So, I’m still working on issue #3 of Joie, but there won’t be a guest blogger today. Instead, I am sending you away. Well, not actually away, but to another blog and specifically to read a series of posts on Crafty Pod.

Sister Diane of Crafty Pod has been blogging about the sustainability of free in the indie/craft community & on the Internet. Why should you care about that? Well, think about all the things you (and me) enjoy on the Internet that are free. This blog for one, but many other things. Other blogs, forums, patterns, tutorials, printables and lots & lots other free content that adds value to your life. What are the realities and the consequences of all that stuff being free? What does it mean to the producers and to the consumers? What are the benefits, monetary and otherwise? How has it and how will it shape our community? Is it sustainable? Is it bad? Is it good? Is it both?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this dilemma of the Internet (and of our indie/craft/creative/blogging community). The question that if content is free, then how do the content makers get compensated for the creation of that content? And should they be?  It’s a timely one for me, as I come up with new projects that add to my workload to create a wonderful world of indie here for you. Honestly, it’s a question I struggle with and I know I am not the only content creator who does. I also struggle with it as a content consumer…

I wish my thoughts around this whole subject of free were more organized and that I’ve had some great epiphany, but alas I fear we are both left wanting in that department. Thank goodness, Sister Diane, who has been around even longer than me in the indie/craft blogging world (since 2005, to my 2006) has done a commendable job of beginning the discussion. Please join her and me in that discussion after reading her posts.

The Sustainably of Free Series at Crafty Pod

Post #1 – How Sustainable is Free? (The start of a series…)

Post #2 – Free and Sustainability and Community and Money

Post #3 -  The Non-Monetary Benefits (and Consequences) of Free

{{image by tonx}}

Jenn from Just Jenn Designs and Just Jenn Recipes sent me some cookies over the weekend. She wrote on her blog…

Look. Let’s have a talk. We’re all on hard times right now, but it doesn’t mean you have to be a dick about it. I believe that if you send out good vibes, good things will come back to you. It’s not a zen thing or a religious thing, it’s just…a positivity thing. Some people are haters or just plain old mean, but I think it comes back to you in the end.

So I thought I’d try to spread a little happiness. I boxed up a few sweets and sent them out into the world. Some to people who have been very supportive of me and some to people that I barely know at all. Hopefully it will make people happy and inspire them to spread the happiness to others.

I totally love Jenn’s sentiment and she’s a real sweetie. This is not the first time she has sent me sweets in the mail either….I really owe her some return treats!

I also just love the card she included with the goodies. You can buy a set or a single card here.

Every week there is always more that I want to blog about that I just can’t seem to fit it, so I’m starting a new feature called Weekly Fixx. Weekly Fixx will periodically appear when I have an abundance of stuff I want to share.

Speaking of abundance, frequent quest contributor Jess Gonacha started a new blog called peacannoot. Pecannoot is a celebration, appreciation and recognition of our every day abundance. Jess will be sharing images of abundance that she creates as well as images from others. In fact, I submitted an image and you can see it here.

Some more weekly fixx:

Call for Submissions for A Greener Day Galleria. Deadline to apply is February 28th.

Recipe Cards Free Download by me.

Check out my new food blog Some Clever Spoon.

Read about Feed Your Soul: the free art project.

If you haven’t heard the news, Craft Mag closing down. Luckily the Craftzine blog is sticking around.

Totally Indie Coupons is looking for more contributors for their 10th round of indie savings!

Art Star is accepting applications for their 2009 Art Star Craft Bazaar.

Renee from Wolfie and the Sneak wrote to tell me about the Handmade Kids Sweepstakes over at Etsy that she’s participating in.  You can vote for your favorite Etsy kid’s stuff and enter to win one of fourteen $350 Etsy shopping sprees. Vote Here!

If you want to vote for Renee, her section is here. Each of the participants have a chance to win a $200 shopping spree if they win their categories.

