Craft Nation

Fred Flare - New York, New York

2007-07-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Chris Blick and Keith Carollo are the duo behind Fred Flare, an internet-based boutique. Everything they sell is cheerful, from their own designs to the other brands they offer.

This just makes me hungry ($16).

I used to be obsessed with marble composition notebooks. Now you don't have to be limited to paper, you can wear it as a bag, too ($25).

You may be shooting all digital now, but saving them in this album will give them an old feel ($14).

The Right Stuff. Enough Said. (I "heart" NKOTB earrings, $10).

Lazy Oaf - London, United Kingdom

2007-07-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

It seems everywhere you turn there's a new t-shirt shop. I don't know how they stay afloat. Founded in 2001, Lazy Oaf, mixes up their bright tees with sweatshirts, bags, pencil cases, and other odds and ends.

From afar you might think it's one of "those" - you know, hearts, reindeer, snowflakes, sometimes...sequins. Far from it, this purple sweatshirt is decorated with skulls, lightning bolts, and little blobs that look like those ghosts from Pacman (Criss Cross, £40).

You don't have to be in grade school to carry a pencil case. Your coworkers are going to be superjealous when you whip a pencil out of this puppy (Hello! Pencil Case, £6.50).

Show the baker how devoted you are with this cavity-inducing coin purse (Cup Cake Coin Purse, £8.50).

Finally, a t-shirt that says what I'm thinking all. The. Time. (£25)

All-Mighty Clothing - Los Angeles, California

2007-07-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Crazy about Boston Terriers? Well then you've found your heaven at All-Mighty Clothing, a shop devoted to the the little critters.

In addition to great illustrations, All-Mighty offers alternatives to regular frumpy t-shirts with scoop necks and capped sleeves (Tattoo Mighty Blue, $29).

Mighty Bats Mens Tee ($30) is great for the boy with macabre taste.

I'm not a fan of dressing your dog up in clothes just because it looks cute. But in NYC, the winters are cold, and my dog is shaking the second she gets outside (and she isn't a chihuaha rat). So for the in-between weather, and because it's pretty awesome, treat your dog to this (but only if s/he likes it!) (Mod Snap Shirt, For Dogs, $26).

Still haven't had your fill of Boston Terriers? Wear them on a ring (Mighty Ring, $7.50).

But if you're not into wearing Fido (or in this case, Mighty) on all your clothing, All Mighty also offers pup-free pieces (Diamond Dog, $72).

UPDATE

2007-07-03T06:13:00.001-07:00

Get ready for the comeback!

UPDATE

2006-10-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have not disappeared, entirely. I've started school, AGH!

One Good Bumbleebee - Dallas, Texas

2006-08-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

One Good Bumblebee's nostalgic art paper supplies are the perfect gift for that hip, bookwormy friend of yours. And if that describes you, treat yourself to one of Katey Nicosia's whimsical goodies.

Finally get around to decorating those bare walls of yours with an 8"x10" print (In the Tree, $35)

Loan books to friends, never to see them again? Stick this sweet reminder and create a personal library (Be A Dear Bookplates, $10)

Smile the next time you have to write yourself a note, get a handmade notepad filled with approximately 60 pages of pretty prints (Pretty Paper Notepad, $16)

Choose one of the "Piles of Paper", a collection of "vintage ephemera and papers including greeting cards from the 1930's, antique photographs, postage stamps, illustrations, paper dolls, matchbooks, postcards, medical papers, labels, ledgers, diagrams, paper dolls, maps and tons more" (from the website) (Pile of Paper, $25)

Lindsay Designs - Chico, California

2006-07-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Designs is your one-stop shop for all your cat and dog walking needs. She's got collars and leashes for dogs of all sizes: big, mid-sized, and toy, in nearly every pattern and color combo you can think of.

Bubblegum Big Dog Collar in Apple ($17-19)

Sweetheart Toy Dog Collar ($11)

When you choose your collar, you have the option of picking the matching leash at the same time, or you can mix it up with another print.

Toy Dog Leash Novelty in Circus Star ($21)

If you prefer walking your dog with a harness (which apparently are better than collars for smaller dogs, I agree), or just want to use a collar for hanging ID tags, check out one of the harnesses like this one for toy-sized dogs in Powder Argyle ($31).

