Peppy's Dream Crafts Blog

MARCH 2, 2008 

 It was an absolutely gorgeous day today.  You couldn't ask for a sunnier, more beautiful Sunday afternoon.  It was perfect for taking a drive to North Park to THE OTHER SIDE CAFE to meet all the new Crafty Debs and founding members of the SAN DIEGO NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA.

I got there around 12:30pm.  The place was hoppin'!  The cafe is very large and there were tables set up on two walls.

I immediately recognized the work that I had studied on all the individual websites.

All the girls were dressed up.  They had on tiaras, gloves and Craft Mafia corsages of pink and black with their logo skull and crossbones.  SO cute!  I was so happy to see them all dressed up and looking like the crafty divas that they are.  After all -- this is their coming out party and every debutante has to wear a tiara, doesn't she?

I walked around and admired all the beautiful artwork -- sewing, knitting, jewelry-making, painting, collage and sculpture!

I am thrilled to announce that I will be amongst them at THE SPRING LINE-UP craft event featuring 60 vendors.  I was SO lucky to be included in this event, as it seems every crafty diva in San Diego wants to show her work there!  The event takes place on Sunday, March 30th from 12-6 at the SILVER GATE MASONIC HALL, 3795 Utah Street, San Diego, CA  92104.

My first stop today was at the table of Karen Jorgenson's ALTERED PROVISIONS.  Karen creates all her pieces from mostly recycled and repurposed materials.  They make great gifts for all those people looking to organize their lives a little more beautifully.  Each piece has a quote from a family member, which gives it an even more personal meaning.  They are truly beautiful and I was really taken with the images she uses.  As you can see, she is very creative and clever!

On her business card it says, "Don't worry, we'll get you through this." 

Next, I visited the booth of Sarah Sweeney, artist and owner of PYP ARTS & DESIGNS, which stands for Piedras y Pretties.  Her jewelry collection was gorgeous with beads of every shape, size and color.  I especially liked how she would mix her beads and add something unexpected, which made her pieces not only beautiful, but out of the ordinary.

I wish I had gotten a shot of Sarah's shoes, because they were SO sexy and cute!

My next stop was Margaret McLean's booth, THE WEE SET, where she sells accessories for hip babies and parents.  Margaret creates adorable burp cloths and blankets in the cutest and funkiest fabrics.  Definitely a step above anything else out there for new moms and Dads!

Not only were the fabrics adorable, but they were SOOOOOOOOOOOO soft and cozy!

Next I visited an extraordinary young artist named Lisa Yednorowicz of OLD CAKE PAINTINGS.  In my opinion, her work is more suited to an art gallery, rather than a craft fair, but she was definitely a great addition to today's event.

The picture above is called "Goldylocks" and depicts her with the three bears in a totally new way.

Lisa paints on paper, wood, canvas and even paints figurines onto tiny bowling pins!

Next, I met one of the founding members of the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA, Svea Komori, whose company BELLE PEPPER COUTURE, produces "a little bit of glamour for the fashionable pet."  She had two "models" -- her adorable and well-behaved Chihuahuas.  They just wanted to be held by Svea and were so sweet.

Svea creates clothing, collars, toys and jewelry for the pampered pet.  Everything was so fabulous -- perfect for the diva dog in YOUR life!

After admiring the adorable dogs and their cute outfits, I next visited Penni Hawkins of P-STARR PRODUCTS.  Penni, another of the founding members of the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA, creates guitar straps, handbags, hats, accessories and more -- all perfect for the rock star in YOUR life!  My favorite were her felt flower pins.  SO adorable!

Isn't Penni gorgeous?  I just love this picture of her, below.

Teresa Salazar of VELVET KLAW was next in line.  Teresa is the third of the founding members of the NPCM.  She and I had communicated via email and I was so happy to meet her.  She is as sweet and beautiful in person as she was online!  Her handmade fashions include bracelets, pins (sculpted of plaster and then covered with sparkly beads), handbags (which she hand screens with her own drawings).  She also creates the NPCM t-shirts (shown at the top of this entry), bumper stickers and other artwork for the group.

