« June 2007 | Main | August 2007 »
Just a friendly reminder:
In Flushing on Aug. 8, the Mets battle the Braves at Shea Stadium and host their first Stitch N' Pitch, aiming to draw fans of both baseball and needle crafts. Click here to read all about it and buy tickets to this unique event.
Not many entrepreneurs are told to do their homework before they devote time to their business.
But that's the rule laid down by the parents of Leanna Archer, who at the age of 11 owns Leanna's Inc., a Central Islip mail-order and on-line business that sells hair-care products.
Leanna is the persistent entrepreneur, according to her dad, Gregory. Since the age of eight she had bugged her parents about selling a hair-care dressing her mother, Maritza, mixes up using such ingredients as almond and avocado oils. Leanna felt her long tresses had benefited from her great grandmother's recipe for hair oil and conditioners, and that others might, too.
This week's featured do-it-yourselfer is a fan of nature and obsessed with felt. As a teacher, she gets to adopt 125 children as her own every school year. How cool is that?
Name: Marysusan Noll, 34
Hometown: West Sayville, NY
Occupation: High School biology and forensic science teacher
Craft: Felted accessories
Where do you find inspiration?
I take inspiration from nature for my flowers, but I am not trying to slavishly re-create nature. If I am looking at a picture of a flower, like I did for my peony hairpins, I only look at it once or twice. I only want to evoke the feeling of a peony. I try to boil it down to what is the most recognizable feature of that flower and bring that out in the felted accessory.
For everything else, my inspiration is pretty diverse. My husband once called me “perversely old-fashioned” and I think that describes me pretty well. I love things that are old but I like them in odd contexts or I like to use them in unexpected ways. I have huge collections of vintage fabrics, photos, clothing, beads, ephemera, pottery, furniture, and books that I go to all the time for a scrap of this and a bit of that for either assemblages or just ideas. Sometimes inspiration comes in a snip of a song on National Public Radio in the morning.
However, sometimes it is more insidious than that. My red felted necklace is my “Birds, Bees and Berries” necklace since the beaded designs on them evoke a sperm and eggs….and elderberries. I was teaching reproduction the week I made that, so I guess that it was a true case of worlds colliding!
Take one of these cool classes and enjoy some indoor fun.
Scrapaholics -- Come learn to fold several Oriental themed origami models with Origami specialist MaryAnn Scheblein-Dawson. These models, combined with some fabulous Asian paper or rubber stamps, will make you feel like you just took a trip to the Orient! Class is held July 26. To sign up, visit Scrapaholics: www.scrapaholicsny.com
Art League of Long Island -- Create glass jewelry with instructor Julianna Kirk. Teens will learn how to produce beautiful jewelry for family and friends. Fusing techniques will be taught and used in this class. You need nothing but an idea. Come out to appreciate and learn this exciting media! Class is held August 2. To sign up, visit the Art League of Long Island: www.artleagueli.org
Brooklyn Artists Gym -- Bring your favorite tot to the Kids Art Workshop on July 28. Once a week, kids can be taken seriously as artists, learn new techniques in a real studio, and have a great time doing it! It's geared towards ages 6-12, and will start with painting and drawing, work into collage and perhaps some sculpture, depending on the child’s interests. To sign up for this class, visit Brooklyn Artists Gym: www.brooklynartistsgym.com
Etsy Labs -- Learn how to make an Amigurumi crochet doll. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of making small toys out of yarn. In this series of five classes you will learn the secrets of crocheting beautiful, professional-looking amigurumi, while making your very own customized Amigurumi crochet doll. With the right tools and techniques, these lovely little dolls are surprisingly easy to make. You only need to know one crochet stitch, the single crochet, so both beginning and experienced crocheters are welcome! Class starts August 4. To sign up for this class, visit Etsy Labs: www.etsy.com/labs
Got news for Cheap Thrills? Share it with us! Just send me an e-mail about your classes, events, sales and anything else we might find interesting.
One of my favorite Newsday blogs is the Garden Detective
by Jessica Damiano. This week, she writes about her fantastic trip to Hawaii and shares tips on how to grow your own pineapple. This is such a cool do-it-yourself project!
