Bodylove Naturals Body Scrub. Available in awesome scents like Orange Creamsicle!

Explain what you do in 5 words.

Natural, cruelty-free beauty products!

Why did you decide to start Bodylove Naturals?

I decided to start Bodylove Naturals because I was sick of looking for/spending a lot of my money on high quality, natural/vegan beauty products. I found it hard to find completely natural products. Even though some products list claims like “natural” or “organic” on them, once I read the label I saw they still contained ingredients I couldn’t pronounce! Fed up, I started researching homemade beauty products and discovered how much I enjoyed making them for myself. That led me to the idea that I could expand on that and make them for others too. That’s how Bodylove Naturals started!

What process do you go through to make one of your products?

All our products have different processes and steps. Our whipped body butters are probably the trickiest products to make. After melting the butters at just the right temperature, I whip the mixture in an ice bath to cool it, making sure to add the fragrance/essential oils at just the right time. It took me a while to get the hang of that one!

What is your most used or most important piece of equipment?

My scale! All my recipes are measured out very precisely by weight. Without it I wouldn’t be able to make anything!

What is your favorite part of your business?

My favorite part of the business is knowing I’m providing all natural, cruelty-free products for my customers and for myself. I use all my own products, and I like that I can feel good about what I put on my skin. I never have to worry about scary chemicals or preservatives being absorbed into my body.

What problems did you have to overcome while creating your natural product line?

I’d say the biggest obstacle was finding the right recipes for the products. I was very picky about it. Also, I had to experiment quite a bit before I was 100% satisfied with the end result and be proud enough to put our name on it.

Bodylove Natural Perfumes are made with a coconut oil base and phthalate-free fragrance oil. (Phthatlate is considered a carcinogenic substance which may cause damage to kidneys, liver, lungs and affect fertility.)

What projects are you currently working on for Bodylove Naturals?

Currently I’m working on a new perfume to add to the shop. It will be made with only essential oils (as opposed to phthalate-free fragrances) so it will be even more natural than the perfume oil we currently offer.

Do you practice a vegan (or similar) lifestyle outside of Bodylove Naturals?

Yes I do! I eat a gluten-free vegan diet for health and personal reasons. As restricting as it can sometimes be, it actually has opened my eyes to a variety of new foods/dishes that I wouldn’t have even thought of trying otherwise.

Any advice for our readers who want to start transitioning to a more natural lifestyle?

Transitioning to a natural lifestyle can seem daunting so I recommend starting with small changes. For example, starting with something simple like changing your beauty products. Then if you want to start eating naturally, cut out packaged foods that are not labeled 100% natural or organic. That is probably the easiest way to be sure you are avoiding harmful additives/preservatives. Baby steps. That’s how I did it!

If you were going to give some advice about the most important thing that one could do when choosing their body care products, what would it be? 

My one piece of advice is to always read labels and don’t buy anything with ingredients that you cannot easily pronounce. By just doing that one thing, you usually can cut out most harmful products.

What places/magazines/websites do you frequent for inspiration?

I love looking at products on Etsy and Pinterest. I also love iherb. I buy some bulk ingredients from the site (like my organic unrefined coconut oil!). Also I enjoy browsing new products at local natural food and health stores to see what new ideas I can incorporate into Bodylove Naturals.

You have been selected to go on all-expenses paid vacation for two weeks with one person. Who are you taking?

That’s tough! I think I’d probably take raw vegan David Wolfe. He’s very inspiring and knowledgeable. I feel like I would learn a lot from him.

What are your 2012 goals for Bodylove Naturals?

I think my main goal is to expand our customer base. We have a few devoted/returning customers, but I’d really like to get our name out there more, and let more people know what we’re all about.

Where do you see Bodylove Naturals in 2-3 years?

If finances allow, I would love to be able to expand our product line, and also have our products offered in health/wellness stores like Natural Food Pantry and Kardish here in Canada.

Lastly, any art or business mistakes/advice you want to share with aspiring makers?

I would say the most important thing is to never give up; stick with it! It is very hard in the beginning, and you may find it difficult to stay motivated or enthusiastic during the times you aren’t even breaking profit-wise. Just remember to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing, and why it means so much to you. That makes it worth it!

Free Lip Balm on all orders over $20!

Thanks Shannon for taking the time to answer our questions and for offering CAC readers this exclusive discount:

10% OFF your entire purchase at Bodylove Naturals Etsy shop with coupon code: VEGAN10.

