Oh, we so purdy!

It's been too long since our web site, created in 2007 got updated with a fresh look. When we first became an official family, back in 2006 or was it 2007? Anyhoozles, we had about 30 days to put it together. Ms. Moxieville, aka, your's truly, had never designed a web page before, and was sweating bullets. Thirty days, no HTML experience, yikes. Well, somehow, I rose to the occasion, and quickly put together a color scheme and design that was both, clean, campy and sophisticated. We got loads of compliments, and still do! Heck, who doesn't love a good tarantella and to hear poultry noises? For those urbanites who have never woken-up to a rooster crowing, tune into the Petaluma Craft Mafia homepage, and you too can enjoy what I grew listening up to every morning as a child!

Fast-forward a few years, we decided it was time to put our fresh faces on our website with a new look. So, while Memorial day week-end is tempting me out to play, the beer is on ice, the oysters barbecueing, I've got work deadlines, and a few projects that are pro-bono for some local events around town, yet, here I am futzing around on our blog.

We get loads of compliments on our old site, but as I'm updating our web page with member bios, it has occurred to me we've grown and improved a lot since 2006 - learned much about the industry, taken some risks, influenced and inspired so many local craftisans in town, have more diversity, energy, talent and sophistication . We know what we want, and our new look should reflect that. We don't want to go with the tried and true steam-punk look, ever popular again, with it's bold eroded fonts, texturey parchment backgrounds and firmly "Americana" stamped look. It's too easy, and so 1990's- and 1890's too, for that matter. Le Sigh. Besides, if I wanna see anymore of that, I just read Trader Joe's "Frequent Flyer" and see what's on special. Yawn.

So we're toying with a few looks. The later roughs are remnants of our original site and colors, but with more goodies. The second, is more feminine and urban. Since all of us are really creative country girls with adventurous hearts, I'm leaning towards the first comp of the homepage. That and the fact that I'm ready to move on from our old color scheme, is motivating me to experiment a bit. And incorporating images of our hometown of Petaluma, was a no-brainer, but we don't want to O'd on that either. Too gimmicky. We love our town, but we are not the chamber of commerce, though, we have been told we've put craft and a fresh DIY Revolution on the map, here in P-Town.

Decisions. Next time we post, I'm sure I'll have taken the identity a whole new direction, but for now, stay posted!

Peace, love and glitter,

Your PCM

River Town Revival

Not only does Petaluma have a Craft Mafia, it's also got a river, running right smack through the heart of our town. To some it's a muddy slough, but none-the-less, it's a river by golly, and this summer it's going to be fun on the banks, with a whole host of artsy craftsy folks who love art, food, a fantastic gypsy fortune teller, music, and funky boats. The Petaluma Craft Mafia is rolling up our sleeves, and building our own floating structure, a gypsy Gondola. While we won't win any prizes for speed, our boat is built for style.

This is the first year of River Town Revival. So show some support for our river and join us and our community for what we are sure is going to be a spectacular annual event this July 24th.

Love, peace and sludge,
The PCM

Getting Crafty with the famiglia at Graham's

You gotta love it when your crafty sisters and friends LOVE to blog as much as you do. Our crafty sister, Jaime of Sparkles n' Sticks spills the fun on Petlaluma Craft Mafia's last meeting out in one of my favorite places, Graham's Country Crafts. Nothing like fresh air, crafty fun, laughter, cake and some supportive gals to make a meeting more fun! Check out Graham's Country Craft's for our first Open Air Town & Country trunk show in June!

* Also, coming in June, Check out PCM member, and the infamous Ms. Moxie's interview for ProjectHERE, for more about the wonderful woman, Helen Graham behind Graham's Country Crafts.

Ciao Bella!

Your Petaluma Craft Mafia

PCM sister, Jaime Martinez of Sparkles n' Sticks

Once is awhile you meet somebody who is like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stagnant and polluted world. Jaime is just that kind of fresh air daisy. She's our crafty compadre, one who favors any color as long as it's pink. She relishes a good cup of coffee and has the kind of spirit and kindness that begets sweetness. Our crafty famiglia is incredibly pleased to have her join us. She not only adds sparkle, she adds so much joy, generosity and a her wonderful sense of humor to our colorful crafty family.
Jaime is a knitter, extreme journal maker and creates the cutest monster dolls you ever wanna snuggle with. She has a vision both unique and filled with a bit of whimsy. We love you Jaime, and that cloud of glitter you rode in on! XOXO.


****Jaime "Grazie a Latte" Martinez****

Whack Weapon of Choice? "Glitter."

Business Name, (and how did you get it)? "Sparkles and Sticks. I wanted my business name to feel fairytale like. But not in a Disney Princess "my life is great because I have a pretty pink dress and singing mice friends and a really boring prince who adores me" kind of way, but in a kind of rustic, semi-sparkly version of a Grimms meets Whedon fairytale. More like a, "my life is awesome because I have super powers that save the world, but I also have singing pet mice and a pretty pink dress that I knit out of enchanted sheep wool, and my boyfriend is in a rockband called Prince" kind of a story."

Also, I use knitting needles (sticks) and glitter (sparkles) a lot. That's really probably a simpler answer.

What your DIY style? "Colorful, imaginative, sparkly, and soft."

DIY Tip? "Add sparkle."

What’s your sign baby? "Aquarius."

What’s your favorite Karaoke song? "Probably something from the Rent soundtrack. It's the only thing that I guarantee that I know all the words to. Want proof? "Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred moments so dear..."