Once again, I'm sorry I didn't get Teresa's legs in the picture, because she had on the cutest sneakers and fishnet stockings!

How cute is that bunny on her business card?

Above are Teresa's pins and ornaments hand-made with plaster, hand-painted and then covered with sparkly beads!

Right next to Teresa was Amy Smock of DESIGNS de LUNA.  She sells Jewelry, Fiber Arts and accessories, greeting cards, soap, costumes and knit scarves.  Today she was mostly featuring her jewelry collection.   Everything was so colorful and sparkly.  I just loved her jewelry.  She makes pendants of pressed bamboo and uses bottle caps for pendants, too!  I just loved the ingenuity and creativity!

Last, but certainly not least, was Stefanie Histed of MADE WITH LUV.  Stefanie and her busines partner's creations include bibs, fabric-covered photo albums, aprons, and pillows.  Their choices of fabric are mostly vintage-inspired and are SO adorable and colorful.  She makes the cutest felt magnets to bring life and character to any fridge!

My favorite piece was the "Paris Cats Pillow", seen below, with the pom pom trim!

I told Stefanie I felt a kinship with her, since I put "Made With Love By Peppy" on the bottom or back of every piece I create.  Her company MADE WITH LUV has a fabulous logo -- a pink swan that forms the shape of a heart.  I just loved it!

It was so wonderful to meet these lovely ladies and get to see their creations.  I was inspired and exhilarated by everything I saw.  I encourage you all to visit ALL their websites, where you can buy their hand-made, one-of-a-kind products!

MARCH 9, 2008

I recently made a decoupaged tray with pictures of clocks I cut out of magazines and catalogues.  I just loved the way it came out, and I had a LOT more clocks cut out, so I decided to do another piece.  I had a plain glass vase that came with my Valentine's Day roses from Eric.  I LOVED the roses, but the vase was just the kind you get with any regular flower delivery.  I'll bet you have one in the cabinet under your kitchen sink.  Maybe I will inspire you to take it out and give it a new life!

This piece has been varnished, which means it can still be used to hold flowers, but it can't be scrubbed or soaked and it can't go in the dishwasher.  It can be wiped down with a damp cloth and the inside cleaned with a sponge.  I think it's best used as a decorative piece, along with the tray!

Here's another view:

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008 

I've been a busy little bee trying to make as many pieces as I can for the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA SPRING LINE-UP CRAFT SHOW on Sunday, March 30th from 12-6pm. 

I haven't done any decoupage, but I've been working with my jewelry mosaics like crazy!  Here are some of the results!

After getting such great feedback on my pink mirror, I decided to do one in blues!

The piece at the very top is a 1920s pot metal brooch.  I had this piece for the longest time and never had the perfect place to put it -- until now!

This piece has a faux carved jade brooch on top, surrounded by faux pearls.  I wore this pin until recently, but the pearls kept falling out, one at a time.  I finally decided it was too delicate for every-day use and it deserved to be featured on one of my mirrors! 

 I love the dangle at the bottom, because it brings movement to the piece!

This 1940s cigarette case had seen better days.  The finish was dull and scratched, so I "dressed it up" with strands of multi-colored rhinestones and used a single faux turquoise and gold earring in the center.  I think it looks fantastic, but I'm hoping it won't really be used for cigarettes!

Wouldn't this look fabulous sitting on a dresser or vanity? 

This make-up brush could really be used to apply blush or loose powder, but wouldn't it just look gorgeous on a vanity in a woman's boudoir?

This tiny silver frame would be perfect to hold a picture of the one you love!

I'm still hard at work, so I will have more pieces to show you in a few days.  Check back here soon!

