One of my embroidery students sent me the link to Portuguese artist, Joana Vasconcelos, an artist who I had seen some work of before but not the full breathe of her work. I must say that her super fancy website has way too many bells and whistles, I just want to see the work, dammit.
But if you have the patience to wait for everything to load the reward is well worth it as her work is gorgeous and very diverse.

For being a somewhat young artist, 38, she has an extremely impressive portfolio of mature and exciting work and has shown extensively- makes me feel like I need to step up my game. Though she does have quite a few years on me.

Joana is most well know for here crochet works in which she crochets coverings over taxidermy animal heads, crabs, and traditional figurative sculptures.

But I personally am really excited by her large scale yarn and fiber installations. In which she often is responding to the architecture of the gallery or space that she exhibits in.

Joanna has an excellent eye for color and uses in liberally. She utilizes color and texture in small simple works ….

to large scale complicated installations.

As I said, Joanna’s work is extremely diverse but yet as you look through it and its evolution over the last 10-14 years you can see the same mind working behind each piece. I appreciate the risk she takes as an artist and the willingness to experiment that is evident in her work.

Her portfolio is VERY extensive as she seems like a very prolific artist- so go and see much more compelling work at her website here.

The date and location of the 2010 Summit of Awesome have been set. Mark your calendars for June 16-18th, and come join us in Portland, Oregon!

That’s right… Hello Craft is hitting the road to bring our 3-day crafty business conference to the west coast.

This year’s Summit will take place at the McMenamins’ Kennedy School in the Alberta Arts District of Portland.

We’re super psyched about this conference location and are gearing up for 3 days of awesome seminars, awesome speakers, awesome workshops, and awesome good times.

More information and official registration will be up soon. Be sure to sign up for our email list to stay up-do-date with the latest Summit info!

In the meantime, check out photos, press and our Hello Craft Podcast from last year’s Summit of Awesome here.

Wishing you all a very special Valentine’s Day with this sweet stop-motion animation from a good friend and fellow crafter, Danielle.

via A Rarer Borealis

For many it is difficult to find the time to further your business knowledge to aide your crafty inspirations. If you’re like me, your free time fluctuates week to week making it almost impossible to commit to a concrete schedule. Or maybe your surrounding area doesn’t offer classes that interest you. You might even be more of a visual learner and want to learn new skills at your own pace.

If you face any of these scenarios then online classes might be for you. Here’s a round-up of some online crafty business classes you can find on the internet – after the jump:

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The second to last connective thread feature is on the Midwestern artist Summer Zickfoose, a fabulous name I must say. Summer had two lovely works in the exhibit, both hair embroideries on old childrens christening dresses. The work spoke about memory, loss, nostalgia, and innocence.

They were very beautiful and worked incredibly well with the surrounding work.

Summer grew up in the cornfields of Iowa and now calls the heart of America, my home state of Ohio, home. Her Midwestern background and childhood greatly influences her work. One often sees the tools of the farm being re-created as objects of artistic design, nostalgic memories, and yearning.

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First and foremost, Crafty Superstar is for the part-time crafter. Author Grace Dobush sympathizes with many crafters who already have a full-time gig, but love creating in their spare time and yearn for a successful business model. If you’re looking to be the next Jenny Hart, this book is not for you. Keep in mind there’s no secret formula to launching any business, but Dobush certainly gives more than enough spot-on tips to kick-start you in the right direction.

Crafty Superstar is a business guide to help you achieve the book’s tagline to “make crafts on the side, earn extra cash and basically have it all.” A cast of excellent business-savvy crafters lend their invaluable advice including: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, the aforementioned Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, Olivera Bratich of Wholly Craft!, Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane, Jessica Manack of Miss Chief Productions, Garth Johnson and Caitlin Phillips of Rebound Designs.

Dobush starts with a very important question. “Should I try to sell this stuff I’m making?” It’s definitely a query to think about along with your expectations such as, “What makes my product stand out from the crowd?” and “Is there an audience for my work?” which is important in terms of monetary gain.

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The nation’s indie craft show organizers have been working hard to get plans in order for 2010 and we’ve got a list to prove it.  Get out your calendars and check below for some dates to help plan a great year of indie craft.

Take note: You need to hurry if you want to secure a space at the first ever Renegade Austin–applications are due this Friday!  The deadline for Portland’s Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale is also fast approaching with a Feb. 15 due date.

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Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale
Portland, OR
Show Dates: May 1-2
Application Deadline: 2/15/2010 (apply now)
craftywonderland.com

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Renegade Craft Fair Austin
Austin, TX
Show Dates: May 15-16
Application Deadline: 2/5/2010 (apply now)
renegadecraft.com/austin

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Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire SF
San Mateo County Expo Center
Show Dates: May 22-23
Application Deadline: 3/16/2010 (apply now)
bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco

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Renegade Craft Fair Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY
Show Dates: June 5-6
Application Deadline: 3/5/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/brooklyn

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Renegade Craft Fair LA
Los Angeles , CA
Show Dates: July 24-25
Application Deadline: 4/2/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/los-angeles

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Renegade Craft Fair SF
San Francisco , CA
Show Dates: July 31-August 1
Application Deadline: 4/2/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/san-francisco

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Renegade Craft Fair Chicago
Chicago, IL
Show Dates: September 11-12
Application Deadline: 6/11/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/chicago

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Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
Washington, DC
Show Date: October 2
Application Deadline: 7/5/2010 (info)
www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards

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Holiday Renegade Craft Fair Chicago
Chicago, IL
Show Dates: December 4-5
Application Deadline: 10/15/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/holiday-chicago

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Holiday Bazaar Bizarre SF
Fort Mason Center
Show Dates: December 11-12
Application Deadline: TBD
www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco/

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Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale
Portland, OR
Show Dates: December 11-12
Applications will be available in early September
craftywonderland.com

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Holiday Renegade Craft Fair SF
San Francisco, CA
Show Dates: December 18-19
Application Deadline: 10/15/2010 (apply here)
renegadecraft.com/holiday-sf

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It’s cold, and the excitement of a new year is waning. We could all use a little inspiration boost and I have just the answer. Starting February 1 Thing-A-Day invites you to come share the “things” you are making everyday for a month. I’d like to encourage everyone to join in on the fun and get your Craft on! As quoted on their blog; “Thing-A-Day is a yearly creative sprint that is held every February and brings together hundreds of creative minds.”

Thing-A-Day is now in its fourth year. This is my third year participating and since that thrilling first month I’ve looked forward to each subsequent year. Everyone is invited to share their sewing, painting, new recipes, music, scrapping, and all the limitless creative projects out there. No project is too big or too small. Not only do you get to share your own work, but you make new friends and get inspired along the way.

Sign up now and begin posting to the group blog on February 1. Do it now, as registration closes on January 31!