Saturday Oct.25,2008: The Handmade Faire!

Halloween 2008
Vendor List
all vendors sell 100% Handmade Goods, we feel it would be redundant to label things "Handmade" in each vendors listing!
Dhara Holistics - Bath & Body Products
AJK Artistry - Paper Goods
Pineland's Basketry by Mary Carty - Baskets & Gourd bowls
From Nancy's Heart - Holiday Decor & Ornaments
Krystal Dyer - Abstract Art & Prints
Little Pies - Organic Dog Treats & Pet Accessories
Gems by Les - Wire Sculpted Jewelry
Flying Needle Gallery - Home Decor
Intergalactic Rose - Clothing
Blue Fish Moon - Sterling Silver & Mixed Metal/Found Objects Jewelry
Whimsey's Fabric Fancies
Seahorse Designs - Jewelry & Knitted Fashions
Brownie's Woodcrafts - Handmade Scroll Saw Wood Projects
Creations by Robin - Sea Glass Jewelry
Hailey Lew Originals - Children's Room Decor
WTW Hand Turned pens of Wood, Corian, Gemstone & Acrylic
Copa Banana's Repurposed Items & Plush Toys
ShutterKate - Knitted & Crocheted Accessories & Housewares
Bowes for all Occassions - Floral Arrangments & Swags
The Village Needler - Sewn Children's Clothing, Blankets & Accessories
Puppet Hats & Scarves by Jaquelyn Morgan
Kristen Solecki's Illustration Art paintings, prints & more
DKoss's Monster Plush Art Dolls, 100% hand stiched
Collective Elements Paper Goods
Trashed Clothing - Clothing & Plastic Bling
Prim at Heart - Steampunk Jewelry
Two Creative Hearts - Homemade Edibles, Seasonal Crafts
Moon Faire's World - Vintage & Mixed Media Holiday Crowns & Decor
Jules Jewels Jewelry - Fused Glass Jewelry
Nice Rakc - Accessories & Purses
WebmavenNJ's Weaving & Basketry
Little Bit Crafts - Holiday Decor & Gifts
Crafty Dragon - Bee's Wax Candles, Massage Oils
Herbertsville Honey - Honey Products
Dime Store Daze - Found Object Unique OOAK Jewelry
TriSymbolize - Flame & Lampwork Glass Wares
Nyman's Decoy Wood Carvings
Little Flower Designs - Nature Inspired Pottery
Hand Cut Corian Cutting Boards
Domino Art by Natalie Nowatkowski
Made by Melissa - Crochet and Jewelry Items
Jonathan's Recycled Hats & Bags
Krisamels Recycled & Mixed Media Goodies
Sharp Shirter - Wearable Art
Azaiez Designs
Ear Wraps
Baobab Love
Face of Contentment
Mary Redmirski's Giftware
Donna Plaza's Holiday Decor
Decorative Holiday Items by Becky
Lizzie Leave In's Hair Accessories
Silk Flower Arrangements by Greg
Crochet Items by Katiusca
Pig Dog's Paintings, Photography & Housewares
Silver Forge Farm - Quilts, Plush Toys
Hippie Bling - Brazilian Agate Stone Necklaces & Windchimes
Earth Magic Pottery by Christine Barath
Orange Slice Art & Housewares
Alex Lady Designs
Little Pieces by Holly Doyle of Leafpile.org
Jennifer's Custom Fiber Designs - Handwoven clothes & Home accents
Bower's Wildlife Art Studio - Nature inspired Art & Carvings
Tile Art Rendition in Original Frames
Green Cow Soap Studio
Jewelry by Sherri Pray
Jersey Jerry's Broom Maker
Class Attire NYC Chalkboard Shirts
MNM Gear Tie Dye
Hells Belles 3D Art & Analglyphs
Photography of Deirdre Ryan
Squid Fire Clothing
Abelee's Handcrafted
Album Cover Handbags
Cement Leaves & Garden Items by Aretz Family
Palm Candle Company - Pure Palm Wax Candles
Ceramic Goodies & Treats
Painted Glassware by Jenny
Bath Fizzies by Carol
Heartfelt Baby & Children's Clothing
Diane's Fiber Arts
Mean and Wroughten Steel Metalworkers
Nadia Redder - Mosaic Items
Higher Grounds Coffee Company
Sue Bee Salves
The Bubble Bar
Diane's Fiber Art Felted Sculptures
Wipie Couture
Sculptures & Ceramic Art Pieces by Ashley DiSantis
Annabelles Blessings
Photography by Jay W

Above are the list of Vendors/Artists who will be at the show, if you are in the area come on down for a visit, there is even the Annual Halloween Parade on Main Street at 7pm, for more info visit:http://www.handmadefaire.com/
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Flying W Airport ResortMedford, New Jersey; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
P.S. Do you see my crown in the postcard...I do...The Middle left!

