Let Me Make You Smile

Let Me Make You Smile features a variety of hand-embellished items that are perfect for gift giving. The custom monogrammed spa wraps are perfect for bridesmaids, brides-to-be, birthdays & many other occasions. The wraps are available in a variety of colors & can be customized to feature the letter or symbol, such as a peace sign or cross, of your choosing. The monogrammed beach towels are another fun customizable item. If you are going to a baby shower in the near future, why not give the mom-to-be an adorable monogrammed bib? And, if you're going to a housewarming party or just want a nice hostess gift, be sure to pick up one of the adorable embroidered aprons. I especially love the Dixie Diva design!

CupCake FabuLous

CupCake FabuLous features mail-order cupcakes in a jar - the perfect way to treat yourself to a yummy homemade cupcake anytime! These delicious treats can be delivered nationwide or, if you happen to be in the DFW area, they will be delivered to you in person. All of the CupCakes are made with the freshest ingredients and all come right from the oven and into the jars. There are two cupcakes in each jar and frosting is layered between each cupcake. The best part is, you eat them right out of the jar (spoons are included)! These CupCakes, available in flavors like Double Double Chocolate & Very Cherry Vanilla, are perfect for ANY event from corporate meetings to birthday parties as there is no mess to clean up. Also, the jars can be customized and can even be decorated with any type of sticker or label you might like to use. If you're looking for a tasty wedding or party favor, check out CupCake FabuLous. They even make great baby announcements since they are completely customizable!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Paula Clare! Enter to win a CupCake in a Jar (winner's flavor choice) from CupCake FabuLous. To enter, simply visit CupCake FabuLous and leave a comment noting the flavor you would most like to try. For an additional entry, become a CupCake FabuLous fan on Facebook & leave a comment her noting you have done so. Giveaway ends Sunday, July 4, at 9pm EST.

Sheffield Jewelry Designs

Sheffield Jewelry Designs features handmade & custom designed accessories created by Stacy Sheffield. The Jade Diamond Dangles and the Amazonite Clusters are perfect for any summer soiree you may be attending. My birthstone is Peridot, so I think it's only natural I love the Peridot and Sterling Silver Braided Drops. In addition to many beautiful pairs of earrings, Stacy also creates gorgeous necklaces and other pieces. The Prasiolite and Citrine Necklace is a very unique design, as is the Christmas Candy Ribbon & Bow Bangle. And my absolute favorites are the chic Garden Paisley Earrings. Stacy happily accepts custom design orders & can be found on Facebook under Sheffield by Stacy Jewelry Designs.

Frankie & Julie

Frankie & Julie is a web-based retail shop featuring unique, hand-adorned belt buckles and genuine leather belt straps. Frankie Rio & Julie Fulton have had sticky hands, plus lots of fun, creating these accessories for the last four years. Their Spring 2010 line of buckles is made up of beautiful designs that are sure to turn heads. I love the pink & blue Abigail belt buckle, as well as the Copacabana-Kiwi design. The Havana design, available in fuschia and grape, is also very appealing. Those who love to travel will certainly want to snag one or two of the buckles from the Atlas collection. And the duo happily accepts custom orders that make great gifts. All of Frankie & Julie's straps are interchangeable with all of their belt buckles. It's literally "a snap" to change buckles so you can easily mix and match to create your own unique, wearable art. Receive a 15% discount on your first F&J order with coupon code FUNKYFINDS (excluding sale items & custom orders). This offer cannot be combined with any other offers & is valid through June 30, 2010.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: San Diego North Park Craft Mafia Fall Preview Trunk Show
WHEN: Thursday, June 24; 7-9pm
WHERE: Queen Bee's Art & Culture Center, 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA

WHAT: Paper Cowgirl Retreat - Vendor Night
WHEN: Saturday, June 26
WHERE: Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Ln., Waxahachie, TX

WHAT: Mixology: A Summertime Celebration & Fundraiser
WHEN: Friday, June 25; 5:30-8pm
WHERE: [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., Oklahoma City, OK

WHAT: Backyard Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 9am-1pm
WHERE: 2912 Mockingbird Ln., Bloomington, IL

WHAT: Indie Banditas Traveling Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 10am-5pm
WHERE: American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St., Port Townsend, WA

