Alliday Everyday

Alliday ALLSTAR: Lot 6

2012-01-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Did you know there are perpetually changing local art shows in the heart of Tulsa? If you're over 21 and want to support a deserving local business, scoot yourself over to The Pearl District and check out the glorious Lot 6! Owner and Entrepreneur Vanessa Somerville (recently included in UTW's Hot 100!) has created an environment perfect for artists and art appreciators alike. Open from 2-2 with daily specials, Lot 6 is more than just a bar, it's an Art Bar with a different artist each month displaying their works.

Typically, Gallery Openings are held on the first Friday of every month and are a guaranteed good time. Other specials are:

Monday - Service Industry Night,

Tuesday - Ladies' Night,

Thursday - Guys' Night,

2nd Saturday of the Month - Steve Cluck 80's & 90's Dance Party

Sunday - Happy Hour All Day

Everyday - Free WiFi, Happy Hour from 2-7 and Outlets Aplenty!

Lot 6 was kind enough to let Alliday take over the bar for our Artist Meet & Greet before our 2011 show! It only made sense to have an event for artists at an Art Bar! We had a great time and thank them for being so accommodating and fun!

The staff is great, the drinks are cold and the art is totally worth the trip. Perhaps we'll see you at the next opening!

-Briana

Alliday ALLSTAR: Pop Prints

2012-01-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Before, during and after our 2011 show, one of the most common questions I encountered was "Who did your graphics?" That would be Pop Prints, run by the very talented Ross Maute in Stillwater, OK. Ross was SUCH a joy to work with and if you're in the market for a quality graphic designer who doubles as an awesome guy, he's your man. No doubt. Having never worked with a graphic designer before on a project, I had no idea how the process would work, especially with us being in different cities but it worked beautifully. He was efficient, accommodating and obviously has got mad skills. Take a moment to check out just a few of my favorites of his below and check out more for yourself. You'll be sold, just like I was.

-Briana

And, of course, my favorite.

Alliday ALLSTAR: Bluebird Lane

2011-12-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

How many of you out there have dreamt of running away for the weekend, wished you had time to complete your stack of unfinished projects or pined for a few days away with your friends? I think it's safe to say, we all have. Luckily for us, Bluebird Lane has made those dreams much easier to achieve with their beautiful, functional and modern craft retreat just outside of Tulsa! Set on five acres of land, the 3,000 sq ft retreat sleeps 15, hosts all modern conveniences and, of course, boasts some very desirable and personal crafting spaces! You better believe I'll be there and in fact, I'm already examining my calendar to see when I can book my weekend! Want to know more? Bluebird Lane will be spending the day with us THIS SATURDAY and is ready to help your crafting weekend dreams come true!

-Briana

Who are you?

Jen Junkermeier and Megan Neal, Lifelong sisters and recent business partners! We are the dreamers and creators of Bluebird Lane, Scrapbooking and Craft retreat.

Megan Neal (the little sister) is the creative energy and vision behind Bluebird Lane. She is an Oklahoma Certified Florist and works full time as a floral designer at a local Tulsa flower shop. She enjoys spending time with her handy husband Edward and yorkie Mabel. A cute pair of shoes, a blooming garden, and a bargain shopping trip keeps this girl going. She has been scrapping since college and loves to find inspiration through other crafters projects.

Jen Junkermeier (the big sister) is the centering force of Bluebird Lane. She is happily married to husband John and a proud mommy to son Jack. While working full time she is a family focused woman who knows how to get things done. She thrives on laughter, good music, and chocolate. Although new to scrapping, she has developed a great passion for perfecting the craft.

Tell us a little about your business/service.
Bluebird Lane is a Labor of Love created my sister’s Megan Neal and Jen Junkermeier. Our primary goal is to spread a passion for creative crafting. We offer a comfy, cozy weekend retreat experience for people looking to escape and create. We strive to give you a laid-back atmosphere in a beautiful country setting. We have sleeping and work-table accommodations for up to fifteen guests and you can book as a single reservation or a group.

Where are you located?
Our facility is a 3,000 square foot hideaway located just south of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We Love to give tours at:

Bluebird Lane
20539 S Yale Ave.
Mounds, OK 74047
(918)633-6628

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?
Creators and scrappers at heart, we are constantly amazed at all the innovative and fresh ideas that flow from friends who have a crafting passion. There is always something new to learn! Being surrounded by creative people creates inspiration in our own lives and for us that is what living is all about!

What are your favorite handmade items to shop for?
You cannot beat a great pair of Handmade Earrings that you know no one else has a replica of! It’s the interesting and one of a kind piece that normally catches our eye. Although, handmade soap, scarves knitted by friends, and personal artwork adorn both of our homes!

What are you most looking forward to at Alliday?
We are so excited to meet all the wonderful and talented Vendors that will be a part of Alliday. Having sold handmade goods in the past, we have a true understanding of the love and dedication that goes into running a business of handmade good.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Every year we (the sisters) along with our parents and spouses gather on a Sunday morning in the beginning of December, eat a hearty brunch, and travel to a local tree farm to cut down the perfect fresh Christmas trees. Bundling up in our winter best, snapping a few pictures to place in our scrapbooks, and spending the evening adorning our tree has become our favorite family time of the season!

What holiday do you wish was everyday and why?
This year for Thanksgiving our family all gathered at Bluebird Lane for an old fashion sleepover! What a blast! The joy of Thanksgiving is in family, food, and fun. It must be our favorite! There is no pressure to chose the perfect gift, or have the prefect table setting. As long as there is Turkey, Mashed Potato’s, and family it’s perfect.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and why?
We think a simple Family day is in order. This would not be like Valentines when one looks for NEW Love, or any government holiday where one celebrates a long lost memory of a person. This would be a day to simply celebrate the family we have, cherish the time we all get to spend together and focus on what is important.

(And then the next day we would all go back to work! ; )
All the important stuff is at : www.bluebirdretreat.com
And the fun “get to know us stuff” happens here: https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdLane

Alliday ALLSTAR: This Land Press

2011-12-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

In case you weren't aware, Oklahoma is unbelievably amazing. Our history, our people, our land, our culture, our EVERYTHING constantly amazes. Every day I fall deeper in love with this great state and the people that share it with me.

This Land Press loves Oklahoma too. It's more than puppy love, it's more than a fleeting crush, it's L.O.V.E. And they're not shy about it. Their publication encompasses the history of the state, what to do locally, the magic of our small towns, controversies, hidden treasures and so much more; it's a list that could go on for days. When I read one of their issues I feel more Oklahoman which I didn't think was possible. And it's a proud, powerful feeling that only they can create. With some of the best writers in the state under one (cute) roof, it's no surprise that This Land churns out some killer work. Find an issue THIS SATURDAY at Alliday and witness the love affair between our land and This Land.

Oklahoma+This Land 4EVER

-Briana

Who are you?
This Land Press - Oklahoma's First New Media Company. Our mission is to chronicle life in Oklahoma through courageous, compelling stories- and to tell those stories in the most suitable medium: print, video and audio.

Tell us a little about your business.

We are mainly a subscription based paper, but also distribute at 40+ local businesses around Tulsa- http://thislandpress.com/find/

Where are you located?
12th and Peoria in Tulsa, OK

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?

We are proud supporters of local art. We understand the importance of fostering new talent and bringing original work to Oklahoma.

Where can we find you?
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Alliday Artist: Meet Figments of Imagination!

2011-12-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I’m Claire and Figments of Imagination is my business. I have been working with jewelry since I was a teen and with glass for over 15 years. You might call it my addiction! I live and work in Stillwater, OK and grew up in Tulsa.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I create jewelry from fused glass, from sterling silver, and from copper. I also fuse/slump glass into plates and bowls. I just love glass in all forms. I especially like the dichroic glass – love the sparkle and shine!

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the glass itself – it is almost like it tells me what to do. Okay, I know that sounds kooky but I am too!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
I love Christmas – the decorations and lights, the spirit of giving, the time with friends and family.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
It would be International Glass Appreciation Day. I would honor the use of glass in all forms from utilitarian to artistic and introduce people to creating with glass.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Reading “The Night Before Christmas” – my 29 year old son now reads it to my 15 year old daughter – it is very the same book I read him and his grandmother and I read to him. It is a bit tattered from almost 50 years of wear but very special to us.

How would you describe your work in three words?
Unique, beautiful, fun

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Alliday Artist: Meet Garden Finds!

2011-12-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I am a retired creative spirit, gardener, woodworker, seamstress, bird lover, wife and grandmother to 12. I started an etsy shop after seeing gardening items on ebay for a number of years and showcased my feeders and houses there.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I create recycled items with nature in mind. I build bird feeders, birdhouses, planters, etc. from salvaged, reclaimed, vintage materials. I love creating something new and original from something old.

Where do you find inspiration?
From nature and from many years of watching the birds in my own wildlife habitat.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Earth Day. Everyday is Earth Day for me. I believe in the good of our environment and the importance of reusing things that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
Love Day. So we can have a chance and reminder to tell the ones we love how important they are to us and to spread the love to others.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Decorating the Christmas tree with my grandchildren.

How would you describe your work in three words?
Practical, easy and attractive

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Alliday Artist: Meet Okie Dirt!

2011-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
We are a husband and wife team who has a simplistic craving for life. We love to stay busy going, doing, making and creating. We are both native Oklahomans, love the outdoors and have been best friends for 16 years. Teamwork, creativity, Oklahoma and Red Dirt pride is what Okie Dirt is all about.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
We create unique crafts made from natural products. The natural and organic-ness of our products is our favorite aspect of our creations. Our Okie Dirt Shirt is usually a customer favorite but the tree mobiles and wind chimes also gain a lot of attention. Contrasting to this, we also carry handmade jewelry made by my lovely mother, a great-grandmother of, soon to be, 9 children.