Got a cat? You can be included too!

Autumn Burst Cat Collar ($11)

Want to give your pet the all-natural homemade meal it deserves? Pick up something from the Bark 'n Bake or Whisker Licks lines.

Bark 'N Bake Beef Barbecue Treat Mix ($9.50)">

Humans haven't been left out, either. Itching for a preppy belt but don't want to support the brands that sell them? Or a cute summer purse that's big enough to fit more than just your keys?

Petunia Ribbon Belt ($27)

Plaid Posy Purse ($41)

Monica Burnett Hats - Orange County, California

2006-07-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

It might seem a little strange posting a winter hat store in the summer, but I am such a big fan of Monica Burnett Hats, I couldn't help it! I tried one on once and wish that I hadn't debated buying it, because while I sat thinking, someone else snatched it up. Luckily for me (and you), there are tons more to choose from on the website.

Summer designs that won't make you feel ridiculous wearing them on those occasional cool nights. Jigsaw ($32) and Minty Sprigs ($35).

Snatch this one up and save it for fall. Pink Gnome ($38).

I only wear hats with earflaps and tassels, so I always have my eye out for just the right one. It's called Rainbow Sprinkles ($40).

Felt Cafe -Seattle, Washington

2006-06-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

I love the custom-made goodies over at Felt Cafe. They've got iPod cozies, wristwarmers, scarves, placemats and more, in any color combination you can think of (and they're open to suggestions). And it all comes from wool which is then wetfelted to create the "dense, soft, warm and waterproof" material, which is then turned into any one of the products in the shop.

I'm partial to the iPod cozies myself, because after dropping all the cash to buy one, you can bet that I will make sure it looks as brand new as the day that I bought it. Forever.

You can design the made-to-order felt scarves yourself

You've got your cell phone to tell you the time. Slap on one of these wristbands to replace your watch.

My My

2006-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like Taryn just opened her online shop, My My, and now it's huge! It's like the underdog Urban Outfitters, with accessories, clothing, craft supplies, and things for the home. There is also a zine distro, which carries great titles including her own latest, Sub Rosa. ($2)

I'd love to get my hands on one of these plush rodents by Fishcake Designs ($12), especially the guinea pig (right). They're cute enough that maybe I can give one of them as a gift to my mom, who is a total animal lover but deathly afraid of rodents. Maybe she'll change her mind.

I know everyone has at least one friend who is completely Nintendo-obsessed. Or maybe you are that friend? Either way, this purse by In Hope would make a killer gift for you or someone you love. ($45)

With everyone and their grandma (quite literally) knitting these days, this is just the thing to keep those unwieldy needles under control. (Knitting needle case by Thimble, $32)

Jingle and jangle into this summer with the Bluebell Charm Bracelet by Bean-dip and Eddy ($16)

Decorate your walls with this print of the Beat It painting by Kept Fresh. ($20)

Lady Luck Rules OK - London, United Kingdom

2006-05-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

I love Lady Luck Rules OK for the fantastic, chunky, nostalgic baubles. Plus, they've got a sweet website, and tons of items to browse.

The "Super-Duper Charm Bracelet" from the "Rock 'n' Roll Charm School" collection (yes, it was inspired by the similarly-titled Ramones movie) holds 46 charms on it's stainless steel bracelet, and stretches to fit all sizes.

The "Gumball Goodies - Crazy Crayon Special" (also from the "Rock 'n' Roll Charm School" collection)

Make Blondie proud in the "Sparkle Rocker - Debbie" brooch. The sequin bow is from the '80s, with a Lady Luck-added Debbie Harry pin.

And finally, the reason you come to this site in the first place:

Sew Dorky - Seattle, Washington

2006-05-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Every time I visit the SewDorky website, my mouth waters. There isn't a single handsewn felt donut that I wouldn't want to scarf down.

My favorite is the pink-frosted chocolate Neopolitan:

But I wouldn't mind having a go at the Pink Sprink or the Nutty Chocolate:

You can even get your donut iconized by purchasing one of their acrylic paintings:

The latest addition to the shop is the Sewdorky School of Dentistry, with a fine selection of gigantic teeth. There's the healthy Sweet Tooth, the "18kt" Pimp Tooth, and fuzzy, bloody, Monster Tooth.

