Sacramento Craft Mafia

May Market is Coming!!!

2009-04-17T07:09:00.001-07:00

Second Saturday!

2009-04-08T07:04:00.001-07:00

Yes it true...it coming!!! (Lets hope its dry!!!)

Come on out to McMartin Realty's Park Your Art...the Hottest Lot in Town!

Saturday, April 11 from 6pm- 10pm on K street at 21st...be there or be square!

Spring Ball

2009-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Come and Join the Fun!

Horse Cow Spring Ball and Fundraiser

Open StudiosSilent Auction, Food, Art, Performance Art, Dance, Music, Video,.A Fundraising event.
Glass Blowing Demonstrations –Come learn to make a glass paper weight
Music By –Art Lessing and the Flower VatoEscapementBongo DaveTribe of LeviNine EvenProject HideoutTroy BMOM
Performance Art by -Obsidian ButterflyHorse Cow Task Force

Parking is limited - Parking will be at a remote parking lot and a shuttle will bring you to the event and back to your car again.
756 Ikea Ct
West Sacramento, CA 95605

When
April 4th, 2009 12:15 PM through April 5th, 2009 12:15 AM

Location
111 North Harbor Blvd.West Sacramento, CA 95691United StatesMap this Location

Contact
Phone: 9163174340 Email: info@horsecow.com

Event Donation
$ 10.00

The Hottest Lot in Town!!!

2009-03-11T07:07:00.001-07:00

Its Back!!!

As part of Second Saturday McMartin Realty is going to be hosting Park Your Art in their parking lot on the corner of 21st and K. We will be out there from 5-10 pm. You should come check out some of Sacramento's finest handmade arts and crafts!!!

Indie Time!

2009-02-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

Come out to Indie Sacramento next weekend! It is going to be an awesome day with some wonderful crafters!

Sac Earth Day commig up

2009-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Hey Sacto Crafters.

Sacramento Earth Day is coming up April 26 and will be held at Southside Park (8th and W) again - this is a great location.

Here is the kicker the registration deadline to have a booth at Sac Earth Day is March 13.

That's coming up quick. If you are selling handmade crafts its only $50. That's not too shabby. Here is a link to the registration page.

The hours are 11am to 6pm.

Classes and whatnot!

2009-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

Come on out to The Bead Fetish on L Street between 17th and 18th for some awesome classes.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make beautiful jewlery? Well now it your chance! From super beginner classes to super advanced we have something for everyone!

February 19th from 6-8:30 pm we are doing Basic Stringing

February 25th from 6-8:30 pm we are doing Wonderfully Wired

Check out the website for full descriptions and pictures! Also stay tuned because the next quaters schedule will be coming out soon!

Second Saturday is coming!

2009-02-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

What a fun month Second Saturday and Valentines day?!? Too much fun all at once!

Be sure to check out Susan from Little Relics. She is going to be showing her beautiful jewelry at the Sacramento Art Complex on K Street.

Also swing through French Cuff Consignment to check out some awesome vintage clothes and some new jewelry from Sophia of Simply Strands!

Yay for Second Saturday!

A Few Fun Things Coming Up!

2009-01-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

February is shaping up to be a pretty great month on the Sacramento Art and Craft scene!

Start things out on first Saturday (yes you did read right!) with Indie Sacramento! Where you will be able to see Rain of Rain's Embellishments=)

For Second Saturday you should head over to the Sacramento Art Complex where my friend Susan of Secret Little Relics will be the featured artist!

Fun times for February!

Go to Alley Cuts!

2009-01-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Not only can you see an awesome show hanging on the walls...but you can support members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia!

Shonda of Ignition makes hair art there on a daily basis. She is a whiz with color and really great with the retro hair do's!!! She is even teaching a class on how to do hair rolls!

There are also earrings by Sophia of Simply Strands featured for sale at Alley Cuts...lots of fun stuff!

Check it out! or call and make an appointment to male your hair look cool!

724 Merchant St
Sacramento, CA
95814
(916) 447-5212

This Saturday!

2009-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

I promised I'd post a reminder about the Second Saturday Show this weekend so, I'm keeping my promise- consider yourselves reminded and invited!

The show got a really nice shout out in the Sacramento News and Review as one of the January art "pics"

and they even mentioned Puppy Bird and fellow craftonista Absolutely Small. Nice!

Its gonna be a great show and its all for the birds - funds raised for Born Free USA!

If you can't make it to the show you can still take part in the fun by visiting the online auction for Born Free http://www.flyfree.cmarket.com/ featuring bird and flight inspired items. Including items featuring the art of Caia Koopman who is featured on the AVES art show card (art below)

2009!

2009-01-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

And to start the new year off right...you should swing through Alley Cuts!

It is located at:

724 Merchant StSacramento, CA 95814

Starting at 4 pm TODAY they are having a reception for an awesome group show! So be there or be square=)

Show organized by Shonda of Ignition!

New Years and New Shows!!!

2008-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Well we are speeding toward 2009 and a whole new slew of awesome craft shows!

First and foremost there will be a great show to start off the new year! Indie Sacramento is going to be January 3rd from 12-4 pm at 1616 I Street!!! Join Sophia of Simply Strands and a myriad of other local artisans.

After that...who knows! The world is our oyster and a great show is the pearl!

Also check out Sara Jane and Co. for the best Second Saturday fun time...yes there is a Second Saturday in January=) Be there or be square!

Almost Christmas!

2008-12-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Just hoping on to wish all the craft- fabulous ladies and gentlemen out there a warm and Merry Christmas from the Sacramento Craft Mafia!!!

As soon as Christmas is over come and join Simply Strands of the SCM at Indie Sacramento in the heart of Midtown.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

12-4pm

1616 I Street, Midtown Sacramento

The coolest show is in January is for the birds!

2008-12-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

This is to serve as an advanced notice of the ultra cool show coming to next Second Saturday (Jan 10) and the crafty goodness of Puppy Bird and Absolutely Small will be representing the crafty side of Sacramento with bird-inspired stuff. Don't worry I'll post a reminder.

The purpose of this show is to raise awareness about the plight of birds in captivity and the wild. So plan on coming out and showing some love for our feathered friends.

Check out this awesome show in honor of National Bird Day!

Who:
Body Tribe and Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute

What:
Aves: A Celebration of Birds in Art
A group art show to raise awareness of the plight of birds in captivity and the wild through art.

Artists include Caia Koopman, Char Hall, Alison Murphy, Ben Poulsen, Carol Rogala, Cheryl Root, Craig Martinez, Cy Wylie, Evie Turner,John Stuart-Berger, Krissi Sandvik, Laurelin Gilmore, Mark Fox, Melodee Strong, Nicole Fox, Olivia E. M. Hansen, Steve Offerman, Sue Dedina, and Tj Lev. Plus! Puppy Bird and Absolutely Small

When:
Saturday, January 10, 6:00pm–10:00pm.

Where:
Body Tribe
920 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(between I and J Streets)

Wonderful Weekend!

2008-12-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Saturday!

Rain of Rain's Embellishments, Angel of Angels Accents, and Sophia of Simply Strands spent a wonderful Saturday at Craftacular with the Petaluma Craft Mafia. They has such an impressive space and so many talented vendors. If you didn't get a chance to check it out then look at their blog for come great interviews with some of the participants!

Photos will be coming!

PCM's Holiday Craftacular THIS WEEKEND! - Check out the Interview....

2008-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Repost from the PCM Blog:

All in the Famiglia: An Interview with Rain's Embellishments

By Cheryl of Moxieville and the Petaluma Craft Mafia

Family. There is nothing quite like family, that is unless it's crafty famiglia, and we are so lucky to have Lorrain Garcia , aka, "Rains Embellishments" as a fellow crafty sister in this big crafty famiglia called the "Craft Mafia."

I first met Rain when she joined us for the Petaluma Craft Mafia's first show, "Craftaluma."
Rain is part of our big extended crafty famiglia, and she is part of the extraordinarily talented Sacramento Craft Mafia.

We love our Capitol City Crafty gals! Here is what I know about Lorrain, not only is she a kick-ass talented jewelry and bauble maker, she also has a fine sense of humor, is an accomplished cupcake baker and one of the best dressers I know. She and I share a deep fondness for owls, (you've all seen my owl necklace she made). Lorrain has a generous heart and not one mean bone in her body. She's also an Aquarius for those of you who were wondering. And oh, psst...she's also baaack! We are thrilled because she and some her crafty Sacramento Craft Mafia sisters are joining us for "Mafia Made Holiday Craftacular." Nope, there is nothing like famiglia. And we are thrilled to have them with us!

C: Okay Ms. Rain, please tell us how you came up with the name of your crafty enterprise.
L: Hey there! My name is Lorrain Garcia, my business is Rain's Embellishments. My business name just sort of came into being because it's my nickname Rain: I use to hang out all the time at my bf's house in grade school. She had a little brother who had a hard time saying Lorrain. Whenever he would talk to me he would call out "My Rain" it was so cute it stuck! And Embellishments because my jewelry is my embellishment!

C: Where are you located?
L: Sacramento, CA

C: Hometown?
L: Sactown!

C: Yay Sactown!! Home of Merlino's Orange Freeze and the Sacramento Craft Mafia!! Tell the folks what it is that you make.
L: Currently I've been working with enameled flower pieces, (sugar)skulls & owls!
My three favorite things of the moment. I take a variety of different beads an mold them into
necklace pendants, earrings and bracelets.

C: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about what you do?
L: I love making things with my hands! It really gives me a sense of accomplishment to take different random elements and make them into something to wear! Sometimes it's heart-breaking to sell a piece that I've fallen in love with. Other times I just think I'm making items to add to my ever-growing collection! I'll stay up many a night on a creative binge and then wake up in the morning with sore wrists & hands! I'd have to say that over-working my hands is a major draw-back. Over the summer I was actually having a real hard time with my wrists hurting, so I wasn't able to create that much. I've had to train myself to stretch before I work. Sometimes I forget, but my joints always remind me when I do!

C: Oh boy. Do I know that feeling. I used to ignore it - until one day it refused to be ignored! The pain and numbness started shooting up my shoulder and neck. Still, the pain is worth the creative binges. Speaking of which, what brings you creative inspiration?
L: Sometimes it's as easy as visiting a bead store or fabric store. Other times it's from walking through a gallery or museum...being influenced by other peoples art. Sometimes it's a minor suggestion that someone gives me. I've actually dreamt a piece of jewelry into being! I know it kinda sounds hokey, but I have definitely dreamt about placing certain colors together or various beads.

C: It's not "hokey." I'm a dreamer myself, and trust dreams and intuition. Anytime I've gone against my intuition is when things tend to go awry! Clearly, your dreams are working for you Rain. I sense an extra dimension at play when I look at your work. You have a richness and depth in your color palette as well as the design elements in your pieces. You are fearless, and I tend to admire courage and kindness in all aspects of life. What advice would you give to a designer who wanted to start a business such as yours?
L: For one thing, I have found that there are A LOT of jewelry designers out there! So I definitely recommend that you find your niche! Figure out what makes your pieces yours...figure out your "signature"!
Try something different that sets you apart! That's what your audience will notice!

