susanstars!

renegade and MAKE!

2006-06-16T12:54:41Z

renegade_small
Originally uploaded by susanstars.

I can't wait for Renegade Craft Fair Brooklyn this weekend... I'll be at booth #9 with the ladies of PDX Super Crafty--please come say hi! Then, on Monday (6/19) we'll be teaching a fun Super Crafty shrink art class at MAKE Workshop--you can make your own rings, necklaces, earrings and magnets. And on Wednesday (6/20) I'm teaching an a-line skirt workshop at MAKE, too. You'll leave class with a reusable pattern and your very own custom-fitted handmade skirt, plus a matching scarf.

I set up flickr galleries with some pics of shrink art and skirts if you want to click for examples.

And after the craft marathon is over, I'm planning to go to Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes and H+M for t-shirts... yay!

new skirt kits in my etsy shop!

2006-05-29T21:11:47Z

kit contents
Originally uploaded by susanstars.

Okay, it only took me months, but I've posted skirt kits in three new fabrics (red and pink stripes, brown and tan stripes, and a black, red, and tan floral print) in my etsy shop--yay! I'll be adding some more fabric options soon, along with new vintage lace and trim variations, too. Here's a new photo of everything you get in the kit (black fabric version shown), including the new ball-point sewing machine needle and pink page of skirt sewing tips.

I'm also super excited about my DIY articles in the new Venus! I just got my copy of the summer issue (Amy Sedaris graces the cover) and I love it, start to finish--it covers everything from guerilla drive-in movies to an interview with Joan Jett. As for my pieces, I couldn't be happier. Chas Bowie contributed his luminous photographs to my Yard Sales 101 article (page 69), and my Aunt Susan provided the stellar advice in the sidebar. I also got to review Leah Kramer's new book, The Craftster Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts (page 74).

Other treats: Stacy Elaine Dacheux's feature on Artifact in San Francisco (page 78), Amy Sedaris's cupcake recipe (page 55), and a beachy keen how-to project from Crafty Chica (page 68). I heart Venus.

Finally back!

2006-05-15T04:52:59Z

May 13 event
Originally uploaded by Sew Darn Jenny.

Well, after taking a few months off my journal for a lot of traveling, crafting and writing, I'm back!

I just did the very first Felt Club sale (motto: crafts that kick ass!) yesterday, which was a lot of fun. I got to meet sewdarncute, jek_a_go_go, boygirlparty, and tons of other crafters, and see biggerkrissy and her adorable Bigger Critters once again! It was hot and sunny out but I only got sunburned on one arm (note to self: bring sunscreen next time instead of just putting it on at home!!). Thank goodness for iced coffee right around the corner...

I did some great trades with Jekbot, The Singing Librarian, and Kokoleo, and got some delightful lavender shortbread from the bake sale table. Super fun and I'm so glad I got a chance to do the sale and hang out with so many cool LA crafters :)

In susanstars.com news, I'm about to add some great new fabrics to the skirt kit selections, and a few are on their way out (I'll warn you when they're getting super low). Some site updates are coming up soon too.

And if you're in New York next month, I'll be selling at Renegade Craft Fair with the girls of
Super Crafty! I can't wait!

xo
susan

skirt kit in action!

2005-10-26T17:42:09Z

Now that my new a-line skirt kits are out in the world, I wanted to post a few pics of what the skirt and scarf look like once you've stitched them up!

I recruited my lovely and talented spokesmodel Torie of Totinette to show off handmade skirt set #1, in the splashy pink and brown flower print...

and here I am with the scarf in my hair:

If you sew yourself one with the kit, I'd love to put a picture of you modeling your gorgeous creation up on my site... especially if you customize it with some cool appliques or trims :)

I love a-line skirts! They are so cute and flattering, and quick to make--you can create your pattern and then the finished skirt in just about an hour. And once you have the pattern, you can make yourself a closetful of skirts in a rainbow of colors.

Hooray for skirts!

yay! updates!

2005-10-22T01:07:49Z

I'm so happy, my site has been updated with some new jewelry, skirt kits, and other cool stuff. Hooray! Go take a peek if you have a minute!

A super cute shop here on N. Mississippi in Portland, Memoir, just ordered my skirt kits and sparkly jewelry so look for new pieces there. They also carry Queen Bee vinyl, the coolest letterpressed stationery, and Amet and Sasha skirts. And they host a craft night every Tuesday at 7, I'm going next week!

In other crafty news, our party to celebrate the release of Super Crafty was awesome! Hundreds of people came out to celebrate with us and win fun raffle prizes. We have some other fun crafty events coming up in Portland and Seattle... stay tuned or check out super_crafty for an update on that on Monday!

We also put up some pretty amazing one-time-only PDX Super Crafty stuff on eBay! Our party host (aka my husband!) AC Dickson posted them on Tuesday.

Make your own holiday gifts at a swanky PDX Super Crafty party!

How about a crafty starter kit with vintage ball fringe, beads, buttons, cool fabric and more, all in a super cute vintage hatbox?

We're auctioning off this stylish sewing machine handbag, matching t-shirt, and a make-your-own denim skirt kit with DIY applique for the girl who loves sewing.

We also put together gorgeous sparrow jewelry, a belt buckle, brooches, and DIY appliques for one lucky bird lover.

Here's a signed Super Crafty book, t-shirt, tote bag, and goodie package...

...and here's a Super Crafty Mystery Package, you won't even believe all the cool stuff inside!

You have until next Friday afternoon, October 28, to bid on your favorites! :)

a sneak peek at the new stuff going up on my site...

2005-10-17T22:16:44Z

My web designer will be finishing my update soon, but here's a little preview of some of the stuff I'm especially excited about that's coming to susanstars.com soon! :)

First, there's my brand-new craft book Super Crafty, co-written with the women of PDX Super Crafty!

I also have a new skirt kit in five fabrics--black, splashy pink and brown flowers, denim, red, and mod squares!

Then there's some cute new sushi jewelry...

...and new colors of my sparkle jewelry!

I'll be adding lots of new how-tos and cool stuff in the next month or so as well. I'm so happy to have some new designs out in the world!