Where do you find inspiration?
We find our inspiration from the outdoors. We spend a lot of weekends at our microcabin. We built the 350 sq ft. cabin ourselves, tucked back in the trees where nature is alive and well. Most of our time there is spent outdoors relaxing and talking about dreams, and ideas. The talk of Okie Dirt began this way.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

We love the summer and the outdoors and all the activities that that means. The 4th of July has always been our family favorite. There is nothing like a 4th of July fireworks show while sitting on a boat in the middle of an Oklahoma Lake.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
Oh boy! Well, Spring Awakening Day would be the holiday we would create! It would be an outdoor festivity of fun, family, friends and food! The holiday would include live music, dance and merriment. The fun would continue into the evening with string lights hanging from the trees and dancing in the wind. We would conclude with a ring of chairs around a bonfire, laughter and marshmallows. Gosh! With that kind of fun, let’s make it a holiweekend!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
We are new empty nesters so our holiday traditions are quickly taking new forms. But I will share a silly little tradition I created for my kids when they were little. It’s called…the “Oliday Spritza”. (And to get it right, you must say that in an English accent. It started because I didn’t want to adorn the Christmas table with boring, colorless glasses of water and tea; thus, the cranberry juice,7-up, served in a beautiful wine glass, kid friendly beverage was created. Though maybe not the exciting tradition you might have expected, the fun part comes when we all sip our juice, pinkies up and talk in our best English, Christmas Carol accents. I’m not sure how the English accent started its roll but it’s become our cheesy tradition to sip our “spritza” and make fun of each other’s poor attempt at an English accent. We do it still, every year. We once even named a new Christmas puppy “Oli Day” in honor of our tradition.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Natural, organic, unique

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Additional Important Information:
Veterans Day was the kick-off of our Okie Shirt for Okie Soldiers Campaign. From Veteran’s Day to the end of December, for every Adult Tee purchased, Okie Dirt will donate a Dirt Shirt to Blue Star Mother’s to be delivered to an active duty, Oklahoma soldier. We know, first hand, how much our military personnel sacrifice to serve our country. This is just one way that Oklahoman’s can help us show them that Oklahoma misses them as much as they miss home.

Alliday Artist: Meet King's Rock Candles!

2011-12-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We are a family business; my husband, his mother, and myself make our rock candles by hand.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?

We make rock candles. These can be a great mood-setter for those romantic times. They are just lovely and peaceful to watch the flame dance and glimmer off the gloss surface of the rock. In a power outage this could light up areas very well and without the waxy mess.

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature! God's creation is so beautiful and being able to use it in decoration is wonderful.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Christmas because it's the season of giving!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I wouldn't want anymore really, we have enough trouble getting mail on time the way it is.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Putting up and decorating the Christmas tree. Putting up with family and working to get the ornaments balanced just right. It just sets the mood for Christmas, and watching the lights in different patterns if fun too.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Unique, relaxing, and peaceful

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Alliday Artist: Meet AW Jewelry!

2011-12-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

I am a self taught jewelry artist and love to make new and different things for my customers. My designs use many different techniques so the finished jewelry is always unique.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?

I make jewelry using bead weaving, stringing, wire wrapping, and silver smith. I like the challenge of making something that is different from the things that you see in the malls, my customers seem to really enjoy having that “one of a kind” piece of jewelry to wear.

Wheredo you find inspiration?

I am inspired by almost everything aroundme, I look at every day items and say “I can make something out of that?”

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as aholiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I love allholidays, but I guess that Christmas is my favorite. It is a special time of the year and is thetime that most families can spend a little extra quality time together.

Ifyou could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

Sparkleday! I think everyone needs a littlesparkle in their lives and I would like to help them to decorate themselves for“Sparkle Day!”

Whatis your favorite holiday tradition?

Holidayswith the family, even if we don’t do a big thing, just spending time as afamily and sharing our lives together.

Howwould you describe your work in three words?

Pretty,unusual, quality

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Alliday ALLSTAR: Prairie Hive!

2011-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

An Alliday Allstar is an organization or business that has gone above and beyond to aid in making our event a success! Without them, we would not be able to do what we do! In addition to artist spotlights, we've been showcasing our wonderful Allstars which you can catch up on here!

There are a million reasons why I love Prairie Hive. I could tell you all about their daily blog filled with recipes, DIYs, local happenings, giveaways and more. Or I could tell you all about how they are showing the world that Oklahoma really is hip, progressive and awe-inspiring. Or that they support local artists and will be joining us at Alliday. Or I could tell you how each and every one of them is a talented, humble, unbelievably amazing woman that I am honored to know. But I won't. Today I will tell you about their online magazine which has their fans counting down the days for. I truly love soaking up every photo, every word and every page because these ladies know how to create a periodical to be admired and loved. And lucky for all of us, their most recent issue launched TODAY! Enjoy the read and enjoy the girls that make up the best hive in town.

-Briana

Tell us a little about yourselves.

Prairie Hive is a collaboration of designers, photographers, writers, and crafty creative types based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We want to share with you interesting people, places and things in our part of the world – and hope you find some inspiration along the way! Each of us has a unique perspective on design, lifestyle, travel and entertaining and we want to collectively give you something to buzz about!

Our bimonthly online publication gives you a peek into the homes and lifestyles of some of our favorite people and how they live, work and play – then takes inspiration from what we see there to show you how to incorporate a bit of their style into your own home, entertaining endeavors or elsewhere.

We also hope you will visit our blog, a great place to find extended coverage of our magazine content, our “of the moment” inspirations, additional DIY projects, field trips to local places and events and a spotlight on great things we find around our little part of the prairie.

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?
One of our goals is to feature local and/or small businesses as much as possible. We love meeting others in the creative community, both online and at shows like Alliday, where we have the opportunity to see their work in person and get new ideas for blogs, spot trends, or find products to showcase in our photo shoots!

What are your favorite handmade items to shop for?
Since there are 6 of us, you would probably get 6 different answers to this question. But as a general rule, I think all of us love unique items for the home and/or garden and fun fashion finds!

What are you most looking forward to at Alliday?
Meeting all new vendors and seeing old friends!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Again, probably 6 different answers, but considering we all work in design - decorating the tree and the home is a big part of the holidays for all of us. Personally, decorating the Christmas tree is a really important ritual to me. All our ornaments have sentimental meaning and we relive the memories behind them as we hang them.

What holiday do you wish was everyday and why?
I'm glad there are lots...I always get tired of them by the time they are over! Changing decor, theme, traditions every month or so is part of what keeps holidays fun!

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and why?
I think we have plenty. :)

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Alliday Artist: Meet Heart Strings by Lauren!

2011-12-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business:
I am a stay at home mom and road manager for a singing group. I spend a lot of time at home with my little on which is perfect for me to be able to create. I make art out of guitar strings that were once played. I specialize in baskets. I learned to weave baskets in high school using traditional materials such as reed but quickly found out that I could use materials a little less traditional. I started collecting guitar strings from friends that played guitar and also from my own stash. Soon I was able to make arrangements with local music stores that changed guitar strings for their customers and instead of throwing them away they would keep them aside for me. I clean each string thoroughly before putting them into a creation.

What do you create and what do you love about your products?
I have made over 100 products with guitar strings. My designs include baskets of different shapes and sizes, some with lids, vases, bowls, pendants, Celtic knots, rings and earrings. What I love most about my products is that they are from recycled materials that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Each piece can now be shown in a beautiful new light because of what my hands have done with it.

Where do you find inspiration?
A lot of my inspirations comes from nature. Most of the shapes and names that pieces are given you can find in nature; acorn, flower, sun, bird nest etc. Other inspiration comes from my family. They are always filling my head with ideas to try next and are always keeping me on my toes.

Which holiday do you wish was everyday and why?
I wish Thanksgiving was everyday because it is my favorite holiday. I love that the family gets together and gets to eat some amazing food and just enjoy each others company. I believe that in everything we should give thanks and if everyday were Thanksgiving it would be much easier to remember to do so.

If you could create you own holiday what would it be and why?
If I could create my own holiday it would be one where the family would get together and create things. Create new songs, art, poetry whatever medium was that persons that something would be created by each person on that day because I think it is important to create. It unlocks places in your brain that can not be opened without creating something. I think it would be a healthy holiday for everyone.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is one that has been done most Christmas Eves for the last few years in my family. The family gets together and plays a game or just hangs out in the living room with no TV or media except old Christmas records. And as the night goes on we usually end up singing and dancing with the records. I love it.

How would you describe your work in three words?
If I had to describe my work in three words they would be: Unique Guitarstring Art

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Alliday Artist: Meet Red Clay!

2011-12-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

Red Clay produces homedecor pieces that are designed through quarterly online design competitions andmanufactured with sustainable materials here in the United States. Most believethat if you want responsible home decor, you either have to sacrifice yourpocketbook or good design, or both. Not good enough, we say. Our ambition is tobring vibrant, not beige, responsible design to the masses. We want our designsto be the splash of color in the room.

Our unique designdevelopment process, which sources product designs on a quarterly basis fromthe online community of artists, interior and graphic designers, then letsconsumers be the judge to vote on what they want to see produced and ultimatelysold. By putting the power of design back in the hands of the people mostpassionate about design, Red Clay makes the choice to conscientiously promoteproducts that are distinguishable, affordable and unapologetically gorgeous.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
Red Clay was launched in April 2010 with our first design competition which focused on organic cotton as the muse. The premier design competition garnered nearly 100 designs and registered over 2,500 votes on the submitted designs. Our vibrant summer textile line, consisting of table linens and pillows was produced in New York, NY and Tulsa, OK with organic cotton grown from Texas. The line was launched via our website in June 2010.

The second design competition, our Clay Collection, afforded us the opportunity to work with Mudshark Studios of Portland, OR. This competition received nearly 150 designs and over 5,000 votes. The winning designs were transformed into four beautiful and innovative ceramic bowls, plates, and vases in three vibrant colors. This timeless line was made available for purchase online in October 2010.

Our most recent competition: “Art Prints” is currently underway. For this decorative challenge we have partnered with Solstice Press of Oakland, CA to produce archival quality, but affordable pieces for the wall. We anticipate having approximately six different prints in two sizes to round out this line, which will be available for the holiday season via our website and other online retail outlets. Sustainably harvested wood frames from DA Frames in Denver, CO. will also be available to complement the prints.

