vendors: Holy Nichos!

Susan Annette Wosk of Holy Nichos is a veteran Craftaluma Vendor , a talented tinsmither who crafts amongst the saints and spirits - literally, speaking. Patron saints such as Saint Francis, Saint Augustine, The Baby Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Frida (Kahlo) (she is a saint in her own right), and any other assortment of saintly flora and fauna make it's way into Susan's colorful and handcrafted art. Nichos are dated back to Spanish colonial times and are typically meant to honor a special ocassion, the dead, a saint, loved one, etc. It is set within a shadowbox casing or recessed dioramas. Susan'sattention to detail and gorgeous use of color is clearly heaven-sent - and the fact that Nichos can be personalized to any person, icon, loved one, event or color scheme really appeals to me, and works to enhance almost any decor- looks great outside as well. Take a basic sheet of tin, then Susan artfully, designs, cuts, shapes, stamps, patterns and then paints it in a meaningful and vibrant way. This ancient and traditional craft is tendered with cultural and spiritual meaning decades deep. Holy Nichos are often offered as a beautiful expression of honoring a loved one at Dia De Los Muertos, rendering it useful and beautiful, which is symbolic of craftsmanship at it's finest. We are blessed to have Susan's beautiful Holy Nichos and her gorgeous self with us at Craftaluma this year.

Interview with Susan Annette Wosk of Holy Nichos
By Petaluma Craft Mafia

Name of business and how you got your name: Holy Nichos!

Where are you from?
Sebastopol, CA

How long have you lived there?
43 years, since 1968!

Tell us the meaning of Holy Nichos and what it represents for you personally?
Nichos are a Mexican Folk Art, where you honor a spiritual being. 'Holy' is used in the universal sense of the word, meaning joyful, creative, and special. Nichos are frames in which you can place photos or scenes.

Your favorite Nicho?
Just recently, one made for Jessica and Bret's wedding, July 28, 2011!

Favorite spice in your cupboard?
Cinnamon!

Chosen music to craft to?
Gospel or The Mamas & The Papas

How do you start your day?
Lately, with a book called Life Magic

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side?
My accountant side comes out and tells my creative side to "stand back!"

Ha! I love that! How do you unwind at the end of a stressful week?
Line dancing! (and it's not country, sorry)

Best thing about living in your town?
SebTown is the mecca of organic produce, loving people and happy family

Favorite book and why?
Life Magic....this gives me keys to who I am...and helps me to run with intuitiveness

Other crafts you would like to explore?
glass art, decoupage, welding & making silver jewelry, water color, acrylic painting

How has the craft boom influenced your own craft?
Online retail such as Etsy and virtual crafters has opened me up to a worldwide network

Your favorite comfort meal is?
BYP (brewer's yeast popcorn)

I confess, I don't know what brewer's yeast is doing messing around with popcornwhen it should be in a cinnamon roll, but I sure am willing to give it a go! What's in your handbag?
What isn't?

What is always in your fridge?
heirloom tomatoes for 6 months a year!

I'm inspired by:
My children! Music and harmonies, gardens and worms!

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
Love and the power of the heart

I couldn't go a day without?
... pulling a weed

"____" really ticks me off:
snails

I dream of traveling to:
Europe and Africa

George, John, Paul or Ringo?
John

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft industry?
They are making the wave of the future alive now. Since the economy is crashing for the middle class, homemade & homegrown and going to take over!

What empowers you?
Color, making people happy with my artwork, the feeling of tangible creativity

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting themselves through their craft?
Work hard, work often, visit shops you like and show them your wares, be a good person, get out there and be brave enough to present your style!

I really love "____"
My family

I have already decided I want you to adopt me, Susan! :) Name a movie or poem or song that particularly moves you?
Oh Happy Day!

What puts that special hop in your giddy-up?
Hummingbirds, Sweet Peas blooming all over my yard, Dancing

Any Pets?
Johnny the cranky cat! Occupation: Complaining

Question of your choice: If you could have one super power....what would it be?
To make all people be kind!

Amen lady! (Thank you Susan and see you at this summer's CRAFTALUMA!

