Summer: Art for Kids, Gifts for Me

Meet the Ramblings 

The Rambling Raccoons share a love of adventure, dance, swimming and 

a taste for salty treats, they're living ! la dolce vita ! 

I want to see them on fabrics, wallpaper, gift wrap, tableware, and more.

I think there could be some cute story lines for these characters, too.

Meet Caramel

Claude

Little Rocco

Sammy

Lizbet

Mr Rambling and Sally

Chip

This is Dogs, mostly... I think this pattern would make fun gift wrap or pet bedding :)

Both designs were just added to my Society 6 Shop as prints

* Take a look *

Plus, if you buy something by midnight tonight, the Shipping is FREE!

Caitlin Wicker

Last Sunday I went to the Renegade Craft Fair,

now held in East River State Park in Williamsburg. 

I didn't spend as much time browsing as I have in years past, but 

I wanted to mention some favorites. 

Caitlin Wicker creates these precious one-of-a-kind stuffed animals.

My photos do not do justice to the fine craftsmanship and 

charm of each animal. For that, you should visit Caitlin's site.

I bought these 2 hats from Phil & Sara of Rocks and Salt

Their etsy shop has many designs from which to choose & in different sizes.

When my friend saw me in this red one, she went back for one herself :)

I would pose in it, but it looks good on bear.

I love the Viva Zapata bags and wallets designed by

Tania Carol-Lugones! Each one is made from the same vinyl used 

on bus seat covers in Buenos Aires, the colectivos. 

Tania couldn't have been more fun & charming to chat with and

by coincidence, she is good friends with one of the

coolest women I know, Ximena Diego :)

Above, is the bag I chose. I love love love it!

I also bought some cute fabric from Jumping Birds.

Granted, my enthusiasm outweighs my ability to sew, but ya never know.

My other faves at the fair included charms & necklaces by Oceanne, 

notebooks by MyZoetrope (i bought "Spiffy" the fox)

stuffy historical figures by Late Greats

Can you guess who these greats are?

and pillows & custom pet pillows by Broderpress *a must see for pet owners!

My friend, Robin took this picture of me with my painted door at If I Were A Toy store

in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

Stop by this awesome shop for great toys, games, puzzles, gifts & kids' cuts.

Make sure to say Arghhhhh to Pirate Bear and his buddies in search of hidden treasure!

:::

Have a great week!

xo, A

Few Crafty Crafters

The 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair was last weekend at McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I went on Sunday with no intention of blogging about it, but I have to mention 3 crafters whose work I found particularly cute or charming!

The 1st is Zooguu handmade plush toys. I met Jen Gubicza, the owner and creator of these adorable round puffy animals. She began selling her stuffed toys on Etsy in 2006 under the name Sweetestpea. Her husband, Brian Gubicza, a freelance illustrator, is involved with developing character ideas & some of production.




Love this hedgehog! I noticed hedgehogs are giving birds, owls & cupcakes a run for their money ;) Actually, they may have already taken over as most popular character this year!

I find the roundness of these animals to be extremely appealing :D Take a look at Zooguu to see so much more, plus free downloads, games & more! Jen and Brian currently live & work in Brooklyn. She is also a freelance designer for Big Blue Dot specializing in "design & strategy for companies that care about kids."

Below is a sweet necklace by The Intuitive Garden Every piece is made by Candace, who I did not have a chance to talk to since she was quite busy with her customers. You can see her profile and read a fun interview with Candace on her Etsy shop. I was drawn to her jewelry for the color and careful, yet casual line work on pieces like this one called "Space Garden". I also like her photographic pieces. They are all wearable art!

Space Garden Necklace

Spring Fling Ring

Little Bloom Pendant

Tangled Bliss Pendant

Red Fiesta Earrings

Vibrant Pendant-- I love this pendant! It's quietly festive & fun!! Candace lives & works in Northern Massachusettes and you can view a full line of her jewelry at The Intuitive Garden shop on Etsy.


Astulabee is Nicole Licht, she stiches unique limited edition and one-of-a-kind soft sculptures. I found these animals incredibly charming and sweet. Wish I had purchased the bunny I saw. Luckily she sells her pieces on Etsy , but make sure to browse her gallery on Astulabee and also view press, interviews & awards she has received.

Sweetheart Pony (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Mr. Golden Cape Woodlander (reduced price)

Custom Pony

Wintry White Woodsy Ghost (reduced price through Thursday 6/11 midnight)

Nicole lives & works in Brooklyn, NY. Her handsewn creations are carefully crafted and sturdy, too!

This building below is off of McCarren Park and I love the design, even though I usually prefer old townhouses & brownstones. The windows, alone, on this are fantastic! Can easily imagine painting masterpieces in one of these well lit rooms ;)

Can't pass up a cute little doggie!

Full trash cans are a good indicator the fair was popular. Hope it was all successfully cleaned up!

Visit the Renegade Craft website for upcoming shows. There are several coming up-- one in Los Angeles, San Francisco & Chicago, where it originated.

*ps I neglected to mention that I attended the fair with my wonderfully talented friend, Kristine Lombardi known for her colorful whimsical style and splendid hand lettering. I will be profiling her work here at a later date, but feel free to check out her fabulous illustrations on her website anytime :)