Weekend Adventure: Enchanting Curiosities!
Doesn't every Girl love a sale, a true bargin...Well I am one of those girls who love to come across great items at fare cost, I ususually stumble upon rare delights at fab prices when I visit a rummage, or garage sale, even the thrift store can excite the artful muse...

On Friday I woke up, gave a stretch, glanced out my window and began to get ready, for I was attending the Rummage Sale around the corner from my house at the PVA Church short for Panter Valley. I must share with you my delightful experience, as soon as I walked I I saw the most amazing vintage hat box for a mere 50cents, I am serious, then across the room was another hat box for 50 cents with the Haynes and Company logo on the top, those 2 items alone, got my heart pumping.




Followed by the basket of Shine Brite Ornaments for $4.00, the vintage Easter ornies and basket for 25 cents, the most dazzling mixed green tinsel for 25 cents, not to mention a deep red leather bucket for $3.00, a game set with small chess, checkers pieces, rumi, etc for $1.00, china cup for 25 cents, followed by 2 darling glass cups, containers and more.

My fave find was the pearls each set a $1.00, by now my mouth was open, Oh did I mention the vintage wallpaper rolls $1.00 each, so much eye candy..The people there were all so friendly and super sweet, such a great bunch of woman. Afterwards Mom and I headed over to Charlie Browns in Hackettstown, which is situated in a documented Haunted Victorian, Spooky, Here is an outside look:

My sweet finds didn't end here, the next day, My girlfriend Patty, My Mom and Myself headed over to the thrift store, this is what I found, a darling complete tea set for a $1.00 each piece, some vintage tins, and sweet records and record books, I loved the graphics. Each record was a $1.00 each, I'm in total vintage heaven, so many amazing goodies, and new images to share too.


Afterwards Patty and I went to scout for costumes at the store, she had some luck and bought a gothic fairy witch costume for our trip to Salem, MA next weekend Oct.30-Nov.2, I didn't find anything here, so I have decided to dress up as A Sppoky Marie Antoinette, complete with powdered wig, here is a glimpse of our Spooktacular visit:




Don't we look scared? LOL Afterwards the 3 of us headed for the book store for some White Chocolate Mochas, Pumpkin Spiced Cake and to chat about our findings. While I was there I checked out the new Country Living Magazine which had a great page of info on Silver Bella, which I will be attending and vending in November, so excited.

When we all left the book store, I headed home, re-changed and Glenny, Bobby and I headed to the Mercury Lounge in the city to see his cousins band play, they recently opened for Bon Jovi, how cool is that. Super nice group of guys. The nite was still not over, grabbed some late dinner at Chickpea, I had Roasted Pepper Hummus, covered in chicken kabob, soooo good, then back to NJ, over to Morristown, and finally I got to go home, get into my jammies and get to bed, I had an exhausting day, but a fun one.

More adventures to come!
Hugs!
Lisa!

A Halloween Soiree! Host: A Fanciful Twist!http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/

The MAGIC begins just out the door in my great blue pumkpin patch, complete with my witches hat on, a wisk of my magic wand and a party spell, I slowly recite:
"Ghosts and Goblins, Pumpkins a bust, glowing through out the land staring at dusk,
Piddle Paddle, Witches Caddle, Muddle Lust and Batty Dust, Make this party a lively must!"

Now excuse me while I make the perfect Witches Brew

Witches Brew Recipe:

-Teaspoon of Eye of Newt
-Teaspoon of Owl of Sewt
-1/2 Teaspoon Dried Primrose
-1 Cup of sliced Purple Apples
-1 cup of Pumpkin Powder
-1 Gallon of Blue Pumpkin Juice
-1/4 Teaspoon of Luna Herbs
-1 Cup of Pink Sugar

