Happy New Year!

January's Crafter-noon

Saturday January 8th is the next Crafter-noon.  We are going to treat our selves and make our own customized scrubs and bath bombs.  To celebrate the new year I will share some DIY Bath and Body recipes I have come across! 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Come check out the new items in the store!!!

Handmade Miami Holiday Cookie Swap

Friday the 10th was our Handmade Miami Cookie swap. We made some new friends and ate some great cookies.  We even had a few new Handmade Miami-ans join us.  There were all kinds of goodies from oatmeal raisin cookies and ginger chewies to chocolate peppermint truffles and peanut butter bars. 
I made the peanut butter bars.  They were soooooo easy, I made them a few hours before everyone showed up.  Here is the recipe, the best part is that they are no bake!


Frances :o)

Grand Re-opening!

Guess what!!! Our store is re-opened!  Come by and check us out!
 

December Crafter-noon

Mark your calendars... Hand Made Miami's December crafter-noon, Make your own cookie bags and Holiday Cookie Swap is going to be December 10th! 

Meet Jennifer Luz!

It is our pleasure to introduce the newest member of our family.  Jennifer Luz was born on Oct 19th... mommy and baby are doing great...more soon!

Crafter-noon: Freezer Paper T-Shirt Stencils

Make your own Handmade Miami T-Shirt using the freezer paper stencil method. Bring your own T-Shirt, tank or onesie to stencil This weekend.

We'll have Handmade Miami logos to stencil on our shirts, but bring any other images you want to use! We will send you the address when you RSVP. (Email handmademiami@gmail for the RSVP)

Frances ;o)

Handmade Miami Events!

In the mood for some crafty fun?  Come and join other us for a Crafternoon!  Here are the AWSOME events that we have scheduled with the crafty folks over at Handmade Miami! For more info visit the HHM blog, or email us! Hope to see you there!!!

Saturday, September 11th 2pm-4pm

Make Freezer Paper T-Shirt Stencils (address will be emailed after you RSVP)

Saturday, October 9th 2pm-4pm
Making Chocolates at Wendy's Chocolates (17858 South Dixie Highway Miami, FL)

Saturday, November 13th 2pm-4pm
Learn to crochet Granny Squares (address will be emailed after you RSVP)

Friday, December 10th time TBD
Make your own cookie bags and Holiday Cookie Swap address will be emailed after you RSVP)

;)
Julie

Interview with Hollie from Blueberry Shoes

Here is an interview with one of our favorite local Artists. Hollie from Blueberry shoes

Tell us a little about yourself, your shop and what kinds of things do you make?
Hi there! My name is Hollie May, and I'm a dabbler in all things artsy and crafty! I like the sound of a "Crafter" more, so I usually call myself that. But ultimately I'm an Artist. My specialty is in illustration (black and white) inspired by history, fairy tales and anything else that moves me.
The crafty side of me creates head pieces that make you feel like a woodland nymph, or a feathery princess or a bubbly bright bow'd girly girl! I like to create pieces that emote and have an aura about them. So when my customers put on their accessories, they feel special and powerful. 
I'm also a writer, who loves to write poetry, stories and blog. Blogging is one of my favorite things in that it helps others, inspires and satisfies my heart all at the same time.  
I'm 25 yrs old, married to a cute Irish Boy and living in South Florida. We are saving up to move to California in about a year! I'm from Canada, born and raised…so I feel I will be more at home in the nature there. Though I will miss the crafting community here in South Florida!

 How did you come up with your business name?
Hmm, it was quite instant actually. I knew I wanted to open an Etsy shop and that I wanted my biz name to very much represent me. Growing up in Northern Ontario we picked blueberries as a family, and it ALWAYS made me feel so happy and whole. I'm a major gardening freak, and obsessed with nature-and my ultimate are blueberries. I bought a pair of really cute shoes that we're blueberry blue and I took a picture of them in the grass. It hit me. Blueberry Shoes.

