A Rusted Root~Apples Simmering~ Kind of Day

My New Elfy Socks & Toasty Slippers, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

So I had been thinking about the band Rusted Root, a lot lately. They were one of the bands that really kept my spirits up. I later learned from a schoolmate that apparently* the singer wasn't very nice. Which made me sad- but the music still gets me excited- shaking all aroun the kitchen.

Last night I finished appliqueing a messenger bag for a family member as well as a scarf for my niece- a custom ordered onesie which will go out today along with baking 2 loaves of banana bread (1- flax,peanut-butter,choc.chip w/ toasted coconut on top- 2 walnuts) I kept one pretty natural and low key. (that one actually came out a bit tastier!- I'll know for next time less is more!)

We also finally rented from our library, 1408. I loooove John Cusack - the movie was very different and a little creepy- but more strange and eerie. What a great movie reviewer I'd be.

Today while peeling apples for apple/cranberry muffins ( which will go in tins and party bags for family- along w/ banana bread-choc.chip peanut cookies, sugar and pumpkin cookies) I was thinking about the things I want if and when we can ever afford a house. I'd like something simple with charm- a little country and maybe a fireplace.. because I've always wanted to have a mantle to decorate. I remember one year my parent's bought this corregated cardboard roll that was colored like bricks and we put it up in the living room- maybe it was silly but I liked it or I liked that they did it for us looking back.
I miss not having a kitchen table to decorate and eat at. As I've mentioned before our apt. is hobbit-like and all we have is a tall counter or the coffee table to eat dinner at. For now it is okay- but I dream of taking my little table out of storage and using all the wonderful new & vintage linens I've aquired over my years of thrifting.
So today I set up the table we use for our shows & screenprinting. Yup! I set that baby right up in the kitchen and decorated it and everything! I'll use it to create the pastry assembly line for later.

I think this will be my last entry till we finish with Christmas. I'll be uploading to Flickr.
Be Well Have a Wonderful Christmas & Happy New Year!!
m

My Least Favorite Day- or My 3rd Grade Essay

Just thought the title sounded like something I might have written in 3rd grade. Certainly my grammer is that of a 3rd grader.

This morning I couldn't get up. Actually everyday since we got home from our Hawaiian excursion. The coffee was made at 7am and I was still in bed at 7:30. Jasper ( our fat cat) was jumping on us- and trying to get Zach up or someone to just feed him.
Finally when I got up a few minutes later- I decided I'd wear my new cute jeans-purchased for $8.00 w/ a 20% coupon at Savers. They're grey with a shiny silver stitching on the bum pockets. I thought they'd wake me up or at least be an interesting conversation piece when my friend Suzanne came by later today. I also immediately put PJ Harvey on- her album Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea,her 7th album. I haven't kept up with her work- but I love her and will eventually download/borrow it somehow. I'm similar in that way with so many musicians. Anyhow- now awake wearing silver-pocketed pants listening to PJ harvey I poured some of that morning brew I was jabbering about and after a bit of tinkering on Etsy mostly I'll be able to start my day.

On the beach in Hawaii digging for shells

Our wee Christmas tree

The mustache Tie in our etsy shop

Shroom tote also available in our shop- Vintage Mushroom fabric w/ adorable Kawaii tape

I've been trying to divide time between making holiday gifts- custom orders and new pieces to keep the shop fresh. It isn't easy! But I work best under pressure. The holiday season has come so fast this year- which I know is a ridiculous statement- but feels realistic to say. Since we went away and returned on the 4th of Dec. it has been an utter whirlwind.

We don't really have plans to do any shows at the moment- not as though there is much time. I think since we're doing well on Etsy we'll just work w/that for the moment.

For work Zach had to record a Gift Guide for Wizard to be on Myspace- it's really cute and I'm excited for him!
Check out this video: Wizard Holiday Gift Guide 2007



Add to My Profile | More Videos

When I first saw it I squealed I was so proud and he looked so cute and I've never seen him on any of the tv interviews he's given, I've only heard the radio interviews. So it was fun for a change to actually see what he's done at work.