(offer valid until Monday May 14th, 2012)

Keep in touch with Shannon & Bodylove Naturals: etsy / facebook / twitter

Any tips for us on how to live a more natural/healthy lifestyle? Or recommendations of your favorite organic product? Please share your suggestions below!

Read on to learn about Patrick’s creative inspirations and Patrick’s special discount for CAC readers. Also, I highly recommend checking out the concrete and plaster processes photo album on the Cruickshank Creative Facebook page, it’s very fascinating!

Close-up of concrete pot. Available in the Etsy shop.

Many of the pieces available in your Etsy shop have a unique rustic and textured appearance, would you say that is your style?

Yes. I think I’ve leaned pretty heavily on the “rustic” look since I started working with concrete. It seems to come most naturally for me. Concrete lends itself quite well to that look too.

What is the process you go through to make one of your concrete and plaster creations?

The technical process is basically the same for the products or creations I’ve made so far. I start with making a master model, then make a mold from that master model, then make a cast in the mold using concrete or some other material. Then I paint or detail the casting to finish it up.

What is currently a favorite artwork that you have made?

I made a concrete planter (pictured below) for a friend that had pieces of a broken wine bottle integrated throughout it. I quite like how that one turned out. 

What is your most used or most important piece of equipment?

For a very long time it would have been a black Pilot G-TEC-C4 pen that I used for the Devotions series and writing and sketching. I probably went through around 30 of those pens over three years. But right now I think it would have to be a set of small stainless steel sculpting tools that I use when modeling.

What is your preferred subject and medium? Why?

My preferred subject would likely be Abstraction. I’m not entirely sure why, but since I was young and drawing I’ve been consistently fascinated with abstract drawing. I prefer any drawing medium like pencil, pen, charcoal — anything that becomes a natural extension of my hand.

I admire any artist that can commit to long term projects, your Devotions project where you created 1096 drawings everyday for 3 years definitely falls in that category. How did Devotions and your current project, The 100, start?

The Devotions series developed out of a desire to be productive creatively every day. I wanted to have something that was “finished” every day that could be a part of a series. The idea of working within restrictions really intrigued me, like drawing within a 2cm by 3.2cm space and finishing each day without missing a day. I knew that I was really into detail so drawing in such a small space made sense. Around the time I started the series I was also recording everything I did each day through pictures and writing, so recording each day visually sort of tied into that as well.

For The 100 series I wanted to continue in the style of the devotions series but without having to do one every day. I changed the size to 4cm by 6.4cm (bigger, but still quite small) and also switched to using pencil instead of pen.

No.13 of 100, 01.21.11, 4cm by 6.4cm, pencil.

What magazines and/or websites do you frequent for inspiration? 

I frequent Booooooom and Etsy.  

Do you have any favorite places in the city to go for inspiration?

I used to live right next to Trout Lake in Vancouver. I would go there often to take a break from work, but I haven’t found a place out here in Abbotsford as nice or convenient as Trout Lake.

Do you have any formal art/business training that you incorporate into your business?

I went to Emily Carr for about two years in the general fine arts program. I also worked for a company called DreamCast that introduced me to concrete and mold-making.

What is your dream project?

I’d like to design and build a living/studio space for myself one day. Being able to completely design a space without many restrictions and being able to make a lot the furniture and décor would be great.

Patrick's current studio, a converted living room.

Bonus round: You have been selected to go on all expenses paid vacation for two weeks with an artist, a writer and one free choice. Who are you taking?

I’m taking Marcel Duchamp, C.S. Lewis and Christopher Hitchens. Mostly because I think it would be interesting to see them vacation together.

What are your 2012 goals for your shop and artwork?

I want to keep improving my Etsy shop and continue to add new designs and products. There are an endless amount of materials, processes, techniques, ideas and designs that I want to experiment with. As well as finishing The 100 series.

Any art or business mistakes/advice you want to share with aspiring artists?

My advice is this song:

Keep in touch with Cruickshank Creative: website/ etsy/ facebook/ twitter

Where does the name ‘Pinto Bags’ come from? 

The Pinto Bags name comes from our 1973 Ford Pinto Station Wagon, which we’ve grown to love and rely on during all our road trips around B.C. The Pinto Bags logo is the exact colour and model; it even includes the wood paneling and trims! It’s funky, unique and no one else I know has one! The vinyl interior still looks brand new and despite its age, it still grabs everyone’s attention at farmers’ markets.

