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Christina Alessi of Sparkletree Wearable Art Handmade News Featured Artisan

2009-06-29T20:03:00.001-07:00

Christina Alessi of Sparkletree Wearable Art Handmade News Featured Artisan

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Art Attack retrospective

2009-04-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

So, Art Attack was super fun! My fellow Jersey City Craft Mafiosa, Emily August took some lovely pictures of the event. As you can see, we had some really fantastic vendors.

I purchased some goodies from:

Honestly though, I found something I loved from pretty much every table there.

For instance, this Shobha Ohal necklace made from old prayer cards should really be on my neck. (I hope my husband reads this so he can surprise me with it):

And the customized shoes from Red Delicious Things are out of control:

Everyone I talked with was so nice. I had some fantastic conversations with Amy from Modern Atlier, Miriam from The Hand of Fatima, the folks at M.A.D. Studios and several members of the DC Craft Mafia.

You know what? Why don't I just give you a full list of our amazing vendors in case you missed out:

Lollibomb Beauty		Trashed Clothing

Sweet Ruination		Kiva Ford

Emily August		Sparkletree Wearable Art

Megan Gulick		Katrinbird Designs

Prim At Heart		Lil' Fishy

Modern Atelier		Pretty Silly Things

Soya Scents		Funky City Baby

Hand of Fatima		DC Craft Mafia

Red Delicious		Retro Rocket Girl

Laura Schaffnit		It's A Ljubica Designs

Spy Girl		Shobha Ohal

AJK Artistry		7 Year Kitsch

Maureen Gallagher Jewelry		Made by Melissa

Erica Burns Designs		M.A.D. Studios

Jason Gluskin Art & Illustration		Amy Grutz Designs

In other news, I just ordered a dress form and can barely contain myself.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ART ATTACK

2009-04-25T21:04:00.001-07:00

Art Attack Arsenal

2009-04-20T18:59:00.001-07:00

I have been a busy bee in preparation for the Jersey City Craft Mafia's maiden voyage, Art Attack which will take place this Sunday!! We are beyond thrilled to have a BUST sponsorship for the event as well as a collection of some of the hippest vendors in the Garden State and beyond, including members of the DC Craft Mafia.

I'll leave you with pictures of my latest collection which will be featured at Art Attack and of course on my Etsy shop.

Want more information? Feel free to visit www.jerseycitycraftmafia.com or email me for specifics!

Morristown Armory Craft Market

2009-04-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

A while back, my friend Kate told me about the Morristown Armory Craft Market, which she swears this is her favorite craft event of all time. When she invited me to come along this past weekend, I couldn't resist.

We were lucky enough to have free guest passes from vendors Kate had purchased from in previous years so we glided by the admission area like VIPs. I was impressed as we walked through the doors. It was clear that we were in the presence of career artisans. Below are three artists who I felt were especially memorable.

One of the first booths we stopped at was Margaret Wozniak's. I was immediately touched by the gentle, whimsical element of her work. My favorites were her Pegasus pieces whose kind gazes and soft features immediately transported me back to a feeling of comfort and elation reminiscent of childhood.

Another artist of note was Greg Stones. We were first drawn to the rich color and detail of his watercolors which were done on an incredibly intricate scale. However, we were particularly delighted at the deliciously twisted sense of humor portrayed in his paintings. We actually burst out laughing several times. Penguins, sheep, zombies, aliens - need I say more?

Finally, Hilary Greif's designs showcased vintage found items crafted into unique jewelry pieces. We fell in love with a pendant featuring a pristinely intact garter button from the early 1900s. I also enjoyed her re-purposed Lenox pieces so much that I bought one for myself!

When I came home, I accented the pendant with a freshwater pearl and a glass flower bead to create this necklace - which I've been wearing constantly since the show!

In other news, I invite you to stay tuned for updates on what I've been whipping up for the Jersey City Craft Mafia's maiden voyage - Art Attack in Jersey City!
I am truly excited about being a part this event. More to come!

Promotional bookmarks!

2009-03-31T11:15:00.001-07:00

My promo bookmarks arrived today from Overnightprints.com. Hooray!!!

Doodle Stitching...

2009-03-30T21:30:00.001-07:00

Pincushion log that looks like a dessert cake...
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

My newfound obsession with embroidery sent me on a hunt for a beginner's guide with patterns and samples that actually appealed to my aesthetic. Amidst a sea of tired old flowers on embroidery hoops, Aimee Ray's Doodle Stitching, proved to offer a delightful angle on this timeless craft.

I was first drawn to the whimsical design on the cover and found each pattern included to be cuter than the next. Additionally, her instructions are easy to follow, with helpful diagrams every step of the way.