Where do you find inspiration?
Our inspiration comes completely from the artists and artesian manufacturers that we work with on a daily basis. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such talent and passion!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Do “snow days” count as a holiday? If not, it would have to be Christmas…cliché, perhaps, we adore sitting around a fire with those we love, a glass of wine in hand, and catching up on the past year’s amazing-ness!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
See above…”Snow Day.” We would happily shut down all offices/schools anytime there is fresh snow to play in! We’re partial to playing in it (either skiing or simply romping around the yard!) or admiring it from a warm seat in front of a fire!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
We love picking out our Christmas tree! It’s a tradition that has followed me since childhood. We get all bundled up and hike through acres and acres (for what seems like hours) till we find the absolutely perfect tree (and perfect to us is typically the least “perfect” looking tree)! It’s a daylong event that helps round out our holiday season and home!

How would you describe your work in three words?

Sustainable and Bold!

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Alliday Artist: Meet Art by Bethany!

2011-12-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

Art byBethany was started in 2008 after I started doing freelance design work fromhome. I live in Broken Arrow with my husband and new baby girl. I previouslyworked for a jewelry design company for over 4 1/2 years designing costumejewelry, packaging, and marketing materials. I have a graphic design degreefrom The University of Tulsa. I do freelance painting, illustrations, jewelrydesign, plush design, fabric art, and graphic design. I also enjoy using myartwork for scrapbooking.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?

I love painting bright, fun stuff. I’m sort of stuck on a bird/owl/nature theme. I am moving towards doing a lot of plush items. My main items are the Sock Buddies, but I’m branching out to include felt owls and birds, and some other woodland creatures in addition to my Softbots felt robots.

Where do you find inspiration?

I would say from nature, craft blogs, and color.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Although it’s not my favorite holiday, I would say Thanksgiving because we all have things we should be thankful for each day!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

Craft Day! Everyone needs to get in the crafty spirit sometimes. ;)

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Baking for Christmas, all kinds of cookies and pies.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Bright, fun, happy

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Alliday ALLSTAR: Funky Finds!

2011-11-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

An Alliday Allstar is an organization or business that has gone above and beyond to aid in making our event a success! Without them, we would not be able to do what we do! In addition to artist spotlights, we also showcase our amazing Allstars here! Read our first spotlight with Unanimous Craft here!

Funky Finds has made easy one of the most difficult tasks for artists and crafters - finding the right shows to apply to. With their incredibly thorough WORLDWIDE calendar of awesome shows, consider every one of your weekends to now be filled. Funkily filled, that is. Not only does Funky Finds produce their own kickin' shows, but they also help promote other shows, provide a virtual marketplace for artists, and SO much more! Funky Finds gives artists, crafters and shoppers endless possibilities to fulfill their incessant handmade needs.

-Briana

Who are you?
Funky Finds (http://funkyfinds.com/) has remained dedicatedto promoting independent artists, crafters and designers worldwide since2006.

Tellus a little about Funky Finds.
FunkyFinds offers a variety of services (http://funkyfinds.com/services.html) aimed at helping smallbusiness owners promote their work on little to no marketing / advertisingbudget. The Shops @ Funky Finds (http://funkyfinds.com/theshops) is an online marketplace that is easy to use& affordable. We offer four Shop levels starting at just $1.99 per month.All Shops receive a free web ad, as well.

Whereare you located?
Funky Finds is based out of Jefferson, Texas; however, themajority of our services (aside from Texas-based events) are online and worldwide!

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?

We are extremely passionate about helping independent artisans make a living doing what they are most passionate about. Being a part of the handmade community is a dream come true!

What are your favorite handmade items to shop for?

We love unique artwork, jewelry, and accessories. It's also great to purchase hand-crafted pet goods, as well as bath and body products.

What are you most looking forward to at Alliday?

Sadly, Funky Finds will not be in attendance at this awesome event. But we know it will be amazing and we will be there in spirit!

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Decorating the tree is a favorite tradition because we get to see all our handmade ornaments that have been collected and created over the years.

What holiday do you wish was everyday and why?

Christmas would be a great one to have every day, because generally people are so happy and filled with true holiday spirit.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and why?

Funky Finds day, of course! Then nobody would be funky lost…everyone would be funky found!!!

Stay funky!

Jessica Dougherty

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Alliday Artist: Meet be Mary by Hand!

2011-11-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

I have been married to my husband for 5 and ½ years and havea daughter, Hazel and son, Drake. I am astay-at-home mom, my family and I are raising support to be missionaries toBerlin, Germany to work with a church plant called RESETBerlin. I was inspired to start creating by myGrandma Mary (for whom I named my shop). She was an excellent painter, she sewed, crocheted, and her house wasfilled with so many of her creations. After she passed away the most precious and desired objects to bedivvied up between her four daughters were the things she had made. I want to have that kind of legacy for myfamily. I want to fill my home withhandmade things and offer others the same opportunity. Any object that can be reasonably handmade,for my family, needs to be.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products.

I desire to create anything for the home: tea towels,napkins, wash cloths, pillows, curtains, etc. I also have a passion for custom, unique dolls. I am so proud of my dolls, which I sell asplay sets. Each doll has a persona (i.e. princess, hippie,pirate), two accessories/toys, and they all come together in a tote bag. I think children should be introduced to andgrow to love handmade and unique toys. Ialso desire to be able to repurpose materials that have lost their luster orare waiting to be thrown away and turn them into something else. I like to use old sweaters, or sheets, orrescue anything usable from a future in a landfill. I hate to waste things and I love to givedead things new life. I simply love tocreate useful and unique homemade objects and I want my handmadeitems to be an available and a viable option instead of mass produced, cookiecutter housewares.

Where do you find inspiration?
I love the vintage styles of the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Something about a simpler, slower lifestyle is very appealing to me. My Grandma Mary always had excellent taste, I love to imagine what she would have owned or made or loved, and then start sewing. I also find inspiration from actually sewing clothes from vintage patterns. It seems like the more vintage objects I have around me, the more I desire to create.

The Alliday show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I am not sure if it counts, but I think I would choose my birthday. There is something special about being celebrated by those you love. It's not necessarily receiving a present, but just the general goodwill you receive from people, even complete strangers when you tell them it is your birthday. You can even get free cake or pie at restaurants!

If you create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
I love the entire Fall/Winter holiday season, and I think instead of trying to spread another holiday into a different part of the year I would just add to the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year cluster. I'd do it in the middle of October, a couple weeks before Halloween, to celebrate the beginning of Fall. It would be a Monday (like Labor and Memorial Days) where most businesses close and people would attend Fall Festivals all together. Families would take special long-weekend trips to Grandma's house to bob for apples, carve pumpkins, and be active outside.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I don't know if I have a specific favorite holiday tradition yet, but now that I am a mother I really do enjoy trying to build a set of holiday (specifically Christmas) traditions for my children that are unique to our nuclear family. I want them to have things to look forward too aside from gifts and consumerism.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Simple. Purposeful. Personal.

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Alliday Artist: Meet Red Fawkes!

2011-11-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

Red Fawkes consistsof two principle designers - myself (Christy Collins) and Rachel Campbell. Rachel and I met in the design studio, backin college, almost a decade ago. Theyears haven’t changed us a bit; we still work until 3am, we still spend hoursin a fabric store and we hardly ever leave a salvage yard empty-handed.

The idea for Red Fawkeswas conceived in a coffee shop last year. Rachel and I share a passion for philanthropy, and to feed that fire, weboth volunteer our design services to various charities. Developing a ‘socially awear’ design studiojust seemed like a natural transition in our careers. Right now we are working with Veterans’Families United Foundation (VFU). RedFawkes and VFU partnered up to create something light-hearted, somethingsimple, something that would tell a story…something that would reach thespirits of the children belonging to service member parents. We created the Woodstock the Pig line. This line focuses around a piggy bank therapytool that promotes open communication and family togetherness. Red Fawkes expanded on that concept andcreated a fun apparel and accessory line available for purchase by the public. Proceeds from the Woodstock the Pig line goto VFU to help fund their mission to provide holistic healing resources forservice members and their families.

Even though RedFawkes specializes in non-profit design, we run a private line of handmade RedFawkes products that are created with love – that tickle our soul.

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products?

We love that we arestorytellers – every design, every product is more than just what you see onthe surface; there is a history and a purpose to each design; every piece is partof the journey.

Red Fawkes sells hand-screenedchildren’s apparel, custom jewelry and photographyprints. We strive to create(or-recreate) products that have a positive impact on the lives of everyoneinvolved. We source only USmanufacturers for our custom metal work and only use local vendors for oursupplies. We look for material of thepast to re-create something in the present. We recycle.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere. Just this last weekend, Rachel and I were rummaging through a salvage yard looking for pieces, colors and materials to be used for new designs. I have a weakness for rust. There is something about the journey a rusty piece has to take to get that beautiful aesthetic look that makes the appearance to me so appealing. The colors – oranges, blues, greens, reds, silvers, golds – the textures; the layers of complexity and age. My favorite pieces usually have been left outside to face the elements completely exposed. I just think it takes a lot of living to produce something of substance.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Love, love, love Halloween! Its just so fun – costumes, candy, parties and jack-o-lanterns. What other holiday gives you a free ticket to hit up your neighbor’s house to satisfy your chocolate craving?

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

It would be completely awesome if Red Fawkes could start a trend to celebrate ‘Key-Day’.

Key-Day would be a day where the custom is to exchange an old skeleton key with someone special. With the key being a physical representation that ‘unlocks’ something meaningful in the exchange – like, giving away the key to your heart, the key to your home, the key to your success, etc. - the key to that opens a door to a new world.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Holiday greeting cards.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Industrial

Raw

Soulful

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Alliday Artist: Meet NancyLand!

2011-11-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Tellus a little about yourself and your business.

I'mNancy Terry. Daughter of a fine seamstress, Grandaughter of a Quilter andseamstress, who was also a rag picker. Nothing was wasted. Indulged in art as achild. I've been sewing since I was a child. I also love to draw.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?

