Funky Finds

I Made It! Market - Intern Opportunity

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Handmade in PA announced that Carrie Nardini, the brains behind Pittsburgh’s I Made It! Market, is looking for an intern interested in gaining experience with all aspects of running an indie craft market for the remainder of 2009, as well as for the Spring 2010 term. I Made It! Market partners with non-profit, arts and community organizations to raise awareness and funds for organizations working to improve our communities AND provides opportunities for local artists and makers to introduce their work in diverse neighborhoods. The market has been crafting it up since May of 2007 and will be busy in 2010. Their goal is to provide opportunities and resources for artists and makers and really dig creating connections. Are you interested in crafts? Have you developed Social Media savvy? Do you like to meet new people and promote small businesses? Then we may be the right internship opportunity for you. In return, the market will work with your college or university to give you class credit. I Made It! Market is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Duties can include but will not be limited to:
o Copy Writing for ads, web, blogs, press releases and more
o Research into creating new partnerships on the non-profit, community and arts organization front
o Business Development for small businesses
o Event Coordination (including day-of activities like set up, break down, registration)
o Fundraising
o Graphic Design and Illustration experience appreciated

IMI Organizer, Carrie Nardini, who has more than ten years of professional marketing experience including managing University of Pittsburgh interns, will manage this individual. She can provide testimonials and access to at least three interns who she has supervised in the past five years.

Look for two I Made It! Market events in Pittsburgh coming up soon: I Made It! Jr., Sunday, November 22, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 12 – 4 pm and I Made It! For the Holidays, Saturday, December 5, Union Project, 12 – 5 pm

Find IMI on: Facebook, Twitter, and the IMI Blog

humbleraelord

2009-11-03T13:00:00.001-05:00

Kesha of humbleraelord recently sent me a couple of cute magnets that brightened my day. These functional pieces are made using recycled materials, including fabric, envelopes and old phone book pages. Talk about a clever & useful way to recycle! The Laughing Trio will help to hold your lists, reminders & photos in place on your fridge or filing cabinet. All of the magnets are hand-sewn & feature funny hand-painted faces. Kesha also creates note cards with her watercolor and ink drawings on them. Receive FREE SHIPPING on all magnets when you mention "FunkyFinds" in the notes to seller section at checkout.

DM Exclusives - Giveaway

2009-11-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

DM Exclusives features stylish & unique accessories created by Diana McDermott. The fall collection is filled with rich shades of brown, lush purples, golden yellows and metallics. The Copper wire-formed Autumn Leaves earrings sparkle with Swarovski crystals and Czech fire-polished beads. The Coffee Bean earrings are beautiful & look like a million bucks, but cost a mere $17 USD. Diana also offers a variety of necklaces, including Feathered Friends that showcases a mint green ceramic pendant. Sweet Tooth is another favorite of mine. You'll also find many great bracelets to choose from and shipping is FREE on all orders.

*GIVEAWAY: Diana is giving away a pair of Rose Petal earrings. To enter, visit DM Exclusives and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Sunday, November 8.

Upcoming Events

2009-11-02T13:00:00.001-05:00

WHAT: Candystore Collective Presents Prairie Underground Trunk Show & Party
WHEN: Tuesday, November 3; 6-8:30pm
WHERE: 3153 16th St., San Francisco, CA
ETC: Raffle offering Prairie Underground best sellers as prizes. Everything in the store will be 15% off during the event, as well as yummy fall-inspired cocktails.

WHAT: Buffalo Indie Market
WHEN: Thursday, November 5; 6-10pm
WHERE: Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY

WHAT: Adelaide Craft & Quilt Fair
WHEN: Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8
WHERE: Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide Event & Exhibition Centre at the Adelaide Showground, Wayville, South Australia

WHAT: Sugarloaf Craft Festival
WHEN: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8
WHERE: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA
ETC: Under 12 & Parking Free

WHAT: The Girlie Show
WHEN: Friday, November 6, 8pm-Midnight; Saturday, November 7, Noon-5pm
WHERE: Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein, Oklahoma City, OK