Martha Stewart recently launched her signature line of paint, available at Lowe's home improvement stores for about $25 a gallon.
The color palette, as expected, is beautiful. The 350 shades all bear fun Martha-esque names, such as Vintage Rickrack (a pleasing pink-red, pictured), Bread Dough (creamy off-white) and Garden Clog Green (no explanation necessary).
Perhaps best of all, each oversize paint chip displays the primary color and two coordinating shades for trim, accent and accessories. But don't expect to see no-brainer hues of white, beige and gray. These combinations are fresh, modern and just...right. With the chocolate brown Pumpernickel Loaf, for example, Martha suggests Tag Sale Yellow and Flower Bucket (very pale green).
As someone who's spent many frustrating hours staring at loose paint chips in endless pursuit of perfect color combination, I'll happily pass the buck to Martha's crew on my next project later this summer-- painting the walls after a total kitchen renovation. Now let's hope the paint itself performs well.
This herb-infused shampoo is said to be effective in removing impurities such as smog and city grime from the hair.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup shampoo concentrate
(or substitute with 1/2 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1 tsp.)
1/2 tsp. table salt
1 tbs. dried thyme
1 tbs. dried peppermint
1 tbs. dried lavender
1 tsp. witch hazel
1 tsp. almond oil
7 drops cinnamon oil
3 drops ylang-ylang oil
Directions: In a heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the dried thyme, peppermint and lavender.
Remove the pan from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the herbs from the water and pour the herbally infused water into a ceramic bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir until well mixed. Add the salt, witch hazel, almond oil, cinnamon oil and ylang-ylang oil to the mixture, stirring until thick. Bottle and close.
Enjoy!
Paper, plastic -- or designer label?
Those were the options at a handful of Whole Foods stores in the metropolitan area Wednesday, when the organic- and natural-foods chain offered shoppers the $15 Anya Hindmarch bags emblazoned with the phrase "I'm not a plastic bag." True to its reputation, the reusable cotton shopping bag -- which was being sold as a one-time event -- drew more than 200 people to the Whole Foods in Jericho at 6 a.m., and more than 600 lined up at the newest Manhattan location at Bowery and Houston.
Many may have been motivated by the low price of one of the London designer's bags, which can run upward of $1,400. The point of the campaign, however, is to make people think about reducing the use of plastic shopping bags.
With all the shingled McMansions that require upkeep in the Hamptons, getting a carpenter to show up for a minor home improvement can be a major hurdle.
So we consulted Barbara K (for Kavovit), the East End's sexy poster gal for DIY. Her ergonomically correct, female-friendly tools are available at Amazon.com, at Target, at Home Depot, at Bloomingdale's and on QVC. She has worked on townhouses for supermodels Linda Evangelista and Amber Valletta. Courteney Cox and the Duchess of York both swear by her tools.
When we spoke to the upbeat fix-it guru, who built her own house, south of the highway in East Hampton, for an astonishingly low $150 per square foot, she wore a T-shirt, a sparkly skirt and flip-flops.
Read the full article by Jeffrey Slonim
To learn more about Barbara K, visit her Web site: www.barbarak.com.
With J.K. Rowling's final Harry Potter book due to be released at midnight, those (like me) who haven't pre-ordered their copy are now strategizing where to buy it. The list price may be $34.99, but mass retailers have aggressively slashed that by as much as 50% in an effort to lure Potter fans their way. Which means those looking for a bargain are more likely to be ordering from Amazon.com (current price: $17.99) or heading to Wal-Mart ($17.97), Costco ($18.19) instead of their local bookstore.
Crafty Potter fans should check out an extensive list of links to patterns for Hogwarts scarves, Bellatrix socks, Weasley sweaters and other goodies.
This week's featured crafter shares her love of soap and candlemaking with psychiatric patients to give them a feeling of pride. Let's meet Mary!
Name: Mary Elizabeth DePeiza, 44
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Recreation Therapist
Craft: Soap and candles
Web site: www.depeiza.com
How did you get into making candles and soap?
