Thanks!
The first-ever Sunset Artisan Fair was a huge success! Thank you to the 50+ vendors and volunteers, along with those who attended. The amount raised for IJM totaled $6386.50! Wow!
Me, Myself, and Robbo.
Alongside with me is my wife Robyn, who will be showcasing her hair adornments, handmade cards, and other wedding related goodies. Here is what she have to say for you to know her a little bit better.What will you be selling?
Pretty little things for special occasions. Meticulously handsewn accessories made of silk, ribbon, crystals, beads, pearls, French netting, and feathers. Adornments literally head to toe— from bridal veils, hair combs, clips, headbands, and belts to shoe adornments.
I am most creative when…
I have a deadline. The pressure is on!
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Things that inspire me to create new things: Travel. The Cartier exhibit at the Legion of Honor. Beautiful shoes. The elegance of God’s creation, which is far more beautiful than anything man can craft. Anemonies, peonies, and ranunculus flowers. The ocean. One thing you want others to know about you?
I love my day job as a pediatric physical therapist. Crafting and photography is a way for me to find balance and provide an artistic outlet. I also love hiking, travel, and snowboarding.
Its a DASH MARATHON!
Okay. I thought the Artisan Fair was NEXT Saturday.During my Memorial Day BBQ, someone told me its THIS coming Saturday.My first thought was “Uh-oh. Better step up my game on the blog.”My second thought was “Man. I’m bad at math.”So this marathon has become a mad dash to the finish line. The time to relax is OVER.MULTIPLE FEATURES on MULTIPLE TALENTS!First up is Kimberly Wong. She’ll be showcasing her quillows. The most awesome part about it are the built-in pockets! The most awesome part about it are the built-in pockets! (No, its not a typo. I doubled up the statement because its that awesome. BUILT-IN POCKETS!)
What will you be selling?
Quillows are quilts that can be converted into pillows, but in my case they are made of fleece blankets since they’re warm and fuzzy and easy to care for. I will be featuring some very cute designs which are suitable for children or adults who are kids at heart! (:I am most creative when…
I watch Ellen DeGeneres. What is your inspiration for your crafts?
When simplicity meets functionality.One thing you want others to know about you?
I rely on Yelp to help my feed my foodie-self. Next up is Liz and Helenda. They are featuring hand-made ribbon boards to hang up all sorts of goodies from wedding invites to necklaces. Great for the kitchen as a reminder board, or at the kids room for their artworks. There will be an assortment of different designs for you to choose from.
What will you be selling?
We will be selling ribbon boards used for hanging various items such as, photos, notes, cards, jewelry, etc. We used various cute fabrics for the boards and accented them with ribbon. Each board is uniquely handcrafted with love! And each board is one of a kind…so get em early!I am most creative when…
We are most creative when we are inspired to create something. We like to bounce creative ideas off one another and work together to come up with new creations.What is your inspiration for your crafts?
We are inspired when we feel creative and find cool materials to use for our projects - like cute fabric or designs. And if we don’t know how to make something, we try to experiment and learn. We also love pictures, so our ribbon boards are a great way to display and show them off.One thing you want others to know about you? Crafting, like making ribbon boards, is something we enjoy doing and we’re excited for this chance to share what we love doing with you all!
What will you be selling?
I’m making handmade hair clips which have a “no-slip” feature and great greeting cards that will put a smile on your face. Visit my booth and you may find yourself saying “That’s so cute, I have to have it!”I am most creative when…
I’m most creative when I have a goal. Like when someone’s birthday comes up, I want to make a special card that is personal to their tastes and personality.What is your inspiration for your crafts?
I enjoy working with my hands creating quirky and whimsical crafts. My inspiration comes from the joy of sharing something with those I care for, and putting a smile on their faces.One thing you want others to know about you? I love good food, so if you know a place I should try let me know!
Lastly, its Sherilyn Lee. She is definitely an artist with many talents. She will be featuring not one, nor two, three isn’t even close but FOUR different hand-made goods. I almost ran out of memory on my camera taking pictures of her goods.
What will you be selling?
Luggage Tags - A unique assortment of fabric luggage tags great for any traveler. Place Mats - A set of four place mats to dress up your table.
Wall Organizers - A fabric wall hanging to help organize a room or work space, and even add some artwork to the wall.
