Bloomington Handmade Market

New Website!

2011-01-31T09:59:00.000-08:00

We probably won't be updating this blog anymore since we have a new website. The spring application and all information regarding BHM are now up at www.bloomingtonhandmademarket.com. Mosey on over there and check it out!

Spring Applications are now open!

2011-01-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

Applications for the spring event are open now until midnight of February 21!

**Please read the FAQ before filling out the application!**

Click here to view the FAQ.

Click here to apply!

2011-01-16T10:51:00.000-08:00

We're sorry that we totally neglected to tell you how the holiday BHM was. Well, it was awesome. It was our first event at the Convention Center, which would couldn't be happier with. We had 45 vendors from all over Indiana and the Midwest, and over 1,600 patrons. We estimate that about $30,000 was spent!

Our spring event will be on Saturday, April 2nd at the Convention Center. Applications will go up on January 24th and will be available here on our blog!

2010-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

We've just posted the list of our fall vendors! We've got a lot of familiar faces, and a lot of new ones! Check out the list on the right side of the screen. We couldn't be more excited!

Silent auction tonight!

2010-07-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

We really hope you'll be able to attend our Silent Auction fundraiser TONIGHT, Friday, July 23 from 7-9 pm at the Art Hospital on 102 E Allen St.! If you can't make it, however, you can still join the fun! Just click the button below to donate to the Handmade Market -- any amount is appreciated! -- and not only will your contribution go to a great cause, but you'll be automatically entered in our raffle to win great prizes from the silent auction. We've got hand-carved wood figures, prints to decorate your home, jewelry, shirts and ties, and many more great handmade items from our talented artists and craftspeople.

Applications are live!

2010-07-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Now until August 22 you can apply to be a vendor at the next Bloomington Handmade Market, to be held on November 6th at the Bloomington Convention Center!

Please read the FAQ before submitting your application.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

As always, feel free to email us with questions at bloomingtonhandmademarket AT gmail.com.

Silent Auction Fundraiser!

2010-07-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

next BHM and fundraiser!

2010-06-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

We've just secured a date and venue for the next event!

The holiday Bloomington Handmade Market will be held on Saturday, November 6th at the Bloomington Convention Center!

Applications will be open from July 11- September 11, and we'll post them on here, as well as alert you via our mailing list as well as our Facebook page.

Also, we'll be having a fundraiser to help cover increasing costs and to bring you an even bigger and better BHM. We'll have BHM artists donating their handmade goods to a silent auction, to be held on July 23rd at the Art Hospital. More details to come soon!

BHM Spring was a success!

2010-05-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since our spring event, and somehow we neglected to tell you how it went!

Well, it was great! We had about 1,300 people come through, about 300 more than last time. We had 43 amazing artists and crafters, many from Bloomington and Indianapolis, but also had some coming from Louiville, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Chicago!

To see more pictures, visit our Facebook album.

We're now trying to lock down the date for the next event, and we're aiming for November 20th, so keep your eyes peeled!

Last day of interviews! Mia Beach Photography and Sadly Harmless

2010-04-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Spring Bloomington Handmade Market is tomorrow! We hope that you can make it out to see all of the amazing artists we have! Today is our last day of our interview series, and it's with 2 of the co-organizers of the event. Hope you enjoy it!

Name: Mia Beach
Business Name: Mia Beach Photography
Location: Bloomington

What do you make?
Mainly photographs, but also screenprinted napkins and clothing, lightboxes, mobiles, paintings, jewelry…

How did you learn your art/craft?
I’ve always been playing around with some artsy thing, but my interest in photography started in middle school. I got my first camera when I was 12 and was self-taught until I got my BFA from IU in 2008.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get a lot of inspiration from books, my kids, and wandering in antique stores.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes and no- I work for myself, doing commission photography, mainly wedding photos and various kinds of portraits.

Your five favorite things:
Favorites are so hard! I love darkrooms, my family, red wine, tin types, and books.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
Francesca Woodman, Lynda Barry, Sally Mann, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, Egon Schiele.

Where can we find you?

My wedding photos: http://www.dblimagephotography.com/

My art: http://www.mia-beach.com/

Stuff for sale: http://www.miabeach.etsy.com/

My Kickstarter Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/miabeach/bit-parts-photographs

Name: Sally Harless
Business Name: Sadly Harmless
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make?
I make ink and watercolor illustrations of animals, as well as illustrated pendants and coffee mugs.

How did you learn your art/craft?
I have been drawing and making stuff ever since I can remember. It has been a strange evolution from making things out of cardboard toilet paper tubes, to copying Sesame Street illustrations, to sewing purses in my front yard, to illustrating for zines. When I got into the BFA program at IU for printmaking, I started to really take my art more seriously and knew that it would be my career. I took drawing classes all the way up to the 400 level, and it helped me tremendously, even though I was drawing naked people and what I do now is pretty far from that!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Most of my art pieces are autobiographical, so I guess I get inspiration just from the situations that occur in my life, or in the lives of the people I love. Beyond that, I love the idea of anthropomorphism, and I really love animals, so using them in my illustrations just seems natural. The past few years I have developed an intense fascination with sea creatures. They are so mysterious and beautiful, and I get a lot of inspiration by reading about them and watching nature programs.

Do you have a "real world" job?
I am proud to say that making art is my job! It is extremely difficult and there are a lot of highs and lows, but nothing is more rewarding.

Your five favorite things: My dog Ramsey, the people I love, root beer, swimming, narwhals!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
My friend and fellow BHM-er, Candice Hartsough McDonald (http://www.cordialkitten.com/)
Roadside Projects (www.etsy.com/shop/roadside)
Deth P. Sun (http://www.dethpsun.com/)
Jen Corace (http://www.jencorace.com/)

Where can we find you?
http://www.sadlyharmless.com/
sadlyharmless.etsy.com

I also sell stuff at LaLa Gallery in Lafayette, The Makery in Louisville, a few other stores around the country, and I am a member of and sell stuff at Art Hospital here in Bloomington!

Day 26: Purple Hippo Stiches, Opera House Press, TMarie

2010-04-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

Name: Sarah P. Fisher
Business Name: Purple Hippo Stitches
Location: Bloomington, IN and Akron, OH

What do you make? cross-stitches, just not quite what your Grandma used to make

How did you learn your art/craft? I learned to cross-stitch from my Aunt Nanno when I was 9 years old. I started a lot of projects but didn't finish many. I wasn't much into the cutesy teddy bears and angels that made up most patterns. About a year ago, I learned how to make my own patterns as well as mixing together vintage patterns using MacStitch.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Pop culture, inside jokes, and anything that strikes me as awesome and needs to be immortalized in cross-stitch. I also have a fondness for various four letter words.

Do you have a "real world" job? I'm currently a grad student in Library Science. I work a bit at the Lilly Library as well.

Your five favorite things: In no particular order, Pabst Blue Ribbon, big dangly earrings, backpacking around Europe, Lady Gaga, and hippos.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

My favorite website for modern embroidery is http://www.mrxstitch.com/. Not only does he feature amazing artists, but he's pioneering the world of "manbroidery."
Julie Jackson of http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/ who first incorporated 4 letter words into cross stitch.
Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching
BeeFranck, who can be found on mrxstitch and whose cross-stitch has an eerily similar sense of humor to mine.
Shaebay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shaebay/) takes on about every craft ever and takes them to epic proportions.

Where can we find you?
http://thepurplehippo.etsy.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patterninstatic/sets/72157622273011581/ (NSFW)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Hippo-Stitches/471261215132?ref=ts

Name: Lucas Woodaman
Business Name: Opera House Press
Location: Gosport, IN

What do you make?
Clothing and other printed materials.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Community college, friends and experimentation.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
A mix of my day to day life and the contemporary art/craft scene. Really I just make stuff that I wish existed.

Do you have a "real world" job?
I currently have two "real world" jobs, I work at Pygmalions art supply and as a consultant in the pharmaceutical field.

Your five favorite things:

My wife, my dogs, making stuff, movies, and soda

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
There are tons of great crafters and artist out there whose work I adore, but to name a few; David Choe, Jay Ryan, Ekundayo, Matt Cipov, Blaine Fontana, Damon Soule, Herakut, and Liz McGrath just to name a few.

Where can we find you?
you can find us at our etsy www.etsy.com/shop/operaHOUSEpress or our infrequently updated blog operahousepress.blogspot.com/ . And hopefully sometime this year we will be opening a full-fledged website! Also I am a studio member at the Art Hospital in Bloomington and have some stuff up in our little store there.

Name: Tiffany Marie Hanner
Business Name: TMarie
Location: Bloomington,Indiana

What do you make?
Mixed Media

How did you learn your art/craft?
I learned the essentials from fundamental studio classes at University.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the color relationships in textiles and fabrics.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes. I'm a Consumer Support Coordinator for individuals who have developmental disabilities.

Your five favorite things:
1: Assembling Color Relationships
2: Trident Splash: Strawberry with Lime Chewing Gum
3: Tuxedo Cats
4: Scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom
5: Pizza with Pineapple,Pecans and BBQ Sauce.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
Gustav Klimt

Where can we find you?

-- I'm new to the game but you can find me on Facebook under Tiffany Marie Hanner.