A friend of mine was making lotion and sellling it at work. One day after work, I went with her and another co-worker to help her pick up some supplies for her products. While we were in the car she said to us "My products are really selling well would you like to invest money in my products?" I said to her you know we're all friends and money and investments can sometimes ruin a friendship. I said "why don't we each make our own products? I'll make soap." One day about 6 months later, I was in a craft store and I bought the ingredients and an instructional book. And his was about two weeks before Christmas. By Christmas, I had about 25 soaps I made and 15 gift baskets. My craft name is Soapcandler because I love doing both.
What's your inspiration?
I get my inspiration through Jesus Christ, whom I believe to this day inspired me to utter the words "I'll make soap" while sitting in that car with my co-workers. I also am part of a very suppportive group of entreprenuers at Project Enterprise, a program that provides micro loans and business development services to small businesses in New York City.
What's your best craft tip?
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
What craft would you like to try next?
I would like to develop my candle products more and get more creative.
Where do you get your supplies?
I get most of my supplies online from a variety wholesale vendors.
What's your biggest craft challenge?
My biggest craft challenge is making my lotion. I used to use a pre-made lotion base but know I make it entirely from scratch.
What's your best craft tip?
Start out with a simple project and develop your craft. Find your own niche.
What do you love about your craft?
I love soapmaking more than candle making as it is my first love. I have been making soap for 2 1/2 years. I now truly believe God has given everyone a talent and I love mine. I hope one day to have a workshop for women who are below the poverty line so they can increase their incomes and take care of their families. When a women is in poverty, chances are her children also will become poverty-stricken adults. I want to help to break this cycle with God's help.
Mary DePeiza will be selling her soap and candle creations at a popular shopping event in the Hamptons called Shecky's Girls Day Out on on July 21st. She also was a vendor at last month's Shecky's Girls Night Out in Manhattan. For more details, visit www.Sheckys.com.
Want to show off your creative side? Send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!
Click here to read more about Shecky's shopping events in the Hamptons and New York City. Plus, learn how to get a complimentary ticket!
Brit handbag designer Anya Hindmarch released her "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" bag last month -- and eco-friendly bargain hunters went "green" with envy.
Dozens lined up outside her Manhattan and L.A. shops, and the canvas tote (which can be used ... and reused ... for shopping, the gym, the beach) sold out in hours. It costs $15 -- several digits shy of the $300 to nearly $10,000 (for crocodile) her bags usually go for. She hopes to "make it fashionable not to use plastic bags," she says on anyahindmarch.com.
Now you've got a second chance -- the totes will be sold at Whole Foods Markets (Jericho, Manhasset, Manhattan) starting Wednesday. Better line up now.
This eco-chic bag has been toted by celebrites, such as Keira Knightley, Lily Allen, Reese Whitherspoon, and Petra Nemcova.
- Joseph V. Amodio
Pictured: Actress Keira Knightley toting one of Anya Hindmarch's tote bags.
The caliber of the how-to projects and redecorating advice presented in this bi-monthly magazine is so good, I'm amazed Lowe's gives away subscriptions for free. Really.
The current issue features step-by-step instructions for making a window seat, plus three DIY kitchen islands that will appeal to skill sets ranging from beginner to contractor.
Each issue features a creative "Unwind & Design" project that can be completed 
during a get-together with friends (this month: Mosaic tile trivets) plus plenty of ideas for room-by-room makeovers.
The online version of the magazine--more photos, detailed project instructions and videos is available at LowesCreativeIdeas.com.
Click here for a free subscription to the print edition, or call 1-877-LOWES-02.
The expert: Chayse Dacoda, interior designer and host of HGTV's new series, "Get It Together" (9 p.m. Fridays), which focuses on solving the design fiascos of couples who disagree on the style of a room in their house.
The product: Coffee table
What I want: I like good bones in a table and unexpected elements - wood and metal, for example, and an unusual height.
I must have: Large scale is always good. (Putting things down and having room for them is underrated almost always.) When there is room, it's nice to use multiple small tables to accomplish what a big table would do. This way the tables are mobile as well, which can be priceless if you entertain. Wood grain should be gorgeous and with a perfect finish. Finish is the key.
