GIVEAWAY: Cold Picnic Jewelry

Cold Picnic Jewelry was formed last year by partners Phoebe Sung & Peter Buer. The duo says Cold Picnic is their attempt to carry on the tradition of storytelling through symbols. Their Spring 2011 collection was made entirely with vintage chains & findings and scrap leather from a local bird-toy factory. The result is a variety of unique pieces that make a statement. One of my favorite pieces is the braided brass bangle, the perfect complement to the braided brass ring. The leather pieces, such as the printed textile motif tube bracelet, are especially interesting. I would have to describe the lovely braided bangle (pictured) as hippie chic & the leather & mixed chain printed charm bracelet (pictured below) brings to mind eye-catching hieroglyphics from another century. Both pieces demonstrate just how unique Cold Picnic Jewelry's designs really are! The duo recently started a Twitter account, the perfect way to keep up with this great company!

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Hugette E.! ***

PRIZE: One winner will receive a $30 gift certificate from Cold Picnic Jewelry.

TO ENTER: Visit Cold Picnic Jewelry & leave a comment on this post noting which design is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRY: Like Cold Picnic Jewelry on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

ENDS: 9pm EST, Saturday, August 13.

E-Course: D.I.Y. Dress Up

The newest e-course from Red Velvet is called D.I.Y. Dress Up. This e-course is written for ladies who want to learn to sew their own clothes! Students learn basic & intermediate sewing skills while creating items of clothing that you'll love to wear. The best part is, you'll learn to fit the patterns to your body. Elsie Larson posted some helpful FAQs on her blog that pertain to this particular e-course.

Be involved in Funky Finds' fall event!

On July 1st, we launched the website for our fall event, Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience. Vendor applications are being accepted through August 14th. We've had an excellent response from area artisans, as well as ones residing in states outside of Texas. If you're planning to apply, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible as space is limited. There are several other ways you can be involved in the funkiest indie art & craft show around!

SPONSOR: This is a great way to support local artisans while growing your customer base. We offer three sponsor levels that are detailed on the event website.

ADVERTISE: We print & distribute 2,500 full-color event booklets prior to and at the event. Attendees are encouraged to keep their booklets & receive one free raffle ticket if they bring a previous event booklet to this event. Ad sizes & rates are available on the event website.

SWAG: We will give away 150 swag bags in conjunction with the charitable raffle and invite you to contribute promo items to be included. Raffle items are also acceptable. If you would like to send items for inclusion, you will find the shipping address on our contact us page.

ATTEND: And, of course, attending is the ultimate way to show your support for the handmade community! Admission is free and the event is family AND pet-friendly, so bring the whole gang! Monkey House Photography will be on-hand taking portraits for a small fee. This is a great opportunity to have a unique holiday photo taken. Start saving your money now, because you're going to find all kinds of funky & unique items you want to purchase for yourself, your friends, family and loved ones this November!!!

Funky Five: Summer Wedding (Part V)

1. 25 Ways to Something Blue from Belle the Magazine

2. Free Printable Thank You Cards by Do-it-yourself-Invitations.com

3. DIY Jeweled Cake Stand by Glamour and Grace

4. Album Wedding Invites via Design Sponge

5. Crates and Ladders by Primadonnabride

SizzleStrapz

SizzleStrapz offers a variety of colorful fashion camera gear, including camera straps and bags. The handmade straps are padded for extra comfort and made to be used with DSLR Nikon, Cannon, and Sony cameras. I especially love the bright purple blossoms strap. The camera cases are handmade in the USA with extra padding using waterproof & weather-resistant materials. They have been quoted as "stylish, funky designer bags which are light and compact for the modern woman and man". The large Fantasy Garden bag is gorgeous. SizzleStrapz also offers "leather-ized" straps (straps with genuine leather ends with riveted accents), including a great houndstooth design (pictured), and custom DSLR camera bags. They also welcome custom orders.