Interview Series Day 25: Wholly Craft! and Tonic Shop

2010-03-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Name: Olivera Bratich

Business Name: Wholly Craft!

Location: Columbus, Ohio

What do you make?
Jewelry, buttons, and baubles of various shapes, sizes, and media. I also operate a shop featuring handmade goods from over 150 crafters and artists. We carry everything from tshirts and skirts to plush, paper goods, home décor, and much more.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Most of my craft skills were gleaned from experimentation, the internet, and the public library. I picked up various business skills from workshops through the Small Business Administration.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Lots of places, but what comes to mind is yard/estate sales. I love seeking what folks have collected over the years. I’m also inspired on a daily basis by all of the great work we have in the shop. Seeing new items from our long-time sellers always puts a smile on my face.

Do you have a "real world" job?

Running the shop is a full-time job, but I also work in HIV community planning. I help coordinate care through the Ryan White Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides care for low-income people living with HIV. A fine example of the government providing health care to those in need. Apparently, it can happen!

Your five favorite things:
Cats, Lifetime movies (or anything similarly over-dramatic and based on a true story), bourbon, feminism, and sequins.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Way too many to list them all, but some of my favorite local crafters/artists include:
Made by AmyD http://www.madebyamyd.com/
Sweet Stella Designs http://www.sweetstelladesigns.com/

Igloo Letterpress http://www.iglooletterpress.com/

Alison Rose http://www.alisonrose.com/

Stephanie Rond http://www.stephanierond.com/

Where can we find you?

At 3169 N. High St. in Columbus from 12-7pm Saturdays, 12-5pm on Sundays and 1-8pm weekdays (except Tuesdays). We’re also available at:

http://www.whollycraft.net/
http://www.whollycraft.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/whollycraft
www.twitter.com/whollycraft

Name: Kat Phillips
Business Name: Tonic Shop
Location: Bloomington

What do you make?
I make wreaths, felt flower arrangements, bookmarks, accessories and jewelry galore!

How did you learn your art/craft? Trial and error

Where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere really...I often find color combos from all of the adorable homes in Bloomington

Do you have a "real world" job? If a full-time grad student/part-time TA counts...then yes.

Your five favorite things: dancing, Halloween, laughing, sandwiches, and a good book on a rainy day

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? My friend Elissa http://www.etsy.com/shop/elissawhynn, my friend Erin (also a Bloomington local) http://www.elmrea.com//, http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferladd, http://www.etsy.com/shop/madewithlovebyhannah, http://www.etsy.com/shop/berkleyillustration, http://www.etsy.com/shop/isotope, http://www.etsy.com/shop/andfurthermore and many many many more :)

Where can we find you?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/katatonic
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitschykutiekat
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kitschy-Kuties-Boutique/229801303078?ref=sgm

Interview Day 24: Sakura Urban

2010-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Name: Theresa Goodwin

Business Name: Sakura Urban

Location: Downtown Indianapolis

What do you make? leather handbags and accessories

How did you learn your art/craft? Believe it or not, I am a self taught seamstress. On a whim one day, I bought my very first sewing machine, book, and fabric and went home and learned to sew by following patterns. I had never even threaded a machine before!!! It was a learning experience. That was 2005. Now it's 2010 and I have learned so much since. I make my own patterns and designs... but I'm still always perfecting and learning new things about sewing.

Where do you get your inspiration from? From nature and being in the city. I find the colors that you see in both nature and an urban setting completely inspiring. It could be the way two colors compliment each other or things that you see that just "click". I also love textures.

Do you have a "real world" job? This is it! I was able to quit my job a couple of years ago and take this up full time. We have made so many professional connections and started doing trade shows. I have been able to maintain a steady income doing this so it's been perfect!

Your five favorite things: Coffee, antiques, going for walks, being in the city, and my industrial sewing machine.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Moop, Brooke Medlin, The Binding Bee, and Blue Scarab... to name just a few of many!

Where can we find you? You can find me in various places! Visit my "wholesale and product retailers" page on my website at http://www.sakuraurban.com/ to see the retailers that carry my work. You can also find me locally at Marigold, Girly Chic, and Relish.

Interview Day 23: Owlette Collective

2010-03-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Name: Jessica Bornick and Britt Willis
Business Name: Owlette Collective
Location: Bloomington, IN and Nashville, TN

What do you make? We make clothing for little ones, like bibs, bloomers and dresses; we also make accessories for busy parents: market bags, quick-change diaper wallets, and take-along crayon rolls to name a few.

How did you learn your art/craft? We both learned to sew in elementary school. Jessica holds a degree in fashion design while Britt is mostly self-taught; when we met five years ago we began collaborating and sharing skills.

Where do you get your inspiration from? In regards to design, we both love vintage details combined with modern style. When Jessica found out she was pregnant, focusing on baby/kid/parent sewing seemed like the natural choice! Britt approached sewing through quilt-making while Jessica took to garment construction; both practices are rooted in tradition. We both have mothers, grandmothers, and so on who sewed for utility or as their trade, so the act of sewing connects us to our past. That is a huge inspiration!

Do you have a "real world" job? Jessica sews freelance: alterations, wedding dresses, drag Madonna costumes, and odd piece work. Britt manages an independent quilt shop and sews for profit here and there.

Your five favorite things:

between the two of us, we came up with:

-sewing, obviously

-Jessica's baby, who will explode onto the scene mid-May!

-herbal medicine (Jessica)

-bread-baking (Britt)

-Dragon Park in Nashville, TN, home to a gigantic mosaic dragon

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin for her sustainable business model (http://alabamachanin.com/)

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, surrealist fashion designer (http://www.agatharuizdelaprada.com/)

the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama (http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/)

Where can we find you?
Britt maintains a blog at http://scrapyardfabrication.blogspot.com/ as well as an Etsy of small things at http://shopscrapyard.etsy.com/. Jessica sells her work under the name Parasol at Treehouse Kids in Chattanooga, TN and Serendipity in Nashville, TN.

Interview Day 22: Bad Ass Glass

2010-03-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Name: Penny Knight and Sarah Cravens
Business Name: Bad Ass Glass
Location: Indianapolis

What do you make?
Stained glass novelties: sun catchers, panels, jewelry, boxes and miscellaneous accessories.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Sarah is a self-taught artisan turned professional, and Penny has been to Sarah’s school of stained glass. They have otherwise dabbled in many art media, and have mastered a few.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Well, we started thinking about tattoo imagery, old school Sailor Jerry stuff at first. We soon expanded our thinking to include a wider realm of subversive imagery that is prevalent in the tattoo arts. There is a lot of cross over between how we consider an idea that might be odd or ironic as stained glass, in the same way people can be very inventive and radical in expressing their ideas through tattoo imagery.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes, Sarah, formerly of Fox Studios, has recently returned to school to complete her BFA in Art History. She currently works part time at The Aristocrat while attending classes at Herron School of Art. Sarah plays bass in the local rock ensemble Dark Matter Halos. Penny, a Herron as well as Arizona State University alumni, holds a BFA in Fine Art Photography and a Psychology minor, and currently works full time with adolescents in crisis at a local shelter, Stopover, Inc.

Your five favorite things:
Fine art, fine music, fine friends, fine food, and fine cocktails, the good stuff!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
That is a difficult question to answer, in part because Bad Ass Glass is a partnership. Not only do our tastes vary between the both of us, we each have such wide ranges of individually subjective interests, it is difficult to pin down faves. People ask what our favorite colors are? We say all of them! Who is our favorite musician? We ask, from which genre and according to what criteria? We are critical thinkers with open minds who love diversity yet demand quality.
We love everything outside mainstream and corporate culture, simply because we celebrate the existence of such renegades. We love History and all Fine Arts, the classics as well as the avant garde. Is it edgy? Is it handmade? Is it cool? Well then yes, of course we love it. If it digs deeper and slaps you in the face with a spin on reality that you have not yet considered, even better.

Where can we find you?
http://www.bad.ass.glass.getpatron.net/

http://www.badassglassart.etsy.com/

www.facebook.com/bad.ass.glass.art

www.myspace.com/badassglassart

www.flickr.com/photos/badassglass

Interview Day 21: Good To Go Eco

2010-03-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Name: Erin Powell and Judy Evans
Business Name: Good to Go Eco
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? We make an eclectic variety of unique, handmade eco-friendly gifts such as iPhone sleeves, cup cozies, pin cushions, and gift wrap to go. Many of our items are made from upcycled materials.

How did you learn your art/craft? Judy was raised creating with an active involvement in 4H sewing, photography and painting programs. Judy received her degree in fashion design and passed down her creative skills to Erin. Erin received her degree in Art Eduction. As a mother-daughter team, both have created everything from fine art to graphic design to gift items. Some skills were learned through formal eduction in the arts and some were self-taught as the mood and need arose.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Inspiration comes in many forms. Everything from daily life, nature, Decor8, Anthropologie, fellow Etsians and Erin's daughter, Isabella provide visual and functional ideas.

Do you have a "real world" job? Erin is a Product Specialist for Fusion Alliance, an Indianapolis IT company. Judy is a full-time grandmother and fine artist.

Your five favorite things: Family, Creating, Everyday Beauty, Decorating and Repurposing

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Love the entire Etsy community! One of my favorite regional artists is Dolan Geiman. And of course, Holly Becker, of Decor8 has just a fabulous aesthetic!