How did the business idea about making green-friendly bags/wallets start?

I admit that I’m not the first to think of this; I give most of the credit to a local skate shop Thriller in Vancouver. Internationally, our biggest competitor is Freitag, which is based in Europe. They’ve been reusing truck tarps since the ’80s and their line is incredibly popular. I see more of their bags than ours being worn at farmers’ markets. I dream of becoming as big as them one day.

a Pinto Bags upcycled vinyl clutch wallet

Does anybody help you run Pinto Bags?

My devoted husband, Chris, my retired mother and a few close friends occasionally will work for product, but mostly I run Pinto Bags myself.

What does your studio/work space look like?

The location changes quite frequently. Right now we have a shipping container heated and insulated to hold the sewing machines and hydraulics. The shipping container was intended to be a secure storage option next to our home, but we realized that it would make a great studio space, so we invested money into keeping it properly heated and wired.

What is the process you go through to make one of your products?

There are so many steps, where do I start! The materials are most important. We dive into dumpsters to acquire the vinyl, bring it home to our 36’ x 12’ porch that has no railings and is custom made to lie out billboards. After, we wash them barefoot using eco-friendly products like Greenworks dish soap and a long scrubby, bucket and hose. The washed materials are then hung to dry, followed by cutting and sewing.

What is your most used or most important piece of equipment?

Our 25-ton Hydraulic Clicker Cutter! Before the clicker cutter, we would trace a cardboard pattern onto the vinyl, then cut one layer at a time by hand, which took about 10 minutes per piece. Now it takes 10 seconds to cut 15 layers!

How do you balance your personal life and business?

What personal life! A date with my husband would start with a lead on a full dumpster. He fires up his truck and we go dumpster diving together. It’s like that IKEA commercial “start the car!”

Where do you get your inspiration?

Most of the online inspiration comes from Etsy & Freitag. The most inspiring place to go and think is Tofino, B.C. Watching the waves set, surfing and beachcombing helps me appreciate the amazing places we have just a few hours away.

Do you have any favorite places in the city to go for inspiration?

I used to go to Stanley Park to blade around the seawall, but lately I find myself enjoying walking on the sand in White Rock. All I need is my Chinook wool sweater and my Timmies coffee and anytime is beach time.

Do you have any formal art or business training that you incorporate into your business?

No, I learned how to sew vinyl by starting small. I started sewing too enthusiastically as a teen; I remember sewing gortex snowboard pants in high school which ended up being 4 inches to wide and 6 inches too short. I failed, but I learned a few lessons from it, that’s for sure!

When people ask you what you do, which labels do you use? Professional, artist, crafter, etc.?

Designer / Artist. Sometimes when I send emails, below my signature, I write ‘Head-Hon-Show’.

What are your 2012 goals for your shop?

Well, we would like to launch one more design by spring, and three more designs by winter. (The new messenger bags — pictured below — are finished and will be listed in the next few weeks. Stand by! )

Do you plan on sticking to using only vinyl highway billboards, or do you plan on integrating other recycled products as well?

Oh yes! We’ve started recycling neoprene wetsuits from rental shops in Tofino, and plan on integrating them into bags as insulation, even making tablet sleeves. Other materials we use include neoprene wetsuits, old shoe laces, cereal boxes, corrugated plastic, corrugated cardboard, bbq covers, popped air mattresses, seat belts, re-used zippers and clear plastic table cloth covers.

Do you practice veganism and/or recycling outside of your business?

Some say I’m not a vegetarian because I eat bacon, but I consider myself vegetarian mostly. When I have it, I eat veggie bacon instead, but I can only buy it in the states — well, the good stuff that is.

Any craft or business advice you want to share with aspiring crafters?

What’s a cupcake without the icing! The fine details and finishing are what sells your product. I don’t want Pinto Bags to resemble the shopping bags you can purchase for a buck at big grocers. Instead, Pinto Bags are stitched one way, and then turned inside out and top stitched for added support. All of our straps are long so they make a complete circuit around the entire bottom of the bags so the weight is properly distributed, not just on the vinyl itself. Plus we line our wallets with other recycled materials like ripped nylon tents, broken nylon umbrellas or denim. We are all about finding uses for almost everything we can get from corporations as waste. We are always looking for a challenge. Our latest one is looking for a supplier for bike inner tubes.

