Tuesday, December 6, 2011

More Craftacular Artists: Jewelry, Textiles, Desserts, Terrariums, Printing

Ok, friends--our last installment of some of the delightful artists who will be part of this weekend's Holiday Craftacular!!

Again, check the variety here--we go from the visual feast of shiny metals to some tasty tidbits that I'd give my left arm for right now to the cutest terrariums you could ever want....these are why you should come out this Saturday and Sunday. I feel certain that you will find something that will entice AT LEAST one of your senses, but probably all of them!

Come on out and support the LOCAL ECONOMY. With artisan shows like this one, we involved have done everything ourselves, from making the actual pieces to producing the show--we've put a lot of effort into our individual businesses and to our image as a collective. Come on out and reap the benefits of your fellow community members!



Andres Zapata
Zapata Designs
www.zapatadesigns.com


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Lisa Procter

Queen of Puddings

www.queenofpuddings.com

front-splashnutella-macaron



Lindsay Guynn

Angel Jewelry

www.facebook.com/AngelJewelry

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Liz Rhodes
Lilliput Terrairums
notice the little people she puts in the terrairums!
Terrarium_TomDaly_1

Terrarium_TomDaly_9


Lindsey Mears
Lindsey Mears
www.lindseymears.com
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Tristan Benedict-Hall

A Mystery in Common

http://www.amysteryincommon.com

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Clare Waite
Clare Waite
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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Incredible Line-up--Featured Artists: Christina Flowers, Victoria Horner, Lotta Helleberg and Ken Nagakui

Everyone, there are going to be some majorly talented people at this year's Holiday Craftacular! This is such a varied and creative group of people! You need to feast your eyes on the array of color, texture and shape that will be on display--and then take some home to enjoy at your length and leisure!

Christina Flowers
Magnolia Moonlight
OhSoSmitten
www.magnoliamoonlight.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OhSoSmitten

Christina Flowers is an award winning Graphic Designer who created Magnolia Moonlight in the fall of 2007. Trained first as an Architect and Industrial Designer, she approaches her work from many directions. A passion for making, a natural penchant for color and a love of all things design, are just a few of the ingredients that inspired her to create Magnolia Moonlight.

In the shop you'll find calendars, cards, illustrated prints, invitations and most recently Whisper mobiles!

In addition to all that you will find here at Magnolia Moonlight, Christina has also opened a sister shop, Oh So Smitten. It is full of cute robots, silly woodland creatures and other goodies for the young and young at heart. You can see for yourself at the Oh So Smitten shop.
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Victoria Horner
http://www.victoriahorner.com/home.html
I'm a handbag designer based in Charlottesville, VA. My bag business began in 1997, but I've been sewing since I was 13. Before bags, I was a dress designer in New York. *****I have another shop on Etsy, where I feature my vintage inspired swim cap bags. Please visit it at www.SplashBag.etsy.com*****



Peacock PocketbookShoulder Clutch - Starburst
Doctor Bag - Black FloralClutch Bag - Purple Sari


Lotta Helleberg--Contemporary Textile Artist
http://www.lottahelleberg.com/

lotta helleberg is a textile artist with a background in graphic design and print making. She works primarily with linen and utilizes a technique in which leaves and other plant material are coated with paint and pressed onto fabric. She is also exploring natural dyes and eco-printing, where the plants themselves release color pigments which bond with the fabric. The resulting impressions are incorporated into quilts, fabric collages, and a variety of functional and decorative objects. Lotta was born in Sweden and now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her work has been exhibited at several regional galleries.


fern clutch pursesage sachets



Ken Nagakui
Pottery Studio Karematsu
For more information, visit: http://advancinggreenchemistry.org/?p=1681

Hand-built and wood-fired stoneware is the shortest description of my work. I do not use an electrically powered wheel, but roll pieces of clay to make coils and build the body. In a way, this is very much traditional technique. Next, I smoothen out the texture with my tools, some of which I fashion out of bamboo. Stoneware,compared to earthenware, is vitrified to dense and hard rock-like quality. Vitrification happens somewhere below or above 2,000 F, depending on contents of flux in the clay body. When vitrified, the clay becomes dense or actual rock. After it hardens, I add layers of glaze to the body and fire within my hand-built kiln.



















