One Cool Thing: Wii Edition

The Hotlist: Would You Like Fries with That?

1) Hamburger Earrings. 2) 'Do You Want Fries with That' Post Earrings. 3) Hamburger Soap. 4) Toy Food- Complete Fast Food Menu. 5) 12 French Fry Soap. 6) Kawaii Hamburger and French Fries Pendant.

Artisan Thursday: Subee Originals

Hi, and welcome back to Artisan Thursday! Today's Artisan is Sue from Subee Originals, maker of some fantastic hand-painted pins & pendants.

Lavender & Lace Pendant

I am a 30 year registered nurse, single again with 2 gown daughters and 7 grandchildren (some of which live with me). I have always been crafty as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl I used to sit and string buttons on yarn while my grandmother sewed. My grandmother taught me a lot of things and instilled in me that I could do anything I wanted to do. Now I seem to think I can do it all and I get to involved in too many things and have to limit myself! I not only paint, I also sew, quilt, make soap, crochet and on and on. The breast cancer pin was the first one I painted. I am a third generation survivor and am very blessed to still have a grandmother. She is 93 and a 35 year survivor.
I decided to open my shop because I am tired of working so much and want to do more crafty things. It is very relaxing to me, no matter how many items I am pressed to complete. I think my items are unique because they come from my heart and my hands that God has blessed to make these items.

Collegiate Pins

I am influenced by just about everything around me. I can drive down the street, see a tree, a cloud, a person or hear a song and an idea "pops" into my head. Immediately I write it down and then can't wait to create it.
Right now, I would have to say that the snowman heart pin/pendant is my favorite.
Looking at my shop, I know that people can see I am fun and creative but they would never guess that I am also a gospel music singer. (not professional). I just love anything in the art field...how I became a nurse is beyond me; but I thank God for the profession and the ability to care for people and help them through their hard times.
I am a PC and since opening my shop I have learned that there are millions of people just like me who want to share their talents with the world and I believe that together we can all make it happen!
So don't give up!

Ollie Octopus Pin

I just love this adorable octopus! Subee Originals is a great shop- make sure to swing on by! Thanks for being on the blog, Sue!

Do you have an Artfire shop that you'd like me to feature, or one you'd like to read about? Is there something you're dying to know about the featured artisan that I neglected to ask? Email me at atomiccupcakeknits@gmail.com!

One Cool Thing

If you're not reading the fabulous web comic Questionable Content, "an online comic strip that is ostensibly about romance, indie rock, little robots, and the problems people have," you definitely should be. QC also features hilariously tasteless jokes, rampaging robot destruction, and truly adorable female characters. Make sure you read through the archives; not only will it really help you understand the plot line, it will add hours of fun to your day!

The Hotlist

Thinking about these colors for my living room! I love how the yellow just pops as an accent color.

1) Lemongrass/Poppy Handmade Soap. 2) Recycled Plastic Earrings. 3) Grey Silk Necktie.

4) Handmade Black & White Card. 5) Silk Dark Grey Czech Glass Hearts. 6) Handmade Large Yellow Zipper Pouch.

Artisan Thursday: The Murphy Studio

Welcome back to Artisan Thursday! Say hi to Misti from The MURPHY Studio, home of amazing hand-painted wildlife art.

Golden Retriever Magnet

First off, tell us a little about you!

My name is Misti Murphy of The MURPHY Studio, and I live in Tucson, Arizona. When I was 10 years old, I was on a road trip with my parents and drew a portrait of Fred Flintstone on some scrap paper. When I showed my mom what I had drawn, she tried to explain to me that the image from my coloring books, and that was sketched from looking at an object and reproducing it, from memory, or from imagination. I then told her that my coloring books were in the trunk of the car, and she immediately turned around and looked in the back seat of the car to see what I had done. Two days later she enrolled me in private art lessons, and my skills have grown from there.

I participated in numerous arts and crafts fairs through high school, painting on everything from sandstone to wood to leather. My father always encouraged me to explore different mediums and different, if you will. He would bring items home for me to paint on, starting with a very large rock that he could barely lift and evolving to cow skulls and leather hides. He then promoted me as a commercial window painter, often driving me to businesses during the holiday seasons to paint windows since I was a minor.

In college I shifted my attention to architecture, trying to merge my creative abilities with my technical, mathematic abilities. I now have a Bachelors of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona. In 2003, I started my own business designing custom homes (www.TheMURPHYStudio.com). Though I love architecture and could not imagine doing anything else for a living, my artwork has always been my true love. It has never been far from my heart, and I have now decided to explore the opportunity of starting an art studio in conjunction with my architecture studio.