Fabric Canvas Art - Decorate a room with a piece of art made of fabric.I am most creative when…
I am most creative when given a project like this!What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Practicality with style. I love putting things together that will be put to good use!One thing you want others to know about you? My parents surprised me with a sewing machine (my first and only) for my 16th birthday! The enthusiasm to sew died a short two weeks after, and I just recently dusted it off many years later!
who’s a slacker? ME.
It has been a while since the last update. My apology for being such a slacker but the last week and a half has been pretty hectic and crazy. Robyn and I were in NY for a friend’s wedding and right now I am actually writing this post in a hotel room at Las Vegas.OH. I also have work.I did took snapshots of more products yesterday before my flight out, so the features for them will be coming soon. Did you know that aside from crafts, we will also have food, drinks and music at the fair? There will be cookies, cupcakes and all sorts of sweet goods for everyone to enjoy; a drink stand (catered by yours truly) serving refreshing handcrafted drinks; and savory goods by Brian and Vernon.So what is better then browsing through personalized handmade goods for a fund raiser?With awesome snacks and drinks in your hands.Only 12 days away.. stay tuned for more updates.
Sugar and spice and everything nice.
What do you get when you buy earrings at Macy*s? Or Forever 21? Earrings.What do you get when you buy them at the artisan fair?An everlasting pair of art.Need I say more on the differences? Today’s feature showcase are earrings and bracelets made by Kimberley Hom. They’re fun, modern, and all one-of-a-kind. As I was taking pictures of her earrings for this blog, only one thought struck my mind: the attention to details. So don’t be surprised when people get a little bit too close to your private airspace; trying to take a closer look at them danglies on your ears.
What will you be selling?
I will be selling fun jewelry that’s appropriate for any occasion. I am working on both earrings and bracelets in a variety of styles and colors. The majority of my products are made with pearls, Swarovski crystals, and glass beads.
I am most creative when…
I am not stressed and can concentrate on what I am making.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
My friends and family usually come up with very elaborate ideas of what I should make. Their suggestions are usually too complex to make with my limited abilities, so I normally attempt a simpler version of the same concept. I also look at the current trends at jewelry/bead shows and in beading magazines, and place my own spin on them.One thing you want others to know about you?
I love purple…so don’t be surprised if there is a good representation of purple jewelry displayed.
I will be selling fun jewelry that’s appropriate for any occasion. I am working on both earrings and bracelets in a variety of styles and colors. The majority of my products are made with pearls, Swarovski crystals, and glass beads.
I am most creative when…
I am not stressed and can concentrate on what I am making.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
My friends and family usually come up with very elaborate ideas of what I should make. Their suggestions are usually too complex to make with my limited abilities, so I normally attempt a simpler version of the same concept. I also look at the current trends at jewelry/bead shows and in beading magazines, and place my own spin on them.One thing you want others to know about you?
I love purple…so don’t be surprised if there is a good representation of purple jewelry displayed.
TRIPLE THREATS!
Sorry everyone, the last couple of days have been quite hectic and I wasn’t able to give you a daily dose of our artisans. So for today, I’ve decided to go with a triple threat featuring 3 very talented artisans.******
Our first artisan is Velma Quan. She will be featuring handmade eyeglass leashes and beaded lanyards. Stop by her table at the fair, say hi, and give your eyeglasses and work ID that pop they’ve been waiting for.
What will you be selling?
I will be selling eyeglass leashes and beaded lanyards. So few stores sell beaded eyeglass leashes and bead lanyards that I decided to make something unique that isn’t widely sold in stores. They will come in a wide range of colors and designs that will be suitable for all ages!
I am most creative when…
I’m alone surfing the internet, strolling the aisles at Michael’s or JoAnne crafts, and looking through craft books/magazines. My daughters also have fantastic ideas and come up with designs that I use in my projects.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
I’m a very hands-on and visual person and I love arts and crafts. I find it to be very rewarding to make something from scratch and see the finished product. It’s amazing to start with just a few things or materials and when it is all assembled , you have something very unique that was made by hand.One thing you want others to know about you?
After I got married, I taught myself how to knit and sew. Ever since my kids were born, I’ve learned through trial and error on how to bake and decorate cutout cookies to pass out to their classmates for their school and birthday parties. I always try to make each cookie special by packaging the cookie with the person’s name on the bag.
******
Our second artisan, Betty Lee, will be featuring her handmade cards of many occasions along with bookmarks. Contemporary and elegant, the simplicity of it speaks volume. They’re true heart-melters.
