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 :)

COZBI

This is COZBI -- I adore Cozbi Cabrera and her beautiful creations! I feel quite fortunate that her shop is located right across the street from me. As you'll see, her clothes for women and children, her interior style and her illustrated books and are all a total inspiration!

Cozbi painted this lovely backdrop.

This is Cozbi. She is one of the most stylish women I've ever known! I will have to add a full length photo of her in one of her great outfits. She told me today that she makes everything she wears, with the exception of shoes & underwear. Although, I'm sure she'd do a nice job with those, too! Here she is wearing a necklace by Kristin Eno, a local jewelry designer/artist & film maker. Cozbi carries her line of necklaces & earrings.

This book is a must have for any of you creative and crafty people who are considering taking that entrepreneurial leap of faith!! Crafting a Business Make Money Doing What You Love, written by Kathie Fitzgerald, is a compilation of stories from 31 women who have followed their passion, worked hard and achieved success in their fields. Each had been profiled in Country Living Magazine. It is very encouraging without making running your own business sound like a cake walk. I personally love hearing about people's journeys and this is an insightful and fun read!

I wore one of her skirts to a wedding rehearsal dinner and all eyes were on me! Maybe not ALL on me, but this is one of my favorite skirts :)

Another of her skirts I own. I actually have quite a few and she fits them perfectly to your body!

Here are some of Cozbi's illustrated children's books. I have this one Beauty, Her Basket by Sandra Belton I intended to give it as a gift, but I decided I couldn't part with it. Cozbi's style is the perfect compliment to this lovely story. I'm drawn to her use of vibrant color and her delicate, yet confident hand. See other books on her site.

Cozbi began as an art director in the record industry, designing packaging. She started sewing Munecas, one-of-a-kind handmade dolls in honor of her Honduran heritage, after noticing an opening in the market. There is an inspiring story in "Crafting a Business" about how she was low on her dolls from the success she'd had at various craft shows. She took some of her quilts to fill extra space and they caught the eye of an editor at Martha Stewart Living TV --Nice break for sure!!

Precious dresses for little girls and these pillows below are so cute :)

This is Kristin Eno, her jewelry line is carried by Cozbi and she just happened to stop by the store today. Her baby girl is 4 months and as happy as could be! Take a look at Kristin's site, she's not only a fine artist, but is Director of Little Creatures filming imaginative collaborations with young children.

Above is some of Kristin's jewelry--felt--cool! The rings and necklaces below are by a designer named Kiki and I don't currently have a link. You'll have to stop by I guess!!

These earrings above and orange/yellow bauble-necklace is by Kristin.

A darling doll sits atop the jewelry display.

One HAPPY CUSTOMER!!! Love this coat :D

Cozbi is located at 530 Court Street between Huntington & W 9th Street. Take the F or G line to Smith & 9th Street Station. Phone 718.246.7960 Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-5pm