I make hats and accessories. I love hats and could never afford what I wanted so I taught myself. Over many years of development I find my hats to be very wearable. It is only in the last year I have begun to make Facinators. I call mine Tantilizers and they can be pure expressions of fun!

Where do you find inspiration?

Fabrics, textures and colors. Vintage and modern shapes. My friends!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Thanksgiving. A time to celebrate what we have, who we are and our conection to each other.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

World Peace Day. A day when all conflict everywhere would halt and everyone would celebrate what every human being has to offer.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Handmade toys for Angel tree girls and boys.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Fun, practical, conversational!

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Alliday Artist: Meet Buffalo Blue Designs!

2011-11-12T18:58:00.001-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Allyson Bailey Wilmowski and I live and design in St. Louis, MO. Following an
unexpected liver transplant in 2004, my life changed dramatically as did the way I think
about life in general and the world around us. My now philosophy, that each day is a gift
that shouldn't be wasted, allowed me to adjust my plans and instead of attending law
school like I’d intended, I got a Masters in Textile and Apparel Management from Mizzou
in Columbia, MO. From there, I decided that I needed to find a career that I loved, so I
began making jewelry and fun headbands, hats and accessories for first myself and
friends. When other people started asking if they could buy things, I knew I’d found the
right place for me. Buffalo Blue Designs was born soon after and is in constant evolution.
I’m always trying to do something new and ways to make old things brand new again.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
Buffalo Blue Designs is wearable art. Handmade in St. Louis, MO, most designs feature
upcycled elements in uncommon arrangements. All are thought provoking, eye-catching
and beautiful in their own ways. Buffalo Blue specializes in handmade precious and
semi-precious stone and antique skeleton key jewelry, wearable art accessories
including hand-blocked millinery hats and accessories featuring feathers and vintage
accents, as well as other wearables. Our best sellers, though, are by far the one-of-akind
collar scarves utilizing upcycled/recycled designer neckties. The majority of designs
are one-of-a-kind and all are made by hand.

I take something old and make it new again-- 95% of my pieces utilize recycled goods
and nearly all are one of a kind. I've found that customers really enjoy the individual
nature of my designs; especially when giving gifts!

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere. A shape, a color palette, a pattern—I’m very visual which

helps with my designs. I get asked a lot why I work with ties and I always answer that

the patterns fascinate me. My favorite part of my “job” is pairing ties that one wouldn’t

think would work together, but when I stitch them it’s unexpected, but feels so right.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday!
That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
I’d have to say Christmas because it always brings my family and friends together. It’s
the only holiday we celebrate all together every year. Tradition is important to me and
sharing it with my family and friends each year allows us to make slight changes
(sometimes unintentional) that make each Christmas somehow better and more
memorable than the last!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

Because of my liver transplant, I never take a day for granted. I wholeheartedly agree

with the Alliday theme—every day is a holiday when you think about it. I do admit I

celebrate two birthdays every year though; Mine and my new liver’s.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
As a family, we always go out and cut our own Christmas tree from my Parents’ farm on

Christmas Eve. Then we decorate the tree, wrap presents and eat yummy snacks until

its time to sleep so Santa can come. The smell of fresh evergreens always takes me

there no matter what time of year.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Fashion-forward, upcycled, unique

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Alliday Artist: Meet Sharing Seeds of Hope!

2011-11-12T18:55:00.001-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and yourbusiness.

I have only lived inTulsa for 2 years, but it felt like “home” from the very beginning. This smalltown girl from Missouri is having a blast with city life here in Oklahoma. Ihave a hard time throwing things away because I always think to myself, “Icould probably use this for something later.” I knew I was in trouble when Iwas cutting apart an empty tissue box becaue I could just see the designworking well on a Christmas card some day. I've also been known to cut apartfriends' wedding invitations (after the fact!) to re-use the pretty designs.

What do you create and what do YOU love aboutyour products?

I make greetingcards, hand-bound books, and have been learning to make use of my hand-me-downSinger sewing machine. Making cards & paper creations is therapeutic for me& has provided me with an outlet to be creative, and use up bits &pieces of scrap papers I have been ~~hoarding~~ saving for a specialpurpose.

Where do you find inspiration?

Most of my cards are made with cardstock & craft paper. I try using reclaimed paper when I can, and I often use random scraps of paper I’ve cut for accents & embellishments on cards. So browse my shop & enjoy!

This year I discovered the thrill of digging through dusty thrift store shelves for vintage postcards. Some of them were mailed over 100 years ago!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I love the magic & hopeful anticipation that comes with the Christmas season. Wouldn't it be grand if we could celebrate that peace & joy with share at Christmastime with each other every day?

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I am a firm believer that everyone should be highly celebrated on their birthday. You should have that day off from work & most other responsibilities to do whatever your little heart desires. I just think it's so great that we each get one day out of all the others that is especially about us. (Though it is probably for the best that we only get one day like that!)

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

There are two. First is that we always go to a Christmas Tree Farm in Tahlequah, OK to cut down our tree with some friends of ours that we don't get to see often enough. And we celebrate after with pizza at Sam & Ella's.

The second one is that my husband proposed on St. Patrick's Day with a fondue dinner. We like to celebrate St. Patty's Day with a homemade fondue picnic each year. It is a fun way to remember that special moment!

How would you describe your work in three words?

simple repurposed treasures

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Alliday Artist: Meet S.E.P. Designs!

2011-11-12T18:51:00.001-08:00

Tellus a little about yourself and your business.

My name isSarah or Suzie as my husband calls me. I am from Tulsa and have been crafting all of my lifeit seems. Early this year I decided to take some time off work to stay homewith my daughter and get some career perspective. I immediately started workingon designing and creating lampshades that had been in the back of my mind formonths. 6 months later, I’m still having fun and enjoying the creative outlet.Professionally, I’m an Interior Designer and also do lots of free lance graphicdesign. So I pretty much love to create all the way around.

Whatdo you create and what do YOU love about your products?

I createone-of-a-kind lampshades that can be used as décor, transformed into a pendantfixture or even used on a traditional table lamp. I LOVE this because I get touse old, cast off lampshades and give them new life. There is also no limit towhat you can use when you think outside the box and I love seeing how thingscome together in an organic way.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere, everyday. I just try and soak it all in and when I sit down to create and design it all comes back to me.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Valentines Day, I think we all take our loved ones for granted a lot, especially those of us who have great husbands/wives. I think we all need to slow down and deliberately show our loved ones how much they mean on a daily basis.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I would create a slow down day. It would be a day in which we just spent with our loved ones, enjoying a day without obligations to meet and meetings to attend. Life moves at such an insane pace these days, I think we all miss so much. It would be great to have a day to just slow down and enjoy life.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love going to the Christmas Train with my family every year!

How would you describe your work in three words?

Eclectic, Delightful, Unexpected

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Alliday Artist: Meet The Peaceful Housewife!

2011-11-12T18:37:00.001-08:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

I’m amom of 2 who loves to connect with people through meeting their needs. At The Peaceful Housewife, we teach familieshow to make their own household cleaners and laundry detergent and we also makeour handmade cleaners and products available for purchase.

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products?

I create amazing handmade household cleaningproducts that don’t harm the environment or your health. We create laundry detergent, spray cleaners,bug spray, foaming soaps, room and linen sprays and more. I absolutely love being able to help a familywho has a difficult time finding laundry detergent that doesn’t irritatesensitive skin and doesn’t break the budget. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they realize that they can have aquality detergent for as little as $40 a year makes my whole day.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from my customers and readers. I am truly interested in hearing about the products that they need and finding solutions for them.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I love Christmas. I love celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, spending time with my family, watching my children open their gifts and the spirit of love and closeness that Christmas brings.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

If I could create my own holiday, I would make a National Celebrate Recovery day. Celebrate Recovery is an amazing faith-based 12 step program to help people heal from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. I wish more people knew the freedom and healing they could experience through Celebrate Recovery.

Recovery isn’t just for people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. It’s for the wife who can’t let go of the hurtful words from her husband. It’s for the son or daughter who never felt love from their parents. It’s for the mom who finds herself unable to get past her anger and frustration over her children’s behavior. It’s for me.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I think my favorite holiday tradition is cooking and baking. My Granny was an amazing woman who took such pride in baking and cooking for our holiday dinners. I feel close to her as I’m making pie crusts and mashing potatoes and puttering in the kitchen.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Fun, practical, relevent

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Alliday Artist: Meet Story Builder Toys!

2011-11-12T18:34:00.001-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We're a husband and wife team who started our business shortly after the birth of our son. At the time the news was full of stories about recalls and lead and BPA so it was a scary time to be a new parent. Suddenly everything was dangerous.

We decided that the best way to know our son's toys were safe would be to make them ourselves, people liked our designs so much that we decided to make a business of it.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?

We create handmade wooden and fabric toys. We love seeing the look on kid's faces when they spot out toys at craft shows. They just light up when they see that there is something there for them.

Wheredo you find inspiration?

From our son, he is the driving force behindall that we do and if a toy survives his 'playtesting' then we know it's akeeper.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as aholiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

DefinitelyChristmas, there is just a special feeling to the whole season that reallyresonates with us. Any holiday that stresses kindness and joy in today's worldis worth celebrating everyday.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

An extra Thanksgiving spinoff where you get all the food and thankfulness while spending time with your family, but you don't have to get up to go shopping the next day. It would be sometime in the summer.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Baking together as a family.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Fun, Adorable, Impressive

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Alliday ALLSTAR: Unanimous Craft

2011-11-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

Unanimous Craft is our first of this series and could possibly have taken on the most daunting task any crafter could think of - organizing the crafting community! I can't even imagine taking on a job like that but am thankful that someone else has! And has done so in an effective manner! Their comprehensive website can delightfully suck you in for hours with an endless supply of resources, craftologists, and more. So go, play around for a bit, list your own resources and discover the wonder that is Unanimous Craft. You can thank me later - Briana

Who are you?

