Getting Ahead on Spring Cleaning

I don't know about you, but when the cleaning bug hits me, it hits hard. My husband knows that when I get that look in my eye, he had better 1) help me or 2) get out of my way. When I casually mentioned to him over the weekend that I wanted to do some spring cleaning, he looked at me warily and asked, "Today?" "Oh, sometime this week," I said breezily. The relief on his face was palpable.

Having four people living in an 800 square foot apartment is no easy feat, especially when half the family is under the age of 3. My motto is that whenever something comes in, something needs to go out. This morning, I set out to go through the living room bookshelf to discard, rearrange, and donate a lot of the clutter. In our living room sits one of these handy IKEA monstrosities, of which 90% of New Yorkers probably own as well.

Measuring 72" x 72", this storage system packs a lot of punch. Unfortunately, it also permits for a lot of clutter. Every member of our household has at various moments stashed items behind a neat set of books, hoping that no one will notice. Usually when something is missing in our home, it's hidden in the abyss of the IKEA bookcase.

In anticipation of spring cleaning, I picked up 9 clear plastic shoebox sized bins. These boxes became my best friends as I happily placed stationary, stamps, glue, paints, stickers, and beads in their appointed, contained places. Clear plastic bins are a crafter's lifeboat.

New Yorkers need to be storage geniuses to make use of the small space we have. And crafters in NYC have an especially burdensome task. Some great stores that can help us make the most of our space are:

• The Container Store
• IKEA
• Target
• Home Depot

What's your favorite organizational system?

Karina Glaser

WindowsOfAgate.etsy.com

Around the Corner: Craft Night at Etsy Labs

Looking for a good, crafty time?  Craft Night at Etsy Labs is where it's at!  Located within Etsy Headquarters in Brooklyn, NY, you will find a wonderful, creative space dedicated to weekly craft workshops and open craft nights where you can even work on your own project.

Photos courtesy of Etsy Labs

Yummy materials, books, and tools are available for your use -- I dunno about you, but I seriously salivate at the sight of buttons, glue guns, scissors, and just about anything art & craft related.

Previous Craft Nights have included projects such as Glass Ornament Painting, Stenciling Postcards, Stitching Pet Portraits, Etching Jewelry, and even making homemade jam.

Photo Courtesy of KimmChi

So come join the fun!  And since the Etsy Labs is a favorite hangout spot for the {NewNew}, maybe  we'll see you there!

Who: You!

*Not in the NYC tri-state area?  Join the party online at the Etsy Virtual Labs

What: Craft Night at the Etsy Labs

When: Mondays from 4 -8 pm

*Always double check the Craft Night Schedule first (some holidays it is closed)

Where: 55 Washington Street, Suite 712, Brooklyn, NY

Cost: Free!

Craft on,

Virginia

Virginia Kraljevic

Japan Fashion Now - Contemporary Japanese Fashion at FIT

Many of you probably know that the Fashion Institute of Technology maintains a free museum. Japan Fashion Now is the special exhibit currently on display in a gallery space transformed to evoke the cityscape of 21st century Tokyo. It features ensembles that cover the eighties and its avant-garde designers Miyake, Yamamoto, and Kawakubo,

and proceeds to showcase current looks inspired by the neighborhood Omotesando site of Comme des Garcon's flagship store.

For me (and my 9-year old) the most interesting pieces were the Gothic-Punk Lolita styles by Hirooka Naoto as exemplified by the stage costumes worn by the singers Hangry and Angry.



If you can't make it to the actual exhibit, you should at least drop by the virtual one, which includes an interview with Dr. Valerie Steele, the director of the museum.

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

The Newest {NewNew}ers

As of course you all know, the {NewNew} is a vibrant, growing community of NYC-based etsy artisans and crafters. People join the {NewNew} for many reasons: to learn how to grow their crafts businesses; to get support from others in the world of the indie artist, which can be daunting what with the inconsistent payday and lack of health insurance; and for the social aspect. The {NewNew} opens up to new members in July and February and I wanted to use this post to introduce you to some of our new members, who have been on the team between 6-12 months.