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008

The CRAFT MAFIA asked for donations to be raffled off at the CRAFT SHOW on Sunday, March 30th, so I picked two pieces and brought them to the WHISTLE STOP BAR in South Park this afternoon, because Stephanie Hilsted of MADE WITH LUV was going to be collecting items there.

It was such a gorgeous afternoon -- perfect for a drive to South Park!  The WHISTLE STOP is a cute place with a pool table, a separate room with formica-topped bar tables and stools, away from the bar, and a stage for bands, which play there regularly.

When I went in, I was immediately greeted by some girls who were there to attend the KNITTING CLUB that gets together there some Sundays to teach, learn and just knit in the company of friends.  They asked if I was there to knit, since I was carrying a bag with me, which looked like it could have held yarn and needles, but I explained that it was craft stuff to give to Stefanie.  They were so nice and welcoming.  I told them I've always wanted to learn to knit, but never had an opportunity.  My Aunt Evelyn was an amazing knitter and my sisters and I wore sweaters when we were young that she had made for each of us.  There was nothing she couldn't knit!

A girl named Jen came over and introduced herself and then, as we were talking, Stef came in.  Stephanie had told me that the WHISTLE STOP was going to have a craft show on the 29th, the day before the one at the SPRING LINE UP.  I told her I'd love to participate, but she said they were fully booked.

Stephanie explained to Jen that I was interested in the craft show on the 29th, and Jen said that there had been a cancellation, but she had to know what I did, because she wasn't interested in certain crafts that had already committed to the show.

I told her that not only could I tell her what I did, but I could show her what I did, since I had two pieces with me!  I showed them the small decoupaged box I had made, and a tiny silver frame bejeweled with vintage jewelry.  She went nuts!  She said there was no one else who did anything like what I did, and that people would go crazy for my stuff!  I was so happy -- and flattered!

She said their price point was lower than it would be at the SPRING LINE UP on the 30th, but also explained that since the show was free, it was possible to lower your prices, since you didn't have any expenses.  I told her that I'd just bring a small table (the folding table that we use as a dining room/work table) and just my smaller pieces.

I had a few more errands to run this afternoon, so I left soon after and when I got home I got to work right away.

Now, I have to work TWICE as hard, because I really want to have a lot of inventory for both shows! 

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008 

I can't believe I have TWO craft shows next weekend.  I'm starting to freak out a little.  I have so much work to do and I'm working full-time, so I can't do anything all day.  Since there's so little to do at my job, I've thought about what it would be like if I could plug in my glue gun and craft at my desk.  I don't think it would go over so big.  At least I get to read.  I think crafting would be pushing it a little!

So, let me give you information about the first event, which is Saturday, March 29th:

Shop! Stroll! Drink! Eat! Chat! Enjoy!

South Park's Spring Walkabout provides pedestrians great opportunities to explore the great shops, enjoy lively entertainment and special treats from local South Park Businesses.

South Park, one of San Diego's oldest neighborhoods, is also one of San Diego's newest cool neighborhoods.  Great food, art, music, unique gifts, and interesting services provide a flavor to the neighborhood that is unlike any other.  Located just east of Balboa Park, South Park is known for its beautifully restored craftsman homes, which are showcased in the annual Old House Fair in June.

I will be selling crafts from 3:00pm - 8:00pm at THE WHISTLE STOP BAR with a bunch of other crafty divas!

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2008 

We had a fun time at the Whistle Stop Bar, but -- unfortunately -- I didn't sell a thing and most of us didn't do very well.  I think part of the problem was that the WALKABOUT was happening outside, and people were walking BY, instead of coming inside! 

When they DID come inside, it was very dark (after all, it IS a bar) and the DJ was playing the music really loud, so it wasn't the best atmosphere for selling.  It was hard to talk to people and I think they were put off by the loud music and left rather quickly.  On the other hand, if they were there for the loud music (and the drinks) then they didn't seem very interested in the crafts. 

