Better Than Jam Studio

La Superette!!!!! Dec 5th & 6th

2009-12-01T16:13:00.004-05:00

LA SUPERETTE 2 0 0 9 RETURNS TO SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

Saturday, December 5th, 12pm-8pmSunday,

December 6th, 12pm-6pm

At 210 Front Street, corner of Front St. and Beekman St. in Manhattan, in the South Street Seaport.

Special performance kick-off night (no shopping) on Friday December 4 th, 9pm-midnight

La Superette 2009 will transform a space at 210 Front Street for three days, creating a temporary store that will present a huge selection of artist-made multiples from around the country. Now in it's 11th year,La Superette is one of the few crafty events with a non-commercial goal: to support and distribute the works ofindependent artists and designers. The variety of items include hacked clothes, assemblage accessories,housewares, artists books and CDs. Emerging once a year, just in time for holiday shopping, La Superette offersthe most unique and affordable shopping experience for hundreds of shoppers year after year. This year, morethan ever, is a time to celebrate the craftiest and be a part of an event that represents the true spirit of New YorkCity. La Superette 2009 includes live performances by Arpège (Nick Hallett and Ray Sweeten), Anwar Pruitt,Maria Chavez, Carrie Dashow, Pixel Form, Todd Bailey, NAUM f/ Antoine Catala, David Linton, and DavidGalbraith. La Superette 2009 will also feature Rainbow Cloud City (an art installation created by thecollaboration HappyFun, Erik Z., and Rachel Nelson), Edible Winter Snowballs, Coal, Icicles, Pine Cones, andWarm Drinks by Rachael Morrison, and a free ScrapCycle gift-wrapping station by Analogous Projects.

This year's participating artists include: Ann LePore, Amanda Mayoff, Ben Fino-Radin, Carrie Dashow, SecretSchool and the K.I.D.S., Cindy Yoon, Daphne Bernard, A Rarer Borealis, Daina Platais Ortiz, unxyloid, HadasHinkis, deChow, Jennifer Sullivan, kaboom!press, Kimm Alfonso, Katherine Tali Hinkis, Chiu, RingMan,Canine Orthodontia, Lilah Freedland, LoVid, Loren Siems, Melissa Barrett, Michelle Rosenberg, MollyDilworth, Madeleine Fix, Miss Chief, Neg-Fi, Mustache Sisters, Nathaniel Kassel, Peter Jacobson, RaquelHecker, Steven Anglin, Samantha Merritt, sallykismet, Sanjay, Susie Reiss, teamtichenor, heartfast

BUST Craftacular : This Sunday!!!! : Dec 6th

2009-12-01T16:18:00.002-05:00

10am – 8:00pm
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC

Get gifts--and give back--at this year's BUST Holiday Craftacular. Get your shop on all day browsing the hottest handmade wares from over 200 vendors, including handbags, jewelry, and clothing. Then, meet the adorable pets available for adoption from Animal Care and Control NYC, snap up some holiday cards to benefit City Harvest and pick up a cookie in support of the Lower East Side Girls Club. Rockin DJs, free java from Joe all morning, snacks, goodie bags for the first 500 attendees, amazing raffle prizes and more! Admission: $2

Independently owned and operated, BUST Magazine has been a leader in the crafting movement since 1993. Now in its 16th year, BUST continues to support and influence the handmade revolution though constant editorial coverage, sponsorships, and events such as the BUST Craftacular. Always on the cutting-edge, BUST is a revered and trusted authority in the DIY and crafting community.

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 West 18th Street in NYC, not far from the 1 train at 18th street, or the F, V trains at 23rd street. BUST Magazine’s Holiday Craftacular will take place from 10:00 AM – 7:30PM on December 6th. Your entry ticket also gives you a shot at winning a BUST-load of booty in the Craftacular Raffle!

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade : This Saturday!!!

2009-12-01T15:54:00.008-05:00

The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is back!

With over 50 Metro New York artists, designers, and crafters bringing their handmade creations together for this one-day shopping event, this year promises to be even more fun and exciting.

The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade runs from 11am-8pm on Saturday, December 5th, at the Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street.

Be sure to enter our free raffle for a chance to win some creations from participating vendors, packed up in hand-embellished tote bags. Raffle tickets are free with each purchase, so the more you shop, the more chances you have to win....

So join us for some holiday cheer in our handmade shopping wonderland. Spread the word, tell your friends, and we'll see you there!

New New + Bim = Good Times, Good Times

2009-11-10T12:13:00.002-05:00

Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn-Savvy shoppers can save money while they get a head start on the holidays at Brooklyn Indie Market this year. On November 14 and 15 from 11am-7pm, BIM will showcase a curated selection from the {NewNew}, a group of independent designers, makers and artists from the New York Metro area. Selected vendors will offer 10% off on their wares.
Visit www.TheNewNewNY.com to download your 10% off coupon. Take the F/G train to the Carroll Street Station.

