String Art

We've been loving all the string art that's popping up lately. Here's some of our favorites from around the web!

We Are All Apart Of The Same Thing by Dominique Falla (see his post for gorgeous detail shots)

Drawn Pink by Anne Lindbeg for The Bemis Center

Artist unknown, from the Heide Museum of Modern Art

Embroidered photographs by Maurizio Anzeri

Want to try your hand at creating your own string art? Here's a couple DIY projects with tutorials.

Lettered Wall Art, tutorial by Jen Lula

Geometric String Escort Cards, tutorial by Oh Happy Day

Calling all Artists!

Applications are officially open for the third annual Indie Craft Parade! Use our online form to submit your work from now until midnight EST June 24, 2012. The application process is done entirely online and it's simple and easy to use thanks to the quality work of Duo Interactive.

We can't wait to see all the amazing work that comes in!

DIY Round Up: Easy Kitchen Updates

What are your weekend plans? The weather looks very promising in Greenville, so I know I'll be outside for sure...hopefully joining friends for a couple exciting Greenville events. Both Artisphere and the Greenville Urban Farm Tour are this weekend, and I want to take full advantage of both. Outside that, it sure would be nice to get some kitchen updates underway. Today's round up features 4 incredibly easy ways to add a little interest to the room we spend a ton of time in. Love this rainbow of spoons painted and covered with food save shellac, as demonstrated on Little Bit Funky.

The broom is definitely my weapon of choice when it comes to keeping a clean kitchen, so why not follow House of Ernest's lead and make it pretty. 

It's fairly easy to find nicely patterned cloth napkins on the cheap, but they still lack the punch of the napkins found in high end boutiques and kitchen stores. The Fab Miss B found these inexpensive napkins at Target and quickly spruced them up with thrifted pom pom and lace trim.

And finally, I just love these tins turned refrigerator holders. As created on A Pretty Cool Life, they're an adorable way to keep that fridge tidy.

Happy (almost) weekend!

Trunk Shows, Craft Shows and More Events you don't want to miss!

It's that time of year--the calendar is filling up with creative events. Can you believe that it's just a little more than a month till applications open for Indie Craft Parade?? We're so excited to see the work of artists and crafters this year. But in the meantime, the final days of April hold a number of events that we just have to share with you. It's already been an awesome month with events like the Mini Book Collective and Illyria Pottery Show. So if you don't already know about these upcoming shows, you want to take note. In two weekends, there are TWO notable crafty events on the same day. (Oh to be in two places at once!!) The first event is here in Greenville. It's the Spring Flea hosted by the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. If you've never taken a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, you just don't know what you're missing. It's one of the best ways to be active in Greenville. And local establishments like the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery just make it that much better. The Cafe and Grocery offers light meals and snacks to hungry trail goers as well as a host of local farm fresh foods.

This past Christmastime, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery hosted their first Flea Market. A number of Indie Craft Parade vendors, including Parachute Clothing, Red Clay Soap, and Malo, participated in the festivities. The event was a smashing success, and we're expecting no less for their Spring Flea. This is an outdoor event where you can sample great food, find new handmade products, and meet some great artisans who are making a difference in our community.

The second event on April 28 is one we've already told you about, but it's definitely worth the reminder. It's Crafty Feast in Columbia, SC.

This year, Crafty Feast is hosting 67 vendors at the Columbia Convention Center. Admission is $2. If you're a fan of Indie Craft Parade, then you'll be happy to see some familiar faces at the event. Some of our previous exhibitors will have booths at this event.

Besides, these two large festivals, I have a couple of small, but noteworthy events for you to be mindful of. This is short notice, but if you're free this Thursday, April 19, you should stop by local boutique Even A Sparrow for a trunk show. From 5:30 to 8:30 PM, Holly is hosting the Spring Debut Collections of Yellow Elm and  Creative Rumors. Elizabeth Blanton of Yellow Elm creates adorable felt accessories, and Rachel Hrinko and Lauren Runion of Creative Rumors remake cast-off clothing into handmade goodness. It will be a fun evening you don't want to miss.