Tofu for Obama Plush from Chris Creatures at Crafty Bastards June 2008. Pic from Laura.

Well, I ended up feeling well enough to go to Crafty Bastards, although I was really glad that my friend Laura drove…even though she inadvertently went the wrong way (because we were talkin’) on the Washington Beltway and we ended up in Virginia, which is totally the wrong direction. I am such a horrible friend, I promised her that I wouldn’t tell anybody and here I just blabbed it to about 50,000 people.

I’m sorry, Laura! I can’t help it, I am a blog whore….My life is fodder for my blog.

Anyway, Crafty Bastards was okay. Lots of folks I’d already seen before, which is not bad at all, since I was able to check in with some peeps that I know….Annie from Imogene, Shawnna and Michael from Spaghetti Kiss, Jess from Art School Drop-out, Caitlin of Rebound Designs and more. I was just looking to find some new artists and designers to add to the Indie Fixx Shop though and I didn’t really discover that many who fit the curated feel of the Shop. I did talk to a couple of people though and I’ll be sure to let you know if I add anyone new to the shop, I always do.

It really was a fun day though, visiting with peeps, listening to bands, checking out indie stuff and hanging with my bestie Laura. I will be planning on visiting the September Crafty Bastards show for sure.

I did buy some soap from Biggs and Featherbell and a crafty motherfucker notepad from Rar Rar Press (pictured below).

***Warning*** Don’t scroll down if you are at work and have people looking over your shoulder.

Remember, if you live in the Baltimore/DC area or close enough, then make sure to attend the 2nd annual Pile of Craft indie craft show tomorrow, Saturday, June 21st, 2008. It’s a free event and there will be 40+ crafty vendors showcasing there wares. It’s held indoors at St. John’s Church located at 2640 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Click here for directions. I’m going to be there selling my wares from the Indie Fixx Shop, so stop by, see the goods and say hello.

Here’s a link to pictures from last year’s Pile of Craft on flickr. It was lots of fun and I know this one is going to be as well!

Here are a few goodies I can’t wait to check out (and possibly buy)!

Waxwing Dictionary Necklace from Pretty Silly Things

Vintage Plate Ring from The Broken Plate

Color Study Necklaces from The Littlest Bean

Mojita Soap from Bunny Butt Apothecary

Print from Bees Knees Studio

Bag from Giant Dwarf Design

I’m not sure if you’ve heard the news yet or not, but Jena, one of my favorite fellow indie bloggers and shop owners, has decided to close the Modish shoppe. It’s actually sort of bittersweet news, sad for us since it will be one less place that we have to do some indie shopping, but it’s actually a positive change for Jena. Running an online indie boutique and writing a successful indie blog is actually a lot of hard work and doesn’t leave time for much else. Jena has decided to rearrange the priorities in her life and to pursue some new stuff—something just had to give, and that something was the Modish shoppe.

Jena has done a fantastic job growing and developing the Modish shoppe and has stamped her recognizable Modish style on it. I totally respect her, her style and all her hard work. I wish her good luck in her all her new undertakings, which I am sure that you will hear more about down the road on Modish.

The Modish shoppe isn’t closing until June 30th, so there is still plenty of time for you to get some last minute shopping in. There’s a whole bunch of stuff on sale, plus use the code “byemodish” for 15% off all orders.

Read more about the Charm City Craft Mafia in my interview with them below.

Plus, if you live in the Baltimore/DC area or close enough, then make sure to attend the 2nd annual Pile of Craft indie craft show to be held next Saturday, June 21st, 2008. The event, featuring 40+ crafty vendors, will be held indoors at St. John’s Church located at 2640 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Click here for directions. I’m going to be there selling my wares from the Indie Fixx Shop.

Here’s a link to pictures from last year’s Pile of Craft on flickr.

The Charm City Craft Mafia members

MIKEY of Spaghetti Kiss

1. How do you explain to people what you do? Do your family, friends and coworkers know what you do or are you a “closet indie crafter”?

