It's Show Time!

Today's the day! Hope to see you there!

Last Sneak Peek

The last of the previews for the 2014 Crafty Chicks Show & Sale!  Don't forget ~ the sale starts Saturday at 9 and ends at 3. Do your part to support Small Business Saturday ~ see you there!

Gretchen Finch
Gretchen is one of the founding chicks and one of the organizers of the show. Her love of vintage buttons inspires her artwork so don’t be surprised to find a button somewhere in each piece. The theme of nature and birds also is a thread that is interwoven throughout her work.

Gretchen will be offering various vintage button collages, sterling silver button bookmarks, and button bracelets. A sweet 'Christmas Seal' is her 12th paper clay sculpted folk art creation. Miniature Treasure Boxes could be the perfect gift for anyone on your “nice list” this year. Each small, metal, embellished box is one of a kind and comes with a sweet charm inside and an inspiring quote. Her new bell jar creations hold a small teacup wire cage with sculpted blackbird. It also feature one of Gretchen's favorite quotes, "Inside us all, patiently waiting, sits a small adventuresome bird."

Jen Rarey

Jen loves to create artwork featuring characters, especially animals. She is frequently inspired by the antics of her two Shiba Inu, Aki & Taylor, and her kitty, Kismet. Jen has actively volunteered for animal rescue organizations since she was twelve years old. She is a student of Japanese language and culture, and frequently incorporates these into her work. Her other inspirations include athletics such as Scuba diving, running, and travel. Her sketchbook is always by her side so she can capture funny everyday moments. See more of her work at http://www.facebook.com/jenrareyart and http://www.jenrarey.com

Ronna, Sonja & Jana Marie ~ Three+Maries

Ronna Marie creates unique jewelry with up-cycled zippers, often incorporating small found treasures like antique buttons. Something of a family tradition, she’s created “Zippins” with her mother, taught her techniques to her daughter, Sonja Marie, and now teaches her granddaughter, Jana Marie.
Tatting was the first lace-making technique Ronna Marie accomplished in 1970. Since then she’s mastered and taught the creative fiber arts from tatting and bobbin lace-making to knitting, weaving and quilting. She still returns to her first fiber love, tatting, to create new designs for jewelry, ornaments, and stationery. 

Sneak Peek #5

A Happy Thanksgiving to all, plus a preview of more work from our talented vendors at Crafty Chicks this year. Don't forget ~ Crafty Chicks Show & Sale is this Saturday from 9 - 3!

Valerie Shanks ~ Laughing Frog Gallery

The work Valerie displays in her shop and art shows is a departure from her day job.
Everything she makes is inspired either from something someone said or an experience she has had.
Valerie has always enjoyed art and loves to explore new methods of creative expression. Sculpting and painting are her favorite mediums. Most of her sculptures are done as exploration in new material usage. Comedic expressions and goofy little characters are common themes in her work ~ if it makes her laugh, it is likely that she will create a little character that reflects that.
Valerie also loves to play with fire, so lamp working is another technique she uses in her work. Frogs are one of Valerie's favorite creatures, so you will find many frogs as the subject of her work and also the inspiration for the name of her business.

Dan Shanks ~ Shankalonian Labs

Dan Shanks started his shop in 2010 for fun as an avenue to sell his art prints. Later that year, he was given a few dead computers from a colleague at work to tinker with and tear apart. Behold, he found art within the circuit boards. A few months later, Shankalonian Labs was formed! He is now in the business of "upcycling" old computers and various dead electronics equipment into all sorts of sculptures and creations. Check out Dan's etsy store or his Pinterest board for a closer look at his work.

Maria Plubell ~ Ria Mar Designs
Ria Mar Designs are unique, fun, affordable, one-of-a-kind jewelry for the trendy chick in all of us. Maria Plubell started making jewelry as a hobby in addition to her full time job about 6 years ago. All of her work is handcrafted & assembled right here in the Metro Kansas City Area!

Designs include 100% genuine deerskin leather, cowhide, wool cord, leather cord, rhinestone cup chain to create various bracelets and earrings. Collegiate licensed charms, NFL, MLB can be added to make it a special gift for someone! Other items include rhinestone cross stretch bracelets designed using various unique beads, "create your own wristbands" and so much more! Maria loves sparkle and bling!!
Contact Maria for wholesale pricing, customization, fundraising or have friends over for a girls night out party. Please visit Ria Mar Designs on Face Book for updated designs and stop by my booth for some fun & affordable shopping!

Sneak Peek #4

Only a few days before the Crafty Chicks Show & Sale this Saturday!  Don't forget, this is a great opportunity to support local artisans by shopping on Small Business Saturday. Here are a few more vendors who will be at the show this year:

Tammy Haddix ~ Work of Whimsy

This is Tammy Haddix's first year as a Crafty Chick. During the day Tammy is a Keepsake Ornament Artist ~ on evenings and weekends she opened her Etsy shop, Work of Whimsy, as a way to create whatever she wanted without limitations. Tammy is an artist that loves to make whimsical things and tell a story through miniature worlds in her work. She is obsessed with terrariums, gnomes, butterflies and seashells as is evident in her work. Tammy offers a wide range of creations that are perfect gifts for loved ones or even for yourself!

