The weekend was full of long dog walks and a trip to SF Renegade Handmade. I told myself that I would have a little budget saved for this event the next time it rolled around, but alas I adopted a dog and all my pretty little pennies went to him a couple weeks ago. As usual, there were LOTS of items to peruse.

Here are a few photos from the event. But what you should really do is go over to one of my fave blogs, I go by Katie, and check out her Amazing photos of the event. She took the time take some portraits of some of the participating artists and they are quite good! I regret not getting one of these paper mobiles from Mystic Mobiles.
Can't wait for them to have a website I can order from! I was extremely impressed by this felt card catalogue made by Kelso Doesn't Dance.
Super cool! I was speechless when I found these embroidered dolls by Hillery Rebeka Sproatt.
The one above was double sided with different designs on each side. Going on my wish list. Adorable handmade Elephant by Flock Home. that belongs in someone's nursery. I kept my eyes open for unique display ideas and I really like how this vendor draped this antique paper (not sure what kind of paper it is?) on her table.
She also used wooden embroidery hoops with simply embroidered accented fabric to place her earrings on. Very clever!

SF Renegade Craft Fair

Here is a slideshow of my trip to the SF Renegade Craft Fair. So much fun, so many amazing people!! Enjoy!!

Spotlight: Owly Shadow Puppets

This is Andrea Everman of Owly Shadow Puppets from Chicago. I first happened upon this lady by accident back in March. I was working on a project and was researching shadow puppets and came across this video about a shadow puppet maker from Chicago. I was so thrilled to see her at the Renegade Craft Fair. What I love about her work is the ritual involved with it. She has really modernized the concept of puppets and made it accessible to people of all ages. I also really enjoy the valentines she makes. They are so funny!! Makes me wish I had a laser cutter!! Check out her website, etsy store, and the video below. I believe she will also be at Chicago Renegade Craft Fair, which is happening September 12th & 13th.

Designer Spotlight: I made you a beard

Some of you may or may not know that I have a fascination with facial hair. I find myself pretty envious of those fellows who have the ability to grow amazing beards and 'staches. So I was stoked to discover this crafty lady at the SF Renegade Craft Fair. I had the pleasure to meet and chat with Erin Dollar, the creator of "I made you a beard." To say the least, Erin is pretty freakin' awesome and super nice to boot. Her company is exactly as it sounds. She offers those who are unable to grow their own scruffy beards a chance to have one. Erin, who is an obvious beard enthusiast, has taken her fascination to the next level. From handmade beards to mustache pins, stickers, and hairy artwork, Erin has got it down! I got away with some beard stickers and a red mustache pin. Be sure to check out her etsy store Here and her blog Here. And go get yourself some amazing bearded goodies today!

Designer Spotlight: I heart guts!

I don't know why I haven't heard of these guys sooner. The woman who has put together this company is amazing! I only talked to someone at the booth for a second (not sure if it was the creator) and am hoping to interview them sometime in the next month to get the full scoop on this incredible biz! From what I understand, it is a "family run operation." Their booth at the Renegade Craft Fair was packed!! People were going gaga over her stuff. Who wouldn't want their own organ memorabilia. We are talking the whole gamut here from pins to t-shirts, plush toys, stickers, and even free e-cards!! Click on the image to the left for a better look. I had a chance to snag some "i heart guts" stickers from them.The ovaries are my fave along with the black heart plush toy (on my wish list along with a custom beard). Keep these folks in mind as their items will make great gifts for anyone who may need a new liver or spleen! Click Here to go to their website.

Renegade Craft Fair Goodies!

My boyfriend Mercury and I just got back from the SF Renegade Craft Fair and all I can say is WOW!! So many amazing craftsters, designers, and artists. The place was packed and the amount of creativity was breathtaking! I was so inspired by what I saw and met some amazingly sweet and talented folks. Seeing as I can't stop obsessing over crafts and DIY stuff, I've decided to highlight a number of the designers that I met today on the blog through the course of the next couple of weeks. I really want to promote these people that I met and the importance of buying from local, independent companies. There is nothing like owning something that is one of a kind and made with a lot of love. So much better than buying stuff at the mall or Walmart.I'll be posting more photos later of the goodies I got as well as info about the designers!