Read the full article and find out her picks for a great coffee table.
Pictured: Chayse Dacoda, interior designer
Summer entertaining often means firing up the grill for casual, no-fuss barbecues: utensils in a basket, paper plates in a stack and guests sprawled wherever they find a perch. But dinner on the patio can also be creative, whimsical, elegant and thematic. We asked caterers, food stylists and party planners and designers to create place settings reflecting Long Island: the North Fork, the Hamptons, the South Shore, the North Shore and the backyards of mid-Island.
Read the full article by Carol Polsky.
View a photo gallery of LI place settings.
Alison Heikkila, the owner of Scrapaholics in West Hempstead, spent some time with me last week demonstrating a very easy (and very cool) technique for adding touches of color to black and white photos. Great for scrapbooks or simple framed photos.
The video is part of a story in today's Home and Gardens section about Long Island scrapbookers in their 20s. If scrapping is your thing, don't miss the roundup of smaller companies--like Hambly Screen Prints--that are making ultra-modern supplies.
This week's featured crafter grew up with crafts, so much so, she'd go to the homes of her friends and ask "where is your craft room?" Her crafty obsessions are ever changing, but right now she's crazy about paper and loves argyle and polka dot patterns. Let's meet Dawn!
Name: Dawn Leipold, 26
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
Occupation: Crafter
Craft: Handmade coasters
Where do you find inspiration?
As cliche as it sounds, I find inspiration everywhere. My interests are always changing as is my own sense of style. I try to use a lot of off-beat or recycled materials, so in one sense, I'm inspired by garbage! I just always keep my eyes open, wherever I am, for something that seems useful. Even if I don't make use of it right away, I put it aside, and most likely at some point, I'll think of something to do with it.
How did you get into crafts?
I grew up going to craft fairs with my mom. Every so often, I would make something of my own to sell. I've always been a crafty person, but it wasn't until just over a year ago that I really focused and began making lots of things. My interests are always changing and I love working with all sorts of materials. I've been that way my entire life.
Why do you love making coasters?
It allows me to focus my energy on one thing. A year ago, I lost my father and grandmother on the same weekend. Crafting has been a great way to focus myself -- my grief, my frustration, my energy -- and has pushed me to try new things and never stop learning.
What's your best craft tip?
Don't get discouraged.There will definitely be times where you feel uncreative or unmotivated. Just give yourself time and most likely your desire will return. Never force yourself to make something -- you'll just end up frustrated with the result, and yourself.
What craft would you like to try next?
I would love to get into pottery or glassblowing. I think of myself as a crafty person and I see those techniques as more of an artform. I would love the challenge as I've never been too artsy.
Where do you get your supplies?
Everywhere. I shop on the Internet and general craft stores on the island, such as A.C. Moore, Michaels, Joann's and also the bead district on Sixth Avenue in New York City.
What's your biggest craft challenge?
Now that I've begun to sell my crafts online and at fairs, I find my biggest challenge to be seperating my own interests from what I make. I constantly have to tell myself that if I want to make sales, I must create things that others will like. My interests tend to be along the lines of vintage looks and patterns, but not everyone who goes to fairs is into that sort of thing.
Any advice for beginners?
Stick with it and don't get discouraged. I look back to some of the stuff I used to make, even just a year ago, and I laugh. As a crafter, you're always progressing and coming up with new ideas...allow for change.
To learn more about Dawn's coasters and other craft goodies, visit her Web sites:
www.littletilegnome.com
www.littlelawngnome.com
Want to show off your creative side? Send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!
Do you love Slurpees? How about a free one?
Well, 7-Eleven's participating stores are offering customers a free Slurpee to celebrate their 80th birthday on – when else? – July 11, 7/11/07, also known as 7-Eleven® Day!
As has been the tradition for many years, the company will celebrate July 11th with free 7.11-ounce Slurpee® drinks for customers visiting its U.S. stores. Special birthday cups will be available while supplies last.
In other news, a 7-Eleven store on 42nd Street in Manhattan is among a handful that were transformed in a nod to "The Simpsons" cartoon movie. I think this is the coolest idea! Check out the photos and take a quiz.
