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Craftcation 2017 November 01 2016
I’m excited to share about an event where I’m teaching in spring 2017. Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference is an annual four-day event featuring industry professionals leading attendees in hands-on DIY workshops and creative business classes.
Have you ever thought to yourself…
- I’d love to take a vacation while making things with awesome people.
- I have a great idea for a business that I want to turn into my full-time job but I don’t know where to start.
- I have a successful business and I’m ready to take it to the next level but I’m not sure how.
- I want to make meaningful connections with people in my field but I don’t have the time or opportunity to make it happen.
Craftcation is the place where you can make it happen!
If you’re a maker, blogger or creative business owner then join me for four inspiring days that you’ll never forget. Craftcation has over 80 hands-on workshops (and I'm teaching one of them!) and business classes so whether you’re coming to craft, grow your business or a little bit of both, there’s lots of making, meeting and learning in store for you.
Craftcation takes place April 27-30, 2017, in the beach town of Ventura, California, (about an hour north of Los Angeles). Craftcation utilizes Ventura’s historic downtown buildings and businesses as well as the beach for special events like networking meet & greets, cocktail socials, a pop-up shop, opening celebration, yoga, as well as food and art tours.
For more information on Craftcation, please visit HERE.
Modern Embroidery Wall Art at The Makery Craft Co. January 12 2016
Last Sunday, I had the privilege of teaching my Modern Embroidery class at The Makery Craft Co. in Orange County, CA. This was my first class of the new year and I have always wanted to teach at The Makery - it's a cozy, little studio which offers a variety of modern maker/crafting classes.
At my Modern Embroidery Wall Art class, students learned the basic tools used in embroidery and received hands-on practice in learning basic embroidery stitches. They then went on to design and create one-of-a-kind embroidered wall art pieces on organic fabric printed and made to look like notebook paper - perfect for their homes or offices.
The students were very focused and attentive in learning their new embroidery skills. They asked a lot of good questions and I really enjoyed sharing my embroidery knowledge.
Interested in learning with me in 2016? Follow me on Instagram @stacywonghandmade.
Community Making at MIXT Studio for Small Business Saturday December 01 2015
Last weekend, we partnered with MIXT Studio in Hermosa Beach, CA for a special community making event for Small Business Saturday. We led a free, Modern Gift Tag making session for all ages. Families and friends came for our all-ages afternoon event.
We provided all creative making gift tag supplies you could imagine (metallic sharpies, tag cutouts, stickers, ink pads, twine, and all kinds of holiday rubber stamps) to make one-of-a-kind, unique gift tags for all of those holiday presents.
It was a fun, relaxing afternoon of creative, community making in the southbay for Small Business Saturday.
A Community Make + Take for Small Business Saturday November 24 2015
Shop local for Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2015 and join me for a free, "Make + Take" at MIXT Studio in Hermosa Beach, CA. Create modern paper gift tags using stamps, decals, and inks. Elevate your holiday gifts with unique tags made by you!All supplies/materials provided and all ages welcome.
Plus MIXT Studio will be offering 15% off the entire store and free gift wrapping for all of your holiday shopping needs! MIXT Studio is a truly unique store with a boho beach vibe featuring local makers, grab n go gifts, and lots of stocking stuffers.
For more information and to register for this event, visit HERE.
Paper Flower Making Workshop August 21 2015
We're having our first workshop and we're so excited! It's going to be hosted by the wonderful ladies of Open House Modern Beach Design and Ayayay at their pop-up boutique in Redondo Beach.
Come and create unique paper flowers. They can be used for tabletop decor and party decorations. Our workshops are for all skill levels and experience.
We're looking forward to a super-fun evening and a chance to make and mingle with fellow creatives, makers, and community within the southbay. Hope to see you. To purchase a workshop spot, go directly to our shop right here.
We're on the Road Again for Re:Make Festival in San Francisco August 10 2015
We're super excited to be participating in the Re:Make Festival in San Francisco on September 12, 2015. This festival is part of the Re:Make Conference by the world famous Brit + Co.
We are among a highly selective group of makers selected - to see the complete list, go here. There will be tons of awesome handmade goods to shop as well as lots of cool, DIY projects to try. And, the best part, this Re:Make Festival is complete free of charge.
We'd can't wait to pack our bags for San Francisco and hope you can make it.
New Products - Bauble Box + Mod Flower Box June 23 2015
A short break in the retail show schedule has allowed me to go back to the studio and create.