  Who or what inspires you?
This could take a while so I'll keep it to the most important things. Above all nature and the idea of nymphs, mermaids, fairies dwelling there in secret. Medieval history. Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, the 80's, hippies, longing and sadness, innocence, sarcasm and love.


 When / how did you learn?
Most everything I know is self taught. It was just passed down from mom and dad in my genes. I did take an oil painting class, which was a ball, but it wasn't really for me. I love the idea of teaching oneself constantly. So that's what I do.

 Can you tell us about your creative process.
I usually know right away when I'm in the mood to MAKE something. I go to my craft area and stare at my closed boxes of materials, etc. Then I think. Then I open them, stare and take out what moves me. I lay out a big blanket on the floor (my favorite way to create) and plug in my glue gun, or thread my needle and just take out ALL my stuff and start making stuff. I'll usually churn out about 5 good pieces that are sellable.

 For drawing it's very different. I'll get in a mood of discomfort, sadness and longing. That's when I know I'll draw something great and it will level out my emotions. I always draw by the computer, because that's where my music is. I'll play whatever song feels perfect, on repeat and draw until all the longing is gone. It usually takes about an hour. But it feels like an instant. It's really the perfect example of getting in "the zone".


 Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?
I hate machines. I hate the idea of them. I like classic things. Knowing women before me were making things with their hands, centuries ago, really moves me. It's real, it matters, I just love that.

 What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That every single thing I make is made from the deepest of my heart. Every piece has an idea, a spirit about it. When it goes to someone else, a piece of me is with them. Everything I make is an extension of my dreams, ideas and vision.

  What's the best thing about what you do? And the worst?
The best-seeing other people wearing my work and smiling from head to toe! Nothing in the world compares to that feeling. The worst? Not having the organization or space for crafting that I'd like. All in good time though!


   What handmade item is your absolute favorite? And where did you get it?
The quilt I lay out for crafting is thrifted and handmade. It looks almost exactly like the one mom and dad had on their bed when I was very little. It calms me and grounds me when I sit on it and look at it. So I'd have to say that!

  What do you do when you're not crafting?
Blog, create treasuries, run my Etsy team, Indie Free Spirits, be a wife, teach the bible voluntarily, thrift, attend crafty events, cook and bake artsy dishes, spend time with friends and family, travel when I can, the list goes on!

 Anything else?You can follow me and my work here!Blog- http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com
Shop- http://blueberryshoes.etsy.com
Twitter- http://twitter.com/blueberryshoes
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/holliemayartandfashion

Thanks Hollie!
Frances ;o)

work... work... work!

I just finished the cutest bibs, and onesies for Stitch Rock.  I can not wait, this show is going to be awesome! Here are some pictures of some of our lovable stuffies...

      Frances ;o)

What’s for Dinner?

How about Ham & Cheddar in a Loaf? It takes 15 min for prep about 40 minutes in the oven… just think of all of the possibilities: ham, turkey, pepperoni, left over chicken, beef, or ground beef! How awesome! Doesn't this look great? Get all of the ingredients and full recipe here.

Frances ;o)

Interview with designed by Diana

Here is an interview with one of our talented members and fellow Etsian Diana from designed by Diana. Diana makes awesome retro-inspired aprons, cute wallets and handy pouches.

Designed by Diana pages:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/designedbyDiana
http://designedbydiana.blogspot.com/
http://www.designedbyDiana.com 

Tell us a little about yourself, your shop and what kinds of things do you make?

I’m Diana. I have been making things as long as I can remember. My shop started out with handbags, but has morphed into a shop full of retro-inspired aprons and some cute wallets and pouches too. My shop is very colorful and I love the retro and mod aesthetics, so you can see that in the prints I choose too.

Are you a native Miami-ian?

I’m a native Miami-an. I was born and bred here, left to Central Florida for college, but then came back. Miami is and will always be home to me.