“We decided to get a jump on the holiday rush, enjoy ourselves with a little party vibe and sale at BIM,” said May Luk of Take Me Home Ware, one of the featured makers. "We always have such a great time, and we've gotten great feedback from people who've attended our other events. The sale is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers.”

Shoppers will be able to choose from a wonderful assortment of locally handmade clothing, home décor, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, bath and body products, toys, and baked goods.

Brooklyn Indie Market www.brooklynindiemarket.com is an emerging designer market located on Smith and Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6.

Saturday

Gnome Enterprises (tshirts)

Wonder Threads (kidswear)

Rocks and Salt(hats)

Wabisabi Brooklyn (jewelry)

Bullfrog Creatives (jewelry)

Bullfrog Eats (yummy goodies)

Huggy Bunny (kids and women’s wear)

fofolle (women’s clothing)

Lu Crafts (home decor and soy candles, guffaws aplenty)

Take Me Home Ware (ceramics)

Nordea Soaparie (bath and beauty)

Knit Knit (knit goods)

Lipeony (art)

Yania Creations (jewelry)

Collective Elements (paper goods)

Windows of Agate (soft toys)

Felt It (felt crafts)

Kimm Chi (women’s clothing)

Lingua Nigra (jewelry)

New York Clocks (clocks)

Red Bridge Studio (pillows)

Sunday

Gnome Enterprises (tshirts)

Wonder Threads (kidswear)

Rocks and Salt (hats)

Bullfrog Creatives (jewelry)

Bullfrog Eats (yummy goodies)

Huggy Bunny (kids and women’s wear)

fofolle (women’s clothing)

Nordea Soaparie (bath and Beauty)

Knit Knit (neat knit goods)

Better Than Jam (women’s wear)

Yania Creations (jewelry)

Collective Elements (paper goods)

Rebecca Shepherd (jewelry)

Little Bunny (paper goods)

Wish By Felicity (jewelry)

Pepper Sprouts (home goods)

Alexandra Ferguson (pillows)

Vyphuis Designs (clothing)

Examiner.com Plugs ArtStar

2009-09-03T18:06:00.001-04:00

This Saturday!!!!

2009-09-03T18:04:00.001-04:00

Last Class!!

2009-08-26T20:40:00.003-04:00

My first student and I had our last session today.
I think she did a great job.
She made a beautiful screen with an image of
a "Virginia Creeper."

Fall Handmade Cavalcade : Beacon NY

2009-08-16T16:25:00.005-04:00

Shop for Fall with The {NewNew}
at the Fall Handmade Cavalcade.

Start the season browsing the most unique locally made
handmade goods the NY Metro and Hudson Valley has to
offer, complete with goodie bags and tasty treats.
Join the {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team in Beacon, NY
on September 12 for the 2nd Annual Fall Handmade Cavalcade.

Come to Beacon, NY and visit us at the corner of
Main Street and North Cedar, where we have partnered
with the Hudson Valley Etsy Street Team to bring you unique
handcrafted jewelry, kitschy housewares, handmade soaps,
one of a kind paper goods, children’s toys in all shapes and size,
as well as fashion forward apparel and accessories.

With over twenty vendors the show will be an intimate
shopping experience where you are bound to ﬁnd something
for everyone. Make a day of it with your friends and family.

Enjoy delicious snacks from The Groovy Baker and
explore the inside and outside spaces brimming with
unique handmade wares from the Brooklyn Bridge
all the way up through the Hudson Valley.

The Fall Handmade Cavalcade is sponsored by
two major forces on the local and handmade scene,
Paper Presence and Luulay.com.
Come early, the ﬁrst 40 people
will receive a limited edition silkscreened tote bag full of goodies!

“We’re excited to be hosting the return of the {New New} to Beacon,”
said Kristy Reichert, of Beacon Bookmarks.
“It’s a great time to bring the local communities out to support
local businesses. We’re pleased to have expanded with Paper Presence
next door to bring even more independent crafters this year.”

What: The Fall Handmade Cavalcade
When: Saturday September 12 from 11am - 7pm
Where: Corner of Main Street and North Cedar in Beacon, NY

Vendors
Alexandra Ferguson * Althea Loglia's Eye Candy
Beacon's Bookmarks * Better Than Jam
Beyond the Picket Fence * Blonde Chic Studio
Bungaloe * Caja Jewelry * KimmChi * KnitKnit
Felt It * Nordea's Soaperie * Panda with Cookie
Petite Ami * Pulp Sushi * Studio Petite
Studio By the Sea * Pixie Petals * Waisze Design
Warpe Design * Wren Willow * Windows of Agate

New Studio Space

2009-07-17T13:36:00.003-04:00

Finally! I have some room to breathe, and one huge print table!

