Photographs:
Welcome to the Got Craft? spring 2013 look book! Started on a whim in 2007, Got Craft? is celebrating its 13th show this April and we have never been more excited about the work we are doing here. We were thrilled with our look books from last year and when it came time to decide what to do for the upcoming season, we decided to mix things up by adding a few zine-like features including a recipe by Everybody Likes Sandwiches, DIY projects by Spool of Thread and Draw Me a Lion, and interviews with Robbie Vergara, Faythe Levine, and Sam Macon. Got Craft? is a curated boutique event started to showcase some of our favourite handmade artists and provide Vancouver the opportunity to shop for one of a kind goods in a casual environment. Attendees are able to meet the makers in person to talk about their handmade goods and creative processes, as well as craft their own take home DIY projects. As we begin preparing for the upcoming event, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all of the support over the past years and for taking time to flip through this book. To have a team of vendors, sponsors, and partners that share our vision, creativity, and enthusiasm is more than we can ever ask for. We are so excited to show you everything we’ve been working on and we hope that you will join us at our new home at the Maritime Labour Centre. See you there! Andrea + Robert
Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th, 2013 10:00am – 5:00pm Maritime Labour Centre 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver
Map by Jeannette Ordas
$3.00 at the door (kids under 10 are free) For more information: http://gotcraft.com, info@gotcraft.com
EAT
DIY workshops with Spool of Thread, Leanne Prain, Honey Canada, Heirloom Magazine, The Wedding Workshop, Knit Social and Sam Bradd.
Come hungry and enjoy tasty eats from Varinicey Pakoras, Taser Grilled Cheese, JJ’s Trucketeria, and Uncle Kebab.
SHOP
WIN
Shop independent from a wide variety of incredible handmade goods ranging from jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationery, homewares, plush toys, and more.
First 50 people each day will receive a free limited edition tote bag filled with swag including 3 randomly placed gift certificates with a combined value of $150 each day compliments of Square! * * 1x $75, 1x 50, and 1x $25 gift certificates to be used at the Got Craft? 2013 spring show. Available to paid attendees only.
Photographs: (top) Courtesy Honey Canada; (bottom) Courtesy Sam Bradd
MAKE
DIY with Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge Stitching workshop with Leanne Prain, author of Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery Try your hand on a tabletop antique letterpress with Sam Bradd (advance registration / additional cost)
Hand-painted burlap placemats with Heirloom Magazine Beginner needle felting with Honey Canada (advance registration required / additional cost)
Pretty Paper Windmills with The Wedding Workshop Basic knitting instruction by Knit Social
Saturday 10:00am to 12:00pm: Stitching workshop with Leanne Prain 12:30pm to 2:30pm: Hand-painted burlap placemats with Heirloom Magazine 3:00pm to 5:00pm: Beginner needle felting with Honey Canada (advance registration required / additional cost)
Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm: Basic knitting instruction with Knit Social 10:00am to 12:00pm: Stitching workshop with Leanne Prain 12:30pm to 2:30pm: Pretty Paper Windmills with The Wedding Workshop 3:00pm to 5:00pm: Try your hand on a tabletop antique letterpress with Sam Bradd (advance registration required / additional cost) All drop-in workshops are free unless noted. Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge will be on-site both days from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Photograph: Courtesy Simple Soap
Simple Soap
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Sarah Mulder; Courtesy the pauhaus; Courtesy think & ink studio; [stu-di-o] by jeanie
Sarah Mulder Art & Jewelry
lanabetty the pauhaus
think & ink studio
Photograph: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
twig prints
Photograph: Courtesy MarchĂŠ St. George
panoramic coffee
marian + hazel
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Marian + Hazel; Courtesy Raven’s Rest Studio; Courtesy WTFrame
WTFrame raven’s rest studio
Photograph: Courtesy Sedated Clothing Company
sedated clothing company
firefly notes Photograph: Courtesy Firefly Notes; Courtesy Edit Accessories
edit accessories
Photograph: Courtesy She’s So
she’s so
Photographs: (clockwise from left) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Artech Glassblowing Studios; Courtesy Wendy Boys Chocolates Inc.