Fun Fact: Long Islanders buy the most coffee out of all of its stores nationwide.
Pictured: 7-Eleven customers line up for Squishees, the Slurpee-like concoctions made famous on "The Simpsons." (Michael Nagle, Getty Images)
-- Corris
On June 30th, my gal pals and I attended Shecky's Girls Night Out in Manhattan and we had a blast! We love to shop and this event was truly a shopper's paradise.
As waiters served yummy cocktails, well-dressed women tried on unique handbags and designer dresses and raved over the selection of accessories. I picked up some fabulous silver trinkets from Jewelry by Cari and had it personalized with my husband's initials, and then I snapped up some adorable headbands by Fashion Doll Accessories, and I couldn't leave without sampling the organic candles and soaps of Mary DePeiza and the fruity body butters made by Sepia Skin Care.
Are you salivating yet? Well, read on to learn more about Shecky's in the Hamptons and the complimentary tickets:
Shecky's in the Hamptons is FREE admission (with registration). You must be 21 years or older to attend this event. Proper ID will be required at the door.
If you prefer not to drive, there are charter buses to chauffeur you around in style. Mention Shecky's and get a 10% discount off the bus ride.
What you'll enjoy at Shecky's:
* Shop the designer pavillion
* Enjoy complimentary cocktails, wine and beer
* Score endless treats and freebies
Hurry tickets go very fast!!
Get your complimentary ticket with Shecky's in the Hamptons
Book your roundtrip ticket on the Hamptons Luxury Liner
Pictured: Newsday's Corris Little (left) and soapmaker Mary DePeiza (www.depeiza.com) at Shecky's Girls Night Out on June 30th.
-- Corris
Jeffrey Behrens spent 20 years fighting crime in New York City before he decided to reinvent himself into a -- ahem -- glass act.
The retired police captain, 47, takes dazzling pieces of beach glass and turns them into fine jewelry.
Beach glass -- sometimes known as sea glass -- is created from broken bottles or jars that have been discarded into oceans or lakes and smoothed by water, rocks and sand. The result is often small frosted pieces that come in a variety of colors, including amber, green, light blue and pink. Rare colors are red and orange.
Collecting beach glass is a favorite pastime for Long Islanders, and wire-wrapped glass abounds at craft shows throughout the region.
Read the full article by Tania Padgett and view a photo gallery of sea glass jewelry.
Pictured: Jeffrey Behrens makes jewelry from sea glass. Here he's on a beach in Sayville looking for old glass.
Newsday photo by Ken Spencer.
This week's featured artist spent a decade living in Miami and continues to be inspired by the colors of this vibrant city. As a result, her beautiful silk designs evoke the vibe of an idyllic island retreat. Let's meet Kathy!
Name: Kathy S. Davis, 43
Hometown: Hauppauge, NY
Occupation: Silk designer
Craft: Hand-painted silk designs
Why do you love painting on silk?
I love what I do because it is wonderful to be able to create items that others love wearing. It is so great to be able to do something I love and have others appreciate it.
How did you get into your craft?
I have always sewed and designed clothing since I was a teenager. One day, I grew very bored with the fabrics that were shown in the fabric stores and I took a class at the Art League and learned how to paint on silk. I also purchased books on the subject. Once you paint on silk, there is no turning back! The luxuriousness of the silk causes the colors to just flow together like a watercolor painting. This is the painting I enjoy doing the most. There's no defined patterns, just a free flowing expression of color!
What is your best craft tip?
My best tip would be to invest in good brushes and quality paints and dyes. It will make a difference in the quality of your final product.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration first and foremost from my love of travel to tropical destinations. The beauty of the sea, the color of the flowers, sky, palm trees and all the people dressed in colorful clothing. The wonderful memories I have of living in the sun in Miami, Florida provides endless ideas for my work.
Where do you get your supplies?
I get my supplies from Exotic Silks and the Dharma Trading Company.
What is your biggest craft challenge?
It's challenging to find the time to complete all the orders I get in.
What craft would you like to try next?