To celebrate being featured as CAC’s Monthly Maker, Pinto Bags is offering CAC readers two special discounts. Thanks Ashley!

 ** Pinto Bags will be at Make It: Vancouver, April 20-22 and December 6-9 & Make it: Edmonton, May 20-22. **

Keep in touch with Pinto Bags! Website / Etsy/ Facebook / Twitter 

This is a column celebrating independent Canadian artists and their work. Each month I will introduce a new Monthly Maker (MM) who will share their skills, advice, goals and quirks with readers. Also, as a special treat, each MM will offer either a tutorial or deal specifically for CAC readers.

MMs will differ in terms of what they create (artists, crafters, potters or jewellery makers, etc.), but these are all individuals who are taking time to do what they love and sharing it with the world.

Drop by each month to meet a new, fresh-faced creative and be inspired!

Let’s kick-off the launch with January’s Monthly Maker, Denise (pictured below) of Thrifty By Design, is a web designer, crafter extraordinaire and an upcycler of things. Have a read and then enter Denise’s giveaway at the end of the post!

Denise is one talented gal with a wicked sense of humour, whose passion lies in using her skills to transform “trash” into beautiful functional objects. I first saw her work at Langara College’s Art Auction and I was instantly smitten by her style. Denise was kind enough to chat with CAC about Thrifty By Design (TBD), what inspires her and why it is okay to be thrifty.

TBD grew from Denise’s love of building and transforming objects, which she discovered while studying for a fine arts degree at Capilano College. With an artistic background and a serendipitous purchase of a 1950’s Singer sewing machine (that included one sewing lesson) for ten bucks, Denise began to create purely to feed her soul rather than her pocketbook (a consequence many practicing artists face).

While talking with Denise, I understood how TBD is not just a hobby for her, but a necessity that lines up perfectly with her belief to be authentic and be proud of the work she puts out into the world.

A school friend, who once described Denise as “thrifty,” inspired the name Thrifty By Design. Initially interpreting “thrifty” as “cheap”, Denise was offended, but as she began to see herself as her friend did she embraced the title, not as a good or bad trait but simply as who she is.

The TBD workspace doubles as Denise’s living space and studio. Living in a one bedroom apartment, she has inventive ways to conceal her supplies and projects. Contrary to belief, Denise’s passion for upcycling items does not mean she lives like a hoarder. She avoids the hoarder lifestyle by being diligent about what items she buys/receives as donations and by giving away some of her finished items. Her parents also quite generously lend their house as a storage and studio space. It’s no surprise, then, that Denise practices what she preaches and lives an upcycled lifestyle. The only newly purchased item in her apartment is a couch. Everything else was a gift, hand-me-down or a repurposed project. A guy friend recently described her décor as “antique-y,” but she prefers “eclectic and colourful.”

When she isn’t crafting, Denise is probably attending yoga classes to balance her lifestyle, or exploring Vancouver’s Gastown, checking out the home décor stores for inspiration. She stresses how easy it is to create a similar item you may find in a high-end furniture store for way less money and how incredibly rewarding it is to create something with your own hands.

Denise’s 2012 goals for TBD include streamlining it to steer TBD into a serious business, and taking more courses in woodworking (she’s fond of power tools), and perhaps one on glass or metalworks for repurposing jewelry.

To end of our first Monthly Maker feature on TBD, I share with you words of wisdom from Denise:

“It’s great to explore your ideas. You can get overwhelmed trying to do it all and end up with many unfinished projects. Instead, focus and put your time and energy into the right project. Be honest with yourself. Don’t commit to something that does not motivate or interest you. Yes, you have to pay bills and make a living, but be content with what you put out there.”

To coincide with Valentine’s Day, Denise created a special Valentine’s Day Goodie Bag tutorial for CAC! Click on the image above to access a PDF of the tutorial. (If you try this, please link your results!)

Also, to make the launch of MM even sweeter, Denise has offered a giveaway of the two Goodie Bags she created for the tutorial filled with chocolate from Cinnamon’s, a specialty chocolate shop located in North Vancouver.

To enter TBD’s giveaway, post a comment below about our first Monthly Maker before Feb.13, 2012 5pm PST. One entry per person. We will randomly select two winners and post the winners.