Aren't they just adorable at that age?

Speaking of adorable, if AmigurumiKingdom's cupcake bear earrings were any cuter, I think I'd explode!
Another contender in the extremely cute category is the friendly New York-lovin' cockroach by BuggedOut. Did you ever think you'd hear "cute" and "cockroach" in the same sentence? Unless it was something like, "Look, I just stepped on a cockroach in my cute boots."
The casual elegance of this folded vase by RomiCeramics will complement roses, wildflowers and everything in between:
DebiCoupage combines paint and paper to make classically modern (yeah, I said that) beautiful pieces, such as this mirror:
Lynliao3 created this charming and useful tote with Japanese fabric:
What kid wouldn't be thrilled to get a superhero hat by ProjectsbyCarm (psst, she also makes adult sizes):
Leave it luckx4 to FINALLY put the black widow and the man with a bee beard where we all know they belong: together!
And to come full circle back to intense cuteness, AmiTownCreatures' cotton candy owl certainly fits the bill!
Well, I hope you enjoyed meeting some of our {New} members as much as I enjoyed bringing them to you!

Until next time,

LuCrafts

Tools on Tuesday: Aperture Agog

Today's Favorite Tools installment features Kelly Titus of Aperture Agog. Kelly is a photographer and printmaker who specializes in NYC street art and niche humor. She sells her work in the form of greeting cards, art prints, hand-embroidered wall art, and original hand-screened T-shirts. Kelly's work is distinguished by a rascally wit and poetic sensibility.

Kelly's most beloved tool is a squeegee that was given to her by a good friend when she was just learning to silk-screen. She uses it to silk-screen sassy T-shirts proclaiming her love of roller derby, bike riding and reading; and of late, mustache-emblazoned "Stache Sacks," muslin drawstring bags for holding "secret stashes of mischief" (see final pic, below).

Photomontage of Kelly's Squeegee

Kelly loves this particular squeegee because it's "always magic for me no matter what I hand-screen." Kelly attributes this magic to the good friend who gave her the squeegee. As Kelly describes, her friend "is super-creative and always has fun with what she does. I think some of those good vibes are still in the squeegee."

Indeed. Silkscreening entails pulling ink over a stenciled image that has been superimposed onto a fine mesh screen, thereby transferring the image to fabric or paper. The squeegee pulls the ink.

Squeegee pulling the ink

Image with ink duly pulled over it

Kelly explains that the silk-screening process "can go wrong in a million ways:" Apply too much pressure and/or at the wrong angle and you get a globby or uneven image transfer. Apply too little pressure and the image doesn't show up. Kelly attests that when she uses her magic squeegee, "most of my pulls come out great. It's all in the squeegee!"

Completed Stache Sacks

Couldn't we all use a magic squeegee?

Until next time --

Linda

PurtyBird

A Crafty Questionnaire: Jenny Kim

For a totally uplifting dose of cute, visit Jenny Kim's Etsy shop Overall Baby. Rows of brightly colored overalls on adorable kids is sure to brighten anyone's day, and more than likely, will have you wishing she made overalls in adult sizes too.

A veteran sewer -- her first shop on Etsy is devoted to handmade fabric totes -- Jenny decided to focus on overalls after being laid off from a corporate job in 2008. She likes bringing a new appreciation for such an iconic American item to a modern audience. From the young hip couple looking for something unique and fun for their child, to grandparents who reminisce about the time they wore overalls as children, she designs her garments to appeal across generations.

Jenny's dream setup? After joining the Peace Corps, she would relocate to Costa Rica and volunteer at a surf instruction school while designing a line using the resources available at Aid to Artisans, a program that connects factories overseas in poor nations with designers in the U.S.