This is Lizzy of LIZZY LU DESIGNS.  She creates these fabulous skulls, which are hand-painted in gorgeous colors.  She can be contacted at lizzzypooo@yahoo.com!

It was not very successful for me, but I had fun with the other vendors, and it was fun anyway!  I think Jen, who organized the whole thing, did a great job, but the turnout was disappointing.

These fabulous coffee cup cozys were made by a beautiful blonde named Denialle.  Her email address is chabotdesigns@yahoo.com, and she is selling some them on her etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=52541.  I bought the one with the skulls and roses, since I'm ALWAYS drinking my coffee and it actually matches the purse I bought in New Orleans!  I think these are WONDERFUL, because you don't have to use the cardboard ones, so you're saving resources and looking FABULOUS while you do it!  

This is my lovely new friend, Stefanie Hilsted of MADE WITH LUV.  She had the most fabulous array of pillows, albums and bibs in the coolest fabrics EVER!  Please also note the cute hip purse she created at a moment's notice to hold her cell phone, business cards, and money from sales at the show.  She's a clever diva!

These gorgeous bears were created by the aunt of one of the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA's founding members, Svea Komori.  Her name is Linda Kishikawa, and her business is Little Snow Bears and Dolls. Her email address is ltlsnowbears@yahoo.com.  Each beautiful bear had its own irresistable personality!

Here's Svea's table with her delicious doggie clothing.  BELLE PEPPER COUTURE sells every accessory your dog (or cat) could ever want!  The next picture shows my favorite model -- Bambi.  The sweetest, cutest, most loveable dog EVER!

Here's the cutest, best model in the world -- Bambi!  I fell in love with him and when he looks at you with his soulfull eyes, you just melt!  Svea rescued him and you can tell he's content and happy and loved.

This is Cecelia who makes gorgeous jewelry out of antique coins.  I thought that was SO interesting and her designs were beautiful.  Her company is called COPPER JUNCTION and she can be reached at copperjunction@gmail.com.

Here are the three founding members of the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA: Svea, Teresa and Penni.  They are so crafty, yet also wonderful business women, as they are organizing the entire SPRING LINE-UP event at the MASONIC HALL.

Here's Svea's aunt, Linda Kishikawa, and her Little Snow Bears and Dolls, each made with love and full of personality!

Here's what my table looked like after the sun went down, first using my flash and then without.  I was lucky Svea gave me this little light, which saved the day!

When Eric came to pick me up we packed everything into the car, got a spot right down the block and went across the street to a little Mexican restaurant for a fast dinner.  Then, we walked down the block to THE DAILY SCOOP for some of the best ice cream in San Diego!  The place was packed (as usual) and we waited on line to get our dessert.  I had a scoop of chocolate peanut-butter (my favorite) and Eric got a Brownie Sundae.  Yum.  This ice cream is SO SO good!  I hadn't been there since January (when I took my nieces to South Park), but the woman who co-owns the place immediately recognized me and asked how life in Clairemont was treating me.  I couldn't believe she remembered me after 10 weeks!  She's a doll and it's no wonder her business is thriving, because everyone wants to be there!  The environment is fun, friendly, beautifully decorated (in black and white with toile and fleur-de-lis) and the desserts, including home-made ice cream and pastries, is scrumptious!

After dessert, we headed home and brought everything into the apartment, ready to bring it all out again tomorrow for the CRAFT MAFIA SPRING LINE-UP in North Park.

The lovely Art Deco MASONIC HALL on Utah Street in North Park, San Diego!

It was supposed to rain today, so I was happy and relieved to see that it was a beautiful, sunny day.  I think it really would have been bad for business, but we had nothing to fear.  The SPRING LINE-UP by the NORTH PARK CRAFT MAFIA was a HUGE success.  Over 800 people perused the 60 vendor tables selling fabulous crafts of every type you can possibly imagine.  I was so impressed by the variety and quality of the crafts being sold.  I wish I could have photographed all the tables, but I did take some time before the show started to walk around and photograph those whose tables were ready!