——–Good luck!——

UPDATE: Congratulations to our two lucky winners: Marjo Fournier & Kiersten!! Please contact Denise to receive your prize!

**Feeling inspired? Here are TBD‘s favorite inspirational sources:
Gibsons Recycling Depot / Design*Sponge / Knack / Pure Green Living Magazine / Recyclart / Upcycled

A great example of a business card/incentive. The shopper can split the card into two coupons, one for themselves & one for a friend.

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people I know expressed interest in buying handmade and local as their holiday gifts. The holiday shopper is an excellent way to build your business, especially with the increase of local craft and Christmas markets.

So how can you, a small business owner, stand out from the sea of handmade goods during the holiday season, which potentially can be highly profitable?

Here are some suggestions to gain new customers and retain old ones:

1) Offer A Deal/ Promotion.
Have a holiday sale or offer an incentive for repeat customers. I suggest something more memorable to get you noticed like offering a discount solely for redheads or something more like what I saw recently: “I broke my leg, you get 25% off!”

2) Focus.
 Don’t buy a table at all the local shows and then offer every variation of your product for sale, just to widen your customer base. Doing so may hurt your business and takeaway the uniqueness of your product, instead concentrate on a niche market, and focus your products on that target market. Sell and advertise at venues where your target market is.

3) Distracting Displays Will Affect Sales.
Displays should enhance and showcase your products not detract from them. Design your display for your target audience: consider their age or what colour will attract them. Can your product be easily seen and handled by shoppers? This is one of the times when less is more.

packaging idea by Jessika Hepburn

4) The Package Will Get You Noticed.
I always remember whether certain shops have interesting packaging or not. Think of alternative ways to add personal touches to the bags/boxes you use. You could even jazz up a plain package with a custom stamp or sticker. When a seller is taking great care in the packaging, you know they must be putting even more effort into their overall product. As a bonus, that customer now is carrying your attractive package throughout their trip, which is some free advertisement for you! Also, consider offering free gift-wrapping if your customer is purchasing a gift.

5) Giveaway The Right Freebies.
Parents who attend shows with their young children may avoid your table if they see that you are offering free sweet treats. Try to think of an inexpensive alternative that will both lure/occupy the kids and please the parents. Identify your target market and create a freebie with them in mind. (…but remember your budget!)

6) The Power Of Business Cards.
Aside from having a unique business card, use your card as an opportunity to offer an incentive for customers. Include a discount code to persuade the shopper to visit your online shop or print a coupon on one side of it. This way even if the shopper doesn’t buy anything at your table, you can still give them something that they can walk away with and remember you by.

7) Free Advertisement.
Wear your own goods! Offer samples to your friends or people you know that will wear it well and to busy places like holiday parties. Women always notice what other women are wearing, and will ask where they can find something as unique as that.

a personalized thank you can help build customer loyalty

8) Build Your Own Army.

Put something in the hands of your happy customers that they can give to somebody else. Perhaps free samples or a “refer a friend” coupon. Show your appreciation to your customers, they will give the love right back in the form of loyalty. Send them an email, or handwrite a personalized thank you note and include it in their order. Interact with them any way you see fit. Just let them know they are important. Happy customers will help you spread the word about the business.

9) Cross Promote.Talk to local business owners and explore cross promotion you may be able to do with them. Other independent artists are probably in the same boat as you, and would be willing to work out a marketing campaign that will benefit the both of you. Work with owners who do not offer similar products as you, this way your target market now has doubled.

10) Keep In Touch.
 Be active on blogs, forums or any other social media that can connect you to your customers and industry. It will keep you in the loop about trends, competition, etc. Also, answer your phone, respond to emails and other inquiries, asap and professionally. Being hard to reach might cost you sales because the customer may see you as unreliable.

Just browsing through Hoopla, I was captivated by the abundance of beautiful photographs and illustrations, a necessity that all craft books should have in order to showcase artwork and to teach the tutorials properly. The book is designed with care and is truly written for the right people, in fact the book is even dedicated to them: “This book is dedicated to those who embroider and those who wish to learn.”

Hoopla is divided into different chapters; each chapter presenting a different style of embroidery, along with interviews with artists that practice that style. We see how each artist has taken this medium, transformed it into their own and created amazingly intricate narratives. As a bonus, once the interviews and imagery captivate you and spark that need to embroider, the book includes well-written tutorials and templates to help guide you along the process. I was definitely inspired from reading the book and lately found myself adding embroidery techniques into my own artwork.

