Plush You Recap

Oh man, this year's show was so much fun!  There was a nice crowd that flowed in and out the entire night and I was able to see some old faces and meet some new.  Setting up went really smoothly as I decided to just start earlier in the day.  Shelly was upstairs tagging everything during the day while I rearranged the shop and packed up stuff that would need to be in storage for the month.  I was able to almost one whole area before 6:00 when volunteers began to arrive.  I can't believe it but I set up, went out to dinner and was home before 10pm!  AWESOME! 

The next morning I met a few plush makers along with husbands at Le Pichet.  We had a nice brunch before I opened up shop.  Those there were Jessica Puckett, Anne Claire of Hibou Cards and Jessie Mae Petrick.  Fun times were had by all. 

THEN it was the opening.  Sales were made, people laughed, people hugged and people took LOT'S of pictures!  After we all went out for drinks.  I was so happy with the show and think it looks fantastic.  I got lot's of comments about how it was the best one yet!  So congrats to you all! 

As for sales now, I will not be putting them up online.  WHY?  Because last year I did and not too many sold and it seemed like a waste of time and money.  So if you have a fan, direct them to me.  I am happy to take orders over the phone, etc.  I am allowing people to take their items now as they sell simply for a lack of room.  I have a lot of stuff from LA here and needs to go out not to mention merchandise that wants to come back...so no reason to sit on sold merchandise.  That's how we will roll this time around.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. 

I am slowly getting more pictures up on my flickr account

Plush You! Update.

I have been told by several folks about concerns about Plush You!  Here is an explanation.  I first had applicants trickling in and all was manageable.  When I left for NYC for the opening of Lost at Sea, I began to get a huge influx in applicants and had no time in front of the computer which was a bit unexpected.  So I did not get a confirmation email out to everyone and I apologize.  Then I have been sick and kinda miserable.  So I am beginning to send acceptance letters or sadly, rejection ones now.  I should be done by tomorrow evening at the latest.  If by tomorrow night you have not gotten one word or another please let me know and I can look into it for you.  Nancy has agreed to host Plush You! as well so please read over your email carefully so you know where you will be.

As for Fancy.  They are now taking applicants for plush jewelry.  How to apply?  Send an email to howdy(at)fancyjewels(dot)com.  In the subject line put Plush You! and include your name, where you live along with three images that represent your work.

Thank you for your patience.  I do apologize for my delay.  I wish I could clone myself so I could be at home sleeping and the well Kristen could be here working.

Happy Birthday Fancy Lady

It's Sally's Birthday!.  She owns Fancy.  I wish her a very happy birthday. xo
image from Sugar Elf who makes some really cute stuff!

Fancy!

I am really excited about the new addition to Plush You! this year. Instead of toys, this year Fancy decided to do plush jewelry instead. It's going to be so awesome and just to entice you here are a few favorites thus far.

Dixie Darling -Seattle
"Felt Ring"
White enamel on silver, felt and vintage beads
2009



Rachel Rader -Seattle
"Mermaid Food"
Gold coral truffle encrusted with creamy sea-flowers and golden snail shells, (brooch, wearable for mermaids)
2009



I am SO EXCITED!

Logistics

image by MiauMau

I kinda can't believe that Plush You! is only weeks away. I am feeling a bit crazy but got more of my ducks in a row today so HOPEFULLY all is moving along nicely. Those of you whom have offered to do letters, please get those to us by Oct. 1st. I have gotten 4 now and Andrea has only gotten one. It would be sad to not get the complete letters as it wouldn't spell Plush You and you can see that might be a problem :)

THEN, there are some of you that like to volunteer for stuff. So, we are having a label making party on Oct. 5th (MONDAY) at Vivace on Broadway (700 Broadway E) at 5:00pm. We hang out, make labels and drink coffee, tea, etc. It's fun. I swear!

That Thursday night, Oct. 8th I will gladly take volunteers to help set up the show. The good thing about this is you get to see stuff before the world does (in real life!). I have a system by now so those of you that want to help should just come down to Schmancy, Oct. 8th at 6:00pm. I will explain the "system" once you get here so I hope to see/meet some of you then!