Where can we find you?
http://www.goodtogoeco.com/

Interview Day 20: craftycrew

2010-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Name: Jill Clancy, Amanda Clancy, Linda Parrott, and Brandi Myers
Business Name: craftycrew and now also, Altar'Designs
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make? hand crafted ash wood recipe boxes, flip-top recipe boxes, hand crafted ash wood "Wedding Wish" address file boxes, notecards, cards, paper bookmarks, altered rolodex's, and glass tile pendants.

How did you learn your art/craft? Self taught actually.

Where do you get your inspiration from? ETSY, magazines, HGTV, and wedding and craft blogs.

Do you have a "real world" job?

Yes, Jill Clancy - I.U. School of Library and Informations Science,

Linda Parrott - I.U. UITS,

Amanda Clancy - Truffles Restaurant,

Brandi Myers - Full-time student at I.U.

Your five favorite things: chocolate!, fabric, scrapbook paper, food, and shopping!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
http://www.sisterbutterfly.etsy.com/

http://sugarchicbaby.etsy.com/

http://www.moddottextiles.etsy.com/

http://www.weebindery.etsy.com/

http://www.theclackhouse.etsy.com/

http://www.twopiggiesandapony.etsy.com/

http://www.suzannebwebb.etsy.com/

Where can we find you?
http://craftycrew.etsy.com/

http://altardesigns.etsy.com/

FARM Restaurant - seasonal

Cactus Flower - glass tile pendants

Interviews Day 19: strawberrycherry!

2010-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Name: Nicole Bilby
Business Name: strawberrycherry!
Location: Bloomington, In

What do you make? Handknitted and crocheted dolls and accessories, handspun yarn, other goodies as I'm inspired

How did you learn your art/craft? I started crocheting as a little girl and picked it up again about 5 years ago. I've been teaching myself new tricks ever since!

Where do you get your inspiration from? Cute illustrations, cartoons, friends.

Do you have a "real world" job? Unfortunately...

Your five favorite things: sour candy, chai tea, handspun yarn, purple, star trek

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

My friend Jean - jeanelise.etsy.com

Woo! - woowork.com

There are so many more I don't even know...

Where can we find you?

The Bloomington Handmade Market!

strawberrycherry.etsy.com

Interview Day 18: Get Lathered Soap Company

2010-03-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Name: Rhonda Frye
Business Name: Get Lathered Soap Company
Location: Indianapolis

What do you make? Handcrafted soaps, lip balms, solid shampoos & conditioners

How did you learn your art/craft? Initially I taught myself using books. Later I found online groups that offered information and fabulous camaraderie.

Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration first and foremost is using my science background to formulate exceptional products. Secondarily, I find artistic inspiration everywhere in nature--even in food

Do you have a "real world" job? Yep--- I'm a pharmacist

Your five favorite things: my family, soapmaking, wine, food, my dog

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Nicole of Accessoire.etsy.com, Megan of SpiceofLifeDesigns.etsy.com

Where can we find you?
http://www.getlathered.etsy.com/

Interview Day 17: Vernon Ave. and Never Contented Things

2010-03-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Name: Toni Johnson
Business Name: Vernon Ave
Location: Louisville, Kentucky

What do you make?
I specialize in handcrafted handbags made from new, vintage and recycled materials. I really adore the new vintage inspired and retro modern fabrics in cotton, as well. I love haunting thrift stores. I have been going thrifting since I was a child. I had the coolest aunt that collected vintage lingerie, clothing and handbags

How did you learn your art/craft? Self Taught although I was always around crafts and sewing. My Mom made my sister, myself and her matching outfits when I was a child.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My adoration for handbags began with my grandmothers Julia Belle, Elizabeth and my mother Michelle from a very young age. It is in my blood. The beauty, craftsmanship and design of vintage handbags are amazing. And there began the collection and intrigue. I have many bags that were my Grandmothers that she carried to parties, the Kentucky Derby and such. I love that history. I really enjoy reading about the history of handbags.

Do you have a "real world" job? I consider this a real job. However I am a professionally trained graphic designer.

Your five favorite things: This is almost tragic. I have so many favorite things. travelling, sewing, baking, music, old movies

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? ohhh, this is so hard!

Warhol

Coco Chanel

Melissa Averinos

Paul Rand

Anais Nin

Where can we find you?
http://www.vernonave.etsy.com/

blog: http://www.handmademoonshine.blogspot.com/

fb: vernon ave

Name: Erin Paulson and Zoë Bare
Business Name: Never Contented Things
Location: Chicago, IL

What do you make? Handmade paper wares – from elegant wearable items to beautiful functional ones.

How did you learn your art/craft? From taking papermaking workshops with Andrea Peterson and Helen Hiebert, two papermaking masters. And by experimenting with a combination of ideas and a variety of both common and unusual materials.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Organic forms and natural occurrences.

Do you have a "real world" job? Yes, we’re both photographers. Erin currently works freelance and Zoë works full-time for a Chicago auction house.

Your five favorite things: Pie! (of all varieties) Movies, both excellent and bad. Paper in all of its incarnations. Baking cookies, and then eating them. Making things in general with our four bare hands.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? We both like Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, Erica Shires, and Ryan McGinley. Erin, having more of a bookbinding background, loves the books of Monique Lallier. Zoë’s interest in printmaking has led to a fascination with Lynd Ward.

Where can we find you?
http://nevercontentedthings.etsy.com/

Day 16: Mamus!

2010-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Name: That would be James Judd.
Business Name: Mamus!
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make?
Crappy monster themed thingymajigs...a shit ton of them! Mostly created from polymer clay, found objects and paint.

How did you learn your art/craft?
By mistake mostly. I like to tinker with and manipulate various art media to explore how they can be used in my work. The Internet helped also.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I find inspiration from a variety of places and things. From silly cartoons, cranky old people, vintage electronics and useless facts. Oh, and drunk monsters.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes i do. Nothing exciting though.

Your five favorite things:
1.thrift store things

2.old things

3.bikes things

4.monstrous things

5.cute things

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

artist-John Casey http://bunnywax.wordpress.com/

artist-Deth P. Sun http://www.dethpsun.com/

artist-Jeremy Fish http://www.sillypinkbunnies.com/

Where can we find you?
http://www.blahmamus.wordpress.com/

http://www.blahmamus.etsy.com/

www.facebook.com/blahmamus

Interviews Day 15: Brown County Glassworks and Conduit Press

2010-03-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Name: Anne Brahaum
Business Name: Brown County Glassworks
Location: Nashville, IN

What do you make? Stained and fused glass functional art and jewelry- mostly lamps, bowls, plates, vases, earrings and pendants

How did you learn your art/craft? I took many stained glass classes in high school and have been perfecting my skills ever since. I took a glass fusing class last year and now I'm hooked on fusing.

Where do you get your inspiration from? the color combinations and beauty of nature with a modern twist.

Do you have a "real world" job? mom to two little kids and part time special education teacher.

Your five favorite things: chocolate, my kids, chocolate, being outside, chocolate

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Frank Lloyd Wright and the countless artists I've come into contact with over the last two years through art shows, etsy, and glass fusing communities- I am constantly awestruck at their creativity and skills!

Where can we find you? http://www.annesglass.etsy.com/

Name: Talia Halliday
Business Name: Conduit Press
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make? handmade & vintage books, albums and cards

How did you learn your art/craft? I've been making various sorts and types of photo albums and scrapbooks since I was a wee one, but not until my senior year in college did I learn the true art that was bookbinding. In a class taught at the Collins LLC on "Creating Artist's Books" by Yara Cluver I learned how to use archival materials to create beautiful long-lasting books using a variety of sewing techniques and papers.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Actually, quite a few places. My family. Nature. Type. Technology. Old world 'things'. I find myself at this odd crossroads sometimes between modern and traditional and I just have to merge the two together instead of choosing one or the other. So, sometimes you'll find a rustic looking leather journal in my shop, but it might have an image of a typewriter burned into it. Other times you might find a vintage library book rescued from who knows where bound together with modern designs covering the end sheets. You just never know.

Do you have a "real world" job? My job is being a mother and it's the most wonderful occupation anyone could ever dream of. There is nothing more fulfilling or joyful in this world than getting to spend all day with your little ones.

Your five favorite things: Griffin (my baby) & my family of course. Ice cream. Watermelon. BOOKS!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Such a difficult question as there are so many contemporary artists out there now that are so much more reachable than they used to be. I Love both Sabrina Ward Harrison and Traci Bunkers when it comes to book art. They are amazing and an inspiration. Diane Arbus. Joseph Cornell. Keith Smith.

Where can we find you?

My shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/conduitpress

My blog: http://conduitpress.wordpress.com/

My twitter: http://twitter.com/conduitpress

My facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Conduit-Press/149079729044?ref=ts

My Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hallidayt/

Stores: Currently my vintage upcycled notebooks can be found at FARMbloomington in Bloomington, IN.

Interviews Day 14

2010-03-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Name: Greg Clarke and Christie Cooper
Business Name: Pedal Power Creations
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make?
We make a variety of products from recycled bottles, plastic, newspaper and cans. Mostly household items such as drinking glasses, flower vases, lamps and light fixtures, as well as decorative items such as windchimes, suncatchers, and wall pieces.