This Week's Events

Friday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31
Tall City Blues Fest
(F) 3pm-Midnight, (Sat) 9am-Midnight, (Sun) 10am-4pm
Downtown Midland, TX

Saturday, July 30
Coppell Farmers Market - Sizzl'n at the Market, 8am-Noon
455 Bethel Rd., Coppell, TX

Brocante Lux, 11am-5pm
SouthBrook Vineyards, 581 Niagara Stone Rd.,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Sweet William Market, 9am-2pm
Stapleton's Founders' Green, 29th Ave. & Syracuse,
Denver, CO

The Creative Collective Craft & Fine Arts Fair, 10am-9pm
The Historic Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Pine St., Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA

The Boston Handmade Marketplace, 3-7pm
Union Square, 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA

Wooly Fair VII: To the Moon!, 2pm-1am
Steel Yard, 27 Sims Ave., Providence, RI

Hamilton Fest, 11am-7pm
5300, 5400 & 5500 blocks of Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD

Craft Market, 3-8pm
The Pedicab Bar & Grill, 415 E. Cevallos, San Antonio, TX

"Christmas in July" Art Event, 9am-5pm
Aledo Bake Shop, 206 Elm St., Aledo, TX

Saturday, July 30 & Sunday, July 31
Maker Faire Detroit, 9:30am-6pm
The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI

Indie Designer Market at Randolph Street Market - (Sat) 10am-5pm, (Sun) 10am-4pm
1340 W. Washington, Plumbers Hall, Chicago, IL

The Open Market - (Sat) 10am-4pm, (Sun) Noon-4pm
Cobblestone Event Ctr., 205 Mason St., Mason, MI

Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Craft Fair
(Sat) 10am-6pm, (Sun) 10am-5pm
Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St.,
Wilmington, DE

Lill Street Craft Fair, Noon-10pm
Lill St. from Lincoln to Halsted, Chicago, IL

Powell Street Festival, 11:30am-7pm
Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell St., Vancouver, BC

Saturday, July 30 through Monday, August 1
Artisans at the Distillery, 11am-6pm
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St., Toronto, ON

Sunday, July 31
The Beat Cup Folk Fair, 3-10pm
660 Linton Blvd., Ste. 110, Delray Beach, FL

Bang!Boom!CRAFT!, Noon-5pm
Fountain at E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA

Funky Five: Jewelry Designs

1. Noelani Villanueva of Coconut Head Jewelry specializes in creating odd, unique and interesting science jewelry. Pictured: Purple and Gold Erlenmeyer Flasks

2. Artulia Jewelry features handcrafted artisan jewelry by Meaghan Aires. Pictured: Circle Cluster Set

3. Debrah Block Krol of DBK Design Arts creates totally unique wire mesh, as well as stunning scarves and an assortment of hand-knit & vintage fabric pillows. Pictured: lime & hand-dyed ribbon cuff with brass rings

4. Catherine of Sparkles N Glitter creates jewelry, cell phone & camera cases, and cards that will add a touch of bling to your life. Pictured: Cupcake Necklace

5. Lisa Compton of Grimm and Grete creates urban bohemian chic accessories. Pictured: Rainbow Fluorite Multichain Necklace

Brighton Crock

Brighton Crock features a collection of Sarah James' hand-drawn illustrations on plates & other crockery. She says that the illustrations are inspired by living in Brighton, England and her love of all things odd & pretty. The mission of Brighton Crock is to transform something plain & simply functional, like a plate or cup, into something nice and interesting to look at. Sarah offers a variety of dinner & side plates, bowls and mugs. The shark & chips illustration is very humorous and I really like the ferris wheel. However, my favorite items is the monkey dance mug (pictured). Receive a 20% discount at Brighton Crock with coupon code FUNKYBRIGHTON. Expires July 31, 2011.

This Week's Events

Thursday, July 21
Indie Wed, 5-10pm
Aérée Loft, 1520 W. Fulton, Chicago, IL

The Very Green Social, 5:30-8:30pm
IndieGenius, 409 N. Zang, Dallas, TX

Friday, July 22
Art Night with the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-8pm
PNC Park, 115 Federal St., Pittsburgh, PA

Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24
Deal & Dalley in the Alley
Sifu Design Studio, 5044 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL

Saturday, July 23
Blim Market, 5-10pm
Alley of Main & Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Family Day, 11am-4pm
Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE,
Washington D.C.

