The Spark

6 bits about me

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Woolies tagged me and I didn't notice until just now. So here are six bits about me:

My middle name is Rae because I was named for my dad, Raymond.
I have an addictive personality: when I get a video game I really like, I'll play for hours at a time. If I get into a book, I'll stay glued to it until it's finished, even if I have to stay up all night. That's partly why I don't drink... I recognize that there's something in me that will continue behaviors even when they're not that good for me.
I'm a little bit like Mr. Micawber (in David Copperfield) - I work to better ends when I'm working for someone else. When I'm working for myself I tend to drift a little. I'm not as motivated as when I'm working for someone else.
My honey Michael and I met when we were in middle school. But we didn't get to know each other until our 10-year high school reunion.
I don't have a favorite color. Or a favorite band or favorite food. The things I like best change depending on the day and my mood.
I'm a Tucson native. Sunshine is a real necessity for me. If it's cloudy for too long, I have really low energy and low spirits.

Now I'm going to tag... Melanie (Cozy Comfort for Kids), Regina (Creative Kismet), and Laura (Coati Banter). Your turn, ladies!

free desktop cute

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:23:00 +0000

I've added a little something to the dragon's spark site—free desktop wallpapers. Two are inspired by my favorite fabric patterns, and two are original designs. I'll probably be adding more as inspiration strikes.

Time to replace that picture of you and Rover at the park? Want to add a little indie pizazz to your computer desktop? Download one of these wallpapers! They're like gift-wrapping your computer ...in love ...from the inside out. Something like that. Anyway, they look cool and they've got my Web address on them, in case you want to pick up a gift of the non-virtual type.

april fair at Bentley's

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:22:00 +0000

It's that time again—time for another Bentley's fair. Pretty much everything I said about the last one applies to this one, so I won't repeat myself.

One circumstance worth mentioning is that our fair is happening on the same day as the last day of the 4th Avenue Street Fair. It'll be interesting to see whether that helps us or hurts us. I'm hoping people may stop by to see us on the way to or from the big fair. We'll see.

march artisan fair at Bentley's

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:24:00 +0000

It's time for another artisan fair at Bentley's House of Coffee & Tea!

Sunday, March 16
9 am - 1 pm
1730 E Speedway Blvd (see map)

Besides me, participating artisans include:
Rainestorm (handmade pillows & plushes, & upcycled items)
Handmade by Diana (jewelry & handmade satchels)
Vistah Soap (handmade soap, lotions, & scrubs)
Old Pueblo Earring Co. (beaded & bottlecap jewelry)
Woolies (knits, plushes, & other felted goodies)
Modmoxie (elegant handmade jewelry)

Enjoy yummy Bentley's coffee and eatables while you browse handcrafted items made right here in Tucson!

We will also be having fairs on April 5 and May 4.

civano artisans fair this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:32:00 +0000

The 2008 Civano Spring Artisans Fair is happening this weekend! Beautiful weather, spring flowers, and great handmade items... what more could you wish for? The vital information:

Saturday, March 1st - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 2nd - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Civano Nursery
5301 S. Houghton Road, Tucson 85747

I'll be participating on Saturday. Some of my friends will also be participating, on either or both days. That means handmade goodness throughout the weekend! Here's a sample of the goodies you could see up close and personal.

by rainestorm

by dragon's spark

by modmoxie

by handmade by diana

by creative kismet

local fair this Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:45:00 +0000

I'm going to be at an artisan fair this Sunday, February 10 at Bentley's House of Coffee & Tea. Also in attendance will be a number of splendid artisans in jewelry, plushes, hand-painted ceramics, clothing, handbags, and probably more things I'm not remembering at this point. Here's a partial list of who's selling:

We're also having a little giveaway... everyone who signs up for our team's newsletter will get to pick an item from our "mystery bag." You might get a charm (I'm contributing some), a notecard, a pin, or something else handmade with love from one of the above artists.

Come out and get something really special for a loved one or yourself, just in time for Valentine's Day. We'd love to see you there!

me, in print, #2

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:27:00 +0000

I'm there, baby: Arizona Daily Star article on the Sonoran Artisans.

I'm a little embarrassed by how I was quoted in the article.... In my interview, I said some things about how I felt that buying handmade helped you to feel better about how you spent your money, because presumably the craftsperson from whom you are buying is charging enough to pay themselves a decent wage. But instead of quoting that, the writer quoted something I said that was vague and poorly constructed. (^_^;) Oh well.

pendants

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:38:00 +0000

I've been making these lately. It's fun... I like drawing and I like jewelry... this is both.

Most of these are available on DaWanda. A couple are in my Etsy shop.

me, in print

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:36:00 +0000

...Possibly. For those of you who read the Arizona Daily Star, I might get a mention in this Saturday's Accent section. There is going to be an article about Tucson artisans/crafters who sell on Etsy. I was interviewed by the freelance writer doing the article, and my products and I may get a mention. Here's hoping!

buttoned cowl

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:28:00 +0000

Just made this tonight... I think it's gorgeous. ;-) I really love this yarn—it's wonderfully soft and thick and such a beautiful color.

This cowl is now for sale on Etsy.

striped gauntlets

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:53:00 +0000

Just made these yesterday:

a couple of shows

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:47:00 +0000

I have a couple of craft shows under my belt now, and I feel like I'm starting to get a feel for it. I did a fair in October and one on Thursday of this week. The things show pretty well, and I'm noticing which pieces get the most positive responses.

I'll be at an arts and crafts fair at St. Mark's, December 1! Please come out and see me if you can... you'll be able to see all my wearables and such in person, and maybe go home with some nice gifts for the holidays. (^_^)

A couple of things I've made, but haven't yet put up on the Web site:

heading back to class

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Rae) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:24:00 +0000

So, I'll be heading back to classes soon... That's a constraint, but also liberating in a way: I now feel freed from the obligation of “trying to make the business work”—and consequently, I'm branching out in my crafts and being more creative.

Also, I stumbled on a few great bargains, picked up a bunch of yarn and some knitting looms very inexpensively, and have been rediscovering the pleasures of yarn crafts. I made some lovely knitted baskets, and the act of making them was such a pleasure, too. It's nice to feel yarn again, even if the wool does make my eyes itch a little! ;-)