C: Do you have any exciting news or future business plans you'd like to
share?
L: Shh... it's a secret!

C: Gotcha. We gotta keep it on the "down-low" in the Mafia. LOL! Do you have any favorite crafty haunts?
L: Geez! Where do I start? I love bead stores, fabric stores, scrapbook shops....I loved the bead store I use to work at with all my heart! Sadly, BeadWorks closed two years ago! I do love visiting The Bead Fetish & Piece of Mind, Beverly's Fabric & Crafts, Rumpelstiltskin, The Scrapbook Station, Fire & Rain, Art Gallery, The Crocker...funny enough, Empire Comics, craft night at a friends house - and for that matter, my mom's sewing room!

C: Curve ball question: Sean Connery or Roger Moore?
L: Man, are you kidding, Sean Connery! He's still sexy!

C; It's that Scottish brogue, you can't figure out what the devil he's saying! Tres sexy in it's confusion! What is your favorite midnight snack?
L: Cookies & ice cream!

C: Nummy! Hard question now, Favorite book and movie?
L: Lordy, ya know... there are just too many wonderful ones to name! Empire Records, Reality Bites, Sex and the City, Anam Cara, Love Story, Harry Potter 1-7, if there is ever a Buffy movie based off the TV show, that would most definitely be on top! High Fidelity, gosh, Frida, practically anything by Michele Gondry or Sophia Coppola, the early works of V.C. Andrews...dude, I know I'm missing some other great material! Most any art book
with Frida Khalo, Gustav Klimt or Alphonse Mucha!

C: Le sigh. All excellent choices. Love Story, even the theme song to the movie makes me get a big 'ol painful lump in my throat. I can't handle it. Harry P. rocks. I'm a huge John Cusack fan. I wanna marry him when I grow up and together we shall have fifteen crafty children and a purple-painted picket fence with an orange Karman Ghia parked in front. Someday, Rain, we are just going to have to have a big 'ol sister city movie and dinner craftalong in each of our fair towns. Let's make it happen! Okay, the dinner party question, your throwing a dinner party, who would you invite and why?
L: My Grandma Carmen because I miss her laughter! My mom, sis, niece, dad, bf Chris, and my other bffs Amanda & Erin all because they are all the people I depend on the most! And when I close my eyes, they are the people I see sitting around the table! I could probably name other "famous" people, but really, I think I would just be too nervous to eat and I'd rather be enjoying the delicious meal full of warmth and laughter!

C: Now that is a typical Rain response, and why we love you so much! Thank you darlin' and we can't wait to see you and your sisters next Saturday in Petaluma!

You can find more Rain Goodness here at her blog and more about our crafty cool sisters in Sacramento right over here.

Posted by Moxieville

New Indie Fashion Design Competition

2008-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

I have finally gotten the opportunity to combine my interest in crafty fashion with my full time job as a campaigner for Born Free USA.

Today my organization, Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute (Born Free USA) and leading environmental publication, E Magazine, launched “fffashion,” the fur-free fashion design competition. fffashion’s goal is to promote the ethical and environmental benefits of foregoing fur fashions while creating an opportunity for independent designers to showcase their talent for a worthy cause.

Winners will be will be chosen by a celebrity panel of judges including eco-model and Discovery Channel “Planet Green” host, Summer Rayne Oakes; lifestyle icon Sophie Uliano, author of New York Times bestselling book Gorgeously Green, and E Magazine editor Brita Belli.

Independent designers are invited to enter their fur-free fashion designs for cash prizes and the chance to be featured in a full-page ad in the September/October issue of E Magazine.

Complete contest details can be viewed through the button below

alt="Fur Free Fashion Competition" width="390" height="72" border="0">

This is an international competition and I hope that our local Sacramento designers will represent!

What a Wonderful Staurday!

2008-12-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day with Sara Jane and Co. and Indie Sacramento!

Sara Jane and Co. is an awesome boutique in mid-town Sacramento on 21st between I and J. If you have never had a chance to visit please check it out! They have awesome clothing, paints, accessories, and art. They are also the show place for some of the wares of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. They carry Simply Strands jewelry and Ignition jewelry and hair accessories. It is a cool store and they support local artists...could it get any better?

So anyway, back to yesterday!

Myself, and Shonda of Ignition were lucky enough to get help Sara Jane at her table at Indie Sacramento. This is the Second annual incarnation of Sacramento's largest craft and trunk fair. It was a wonderful collection of about 40 independent vendors selling their handmade goods. If you want to see who was there check out the vendor list on their website! It was truly impressive.

The next Indie Sacramento show is going to be on January 3rd at a location TBA somewhere on the midtown grid. It is going to be a great place to reward yourself for getting through the holiday season!

Mafia Made "HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR!!"

2008-12-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Petaluma Craft Mafia's Holiday Craftacular is a week and a half away! As we ladies in the SCM finish our last wire loops, crocheted stitches, and gluing (because we will be there!)...here's the low down on our fellow Mafiosas event!

Dreams of holiday tinsel and Sugar Plum fairies waltzing through your head? Have you ever wanted to meet Bumble the abominable snowman from "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer?" Stir that together with a sprinkle of Nightmare before Christmas and you have Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR! You can bet your candy-cane striped toe socks, we've got another crazy show planned!

The Petaluma Craft Mafia is pleased to announce our first annual holiday show, "Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR" to debut on Saturday, December 13th from eleven to five at the Petaluma Veteran's Hall.

Our first show CRAFTALUMA was such a success, we keep getting requests for when we would have another show, so we decided to put together a holiday show with some of the most talented DIY'ers, crafty crafters and kick-ass artisans we could assemble - that includes you!

We will have plenty of crafty how-to demos from many of our inspiring and talented vendors. Mojo talented and local live entertainment from the ever-fresh and pretty dang crafty themselves, Bluebellies and adorable Gabby LaLa. You'll be thrilled to know that the Petaluma Craft Mafia plans to have another crafty raffle. **Vendors, (please send us your swag and any goodies you would love some lucky person to have to promote your wares and your crafty company). Swag bags to the first 50 folks through the door. Our theme is a Retro Winter Wonderland with a hint of kitsch and a bit of underground fantasical Holiday flavor going on -remember, this ain't your dear granny's craft show. Bumble the Abominable snow man may drop by and take pictures with the young folk...and you never know who else....

Get your Holiday Shopping done in one fell swoop, and come away inspired by our crafty cast of characters this year at Mafia Made HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR. Belly up to our decorate your own christmas cookie and cupcake table...

HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR starts at noon and admission is 2 dollars. You will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of our awesome crafty prizes, and if you bring a toy for our "Toys for Tots" you will automatically get another chance at the raffle. Children under 16 are free. Crafto'licious swag bags for the first 100 folks through the door!

Come on down and meet Petaluma's Crafty famiglia, we'll have a jolly 'ol tinse'licious time!

"Mafia Made" HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR
Saturday, 11-5 December 13th, 2008
Petaluma Veteran's Memorial Hall
1094 Petaluma Boulevard South
Petaluma, CA 94952

Hot Hair!

2008-12-01T21:52:00.001-08:00

Where do you go for the hottest hair in town?

I personally go to Alley Cuts...home of some of the most talented and inventive stylists in the Sacramento Area. It is also the home of one of our very own mafiosa's!!! Shonda of Ignition is one of the super awesome stylists at Alley Cuts...check out the picture for the best cut and color ever! Look at all the great color in there! (and my cute PJ'S)

Alley Cut's...call and book a Shonda 'Do Today!!!

(916) 447-5212
724 Merchant St Sacramento, CA 95814

Crafty Classes Spectacular

2008-11-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Where you ask?!?!

THE BEAD FETISH!!!

The first week in December is going to be quite a busy one for Sophia of Simply Strands. She will be teaching 3 back to back classes at The Bead Fetish.

December 2nd from 6-9 will be Pendant Pizzazz. Students will learn to wrap pendants in wire...this is a great class even for beginners.

December 3rd from 6-9 will be Curly Coils. Students will get an introduction to making beads from wire and will probably even leave with their very own curly coiled bracelet!

December 4th from 6-9 pm will be Woven Waltz. This class integrated some chain mailing techniques into a gorgeous bracelet!

Check out The Bead Fetishes website for more detailed descriptions and pictures of each class! Hope to see you there! (Pictures are not from a Bead Fetish class...but they are meant to give an approximate idea and get you excited!)

Dia de los Muerto @ Sara Jane & Co.

2008-11-17T02:19:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks back, we had the pleasure of selling our wares & having a Day of the Dead altar at Sara Jane & Co.! Even though it was raining like crazy, we made the most of it and had our own fun! Here's some pictures from that event:

Please remember to mark your calendars for the Sara Jane & Co. Black Friday event @ 6am in Midtown! You don't want to miss it!

BLACK FRIDAY WITH THE MAFIA!

2008-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey all!
If you are not one for the day after Thanksgiving shopping craziness, I think we may have an event to change your mind!
The Sacramento Craft Mafia is pleased to announce we are joining Sara Jane of Sara Jane & Co. for another fun filled event!
Black Friday, or Friday, November 28th is going to get the MAFIA treatment!
Imagine NOT fighting over scarves and bags at the MAUL (mall!)!
Imagine NOT taking a shuttle to do your shopping!
Imagine choosing thoughtful, eco friendly, artistic and handmade wonders with out paying for shipping-and all in ONE spot!
Need MORE coaxing?
How about fab swag for you shopping die hards who will join us at 6am!?
More, you say? How about a hot, fresh cup of coffee FOR FREE???!
Come on, now! Its gonna be great! Get a jump on your holiday shopping the MAFIA way!

Del Paso is Hot this Saturday

2008-11-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Come out to Del Paso this Saturday for Second Saturday.

This is the kick-off for the revitalization of Del Paso spearheaded by Phantom Galleries.

Puppy Bird will showing and selling work in the Masonic Building (2354 Forrest St. - venue #13 on the map),along with other artists and the occasional musical interlude by Tina Seatris on Piano.

There is a lot going on in Del Paso so start your journey at the Greens Hotel Courtyard. You can pick up a map and enjoy the easylistening
jazz of “So What” as you plot out your course for the evening.

for more info visit:http://www.sacforart.com/

Guess whats Coming?!?!

2008-11-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

Its almost here! SECOND SATURDAY!!! It is NOT over for the year and it does run through the winter. Unfortunately Park Your Art by McMartin will be closed until March, but there are several other awesome events going on!

2ND SATURDAY!!! THIS SATURDAY!!!!

* Sara Jane and Co. Check out their awesome 3 day reception!!!

