Meet Craft Riot Vendor: Tina Lewis

Tina Lewis
Facebook Pottery page: http://artist.to/tinalewispotteryceramicart/
Blog: http://tlceramics.blogspot.com/ Website: tinalewis.etsy.com

Give a brief product description.
Wheel-thrown or handbuilt pottery and ceramic art.  I use porcelain and stoneware to create useful pottery, beads and ceramic art.  Most of my work is glazed with my studio mixed glazes. 

How did you get started? 
 I started making with clay in high school and took enough art in college to get into ceramics class.  After a 25 year break I startee making in clay again in 2007.   

Where do you get your inspiration? 
Everywhere, history, art, other craftspeople and artists. 

Describe your workspace/workroom. 
I am lucky to have a home studio in a converted 2-car garage.  
It has glass sliding doors onto a patio and lots of room for my kiln, wheel and supplies. 

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive? 
I like to give bowls, berry bowls.  I like to receive anything hand made, useful and/or art. 

Meet Craft Riot Vendor: Pixie Worx

Julia Chambers

My own website with galleries: http://PixieWorx.net

Crochet Blog: http://aberrantcrochet.wordpress.com/
Store: www.PixieWorx.etsy.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AberrantCrochet
Everyday Blog: http://TheDifferenceBetweenADuck.wordpress.com 

• Give a brief product description.

I'm a juried and published crochet designer who occasionally has a few digital projects on the side.  Sometimes my 13 year old daughter and I collaborate on projects.  She draws and works with polymer clay.  My handmade products, patterns and supplies are largely related to advanced crochet design.  I use a variety of custom tools, fibers and techniques to achieve my one of a kind designs and lecture occasionally on the variations these elements of the art achieve.  Working with 3-dimensional fiber is different than working with a flat surface and the way we perceive color changes based on texture.  My most popular items are my soft and stylish newsboy and eared hats, and my gothic jewelry designs and during the Fall season, my spider webs and costume accessories.  However I create anything from tapestry crochet wall hangings to muffatees and about 1/3 of my business is driven by customer requests, from scarves and headbands to guitar straps.  I also carry crochet patterns of my designs and supplies and hope to be adding handmade crochet hooks to my product line soon.  ZombiesAtPlay is for cannibalized parts that receive a new after-life.

• How did you get started?

I've been crocheting and creating all my life.  My crochet tutelage began at the age of 5, with my left-handed Mom and two crafting gurus as grandmothers for guides. I was immediately enraptured by the hook, and crochet has been with me ever since.  My grandmother always supported in me the idea that I could do anything outside of the box if I really wanted to.  And that set me free.  I began seeing that I could crochet with almost any fiber and turn it into almost any shape.  It became what I call today yarn sculpting.  Selling my work was almost an accident.  I crochet constantly anyway - it's very meditative to me.  Even when they were little, I often had to wait somewhere for my kids with their various projects, classes and activities.  And after a car accident, I spent over a year weekly seeing doctors and in physical therapy to regain use/strength of my left hand.  Then and now, I often have my yarn with me and crochet while I wait, even getting input from whoever's around.  It was good therapy too!  People started noticing what I was making and wanted me to make one for them too.  Before I knew it, I was selling my crochet!  

• Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm not sure I always know.  All my crochet work is designed by me - often without even knowing for sure what I'll make until the yarns are in hand.  Much of my work designing hats, however, is influenced by the needs of chemo patients.  There have been many victims in my family, my grandma Dorothy being quite an example as she crocheted herself a new hat everytime she went through a round of chemo and lost her hair.   I now often crochet with their needs in mind; choosing the softest, highest quality materials I can find for the tenderest skin going through chemo. Things that are easy to care for and yet don't look like chemo caps and are more comfortable for their sensitive skin.  I've heard from too many women, I just want to look in the mirror and see a pretty lady again.  I don't want to look like I'm dying.  I’ve also received a lot of highly appreciated input from survivors over the years that has led to the development and creation of these unique designs.  I guess my inspiration in part comes from the need for comfortable beauty during times of stress.  I truly wish to infuse my creations with healing and joy and make a difference for others.

• Describe your workspace/workroom.

Most of my work is very portable, so my workspace is anywhere I can get a seat.  I am often seen working while waiting for appointments or my kids.  My local coffee shop is also nice.  Otherwise my couch or kitchen table. I look forward to having a real studio someday.

