The Sketchbook Project

Some times we really need a creative push. The challenge of making new work that grows and shows progress as you create your line becomes a creative endeavor every year. As an art student, I had a love hate relationship with the assignments given to me by my various art professors. The hate occurred when I couldn't come up with a creative, enjoyable solution to the problem at hand. The love was accomplishing and completing the task as well as finding the many creative and artistic solutions. I decided I needed some sort of assignment to work on, to get my creative juices flowing. I found this incredible project called the Sketchbook Project. Created by the Art House Co-op out of Brooklyn New York. The Sketchbook project is open to anyone willing to take on the task and willing to pay a meager $20. The task is to fill up a moleskin sketchbook that follows a particular theme. The themes are all very creative. Some a bit challenging. I decided to let the computer pick my theme for me (you can pick a theme from the list, or have the computer gods select one for you). My theme is Jackets, blankets and sheets. I am down to my last week before I send it off. It then goes on a tour across the nation and gets catalogued and a permanent collection of the Brooklyn Art Library. Check out their site here for more info, other art house co-op projects as well as many of the sketchbook entries! Images are from BEST members : Tricia Lane's sketchbook Science Projects Gone Wrong , Jennifer McBrien's sketchbook: Jackets, Blankets and Sheets and Megan Van Wagoner's sketchbook : "...you'd be home by now"

Indie-Pendent Business: Greenberries

Good for kids. Good for you. Good for earth. Greenberries consignment boutique in Columbia promises just that. And they deliver. Offering gently used children clothing and maternity wear, Greenberries also has an array of lovely brand new organic and handmade gifts. Practical, economical, and stylish - perfect for any eco-chic mom out there.

Written by Sugar Paperie

Biz Tips!

Was one of your New Year's Resolutions to kick start your craft business? If so head on over to and check out this amazing  resource on ETSY by Daniellexo.

Thankfully, she has gone ahead and done most of the time consuming research for you!   Check out the helpful links to many books, sites and articles that she compiles to help you get your business in gear. Ut oh... now we have no more excuses!

Favorite Etsy Shop: Lilian Eve Designs

My new found favorite shop on Etsy is called Lillian Eve Designs. It is shop of handmade crocheted, sewn, and other homemade crafts designed by a full-time teacher in Pennsylvania.
Her shop name has an inspiring meaning: Lilian= Innocence, Purity, & Beauty and Eve= Life, Living, & Lively. The name gives her the inspiration to make a beautiful life for herself; being able to do what makes her happy.

I love her fiber necklaces, specially this one:

Chunky Cream Fiber Necklace w Pretty Pink Jeweled Rosebud Clip


Another favorite of mine:
Urban Mod Neckwarmer w Large Flower Clip

Oh, and this one, too:Fall Kiss Fiber Necklace w Buttercream Flower Clip

Last Call for Warhol: The Last Decade

....at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Click here for more information.

Create Baltimore

What: CreateBaltimore is a participant-created conference for artists, cultural workers, entrepreneurs, and technologists interested in building a creative community in Baltimore.

Where: MICA - Maryland Institute College of Art - Falvey Hall - The Brown Center - 1301 W. Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland.

Who: CreateBaltimore is for artists, coders, crafters, curators, designers, entrepreneurs, hackers, connectors, activists, makers, educators, museum staff, performers, tinkerers, writers, and others who want to work together to enrich life in Baltimore.

Want to join in and help Create Baltimore? Stop by their website to see what they're all about!

Friday Finds - Year of the Rabbit

Phizzwizard

Timor

edencreativestudio

Anirtak

Just a few days left to nominate someone for a Baker Artist Award!

What are you waiting for?!

"The Fund looks to support Baltimore's artists, the city's rich and diverse cultural offerings and the participation of its residents in the region's creative life. Artists are invited to nominate themselves on this site and all visitors are encouraged to view the artists' galleries and to curate an exhibit by selecting favorite artworks from the site."

Head on over to their website to nominate yourself or your favorite artist for a Baker Artist Award!

Happy New Year! (and a clean slate)

image by araisedbanner

Happy 2011! Was 2010 as crazy for you as it was for us? Well, we're back, and moving slowly, but we wanted to let you know that you'll be seeing some changes around here! We're gearing up for a great new year, making our blog better, bringing you the I Heart Art project, and generally just making cool stuff.

For those who wannabe BEST, we'll be adding new members toward the end of January. So keep your eyes here for details. See you soon!

What I'm Working on - TheBrokenPlate

So excited to start the new year and new designs! These are the first necklaces in a series of modern circle clusters that I just started. Happy that I finally found a fun way to incorporate vintage glass buttons with my recycled china. Can't wait to make more! Happy New Year!