Independence Day Crafts

Independence Day Crafts

I came across this patriotic centerpiece project on Make and Takes & just had to create my own. It's a very inexpensive and easy project to complete. Also, I combined elements from two free 4th of July printables since I had a funky sized frame. Check out the 4th of July Word Art from The Crafting Chicks and God Bless America from Landee See, Landee Do. Both blog have tons of great crafting projects & more printables. I also love America the Beautiful from Anything but Perfect.

Black Dog Publishing

UK-based Black Dog Publishing specializes in beautifully produced illustrated books that represent a fresh, eclectic take on contemporary culture. They are currently offering a massive 40% discount on select titles relating to contemporary craft & art. This offer is extended through the end of August for Funky Finds readers.

To order any of the books listed below at the discounted price, simply email Jessica Atkins at jess@blackdogonline.com with your delivery address and the book(s) will be dispatched with an invoice.

books1

Printmaking: A Contemporary Perspective
Offer Price £14.97 | $23.97

In the Loop: Knitting Now
Offer Price £14.97 | $23.97

Paper: Tear, Fold, Rip, Crease, Cut
Offer Price £14.97 | $27.00

Outside the Box: Cardboard Design Now
Offer Price £11.97 | $17.97

books2

Making Stuff: An Alternative Craft Book
Offer Price £10.17 | $14.97

Making Stuff for Kids
Offer Price £10.17 | $14.97

Breaking the Mould: New Approaches to Ceramics
Offer Price £14.97 | $23.97

Drawing Projects: An Exploration of the Language of Drawing
Offer Price £11.97 | $17.97

This Week's Events

Wednesday, June 29
Frameworks: E.A.S.T., 7:30-11pm
The ND at 501 Studios, 501 N. I-35, Austin, TX

Summer Arts on Main, 10am-2pm
Portland Center for the Performing Arts, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR

Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4
Arts & Crafts Show Along the San Antonio River Walk, 11am-11pm
San Antonio River Walk extension, Between the Alamo St. Bridge & Rivercenter Mall, San Antonio, TX

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Fri: Free Artist Preview Event (Clayton St. only) 7-10pm, (S/S) 10am-8pm, (M) 10am-6pm
Cherry Creek, Denver, CO

Saturday, July 2
Maker’s Market, 9am-Noon
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center,
13480 Dowell Rd., Dowell, MD

Clutter City Summer Fete, 10am-4pm
Norwich Arts Centre, St. Benedicts St., Norwich, Norfolk UK

Whole Foods Hollywood Wings & Beer, Noon-5pm
Whole Foods Hollywood, 4301 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR

Interdependence Day Celebration & Craft Fair, 9am-3pm
St. David's Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St., Portland, OR

The UK's BIG Vintage & Fashion Fair, 9:30am-6pm
Metquarter, 35 Whitechapel, Liverpool L1 6DA

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

Saturday, July 2 & Sunday, July 3
The Finders Keepers, 10am-5pm
The Old Museum, Corner Bowen Bridge Rd. & Gregory Terrace, Herston, Brisbane, QLD

Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4
9th Annual Amerifest Arts & Crafts Bazaar, (Sat/M) 9am-5pm, (Sun) 9am-3pm
Blue Ridge School Grounds, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

Sunday, July 3
First Sunday Arts Festival, Noon-5pm
Calvert & West St., Annapolis, MD

Monday, July 4
Celebrate America Craft & Art Fair, 11am-4pm
Burlington Park, Hinsdale, IL

Freedom Festival with Fireworks Show, 1-10pm
Village at Sandhill, 481-2 Town Center Place, Columbia, SC

Mt. Washington Art Marketplace, 1-7pm
Shiloh St., Mt. Washington, PA

More events can always be found on Funky Finds'
Handmade Events Around the World calendar page!

Independence Day Fun

Independence Day Fun

1. The Etsy Austin blog has links to lots of great 4th of July projects, including how to make your own confetti popper rockets (originally posted by alphamom)!

2. Kami of NoBiggie made a guest appearance at Tatertots and Jello with some Independence Day printables & DIY projects.

3. Learn how to make a yummy cake pop flag over at My Juice Cup (via Love From The Oven).

4. Family Kitchen shows how to make tiny cherry & blueberry star pies in jars that your family & guests will love.

5. Hostess With the Mostess shares easy & creative 4th of July party ideas.

The Queen's Daughter

Donna Dunagan is a Texas-based crafter who began by designing Barbie clothes & stringing acorns with her mother in the 70's. I had the pleasure of meeting Donna at the Detroit (Texas) Arts Fest last weekend & her embellished hats were hugely popular with girls & women of all ages. Of course, I had to treat myself to a black hat adorned with a flower made of various red & black fabrics that is beyond cute! The Queen's Daughter features hats, as well as original mixed media art pieces. I love the black & ivory chandelier, as well as Queen of This Nest that incorporates antique sheet music. Check out all of Donna's funky offerings at The Shops @ Funky Finds. (pictured: Military Flower Hat - White)