Urban Folk Circuit, Noon-8pm
Sifu Design Studio, 5044 N Clark St., Chicago, IL

The Creative Collective Craft & Fine Arts Fair, 10am-9pm
The Historic Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Pine St., Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA

Bakery Square's Summer Street Parties, 1-6pm
Bakery Square, 6725 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Austin Flea, 11am-5pm
The Highball, 1142 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX

Indie Craft Bazaar: Bohemian Craftsody, 1-6pm
Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Saturday, July 23 & Sunday, July 24
Bricktown Art Festival, (Sat) 10am-5pm, (Sun) 11am-5pm
200 S. Mickey Mantle Dr., Oklahoma City, OK

Sunday, July 24
Indie Mart, Noon-7pm - After Party 7-9pm
Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St., San Francisco, CA

Bakery Square's Sunday Marketplace, Noon-4pm
Bakery Square, 6725 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

MarketDayz, 9am-6pm
Conifer Community Park, 11369 S. Foxton Rd., Conifer, CO

Summit Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts, 11am-6pm
Beechwood Road & Union Place, Summit, NJ

GIVEAWAY: Ruby Dixie

Ruby Dixie features a line of handmade sparkly & trashy treasures created by Jakki Pransky. Using vintage & new charms, she designs unique & interesting accessories. Marie Antoinette fans will love the Marie Deux and Marie brooches. I love the kilt pin brooches, such as on a birds wing, that features various charms. Jakki also offers lots of great earrings, one of my favorites being paris rocks made using vintage glass perfume bottles. If you prefer something a bit more retro & funky, then the charm holder necklaces are right up your alley! These necklaces feature one large charm, such as a heart or a rainbow, that hold several smaller charms. Want to win one of these retro charm holders? See below. And be sure to check out Jakki's blog for more info & updates! (pictured: Victorian Vixen)

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Donna!***

PRIZE: One winner will receive a heart charm holder necklace with charms from Ruby Dixie.

TO ENTER: Visit Ruby Dixie & leave a comment on this post noting which design is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRY: Like Ruby Dixie on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, July 30.

Funky Five: Summer Wedding (Part IV)

1. DIY Tulle Fringe Garland by The Sweetest Occasion

2. DIY Vintage Hankie-wrapped Hanging Mason Jars by Stamp 48

3. Chic Wedding Chalkboard at Craftzine

4. DIY Cherry Blossom Craft Projects by Hostess With the Mostess

5. Custom Sparkler Holders via Craft Gossip

Studio M.M.E.

Megan Eckman of Studio M.M.E. describes her artwork as silly & quirky with her main objective being to make her audience smile. Working in the Old World medium of pen & ink, this talented artist illustrates fantasies that take the viewer back to their childhood. I'm amazed by the detailed work displayed in pieces, such as Sons of the Forest. I also love the whimsical antlered girl shown in Coming Home (pictured), a limited edition print of Imogene coming home to her deer family. Megan's unique artwork is also available in other formats, including canvas pillows and an interchangeable locket. Visit the Studio M.M.E. blog and Facebook page for more info & updates. Also, receive free shipping when ordering through Etsy with coupon code JACKALOPES.

Martha Pullen Sewing Awards

Martha Campbell Pullen fronts an heirloom sewing business, as well as the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. She founded & began publishing the magazine Sew Beautiful in 1987 & began sharing her love of heirloom sewing with public television audiences through her Martha’s Sewing Room series, which airs on 73 percent of American PBS stations.

This summer, the company is celebrating the art of sewing in its many forms with the Martha Pullen Sewing Awards! In partnership with F+W Media, Martha Pullen wants to recognize & reward the skills, passion & love that go into creating an item from scratch. To that end, you are invited to showcase your creations by entering their sewing competition that is open from July 1 to October 1, 2011. Seven winners in different categories will win $200 gift certificates to the Martha Pullen store & one Grand Prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion, as well as a mention in Sew Beautiful magazine & website.

Whether you were born with a needle & thread in hand or only recently discovered your love for sewing, Martha Pullen wants to recognize & reward your passion. All contest details & guidelines can be found on Martha Pullen's website.

Four

Four is a new website that covers art, design, architecture, fashion and lifestyle, bringing together an eclectic mix of inspiring 'dog-centric' content to dog-lovers passionate about culture & creativity. Four is curated with a strong editorial approach and is written by people who find dogs fascinating and almost human. Sounds like my cup of tea! Amongst other interesting articles, Four features the architectural excellence of Rural Studio's 'Dog Pound' and the curated 'dog-art' collection at the Crosby Street Hotel. You will also find interviews with designer & film director Mike Mills, as well as head designer at Cheap Monday, Ann-Sofie Back. Dog lovers will also enjoy reading about the Safe Harbour Prison Dog Program, another great example of how dogs can change just about anyone's life.