• What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

If we're being specific to holiday fare....  Some of the kids from school got eared hats from me one year and then wore them on a ski trip over Christmas break.  Apparently the ski instructors really liked their funky hats and they received a lot of comments from other skiers.  They were the coolest (and warmest) kids on the slopes and came back from their trip on top of the world.  It's smiles like that I strive to give people through my designs.  That felt pretty good for a mom who lives in Central Texas and hasn't even skied in some 25 years.

Meet Craft Riot Vendor: Gem Junkie

Kelly Owens Pratlett
GemJunkie
Blog: http://gemjunkie.tumblr.com/
Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GemJunkie/340693226989
Twitter http://twitter.com/gemjunkie

Give a brief product description.
Gemstones and Jewelry Supplies online, handmade earrings and necklaces in person
What is unique about your product? I try to choose really fun, bright, colors and whimsical shapes for my supply shop so that the selection is different than what the average jewelry supply shop carries. What makes my handmade jewelry unique is the price point. All my earrings sell for $5/pair. I do this because I think it's really important for women to have fun, funky, unique accessories that don't cost a small fortune. I love variety and I like my customers to be able to afford variety as well.

How did you get started? 
My sister saw a necklace that she loved in an Anthropologie catalog. It was over $100. She couldn't afford it and she thought she might be able to make something similar. So, she did some research online, ordered some supplies and a month later she taught me how to make jewelry. The rest is history.

Where do you get your inspiration? 
I am inspired by everything: nature, gemstones, bead stores, other artisans, my family, magazines. There is style everywhere and you can use what you see and morph into something totally your own.
 About a year ago, my husband allowed me to take over the second half of our office. So, I hung one of those old accordion-shaped drying racks on the wall. Then, I hung hundreds of strands of beads, in rainbow order, onto the rack. I call it my "inspiration wall". Any time I get stuck and need an idea, I just stare up at all the gems and beads hanging there and something calls my name. It's instant jewelry-making gratification!

Describe your workspace/workroom. 
My workspace is one of our spare bedrooms. It has a vintage couch, a teal-blue accent wall, two desks (one for making jewelry and the other for packing orders) and more shelves than you can shake a stick at.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

There's not one single thing I recall having made as a gift that stands out in my mind. However, there is something I do every year that always makes a great gift. It's kind of a story. Every year, before Christmas, I listen to my mom and sister talk about the things they want or wish they could make, jewelry-wise, that is. And I usually keep a little list going. Then, come December, I choose from the ideas they've been "wishing" for and teach myself how to make one of those jewelry items for each of them. Sometimes it's the same for both of them and sometimes each gift is totally different. I figure I know it's something they'll enjoy because they commented that they wanted it and it's extra-special because it was handmade by a family member! 

Craft Riot Vendor: Diamonds and Guns

www.actionjackson.etsy.com Twitter:http://twitter.com/actionjacksontx Facebook:www.facebook.com/DiamondsAndGunsByActionJackson Blog:http://www.diamondsandgunsbyactionjackson.blogspot.com/

Give a brief product description

Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson jewelry incorporates an array of components including Swarovski crystals, vintage findings, laser cut wood and acrylic, lucite filigree, and brightly colored kitschy elements. The line is characterized by a dichotomy reflected in the name that combines rough rock and roll elements with all things dainty, classic, and ladylike. 

How did you get started

Like most other crafters/designers/artists out there, I started by making jewelry for myself and my friends!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Fashion, music, art, niche aesthetics. I think it's dangerous and inhibiting for creators to limit what they derive inspiration from. I'm inspired by beautiful designs I come across in magazines, punk rock and goth music and style, 1920s-1950s fashion, old Hollywood, 20th century art, pin up girls, comic books, the list goes on. Colors in general are inspiring to me as well, which is part of the reason I love working with crystals—the array of colors available is more extensive than you'd think.

Describe your workspace/workroom.

I fantasize constantly about having a workroom devoted to making jewelry and neatly storing supplies. On Apartment Therapy, I've seen innovative ideas about using cut-out spaces as work rooms, and they're completely practical for small apartments. As is though, I currently have a rolling storage case and a dining room table that work well enough… and an understanding roommate who doesn't complain when I leave a mess on the table.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

 I've painted a pair of slip-on Vans for a few of my close friends over the years. The artwork is usually Americana tattoo art, comic book art, or a combination of the two. Everyone who's received them gets lots of wear and tear (after all, they are comfy), not to mention tons of compliments.

