Spring Bada Bing Craft Show - Call For Vendors

It's that time again! Spring Bada-BING time, that is!

The Richmond Craft Mafia is now accepting applications for our 4th annual spring show. If you want to be a vendor at The BOSS of All Craft Shows, fill out an online application here:

http://www.springbadabing.com/vendors.htm

The show will be held on Sunday, April 19th from 11am - 4pm at Plant Zero, one of the coolest spots in Richmond, VA. Last year's show was a rockin' good time and we are super pleased to be able to host over 60 vendors again this year!

The deadline for applying is March 6th. There is a $5.00 application fee.

If you won't be able to make it there are still plenty of other ways to be a part of this awesome show. Check the site for sponsorship opportunities or to contribute to our ever-popular swag bags!

http://www.springbadabing.com
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EAOC member Nicole Lee soleilrouge.etsy.com

America’s Most Popular Pastimes

From the Craft and Hobby Association here's a list of America's favorite ways to pass the time:

1. Cross-stitch/embroidery
2. Crocheting
3. Apparel/fashion sewing
4. Home décor painting/accessories
5. Craft sewing
6. Cake decorating/cake making
7. Needlepoint/plastic canvas
8. Art/drawing
9. Floral arranging
10. Home décor sewing
11. Scrapbooking/memory crafts

Well I know when it comes to me and my craft I fall into number 11. Handcrafted or Handmade cards fall under scrap booking/memory crafts. I think it's because many people like to save cards as keepsakes.

Where do you fall in on this lineup? Or is your craft not mentioned?

If so, then tell us your craft, and if you are on this list tell us what pastime number you are!

Happy Crafting!

How Many Hours do You Spend on the Job?

This is an interesting piece that came swooping across my computer screen. Never really tallied the hours I spend crafting, but then this wouldn't be America if someone did not study the time spent crafting...

'On average, a crafter spends 7.5 hours a week engaged in his/her craft.'
This statistic comes from the Craft and Hobby Association.

Does this statistic ring true with you?
Leave us a comment and let us know how much time do you spend crafting.

I think I spend at least 10 hours a week physically crafting and 10 hours mentally creating.

The Search For Stones

by Maria of MariaMaria

In being an artist/crafter, I find I am always looking to re-purpose items or find new items at an inexpensive cost while creating quality items. I love making jewelry and embellishing them with stones. Here are a few ways to obtain stones at the least cost to you:

1. I have personally lost many an earring (most women have ). If by chance it belonged to a pair that had stones these can be used in your current jewelry making projects.

2. Thrift stores, always a good choice for re-purpose jewelry - try your local stores.

3. Shopgoodwill.com a great source for stones, tools and other craft items. You can search specifically for the items your looking for, or under various sections like Crafts/Hobbies, Jewelry, Tools. Research the web for retail prices and set your limits to what you will pay for an item.

4. Propertyroom.com is my best source for semi-precious, precious stones and Swarovski stones. Some of the precious stones even come with gemologist certifications. You can search under Jewelry and look under Loose Stones - also check in the Apparel section under Women's Accessories. The last section you can check under is Other, Art Collectibles/Other. Read the listings carefully to determine if they are natural or lab created stones; set your limits and bid accordingly. Note: they usually have multiples of items or lots you may be looking at, so if you missed out on something, try back again and be mindful of this when bidding.

You can find Maria's Inspirational Jewelry at MariaMaria or http://word2liveby.com

Etsy Artists of Color - Hot Shops for Fine Arts and Crafts

Welcome! You've landed on the new blog for Etsy Artists of Color, a global collective of artists and artisans who sell on Etsy.com -- the leading online marketplace for buying unique arts and crafts.

Etsy Artists of Color is a dynamic organization of emerging creative talent from the U.S. and around the world. Our members include fine artists, jewelry and accessories designers, and photographers. Our works span the gamut, from one-of-a-kind items to limited edition collectibles.

We hope you'll bookmark this site and return often, to discover what's exciting and new! On an ongoing basis, we'll showcase new merchandise, announce discounted sales promotions, let you know of local activities such as festivals and crafts fairs a member will be participating in, and celebrate the diverse cultures of our colorful group.

EAOC's founding blog members and their Etsy shops are:

Dawn of Lark Studio
Textiles, Jewelry and Crafts
http://www.larkstudio.etsy.com/

Sha Brown of Alkemystic88
One-of-a-Kind Wearable Art & Wall Art
http://www.alkemystic88.etsy.com/

La-Mar of Handcrafted by LaMar
Handcrafted greeting cards
http://www.lamarlynch.etsy.com/
Blog: http://www.craftedgreetings.blogspot.com

Inga Leonce of Inga's Gems
Elegant Handmade Gemstone Jewelry
http://www.ingasgems.etsy.com/

Jamila of Jamilary
Trendy, Classy, Custom-made Handmade Jewelry
http://www.jamilary.etsy.com/

Lee of Abelee's Handcrafted
Handcrafted Jewelry
http://abeleeshandcrafted.etsy.com/

Viqi French of Urban Islands
Fine Art Photography
http://urbanislands.etsy.com/

April Hogue of Mosaics By AH, Nature Friendly Diva
Mosaic Art and Home Decor
http://mosaicsbyah.etsy.com/ and http://naturefriendlydiva.etsy.com/

Crystal Harding of Ayana Creations
Beaded Flowers, Jewelry and Gifts
http://www.ayanacreations.etsy.com/

Eleanor of Precious Treasures
Handcrafted Ceramics and Gifts
http://www.precioust.etsy.com/

Dedra "Dee" Harvin of The Ivory Magnolia
Handmade Bath & Body Goodies
http://www.theivorymagnolia.etsy.com/

Nicole Lee of Nicole Lee Designs
Fashion & Accessories
http://soleilrouge.etsy.com/

Terri Collins of Callidora
http://callidora.etsy.com/
Blog:http://www.tlcsays.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/callidora

Renaissance Austin of Raghouse International
Accessories, Apparel, Makeup, Photography
http://www.raghousenternational.etsy.com

Jennifer of Gingerlime
http://www.gingerlime.etsy.com/

Dolapo James of Urbanknit
Fun and Funky Handmade Bags and Scarves (knits)
http://www.urbanknit.etsy.com/
Blog: http://www.urbanknit.blogspot.com

Romona Richardson of Bklyn MOMOs
Crochet Clothing and Accessories
http://www.bklynmomos.etsy.com/

Nina Jackson of Beads In The Belfry
Go batty for Baubles made of metal! Inspired by Nature.
http://www.beadsinthebelfry.etsy.com/

Stormee of Stormeejean
http://www.stormeejean.etsy.com

Sharon of Feille
Embellished Crochet Designs.
http://www.feille.etsy.com

NYNY of OrigamiCentral
Origami Creations and more.
http://www.origamicentral.etsy.com/

Tyra Davis of Tyramade Jewelry
Handmade Jewelry.
http://www.tyramade.etsy.com/