tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204523952553092572024-03-13T00:51:58.424-04:00handmadeVAsupporting local art & craft in the 7 cities.handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-14248417928855701532011-10-11T21:36:00.003-04:002011-10-11T21:48:02.644-04:00Vintage clothing at handmadeVA!Hello friends!<br /><br />We've made some more changes to the shop recently, and I'm getting so excited for all the awesome fall and holiday items we'll be getting in! Here's the new jewelry display (made from some frame I found on the side of the road!)...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12WRpiyT3NA/TpTveoGa-YI/AAAAAAAAAH8/w3TReG9RBIk/s1600/october%2B2011%2B096.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662413940951021954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12WRpiyT3NA/TpTveoGa-YI/AAAAAAAAAH8/w3TReG9RBIk/s320/october%2B2011%2B096.JPG" /></a> Some super cute cups from the equally adorable Bekah...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaelg0o2frQ/TpTvd9fcyQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ld_b2hvRirI/s1600/october%2B2011%2B107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662413929513273602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaelg0o2frQ/TpTvd9fcyQI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ld_b2hvRirI/s320/october%2B2011%2B107.JPG" /></a><br />And...vintage clothing! I've had my vintage clothing stored away since I stopped selling on Etsy, and decided it all deserved a good home. So now hVA has a little vintage section, and the prices are great! (Skirts around $10, dresses around $20, etc.) There are a few bags and I'll probably be adding some houseware items soon.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xi9ecq1Ekjg/TpTvdSoYlAI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ySyqSGE8gio/s1600/october%2B2011%2B106.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662413918008022018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xi9ecq1Ekjg/TpTvdSoYlAI/AAAAAAAAAHk/ySyqSGE8gio/s320/october%2B2011%2B106.JPG" /></a><br />So now handmadeVA really is like a physical Etsy! Handmade crafts, art, and vintage items all in one happy place!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm picking up some scarves, neckwarmers and gloves from Katie E. tomorrow, and Michelle added some awesome new items earlier today. Look for lots of new items as we getting closer to the holidays! (I'm working on VA ornaments this week...)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for supporting your local handmade community!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>V.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-7054204916239478602011-07-13T23:31:00.002-04:002011-07-13T23:34:17.181-04:00some press for hVA!So I was excited to see us (sort of) mentioned in this article on AltDaily.com! Yay!<br /><a href="http://www.altdaily.com/features/day-tripper-a-summer-day-in-norfolk.html">http://www.altdaily.com/features/day-tripper-a-summer-day-in-norfolk.html</a>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-27980577971993797722011-06-23T22:23:00.002-04:002011-06-23T22:30:15.621-04:00Featured products of the week!<br /><br />Fun chalkboard mugs...(Kelly Guswiler)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HDRDyxfKFE/TgP1f22hCVI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ryXEMxBobLY/s1600/craft%2Bparty%2B009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621606687537432914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HDRDyxfKFE/TgP1f22hCVI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ryXEMxBobLY/s320/craft%2Bparty%2B009.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Recycled leather cuffs....(Ashton Keely)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc5_utvfzng/TgP1flFwiYI/AAAAAAAAAHU/0u7X8x9Tfz4/s1600/craft%2Bparty%2B020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621606682769525122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc5_utvfzng/TgP1flFwiYI/AAAAAAAAAHU/0u7X8x9Tfz4/s320/craft%2Bparty%2B020.JPG" /></a><br />Also, come join us (aka 7 Cities Crafters) for ArtEverywhere's Closing Night on July 2nd. 7 Cities Crafters won a $500 grant to put together some crafty awesomeness for the event, and it's going to be rad. Check it out here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=112141988876346">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=112141988876346</a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-41212165599888945612011-06-03T19:29:00.002-04:002011-06-03T19:31:19.446-04:00Crafts are cool.Check out my piece on AltDaily:<br /><a href="http://www.altdaily.com/features/not-your-grandmas-crafts.html">http://www.altdaily.com/features/not-your-grandmas-crafts.html</a><br /><br />And be sure to make it out to the Etsy craft party on June 10th...we'll post details here soon.<br /><br />Yay crafts!handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-38798335330884872762011-05-16T21:06:00.006-04:002011-05-16T21:48:14.404-04:00New look, new stuff.<div align="center">HandmadeVA got a much needed spring cleaning this past weekend, and we've added some great new stuff, too!</div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607487518125816450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ebWa-_z2LA/TdHMMCBTeoI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Bun5Km89hwo/s320/may2011%2B036.JPG" /><br />Ceramics from Kelly Guswiler.