Renegade Craft Fair-San Francisco 2010

On Saturday, I spent an exciting day with my scrapbooking bestie Liz at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco !

The doors opened at 11, but because we were so excited and because I have never driven through SF, we left her house at 8:45—I was a bit early! We got to Fort Mason at 10 am and found parking in a jiffy—when we left (at 3:30!) there wasn’t any parking to be found. Luckily, I had parked near the exit and parked so I didn’t have to back out—yay!

There wasn’t much to eat at Fort Mason, so we settled for a latte (sans Vanilla—boo!) and a mocha from a very pleasant lady who was thrilled that we both paid with twenty dollar bills—um, it is the morning lady—we hadn’t gotten a chance to spend any money yet. The coffee was bitter just like the barista—ha ha ha! (The coffees weren’t even picture worthy)

We sat facing the bay waiting patiently for the doors to open and chatted about this and that. It was nice and relaxing even for an early Saturday morning.

A couple of minutes before 11am, we headed on over to the Festival Pavilion. Some of the booths were still setting up while we did our first go round—there were no purchase made the first time around.

After we seen all the goodies, we went upstairs to the Etsy Make-n-Take area where they had a REAL DJ…the kind that played Records!! You know those big black vinyl things? No cd player…no iTunes off a computer! YAY…the best part was the awesome 80’s music that came out of the turntables!

Also upstairs was the “bar” which had some wine and beer. We held off because we didn’t want to chop off our fingers while doing our make-n-takes. The host wore a cute apron…So Manly! We never were able to secretly take a picture of him from the front, but it was really ruffle-ly.

Before our second go round, we stopped at the Magnolia Photo Booth which was “free” (with a donation jar). It was fun with all the props they had! So something I could never do with my family—ha ha ha.

Then came our purchases…I loved so many of the things, but I only left with these:

1. is a note pad that says "To Do*", then the bottom says "*or not to do, that is the question".  Old Tom Foolery was quite the place was cute cards I would never be brave enough to send out.  One of my favorites was "You tied the Knot*...*the knot to the noose that just killed your social life.  way to go party poopers"

2. wood print NY version was actually a gift from Liz for driving.  She got the SF one...so cute from Petit Collage.

3. can't really see it in this picture but it was a bag full of cute postage-like stamps from The Tinted Mint.

4. hand dyed yarn (I ♥ yarn) from bricolag(e)able.

5. the cutest envelop from The Postage Service.  It had vintage stamps and the best part was the postage was usable--although I would hate to use it and then not have it anymore.  I left with the California theme.

6. a business card holder from Beyond Wonderland (to put my etsy shop cards when I finally open shop)I also left with a ton of business cards.

7. and my "big" purchase...a cute cell phone holder from The Pouch Place by alliebeans.

Here are a few links to check out:

Misha Ashton Photograph (she is awesome)

Twinkie Chan

Red Velvet Art

Spincycle Yarns (love the mascot)

Seibei (love the "I am fat...Let's Party" shirt)

Bunny Butt Apothecary (crazy name)

Mis Nopales Art (awesome)

Zooni (I wish I knew some little kids to buy these for)

There were so many other vendors...I can't name them all, but you can check out the list on the Renegade site.

One of our “goals” was to meet Elsie Flannigan. We even brought our copies of 52 Scrapbooking Challenges and Love, Elsie Recipe Idea Box to be signed, but when we were at her booth, we were both to shy to ask if she would sign them. We didn’t even get a picture with her. Liz did take a photo of Elsie holding a picture her daughter had drawn and gave Elsie the picture. Maybe we will run into her at another fair someday.

We also took a picture as the Renegade Mascot Owl



and lots of pictures of the “props” throughout the venue. I didn’t want to take pictures of the items—didn’t want people to think I was stealing ideas!

(from the Postage Service)


(from bricolag(e)able)


(from Twinkie Chan)

(this was my favorite prop...I thought they were selling these faux cupcakes.  When I picked it up, I was like these look so real...Liz had to point it out to me that they were real--ha ha ha--they were selling the bird candle holders)

This guy was AMAZING...

P.Nosa...he embroidered these amazing art works on the sewing machine freehandedly.

After we were finished wandering the fair, we went outside and took a few photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz .

Have I ever mentioned that I love old buildings?

I don’t think I have ever driven around that area of San Francisco —I totally fell in Love with all the architecture—someday I want to go back and just wander the streets and take some photos.

We—I mean I only got lost 4 times—ha ha ha. Once, we missed the turn going into the city, but thanks to my handy dandy (annoying at times) navigation, we still made it to Fort Mason in plenty of time. Then on the way out, I was in the wrong lane and I had to turn, but it was only a slight detour that we still were able to enjoy the lovely buildings around us. The final 2 missed exits were actually in the part of California that I know!!! First I forgot to get on a freeway—I was just driving myself home—ha ha ha…then when we finally got onto that freeway, I was in the wrong lane (again) and had to take another detour! By that time, it was a joke how long it took us to get home!