Rosalie Gale (andsometimes a Hedgehog dressed in an Artichoke Costume)

Tell us a little aboutyour business.

I run a website calledUnanimous Craft. It's kind of like Yelp for crafters. You can add helpfulresources to the site and then you and other crafters can vote on how usefulthey are. You can also create listings for your own shops and ask customers toreview you. The more good reviews you get - the higher you rank in ourpopularity contest: http://www.unanimouscraft.com/popularity-contest/top-rated.

People can also compilelists of resources (http://www.unanimouscraft.com/lists) that can be shared with friends. It's a goodway to share info like, "The 50 best ways to market your Etsy shop forfree" or "Annual craft shows in our city."

Unanimous Craft also hasan event calendar (http://www.unanimouscraft.com/events/calendar) that just launched recently. If you run a show- add your event to the calendar for additional free publicity.

Premium Memberships (http://www.unanimouscraft.com/products) are also available on Unanimous Craft. For$60/year you get a robust profile on the site that links to all your shops andsocial networks. Your profile is randomly shown on the home page each time itis refreshed. You get discounts on additional advertising on the site and areentered to win a monthly contest for a free ad.

Where are you located?

Seattle, WA

I also sell Shower Art - Waterproof art you can hang in your shower with a suction cup. Or anywhere else. We're no dictators.

You can see examples of them in my Etsy shop: Uglybaby.

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?

I have really become inspired by makers and creative entrepreneurs of all kinds. I love going to shows and seeing all the wonderful and crazy things that people think up. I love seeing the huge crowds at shows buying up all those wonderful and crazy things. It makes me feel better about humanity.

What are your favorite handmade items to shop for?

My latest phase: great headbands.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My husband and I are normally so wiped out by the holiday craft show circuit that we don't plan anything. Ahhhhhh... Last year we started a new tradition called Nestmas. We had a friend come over and we all wore pajamas. Each of us got a pillow and a comforter and we snuggled on the couch while watching a bunch of movies. Nice! I'm looking forward to doing that again this year.

What holiday do you wish was everyday and why?

I never wish holidays were everyday. Never. Can you imagine going through all the expense and setup Every Day? Noooooooooooo!

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and why?

Well. I think we've got a really good start on Nestmas. I'm going with that.

Where can we find you?

Unanimous Craft

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Alliday Artist: Meet Punkinhead!

2011-11-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

I have been making things since I was small,following in the footsteps of my incredibly creative mother and grandmother. Ihave ideas for projects all the time, but lack enough time to complete themall! My Punkinhead designs sprang from a love of vintage and repurposed fabrics– I couldn’t just keep piling them up, so I started making things as gifts… nowI make them for EVERYONE. I sew on a little drop-leaf table owned by mygreat-grandma and my favorite materials are vintage curtains and linens, with patches,lace and buttons thrown in for good measure.

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products?

I make Snowfolk out of old blankets and sweaters,tote bags from vintage linens, and hip bags and aprons from repurposed belts,sweaters and fabrics. I also make drink coasters and lapel pins out ofrepurposed bits and pieces. I create hanging lanterns from antique glassinsulators and wire, and art from whatever I happen to find that says “useme!”. I love that I am making things that become useful or beautiful orsmile-inducing out of things that may have gone unnoticed in corners or pilesat sales and thrift-stores.

Where do you find inspiration?

The materials themselves inspire me, usually, but I also love shelter magazines like Domino (RIP!) and Elle Décor for color inspiration. I also follow a number of blogs and am addicted to Pinterest. I tend to pile up things I’ve found and eventually find a way to use them even if I had no idea what they’d become when I first brought them home.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I am torn between Halloween and Christmas. I like them both because I love to decorate for them, but I also like Christmas because I enjoy giving gifts to people I love. I try to find gifts that speak to me about that person – especially handmade ones, either made by me or purchased from other artisans. They’re my favorite kind of gifts to receive as well.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I think we should have a holiday to celebrate the new moon each month (maybe Wiccans already do??) that requires us all to gather in empty fields full of fireflies and lawn chairs and stare at the night sky. Looking at the vast black of the Universe on a regular basis is sure to keep our humble little lives on this blue planet in perspective.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

My mom, the original creative force in my family, created lots of traditions for us. She probably didn’t know it at the time, though. I have to listen to a Firestone record of holiday songs that belonged to her while baking for Christmas, we have to put out the stockings that I made each of us (and mine made by mom), and the advent calendar she created has to be hung. Supposed to happen the first day of December, but it’s been known to be forgotten until around the 20^th… I have also started reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to my kids on Christmas eve.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Repurposed, Practical, Unique

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Alliday Artist: Meet Lone Chimney!

2011-11-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Tell us a littleabout yourself and your business.
Lone Chimney is made up of my mother (Brenda) and I (Barrie).We’ve been making things together since I was little and finally decided toturn our hobby into a business earlier this year. We are inspired by nature andthe landscape of Oklahoma in particular. We prefer to make quality products theold fashioned way, without any new technology, unnatural materials or elaboratemethods--just fabric, paint, and a sewing machine.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
We make mostly home accessories, pillow, bags, placemats,napkins. Though I’m starting a line of custom painted TOMS shoes, and we willsoon be creating a new store--Little Chimney--for baby clothes andaccessories.

I love that our products are natural--natural fibers, naturalpaints, and colors drawn from nature. I tend to gravitate to soft colors, andworn, matte finishes and you can see that in our design.

Where do you find inspiration?

Definitely from nature first and foremost. We both live out in the country, which is very important to us and very much a part of our personality.

I’m also very inspired by other artists and crafters. I’m always finding inspiration through blogs, catalogs, museums, craft shows and of course etsy.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

My favorite holiday is the 4th of July. I love fireworks, being outside (especially in the summer) and having a big family picnic. Though I am getting pretty excited for Thanksgiving. My mom and I start planning our meal about a month ahead of time and we never do the same meal twice. Cooking food for your friends and family is about the best way to celebrate I can think of, and I try to do it as frequently as I can.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

Animal Day. Everyone celebrates the animals in their lives, whether that be wild animals, pets, or animals at the zoo. And off course no eating animals that day! We could all do much more to make our world a better place for the animals that we share it with.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Eating, definitely. Like I said before, there’s not better way to celebrate.

How would you describe your work in three words?

natural, comfortable, useful

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Alliday Artist: Meet Hollyrocks!

2011-11-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

I’m abit of a dreamer who lives in Broken Arrow with my husband and our pets. It doesn’t take much to make me smile, and Ilike to find the magic in everyday items and situations. Polymer clay is my specialty, but I alsoincorporate vintage components and other little treasures. My business began on Etsy and expanded toinclude many craft shows, events, and organizations in Tulsa. I hope you’ll come say hello if you see mearound!

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products? My work includes jewelry, photography, décor,and even a little vintage shop on the side. I love the fact I will often see a smilespread across the faces of people who browse my items at craft shows. Maybe they spotted a tiny mushroom for theirgarden or a miniature squirrel sculpture inspired by the squirrels that come tomy yard, but something about my work speaks to certain people in a way thatmakes them happy and that is my absolute favorite thing about my products.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m heavily inspired by color, nature, and the little quirks that make each of us unique. If you browse my online shop, my blog, or my craft show booth, you might come to the realization that I’ve created my own little world. That world is where I go for inspiration.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I really love all holidays because I’ll take any excuse to be festive, but I think it would be great if every day was like Halloween. We could all dress up and act silly without worrying about anyone judging us for our crazy behavior.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I think I would create a polymer clay day! Everyone would celebrate by taking a lump of clay and forming it into something beautiful from the depths of their imagination. It makes me so happy when people experiment with clay because I think it’s underrepresented in the craft world, and I would love to see people sculpting unique works of art with their hands.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Having hot drinks with good people is something I adore. I it enjoy year-round honestly, but during the holidays it’s an especially warm feeling to be in the company of friends or family with a cup of coffee, hot tea, cocoa, or cider.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Colorful, happy, fun.

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Alliday Artist: Meet Okie Crowe!

2011-10-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

Wanting toparticipate in my husband’s appreciation for beer, but not wanting to assistwith his “Mr. Wizard beer kit,” with which he brews award-winning homebrew, Ibegan making beer soaps featuring his beer brewing ingredients. After being urged by a friend to vend soapsat Blue Dome Arts Festival in May 2011, Okie Crowe was born. Okie Crowe products are handmade by Kelli andGary Groblewski in Tulsa, OK.

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products?

Okie Crowe productsinclude beer soaps, scented soaps, felted soaps, Doggie Bark n’ Beerscuits dogtreats and Okie Crowe t-shirts. I LOVEhow Okie Crowe products reflect our love of beer, but also our Oklahoma pride,local-mindedness and eco-conscious attitude through unique ingredients,craftsmanship, logo by local graphic artist—Kouri Fowler, and recycledpackaging.

Where do you find inspiration?
Getting involved in the Oklahoma beer brewing community, including volunteering for Fellowship of Oklahoma Ale Makers (FOAM) and participating in Beer for Chicks, has been a big influence. My husband and I have always been craft beer drinkers as well, appreciating quality ingredients. Gary’s catalog of beer recipes is often a great reference when developing new beer soap recipes too.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

If the financial repercussions of Christmas everyday were not an issue, then definitely Christmas should be every day. Hahaha Christmas is the holiday that represents friends and family most to me. It is a festive time to share with others through gifts, spending time together and with love. The special memories made through Christmas traditions are priceless. The scents of the holiday season are pretty hard to beat as well—delicious home cooked meals, desserts and holiday spices are YUMMY!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

“Beer Me! Day”—all non-craft, commercially brewed pee water would be strictly forbidden and exorbitantly fined if consumed on this day. In celebration of this holiday, craft beers would be offered free to drinkers of legal age to prevent the consumption of bad beer. Because of the mass intervention to schwag beer drinkers everywhere, craft beer sales will force bad beer out of the market so no one will ever have to drink bad beer again, let alone want to! Thus, Oklahoma’s archaic beer laws would finally change to reflect modern 2011 attitudes about beer-drinking.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Because of the childhood memories of my Grandma’s cooking, I love the holiday traditions associated with food. My grandmother never had to tell me she loved me because I could always see it and taste it in her food. My grandmother’s hot rolls were such an exciting event that I called my grandfather each holiday morning asking him to pick me up from my home so I could watch my grandmother pull the rolls from the oven. Now, my husband and I pass on the tradition of Grandma’s hot rolls by preparing them for our family.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Beer

Unique

Fun

Website
Facebook

Shop Locally:

Beauty Unlimited 918-369-4942

Groggs Green Barn, 918-994-4222

High Gravity, 918-461-2605

Ida Red, 918-949-6950

Mecca Coffee Co., 918-749-3509

Natural Farms, 918-583-5354

Okie Crowe, 918-230-1595

The Refuge Lifestyle, 918-366-6650

Alliday Artist: Meet Paintin' by Faith!