How did you learn your art/craft?
I (Greg) work for Bloomington Pedal Power picking up recycling from local restaurants, businesses and apartment complexes using our bicycle trailers. Realizing and being surrounded by so much raw materials inspired us to look for interesting new ways these items could be used, so Christie and I teamed up and drew up a bunch of ideas and figured out how to realize them as finished products. We've been learning as we go along, and coming up with lots of new ideas that need further exploration, too. It's an ongoing process, for sure.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Our creations are inspired by the raw materials that are brought to us and our exposure to new processes of working in these materials. We hope to create functional and beautiful objects that people will want to use in their homes. We are inspired by the idea of reuse and reducing waste.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Greg works for Bloomington Pedal Power and spends a lot of his time volunteering at the Bloomington Bicycle Project.

Christie is a full time student earning her BFA in Ceramics and is a part-time Nanny.

Your five favorite things:

traveling, summer, bicycles, making things, snacks

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
Greg: My art background is mostly in photography (shameless plug: http://www.gregclarkephotography.com/). I really love Gregory Crewdson's work, and I'd have to say he's my favorite photographer. As far as crafters, I'm surrounded and always inspired by friends who make great things that they use themselves.

Christie: I am inspired by artists in almost every medium. I look at local work, things my friends and peers are making, and more well known artists. I am currently interested in the work of ceramic artists such as: Christa Assad, Alev Ebuzziya Siesbye, and Magdalene Odundo.

Where can we find you?
We are currently only selling online at http://pedalpowercreations.etsy.com/

We hope to put some of our items in local stores soon!

Name: Cassandra A. Estle
Business Name: BurtaMoosner's Creations
Location: Anderson, IN

What do you make? I really enjoy working with polymer clay. I make magnets, jewelry, hairpins, brooches and so much more. I also dabble in small sculpures called aliums. I also make beaded jewelry as well.

How did you learn your art/craft? I really don't know. I think it came from here and there. I started with just regular modeling clay when I was younger and sometimes I would take berry flavored tootsie rolls and make them into little creatures.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from the world around me. I like vibrant happy things and that is what I create. The world is but a canvas for our imaginations!

Do you have a "real world" job? Yes I do! Believe it or not I am a Civilian Jail Officer and also a Field Training Officer at the Madison County Jail.

Your five favorite things: God, Family, Animals, Creativeness, and Reading

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? My father is my all time favorite. I also have a whole list of Etsyers (Etsy.com users) that I love and couldn't imagine picking just a few. If you like bright, happy, and fun I will enjoy your work!

Where can we find you? http://www.burtamoosner.etsy.com/

Interview Day 13

2010-03-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Name: Kate Loar

Business Name: oh, come on!
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? Knit goods and sewn odds & ends. I have also began to dabble in the craftiness of paper.

How did you learn your art/craft? My lovely grandmother, Jeanette, taught me to sew when I was just a little one. After years of being without a sewing machine, a friend bought me one for Christmas & I've been sewing ever since. As for knitting, my dear friend Theresa spent a few strenuous hours teaching me one day, and I kinda just took it from there.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Craft stores, thrift stores, color, and all the crazy amazing people that I know.

Do you have a "real world" job? I'm transitioning in to a new job as we speak, so yes - I'm thoroughly invested in helping people live a healthy life with natural foods and nutritional supplements.

Your five favorite things: My smelly puppies, my amazingly talented boyfriend, craftings, making all kinds of foods, and lemuria.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? mamus!, lori brown, sleepy king, natalie dee, q.d. patooties (as of current)

Where can we find you? ohcomeon.etsy.com // oohcomeon.blogspot.com

Interviews Day 12!

2010-03-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Name: Candice Hartsough McDonald
Business Name: Cordial Kitten
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? Cute and sinister original illustrations and matching pendants, plus some plush and soft broaches.

How did you learn your art/craft? I grew up in an artsy family, with a mom who is a fine artist and a dad who designed and built houses. I wanted to be like them, and have drawn, sewn, and built things for as long as I can remember. I went to the Herron School of Art at IUPUI where I studied illustration, but I never gave up sewing and embroidery for fun.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Anywhere I can. I spend a lot of time looking at other crafters' products on etsy, and I love flipping through children's books for their beautiful artwork. If I'm stumped for an idea, I'll listen to music with lyrics I love, or just go outside for a walk.

Do you have a "real world" job? I work part time at the library branch in my neighborhood. I love books, and working there gives me a really good excuse to spend hours flipping through the children's books I love.

Your five favorite things: My husband Brandon, my kitty Mona, chips and salsa, Flight of the Conchords, and a really good latte.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Here are just a few:

Julian Hector (http://www.julianhector.com//)
Janice Nadeau (http://www.janicenadeau.com//)
Sophie Blackall (http://www.sophieblackall.com/frameintro.html)
Carson Ellis (http://www.carsonellis.com/index.html)
Renata Liwska (http://www.renataliwska.com/)

Where can we find you?

http://www.cordialkitten.com/, http://www.cordialkitten.etsy.com/, Lala Gallery in lafayette indiana (http://www.lalagallery.com//) and the Renegade Handmade store in Chicago (http://renegadehandmade.com/)

Name: Beth Harp, Elizabeth Annarino, Jamie Price, Megan Jefferson

Business Name: Craftastica Artists Co-Op

Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? Upcycled hand screen printed t-shirts, eco-friendly market bags, art prints, scarves, cloth napkins, upcycled felted wool wristwarmers, hats, plush toys and evolving everyday.

How did you learn your art/craft? We are autonomous artists and glean from many sources.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Each other!

Do you have a "real world" job? We're all stay-at-home mamas...lucky us. :-)

Your five favorite things: Music, thrift stores, digging in the dirt, Craftastic field trips and coffee.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Hundertwasser, Frida, Jan Brett, Jim Arnoldt, Kipp Normand, Mike Graves, Vanessa Montfreda, Sarah Zeta Zuckerman, Michelle Craig, Stephanie Robertson...and so many more!

Where can we find you?
You can find, facebook, tweet and etsy us wacky women at http://www.craftasticacoop.com/

Interview Day 11

2010-03-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today's interview is with Stinky Bomb Soap! Hope you enjoy it.

Name: Megan Green

Business Name: Stinkybomb Soap

Location: Columbus, OH

What do you make? Iconic and ironic soap in the shape of hand grenades, cassette tapes, digital cameras and baby doll heads.

How did you learn your art/craft? My husband is a mold maker by day and puts his knowledge to good use making all our molds. I have been a craft dabbler for years.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Our friends, family, pop culture

Do you have a "real world" job? Proffesional diaper changer by day

Your five favorite things: my family, my cell phone, computer, my car keys and lip balm

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? all the crafty minded ladies in Columbus who enjoy laughs over drinks

Where can we find you?

http://www.stinkybombsoap.com/

Stinkybomb Soap

Rob and Megan Green

P.O Box 06020

Columbus, Oh 43206

http://www.stinkybomb.etsy.com/

http://www.stinkybomb.blogspot.com/

Interviews Day 10!

2010-03-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today's interviews are with Quite Clever Jewelry and Busty's Fun Bags. Hope you enjoy it!

Name: Elizabeth Beeson
Business Name: Quite Clever Jewelry
Location: Lafayette, IN

What do you make? I make sterling silver, brass and copper jewelry.

How did you learn your art/craft? I took classes at Ball State, Purdue and the Indianapolis Art Center.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Most of my inspiration comes from the natural world, however I also take inspiration from music, travels and science.

Do you have a "real world" job? I was an art teacher for five years before I became an artist. I also currently work part-time as a freelance writer.

Your five favorite things: coffee, the ocean, bon fires, cinnamon and good books.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? I am in love with these found metal sculptures of little birds sitting on grenades that are created by Oregon crafter, Joe Pogan. His work is really unique. I also love Isamu Noguchi, Salvador Dali and Tamara de Lempicka.

Where can we find you? You can find me online at http://www.elizabethbeeson.com/ or http://www.quiteclever.etsy.com/.

I'm also going to be at the following shows:

American Artisan Festival in Nashville, TN on June 19th and 20th.

One of a Kind Show in Chicago, IL in December (Date yet to be determined).

Name: Michelle Warble
Business Name: Busty's Fun Bags
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? I specialize in bags/totes but I also dabble in accessories and jewelry.

How did you learn your art/craft? I am self-taught. As early as I can remember I have been working on some kind of creative endeavor. After retiring from Roller Derby I took time to nurture my creative side. I had no sewing experience except my 7th grade home ec class but after buying my first sewing machine I quickly learned I had an aptitude for sewing.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from the different communities I belong to i.e. crafting, scooters, roller derby, fashion, and music. I like to take inspiration from a mix of these interests and create unique pieces. I have also done lots of traveling so you can see influences from foreign lands in some of my work. I recently found some craft books from decades past while thrfting. I love to see the techniques that were being used then and update it to become fresh and new.

Do you have a "real world" job? Yes, I am in marketing/product development for a poster company in Indianapolis.

Your five favorite things: My friends and family, my dogs. my scooter on a warm sunny day, FABRIC and travel.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? That's a tough one, there are so many great ones out there. I am going to keep it local.

Jerry Lee - he constantly amazes me with the detail and embellishments he puts into his clothes.