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylsk6fKwYwE/TdHML1TXVtI/AAAAAAAAAGw/4d66N_UoZis/s1600/may2011%2B041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607487514711906002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ylsk6fKwYwE/TdHML1TXVtI/AAAAAAAAAGw/4d66N_UoZis/s320/may2011%2B041.JPG" /></a> Recycled t-shirt jewelry from Alodeuri.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGrjRtWBxVw/TdHMLsDJaYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/S7UXKQn17TY/s1600/may%2B2011%2B050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607487512227965314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGrjRtWBxVw/TdHMLsDJaYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/S7UXKQn17TY/s320/may%2B2011%2B050.JPG" /></a>Headbands from Sophie's Lament.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-co_6-_nQ4/TdHS0WRpQSI/AAAAAAAAAHI/_3gta08urE4/s1600/may2011%2B032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607494807827595554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-co_6-_nQ4/TdHS0WRpQSI/AAAAAAAAAHI/_3gta08urE4/s320/may2011%2B032.JPG" /></a><br />Stuffed cuties from Get Your Art On and Sloane Solanto.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAczEOpf5IA/TdHSSiBaivI/AAAAAAAAAHA/TDYA0crS1s0/s1600/may%2B2011%2B055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607494226865195762" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAczEOpf5IA/TdHSSiBaivI/AAAAAAAAAHA/TDYA0crS1s0/s320/may%2B2011%2B055.JPG" /></a> Embroidery hoop wall art from Dreamfly.<br /><br />Stop by and check out all the great new items! More pics to come...<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-30328943041384515922011-03-23T22:02:00.006-04:002011-03-23T22:23:15.389-04:00new stuff!Yes, friends, we still exist, thought our lack of blog updates might suggest otherwise! Many HandmadeVA crafters (myself included) have been busy lately with craft shows, art projects, and other adventures, but we've managed to find the time to hunt down some great new artists for the space. Check out what's going on with the shop...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvQLcTokSIY/TYqns8QkcTI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3HNg2YY1DyQ/s1600/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462678238228786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvQLcTokSIY/TYqns8QkcTI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3HNg2YY1DyQ/s320/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B004.JPG" /></a>I meet a fantastic artist out of Arlington, VA at a craft show this weekend and am so excited to have her jewelry in the shop. She uses junk mail envelopes to make the sweetest necklaces, earrings, and more. Some of the most creative stuff I've seen in quite a while! (Check out her website for more info...and fantastic pics of her "ugly kitty"! <a href="http://www.myuglykitty.com/">http://www.myuglykitty.com/</a>) </p><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk5Wd7tiNa0/TYqnhZjI7-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/oefN3uIFVUg/s1600/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462479942316002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk5Wd7tiNa0/TYqnhZjI7-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/oefN3uIFVUg/s320/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B012.JPG" /></a> More from Ugly Kitty Redeux...</div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8plJSRyjS0/TYqnXIGpXWI/AAAAAAAAAF4/VsZtAESppMw/s1600/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462303460711778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8plJSRyjS0/TYqnXIGpXWI/AAAAAAAAAF4/VsZtAESppMw/s320/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B024.JPG" /></a> I also found these great primitive dolls from Bittersweet Folk Art (seen here with a VA pillow from Dreamfly and bird pillows from Sophie's Lament). They're made with antique materials and are incredible works of art.<br /><br />We'll be adding new pieces for spring over the next couple weeks and many of us are looking forward to some outdoor shows soon (and hoping for good weather!). I'll keep you updated on where you can find us.<br /><br />Rogue Elephant coffee is now on sale for only $9/bag, and soy candles are still 30% off!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL5DNbPvRmw/TYqqv2Bs5OI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/hINBcQZ5JOk/s1600/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587466026639746274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL5DNbPvRmw/TYqqv2Bs5OI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/hINBcQZ5JOk/s320/new%2Bmarch%2B11%2B029.JPG" /></a>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-70517660321240510582011-01-17T19:53:00.002-05:002011-01-17T20:00:59.538-05:00Rogue Elephant Coffee is back!Finally got some delicious Rogue Elephant coffee back in stock after it sold out during the holidays! We're currently carrying their Guatemala, Sumatra (my favorite) and Mocha Java beans. Try it today! (If you're looking to sample it first, grab a cup while you're at the Boot...now serving Rogue Elephant coffee!)handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-59061888389930334002010-12-21T12:54:00.003-05:002010-12-21T13:00:41.000-05:00Yay Michelle!Hooray for our very own Michelle Odom, who is currently Hardcore Norfolk's featured artist! Check out the video by clicking the title above.