Sunday, September 20, 2009

Handmade Nation Weekend Review





Well, here I am at Domy in Austin,TX for the booksigning of Handmade Nation. I am proudly standing behind the author Faythe Levine and one of the artists featured in the book, Kathie Sever based here in Austin and who's company is Ramonsterwear. She makes beautifully embroidered one-of-a-kind and limited edition cowboy shirts and kids clothing. Very cool!!




This is me and Whitney Lee of Made With Sweet Love...awesome hook latch rugs and kits and super-cool woman. I was her first autograph EVER....SWEET!!!



And lastly...here I am with one of the co-founders of Knitta Please based in Houston. They take there crafts to the streets and hit otherwise dull things like street signs and lamp posts with a colorful piece that was knit by a group of like minded knit bombers. Also here is Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club based here in Austin as well. Her jewelry is fun, creative and bitchin.
Let's talk film. I went over to the Alamo Draft House to catch the premiere of Handmade Nation on Sunday and was not disappointed. I was inspired, captivated and let's face it...jealous. That is what all us crafters aspire to, at least me, to be able to make a living off of our art and craft businesses. At least that is what I was thinking through most of the movie, hell, until about an hour or two after the movie. But then as I thought about the movement and how much this has done for my life and brought me back from the creative dead, I realized that is the point. I love what I do and I love to inspire others, most importantly my kids. I thank the women and men who have made me want to create and become my own person. I thank the people who make me want to succeed in my own right. I am thankful for being part of this movement.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Handmade Nation Weekend



So...
I am so excited for the debut movie of Handmade Nation at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar this Sunday,Sunday,Sunday! The movie is showing at 1:30 and 4:10 with a Q & A to follow with director, Faythe Levine, and several of the films' crafty ladies. There will also be a Craft Bazaar noon-6pm at the movie premier and my very own EtsyAustin team members which are the owners of The Wondercraft, http://thewondercraft.com/, will be doing craft demos. This event is free to the public. I got my tickets today and I am going to the book signing at Domy Books Sat. night. There is also a Swap and Sew Saturday from 12-6 pm at space12.org. For a really good calendar of events, check out naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com.

This brings me to how I got started with my own craftyness. When I started roller derby, I needed a way to embellish my dress and make it my own. I went to an art show at Gallery Lombardi, (I think...as it is now defunct, which sucks, because it was a great space), in which Jenny Hart was showing her work and selling some patterns.
Amongst her patterns were roller derby girls! BAM! I was hooked and rekindled my love of being crafty and creative.






As you can see, this was my first go at embroidery and not very clean... (especially on stretchy fabric). I am a jewelry artist by trade and love it, but honestly, I have more fun doing my crafts a lot of the time. With my jewelry, I am very type A and very hard on myself. With my crafts there is freedom. Freedom to relax, freedom to make mistakes, freedom to just make. Since then, I have gotten a bit better and have even taught a class.
This is a custom embroidered leather motorcycle seat with a Mexican wrestler mask applique. Getting a little better.





Anywho...go, create, see the movie and be inspired. I know I will!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

My first thought provoking post


Do you ever have those days when you wonder what the hell your doing? I actually have them all the time. Does anyone like my stuff? Am I talented at all? I don't have the money or the time to be creative and try to do a show and sell it...why do it at all. It's like I am making this stuff that will just sit around my house because I do not know how to promote it...yadah, yadah, yadah. But you know, that it not what it is supposed to be about. You make and create because it is who you are. It's like water, you cannot survive unless you are being creative. So screw it. You create art for arts sake, not for commerce. If you happen to sell something, then great, but that it not why you create. My husband has to remind me of this all the time. Yes, I would love to quite my day job and make things full time. But, I am not going to stop doing art even if I do not make a dime at it. I recommend watching the documentary POPaganda: The Art & Crimes of Ron English. It will remind you why we do what we do. Art for arts sake is something we should all try to do a little more often. Yes, the guy does make a lot of money, but he does bring art to the masses for free. I am rambling, sorry, but just thought I would put that out there to my fellow artists and crafters. Until my next rant...CoreyDylan

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

New and improved "Shrinky Frame Kits" available on etsy!




Check out my new "Shrinky Frame Kits" on my AllSheDoes site! I have brought it up a notch from the beloved Shrinky Dinks you remember as a kiddo. I have three different themes...Goth frames, ornate frames and floral frames. I hope to have many more crafty kits available soon.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Kits are coming!



Here is a mock-up of a DIY shrinkie-pendant kit that is in the works. What do ya thinky?
ALL SHE DOES! My new page is up and running.!