This sunny little selection above our dressing room jumped out at me like a cheerful spring day. Items that reflect the brightness of spring and are filled with the joy of creating by hand, what more can you ask for? Fill your home with happiness! Come see the new items we have on our shelves now.

New

New cards from Arsenal Handicraft and Cracked Designs.

Pins and patches new from Band of Weirdos. I’ve got my eye on Mild Thang.

New enamel pins from 1606 Supply Co. “I have no idea what I’m doing” pretty much sums up my life.

Love this gorgeous jewelry from Alisha Louise Design.

New rings and more from Oceanne.

New glass beauties from Willow Modern Glassware. The ball jar on the right is a spoon rest!

Beautiful new wooden coasters and cheese knives from Richwood Creations. Donate to charity with every purchase!

We have new neighbors, too! Check out Kingmakers right here on Mass Ave. For a $5 cover, you can play games all day! Family friendly, with coffee, beer, wine, and more. It looks like a blast. Bring your co-workers, bring your friends, bring your date!

Coming Up

First Friday Gallery Exhibition ft. Robert Young: Friday, March 3rd: 6-9pm: Join us for IDADA’s First Friday Gallery Walk in-store celebrating the work of local illustrator and comic artist, Robert Young. Graduating with a BFA in Illustration from Herron School of Art & Design, Robert later earned his MFA in Illustration at The Maryland Institute College of Art. Currently an Illustration Professor back at Herron School of Art & Design, Robert has had work featured in Time Out New York, Until Now Magazine, The Classical.org, The Travel Channel, and more.

Workshop: Intro to Weaving: Saturday, March 18th, 2-5pm: In love with the wool and woven textile movement? Come learn how to be a part of it in this workshop! Woven tapestries have always been very chic and it seems that they are hard to come by, as they are handmade, unique, and cherished. Three perfect adjectives as to why you should take this workshop! Students will learn how to thread a needle and begin a loom, as well as several braiding methods. All supplies will be covered in the cost of this workshop, including a handmade weaving loom for each student to take home. Participants may bring 4 balls of their own yarn to make something truly unique!

Workshop: Wire Wrapping Basics: Saturday, March 25th, 1-4pm: Have you ever wanted to go on a gem hunt? Well, here is your chance! Rana Salame Striedinger of Salame Jewelry Designs is opening her treasure chest of gemstones for you to peruse and select from to create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry. Students will learn several wire wrapping and jewelry assembly techniques to create one unique item.

Workshop: Feather Hair Accessory: Saturday, March 25th, 4:30-6:30pm: ly by and wire wrap a few hairpins for your summer updo’s with our resident gemstone queen Rana of Salame Jewelry Designs! Learn a few feather crafting and wire wrapping skills to make three hairpins or a hair comb. The options are endless and there will be a variety of feather, crystal, and metal options to choose from. Sips and snacks provided or you can byob!

Workshop: iPhoneography: Saturday, April 15th, 1-3pm: Learn how to utilize your iPhone’s camera features to their maximum potential in this iPhoneography workshop with local professional photographer, Rana Salame. Students will learn basic photography techniques like composition and lighting as well as how to use effects to enhance images. Participants will edit photos in the VSCO Cam app to make images more creative and visually appealing. Once skills have been covered, the group will hit the streets of Mass Ave to test out newly acquired techniques. A roundtable discussion will follow to study images and next steps to continue snapping like a pro.

See ya next week, friends!

Kimberly Shrack of Manayunk Calligraphy has a magic pen. Or so it would seem after escaping into her world of art prints, calligraphy kits, DIY wall art kits, mugs, totes, and wedding calligraphy. Her story is one of triumph; inspiring not just to artists, but to those struggling through what life has thrown their way. Read on to learn more, and enjoy the playful tranquility of her work.

1| How do you describe your work to people who don’t know anything about crafting/art?

Calligraphy is just a fancy word for fancy handwriting! I use this technique to make word-based illustrations.

2| Why do you make/design things?