2011-10-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Tell usa little about yourself and your business.

I am a mixed metalartist. I create small pieces ofwearable art with a very rustic feel. Itruly love what I do & I believe it does show in my work – well I don’tcall it work I call it fun. I can’t getenough. I live, breath, sleep myfun. I am always inspired. I love seeingmy work evolve on a daily basis.

What doyou create and what do YOU love about your products?

Using most sterlingsilver & copper I create wearable art – jewelry that has a voice. Each piece is created by hand. I never wore jewelry before I started makingit. I didn’t realize I just hadn’t foundmy style. The mix of sterling silverwith copper has such a great rustic feel to it.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere. Literally. I have pieces that were inspired by billboards on the side of the road. Shapes I noticed in a piece of fabric. The garden. Nature. My positive spirit. Everywhere.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

I do love Thanksgiving. It is a no hustle, enjoy the family kind of day. But I don’t think it is my favorite. I am very patriotic & a huge fan of summer. So I think I really would have to say Fourth of July. I know that seems very different – but that does kind of sum me up.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?

I would love to have a simple family day. A day that just celebrates family. Period. No gifts. Just the spirit of family.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love traditions. When my kids were younger I tried to create many traditions to carry on. Things change up so not all of them stuck. But I do have one that we haven’t ever stopped. On Christmas Eve you know kids always want to open up gifts. Well I started giving my kids one gift each. It is always PJ’s – when they were kids it was such a cute thing. They had a new pair for Santa to see them in. So every year even though they knew what they were getting they got to open that one gift. Even though my kids are older & think I am silly for still doing this – every year I still give them one gift on Christmas Eve – PJ’s.

How would you describe your work in three words?

Art

Rustic

Timeless

Shop

Blog

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Learn to Apply and APPLY NOW!

2011-09-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little quiet around the blog lately but that's all about to change! GET READY FOR SOME NOISE!!! Er, more blog posts, that is ;)

First up, a friendly reminder that ALL Alliday applications are due next Monday, October 3rd!!!

Applications can be found here.

But perhaps you're worried about turning in your application and wish you knew more about the process! No need to worry! Alliday and Indie Emporium (which is THIS WEEKEND!) have teamed up to bring you the uber-informative class covering everything you'd ever want to know about successfully applying and preparing for craft shows! This class is FREE and will be held at the rockin' bar, Lot 6 at 3pm!

And after the class, you can take what you've learned and turn in your Alliday Application!

See you there!

How to Apply and Prepare for Indie Craft Show Class!

2011-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Alliday and Indie Emporium (p.s. their applications are due this weekend!) are partnering together to bring you a comprehensive class on how to apply and prepare for an indie craft show! This class is FREE tomorrow but won't be in the future! Don't worry if you don't live near though, we're working on making this class available online soon!

If you want to come, we're meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, August 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Cosi near 71st & Yale! Come, meet other creatives and learn everything you'd need to know to be successful at shows!

APPLY NOW!

2011-05-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

It's time!!! Applications are up and are ready for you to fill out!! Don't miss being a part of our second annual show, this time during the holiday season! Find the applications here! Please note that the application process has slightly changed so be aware. Spread the word!

Save The Date!

2011-04-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hey there strangers! Just popping in to say hello and to let you know we haven't forgotten about you! AND to let you know that this year's Alliday is in the works! Mark your calendars for December 17th at the Tulsa Fairgrounds! Applications should be up on the website within the next month and all questions can be sent to allidayeveryday@gmail.com. Also, on Facebook, we've made the jump to a fan page so make sure and 'like' us over there! See you soon, friends!

A Holiday Alliday?

2010-07-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hey There Alliday Admirers! Long time, no virtual talk!

We know you are eager to hear about future Alliday shows and we've finally made some decisions! We've received LOTS of inquiries about a holiday Alliday but due to numerous factors, we will not be producing a holiday Alliday this year. We will DEFINITELY be producing a show next year so no need to fret! We are also exploring moving the show closer to the holiday season! Thoughts?

No need to be sad though, there's other handmade shows to fill the Alliday void this fall! Make sure to apply to Indie Emporium and Deluxe OKC! These two shows are a good time and beyond! Lastly, take a trip to Norman on August 28th to check out Dustbowl Arts Market! While vendors have already been lined up, you can still go shop and listen to live music at this vivacious fest!

Best of the Booths

2010-07-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

If you missed the first Alliday Show this past June, then you missed some spectacular booths! We encouraged our artists to think outside the box and boy did they! Our panel of judges had a difficult time choosing their three favorite but by the afternoon, they had finally narrowed it down and had their winners!

Our first place booth was Feather by Feather who created a light and airy booth, just like her feather creations!

Second place went to a trio of ladies, Pretta, who create functional and eye-catching bags and cork-boards.

Third place went to Treasures with Mom who created an entire room to shop in! Her handmade pendants were a hot commodity at the show and her booth was the place to be!

A huge congratulations to our winners and to everyone who created amazing booths! We can't wait to see more awesome booths in the future!

Read All About It!

2010-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a GREAT show on Saturday!!! We're still trying to take in all of the awesomeness! In the meantime, check out the Tulsa World article and The Tulsa Project article about the show. Also, don't miss some fantastic blog posts from The GreenerMe, sunshine and carousels, and Art by Bethany recapping it all!

A grand thanks to all who made it out and of course, to all of our fabulous artists! Looking forward to next year!

Alliday Artist: Meet Scarberry Faire!

2010-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life. I’ve always painted for family and friends, and over the years I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that I should sell my work. Scarberry Faire is my first attempt at doing so!

What do you create?

I create wall art. I typically paint portraits of women. I go through phases where I find a particular genre or subject really interesting, and its usually reflected in the subjects I paint – lately I’ve been looking at a lot of Japanese fashion, which has inspired a few recent pieces.

What do YOU love about the products you make?

I love the self expression, and if something so personal can touch someone else, all the better!

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere! I love the look of comic books and cartoons. Growing up I remember drawing a lot of video game characters! I am also inspired by fashion, but the female form is where I tend to be inspired most.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Hmmm….Valentines? The world always needs more love!

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?

Everything is new!

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?

I’m most excited to see how people react to my work and to meet other artists in the community. I have no idea what to expect, and it will be interesting to see how people respond.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: blue
To live in: yellow (sunshine!)
To look at: purple
To create with: I love working with shades of grey and black
That inspires you: all of them!

Medium you:
Love to work in: acrylic paints
Tend to get frustrated with: sewing
Would love to learn: pottery
You most admire: other painters

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Black Keys
Favorite all-time musical artist: That’s a hard question! Bob Marley or Band of Horses
Favorite movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Favorite food to eat: Mexican
Favorite food to cook: Mexican
Favorite place you’ve been: Jamaica
Place you’d love to go to: Greece

It's Time!!!

2010-06-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hello world! The time has finally arrived! The Alliday Show is THIS SATURDAY at the Ford Truck Exhibit Hall at the Tulsa Fairgrounds from 9-5! And guess what? You don't have to pay a dime to get in! How great is that! Here's a little map of the fairgrounds with a gigantic red arrow pointing to the coolest handmade show around! Hope to see you there!

Wrap it Up with StreetCats!

2010-06-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

StreetCats, Inc. will be helping you with gift wrapping for your purchases made at The Alliday Show! Who doesn’t like something wrapped up, even if it is for you or for no special reason? Plus, gift wrapping is free and you can do it yourself or we’ll do it for you!

StreetCats, Inc. is an all volunteer not for profit cat rescue organization that exists on donations only. We are located at 60th & S. Sheridan (behind Charlie’s Chicken on the east side of Sheridan). We have wonderful cats for adoption plus we help sponsor a low cost spay/neuter voucher program for homeless cats on the streets. All our cats for adoption are 9 months old or older (up to 12 years), have tested negative for Feline Leukemia and Aids, are current on their rabies and FVRCP vaccinations, and are microchipped with Home Again in the event they should get outside accidentally and get confused and can’t find their way home. All cats receive excellent medical care while they are with us waiting for their forever homes. Adoptions are $75 ($65 if you are 65 or older). StreetCats is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please visit our web site at http://www.streetcatstulsa.org/ and check us out! Our telephone message line is 298-0104 if you want to call us and leave a message – we’ll call you back.

Creating the Perfect Booth

2010-06-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

*THE BONES*

Tables – Make sure you have enough and make sure they will fit in your booth! Find out if your show will be providing tables for you.

Chairs – We always bring one extra chair because we often have friends or family stop by and sit for a bit. That being said though, you want to make sure your booth is not too congested with friends and family and that it feels more like a store than a coffee shop!

Canopy - If outside a canopy is your best friend. Never rely on good weather! If inside, check with your organizer to ensure they are allowed. Some buildings do not allow canopies inside. Walls can also be a good investment! If outside and you need a canopy, weights will be your best friend!

*DISPLAYS*

Think outside of the box. Picture frames don’t have to house pictures, why can’t they showcase your jewelry or hair clips? Take some time to think of unique display ideas; scour the flea market, garage sales and estate sales for offbeat finds which are often a steal! Show your products in action! Reversible apron? Flip up a corner of the fabric on a dress form to show its versatility!