The book is excellently formatted; it is organized neatly so that readers can make sense of all the material and you never feel like you are reading a textbook or an encyclopedia of embroidery.There are limited books on the market about the alternative style of embroidery, especially about creative craft and activism. Hoopla definitely fills that gap and will create an interest for more books like it. After all Leanne’s previous book, Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti, which she co-wrote with Mandy Moore, is already in its second printing.The division of each ‘style’ by chapter allows you to jump back and forth throughout the book and read from different starting points and still understand the material.

"Paulo and Stella" by Esther Oh, one of the tutorials included in Hoopla.

Hoopla is easy to understand and fun to flip through. It allows you to experience art and crafts unexpectedly, but in a good way. It presents embroidery as a bright, bold, smart and sophisticated art form.  Just as promised, Hoopla is a craft book with attitude.

**Leanne is currently traveling North America to promote Hoopla. See if she is coming to your city here.
** Buy directly from Arsenal Pulp Press and receive a free silk-screened embroidery hoop and a subversive embroidery lapel button! (while supplies last)

———————–
Hoopla: the Art of Unexpected Embroidery
Author: Leanne Prain
Photography: Jeff Christenson
Price: $29.95 CAD $29.95 USD/ Trade Paper
ISBN: 9781551524061
408 pages
September 2011
Arsenal Pulp Press

Aimed at the nightclub demographic, Spins & Needles is mobile art party that produces events that are a mash-up between a bar scene, dance club and art show.

Over the past 6 years, Spins & Needles mobile art parties have been held worldwide in bars, clubs and galleries in places like New York, Germany and Montreal. The variety of entertainment that it offers in one space easily caters to various interests and people.

Before attending the Spins & Needles mobile art party at the Waldorf Hotel, I visited the website and was excited by its concept and international status. I was quite surprised that this would be the first mobile art party to take place in Vancouver, after all, Vancouver thrives on unique events that focus on creativity.

Upon entering the Waldorf to attend the art party, my friends and I were greeted by the blaring underground beats (provided by DJ Jason Pelletier, one of Spins & Needles Creative Directors) that lured us into the dim space downstairs which had a craft supply table right next to the dance floor and two large screens that projected foreign black and white footage.

Melanie Yugo and Jason Pelletier, Creative Directors of Spins & Needles

The other Creative Director of Spins & Needles, designer Melanie Yugo, greeted us and revealed Surrealism as the theme of the party. (FYI themes are chosen randomly, it is just a coincidence that the VAG is currently featuring an exhibition on Surrealism) Then she sent us off into the multi-functional space with slips of papers containing art project prompts.

All of the Spins & Needles projects are quite simple and the atmosphere is relaxed, the purpose of the evening is to have fun and create, not to produce fine art pieces. The art supplies are limited, just the bare necessities: scissors, glue, pencil crayons and paper, which I kind of liked because it allowed me to focus more on the process, rather than on the materials. However, I did speak to fellow partygoers who admitted that they preferred a few more material options.

snapshot of projected footage

I am sad to report that Sunday’s turnout were not the kind of numbers Spins and Needles receives when they hold events in places where they are better known and advertised. Ottawa events, where Spins & Needles originated, are routinely packed. Nevertheless, the night turned out to be quite enjoyable. The tables were covered by newspapers and magazines torn apart to accommodate individual art projects with each artist hovered over their piece, simultaneously swaying to the beats and creating. Minus the loud music, I kind of felt like I was in an art class. It was intimate with the occasional chitchat among random folks about their creations.

The only issues I had regarding this particular event were 1) The music being too loud that table conversations had to be shouted. 2) The room was a bit too dark, making it hard for us to see what we were creating. The bright footage on the projectors provided most of the lighting but when it projected darker scenes, it was nearly impossible to see what was right in front of us. And lastly 3) That the mobile art party was not advertised more throughout Vancouver, I know a lot of Vancouverites would have loved to participated!

this is what our table looked like

Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the event for its variety of offerings and agreed that we would definitely attend another Spins & Needles mobile art party, after all, each Spins & Needles party has the same fundamental concepts:

1) to build and sustain creative communities
2) to create an inclusive space where music and art is accessible
3) to encourage and inspire people to be active creators of their lives

….but it is the participants, themes, location and time of each event that make it a unique experience each and every time.