There’s nothing quite like creating something totally new. Something that’s never existed before now, something totally unique.

3| What do you love about your job?

Literally everything. I get to do new things, I get to play with pens and ink and paint and paper all day. With weddings and custom work, I get to be a little part of people’s lives.

4| Was being a working artist always your plan or was there an “aha” moment?

It was something I always wanted – when I was in grade school, I would come dressed in a smock and beret for career day (realistically, I should have come in leggings and a pullover, since that’s what I wear pretty much every day). But as I got older and realized how much things cost, I pretty much resigned myself to the idea it wouldn’t happen. I painted and drew and scripted in my free time, selling pieces every now and then. But then there was an aha moment. 

A few years ago, I took FMLA from my full-time job in public relations to participate in an intensive treatment program for a mental illness. Sexy, I know. I have lived with obsessive compulsive disorder since I was a kid, and by my mid-twenties it was so severe that I needed to be under constant supervision. I was accepted into a study at Penn and underwent intensive treatment for months. Through a combination of new medication, daily exposure/response prevention therapy and a lot of hard work, I was able to get my shit together (that’s a technical term). For me, every moment without a compulsion is beautiful. And as obsessions quieted and compulsions took up less and less of my time, I began to appreciate minutes and hours and days more than I ever had before. And it was then that I realized I didn’t want to spend those precious minutes and hours and days doing something that didn’t bring me joy. And so I took the leap. Honestly, even during the leanest, scariest times as a working artist – and there have been plenty of lean times! – I have never, ever regretted that decision.

5| Why are you called Manayunk Calligraphy?

Manayunk is the name of the ‘hood I lived in while I was in Philly. It was jam packed with small business owners who all encouraged me to go out on my own – they supported my business before it was an official business. I never ever would have had the guts to quit my job and pursue an art career had I not lived in that place at that time.

6| How do you work, and where?

I work out of a studio in my home in Irvington. When I’m not in the studio, I’m usually at the coffee shop 10 Johnson Avenue – in fact, I’m there right now! Best pistachio muffins ever.

7| Tell us about the White Wall Rebellion!

It’s a partnership between myself and HGTV’s Monica Mangin! Here’s a blog post with more info.

8| If you could swap lives with another artist, who would that person be?

Banksy, because how kickass is he?

9| It looks like you’re a teacher, too. Tell us about the different ways people can learn calligraphy from you.

There are two ways! The first is an in-person workshop, which I host at Oliver’s Twist in Carmel. Folks can sign up here.

I also teach online courses that you can take at your own pace.

10| What makes a handmade object valuable?

The time, the care and the human contact. I know this sounds new age-y, but when someone makes with joy, little pieces of that person and their joy is transferred into the object. It glows.

11| Using that definition, what’s the most valuable object you own?

In college, I studied art history. My now-husband, then-boyfriend would help me study for exams with flashcards I’d make with paintings stuck on the front of index cards with notes on the back. Toward the end of my college career, he pulled together a little collection of his own cards featuring works of art that I loved and that he remembered from our study sessions. It’s been a little less than a decade since he made those and they are dogeared and faded – but I still look through them when I need inspiration, a smile or a laugh.

12| Tell us one true thing about yourself that people don’t believe when you tell them.

I use a PC. I know, I know.

13| Give us three more non-crafting-related details about you or your life.

• I have a cat named Piggy.
• I love the Muppets (see above).
• I’m a podcast junkie.

If you need some Manayunk if your life, we have a selection of her work right here in the shop. You can also see the full range of what she has to offer on her website. You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for a daily dose of inspiration. Thank you Kimberly!

Happy Valentine’s Week! I think at this point (with the advent of Galentine’s Day, especially) we’re all aware you can do whatever you want with Valentine’s Day. Single or taken, it’s just an excuse to indulge a little. So whatever your status, whether you’re young or old, plant or animal, we’ve got just the thing to make sure you have a lovely Valentine’s Day.

