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

Chalk

Thanks Kate for sending me a link to this adorable film.


Chalk from Rivkah Gevinson on Vimeo.

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.

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

Fiber Arctic- Kate Greiner

It's funny to write about your friend. I love Kate. She's always fun to have around, she's funny, she's nice and a real hard worker. AND she makes awesome stuff. She has a large range of talents so it's hard to pick a favorite. So basically I have concluded that I like whatever she does. She's my friend and should be yours too.



S- How long have you been sewing and what are your favorite aspects to this art medium?

KM- Junior high is when I got really into sewing- I guess that coincides with me getting my first sewing machine. My favorite aspect to sewing is the backwards or reverse thinking part, I am also a printmaker and use the same part of my brain for that- it is satisfying.



S- What are some of your current projects you are working on?

KM- Right now I am making cashmere strawberries and dresses. I try to use almost all recycled fabrics. I keep thinking about Indiana Jones while I am sewing- I am about to add secret hidden pockets to everything.



S- Many artists struggle with living as an artist. You always seem to be working on some kind of project. How do you stay motivated? How do you manage all of your different loves?

KM- My husband and I are both artists and all we do is make stuff. I could never stop…it is a stupid joke to pretend that I could (I do pretend this sometimes). Ideas just come to me and the motivation follows. In terms of managing when I use certain materials first I work to fulfill orders, commissions, and restocking my store then I do whatever the hell I feel like doing!

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