This Week's Events

Thursday, July 14
DADA BAZAAR, 8pm-2am
Dada, 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL

Crafting from the Collection, 6–7:30pm
Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX

Bazaar Bizarre Nightlife, 6-10pm
California Academy of Science, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

Highlandtown Farmer's Market, 4-8pm
400 S. Conkling St., Baltimore, MD

Friday, July 15
ArtCon SEED - Better Gnomes & Gardens, 7-11:30pm
Sons Of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm St., Dallas, TX

Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17
SouthSide Works Exposed - (F) 5-11pm, (Sat) Noon-11pm, (Sun) Noon-6:15pm
SouthSide Works, 445 S. 27th St., Pittsburgh, PA

Artscape - (F/Sat) Noon-10pm, (Sun) Noon-8pm
1500 N. Charles St., Penn Station, Baltimore, MD

Saturday, July 16
Designers Downtown Market, 9am-3pm
Ornamentea, 509 N. West St., Raleigh, NC

Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, 11am-5pm
Covered Lot Behind Cafe Brazil, 2820 Indiana Blvd., Dallas, TX

Brampton Arts & Crafts Festival, 9am-4pm
Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton, ON

Craft Candy Summer Craft Fair, 10am-4pm
Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S. Yorkshire UK

Home & Handmade Market, 8am-2pm
Jackson Street between La Salle & Clinton Streets, Ottawa, IL

The SHOP it UP! Show!, 10am-4pm
This Side UP! Family FUN Center, 1100 Capital Ave., Plano, TX

Buckham Alley Fest & Flint Handmade Craft City, 6pm-Midnight
Downtown Flint, MI

Blim Market, Noon-5pm
Granville & Robson, Vancouver, BC

Art Melt, 5-10pm
Louisiana State Museum, 660 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge, LA

Christmas in July benefiting Hope Center for Autism, 10am-3pm
Hampton Inn, 2700 Green Oaks Rd., Fort Worth, TX

Paint-A-Thon, 1-6pm
Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham, ON

SF Etsy "Everything Handmade" Summer Show, Noon-5pm
Shawna Stoney Showroom/Gallery, 390 Kansas St., San Francisco, CA

Saturday, July 16 & Sunday, July 17
Renegade Craft Fair, 11am-7pm
LA State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA

Old Gruene Market Days - (Sat) 9am-5pm, (Sun) 10am-4:30pm
1641 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, TX

Carol Sebold HarborArts Juried Arts & Crafts Show, 9am-5pm
Harbor Park & Amphitheatre, Atlantic Ave., Camden, ME

Sunday, July 17
Lucky Pearl Bazaar, 9am-2pm
1757 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO

Polish Hill Arts Festival, Noon-9pm
Outdoors at 3060 Brereton St., Pittsburgh, PA

Art Squared, 10am-4pm
Mimico Square, Lake Shore Blvd. W. & Mimico Ave., Mimico, ON

Monday, July 18
WildCard Night: Arts & Crafts for Grown-ups, 7-8:30pm
Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading, MA

Funky Five: Hot Shop Items

1. Flower Head Band by Hippie Chick Creations

2. Baby Quilt by 3 Quilting Sistas

3. Music Mix Bento Box by Bento Box Gifts

4. Cheetah Print Apron by Susy G Designs

5. Peace Sign Tassel by Delightful Decor

Funky Finds' Services

Since beginning this blog in 2006, Funky Finds has continued to grow its services that work to promote independent artists, crafters & designers worldwide. If you own an independent business & hand-craft items, I invite you to check out our Services page & learn more about everything we offer. Our services include The Shops @ Funky Finds, an affordable & easy to use online marketplace, and ad space on this blog & other Funky Finds web pages.

We also host bi-annual events in Texas, with plans to branch out in surrounding areas next year. Even if you are unable to participate in Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience this November, you can still have some presence at the event. We offer several sponsorship opportunities, ad space in our printed & online event booklet, and an opportunity for you to donate 150 promo items to be included in swag bags given in conjunction with a charitable raffle. If interested, please contact us to arrange shipment of items.