WHAT: Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe
WHEN: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 29; 5-9pm Daily
WHERE: Room Service, Cleveland, OH

WHAT: Contemporary Crafts Market
WHEN: Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8
WHERE: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA

WHAT: Over & Under Opening
WHEN: Friday, November 6 - Show runs until December 6
WHERE: Yard Dog Art Gallery, Austin, TX

WHAT: Art Studio Tour
WHEN: Saturday, November 7, 10am-5pm; Sunday, November 8, 12-5pm
WHERE: Pennsylvania (Map here)

WHAT: Oddmall
WHEN: Saturday, November 7; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 240 East Hines Hills Rd., Hudson, OH

WHAT: For The Love Of It
WHEN: Saturday, November 7; 6:30-9pm
WHERE: Redeem, 1734 14th St. NW, Washington, DC

WHAT: 2009 Local Bounty Barter Fair
WHEN: Saturday, November 7; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Elizabeth Anna’s Old World Garden, 2825 8th Ave., Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: Hip Happening Autumn Fair
WHEN: Saturday, November 7; 11am-6pm
WHERE: Sellwood Masonic Lodge, 7126 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR

WHAT: Pinpricks & Papercuts
WHEN: Saturday, November 7; 9am-12am
WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn at Raritan Center, 50 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, New Jersey

WHAT: Indie Mart
WHEN: Sunday, November 8; Noon-6pm
WHERE: Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St., San Francisco, CA

Galit Barak Jewelry Design

2009-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Galit Barak is a young, masterful jewelry designer living in Israel. Galit crochets sterling silver and 14 karat gold-filled wires, combined with semi-precious stones, vintage glass and pearls. The results are stunning. The Batch necklace features 14 karat gold-filled wire that has been hand crocheted into a circle, than weaved with small turquoise chips. I love the crocheted Gathe-ring that was made using small freshwater pearls. Other eye-catching pieces include the Deep Red Teardrop necklaces and the Mother Of Pearl necklace made of oxidized sterling silver wire. Get a behind-the-scenes view on Galit's blog.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

Shop787 - Ticket Giveaway

2009-10-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

The first-ever Shop787 will be held in Austin, Texas, at Mosaic at Mueller on Sunday, November 8, from Noon to 6 pm. Launch787, the event producers behind the incredibly successful Austin Fashion Week and FLAVORS of Austin, is bringing Shop787, an event featuring over 50 local boutiques, designers, artists and more in one location for easy holiday shopping in a fun, relaxed environment. The event is a fundraiser and book drive for the Dell Children’s Medical Center.

Matt Swinney, Founder of Launch787, felt there was a void when it came to events that really celebrates local business in a unique environment. He said, "Mosaic gives us the opportunity to give customers open bars, wide open, gorgeous courtyards and pool areas and a fun food court presented by a handful of Austin’s best restaurants and caterers. Additionally, after Austin Fashion Week, the biggest piece of advice we got from consumers was ‘bring us an event that puts everyone in one room together’ – that’s sort of what Shop787 does.”

Advance tickets are available online for $5. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 or $5 with the donation of a book to the Dell Children’s Medical Center. Tickets include all beverages, including alcohol from Tito’s Vodka and Brown Distributing; non-alcoholic beverages from Sweet Leaf Tea. The extensive vendor and food court lists can be viewed online.

*GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a pair of tickets to Shop787? Simply leave a comment on this post with your name & email address to enter. The winner will be chosen & contacted Thursday, November 5.

Christine Berrie Illustration

2009-10-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

Christine Berrie is a talented Glasgow-based illustrator. Her latest prints include '10 Camera Drawings' and '9 Robot Drawings' featuring collections of vintage cameras and retro robots. The pieces are arranged together to create colorful, detailed prints and are each limited to an edition of only 50. I love the blue Imperial Savoy Camera Drawing, as well as the red Sabre 620 Camera Drawing. Christine says she also loves drawing old buildings, gadgets, scooters, cars, signage, street scenes and anything that else inspires her to create detailed imagery with a touch of nostalgia. Her hope is that the results display her aim to invest even the most mundane objects with personality. I'd say mission accomplished. Learn more about Christine Berrie via her blog.

