tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42788169483197670282024-03-06T00:14:17.547-05:00craftgasm: the adventures of a hand-maker in DCMelissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-86527020952037541542013-09-26T12:14:00.000-04:002013-09-27T02:22:20.853-04:00Crafty Bastards is this weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i4obTY5nAQa67pvHexSGNWKdjfhzU-L5JdQmAvvig0pjlVGY9hwhIyGMi-Bvafhyphenhyphensu5dqJ2P7MvcSLlTqGSUiGULbSJotXLPzQtrFYK4DMc5sQokoFqyQGzMjne2ntByEey_t3xx6L4/s1600/CB2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5i4obTY5nAQa67pvHexSGNWKdjfhzU-L5JdQmAvvig0pjlVGY9hwhIyGMi-Bvafhyphenhyphensu5dqJ2P7MvcSLlTqGSUiGULbSJotXLPzQtrFYK4DMc5sQokoFqyQGzMjne2ntByEey_t3xx6L4/s320/CB2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll be hawking my wares this Sunday, September 29 in booth 115 from 10AM - 5PM. Only <a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e816by4y984a4bf0&llr=xgfa8lkab">$5 to get in if you buy your tickets online by the end of the day Friday</a> (the price doubles at the door). It's the largest handmade craft fair in the Mid-Atlantic. Obviously, <a href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards/">you'll be there</a>, right?<br />
<br />
I've been finishing some last-minute ideas up in the studio this week to have old favorites and new designs ready for the event. Come see in person some new pieces like these travel-inspired hand-drawn Gocco prints!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUsOkx72X0YQLudGiXC26YK5QvMAiKv3oz8OpXL7AAGDF-Ch0pqtW8g-adRgU_bu8a_CTbkBhP3tEqG0wuVRgQtm9eM6TWc5YhCxowGfBgPEFAsYqRDbySKYomxnyWjhAYzYBKxzfni4/s1600/1173616_10151931986361639_1836575656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gocco prints drying by Melissa of craftgasm | shopcraftgasm.com" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUsOkx72X0YQLudGiXC26YK5QvMAiKv3oz8OpXL7AAGDF-Ch0pqtW8g-adRgU_bu8a_CTbkBhP3tEqG0wuVRgQtm9eM6TWc5YhCxowGfBgPEFAsYqRDbySKYomxnyWjhAYzYBKxzfni4/s320/1173616_10151931986361639_1836575656_n.jpg" title="Gocco prints drying by Melissa of craftgasm | shopcraftgasm.com" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
tl;dr:<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/19Ea2dd">Union Market</a>, DC<br />
Sunday, 9/29<br />
10-5<br />
Booth 115<br />
BE THERE.<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-12835384950936858042013-09-10T10:11:00.000-04:002013-09-10T10:11:00.239-04:00Analog's grand opening!I've been busy behind the scenes prepping <a href="http://shopanalog.com/">Analog</a> for its grand opening this past weekend, but I have survived! And I've only minorly injured myself a few times. Success!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_T03CbBY407sUUfa_fK8Al8V9wmRWak4kKQsZOPrcTN43apEFsF7T17J5_JXqBelJassTjRk_03XOiSgibr-nhsug49vElLP9pUryAEJUYsXhsthyfAS14y_LudT9_GTKPVvwbVQiAg/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Analog at Monroe Street Market in Brookland, Washington, DC" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_T03CbBY407sUUfa_fK8Al8V9wmRWak4kKQsZOPrcTN43apEFsF7T17J5_JXqBelJassTjRk_03XOiSgibr-nhsug49vElLP9pUryAEJUYsXhsthyfAS14y_LudT9_GTKPVvwbVQiAg/s320/DSC_0031.jpg" title="Analog at Monroe Street Market in Brookland, Washington, DC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Analog, open for business on its grand opening. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tons of people came through this weekend, helped by some kind blogs who put out the word for us. <a href="http://beltwayvintage.com/">Lisa</a> and I are excited to have such enthusiastic neighbors in Brookland.