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TRDqNAMZXBI/AAAAAAAAAFo/yOehtyqNuzs/s1600/mitchelle1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553195849659014162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TRDqNAMZXBI/AAAAAAAAAFo/yOehtyqNuzs/s320/mitchelle1.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Michelle is one of the founding members of HandmadeVA, and probably our biggest cheerleader, as well! Check out her awesome jewelry and soy candles (under the name Gymbohannah) at the shop. You can taste some of her delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes at Carolina Cupcakery, too! (Colley & 21st in Ghent...right down the street from the Mystic Mermaid)</div><div> </div><div>Don't forget to swing by HandmadeVA for some last minute gifts and stocking stuffers!</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-89770272748115843322010-12-16T11:01:00.002-05:002010-12-16T11:11:49.833-05:00This is what we are about.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TQo6Da_qOPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/yIcMgtjiubE/s1600/airplanebag125.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551313321147906290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TQo6Da_qOPI/AAAAAAAAAFg/yIcMgtjiubE/s320/airplanebag125.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I was so excited to finally see this piece from Nightline featuring Etsy! (Click the post title to link to the video...) I absolutely wanted to share it with all our HandmadeVA fans because we share many of the same values as Etsy...basically, we want to be a local, brick-and-mortar version of Etsy in our community.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope that if you have purchased anything at HandmadeVA, you feel that sense of "story" that goes into every handmade item.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please feel free to leave your comments below with your story of heartfelt, handmade gifts! What's the best one you've ever made and given? The best one you've ever received?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And...we are stocking up the shop this week with more great gifts for Christmas!</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-42894974426641098722010-12-02T11:41:00.002-05:002010-12-02T11:44:36.242-05:00Holiday Open House!Yay, it's Open House time again! We're having our Holiday Open House this Sunday, from 12-5pm at the shop. Come shop for some great handmade gifts! We'll be having ornament-making, gift wrapping (for donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity), and of course, cookies!<br /><br />Tell your friends!!!<br /><br />Skip the mall madness this year, and shop handmade for the holidays!handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-21172351170738472142010-11-27T08:05:00.002-05:002010-11-27T08:11:49.696-05:00happy small business saturday!apparently today is the first "Small Business Saturday," a day to support your local shops and restaurants. we've got two great ideas for you! first, hit the Virginia Beach Christmas Craft Market at the convention center between 10 and 6 (it's also open sunday, 10-5), and support the lovely ladies of 7 cities crafters! (it's pretty much the sweetest booth in the whole show...)<br /><br />then, head straight down 264 to ghent and visit handmadeVA (inside the Mystic Mermaid) for some more awesome handmade gifts! many ghent businesses are hosting open houses this weekend, so check out some of the other great shops down 21st and colley while you're at it.<br /><br />holiday shopping, done! and your local artisans and small businesses thank you. :)<br /><br />www.smallbusinesssaturday.comhandmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-19623362036901063412010-11-25T13:55:00.002-05:002010-11-25T14:04:22.808-05:00happy thanksgiving! (and preparations for the big show...)hope you all are having a splendid thanksgiving! i've been doing a bunch a last minute crafting to get ready for Virginia Beach Christmas Market this weekend at the convention center...i'm super excited about the VA pillows i've been wanting to make forever!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xWxz-y2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/N8xpfYbWXVw/s1600/halloween%2526tgiving%2B044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543563196226259810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xWxz-y2I/AAAAAAAAAFY/N8xpfYbWXVw/s320/halloween%2526tgiving%2B044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />i'm thinking about offering custom states to order, as well!<br /><br />meanwhile, my family is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, as we'll be heading to grandma's soon for dinner with 16 people! my sisters are pretty crafty in the kitchen. this is the made-from-scratch apple pie my twin sister kim made (i helped with the decorations :)...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xWnJXROI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CeXAHjuQz2w/s1600/halloween%2526tgiving%2B050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543563193363154146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xWnJXROI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CeXAHjuQz2w/s320/halloween%2526tgiving%2B050.jpg" border="0" /></a> and the gorgeous pumpkin center pieces she made as well...