I would like to learn how to do multimedia collages that incorporate silk, glass and other items and have them displayed in art museums or galleries. And secondly, I would love to learn how to create large works of art glass. I was recently impressed by an art glass chandelier I saw and I would love to learn how to duplicate it. My husband and I purchased a beautiful art glass fountain for our foyer that incorporates dichroic glass in it and I would enjoy learning how to recreate it.
Any advice for beginners?
My advice is to practice as much as you can and don't get discouraged. Sometimes even mistakes can be turned into beautiful works of art!
To learn more about Kathy's silk designs, visit the following Web sites:
Pictured above: A silk tunic and purse designed by Kathy Davis.
Want to show off your creative side? Send me an e-mail with pictures showing off your favorite craft and you might be chosen as our next DIYer of the Week!
Cowhide footstools, organic hand-blown glass vases, mohair blankets…they're not your typical IKEA offerings.
The Swedish retailer--long a bargain shopping bonanza for stylish yet cheap couches, tables, chairs and décor--recently unveiled IKEA STOCKHOLM, a luxe collection of furniture and accessories that marries high quality fabrics and edgy designs with budget-friendly (but not bargain) price tags.
The result is an interesting mix of middle-of-the-road pieces which either seem way overpriced or seriously undervalued. Case in point: A three-seat black leather sofa with oak legs for $1,999 versus a botanical-patterned easy chair for $399.
On a recent trip to IKEA at The Broadway Mall in Hicksville, items from the STOCKHOLM line were sprinkled throughout the showroom. As far as stylish, contemporary furniture goes, it's impossible to find the same look for less elsewhere. But the same can't be said for the mouth-blown glass vases ($34.99), centerpieces and smaller decor items like mohair throws ($29.99).
Pictured: IKEA easy chair in the bright BLAD fabric.
Summer is full of outdoor craft shows and while I adore checking out the latest handmade goods by local artists, I hope to sell my own crafty goodies too!
I asked Carolina Estrada of Rocca Designs to share her best tips for selling at craft shows. Here's her advice:
1. Dress it up: Nobody wants to buy pieces from an artist who doesn't feel confident about their product. If you sell accessories: hats, clothing, jewelry or other types of wearable art make sure you are wearing your own creations. You'll feel like a fake if your potential customers ask you where you got that pretty necklace, purse or dress and it's not your own.
2. Do what you can to accept credit cards: People tend to buy more and spend more per transaction when you give the option to pay with a credit card. If you have a pay pal account, you can bring your laptop ... believe me it will increase your sales due to impulse purchases.
3. Survey: It is a good idea to do your research before you pay a costly booth fee. Make sure your items fit in with the overall environment of the craft show. Also make sure there aren't a lot of sellers selling in your category. For example: If you're selling earrings, check to see how many other people are there selling earrings.
4. Rehearse: If you live in or close to any big city, you can find local artist markets or gallery nights; these usually have low-cost set-up fees and may even be free for sellers. Take the opportunity to rehearse, come up with your selling strategy, and practice your booth set-up and other details without hurting your wallet.
Pictured: Carolina's jewelery line Rocca Designs.
To learn more about Carolina Estrada and her handmade jewelry, visit her Web site: www.roccadesigns.etsy.com
Got a great tip for creative do-it-yourselfers? Let us know! You might see your helpful advice on the Cheap Thrills blog.
Psst, over here. Wanna good deal? Wanna save some money?
Pardon me if I sound like that guy in a parking lot selling watches dangling from the lining of his trenchcoat. Look, I'm a lot like you; if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But this is different.
Ask Sharon Murray of Rocky Point. She and her good friend Kari Kristiansen have saved about $4,000 in the past five years on building materials for the renovation of their three-bedroom ranch. "It's such a great, great resource," Murray says.
The resource is the ReStore, a retail supply arm of Habitat For Humanity of Suffolk County.
Read the full article by Gary Dymski
Pictured above: Kari Kristiansen, left, and Sharon Murray with deeply discounted building materials from ReStore in Ronkonkoma, which is run by Habitat for Humanity.
Newsday photo by Ken Spencer