Craft Riot Vendor: Debbie Carroll

debbiecarroll.etsy.com

debbiecarrolldesigns.etsy.com

debbiecarrolldesigns.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Carroll-Designs-Art-Jewelry/171141211086?ref=ts

Twitter:  debbiecdesigns

Give a brief product description.

I design jewelry featuring vintage beads and findings, combining them with newer parts & pieces to evoke a range of different eras such as Art Deco or Victorian styles. I also love a contemporary vibe as well, and have fun taking the older pieces and using them to make something that looks very current! My other creative endeavor is painting and art, primarily watercolor and acyrlic, and I offer originals as well as prints and cards featuring my artwork.

How did you get started?

I wanted to do something creative and avoid going back to an office job when my kids were small. I had been making jewelry for a while, just for myself, and people started suggesting I sell it. I finally gave it a whirl and was completely blown away at how much people liked my designs! The painting is an old love that I am finally revisiting after many years. I was sparked by a wonderful workshop I took in 2008 and it was just the thing to get my kick-started and creating art again.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Comes from many, many places but for me is primarily color-driven and I draw on nature, art, history, travel and fashion. I was once inspired to design a necklace based on the fabric in my pajamas, it was one of my favorite pieces!

Describe your workspace/workroom.

My studio/workroom is a complete mess, but it helps me to look around and see what is on hand. I am definitely a visual person and oftentimes have what I call the "happy accident", where amongst all the mess, an unlikely combination jumps out and grabs me! I currently paint in the corner of the kitchen (best light and cleanable floor), but would LOVE to have a proper studio one day....

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

Anything knitted is a special holiday or winter gift. I haven't mastered the art of knitting, so I am very appreciative of someone else's efforts :)

Meet Craft Riot Vendors: Oh Fiddlesticks! and One Fine 'Stache

Melissa Abdine and Jennifer Kinder

byohfiddlesticks on Etsy and one fine stache on Etsy

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www.oh-fiddlesticks.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Oh-Fiddlesticks/139347282758523

http://www.etsy.com/shop/byohfiddlesticks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/onefinestache

ohfiddlesticksaustin@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.

Charming shirts for tots

vintage inspired designs + a modern day twist

Most of our shirts are designed around fun, descriptive compound words, an idea that was born in Melissa’s first grade classroom! Jen, our self-taught artist, draws all the art for the shirts. We use a local screen print company, Under Pressure, to print our art onto our various fabrics which are then cut out and sewn on by us with an always fabulous decorative stitch. Our designs are always trendy but playful and we love that it takes a bit of brains to crack the code….(don’t stress, the answer is on the back ) The font on the back is different and fresh for every new design.  We use 100% cotton American Apparel shirts. Made in the USA.

Jen also offers a 'stache of vintage furniture, original art, mural services, handmade decorative pillows, a quirky bow tie and 'stache shirt for the entire family, and other items to fancy...

How did you get started?

Melissa began brain storming about a tee shirt line based around compound words back in the spring of 2006 while still teaching 1st grade.  All she needed was a partner to help bring her concept to life and that is where Jen came in...Jen is a self taught artist who began researching graphics to bring Melissa's to conception.  Every graphic Oh Fiddlesticks! screen prints is hand drawn by Jen!

One fine 'stache was started after years of collecting vintage treasures...

Where do you get your inspiration?

Things we LOVE and get inspired by:
color - fabrics - vintage: furniture, jewelry, buttons, art- stripes - dots - fonts - compound words - Anthropologie - design and party blogs -  paper products - photography

Describe your workspace/workroom.
Jen does all her work on a vintage dining room table and Melissa does all her work on a modern dining table!

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
Melissa's favorite holiday gift she received was a 'stache of vintage costume jewelry from one of her best friends who had just inherited it from her great grandmother!

Meet a Craft Riot Vendor: Little Grey Goose

Stephanie E. Gordon
littlegreygoose.etsy.com
littlegreygoose@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.
Paper crafts including: jointed paper dolls resembling people I admire, greeting cards for many occasions, gift tag sets, stationery, book plates, envelope seals & address labels, moving announcements & party invitations (and lots of ideas swirling around my brain for notepads and tea towels!)

How did you get started?
Just a few years ago, my work as an artist consisted of painting portraits of depressed looking people. Since starting Little Grey Goose Arts & Crafts in March of 2009, I've stopped taking life so seriously and am now focused on having fun making paper crafts and doodling cute, simple & colorful little characters. I definitely like the cheerful side of my artistic life a whole lot more!

