Chica Christmas #14: Crafty hook ups

There is a lot of crafting going on this time of year. But no one should be sprinkling glitter all alone, that's a crime! They should join or start a craft group!

When I launched the Crafty Chica web site in 2001, I met all kinds of other creative women from around the country. Vickie Howell, Christy Petterson, Jean Railla, Jenny Hart, Susan Beal, Jennifer Perkins, gosh the list goes on and on... I was always so bummed that they lived in cities that had cool, blossoming craft scenes, while here in Phoenix, I just couldn't find the hook up no matter how hard I tried. That's why my friend Tracy and I started the Phoenix Fridas in 2004. I'm sure there was a scene happening, but I was missing it somehow.

Wow, things have changed!!

Fast forward to NOW. I'm soooo proud of the crafty achievements that have come out of my 602 hood. In the past year, a handful of strong, determined, crafty, artful, uplifting collectives have sprouted, and are hardcore thriving!

I had the honor of spending an afternoon with The Phoenix Craft Mafia this past week. We hung out at the Duck and Decanter and swapped stories about yarn, beading, sewing, and brownies too. We even traded ornaments! You must go check out the PCM web site to see all the goods that these talented ladies are making.




(Me with PCM members Mary, Tressa and Astrid)

Tonight I was a featured speaker for this month's Phoenix DIY Meeting. This is a new meet up that is really taking off.



I've spent so many years yakking away on message boards and blogs and such, that I forgot how nervous I get in front of a crowd of my peers. The room was full with a nice ratio of men and women, all with that look of "I'm all about making art" on their faces, which gives me - as Posh Spice would say - may-jah goosebumps. After my portion, I had to split to pick up Maya from her orchestra concert, but I did get to chat with a few folks. I'm looking forward to next month's meeting. I finally got to meet Stacey from The Arizona Crafty Burrito Collective. This is a groups of artists who all sell superfly wares on Etsy.

I also found another crafty homegirl in Lisa Jacobs of StickerClubGirl.com. She has launched a new collective called Conspire. Conspire is more than just a craft group. It is a cooperative art space in downtown Phoenix (901 N 5TH ST on the NE corner of 5th St and Garfield) that embraces fashion, art, politics and coffee. Read more about it HERE.

And don't forget about the Phoenix Chapter of Church of Craft!

All these groups have me super excited and way motivated. I can h ardly wait for our next Phoenix Fridas meeting so I can share all this juicy info. Personally, I think we need to have one big honkin' Phoenix art and craft show that features all of our groups. I chatted about it on Sunday with Mary, Tressa and Astrid from PCM, and Stacey tonight. Everyone nodded in agreement. If any Phoenix crafty folks want to join in, send me a note so we can get this rolling. Seriously. i used to work as an event planner back inthe day, so I know I can help put something together. We can pick a spot so we can all show off and sell our stuff on a gorgeous March afternoon. Or maybe a First Fridays night??

Regardless - Just think handmade. If you aren't into making anything just yet, then at least buy handmade. If not from your hometown, then from a local boutique that sells handmade goods. Or look online!

I bet you've already heard about the Buy Handmade movement going on right now. If not, here is a head's up! You know, I used to always give handmade gifts to family members, but then someone told me one year "Kathy, Buy real gifts, please! Not crafts!"
That broke my spirit big time. So I resorted to making ornaments and handing them out to random strangers who I know wouldn't complain. I also make ornaments and use them as gift box decorations for my family members, so at least there is a little handmade touch. This year, thanks to the Buy Handmade campaign, I'm revisiting my roots and making my gifts! Except for my teens. They'd totally revolt.



OK, so I've loaded you up with info on Phoenix craft groups (the ones I know of). If you don't live in the area, take time to check out your own scene and maybe even spark something up. It doesn't have to be all fancy and organized. Just buzz a few friends, get together at a restaurant or coffeehouse and share stitches.

Yikes! speaking of stitches, I forgot to mention the Phoenix Stitch-N-Bitch!


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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com