* Top Dawg at 2014 Del Paso Boulevard doing some live painting (weather permitting) on the patio. This little adventure is part of the reopening of Phantom Galleries. and here is a whole list of what else is going on with Phantom that night.Very cool stuff:

* Russell Nichols' awarding short film about Del Paso Boulevard "Stakin Claim" will be showing at The Stoney Inn every 30 minutes, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Russell will be on hand for much of the evening to discuss the film. For more details, contact The Stoney Inn - (916) 927 -6023

.* Casa Bella Furniture will be hosting a wine and cheese reception for it featured artist, Daphne Burgess, from 6-8 p.m.

* Popular local band, The Benny's, will be playing in the parking lot of Casa Bella from 6-10 p.m.Plan to bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you plan to stay for the concert!

* Grant High School's Jazz Trio will be performing at 1811 Del Paso Boulevard at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Twin Rivers students will also be exhibiting their works. The district is also sponsoring a reception honoring the student artists and school board members at 6 p.m

.* A Brazilian music and dance performance will begin at 1811 Del Paso Boulevard (Capoeira Arts Academy) at 7 p.m.

* Giant kites will be on display at Top Dawg, 2014 Del Paso Boulevard* Icons and Abstracts, the works of John Krempel and Margaret Teichert, will return to Del Paso Boulevard at 1625 Del Paso Boulevard.Plus other places to check out:And if you are walking by, check out the mural between K and L st on 23rd Midtown. (The above list was put together by Jared in connect with the Sacramento Art Connects...thank you!)

Cool Times with the Ladies

2008-11-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

So Saturday rocked...even in the rain!!! So much fun to hang with the ladies in the Sacramento Craft mafia and The proprietress of Sara Jane and Co.

Check out Sarah Jane and Co. to see some awesome works by members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia and several other amazing local artists!!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T08:50:00.001-07:00

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration Featuring Sacramento Craft Mafia!

2008-10-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Novemeber 1st, Sacramento Craft Mafia is hosting a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration at Sara Jane & Co.!

Sara Jane & Co. is a very cool midtown boutique and gallery featuring the hippest of art, clothing, jewelry and more.

We are planning to have refreshments, sidewalk sale and a community altar!

We invite everyone to come out, bring flowers, candles, pictures to place on our altar an honor and celebrate those passed and present!

It all starts at 3pm and we look forward to seeing you there!

New Website

2008-10-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

Guess where the Sacramento Craft mafia is hanging out now?!?

Our New Website!!!

Have fun clicking around and seeing the new digs of the Mafia!

Sights & Sounds from Craftoberfest

2008-10-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Thank You! THANK YOU! To everyone who participated in this year's Sac Craft Mafia event! Thank you to Stacey for all your hours planning Craftoberfest!
Thank you to our sponsors, Dave's Pumpkin Patch for the pumpkins and
the Sacramento News & Review for allowing us to use your parking lot for the event!
Thank you to the Tumbleweeds for not giving up & playing your wonderful music!
The set Rocked!!!
A special thanks to the Petaluma Craft Mafia Ladies
and all the other wonderful outside vendors who traveled to Sac
to vend in our cold windy town that day!
Thank you also to all the wonderful people who came out to shop and support
us all in our arts & crafts!

Pictures from Craftoberfest

2008-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

These beautiful pictures were taken by Rain of Rain's Embellishments !!!

Makes you wish you were there...eh?

Enjoy!

Getting Crafty for Prop 2

2008-10-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

This Saturday evening from 4-7 at Body Tribe Puppy Bird will be helping out at the Yes on Prop 2 party and hosting the make your own Yes on Prop 2 sign table.

I've got paint, glitter, stencils, and glow in the dark paint to make the coolest prop signs in town.

If you are not feeling crafty there are plenty of other reasons to come. There will be a art auction with items donated from local artists as well as yours truly.

And if that's not reason enough, I'll be making the famous vegan cheese ball to nosh on.

come support prop 2 (or find out why you should)

Diamond Glaze is a crafter's best friend

2008-10-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Oh Diamond Glaze how I love thee....

I just have to let everyone in on a little secret product that I am in love with. Diamond Glaze puts the greatest glass-like glaze cover over any product and it doesn't stink too bad and dries fairly fast. You can't really find it in any stores that I am aware of but you can buy it online at

http://www.diamondglaze.com/

I also found it on line on the Joanne's website (but not in the actual stores).

Here are a few of the things I have made since discovering this little gem.

Belt buckles (with a message of course)

and I improved the coating on my Japanese icon jewelry

The possibilities are endless. Just squirt it on evenly, pop any bubbles that form, and wait. It will look milky when it first goes on but it dries clear.

Tons of fun!

Craftoberfest Featured Artist!

2008-10-10T13:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.littlerelics.com/

As a resident in Midtown, I am thrilled to actually be a participant in the Second Saturday events. This has been a goal for many years. Thank you to Craft Mafia for the opportunity.

My crafting background started over 30 years ago with my family teaching me to embroider, knit and crotchet. Over the years it has evolved into wire and metal smithing with beads, candle and soap making as well as other various crafts.

Currently, my position as Class Director and Assistant Buyer at The Bead Fetish has cultivated many creative projects and as well as enthusiasm to keep dreaming of new pieces. Other inspiration arrives through my nature walks, gardening and a yogic state of mind.

Many of my pieces may be viewed and purchased at The Bead Fetish, 1725 L St & Sacramento Art Complex 2110 K Street in lovely Midtown Sacramento.

Craftoberfest Featrured Artist!

2008-10-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Founded in 2007, Oli’s Products developed out of per necessary and the love of cooking. Olinda (known by her friends as "Oli") and Debbie, both have Celiac Disease, and were desperate for great tasting gluten-free food. Even if you do not have any dietary restrictions our products are worth a taste. We currently offer a Sweet ‘n Spicy Sauce that can be used as a replacement for BBQ sauce or ketchup, as well as a Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa, both offered in varying degrees of heat. Recently we became award winners and took first place for both our products at the California State Fair. So check out our website for our show schedule so you can have a free sample and see what you've been missing out on all these years: great tasting gluten-free foods! In addition to our food products, you’ll also find hand-knitted baby hats and handmade jewelry at our shows.

Seconds Saturday!

2008-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

What are your plans for Second Saturday?

There are going to be two awesome events taking place that will be featuring and incorporating that lovely ladies of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. They span both the day and the night...so with 12 plus hours to come out and see us...you have no excuse!

1. Craftoberfest - Saturday, October 11 from 10 am- 4pm in the Sacramento News and Review Parking lot. 20 plus vendors including ALL the lovely mafia ladies!

2. Park Your Art - Saturday, October 11 from 6 pm- 10 pm in the McMartin Realty parking lot. 40 plus vendors including several of your lovely mafia ladies!

Be there or be square!!!

The best thing happening this Saturday night

2008-10-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

This Saturday come check out the Wonder Fall fashion show at Freestyle clothing company.

Mafia members Monica and Ruby of Puppy Bird clothing are in the show and the lovely mafia sister Angel will be doing hair and make up for 2 Puppy Bird models.

Live DJ, fashion, models, drinks, mad skilz..... this is a show not to be missed!

$7 in advance $10 at the door. Freestyle is just off Hwy 80 (you can see it from the Fwy) Exit on Antelope then turn left at Taco Bell (drive thru the parking lot as if heading back to the freeway)There will be signs....

Did We Mention Swag???

2008-10-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

Yes Swag! We are giving out FREE SWAG to the first 100 visitors to Craftoberfest!

But what is swag really? Here's one definition from the Urban Dictionary:

Swag:
Any corporate/branded merchandise given out for free in order to promote the company/brand. Usually little trinkets or doodads, sometimes clothing, and always cheaply mass-produced. Etymology of this term most likely stems from the middle-English use of the word 'swag' often in pirate circles or other criminal circles as a euphemism for loot or plunder.

Our swag bags are going to be filled with incredible goodies made by the Craft Mafia girls who will be vending the show! I won't tell you all the things that will be in there because that would ruin the surprise! However, I will tell you there will be some good stuff to get your hands on - including the latest copy of the Sac News & Review as well as mini pumpkins from Dave's Pumpkin Patch! So make sure you arrive early! The show starts @ 10:00am at the Sac News & Review parking lot (1015 20th St. Midtown Sac)!

Craftoberfest Featured Artist!

2008-09-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

Living in the Sacramento area inspires my work as an artist. My creations are born from thoughts about history, social class, and pop culture; blending the old and the new, exploring traditional crafts and techniques while giving them sassy modern twists!
I am punky, crafty, and a sweet Mommy/best friend of 2 brilliant little boys. I’ve made a personal committed to make a living off my artistic abilities. My work has shown in galleries and craft fairs all over NOCA and in NY, and I am currently awaiting the release of my first “Art Memoir” book this December. It’s called "Sweet Charlotte's Seventh Mistake". (Seal Press) Be sure to check it out! I love dabbling in everything- I mean everything... jewelry, ceramics, writing, drawing, music, cooking, sculpture, shrinkydinks... the sky's the limit. Visit me at CoriCrooks.com and be sure to stop by my table at CRAFTOBERFEST!

Craftoberfest!!!

2008-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Is there anything else worth talking about? NO! Cuz it is going to be the hottest event in town for this next Second Saturday!!!

So come out and see us!!! 10am-4pm on the corner of J and 20th...There are going to be 27 artists and crafters!!! So Cool!!!

Dave's Pumpkin Patch

2008-09-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

A big shout-out to our sponsor:

Open for business this weekend!!!
3010 Borrows Avenue West Sac, CA 95691
No admission or parking fees!
Hours of Operation:

Tues - Fri 3 PM to 7 PM

Sat - Sun 10 AM to 5 PM

Closed Mondays

They offer great in-season produce & vegetables

Please visit their website for information about birthday parties, field trips, and other special group reservations!

Craftoberfest Featured Artist!

2008-09-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Yummy-Dummy chocolate company was started by two sisters who wanted to turn their Christmas gift idea, of making their own chocolate bars, into a business. They invited 5 other girls to help them and the rest is history. The company is now three years old, and its young owners range in age from 10 to 14. They have sold over 13,000 chocolate bars at the Davis Farmer’s Market, through retail outlets like the Rominger West Winery, at craft fairs, and through their website. The girls are involved in every aspect of the business from manufacturing to marketing. Everything at Yummy Dummy Chocolate Company is done to make the best dark chocolate bar on this planet. Yummy Dummy uses all natural, fresh, local ingredients in their chocolate bars. The girls give 10% of their profits to different children’s, animal and environmental charities. To learn more, visit the Yummy-Dummy website at http://www.yummy-dummy.com/.