WHAT: Clutter City
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts St., Norwich, England

WHAT: The Alliday Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 9am-5pm
WHERE: Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square, Tulsa, OK

WHAT: Charm City Craft Mafia's Pile of Craft
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 10am-5pm
WHERE: St. John's Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD

WHAT: Waterloo Arts Fest
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; Noon-7pm
WHERE: Waterloo Rd. btwn E. 156th & E. 161st, Cleveland, OH

WHAT: Market Day
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 9am-2pm
WHERE: 300 SW 5th St., Des Moines, IA

WHAT: NashVegas Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; Noon-5pm
WHERE: 101 S. 11th, Nashville, TN

WHAT: Arts Market of New Orleans
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Palmer Park, New Orleans, LA

WHAT: Hand(made) in Marriage
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; Noon-5pm
WHERE: WildCard, 4209 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: Sew What?!? Fashion, Art, Swap
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 3-7pm
WHERE: Union Square Plaza, Somerville, MA

WHAT: The Handmade Heatwave
WHEN: Saturday, June 26; 10am-4pm
WHERE: The Brannon Heard House, 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd., Cumming, GA

WHAT: Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage
WHEN: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Micheltorena St. Elem., 1511 Micheltorena St., Los Angeles, CA

WHAT: SoWa Open Market
WHEN: Sunday, June 27; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: Ipswich Indoor Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, June 27; 8am-1pm
WHERE: Ipswich State High School, 1 Hunter St., Ipswich, Queensland

WHAT: Portobello West
WHEN: Sunday, June 27; Noon-6pm
WHERE: Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell St., Vancouver, BC

WHAT: I Made It! Market Birthday Party
WHEN: Sunday, June 27; Noon-5pm
WHERE: JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: MakersMARK!
WHEN: Tuesday, June 29; 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Blue House, 1026 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI

Jenny M Jewels

Jenny M Jewels features handmade jewelry from deep in the heart of Texas! Jenny creates a wide variety of unique accessories ranging from wire-wrapped rings to bracelets. The red Mosaic Magnesite Stone ring is such a neat piece and the lime turquoise & new jade necklace is perfect for summertime. If you're looking for a stylish accessory for July 4th, you may want to snag the patriotic red, white & blue bracelet. I love hot pink, so the pink & lime green bracelet is among my favorites. Jenny also sells some supplies in her de-stash shop.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats TopHat! Jenny M Jewels is giving away a $20 gift certificate. To enter, simply visit Jenny M Jewels and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, June 27.

Blue Carrot Shop

Blue Carrot Shop is a new site featuring vintage kitschy items curated by Alexandra Charitan. The shop stocks fun items ranging from kitchen wares to letterpress items with some handmade goodies thrown in for good measure. I love the pink vintage scale that would look great in any pink kitchen, something I would like to have one day. The linen poodle hand towel that is currently on sale is another great find. I absolutely love the fun illustrations found on the Hearts Card Game, especially the monkeys. Alexandra also has a nice collection of ephemera that would come in handy for a wide variety of projects. Check out the sale section, aptly named cheap! cheap!, for some good deals.

Boom Boom Bags and More

Boom Boom Bags and More is a great source for unique accessories and gifts. You'll find everything from fleece hats to beaded bracelets. As the name implies, this shop also offers various bags, such as the Folksy Bag in pink & black. The sequin wrist bands will add a splash of color and fun to your ensemble. And designs like the wire-wrapped beaded bracelets and Hole in One earrings are beautiful & classy pieces that make terrific gifts.

Funky Finds Spring Fling Vendors Continued

I am still working on featuring the many talented artists, crafters & designers that participated in the 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling!

2enju features beautifully hand-crafted apparel & accessories by Julie McCollough Kim. Her handbags are chic, yet durable, and I have enjoyed mine immensely. Julie's clothing designs are gorgeous and are sure to make anyone stand out from the crowd. In addition to being a talented designer, Julie owns Make Shop & Studio in Dallas. She offers a wide variety of workshops, including stamp making and screen printing. I took a beginner sewing class at Make that was very easy to follow and I walked away with a beautiful handbag I created! Julie also produces several great events in Dallas, such as The Pin Show and Urban Street Bazaar.