Roxypop
Artech Glassblowing Studios
Wendy Boys Chocolates Inc. / Cocolico
Photograph: Janis Nicolay
barefoot contessa
Photograph: Courtesy mubiblossom
mubiblossom
Photograph: Courtesy Meiku Designs
meiku designs
Photographs: (clockwise from top) Courtesy Mellifera Bees; Courtesy Karla’s Specialteas; Courtesy Kate Duncan
mellifera bees
kate duncan karla’s specialteas
phaulet locomotive clothing Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Mokajade Designs; Courtesy Locomotive Clothing; [stu-di-o] by jeanie
mokajade designs
Photograph: Connie Tsang
foe & Dear
Photograph: Courtesy The Beautiful Project
the beautiful project
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Gogo Bags; Courtesy Daub + Design; Courtesy Forest and Waves
gogo bags
forest and waves daub + design
mana jewelry
herro hachi inc. Photographs: (clockwise from top) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Mana Jewelry; Courtesy Herro Hachi Inc.
gabriellephant design
Photograph: Blue Olive Photography
sassy contessa
the rice babies
knit social element botanicals
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy The Rice Babies; Courtesy Watershed Naturals; [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Knit Social
watershed naturals
Photograph: Sharolyn Joy Newington
justpotters
Cloud pillow Photographs: Couretesy Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge
Tutorial by Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge
Supplies Chalk Scissors Cloud fabric – varies depending on size of pillow. We suggest .5 to .75 yards, depending on the size of your cloud. Thread Stuffing Hand sewing needle 1. To start your cloud pillow, make sure your fabric is folded in half so that there are 2 layers. Draw a cloud shape onto your fabric using chalk. With your scissors, cut your cloud shape out of both layers. 2. Place your cloud pieces right sides together and sew around your cloud using a 1/4” seam allowance. Instead of pivoting at the bottom of the cloud poofs, sew a curved u-shape to make a nice cloud shape. Be sure to leave an un-sewn space at the bottom of your cloud. We’ll use that later to turn your cloud right side out. 3. Before turning, cut triangle notches on the high point of your curves and and the low points make straight clips. This step will ensure your cloud’s curves are smooth. Make sure to avoid your stitching when making your notches and clips!
4. Next, turn your cloud right sides out. Stuff with filling and then hand sew the opening closed. Enjoy your cloud pillow! We used the same steps to create raindrops to go with our cloud pillow! Look for the cloud pillows currently on display in our retail shop! A sewing lounge and fabric store in Vancouver, Spool of Thread will be hosting a free dropin DIY workshop from 10 – 5pm on both days. Make sure to stop by and say hello!
Looking for more sewing inspiration? Visit Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge at their retail store at 649 E. 15th Ave. in Vancouver, BC or online at spoolofthread.com. Spool of Thread specializes in providing materials and space to complete your next sewing projet. Their shop features 100s of modern fabrics, sewing patterns and notions. Need a class or to machine to rent by the hour? Spool of Thread has that too.
website | facebook | twitter
Photographs:
fresh apple spice cookies
Photograph: Courtesy Jeannette Ordas
Recipe by Jeannette Ordas Looking for a cookie heady with spice? With a spoonful each of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, this is a seriously spicy cookie. Forget just a sprinkle here or a dash there — we’re talking about 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. I love these cookies best out of the oven and slightly cool, they’ve got a bit of sturdiness — not quite crisp, but not a lot of give. But throw them in a covered tin overnight and they get soft and cakey if that’s the texture you’re after. 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup milk 1 heaping cup of diced apples (I leave the skins on) 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped walnuts
combined. Add in the apples, raisins and walnuts and stir to combine. The dough will be hard to churn, but go at it. Or use a KitchenAid mixer like I did. The dough will be sticky and tough and looks like it won’t hold all the apples. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.
Preheat oven to 375F. Cover 2 cookie sheets with parchment and set aside.