This Week's Events

Tuesday, June 21 through Thursday, June 23
Swedish Days Festival Craft Show - (Tues./Wed.) 10am-6pm,
(Thur.) 10am-4pm
3rd & Hamilton Streets, Geneva, IL

Friday, June 24
Red, Pink and Blue, 7-10pm
Purple People Bridge, 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY

Saturday, June 25
Clark Park Music & Arts Festival, Noon-Sundown
Clark Park, Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA

3rd Annual Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair, 11am-7pm
The Morgan Lot, 107 Morgan St., Jersey City, NJ

Curiosity.Haus Contemporary Craft & Design Fair, 10am-3pm
Sneinton Market, Gedling St., Nottingham, UK

Happy Go Techy Expo, 10am-6pm
Mary Gates Hall, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA

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

Pile of Craft, 10am-5pm
St. John's Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD

Hip Happening, 10am-6pm
Naomi's Organic Farm Supply, 2500 SE Tacoma St.,
Portland, OR

Supplies Me! Art + Craft Supply Sale, 11am-2pm
Blue Room, South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas, TX

Peace, Love & Crafts, 9am-5pm
Tulsa Expo Square Fairgrounds, QuikTrip Center,
4145 E. 21st, Tulsa, OK

Brooklyn Flea, 10am-5pm
176 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY

Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26
Chatty Crafty, 10am-6pm
Chattanooga Green at Ross's Landing, 100 Riverfront Pkwy., Chattanooga, TN

Love to Craft OC, 11am-6pm
Orange County Great Park, Sand Canyon & Marine Way, Irvine, CA

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire, 10am-5pm
Great Northern Way Campus, 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC

Manayunk Arts Festival, (Sat) 11am-7pm, (Sun) 11am-6pm
Main St. & Levering St., Philadelphia, PA

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

Portland Saturday Market, (Sat) 10am-5pm, (Sun) 11am-4:30pm
2 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR

Sunday, June 26
Brooklyn Flea, 10am-5pm
176 Lafayette Ave. (at Flatbush Ave.), Brooklyn, NY

SoWa Open Market, 10am-4pm
460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

Portsmouth Open Market, 10am-4pm
Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, NH

The Rust Belt Market, 11am-7pm
22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI

GIVEAWAY: isavirtue

Kaitlyn Patience of isavirtue loves snail mail and crafts. Perhaps that is why she decided to begin creating items that encourage others to take time to send personalized notes. I really like the graphic black & white water stain writing paper & coordinating envelopes. The envelopes featuring cork board silhouettes are especially interesting & the rose is lovely. In addition to writing paper & envelopes, Kaitlyn also offers seals, journals & more.


*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats sw! ***

PRIZE: Modern Monsters Writing Set - Includes ten handmade envelopes & 20 sheets of stamped writing paper.

TO ENTER: Visit isavirtue & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item(s).

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, July 2.

Dreamin Bohemian

Dreamin Bohemian features Texas-based artist Adrienne Williamson's work. This wife & mother of three extraordinary boys (and the sweetest bulldog!) is extremely talented, as evident when browsing her work. I've had the pleasure of seeing Adrienne's work in person at the Funky Finds Spring Fling & it's all so vibrant & eye-catching. She says that while her style isn't always that trendy "bohemian" style most think of, it does encompass many different mediums & techniques. Having started crafting at the age of ten, over the years Adrienne began learning many different techniques, such as rug weaving, yarn spinning, mural painting & more. Now she says she finds herself painting on just about everything - denim clothing, furniture, glass, accessories & LOTS of shoes. She also started a children's line of nursery items & room decor that includes personalized "dream" pillows, quilts, blankies, bibs & burpies. These products make wonderful gifts that are made specifically for the special recipient. Adrienne most enjoys custom orders, so don't hesitate to contact her to discuss what you have in mind! In addition to the website, you can connect with & see more photos on Dreamin Bohemian's Facebook page. (pictured: Custom Painted Dragonfly Jeans for Girls)

Guest Blog at Sunday Afternoon Housewife

Each month I write an article that is featured on the Sunday Afternoon Housewife blog. Since it's so darn hot here in the US, I decided to blog about outdoor craft show tips this month. Head over to Martha Latta's blog to read my tips & download a handy dandy Craft Show Checklist! While you're there, be sure to read about Martha's Kickstarter project, The Culture of Craft. And you can find more craft show tips that are applicable to all kinds of events on this Funky Finds page.