Alicia Snow, aka AJSnow, offers many cute items that make perfect gifts - for yourself or a loved one. I love the dress form journal that is hand-sewn and hand-bound. The appliqued hand towels make perfect housewarming or bridal shower gifts. And the Beach Towel Totes are perfect for summer. Check out Alicia's blog for more information and updates.

Cindy Willingham of Revel Designs is an endless source of inspiration. She frequently posts helpful information on her blog, as well as the Etsy Fort Worth blog, such as how to reuse old frames and the science of craft show displays. Cindy designs a wide array of items, including jewelry and beautiful patchwork notebooks.

At our spring event, we enjoyed live music by Tahni Handal and Vance Abeyta. Their performances throughout the day really added something special to the event. I hope you'll take some time to listen to the music on Tahni's MySpace. She also has a calendar notating her upcoming performances around Texas.

Upcoming Events

Be sure to check our regularly updated Handmade Events Around the World calendar for more events taking place in the coming weeks & months.

WHAT: Happy Hour Art Class
WHEN: Wednesday, June 16; 6-8pm
WHERE: Fusion, Chesterfield Mall's Artropolis Area (2nd level - near Sears), Chesterfield, MO
ETC: Classes are $10. To RSVP, email info@fusionbysmh.com or call (314) 401-0771.

WHAT: Summit of Awesomeness
WHEN: Wednesday, June 16 through Saturday, June 19
WHERE: McMenamins’ Kennedy School, Portland, OR

WHAT: Chicago Craft Social
WHEN: Friday, June 18; 7-10pm
WHERE: 2495 Howard St., Chicago, IL


WHAT: Providence Open Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Lippitt Park, Providence, RI

WHAT: Treasure City Recycled Fashion Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 7pm-Midnight
WHERE: Treasure City Thrift Store, 2943 East 12th St., Austin, TX

WHAT: Canines & Cocktails ~ with DASH
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 7pm-Midnight
WHERE: Studios 1019, 2278 Monitor St., Dallas, TX

WHAT: Clark Park Arts and Music Festival
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, Noon-Sundown
WHERE: 43rd & Chester, Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Soulard Market Park Arts & Crafts Fair
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 9am-3pm
WHERE: 9th & Lafayette, St. Louis, MO

WHAT: Art Star Start of Summer Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 11am-7pm
WHERE: Art Star Gallery & Boutique, 623 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Fremont Fair
WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 10am-8pm and Sunday, June 20, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Fremont neighborhood, just North of downtown, Seattle, WA

WHAT: SoWa Open Market
WHEN: Sunday, June 20, 10am-4pm
WHERE: 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: Crafty Conspiracy Craft Night
WHEN: Tuesday, June 22, 7-9pm
WHERE: The Ruby Kitchen (upstairs area), 1263 University Ave., San Diego, CA

Ildved

Karen Ilvedson, a metalsmith & jewelry designer, creates unique accessories that are inspired by many things, including Medieval armor, Nordic traditions, rock & roll, and nature. Ildved showcases her creations, including her terrarium-inspired pieces. These pieces are made using sterling silver, Czech looking glass, and naturally preserved Reindeer moss. All of Karen's designs, like the Amethyst shield with a double-headed eagle necklace, make a strong statement. I really love the small sterling silver earrings that feature an owl in a full moon. Another beautiful & bold design is the Nordic Viking Ship necklace. If you are ordering in the USA, you will receive free shipping and all pieces arrive in a very classy black and silver Ildved gift box, unless stated otherwise.

*GIVEAWAY: Ildved is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to be used in their Etsy shop. To enter, simply visit Ildved and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. For an additional entry, become a Facebook fan of Ildved, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, June 20.

Ab2255's Glass Design Works

Anna Blair is a retired High School art teacher, who has been working with glass the past eight years. Her shop, Ab2255's Glass Design Works, features a variety of pendants in various mediums. The California Dreamin' dichroic fused glass necklace is a one of a kind piece that displays a scene of the California coast. The Vintage Cowgirl With Horse art glass necklace is a completely different look, but one that this Texan loves. The Dragonfly pendant is another beautiful piece with the image of a large 22k gold dragonfly fused into the glass. And the purse holders are great items that will keep your handbag off the floor when you go out or even at home. Anna also creates custom memory glass pendants that make wonderful keepsakes for anyone.