Eric and I left the house a little after 10:00am and were there before 10:30am.  Unfortunately, they weren't ready for us, so all the vendors started unloading all their merchandise and were lining up outside the MASONIC HALL on UTAH STREET in NORTH PARK.

At 10:45am they let us in (that's the time they told us to arrive, but we were all early!).  They were so organized with different people signing in the vendors alphabetically by name of your company.  It worked so well and we moved so quickly that before long I was at my table -- ready to set up!  I was along a wall, which was great, since I brought my 3-panel screen, which I opened next to me, behind the table.  It really attracted the eye!

I spread out my beautiful red, bedazzled tablecloth with my enlarged business card border and set it up on the table.  Eric got a spot and came in to help me.  He was so great and put out all the pieces for me, while I repaired a piece that needed some hot glue.  When, I was all set up and ready to roll, Eric left.

I walked around the show, taking pictures, introducing myself, looking at all the fabulous merchandise and wishing I was there to shop, instead of to sell!  There were so many things that caught my eye!

Here's a picture of my favorite new artist -- Lisa of OLD CAKE PAINTINGS.  She's so talented and her artwork is so whimsical and fun. I think she should have a showing in an art gallery!  Her sister, Laura, was there with her gorgeous baby, Stella.  You'll see pictures of them later!

At noon they let the customers in.  Since they had promised free "swag bags" to the first 100 customers, there was a huge crowd outside.  Instantly, the place was PACKED.  It was so crowded that people actually had to wait to move down the rows of tables.  It turned out to be a good thing for the vendors, because people were forced to spend a minute or two in front of each table, before they could move on.  It was a traffic jam and we were all enjoying every minute!

This married duo of fantastic artists were amazingly talented and I'm SO mad that I don't have their information.  He was a great artist; she created beautiful purses, cell phone and IPOD cases.  Together, they were creative, innovative, and very much in love!

This is one of the wonderful paintings by this talented artist.  I am so sorry I forgot his name, but he was a lovely British import!  He said he liked my accent and I told him I didn't have an accent -- he did!

These girls were right across the aisle from me and sold great-looking pillows and purses!

Within 5 minutes I sold one of my decoupaged "maps and travel" mirrors.  I was so thrilled!  I thought to myself, "This is going to be great!"  I sold a second piece a half-hour later -- a small silver bejeweled photo frame.

This lovely artist, NEA WISEMAN (on the right, with her daughter) was sitting right to my left.  Her whimsical fairies, dragons and elves were made into paper puppets, coloring books and story books.  Her table was SO busy all day and she sold a lot of her beautiful artwork!  I was really attracted to her beautiful fairies, mermaids and elves.  They were so cute!

One of Nea Wiseman's whimsical characters!

These lovely vendors were also across the aisle from me and were selling delicious-smelling soaps.  They did very well, I think in part because their price point was very low, yet you were getting a high-quality, home-made soap that was luxurious yet practical!

There was plenty of entertainment.  They had belly dancers, who were fabulous, a fashion show, featuring fashions from some of the fabulous vendors and other local designers.  There were bands playing live, and a DJ mixing it up, in between sets.  DR. SKETCHY'S ANTI ART SCHOOL had "Art class...without the class."  They invited you to take a moment to challenge your sketching skills with gorgeous burlesque models!

This sweet young lady created fabulous cards for every occasion.  Hand-made and one-of-a-kind, they make a lovely gift!

There was a long lull between my second and third sales and I saw that other vendors weren't selling much either.  It seemed to me that people with a lower price point were able to get more sales, although they were making much less per sale.  People were just not willing to spend $50 or $75 for one item, so a lot of my merchandise was too high-end for the buyers.

This colorful woman had pieces that reminded me of my own!  She uses decoupage, paint, vintage frames, and other found objects to make gorgeous artwork and jewelry that really reflects her personality.  I was very drawn to her work.