Tonight I spent the evening making the "Wooden Pincushion" which is something I actually really needed. Since I'm still building my embroidery floss arsenal, I had to take a little creative license on the colors, using pink instead of light brown. This unfortunately (or fortunately), led to my pincushion looking like some sort of weird dessert cake rather than a tree stump.

I do still consider this endeavor to be a success. I now have a functional pincushion which will come in handy as I continue my love affair with embroidery.

For more info on Aimee Ray and Doodle Stitching please visit http://www.dreamfollow.com!

Green Machine

2009-03-29T20:13:00.001-07:00

Organic Cotton Crochet Necklace
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

Spring is probably my favorite time of year. When the sun breaks through the haze of winter, the colors are brighter and the air is sweeter. I can't help but feel the pull toward hope and renewal and possibility.

Anyway... in the spirit of this feeling, I'm committing to incorporating as many earth-friendly materials into my work as possible. Since the beginning of the year, I have been in addition to working through my stash, I've been unraveling pre-loved sweaters and scarves to crochet new projects. In the event that the re-purposed yarn won't work in a particular project, I am committing using natural fibers - organic when possible (like these new organic cotton necklaces!) or recycled acrylic yarns.

I'm really looking forward to this challenge and am interested in hearing about ways in which you've made your art or your life in general a little "greener."

My first embroidered necktie

2009-03-12T20:04:00.001-07:00

My first embroidered necktie
Originally uploaded by sparkletrash

Today, I was inspired by this tutorial at CraftStylish. I went to GoodWill and purchased a few neckties to test out my new skill.

This tie is my first attempt. I did a freehand owl design that I'd drawn up for another project. I'm pleased to report that the whole thing was done over two episodes of House - including embroidery, re-sewing up the back, applying the tag and the tack.

Hooray! Can't wait to try it out again tomorrow.

2009-03-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm continuing on my fingerless glove kick.
Not only are they a great way for me to work through leftover odds and ends in my yarn stash, they are also the perfect accessory for this time of year while the chill is still hanging around.

I've posted the following two pairs for sale on Etsy. They area looser fit and offer more arm coverage than the purple glove pictured above.

This pair is an acrylic/ wool blend and accented with re-purposed fleecey fabric hearts and buttons.

This pair is crocheted using 100% acrylic yarn and accented with re-purposed upholstery fabric hearts and buttons.

Also, the Jersey City Craft Mafia has announced our first official event, Art Attack on April 26th!!

Attention NJ Crafters!

2009-02-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair at LITM in Jersey City is accepting applications through Friday.

The panel will be accepting vendors of all genres including jewelry, knits, paper and zines. So if your items fall under the categories of "great tchotkes, whosimiwhatsits, thingies, smellerifics, etc. that fall outside the realm of your usual stodgy, old craft fair stuff" drop them a line at litmcraft@gmail.com before Friday!

In other news, I've been super busy making music this month with my former band, the mellowtraumatics. We played our first show in mmmmmmph years at a sold-out Maxwells this past weekend and it was stupidly fun. Other ghosts included Small Am, Ben Travato and The Milwaukees (original line-up).

photo courtesy of Sarah K. Andrew.

This week I will be a crafting machine with some new arm-warmers and felted goodies.
Yay!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Again.

2009-02-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

I might be the worst blogger on the planet.
I'm constantly thinking of things to write about... the problem is effectively getting them out of my head. Anyhoo.

It has been a pretty amazing few months. I went and got hitched and we bought a house... the most adorable house, which I've discovered is going to be the greatest craft project of all time.

The day after we moved in, I packed up my wares and set off with my friend, night-light designer Anna Yong Muniz. It was the very first "live" show for both of us and we had THE BEST time. We couldn't have asked for a more positive experience. Elen, of 919Gallery as well as the PADNA volunteers were incredibly accomodating and organized. I am looking forward to working with them again.

Here's a shot of our table, courtesy of the spiPhone.

The next thing I would like to shout from the mountain-tops is the launch of the Jersey City Craft Mafia. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this endeavor and have extremely high hopes for what we are going to accomplish as a group. We have really hit the ground running in terms of organizing some delicious events for you to partake in. If you'd like more information about how to become a member or about the group itself, please visit the following sites:
www.jerseycitycraftmafia.com
www.craftmafia.com

I'm also getting back on track with my Etsy shop. I've been whipping some really sweet needle-felted pouches and cuffs as well as a unique line of crocheted arm-warmers. SO keep an eye out on the shop as I'll up updating it pretty often over the next several weeks!

Here's a little taste to hold you over:

PS - I'm gonna have to re-do these photos. I didn't realize they were so oddly-colored. The monitor on my home computer is really acting shameful.

In other news, there is some pretty exciting music stuff going on too... but I'll save that for my next post.