I've always been a big fan of boxes - keepsake ones, treasure boxes, and especially those which are unique and unusual. They can be made of wood, ceramic, paper or even stone. I've found that boxes are hidden keepers of so many special things - love notes, jewelry, doodles, and more. So it's not surprising that my latest designs involve boxes.
The Bauble Box is actually a product that has been redesigned and updated. Today's version uses natural wood beads and a neutral color palette. I really like the organic feel and simplicity of the box.
The Mod Flower Box is a treasure box for jewelry and other sorts of special things. The original design and happy colors appeal to all ages (young girls, tweens, and hipsters too). They would also be perfect holders for a favorite gift card or even cash.
Do you have a special box? What's it like and why do you think it's neat? Tell us more...
Red Egg & Ginger Celebration February 11 2015 1 Comment
Last weekend, I attended my second cousin Adeline's Red Egg & Ginger celebration. This Chinese tradition is a party typically given by the parents of the baby to celebrate and welcome the new baby to the extended family. The party may be held at the baby's home or more often is given at a Chinese restaurant where all kinds of delicious food is served.
Typically this celebration happens sometime before the baby is 100 days old. Why 100 days old? In ancient times it was customary not to expose the baby (as well as the mother) to the public before this time and the 100 days provided extra assurance that the baby would be in excellent health.
Every guest receives a red egg - which symbolize good luck, happiness, fertility, and life. And there's red ginger nearby too to represent the roots of the family and the energy of life. During the celebration, it's also a tradition for the family to announce the Chinese name given to the baby in addition to their formal name. Many times it is eldest member of the family (typically a grandfather) who assigns this Chinese name.
During the party, guests take turns holding the baby and taking lots of pictures. I made baby Adeline a pink and personalized Year of the Horse Birth Year Block and gave her a lucky red envelope called a "lei-se" to start building her college education fund. It was so much fun to welcome little Adeline to our extended family and share some of our Chinese traditions in a modern way.
Featured Stockist - Sprout Baby Boutique January 28 2015
Sprout Boutique is based in the quaint, northern California town of Pacific Grove. Located on the town's main street, this shop features the best in unique clothing and gifts for kids, all hand-selected by sisters and mommies Lisa Thomas and Jaime Shoemaker.
The idea for the boutique came about from the sisters perceived lack of affordable, yet eclectic accessories and clothing for infants and toddlers in the Monterey Peninsula. Sprout first began as a series of home-based trunk shows and personal shopping and has grown into one of the town's destination shops.
What are the important things Moms look for when buying gifts and products at Sprout?
We have very savvy shoppers at Sprout, seeking original, hand-crafted items and it's always a plus if they are locally made or made in the USA. Our customers love knowing that they are purchasing something unique, made with great care and love. We pride ourselves on being able to feature this type of product and our customers know that there is always the possibility of finding something unique at Sprout. We are constantly looking for artists and small batch designers to feature in the boutique.
When asked about the future of Sprout, Lisa says, "We are proud to be celebrating our fifth year of having a brick and mortar business! We are truly grateful for the loyal customer basis and support from our friends, family and local business community. We are proud to have a supportive local following and are thrilled to part of our unique downtown business district. In the near future, we are hoping to continue to spread the word about the importance of shopping local. We can't wait to celebrate out next five years in business!"
We're so happy to be one of the Sprout Boutique handmade vendors and hope you will visit their boutique on your next visit to the Monterey Peninsula.
Trunk Show - LA County Store January 16 2015
So excited for our first event of the new year!
We're having a little Trunk Show at the LA County Store in Los Angeles. It will be a perfect opportunity to get some handmade valentine goodies. We'll be bringing our new jewel bowl sets, valentine candles, real wood heart card sets, and our love eggs.
Hope you can make it. Here are the details:
LA County Store Sunday, February 8, 2015, 2-4pm
We've Been Nominated! January 08 2015
Yeah! We've been nominated for an Academy of Handmade Award for the best handmade business in the "Plush and Toys" category.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Academy of Handmade, it is an organization comprised of handmade businesses who:
- Celebrate and recognize those who are making significant contributions to the handmade economy.
- Strengthen beginning and existing handmade businesses.
- Connect the handmade business community through meaningful relationships.
I have found being a part of the Academy invaluable to my business with its community of makers with knowledge from every step of the business journey They provide resources and interactions with other makers that are second to none. Members help one other stay current on trends, practices and what’s happening in the industry; share our experiences of selling at shows and online; and have meaningful social interactions with each other because we all need an outlet!
Know someone who might be interested in learning more about the Academy? Check out their website here.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays December 23 2014