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the cookie sheets, leaving the dough 1” apart from each other. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the dough springs back from a light touch. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 20 cookies.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in egg and blend well. Stir in half the flour mixture and stir to combine. Add in the milk and incorporate. Stir in the remaining flour and beat until
When Jeannette Ordas isn’t drawing cute creatures for her line of greeting cards, The Beautiful Project, she spends her time in the kitchen baking good stuff and cooking up a storm. She shares her stories and recipes on the blog Everybody Likes Sandwiches.
out & e m t Prin ay! w a r u o Col oray! o H p i Hip H
Š 2013 Drawmealion.com
Photographs:
Q & A with robbie vergara
Tell us a bit more about you — your background and why you decided to start screen printing: I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia to a very artistic family. After I graduated high school, I did a year of fine art studies before moving to Vancouver in 2001 having decided to study filmmaking. I was always obsessed with T-shirt art and screen-printing, particularly in band T-shirts as I am huge music enthusiast. It always seemed like an elusive, awe-inspiring artform that I admired very much. After working in the film industry for 4 years after school, I felt like I needed to make my own art on my own terms. In 2009 I received a very basic screen-printing kit as a christmas present and I essentially taught myself to do it. I started making gifts for my friends and family, and eventually all I heard was: “why don’t you sell these?”. The seed was planted and I started to take it a little more seriously, I did a couple of workshops, and started doing local artisan markets with my one-of-a-kind shirts. Any advice you wish somebody told you when you first started? Looking back, I wish someone had told me how much of being an artist is also being a successful business
Photographs: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
Drawing from his background as a filmmaker and obsession with biology, we invite Robbie Vergara to tell us more about his screen printing company and what inspires him to create.
person. Not to undermine the artistic process, but if you can’t sell your art and keep track of your expenses, then it becomes really difficult to reach a wider audience. I still struggle with this today. As many artists will tell you, I really feel passionate about making art, and not necessarily as passionate (not even close!) about marketing. I really have to force myself to put on that business hat that is crucial to any small business. I think the sooner the artist embraces that, the easier things are. It is so important for any kind of success you may have. Also and perhaps even more importantly, I have learned that you don’t always have to do everything yourself. There are a ton of people our there that are good at things you aren’t, and the moment you can relinquish a bit of your control and let other people into your world the more amazing and successful your art will become. If you photograph your art yourself or design your own logo you may save yourself some money, but the moment I let other people into my creative process the more I learned as an artists and as person. What is your creative process? My work always starts from a purely subconscious level. I sometimes try to recreate things I see in my dreams, strange images and creatures that I wake up thinking about. I will search the image collection I have consist-
ing of about 5,000 images I have scanned from encyclopedias or that I’ve found online. The first step is to try to make associations between images. I’ll see one animal or one object and suddenly it clicks: “this image needs that image to work!” It’s based on pure instinct. It doesn’t always work as for every design I print I probably have 10 more that I didn’t use. I am heavily influenced by Dadaism and Surrealism, so I let the subconscious associations between images be the main catalyst in my work. I work with images mainly from a symbolic and an aesthetic level. I am always concerned about the balance and symmetry in my work. My work also reflects my lifelong obsession with biology, particularly marine biology. Anatomical and scientific drawings of animals have always been a source of inspiration and wonder. What’s next? Future plans? As any small business I am looking on expanding my horizons. I want my product to be in more stores locally, and I would love to start printing on bigger pieces such as duvet covers, table cloths, curtains. I have a very simple set-up at the moment because I am working from home. The whole process has been very organic but as I try to reach a wider audience I will have to slowly transition into a more “professional” space without really losing that DIY energy. I roll with the punches, and
grow as required. A future plan that I would love to materialize is to have some kind of art show in a gallery setting. I’ve started to play with paper prints and I would love to experience that side of the artistic process. What is your favourite item from your line? What is your bestseller? I find it hard to pick just one. In terms of my image association method I think the “Matador” image I print on T-shirts is the most effective use of irony and of collage. The bullfighter with a bull’s head works on many levels for me and I am very proud of that image. I have received many compliments on that one. Aesthetically speaking I think that my favourite image is the “Victoria” print, where a mathematical patterns partially covers an image of the young Queen Victoria. It is a very serene and beautiful image. I think it was a step in a direction that I hadn’t really explored but I really love. My bestsellers would have to be the “Matador” and “Deerman” Tshirts and the “Golden Guns” apron. It seems like I never print enough of those. They always disappear so fast!