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xVuWSgTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/_ml2nZcRdO0/s1600/halloween%2526tgiving%2B054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543563178116546866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TO6xVuWSgTI/AAAAAAAAAFI/_ml2nZcRdO0/s320/halloween%2526tgiving%2B054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />i hope you all have a lovely thanksgiving with friends and family! don't forget to check out the craft market this weekend (friday through sunday) and stop by the 7 cities crafters' booth to see some handmadeVA artists! (it's better than black friday shopping...buy handmade for the holidays!)<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-38319712308032007142010-11-09T09:50:00.002-05:002010-11-09T09:59:16.901-05:00getting ready for the big show...<a href="http://www.emgshows.com/avbcm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537562701098772370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TNlf7_hx55I/AAAAAAAAAFA/sHWAnvJptyo/s320/VBCMWebLogo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>So several of the handmadeVA ladies have the privilege of participating in the Virginia Beach Christmas Market at the convention center this year, as part of the 7 Cities Crafter's booth. It happens Thanksgiving weekend, November 26-28th (so bring all those out-of-town guests!). (Click the image above for more info.)</div><div> </div><div>That means we all have a ton of work to do! Besides making sure the shop is stocked for a busy shopping weekend, we've got have plenty of inventory for this huge 3 day show. I've been finger-knitting away on some mini-scarf necklaces, and I know the other girls are getting busy, too. So excited!</div><div> </div><div>And, by the way, we got tons of comments at the Spring show that 7 Cities had the best booth in the whole place...pretty sure we'll do it again for this one! :)</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-90493057264932085382010-10-21T10:45:00.003-04:002010-10-21T11:03:20.175-04:00handmadeVA keeps growing & growing...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TMBVIgg0GAI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zJj5R374sE8/s1600/new+hutch+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530513947065849858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TMBVIgg0GAI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zJj5R374sE8/s320/new+hutch+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>and we're looking for new crafters! ideally, we'd like to see practical, housewares-type items, but we're open to other fun things. we are limited on jewelry space, but we are always willing to look at unique and unusual items. holidays get very busy at the Mystic Mermaid, so we'd like to make sure we have plenty of wonderful handmade gift ideas available for shoppers!</div><div> </div><div>if you're interested (or know someone who is), please email vicki at <a href="mailto:handmadeVA@yahoo.com">handmadeVA@yahoo.com</a>.</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-35031566558089647092010-10-18T14:26:00.003-04:002010-10-18T14:30:10.937-04:00buy fresh, buy local.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLyRb3dun_I/AAAAAAAAAEw/euKE_APcenE/s1600/newsletterlogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529454350435262450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLyRb3dun_I/AAAAAAAAAEw/euKE_APcenE/s320/newsletterlogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>i've recently discovered this organization that promotes fresh, local produce from area farmers and restaurants and i'm a big fan. check it out at <a href="http://www.buylocalhamptonroads.org/">www.buylocalhamptonroads.org</a></p><p>thought it would be of interest to all of our handmadeVA fans, considering your love of all things local and handmade! :)</p>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-52029979744474476162010-10-15T16:27:00.003-04:002010-10-15T16:32:39.501-04:00open house was a blast!thanks to everyone who came out to our open house wednesday and made it a huge success! susan (of the mystic mermaid) is already planning for next year! the music and food were great, and we all had a fantastic time.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLi5iKfyiqI/AAAAAAAAAEo/_XRiowPkZ0c/s1600/hva+open+house+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528372539181664930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLi5iKfyiqI/AAAAAAAAAEo/_XRiowPkZ0c/s320/hva+open+house+057.jpg" border="0" /></a>[some of the girls...] </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLi5h0KpOrI/AAAAAAAAAEg/yE6qOF_rH5k/s1600/hva+open+house+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528372533187394226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TLi5h0KpOrI/AAAAAAAAAEg/yE6qOF_rH5k/s320/hva+open+house+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> [the awesomely talented ben hardesty & band]<br /><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">thanks so much for coming out and showing your support for local art & craft!