Go All Locovore

2008-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

The term "locovore" is typically used to describe eating locally grown food - while that is all well and great I'd like to propose that everyone expand that definition to also aim to support your local businesses, artists and crafters. Why support local businesses? I know most people don't need that question answered we intuitively know its a good thing. Seriously there are lots of reason so, here is a link to an article if you need an explanation http://www.tradelocal.org/why_local_bus.htm

Lets start with supporting our local coffee houses. First I'd like to give a special shout out two The Coffee Garden on Franklin blvd and the Java Lounge. These two coffee hang outs not only serve great coffee and have great atomosphere they have been good to the Craft Mafia and other local designers and artists. The mafia frequently meets and holds shows at the Coffee Garden and every second tuesday we decend upon the Java lounge for a "craft along" - if you haven't check it out please come and get your craft on.

With a Starbucks on every corner it can be tempting to swing in and pick up that tasty soy carmel machiodo (or however the heck its spelled), but if you don't know where to go to give a local coffee shop some love check out the "Delocator" http://delocator.net/index.php This is a site set up specifically to help you not support Starbucks - type in your zip code and it will list all the lovely unique coffee houses in your area (it will also show you just for comparisson how many starbucks surround it).

Of course you can support your local businesses by shopping the gridhttp://midtowngrid.com/, and by comming out to the craft mafia shows like our upcomming "Craftoberfest" on October second saturday (October 11 from 10am to 4pm) in the SN&R parking lot. Check the craft mafia myspace for updates on that: http://www.myspace.com/sacramentocraftmafia.

The weekend before, Saturday October 4 you can come out and support local designers at the WonderFall Fashion show at Freestyle clothing in citrus heights. Check out puppybird's myspace for more info on that :http://www.myspace.com/puppybirdclothing

Back to the food. If your out there looking for a restuarant that offers some vegan alternatives check out the newly redesigned and expanded sacramento vegan eating guide -it now covers the whole U.S. and is called Vegtopia http://www.vegtopia.com/

So go out there this Fall season and go all loco!

Blogging off

Puppybird

http://www.myspace.com/puppybirdclothing

EASY Handmade 2 for 1 Necklace!

2008-09-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Our girl, Yoli, AKA Sacred Snatch has a fantastic blog filled with color, humor but most of all, CRAFTS! I just read this cool tutorial she posted on how to make a really cool (and REALLY FAST!)two sided glass pendant A La Crafty Chica!

If you are in need of some inspiration, and some new life in your jewelry wardrobe, visit YOLI'S BLOG and have some crafty fun!

SCM knows SWAG!

2008-09-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

If the prospect of Craftoberfest isnt exciting enough...get a load of what we are doing for swag for this show! The following is from Katie's blog, who so generously created our cool bags with Claire! It's gonna rock, people!

The Sacramento Craft Mafia is putting on a show in three weekends called Craftoberfest. They will be offering upcycled tshirt totes to the first 100! Claire and I are in charge of making these bags. I have quite a few shirts that I have been hanging onto and the rest we will be getting from a thrift store. Below is the first one I made and am sooo happy with it, I am going to be keeping it! It was also made from one of my all time favorite shirts. The shirt reads “God Save America”. The bags will be stuffed with goodies, but I think the shirt tote pretty much sells itself! Stop by 1015 20th St Sacramento, Ca on October 11th from 10-4 and be one of the 100 to nab one of these!

For a first look at the bags, take a look at Katie's blog!

Crafting & selling in a poor ecomony.

2008-09-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Even if you have decided to hide in your yarn basket until things improve, you can't help but to notice where our economy is right now.

Gas prices, homes in foreclosure, downsizing and my favorite current trend, the "staycation". It is amazing how things have changed over the last couple of years. I have been thinking recently about how does/will this effect the Crafting community?

As people are more and more careful with their money, putting off purchases, only buying "necessities" (Sorry, but I NEED glitter and yarn!) how are Crafters coping?

I found an interesting discussion on this subject, and I found some real inspiration there, so I thought I would share it.

Would love to hear from you all, too!

It's important, especially now for Crafters to encourage and support each other. Yes, times are tough, but so are Crafters!

Read the discussion.

Pour Some SUGAR on Me!

2008-09-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our fellow mafia sister, Melody of Handmade Luck is working hard to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. How can you help? By shopping silly! Everyone knows that. Check out Sugarcube Society on Etsy and indulge a little. 100% of the proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (after the minuscule etsy listing fee) to help fight Juvenile Diabetes. Start that early holiday shopping while the prices are low. Get a great hand-made gift AND help children in need. Totally WIN-WIN!

Meet a Crafter!

2008-09-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

To gear you up and get you excited about Craftoberfest we will be featuring some of our sellers on the blog in the next coming weeks. We have 27 people selling at this event with a wide range of items that all will enjoy!

To get it started I'd like you to meet Cris of Skeletal Drop Kick!

Living in the Sacramento area, Cris tends to be a tad overwhelmed by the ordinary at times. By releasing her inner monsters, she is able to produce many cephalopods and critters to make room for new stuff in her head. Her latest materials of choice are yarn and ceramic. All of her clay is fired to the astounding temperature of 2350 degrees F, making them stinking sturdy and fantastically wonderful. Her glazes are all handmade and her pieces are thrown on the wheel and then altered to appear a bit more like they do in her head. Her crochet cephalopods are done when she cannot get her hands on some clay. They are all her own original design and actually, she doesn't work from a pattern which explains why they don't all look exactly alike. For more information, please visit her Etsy store!

More Beadstores?!?!

2008-09-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yes...its true there are more bead stores in our wonderful metropolitan area!!! Who knew that Sacramento was a true bead haven!

Bead Ware
This Elk Grove institution is located at 9687 Elk Grove Florin Rd
Elk Grove, CA 95624. While I have never had the pleasure of visiting this store in person (I am very limited and hardly ever leave downtown) I have surfed the website extensively and they look to be quite the bead store. There is a workbench and tools available in the store, as well as, staff that are willing to answer all your queries. They also offer quite an extensive class list. Everything from right angle weave to caged pendants...my kind of place! So if you are from the "Grove" or feel like a little drive, then this is the place to visit!

That's going to be it for now...but next Sunday we are going to explore more options in Roseville and then extend out to even further off (yet close enough for a trip) communities!!! Stay tuned!

P.S. - Today is the last day for the Bead Fetishes Second Saturday sale!!! Check it out!!!

Craftoberfest!

2008-09-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Craft Mafia's biggest group show of the year is just around the corner! Please check back for regular posts where we will be featuring some of the exciting craft vendors who will be there!
Not only will you have the usual fantastic SCM crew, but we are proud to be sharing this event with our sisters from the Petaluma Craft Mafia!
Its going to be a great time-we look forward to diving right into fall with all of you!

Also, BIG thanks to our own Erika Ashley for her cool pumpkin postcard design and also to Lorrain of Rain's Embellishments for the "loteria" styled back of the postcard.

September Craft Along with The Sac Craft Mafia

2008-09-08T22:40:00.001-07:00

Second Saturday is Coming!!!

2008-09-08T06:43:00.001-07:00

Well it was Sunday 6 hours ago...so I almost made this post on the right day. You do what you can do...right?

So...guess what it right around the corner? SECOND SATURDAY!!! Are you exited? I am!!!

Where are the hot spots to be, you ask? Well...

1. McMartin's Park Your Art Event- The parking lot on K Street between 20th and 21st. You can see some of the ladies from the Sacramento Craft Mafia. I know Charming Co., Kaytea, and Simply Strands will be out there.

2. Susan of Secret Little Relics will be at the Smith Gallery so check her out if you get a chance.

3. The Bead Fetish (okay I know this not an art show per say) will be having its monthly Second Saturday Sale...it is going to be big this month so come on out and make your bead collection grow!

So there are three of the places that I consider to be smoking hot for the weekend...hope you get a chance to come out and enjoy some local art and craft.

SCM's NEW Flavor: ITS MINTY AND NEW!

2008-09-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

At our last officer's meeting, we gathered to brainstorm about giving Sacramento Craft Mafia some new flavor! Well, not exactly flavor, but color anyway! (lol)
Some may remember the color scheme from when our group first started out, which really took us a long way.
Since we have stopped adding new members and have really hit our stride going into our second year, we decided it was time for a little make over.
After some deliberation, we threw it out to all of our members and then made our decision at the officers meeting.
We decided on the fun new combination of green and brown.
The color scheme will be incorporated into our myspace(which I have linked to the title), this blog, our NEW logo (stay tuned!) and our up and coming brand new website!
We really like that the colors are representitive earth, life and more acurately the trees that has earned our city the title "City of Trees".
It also has associations with being "green" and "eco-friendly" and really, that is what DIY is in many ways all about.
I say it's MINTY and DELICIOUS!
We hope you like it and stay tuned as SCM continues to grow, create and evolve!

Handiwork Group

2008-09-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

College Greens Swim and Racquet Club presents:
HANDIWORK GROUP...anything created using a pin or needle.
Every 4th Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Bring your needlecraft, quilting, applique, or sewing projects to a fun-filled night of crafting, munchies,* and friendship. Adults only. Guests of non-members are invited at no charge.

*Bring an appetizer or drink to share.
E-mail for info: info@collegegreens.net

Another chance to craft with others in the Sacramento Area!

More Bead Stores...Suburb Style!

2008-08-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Even though some of us doubt the existence of life outside the confines of a five mile radius of downtown...there is! Today we explore explore a few bead stores in Sacramento's diverse bedroom communities. We will start in Folsom, then traipse over to Roseville and finish our exploration up in Davis. So hang on for the ride!

The Bead Shoppe

This wonderful shop is not only home to one of the most talented jewelry designers in the Sacramento Craft Mafia, it lives in Folsom and Roseville!!!

Here is all the information for the shop in Folsom.

The Bead Shoppe-Folsom Broadstone Marketplace

2770 East Bidwell St Suite 500

Folsom, California 95630
Phone (916) 983-3222

Store Hours
Monday - Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday 11:00 noon to 5:00pm

AND here is the information for the Roseville Store

The Bead Shoppe-RosevilleRocky Ridge Town Center

2030 Douglas Blvd St 42

Roseville, CA 95661P

phone (916) 782-1014

Store Hours
Monday - Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday noon to 5:00pm

It is the same website for both stores! I have never actually had the pleasure of going to either of these stores, but I have gotten very good intelligence that they are both wonderful! Especially the classes;) They offer a variety of classes at both locations and you can even shop online...awesome for those of us that do not live in the immediate area. Take a class from Rain if you are going to take a class - she is an amazing talent with the beads and the wire!

A Better Place to Bead

This store is located in Davis at 132 E Street Davis, CA 95616 and their phone number is (530) 759-8038. The name is not a link because as far as I can see they do not have website=( Too bad for homebodies like me...but there are some very complimentary testimonials on both Yelp and Davis Wiki. It looks like they offer a place inside the store to work on your projects during business hours...yeah!!! That is a real advantage for beginners because then you can get help in finishing a project from a real person. I hope some day I have the pleasure of visiting this fine establishment.

Well thanks for joining me for another Sunday of adventure in local bead stores. I leave you with a picture of what can happen if you bead shop a lot!

