The California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE) is a group of independent artists, crafters, & artisans from California who sell their wares on Etsy.com.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Summery, Sort Of

It's officially summer. So, I went in search of teammates' items that screamed summer to me. And...well, perhaps I didn't exactly come up with the summer collection I'd hoped for. But these are summery, kind of...

What's more summery than a big summer movie? Like the sequel to Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc Crayon Tote
Monsters Inc Crayon Tote by Not Without Annette

While clutches aren't so summery, necessarily, this washed out orange makes me think of hot days with too much sun.

Orange Clutch with Gold Trim
Orange Clutch by Lulu's Creations

When the weather warms up, I find it uncomfortable to knit, but crochet is fine. And what better to make than a nice lacy top for the warmer weather. (This is a listing for a pattern, not a finished item. But I could see myself wearing that.)

Knit & Crochet Lacy Layering Halter Tank - PDF Pattern - Womens Small. Instant Download
Lacy Layering Halter Tank - PDF Pattern by Foothill Fibers N' Photo


And what better to do during the warmer evenings than to lounge around outside and take in a plant wall hanging?

OOAK Silver Industrial Tillandsia Air Plant Wall Hanging Handmade Clay  BIG SALE
Silver Industrial Tillandsia Air Plant Wall Hanging by Crazy Art Dolls 

This shelf makes me think of finding weathered objects outside. In the heat.

30 inch rustic wall-mounted reclaimed wood shelf for the home, kitchen, bathroom, studio and office -- upcycled recycled repurposed
Reclaimed Wood Shelf by ThisnThat Cafe

As do these brooches.

Porcelain Clay 3 Brooch Grab Bag- Bird Brooch, Flower Brooch, Feather Brooch Lot
Porcelain Clay 3 Brooch Grab Bag by Mint Julep Design

And I couldn't do one of my strange collections without some jewelry. Maybe not so summery, but it wouldn't be out place this season. Or any season.

Peace Bracelet Dove & Peace Sign Charm
Peace Sign & Dove Charm Bracelet by Love Yew Designs

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs who's not much of a summer aficionado (the cooler weather is better), but whose shop does feature beach sandals and water bottle carriers--perfect for the summer.  

Friday, June 7, 2013

Artist Profile: Bag Lady Lulu


Happy June everyone! The first Friday of the month has come around again which means it's time for our artist profile.   From big trips and personal milestones, to capturing the joy in the every day. One of Kirsten's handcrafted journals will make every memory shine.  Read on to learn more about Kirsten of Bag Lady Lulu.

Describe your shop. How would you describe your style?
I design and create one-of-a-kind handcrafted journals. I use brown paper bags as the foundations for my journals, and I tend to give them sort of a vintage feel. I love using lots of tags and postage stamps and postcards, tons of fun embellishments.



When did you learn to do what you do?
I’ve been crafting since forever, but I feel like I’ve really honed my journal craft and hit my creative stride within the last year.

What are your favorite pieces to make?
Travel journals, definitely





What inspires you?
Journaling is something I am very passionate about. I firmly believe that journals catch the whisperings of our souls. When I create a journal, I imagine someone writing down their feelings in it, pouring out their heart to it, unlocking their innermost thoughts fears dreams ideas and emotions. Then I look through all of my beautiful craft papers and fun embellishments until something speaks to me. I love when a customer gives me details about the journey they’re taking, something I can grasp onto and run with. Or I feel a connection with their personality through our emails and conversations. That makes choosing the supplies for their journal really fun.


What does your work space look like?
I share my workshop with our bunny, Biscuit. I have 2 work benches, one for creating and one mainly for shipping. And I’m surrounded by my creative supplies – papers, embellishments, etc. My inspiration board hangs above my work bench so I always have something to look at and draw from.




Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
In 5 years, my shop will be my full time business. I’ll have a licensing contract or two. I’ll have a large studio in my home, with an assistant, and I’ll teach creative workshops once a week out of my home studio. 

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
When I’m not creating, I work part-time at a custom invitation/stationery store. And I take care of my husband and our home filled with our 4 cats and one rabbit. I hang with friends, read a lot, watch crime shows… 



What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
My favorite thing to have for breakfast is: French toast smothered in maple syrup and grape jelly, with a side of scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese mixed in, and slightly crispy bacon. BUT what I actually have almost every morning is one packet of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal with a glass of vanilla almond milk and 2 gummy multi-vitamins.

Are you doing any craft fairs this year?
No craft fairs planned yet, but the year's not over! :)

Where can we learn more about you?
www.bagladylulu.com