For more adorable babies in adorable overalls, visit Jenny's website at www.overallbaby.com where you'll find a link to her Etsy shop and a list of retail shops. Jenny also sells at local fairs in the NY area, especially in Brooklyn. Look for Overall Baby at the {NewNew} Handmade Calvacade, the Renegade Craft Market in Williamsburg, and the 5th Avenue Fair in Park Slope.



What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To sit quietly in a room, while meditating, and not let my thoughts get the best of me. Perfect happiness happens when my mind is still.

What is your greatest fear?
I think fear is created by attachment to things, which is something I try not to do so much of. Fear of losing loved ones, fear of not attaining goals, etc. Attachments and expectations are great but I rather roll with the punches.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I can't really think of anyone. It's hard to identify with one particular person since we live such different lives.

Which living person do you most admire?
Right now I'm a bit fascinated by Melinda Gates.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Something jazzy and upbeat!

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
Honesty.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Honesty.

What is your greatest extravagance?
This is a tough one. I'm a pretty simple girl who hates shopping. I bothers me when things I've bought pile up unused. I usually have a rule about owning only one of everything.

When and where were you happiest?
Whenever I'm on vacation. It's been awhile. I could use one now.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could be more firm with my decisions. I can be a bit of a pushover.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Starting my own business. It’s the most challenging thing I've ever done! Also the thing I’m most proud of.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
A dolphin. They seem like the freest animals in the world.


What is your most treasured possession?
People I love.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish I could draw. Like really draw. Like a super talented artist. It’s the one thing I think you can't learn. Either you're born with it or not.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom. She's the kindest and most giving person I know. Also, the most resilient person I know. If I can grow up to be as half as kind as she is, then I know I've done something right.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Snow in New York.

What is your motto?
Shit happens.

Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite all time band is the Beatles. I LOVE the Beatles. If I were a young girl during the 60's, I would totally be one of those crazy girls in the stands of their concerts screaming and having complete meltdowns!


Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Etsy! Actually, I thought of a similar concept about 8 years ago. I got the idea one day strolling through a street fair. I thought, wouldn't it be awesome if there was a website where people could easily set up shop and sell their wares? Everyone thought I was nuts.

What's the first thing you remember making?
In the 4th grade, I picked up a book on origami and was soon making flapping cranes and other cool things. My classmates thought they were pretty cool too and would offer all sorts of goodies in exchange.



Sue De
etsy.com/shop/persuede
made for you

An Etsy Love Story: Rocks and Salt

It's fitting as we bring Valentines Week to a close (yes- I said Valentine's WEEK. Didn't you get the memo from Hallmark?) that we spotlight the{NewNew} version of Sonny and Cher, Ricky and Lucy Rhett and Scarlet Edward and Bella (except without the sparkles and he had his fangs filed down about three months ago following a botched root canal)...PHIL and SARA from ROCKS AND SALT. Hold onto your hats people as we examine the kismet that caused them to kiss and meet.
Phil was born in the Appalachian mountains and shared a room, a mattress, and one pair of socks with five brothers. Sara began her life as a dolphin. One day the dolphin swam to shore and a little girl climbed out.

Phil was home schooled and became one of the first people to successfully enter the Parallel Universe and return unscathed. Sara is well known for her attempt to break the world record for typing out the letter P on a keyboard. After 5,238,685 strokes she collapsed, muttering "I have to pee" and retired to the bathroom where she lived for two years before emerging as a brunette with a fear of typewriters.Sara has one mean bone in her body. It is her left femur.

Phil's drink: Jack, straight. His song: Thunder Road. But when none of his guy friends are around, it's actually Total Eclipse of the Heart. He likes to sing the high part. Phil tickles easily, and often has an uncontrollable urge to eat fried pork rinds.
The two met one night after Phil got off from work at Subway, where he had recently won the "Most Improved Employee" award for his stellar sandwich building skills. Sara had been traveling with a roving band of cotton candy vendors. It was a cold, dark night and neither of them had a hat.