Twinkie's Fridge - San Francisco, California

2006-05-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty savvy knitter, but I can't crochet my way out of a paper bag, so to say that I'm impressed by Stephanie's incredibly crocheted scarves at Twinkie's Fridge is a total understatement.

Stephanie turns mixed salads, cupcakes, and even those annoying dot candies that come on paper strips and always have a coating of paper on the back of them when you try to eat them, into fantastic scarves that look as edible as they look cozy.

Unfortunately, everything is sold out at her shop and she's backed up on commissions, but I guess that's just a testament to her quality of work. At least this is a heads up so that when she finally does get new items, you'll be the first to know.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chef's Salad

Bacon & Eggs

UPDATE

2006-04-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Back in the U.S. of A., guys! Which means, unlike when I promised last time, I actually will get back into the swing of things. Check back in the next couple of days for more incredible designers.

Until then!

UPDATE

2006-02-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been out of the loop for awhile. I'm in the process of moving to Italy for a few months, but once I'm settled over the next week or two, it will be business as usual and I'll get myself on track. If you have any suggestions for craftsters/designers to be featured on the site, please send the link to:

craft_nation@yahoo.com

See you soon!

Art School Dropout - Frederick, Maryland

2006-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

I usually don't like clutches because I always have way to much stuff to fit in them, but I'd be willing to whittle down my necessities for this awesome one from Art School Dropout, made from wool felt with a pair of All Star-wearing feet on the front:

Art School Dropout has tons of crafty odds & ends, from stickers to accessories. She also offers a couple of DIY materials to make your own pieces, including bead sets and vintage fabrics.

My favorite, however, is her line of "Juxtapose Neclaces" made from new and vintage parts. Each one is different, but they all have a clunky aesthetic offset by the delicate flowers and jewels that they're constructed from. I can't wait to get my grubby little fingers on one of them.

Bird in a Skirt - Walnut, California

2006-01-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Bird in a Skirt by Vicky Jang is a charming little online stationary store. Vicky designs classic but fresh flats and cards in addition to offering custom stationary.

I absolutely lovethis "Thank You" card that has two birds holding a banner (now if only I could get myself to write all the cards I owe).

At first glance this looks like a nice little card with maybe a bird or a flower at the top - one look closer and it's a sweet skull & crossbones.

Bird in a Skirt has several customized sets to choose from, including this monogrammed one.

My Paper Crane - Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

2006-01-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

Now you can have your cake and cuddle it, too!

My Paper Crane by Heidi Kenney is the place where dreams come true and sweets come to life. Heidi's plush cupcakes, toast, milk cartons, and cakes are sewn and stuffed to perfection. Most of them are toys, but there are also some functional items like her toaster purse that comes with a toast coin purse (yes, the strap is the electrial cord!).

Heidi also spins fabulous yarns (which tend to sell out as soon as they're added to the shop) and wrote a zine that teaches you how to spin your own. She uses some of her own yarn to create hats and other knit creations.

To see all the projects that aren't for sale (and watch as she test out new items), visit her blog.

Sweet Meats - San Francisco, California

2006-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

Offend your vegetarian friends with a nice cuddly slab of meat!

Lauren Fleischer of Sweet Meats, who comes from a long line of butchers, takes a sweeter approach with her stuffed fleece meats. And aside from how strangely endearing they are, they're really well made - I have a t-bone steak myself.

Pork chops not your cup of tea? How about sausage links or the "Racka Ribs"? And if you can't make up your mind, Sweet Meats has a whole line of fresh cuts for you to sample with their Meat Medley.

The Small Object - Irmo, South Carolina

2006-01-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

The Small Object has my heart. Most memorable are the Little Small Clothespin People, each one-of-a-kind and packaged in pillow boxes, they're for sure the coolest collectables.

Sarah also creates Small Object collector's cards (and a cute little album to store them in!), hand-embroidered photo albums (pictured below), greeting cards, stationary (her Fingerprint Flats are pictured below), and lots more. She's always adding new projects to the store - to keep up with her, you can visit her blog.