Well, I finally did it. I went and opened up an etsy shop. Why, when I already have a web store I’m not quite sure. I guess I just felt like joining the masses of indie artists who sell their handmade wares there. (And some are really lovely!) For now there are only a few listings. As I’m entering the fall art/craft show season I don’t want to list a lot of items that may end up selling at a show within a few weeks, but keep posted for new items. Of course, e-mail me with things you may be looking for. I have a lot of pieces in stock from earrings to necklaces that are not listed for sale.

I’m just a joiner I guess. ;P

Visit me online:

If you’ve ever liked techno, or house music, or dancing to electronic music in general, had a thing for great DJ’s or laughing at people acting silly, or been in the mood for a crazy party, save the dates of November 9th and November 10th.   The famous (or infamous) Napolean (former manager of Abbasso) is returning to town for a short weekend he’s throwing a little party.

Friday night is an all-house lineup @ Touch Supper Club in Ohio city

Dwreck
SNL (Stone and Leone)
Mike Metz
Stout XTC
Darbe
Nox
Jason Soditch and Cara
Jason Lyman & Doug Black

Sat Nov 10th: A night of Techno @ Touch with:

Thomar
TST -Truck Stop Tourist
Jamie Tyler
Random Seed VS Justin Hartman
John K
Graph
Travis Owens

I was actually kind of happy (and a little jealous) to stumble across a collective of Cleveland Etsy Sellers yesterday called Cleveland Handmade. They look like they have a blast together, and I like the teamwork marketing concept. Anyhow, they’re having a contest in which you can win some of the goodies they make. I’d write more about it, but I also was pleased to see that George, of Brewed Fresh Daily has already picked up the scoop. Check his post out and learn more. You could also visit Cleveland Handmade themselves to see their etsy links, contest info and their blog.

I was a bit sad to find out that the Bazaar is on the same date as another show I happen to be at (But I’m not missing the St. Alberts Show) For unique artists looking to sell their work you must check out this show. As it runs til the late evening, I’ll hopefully be able to pop over and check things out myself after my show.

Here’s the e-mail I recently received with all the info:

Save the date! December 1, 2007
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is moving to a new location for 2007 as part of Pop Up City, a series of temporary events in vacant places partially funded by the Cleveland-based Civic Innovation Lab. We will be located in the storefront area of the Sincere Building, on the corner of East 4th and Prospect Avenue — 2079 East 4th Street. The event takes place December 1, 2007 from noon to 9:00 p.m. VENDORS: Applications will be posted on the website very soon! Please check the site for more information.

email: cleveland_info@bazaarbizarre.org

Well, for those of you that find that the clothing lines carried by your local mall are simply not unique, artistic or trendy enough for you I offer you the following links to a few boutiques that carry clothing and accessories not normally found everywhere you look. Peruse at will and then shop away to your hearts content. Keep in mind this is not an endorsement as I have not visited them all–caveat emptor I guess. You’ll have to visit and form your own opinion, but feel free to comment back on your discoveries. Enjoy!

Audrey’s Sweet Threads in Woodmere at the Eton Collection supposedly has customer service high on their list of priorities with a preferred customer program, fitting and tailoring, personal shopping and special events.
Yet another specialty shop at the Eton Collection is Chic et Mode, and a brand new apparel and accessory boutique called Joss is yet another reason to go visit The Eton Collection.

Still on the East side is Winds of Change in Chagrin Falls, and lots of other little one-of-a-kind boutique shops.

Head on over to Little Italy and you can visit the Juma Gallery in Little Italy is one of my favorites for accessories though there is only a little bit of clothing. (They also have a ton of unique home furnishings and decor)

There’s no web-link but probably one of my favorite places to check out some unique clothes, the cutest shoes in the city, and a good range of jewelry (lego earrings AND high end sterling anyone?) is the Ann van H. Boutique at 2026 Murray Hill Rd. in Little Italy.

If you’re on your lunchbreak downtown you can head over to E. 9th and check out the Style Lounge to find some young, hip clothing lines.