Another singer I am really enjoying is Lily Allen. I copied my sister-in-law's cd while we were away and now I am obsessed- she's hysterical and has so much sass! Not to mention adorable. The album ( ? hi 1972) has a true flow to it.
With that I say au revoir Pee-wee! ( which is actually a band I heard on NPR) I think they're from the states but are very popular in France. That movie is amazing.
xo Happy Crafting

It is Beginning to Look A Lot LIke Christmas...

Happy Holidays Hello Kitty Style, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Some of th cards I'll be sending out this year. I like to mix it up with different ones. I buy my cards at the end of the holidays for each year-that way they are super cheap! When I worked at the bookstore I was the master of the end of the year sale! Yay~

This year I am really staying away from the mall and it feels good. Last year I pretty much started making everyone's gifts and this year I'll do the same. I also took the Handmade pledge- which just makes me feel good to know others are sort of doing the same thing- or that the pieces I make are going to someone's family member for the holidays and everyday!
Today I worked on making several new coffee cuffs and working on a new tote. I'll upload photos as soon as I'm finished.
This weekend I so want to see Amy Sedaris at the Bust Craftacular- but I've been sick and in a wear-pajamas-craft-mode... and I don't know if i can get out!
Along with printing some shirts- we also need to locate our Christmas ornaments & such and figure out a tree situation! Soo much to do.
Be well and have a great weekend!

Making Our Way Back Home... The Adventure Continues...

Just as Santa has begun his trek across the world the hobos too are packing up their bags and heading back to New York. We've had about 10 days or warm weather- Transformer/princess conversations, steep and beautiful roads,wonderful foliage,beautiful skies , good finds at thrift stores, delicious pastry- but most importantly..the time to get to know my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and their two adorable children. When family lives far away it is most important to stay in touch with photos- emails anything to jog the little people's memory about you. But having the fortunate opportunity to visit Hawaii and see Zach's family and my new family has been a really great experience!

I don't look forward to the flying and long hours on the plane- but our two kitties and winter weather await us and that is the best part about coming home. I realized being away from my cats and sewing machine was difficult. I called my mom a lot which I do normally-but Zach and I joked about getting a phone line w/ answering machine for the cats so we could talk to them.. yes I'm cookoo.

This morning we walked into the town of Makawao and had breakfast(veggie benedict). We visited a through shops and I found some really cool stuff in a shop called Collections(who didn't have a website unfortunately) where I found some adorable ornaments to give as little extra gifts. Here is where I was first introduced to the term Frozen Charlotte There was a box with three adorable dolls 1 duck, 1 cat and a bear in a crepe paper dresses with flowers behind their ears made of porcelain. One set was broken up so I only purchased the bear. I forgot the exact name of the set and when I called the owner just said they were Frozen Charlottes. I've tried to look into the creater of this actual one-with no luck yet! The shop also had wonderful what looked like reconstructed jackets out of cotton that were way awesome by Scrapbook Clothing.

Our bags are packed to the brim- I hope & *wish* it doesn't explode- full of my wonderful vintage/thrift finds. Our shop will have some new items this Friday night and continuing into the weekend.


Be Well!

The Road to Hana a Hobo Adventure

The Road to Hana, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

It is around 1:34 am in Hawaii- I've been downloading some new music for our trip back home on Monday. It's actually like a full day of travel.. I don't look forward to it. We've been here since Black Friday. The weather for the most part has been beautiful.. we went to the beach today.
Yesterday we went to a fabric shop where I bought some traditional Hawaiian fabric. Tomorrow we're going to the beach again to collect shells & such.. then visit a few Salvation Army shops- maybe stop for a coffee break- then run some errands before the busy weekend begins in Hawaii. Saturday- Zach's sister has the day planned and Sunday is Max's 7th birthday party. So much going on! I miss home though.. I've always been a get homesick kinda gal.

I also have been away from my sewing machine for over a week and I've begun to twitch ever so slightly.... but Laura veirs is one of my new favorites by reccommendation of a fellow like-minded soul.
off to bed i wish it were morning
"sleep is like a fever and I'm glad when it ends"
ani difranco

Snuggle Bunny is Back

Snuggle Bunny, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Everyone's favorite bunny is back. After a brief hiatus- we got all of our supplies together and have started screening them ourselves. Each shirt is a little different- well cause they're like snowflakes.. and well we're learning as we go. This is one of my favorite color combos.

Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of SB merch in our etsy shop and at our shows. We'll be selling totes, clutches and pillows in addition to t-shirts for adults & todders and onesies. Snugglefy your entire family this holiday season!

In blog land we've added a new feature from our myspace page.. it is down at the bottom- and it is a slide projector- which is really cool and easy to set up.

Lastly- this weekend, Saturday November, 18th 11-7
We'll be at Artist & Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
www.artistandfleas.com
xo

Fabulous Moolah/ Brooklyn and a Pledge

So- I wanted to spend some time acknowledging the life of Mary Lillian Ellison aka The Fabulous Moolah the amazing female wrestler- because she passed away last week. But I can't give it the time I'd like so I will post about her and the amazing life she led next week.

This Saturday we'll be in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Indie Market
We'll have new Snuggle Bunny t-shirts and other giftie goodness like aprons, totes and handmade skirts.

In the mean time Take the Handmade Pledge. Do something to support handmade designers and yourself. You won't be sorry! Then hit up Etsy Handmade Market place!





Be Well~
Melissa

Monday Morning-Changes

I woke earlier than I usually have been (7:10ish) thanks to Jasper and his never ending hunger pangs. We'ved started watching Heroes- which I use to shrug off before. But Z brought the 1st season home so he could go over it for work( yeah isn't that a great job) and I've been hooked ever since. It doesn't take much. Give me a boxed set of uninterrupted tv and I can really get stuff done.

Yesterday we screenprinted some more and took the shirts for a wash at the laundromat and the 2nd round was fine. The whole curing process is that indeed- like cooking a big dinner if you pull it out too quickly it might not be too tasty. This morning I am going to do some curing myself and try to create some cute Snuggle Bunny totes for the shop.


It is so difficult to stay organized with all of our craft supplies (mostly mine) everywhere! I need to be more diligent about putting my fabrics away. Although now that I am working on the side counter in the kitchen the living room floor is free and mostly clear to walk!!

Today I want to also work on a few slips (vintage) I've been saving. And lastly take some photographs of the new zippy pouches I've been making ( which are SUPER fun to make) I just bought some new zippers
and organize some beads to list in my other shop.
Projects created with inspiration from Threadbangers: They had these lovely fingerkess glove tutorial so I took it one step further and made myself fingerless gloves & mittens from some old sweaters. Zach's are on the way!




Hopefully I can get it all done.

Have a wonderful week. Thanks for reading!
M

Shop Update 11/2 8 p.m.

Shop Update 11/2 8 p.m., originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Ever have a project blow up in your face? It happens. But you win some, you lose some. I'll be posting some of my recent winners this Friday, Nov. 2, at 8:00 p.m. on hobocampcrafts.etsy.com

Come by and check them out!

Dreaming

Me and my girl- Blondie, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

I've been neglecting this blog. Living- so much going on. I can't even believe that it is almost November. I altered curtains for the kitchen last night. They are a winter white- handed down from Grammi Oat. The white curtains against the white walls really makes the kitchen look brighter(which is great for an attic apt)- today I am going to try and sew up a long curtain for down the stairs since their is such a draft.
There are a few aprons I've just finished as well as some new totes ready to be sewn. So pour yourself a cup of joe and visit our shop.
Hobocampcrafts.etsy.com!
xo

Visit Hobocampcrafts for some lovely new diggs!

I've jumped on the bandwagon... or boxcar should I say?, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Wee Weekend Retreat

Autumnal Bounty at Clarkdale Farms Deerfield, MA, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

We visited Providence on Saturday for a PROM show then drove up to Deerfield to stay with a friend. His fmily owns a beautiful orchard apples,pears,peaches,nectrines,plums,gourds,pumpkins and more. Here is one of the beautiful decorated parts of the farm. It was like a little 1 1/2 day retreat.

Due to a switch in my schedule my update for the shop will be Tuesday, October 23rd around 9pmish.

Hope to see you there!

A Normal Morning for the Oats

I found this while reading Misfitgirl's blog




This is pretty much what Zach and I deal with every morning. One 16pound cat and one 9 pounder drudge atop of us trying to wake us up every morning. So we really appreciated this! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Have a great weekend!