Bad Ass Glass - love the designs that they come up with, who would have thought you could make stained glass that cool?

Candice Hartsough McDonald of Cordial Kitten - I love her illustrations! I wish I could draw like that.

Where can we find you?
online -

http://web.me.com/mwarble

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BustysFunBags

Stores -

Silver in the City 434 Massachusetts Ave Indianapolis, IN 46204

Indy Swank Murphy Art Center 1043 Virginia Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46203

Interviews Day 9!

2010-03-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Name: Megan Winn

Business Name: The Binding Bee

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

What do you make? Handmade leather and vintage books and greeting cards

How did you learn your art/craft? I started making handmade journals in high-school by reading library "how-to" books. My first ones were terrible! Then in college I took a workshop on Coptic binding and after that I started a NFP organization, Bound 4 Freedom with a few of my friends. We made handmade books and sold them all over, donating the profits to local causes. That organization dissolved when we all graduated, but I was still obsessed with making books. A year ago I started selling my work independently which is how The Binding Bee was born. Now I am studying with a local Book-Binding Master and am learning historical and contemporary book-binding.

Where do you get your inspiration from? i look at a lot of books about handmade and historical books, i spend way too much time online, i go for walks, i try new things, i browse antique stores and junk shops, and i spend a lot of time just playing in my studio.

Do you have a "real world" job? I work as a care-giver providing in-home care to elderly folks.

Your five favorite things: (in no particular order) making book, my husband, my three little sisters, chocolate no-bake cookies, and having a garden.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Too many to list!

Where can we find you? The Binding Bee can be found online at: bindingbee.etsy.com, and locally at IndySwank in Indianapolis.

Interviews Day 8

2010-03-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Name: Melissa Carter

Business Name: CASEmethod

Location: Indianapolis, Ind.

What do you make? Wooden jewelry and accessories

How did you learn your art/craft? I'm self-taught on the particulars, but my dad is a woodworker so the basic skills and suggestions for improvement come from him.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Often the wood itself. The beauty of it commands a certain design. Other than that, the inability to find exactly what I'm looking for drives me to make it myself. And share it with you.

Do you have a "real world" job? When I'm not making sawdust, I'm the production manager of an alternative newsweekly and freelance graphic designer.

Your five favorite things: 1) good friends 2) good food 3) my creatures (dog and cat, but I'm counting them as one) 4) old cartoons 5) Japanese pull saws

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Anybody out there hustling their craft has my respect. And Caravaggio. Chairoscuro rocks my world.

Where can we find you? I'm on Etsy - http://casemethod.etsy.com/ and at Indy Swank - 1043 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis

Name: Katie Fry

Business Name: Mama Kate

Location: West Lafayette, IN

What do you make? Ring Slings (I make a variety of stuff, but I decided to concentrate on Slings for now. I also make baby-ish stuff like bibs and little girl dresses.)

How did you learn your art/craft? I learned to sew on my own through trial and error. Anytime I need to learn something, I'll watch a video online or just try it and see if it works.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Definitely my children. I started using slings when my second son was born and decided to try making my own because, hey! I know how to sew, why not put my craft to good use! And, after using a sling, I truly understood how awesome, useful, and completely necessary they are to have around with a baby. They make life SO much easier!

Do you have a "real world" job? Sewing beautiful slings and taking care of my children is my job. I had a “real world” job when I was pregnant with my 2nd kid but decided to quit. Quitting my 9-5 to stay home with my kids while they are young was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Your five favorite things: Family, Friends, Music, Coffee, Warm Weather

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? I don’t have a specific favorite, but I really like Kathryn Darts artwork. I'm also a big fan of Mamus! And my internet pal, Kate Loar has wonderful stuff. She made me a couple of awesome scarves for Christmas. LOVED them!

Where can we find you? my website is http://www.mamakates.com/. On my website is a 'My Shop' link that will take you to my Etsy shop, http://www.mamakates.etsy.com/. I also have my slings selling locally at Gretel's Fine Gifts in West Lafayette. My Midwife, Penny Lane, will soon be selling my slings (once I can get a batch ready for her) in Thornton. I will also be setting up a table at the monthly parenting group that I will soon be directing, CHOICES The Natural Birth and Informed Parenting Network for the Greater Lafayette Area.

Interview Day 7

2010-03-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Name: Kathryn Dart

Business Name: just my name :)

Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make?

I make artwork, primarily paintings in wooden frames I hand make with my dad. I paint with an ancient method called encaustic, which uses beeswax and pigment to create a very unique paint. The beauty of encaustic is in the translucency of wax and the layers that capture light like no other medium can.

How did you learn your art/craft?

I learned the basic encaustic technique through a quick 10-minute demo from a friend. The rest all came from experimenting and learning as I went along.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am inspired by many things in life, such as books and music, notable things people say, and nature. But I would say the idea I paint about most often is human nature: why we do the things we do, how we interact with others, how experiences change us.

Do you have a "real world" job?

I am happy to say this is my real world job!

Your five favorite things:

My husband, dogs, board games, sunshine and trees, seeing people laugh.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Martin Puryear and Andy Goldsworthy are my favorite artists. On etsy, I love essimar, joettamaue,syko, roadside, behappynow, and layerbylayer.

Where can we find you?

etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kbean

blog/website: http://www.kathryndart.wordpress.com

Interviews Day 6!

2010-03-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Name: Michael Wright Johnson

Business Name: Silver Drops Jewelry Designs

Location: Bloomington Indiana

What do you make?
I make silver jewelry

How did you learn your art/craft?
I took some classes in College for fun and then took more classes in Chicago for a year in my spare time. I currently am doing my metal smithing in my spare time.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from many sources. The main drive is the idea of an asymmetrical piece that is designed in a way that the mind completes the symmetry. I always love playing with abstract designs that play with the mind. This can be seen in my cut outs i do in some of my pendents or behind the stone settings. I am big believer that all sides of a piece should be used, including the backside. The inspiration for my pieces and designs come from the natural world, fascination with different cultures and the general feeling I have at the time.

Do you have a "real world" job?

I am currently getting a masters’ in Library Science and work at the IU law library.

Your five favorite things:

Hiking, Remote Travel, Cooking, Mountains and Central Asian History

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Art Smith, Bill Volla, Robert Frost, Shakespeare and the countless Buddhist Artists that contributed to Bagan and Angkor Watt.

Where can we find you?
http://silverdrops.etsy.com/

Name: Jessica Wolf
Business Name: Paper Acorn

Location: Cincinnati, OH

What do you make? Paper goods for weddings, gifts and parties; favor boxes, garlands, luminaries, placecards...

How did you learn your art/craft? I have always been drawn to paper in my artwork and crafts, and ended up working in the package design industry for six years after graduating with a Bachelor or Fine Arts. Picked up plenty of knowledge and "tricks of the trade" while working with some super-talented structural engineer types.

Do you have a "real world" job? This is it! Stepped out of my full-time job last August to pursue Paper Acorn full time and have never been happier. (Oh, and still work a few times a month at a local art gallery/coffee shop as a barista.)

Where do you get your inspiration from? Isn't Nature the ultimate inspiration?! I love looking at the complex forms in nature and figuring out how to simplify them into functional pieces. (Also, hours and hours of browsing on Etsy can be both humbling and inspiring!)

Your five favorite things: 1. Sunny mornings when hubby and I are crowded in bed with our three cats 2. Getting re-energized in quiet times 3. A well-brewed and perfectly steamed latte 4. Admiring the work of others 5. Paper!!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Oh, I love the endless supply of crafting talent on Etsy! But as far as traditional artists, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, Diane Arbus and Joseph Cornell have always been a few of my favorites.

Where can we find you? Find everything Paper Acorn at http://www.paperacorn.net/

Interviews Day 5

2010-03-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today's interviews are with Felix & Jayne and mywireempire. Hope you enjoy it!

Name: Cristi Martin

Business Name: Felix & Jayne

Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make? one of a kind handbags and sewn accessories

How did you learn your art/craft? My mom and grandma both taught me how to sew, though I was never very good at following pattern directions so I just started making my own.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Everything!

Do you have a "real world" job? No, I feel so lucky that I'm able to support myself doing something I love!

Your five favorite things: feta-stuffed green olives, hoodies, This American Life, The Runcible Spoon, and cacti

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

I love love love....

Ornamental Things http://ornamentalthings.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Megan Lee Designs http://www.meganleedesigns.com/

Nate Duval http://www.nateduval.com/

Ashely Goldberg http://www.etsy.com/shop/ashleyg

Where can we find you?

http://felixandjayne.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Felix-Jayne/189178300079

http://felixandjayne.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/felixandjayne/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/felixandjayne

Stores

Fly Bird-Chicago
http://fly-bird.net/

Dwelling Spaces - Tulsa
http://www.dwellingspaces.net/

Collected Thread - Oklahoma City
http://www.collectedthread.com/

Blue 7 - Oklahoma City
http://www.facebook.com/bluesevenokc

The Felt Bird
http://www.facebook.com/thefeltbird

Name: melissa bryant

Business Name: mywireempire

Location: east side of indianapolis

What do you make? digital illustrations of animals, chairs & landscapes. abstract, mixed-media paintings. handmade silk 'palette petals.'