Well here it is, even with the new job I still am going to be at a few shows this fall and winter.  If you’re looking for some high-quality handmade jewelry with some style do come visit!  I’m introducing a new line of sterling silver hand-sawn pendants, and entirely sterling modern geometric earrings.
OCTOBER

27    Fall Harvest of Crafts (Assumption Church, Broadview Heights)
       8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 1      St. Albert PTO craft fair (North Royalton)
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
6667 Wallings Road
North Royalton, Ohio
If you’ve never checked this one out, you must.  It is no ordinary craft show. 
It’s huge, with some really good fine artists, as well as plenty of holiday, gift and decor crafters!

Normally, I love to give good reviews, but I unfornately have to give Trattoria on the Hill in Little Italy a thumbs down for customer service. We planned on getting a bite (or a lot of bites!) to eat there after wandering through the artwalk on Saturday.  My husband had called to make a reservation and they said they weren’t taking them, rather it was just walk-in for the evening.  Imagine our grumbly tummies when we went to go eat only to be asked if we had made a reservation!  They explained they were no longer taking walk-ins, just those with reservations! We tried to explain that we had TRIED to make a reservation and the person on the phone had told us there was no need.  Needless to say I was not happy.

I’d say a mistake is one thing, but the fact that they did not try to rectify THEIR mistake makes me sorry to say, they’re getting a thumbs down from this  reviewer.

Granted, I won’t go so far as to say don’t go there having not actually gotten the opportunity to actually review the FOOD .(though I certainly won’t be again)

While rather sad, I’d encourage anyone to increase their empathy by attending the Robbie Kirkland Memorial Art Show at the Art Gallery at Cleveland State University. Robbie, was a gay freshman who took his own life at the age of fourteen after struggling with pressure over his orientation from school and society. Amidst all this pressure Robbie developed his art as an outlet, a way to express himself. This show is not to celebrate his suicide, but rather should encourage the viewer to contemplate issues of diversity and acceptance. This show should be a reminder to treat others with respect and give human life the dignity it deserves.

The show runs October 1 to October 20, 2o07.http://www.csuohio.edu/artgallery/2007-2008/kirkland/

Since this blog is all about the arts and artists, I figured why not have a little fun and post some ideas where to spend an hour or a day dabbling in the arts, even if you’re not a pro. If you just want to play or have a little fun here’s a few ideas to check out.

Paint your own pottery at Hand’s On Pottery in Woodmere. They’ve got over 300 pieces to choose from, but what I find even more interesting is the humongous range of colors they have to choose from as well as technique books and more in their “design center”.

If you want to find a pottery studio a little closer to home you could also try any of the following:
All Fired Up in Akron
Spirit of Clayin Mayfield Village
Artist for a Day in North Olmsted
The Painted Penguin at Southpark Mall in Strongsville

Are you more interested in a girls night out in which you can make your own jewelry or girly accessories?
You can throw a party at Embellish in Rocky River. They offer childrens’, adults, and even wedding party packages in which your guests can make anything from earrings, to bracelets, to funky flip flops or treasure boxes. A bit tacky perhaps, but probably fun with a group nonetheless. I imagine kids would LOVE it, and it would be fun for a relaxing time for bachelorette party.

If you’re a little more serious you can take an art class at Art House in Brooklyn. October offerings include cloisonne enameling (I’m rather interested in this myself), silk painting, and color compositional drawing. Take a class at the Cleveland Art Glass Center where their very reasonable instruction fees also include the supplies you need to learn techniques such as glass bead making, stained glass, and glass fusing. Interested in art that will have you in stitches? Check out Stitch Cleveland for classes that run the gamut of stitching, sewing, and knitting techniques. They have quite a comprehensive listing!

Looking for a place with classes or studio space in multiple media check outhttp://www.studioyou.com/ in Cleveland Heights
Silverthorne Gallery in Rocky River
Brecksville Center for the Arts

Basically, there’s not excuse for anyone with an artistic inclination not to find an outlet for their creativity. All of these venues had either drop in classes, flexible scheduling, or convenient class times. Many have reputable instructors, reasonable fees, and often included materials and supplies(or at least have them available for purchase.) Sure, you may not be a pro, and have no desire of selling your wares, but you can certainly have a hands-on good time. Enjoy!

I’ve been so busy I almost missed it myself. The October version of the Murray Hill Artwalk began last night and continues today and tomorrow. Today’s hours run from 12-9 and Sunday’s hours are 12-6. I think we’ll be heading up this evening, perusing the shops and galleries and then grabbing some dinner perhaps @ Trattoria on the Hill.

http://www.murrayhillartwalk.com/