Excitement

So I was featured as handbag designer of the day! Check this out!!

Hobocamp Crafts on Handbag Designer 101

Also I wrote a review of the book Felt Underground on Etsy's Storque newsletter. I'm pretty sure people who are involved in a book are not supposed to review a book- but I thought I was very neautral and well the book is just awesome so it is a win win!
If you want t read it here goes:
Felt Underground

Aside from that cookiness does that say cookie-ness? oh well. I'm repping for our PROM show this weekend- hope & wish for good weather- we won't have our tent xo.
Some photos to ponder, smile or just glance at.
Hapy Fall & have a great weekend. Shop Update Thursday October 25th. 3pm chofulla new stuff for the holladays!


new images of my design, knotty scarf from felt underground. Available in our shop!

Use your heart to lead your brain

I don't have one issue to write about- because I try to do a little bit here and there in most things. During the day when I'm creating items for my shop- I am really trying to come up with something that I can reuse. Something that might get thrown in the garbage or just something old and cool that I can breathe a new life into. There are so many artists who use recycled goods and I love to see their inventive nature check it out Etsy Trashion

I'm not saying I'm perfect.. I proud of myself that I don't litter. That is probably why I end up with raisins on my sunglasses- cause my totes are filled with everything- paper scraps-lollipop wrappers random food etc. But when I see people litter I can't stand it. Just look after your own and throw that crap out! In general it is such an easy task- to throw something out- now in most cities and towns you can't walk 100 steps without finding a trash can.

During the summer I kept the air conditioner( which we needed living in an attic apt. on about 73- the news kept saying if you change just 3 degrees you're helping a little bit.

When I was in college I was vegan for about 3 years. The university I attended was really easy going and the pizza shop on campus and off- offered vegan pizza the bakery on campus offered vegan cookies a plenty and of course the french fries. (I'm sure they weren't exactly vegan. Anyhow it was easier when you're living in a bubble on campus and eating off of a declining balance and not really cooking for yourself.

I've been a vegetarian for about 8 or 9 years which i'm proud of. Recent issues with various milk products has gotten me back to eating an *almost vegan diet. Right now I can eat things that have milk as an ingredient but not milk itself or cheese but I am still eating eggs. However the eggs are staring to make me feel sick- much like meat did when I first went veggie. So I think my time is coming to make this change... again. My husband ( who ate things like meat wrapped in meat jk) has also gone veggie almost 100%- which I'm so proud of him. His is more for health than the environment.. he hasn't let me show him any of the types of literature or movies i've seen that made me make the switch to veganism or assisted me in my short-lived protesting career in animal rights.

I try not to judge others regarding their food choices.. I might tell them what is a healthier option (especially to my dear father and husband) but I really try not to preach- because just as I wouldn't want to hear it about something that didn't interest me... vice versa. But I am coming into vegetarianism in a different light. I love cooking- I especially enjoy seeing my husband and parents, family eating what I've made and enjoying it and knowing it is vegetarian or vegan well that can be my little secret if need be.

A few of my resolutions :

*Begin the start of a vegan diet again and embrace it in a whole-hearted and healthy way
*Walk or bike more- this is a win win good for you & the world
*Use more recycled options in my daily creating
*During the winter dress in layers and use less energy
*Same goes for the summer keeping the dial up to save energy
*Plant vegetables again( even though nothing was yielded this year except some basil) try and try again
*Continue to educate myself and others on different issues
*Take care of my own well-being and listen to myself... trust myself
*Give back to nature in whatever way seems right that day
*Lastly is offer/teach this all to the child I want to have in the future
thanks for this opportunity!
I'd love to hear what you want to do!

Rummaging-Prep and a Local Show

Slip Detail 10.12, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

That's our plan for this weekend. The pretty slip is from our local church rummage sale. In addition to the rummaging at the church we need to rummage around in the attice eves for our winter/fall clothng!

The prep work for our show involves Zach cutting out bird brooch bodies & kitties. I'm also making dryer satchets for the show on Sunday. It is a local nursery Down to Earth- and they are also having a sculpture exhibit on Sunday.

We hope everything is great! If you're in the Rockland County area check us out!
Down to Earth Holiday Arts & Craft Fair
Pomona, NY Sunday October 14th 10-5
have a great weeked- be well!