How did you learn your art/craft? i graduated from college with a major in painting & drawing and took some time off from art-making shortly after. a couple of years later, i was frustrated that i couldn't approach art the same way & turned to sewing. fabric became an absolute obsession. one day, i scanned a drawing and some fabric swatches into my computer and began layering & editing the image. i must say it was love at first sight!

Where do you get your inspiration from? fabric, color, photographs of geometric landscapes/neighborhoods, music, collage, modern design, chairs, etc.

Do you have a "real world" job? stay at home mom to 2 little monsters, part time on the weekends at a craft/fabric store.

Your five favorite things: thunderstorms, thrifting, creating, libraries & my children's laughter.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? richard diebenkorn, charles harper, karin olah & so many lovelies from etsy!

Where can we find you? mywireempire.etsy.com & melbry.etsy.com

Interviews Day 4!

2010-03-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Name: Martha Ellen Latta
Business Name: Sunday Afternoon Housewife
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? Scrabble tile, resin, and glass tile pendants and rings, bottle cap magnets, the occasional silk-screened tee-shirt, and lots and lots of randomness

How did you learn your art/craft? I'm mainly self-taught! I owe a lot to my crafty mother for encouraging me when I was young, and now to various tutorials off of the internet (craftster.org being my favorite site for tutorials), but I've mainly learned through practice as well as trial and error!

Where do you get your inspiration from? Mostly from Mother Nature- I love owls and birds, gnomes and narwhals, cats and dogs, trees and dirt... They are all ever present in my work.

Do you have a "real world" job? Funny you should ask because I just kinda quit my day job so I could focus on my crafting. I say "kinda quit" because right now it's more like a self-imposed 12 week sabbatical from my real job of teaching English to focus on crafting. I'm not so secretly hoping that I won't have to go back.

Your five favorite things: 1. My husband 2. My pets (2 cats, 2 dogs, 3 fish) 3. My garden 4. Vodka 5. Chocolate

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? I'll just say it- I love Martha Stewart. I think it started as a silly school girl crush because we share the same name, but then she went to prison, and came out even better than she was before, and that's pretty cool in my book. I'm also a really big fan of Mary Jane Butters, who is kinda like Martha Stewart, but totally organic, and of course Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club.

Where can we find you?

My Etsy: http://www.mellenlatta.etsy.com/

My Blog: http://www.sundayafternoonhousewife.wordpress.com/

Brick and Mortar: In Indianapolis at Midland Arts & Antiques and Mass Ave Wine Shoppe

Upcoming Crafty Events I'm Attending:
March 13, 2010- Funky Finds Spring Fling,Will Rodgers Memorial Colesium, Ft. Worth, Texas 9am-3pm
March 18th, 2010- Standard Recording Company SXSW Day Party, Austin, TX @ The Dirty Dog More info and toRSVP: http://www.standardrecording.com/sxsw/
April 3rd, 2010- Bloomington Handmade Market 10am-4pm @ KRC Banquets, located at 3rd and College, Bloomington, IN

Name: Lauren Younis

Business Name: A Quartzy Life

Location: Bloomington, IN; Chicago, IL... wherever I happen to be I guess!

What do you make? I make mostly little original watercolor paintings, but these days I've been concentrating on hand-sewn notebooks made of unique found or collected papers. I also write, illustrate, and hand-bound little art books that feature things I've written or inspirational sayings.

How did you learn your art/craft? I taught myself. I "study" Comparative Literature and Science Journalism in school, and art is just something I make up as I go.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere- people mostly, and the ideas that they have. Experience is another big one- things I go through, and things I see other people go through. From observing, from talking, from participating and being engaged and attentive to the world in general. Often it's from seeing something that seems small, unimportant, or removed- say a leaf on the ground, or an individual even- and imagining the potential of that thing, seeing all the things that thing could be, all the places it's been, all the places could will go... basically trying to extract beauty from everything.

Do you have a "real world" job? I'm a librarian here in Bloomington, and when I go home I work retail and as a hostess.

Your five favorite things: (Aside from art...) Live music, dancing, sunlight, traveling,and booksbooksbooks.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? It changes all the time; I love discovering new artists.

Where can we find you?

-aquartzylife.etsy.com

-aquartzylife.blogspot.com

-flickr.com/photos/a_quartzy_life

-Boxcar Books, Bloomington, IN

-Often when I have no use for very teeny tiny paintings and sketches, I take them outside and drop them on the ground or tape them to trees. So, wherever that happens to be, you can find me there.

2010-03-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Interview series Day 3! Art 2 The Extreme and Elms and Cedars!

Name: Nicole Lewis
Business Name: Art 2 The Extreme by Nicole
Location: Fishers, IN

What do you make? Ceramics, Original Art, Up-cycled Scarves, but I am most well known for my Rainbow Crayons! I have a little "Something for Everyone..." as my store motto states.

How did you learn your art/craft? I have been creating art all my life. I have a degree in Visual Arts Education from Ball State University with a concentration in Ceramics. I love trying new projects and ideas and strive to take new classes when I can.

Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from my travels to other countries my love of teaching art to children. From the start, my elementary teacher sparked my interest and love or art. My high school art teacher taught me to try new things and was where the inspiration came from to be an art teacher!

Do you have a "real world" job? Yes! I teach elementary art at two elementary schools (K-5). I love every moment of it. Being an art teacher is the best job in the world because I get to play and create things all day with my students!

Your five favorite things: IcecreIce cream legs, international travel, clay, spending time with my husband.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Vincent Van Gogh, Brad Holmes (Local Ceramic Artist), Kate Fitzpatrick (http://www.katefitzpatrick.etsy.com/), LuckyDuckyDesigns (http://www.luckyduckydesigns.etsy.com/), and sooo many more!

Where can we find you?
http://www.art2theextreme.etsy.com/
http://art2theextreme.blogspot.com/
http://createcollecttrade.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fishers-IN/Art-2-the-Extreme/16592971380
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Crayons/105390987707?ref=ts

My Rainbow Crayons can be found in 8 stores currently around the country.

Name: Ashley Martz

Business Name: Elms and Cedars

Location: Indianapolis

What do you make? Hand knit baby clothing and accessories, along with some sewn pieces many crafted from recycled materials.

How did you learn your art/craft? My mother taught me the basics of knitting in a car in a mall parking lot! Beyond that I'm self-taught in the knitting arena. I studied Apparel Merchandising at IU and honed my sewing skills there.
Where do you get your inspiration from? I find materials I love and go from there. I usually don't have a master plan. I love finding vintage fabrics or shopping thrift stores for cast off sweaters that I can re-purpose.

Do you have a "real world" job? I manage a clothing boutique and online store in Indianapolis.

Your five favorite things: Cheese, kittens, fresh flowers, period pieces, and sushi.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? I love poking around etsy to see what other crafters are putting out there.

Where can we find you?
http://www.elmsandcedars.etsy.com/

2010-03-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Interviews Day 2! Today is Mythdemeanor and 50 Little Birds!

Name: Sandy or Crescentwench, I answer to both.

Business Name: Mythdemeanor

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

What do you make? Clothing and Costumes

How did you learn your art/craft? I'm mostly self taught, though I did go to college to study costume design and have a BFA in the field. I started sewing when I was about 16 because I wanted to make historical costumes and quickly outstripped all my mom's knowledge. The tie dye I learned in college through an independent study course that I designed and the screen printing was a much later addition to my skills. I taught myself from a kit and several online tutorials about 5 years ago.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I'm inspired by historical clothing - I love the layers of color and texture and contrast between opulence and the mundane. You can also tell a lot about what's going on in a certain time period by what clothes are being worn, and that fascinates me. I'm also inspired by science and my girlfriends weird sense of humor. We're always coming up with funny little puns and strange back stories that inspire new print designs.

Do you have a "real world" job? Yup. I'm a seamstress at a locally owned alterations shop. It's a great job and we're like a small family, though some day I do get sick of sewing all the time. That's why I started screen printing. I needed something that was still creative and still clothing related, but wasn't sewing.

Your five favorite things: In no particular order: Books! Hot tea with cream and sugar, my girlfriend, the color green, and the moment when someone gets a finished custom piece and they realize they not only got what they wanted, but ended up with somehow with *more* than they knew they wanted and their face lights up.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? This is a tough one! Astrid of Blooddrop Clothing and Fineries is one of my favorites. I have 3 of her corsets and they're all gorgeous and beautifully crafted. I also really like a lot of my fellow steamteam artists on etsy - Choklit & Totusmel in particular. And I have to add my friend and B-town local, Amy Fender of Star Anise Photography. She's wonderfully talented does some of the best portrait work I've ever seen.

Where can we find you?
Locally The Wandering Turtle carries some ties and silk scarves, and Indyswank in the fountain square area of Indianapolis carries some one of a kind men's pieces - neckties, vests, suits. Otherwise you can find us at the website: http://www.mythdemeanor.com/ and around town at lots of local craft shows.

Name: Geoff Davis

Business Name: 50 Little Birds
Location: Noblesville, IN

What do you make?
I carve and paint small Indiana songbird sculptures. I deviate from this a bit and also offer bentwood boxes, Fraktur (Pennsylvania Dutch Painting and an occasional carved and painted penguin or narwhal. In Bloomington I will be offering bentwood Easter baskets. I won't have many, so please let me know if you are interested.