Remember the word height! Think of ways to vary the height of your wares. For small items, plant shelves and pie plates work well to give differing heights and for larger items, hanging things from a canopy make a shopper look up! Even simply covering boxes with fabric will give some height to your booth! Not to mention these will often give you more room on your table!

Freestanding walls work great for hanging artwork and are available on the Internet and in store fixture shops.

Table covers - Be careful that your displays and table cloths don’t detract from your wares. A coherent color scheme will do wonders for making your booth look professional and mature!
Detailed jewelry or beautifully patterned purses will stand out much better on a monotone table cloth rather than the cute dancing monkey sheet. Even though you may adore the fabric or display, think about if it is too much! Editing is very important in displays!

It is also smart to do test runs of your booth. This will help you figure out what works and what doesn’t and helps to alleviate unwanted stress during set-up!

Don’t forget to model your merchandise if you make something that can be worn!

Above all, be creative!

*SIGNAGE & BRANDING*

Always think of way to brand your company. Consider putting your logo on your price tags as well as your signage and business cards. Make sure you have something that has your company name on it! You want people to remember you and your products!

Business cards, flyers for upcoming shows or promotional giveaway items. It helps people remember you if they have something to take home with them, purchased or not. They may not buy something at that particular show but with a card or flyer, they can contact you in the future or visit your upcoming shows!

*MISCELLANEOUS*

Guestbook. Some artists offer email updates for their shows, sales and news. If you plan to collect addresses, it is best to be prepared and have somewhere for customers to sign up! Remember to bring a pen!

Electricity. If your show offers electricity hookups and you have paid for that, make sure to pack extension cords! Most shows will not supply those for you. If you are doing an outdoor show at night, lights are a necessity and will also need to be brought by you!

Change. Many artists will factor in tax to their prices so making change is a cinch; no need to mess with coins! Dollar bills are invaluable though so make sure you have plenty of those!

Payment. Decide what forms of payment you will accept. If you plan to accept checks, make sure you get driver’s license numbers along with a phone number in case the check is bad. If you plan to accept credit cards, make sure you have electricity in your booth if not going through a cell phone and make sure the facility offers Wi-Fi if you need that. Signage noting what type of payments you accept are often helpful to your customers.

Snacks. Many shows will have vendors selling food but if you’re a penny pincher like me, you’ll want to bring snacks so you save money!

Mirror. Do you sell a product that people wear? Providing a mirror will discourage people from asking to take items to the bathroom to try on and will ensure the safety of your merchandise!

*ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR*

One the greatest things about doing arts and crafts shows is that you have the opportunity to speak with your customers face to face. Make sure to take advantage of that! Greet the public, be happy and welcoming, and be positive! If you enjoy yourself, your customers will enjoy themselves as well.

While you do want to be friendly and personable, you also don’t want to hound your shoppers! Greet them, let them shop in peace, answer questions when needed and offer information on pieces if they seem interested. Nobody enjoys going into a store and having an employee following them around while they try to shop!

When eating, it’s best not to eat a burger with extra onions and a side of garlic. Remember you’ll be dealing directly with the public so odorous foods are smart to stay away from! Also, try to keep your food and drinks behind your displays or in your lap or have a friend babysit your booth while you eat elsewhere. Keeping these things in view of your customers will detract them from shopping in your booth.

Even if a shopper does not buy anything, be sure to thank them for their time! You want them to leave thinking positively of their experience in your booth.

Visit other shows and observe which booths you like and why. Need more inspiration and tips for the big day? Here are two of Oklahoma's own crafty ladies who are full of good advice! Take a moment to visit Audrey Eclectic and Lollywood! Have great advice of your own? Please feel free to leave links in the comment section to share!

Alliday Artist: Meet Purl Studio!

2010-06-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Purl Studio is a brand new business venture for me. I’d been knitting for about a year when I decided to share some photos of my work with friends. Their response was overwhelmingly positive. They encouraged me to pursue the idea of selling my work. I’m thrilled to debut my work at the Alliday Show.

What do you create?

I create hand knit and felted clothing and accessories for women of all ages. I choose sustainable, quality yarns and design pieces that I would love to wear. I also love knitting for little ones. In fact, it was the idea of creating handmade gifts for friend’s baby showers that inspired me to start knitting. I don’t think there is anything more satisfying that giving a gift that was made especially for the recipient.

What do YOU love about the products you make?

I love that they are sustainably made and that each one is an original. I also love using an old-fashioned craft to make such modern stylish pieces.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Earth Day. I’m passionate about sustainability and developing a more equitable planet and I wish we spent every day thinking about how to make this planet a better place to live.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?

I’d love a holiday that you celebrated on the last warm night in Autumn by inviting all of your friends over to eat the remaining fresh vegetables from your garden.

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?

Everything from me will be new! It’s a huge undertaking but I’m loving the challenge.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?

I’m looking forward to meeting new people and sharing my work. I love meeting the people who will wear my pieces. It will also give me an idea of what people like and where to focus my work.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: right now…purple.
To live in: the perfect shade of winter white.
To look at: olive green, always.
To create with: deep earth tones.
That inspires you: a new color every day.

Medium you:
Love to work in: Wool, alpaca, organic cotton and recycled silk.
Tend to get frustrated with: Fine mohair.
Would love to learn: Crochet
You most admire: Woodworking and glass blowing

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Feist
Favorite all-time musical artist: Waterdeep
Favorite movie: The Royal Tennenbaums
Favorite food to eat: Does candy count as food?
Favorite food to cook: Microwave dinners.
Favorite place you’ve been: London and the Virgin Islands
Place you’d love to go to: New Zealand and Scotland

Check out my blog at http://www.mypurlsofwisdom.wordpress.com/!

Alliday Artist: Meet Pottery by Jezz!

2010-05-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I have built up several different ‘collections’ of pots, depending on the colour. Each colour is named after a county in England (as I’m English). This gives added interest and it’s a good conversation starter!

What do you create?

I make pottery bowls, mugs, vases, and have a go at all sorts of different pieces.

What do YOU love about the products you make?

They are definitely one of a kind!

Where do you find inspiration?

I have only to go into my garden and pick some leaves which I then use on a piece to give another dimension.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Being from England, I still celebrate “Boxing Day” (26 Dec) because it’s an excuse to have a party with my friends!

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?

“pay it forward” day. Do something for someone and pass it on… have a block party in the neighborhood to celebrate the good life!

Any funny holiday memories or stories you’d like to share?
Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday? I have some new pieces that I’ve been working on… just come and have a look!

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?

Showing my ceramics and getting to know the shoppers interested in my artwork: Forming new friendships

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: green

Medium you:
Love to work in: clay

Favorite all-time musical artist: Eric Clapton
Favorite food to eat: Indian Curry
Favorite food to cook: Toad–in-the-hole
Favorite place you’ve been: New Zealand
Place you’d love to go to: somewhere tropical

Alliday Artist: Meet Art By Bethany!

2010-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
Hi, I live in Broken Arrow with my husband. I graduated from TU with a graphic design degree in 2002. Then I worked as a costume jewelry designer until 2008. I started Art by Bethany a couple years ago when my former employer moved the business to Houston and I did not want to move with them. It's the first chance in a while I've had to create whatever I want. I recently started selling my "Sock Buddies" & "Sockbots" at Dwelling Spaces in downtown Tulsa. I'm looking for other consignment opportunities.

What do you create?
I make all sorts of things, but my recent favorites are the "Sock Buddies." They are little monsters that I make out of socks. I also do collages, fabric wall hangings, paintings, decorative pillows, jewelry, cards, and felt softies. I also do custom commissions, which have mostly been paintings.

What do YOU love about the products you make?
I love it when my pieces make people smile. It's almost impossible to look at the Sock Buddies and not laugh. :)

Where do you find inspiration?
A lot of my paintings are inspired by nature. I've been doing lots of birds and trees for a while now. The plush inspiration usually comes from books or magazines, like Stuffed, or from the materials I'm working with.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
I think if Christmas were everyday people might stay in that giving spirit all year (fingers crossed).

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?
How about a Handmade Holiday, where everyone buys each other a handmade gift?!

Any funny holiday memories or stories you’d like to share?
A funny memory from last year was when my family decided to give each other gifts we found in my parents' basement. It's rather cluttered & they often lose things down there, so we found some pretty nice stuff. Many "As Seen on TV" gifts emerged from the basement, as well as some unopened classic VHS tapes.

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
My new items are hand stamped cards & prints that I've made from some linocuts I've been creating.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?
I'm very excited to see who comes out since it's a new show. I can't wait to share my artwork with others.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: green
To live in: blue
To look at: blue
To create with: brown
That inspires you: red

Medium you:
Love to work in: paint
Tend to get frustrated with: sewing
Would love to learn: crocheting or more knitting
You most admire: clay

Favorite musical artist of the moment: I don't listen to much pop music...I'll have to go with Jonny Lang
Favorite all-time musical artist: U2
Favorite movie: Love Actually
Favorite food to eat: chocolate ice cream
Favorite food to cook: tacos
Favorite place you’ve been: Olympic Peninsula
Place you’d love to go to: Italy

For more information about Art By Bethany, visit their website http://www.artbybethany.net/!

Alliday Artist: Meet Lollywood!

2010-05-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Casey and I live in Tahlequah with my creative fiancé Ross! I started Lollywood one afternoon at work when our server was down and all we could do was surf the web. I looked up tutorials on making polymer clay jewelry and that night I made my first piece! Now, I’ve graduated college and work at a university and run Lollywood at night! My favorite things are Hello Kitty, Glee, The Sims 3, and reality TV.

What do you create? I make really fun jewelry, accessories, and drink coasters!

What do YOU love about the products you make?
I love getting feedback from people who see my work. Everything just kind of makes you laugh and smile, it’s a great feeling having people appreciate it.

Where do you find inspiration? Japanese culture, woodland creatures, bright and colorful patterns, and good food (I love cupcakes, so why not add a face to it and make it a necklace?)

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
Halloween! My birthday is November 1, so growing up I had a lot of costume birthday parties. I’ve always loved dressing up and staying in character. Also, who doesn’t love the candy aisle at Halloween???