What prompted you to open your shop?

My sister, Jodi Bombardier of Jewels-By-Jewels, actually prompted me to open my shop. She makes jewelry and knew that I painted many years ago. She inspired to me explore my hobby again after many, many years and to try to sell on-line through ArtFire.

What makes your shop unique?

Well, what comes to mind first is … I don’t make jewelry!!! Just kidding! I tried to come up with an idea to make “fine art” affordable for everyone. My solution was to hand-paint or sketch magnets that were reasonably priced but still remained a work of art. Don’t get me wrong, I have more expensive items for sale, but magnets are really my focus. Everything is handmade by me, including the sketches, the paintings, the leather wall hangings, and the silhouettes of the wood cut outs (although I have a craftsman actually cut them out due to the lack of strength in my hands). I paint what inspires me and every piece is original.

What influences your art?

My love of animals and the southwest. Animals have always been a huge part of my life. From growing up with animals, to currently having four dogs of my own, animals have a unique place in my heart. I love to see their expressions come to life in my paintings, and consequently, how my paintings make animal lovers feel when they see them.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My giraffe magnet! I’ve started a new “Safari Collection” based off of him! My husband and I were married at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona between the Giraffes and the Lions. It was a memorable moment that I draw on for inspiration. Throughout the day, the giraffes were trying to reach over their enclosure to nibble on my bouquet of flowers!

Giraffe Magnet- Framed

Twitter is being pushed as the next big marketing tool. Do you like, do you use it, and has it helped your shop?

I have never used Twitter, although I really need to start! It’s on my list of things to learn about. I have never really marketed my art on-line, although my sister has “twittered” a few of my items and the views for those items have really taken off. It makes a huge difference.
Tell us something about you that we wouldn't guess from your shop.

I love to play in No-Limit Hold’Em Poker Tournaments! The game is fascinating to me – much like chess. You have to analyze your opponents, learn to “read” them to decide whether or not they are bluffing or telling the truth, and manage your chips accordingly so you make it to the final table! My ultimate goal is to play in the World Series of Poker before I die –but with a $10,000 entry fee, I’m not sure that is a realistic goal! I guess I can dream…

Are you a Mac or a PC?

PC

Finally, what one thing have you learned since opening your shop that you'd like to share with others?

It’s all about networking and marketing – which I’m not very good at yet but I’m getting better. My advice would be to try to get your name out there, be supportive of other artists, and don’t be shy about the art/product you create. Be proud of what you make and share your site with everyone you know!

Quail Magnet, Medium- Full Body

I love this quail magnet! We have quail running through our yard all the time, and they are the cutest little birds. The MURPHY Studio is a great shop, go and check it out! Thanks for being on the blog, Misti.

One Cool Thing

Tasty recipes for delicious-looking vegan food (plus an adorable name)! Make sure to check out Daifuku and Knit Night Cupcakes.

Scheduley-ness

Dear Blog~

No, I have not forgotten you. I know you feel neglected- I apologize. Look, I made you something to make up for it!

This way, it'll help keep both of us on track. I promise I won't ignore you again.

Love, Kate

Artisan Thursday: kickinskreations

Welcome back to Artisan Thursday! Today we're talking with Valerie from kickinskreations. Her shop sells some of the most unique, yummiest smelling candles around!

First off, tell us a little about you!
My name is Valerie; I live in the catskills of N.Y. I am married and was blessed with 3 boys, and i also have a grandson. We have a family owned small business called kickinskreations here at Artfire and also have a gift shop in a resort hotel.

What prompted you to open your shop?

I was looking to have a website built for me and heard about Artfire. I checked it out and seemed like a good place to try. What makes your shop unique?

We make a lot of candles that look and smell like food and drinks. We also have rock candles and other one of a kind items that you cant find everywhere.

Banana Split Candle

What influences your art?

My oldest son.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My milk chocolate candy dish- it's an awesome burning candle.

Twitter is being pushed as the next big marketing tool. Do you like, do you use it, and has it helped your shop?

I do use twitter daily. I have seen some URLS coming from twitter so it seems to be helping me get views on my items.

Tell us something about you that we wouldn't guess from your shop.

I love to line dance, though its been sometime but i hope to start again soon.

Bowl of Pineapple Candle

Are you a Mac or a PC?

I have a pc.

Finally, what one thing have you learned s
ince opening your shop that you'd like to share with others?

Takes a lot of patience and hard work but if you do those things it can and will work out for you in the end. Don't give up!!

Neat, huh? Thanks for being on the blog, Valerie! Make sure to check out kickinskreations on Artfire!