New Kitties on the Block

New Kitties on the Block, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

So I lied. In between my serious apron making.. I made these and a tote. I went to sleep thinking about the tote an woke thinking about it. So much I needed to get out of bed at 7ish to start in on Sunday morning. All are available in our shop.

Hope you're doing well. Keep Crafting! I'm off to enjoy a cup of joe and a apple-cider donut! YUM

Apple Picking in October

Randall & I Masker's Orchard, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

We went to pick apples today in Warwick. The weather was hot- but we made it. Right now I am working on 3 pieces for another crafter's custom order. So The shop is not going to be updated- most likely till I finished those pieces. 1 finished -1 pinned- 1 more to measure- then sew em' up!

Tomorrow we're taking some time to run errands,grab harnesses for the cats-cause we got news from the vet that Jasper gained 4 pounds- poor baby weighs 16.5 pounds. So with hope we can walk them around the yard and try to help him lose weight.

A trip to pick up more fabric/totes & buttons for Zach and some essential groceries. Maybe I'll even get to visit the library and listen to the rerun of car talk.

Ahhh Sundays are for catching up~ Enjoy and take it easy!

Fall is Here

Fall Brings Flowers Scarf, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

I love the fall- the smell of changing leaves- the crisp air- candy apples- halloween-black cats-witchy stuff-harry potter-apples-cider-apple cider-donuts- pumpkins and foods infused with pumpkins. But best I love sharing these things with my husband,family, friends and kitties. This time last year we had just started the kitty talk. Now we have the two little tabbies.
With the fall... came the creation of our scarf line. Made from anti-pill fleece- brown with blue polka dots and appliques.. with flowers,birds,trees etc. All of the lovely things that inspire me on a daily basis. keep your eyes peeled for new ones popping up in our shop weekly.
xo

Ugh- I think I have the Flu.

Ugh- I think I have the Flu., originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

So my body aches and I have a bad headache & slight sore throat. I've been trying to get some piece work done of coffee cuffs, ties- small projects that do't involve much movement. I should be better in a few days and can then begin giving shop-blog-flickr updates. Till then stay well!

Consignments

Birdhouse Apron, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

We've been up to our ears in consignment orders! YAy!
This cutie will be available at the www.imaginaryfriendshop.com shortly-
xo

Back into the Swing

So we're back from our vacation. We left early Sunday morning(sept 16) and made a stop to get a coffee at Starbucks in the Tuxedo Exit- we stopped there on our way up for our honeymoon- so now it's tradition. We took turns driving- passing the famous Roscoe Diner. Which we've never actually been to- but hear it is an upstate NY staple.

The foliage in the neighborhood was really beautiful. Our days were spent without the internet ( with exception for one day at an internet cafe)- overall we rented movies, went on neighborhood walks, talked about the different houses & farms we saw and how we would decorate them if they were ours. We started collecting photos of the delapitated barns in the area- along with visitng a maple farm and loading up on sugary goodness.

Zach and I also began collecting leaves for the wax leaf windows we make in the fall. This time we are making some for Max & Lucy Z's neice & nephew in Hawaii. We only ate out 1x or maybe twice- little snackie cakes & such from the local latte shop- Latte Lounge. But we made dinner in the cute little kitchen- Fake Beef Stroganoff,Red Lentil Soup and a bunch of other yummy goodness.

As silly as it may seem we planned to come home on the following Sunday- but I really missed the cats. Those little buggers were well-fed by my parents and our downstairs neighbors- but I was still worried.

Now we're home and tomorrow it is back to work after over a week off. Tonight was the beginning of big tv night- of which was on in the backround- but I didn't watch.. there is so much to do- I can't let myself procrastinate even more! Zach was a huge help on the couch I put him to work sorting my fabrics by color! He loves organizing so it worked out wonderfully!
We're running a sale in our shop- but we also added a bunch of new things. I've also atted a few photos of our weekend & the general hubub around the hobo household. Christmas in September!.