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated? I would create “Love your Single Friends Day!” It would be February 13th so they wouldn’t feel left out when Valentine’s Day came around! Everyone would send each other cards saying why they are awesome and we’d all eat pizza and chocolate!

Any funny holiday memories or stories you’d like to share?
I worked at a haunted house one Halloween.. I did it on a volunteer basis and was a clown, a goblin creature, and a scarecrow! I probably didn’t scare anyone.. I had the worst growl/roar!

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
Well, I will have a lot of stuff that people haven’t seen before in my online shop. I have coaster sets and mix and match coasters that can go with almost any home décor! I also make feather headbands now.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?
I’m excited to see all the other crafters.. I always want to get something from everyone!

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: gray
To live in: green
To look at: pink
To create with: pink
That inspires you: turquoise

Medium you:
Love to work in: polymer clay
Tend to get frustrated with: feathers
Would love to learn: sewing with a machine
You most admire: painting

Favorite musical artist of the moment: The Glee kids!
Favorite all-time musical artist: Brand New (circa “Your Favorite Weapon”)
Favorite movie: Heavyweights (Disney movie from 1995)
Favorite food to eat: Chicken Salad Sandwich from Lenny’s Sub Shop
Favorite food to cook: Mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese
Favorite place you’ve been: Disneyworld
Place you’d love to go to: Tokyo

For more information about Lollywood, visit their website at www.shoplollywood.com!

Alliday Artist: Meet Gleeful Peacock!

2010-04-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I am a mom of one fabulously creative and fun eight year old girl and I have been married to the love of my life for 10 years. I work full time and run Gleeful Peacock in the evenings.

What do you create? I design unique, colorful and artistic jewelry and accessories. I strive to make items that you can not find anywhere else. I started my business to keep life colorful and to focus on the beauty in life.

What do YOU love about the products you make?
I love that people notice them when someone wears them. Customers always tell me that every time they wear one of my pieces they get comments and compliments. I love that I make pieces the people notice!

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in every day life. When the trees start to bloom I notice more pinks and purples in my work. When dandelions pop up in my yard, I want to work with yellow. The other day I was inspired to make a necklace based on a sea green truck that was pulled up next to me at a light.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?
Funny you should ask. I create new holidays all the time! One of my daughter’s favorites is ‘Happy Sandal Day’. Every spring on the first warm weekend we paint our toenails and we go shopping for sandals. We usually end the day with putting our toes in the new spring grass. It is a fun way to celebrate the new season.

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
I am constantly changing out my inventory based on my newest inspirations, so I know there will be new designs that are shown for the first time at Alliday.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?
I love seeing my crafty friends and meeting new friends. I am also so happy that it is the end of June since I will have a few weeks to rest and really gear up for the show!

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: Yellow
To live in: A little bit of every color
To look at: Aqua Marine
To create with: Turquoise
That inspires you: depends on the moment!
Medium you:
Love to work in: Paint
Tend to get frustrated with: small beads
Would love to learn: screen printing
You most admire: glass blowing

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Ray Lamontange
Favorite all-time musical artist: Jack Johnson
Favorite movie: Grease
Favorite food to eat: Mashed Potatoes with cheese
Favorite food to cook: cookies
Favorite place you’ve been: Gig Harbor Washington
Place you’d love to go to: Greece

To learn more about the Gleeful Peacock, check out their website at www.gleefulpeacock.com!

Alliday Artist: J & B Jewelry!

2010-04-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
We are a husband and wife team that design, create, and sell, our hand crafted jewelry in local art shows. Our names are Jodi and Bill Robinson, and our business is J & B Jewelry. We have been selling our jewels since 2002.

What do you create? Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Anklets
What do YOU love about the products you make? Bill - He loves the natural materials and the variety of beads. Jodi - I like that we create wearable art and it is fun to sell something that I have made.

Where do you find inspiration? Jodi - Bead magazines, Bead shows, TV shows, and just selling something inspires me to make more jewelry. Bill - Designs that occur in nature.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why? Jodi - Labor Day, because I don’t have to go to work and it is a paid holiday.
Bill – Memorial Day, because it is the beginning of Summer and it is a paid holiday.
If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated? I would like every Monday to be considered

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
Yes, we went to Tucson, AZ and bought a ton of beads in February and have been creating new things since then.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show? I like that it is an art show and we get to meet new artists.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: Bright
To live in: Green
To look at: Red
To create with: Turquoise
That inspires you: Silver

Medium you:
Love to work in: Jewelry
Tend to get frustrated with: Knotting silk or having to untangle silver chain
Would love to learn: Metal smith to create rings
You most admire: Oil Painters

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Black Eyed Peas
Favorite all-time musical artist: Third Eye Blind
Favorite movie: Cold Mountain
Favorite food to eat: Ahi Tuna
Favorite food to cook: Salmon
Favorite place you’ve been: Tulsa River trail
Place you’d love to go to: The beach

To learn more about J & B Jewelry, check out their website at www.jandbjewelry.com!

Alliday Artist: Meet TrashyTrashyTrash!

2010-04-23T07:29:00.001-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. What do you create?
I paint tee-shirts with animals from cryptozoology, such as Bigfoot and Yeti. I also make jewelry and accessories out of items of trash, vintage buttons, and other natural elements.

What do YOU love about the products you make?
I love pretty much everything about everything that I make, call me crazy, but it's true. I just love the process, using my hands to make/create new things that amuse me, and hopefully others ...

Where do you find inspiration?
Just my regular ol' life happenin' inspires me, I can find inspiration in everything.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
Earth Day. I think people should always give trash a second chance to be something great and beautiful, show it a lil' love. Keep the earth happy and green.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?
I don't know that I would make any new holidays.

Any funny holiday memories or stories you’d like to share?
The holiday memory that stands out to me the most right now is Easter when I was seven years old, I think. My parents hid eggs for us, of course, but there were seven eggs that had paper with letters on it, they were cut apart from each other like a jig-saw puzzle. My brother and I pieced it together, and it spelled Jamaica. My parents had gotten plane tickets and we left the next morning and went to Jamaica. It was pretty awesome. I wish I could have an egg hunt turn out that great again, hahaha.

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
Yes. I am always making something new.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?
The chance to set my items up and have people see them, hopefully the said people, like what they see.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: Any.
To live in: Green.
To look at: Green.
To create with: Any.
That inspires you: Any.

Medium you:
Love to work in: Trash.
Tend to get frustrated with: Drawing.
Would love to learn: Sew my own clothes.
You most admire: Trash.

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Blonde Redhead.
Favorite all-time musical artist: Beck.
Favorite movie: Fifth Element.
Favorite food to eat: Pizza.
Favorite food to cook: Stir-fry.
Favorite place you’ve been: Holland.
Place you’d love to go to: Greece.

To learn more about TrashyTrashyTrash, check out their website at www.trashytrashytrash.etsy.com!

Alliday Artist - Meet Theraganics!

2010-04-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Stephanie Thurman. I own an organic bath & body company right here in Tulsa called Theraganics – which stands for therapeutic organics. My husband, sister, and brother in law have recently joined me in helping us expand. We are dedicated to using only all natural ingredients and the finest essential oils for scent.

What do you create?
We create some of the finest handcrafted all natural soap you’ll find using the traditional cold process method which leaves in the retained glycerin. We’ve perfected all of our soap recipes to provide luxurious lather that leaves your skin moisturized without all of the chemicals and detergents typically found in other products. We also have excellent creams, bath bombs, lip balms, lotion sticks, and will be constantly introducing more products!

What do YOU love about the products you make?
I love everything about our products! I’ve struggled with skin issues for the majority of my life – after switching to using chemical free products I’ve experienced a 100% change for the better. We use everything we make on ourselves. I love being able to not only educate people about product ingredients, but I’ve received some very heartwarming feedback from customers who have told us that our products change their life after suffering from various skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration not only comes from my own experience with skin issues, but seeing so many other people who have no idea where their problems are coming from when it’s the very products they use daily causing irritation.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
I wish everyday was Earth Day – that way people would consciously be doing things in their everyday life to be more green – every day.

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?
It would be a holiday where everyone uses natural soap for one day! For most people that’s all it takes – one use and they’re hooked!

Any funny holiday memories or stories you’d like to share?
One Christmas when I first started making natural soap I gave everyone in our family soap for Christmas. At first they thought it was a little strange but now it’s become a must have!

Will you be unveiling any new goods at Alliday?
We sure will! We are developing an all natural hand sanitizer and also hair care products!

What are you most excited about for the upcoming Alliday Show?
We are looking forward to meeting everyone. We love to talk to people and show them our excellent products.

Rapid Fire Questions!
Your favorite color
To wear: Black
To live in: Green
To look at: Yellow
To create with: Green
That inspires you: Green

Medium you:
Love to work in: Soap – is that a medium?
Tend to get frustrated with: Anything sticky!
Would love to learn: Pottery - clay
You most admire: Glass

Favorite musical artist of the moment: Nacho Sotomayor
Favorite all-time musical artist: Journey
Favorite movie: Neverending Story
Favorite food to eat: Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Favorite food to cook: Spaghetti
Favorite place you’ve been: Hawaii
Place you’d love to go to: Alaska

To learn more about Theraganics, check out their website at www.theraganics.com!

Our First Flyer

2010-03-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hey world! Here's a flyer for you to start spreading around! Please use it freely! Getting closer everyday!

We're On Facebook Now!!

2010-02-23T13:31:00.001-08:00

Want to be even MORE connected to us??? Become our friend on Facebook!

CALL FOR ARTISTS!!!

2010-02-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

It's time to get your applications in, lovelies! You've got until May 19th for the Early Bird fee but apply promptly as spaces will fill up quickly! Let your creative friends and family know too! We'd love to be a newbie's first! ;) Visit our website, www.allidayeveryday.com for more information!

Welcome!

2010-02-08T10:59:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our blog! Make sure to check out our website for show details and our Vendor Application!!! If you know folks who like to create, pass along the information to them! Only five months away! Are you as excited as we are???