**For more amazing Susan Annette's stunning work see here:
(Photos credits in this post 2011©Susan Annette, courtesty of Susan Annette)

Craftaluma Vendors: Of Cookies and Canines

Meeting Meredith is like taking a bath in an errant ray of sunshine. She beams you with sunny smiles and if you're lucky, you leave with a belly full of her decadent bites of comfort.
I knew this lovely baker and apron lover and I had lots in common, but after interviewing her, I decided we must be long lost twins - who else says "Holy Smokes", wears boots all summer long, (well, maybe Stevie Nicks), is a cookie connoisser, believes in the magic of aprons, loves the smell of rain and is a chapstick addict? Did I mention the red Stetsons? I plan to steal them when Meredith isn't looking and is busy cooking. The fact that she makes buttery citrus sunshine melts, aka, cookies baked withf resh zested Meyer lemons, is the icing on the cookie and this story. They are addicting and I should know. Of course, after sampling all five fabulous and seriously addictive flavors, I was quite hard-pressed to name a favorite. The Triple "C" cookie is loaded with creamy milk and dark chocolate chips, sweet cream butter, brown sugar, aged vanilla and a dusting of cinnamon; the overall effect made me want to propose to this cookie - and chocolate isn't even my favorite flavor. lending an overall smoky, toffee chocolate flavor I can't get enough of. Yep, it is one honey of a cookie, darlin'!

We are happy have this delightful baker, friend and apron maker at Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!" this summer and we are confident you'll love her crafty treats as well.


Meredith, tell us the name of your business and how you got your name:
The name of my business is A Girl And Dog Boutique Bakery. Came up with the name a while back- the first part of it anyway! Always liked the simple idea of a girl and dog doing their thing. The 'Boutique Bakery' part came just before starting the business. I wanted to include the word 'boutique' to stay true to my mission- sharing small batch, gourmet cookies & quality handmade aprons with people- nothing mass produced- nothing done half heartedly. My dream is that it will be big enough to be self sustaining but small enough to always keep quality top notch & (hopefully!) unforgettable.


Where are you from?
I'm from western Washington! A beautiful, beautiful place! I'm thrilled my parents moved us all there when I was 3 ½!

How long have you lived in Petaluma?
I've lived in Petaluma for 5 years now.

Do you have a favorite spice in your cupboard?
Cardamom

Chosen music to craft to?
Holy smokes! So many! Depends on my mood but I have been known to listen to the likes of Lyle Lovett, Tracy Chapman, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Bob Marley, Crooked Still & even a little Irish music from time to time.

How do you start your day?
Always with a little tea & toast- sometimes I save myself & walk downtown with Abe for an iced coffee- that's mostly a summertime activity though!

How does your crafty self reconcile with the bottom line business side?
Not well. But I'm getting better at it. I have a good friend who's my accountant & she helps me through the paperwork side of things. Getting all the permits & related business has been the biggest challenge for me. But once I check off all the things on my list that AREN'T my favorite & I get to go back to the creative side of the business I am able to quickly refuel & focus on the dream of A Girl And Dog... so it's all worth it.

How do you unwind at the end of a hectic work week?
Couple of ways. I either take a drive to the coast with Abe or grab a beer & sit on the back porch. Or I have a milk & cookie break. Obviously. : )

Best thing about living in Petaluma?
Do I have to pick just one? I suppose the best thing to me right now is knowing I can head down to the local cafe, grab an iced americano & work on the computer while some local artist's playin' his guitar & singin' his songs a few feet away.

Why are your cookies so danged good? :)
Ha! I think my cookies are the way they are because I've been mixing, baking & perfecting the recipes for years & years. I've always baked cookies- it's just kind of my thing- and once I got the hang of using the giant convection ovens at the commercial kitchen- things just kept getting better & better. Plus- I'm really focused on detail. It's about the taste of the cookie (with as many locally sourced ingredients as I can find) but also about presentation. A beautiful cookie's just gonna taste better! I've done some serious work taste testing over the years so I feel fairly confident about that : )

Favorite book and why?
Lonesome Dove! I love the character development. Larry McMurtry writes in a way that allows me to immerse myself in the saga of a bunch of cowboys driving a herd of cattle from Texas to Montana. It's got elements of love, loss, humor, sadness & joy all wrapped up in one incredibly great novel... in my opinion!

Your favorite comfort meal is:
Currently it's grilled chicken over a bed of sauteed onion, garlic, carrots, kale & spinach... with goat cheese on top. A glass of red wine always makes it a bit better too!

What's in your handbag?
Chapstick... among other things... but if I don't have my chapstick I get a bit cranky. And it's the peppermint kind if anyone's wondering!

What is always in your fridge?
Milk, eggs & butter... real butter.

I'm inspired by:
My mom. Also by anyone who quits something that's not right & pursues something that is. With reckless abandon & passion.

What still holds wonder for you in this world?
To be totally honest... everything. Some people have said that's a fault of mine- that I live in some kind of dream world- but I don't think that's it at all. I call it hope. And I'd rather be a hopeful being then one who can't find joy anymore.

I couldn't go a day without:
Abe... or my chapstick : )

"____" really ticks me off:
People who check their phones all the time even if they're with you. How is someone on the phone more important than the person right in front of you? I always wonder...