They were selling wine, beer, coffee, tea, and other drinks, and gave us wrist bands for free drinks, but I thought it best that I sell with a clear head!  I got an iced tea and a piece of pound cake (okay, bad choice, but they didn't have much else!).

These two cuties produce fun hats and other accessories for children and child-like adults!

I friend from the office came and she was lucky number 99 on line, so she got a swag bag.  She showed me everything in there and it was a lot of cute little gifts.  Fun!

This artist had all sorts of fabulous pieces, but these really turned me on!

I did a lot of sitting and standing around until someone came and bought another of my decoupaged "maps and travel" mirrors.  I just had one left!  Then, a friend from my office came with her husband.  She fell in love with the small double mirror compact I had with the 1940s faux coral brooch on top and purchased it.  I was thrilled!  Not only did she take the time to come and see me and my work at the show, but she liked something enough to buy it!

This adorable diva creates fabulous custom-designed train cases with different fabrics, ranging from leopard to faux fur, and whimsical poodle designs.  Her company is ASIAN INVASION SALOON and I just fell in love with her logo!

My last sale of the day was my seashell and pearl mirror, which the woman said she wanted for her desk at home.  I thought that was a wonderful idea, since it's small and decorative, but will also serve a purpose when she needs to check her hair or lipstick!

This is the booth of DESIGNS DE LUNA selling gorgeous jewelry!

The show was over at 6:00pm, and I was exhausted and ready to pack everything up and go home.  Eric was going to meet me outside, so I quickly packed it all back up, and carried out as much as I could.  Eric packed the car while I went back and forth with all the boxes, the lamp, and the screen.  I said my goodbyes and got in the car.

Although neither of of these lovelies is called Shirley, their business is SHINDIG SHIRLEY and their business cards were in the shape of an old-fashioned book of matches.  So clever!  Their purses were even MORE fabulous!  Created entirely of gray duct tape, black electrical tape and applied flowers made of fabric and felt, the straps of their purses were made of bungee cords.  I'm so mad that the picture I took of the purses came out really blurry.  They were so great looking -- industrial, whimsical, practical and fashionable.  I just loved them and was so impressed by all their products.  They also sold CD holders and other products made of all recycled and repurposed materials.  FABULOUS!

It was such a great day and I had a lot of fun.  Everyone was so friendly and supportive and I really enjoyed the camaraderie and social aspects of the day.  I made a few friends, exchanged a few business cards, and got and gave a lot of compliments!

These are the beautiful pendants created by Nichole Moraila of MUCHA MUCHACHO fused glass jewelry.  My friend, Susan, went online to look at all the vendors who would be participating and fell in love with a pendant by MUCHA MUCHACHO.  She ordered it and had it shipped to her in New York!  Fantastic!

Okay, so here's the piece de resistance of the entire day.  The sweetest, most beautiful baby in all of San Diego.  Stella, who is just two months old!  Her Aunt Lisa is the artist who creates the magical, whimsical paintings of OLD CAKE PAINTINGS and her mom, Laura, is a lovely girl who gave me the best present -- I got to hold Stella!  She put her in this leopard outfit, because she knew she would see me and knows I love leopard!!!  What I really love is Stella!  I've offered to babysit every time I see her and I'm hoping she'll actually take me up on it some day!

Here's Mom, Laura, and beautiful baby, Stella!

Eric and I decided to go to HAIKU for sushi.  We had a fast dinner and were treated to a sushi dessert by our favorite chef -- David!  He's such a sweetie and a FABULOUS sushi chef.  I think he's the best in San Diego! 

This is rice with mango and kiwi.  It was so refreshing!  The perfect end to a perfect meal!

All in all, it was a really great day.  I wish I had sold some of the bigger items, just so I didn't have to pack them again next time we move, but I was happy with the response my work got.  A LOT of people took my business cards, so I'm hoping they will go to my website, read and see more about my work, and spread the word!  I did a lot of networking and I really think that's the best way to promote business!