And last but not least, Deb Potter of Merciful Hearts Farm is teaming up with the Greenville Museum of Art for an educational event. Deb has supplied Indie Craft Parade with gorgeous hand spun yarn for the past two years. And on April 22 at 2:00 PM she'll be demonstrating hands-on coil basketmaking.

Ok, that's it for now, but stay tuned. The season of crafty goodness is just warming up, so we'll have plenty of updates coming soon.

Don't Forget! Mini Book Collective this Weekend!

Remember when we announced the call for entries for Mini Book Collective? Well, now all of the applicants have completed their work, and they'll be on display this weekend at Art and Light Gallery. We've got a sneak peek of the work to show you. All of the books are themed on the artists' experiences in Greenville, and I think they've made our little city quite proud. The opening celebration of the Collective is tomorrow night! The show takes place April 6 from 6pm to 9pm as part of First Fridays. This is one special event you don't want to miss!

Mini Book entry by Furman Student, Patrick Rice

Melinda Hoffman, Director of the Mini Book Collective's book

Jason Wagoner's Handmade Greenville Journals

Wallpaper Book Series by Teresa Roche

Easter Crafts Round Up

Easter might just be a few days away, but there's still time to think about cute crafts to do with or for the family. Here's a round up of easy tutorials that we find particularly perfect for the season. Simple paper carrots from Oh Happy Day. Perfect for table settings or stuffing in Easter baskets.

Skip the jars of food coloring this year when you dye Easter eggs. Use ingredients you already have in your kitchen to produce these gorgeous natural dyes. Tutorial from The Kitchn.

Have kids or having kids over for Easter dinner? Make these bunny ears ahead of time for them to play and pose with. Family pictures will never be cuter. Featured in Country Living.

Finally, these adorable treat bags from Mer Mag are sure to delight Easter guests young and old alike.

DIY Garden Projects (and more) Round Up

It's been a while since we've done a crafty DIY round up on our blog, so I'm pretty excited to have one all about gardening. I'm hoping the clear forecast tomorrow holds, because I want to spend the entire day outside! Ok, maybe you don't have a green thumb and hate working in the yard. Don't tune me out yet. I've got more than just a post about garden projects. Check out these beauties below.

I love terrariums, especially this one from In Words and Pictures. And these little Tillandsia (air plants) are so easy to take care of. They hardly need any attention.

No yard? Have a porch or patio that needs a little plant love? Apartment Therapy's tutorial for recycling pallets into vertical gardens is pure genius. This would be perfect for growing small flowers, or my personal favorite, fresh herbs.

Ok, maybe you don't have a green thumb, but who doesn't love fresh flowers in the house? Especially when they're displayed in this faux mercury glass vase from Pepper Design.

Or maybe hanging plants are your thing? I love how you can give some distinction to plain ol' terra cotta with this tutorial from More Design Please.

And finally, have any friends who are nuts about gardening? This is a super cute favor or hostess gift for those who have that green thumb. Template found on Ruffled Blog.

Happy Weekend!

Craft Bar Happy Weekend: Applications Open

We've got another festival to tell you about--this time from Columbia, SC! Every month, the Columbia Museum of Art hosts craft . bar . happy . hour, where crafters participate in a "bring your own craft" night. It's a great way to expand your knowledge about crafting and meet new friends.

Well, they've decided to expand the event into a full weekend festival on June 1 and 2. It's going to be a juried art market located in the museum, and registration is currently open.

From craft . bar . happy . weekend:

Craft Bar Happy Weekend is the inaugural daylong event inspired by the Columbia Museum of Art’s monthly program, Craft Bar Happy Hour. Craft Bar Happy Weekend is a public market that brings together artists and their handmade goods from across the Southeast. You'll enjoy quality crafts, local food, DJs and the opportunity to make friends and connections with the artists themselves. The Museum’s team will offer workshops, demonstrations and activities that adults, and even the littlest crafters, can enjoy.

All crafters and artisans are encouraged to submit their work for consideration.