I find myself constantly trying to find new ways to explain what I do because simply saying that I print on T-shirts doesn’t seem to cut it. Ask any crafter what they do and expect more than a three-word answer. We all do this for the love of the art/craft of it (god knows it’s not about the money) and it’s a huge part of our everyday thought process, so all of that goes into how we ‘refer’ to our work.

I can’t imagine keeping what I do hidden; making art is who I am, as cheesy as that may sound. I rely on my friends, family and coworkers for their feedback (both positive and critical) and support. Getting into crafting is time consuming and risky and the people you love are a crucial element. Besides, who else would have bought my stuff when I was just starting out?!?!?

Skullopus tee from Spaghetti Kiss

RACHEL from Red Prairie Press

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business. What made you decide to take the plunge?

I started printing tshirts and posters for rock bands in college, and continued as a part time thing in the years after graduating while working a series of inspirationless jobs during the day. I woke up one morning two years ago and realized that I loathed everything about my day job and I couldn’t wait to get home every night to do what I liked doing. It was a relatively easy transition to say “That’s IT. This is what I like doing (designing, printing, working with my hands, being creative, working in my own time…), and this is what I DON’T like doing (being under appreciated & underpaid, dressing in “business casual”, having a cranky boss, saying the phrase “lunch n learn”).” Turns out, if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen. I think the desperation to never work for anyone else ever again helped…but loving what you do really is what keeps you motivated. Also, Mikey is right to mention the importance of family & friends in the beginning. I remember celebrating my “first web sale” and then celebrating even MORE—my “first web sale to a complete stranger!” Without encouragement, I’d have gone nowhere…and taken no risks.

Cat Cloud Tote from Red Prairie Press

ANNIE of Imogene

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

My inspirations come from my surroundings—maybe a clipping from a magazine, a pattern seen outside, a person, or a conversation, a piece of music or a film. In life, I often look to the women in history who have worked so hard so that I may enjoy the liberties that I have today—I never want to forget that I too have a responsibility to the next generation of women.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

My advice is always this: you must KNOW that your biggest dream can become your reality. Work hard and surround yourself with like-minded people.

Necklaces from Imogene

SHAWNA of Pink Kiss

5. What three things can’t you live without?

1. My kiln. I just bought a new electronic kiln and I love love love it. I can program it to go on when I am at work. It’s also really important to what I do, obviously:)

2. My computer. I’m addicted to the Internet and checking out other artists work. I also love to read blogs and am constantly checking Etsy. Luckily, I now have the iphone which just makes it more obnoxious!

3. My kitchen. I know I’m cheating but I love to cook and am always a little sad when we travel and have to eat out the whole time! Cooking relaxes me so much. I would be a happy girl to stay at home, cook and make pots all day.

6. What’s the best thing about what you do?

Opening the kiln after a glaze fire. It’s like Christmas every time. There is such a feeling of satisfaction opening a kiln full of finished work.

And the worst?

Waiting. There are so many stages in my work where I have to wait for something to set, then wait for it to dry all the way. Then wait for the underglaze to dry, then wait for the kiln, then wait for the glaze to dry and wait for the kiln again. It takes about 2 weeks for anything to go through the entire process.

Ceramic mug from Pink Kiss

REBECCA of Bake Sale Designs

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

This probably isn’t the best one for me to answer since I’m not online nearly as much as I used to be and feel kind of out of it where blogs and magazines are concerned. Right now, since I now own my very first house, it’s all about the house–decorating, gardening and furniture blogs and mags. I’ve been looking at Apartment Therapy a lot and This Old House actually has some useful tips for beginners.