I had an awesome fun time with Liz. I was able to take my time and be my dorky self :)

Future BagLady

ok, you heard it here first, I think I am going to become a baglady--ha ha ha.

If you know me, you know I am not fashionable.  I am plain and cheap (mostly cheap though--ha ha ha).  But lately, I have been drooling over purses/handbags...whichever you prefer.

Back in March, I posted about some awesome camera bags that look like purses.  Since, I have entered a couple of contests to try and win one with no luck.  The last contest, I even asked my mom, my aunt, and my husband to enter to win it for me too, but none of us won :( 

So today, I get home and what is waiting for me?  A box...a Box labeled Ginger from Epiphanie Bags!!!!  I love it!  I can look fashionable and carry my cameras and then some in this bag!

My husband totally surprised me with an early (2 month's early) birthday present!!!  Yay!

But not only that, this was my second surprise of early presents this past few days.  In May, I seen a cute bag that my aunt had and told my mom how much I loved it.  She told me the brand and said she found it on eBay...of course I am not into brand names, but I had to search for it.  I had no luck.  Then on Sunday, I went to visit with my mom and they had found a similar bag (just a different pattern) and she told me that if I wanted it, it could be my birthday present!  The thing is huge inside!!!

I have already taken it to the beach (you can see the sand inside--ha ha ha).

A pretty picture of them both:

But I really think this love for these bags has struck one of my obsessive collection strings.  The other day, we were at TJ Maxx and I seen this cute purse

Totally not me, but it is cute.  I read the price tag...$19.99.  I was like I would never use it, so I wouldn't pay 20 bucks for it.  Then I looked again and the tag said $119.99--I totally didn't see that first 1--oh my goodness, um, no.  But it was totally cute :D 

"Now that's a Hook"

If Crocodile Dundee crocheted, he would totally use an S-hook.  That thing is huge!  I didn't even know I needed a hook that big!  I received an email for a Double-Take Helmet free pattern from Leisure Arts. (you have to sign up to see the pattern), but here is a picture from the website

It is cute except it fits like a helmet (think Little House on the Praire bonnet) and not a beanie, so I improvised and I finally made a slouchy beret!!

I am so happy...I have tried a few times to make a slouchy beret, but it just doesn't turn out right.  Here is another failure--before I found my S-hook!

(it totally looks like a toilet seat cover--you know from the old school days when that was cool to have--ha ha ha)

Greetings...

I took a break from crocheting and had every intention to make Mother's Day cards, but instead, I made these:

This is a small 3 x 3 card (no envelop).  Nothing fancy at all, but still cute.  There is some ink on the raised dots, but it was a very light color that you can't even see it.

Supplies:  Paper~Kraft Cardstock (The Paper Company) and Brown (Bazzil Basics), Ribbon~Hemp Cording, Embossing~Swiss Dots used with Sizzix Big Kick Machine, Ink~Caramel Paper Stain (All My Memories-Ranger), Other (heart)~ George & Basic Shapes cartridge (Cricut)

I also made this 4.5 x 6.5 card for any occasion from some old Rusty Pickle paper that I have had for a while.

Supplies: Paper~ Pirate Princess Alvilda & Grace O'Malley (Rusty Pickle) and miscellaneous white cardstock, Embossing~Swiss Dots used with Sizzix Big Kick Machine, Ink~Baby Pink (Close to My Heart), Other~PreScored Card

This 6.5 x 4.5 Thank You card is my favorite of the bunch.  I am totally digging the Kraft Paper.

Paper~Kraft Cardstock (The Paper Company) and Miscellaneous Yellow/Orange Cardstock, Embossing~D'vine Swirl used with Sizzix Big Kick Machine, Stamp~(Thank you) Friendship Blessings (Close to My Heart), Ink~Caramel & Chocolate Paper Stain (All My Memories-Ranger), Other~ Rebecca Sowers tag

Ok, I have been trying really hard not to buy anything scrapbook/card making related including any new yummy papers.  So I got all this stuff from my stash and as I am trying to add all the links to the stuff, I realize most of the stuff I used is really really old.  Rusty Pickle is no longer in business :(  I don't think All My Memories makes ink anymore (unless I am not remember the correct ink off the top of my head :p) (ok, I doubled checked the ink was All My Memories through Ranger Industries--so I am thinking since they are putting out Tim Holtz Distressed Inks, they no longer sell "paper stain")...and this tag...

I have no idea how long I have had it, but I know it has been years and years and years...maybe since I first started in 2003!  I had to "borrow" this picture from someone on eBay selling this one (shhh!).  I was lucky to even find it since I forgot to take a picture before I altered the tag.  As you can tell, I took the flower off, then inked the tag to make it stand out a bit more and to be able to stand the tag vertical (see the lettering?  It made me want to use it horizontally instead).