New

New beauties by local artist Mab Graves, DIY globes by Igloo Letterpress, cheerful prints lighting up the sale section by Fifi Duvie (only $8!), and sweet little kitty toys (merimice!) by Go Pet Design.

This isn’t new, but I really don’t need a good excuse to post this gorgeous set of bowls by From Donna’s Hands. Especially with this recent sunshine, I’m feeling full of rainbows! This set would brighten up any kitchen.

What We’re Wearing

We’re feathered and fine in this golden long sleeved hoodie by Megan Lee Designs. Necklaces by Nice Lena and Astronette, scarf by Nicole’s Threads and bag by ReFind Originals.

Coming Up

Workshop: Macrame Wall Hanging: Saturday, February 25th, 2-5pm: The textile art trend is sweeping the world of interior design, and that means macrame is back baby! Have you always wanted to learn? We have the perfect class for you! Savannah Norris, local stylist, artist, and Jane of all trades, will help you craft a macrame wall hanging during this workshop. All supplies are included – you’ll just need to bring yourself and your crafty spirit!

First Friday Gallery Exhibition ft. Robert Young: Friday, March 3rd: 6-9pm: Join us for IDADA’s First Friday Gallery Walk in-store celebrating the work of local illustrator and comic artist, Robert Young. Graduating with a BFA in Illustration from Herron School of Art & Design, Robert later earned his MFA in Illustration at The Maryland Institute College of Art. Currently an Illustration Professor back at Herron School of Art & Design, Robert has had work featured in Time Out New York, Until Now Magazine, The Classical.org, The Travel Channel, and more.

Workshop: Intro to Weaving: Saturday, March 18th, 2-5pm: In love with the wool and woven textile movement? Come learn how to be a part of it in this workshop! Woven tapestries have always been very chic and it seems that they are hard to come by, as they are handmade, unique, and cherished. Three perfect adjectives as to why you should take this workshop! Students will learn how to thread a needle and begin a loom, as well as several braiding methods. All supplies will be covered in the cost of this workshop, including a handmade weaving loom for each student to take home. Participants may bring 4 balls of their own yarn to make something truly unique!

Workshop: Wire Wrapping Basics: Saturday, March 25th, 1-4pm: Have you ever wanted to go on a gem hunt? Well, here is your chance! Rana Salame Striedinger of Salame Jewelry Designs is opening her treasure chest of gemstones for you to peruse and select from to create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry. Students will learn several wire wrapping and jewelry assembly techniques to create one unique item.

Workshop: Feather Hair Accessory: Saturday, March 25th, 4:30-6:30pm: ly by and wire wrap a few hairpins for your summer updo’s with our resident gemstone queen Rana of Salame Jewelry Designs! Learn a few feather crafting and wire wrapping skills to make three hairpins or a hair comb. The options are endless and there will be a variety of feather, crystal, and metal options to choose from. Sips and snacks provided or you can byob!

Workshop: iPhoneography: Saturday, April 15th, 1-3pm: Learn how to utilize your iPhone’s camera features to their maximum potential in this iPhoneography workshop with local professional photographer, Rana Salame. Students will learn basic photography techniques like composition and lighting as well as how to use effects to enhance images. Participants will edit photos in the VSCO Cam app to make images more creative and visually appealing. Once skills have been covered, the group will hit the streets of Mass Ave to test out newly acquired techniques. A roundtable discussion will follow to study images and next steps to continue snapping like a pro.

See ya next week, friends!

It’s love month and we are just chuck full of ideas for making this time special for you and yours. Check out our How-To post for instructions on how to make a sure-to-please handmade Valentine’s Day accordion book, check out our list of events including The Local Love Event THIS Saturday featuring artists in-store and custom creations, and pop-in and let our friendly staff hook you up with some awesome gift suggestions.

New

New stuff from ReFind Originals, these leathers are so soft and amazing! On the left are wallets and on the right are wristlets that also have a strap so they can function as the perfect lightweight purse!

New from American Heirloom, muddlers, cutting boards, and Party Numbers and cake toppers. We also have these new gemstone hair pins from Salame Jewelry Designs. I think we could all use a little healing and protection (the perfect little addition to your v-day gift).