Who or what inspires you?

My grandmother is a definite inspiration. She is a seamstress and took classes to learn it all in Cuba. She knows how to make her own patterns and can whip up any dress I can dream up. Her work never looks home-made, it’s more couture. She is definitely my sewing mentor, and I always measure up my work to the standard of hers.

Have you always made 'stuff'?

Ever since I can remember I’ve been making stuff. I remember painting a receiving blanket for my baby brother with Gonzo on it while my mom was pregnant with him. I must have been 5 or 6. I also got really into plastic canvas for a while when I was younger and made tissue box covers and locker magnets. I have to say that my teal and hot pink blowfish tissue box cover rocked! I’d tried tons of other crafts and thought I could figure out sewing, so I did. And that’s my current craft of choice.

When / how did you learn?

I don’t ever remember learning how to sew. I know my mom taught me how to knot off at the beginning and at the end for hand sewing, but other than that I just picked it up. I was surrounded by sewers in my family, so I think it’s just in my genes.

Can you tell us about your creative process.

My creative process usually starts at JoAnn’s early on a Saturday morning. I scour the cotton fabrics for cool and interesting prints that I can make into my goodies. I also get inspired by seeing things online and being mad about mod, the show Mad Men is a total style inspiration.

Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?

People that aren’t hand makers or crafters tend to ask this a lot. I bother to make things, because I enjoy it. It’s my form of fun and relaxation. I also like the quality of handmade goods.  It’s not made in China by a machine and an anonymous factory worker. You can see the love put into handmade items. I bother to spend time making things because I like to and because I want other people to see the values of handmade.

What have you learned about yourself through your work?

I've l

earned that I’m a lot more creative than I give myself credit for. I’ve also learned that I’m meticulous with my work. And most of all, I’ve learned that with practice, your skills will improve.

 

What handmade item is your absolute favorite? And where did you get it?

I have lots of handmade items, jewelry, hats, purses, but my favorite has to be the clothes that my grandma makes for me. It always fits like a glove and is exactly as I imagined it.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?

Starting a creative business is fun, but you have to treat it like a business. In order to make it successful, you have to put time into it. When you get home from your day job, your creative business is your second job. Just spending one hour a week on your business won’t make your business work. You have to spend time not only making, but promoting, listing, photographing, blogging. But the best thing is at the end of the day, when you do sell something you made with your own hands and the person who buys it truly appreciates it and all the work that went into it, it’s all worth it.

Thank you so much Diana!

Diana will be at PPinkghost’s Mini Market, Saturday from 1pm – 5pm on August 21, 2010. The Pinkghost Mini Markets will be showcasing 8-10 amazing and talented local artists and businesses at the Pinkghost store (1888 Polk St., Hollywood, FL, 33020). So you can some discover different handmade crafts, artists, apparel brands and much more every Saturday. Admission is free.

Frances ;0)

MindyandLola

Were have we been?

We appologize for being MIA but... we have lots of things going on and blogging had to take a backseat.  We will have a new member of the family this October.   Julie & I are  founding memebers of Handmade Miami, along with Diana form designedbydiana and Vanessa from sophieskeepsakes. 
We will also be at Stitch Rock for the 3year in a row!  Great things are in store... lots of things to keep us busy for the next few months.  We will have the schedule up for the Handmade Miami Crafter-noons as well as all of our future shows. 
Frances & Julie ;o)

Pork Chops...

Yummy... yummy... Pork Chops. I make Pork Chops for my husband every year for Valentines Day. Even if we go out for the traditional Valentine's Day dinner, I still make him pork chops the day after. I buy the thickest Pork Chops I can find. I season them the day before with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. I pan fry them on a really scoraching hot pan so they get a nice crust, just a few minutes on each side. Then I place them in a 400 degree oven for about 5- 10 minutes.

They are perfect. All they need is a salad or some Au Gratin Potatoes. Check out this recipe from Rachel Ray for the potatoes.