Funky Five: Cup 'o Tea

2009-10-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

1. My Cup of Tea - Mini Plush Pillow by Olive

2. Lotus Mug by Rimrock View Studio

3. Superb Tea Art Print by Tabitha Emma

4. Vintage Tea Bag Wallet by Expressions By Lesa

5. Tea Party Earrings by Ghost Love Jewelry

Tip Junkie Community - Home Dècor Week

2009-10-28T13:00:00.002-04:00

It's home dècor week at the Tip Junkie Community. Join us and you too can share your blog tutorials, upload pictures of your home, and join the Home Dècor group! We can't wait to get a sneak peek into your homes.

Tuesday Giveaway: Leave a comment to be entered to win a $35 gift card from Inspire Your Walls. Ends Friday at noon.

Project of the Week: Kimm with Reinvented has hooked us up with a tutorial for a Fall Front Porch. Darling!

Be sure to visit my page once you join the Tip Junkie Community!

Only Lauren

2009-10-28T00:01:00.004-04:00

Lauren Van Hemert of Only Lauren creates found art jewelry that celebrates the past by taking everyday items often taken for granted and reinventing them into a piece of wearable art for a modern age. Lauren takes old labels, postage stamps, advertisements, posters, and photographs, transfers them to clay, and forms them into beads. The hand-formed image transfer beads are then woven and twined together with crystals, vintage glass beads, Czech glass beads, and found objects to form one-of-a-kind necklaces and bracelets. Lauren’s fascination with the past began over ten years ago with her grandmother. “I was interviewing my grandmother about our family tree,” she says. “During my interview, she went to the closet and took out a pink department store box full of heirloom photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, menus and programs that documented their life together. Though I didn't know the name for it at the time that is when my fascination with Ephemera began. All of these photographs and clippings told a story – a love story – of my grandparents.” Lauren's jewelry ranges in price from $45 to $800 and can be found on her main website.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats to FENNOfashion: Enter to win a pair of lightweight luggage label transfer earrings (pictured). Simply visit Only Lauren and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Monday, November 2.

Painted by Renee

2009-10-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Painted by Renee is a lovely shop filled with what I can only describe as lots of eye candy. Renee designs lovely French paper goods including French Art Tags, Bridal Party Favors, and much more. Like many, I am fascinated with Marie Antoinette and she is the subject of many products this shop offers. Marie, Her Peacock and Her Royal Carriage is an interesting collage tag design featuring shabby chic & sepia tones. I also love the Exquisite French Shoe tags available in three colors & designs. If you're looking for unique wedding gift tags, you definitely want to consider the Wedding Dress French Mannequin tags. Renee also creates a variety of beautiful note cards & place cards, such as the French Marie Antoinette note card set. And with the holidays quickly approaching you do not want to miss the Christmas card & tag selection.

Evil Kitty

2009-10-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

Evil Kitty is currently having their biggest sale ever! The sale runs through November 15 and provides you with the perfect opportunity to begin your early holiday shopping. Visit the Evil Kitty site to view and purchase pieces from their regular collection at vastly discounted prices. Enter "PURR40" at check out to receive 40% off your next purchase. Place an order worth $100 or more and your will receive FREE shipping. If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to check out Evil Kitty's new location at the creative lounge CHICAGO located at 1564 North Damen Avenue, 3rd floor. For appointments call 312-560-8066 or email lidia@evilkitty.net. Evil Kitty creates playful & punky designs that sets them apart from many other contemporary lines. They pride themselves in creating unique pieces in a socially conscious way, as each garment is created domestically with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. Evil Kitty's fashion-forward pieces will make you a trend-setter - not a follower!