Like what you read and want to bring Spins & Needles back to Vancouver? Click here.

Instead I turned my attention to local sellers that are trying to appeal to the male demographic, which includes the significant others who are unwillingly dragged to craft shows. What products are available to that particular group and what are current sellers doing to grab their attention?

Three local crafters graciously offered their insights on this topic:

Vick, from Adimaa, which features sleeves & cases for iPads, iPhones, MacBooks & other gadgets.

Karen, from Erinyes Designs, which has a unique urban knitwear line for the fashionable and discerning.

Amber, from Element Botanicals, which offers simple and effective handmade body care products. The products contain gentle botanicals and fruit derivatives combined with gentle base ingredients and pure essential oils.

Why are you choosing to target men when women are (by a larger margin) more active consumers on Etsy, craft shows, etc?

KAREN: Initially, my focus had been almost exclusively women clients, but through word of mouth and as male friends of mine encountered my pieces, they began to ask me to make them things. So, last year I designed several pieces intended primarily for men, and one of those pieces, ‘Composition’, has become one of my most popular pieces among men and even with women who have bought it for themselves or for their male partners. This year I designed the men’s pieces to be as much stand alone feature pieces as the women’s and some of them are actually my personal favorites including Brighton and East London.

I would say that my current focus or targeting of customers is equally directed at men and women, but I have found that men are looking for unique pieces, and well designed pieces that are masculine, but still have an element of luxury without being ostentatious, or too showy. It is my conversations with a number of men that inspired me to focus more time on creating men-attractive pieces that they would want to and seek to purchase for themselves. It is still women who are my primary purchasing base, but I think that there is a segment of fashion-interested men who are interested in finding things that appeal to them

How are you marketing your products to men?

VICK: Marketing is not one of my strengths, and while creating I become so involved in the process of creating that I tend to forget about the whole business aspect of it, which is marketing and selling. I believe a majority of artists/ crafters do fall in this category and I am not an exception. I am doing a little bit of marketing by targeting men’s style blogs and other technology related forums that men frequent. I also use social media channels to some extent but am not really very punctual and consistent at it.

KAREN: I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about this lately. The usual routes of artisan shows and online markets such as Etsy tend to draw many more women customers than men, so appealing to men through those avenues is by proxy; women buying things for men.

So, this year and even last, in my lookbooks I’ve elected to use male models with strong masculine features, men who are identifiable to other men, so that there is not this disconnect between what is being marketed at them, and who they are in their own lives. I want my potential male customers to feel like they’d wear the pieces they see because they make sense to them as seen on other men. Additionally, I’m focusing on marketing my men’s pieces to male oriented boutiques, as I think there is a better chance of finding my male customers through those places than in shops that are dually oriented.

I’ve also done hands on marketing and feedback with male customers both potential and actual. I’ve had them test wear pieces and give me feedback on them. And, I have two very trusted male friends with great style sense with whom I can discuss new designs.
One of the things I am hoping to do this year and on an ongoing basis is collaborate with a menswear designer in terms of designing accessories for their overall looks.

What have been your experiences with male consumers?…as buyers on your Etsy store or ones you have encountered at shows.

VICK: My experience with consumers both at Etsy and Trade shows has been positive. It is not that male consumers act differently, I think most consumers act in the same fashion they look for a product that is of use to them, is well made and priced right. The only difference that I do note at times is that male consumers make a decision to purchase or not to purchase pretty quickly.

KAREN: All of my experiences with male customers have been incredibly positive. They’ve been open in expressing their opinions of what they like and what they hope to find when looking for pieces for themselves. I really appreciate their honesty and directness and hearing what it is they are looking for. I obviously enjoy designing all of my pieces, but in terms of my own personal aesthetic, I tend to wear the men’s pieces I design more often than the women’s…so I think I’m really open to hearing what male clients are interested in.

AMBER: We have experienced both ends of the spectrum and everything in between here! There are those who walk right up and engage us with fantastic questions and there are those who sort of hover, unsure of what they’re looking at! Some of our most loyal customers are men…once they have been won over by simply sampling the product, there is a great response. We once had a gentleman try to eat a fresh face masque at a farmer’s market and he came dangerously close! (He even had his own cracker to put it on!) Then again, the most loyal fan of our avocado hair masque was in fact, a nice guy with shiny, long hair.