Frances ;o)

I love this dress!

I love this dress!   This is PLATS.   
She is one of the many wonderful sellers on Etsy. I love her style, and her awesome hair. She make Plus size clothes for curvy girls. I hate that you cannot get plus sized stylish clothes. Her designs are super fun and made with the curvy girl in mind.


Frances ;o)

Super show special

Come and join us at Cinema Paradiso on February 13, 2010 from 1-6 PM for an Indie Craft Bazaar. 

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

@ 

Cinema Paradiso - 503 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, Fl.

Super Show Special

Mention our blog and get a free hair Clippie with purchase min $10.00

Indie Craft Valentines Bazaar

Come and join Mindy & Lola  at Cinema Paradiso on February 13, 2010 from 1-6 PM for an Indie Craft Bazaar, chock full of handmade, vintage, repurposed, recycled and vegan goods!

Music, arts and crafts, food, beer and prizes! What more could you ask for?! $3 Admission - Includes ticket for a raffle full of handmade prizes! FREE PARKING!!

FIRST 100 GUESTS RECEIVE FREE SWAG BAG FULL OF GOODIES! Come back tomorrow for our super show special. 

Wish list...

These are just a few items from my ever growing wish list.

This is super cute, I love Hello Kitty!

Vampire Picnic Zipper Pouch from kukubee

Yummy soaps from  Blushie Bath & Beauty

How sweet is this book, I wish I could learn how to make these...

Valentine’s Day Cocktails…

Do you want to serve a great drink to your sweetie… or friends this Valentine's Day? Here are a few that will be showing up at our Un-Valentine Party.


Godiva Chocolate MartiniYield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 oz. Godiva Liqueur
1 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
Directions:
Assemble the drink.


Strawberry Blonde Martini (The Melting Pot's)

Ingredients:
2 ounces champagne
2 ounces strawberry vodka (Stoli)
1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce strawberry daiquiri mix

Directions:

Combine the vodka, daiquiri mix and pineapples juice.

Float the Champagne on the top.

Garnish with strawberry.

Enjoy!

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients:
1-ounce cranberry juice (sweetened)
1 wedge lime
Champagne or sparkling wine
Cranberries (frozen)
Directions
In a chilled Champagne flute add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. Top off the glass with Champagne. Garnish with 3 or 4 cranberries.

Sparkling Wine Sangria (Sangria de Cava)
Ingredients:
2 cups well chilled seltzer or sparkling mineral water
1 cup well chilled peach brandy
1 cup superfine sugar
2 (750-ml) bottles well chilled Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)
About 4 cups assorted berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, rinsed and drained, for serving
Directions
Stir the seltzer, brandy, and sugar together in a punch bowl. When the sugar is dissolved, uncork the sparkling wine and pour it gently into the bowl. Float about half the berries in the sangria and use the rest to decorate individual glasses.

Frances ;o)

The Scrunch Belt

I subscribe to a lot of blogs! And Ruffles and Stuff is my new favorite!  This week she has been posting tutorials, and this scrunch belt is so amazing I think I'm going to have to make one for myself!

Check out the tutorial here

Raspberry Truffle Tart Recipe

This screams Valentine's Day to me... I am not a chocoholic I do however indulge in a little from time to time. Sometimes I just need to eat a snickers bar but this looks so yummy! Find the recipe and instructions for this fabulous Raspberry truffle Tart Recipe here.

Frances ;o)

Dolls by Marca

As promised, here is another awsome artist I met at IDEX this year!    Her name is Margarita Castillo-Bernard.  Her amazing dolls just take my breath away!  All of her dolls are one of a kinds.  And each one has so much personality that its tough to pick a favorite.  She lives in Oragon, so if you live up that way keep your eyes open for her, she's at all the local shows!  You can also get more info here.

Here is her moon oracle! At only $15 a set, you'll be consulting with them on all your decisions!