If you're interested in participating, head over to their website, read all of the details. Applications are open until March 23.

Moveable Type Truck Recap

Thank you to everyone who came out to the library last week to support Kyle and her Moveable Type Truck. We had over 150 people signed up to attend, and it was an awesome event! Participants crowded into the truck to learn more about the art of letterpress, and they even got to try the process themselves, taking home a souvenir poster. The great turnout and enthusiastic attitude shown by everyone just makes us so happy that we're part of this community. We're looking forward to many more events in the future!

So many people came! The line was 50 people long at times.

Crowding into Kyle's truck to get a better look at the process.

Inking the type before printing.

Kyle explaining the process.

The final product! A poster just for Greenville.

Indie Craft Parade fans showing off their hand printed goods!

Want to see more pictures? Check out our Facebook page!

Handmade Valentines Round Up

Valentine's Day is just a week away, which means you still have plenty of time to whip out the scissors, glue, and glitter to make your own hand made valentines! Just in case you're feeling dry for inspiration, we've included a few ideas that might get you started--complete with templates and tutorials. Happy Crafting!

No better way than to start your valentine's day than with a custom cup of coffee. I think I might fill my valentine's cup with this Nutty Mocha Latte. Find the free printable coffee sleeve at Eat Drink Chic.

Have treats that need a package? Love this fabric envelope tutorial from Sew, Mama, Sew! (Love their fabric selection too!)

Play cupid with these handmade wooden arrows from Design*Sponge.

This pirate printable from mer mag is adorable. So easy to add the felt and stitching--and a perfect card to make for (or with) your kids!

Fold out cards from Martha Stewart might require a little more precision and time, but your valentine will be so delighted with the attention to detail.

Finally, if Valentine's Day decoration is more you style, this awesome compilation featured on Design*Sponge is just the thing for you.

XOXOXO

DIY Geometric Accessories Round Up

I really have a design crush on all of the geometric designs that are popular right now. They're clean and fresh--and facets just make me smile. For instance, I would buy the hand built ceramic hanging planter (pictured above) from Pigeon Toe Ceramics in a heartbeat.

But since we don't all have ceramic studios where we can just make (or buy) faceted creations like this, I've pulled together some very feasible geometric accessory projects.

Let's start with this diamond shaped leather necklace from Oh the Lovely Things.

And then the lovely catch-all pouch from Dismount Creative.

You really should check out this template/tutorial for geometric garland featured on Urban Outfitters.

And finally, another tutorial from Dismount Creative (she has a lot of good ones!) I love this pendant and will be making it soon!

Happy Weekend!

Open Applications for Regional Craft Shows

Dear Indie Craft Parade participants and fellow crafters,Spring is just around the corner here in the South, and it's time to start thinking about 2012 craft shows. Right now applications are open for two regional events, and you'll want to know about them. Whether you want to apply to participate or simply attend these events, you're bound to be surrounded by fabulous crafts and all the fun that goes with these festivals. Check them out!

Chatty Crafty held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The dates for the festival are April 21 + 22, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. Applications are open until February 19.

Crafty Feast, in association with Indie Grits held in Columbia, South Carolina. The date for the festival is April 28. Applications are open until January 31--CLOSING SOON!

We hope you can take advantage of these crafting opportunities!

Moveable Type: Letterpress Bash in Greenville

We love hosting educational events throughout the year that keep people excited about handmade techniques. So if you've ever been interested in — or just curious about — letterpress, this is your chance to learn! We're starting off this year with a really exciting affair! In February, with the help of Hughes Main Library, we are bringing the Moveable Type project to Greenville!

Moveable Type is a portable letterpress studio, run by Kyle Durrie. She is making her way around the country holding demonstrations and workshops on the art of letterpress printing. On Thursday, February 16th from 4-7pm, Kyle will park her studio/truck in front of the Hughes Main Library and set up shop. Our event will begin with a quick introduction video in the library, then move outside to the Type Truck, where Kyle will walk us through creating our own letterpress prints.