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories

2009-10-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories features Toni Johnson's unique creations. I love earrings and the purple Rena earrings are ones I would love to have. The sterling silver Emy earrings are a beautiful pair that will work with any ensemble. Dee-Zigns also features many eye-catching necklaces, such as the Megan and Avani necklaces. But, if you're looking for a bracelet or ring, don't fret - there's plenty to choose from in those categories, as well. And, Toni donates 10% of net sales from the Cancer Awareness collection to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Weekend Events

2009-10-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT: Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
WHEN: Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1
WHERE: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ

WHAT: San Antonio Bead Renaissance Show
WHEN: Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1
WHERE: Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Rd., Live Oak, TX

WHAT: Design Hive
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Maria L. Baldwin School, 28 Sacramento St., Cambridge, MA

WHAT: I Heart Rummage
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 12-4pm
WHERE: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison, Seattle, WA

WHAT: Sunday, Crafty Sunday
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 2-7pm
WHERE: The Ruby Room, 1271 University Ave., San Diego, CA
ETC: No cover charge; however, you do need ID showing you are 21 or over.

WHAT: Handmade Brigade of OC Holiday Indie Craft Show
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 11am-5pm
WHERE: The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA

The Spotted Sparrow

2009-10-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Julia Sydnor, the creative force behind The Spotted Sparrow, creates eco-friendly, vintage-inspired greeting cards. Julia's most popular designs are part of two collections, New Wave Victorian and Fraktured Silhouettes. You Spin Me and Spinster are among my favorite designs. Julia also has a great selection of unique holiday cards, such as the lovely Deck the Halls card. All of the accompanying envelopes are handmade and all products are made from recycled, repurposed, and/or FSC-certified paper.

Funky Five: Autumn

2009-10-23T05:00:00.001-04:00

1. Autumn Leaf Earrings by Sassy to Classy

2. Autumn Leaf Sign by ESC Designs

3. Etched Copper Necklace by PunkyJane Jewelry

4. Pumpkins Polaroid Print by LifeLovePaper

5. Maple leaf earrings by Artwork by KD

Zazou

2009-10-22T13:00:00.001-04:00

French-Dutch couple, Lonneke & Didier, created Zazou so they could make original, fun children's clothing easily accessible. Their site features original & playful children's clothing by independent designers, as well as gifts, accessories and more. Sock shoes are hip & handy cotton sock shoes that have a firm, yet flexible, thermo plastic sole. No more slipping and sliding, which is perfect for little ones that are not so firm on their legs yet. And the bonus is that they are machine washable. This winter wee ones will also be thankful for cozy hats & bonnets. You also don't want to miss the fun toy section featuring the cutest handmade crocheted toys. Receive a 10% discount with coupon code FunkyF1.

stickers by dVider

2009-10-22T00:01:00.001-04:00

Stickers by dVider has recently undergone some new and exciting changes. The creative team has been busy dreaming up fresh new designs to add to their selection of fun, easy-to-use vinyl decals. The latest addition to the sticker collection is an entirely new sticker series, appropriately entitled "eclectic." This new category has been designed with the imaginative and free-spirited in mind - it's retro, it's smart, it's funny, and it's completely different. I love the French Bulldog, as well as the classic cameo. The other unique categories range from organic to edgy.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed, Congrats Suzy! Stickers by dVider is giving away one Cameo Wall Sticker in the winner's color choice. To enter, visit Stickers by dVider & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Tuesday, October 27.

Garden Adornments

2009-10-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Aimee at Garden Adornments recently announced the release of some great new products. Her French-inspired bucket totes are beautiful decorative items. They are also a stylish, yet functional, way to store toys, magazines, bath & body items, and more. You can also use them to surprise a dear friend by turning a bucket tote into a gift basket. Aimee also debuted French-inspired sacks featuring a twine handle. She demonstrates on her blog various ways to utilize the sacks, such as using them to cover plant pots. Very clever! Another new addition to the Garden Adornments product line is the beautiful wall banner. This is a great way to add a bit of French flair to your space. Check back soon for tote bags that will come in handy while scouring local flea markets, traveling and much more.

Rattle-N-Roll

2009-10-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

Rattle-N-Roll is a rockin' family-run business that specializes in unique greeting cards & announcements. The Loykos are asking for your help this holiday season to make their Christmas benefit a success. Two years ago, they developed a Christmas card program to benefit American Red Cross to help those affected by California wildfires. Due to the amazing show of support from shoppers, the program continued last year. Like many families, The Loykos have been impacted by cancer, so they decided to donate proceeds to the Cancer Research Institute, the world's leading non-profit, cancer-fighting organization. Long story short, they're doing it again!