This past Monday, I moved down the hall to larger studio space
at 592 Johnson Ave in Bushwick.
That day and night, I built myself a bigger and better print table.

The once 2 yd table is now 5 yds long!

I have lots of room for all my crap and more.
I'm even going to build a second smaller print table.
I may start to paint again too?

But, more importantly,
this also means that I am ready to take on students
for my studio class. I have all the supplies ready and waiting.

Boutique Shopping

2009-07-17T12:57:00.008-04:00

Hey Philly! You can now get some BTJ dresses at ArtStar!

I made another drop off at one of my favorites, Flirt!

And the gettin's always good at Treehouse!

This Weekend: Number Three

2009-06-05T08:42:00.005-04:00

Booth 65 :
Off Lorimer between
Driggs & Bayard

This Weekend : Number Two

2009-06-05T08:41:00.003-04:00

Studio At 592 Johnson Ave

This Weekend : Number One

2009-06-05T08:39:00.002-04:00

The {NewNew} POPs up at 93 Nevins

The {NewNew}, will participate in this year's Atlantic Art Walk by highlighting artists that use environmentally-friendly materials in their creations at 93 Nevins Street - reclaimed from a building derelict for 20 years, this new townhouse was created with the idea to be as green as possible.

Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of open artist studios and area exhibitions, a range of public art projects, special events, with local merchants hosting a range of artwork and events. Our pop-up shop will be open on both days of the Art Walk where participants in the self-guided, curated tour will get a taste of the variety of handmade items that are created in the local community.
Find green gifts made from sustainable materials such as silkscreened apparel, fine art drawings and prints, handmade ceramics, paper goods, plush toys, jewelry and housewares from shops like Cakehouse, Wabisabi Brooklyn, and KnitKnit.

As always, we try to help you shop local within the top tier of craft.

{follow up to previous post}

2009-05-22T22:42:00.002-04:00

Last dress of the week...

Next weeks beginning...

New Bamboo Cotton T Dresses

2009-05-22T11:29:00.005-04:00

This weeks dresses are made out of that really soft bamboo cotton I just got. I'm very happy with the way they turned. I had to raise the price a bit, to $50. I still think that that's pretty reasonable. I printed three colors instead of the two, that are on the older just cotton and cotton blends. I have two more fabrics printed at the studio waiting to get sewn, so check back later on the etsy site.

Also I just got a blackberry, YEAH! and if I can figure out how to set up my email, I will be able to leave them up online while I sell tomorrow at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene.

New Bamboo Cotton!

2009-05-15T14:28:00.003-04:00

90 Yards of Bamboo Cotton arrived last night. 52 lbs of goodness. The price of the Simple T Dress will go up, but it is so worth it! This fabric is so so soft, extremely light weight but not see-thru, it holds the textile ink with virtually no fading, it doesn't wrinkle, and it's green! Bamboo grows incredibly fast and requires No pesticides. "Bamboo is more antibacterial than cotton or wool, which are very absorbent and hold moisture in. Because bamboo wicks moisture away, it's great for your circulation and skin."

This Weeks Dresses!

2009-05-15T13:05:00.003-04:00

The dresses that I just finished will be up on
Etsy until tomorrow morning, if you want to grab one.
Or come visit me at McCarren Park Saturday
or at the 5TH Ave Fair in Park Slope on Sunday.

Simple T Shirt Dresses Now at Treehouse

2009-05-13T23:49:00.004-04:00

Better Than Jam Factory!

2009-05-13T09:16:00.005-04:00

When screen printing, there tends to be a lot of "waiting for the ink to dry" time. So I have developed a method, special to the space in which I work, where I don't have to stare at the fabric drying. I can work consistently, constantly. Man I'm getting tired!

Print 1st Half of Fabric, Pull over clothing rack, Finishing the second half.
Turn fan on (in later picture, it is set up on table, over sewing machine)
Put Drop Clothe Over What Was Just Printed.

Lay Out Already Printed Fabric, Iron.
Draw Out Dress Patterns, Cut, Pin.

Print Second Color on Fabric

Sew Dresses While Second Color is Drying.

Photos for Etsy!

Start Over!

Selling Out

2009-05-08T09:32:00.003-04:00

I'm not, my dresses are! I can't print or sew fast enough!
For fear of selling a T Dress online and then running out at a show over the weekend, I will be posting what I have made that week Fridays and then pulling them off Saturday morning.
If you can't make it to a show, grab one on Etsy!