Make sure you stop by Robbie’s table at Got Craft? or find him online here: etsy | twitter | facebook
The sign painter movie Q & A with Faythe and Sam
Please tell us a bit more about the both of you — your background and why you decided to create The Sign Painters Movie. Faythe: I have an ongoing interest in creative process and urban landscapes. I started noticing signs when I was in High School and doing a lot of hand lettering for my zine and punk show flyers. I didn’t know there were actual “sign painters” until much later while living in Minneapolis when some of my friends sought out a local sign painter, Phil Vandervaart. It was then that I started thinking about
the trade and historical value of what these people have contributed to our lives. After I finished my last documentary and book Handmade Nation I realized that there was still very little information about the actual people behind the signs and Sam and I began our research. Sam: Faythe and I had already collaborated on a number of smaller projects when she suggested that we maybe do a documentary on sign painting. Being a visually minded person, and hobbyist graphic designer I was intrigued, but skeptical of if we had a feature length doc on our hands. Like most people, I just didn’t really understand what a “sign painter” was. As soon as we started filming that all changed. I was instantly floored by the abilities, commitment to quality, and enthusiasm these people had for their craft. As a filmmaker with essentially a lifelong obsession with storytelling, I knew this one had to be told.
Photographs: Courtesy the Sign Painter project
In 2009, we brought Faythe Levine to Vancouver for Western Canada’s premiere of Handmade Nation and we are thrilled to bring her back, along with filmmaker and co-director Sam Macon to screen their new documentary, The Sign Painter Movie! We “sat” down with Sam and Faythe and asked them a few questions about their new film.
What were your highlights in making this film? Meeting the sign painters and seeing their work spaces was a huge highlight for us. Time and time again their stories would leave us with our jaws dropping. We’d get back from a trip and find ourselves trying to retell these amazing stories of what the sign painters have done, it’s really baffling when you start to think about their impact on our lives. Entire cities look the way they do because of sign painters. Products we use every day with brands we seek out are successful because of sign painters. We know where not to park because of sign painters. Faythe: After your success with Handmade Nation, was it easier or more difficult making a second film? Working side by side with Sam Macon, an established filmmaker definitely added fluidity to the filmmaking process. We also had two producers on this project that handled logistical things that can add up quickly. However, it remains challenging to finance an independent documentary, even with a team. What made you decide to work together on this film? / Why did you decide to team up? We have collaborated on a number of projects in the past and so we knew that we were compatible.
Making a documentary like this is difficult enough without adding the additional hurdles that come with working with someone you don’t connect with. We’ve also been close friends for almost ten years, and though working with friends can prove hazardous in some instances, we knew our individual talents, work ethic, aesthetic preferences, etc would compliment each other. We’re also rather busy people. We both have a tendency to have a number of projects going on simultaneously, so it’s been essential (not to mention awesome) to partner up with someone you can trust to handle things in a way you’ll be happy with. Do you have any new projects you wish to share? Faythe: I am currently preparing for 3 exhibits this fall that are unrelated to both Handmade Nation & Sign Painters. I will be showing photographs and an assortment of mixed media pieces in associations with a recent fellowship I received in Wisconsin, Jigsaw Youth a group exhibit at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh plus a group exhibit at the University of Alabama Visual Arts Gallery in Birmingham. Sam: I’m currently working on a number of short documentary pieces, commercials, and music videos. I’m also pages away from the com-
pleting a script for what I hope will be my first narrative feature film. Any advice for people interested in pursuing their creative dreams? Faythe: I always have a lot of advice; never stop working. Keep multiple projects going at the same time. Set goals and get your work out there. Engage with a community and take care of yourself. Sam: Though I’ve never been one to throw out corporate taglines as motivational advice, I’d have to say “just do it.” Be self critical, but just jump in. Start working your ass off. I think people will be amazed by how possible it is to pursue (and more importantly achieve) their creative goals by just going for it. And to Faythe’s point, it’s essential to remember nothing happens in a bubble. Community is everything.
The Vancouver premiere of The Sign Painter Movie will take place on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th, 2013 at the Rio Theatre. See page 59 for more information and to purchase tickets!