</div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-52383623638736250412010-10-11T10:26:00.003-04:002010-10-11T10:30:19.175-04:00open house this week!don't forget the Mystic Mermaid/handmadeVA open house is only 3 days away! be sure to join us for a good time...live music, food & wine, giveaways, & of course, great handmade goods. if you haven't stopped in for a while, you'll be delighted to see the changes we've made in the handmadeVA space. we've been busy adding new artists and crafters with some fun new items.<br /><br />details:<br />Mystic Mermaid/handmadeVA halloween open house<br />wednesday, october 13th<br />6-9 pm<br /><br />see you there!!!handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-90742320273936925762010-10-04T10:32:00.003-04:002010-10-04T10:49:22.200-04:00dc crafty fun!several handmadeVA & 7cities crafters friends had the great opportunity to check out dc's crafty bastards arts and craft festival this past saturday, and it was awesome! we were all pretty inspired by the 150+ vendors with some fun reconstructed clothing, prints, jewelry, ceramics, and more. plus, we were all excited about our free etsy "i heart handmade" bumper stickers! and soraia got a hug from jay mccarroll, the first winner from project runway! (sorry i don't have more pictures...i was too caught up looking at all the craftiness!)<br /><br />afterward, we decided to check out some of the monuments:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKnnUypPjOI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iK--8VtRMnw/s1600/cb+dc+2010+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524200762324782306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKnnUypPjOI/AAAAAAAAAEY/iK--8VtRMnw/s320/cb+dc+2010+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />some of the group:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKnnUv0VmNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/kp_HLJDoJeI/s1600/group.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524200761566009554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKnnUv0VmNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/kp_HLJDoJeI/s320/group.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />it was definitely an awesome day and well worth the trip! perhaps next year, we'll be vending as well??<br /><div></div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-14975354887994992812010-09-28T17:23:00.003-04:002010-09-28T17:26:21.768-04:00open house at the mystic mermaid!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKJc-DswyxI/AAAAAAAAADo/Uogk8qWv6No/s1600/postcard1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522078314324347666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TKJc-DswyxI/AAAAAAAAADo/Uogk8qWv6No/s320/postcard1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>yay! it's time for our open house at the Mystic Mermaid! join handmadeVA and others on october 13th from 6-9pm for live music, refreshments, giveaways, and a good ol' time! handmadeVA ladies will be there helping you to make your very own fun halloween mask. don't miss it!</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-61883329231348228852010-09-14T17:47:00.002-04:002010-09-14T17:56:15.949-04:00handmadeVA has expanded!handmadeVA is growing....we've just expanded our space at the Mystic Mermaid! now we've got room for lots of new treasures, including...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t8PdluSI/AAAAAAAAADg/roWBDQ46nHc/s1600/8.21.10+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516889687750719778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t8PdluSI/AAAAAAAAADg/roWBDQ46nHc/s320/8.21.10+104.jpg" border="0" /></a>super cute primitive hand-carved birds by dan henkel. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t6j6SuPI/AAAAAAAAADY/PaLyXpHIicU/s1600/8.21.10+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516889658880080114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t6j6SuPI/AAAAAAAAADY/PaLyXpHIicU/s320/8.21.10+116.jpg" border="0" /></a>my fav, with the sad little eyes! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t6OF6CnI/AAAAAAAAADQ/y4bsmwxk_dA/s1600/8.21.10+125.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516889653023214194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TI_t6OF6CnI/AAAAAAAAADQ/y4bsmwxk_dA/s320/8.21.10+125.jpg" border="0" /></a> awesome vintage-inspired crocheted neckwarmers by katie emborski (the attic suitcase).<br /><br /><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">plus, we've added wood-burned items and notecards by amanda hertz (pics coming soon!).</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">we'll be adding more handmade goodness in the weeks to come, and we'll have news about an open house night soon!