(Amen to THAT sister!) Annoying and rude. Destination dream of traveling to?
Connemara again. I love the west coast of Ireland with my whole entire heart & can't wait to go back again.

George, John, Paul or Ringo? (feel free to expand on why if you wish)
I love and appreciate the Beatles for their musical genius & ability to produce great music for so many years but I don't have a favorite. Am I being judged right now?! : )

How do you feel American craftypreneurs have shaped craft and the craft
industry?
First off I love the name craftypreneurs. I am fairly new to the whole scene (as far as starting my first official business) but what I'm coming to understand is that there's A LOT of creative genius out there & we are lucky, lucky, lucky to be able to appreciate & learn from each other. It's an incredibly talented, colorful world & I'm thrilled to a part of it.

What empowers you?
Staying true to myself always and being unafraid to try... just try.

What advice would you give to crafters wanting to get into supporting
themselves through their craft?
Be realistic but don't let fear stop you. If you think it can happen- if you believe it will- then that energy will spread- through your work & to those who get to experience it. Good things come from doing what you love.

I really love "____".
The smell of rain in the morning.

What gives you a special swagger?
My red Stetson boots.

Any Pets? (names and occupation please) :)
Abe! My 6 year old black lab. He's my business partner & best friend.

I wear boots all summer long, I notice you favor them too. Do shoes
really make the girl?
I don't know if they 'make' the girl but they compliment her style & her energy. And I'm into that!

Question of your choice:
I think it's all been pretty much covered! Fun!


Thank you Meredith!
** For more goodness from Meredith Harman and her cookies and aprons, check out her website and facebook page!

xoxo, Your PCM

(photocredits in this post courtesy of ©girlanddogbakery.com and ©erinwrightsman)

Extra Extra! Craftaluma Buzz on the Petaluma Patch!

For a way sweet and nifty exclusive on the Petaluma Craft Mafia's latest Craftaluma show, lookie here.

http://petaluma.patch.com/articles/ladies-and-gentlemen-grab-your-glue-guns





See you all there!
XOXO,
Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

For the Love Of Craft and Book

Sipping cocktails, crafting up a storm is not all we Petaluma Craft Mafia do around here ya know.
Many of us are avid bibliophiles. When I first moved to what I now affectionately refer to as my "hometown" of Petaluma, I immediately ran smack-dab into Copperfield's Books because books and I are inseparable and have a date with destiny. Connecting with one's local bookstore, for me at least, was a way to ground myself and settle in. For those who have never visited Copperfield's Books, it is an independently owned bookstore with stores in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastapol, Napa, Calistoga and of course Petaluma. As if being a bookstore wasn't enough, they also host a gallery dedicated to local artists and businesses, a comfortable meeting spot and act as an all-around community supportive bookstore. I have an ongoing love-affair with Copperfield's. The Petaluma store also boasts a rare and used book collection downstairs that is sure to get your tender bibliophiliac heart thumping.

Copperfield's has long been supportive of the local literati, as well as the arts and crafts arena. They always graciously lend us a spot in their much coveted window to dress it up as craftily as we please. This year we decided to go for a paper mache theme based around taxidermy paper mache mounted heads. It was hecka fun, and interesting to see our crafty compatriots all came up with.
We decided to go for a clean kraft wall-papered background (Greta's staple gun is my new best friend) and contrast the kraft with a clean and graphic white for total pop! My love of painting came in handy as I painted my antique fireplace mantel, and too many picture frames to count a vivid clean white. I think I've still got paint under my fingernails. Greta made a sparklelicious unicorn, Jenna made a sweet doe with the longest, sparkly lashes, and I made a ram-bull skull... kinda of Georgia O'Keefish style. Jenna's Petaluma Craft Mafia banner and Greta's delightful origami tweets are the final touch.

The Copperfield's Book Fairies (aka amazing staff) then came out and dusted our window with all kinds of glorious books related to Craft. By the way, Copperfields has a helpful and knowledgeable staff - Many thanks to Patty and Alan for their kindness and gracious hosting of the Petaluma Craft Mafia.
We're really pleased with how it came out. My photos do not do it justice. We got oodles of great feed-back from the community about the window and hope we helped inspire you to get in touch with your inner crafty self!



Copperfield's Books Petaluma
140 Kentucky St.
Petaluma, California 94952

Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!"

Howdy-do Craftistas and DIY'er Sharpshooters!

Summer is here at long last. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is in the mood for a show! We've branded a smokin' hot show for you this summer on August 21st at the Petaluma Art Center for Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won!"

