Talk Crafty To Me Just another WordPress weblog

Woohoo! TalkCraftyToMe.com has been shortlisted for “favourite blog with a handmaking focus” at RikRak Studio’s Handmade Olympics. There are 9 other fantastic blogs shortlisted in this category so we need all the help we can get! Please head on over here and vote for Talk Crafty To me! (no registering required, just a simple click)

Once you’ve voted be sure to check out all the other great events.

{ event 1 } :: our favourite handmade goodie with an innovative design
{ event 2 } :: our favourite handmade goodie for kids
{ event 3 } :: our favourite handmade eco friendly goodie
{ event 4 } :: our favourite handmade item that inspires lovelieness + wellness (in our homes, for ourselves, etc.)
{ event 5 } :: our favourite handmade personality/group forwarding kindness thru handmaking
{ event 6 } :: our favourite thrifty-forward, sustainable-minded blog, shop or site.
{ event 7 } :: our favourite FUN-FILLED handmade OR vintage goodie
{ event 8 } :: our favourite handmaking-focus blog <— this is our event!

Wishing you could do more to help those in need in Haiti? In addition to donating money, I’ve got two crafty ways you can give…

Craft Hope for Haiti

The Craft Hope Etsy shop is full of generously donated handcrafted goods, with all proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders. New products are being added all the time, so check out some of the great finds, and feel good knowing that your purchase is making a difference.

If you can sew, knit, crochet, or craft you can also help, by donating your items to the shop. Visit the Craft Hope website for more info.

Visit the Craft Hope for Haiti Etsy Store >

_{(A few of the items up for sale on Craft Hope)}

Haiti Relief Silent Auction

Indie Fixx has organized a silent auction with all proceeds to going to the Red Cross International Response Fund. Each day new items, that have been donated by indie crafters, artists and designers will be put up for auction. You can bid via the comments and are able rebid as much as you want. The highest bidder wins, and can make their payment through Paypal. Jen from Indie Fixx will pay all the Paypal fee’s to ensure that 100% of your bid goes to the Red Cross.

The best way you can help is by bidding! There are some fantastic items up for grabs, and every little bit helps.

Visit the Indie Fixx Silent Auction >

_{(A few of the items up for Auction)}

The Museum of Vancouver is holding a craft night on January 21st, dedicated to celebrating the growing DIY craft, art & design movement in Vancouver. There will be workshops, with free materials, a DJ and even a bar.

The event is sponsored by Opus Framing & Art Supplies, and is geared to both craft newbies, and more seasoned creators.

Go, enjoy, create…

DIY @ MOV
Thursday, January 21
7:00pm
Museum of Vancouver
1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia [map]

… because MALL is a four letter word.

The Got Craft? Holiday Show is happening in Vancouver on Dec. 6th. Featuring over 50 local vendors, there’s sure to be something handmade for everybody on your list from clothing to jewelry to art to ceramics and home décor. The first 30 people through the door will receive a free, re-useable swag bag packed full of goodies from all of our vendors.

They will also be giving away a personal screen printing machine valued at $400 Cdn courtesy of Yudu and a DIY button kit including a machine and 250 parts courtesy of Six Cent Press.

Got Craft?
Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair

Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Royal Grandview Legion – 2205 Commercial Drive (at E. 6th Avenue)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission: $2.00 (kids are free)

For more information and a complete list of vendors, please visit www.gotcraft.com.

Some favourites:
Cutesypoo Toys
Bliss in a teacup
Olive

Make it! is back again this year with another great event just in time to kick off your holiday shopping. Support talented Canadian artisans and designers this season, as you enjoy the beats from some of Vancouver’s hottest DJs… none of your traditional Christmas music at this show.

One-of-a-kind handmade items from over 90 of Canada’s hottest urban artists and designers, fashion, accessories, art, jewelry, baby items and home decor… and we promise no pinecone art or popsicle stick reindeers in sight!

Tickets are only $5 and the show runs all weekend.

Make it!
Friday, November 20 – 4pm to 9pm
Saturday, November 21 – 11am to 6pm
Sunday, November 22 – 11am to 5pm

@ The Croatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
view map

What a great way to add a little fun to your 4th of July. This crafty idea comes from the very creative Kathleen over at Twig & Thistle. Not only is this great for the 4th of July, but for any picnic that needs a little sparkle! Wedding showers… baby showers… or even just a fun day out.

Check out the full tutorial, and download the templates over on Kathleen’s blog.

Hope you all have a wonderful Canada Day!

These cute little clay Canada Houses from The Little Red Door make a great addition to potted plants, terrariums or just anywhere you need a little bit of Canadiana!

Check em out, eh!

Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair has gone bite sized the second Sunday of each month between June and November.

Sunday, July 12
Sunday, August 9
Sunday, September 13
Sunday, October 11
Sunday, November 8

Got Craft? bite sized features a bakers dozen of local and handmade vendors, with new vendors each month.

11:00am to 4:00pm
Little Mountain Gallery – 195 E. 26th Avenue (at Main Street)
Admission by donation to support the Vancouver Craft Mafia

Check out Got Craft? for more info

The folks over at Got Craft? are presenting the western Canada Premier of Handmade Nation. The indie film, follows director Faith Levine, as she travels 19,000 miles across the US documenting the rise of D.I.Y., Art, Craft, and Design.

The Screening takes place July 9th at The Rio Theater, and will be preceded by a craft showcase featuring 14 local handmade artists. Faith Levine will also be there to introduce the film and hold a Q&A session after the screening.

Tickets are $20.00 online at Got Craft? or you can purchase them at the door for $25.00.

When: Thursday, July 9th, 2009
Location: Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway @ Commercial Drive
Screening: 8:00pm
Craft Showcase: 7:00pm
Get Tickets >>

Check out the trailer:

The Vancouver Craft Mafia is hosting Succulent Garden Party this coming Sunday for the summer solstice. Share some soil and some yummy eats with these ladies in Victoria park, and make a beautiful succulent pot for your home.

Be sure to let them know you’re coming (so they know how much soil to purchase), and check out their site for all the details..

Who: The Vancouver Craft Mafia
What: Summer Solstice Succulent Party
Where: Meeting at Figaro’s Garden, 1896 Victoria Ave., then walking to Victoria Park, 4 blocks away
When: June 21st, 2009 from 4pm to 6pm

For more information click here.