Mix all ingredients in a large black cauldron, for a perfect wiches brew!
Now I must visit my Apothecary Room, and put away the ingredients,

then begin to prepare the decor...what to do...I must go inside the Magic Room



for some gazing balls and glowing candles, lanterns and other magical curiosities, here is a glimpse inside the window:

and the help of a few close friends, who perhaps could be a vampy ghost or two: Such as The Queen of Vamp: Theda Bara Here she is in her Cleopatra Costume, Followed by a few other good friends, Including my secret ancestor Rudolph Valentino dressed as The Sheik,



all arriving and beginning to head over to my Magical Conservatory where the soiree is being held.
Now come inside for some warmth, perhaps sit by the fire, place your potion bottles on the burning logs to heat up your cold brew, after all, it tastes better hot with a tad bit of steam, as you can see, other guests are doing the same.
Oh, what is that another ring at the door, I'm so glad I could hear it with all the music playing, Currently the song: Hocus Pocus is playing, Let's see who it is, Why, its none other than Madeline Merbright who flew in on her broom from Pixie Isle, Here is a recent picture of Madeline, hanging in my foyer:
Why hello Madeline, thank you for coming and for the new Fairy wand. You are so welcome Lisa... Isn't Madeline the sweetest?..She is such a doll, don't let the picture fool you, she always looks serious...Now I must get back to the party, but I had to post one last thing, The Perfect Witch Chart I love this have it hanging in the Library on golden easel, its the classic creation for every trendy witch. Okay now back to the party and a visit to my crystal ball to check in on all the other halloween Soiree celebrations!

Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

What is Magic? How can we find it in our Studio?
For the past 6months I have been so consumed with getting deadlines done, binding swap books, sending gifties and swap things out, teaching workshops, attending conventions and taking care of my family (Glenny, the Kitties and Doggie DJ). During this time, I have neglected myself and my studio, I felt a loss of magic within my private space. It wasn't until a few weeks ago, when I opened my studio door and called upon the Magic Art Faerie, I asked her to send me some of her power of motivation to bring back my Fantasy Side in this room. Boom.....With a wisk of her magic wand...And a huge Piddle Padiddle, Spazzle Mer-Razzle, I began the re-structure of the studio, giving it new life, re-naming it: The Faerie Apothecary Shoppe!


I started by envisioning what my ideal space would be....It would have to represent what I am all about, not a facade of fakeness, but of a real genuine love for the world of fantasy and magic, a place that would transport be in a real life Harry Potter Movie or Faerie Novel, Something with the feel of an old English Apothecary Shoppe, meets a Faerie Boutique, meets a Queen's Dressing Room, with the sweetness of a old European Confectionary Shoppe in Paris, with artifacts of vintage printing drawers, cigar boxes, Candy Jars and Cake Plates, Eccletic Images, Carnival/Circus fun and Opera Glamour, a Marie Antoinette Soiree, A Vampy Silent Film and Vintage Orient Express Luggage Cart with a blend of Egyptology all on a Midsummer Nights and Halloween Day. Now that my folks is my dream studio.

Are you thinking, How much money could that cost, well alot, if you don't know how to create it yourself....So I will let you in on some little secrets....Walmart, love it, has Walmart Black bookcases, they are amazing, great quality, and an apothecary feel, a little over 6 feet tall, and wide, perfect for storing and filling up. The cost: $27 for each shelf, I have 2..

The Studio List:

1. Walmart Black Bookcases $27-$29 each

2. Broken handpainted buffet, Original price $750, Homegoods price $300, the damaged price: $50, which Glenny repaired and finished.

3. Inside shelving for a large Armoire, free, saved from friends garbage, painted to match the shelves, now it resembles the printers shelves.

4. Dark Grey barrel from Joanne's Craft on sale: $2.50, original price $22.00, this holds my wallpapers, and rolled sheets, I tied a velvet ribbon and bow around it to finish it off..Wine barrels make great holders too, if you have the room.

5.Bombay Mail letter slot shelf, $20, original price $199.00, why, they were closing the Bombay Store.


6. Jars: from various rummage sales, craft stores, tomato sauce and pickle jars, recycled Yankee Candle Jars, pricing 25c to $2.00 each.
7. Old World War I, Army trunk, $10, Antique store moving sale.

8. Cigar Boxes, 5c to $5.00 each

9. Gift bags, recycled, or discount $0.00 to $2.49
10. Hat Boxes, Old, 50 cents each, bought 2 today.
11.Lots of Glitter and Dolls!



12. Loads of edible treats!

13. Oh and turn an ugly lamp into a prom dress display with curtains, fabric, velvet and pins.

14. Don't forget the paper lanterns too!
I'll be adding more helpful studio tips and ideas, pics and more as I continue to grow the studio. I'm currently working on the closet, turning it into a giant lighted silhouette, more drawers, shelving, lanterns, and opera curtains, for another magic filled secret nook.