Christmas is coming, so drop by her booth and check out her shop at www.workofwhimsy.com and like her page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tammy.haddix1. Enjoy a little whimsy today!

Julie Reed ~ Julie Reed Design

Julie is a late blooming entrepreneur who started her own freelance design & art licensing business in 2012. A graphic & surface designer, craftsman & antique collector (some might say hoarder!), she is inspired by the old, the odd & the obsolete. Julie incorporates forgotten techniques and/or vintage materials into much of her work, whether it be textile accessories, jewelry or surface design.

Julie lives in Kansas City with her boyfriend (who looks like Colonel Sanders) and two Scottish terriers, Spott & Sprocket (who crows like a rooster). Visit Julie's blog and website to learn more about her, her inspiration, & her work. Stop by her table at Crafty Chicks for a large selection of scarves, brooches, and some unique vintage finds she is willing to part with.

Ginny Walkington ~ Moments by Ginny

Ginny loves capturing little moments in nature and the world around us through photography. She creates photo-on-canvas art pieces using a hand-rubbed photo transfer process. The art has a lightly distressed, vintage style, and each piece is matched with a unique, upcycled frame. Ginny also enjoys tackling custom canvas projects, often featuring pets. 

Visit Ginny's table at Crafty Chicks and like her page on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/momentsbyginny

Sneak Peek #3

Three more vendors who will be participating in the Crafty Chicks Show & Sale this Saturday!  Keep an eye out for more posts every day this week.

Cheryl Jaeger ~ C. Jaeger

Cheryl loves to sew during any spare moment she can find in her day. She uses fun, modern fabrics, as well as vintage and imported fabrics to make her sewn creations. In addition to her patchwork clutches, writing kits, and zipper pouches that she featured at the Crafty Chicks sale last year, she will be bringing lots of fun lanyards and unique key fobs to the sale this year. You can find photos of her work on Instagram or visit her etsy shop http://www.cjaeger.etsy.com to see more examples of her work.

Pam Talpers ~ Gypsy That I Was/Wild Heart YarningsPam Talpers learned the art of crochet from her grandmother. As a nurse, mother and wife, there was little time for creative endeavors, but, as all artists come to realize, there needs to be an outlet for creative expression. Pam decided to pick up her hook and begin creating. Using nature, music, and life experiences, Pam has created a unique style of her own. Pam’s designs are not constrained to traditional platforms or patterns. She mixes fibers and techniques to create unique, one of a kind items.

Scarves, hats and purses are only a few of Pam’s creations. She has also ventured into making items focused for the medical field as teaching props. If you are looking for abstract, whimsical and unique, you will find them in Pam’s products. In addition to crochet, Pam collects vintage jewelry and makes beaded/crochet jewelry. These items will be available at the Crafty Chicks sale as well.
See more of Pam's work here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsythatIwas
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHeartYarnings

Anne Medley & Deborah Kallevig ~ The Rescue Project

The Rescue Project is a non-profit organization in Kansas City that provides education on proper pet care, offers resources for spaying and neutering, vaccinations, food, doghouses and most importantly human interaction. They advocate for those that cannot speak for themselves while educating caregivers in the hopes of continuing to improve the lives of animals in our community. Visit their website to learn more: www.therescueproject.net

The Rescue Project will be selling dog hats, scarves, collars, treats and toys, along with some other handcrafted items made by our volunteers. Deborah Kallevig will be selling her homemade products for pets as well. See her full line of products here: www.unfussed.com

Sneak Peek #2

Crafty Chicks Show & Sale is coming up fast ~ less than a week away! Learn a little more about a few of our vendors and see what you have to look forward to!

Diane & Madeline Tompkins ~ Tag Team Tompkins

Take two Kansas City book lovers, season them with graphic design careers and a strong desire to travel. Stir up these ingredients and you have Tag Team Tompkins, a mother/daughter team creating art that honors literary wit and wisdom. Tag Team Tompkins sells their work in their Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/tagteamtompkins and in some wonderful retail shops both locally and nationally. This year they have focused on creating 12 Chinese Zodiac prints - all printed by Skylab Letterpress in North Kansas City.

Michelle Darter ~ Hue & I Design

Michelle Darter's lampshades are original works of art carefully stitched on her vintage Necchi sewing machine given to her in high school. Each one is unique and one of a kind, carefully crafted from recycled sweaters and vintage, or new wire frames sourced locally. They reflect Michelle's formal training in graphic design as well as a love of nature, repurposing and most importantly color, as the name of her company Hue & I Design reflects.At her table you'll find many styles of sweater shades from Frenchy feminine to funky retro to nature inspired. Stop by and pick up a card if you would like to order a custom lampshade from her later.

Michelle hopes you can enjoy her lampshades as much as she enjoys making them. The shades may also be purchased at Nook & Cranny in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City during the First Friday Sales events along with antiques and more home decor. If you are like Michelle, you'll want one in every room of your home!