Do you have an Artfire shop that you'd like me to feature, or one you'd like to read about? Is there something you're dying to know about the featured artisan that I neglected to ask? Email me at atomiccupcakeknits@gmail.com!

Artisan Thursday: Harmon Art

Welcome back to Artisan Thursday! This week we're chatting with Harmon Art, who have one of the most unique shops I've seen on Artfire thus far. This husband & wife team sells the most amazing hand-painted gourds and ceramic wears.

Intricate Green Design Medium Gourd

First off, tell us a little about yourselves.

HarmonArt is a husband/wife team (Brian and Emily Harmon). We are both school teachers who use our free time to create nature and leaf inspired handbuilt ceramics and fine craft gourds. We have one two year old son who also loves to create art.

What prompted you to open your shop?

We've been setting up our work at craft fairs and art shows for several years and just decided to take the online plunge.

What makes your shop unique?

This may sound odd, but I've never seen anything like ours. Sure, you see gourds, but my wife's gourds have a unique and more refined style than many. Also, a lot of people make ceramic leaves, but I feel mine capture the natural feel and colors of the leaves better than most.

What influences your art?

Nature and autumn. We both love nature and the fall is our favorite season. The colors and organic shapes of autumn spark our desire to create.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

That's hard, but right now I'll say 'Small Fall Leaf Gourd with Black Background.'

Small Fall Leaf Gourd with Black Background

Twitter is being pushed as the next big marketing tool. Do you like, do you use it, and has it helped your shop?

Yes we use it (twitter handle: HarmonArt). It does seem to push page hits our way, but it has yet to deliver any sales. I'm staying with it though. ArtFire tweeted one of our gourds and its page views quadrupled in one day.

Tell us something about you that we wouldn't guess from your shop.

I am heavily tattooed, but I keep them all in easily hidable locations.

Are you a Mac or a PC?

We are PC people. Art school was all Mac though and I miss them.

Finally, what one thing have you learned since opening your shop that you'd like to share with others?

Promotion and patience are key. I have joined I don't know how many social networking and handmade sites. It's hard to keep them all straight. But they do drive page views. You must put forth the promotional effort to drive interest. Also, be patient. It's a rough economic time. If you are confident in your work, hang in there. Others will start to believe in you too.

Large Ceramic Sycamore Leaf Bowl

Aren't they fantastic? Thanks for being on the blog, Brian & Emily! Make sure you check out Harmon Art on Artfire!

Do you have an Artfire shop that you'd like me to feature, or one you'd like to know more about? Is there something you're dying to know about the featured artisan that I neglected to ask? Email me at atomiccupcakeknits@gmail.com! Did you miss last week's feature? Check it out here.

#birthdayfail

A few weeks ago, I had the perfect idea for my mum's birthday gift: a felted eyeglass case. I knit one up, threw it in the washing machine.... and it came out as a misshapen blob. Attempt number 2: knit, rinse, repeat. After blob-child number 3 came and went (along with my mother's birthday), I finally did what I should have done from the beginning, and hopped over to Ravelry to find a pattern.

This is loosely based on the Lion Brand Felted Eyeglass Case [ravelry link]. I used garter stitch rather than stockinette, and swapped some Cascade 220 out of my stash for the Lion Brand Wool suggested in the pattern. I ended up hand-felting this in the bathtub, because the washing machine was mangling the fabric to death. I think it came out pretty cute! (Hopefully my mother doesn't choose today to start reading my blog!)

Rain, Rain, Go Away

All the rain this weekend makes me think that maybe the Andean Chullo isn't so out of season, after all! It's been put to the side for the last few days while I worked on a super-secret (and sadly belated) birthday present for my mum.

Artisan Thursday

Atomic Cupcake Knits loves other artists! Every Thursday, we'll be featuring a different fabulous Artfire artisan, starting with the lovely (and local!) Artisan Goods by Gayle. Gayle's shop has a variety of unique jewelry, photography, and housewares that I just love (especially the Atomic Pillow!).

Catch n' Release

First off, tell us a little about you!

Have been artistic all of my life dabbling in a variety of mediums- painting, photography, jewelry making, art dolls, basic sewing/knitting, altered art (paper and wearable) and accent throw pillows are the ones I still do.

I am a baby boomer with one grown son who is also artistic. I live in the evergreen state of Washington with my toddler acting female dog,Riviera (Rivvie pup).

What prompted you to open your shop?

The sucky economy made my local photo biz nose-dive...after a good response to my jewelry/art postings at a social site from 2007 to now,I decided I needed a marketplace to sell from and to gain more exposure.

What makes your shop unique?

Artisan Goods by Gayle showcases a variety of artisan OOAK (one of a kind) items with different aesthetics- feminine, simple Zen style, poetic, cultural, nature inspired, classic, and edgy.