The small bear on top of the massive bead collection is named Ned and he was made by Missy Ballance of Mohair Circus.

Show Postponed!

2008-08-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

A few of us gals (Shonda, Sophia and Kaytea) were going to be at Kraft-A-Billy in San Francisco this weekend, but it got postponed! The new show date is September 28th, so please come out and see us then. The details are in the flyer below, but just ignore the date on it! We all made a lot of great stuff for the show, so make sure to clear your calander the last weekend of September!

Have you Checked Out the SCM on Etsy Recently?

2008-08-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

There's some fabulous finds at our Etsy shops! Just go to www.etsy.com and type Saccraftmafia into the search engine or click on one of the links below!


Classic Swallow Tat...
kaytea	$20.00


Classic tattoo cher...
kaytea	$20.00


Classic Swallow Tat...
kaytea	$20.00


Red Retro Marble Ne...
CharmingCo	$10.00


Pretty in Pink Scar...
boutonblue	$25.00


Yoo Whos
CharmingCo	$4.00


Pearl Bauble Bracel...
Rainsembellishments	$25.00


Dark Skulls Hallowe...
Rainsembellishments	$18.00


Blue River Bracelet
Rainsembellishments	$35.00


infinity and beyond...
rosebud	$8.00


checkered bag
rosebud	$25.00


The Ice Storm Neckl...
goodfriday	$32.00


Faceted Goldstone B...
simplystrands	$25.00


Pink on Pink Art Br...
simplystrands	$35.00


Mother of Pearl Mod...
simplystrands	$20.00

Have you heard???

2008-08-27T14:16:00.001-07:00

You can now follow the Sacramento Craft Mafia on Twitter! Take a gander and see what we are up to!

Lip Gloss Tutorial

2008-08-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just discovered a great and easy way that you can make some yummy lip gloss at home with just a couple ingredients. Feels great on the lips and is so much cheaper than what you buy in the stores. This craft is perfect for kids too! So, why don't we get started?

For this project you are going to need some all-vegetable shortening Crisco, a packet of Kool-Aid (any flavor you would like) and a container. I bought these 1oz containers at Michael's, but you can also use old film canisters if you have them handy.

Place three tablespoons of shortening in a microwave safe dish, I used a coffee cup. Place in the microwave and melt for 1 minute, or enough time to completely melt the shortening.

Once melted, dump an entire packet of Kool-Aid into the cup and mix until it is completely dissolved. You can use any flavor that you like. The gloss will have a slight flavor to it and just a hint of color...so you might want to stay away from Blue Raspberry! I myself used fruit punch! Once dissolved, pour the mixture into your clean containers. Mine filled two perfectly, so now I have one to give away to a friend! Place containers into the refrigerator and keep in there overnight. You will be tempted to take them out early, but you want these guys to firm up completely so if you must you can open the door and admire your work every now and then.

24 hours later....voila, perfect lip gloss! Feels nice and smooth on the lips and has just a hint of yummy taste. Have fun, and remember me when you are making these for Christmas!

The Felt Club

2008-08-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

I know it's a drive, but from what I heard, it's worth it!

FELT CLUB: HOLIDAY 2008
Sunday, NOVEMBER 16, 11am-7pm
@ Shrine Auditorium Expo Center
700 W. 32nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Applying for Felt Club's HOLIDAY 2008 event (Sunday, November 16) is free! There is a $180 VENDOR FEE if accepted. If you're sharing a table, each vendor pays $100. You MUST have a partner chosen (and named) when you apply.

Your rental fee includes an 8-foot table and two chairs. Booth spaces are 10' x 10', and you can bring any additional display items you wish as long as they fit into the space allotted. This is an indoor event.

Apply now...deadline is August 29th. You'll hear back by September 1st if you're accepted.

Visit the Felt Club site for more details and applications.

Sacramento's Bead Options

2008-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

So...where does one go to find the supplies to make beautiful beaded jewelry? There are (of course) the large corporate craft stores...but Sacramento also has a variety of independent bead stores and we all know it is better to shop local!!!

Where to go...where does one start? It all depends on what area one lives in. There are great bead stores downtown and in the 'burbs. Since I reside downtown...that's where we will start!

The Bead Fetish

This inspiring collection of beads is located on L street between 17th and 18th. This is a wonderful place to go if you want really unique beads or you are interested in high quality wire. They also have a selection of tools that is vast...everything from mandrels to ring clamps. The staff is knowledgeable and super friendly!!! They also have a sale every Second Saturday weekend which is not to be missed...the actual specials change every month so make sure you always check it out! The Bead Fetish also has classes almost every night of the week...from fusing silver rings to exploring fashion earrings...you can't go wrong...they offer private lessons as well!!!

U Bead It

Locate at 2525 Yorktown Ave (Which is just off El Camino very near Watt) this store is has a HUGE selection of sead beads. In fact...I have never seen so vast a collection. This is also a good place to go if you already have part of project and you are trying to color match. Once again...the sead bead room is so overwhelming...every color, every shape, every size!!!

Piece of Mind Bead and Jewelry Studio

This bead paradise is located at 4147 Northgate Blvd # 2 in Sacramento. I have nor personally had the pleasure of visiting this store yet...but from their website it looks like they have a wide variety of bead wonderfulness. What looks particularly interesting are their Semi-Precious Trunk Shows & Sale's...it seems that they have these at fairly regular intervals throughout the year. The next one is going to be Friday, September 5 (12-5:30) and Saturday, September 6 (10-4)...I know I am going to try and make it!

Bead Babe

This store lives at 5710 Auburn Blvd in Sacramento. Not only do they have a physical location but, they advertise being the largest wholesale bead catalogue on the web. So, if you don't actually want to leave your house there is still great bead shopping to be done. One awesome unique aspect of this bead paradise is they offer a fused glass class...for $150 USD you can get a full day of introduction to the techniques of making your own fused glass beads and pendants. While it looks like the most recent class has passed make sure to check the website for the next one!

Whew...lots and lots of bead shopping options in our lovely town...next Sunday we will explore the bead options in Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove, and Davis...brace yourself...its going to be wild!

Sunday, Crafty Sunday

2008-08-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Our sisters from San Diego's North Park Mafia host a monthly crafty event of their own that looks way cool!

If you're in the area, check out the next event:

September 7th -
Sunday, Crafty Sunday!
Join us for the next SCS show at Filter. We'll be bringing you great vendors and a fun craft demo!

The vendor application is now up! Apply now to part of our September 7th show. Applicants for September will get a $5 discount of the regular vendor fee! It's our "Back-to-School" special (other discount coupons not valid with this offer).

Sunday, Crafty Sunday
September 7th - noon to 5 pm
Filter Coffee House
4096 30th St., 92104

Bead Amazing!!!

2008-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Do you ever go someplace that is so inspiring that you almost want to implode with creative excitement?

Well for me that place happens to be the Semi-Annual Gem Faire which happens to be in town this very weekend! This is truly a wonderful event for bead and gem aficionado's. People who have never experienced it cannot relate...this is a bead store on steroids! Thankfully it only comes to town three times a year...or I would be in the poor house. Check it out today if you can!

Remember also to support your local bead store...the gem faire is some place that I go for the truly unusual, but I still get my day to day supplies locally!!!

Anyway...I got to get to making some fun stuff out of my new stock!

Meet Crafty Chica!

2008-08-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

In one week, the Crafty Chica herself (aka: Kathy Cano-Murillo) will grace our town with a visit! It's all part of her 'Spread the Sparkle Tour' at select Michaels Craft Stores! We (the ladies of the Sac Craft Mafia) will be there (all glittered up) to catch a glimpse of this crafty lady! Please come join us and add new Crafty Chica products to your ever-growing craft collection!

Here's a list of other stores she will be visiting on the tour:

ARIZONA
Michaels #20611475 N Litchfield RdGoodyear AZ 85338-1262(623) 536-3158
Michaels #27639470 W Northern AveGlendale AZ 85305-1104(623) 772-9614
Michaels #780155 S McClintock Dr Ste 125Tempe AZ 85281-2042(480) 967-0795
Michaels #51032766 W Peoria AvePhoenix AZ 85029-5129(602) 588-9590
Michaels # 98062060 E BASELINE RDMesa, AZ 85204-6965
Michaels # 9972285 N Federal StChandler AZ 85226-3192(480) 782-0333
Michaels # 27581161 W Irvington RdTucson AZ 85714-1165(520) 807-6290
Michaels # 48087150 E Broadway BlvdTucson AZ 85710-1405(520) 722-1074
Michaels # 95303749 W Ina RdTucson AZ 85741-2001(520) 579-7490
Michaels # 9531320 W 32nd StYuma AZ 85364-8128(928) 344-5522
CALIFORNIA
Michaels #35512720 Ming AveBakersfield CA 93304-4431(661) 836-2712
Michaels #15919350 Rosedale HwyBakersfield CA 93312-2143(661) 587-5334