Miss Mustard Seed


Mustard Seed Interiors is an antiques and home décor business located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The blog, Miss Mustard Seed, showcases Marian's passion for DIY and home décor. WARNING: This blog is addictive & may consume many hours of your day without you noticing! I just recently became familiar with "link parties" many bloggers host. A link party may have a few rules, such as this one related solely to furniture, then readers leave a link to their blog post relating to that topic. This demonstrates how you can lose hours of your day by visiting each of the fantastic links! Marian also writes about current home décor trends, such as grain sacks, providing helpful information & tips. But my favorite aspects of this blog are Marian's tutorials, like the exposed board wall, and the Before & After posts. If you're looking for some DIY inspiration to spruce up your home, check out Miss Mustard Seed. You can also "like" Mustard Seed Creations on Facebook.

This Week's Events

Wednesday, June 15
Rebel Craft Rumble, 7-9pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St., Portland, OR

Taking Flight - Opening Reception, 7pm
Exhibit Open through September 14
Manitoba Crafts Museum & Library, 1B-183 Kennedy St., Winnipeg, MB

Thursday, June 16
Handmade Nation - Free Screening!, 5:30-9:30pm
the Green Project, 2831 Marais St., New Orleans, LA

Friday, June 17 & Saturday, June 18
Heart of Texas Arts & Craft Show, (F) 2-8pm, (Sat) 10am-6pm
Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX

Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19
American Artisan Festival - (F) Noon-7pm, (Sat) 10am-7pm, (Sun) 10am-6pm
Centennial Park, 2600 West End Ave., Nashville, TN

Saturday, June 18
Detroit (Texas) Arts Fest, 9am-3pm
Front St., Downtown Detroit, TX

We Are Handmade Contemporary Summer Craft
& Design Fair
, 10am-4pm
Foakes Hall, 47 Stortford Rd., ‪Great Dunmow, Essex, England‬

Mini Maker Faire NC, 10am-5pm
N. Carolina State Fair Grounds (Kerr Scott Bldg.),
1025 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raleigh, NC

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

Market on the Strand, 10am-4pm
Saengerfest Park, 23rd & The Strand, Galveston Island, TX

Opening Day: Art in the Open, 7am-1pm
Every Saturday through October 8
Garden Square, Main & Queen St., Brampton, ON

Sip & Shop, 5-9pm
Comfort Suites DFW North, 4700 W. John Carpenter Frwy., Irving, TX

Brocante Lux, 11am-8pm
SouthBrook Vineyards, 581 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Mansfield Unplugged Art & Music Festival, 10am-6pm
Main & Depot St., Mansfield, TX

Urban Folk Circuit, Noon-8pm
3 Brothers Auto Repair, 3722 W Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL

Lotus Yoga Pop-Up Art Shop, 2-6pm
Lotus Yoga, 6337 Prospect Ave., Dallas, TX

Norwood Farm & Craft Market, 9am-1pm
San Miguel County Fairgrounds, Pig Palace, 1165 Summit St., Norwood, CO

Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19
Old Gruene Market Days, (Sat) 9am-5pm, (Sun) 10am-4:30pm
1641 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, TX

Old Canal Days Festival Craft Show, (Sat) 10am-4pm, (Sun) 11am-4pm
Corner of State & 9th Streets, Downtown Lockport, IL

Sunday, June 19
Mainstreet Carfree Day and Blim Market, Noon-5pm
Main & 17th, Vancouver, BC

Klimbim

Klimbim, a German slang word for useless extra or fuss, is a small label from Berlin featuring unique, handmade jewelry. Here tightrope walkers, cyclists, cowboys, nuns and other motley characters all play a dangerous game dangling on silver chains & neck wires. The characters, such as the Sherrif, are hand-painted & situated upon a silver pendulum that swings freely on a delicate sterling silver chain. The beautiful angel is perfect for watching over the recipient; however, my favorite is the man on a bicycle. (pictured)

Funky Five: Summer Wedding

Funky Five: Summer Wedding

1. Peacock themes are hot right now! Brenda's Wedding Blog features all the accessories you'll need for your themed affair.

2. Austin Wedding Blog features 33 {Summer} DIY Wedding Projects, including a DIY Cheery Dessert Table (pictured) originally posted by Project Wedding.

3. Pretty Chic Blog shares a tutorial for creating a simple modern wedding cake (found via Craftzine).

4. Chez Wedd shares several unique ways to use watering cans as wedding decor.

5. The Silly Pearl shows how to create your own beautiful bridal hairpins.

Wild Olive

Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive is one of my favorite designers, crafters and bloggers. Her embroidery designs are whimsical & frequently incorporate one of my favorite things - inanimate objects with personas! Her online shop showcases many downloadable patterns, such as The Wedding Party and Sweet Treats. Amongst all the delightful items you will also find printable banners, lists and much more. The Wild Olive blog is full of great crafting information, printables, and free patterns. Mollie's Embroidery Basics series is a valuable resource for those who are new to embroidery, as well as those looking to enhance their skills. She is even offering an online class, The Embroidery Project: All in the Details, that will teach you more advanced stitches, how to use specialty flosses, & ways to make your work extra special. Registration is now open, so sign up today!

