The Market Returns: Mark Your Calendar for June 16th

That's right! Sorry for my delay in getting a date announced, but after too much wait - our next Artist Market will be held on Saturday, June 16th at the Music Farm!

Vendors can apply by emailing kristen.gastaldo@gmail.com with your contact info and a link to your goods. See the Next Market page for details. Applications will be accepted until May 11th, with selected vendors being notified on May 14th. If you want to volunteer, email me. I'd love to have your help.

Can't wait to do this all over again!

Guest Blog: Give Old Books a Second, Light Filled Life

My friend Emily and I made resolutions to be more crafty. We had a good run with T-shirt scarves, dabbled in wreath making and now, she's moved on to decoupage. And doing well - well enough to be featured in Charleston City Paper! So here's her craft and how-to. They turned out really lovely.

The Charleston Friends of the Library receive donations of used books, CDs, and DVDs at all 16 branches of the Charleston County Library system. We then use these items to sell at our book sales throughout the year and online at www.shopcharlestonlibraryfriends.org to fundraise for library programming. In some cases, the books receive are damaged with mold, missing covers, or are just simply not in sellable condition, so we have to recycle the leftovers.

I enjoy finding homes for these books that don’t meet our standards. One of my favorite crafts involves using book pages to make into candle-lit jars. They’re great for display on mantles, book shelves, and dining room tables.

Materials Needed

Glass jars (make sure they’re large enough for your candles)

Old book pages

Mod Podge (craft adhesive)

Paintbrush/sponge

Instructions

1. Rinse out the jars and remove the labels. I put my jars in a large bowl with warm water and let them soak for a couple of hours. Some scrubbing might be involved, but not much.

 2. Pick out the old book pages you’d like to use and then size them to fit your jar by tearing the pages. I left the edges jagged. 

 3. Place your jar on a flat surface. I used a paper plate to easily rotate the jar during the process. Coat the side of the book page you’d like to stick to the jar with a paintbrush or sponge using Mod Podge while placing it on the jar. Add an extra coat of Mod Podge on the outside of the book pages after you’ve glued them to the jar to make them extra durable.

 4. Let your jars dry for a few hours. I used a brown paper bag as my drying base.

 5. You can add extra design to the book pages if you’d like. I used a paintbrush to add some color to the existing text. 

6. Put the candles in the jar and display!

Really, really pretty - and not too hard. Or full of supplies you probably don't have. No excuses for not making these! I've done this with tissue paper in the past for holidays. The tissue paper with patterns on it works best - you can cut out tons of hearts or Christmas trees or Happy Birthdays and overlap them to make inexpensive and festive holiday decorations. Check out pretty paper here. 

Emily Everett is the Director of Charleston Friends of the Library, a great non-profit that funds over 4000 programs sponsored by the library. They also do the Big Book Sales - which are AWESOME. I cannot get enough paperback fiction (for $1!) and I rack up on children's books ($2-4) for my niece. You should definitely shop, donate and support! Memberships are only $20 - you can sign up here!

My Cheatin' Heart

Forgive me, LAM supporters. I've been cheating with another blog. But I swear, you're still my main squeeze.

I recently left the Music Farm for a new opportunity; one that comes in the 9-5 version. And while I find weekends incredibly sweet, I realize I was doing quite a bit of mid-week blogging. Just give me a little time. I'll adjust and be posting awesomeness again in no time. 

I'll still be hosting the Artist Market at the Farm - so no worries there. I actually should have a date by the beginning of next week! As soon as we have a date, I'll start taking applications. Can't wait to do it all over again!

But, because I've been cheating, I'll give you the opportunity to do the same. Be sure to check out Crafty Feast, coming to Columbia SC on April 28th!

With 100 or so vendors - ranging from jewelry, candles, stuffed animals, print art, sweet treats, woodworking, and pottery to glassware and purses, you definitely want to check this one out.

What is Crafty Feast?

Crafty Feast is an independent, juried craft fair that began in May of 2009 and specializes in experimental, non-traditional and unique handmade or repurposed crafts.  Vendors range from unusual jewelry to odd stuffed animals and vintage fabric purses. Sometimes Crafty Feast is indoors and sometimes it’s outdoors.  Every festival is a little different. 

- http://craftyfeast.com/FAQ.html

Maker's Market at Mixon

Made it out to Mixon on Sunday for the Maker's Market. What a cute neighborhood! 

And the layout was great - plenty of space for the vendors, live music under the shed, beer and wine, Hello My Name is BBQ and lots of room for kids and dogs to run around. 

Old Growth Fine Furniture

Chuck Keppler Designs

Bird Flower Creations

Carla Bakes

I think what I like most about this event (besides the vendors of course) was the sense of community you felt there. People brought lawn chairs and spent the afternoon in the park. Supporting local talent has never been more fun! 

Hello My Name is BBQ

King of Pops

Beautiful weather, raspberry lime pops, corn hole and crafty goodness; it was a great way to  spend a Sunday!

Sassafras & Twine

Hello Everywear!

Myla's Bags

Lauren Shuler Designs

Forest & Fin

Ink Meets Paper

There were a few vendors there that I didn't know and I neglected to get everyone's card - can anyone help me out?

The Farmer's Market is back next weekend. It feels like a long time coming for me; can't wait to enjoy a Saturday morning in Marion Square. Any other markets in your plans?

Congrats to Neve Inspired!

I'm sure many of you already know about Neve Inspired - Bob and Kris Galmarini - the husband and wife team creating amazing kid's clothing. They participated in several of the Lowcountry Artist Markets, but missed the last one - and for good reason. They were tied up with launching their first full line, showing at Playtime in NYC and rocking the runway as an emerging designer at Charleston Fashion Week!

The first emerging designer semi-finalists, Bob and Kris Galmarini, told the audience they wanted to put the “fun” in “functional.” What they really accomplished was putting a smile on the faces of everyone under the tents. The husband and wife duo’s line, Neve Inspired, included silk-screened T-shirts, rolled-up jeans, tiny hipster glasses, and a few tulle skirts — perfect for a Saturday trip to the record store for that latest Yo Gabba Gabba! vinyl. The Galmarinis received a standing ovation as they walked off the runway.
- Charleston City Paper

We’re about simple, comfortable clothes that are versatile and fun. Our collection is made from soft, pleasant fabrics that kids love to wear. We limit the trim, buttons, and zippers to maximize comfort and stand up to hard play. The pieces are versatile and were designed to be layered and matched. Many are reversible or convert into another garment -- skirts turn into dresses and sweaters are reversible for added wear, great for quick changes when kids dirty one side. The endless combinations create looks that are unique yet wearable, and the fun designs and artistic touches appeal to the edges of childrens’ imaginations.

- Neve / Hawk

Neve + Hawk at Charleston Fashion Week 2012 from Jewell&Ginnie on Vimeo

Congratulations Neve Inspired! It is so inspiring to see someone have a dream and go (read: work) for it. I cannot wait to see how far you go!

Photo: Leslie McKellar

Also check them out in:
Charleston Art Mag
Lucky Lil' Darlings