Fantasiation

Hi Guys!

I'm lucky enough that I work for a doll company in my real life.  And that means that I get to go to some really AWSOME Trade shows!  So this week I will be featuring some of the cool artists I met and some of their most AWSOME work!

Alba's work is amazing! Can you believe she makes the most beautiful Plus Sized BJD's! ( Ball Jointed Dolls, for those of you not in the know...)    The beauty's name is Sia'Lorna and she's a time traveler!  For more information, more pics, or to buy your own just visit her website here!
http://www.fantasiation.com/

I heart fabric...

My sister will be in New York next month for work. She will be staying a few days extra to spend time with our brother and do some shopping (insert baby like jealous cry here). Well she will be doing a little fabric shopping while there. I sent her on a mission for some "Kawaii" or Japanese Fabric. I absolutely love them. I love cute, and I am really surprised that I haven't been able to find anyone in Miami that sells them. The closest I have seen is some Hello Kitty print. Ugh, so I have sent her on her search. Here are some you can get online… come drool with me!

Ballet Girls Fabric and Wizard of Oz  @ pinkchalkfabrics.com

 



Beautiful works at Etsy! They offer all kinds of great stuff besides just fabric… clay kits, clay molds, Stickers, Crafting books and more!

Alice in Wonderland Print                                                                                  Bunny Cosmetic Print

Lovely Dolls Print                                                                                              Hello Kitty Print

Frances ;o)

Odd Duck Craft Fair

The official vendor list is up! We have some awsome new stuff we are working on pictures will be up soon!

Frances ;o)

Strawberries filled with Cream Recipe

These look absolutely dreamy and so easy! With a bottle of your favorite champagne… yummy! Click here to get the recipe for Strawberries filled with Cream.

Frances ;o)

Legos!

Lego's + Daughter + Husband = 2 hours of me time!

Bless you Mr. Lego inventor! My husband recently decided to spend a gift card he picked during Christmas on our daughter.  He but her the box above.  Needless to say everyday this week she has been playing with her Lego's and building a house for her horse.  It is so sweet to watch them connect, he was a Lego collector as a small child.  Who would have known that this pink bucket and its tiny contents would be such a hit! You can go  here and pick one up for your little builders.

Frances ;0)

Oreo Truffles

Yummy… yummy…
I made these with my daughter and they were great. We brought them to the office as a special treat and made them for her teachers for Christmas. You can find the recipe here from kraft foods.com
My sister loved them so much we made some for her baby shower, but instead of covering them in chocolate I let my niece and daughter cover them in powdered sugar and colored sugar. (The powdered sugar ones were the prettiest but the sugar absorbed the moisture from the truffle and they looked a little wonky after a few hours.) Give these a try they are super duper easy!  Valentine's Day is right around the corner, these would make a great little gift... I made at least 3 dozen from one batch.  Enough for the teachers, the office and some for the Chocoholics in my house!

Here they are right after we took them out of the fridge.

Here they are being dipped.

Yummy! With sprinkles!













Enjoy!
Frances ;o)

Ruffles are not just for little girls anymore!

I love the look of these ruffles. Super sexy and super flirty! Exclusively available at Rigby & Peller, the Platinum retro high waisted brief.

Frances ;o)

Beignets…

So I have been thinking… dreaming of these yummy fluffy pillows for a couple of weeks ever since I saw them on Food Networks Iron Chef America. Well here are 3 different recipes worth a shoot. All of them are from the Food Network, I think I may breakdown and make them this weekend…

This one is from my favorite Food Network star Paula Deen. This is here version, you can find the full recipe here.

This is more of a traditional recipe from Mr. New Orleans himself, Emeril Lagasse. You can find his version here.

And last but not least this is Sandra Lee's version. This is the easiest and quickest of the three, she uses ready to use biscuit dough but it still looks mouth watering. You can find her full recipe here.

Frances ;o)