The event is free and open to the public, although registration is required. Call the library at 527-9293 to register for the Moveable Type event.

Kyle also makes and sells fun letterpress goods so if you didn't stock up at Indie Craft Parade or you've already used up your stash, bring some cash and support this great idea.

DIY Round Up: Jewelry Holders

How many of you (like me) resolve each New Year to keep a better organized life? I've created a whole list of house, yard, and general life projects to keep me going through 2012. However, I don't want all my tasks to be drudge work (i.e., cleaning out the fridge more often). I've resolved to keep things ship-shape in a fashionable and functional way--creative hooks, repurposed wire baskets, refurbished storage units and the like. Or, take a look at these DIY jewelry holders I've collected as reference. I could certainly use any of these to keep all my Indie Craft Parade finds/treasures in order. These three DIY projects have great tutorials, and could totally be finished in a weekend using thrifted or salvaged materials. The weather here in Greenville is gorgeous this weekend. It's days like these that make me hopeful to keep my New Year's resolutions. We'll see how far I get.

A lovely repurposed type drawer from Tonya Staab.

Earring organizer using old frames and thick wire mesh from Dream Green DIY.

Necklace rack/display shelf made with a few materials from the hardware store from A Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart.

Handmade Christmas Centerpieces

I can't believe Christmas is just a few days away! I still have so much to do. Fortunately, my centerpieces for a big Christmas dinner are already made. There will be a little forest of handmade Christmas trees--so festive! I gathered my projects from the round up below. Hope this will provide some last minute handmade inspiration for you as well! Twine wrapped tress from The Thrifty Crafter.

Wax paper tree from Bower Power.

Paper evergreens from Martha Stewart.

Scrapbook cone trees fromBetter Homes and Gardens.

Crepe paper trees from Creative Chaos.

Christmas Shopping at the Swamp Rabbit Holiday Flea!

One of my favorite things about the city of Greenville is the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 13 mile walking/biking trail established by the Greenville Hospital System not only promotes healthy living, but also has given people some new business opportunities. When the weather is nice, we're always using the trail, and its been amazing to see new trail-side businesses pop up. One of my favorite places is the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery. This cute stand is the perfect place to get a post-run or ride snack or even better, to pick up some local meats, cheeses, and produce. The buy local ethic of Swamp Rabbit Cafe so perfectly matches our own mission, that we have to tell you about their upcoming holiday flea. 

At this event you'll find all sorts of amazing goodies that will make the best gifts and stocking stuffers. I know a ton of people don't have their Christmas shopping finished, and this is a perfect way to complete that gift list.

Here's a little preview of all the goodness.

Accessories and vintage items from Shop Keep.

Chocolates by Raw Shakti.

Homemade Jams from Sallies Greatest.

Handprinted tees by Parachute Clothing.

Goat Milk Soaps by Red Clay Soaps.

Thanksgiving DIY Round Up

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love that it's not over commercialized. I love the time spent with family. I love the traditions we've made over the years--Oh and the food. This girl has a Southern family that can cook like nobody's business. Perhaps the only thing I don't love is our lack of great decor for the Thanksgiving holiday. Admittedly, I put so much more effort into decorating for Christmas, that I feel Thanksgiving gets ignored. Well, not this year. I've got just over a week till turkey day, and I'm loving some of these DIY projects I'm sharing today. I hope you will find these as inspiring as I do!

These linen napkins from The Purl Bee seem so easy to make, and I think they're quite beautiful with this ombre look.

I've seen a lot of ways that people count and record their blessings, but this might be my favorite. I love how the tutorial from Craftzine.com uses chalkboard paint "leaves" for Thanksgiving guests to write on. I think this project would be especially fun for kids to get involved.

I love this idea as an alternative to place cards. Elizabeth Anne Designs salvaged vintage spoons and hammered guests' names into them. They look so pretty with a finished table setting.

Ok, I've seen countless cake toppers. But a pretty pie topper--Who knew? I think pies are generally under-appreciated, and this swag from Oh Happy Day just makes me smile.