2009-05-08T09:15:00.004-04:00

This Saturday find me at the Brooklyn Indie Market with just my "Simple T Dresses." I will actually be there to sell wonderfully fun and delicious mini cupcakes made by Nine Cakes.
Sunday I will join my fellow NewNew members at the Bell House for the next Handmade Cavalcade!

Celebrate a {NewNew} Season with the Spring Handmade Cavalcade

NEW YORK, NY – March 13 – Spring is in the air, and with it come the
social affairs that take advantage of this beautiful time of year.
With this in mind the {NewNew} heads to the Bell House in Brooklyn on
May 9th and 10th to host the Spring Handmade Cavalcade. This two-day
shopping affair will feature gifts for grads and moms, fantastic
housewares and pretty paper goods for hosts and hostesses, and apparel
and accessories for any occasion.

Since its inception last September, the Handmade Cavalcade events have
built a loyal following, and helped launch the {NewNew} as a
collective that introduces a steady stream of emerging independent
designers and artists to the local community. Recognized as a leader
in local happenings, the event has already garnered major sponsorships
from Yelp and Etsy, two major forces on the local and handmade scene.
In keeping with tradition, the Spring Handmade Cavalcade will bring 30
vendors to the Bell House, a magnificent two-room music and events
venue in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn.

"We're thrilled to be able to hold this event in such a gorgeous
setting," said Kristen Couse, who is coordinating the event. "Like our
Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at the Knitting Factory last December, we
hope to establish lasting beneficial relationships by bringing the
local communities out to support local businesses. Shopping from
independent artists keeps money in our communities and makes an
investment in our neighborhood.”

This local focus extends to the event's collaboration with charity
partner St. John's Bread & Life, which addresses the issues of hunger
and poverty in Brooklyn and Queens.. A limited edition artists' book
will be available for sale to benefit the charity. In addition,
shoppers who make a donation will receive a surprise handmade gift.

Free, limited-edition tote bags are available to the first 200
visitors who RSVP on the event's website, and can be picked up by
visiting on either day of the event up until 1pm, Sunday May 10. And
everyone who makes a purchase at the event will be able to participate
in a raffle for one of ten artist-embellished totes chock-full of
handmade goods.

To add to the fun, DJ Joshy B will be spinning Brooklyn spring-time soul, hip hop, funk, and indie rock while you do some unique, handmade weekend shopping.
What: The Spring Handmade Cavalcade
When: Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2009. 10am–4pm both days
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St. between 2nd and 3rd Aves, Brooklyn

About the {NewNew}

The {NewNew} is an eclectic group of independent artists devoted to
fostering a creative and supportive environment among its members. The
group encourages a spirit of camaraderie through craftsmanship and
collaboration, and strives to help its members achieve success on both
a personal and professional level. Created in the summer of 2007, The
{NewNew} brings together Etsy artists from NY, NJ and CT to share
resources, search new marketplaces, and seek out business
opportunities in the tri-state area.

Roof Top Garden Inspiration

2009-04-20T15:05:00.003-04:00

Today I was working on a zine page for Stella of Look Closely Press. It's a small page on how to make a watering system out of a soda bottle. I started my roof top garden this weekend and all the memories of last summer's hardships can flooding back. It gets really hot up there on the black top. My tomato plants Always needed a great amount of water. With no hose, I had to carry a huge construction site bucket up two flights almost every other day. By the end of the summer I made the trip less and less and my poor plants completely dried out. I thought this year I would try out this simple system. I'll let you know how it works.

While searching for images, I came across these really cool things.
First is an LED light up pot! If you decide to have a rave in your garden, it would fit right in.

Second is this beautiful flower pot ring.
It was made by Allison Wells of Paper Snake.
You can take your garden with you, if you keep hand in a horizontal position.

I am obviously procrastinating getting over to the studio on this rainy day, but I thought someone else might enjoy these items too.

More Affordable Dresses for Summer

2009-04-16T12:53:00.003-04:00

Look for me in McCarren Park this Sunday with Charlie & Sarah.

Finally Some New Stuff!!!!!

2009-04-10T21:04:00.004-04:00

The new extra affordable dresses!
I'm getting ready for the summer fair season with these very simple jersey dresses.
They have the same style and effort of printing,
but way less work sewing, so I can price then at a low low $4o.
Way better than @merican @pparel!

Easter Surprise!!

2009-04-10T21:18:00.005-04:00

Chocolate rabbits, marshmallow peeps, jelly beans? Aren't you sick of the same old Easter stuff? Searching for a special and original gift for your little one, someone else's, or a young at heart?
Stop by Artist & Fleas to pick up a Binis Monster, that squishes up into an egg for easy transport and safe keeping,
from Karen's Monsters.