Monday, November 28, 2011

Martha Keith & Tavia Brown, Metalsmiths Extraordinaire

Holy Schnikes, November is almost over!! The holiday season has begun--hope everyone is enjoying themselves; it's hard not to when it's a balmy 65 degrees and sunny all weekend!

kim wedding band cropped


Martha Keith Tour 11 Image1 Main

This is the work of metalsmith Martha Keith. Martha is a genious. Actually, everyone who is part of the Craftacular is a genious, but I feel particularly qualified to say this of Martha because she recently created an engagement ring and wedding bands for myself and my husband and they are stunning and unique, and she is quite possibly the nicest person I've ever worked with on a custom job.
Martha Keith
www.marthakeith.com
"personal adornment in metals"
martha@marthakeith.com
(434) 242-7147
I urge you to visit Martha's website: www.marthakeith.com, where you can extensively view her work and
read about her numerous show inclusions, awards, and inspirations. Even better, come out to the Holiday
Craftacular on Dec. 10th and 11th to see her fantastic work in person;

Martha shares a studio with the artist featured below: Tavia Brown of TaviaMetal.
The studios are located in The Linen Building on East Market St., just past the intersection of Meade Ave.

Tavia Brown
taviametal
www.taviametal.com
"elegance with an edge"
Visit Tavia's website: taviametal.com for a complete bio, gallery pics, and links to her extensive credentials and awards, as well as her blog, her event calendar, and more.

Midnight Blooming

Rings

Tavia and Martha have both been part of the C-ville Craft Attack since its inception and are accomplished artists and entreprenuers.
Come meet them and get to know their amazing work on Dec. 10th and 11th at CitySpace on the downtown mall!














Monday, November 21, 2011

Artisan vs. all the rest


As our Holiday Craftacular fast approaches, I've been spending a great deal of time thinking about why going to shows like these are important.
Most of us artisans are acutely aware of our customers-past, present, and future-and try very hard to keep the lines of communication open and productive. So, in that spirit, I would like to offer a few reasons why you should come visit us on the weekend of Dec. 10th and 11th.

1. An artisan show will feature an amazing variety of work, some of which will not be found at any other venue except the artist's own studio. This is a really efficient way to see many things at once: convenient and fun, as there will also be music, food, and great company. I also encourage people to come even--or especially--if you have trepidation about buying artisan goods; this is an opportunity to learn about, or become reacquainted with, the range of media, the processes by which items are made, and the true value of the work in terms of cost. Of course we want to make sales, but we also want to introduce people to our crafts and discover how they might fit into your lives!

2. One of a kind. Need I say more? The beauty of so many artisan goods is that there is often only one of something, or a limited number offered. And many of these pieces have fascinating stories of how the concept came about, or where the materials came from. My most favorite houses to visit are ones where I can point to virtually any object and the owner(s) can tell me the story of where it came from, which are often hilarious, touching, and memorable. This is why artwork such as a show like this offers is wonderful--it has personality, history, and life!

3. I personally get a sour taste in my mouth thinking about big box store shopping. It all feels quite contrived to me, and I always get the feeling of being force-fed what it is I'm supposed to need, want, be like. And if I can't find what I'm after, that's it--game over. And...it's boring.
The beauty of craftspeople is that the story doesn't stop there. If you are looking for something and can't find it, artisans are exactly the people you should be talking to because they can CREATE IT. You may not even know what you want...but if you can describe it, or its function, we can make that slightly blurry idea come into focus. This process, being part of it, is AWESOME. If you haven't tried it yet...why the hell not?

I could really go on and on, but I'll wrap it up, B. Suffice to say that this is truly a fabulous weekend event that should not be missed. We're making it happen, and we want you to do the same!!