</div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-5035493174007581042010-08-18T14:36:00.003-04:002010-08-18T14:49:00.991-04:00cute as a button!hooray! welcome to our newest crafter, katie bowling [one delightful button]. she makes the most adorable fabric covered button earrings and bookmarks. check it out:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqQbVFJGI/AAAAAAAAADA/TKsJfknbsXU/s1600/8.18.10+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506822906069722210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqQbVFJGI/AAAAAAAAADA/TKsJfknbsXU/s320/8.18.10+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqP_hrRVI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YQtGiLlqKPE/s1600/8.18.10+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506822898606359890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqP_hrRVI/AAAAAAAAAC4/YQtGiLlqKPE/s320/8.18.10+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqPHHsPdI/AAAAAAAAACw/JRvDoyKUgpQ/s1600/8.18.10+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506822883464986066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGwqPHHsPdI/AAAAAAAAACw/JRvDoyKUgpQ/s320/8.18.10+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>i mean, really...how cute are those?? stop by the shop to check out our new items!</div></div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-32928708691600455442010-08-17T19:39:00.006-04:002010-08-17T20:18:11.022-04:00why i care about local, handmade goods...and why you should, too.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGseywy81yI/AAAAAAAAACo/gUj6nhB40zU/s1600/217x188_SoS_Banner003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506528826831460130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TGseywy81yI/AAAAAAAAACo/gUj6nhB40zU/s320/217x188_SoS_Banner003.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.org/">www.storyofstuff.org</a><br /><br /><div>You need to watch this video. We all need to watch this video. It made me want to cry, yell at somebody, kick myself for continually falling prey to this horrible kind of consumerism, and then go protest somewhere....peacefully, of course.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>But most of all, it reminded me that this is why I care about handmade, local goods. This is one of the reasons HandmadeVA exists. Yes, we want you to buy our stuff. But we want you to think about your purchases wisely, too. How often do we truly pause to consider the impact of the purchases we make? What sort of consumer cycle are we supporting when we buy from the "big-box-marts" as opposed to local businesses? And even when we shop at local businesses, do we think about where the goods they sell are coming from?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I don't expect HandmadeVA to change the world or put an end to consumerism as we know it, but I do want HandmadeVA to be a catalyst for change in the 7 cities. We are not just about awesome local crafts. My hope is that it will encourage you to think more carefully about what you buy. Shop local, buy handmade!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Please take the time to watch "The Story of Stuff." It is well worth it. Feel free to comment below....I'd love to know your thoughts on the matter, and what we can do to make changes in our community.</div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-75839553248104750132010-08-08T22:04:00.004-04:002010-08-08T22:15:32.038-04:00lookin' good...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TF9iaJOK1SI/AAAAAAAAACg/RkwAnPZ0qCs/s1600/group2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503225470961505570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N8cQaCKwKDo/TF9iaJOK1SI/AAAAAAAAACg/RkwAnPZ0qCs/s320/group2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>so we finally got all the gals together for a little sprucing up in the shop today (and a group photo)! we're all so excited about how things are going with handmadeVA, and it's only getting better.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>come see for yourself...it's pretty awesome.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>new items added recently:</div><div>gorgeous prints [sophie's lament]</div><div>fun mermaid signs [kelly guswiler studio]</div><div>more soy candles [gymbohannah]</div><div>new earrings [from heather's hands]</div><div>va love tote bags [dreamfly]</div><div>and love ninjas!!! [23hearts]</div><div></div>handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-6416890789062822332010-07-26T17:16:00.003-04:002010-07-26T17:39:32.680-04:00a little shout out for 7cc...7 cities crafters is just about the coolest group of crafty ladies (and maybe the occasional guy) in all of tidewater. handmadeVA would not exist if not for 7 cities...it's a great way to network with other crafters and maybe learn some new skills and techniques. basically just a social group, 7 cities holds meetings the first sunday of every month. check out the website for this month's meeting details.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.7citiescrafters.com/">www.7citiescrafters.com</a><br /><br />happy crafting!handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2520452395255309257.post-76166305642542922402010-07-13T16:12:00.002-04:002010-07-13T16:18:04.625-04:00interested crafters and artists...apparently there's been a lot of inquiry about how to get involved with handmadeVA! if you are an artist or crafter and are looking to sell your wares, feel free to contact me (vicki) at <a href="mailto:handmadeVA@yahoo.com">handmadeVA@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br />we may not have room in the space right this moment, but as we look at our options for the future, i'd definitely love to include lots of other local talent. let me know if you're interested, and i'll keep you up to date!handmadeVAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15472021896809159184noreply@blogger.com0