And lastly, Vick, as the only male on the panel, do have any comments you have about being male and doing the type of work that you do?

VICK: I grew up in a household where everyone did everything, it was never demarcated that this is a women’s job and this is a men’s job. I saw my father cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry and other household chores besides his professional day job. I saw my mother doing everything at home, and doing a professional job at one of the state government’s offices.

I know people find it’s a little strange for a man to be using a sewing machine; these are stereotypes that we our society and we have created over the years. I feel that everyone should be able to pursue whatever his or her interest is without gender getting in the way.

Do you have a favorite male crafter or male-friendly product to share with us?

one of Lacey Jane Robert's works

Inspired by the work of Lacey Jane Roberts, (an artist who connected queer theory and craft very eloquently: listen here) a group of Vancouver-based artists called Textile Group want to spread the word about craft.

Textile Group wants the world to know the stigma about crafts being a ‘lesser’ type of an art-form is not true. Crafts are not just knitted socks, items constructed poorly with macaroni and Elmer’s glue or those god’s eyes you made at summer camp. The Texile Group serves to address the public’s division between art, design and craft. They recognize and celebrate all crafts, especially textile arts, as a method of art production. Art, design and craft are all equal terms, it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

The first project the Textile Group is organizing to celebrate craft is the Craft Pride Procession, scheduled for Saturday August 6, 2011 at 12pm. It is a parade beginning at Main St and East Broadway and ends with a party at MacLean Park. Anyone can join this event and bring their goods to show off!

Here is the invitation letter from their site:

HELLO!

The Textile Group would like to invite you to be involved in the first annual Craft Pride Procession, scheduled to take place Saturday August 6, 2011 in East Vancouver.

We are a small group of people newly brought together by our use of textiles in our contemporary art practices. At out first ever meeting it was apparent that we all shared a passion and concern for the ways in which we each perceive and experience the marginalization of the mediums and techniques we love and depend on for so much of our creative expression. As an affirmative act of association, re-identification and celebration, we are proposing that those who feel called come together to create a procession of craft pride with a diversity of tactics. Costumes, music, knit-bombing, banners, flags, bicycle floats, giant sculptures, interventions and workshops are all in the works. If you are interested, please contact us and/or attend a meeting to share you ideas and connect with others who want to help the visions come to life.

Meetings are scheduled every 2nd Friday – the next being FridayMay 20, at 6pm at Cutty Studios(564 Beatty st., Vancouver, BC). Info will be posted at http://craftprideprocession.blogspot.com/ and members of the textile group can be contacted attextilegroupvan@gmail.com.

I frequently go to RubyDog’s if I am having a creative block and I always find items that inspire new ideas. I couldn’t possibly list the entire store inventory here but I swear that it is truly a mecca for crafters, selling items like stamps, bottle caps, postcards, vintage cards, maps, and many more items. (My personal favorites are the vintage postcards and transfer foil.)

Leanne Bishop, the owner of the store and of Ruby (the dog), welcomes all her customers with friendly chit-chat and is always bursting with ideas to share with you about the items you are buying. Even if you have no idea what to make, the shop has many possible projects on display!… and she is always willing to share with you her crafty ideas.

Vancouverites probably remember RubyDog’s used to be located just off Main St., however Leanne was forced to close that store in 2008 due to rental increases. Her many customers rejoiced when the store reopened in 2009 at 623 Kingsway (at E. 15^th Ave)

Things looked promising, as more local art shops opened along the block and the E.15th Art Strip was voted ‘Best Indie Shopping Street’ in the Georgia Straight‘s 2010 ‘Best of Vancouver’ issue.

However, as much as locals love the store, once again, RubyDog’s just cannot bring in enough revenue to keep it running as smoothly as Leanne would like. So old and new customers, I strongly urge you to stop by and enjoy RubyDog’s Art House before it is gone! I hope the second closing of RubyDog’s reminds people that they need to support their locally owned shops to preserve the uniqueness of its city.

Location and Contact Info
RubyDog’s Art House
623 Kingsway (at E. 15th Ave)
Vancouver, B.C. V5T 3K5

Hours of Inspiration
Monday/Tuesday              Closed
Wednesday – Saturday     11:00 to 5:30
Sunday                                11:00 to 5:00

**RubyDog’s is closed between July 4th to July 13th to restock the shelves one last time.