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A BLOG ABOUT CRAFTING ADVENTURES IN THE FAR NORTH

Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Family Raised on Craft

Each year I try to take time out to calmly reflect on what has passed, and usually I fail miserably. My brain does not want to sit down in one place with no scarf on the needles, no scissors at the ready, but with only a moment, my memory, and me. I am the epitome of a multi-tasker, or, as I'm more familiarly known as, a multi-crafter.

When I do get enough space to speculate, I am often left wondering where I get this incessant drive to create. Where do any of us get the drive? I have a grandmother I barely knew who knit up a storm, and a great-grandfather who used his brush to create scenes of boats and Alaskana as elegant as any in a gallery. Could I really have inherited this drive from family I never met or barely knew? Perhaps that is part, but it can't be all.

Click Here to Read More . . .

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Belated Santa Day Wishes


So, Santa Day is over- hope it was fantastic for everyone!  I'm a bit behind the ball with all of the holiday hullabaloo, so forgive me please!  But in the meantime I'm leaving you with a little Santa love!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Get Your Glitter Fix! (without the mess)


I am so excited about my newest endeavor- Alaska Crafter goes to the Juneau Empire!

I will still be writing the column for the Capital City Weekly, but will also throw some crafty goodness the Empire's way as well!! What a wonderful Christmas for meeeee!
And hopefully for you too because there will be a lot more tutorials and a new section called I'll-Ask-A Crafter.  Get it, Alaska Crafter, I'll-Ask-A Crafter.  Teehee.  Anyhow, I will answer your crafty questions so please send them my way- either in a comment here or send it to tanna.craft@gmail.com.

Now, to the real point!  Ornament Craftrama went off without a hitch (okay, I burned some cookies- but it was nearly hitchless).  So here are some ornament photos to get those ideas flowing for you.  For the tutorial on how to make these lovelies click here

Use a toilet paper tube as a stand while you're working.
Check out more photos and tips after the jump!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What a Crafter Wants!


Do you love a crafter?  Is this what she looks like on Christmas day breaking into all the wonderful crafty gifts she's received from you?  This week's CCW article is all about what to get for the crafter in your life, read on . . .

      As a crafter I find it exceedingly easy to think of gifts for me and my crafty friends. We simply trade around our clever creations and everyone comes out a winner. Take this year for example: I am receiving fabulous illustrated art, earrings, possibly a softy snake, and hopefully a few cozy knitted items. So handy! But not everyone has it this easy when buying for their crafty loved ones. Never fear, my top 7 gifts for crafters is here! These gifts are universal so get out there and get giving!

read more . . .

Monday, December 14, 2009

New Products for Etsy!

Just a few new products for the Etsy shop!  I came down with a cold this weekend so while I've been meaning to post the new cozy tube scarfs I have, I haven't had time to take pics!  So stay tuned, they are on their way!

 In the meantime I am unveiling a new product- the ice cream pint cozy!  A totally brilliant idea that a friend brought to my attention.  I'm making her one for her hubby this season, but in the meantime I made a few to sell to you!
Check out more after the jump!

Ornament Making Craftrama

Coming this thursday to a house in Alaska!

this lovely decoration might just be on the menu!

 
Tutorial coming after the RAMA!  Fun Fun!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Public Market fun


Now doesn't that just make you want one??  A cozy pink hat that is! What an absolutely perfect little
model she was at the Public Market.  A million thanks to her and her mama who bought her the cap!

Ruby's Hill and I shared a booth, see the post below to check out her wares.
And check out more fun pics from the show after the jump!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Anji of Ruby's Hill


Do you need a little Santa this holiday season?  Then meet the maker of lovely ornaments, stunning jewelry and fantastic paper crafts, Anji Gallanos.  She owns Ruby's Hill and was kind enough this year to let me share space at her booth for the Public Market, and then blog about me- what a sweetheart!!

In turn I wanted to share her lovely wares from the Market and let you know that you still have a few more days to pick them up this season- either from her etsy site, her artfire site, or head over to the Juneau Artist's Gallery.  Her company, Ruby's Hill, is named after her grandmother whose name was Ruby Hill.  What a delicious name!
 
But never fear, you can buy her creations after the holidays as well- they look just as good in January!
 
Now you'll have to ask Anji the ins and outs of her process, but her newest jewelry takes copper and enamel and turns it into these radiant, natural pieces that are both colorful and earthy at the same time.  A wonderful combination if you ask me.

To check out "As the world of Anji turns" find her blog at anjigallanos.blogspot.com.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

More Local Crafty Holiday Gifts


If you're not at the Nugget Mall right now you may be missing one of the last great craft fairs of the season.  But never fear!  Homespun Mercantile is coming to the rescue.  This lovely little shop located between Curves and Martha's flowers at the Airport Shopping Center in Juneau, is full of gifts galore handmade locally.  Shall we take a peek?

click read more for the jump to the rest!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Handmade Crafts in Town




If you're out and about this holiday season looking for that perfect gift than look no further than right here.  Locally made goods by artisans abound in J-town.  Check out these crafters and where they'll be this holiday season after the jump.