Light at the End of the Tunnel

Been sooo m.i.a....still need to blog about the giveaway winner but Fashion Week struck and I've been without a work computer, learning to use my new phone and set up wifi at home to get back into the world.  I know, excuses, excuses, no one wants to hear them, but here's a bit of what I've been up to lately.

And I have to share this video that someone amazing sent me today because the blog cracks me up and now there's a book -- very crafty indeed -- what a lot of work it takes!  But it just makes me smile.

So back to the world now, shortly...

Crafty Couture

Silk scarf, leather journal and enamel bracelet by Hermes of Paris

Monogram Vernis bag by Louis Vuitton

I feel lucky to own a modest few pieces of high fashion and to have attended a few events that showcased the craftsmanship involved in creating them.

Last November Louis Vuitton threw a party at Saks Fifth Avenue to showcase their personalization services by featuring artisans painting, hand stamping and monogramming right at the event.  I love this bag from the limited-edition Takashi Murakami collection.

And there's a cute display at their 5th Ave store now for spring.

In February of this year, Hermes of Paris opened its first Men's Boutique on Madison Avenue and the event was attended by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Katie Holmes and Martha Stewart.  I'm not usually an orange person, but the Hermes shades are very special.

I got to meet Eddie who does tailoring and watch him work on the fine fabrics for a little while.  

I also took a peek at his sewing area -- I would be so nervous sewing Hermes silk!

And last week, Gucci brought its Artisan Corner event to NYC where craftsmen from Italy set up a workshop to show their hand stitching, stamping and embossing skills.

They had a pretty cool sewing machine.

And it was a great weekend for craft fairs, which I'll write about soon.
Hope it's sunny where you are :-) Happy May!

Crafty Weekend Plans

Happy Friday!  It's the first full Spring weekend (since it officially started last Saturday @1:32 p.m. EST) and even though the weather's reverting a bit to wintry in NYC I'm going to try to stay positive.  These lovely orchids are from the beautiful L'Olivier Floral Atelier on 14th Street.  I visited this week and was inspired by their beautiful arrangements and backyard garden.

So, here are some springy, crafty things to do this weekend if you're in my area...

- Time Out New York lists this CRAFTernoon event with designer Janet Kim of the clothing line Graey and her friend Diana Huang teaching reverse applique with free cupcakes! (and a suggested donation benefiting The Father's Heart Ministries)

- Daily Candy lists this pop-up indie craft fair in Soho and this perfume class with Le Labo Fragrances, the beautiful boutique that custom-mixes raw fragrances while you wait.  The classes will benefit the Humanity Perfume Fountain Project, very cool.

- and when I googled Crafternoon I also found this site and blog from Maura Madden who does crafty events at The New York Public Library.  I'm sorry I missed this one last weekend with felt designer Kata Golda since I've been admiring her work sold at Kate's Paperie.

- And then googling all of that I found this Etsy Lab in Brooklyn where they have monthly Craft Meetings, wow!

So much to do...happy weekend ;-)

Full moon, new month

December 1st already, the last month of a super busy 2009.  I'm getting back into my crafts after a long hiatus, so I'm making lists full of holiday preparations: snowflakes to crochet, socks to knit, candles to pour, penguins to felt, cookies to bake, and all of the craft stores, yarn shops and flea markets to visit around New York City.  And thinking about this article on "The Zen of Crafting".