The rest is history. Sara spoke to him of her love of bird watching and he showed her his hand towel collection. Now they live together with two rare pygmy goats and make hats. Which is not as easy to do since Phil only has three fingers left; the others were eaten by a zombie dog.

So put something wonderful onto your head! Stop by RocksandSalt and get a hat: before there is an act of God and it warms up or something.Lennymud

Spring thaw, NewNew style

We've had our first warm day in months here in New York City.  Time for crafters to come out of their burrows and hit the pavement, street fair style.  You can always check our blog for local fairs we'll be selling our various wares at, but for today I've put together a nice collection just in time for the Spring thaw.  Hope it warms you up, wherever you are!

First up are these gorgeous hot pink gemstone earrings from LoellaMedina, these make me so happy and they are one-of-a-kind so no one else will be stepping out with your style!  Find them here.

From HyCCreative, and needing no other introduction...  Get it here.

This fun, fanciful print is perfect to bring in the Spring weather!  Available from MyZoeTrope right here.

Forgo e-mail and write someone a love note on these happy spiral notecards!  A gorgeous golden color, just perfect to cheer up the special people in your life.  Get it from RueRenee here.

Moms can get their kids geared up in handmade style!  Colorful and beautifully made you can't go wrong with these custom shortalls for you baby.  From OverallBaby, get them here.

This robins egg blue moustache mug is the perfect antidote to winter!  A little bit o' happy every time you sip your coffee.  Or tea.  Yum!  Get it from LennyMud right over here.

Hope you had fun on my virtual street fair tour of the handmade crafts made by New York area artists!  Plenty more can be found on Etsy if you search for NewNewteam.  Or click here.

 See ya next time,

Stephanie
Metalicious

Fashion Week - {NewNew} Style

Fashion Week has descended upon us, and while the catwalks at Lincoln Center are focused on the hot looks for Fall 2011, we here at the {NewNew} felt it would be more timely and appropriate to glimpse back at what’s coming up for Spring 2011. As we’re all ready to give winter the collective middle finger (had your fill of overcast skies, sub-zero temps and piles of dirty, slushy snow anyone?), let’s cast our attention to what awaits us once those first buds of spring start gracing us with their heavenly presence.

We’ve put our own spin on how to pick up the trends of Spring via the fabulous offerings of our team - hopefully this will tie you over through these last 2 months of winter!

Hot Trends for Spring 2011 - {NewNew} Style:

Femme Biker Chic - a spinoff of military-chic trends of the past, this latest look incorporates edgier elements with softer accents. Think zippers with quilting.

Image courtesy of FashionRising.com

Quilted Wool Felt Wall Hanging - StephanieMonroe

Zipper Handbag - Rosirouge

Dolman Sleeves/Fuller Silouettes - Tops have slowly become more full, boxy and cropped over the past few seasons; fuller silouettes and clasic dolman sleeves will be more visible this spring.

Photo via Refinery29.com

Silver Suit Boutique Dress - Better Than Jam

Herringbone Wool Jacket - Jess Witaj

“Loungerie” - Elements of lingerie have infiltrated outerwear. Less about overt references to sex (a la Madonna in the 80’s. And 90’s. And...well, nevermind). This is more soft, nostalgic, romantic...think subtle featherweight fabrics, silks, fine cottons, blends and lace.

Photo via FashionRising.com

Women's Silkscreened Nighty - KimmChi

Cloud Lace Ring - Ardent1

Punk Fashion - Similar to Biker Chic, this mixes punk elements with softer elements (i.e. femme). Add touches of studs, heavy boots and safety pins to your look.

Photo via FashionRising.com

Sterling Silver Faceted Cube Earrings - KnockKnockStudio

Much Dreaming and Many Words, Mixed Media - Halflight

Pink Cake Boot - Allene La Spina

Posted by Lolafalk