The Petaluma Craft Mafia has teamed up with the Petaluma Art Center and we are pleased to announce our first outdoor craft shindig! Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won" outdoor Indie Bazzare.
Per usual we are anticipating a whole passel of crafty talented vendors! Sublime, irreverent, kitschy and just well made crafts of local and independent artists who will inspire you to get your craft on.
Not your granny's craft show, but we know she'd be pleased as punch with the amazing craft found here. So join us, and if so inspired by our pioneering, glue gun waving cowgirl, please dress in your favorite cowgirl threads or throw on a pair of boots.
Along with awe inspiring crafts, we will have live music and treats!!

*** Vendors will need to apply to Craftaluma's "How The Craft Was Won" show at the links here or below. Keep in mind that this is an outdoor venue. Tents, tables and chairs are not provided.

Crafty FYI ** In addition, we are hosting our annual holiday show this year. Craftaluma's "Holiday Hoe-down" will be December 3, 2011 at the Petaluma Veteran's Hall. When registering for August's "How The Craft Was Won" you will save 40 dollars by registering for both show in advance.

* Applications are due by August 7, 2011. Thanks in advance!

Hold your glue guns folks, this show is smokin' hot!

With love and glitter,

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia


** Register for CRAFTALUMA'S "How The Craft Was Won" here:
http://www.petalumacraftmafia.com/craftaluma/howthecraftwaswon.html
http://www.petalumacraftmafia.com/craftaluma/index.html

Meet The Famiglia: Jenna Hales

Meet swell gal and crafty entrepreneur Jenna Hales. I met Jenna through a Craftaluma Show a few years back, she was a vendor and a hoot. She's one of those women you are happy to have in your circle of awesome gal pals as well as professionally. Jenna is a PCM sister and a new mama to her son, baby Kai. We welcome her, her positive spirit and great energy to the Petaluma Craft Mafia.

Business Name: sparklejenna
Website: www.sparklejenna.com

What kind crafty goods do you make? " I make jewelry, plushies, paintings, other crafty objects."

How did you get into this line of work? "I've always been crafty. My mom was always making creative projects when I was growing up and it just seeped into my bones. I can't imagine not working on something crafty, I would go nuts!"

What is the typical work day for you like? "Everyday is different, especially since becoming a mom. I also have a freelance graphic design business (www.totallyswell.com) so depending on which balls are in the air on any given day, I adjust my schedule accordingly. I could spend time on the computer or at my crafting table or a combo, although I can say making things with my hands brings me more fulfillment, even if graphic design is creative it's just not the same as busting out the scissors and glue or sewing machine."

What/who inspires you? "I find creative inspiration everywhere. It could be a magazine, a combination of colors on a sign or a favorite blog. I am inspired by people who follow their dreams. Kelly Rae Roberts is pretty awesome, she built a thriving creative business in just 5 years and shares the steps she took on her journey openly which I really admire. Many artists or crafts people can be so secretive about how they gained success, it's refreshing to have someone out there who is willing to be a mentor for those of us who are up and coming."

Favorite thing about your work? "My favorite thing about my work is the satisfaction I get from doing it and seeing other people connect to it."

What is the single best piece of business advice you know now,that you wish you knew when you were just getting started? "Even if you feel like you don't have the time, do something small everyday to build your business, small steps grow in to something much bigger with time."

What’s in your fridge? "Sweet hot mustard, chicken strips, pie, baby food."

Who’s your favorite poet? "Mary Oliver."

Favorite guilty pleasure? "Cotton Candy."

What’s playing on the I-pod? "Greyboy Allstars West Coast Boogaloo."

What is your favorite way to unwind? "Cuddles with my family, which includes my two dogs."

How do you feel contemporary American women entrepreneurs have influenced American culture and craft? "Craft has blown up over the past few years, thanks to the pioneering spirit of some amazing crafty ladies. I think craft is much more prevalent than it was even just a few years ago."

What about the world still holds wonder for you? "My son, seeing him grow and change is the most amazing experience of my life. I feel very blessed to be his mama."

You’re having a dinner party, as the head of the table, who would you love to invite and have seated on your left, and another choice on your right? "Hmmm, my grandpa and my brother both no longer living."

If you had the chance to sing a live duet onstage, who would you choose to sing with? What would you sing? "That's a tough one. I'd probably throw up and pass out before I ever made it on to the stage, maybe Ebony and Ivory with Michael Jackson - he was weird, but he was rad."

When you die, what would you like inscribed on your headstone and what music would you choose? "I don't know about the inscription, I kind of feel like the whole point is for other people to put what is meaningful to them - after all it won't matter to me :) If I had to choose music, maybe the soundtrack from the movie Amelie."

Where do you see you and your business heading in the coming year? Any goals or particular wishes? "I would love to continue to develop my glitter paintings and maybe even get something licensed!"

What absolutely just makes your day? "A fun surprise in my mailbox!"