9.26.2007

Crafty Cotillion Members Exhibiting at Agora Columbus!

The Crafty Cotillion is well-represented at the upcoming Agora Columbus show.

So what is Agora?
Agora is "an immersive event that brings artists and art patrons together to celebrate Central Ohio's diverse and talented creative community. Agora guests have the opportunity to view and purchase hundreds of works of art, wander through fifty working artists' studios, experience performance acts, enjoy a variety of musical guests, and participate in seasonal activities. The event is designed to be enjoyable for guests of all ages. Everyone is invited to be a part of the experience."

And who is signed up to exhibit?
Tons of talented folks, including:
Jen Adrion
Anne Holman
Amy Neiwirth
Liz Rosino
Sharon Bell
Megan Green
Jessica McCoskey

There are only a few days left to register as an artist! Do it now!

9.24.2007

Meeting Tonight! 8pm! Surly Girl!

Craftin Outlaws
It's the last Monday of the month, so you know what that means- Meeting!

Columbus Crafty Cotillion Meeting. Monday night, Sept. 24th, back room of Surly Girl
8 pm
The discussion topic will be "Craft Projects Gone Awry". So bring an example of something you made that turned out to be a disaster. And regale us with the tale of how it all went wrong!! :)
Don't wimp out, people. Everyone better be there!!

(and if you were at Craftin Outlaws, leave your pics in the Flickr Pool!)

9.16.2007

Shop Crafty Columbus!

If you look to the right (on the sidebar), you will see the brand-new list entitled "Shop Crafty Columbus". It includes the online stores & blogs of many Columbus folks, along with descriptions of what they make/sell.

If your shop was left off of the list, feel free to add it, of post a reply here with your info!

9.14.2007

Craftin' Outlaws in the Alive!

Alive Article Starring Liz
Check out the article in the Alive about Craftin Outlaws and don't forget to stop in at Skully's tomorrow. Details: Craftin' Outlaws

9.10.2007

Member Spotlight!

Rivet Gallery
Laura Kuenzli, Gallery Owner
by Roger Grosswiler From the Columbus Alive!

Laura Kuenzli opened Rivet, a designer toy store and art gallery, just in time for June's Gallery Hop. "What's the big deal?" art enthusiasts might ask. Spaces like this, which offer in limited-edition runs the kind of lowbrow flavor found in Juxtapoz magazine, just aren't that common, period.
The majority of them are in larger cities already known for endless amounts of sweet stuff. Rivet joins Kidrobot, Schmancy and similar establishments in places like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto.
While some stores in Columbus carry a handful of designer toys mixed in with other items, Rivet's retail focus is the toys. Some related art books and prints by artists who've shown at the space, or who fit with Kuenzli's aesthetic, are also regular fixtures.
Since opening shop, the business owner and curator has had plenty of artists e-mailing and stopping by to express interest in showing there. What she's put together so far is varied and impressive, including the nationally touring benefit show GimmeShelter.
The rest of this year features two-person shows, except for November, which will feature the plush toy group show Stuff This. England's Doktor A is on the schedule to showcase his paintings, sculptures and customized toys, and according to Kuenzli, her exhibition schedule is filling up through the spring.
Rivet Designer Toy and Art Gallery. 1200 N. High St., Short North 614-294-8697
Web: myspace.com/rivetgallery

Kuenzli also reported that on the retail side, her first few months of business have been a success. There's been a steady increase of both Gallery Hop attendees and general shoppers, including out-of-town visitors. Items have been moving steadily, and because when designer toys are gone, they're gone, there were only a couple of familiar items from my last visit.
"Turning inventory over faster has taken some getting used to," Kuenzli said. "It's a matter of finding what will appeal to people." If a new and exciting retail and gallery space and a most accommodating proprietor fit the bill, she's already found it.

Craftin' Outlaws!

Craftin' Outlaws is this Saturday from noon to 7pm at Skully's Music Dinner in the Short North. There will be 60 great 'indie crafters' under one roof! Coupons for the 1st 100 in the door and RAFFLE PRIZES! Whoo-hoo!
Free to get in and where else can you see so much of the hotness of the Columbus Crafty Cotillion under one roof?
For now, just watch the YouTube Promo video.

9.08.2007

Boost Your Business: Contribute to The Sampler!

September was my first month as a contributor for The Sampler. Now what is The Sampler, you might ask?

Well, it's a very clever system where indie business owners & crafters send in samples of their work each month. People can purchase subscription to The Sampler, and when they receive it, they'll get a potpourri of adorably-packaged items from fabulous DIY folk! Not only is it great for the subscribers, it's good for you because it's a tool to promote you and your indie business.
Some of the subscribers are important media people who, if they are wowed by your samples, can feature you in their magazine or blog!

You can contribute anywhere from 25 to 200+ items, plus up to 350 promos (like business cards or logo buttons).
It's fairly labor-intensive and requires some extra planning, but it's worth it. Oh, and did I mention that if you contribute, you get a FREE Sampler for that month?

Etsy.com's new e-zine, the Storque, has an excellent article about The Sampler.

For September's Sampler, I contributed 25 little apple hairpins with a "back to school" theme.
Designing the packaging was the most fun.

If you are thinking about contributing, here are some very helpful links:
If you have contributed to The Sampler before, post a comment and share your experiences!