Want Funky Finds to host an event in your area? Tell us about it here! Thank you for supporting Funky Finds and independent artisans worldwide!

This Week's Events

Tuesday, July 5 through Saturday, July 9
We Make London Pop-up Shop, 10am-Late
Oak Studios, 8 Perrins Ct., Hampstead, London, NW3 1QS

Wednesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 17
Visual Fringe, 6:30-9:30pm
The Fringe Club, 581 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON

Friday, July 8
The Urban Growers Market, 4-8pm
One World Merchants, 2315 Main St., Vancouver, WA

Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10
Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, (F/S) 10:30am-7:30pm, (Sun) 10:30am-6:30pm
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St., Toronto, ON

SLV Folk Arts & Fiber Festival, (F) Noon-8pm, (Sat) 8:30am-6pm, (Sun) 8:30am-4pm
Marsh Park (by Sonic), Monte Vista, CO

Saturday, July 9
BrisStyle Indie Designers Market, 9am-2pm
St. Augustine's Church, Racecourse Rd., Hamilton, QLD

Parker County Peach Festival, 8am-5pm
Historic Downtown Weatherford, TX

Ballston Arts & Crafts Market, 10am-4pm
Welburn Square, btwn N. Stuart & N. 9th Streets, Arlington, VA

The City Flea, 11am-5pm
W. Central Pkwy. & Vine St. at the Cincinnatus Mural, Cincinnati, OH

Cut&Paste Rock&Roll #4, 5pm-1am
Dipiazza Restaurant & Lava Lounge, 5205 E, Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA

White Rock Local Market, 8am-1pm
The Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, TX

Craft Candy July Mini Fair, 1-5pm
Bungalows And Bears, Division St., S1 4GF Sheffield, UK

"House & Home", an evening with painter & printmaker Suzanne Francis, 6-9pm
VIX Emporium, 5009 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA

The Creative Collective Craft & Fine Arts Fair, 10am-9pm
The Historic Headhouse Shambles, 2nd & Pine St., Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA

Porter Flea, 10am-5pm
Porter East Building, 715 Porter Rd., Nashville, TN

Crafts from the Past, 9am-3pm
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, 911 Reems Creek Rd., Weaverville, NC

Greenway Open Market - Opening Day, 11am-4pm
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Surface Ave. between Atlantic Ave. & High St., Boston, MA

Saturday, July 9 & Sunday, July 10
Renegade Craft Fair, 11am-7pm
Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan St., San Francisco, CA

Urban Craft Uprising, 11am-5pm
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA

Art Fair on the Square, 9am-6pm, 10am-5pm
227 State St., Madison, WI

The Villages Craft Festival, 10am-5pm
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, 1129 Canal St.,The Villages, FL

GIVEAWAY: Classic Coup

Having taught English to high school & college students for thirty years, Cindy McCain launched Classic Coup in 2009. With the mantra "Lit is Life," Classic Coup strives to intersect the classics with today's world while aiming to do more than just sell t-shirts. To that end, the company donates books to children in schools & orphanages in Quito, Ecuador each time a sale is made creating a movement that promotes great literature for critical thinking AND compassionate living.

While referencing well-known literary characters, such as Atticus & Heathcliff, these tees promote works of substance that relate to pop culture & basic truths of life. Classic Coup's collections will appeal to a wide range of shoppers - hopeful romantics, poets, and sassy cynics - that turn heads & flip pages! Since summer is a time for vacationing, treat yourself to an All the Difference tee so you can fully embrace Robert Frost's words, "I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference." (pictured: Rebel Reads)

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats onegirlgeek! ***

PRIZE: One winner will receive two Classic Coup t-shirts (choices are Mr. Darcy, Rebel Reads and All the Difference).

TO ENTER: Visit Classic Coup & leave a comment on this post noting which design is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRY: Like Classic Coup on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, July 16.

Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience

Vendor applications are now being accepted for Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience. All event details can be found on the event website, along with the online application. The application deadline is August 14th.

Over 100 talented artists, crafters & designers will be selling hand-crafted items at this pet and family-friendly event to be held November 12 & 13 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sponsorship opportunities are also listed in detail on the website.