As I was browsing around this afternoon I came across this adorable cowl from Part Time Hooker that I never noticed before. Upon picking it up, I was amazed at how silky soft the inside is! I think this is re-purposed cashmere, folks.

A tiny little itty bitty piece of our amazing love cards available. They are so hilarious/ sincere/ beautiful. You can’t go wrong.

We’ve got all new pieces from Erik Lundorf and they are amazing!

Make sure you’re following us on Instagram: we’re doing a Staff Sweethearts series that is the cutest thing. Get to know our staff and their significant others as we pick out the perfect gifts!

Coming Up

The Local Love Event: Saturday, February 11th: 11am-4pm: We’ve packed all the local love into one event, so you’ll have no trouble shopping for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. We’ll be featuring a jewelry bar with Salame Jewelry Designs where you can personalize the perfect pendant, earrings, or bracelet for your s.o., bouquet orders will be taken from Jacquelyn Nolen of Blue Flower Studios, and The Onyx Exchange will be mixing up your individiually chosen candle scents at another in-store candle bar. Jewelry, flowers, candles… what more could you ask for? Oh, how about 14% off all Homespun product on top of that!

Workshop: Macrame Wall Hanging: Saturday, February 25th, 2-5pm: The textile art trend is sweeping the world of interior design, and that means macrame is back baby! Have you always wanted to learn? We have the perfect class for you! Savannah Norris, local stylist, artist, and Jane of all trades, will help you craft a macrame wall hanging during this workshop. All supplies are included – you’ll just need to bring yourself and your crafty spirit!

First Friday Gallery Exhibition ft. Robert Young: Friday, March 3rd: 6-9pm: Join us for IDADA’s First Friday Gallery Walk in-store celebrating the work of local illustrator and comic artist, Robert Young. Graduating with a BFA in Illustration from Herron School of Art & Design, Robert later earned his MFA in Illustration at The Maryland Institute College of Art. Currently an Illustration Professor back at Herron School of Art & Design, Robert has had work featured in Time Out New York, Until Now Magazine, The Classical.org, The Travel Channel, and more.

Workshop: Intro to Weaving: Saturday, March 18th, 2-5pm: In love with the wool and woven textile movement? Come learn how to be a part of it in this workshop! Woven tapestries have always been very chic and it seems that they are hard to come by, as they are handmade, unique, and cherished. Three perfect adjectives as to why you should take this workshop! Students will learn how to thread a needle and begin a loom, as well as several braiding methods. All supplies will be covered in the cost of this workshop, including a handmade weaving loom for each student to take home. Participants may bring 4 balls of their own yarn to make something truly unique!

Workshop: Wire Wrapping Basics: Saturday, March 25th, 1-4pm: Have you ever wanted to go on a gem hunt? Well, here is your chance! Rana Salame Striedinger of Salame Jewelry Designs is opening her treasure chest of gemstones for you to peruse and select from to create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry. Students will learn several wire wrapping and jewelry assembly techniques to create one unique item.

Workshop: Feather Hair Accessory: Saturday, March 25th, 4:30-6:30pm: ly by and wire wrap a few hairpins for your summer updo’s with our resident gemstone queen Rana of Salame Jewelry Designs! Learn a few feather crafting and wire wrapping skills to make three hairpins or a hair comb. The options are endless and there will be a variety of feather, crystal, and metal options to choose from. Sips and snacks provided or you can byob!

Workshop: iPhoneography: Saturday, April 15th, 1-3pm: Learn how to utilize your iPhone’s camera features to their maximum potential in this iPhoneography workshop with local professional photographer, Rana Salame. Students will learn basic photography techniques like composition and lighting as well as how to use effects to enhance images. Participants will edit photos in the VSCO Cam app to make images more creative and visually appealing. Once skills have been covered, the group will hit the streets of Mass Ave to test out newly acquired techniques. A roundtable discussion will follow to study images and next steps to continue snapping like a pro.