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-EvVducEI8F1sZ6HF8CnL4r1YxUU1xHbgdlz-JjYCUHTjvOjQzg6HBK5nBBegVjwBNWO5YkcYbHhY3T0AUz-uLlmdC2KQIprc8acfT0ROwjvz-KC_CKeHrddO3xO1xXIXmR2DQJBYm0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-EvVducEI8F1sZ6HF8CnL4r1YxUU1xHbgdlz-JjYCUHTjvOjQzg6HBK5nBBegVjwBNWO5YkcYbHhY3T0AUz-uLlmdC2KQIprc8acfT0ROwjvz-KC_CKeHrddO3xO1xXIXmR2DQJBYm0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous friends who've donated their labor or items from their basements to get us up and running. Dan deserves a special shout-out for living with all my craft stuff in our house for so long and putting up with my ups and downs of this process so nicely. I love that man.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">We had a small gathering before our grand opening to thank our friends and family who've been so supportive of us in this venture.</span> My grandparents and my little cousin Amanda even came from upstate New York to join us (and my grandma brought us cookies, because she's awesome). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYNZ-xsMLFgPejeFp93XqSKrrYS6_l_ugXy4NZrnmlE3jlUYUSs3y3BLhvkGKdofvTfsx5z3mIafykMucI2ybUTrw_H3BDaH6uZkYu3lDOnSVphw564lsRaLq_Uo7Xt8iNFjEcbbrGvY/s1600/DSC_0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYNZ-xsMLFgPejeFp93XqSKrrYS6_l_ugXy4NZrnmlE3jlUYUSs3y3BLhvkGKdofvTfsx5z3mIafykMucI2ybUTrw_H3BDaH6uZkYu3lDOnSVphw564lsRaLq_Uo7Xt8iNFjEcbbrGvY/s320/DSC_0057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Amanda and I.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All of this is to say: we are officially open for business! Our hours are Thursday - Saturday, 12-7pm, and Sunday, 12-6pm. Swing by the Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market to check us out and see all the other studios that are beginning to open their doors. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-37705567695748475252013-09-06T14:36:00.000-04:002013-09-10T01:15:57.054-04:00Analog's getting some love!Pretty psyched to have the following press mentions before we even open our doors!<br />
<br />
- Elevation DC asked us some questions about our new venture for <a href="http://elevationdcmedia.com/devnews/AnalogOpeningatMonroeStMarket_090613.aspx">their article about our grand opening</a>. (Thanks, Jeanne!)<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.popville.com/2013/09/analog-handmade-and-vintage-shop-soft-opens-today-and-grand-opening-this-saturday-in-brookland/">Prince of Petworth</a> and <a href="http://brooklandbridge.com/7870/analog-monroe-street-markets-handmade-and-vintage-shop-has-its-grand-opening-saturday/">Brookland Bridge</a> chatted us up on their blogs this week. Yay! <br />
<br />
- The winner, though, is <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/top-shelf/2013/08/artists-get-a-place-to-call-work-at.html?date=2013-08-23&page=all">this video taken by the Washington Business Journal</a>, which has my face being all "whaaaa?" in the preview, with the added bonus of us not knowing we'd be interviewed on camera. Hello, painting clothes and messy hair! (I hold Ms. Cooper harmless in this, for the record.)<br />
<br />
<script height="338px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=b8773f2d0c004524a47c066e67d669cd&ec=VxdG54ZDqEix2W3CfWUSOQEaIt6BS_ST" width="600px"></script>Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-43448583026204917372013-08-16T17:00:00.000-04:002013-08-16T17:14:04.104-04:00Coming Soon to Brookland!I've been bursting at the seams to share this news for months now, but needed to wait until the ink was dry. But the wait is over -- I've just returned home from <a href="http://www.monroestreetmarket.com/arts/">Monroe Street Market</a>, where I signed a lease to open a little studio and shop!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1sRDc6m6hRdGO-MR_bY-G7gGluvAGyKTNR5_38gAh5R1oBxWjcXF-sHTPscMryWYBCUIbTh5BzzDrCjte5C7TG_cDr0I56BoJTdGN7mrq0mGj2r5kMFWh2AeWnUgSLNh0nRk9WU5umY/s1600/welcome.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.shopanalog.com" border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1sRDc6m6hRdGO-MR_bY-G7gGluvAGyKTNR5_38gAh5R1oBxWjcXF-sHTPscMryWYBCUIbTh5BzzDrCjte5C7TG_cDr0I56BoJTdGN7mrq0mGj2r5kMFWh2AeWnUgSLNh0nRk9WU5umY/s320/welcome.png" title="www.shopanalog.com" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://shopanalog.com/">Analog</a> will be opening (to some degree) later this month! <br />