Photograph: Courtesy Little Wren
little wren
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Lemonni; Courtesy Jen Ellis Designs; [stu-di-o] by jeanie
kawaii eats
kohana jewellery lemonni
jen ellis designs
blue spoons paper products
mindan’s designs honey canada
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Feest; Courtesy Honey Canada; Courtesy Mindan’s Designs
feest
Photograph: Courtesy Jackie Frioud Pottery
jackie frioud pottery
Photograph: Courtesy Irit Sorokin Designs
irit sorokin designs
Photograph: Courtesy Hillary Webb
hillary webb
Photograph: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
delish general store
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Divina Denuevo; Courtesy Fox & Found Press; Courtesy Urchin Bags
frankenstrap
divina denuevo and pieces of II
fox & found Press
urchin bags
Photograph: Courtesy Draw Me A Lion
draw me a lion
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Passedoutdog; Courtesy Hand and Sew; Courtesy cabin + cub; Courtesy Cowl & Company
passedoutdog
cowl & company hand and sew
cabin + cub
Photograph: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
carmen west creative
Photograph: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
davie & chiyo
Photograph: Courtesy Chef Kev
chef kev
Photograph: Courtesy Camp + Quarry
camp + quarry
Photograph: Courtesy Creampuff by GG
creampuff by gg
Photographs: (clockwise from top) [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy A Cagey Bee; Courtesy Groovyglassgirl
anemone
groovyglassgirl a cagey bee
bake sale baking co.
designs by val
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Bake Sale Baking Co.; [stu-di-o] by jeanie; Courtesy Designs by Val
make cheese inc.
Photograph: Courtesy 1UP Caramels
1up caramels
Photograph: Courtesy BuenoStyle
buenostyle
Photographs: (clockwise from top left) Courtesy Billy Would Designs; Courtesy Robbie Vergara; [stu-di-o] by jeanie
billy would designs
robbie vergara screenprinting
anonum design ltd.
at the vancouver mini maker faire
Interested in joining us this year? Take advantage of our early bird registration and complete your vendor application today! When: Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 from 10-6pm.
 Where: PNE forum building (corner of Hastings and Renfrew in Vancouver)
Photograph: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
Mini got Craft?
The Vancouver Mini Maker Faire is a community-run event focused on bringing together Makers, Doers, and Creatives for a weekend of sharing knowledge, inspiring each other, exhibiting projects, and community building. It showcases the amazing work of all kinds and ages of makers – anyone who is embracing the do-it-yourself spirit and wants to share their accomplishment with others. Got Craft? aims to bring together a community that fosters handmade and DIY culture by supporting likeminded events. We are thrilled to team up with the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire for 2013 to create a mini Got Craft? featuring 30 handmade vendors!
Photograph: Courtesy the Sign Painter project, lettering by Jeff Canham
the sign painter movie “There was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all handlettered with brush and paint. But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our landscape. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade.” In 2009, we brought Faythe
Levine to Vancouver for Western Canada’s premiere of Handmade Nation and we are thrilled to bring her back, along with filmmaker and co-director Sam Macon to screen their new documentary, The Sign Painter’s Movie! Faythe Levine and Sam Macon began documenting these dedicated practitioners, their time-honoured methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship back in 2010. Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features the stories of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the United States.
If you have a love for handmade, typography, and design; you will not want to miss this! What: The Sign Painter’s Movie When: Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th, 2013 Doors at 6:30pm | Screening at 7:30pm | Q+A to follow Where: Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway @ Commercial Drive Tickets: $20.00 in advance | $25.00 at the door – limited seating | buy tickets See page 36 for a full Q+A interview with directors Faythe Levine and Sam Macon.
Filled Circle
Hollow Circle
Futura Extra Black BT Futura Condensed Medium Impact
Thank you to each one of you for the good times! We are truly grateful and appreciate your support.
Photographs:
Jeannette Ordas, Jeanie Ow, Yuki Nickolichuk, Heirloom Magazine, The Wedding Workshop, Leanne Prain, Nicole Stewart PR, Sam Bradd, Bird on a Wire Creations, Vancouver Mini Maker Faire, Lisa Cinar, and Samantha Wagner Graphic Design.