See ya next week, friends!

Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful day; a day when two people in love put aside their differences, forget about the mundane everyday chores and put each other first again. A day brand new couples get the opportunity to really show off their new found love and make an impression.

That is, unless you’re out of ideas to impress your sweetie.

This edition of How-To is going to be the perfect inspiration for you! This handmade book is sure to bring a smile and is filled with sweet memories and cherished sentiments. It’s simple and very customizable. Its the perfect gift. Just don’t forget the chocolates, nothing can replace chocolate. And wine. And cookies. And I’m giving hints to a certain someone right now. Moving on.

Here’s my work space set up to make the book. It’s so nice to have a project to do on a dreary day.

You’ll Need:

-Cover Boards (2): Book board if you have it, cardboard works or any re-purposed thick board including cereal boxes, old book covers, etc. These can really be any size, mine measure 4 ¾” x 6 ¾”.

-Cover Paper (2): Anything decorative or meaningful. Fabric scraps work too. Size should leave about a 1″ edge around each side of the cover board, so mine measure 6 ¼” x 8 ¼”.

-Accordion Paper: This can be as long as you like and include as many pages or panels as you like. When folded, dimensions should be approximately ½” shorter than the length of the book and ¼” shorter than the width. If you don’t have a really long sheet of paper, you can easily use 8 ½” x 11″ (printer size) sheets of paper. Trim them to the correct length of your book and glue them end-to-end. Measure the panels to ¼” less than the width of your book, then fold back and forth as many times as you can. If that last panel is short, just trim it off. To do this for the size of book I made, trim to 6 ½” x 11″, with each folded panel measuring 4 ½”. I show this process in the photos below.

-Glue: I use PVA but Elmer’s works too

-Paintbrush

-Scissors or Craft Blade (am I allowed to say X-Acto?)

-Scrap paper and paper towel to wipe off gluey-hands

-Ruler and pencil

-Lovey-Dovey Stuff: Photos, poems, drawings, doilies, relationship paraphernalia such as: concert tickets, hand-written notes, used napkins, whatever it is the two of you are in to. I’ve included some vintage French vocabulary cards in words that describe our relationship. Anything thoughtful works!

I always have a couple sheets of scrap paper on my work table. You’ll see me using them a lot as I make this book. Here I’m using them to create a clean glue line.

So! Now you have all the parts to make the basic accordion book. Now it’s time to put it all together!

Use a paintbrush to apply a nice layer of glue to your cover board, then center it over your cover paper and press down. If you’re not comfortable with the eyeball method, go ahead and trace your board onto your cover paper before gluing so you have a clear guideline. Flip it over and smooth it down, being sure to press along all of the edges. If it looks like it might need it (thicker cover boards and thicker paper will) press it down while you continue on to the next steps. Use some heavy books or a press if you have one.

Next trim the corners. You can eyeball with a pair of scissors, or use a ruler, but leave about ¼” of paper to work with.

Starting with the long edges, glue up and fold over. You’ll see my technique here where I use the table to be sure I have a nice even pressure as I do this.

Now you’re going to insure each corner is nice and crisp by pre-folding before glueing these down. Fold over and down.

Crisp!

Glue and fold over again. Push down night and hard with your fingers to make sure its secure.

Ta-da! Now its time to glue in the pages.

Center the folded accordion paper over one of the covers. Use a scrap piece of paper underneath the top fold and cover with glue. Carefully place the other cover on time, lining it up with the other cover underneath. Press down to secure, then open it up and burnish with your fingers to make sure the paper is pressed down nice and tight. Then flip it over and do the same thing for the other cover.

Now it’s time to make your book unique. My first step will be to add a label to the cover. Planning out what the design would be had me doodling like I’m in Jr. High writing a love note again!

I found a great poem, and used some odds and ends to do a couple more pages. If you have kids, this is a great time to get them involved to create their own pages for mom or dad.

I hope you find the perfect thing for the one you love this year. Thanks for reading and tag us on social media @homespunindy with your creations!