Atomic Barkcloth Accent Pillow

What influences your art?

My inspiration comes from all that I am exposed to be it cultures, nature, poetry, films, atmosphere, whimsy, color, heritage, shape and textures.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My Native Dancer Art Doll...though it is an inanimate object,it conveys rhythm by design.

Twitter is being pushed as the next big marketing tool. Do you like it, do you use it, and has it helped your shop?

New to Twitter,but thus far like the ease of use. I read that to have an impact per driving traffic to your shop that you need a lot of followers, but also read that posting links too often can drive away followers who just want quick snippets about your daily life. My stats show currently that five URLS came from there, so I'm still feeling it out.

Tell us something about you that we wouldn't guess from your shop.

I enjoy and support artistic graffiti street culture art...very innovative offerings from unique plushies,clothing,jewelry,home decor and paintings...also, I love whimsical items. Adore the updated funny sock monkeys!
Are you a Mac or a PC?

PC with a lousy ISP connection...

Finally, what one thing have you learned since opening your shop that you'd like to share with others?

Learned that having an online shop requires far more promoting/marketing than having a local shop...that I need to learn about and then utilize as many promotional tools as possible since am competing with literally a gazillion other sellers...

OOAK Leather & Brass Peace Necklace

What a great shop- thanks for being on the blog, Gayle! Make sure to check out Artisan Goods by Gayle on Artfire!

Do you have an Artfire shop that you'd like me to feature, or one you'd like to read about? Is there something you're dying to know about the featured artisan that I neglected to ask? Email me at atomiccupcakeknits@gmail.com!

Wednesday Link Round-up

Techniques:

• The Continental knitting series, courtesy of the amazing TECHknitting- the diagrams here have been hugely helpful while working the Andean Chullo hat
• How to Knit Continental, on TheKnittingSite.com- great instructions, terrible pictures
• Continental Knit Stitch video demo- there are a bunch of how-to videos on YouTube; I liked this one (originally posted at knittinghelp.com, I believe) the most because it was clear, concise, and the camera angle focused on the knitting from the knitter's viewpoint
• Continental Purl Stitch video demo- same video series, a great explanation of the continental purl stitch, which can be, in a word, tricky

Patterns:

• Kable, from Berroco- possibly the cutest felted needle case I've ever seen, this went straight into my Ravelry queue
• Lydia Flowers, from knitonthenet- adorable ruffly flowers, suitable for adding on to everything
• St. Vincent Cloche by f.pea- simultaneously fulfilling my love for hats, and all things 1920s
• Chameleon, at hansigurumi's Etsy shop- I have to knit this right now, seriously
  

As Promised, Chihuahua Spam

The Joy of Swatching

I will be the first to admit that I rarely, if ever, swatch. It's, well... boring. Who wants to take the time knitting a swatch when you could be knitting an actual project? This project, though, has a swatch built right in as ear flaps! I thought that it was the perfect project... until I realized that it was actually designed to drive me absolutely batty.

The Andean Chullo Hat [ravelry link] has a lot of colorwork, and the easiest way to accomplish it is by holding one color in each handing. It is just a teensy bit difficult. Let me also mention that I only just learned to knit left-handed, um, two days ago. I'm maybe a little tense while I'm knitting it. Not so much as to be noticeable, of course, except for the fact that my swatch could probably be used to deflect spears on a battlefield, it's so tightly knit. The pattern calls for a U.S. size 3 needle; three swatches later, I've had to go up to a size 7. For you non-knitters, this is roughly the equivalent of switching from a Smart Car to a Chevy Suburban. I haven't actually finished an ear flap yet, but I'm holding out hope that this hat might be done in time for C to wear it, oh, say, next year, maybe.

Grace Lace Beret

Let me present my new favorite knit, the Grace Lace Beret [ravelry link]. It was a quick and easy knit, taking only two days from start to finish. The yarn is Rowan Felted Tweed in SH159, which gave the lace pattern tons of definition, although it doesn't have as much drape as some other examples of the pattern that I've seen. This pattern is also a great stash-buster; I didn't even use a complete ball of the Felted Tweed. In my opinion, this is a perfect spring hat- it's lacy and open, while the wool gives it just the right amount of warmth. I'm already thinking about knitting it again for myself!

Hello, and welcome to the new home of Atomic Cupcake Knits! If you’re looking for the perfect knitted accessory, make sure to check out my shop, Atomic Cupcake Knits, on Artfire. If you’re looking for interesting posts about knitting, chihuahuas, or running an on-line shop, you’ll have to come back later, because we’re under construction!