Greenville Open Studios

Many of you probably work or live right around the corner from a Greenville artist, and you don't even know it. Local artists don't always work out of galleries or official studios, which is why you should take advantage of Greenville's annual Open Studios. This event not only gives the community a chance to meet more of Greenville's artists but also to tour their work spaces, to get to know their processes, and to connect on a more personal level. Open Studios this year falls on Saturday, November 5, 10am - 6pm & Sunday, November 6, Noon - 6pm. A few artists are even open on Friday evening.

About Greenville Open Studios from the Metropolitan Arts Council:

Now beginning its tenth year, Greenville Open Studios began as an idea cast about during a casual conversation between a small group of artists several years ago; they discussed doing something to raise awareness in the greater community of the tremendous creative energy in the area. The idea has evolved into a full-fledged annual event. The goals of Greenville Open Studios are to provide free and convenient community access to visual arts, to educate and create a dialogue between artists and the general public by opening artists’ place of work and inviting the community-at-large to participate in the creative process, and to create new marketing opportunities for artists. It is the organizers’ desire that the project will open up the world of visual artists to everyone – from the seasoned collector to the first-time art buyer to the curious general public.

Also check out the Open Studios page for more information about their mobile site which is complete with studio maps--very handy in finding which artists are closest to you.

Every year this event proves the great talent we have in and around our town, and you really don't want to miss out on the chance to enjoy it. Mark your calendars!

Muse Fest

Last night we attended the opening gala for Muse Fest 2011 in Old Town Rock Hill, SC. It's a weekend long music, film, and art festival that is centered on an indie craft show. Muse Fest is very much a sister event to Indie Craft Parade, and we were so happy for their invitation to join in the festivities. If you're near or traveling to Rock Hill this weekend, please check out Muse Fest. It's free and open to the public and runs all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tell your friends!

The event is held in Rock Hill's super cute Old Town at the historic Post Office and Court House. Although the Post Office/Court House has been converted into the UP Gallery, it still holds tons of original charm.Muse Fest decked the building out in their iconic hot pink--complete with a crocheted lamp post out front!

Works by Jay Owens (from Indie Craft Parade's jury) are on display in the permanent gallery.

Check out all of the interior's gorgeous details! We're in love with the vintage PO boxes.

Some of our favorite vendors from the evening:

The Cordial Churchman - handmade bow ties and neck ties, and a former Indie Craft Parade Participant

Bounden Studio - handmade books

Other friends from Greenville and from Indie Craft Parade: Sew Sew Lovely, Emily Clarke Studio and Phoenix Fire Studios

To see the full list of participating vendors, check out the Muse Fest Craft Vendors page.

DIY Round Up: Scrap Fabric Projects

Happy weekend everyone! I've got a DIY round up today that's particularly dear to my heart. I love fabric. I practically collect it, which gets me into trouble particularly when I piles of scraps to deal with. I can't throw them away. There's always something more that you can squeeze out of them. So while jewelry making is usually the fate of my scraps, I've come across a number of adorable projects that might require me to dig deeper into the scrap bin. If you don't have a fabric fetish like me, you probably still don't need to go out and by any for these projects. Old tee shirts, blouses, sweaters and even neckties usually make crafting fabric.

Craft away!

How cute are these covered bobbies? You'll have to buy the hardware for this project, but this tutorial from Christina Williams spells everything out nicely.

These fabric feathers featured on 100 layer cake are easy to make and so versatile. They'd look great as hair pins, gift wrap embellishments or little pops of texture in a flower arrangement.

Need a functional and still cute way to contain your fabric scraps (or anything else for that matter)?  The Sometimes Crafter put together a great tutorial that will keep you from using your good tupperware to organize your odds and ends.

Tattered fabric roses, though not a new craft, still have an elegant charm. My favorite thing about them: you can use them to customize just about anything. Pin them onto bags or coat lapels; stitch them onto cardigans or scarves. Everyone will be amazed when they find out you did it yourself. Tutorial found on Everyday Chaos.