What will you be selling?
Handstamped greeting cards and bookmarkers with some featuring scripture verses.
I am most creative when…
I see color in the everyday things in life.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Creating whimsical designs with fresh colors. My designs are simple, handmade cards that are unique. Hopefully the receiver will know that she/he is receiving something that is not store bought.One thing you want others to know about you?
I love the color pink!
******
Handstamped greeting cards and bookmarkers with some featuring scripture verses.
I am most creative when…
I see color in the everyday things in life.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Creating whimsical designs with fresh colors. My designs are simple, handmade cards that are unique. Hopefully the receiver will know that she/he is receiving something that is not store bought.One thing you want others to know about you?
I love the color pink!
******Our last artisan also happens to be the creator of the artisan fair. Aside from all the preparation work required to put this show together, you can tell how much energy and effort she is putting in just by the fact that her house is now known as “THE SWEATSHOP”.At first I was told she is making handmade 2011 calendars.Then oh! I’m also making totebags.Now the collection has extended to canvas lunchbags, recycled notepads, and pencil case.So chances are there’ll be something new tomorrow. Its like world domination, one craft at a time.Everyone, SHERISE LEE!
What will you be selling?
I will be selling 2011 calendars that have been hand crafted and designed. A recent love of mine has been learning to make my own books, and the design of the calendar reflects this. Also, I will be selling canvas totes, lunch bags, and pencil cases. All of them will feature various designs (mostly from nature).
I am most creative when…
I am most creative when I’m not under pressure. I decided some time ago that crafting could never be my day job because the stress to create under the pressure of deadlines would be completely undo me. I like when I can set my own parameters around a design rather than have it dictated to me.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Making gifts for other people is really the impetus for many of my crafts. I am mostly inspired by a simple and clean aesthetic. I also appreciate function, so I like for crafts to have some level of practicality (and sensibility). I am inspired by watching others craft, and am challenged by their creativity. One thing you want others to know about you?
I’m convinced that everyone has some form of an “artist” within them. It took the prodding of friends to persuade me not to be intimidated to explore my creative side. I was an Art History major in college and always believed myself to be an appreciator of art, but never one to actually “do” art. I like to run and eat when I’m not pursuing my design interests (just not simultaneously).
What will you be selling?
I will be selling 2011 calendars that have been hand crafted and designed. A recent love of mine has been learning to make my own books, and the design of the calendar reflects this. Also, I will be selling canvas totes, lunch bags, and pencil cases. All of them will feature various designs (mostly from nature).
I am most creative when…
I am most creative when I’m not under pressure. I decided some time ago that crafting could never be my day job because the stress to create under the pressure of deadlines would be completely undo me. I like when I can set my own parameters around a design rather than have it dictated to me.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
Making gifts for other people is really the impetus for many of my crafts. I am mostly inspired by a simple and clean aesthetic. I also appreciate function, so I like for crafts to have some level of practicality (and sensibility). I am inspired by watching others craft, and am challenged by their creativity. One thing you want others to know about you?
I’m convinced that everyone has some form of an “artist” within them. It took the prodding of friends to persuade me not to be intimidated to explore my creative side. I was an Art History major in college and always believed myself to be an appreciator of art, but never one to actually “do” art. I like to run and eat when I’m not pursuing my design interests (just not simultaneously).
What it feels like to fall in love.
When I saw a sample of what Jenny is making for the Artisan Fair, I immediately decided to get one for my daughter. This is one of those situation where “immediate” doesn’t mean 5 minutes or half a day later, it was one of those snap-my-finger-I-must-have-it-now kind of immediate.Slight hiccup- I don’t have a daughter. What to do.. what to do..These one-of-a-kind work of arts are truly unique and oh so plushy. When people see them, all sorts of adjectives pop out.CUTE!SO CUTE!
SUPER CUTE!
TOTALLY CUTE!
AWESOME CUTENESS!Even though people offer different opinions of what they think (evident by the sample list above), there are two common denominators: the smiles and the dance in their eyes.Its like falling in love…Yes, people, they are that so super totally awesome cute.
I will be selling crochet animals and teacup pin cushions. Some animals include penguins, lions, hippos and elephants. They make cute gifts for kids and adults!
I am most creative when…
I’ve had my cup of coffee.
What is your inspiration for your crafts?
