Blame it on ‘bride brain’, but I had the hardest time coming up with an idea for Crafty Chicks Night in March. I figured what better place to find inspiration than at the American Craft Show. So, a few of the Crafty Chicks went on a little field trip!

Returning to Atlanta for the 21st year, the American Craft Show was an overload of inspiration. Showcasing more than 200 of the nation’s premier artists specializing in jewelry, furniture, as well as sculptural and functional works of glass, ceramics, metal, wood, and decorative fiber – it was a feast for all the senses. It was also a great opportunity to meet the artists and to purchase one-of-a-kind creations.

Of the incredibly clever designs that filled the Galleria, the following artists were my favorite. I was drawn to their distinctive creativity and was inspired by their ability to turn what they love into what they do.

I hope you enjoy learning about these talented artists…by supporting them; you’re investing in real art while contributing less to the forces of mass production. Join the handmade movement! 

www.buyhandmade.org/why-buy-handmade  

Chandra Stubbs
www.chandrastubbs.com

Creating a unique partnership between porcelain and felt, this artist designs and develops truly one of a kind art pieces. She throws all of the porcelain rings on the wheel and makes all of felt by hand using felting needles. She also incorporates recycled sweaters into some of her work. Her pieces are incredibly unique and very reasonably priced!

Sonya Yong James
www.modernfiberlab.com

Working primarily with wool fibers and various felt techniques, Modern Fiber Lab specializes in all handmade products made from animal and plant fibers from sustainable sources. It is quite an impressive collection ranging from throws and blankets, wall sculptures, hand knit baskets, and jewelry that combines felt and fiber with metal elements. She is a local artist, based in Atlanta and has an Etsy shop that you can check out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernfiberlab

Christine Terrell
www.adaptivereuser.com

We were all so charmed by the works of this artist. Based in Austin, TX and a true ‘upcycler’, she works with decorative tin cans that she finds mostly at thrift stores. Her line consists of accessories; rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and even belt buckles. Many of the pieces have a retro aesthetic and all of her work is seriously, some of the cutest stuff you’ll ever see. Check out her Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/christineterrell

After visiting a few potential wedding venues,  Eric & I fell in love with King of Rabun immediately. What we both loved about it was the fact that it was a blank canvas in the form of Mother Nature’s landscape. King of Rabun is a lakeside estate that is somehow both elegant and rustic. With so much natural beauty, we don’t plan on doing much decorating. We’re going to let Mother Nature handle all of the ‘atmosphere’ and we’ll just crank up the mood a little bit by adding some texture. We’ve already started some fun projects that will incorporate burlap, wood, glass, and tin into the character of the scenery.

My mother actually taught me about tin can lanterns. (thanks, mom!) I have used them for pool parties, cabin trips, camping trips, and basically any other occasion when a little added twinkle would be festive. They are ridiculously easy, require little more than what you already have in your toolbox, and (the genius part) they are a fantastic way to recycle old cans!  

We will have these little lanterns on the dock, in the boathouse, and scattered around the landscape for a little bit of rustic sparkle.

rinse cans, remove label, fill with water and freeze

while frozen, to prevent the can from crushing, punch holes

allow the ice to melt

using simple votives, the finished products look like this!

It is an absolute joy to introduce everyone to Kathianne Sellers Williams. Kathianne is a sweet friend who I knew immediately was my crafty soul-mate. She’s one of the founding Crafty Chicks and is an infinite inspiration for art projects and crafty, girly fun. She is one of the most original artists I have ever met and I just can’t say enough nice things about her, both as an artist and as a friend.

She is self-taught and specializes in mixed media collage.  Her work is influenced by things that bring her joy and inspiration: flowers and birds, words and quotes, fruits and vegetables, vintage finds, handmade gifts, hand-written letters, bright colors, and all things that sparkle.

Kathianne’s pieces (journals, wall art, and mason jar lids) include recycled materials of all kinds.  This includes wrapping paper, stationery, magazine images, travel brochures, or pages from old books as well as new fine papers from all over the world. Vintage stationery, dating from the 1930’s to 1970’s and inherited from her grandmother, is often incorporated into the collages.  You may find buttons, rhinestones, shells, and more. “I use whatever I come across that inspires me and can be glued down,” she says.

The collages are time and labor intensive.  Because of the extreme level of detail, you may notice something different with each observation.

“Creating collages nourishes my spirit” says Kathianne.  “I feel at peace when I am cutting out images, gluing them together, and adding the finishing details.  The process of creating allows me to express myself but simultaneously connects me to something bigger than myself.”

Kathianne currently resides in Atlanta and also works as dietitian and wellness coach.  Her artwork will be displayed At The Collective in Inman Park through April.  She also has plans to open at Etsy store in the near future. 

You can learn more about her and her work at www.NourishCreateBloom.com

Yellow was quite an unexpected color scheme for the wedding. Then again, I didn’t really have a color scheme in mind… so when the bridesmaids fell in love with a yellow dress, I thought, “Okay then, yellow, it is!”

And now, I’m having so much fun with the color…I just found adorable yellow shoes to wear with my dress. With their yellow dresses, the ‘maids will wear brown cowboy boots and will have denim jackets in case it gets chilly – so cute!

Since there’s so much natural beauty in the scenery that will surround us, we don’t want to overdue it and compete with Mother Nature, so we’re sticking to simple white flowers; montecasino, white daisies, baby’s breath, and queen anne’s lace. And we want to highlight the rustic landscape, so we’re incorporating a lot of texture with wood, burlap, tin cans and glass jars…more info on those craft projects, soon!

Here are some lovely images that have been feeding my inspiration and helping me stay sunny and warm during this terribly cold winter!

credit: www.snippetandink.blogspot.com

credit: www.daily.wedshare.com

credit: www.projectwedding.com

credit: www.stylemepretty.com

credit: www.bridalinquirer.com