Featured Artist: Cary Oliva

Another of our featured artists is Cary Oliva. Fall floral silhouette on kraft cards


"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art". - Leonardo Da Vinci

Marble coasters - Vintage lily pads Marble coasters - Owls 2012 Recycled Paper Floral wall calendar
Photo Credit: Jen Fariello

Cary Oliva is an artist who loves dabbling in lots of different media. She loves polaroids, paper, watercolors, waste not paper colors, good design, cards, and textiles. She has always loved creating things, and after studying art in Pennsylvania, Italy and New York, Cary moved to Charlottesville where she has been living and creating various media for a little over eight years. Her love of doodling turned into creating a line of whimsical, hand-drawn and embellished greeting cards, which has since evolved into other types of floral and other fun designs that take the form of cards, invitations, custom stationery, coasters, journals and prints. A love of photography inspired her to learn some alternative techniques, specifically with Polaroid photography. Cary enjoys working with clients to create custom creations whether it is in the form of a hand-made invitation, a special coaster or a vintage looking photograph.

You can contact Cary at:

cary@bycary.com

www.facebook.com/caryoliva
www.etsy.com/people/caryoliva
www.linkedin.com/pub/cary-oliva/13/6a3/401

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Featured Artist: Nancy Hopkins

The fabulous Ms. Nancy Hopkins! Another of the talented vendors who will be part of the Holiday 2011 Craftacular!! The show this year is on the weekend of December 10th & 11th and will be a festive mix of spectacular people, amazingly creative art, and tasty food! Come enjoy with us!
Dabney_110809_2196Nancy Hopkins Image 2
Nancy Hopkins
Silver Muse Studio
www.silvermusestudio.com
My name is Nancy and I'm the sole owner, jewelry designer and maker at Silver Muse Studio. I am the mother of two active boys - ages 7 and 19. Because of their age difference, it is like having two only children. They keep me busy in their own ways. Making jewelry is a great creative outlet for me and helps keep me sane!
Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed making things - whether it was a poster for a school project or jewelry out of brightly colored telephone wires my father brought home one night. I used to love to watch my father use his power tools in his workshop. I was amazed at what he could create with his hands and few tools. Today, I really look forward to going to my studio and using my own power tools to create wonderful jewelry. Using my hands to create something has always been a great stress reliever for me. I also love hanging out with my three studiomates who keep me inspired and motivated. Luckily, I have a wonderful husband who is supportive of my creative endeavors.

Each piece I make is special to me, and hopefully special to you too. There is a part of my heart and soul in each piece.Discovery Sterling and Pearl NecklaceCopper beads on a curly earwire - handmade

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Featured Artist: Rosalba Valentino

photo by Rayzor Bachand


In the lead-up to the C-ville Craft Attack's Holiday Craftacular on Dec. 10th & 11th, we will be making sure you know who we are and what we're offering as a superb artisan collective.
photo by Rayzor Bachand






Details are being hammered out; we'll pass them on so everyone can plan on coming out to enjoy the festivities and support local craftwork. In the meantime, we'll introduce--or re-introduce--those in the collective and give you a taste of their creativity.
One new artist you'll see is Rosalba Valentino, local fashion designer and seamstress. A native of Nelson County, Rosalba attended art school at VCU, received her BFA in crafts, and proceeded to start her own custom fashion and accessories business.
Rosalba has designed for theater, dance performance, weddings, holiday shows and created custom pieces for a wide variety of clients encompassing a wide array of styles and tastes. She also creates her own one-of-a-kind women's fashion and accessories, as well as items for infants and toddlers. Colors, patterns, unusual materials and inventive techniques combine to offer an artistic approach to style with an emphasis on sustainable goods and 'slow fashion' methods.