Saturday Morning- Car Talk- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Frannk pack the Younger cuter cousin of the fanny pack

Life ain't easy when you're this cute

A Happy Home Recipe- thrifted on our trip to Oneonta

Sunday-Sept. 23rd We went to a car show down the block that my dad's club was hosting ( Rockland Rodders)
This was one of the cars... of course he's a ToyFare reader! So we had an impromptu photo shoot!

We've Returned From Vacation

Zach with monarch, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

With lots of new fun autumnal surprises- now available in our Etsy Shop.

1 Wedding, 2 Cats and a Cabin

Hobocamp has packed and will be on vacation till September 23- See you Soon!
Light reading from the library!
My bag of fabrics- a girl has to stay busy on vacation!
Our dry Food bag- yes that is Vegan fluff my friends!

I realized the title might sound as i we got hitched and brought two cats to a cabin on our honeymoon. Please forgive me- this is not THAT story at all. You might find it in the next blog over though.

This story is about me going to a wedding at 6pm on Saturday- where my oldest friend since we were 4 is getting married to a wonderful man. All of the bridesmaids are wearing our own black dress and a beautiful necklace they got us.

The 2 cats are Jasper and Hermione who I am desperately going to miss when we go to my brother's cabin in upstate NY on Sunday. We'll be gone for a week and well once an animal is in your life- it's sort of difficult to get rid of them or think about life without them. I'm sure they'll be in their glory- sleeping on the bed,couch,chair,window. My parents and our downstairs neighbors are so nice enough to feed & check on them. But I'm still a little heartbroken. But this is a well-needed vacation for Zach and I. I am looking forward to doing a lot of relaxing, crafting and an overall rejuvenation if you can do that without having a bathtub.

I've grabbed a bazillion books for the trip and here are just a few of the titles. Oh did I mention I AM bringing my sewing machine as well as a crochet hook to teach myself to crochet. There is a Salvation Army shop where we started our owl collection over a year ago during our honeymoon weekend. We've also researched the area to find veggie dining and fun things to do.

Since we'll be off the map our blog will be asleep as will our flickr page & shop. But no fear- once we're back we'll update, update ,update with all of our adventuresome ( sp?) photos & treasures. I'll leave you with a few photos~
Be well & keep crafting xo Have fun to those who will be at Renegade Chicago we visited last year and had a fun time. Check out the Bleeding Heart BakeryM

dot the adorable clutch

dot the adorable clutch, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Just one of the few fine cuteries to come from Hobocamp Crafts. Made from a vintage skirt- from Zach's Grammi Oat.

New items will be listed before we leave on vacation- just a little bit to wet the whistle! xo

Monday Morning & Introducing Pillbox Productions

Last night we got back around 11pm from the Rambo Faire in Harrisburg, PA. I love that place! The crafters, musicians and people in general give off such an awesome vibe! OUr mac is in the genius shop- something with a defective usb. So I can't upload photos from the day.. but i will. Besides I have something better-
My interview with Pillbox Productions! Please read and enjoy!

Where did you come up with name for your shop?

I wanted a name that would work with all the things I do...and since
Pillbox is a hat style and a cute little box that holds small but
powerful things (PILLS!) I thought it worked! and Productions leaves it open
to all my future projects!


How long have you been running your shop?

I have been on Etsy since Nov 06, but have been doing artist markets
for 10 years. I found out about Etsy from a local woman who saw my
work.

Do you listen to music, tv etc while you create, if so what do you
listen to,where does your inspiration come from?
I listen to music while I work. I have alot of music on cds and
vinyl and love a variety...I make compilation cds so I don't have to change
cds or records so much while working! Nina Simone,Tom Waits,Bright
Eyes,Black Heart Procession...moody music mostly! My surroundings are a
big inspiration. I collect odd things ~ well, I collect ALOT of
things! My house is very colorful and visitors often ask if they can just
look around awhile. Even when my house is messy it looks interresting
because I don't bring anything in that isn't attractive to me (oh,and I
have great mood lighting! good for disguising messiness)


Do you craft full-time- Would you want to?

I have a part time job but have art/craft projects going at all
times. My sewing maching is on my kitchen table and half of my kitchen
cupboards are filled with art supplies and art. I have been creative all
of my life and simply cannot stop! I write down the ideas that pour in
(while being creative)...sometimes I get overwhelmed and hate having to
eat or sleep. I need more time!