My children inspire me! They love cute, whimsical things and I wonder if I can make them myself so I give it a try. Sometimes they turn out great and sometimes they don’t. But I enjoy trying! (Editor’s note: they all look great to me.)One thing you want others to know about you?
I love crafting and start on many projects (knitting, cross stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking, etc.) but have yet to complete most of what I work on! My goal this year is to finish what I start. It’s May and I haven’t really gotten very far…
With the end comes a new beginning…
Often, graduations are associated with an end to some sort of schooling. Be it pre-k, middle school, or college. They are also new beginnings to new chapters in life. Sure, you can do the norms. Shake some hands, say congrats, and give polite pats in the back.But what if you want to kick it up a notch? Be the Emeril of graduations who isn’t just about congratulations but also to usher the new grad into the next chapter?Go ahead and think about what you can do. Or I can just give you the solution…ELAINA’S L-E-I-S! BAM! Every bits of her creations are made by hand. Even with just a quick glance at them, you can tell how much time and energy are put into making them. She will be featuring four different color combos to match four different schools in the Bay Area. By providing this touch of personalization, you have extended the usage far beyond just graduation! DOUBLE BAM!Alma mater going to the Big Dance or the Math Olympic? Show your support by wearing it!
Going to Hawaii and want to color match your Cal shorts? Nothing like a hula dance in style!
10 years reunion? Rock it with your dress or suit and be the envy of your ex-classmates!Did I mention all proceeds from the sale go to International Justice Mission? Check them out at http://www.ijm.org/.
Standard with all our previews, here is a little Q&A with Elaina…What will you be selling?
Graduation is just around the corner! I will be selling 4 different colored graduation leis. The colors are Red and White (Lowell), Red and Yellow (Lincoln), Purple and Yellow (SFSU) and Blue and Gold (UC’s). These beautiful leis are 100% hand made with paper. In between the two colors of the lei is play money. These graduation leis look great in pictures and they will last forever.I am most creative when…
I am most creative when I’m at the craft store.What is your inspiration for your crafts?
The inspiration for my crafts comes from friends and Martha Stewart.One thing you want others to know about you?
I love to BAKE! I also love pandas! =) (Editors note: Pandas are awesome.)
Our very first showcase.. ANGELA WONG!
I will be selling a variety of homemade cards for all different occasions. You will find birthdays, weddings, baby, and just because. (Editors note: and notepads)I am most creative when…
I am most creative when I am sitting around with others who are also card making. What is your inspiration for your crafts?
People inspire me to make cards. Even though we are in the new age world of technology, I still find it an art to get a card in the mail. I enjoy sending out hand written cards and knows that it would brighten up a friend. One thing you want others to know about you?
I love to travel and see gorgeous scenery.
NEWS NEWS READ ALL ABOUT IT!!
Hello blog readers,I want to welcome you again to the official Sunset Artisan Fair website. It is now just about a month away, and a lot of us are humming along with their time and talents preparing for this event. I had the opportunity to check out a sample of the goods and I gotta tell you, I really like what I’m seeing.You may be wondering right now what these goods are… well, I’m not one to hold back so here is a teaser!! WORLD PREMIER ON THIS VERY BLOG!!- Handmade cards for all occasions. And I mean ALL occasions.- Paintings and photography.
- Mixed media prints.
- Jewelry and accessories from head to toe (heads for sure, not 100% on the toes).
- Stationery.
- Flowe… hold on.WHAT? THIS JUST IN!! WOW, ANOTHER WORLD PREMIER. EVERYONE, I AM SO HONORED TO BE THE ONE BREAKING THIS NEWS TO YOU.NOT ONLY ARE THERE GOING TO BE CRAFTS, THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME YUMMY FOR YOUR TUMMY!! I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I’M HEARING.Baked goods? WHAT?
Cookies? NO WAY!
Cupcakes? Tarts? INSANITY!
Fizzy bubblies!!??? I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT IS!!??Therefore, throughout this coming month, I will be giving previews on what you can expect to find right on this very blog. Not only that, you will also get to know a little bit about the artisans handcrafting the goods as well as the behind-the-scene people who are making this whole thing possible.Stay tuned and follow our blog. Its going to be an exciting month!S:LAM
Disclosure: I’m playing the immigrant card so I apologize ahead for both current/future spelling and grammatical errors. TANK KEW!