Michaels # 47036745 Camino ArroyoGilroy CA 95020-7075(408) 847-1630
Michaels # 6713561 Coleman AveSan Jose CA 95110-2047(408) 975-9371
Michaels # 207631080 Dyer StUnion City CA 94587-1768(510) 471-5443
Michaels # 869515100 Hesperian BlvdSan Leandro CA 94578-3600(510) 278-5400
Michaels #48145550 Snell AveSan Jose CA 95123-1651(408) 694-0658
Michaels # 94122040 Tully RdSan Jose CA 95122-1300(408) 274-6772
Michaels #8696100 Woodside PlazaRedwood City CA 94061-2553(650) 367-6397
Michaels # 481239170 Argonaut WayFremont CA 94538-1304(510) 857-0268
Michaels # 87181310 Gateway BlvdFairfield CA 94533-6903(707) 421-2822
Michaels # 94081051 Helen Power DrVacaville CA 95687-3507(707) 446-1991
Michaels #21217400 N Blackstone AveFresno CA 93720-4301(559) 353-3201
Michaels # 9884255 W Shaw AveClovis CA 93612-3602(559) 324-8725
Michaels #47152981 W Florida AveHemet CA 92545-3616(951) 925-6635
Michaels # 354144410 Valley Central WayLancaster CA 93536-6528(661) 723-1713
Michaels # 775339626 10th St W, Ste BPalmdale CA 93551-3000(661) 224-1618
Michaels # 670312100 Lakewood Blvd.Downey CA 90242(562) 401-4059
Michaels # 374013410 Whittier BlvdWhittier CA 90605-1932(562) 696-1600
Michaels # 78137872 Van Nuys BlvdVan Nuys CA 91402(818) 901-8321
Michaels # 303417584 Colima RdRowland Heights CA 91748-1752(626) 965-9336
Michaels #2869357 S Mountain AveUpland CA 91786-7032(909) 291-8273
Michaels #85261802 E Katella AveOrange CA 92867-5107(714) 289-8792
Michaels #3059729 E Huntington DrMonrovia CA 91016-3613(626) 305-5222
Michaels #3023201 Orangefair MallFullerton CA 92832-3038(714) 992-9272
Michaels #30241951 Foothill BlvdLa Verne CA 91750-3501(909) 596-6946
Michaels #67073340 W Century BlvdInglewood CA 90303-1305(310) 677-1531
Michaels # 77306381 Pats Ranch RdMira Loma CA 91752(951) 340-0338
Michaels #980418030 Chatsworth StGranada Hills CA 91344-5607(818) 831-1889
Michaels #86674000 Hardwick StLakewood CA 90712-2349(562) 633-1913
Michaels #21151500 W Imperial HwyLa Habra CA 90631-6967(562) 697-1369
Michaels # 988110345 Magnolia AveRiverside CA 92505-1809(951) 637-2316
Michaels # 671921630 Valley BlvdCity of Industry CA 91789(909) 869-1043
Michaels #384410788 Foothill Blvd, Ste 103Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730-3884(909) 291-8768
Michaels #2008219 N Glendale AveGlendale CA 91206-4455(818) 291-0944
Michaels #47068341 LaPalma AveBuena Park CA 90620-3207(714) 232-8104
Michaels #48004850 Telephone RdVentura CA 93003-5234(805) 289-1581
Michaels # 27011551 N Victory PlBurbank CA 91502-1647(818) 260-0527
Michaels #95391155 E ColoradoPasadena CA 91106-1806(626) 431-2850
Michaels # 300418131 Ventura BlvdTarzana CA 91356-3616(818) 881-7555
Michaels #37602704 Canyon Springs PkwyRiverside CA 92507-0933(951) 656-2172
Michaels #304814370 Ocean Gate AveHawthorne CA 90250-6732(310) 676-2064
Michaels#21112315 E Imperial Hwy Ste DBrea CA 92821-6112(714) 255-1018
Michaels # 473027534 Lugonia AveRedlands CA 92374-2017(909) 335-7439
Michaels # 37366625 Fallbrook AveWest Hills CA 91307-3520(818) 961-1121
Michaels # 99667340 Carson BlvdLong Beach CA 90808-2360(562) 377-0669
Michaels #970125686 The Old Road NNewhall CA 91381-1707(661) 255-7132
Michaels # 3848816 New Los Angeles AveMoorpark CA 93021-3585(805) 552-9140
Michaels # 2711937 Avenida PicoSan Clemente CA 92673-3908(949) 940-0465
Michaels # 95183151 Geer RdTurlock CA 95382-1118(209) 634-7084
Michaels # 16733151 Geer RdTurlock CA 95382-1118(209) 634-7084
Michaels # 98513691 Truxel RdSacramento CA 95834-3604(916) 928-9777
Michaels #3557860 Northridge Shopping CenterSalinas CA 93906-2007(831) 442-3506
Michaels #95501242 BroadwayChula Vista CA 91911-2911(619) 425-0209
Michaels #3851820 W Valley PkwyEscondido CA 92025-2537(760) 291-0137
Michaels # 32071652 Camino Del Rio NSan Diego CA 92108-1514(619) 294-2609
Michaels # 47202740 Midway DrSan Diego CA 92110-3203(619) 858-0260
Michaels #27382055 Theatre DrPaso Robles CA 93446-9629(805) 226-0737
Michaels #94211934 S BroadwaySanta Maria CA 93454-7808(805) 349-8801
Michaels #9963187 N Fairview AveGoleta CA 93117-2304(805) 967-7119
Michaels #20192775 Santa Rosa AveSanta Rosa CA 95407-6232(707) 591-9382
Michaels#31456632 Pacific AveStockton CA 95207-3720(209) 476-0197
Michaels #997427471 Ynez RdTemecula CA 92591-4612(951) 676-8087
Michaels # 37251215 Airport Park BlvdUkiah CA 95482-7400(707) 472-0411
Michaels # 67061120 Harter RdYuba City CA 95993-2642(530) 674-2601
Michaels #354412353 Mariposa Rd, Ste C-2Victorville CA 92392-6000(760) 955-2455
Michaels # 48214248 S Mooney BlvdVisalia CA 93277-9306(559) 713-0847
COLORADO
Michaels #2104441 S Wadsworth BlvdLakewood CO 80226-3110(303) 980-4111
Michaels # 1610931 E 120th AveThornton CO 80233-5710(303) 255-8886
Michaels #700515151 E Mississippi AveAurora CO 80012-2522(303) 751-6167
CONNECTICUT
Michaels # 6762600 Hartford RdNew Britain CT 06053-1527(860) 826-2752
Michaels # 9613196 Kitts LnNewington CT 06111-4250(860) 667-0747
FLORIDA
Michaels # 961112425 SW 88th StMiami FL 33186-1871(305) 271-5515
Michaels # 982511300 Pines BlvdPembroke Pines FL 33026-4012(954) 431-1700
Michaels # 1553521 N State Rd 7Royal Palm Beach FL 33411-3524(561) 784-8574
Michaels #95468287 W Flagler StMiami, FL 33144 (305) 266-7033
Michaels #97058354 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33143(305) 665-6793
Michaels #57203278 N John Young PkwyKissimmee FL 34741-7549(407) 343-0915
Michaels #47131766 Sand Lake RdOrlando FL 32809-7628(407) 857-1329
Michaels# 21074628 E Colonial DrOrlando FL 32803-4304(407) 897-1138
Michaels # 99276725 S Kirkman RdOrlando FL 32819-9341(407) 226-1134
Michaels # 944014829 N Dale Mabry HwyCarrollwood FL 33618-2027(813) 960-3002
ILLINOIS
Michaels #86347231 W 24th StNorth Riverside IL 60546-1406(708) 442-5787
MASSACHUSETTS
Michaels #95401081 Riverdale StWest Springfield MA 01089-4614(413) 732-7221
Michaels #206618 Water Tower PlazaLeominster MA 01453-2247(978) 534-4630
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Michaels #9940290 S BroadwaySalem NH 03079-3304(603) 870-5442
NEW JERSEY
Michaels #3746327 Mount Hope Ave, Ste 1002Rockaway Township NJ 07866-1645(973) 328-7831
Michaels #27643849 S Delsea Dr, Ste A3Vineland NJ 08360-7408(856) 825-5855
NEW MEXICO
Michaels #20573549 Zafarano DrSanta Fe NM 87507-2618(505) 424-7600
Michaels #47243701 Ellison Dr NW Ste BAlbuquerque NM 87114-7016(505) 922-0221
NEVADA
Michaels #15451435 W Craig Rd Ste ANorth Las Vegas NV 89032-0211(702) 642-2841
Michaels # 58081251 S Decatur BlvdLas Vegas NV 89102-5515(702) 259-0034
Michaels #58014871 Kietzke LnReno NV 89509-6549(775) 829-8000
Michaels #7752165 Los Altos PkwySparks NV 89436(775) 626-3341
NEW YORK
Michaels #87859030 Metropolitan AveRego Park NY 11374-5328(718) 459-2375
OREGON
Michaels #78146445 Keizer Station Blvd NEKeizer OR 97303-1695(503) 393-0260

TEXAS
Michaels # 48233433 Catclaw DrAbilene TX 79606-8223(325) 692-3306
Michaels # 47183021 S IH-35, Ste 190Round Rock TX 78664-8300(512) 388-5662
Michaels # 98895601 Brodie Ln, Ste 200Austin TX 78745-2512(512) 899-2800
Michaels #13283201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste 112Austin TX 78746-6696(512) 328-6142
Michaels #485110900-D Lakeline Mall DrAustin TX 78717-5924(512) 275-1016
Michaels #16814717-E S Padre Island DrCorpus Christi TX 78411-4415(361) 851-9360
Michaels # 20484921 Overton Ridge BlvdFort Worth TX 76132-1910(817) 423-1727
Michaels #27125500 Greenville Ave, Ste 700Dallas TX 75206-2931(214) 461-9491
Michaels # 272119105 LBJ FwyMesquite TX 75150-6416(214) 231-0699
Michaels #88171108 W Arbrook BlvdArlington TX 76015-4211(817) 468-7983
Michaels #99251751 N Central Expy, Bldg BMcKinney TX 75070-3113(972) 547-0762
Michaels #27221151 N Burleson BlvdBurleson TX 76028-7009(817) 426-4357
Michaels #16721313 George Dieter, Ste CEl Paso TX 79936-7410(915) 629-9577
Michaels #99125730 Fairmont PkwyPasadena TX 77505-3906(281) 998-2221
Michaels #99692218 I-45 NConroe TX 77301-1051(936) 539-9630
Michaels #16837560 Westheimer Rd Unit AHouston TX 77063-4615(713) 490-1421
Michaels #27199666 Old Katy RdHouston TX 77055-6322(713) 490-1796
Michaels #94443904 Bissonnet StHouston TX 77005-1143(713) 662-0913
Michaels #112212556 Westheimer RdHouston TX 77077-5808(281) 558-1088
Michaels #17335510 San Bernardo AveLaredo TX 78041-3008(956) 725-8497
Michaels # 10106705 Slide RdLubbock TX 79424-1513(806) 794-4297
Michaels #20493001 W Loop 250 NMidland TX 79705-3252(915) 522-5212
Michaels # 12126065 NW Loop 410San Antonio TX 78238-3339(210) 681-2393
Michaels #9815255 E Basse Rd, Ste 120San Antonio TX 78209-8336(210) 804-1966
Michaels #986117700 US 281 N, Ste 400San Antonio TX 78232-1414(210) 494-020
Michaels #780817802 La Cantera Pkwy, Ste 104San Antonio TX 78257(210) 641-2975
Michaels # 12068610 Fourwinds DrWindcrest TX 78239-1979(210) 590-9550
Michaels #2047521 N Valley Mills DrWaco TX 76710-5234(254) 776-7009
Michaels #2865520 E Expressway 83McAllen TX 78503-1615(956) 631-4065
Michaels #14084402 S Broadway AveTyler TX 75703-1303(903) 509-2827
WASHINGTON
Michaels# 27531567 S Burlington BlvdBurlington WA 98233-3219(360) 757-6404
Michaels #96056803 W Canal DrKennewick WA 99336-7673(509) 735-3404
Michaels #95491729 S 1st StYakima WA 98901-3745(509) 452-6484
WISCONSIN
Michaels # 28503565 S 27th StMilwaukee WI 53221-1301(414) 643-0707

Mafia of the Rings

2008-08-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Button Ring Tutorial by none other than myself, Stacey of Bouton Blue! I must say that it was a great night and fun to hang out with the ladies to work on some groovy buttons. Everyone made something a little different and I definitely got some good ideas myself! Thanks to everyone that came by to support and make some new jewelry. Don't forget to come by next month for another exciting tutorial!

Sweet like Sugar!