Whats your favorite Italian Meal? "I love a creamy Pasta Alfredo and a cappuccino, paired with a side of cappuccino. I live on coffee."

Rabble Rousing

Sometimes the Petaluma Craft Mafia gals, just gotta break out and stir things up a little. Blame it on spring fever, long winter nights, or too much tequilla. Our gaggle of gals shown here, rousting and getting warmed up for our "Pin-Ups for Pets" calendar shoot coming soon!

Happy Spring!

Love, peace and glitter,

The PCM

PCM: Naked Lady Party

March Madness. My birthday month is always lions and lambs or lamb and lions. It looks like March came in with a bang, had a mood-swing, a brief flirtation with 70 degree temps, turning the rolling green hills that surround me chartreuse green, and spawning spring's love-child, the daffodil, which dots every hill and quarry from Sonoma to Petaluma. Aww, well. What is life without a few of Mother Nature's shenanigans?

Speaking of which, we eco-conscious, style-lovin' fashionistas in the Petaluma Craft Mafia are up to our own crafty shenanigans again. We're cleaning out our closets, and deciding to throw ourselves a good old-fashioned Naked Lady Party, (NLP). The last week-end in March will be our NLP shin-dig. However, it's a private party. NLP's have to be fairly small, no more then twenty folks or it can get chaotic really fast. So, if you've received your invite to PCM's Naked Lady Party, count yourself lucky and be sure to bring your bag of NLP threads and a bottle of bubbly, because trying on clothes is thirsty work.

If you can't join us, you can throw your own NLP party. Donate the proceeds or an outfit to charity, such as women returning to work, or another organization that is dear to your heart. There are a few very simple rules, but the rest is up to your creative imaginations.

Here are a few tips from your crafty famiglia:

Abbreviated Terms Key:
NLP = Naked Lady Party
NL= Naked Lady (duh).

1. Size matters. Consider the size of the venue, (host) and keep the attendees to around twenty or less. Again, controlled chaos is the goal. Too many peeps, and it gets out of control fast and the party loses it's mission and focus. Usually this ends badly, bean-dip in coat pockets, schlurrping vodka from somebody's shoe, a teary phone-call to an old flame, and often, in the wee-hours, somebody needs to post bail. I'm kidding. Really. You believe me, right? If you can't post bail, repeat after me: "Controlled Chaos." Now, off you go. (We don't know nuthin' about no brassieres tied around street poles on Kentucky Street). No siree.

2. NLP items. Bring items of clothing and accessory that you think others would want - this is not the place for cast-off junk. Remember, we all have too many things in our closet that have never seen the light of day, time to remedy that. Bring up -to -date, on trend clothing, or vintage items. Either way, NLP karma doubles the better the items that you bring. As Ms. Moxie likes to say, "The Karma you take, is equal to the Karma you make." (she is so danged smug).

3. Music! This is KEY. Make a soundtrack for your NLP that has a variety of up, energy and soothing mellow tunes as well.

4. Organize. Sort out each pile of clothing by size, style and or type. I.e., jeans, blouses, skirts, tanks and tees, shoes, professional clothing, bags, etc.

5. Timer! Fair is fair. Everyone gets timed while going through each pile. So bring a timer, a kitchen timer or second hand works great. No hording. Horder's are banished from the next round of NLP mayhem. So, while it's tempting to "load-up", remember, you will not always want what you try on, be courteous to the next naked lady in line.

6. Strut it! Once you've found your threads, model it down the aisle, show the other NL's what style, second-hand is all about.

7. Eats and drinks. While I rate music as very important, so are refreshment. NL's work up a healthy appetite whilst dis-robing and scavenging with wild abandon. Therefore, make sure your eats and drinks are quality, a quenching cocktail, a sumptuous easy to nibble snack, and still have clean hands to try on clothes.

8. Privacy. Of course, this is a NLP party! There will always be crashers, or folks trying to get a peek at a NLP Party in session. So be sure you have a private place to party, and a private place to slip in and out of clothes.

9. Party Favors. If there is one thing a Naked Lady adores, it is a creative and clever party-favor. You don't have to break the bank, remember, these are tough times, and creativity luckily saves the day. If your NLP has a particular theme, such as tropical, rocka-billy, Eco, Pin-up, whatever, go for something that fits the theme for your favors to give to your Naked Ladies. I feel that giving your Naked Ladies a fresh flower is never a bad idea. One single rose, or even better a dahlia is enough to delight me. I think I'll make my corsages with naked lady miniature dolls for my crafty sisters. But, at an NLP party, anything goes.

10. FUN. NLP with abandon. Remember, you're not only having fun, but keeping the earth greener, upcycling items, and "re-shopping" amongst the ladies you love and whose style you've long admired. This is the time to share some fashion and style tips with your ladies. NLP's are great for learning from women you admire.

PCM Meet the Famiglia: Rocket Orange

Meet the Petaluma Craft Mafia Family:

Hannah "Goo" Musser

Whack weapon of choice: Needle and thread. Thread a needle and the world is your oyster.
my fist!!! ;)
Business name: RocketOrange

DIY style: 'lil bit this, 'lil bit that!!!

DIY tip: do what you love and different is ok.

Astrological sign: Taurus baby. True to it's name but, i will always say sorry and admit i am wrong!

Favorite Karaoke Song: oh-boy, this is a tuffy to answer for me. depends on the mood. Speeding Motorcycle, Jane Says, I've Got You Babe (with drunken co-wert), any Dolly song and Come as You Are...

Favorite Italian Meal: My father's Cioppino!