How did you learn your art/craft?
I grew up in a household where creating things was encouraged and knowledge came from tinkering and exploration. My mother is was an artist and both parents were woodworkers. Tools, supplies and creative role models were always at hand. Over the years I've learned to design and build useful things from wood including boats and furniture. It was when I was training to build ukuleles in Hawai'i that I realized that I had
knack for carving wood. 50 Little Birds began last year as an effort to raise money for Blue Stone Folk School, a traditional arts program in Noblesville, Indiana. I have donated 50 painted and carved birds to the
school. The sale of these birds has raised over $1500 so far. Some of these 50 birds are still in my inventory. A portion of the sale of all of my work continues to go towards the Folk School and it's programs.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
To be honest my wife is my muse. I carve every bird to impress and delight her. Sometimes it works!
I began to carve birds in an attempt to re-connect with my own ethnic heritage. Many of my projects, kayak, canoe and ukulele building, are so connected with specific ethnic traditions that were not my own. My people, the Pennsylvania Dutch (actually German) were fascinated with bird imagery. There was a tradition of itinerant carvers producing beautiful and colorful birds throughout SW Pennsylvania. The birds are also an inspiration. I wake every morning to songbirds and crows. At night nighthawks circle my neighborhood. We all observe bird behaviors as we go through our day. I find that most folks have a bird or two that they consider to be their own. It's a joy to work with themes that run throughout everyone's experience and make a strong and personal connection all people.

Do you have a "real world" job?
I teach 5th and 6th grade at the Key Learning Community, an Indianapolis Public School. I'm also the founder and Director of Blue Stone Folk School in Noblesville.

Your five favorite things:
1 - My Family
2 - Crows in the Morning
3 - Long Solo Canoe Paddles
4 - Really Good Food
5 - Exploring

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
The great Pennsylvania Dutch bird carvers: Wilhelm Schimmel, George Stapf and "Schtockschnitzler" Simmons.
Charles Hart, a Cape Cod carver of penguins
William Coperthwaite, a philosopher, educator and hand-crafter in Maine

Where can we find you?
http://bluestonefolkschool.wordpress.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/50littlebirds

Blue Stone Folk School, Noblesville

INDIEana Handicraft Exchanges (I hope to be at the June show!)

2010-03-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

Starting today and everyday leading up to the event, we'll be posting 1 or 2 interviews with each of our artists. Today's artists are Ruby's Slippers and The Pink Toque. Hope you enjoy it!

Name: Amanda Beach
Business Name: Ruby's Slippers
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make? Baby shoes, baby bandanas, blankets, quilts, pajamas, dresses

How did you learn your art/craft? Self-taught! I've been sewing since I was a small child, and I learned techniques as I went along. I have learned how to make the items I'm selling now by sewing for my daughter, Ruby.

Where do you get your inspiration from? My daughter, my experiences as a mom, and input from my incredible group of friends.

Do you have a "real world" job? Not at the moment.

Your five favorite things: Family, friends, good food, warm weather, and fabric!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? My husband, Payson, who is an amazing artist. I also love the excellent craftsmanship and clean design from many Japanese textile artists. I am constantly inspired by many musicians and sculptors. And I'm always amazed at the creativity of my peers in the NaturalKids Etsy Team.

Where can we find you?

http://www.rubysslippers.etsy.com/,
www.facebook.com/rubysslippers
http://www.five-min-peace.blogspot.com/

Name: Lesley Karpiuk
Business Name: The Pink Toque
Location: Greenwood, IN

What do you make? I design GEEKSOAP - soap for the geek in all of us. I also create various knit and crochet accessories.

How did you learn your art/craft? I learned soapmaking through experimentation and lots of trial and error. Tutorials online have been the biggest help for most of my crafty endeavors, though. I learned most of my knitting techniques and all of my crochet techniques from online tutorials.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I get my inspiration from my inner geek. Not only do I teach computers, but my husband is a web programmer. I've been exposed to computers and technology my entire life; my dad has been a computer database administrator for as long as I can remember, so there was always a computer to play with when I was growing up. Technology inspires me!

Do you have a "real world" job? I'm a teacher by day, crafting mad scientist by night.

Your five favorite things: 1. My family, including my husband and our two dogs 2. Tim Horton's coffee 3. sushi 4. hockey 5. rollerblading

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? There are too many to name, but I love finding and supporting local artists and crafters. The Internet has made it possible for me to discover new artists all over the world, too. Talk about even more access to inspiration!

Where can we find you? You can find The Pink Toque professional portfolio at http://www.thepinktoque.com/, which contains my craft blog and a gallery of my ongoing creations. I sell my work on Etsy at http://pinktoque.etsy.com/

2010-03-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

We've just reviewed all of the applications, and are happy to announce that we have 42 amazing artists and crafters! A list of vendors and their links are located on the right. Very soon we will be posting interviews with our artists every day leading up to the event. Keep checking back!

Spring Application is now available!

2010-01-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Now through February 26th, you can apply to be a vendor at the Bloomington Handmade Market! The event will be held on April 3rd, from 10am-4pm at KRC Banquets, located just across from the Bloomington Convention Center on 3rd and College.

Please read the FAQ before submitting your application.

Applications are now closed.

Join the Mailing List!

2010-01-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

We've just locked down the date and location for the Spring Bloomington Handmade Market!
It will be held on Saturday, April 3rd from 10am-4pm at KRC Banquets, located at 3rd and College. The application will be posted very soon!
In the meantime, please join the mailing list to get updates sent directly to your email!

Success!

2009-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Bloomington Handmade Market was a complete success!

With our handy counting clicker, which we borrowed from Mia's son, our final customer count was 1,002 people (not including children)! We received wonderful responses from both vendors and patrons. Many of our vendors made record sales, and most everyone who came took away some wonderful handmade goods!

We are planning to hold the next BHM in early May. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, please send us an email at BloomingtonHandmadeMarket at Gmail.com

Thanks to all of the amazing vendors, our wonderful local sponsors, and everyone who came to support the handmade movement!

BHM is THIS WEEKEND!

2009-11-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to finally say that the Bloomington Handmade Market will be held THIS Saturday! It will run from 10am-4pm and there will be 40 different vendors selling a wide array of wonderful handmade goods. This is going to be a great place to pick up unique gifts! There will not be an ATM on site, though there are at least 2 within a block or two. Some vendors will be accepting credit cards, but not all of them, so please bring lots of cash and your checkbook!

The event will be held in the auditorium of the Waldron Arts Center, located at 122 S. Walnut, which is on the corner of 4th and Walnut in downtown Bloomington. Free parking is available either on the street or at the parking garage located just across from the venue. If you are coming from out of town, you will see signs pointing you in the right direction.

Can't wait to see you there!

We got our first press!

2009-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

We had a little interview with the Indiana Daily Student. You can read it here or below!

Market to feature homemade crafts
By Rick Bellovin | IDS
POSTED AT 10:25 PM ON Oct. 21, 2009

In an age where every type of material good imaginable is mass-produced, one local marketplace is seeking to be different.

Bloomington Handmade Market organizers describe it as Bloomington’s independent market for area artists to sell unique handmade crafts and goods.

What distinguishes these goods from their counterparts at any department store is the process by which they are made.

The do-it-yourself goods are handmade in homes or with small production processes, so there is no need for them to be sent away for mass-production.

Three local artists, Mia Beach, Nicole Wolfersberger and Sally Harless started the market in June 2008.

The artists were originally inspired by the crafts on display at the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange and wanted to bring the same types of homemade crafts, paintings and prints to the Bloomington area.

“There are many fairs in and around Bloomington that are geared toward more established and traditional artists,” Harless said. “We wanted to show the community just a small part of the nationwide contemporary craft movement.”

Since then, the Market has received attention and support from local do-it-yourself artists and craftsmen, along with various sponsors.

On Nov. 21, Bloomington Handmade Market will have its first show at the John Waldron Arts Center.

Artists had to apply for a limited number of spots in the show, and between 35 and 40 artists were picked to display their crafts.

Wolfersberger put out the call to artists in September and said she was surprised to see the exceeding number of people that applied.

“People really came out of the woodworks,” she said. “All the applications look great.”
The co-organizers said they have seen mostly local applicants but hope to see more from outside the state.

They plan to organize the shows twice a year – once around the holidays and once during the summer.

“It is a perfect place to not only buy unique, high-quality holiday gifts, but also to support local artists and the handmade movement,” Harless said.

Harless also said shoppers should expect a wide array of products.

“Our vendors make everything from upcycled, hand-bound journals, illustrated animal greeting cards, punk rock stained glass, sewn iPod sleeves, wooden jewelry, knitted hats and scarves, homemade bath products, silk screened shirts and ties, plush animals to hand-drawn coffee mugs,” Harless said.

There are also other outlets available for these types of crafts.

The Handmade Market in Chicago is a similar type of marketplace for do-it-yourself goods, and ETSY.com is a Web site where people can buy and sell handmade goods.
As for the Nov. 21 show, Wolfersberger said she’s excited.

“There is so much great stuff,” she said. “We are particularly excited about the new clothing items.”

2009-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Bloomington Handmade Market is only one month away! The vendor list has finally been nailed down, and you can see a list of the artists and their links to the left. More updates soon!