2008-08-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Melody of the Sacramento Craft Mafia and I would just like to thank everyone who has donated their time, money, creativity, goods and love to the cause of my heart, finding the cure to type 1 diabetes, which my son Christian was diagnosed with in 2005.

Many of my sisters in the Mafia as well as crafters from all over the world have sent in items for my fundraising shop on Etsy called the Sugarcube Society. Almost everyday, I have the opportunity to talk to people who are affected by this disease in some way. I really love connecting with these people. We are kindred spirit, all of us on the same side of a battle trying to defeat a foe that is seemingly all-encompassing at times. I'm continually overwhelmed by the generosity of others and the strength of those who struggle with this disease.

There's a good variety of items in the shop, but I think I'm most impressed with how the Sugarbabies project has turned out. These babies started out as plain cotton fabric dolls in two sizes: full-size doll and pincushion doll.

Look what the mafia girls did with them, which is a total testament to their creativity and craftsmanship:

Two have already SOLD! The SCM artists involved in the creation of these dolls are Lorrain Garcia, Stacey Ball, Erika-Ashley Garcia, and Angel Walsh (papergoods artist).

Thanks girls for all your amazing work and for helping me raise money for the cure!

Love,
Melody
Sugarcube Society coordinator

Some Monday Morning Reporting on the Weekend!!!

2008-08-11T06:37:00.001-07:00

Good morning to all those out in the blog-o-sphere!!! Still trying to figure out what happened to Sunday...must mean there is a lot going on.

So the questions on every one's mind...how was Second Saturday?!?! Well...it pretty much ROCKED!!!

We had six members of the SCM out representing at the Park Your Art event at McMartin Realty. Jenn of Rosebud Designs was out in force with her beautiful handmade yarn and knit delights. Katie of Kaytea brought the baby goodies and the funky fresh onsies. Erika- Ashley of Charming Co. did some awesome magnet work while Rebecca of Good Friday amused the crowds with her unique jewelry. Speaking of unique jewelry the evening was rounded out by Antoinette of Creatress Designs and Sophia of Simply Strands. WOW...quite a showing SCM!!!

Here is a cool picture of the event...look at all the people! You should definitely make it out to the hottest lot in town for September's Second Saturday!!!

August Craftalong!

2008-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Please come join the Sacramento Craft Mafia on Tuesday August 12th at the Java Lounge for a little coffee/tea...and a little crafting!

Stacey of Bouton Blue will be showing us how to make some cute elastic vintage button rings. She will be providing elastic and some buttons. You will want to bring the following supplies:

Sewing Needle (standard size that can fit in buttons holes)

Buttons (the kind with 2-4 holes in them)

Thread (White recommended)

If buttons are not your thing please don't hesitate to come out anyway. Bring WHATEVER craft floats your boat...just come out and hang with us!

Java Lounge

2416 16th Street Sacramento

August 12, 2008

6:30pm-8pm

Naughty or Nice?

2008-08-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

Find out at Grind and Groove for their 2nd Saturday art show and reception. Sacramento Craft Mafiosa, Sacred Snatch will have art in this show, as well as Evie's Ark and Krissi Sandvik! Check it out before or after you come out to McMartin Reality's Park Your Art event from 6-10pm at 21st and K Streets!

A Little Blog on Blog Action

2008-08-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our sisters of the Petaluma Craft Mafia were recently recognized for their blog, which could teach us a couple things. Congrats, girls!

PCM wins Arte y Pico Award!

Aww. I was just informed that our little blog over here at PCM, was chosen by a very talented blogger herself, Elaine Barr, and awarded the mucho coveted Arte y Pico Award! Whooo hooo!

So, when I find some time I mean to pay the Pico Award forward and choose five blogs I heart to pieces too. You know, so many blogs so little time! Thanks and mucho appreciato!

Cheers!

About Arte Y Pico Award...
The Arte y Pico Award is meant to be paid forward to five bloggers who you want to recognize for their creative talents, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community...helping to make the world a better place, one blog pots at a time!Now it's your turn...If you have been selected for the award, please pay it forward, following the steps below:1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the "Arte y pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.5) Please post these rules! - Be my guest to copy and paste from here..The Arte y Pico blog is in Spanish.To read it in English, click here. The translation is not perfect.

The Hottest Lot in Town

2008-08-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Rebecca of Good Friday

Katie of Kaytea

Looking forward to joining the crowds and coming out for the best day of every month? Prepare yourself because Second Saturday is coming!!! Where should one go for the best Second Saturday in town? McMartin Realty of course. Come out an joining several members of the SCM at the hottest lot in town. Park Your Art will be held on August 9th at the corner of 21st and K Street from 6pm-10 pm. Here are some picture of some lovely SCM ladies out at the May Park Your Art event!!! So please come and join us for the the last Second Saturday of the summer. Erika-Ashley of Charming Co. (All photo's by Melody the founder of the Sugar Cube Society)

SCM Superstar!

2008-08-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

Have Tamie Snow of Roxycraft sign your copy of Tiny Yarn Animals!

Borders Bookstore
2339 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825
916.564.0168

This Thursday, August 7th at 7pm!

Hot off the presses!

2008-07-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful Mafiosa Melody has really been pouring her heart and soul into The Sugarcube Society. If you haven't heard of it yet, this is an organization that Melody started to help raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Today a great article was published by the Sacramento Bee to promote Melody's cause! Please go read it and if you haven't shopped at the Sugarcube Society Store yet....then what are you waiting for?

Under Construction!!

2008-07-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hello to all you craft lovers! Just wanted to give an update that the Sacramento Craft Mafia is currently updating all of their sites. We've started with our website, so for those that have tried already we apologize but it is currently down. We will have it up and running in no time so check back with us on the blog and we'll notify you as soon as we are ready to re-launch! Keep on craftin!

The Mafia Goes To Mass-MIDNIGHT MASS!

2008-07-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

July 26th is the date for Sacramento's largest and most fun event for car and bike lovers.
It is the fifth annual Poor Boy's Midnight Mass. Over 500 cars, 6,000 spectators, 2 stages of live music and over 60 vendors make for one heck of a party.
With that kind of fun going on, you know the Mafia will have their hand in it!

Sacramento Craft Mafia President, Shonda Honkanen is a Midnight Mass veteran with 3 Mass years behind her. This year she will initiate two new Mafiosa to the event:
Stacey of Bouton Blue and Rain of Rain's Embellishments.

The three will be vending together near the main stage. We will be joined by many other DIY artists and crafters, many inspired by Kustom culture and a love of things retro. It will be a shoppers paradise!

The event starts at 4pm and is completely free, except for the Cal Expo imposed parking fee of $8 per car.

So come out, shop DIY, do a dance, look at some amazing kustomized cars and bikes and have some Sacramento style fun with some Mafia girls!

To visit Shonda and preview her wares, visit
www.Ignition916.com

Visit Stacey of Bouton Blue and her adorable accessories at:
www.boutonblue.etsy.com

Have a peek at Rain's gorgeous handmade jewelry at:
www.rainsembellishments.etsy.com

Come and visit the whole Mafia on myspace at:
www.myspace.com/sacramentocraftmafia

Check out pictures and links for this year's Midnight Mass, including hotel information at:
www.myspace.com/sactosmidnightmass

Craftalong - Craftamazing!

2008-07-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last night a beautiful crafting event unfolded in an air conditioned corner at the edge of the grid. This historic meeting of crafty minds was none other than the July Sacramento Craft Mafia Craft Along at The Java Lounge.

The July Craft Along was hosted by Sophia of Simply Strands Jewelry for Ladies and Gentlemen. Also in attendance were Shonda of Ignition Rain from Rain's Embellishments, Melody of Handmade Luck and the Founder of the Sugar Cube Society , and Yoli of Sacred Snatch. We were also honored by the presence of three wonderful guests, including Yoli's beautiful and fun Mother.

All the Crafty Ladies got to learn a little about the wild world of wire and some of its uses in jewelry design. After the mini- lecture everyone spent some time getting bent…bent wire that is!!! If this awesome craft centered evening and inspiring cast of ladies to craft with sounds like something you need to be part of…you can!!!

The Sacramento Craft Mafia hold a Craft Along on the second Tuesday of every month at the Java Lounge on 16th street between X and Broadway. The fun starts at 6 pm and usually lasts until about 8 pm. Each Craft Along will have a theme, but never hesitate on coming out if the theme is not your forte. Bring whatever awesome craft you are working on and come out to get crafty with us!!!"

Sending Happy Thoughts

2008-07-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of our founding members is expecting a little bundle of joy! Many of you already know, but Claire has been put on bed rest, she calls it house arrest though. Either way, it's very boring and she made me this super cute mini pin cushion! Maybe if you beg her she will sell them!

I am guessing she would really like it if everyone would send her some love! You can follow her at her blog, or you could help a woman out and buy some of her wears!

We love you Claire!

Thank You Coffee Garden!!!

2008-07-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

Where do all the Mafiosas meet? Why the Coffee Garden of course! This is the place where you can get a genuinely great cup of coffee or tea along with a pastry, sandwich or soup...and best yet, all while sitting in a garden!

We the ladies of the Sacramento Craft Mafia want to thank Michael and his crew for all your love and ongoing support! We cannot express how much we appreciate the use of your shop for our meetings!!!

SCM Sisters:

Erika Ashley, Katie, Sophia, Shonda, Yoli & Rain

If you haven't visited The Coffee Garden yet, you don't know what you're missing! Please stop by and say hi and enjoy a specialty crafted snack or beverage of your choice!

The Coffee Garden
2904 Franklin Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 457-5507

July's 2nd Saturday

2008-07-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't check out the 2nd Saturday Park Your Art event at McMartin Realty, you really should. It's a hub of wonderful finds by hardworking, handcrafting local artisans. You can always find a member or few from the Sacramento Craft Mafia there selling their wares because it's such a fun venue and there's always so much to see both inside and outside of the building.

Sophia Albov of Simply Strands and Lorrain Garcia of Rain's Embellishments will most definitely be representing the SCM and selling their beautiful jewelry.

So, come out, take in some art and shop!

2008-07-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Please come join us for a little coffee/tea...and a little crafting!

Miss Sophia will be providing wire and some beads, but asks for you to please bring your own tools (round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers & cutters) if you want to get down on the wire!

If wire is not your thing please don't hesitate to come out anyway. Bring WHATEVER craft floats your boat...just come out and hang with us=)

The Sugarcube Society

2008-07-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

The Sugarcube Society Shop on Etsy is now open! The shop features crafty items from donors all over the country who are joining the fight to put an end to type 1 diabetes. All proceeds from the Sugarcube shop go directly to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). The girls of the Sacramento Craft Mafia didn't leave me hanging. They have donated to the shop and have adopted Sugarbabies! I've very blessed to be a part of such a diverse and generous crafting community!

Thanks for giving me hope! I love you all!

Melody

SCM Fun-raiser this Saturday!