Maybe there is some hope and I will someday use all my supplies--ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.  Ok, maybe not.

**how do Jennifer McGuire and all the "celebrities" get so great pictures of their cards!  I tried fixing my white balance (although I am using my P&S which still sucks!)...I wish they were truer colors.

In the Bag

I made my First bag--yay!!  I found this Produce Bag pattern at the Lion Brand Yarn website. 

I went with using Charcoal even though there was plenty of colors to choose from.  I didn't want anything too light since I hope it will get plenty of use and I didn't want anything too bright because I wanted it to match everything.  I really need to step out of the box when it comes to colors. 

I had decided (before making it) to give it to my godmother as a Mother's Day present.  I hope she likes it and uses it often.

*just a note to anyone wanting to make this bag using the pattern, the pattern called for 4 skeins, but I only used 3 on this project (but I do stitch pretty tight)

Finally a hat that...

doesn't suck--ha ha ha.  I have been trying to make a hat that actually fits.  I have had some troubles in the hat department, but I finally made one this weekend that the family all agreed was pretty cool--YAY!!

I found this pattern in the January/February issue of Crochet Today.  I wasn't too thrilled with the colors, so I changed them around.  I first made it with black & burgundy Red Heart Super Saver yarn.  Since I am still learning about yarn, I didn't realize that this stuff we a lot stiffer than what the patterned called for.  Ultimately, the hat was not only stiff, but it was also too tight on the kids heads--oops.  I really need to learn how to gauge the yarn--something that I have been avoiding to learn to do, but I guess that is why they have it in the patterns.

Here is the aftermath of me frogging that project:

(the yarn looks brown & pink, but it is burgundy & black--I hate the lighting!)

I went back to the store and bought some Red Heart Designer Sport in Cocoa & Ivory which is the type of yarn the pattern called for.  This yarn was much softer.  It did take me 2 tries on this hat, but it finally worked out and the kids thought it was cool and it fit them! 

I may not avoid hat making afterall.

I've been bad...

When I started my new obsession--I mean hobby--I promised myself that I would not go crazy with yarn like I did/do with paper--I love me some yummy paper!  Well, guess what?

I have failed...this is just the yarn that I haven't used and I am only on the 3rd month of my addiction.

I had to change my way of storage as well.  Luckily, my husband got this basket from his work before going into surgery...little did his work know that I would love this basket to keep all my yarn in.

Prior to this storage, I was using two Michael's reusable bags as seen in a prior post.  And from this picture, you can tell my yarn is still overflowing.

Of course I have bought more than pictured above...here is what I have used.  Now I just need to use the rest of the stuff.

Coming soon to my Etsy Shop

I have got to say that my absolute favorite yarn to use is the Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn.  (oops...when I went to get the link, I accidently looked at some new projects and seen a lot of pretty yarn that I totally want to get now--I gotta stay away--ahhh).

But I also love the feel of baby yarn and the soft colors they come in as well.  And so the reason that my addiction is fed--ha ha ha.

and sometimes I "scraplift"...

I have been meaning to make a card all week for my goddaughter's 17th birthday (which is tomorrow!).  Finally, I whipped this one out today.  I was inspired from this card I found at TwoPeas

Pattern Paper: Cosmo Cricket~Hey Sugar: Honey Honey, Embossing Folder: Sizzix~Swiss Dots, Font: Angelina, Other~Ribbon, white cardstock, pre-made card

Now I need to get it over to her...that may take some more time--ha ha ha.

Paper not yarn...

I have been blogging much about my newest obession.  But one of my original obsessions, involved paper, not yarn.

I made this card on 12/29/09, but I could not share it until I gave it away.  Even though I made it in December, I knew exactly who it was going to on 02/22/10.  To my Auntie Renee:

Papers used: Slab 6 (by ProvoCraft--from 2005!), punch used: pop-up Butterfly Edge Punch (by Martha Stewart ), Cutter (flowers & font): Cricut (Basic Shapes/George)

Someday, I will have to share my piles of paper because I used pattern papers from 2005, but I have been shopping non-stop for papers for 7 years now!

Stitchin' Scarf

I have heard of these "hip" knitting and crocheting books called the "Stitch N Bitch" series.  So when I seen this cover of Crochet Today and that it was from the creator of Stitch N Bitch, I knew I had to buy it

well, truth be told, I feel in love with the vibrant colors of the pictures first.  They totally reeled me in!

The pattern actually calls for Stitch Nation yarn (from the creator Stitch N Bitch, Debbie Stoller), but I used some Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Cilantro that I had.  I do plan on buying some of the Stitch Nation Yarn though.

Here is my finished project.