The District Factory-- Fun Fun Fun!

Craft+Art=FUN FUN FUN!

Last weekend, I was a guest host at the District Factory!   It was an evening filled with shopping and fun with dozens of emerging designers and artist.

 Can you find me in the photo??? I'm the one in orange!
Every second Saturday, The District Factory opens their doors for Art Gallery Walk!  From 7-10 p.m. you can view awesome designs at 3900 NE 1st Ave in the Design District!

I also had the chance to hang with Lifetime's "Project Accessory" Winner Brian Burkhardt. 

My work buddy-- Local 10 News WPLG Reporter/Fill-in Anchor Sasha Andrade made an appearance.

 So did WZDC Meterologist Denise Isaac--with her husband Mike! 

Rocking the Yellow!

I had a chance to visit with sister team Aria Nero-Deder and Deirdre Nero. They have a line of jewelry created to empower women who struggle with medical hair loss, espcially Alopecia Areata and cancer treatments. Watch out for the story on B.A.L.D Jewelry on Local 10 WPLG in the coming weeks! 

Look at the other goodies from the District Factory!!

The Brooklyn Flea

Last weekend, my hubby and I spent some time in the Big Apple!  Of course, I had to stop by the Brooklyn Flea-- one of the BIGGEST Craft/Vintage Show in the country.  There were vendors with fun antique and re-purposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques. The selection of handmade jewelry, art, and crafts was amazing. This weekly event is at Williamsburg waterfront—just south of East River State Park. If your summer travels take you to NYC—be sure to stop by the Brooklyn Flea. You will NOT be disappointed!

Neon Fabric Bracelets

Looking for goodies!

 

Little Devil-- Too cute for babies!

So much junk--so little time! LOL!

 

Roooaaaar! 

 Handmade Baby Clothes! LOVE IT!:)

Covering the “Handmade Movement”

What an awesome assignment!

Last weekend—I got a chance to cover the Indie Craft Bazaar- “Spring Fling 2012” for WPLG- Local 10 News.  It’s all a part of a of a new section on the station website called “Crafty Constance.”

Today’s crafters are no longer crocheting your grandmother’s doilies. Instead, they are a part of a growing group of artists using crafts to express themselves!  South Florida has a wonderful community of “do-it- yourselfers”—who are embracing this handmade movement.

Here are some pictures from the great event! See the complete slide show by clicking here!

Expect my full story in a few weeks-on Local 10 News! 

Elephant on My Mind

From Mama Talks 

 

When I was a little girl I loved to visit my Oma (grandmother in German). Her carefully placed accent pieces found a new use as my toys. My favorites were two small, hand-carved ebony elephants. They were just the right size for my small hands, and they had inlaid eyes and tiny ivory tusks. One of them was missing a tusk, but it still was perfect in my eyes. I had these elephants walk all over Oma’s furniture – pretending I was accompanying them on exciting adventures -- climbing steep mountains (the backrests of sofa and armchairs), or crossing the savannah (Oma’s parlor) in search of food. They often came to rest at the edge of the jungle, feeding on the leaves of Oma’s plants. 

 

As I grew older, I had it settled in my mind that after Grandmother’s passing, I would inherit those elephants as a treasured memento of my beloved Oma and my childhood. Unfortunately Oma developed Alzheimer’s dementia during her final years, and nobody knows what happened to the elephants. I felt really silly that even years later, I would still think about those elephants and how much it would have meant to me to have them. 

Well, I did go on some exciting adventures though – climbed a few mountains and also crossed some savannahs in the American Southwest! One day, when browsing a small antique store in Central Texas, my heart skipped a beat -- there it was: a small carved ebony elephant. When I picked it up, I noticed that one of its ivory tusks was broken off. To me it was a sign – this was even better than if it had been in perfect shape. Of course I bought it – and now it has a special place on my dresser. It still makes me smile every time I look at it …

Do you have any treasured mementos that occupy a special place in your home?

Antique Shopping in South Florida

It’s a kind of therapy for me—walking into shops filled with treasures from the past. Old postcards, vintage flapper hats, and rare jewelry! Antiquing is such a fun past time. It reminds me of my days living in East Texas—where antique shopping is a thriving sport! J Every weekend, shoppers wake up before the sun rises in Canton-- where hundreds of vendors set up shop for the country’s largest antique show. It’s like strolling through a museum- the stories behind each item are unbelievable!

Lucky for me, I ran across an Antique Show in Hallandale Beach, Florida this weekend. There was plenty of eye candy! Take a look at these unique finds!

Where’s your favorite spot to hunt for antiques?

Vintage Hand Made Genuine Brown Fox Fur

 Billy Ocean Cassettes

Antique Curling Iron from the 1900's



"Ningyo" Wooden Japanese Toys