Crafty Ramble

I’m a big fan of gadgets – cooking, office, craft/sewing, etc.  Especially sewing gadgets.  I have my eye on the bias tape maker as I write this. I just haven’t convinced myself I need it…yet. 

I finally ordered a ruffler sewing foot. I’ve been thinking about a couple of designs that would require a bunch of small pleats.  I already do some things that have a couple of pleats or a little bit of gather, but if you plan on doing lots this will help loads.  Ruffling/pleating isn’t hard to do but time consuming and taxing on patience. Your fingers will thank you.

Test shots:

Well, they do have the furniture too. The closest Ikea is about 2 hours away so it is not the easiest place to just pop over for a look-see. There has to be a list and a road trip with two of my crafty friends Dawn and Kelly. Which is always fun. There are usually show tunes, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and many laughs. ‘Nuf said, fun! My excuse main agenda was to get a nice cabinet (Linnarp in red to be specific). Maybe another trip is in order to look for  more fabric office chairs.

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Do the folks at the art supply store know you by name? Do you have supplies for a project but can’t remember for what  project. (thats me!)  If so it may be time to admit your addiction, and we can help…

Join us for the 3rd annual Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap!

The Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap is an opportunity for artists and crafters of all types to get together in a fun, social environment and trade craft supplies.

This event is also a benefit to support Art 180 – a Richmond based non-profit organization that creates and provides art-related programs to young people living in challenging circumstances, encouraging personal and community change through self-expression. In addition, we will be supporting other local non-profits that utilize art/craft in their programs.

For details check out http://www.rvacraftswap.com

Wishing you a very merry holiday season!

Its that time again! The 5th annual RCM Handmade Holiday craft show, our second year at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond at 1812 Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220.  I’m going to be there, my  peeps the Richmond Craft Mafia and 40 more awesome crafty Richmonders.
If you are there, you’ll get to see the new Nicole Lee Designs pillow line in person.  Cute Eh?  I think so.

The details:
Preview Party Friday: December 11th – 7pm to 10pm, first dibs on fabulous local handmade gifts. No tickets or invite required, just a suggested donation of $10 at the door to benefit The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (formerly the Hand Workshop). There will be yummy holiday snacks and a cash bar for beer & wine with the music of Fan District Caroling Association.

Free & Open to the Public Saturday: December 12th – 10am to 5pm, Buy local & handmade from some of Richmond’s most talented indie crafters and designers.

Hey ya’ll! Do you love a good sale? Me too! So for Thanksgiving week Monday, November 23 to November 30th, I am having a 20% off sale on orders over $10 on my home site, NicoleLeeDesigns.com and in my Etsy shop using the discount code Thanks09. For Etsy orders, your discount amount will be refunded to you via Paypal.

Also, I’ve been trying out some new designs.

As if I don’t have enough to work on this time of year (to overthink on), I’ve signed myself up for NaNoWriMo, again.

To work on that novel that I secretly hope to write. The novel ideas that have kicked out what little I remember from college geometry and MS Excel from my memory. But that’s the point, not to overthink, just write the doggone thing, 50,000 words in 30 days. So there you have it. Someone on the NaNoWriMo forums did the math, 6 pages a day, 1670 words and you ‘ll be safe to reach the goal…That doesn’t sound too bad, stated like that. Maybe I’ll reach the goal this year. I think I’m approaching this years write-a-thon with a better mind set, doing better with my overthinking of things and what not.
6 pages a day doesn’t sound too bad at all. 4th year is the charm? eh?

The Richmond Craft Mafia is pleased to announce it is collaborating with GayRVA.com to bring you a fabulous holiday event. The Divine Design and Craft Boutique, is a holiday gallery to benefit the Gay Community Center of Richmond (GCCR). You’ve probably seen or even visited the GCCR and not even realized it: Diversity Thrift, Thursday night Diversity Bingo, and the GCCR Gallery all share space in the rainbow-bedecked building on Sherwood Avenue, right by The Diamond. Please visit us during the opening reception Friday, November 13, 7-9pm for some great shopping for a great cause.

Opening reception: Friday, November 13, 7-9pm

Gallery open daily: November 14-December 6

Location: Gay Community Center of Richmond
1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220
804-622-4646

Its a Ladies Night! Come for a night of an informal open house of Flower Peddler Bath and Beauty, complimentary spa mini-treatments, appetizers, free gifts and an opportunity to shop from me and other awesome businesses.
Where & When:
Friday, October 23, 2009 5:00-9:00 PM
Flower Peddler Bath & Beauty is located at 11138 Air Park Road, Suite H, Ashland, VA (in the Hanover Air Park). Please call us at 804-496-6381 for more information or directions.

For more details click on the flyer below!

http://flower-peddler.com/store/Ladies-Night-p-1-c-402.html

Just recently good friends Ono, Erin, Dawn, Kelly and I got together for an old fashion sewing night. The cause of the night was to work on bags for the upcoming “Its in the Bag”, Handbag Silent and Live Auction for LINC.

Here is my bag contribution for the LINC auction:
As you can see I’ve been experimenting with doing some new things and with eco felt.

Be sure to pencil in November 5th for the auction to see lots of one of kind handbags created by the local Richmond’s artist community along with some internationally recognized designers. A fun night for all and for a good cause!