Cal&Bram

Cal&Bram is a new company 'where petal meets metal.' Their line of children's clothing is "doing the robot" in a fashion-forward way! Handmade robot applique's, each with their own bio, adorn super-soft 100% cotton garments, sizes infant-6T. The whimsical & modern designs put a new spin on geekery that parents, as well as children, are sure to love. Cal&Bram offers a variety of baby bibs featuring handmade Eco-Fi felt applique robots. Little girls will look absolutely adorable in the comfortable cotton dresses. For the littlest of littles, there's various infant gowns featuring similar robot designs. My personal favorite is the girly robot, Laquinda, featured on a cute pink ringer onesie. All products make wonderful gifts for new parents & children or as a treat for the little robot-lover in your life. Visit Cal&Bram's main website for additional information AND robot bios.

Foxy Girl Boutique

Melissa Cochran is a self-taught metalsmith and self-proclaimed jewelry addict. Five years ago, she created one necklace and was hooked. Foxy Girl Boutique features many of her lovely jewelry designs. Her metalsmithing talents are displayed in designs such as the Being in the Pink earrings (pictured). The pair is made out of brass wire that has been hand-wrapped and hammered flat, then accented with pink glass briolettes and pink freshwater pearls. The Romance necklace goes perfectly with the beautiful earrings. If you're looking for an accessory that will go with just about everything, check out The Labyrinth copper necklace. And, for those who like a punch of color, you don't want to miss the Take Me Dancing or Blood Red necklaces.

Upcoming Events

We recently added a new calendar page listing Handmade Events Around the World. If you would like us to post information regarding an event you are hosting or participating in, please contact us.

WHAT: Art for the Cash Poor 6
WHEN: Friday, June 11; 1-8pm
WHERE: 400 Block of Wood St., Old City, Philadelphia, PA
ETC: Rain date Sunday, June 12

WHAT: Second Friday at The Felt Bird
WHEN: Friday, June 11; 6-9pm
WHERE: The Felt Bird, 124 E. Broadway Ave., Enid, OK

WHAT: The Treasure Chest at Governors Island
WHEN: Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13
WHERE: Historic Home 6B, Nolan Park, Governors Island, NY


WHAT: INDIEana Handicraft Exchange
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; Noon-8pm
WHERE: Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN

WHAT: Providence Open Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Lippitt Park, Providence, RI

WHAT: Detroit Arts Fest
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 9am-6pm
WHERE: Downtown Detroit, TX
ETC: Funky Finds will be there! We hope to see you there!


WHAT: Vintour Expo
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 9am-5pm
WHERE: Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, OK

WHAT: Lightbox: The Fourth Crafty Hour
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Make-out Room, 3225 22nd St., San Francisco, CA

WHAT: Satellite 2nd Saturday Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; Noon-5pm
WHERE: 50th & Baltimore Ave., West Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Big Art Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 8pm
WHERE: Pterodactyl, 3237 Amber St., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Second Saturday Art Fair
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano, CA

WHAT: The Dallas Flea
WHEN: Saturday, June 12; 9am-4pm
WHERE: South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX
ETC: Admission is $5

WHAT: SoWa Open Market
WHEN: Sunday, June 13; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: Panther City Bar Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, June 13; Noon-8pm
WHERE: Lola's Saloon, 2736 West 6th St., Fort Worth, TX
ETC: Admission is $6

WHAT: The Melrose Trading Post
WHEN: Sunday, June 13; 9am-5pm
WHERE: Parking Lot at Fairfax High School, 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA
ETC: Admission is $2

PrintArtKids

It's not always easy saving and displaying all the unique artwork kiddos create. PrintArtKids is a great solution to this problem offering a variety of useful products that can be created using such artwork. Any parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, and more will love receiving note cards featuring your child's artwork. Return address labels are the perfect compliment to these cards. Customized notepads are also something everyone can use on a daily basis. If you'd prefer to have products created featuring your photos, that is also an option. These are especially great for holidays & special occasions such as Father's Day (June 20).