Rosalba Valentino Designs can be viewed/contacted @:
434-981-4221
rvd.couture@gmail.com
on facebook @ Rosalba Valentino Designs
www.rosalba.etsy.com
NoArtWithoutLove.blogspot.com







Friday, October 28, 2011

CVILLE HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR

 SAVE THE DATES! The CVILLE HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR will be December 10th & 11th at our new location: CITY SPACE on the Downtown Mall!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Happy Crafters!

It is here! Today is the first day of the Spring Craftacular! 14 artists in all, we are all set and ready to go and can"t wait to see you this weekend. The show officially opens today at 4 at Open Space. We will all be there from 4-8 today (the 20th) and 10-5 tomorrow (the 21st).
Open Space is located at 455 Second Street SE, next to ACAC in downtown C'Ville.

We will be holding a raffle again this weekend so please be sure to look for the raffle table and enter to win!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Featured Artist - Meg Runion


Each frame is individually handcrafted and created to be a unique addition to your home or the perfect gift for someone special.

Made to be displayed with or without a photo, they are so much fun to make and in the end each frame takes on a unique character of its own.

http://www.megrunionstudios.com/

Featured Artist - Pottery Studio Karenmatsu

My name is Ken Nagakui. Although my main interest has been in painting, once I learned pottery, I wanted to so something about it. It was as if some sleeping Jomon (Japan's prehistoric earthenware and its culture) spirit somehow activated in my. My work is hand built and wood-fired.
http://www.potterynagakui.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Featured Artist - Zapata Designs




My name is Andres and i grew up in La Virginia and Santa Marta, Colombia. i first started making jewelry when I was very young as a part of a family of artisans. In 2006, I moved with my wife, Gini, to Charlottesville, Va, where we now live with our daughter, Isa. I frequently travel to Colombia where I make much of my jewelry using techniques I learned from my family growing up. I use a wide variety of materials in my jewelry, but as you browse through my work you will see that I really enjoy working with silver, emeralds, fresh water pearls, shells, and seeds from Colombia and the Amazon of South America. I hope you enjoy my work inspired by the beauty of the tropics.


http://www.zapatadesigns.com/

Featured Artist - Annaesthetic

Annaesthetic was founded by fiber artist and designer Anna Shapiro. Anna received a BFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2001. She now lives and works in Providence as an independent artist and designer. Her textile collection can be found at galleries and juried art festivals across the country.
Artist Statement
I individually hand loom each piece in my textile collection. My love of form, fabric, and texture is a natural extension of my background in sculpture. I enjoy creating original patterns that feature many unconventional approaches to knitting. My favorite fiber to work with is Bamboo because of its incredibly soft texture and eco-friendly attributes. I also have been exploring innovative ways to knit and felt merino wool in a new line of sculptural scarves. I strive to create work that is highly functional, elegant, and contemporary. When it comes to the art of adornment, I believe there is beauty in function and function in beauty.

Featured Artist - Sew Seamless


All of my items are on of a kind treasures that are created in my little sewing room in Charlottesville, Va. Sew Seamless was featured in the "Made by Southern Hands" section of the September issue of Southern Living!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Featured Artist - Paradise Dreamin'




Our Mission at Paradise Dreamin' is to make a positive social and environmental impact by creating clothing that is comfortable,healthy & eco friendly. We have partnered with some of the most respected eco friendly USA manufactures that offer organic clothing with responsible manufacturing,environmental stewardship & fair labor practices.Join our network of socially & environmentally responsible consumers.TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO LIVE MINDFUL OF THE PRESENT AND PLAN FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN'S FUTURE. PEACE & GOOD HEALTH TO US ALL!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Featured Artist - Victoria Horner



I'm a handbag designer based in Charlottesville, VA. My bag business began in 1997, but I've been sewing since I was 13.Before bags, I was a dress designer in New York. Each bag is individually designed and crafted in my home studio. I am the sole proprietor of my business, and I take great pride in the quality and workmanship of everything I produce.


My larger bags are structured and very durable. The smaller shapes don't require as much stability but are still interfaced. Each bag has a surprise lining color, carefully chosen to best accentuate the outer fabric.