8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

I was definitely an arts craftsy kid. I took lots of classes outside of school art classes like pottery, photography and sewing. Really anything that didn’t rely on my fairly non-existent drawing skills was fun for me. When I go to visit my parents, I think it’s cool that they still have my art projects and my brother’s art all over the place, up in frames, on shelves. I had never really thought about it before but my parents certainly nurtured and respected our creativity. I’m still known to break out magazines, stickers and construction paper and make welcom home decorations to hang from the ceiling or silly cards for friends.

Bangle Bags from Bake Sale Designs

EVERYONE

9. Share something really goofy about yourself

There are two things that are vital to a craft mafia meeting running smoothly: Wine and Frito Scoops. That’s just how it is.

Also, since none of us eat dinner before craft mafia meetings, we always need extra large amounts of those things.

HEATHER from HVM Designs

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

Indie is a sensibility to me—something that has a new twist, but made using traditional techniques, or a new technique to make a traditional item. Something that builds on the classic idea, made in small batches, with lots of care and thought.

Unique art from HVM Designs

ALI from Pistol Stitched

11.What are you reading, watching, listening to?

Just finished Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon and LOVED it, watching the second season of The Wire, listening to Vampire Weekend and new Elvis Costello. Also listening to business tips for crafters from Bruce Baker!

Clutch from Pistol Stitched

JO of Meghan and Jo Aprons

12. What’s one thing you’ve learned as an adult that you wish you knew when you were a kid?

I am not sure I have learned anything yet from being an adult. The one thing I realized about myself now that I definitely knew better when I was little, is that I need to find ways to bring creativity into my life and if I can’t find it at work, I need to find it other places. When I was little, I painted, made dolls, created new board games, held “photo shoots”… Until recently, I thought I could find satisfaction out of my job. But, really, I need the outside projects, the ability to be creative, and to have multiple outlets to feel more fulfilled and happy.

CHRISTA of It Knits

13. What’s new with your business? Any new plans or products that you want to share?

I am about to make the jump from a full time day job to full time crafter/operator of It Knits, which is pretty exciting! I’ve just created a few new products including hand cabled wrist bands and silk knitted ties, which will be for sale at Pile of Craft, Artscape and on my website soon.

Scarf from It Knits

SARA from Kiss My Crafts

14. What’s the Charm City Craft Mafia all about?

The Charm City Craft Mafia is a group of talented and motivated artists and crafters who are dedicated to the independent crafting community in Baltimore and beyond. There are over a dozen members of the Mafia who all play a role in everything the group does, including: putting on two shows a year, “Pile of Craft” and “Holiday Heap,” participating in other shows and events, providing resources to local artists and crafters by facilitating free tax and legal workshops, and promoting and advocating for d.i.y. artists through press and online media (including our blog on our website). Each artist is successful in his or her own business, but there is so much more that we are all able to do by coming together as a group and pooling our strengths and resources! I feel very lucky to be a part of such an amazing and diverse group of artists.

Vases from Kiss My Crafts

EVERYONE

15. What else is cool in Baltimore besides the CCCM?

It’s hard to believe, but actually, there are many things in Baltimore that (depending on who you ask) might just SURPASS the CCCM in coolness. Here are some super cool things to check out (definitely not a complete list):
-Baltimore Etsy Street Team
-Charm City Kitty Club
-Charm City Roller Girls
-Dangerously Delicious Pies
-Red Tree
-Atomic Books
-Double Dutch Boutique
-Trixie’s Palace
-The Creative Alliance
-The American Visionary Arts Museum
-The Charles Theater
-Normals Bookstore
-Charm City Art Space
-The City Paper
-The Golden West
-Wham City
-Book Thing
-The Farmers’ Market (both Waverly AND Downtown)
-Charm City Cakes
-The 14 Karot Cabaret

Members of the Charm City Craft Mafia:

Red Prairie Press
Sleepy Records
Bake Sale Designs
Kiss My Crafts
Imogene
HVM Designs
Spaghetti Kiss
Cotton Monster
It Knits
Pistol Stitched
Pink Kiss
Meghan and Jo Aprons