This Week's Events

Friday, June 10
The Urban Growers Market, 4-8pm
One World Merchants, 2315 Main St., Vancouver, WA

Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12
Harvest Barn Sale, 10am-5pm
1100 Skillman Ln., Petaluma, CA

Governors Island Pop-Up Shop, (F) 11am-4pm, (S/S) 11am-5pm • Weekends through September 4
Historic Home 6B, Nolan Park, Andes Rd. & Quadrangle Rd., Governors Island,‪ NY

Saturday, June 11
Handmade Canberra, 10am-4pm
The National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Ave., Canberra ACT

Soulard Market Park Arts & Crafts Show, 9am-3pm
Soulard Park, 9th & Lafayette, St. Louis, MO

indiemade craft market, 10am-5pm
Bethlehem Ice Rink, Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem, PA

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange, Noon-8pm
Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St.,
Indianapolis, IN

Paper Cowgirl Vendor Night, 7-9:30pm
Waxahachie Civic Center, 1950 N. I-35 East, Waxahachie, TX

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

2nd Saturday, 6-9pm
State St., Media, PA

Craft Candy June Mini Fair, 1-5pm
Bungalows and Bears, Division St., Sheffield, UK

The Providence Open Market, 10am-2pm
Every Saturday through September 24
Lippitt Park, 1015 Hope St., Providence, RI

Saturday, June 11 & Sunday, June 12
Renegade Craft Fair, 11am-7pm
McCarren Park, 780 Lorimer St., Brooklyn, NY

Talbot Street Art Fair, (Sat) 10am-6pm, (Sun) 10am-5pm
Talbott Street between 16th & 20th, Indianapolis, IN

Pirate Festival & Classic Boat Show, 10am-6pm
Long Island Maritime Museum, 86 West Ave., West Sayville, NY

Old Town Art Fair, 10am-6pm
Main Gate at Lincoln & Wisconsin, Chicago, IL

Wine & Clay Festival, (Sat) 10am-5pm, (Sun) Noon-5pm
Llano Estacado Winery, 3426 E. FM 1585, Lubbock, TX

Annapolis Arts & Crafts Festival, (Sat) 10am-6pm,
(Sun) 10am-5pm
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD

Sunday, June 12
Uptown Trolley Stop Market, 11am-4pm
McKinney Avenue Contemporary Parking Lot,
3120 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX

GIVEAWAY: Spaceships and Laserbeams

Spaceships and Laserbeams is run by a group of designers that offers parties with style just for boys. This collective offers a variety of cool party printables that are made especially for boys. I love the Vintage Car Party Collection. This kit comes complete invitations, thank you notes, cupcake wrappers & much more. The group's blog shows some of their printables in action, most recently a vintage racecar party submitted by a happy customer. Amongst the extensive offerings are football themed designs, cowboy cool party signs, monster coloring pages & more. Your Y chromosome little ones are sure to love all the unique party ideas Spaceships and Laserbeams has to offer! (pictured: Value Package from the Alien Invasion DIY Printable Collection)

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Sarah Z! ***

Prize: One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from Spaceships and Laserbeams.

1 Entry: Visit the Spaceships and Laserbeams Etsy shop & leave a comment noting your favorite item(s).

1 Additional Entry: Like Spaceships and Laserbeams on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, June 18.

Mod Podge Rocks!

Most crafters are familiar with a product called Mod Podge, an all-in-one glue, sealer & finish. I have decoupaged things like planters & jewelry boxes using this handy product. The Plaid website features lots of helpful info, including videos & articles. But what I really want to direct your attention to is the blog Mod Podge Rocks! that Amy Anderson publishes. The blog frequently highlights projects that bloggers around the globe have posted about that incorporate Mod Podge. This is a great source for summer projects to do with the kids, such as DIY popsicle stick bracelets by Julia from bles-id and stone matryoshkas by Janna from Mustard Seeds. And if you aren't familiar with this product or aren't really sure what all it can be used for, check out the learn how section & formula guide. Amy also regularly gives away Plaid products, so check back frequently!

Three Sisters Plates

Founded in 2007, Three Sisters Plates features unique decoupaged plates that are covered with interesting images & phrases. Designed to make people smile & laugh, three sisters come together to create with love, passion & sisterhood. If you or someone you know, such as a teacher, are an avid book reader, then the Classic Book Plate is right up your alley. My step-dad, who is very hard to shop for, loves The Beatles & there's even a plate showcasing images from their albums & more. Regardless of your interests, there's most likely a plate that will suit your taste. If not, contact the three crafty sisters to discuss a custom-designed plate especially for you! (pictured - Love Plate)