Artisans Holiday Market

2008-11-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm extremely excited to announce that I will be participating in PADNA's Artisan's Holiday Market at 919 Gallery in Jersey City! I'm currently fattening up my inventory with new pocketbooks, jewelry and even some art and photography.

This is going to be a really fantastic event!
919 Gallery is an in-home art gallery located in the artist lofts on Bay Street in Jersey City.

Be sure to visit our new Sparkletree Facebook page for details on this event and upcoming events!

2008-10-25T16:08:00.001-07:00

I think I'd like to paint with watercolors after our dinner tonight.

Yay!

2008-09-15T07:44:00.001-07:00

I'm back and we're married and I have a billion things to talk about.

I already have several new projects lined up and I still have to fill you in on some of my wedding crafts.

Anyway. Hooray!

Elements Collection

2008-08-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my first installment of my Elements Collection of jewelry inspired by nature!

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!

2008-07-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

So, in an effort to conjure up some motivation in my life, I've begun setting small and realistic mini-goals for myself. My Sparkletree goal is to have 25 sales by the end of the summer.

See?
Not unrealistic, but motivation to hustle.

I also want to start getting some Sparkletree items into boutiques. So, if you know anyone or have any advice, give mama some sugar.

Speaking of sugar, I'm done with it. I have become an alarmingly squishy emotional eating machine fueled almost exclusively by bagels and peanut M&Ms. ENOUGH already. Cripes.

So, give mama some love, too. She's gonna get reeeeal bitchy.

So, take advantage of my insanity and get some FREE SHIPPING on any item in my shop between now and Friday 7/25/08.

Just type "NO MORE M&MS" in the comments and I'll revise your invoice.

Quality Assurance

2008-07-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to report that I have test driven one of my clean cloths and ran them through a washer and dryer cycle. It came out great! A little shrinkage which is to be expected with 100% cotton, but all in all a success! Still fluffy and soft!

Yay :)

THANK GOODNESS

2008-07-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

So, my camera is still on the blink, but my Mom was kind enough to lend me her camera to get me through the slump.

As previously mentioned, I'm trying to incorporate as much eco-friendliness into my crafting as possible.

I made these lovely little organic clean cloths - perfect gifts for housewarming, for the bride, for baby or for your own environmentally-friendly home.

In addition to the super-soft clean cloths, I've been making these fun flowers out of my ever-increasing plastic shopping bag collection. I will be listing them in the next day or so.
The up-cycled flowers would make excellent gift bows/ adornments for your eco-conscious friends!

2008-07-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

So... I've been making/ doing some cool eco-friendly crafting... however... my camera broke over the weekend.

So, I feel like I have this really great story to tell you, but I've lost my voice.

GRRRRAAAAAAAH!

2008-06-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

So... guess what?!

I found a PHOTOGRAPHER (said in Oprah voice). Here is a link to her site. As you can see, she is awesome. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. Hooray!

In other news, I have started making these vintage-style flower pins with my freshly purchased vintage flower loom from Cathy of California at the Renegade Craft Fair.

I can't stop making them. It's an addiction.

Maybe I can make a whole slew of them and sew them together into a wedding gown.

Right. Wedding gown. I should really pick one of those suckers up.

If you're in the NY/ NJ area...

2008-06-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Come out and see my band's last show till Fall.

The Goldhawk

Hawt.

my DIYish wedding (1)

2008-06-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't posted here in 100 years.
Between cranking out earrings and necklaces (which still need to be photographed... agh!), I've been really busy with finishing up school and planning my wedding.

Here are the facts:

I'm getting married in September.
I have less than three months to pull this all together.
I want to incorporate as much DIY as I can feasibly handle.
I also want to keep it as eco-conscious as possible.

I'm not sure if I was emotionally prepared for the undertaking of wedding planning. My thoughts all along were "Why make a big deal out of it? It's one day! I'm going to keep it simple."

It is really easy to lose sight of those initial thoughts when you're in the trenches navigating the vendors, the gaudy decor and general heavy pressure of the wedding machine. For instance, I was not aware that peel and eat shrimp was tacky. I didn't realise that wedding invitations had so many moving parts. And who knew that a certain kind of chair was preferred for receptions.
Not me.

Is there a place to put my ass while I eat?
Yes?
Good.

Anyway, I'm going to be posting a series called my DIYish wedding where I will share my happiness and my hell with you, gentle reader.

Enjoy.

Necklace Party!

2008-05-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I have been slacking in posts again. I had exams and I'm trying to plan a wedding... so, I'm a little disorganized lately.

Anyhoo.

Thanks to some lovely friends of mine, I've been inspired to start making jewelry again. It seems that my crafting comes in waves. Here are some of the necklaces I've been making.

Enjoy!

Not craft related...

2008-05-07T08:24:00.001-07:00

But I had to share this.
It's too cute to keep to myself.

That's Poochie and his BFF Fink at the dog park.