Where do you get your inspiration?
So many places! From foods, colors, love, patterns, pop culture, board games, friends of mine who get married, friends who have babies/toddlers, Texas, colorful birds, giants, musical instruments...the list goes on and on! Most recently, I've been doodling lots of little animals. Inspiration credit goes to my sweetheart and the stuffed animal collection he is starting for us: so far we have a squirrel named Peanut, a bunny named Carrot, an Owl named Glider and a meerkat named Bugs.

Describe your workspace/workroom.
My limited workspace currently doubles as our kitchen table. It's nice enough, though! Above it hangs a paper lantern and on the walls: framed drawings from friends, mini bunting & a chalkboard .

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
Around the holidays last year, I made several really great custom paper dolls - people requested some really terrific characters! I had a lot of fun making Sarah Vowell, The Avett Brothers (instruments included!), Pete Hornberger from 30 Rock and Quentin Tarantino dolls!

Meet a Craft Riot Vendor: LaLa

Laisa Macias

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/LaLa/134648839894255?ref=sgm

LaLa or sewlala on Etsy

mylalashop@yahoo.com

www.sewlala.etsy.com

Give a brief product description.

A new line of clothing created using graffiti fabric that I designed and a variety of denims.  The line is fresh and fun and can be worn by any age group.  The line will also be featured in solid colors.


In addition to this new line I will also have dresses made from old clothing that was purchased at local thrift stores and vintage boutiques.  There are some very cool fabrics and wonderful patterns in these dresses that make them beautiful and definitely one of a kind.

How did you get started?
I learned to sew at a very young age but it wasn't until about four years ago that I really got in to it.  I took a couple of classes at First Samples as a refresher and have been sewing ever since. First doing simple projects at home, then using patterns and making small alterations to my own clothes, and then this year I ventured into pattern making which has opened up a whole new world of designing for me. "My biggest inspiration comes from my grandmother who taught me to sew when I was really young.  She was very crafty and loved clothes.  She made clothes for all her kids and then for me as I grew up.  My memories of her and her aesthetic definitely impact my designs and the type of material I use.


Where do you get your inspiration?
My other inspiration comes from music and nature.  I love old school hip hop and the 80's which you can see in the more current and edgy styles that I design.  They are simple pieces with a lot of personality.  The comfortable fit and versatility with which you can wear them speaks to my ""hippie"" style.  I want something I can wear outside at the beach to be casual on one day, and out for a night on the town another day.


Describe your workspace/workroom.

I have a loft style home that was literally built by the owners in 1979.  It is a couple of blocks away from a lake in a wonderful "Austin" community. All the homes are eclectic and nestled away among the trees.  I use the small upstairs loft as my workspace. It has mini vaulted ceilings and windows along both walls.  It feels very bright and airy plus I feel like I'm always part of the house because I can just look over the edge and see everything going on.  There is fabric everywhere and pictures on the walls that speak to me on those long night to keep me going. During the day I can open all the windows and just enjoy nature at it's best while sewing away.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
The first year I started sewing again I made totes for everyone in my family.  It was soooo fun giving them out and everyone loved them.  The best part about it is that here we are four years later and anytime I go home I get to see those little totes still being put to good use.

Meet a Craft Riot Vendor: Hammer It Out

Megan Russell
HammerItOut.tumblr.com

Facebook.com/HammerItOut

HammerItOut.etsy.com

HammerItOut@att.net

Give a brief product description.

Smithing has always had a strong tradition of making functional items that are also beautiful. Using stainless steel allows me to also make pieces that will last a lifetime.

How did you get started?
I answered an add for an artists assistant thinking I would get coffee and answer phones, but when I arrived at the interview I was handed a hammer. It worked out well. As it turns out I like to hit stuff.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get inspiration from people living their lives. Watching the small problems they encounter and trying to find a way to resolve them with, but with a little bit of panache.

Describe your workspace/workroom.
My workspace is an ever changing configuration of tables, some permanent, and some made of saw horses to accommodate the stage of the process I am in. It is also filled with pieces of wood an metal that would seem like junk to most people, but they are hand made tools and jigs that I would be lost without.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
Several years ago I made a set of work for My sister in law. She is an interior designer and had been asking for one. I has shied away from it thinking I would not make anything that would fit with her aesthetic. She loves them and tells me everytime I see her how her friends all want their own. That is always nice to hear.