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: PrintArtKids is giving away a set of 8 custom note cards with or without a message. To enter, simply visit PrintArtKids and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product. For an additional entry, become a Facebook fan of PrintArtKids and leave a comment on this post noting that you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, June 13.

Grubby Mittz Art Co.

Stacy Zimmerman is another talented crafter & artist that has participated in previous Funky Finds events. Stacy began Grubby Mittz Art Co. in 2008 and her work is available for purchase through The Shops @ Funky Finds. Her products range from cool typewriter key rings to unique, hand-painted children's clothing. A talented artist, Stacy also creates artwork on other mediums, such as canvas. Her hand-painted silk scarves are also stunning. Visit Stacy's website for more information and updates.

Textile Fetish

Texas-based photographer & crafter Jennifer Ramos began Textile Fetish in the winter of 2001. Her one-of-a-kind, handmade items are made mostly from reclaimed and recycled materials. I last saw Jennifer in March when she participated in our 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling in Fort Worth, Texas. Her product line includes a variety of bags, including the unique coffee bean bags that give new life to burlap coffee bags. I especially love the bag adorned with a mustache and the adorable wiener dogs. One of my favorite items at the Spring Fling were the funky sock monkeys. The monkey in a cute spring dress is fabulous! Be sure to check out all the terrific items Jennifer offers, as well as her fantastic photography.

Emele Photography

Emele Photography showcases the work of self-taught photographer Emily Goodwin. Her work primarily focuses on nature and travel that includes beautiful land and seascapes. The Painted Lady Butterfly focuses on one of nature's most beautiful insects perched on a wild purple flower. I would love to take a Woodland Walk through this beautiful place Emily has captured. Animal lovers will especially enjoy the photographs of cats and horses, as well. Visit Emily's blog for more information & updates. Receive free worldwide shipping on orders over $10 when you mention "Funky Finds" at time of checkout. Shipping costs will be refunded via PayPal.

Upcoming Events

1

WHAT: Crafting from the Collection
WHEN: Thursday, June 3; 6-8pm
WHERE: Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: CRAFTINISTA Trunk Show & Benefit
WHEN: Thursday, June 3; 5-7:30pm
WHERE: Picking Daisies, 570 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA

WHAT: Historic Mansfield Arts Festival
WHEN: Friday, June 4, 7-11pm and Saturday, June 5; 10am-11pm
WHERE: Mansfield, TX

WHAT: Wholly Craft! Show
WHEN: Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5
WHERE: Moxie Cinema, 431 S. Jefferson, #108, Springfield, MO
ETC: Screening of Handmade Nation at 4pm on Saturday

WHAT: BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; 9am-2pm
WHERE: St Augustine's Church, Racecourse Rd., Hamilton, QLD

2

WHAT: Handmade Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Kamberra Wine Co., Cnr. Northbourne Ave. & Flemington Rd., Lyneham, ACT

WHAT: Providence Open Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Lippitt Park, Providence, RI

WHAT: bijou market
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 202 E. 1800 S., Orem, UT

WHAT: Green With Indie
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Webster University's Grant Gym, 175 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves, MO

3

WHAT: The Freret Market
WHEN: Saturday, June 5; Noon-5pm
WHERE: 5030 S Liberty St., New Orleans, LA

WHAT: The Farm Chicks Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 5, 10am-6pm and Sunday, June 6, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Spokane, WA

WHAT: Renegade Craft Fair - Brooklyn
WHEN: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6; 11am-7pm
WHERE: McCarren Park, Brooklyn, NY

4

WHAT: The Talent Show
WHEN: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Rau+Barber, 4244 Nicollet Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN

WHAT: SoWa Open Market
WHEN: Sunday, June 6; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: Crafty By Nature
WHEN: Sunday, June 6; 9am-4pm
WHERE: Shupp’s Grove, Adamstown, PA

5

WHAT: Constructor Craft Fair
WHEN: Sunday, June 6; 10am-6pm
WHERE: FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, IL

WHAT: Indie Mart - 3 year Anniversary Bash
WHEN: Sunday, June 6; Noon-6pm
WHERE: Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St., San Francisco, CA

WHAT: De-Stash Bash & Pot Luck
WHEN: Tuesday, June 8; 7-9pm
WHERE: Rhody Craft 100 at Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, RI