2008-06-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ok...that is if you think yard-saling is fun. We're having a fundraiser in the form of a rummage sale. I know...not the most original idea, but all the groups are doing it. Not only are we going to have yard sale items such as clothing, shoes, brick-a-brack, books, but we'll also be unloading some of our discounted crafts from our personal shops. So, here's your chance to score!

Can't wait to see you!

Free Pattern at Pimp Stitch!

2008-06-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Some of the SCM girls have a free embroidery pattern over at Pimp Stitch and it's super cute! This one is by Missy Ballance of Mohair Circus and Crafty Carnival.

"Let's Get This Party Started"

Next week the design will be provided by Ms. Amy Cluck who I'm sure will bring the heat and give us something super cute to stitch!

Sacramento Craft Mafia Shows Their Love For Glitter

2008-05-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

For real, and you certainly don't have to take my word for it. Crafty Chica spells it out for Ellen, (silly Ellen)

But I also have back up! Yes, my girls from the Sacramento Craft Mafia are pictured below showing their love and support for Glitter. At our last meeting I hosted a Shrine tutorial with some of the left over Crafty Chica goodness from Craft Con. Not only were we making beautiful arte together, but we were doing it up "Green" style and recycling our materials! It was a win win situation! Just look at how happy my girls are!

Ellen, can you honestly deny the happiness of all these Chicas? Carry on................

The Mafia on McMartin's 2nd Saturday

2008-05-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

As a small crafty business owner, it's always nice to find venues that allow vendors to sell for free. There have been very few places I've come across that offered this. However, McMartin Realty on K & 21st in Midtown, opens up its spacious lot to artists and crafters every second Saturday evening. The folks at McMartin really hooked up the Sacramento Craft Mafia with a shaded, connected locale and we had prime traffic which made the evening a success for our vendors! Even those who didn't run to the bank after the show still had a great time just sitting in the shade, chatting with fellow mafiosas. I love these girls!

There was definitely a great crowd for this monthly event and from what I heard, it's getting bigger and bigger every month! Definitely one not to miss from a vendor and shopper standpoint.

I'm going to try my handmade luck again at McMartin! *GLING*

Sharing the Joy

2007-12-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Craft Mafia is thankful to be a part of such a diverse and supportive community. We've had several shows as a group and the folks around Sactown have come out to see what we're making and to scoop up our goods and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Part of belonging to an organization is giving back to the community.

As we ring in the new year, the Sacramento Craft Mafia will be looking for new and creative ways to give back to our community, but we wanted to do a little something for 2007, so we threw together a little donation basket for the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento. The basket (and bags!) included handmade jewelry, accessories, and bead kits, from members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia, as well as others who contributed to the Sugarcube Society. Also in the basket were store-bought goodies for the girls. My younger nieces decorated some of the earring cards and my daughter decorated the outside of the box to give a REAL handmade feel ;) :

Extra thanks to all the SCM contributors plus crafters who forwarded their previous donations from the Sugarcube Society to this cause:

Kara of Innocent Charms at www.innocentcharms.co.uk
Toria of Classy Chica at www.classychica.etsy.com
Beth of BBG Artistry at www.jewelrybybeth.biz
and Michelle of Taylorcrafted at www.knitter29.etsy.com

Much love to you all!

Handmade Parade! Saturday Oct. 13th

2007-10-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hi all! It's Missy here, hijacking the blog for a minute to remind you to come to the Handmade Parade this weekend! For those of you who don't know, Handmade Parade is a local show featuring, yep, you guessed it, all handmade items! It's indie and crafty and fabulous, so please stop by if you can! This is not an actual SCM event, but many of us will be vending there :)
Where: The Coffee Garden 2904 Franklin Blvd. Sacramento, 95818
When: Saturday, October 13th 3 pm - 8 pm
Be there or be square!
P.S. The art gallery, Tangent, which is right next door to the coffee garden, is also having a gallery opening this night! They are featuring some Halloween masks! FUN FUN FUN!

We Showed Diabetes Who's the Boss!

2007-10-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes and even in spite of my terrible skills as a group coordinator, everyone showed up at the right place and at the right time. Unfortunately, Antoinette was too late to get in the pic and Melissa was nowhere in sight when we were taking it (and the race was about to start!). :(

I admit...it was a bit chaotic. I was trying to do the meet and greet thing for two teams including my family team, the Big Asterois and my group team, the Sacramento Craft Mafia. I really love these people who came and that's why I felt so bad that I couldn't give them the attention I wanted to. Not like they really wanted it ;) but I hate feeling like I'm leaving people out. Even though I got separated from most of the Sacramento Craft Mafia team, they still had each other to walk, loot and eat with ;) Amy, Antoinette and my family team were in the fringe group of last-placers due to team member potty and coffee breaks.

Overall, the fundraising campaign of the Sacramento Craft Mafia members, the Sugarcube Society Shop and the Big Asteroids brought in over $1200 for type 1 diabetes research!!!!! That is over twice as much as my family team raised last year. This thrills me to no end. For real(s/z)!

I'm so proud of my walkers who came out in the chilly, early morning (some of them crippled from night before) and all in great spirits! I can't thank them enough for being there and raising funds and awareness for this cause.

Thank you to those who walked, created, donated, bought, supported, prayed, and encouraged. Without you, this world could never be better.

To you, my heart!

One Step Closer...

2007-09-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

to the WALK TO CURE DIABETES which takes place on Sunday, October 7, 2007. I'm excited to be walking not only with my family team, the Big Asteroids, but also with the Sacramento Craft Mafia Team. So far, we've collectively have raised over $600 for the JDRF (which in turn go toward research and trials to find the cure to type 1 diabetes, which will inevitably aid in finding a cure for type 2)! Our family has been blessed by the people who have rallied together for this cause. It became our cause in 2005 when our son was diagnosed at the age of 11. People from all over the world have sent in crafty donations for the Sugarcube Society, sent in monetary donations, and have blogged about it to create awareness that 15,000 cases of type 1 are diagnosed each year. When I see what our son goes through managing this disease, it means even more to me what others are doing to help us end this crappy disease (which is not only a TERRIBLE disease for the normalcy of a child's life, but also puts them at risk for horrific short-term and long-term complications such as DKA, hypoglycemic comas, blindness, renal failure, heart disease, and diabetic ulcers of the feet and legs leading to amputation and sepsis, fatal blood poisoning).

Last night, a few of the girls from the SCM came over to my house for a little t-shirt decorating get-together. I would have called it a party if more of the girls could have made it. However, I was so thrilled that Amy (Pepto Girl Industries), Antoinette (Creatress Designs) and Rain (Rain's Embellishments) came to hang out, eat goodies, and create masterpieces to represent our fabulous team! Here's a peek:

Thank you girls for coming all the way to my house in the burbs on a weeknight! It means so much. And thank you all who have contributed to OUR cause!

Hipee Baby on Good Morning Sacramento and in the Roseville Press Tribune....

2007-08-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with everyone that Good Morning Sacramento did a story on my business (Hipee Baby) on the 23rd and the Roseville Press Tribune ran an article on it in todays paper. I'm very excited for the exsposure!

Here is the link for the Good Morning Sacramento video:
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=24181@kovr.dayport.com

And here is the paper :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/ryanne01/Hipee%20Baby/HipeeBabyarticle2.jpg

Hipee Baby
Ryanne Cruz
http://www.hipeebaby.com/
www.myspace.com/hipeebaby

The Mafia Takes Over the Airwaves

2007-08-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

So a couple of our girls (Evie of Evie's Ark and Krissi of Krissi Sandvik Fiber Arts) arranged for the Sacramento Craft Mafiosas to work the phones at the KVIE 2007 Membership Pledge Drive. Not everyone from the group could make it, but those who did had a fabulous time!

So, we all arrived at the studio at sixish dressed in pink, black and white (our team colors, in case ya didn't know). Some of us were more dressed than others ;) We were all pumped up about representing the SCM in the only way we know how: LOUD and PROUD.

Before the cameras started rolling, we were prepped by Evie and Guy. Guy, the Suave French Bastard (a five year volunteer as Studio Captain) to receive incoming calls from KVIE members and the general public. Some of us were nervous about the data entry aspect, others were nervous about being on camera. I thought maybe one of our girls was enrolled in the Witness Protection Program, the way she was trying to avoid the camera.

I brought my 13 year old son along for the ride. He thought he was just going to sit in the "green room" and eat snacks while we did all the work. I told him that he should come in the studio and sit with us. He reluctantly agreed and somehow found himself, after overcoming his fear, sitting with a head set on taking pledges! Woohoo!

Some of us got into lengthy discussions with callers about birthdays, diseases, death and their love for Eric Clapton. It was a form of therapy for all involved. It was good for the people calling in to open up to someone they didn't know. Some of our most honest moments are with strangers. And it was good for the girls of the Sacramento Craft Mafia to give back to their community.

During our shift at the phone bank, the mafiosas took over $17,000 dollars in pledges! That's just how we do it!

Thank you, girls for making this happen and THANK YOU, KVIE for having us!

it's a posting party!

2007-06-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Sacramento Craft Mafia's first-ever show, indie*galore presents A Week of Mafia Madness!

Keep reading over at indie*galore all this week to learn more about a mafia member each day!

And a few mafia members have already been written about previously: Sacred Snatch, My Punk House, Little Lovelies and Mohair Circus.

Click on over and learn about the Sacramento Craft Mafia!

a little mafia promo!

2007-05-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!
I was interviewed by Vanessa of Etsy during Bazaar Bizarre in San Mateo! She shot some video, which features a few other vendors and some of the BazBiz mania, so if you want a taste of BazBiz, take a look!

You can see some of our table and some of Jessica's stuff (from My Punk House) in my segment, which is near the end. If you look closely, you can see Jessica's back during one of the other interviews, and some of Missy's booth (for Mohair Circus).

Check it out:

Read the original post from the Etsy blog here.

SCM Show N Tell

2007-05-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yoli's (Sacred Snatch) awesome Freida Bag

Jessica's (My Punk House) punk recipe box.

Check out Melissa!

2007-05-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Our girl Melissa of Under Construction's zip drive quilts were featured on Craft mag's blog. Go Melissa!

Handmade Parade

2007-03-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hey all! It's Missy here... hijackin' the blog for a minute! I just wanted to let you all know that our little backyard show is coming soon! It's May 5th! You can see the details at our blog which is http://handmadeparade.blogspot.com ! There will be several Sac. Craft Mafia gals there! We also have a flickr group! It's brand new, so not all of the crafters have had a chance to upload pics to it, but check it out and see whose gonna be there! http://flickr.com/groups/377703@N22/pool/ And, if your a crafty gal or guy, we would love to have you participate. This show is sort of themed with vintage, pastely colored type crafts... so if you're interested, email us at handmade_parade@yahoo.com. If you are a collector of crafty things and you would like us to mail you our uber cool postcard... shoot us an email for that too!

Until then, we hope to see you there!!!!

Missy