2009-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of the amazing artists who applied for the Bloomington Handmade Market! We are reviewing applications and will post the vendor list soon!

2009-09-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's the last day to get your applications in! We'll be accepting them until midnight tonight!

2009-09-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

Somehow, our event has been advertised in the Herald Times, without any of us organizers contacting them. Some of the info is wrong, and people are apparently bringing applications to the Waldron. Neither the Waldron nor the Bloomington Area Arts Council are in charge of the event. It is being put on by 3 local artists, and we are only renting the Waldron Auditorium for the event. If you would like to apply, please EMAIL the applications to us at bloomingtonhandmademarket AT gmail DOT com. There are only 2 days left!

One week til applications are due!

2009-09-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

Applications have been steadily coming our way and we're thrilled at the variety and quality of the work so far! It's not too late to get your own application in!

Since people were having trouble downloading our application, we've got it posted right here, along with the FAQ, for you to copy and paste into a text or word document.

As always, let us know if you have any questions! Can't wait to see what else you guys have up your collective sleeve.

Vendor Application Deadline is 2 weeks away!

2009-09-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are having trouble downloading the application and FAQ, we are posting it below so that you can copy and paste it into email or as a Word document to send to us. Vendor applications are due Friday, September 18! Send them to bloomingtonhandmademarket@gmail.com

Application for the Bloomington Handmade Market

Your name (first and last):

Your business name:

Your telephone number:

Your mailing address:

Your email address:

Your primary business website (personal, etsy, myspace, flickr, blogspot, etc.):

A business and/or personal bio/description (3-5 sentences, in third person, and double-check spelling and grammar!) If you are accepted into the show, this will potentially be used in show promotions to represent you and your business:

What types of crafts are you interested in selling?

- Knit/crocheted Items

- Paper goods (cards, handmade books, etc.)

- Prints/photography

- Clothing

- Jewelry

- Plush

- Handbags

- Sewn Accessories

- Housewares

- Children’s Items

- Pet Items

- Bath Products

- Kits/Patterns

- Other (please specify below)

Requests to share booth space with another specific vendor (optional - see F.A.Q. for info on how to handle this.):

Requests to have a booth located next to another specific vendor (optional):

Will you need to rent (for an additional $10) a 6’ x 30” table?

_I need to rent a 6’ x 30” table

_I will be bringing my own setup

Will you be bringing your own chairs?

_Yes

_I need _ chair(s) (We can provide a max of 2 per booth at no additional cost)

Total amount you will be paying if accepted ($30 for vendor booth space, +$10 if you are renting a table from us:

_$30

_$40 ($30 + $10 table rental)

***Don’t forget to attach (please do not embed the images in the application document) 3-5 quality images of your products with this application when you send it back to us via email. Make sure you send images that represent you well. These will play a big part in whether you are accepted to the fair, and may also be used to represent you in promotions for the fair. Links to high-quality Flickr images are also acceptable.

FAQ

When and where is the Bloomington Handmade Market held?

Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the John Waldron Center for the Arts (122 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, Indiana)

Where do I park?

There is a parking garage located across from the Waldron on 4th Street (free on Saturdays). Additionally there is limited free on-street parking available around the Waldron. If you are accepted into the market you will receive additional information about loading and unloading.

How can I be a vendor?

We are accepting applications now via email for the show on November 21. Deadline for application submission is Friday, September 18. Absolutely no late or incomplete applications will be considered. You can download the instructions and application as a PDF or Word document. (Click FILE then “download file as”). Fill it out and email it back to us at bloomingtonhandmademarket [at] gmail [dot] com.

I don't live in Indiana. Can I apply to be a vendor?

Yes! But you are responsible for checking with the Indiana Department of Revenue to make sure you obtain your Sales Tax permit and other relevant tax documents. www.in.gov/dor/index.htm.

Why is the market juried, and how do you decide who is included?

The market is juried because of limited space, and because we want to showcase the best of contemporary art and craft in that space! We are looking for unique, contemporary handmade items that push the boundaries of what handmade arts and crafts can be. We consider all the applications carefully based on the images you submit and your own description of your work.

When and how will I know if my application was accepted?

We will notify all applicants as regards acceptance into the market via email by Friday, September 25. Your payment ($30 plus $10 if you are renting a table from us) must be received within 2 weeks of acceptance or your spot will be given to the next person on the waiting list.

Is my booth fee refundable?

Once you are made aware of your acceptance, you must submit your payment within two weeks. If payment is not received via PayPal (preferred) or check/money order by Friday, October 9 your spot will be immediately given to the next person on the waiting list.
You may request a refund, minus a $10 processing fee, until November 6. No refunds will be given after November 6
If you must cancel after November 6, you forfeit your fee and your space in the fair. You may not fill your spot with another vendor. We will offer the space to the next vendor on our waiting list.

What do you use the booth fee for?

Your booth fee of $30 covers an indoor 6' x 5' booth space, breakfast/lunch and your logo and link on our website.
You are responsible for providing your own display items. You may bring your own tables and chairs, but your setup must fit strictly within the allotted 6' x 5' space.
If you are unable or do not wish to bring your own table and chairs, you may rent them from us for an additional $10. The $10 will cover a 6' table. If you do not have your own chairs we can provide 1-2 for your booth at no additional charge; please note how many chairs you will need on your application.

Can I share my booth space with a friend?

Yes! But each person must submit a separate application with their own images and information. Please list one person as the main contact; this person will be the one responsible for submitting booth payment and for communicating information from the BHM to the other booth member(s).

Can I have two booth spaces for my business?

Unfortunately, no. We are cramped for space as it is and would like to include as many vendors as possible!

Do I need a tax number or vendor's permit?

Whenever money is exchanged for goods, it is important to have the right permits and keep good records. You can contact the Indiana Department of Revenue to obtain a Sales Tax Collection permit. These permits can be obtained online or by going to the office in person. The cost of the sales tax permit is $25 and is valid for two years.
You are also responsible for registering your small business with the IRS and collecting sales tax for the goods you sell. When taxes are due you will have to pay both income tax and sales tax for your craft sales to the state of Indiana.
Indiana Department of Revenue: 317-233-4015 or www.in.gov/dor/index.htm.
IRS: 1-800-829-4933 or www.irs.gov.

What kinds of promotion do you do to plug the Bloomington Handmade Market?

Online promotions on our blog, other websites, social networking sites, etc.
Interviews with and features of participating artists on our blog.
Posting flyers both locally and around the region.
Cross-promotion.

I don't make anything, but I really like this idea. Can I still be involved?

Yes! We need volunteers to do things like help with space set-up and tear-down, running errands, and general miscellany. Please contact us at bloomingtonhandmademarket [at] gmail [dot] com if you are interested in helping out.

Who ARE you people?

Mia Beach (www.mia-beach.com)

Sally Harless (www.sadlyharmless.com)

Nicole Wolfersberger (http://redtarts.blogspot.com)

Applications

2009-09-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

There is a little over 2 weeks left to get your applications in!

If you are having trouble downloading or viewing the application, please send us an email and we will email the application and FAQ to you.

Email us at bloomingtonhandmademarket AT gmail DOT com

Facebook and Myspace

2009-08-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!
We now have both Facebook and MySpace pages, so if you are on either or both of those sites, be our friend!

Bloomington Handmade Market on Facebook

www.myspace.com/bloomingtonhandmademarket

CALL FOR VENDORS

2009-08-21T06:02:00.001-07:00

Application now available!

If you are interested in participating in the Bloomington Handmade Market, please download the application here as a .doc file or .pdf.

FAQ available here: .doc or .pdf

Please email bloomingtonhandmademarket [at] gmail [dot] com if you have any further questions!

We are looking for artists!

2009-08-18T10:06:00.001-07:00

Vendor application will be posted soon!

2009-08-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Bloomington Handmade Market is set for November 21, 2009.
Please check back to this blog for more details, or email BloomingtonHandmadeMarket@gmail.com with questions.

mailing list confirmation

2008-04-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you for joining the Bloomington Handmade Market mailing list!

Back to the Bloomington Handmade Market blog

About the Bloomington Handmade Market

2007-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Bloomington Handmade Market founders Mia Beach, Sally Harless and Nicole Wolfersberger saw the need for an artistic venue in Bloomington that would enable contemporary, emerging artists and crafters to showcase their wares at an affordable price. During the summer of 2009, the Bloomington Handmade Market was born and has been going strong ever since!

BHM is a juried show, meaning that participating artists are selected from a pool of applicants and notified a few months in advance of the show. In selecting artists, we look for artists and crafters that are creating quality, unusual work of a type that we don't often see in more traditional craft fairs.

Artists come from both Bloomington and around the midwest to participate, and we are always looking for new artists to apply! In the sidebar to the right is a list of links to artists who have participated in the past, and browsing these can give you a good idea of the types of arts and crafts we seek.

We hold BHM twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Admission to the show is always free and open to the public. The first BHM, in November of 2009 was held at the John Waldron Center for the Arts. With an unexpectedly high turnout of just over 1000 people, we knew the next one would have to be in a larger venue, so the Spring 2010 Market was held at KRC Banquets and Catering.

For more information, please stay tuned to our blog and as always, email us at bloomingtonhandmademarket AT gmail DOT com if you have any questions!