But remember this, you don't have to go to an expensive store to furnish your studio, call on the Faerie of Magic, to send you some creative inspiration to brighten your space..After starting this artful journey from my career to this studio that Magic is everywhere, in everything we do, just finding a cool rock in the backyard, the changing of Autumn leaves, Robin's Eggs, and drinking a nice cup of coffee or sweet piece of cake, fills me with joy, a personal magic I love to feel.

Now go get some Magic of course.......

A Day of Artful Magic and Studio Play!
What can occur when two girls get together for some artful fun, why, Magic of course. On Tuesday Suze took the 90 minute drive to my house from South Jersey, passing quite alot of trees and enchanting pumpkin patches on her way to my house, which seemed hidden in the woods from the main road...

Upon arrival Suze and I immediately began sharing stories and posing for pictures, she took over 90 pictures, I slacked off with close to only 70 pictures, LOL! I'll make up for it, I promise. Here's a picture of Suze's wearing the tea cozy I made her, as a hat, doesn't she make it look like a real hat, perhaps from Asia or Vintage Coronation Hats, Now We know there is more to a tea cozy then meets the eye!LOL.

While Sue shows off a tea cozy hat, in the next picture I actually look like I am preparing for a masquerade, wearing my handmade mask and giving a smile, Wish I was on my way to a Masquerade, but wearing this mask gives you the feeling you are, it gives you some added inspiration and vintage flare.

After taking loads of fun pictures, Suze and I began playing with supplies and experimenting with several techniques, the first was showing Suze how to make homemade glass glitter, using a rock tumber, Ranger alcohol inks and some magic.
Here is a picture of the colored glass
Here I am with the tumbler (photo from Suze's Blog: http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/suzeblogz/

After we did the glass glitter basics, it was off for some brunch: An Egg Fritata with grilled chicken, onions, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, red pepper and parmesean, Jersey Tomato salad w/Fresh Mozzerella, herbs and garlic, a Garden Salad, Chedder Crisps and Baked bread, followed by some apple pie I baked the night before and my famous double chocolate Cupcakes with creamy whipped buttercream, coffee for me, and tea for Suze and my special guest, Joan, my Mom! So this next picture would be fitting to post, my collection of confections: Sweet Licorice and Sour Cherry Hard Candies which I carry with me and leave in the studio in new glass jars, these treats get me through the day!

My love for glass can be seen through out the studio, which I am transforming into what I call: The Faerie Apothecary Shoppe! I love the look of vintage European confectionary Shoppes and want my studio to reflex that as well as my love for all thinsg magical and enchanting, keeping true to my artful muse, which will be in complete utopia when it is all done. Here's a glimpse into my jar collection filled with unique and vintage oddities

The following is a picture of Suze standing against one of my studio shelves.



Here we are playing with art once again, trying various things and using loads of Ranger products and fun supplies, We found another fab technique by using Ranger Colorwash sprays on finished beeswax. This is a fun fun shape I covered in piano papers with Claudine's Gel Medium (this stuff is amazing)http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/, 2 coats, for a sturdy wood like weight. painted, sanded and covered in Suze's beeswax, I did this to two pieces, and hot glued an accordian atc sized cardstock to both covers to transform into a book. Once the beeswax cools, its ready for more fun. Suze and I sprayed Lettuce Color Wash on it, wiped it off and got a wonderful color which adhered perfectly to the beeswax. We also played with paints and mediums using Claudine's Sticky Back Canvas, I love this, my new fave art item.

When to artists get together its always going to be playtime, remember playing with your dolls and friends in the 1rst grade or making clay pots in the 3rd grade and you were so excited, or the thrill of an antique sale, its that same feeling when you can create things with friends, its a pure magic from within.
Here are some other snippets of my studio:


My fave photo of my Enchanted Glass or what I call Magic Glass!


Above the two of us having a Bewitching Time!wearing our Witches Hats (I have about 40 of them getting ready to be transformed for my next show).
Some carnival gift bags as painting or light storage, aren't they fun. Followed by my Carnival Queens rivaling for head Carnival Queen! After all they are dollies!

Here is the latest doll creation: Beeswax covered bisque doll with crepe paper and sweet trimmings!


I hope you enjoyed our artful adventure and some of the new technqiues we came up with! Have a Enchanting Night! Lisa!