This year Rattle-N-Roll has re-released Christmas card designs from years past, as well as added a new one. 100% of profits are going to charity and, if the last two years are any indicator, these will sell out FAST! This year's sales will benefit Water.org. Every 15 seconds a child dies from lack of clean water & sanitation. And more than a billion people on Earth will NEVER have a clean glass of water. Water.org is an organization that develops high-quality, sustainable water projects in hundreds of communities from Africa to South East Asia to Central America. Their programs are community-based and centered on education & sustainability. It only takes $25 to provide a human being water for the rest of their life. By purchasing your holiday cards from Rattle-N-Roll you can help do exactly that for a whole heap of people this year. Not only will you be giving to an honorable charity, you'll have the hottest cards this side of the Sun! Note, all designs can be made to say "Happy Holidays."

Weekend Events

2009-10-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT: artclectic
WHEN: Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25
WHERE: University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN

WHAT: Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 10am-6pm
WHERE: 122 Wyoming Street, Syracuse, NY

WHAT: Market Day
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 9am-5pm
WHERE: 118 SE 4th Street, Des Moines, IA

WHAT: Mixx & Make
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 9pm-2am
WHERE: 612 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX

Megan Leone Designs

2009-10-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Founded in 2005, Megan Leone Designs features jewelry, modified vintage clothing and the designer's signature bracelet handbag. With the goal to create a unique, highly functional and fashionable handbag, Megan Leone (Kavanaugh) Miller created her first bracelet handbag in November 2004. I love the fun black, gray & pink design made with recycled striped t-shirt fabric. And the plaid bracelet bag is a favorite for autumn. Megan also creates lovely jewelry, including earrings and necklaces. The Leather Fallen Leaves earrings are beautiful and the yellow zipper rosette necklace is especially eye-catching. And for those looking for something especially funky, don't miss the Horse Barn slide earrings.

Funky Fifteen: Halloween

2009-10-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

Halloween is less than two weeks away!
How did that happen?

1. Painted gourds by Funky Junky Art

2. Halloween Cupcakes Artwork by Everyday is a Holiday

3. Halloween Button Bouquet by Kotton Kandy Creations

4. Festive Wooden Signs by The Homespun Raven

5. Halloween Witch Lip Balm by Vintage Bella

6. Printable Halloween Invitations by Miss Avocado

7. Trick or Treat Artwork by Belle & Boo

8. Toddler Arm & Leg Warmers by Emily's Little Treasures

9. Caramel Candy Apple Soap by Sunbasilgarden

10. Bat Mobile Kit at Mahar Dry Goods

11. Halloween Hand-washing Reminders by The Shandle

12. Cross Stitch Patterns by Subversive Cross Stitch

13. Vintage Decorations at Tinsel and Trinkets

14. Trick or Treat Illustration by Multiple Personality

15. Halloween Socks by Sock Dreams

And here's some fun ideas from BHG.com for your Halloween celebration!

Creative pumpkin carving ideas, Outdoor Halloween decorations, Easy and fun Halloween crafts, Delicious Halloween recipes, Halloween party ideas

Mixx Make - October 24 - Austin, TX

2009-10-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Austin area, you want to mark your calendar for Mixx Make on October 24. The event, presented by Electric Promotions & TwoGroove, will be held from 9pm to 2am at Mixx located at 612 E. 6th St. You'll have the opportunity to create DIY Halloween masks, groove to the sounds of Panjoma, Focus Group, and the Team Fabrication DJs. In addition to live music, you will enjoy a spooky smorgasbord of crafts by The WonderCraft, coffin cake goodness from Blue Note Bakery, red rum compliments of Treaty Oak and much more. There will also be a photo-booth by Trevor Ray Thompson onsite. On top of all that, there will be a guitar giveaway! Entry is $6 if you RSVP at online or $8 at the door. The first 50 people through the door get a special treat. Costumes are encouraged & possibly rewarded, but optional.