YAY PLUSH YOU!!!! xoxo

Reasons why you don't want to miss Plush You

This year we are pulling out all the stops for this year's show. I am in utter shock about how many of you are saying you are coming out to Seattle this year. It's going to be awesome! If you are on the fence, here are reasons why you shouldn't be. Just come, it's going to be amazing.

1) You can meet so many of your virtual friends in real life. Tons of crafty people, plush makers, all in the same place at the same time. Get inspired, hug, trade business cards, take pictures, see Seattle (it's a beauty) and see so many plush all at the same time.

2) This year we have a lot of new additions to the show. Fancy will be showcasing plush jewels this year. Nancy will be showcasing plush toys again along with Schmancy Friday night, October 9th. Then Saturday, October 10th, Bluebottle Art Gallery and The Anne Bonny will also be showcasing work. PLUSH MADNESS! Both of these fine establishments are located in Capital Hill which not only offers plush but has tons of great bars and restaurants so you can make a full night of this event.

3) Faythe Levine will be here the same weekend of the show to screen her film, Handmade Nation at the Northwest Film Forum, both Saturday and Sunday. I am really excited to finally see this film! Sponsored by Urban Craft Uprising

4) Grassroots Business Association will be sponsoring a lunch with Faythe Levine Sunday at Vermillion a few blocks from the Northwest Film Forum. Come for a potluck lunch with a variety of goodies and special drinks for order by the lovely owners of Vermillion. time tba.

5) Some folks from Gallery Hanahou will be coming out to Seattle again for the opening to meet all of you. They are all super sweet and might even bring some special friends....

6) Little events to also participate in: I have a tradition of going to Le Pichet for breakfast the morning of the opening. Come join me, eat some delicious food and sit in a really adorable restaurant, only a hop and skip away from Schmancy.

7) Because so many of you stay at The Moore Hotel we always go over to the bar, The Nite Lite, after Friday's show. It's one of the oldest bars in Seattle. It's not fancy but the drinks are good and cheap and it's an elevator ride away to your bed.

Soooo why would you not come? VACATION!! PLUSH!!!! CRAFTERS!!!! HELLLOOOOO????

Plush You 2009- Info

It appears that I am not the only one to start getting Plush You stuff. I do want these things in time to take pictures and all that but July is just WAY too soon. Please do not send your work until August. I don't have enough storage and none of the other stores do either. If you are showing work at the other locations please contact them directly to see when it is too early and too late.

Also, for most stores, you are only allowed to send up to 3 items at max unless told otherwise.

Thank you. more to come as the time approaches.
xoxo

This Friday at Schmancy

New art work by Cakespy will be up this Friday. Opening Reception is from 6:00 to 9:00. This will be a fun art show as we will also have cupcakes and Fancy will have Katherine Hepburn's Voice playing at 8. Fun for all!

Make Plush Jewels? You can still apply

In conjunction with Schmancy's Plush YOU!
We will be hosting an invitational show at Fancy- Plush Jewels.
If you make soft jewelry, than this is the show for you. Artists from around the world have been participating in Plush You! for years now, this is the first year for the jewelry branch.

Here's the info about the main event- we'll be accepting jewelry entries at Fancy until May 30th.
Send the pics to fancy(at)fancyjewels(dot)com with 'plush jewels entry' in the subject line.
If chosen, your piece must be delivered to Fancy by August 1st.
Late entries and submissions will not be accepted.

Valentine's Day isn't that far off

I can't believe that Valentine's Day isn't that far off. I know it's a pretty last minute gift time for many. I used to work at a large bookstore and I was the card buyer. It was hilarious how busy we would be on Valentine's Day with frantic men looking for cards and gifts. If you want to support the handmade (and you should), I compiled a little list of good gift ideas.

These are really cute ties by Field Guided



I also really like these screen printed ties



You could get a little fortune cookie with your own nice (or not so nice) message from me



This is a sweet vase.



I always feel a little strange giving soap because I feel like it's a bit of a generic gift (although I actually really appreciate that stuff when I get it), this soap is pretty dang cute.



For your sweetest pea get one of these.



This cloud necklace from Fancy sure is a beauty.



Don't forget a card!



Did someone ever break your heart but then you meet someone even greater that patched up that last wound. This necklace would be perfect for that special someone.