Cheryl Holtman ~ Potter
Cheryl has been a potter for 30+ years with a studio at historic Belvoir Winery in Liberty. She has also been a studio tech in William Jewell College's art department, a visiting artist in historic Arrow Rock, a gallery owner, and is currently serving on Liberty Arts Commission and a member of the Prairie Fire Art Guild. Cheryl has also been an award winner multiple years with Cultures without Borders Traveling Art Exhibit, and has exhibited in a number of shows in Missouri and Kansas including the Liberty Arts Squared festival for five years. This is Cheryl's 3rd year - 2nd consecutive - with Crafty Chicks.

Sneak Peek #1

With the Crafty Chicks Show & Sale being a little less than a week away, take a look at some of the wares our 2014 artisans will have for sale. Make sure to check back this week as more sneak peeks are coming!  

Julie Lushbough ~ Mattie Jules

Creative Ring Art? With Buttons? Crazy, but true. Julie designs unique custom jewelry with modern and vintage buttons (btw... she loves vintage and has designed some beautiful pieces).

Choose from a huge variety of buttons and you can design your own special ring, necklace or pin made while you wait. Or commission Julie to create jewelry from your own heirloom buttons, beads and jewelry parts. Imagine using treasured or military buttons to craft a keepsake ring, necklace, bracelet, pin or earrings... a memory you can wear. Julie can also help you plan a special event ~ talk with her to schedule a ring party!

Julie also makes unique wire-wrap bracelets and flat wire pendants that are very popular items and make great Christmas gifts. New for this year are recycled beer label switch plates for the guys, and a Keep Calm collection of pendants.

Kristin & Chris Cooper ~ Kristin Christopher

Once upon a time, while majoring in jewelry at KU, Kristin and Chris met, then married and traveled the country doing art fairs for five action-packed years. The Coopers' adventures continued in creative design jobs at Disney in LA until the magic of clean air and green pastures enticed them back to Kansas to raise their two boys.

After a 17-year break from their jewelry biz, Kristin now makes jewelry full time again, teaches yoga, and challenges Chris to try to one-up her in sterling silver. They create fun and affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces that are soldered, hammered, and textured by hand, and include natural gemstones. Each piece is made with a deep passion for art, beauty, and a desire to inspire others. See more of their designs (and stories of their "happily ever after" livin' … coming soon) at www.kristinchristopher.com.

Clara Porter ~ Clara's Paperclip Jewelry

Clara has designed and made paperclip jewelry since she was thirteen years old. All of her work is handcrafted and made completely from paperclips and beads. Clara's jewelry is fun, fashionable, and light weight. Any design can be made in silver or gold, an array of bead colors, and multiple shapes. For more information talk to Clara at the show or visit www.etsy.com/shop/ClarasPaperclips. 

Small Business Saturday

As it happens, the Crafty Chicks Show & Sale is scheduled for Small Business Saturday again this year.  So, a great opportunity to support your local artists and businesses while getting your holiday shopping started - or finished!

Keep an eye on the blog for sneak peeks of what is in store this year!

Thank You!

{Crafty Chicks 2013}

A big thank you to devoted friends and customers for making Crafty Chick's 14th Annual Show & Sale a great success! We truly appreciate your patronage and support and hope to see you next year!  Enjoy the upcoming holidays!

Sneak Peek #7

 {Brandon & Tabitha Todd ~ ToddAh}

At the beginning of 2012 Brandon & Tabitha Todd decided to open ToddAh out of their home in Kansas City, Mo. Their goal when opening the store was to “Make Joy Appear”. Wanting to be more than just an online shop, they keep that in mind with everything they do, from donating 20% of proceeds to charity, to creating designs for their products, and even when starting a blog to connect with, and give something back their visitors. The Todds do this because the more people they impact and meet, the more passionate they are about creating great products. Their wish is for people to seek joy in giving, just as much as in getting.

 {Sue Tague ~ Adornaments}

Sue Tague is a creative soul who recently retired from a 47-year-career at Hallmark. She spent the past 18 years as a master artist/sculptor in the Keepsakes Ornaments department. Earlier in her career she specialized in creating both 2D and 3D whimsical and cute characters for almost every product line Hallmark makes. Previously, Sue was a design professor at Syracuse University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts  degree, had a passion for toys, and often gave her students assignments to design marionettes and paper-mechanical products. That was when Sue created her first marionette. The passion to make characters move and "come to life" has been with her ever since. To accomplish this she uses a mixture of sculpting, fashion design and jewelry-making techniques, as well as a vast collection of "junk" (her husband's term) and beads collected here and there. "Adornaments by Sue Tague" are meant to add a bit of fun and happy to your life!

{Tracy McVay ~ 2 Werks Design}

After a 28-year career as a greeting card illustrator/designer for Hallmark Cards, Tracy McVay retired to take a second creative path. A passion for textiles and "beadie ornamentia," her mother's sewing room, and a burgeoning collection of bits, beads, and pieces has inspired her new journey making handcrafted jewelry and small accessories. Materials for her collection of necklaces and bracelets include antique beads, buttons, stones, felted bits, and crystals.  Each piece possesses an eclectic light, color and cross-cultural resonance of whimsey and nostalgia.