Who is your biggest supporter (family, friends etc)?

My family and friends are supportive...even my coworkers at my day
job. I go through phases of being social and then a recluse...so I do
get local support when I get into the local art scene!


What is your favorite thing to make and why?

I enjoy everything I make, in fact, when I come up with an idea I
make lots of ...whatever it is...to see if I still enjoy it. So anything
ANYONE sees is something I always enjoy making. Using recycled and
vintage materials helps because I get soooo excited about finding special
unique things...I run home to give them a new life. These are things
that have been forgotten or overlooked... sad and lonely things that I
can transform into useful or just fun things. I also make artist/one of a
kind books. My secret joy! I show them once in awhile ( they will
have their day in the sun someday )






Name your favorite website,blog,craft page etc.

Right now I am addicted to Etsy, Indiepublic and Flickr!

Where would you like to be in the next couple of years with your
business?

I would like to be doing this FULL time. I have the energy and
passion! I am learning so much from paying attention to
the Etsy forums and communicating with other artists. I just keep on
keepin on! busy busy busy

Where can people find your items?

I have two shops on Etsy. pillboxproductions.etsy.com &
iheartfink.etsy.com

pillboxproductions is where you will find my hats, paper flowers and
paintings.

iheartfink is a collaboration with my amazing friend Karen. We make
clothing from scratch.

Pillbox Productions

I heart fink


Hope you enjoyed this interview! These are like little inspirational pieces of joy. Being able to interview these wondefully talented crafters makes my day and really adds to the feeling of community within the DIY movement.
xo please be sure to visit Kristen's wonderful shops!
m

9:04Headphones FRONT PAGE!

9:04Headphones Go HOBOCAMP!, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

YAY Rodeo Radio made it the front page. This is the initial treasury- and not a photo of the front page. We've been swamped working on consignment contracts with a few places.. so we've got a bunch coming up! Stay Tuned xo
M

Puurrrrrrr

Puurrrrrrr, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Getting back to work tomorrow like so many will be a thrill! I've only been off a week I can't even imagine what teachers are feeling right now.
our shop is having christmas in september- many items are on sale from $5-$15 bucks! get your shopping done early xo

ProvidenceOpenMarket Saturday,Sept.1,2007

ProvidenceOpenMarket Saturday,Sept.1,2007, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

Come visit us and say hello! We'll be featuring some new items and our usual suspects. The weather is supposed to be nice. If you're interested
www.providenceopenmarket.com for more information.
Keep on Riding the Rails & singing along with your sewing machine
Wheeeeee!

My Little Update

Self Portrait Thursday, originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

So- last night I had a bit of an overwhelming moment. Where your very small apt. is full of products, you have two cats who are always hungry and a million worries in your mind.

After a brief consolling from my husband and a very stuffed up nose. I cleared my mind and got back on track. Zach brought to fruition some of my tag ideas so I can begin adding them to the pieces.

I've been able to check off a few things on my to-do list and add some as well. We applied for the Handmade Arcade in pittsburgh-today.

Here is my SPT for Flickr. Tomorrow it is off to Providence Open Market.
Be Well- I'm back to the sewing table.

Baduizm

I don't know how I let myself forget how amazing Erikah Badu is. I stopped by the library and picked up Baduizm.. which was sort of my bible for many years. I only had a tape at the time- instantly the words came back to me.. I hadn't sang some of these songs for years. Isn't that amazing... how our memories work? I can slip in an Ani Difranco cd and remember close to every word.. I wish history or mathmatics would have stuck in that way!

Here are a few photos from my brief woodland excursion Mom & I and Bean the wondercat.

Mom & I in her cute camping trailer
bean the one-eyed wonder cat

This weekend we'll be traveling to Rhode Island for thr Providence Open Market. I'll tell more about that and some of our new items as the week progresses. For now it is back to Badu and inventory for the show.
Next week I'll be sharing an interview with a wonderful seamstress Kristen of Pillbox Productions. She makes wonderful bonnets, chokers and other lovlies.

Check her shop out and then come back next week for the interview!
xo

Keep on checking our shop for new items listed weekly.

Woodland Expedition

Melissa will be camping for a few days.. no internet access.. not a care in the world! Happy Crafting! xo