<br />
I can't properly express how excited I am for this new chapter for my business. I'm sharing the space with Lisa of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/beltwayvintage">Beltway Vintage</a>, who will be repairing and re-making vintage clothing and accessories. We're psyched to be able to work together to bring reclaimed and recycled products inspired by the past to Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
We will have workspace in the back half of our studio, where you'll be able to find me making Gocco prints, gluing envelopes, and otherwise making big messes. I've had so many ideas for products, bit I've been limited by the lack of storage and workspace in my dining area (which hasn't seen us dining in it in well over a year). I'm excited to have a light-filled space to get things done!<br />
<br />
We will also have open studio hours for people to visit, as well as several special events and workshops throughout the year. (I'm thinking mail art socials up the wazoo.) Plus, there will soon be 26 other studios along the Arts Walk to inspire you whenever you visit.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to show you our space as we start making it our own -- we begin painting tomorrow! We are hoping to be up and running in a few weeks, so watch this space for updates!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMw1H67vw-dDzGzR5dbKg2SFlen5gH0TeBdDEUJQ5436Vs-5pqA0X4SH4xiQhziA5F3Mb86SbbaAVpGMP5QQ7Fn-ajDfs6bJR5k7LXaLYOCk9rOgnJ7pWcU8RR8zxpIg7irZXqLAukyU/s1600/keys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Analog at Studio 5, Monroe Street Market, DC" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMw1H67vw-dDzGzR5dbKg2SFlen5gH0TeBdDEUJQ5436Vs-5pqA0X4SH4xiQhziA5F3Mb86SbbaAVpGMP5QQ7Fn-ajDfs6bJR5k7LXaLYOCk9rOgnJ7pWcU8RR8zxpIg7irZXqLAukyU/s320/keys.jpg" title="Analog at Studio 5, Monroe Street Market, DC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-13160797372697900482013-08-01T15:34:00.000-04:002013-08-01T15:34:47.829-04:00Mail in the News!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGsoMq25lOkk2HKdMbd2mHWc_ZV9n3kF6eZYv62AP9aJ5ZmTOH7HeWfc6bSEKPIRLbxFy1TaVk6MsiaSRONE8oT2cq5hjeNLDNrDGKaEEwcwyA5lczPe4HQdI49IcSQTLeWPzXxd9FT8/s1600/Eleni+Kalorkoti+illustration+in+NYT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGsoMq25lOkk2HKdMbd2mHWc_ZV9n3kF6eZYv62AP9aJ5ZmTOH7HeWfc6bSEKPIRLbxFy1TaVk6MsiaSRONE8oT2cq5hjeNLDNrDGKaEEwcwyA5lczPe4HQdI49IcSQTLeWPzXxd9FT8/s320/Eleni+Kalorkoti+illustration+in+NYT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">illustration by <span class="credit">Eleni Kalorkoti</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was a <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/adventures-with-post-offices/?_r=0">beautiful piece in the New York Times yesterday</a> by Ramona Ausubel about the marvel of mailing things halfway around the world. Check it out if you're a fellow <a href="http://craftgasmdc.blogspot.com/2012/01/coining-word-is-nerdy-work.html">philepistolist</a>. Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-39825709132257527392013-07-25T10:12:00.000-04:002013-07-30T17:33:41.853-04:00Happy 50th Birthday, Mr. ZIP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG_WrlDA4TxgXMJdBpzNLUaU5eQ2uyiQGK3F5FD4uj3hkeEKIuqxxS0rzaNPQgrTqynzVtlQEilf-CkK0jnmx_ycN3yfxS71I6bCXxLfAzVUnfFwmKy-rtA2g0miIxSDmCDFq2sCTugk/s1600/Mr+Zip+teaser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG_WrlDA4TxgXMJdBpzNLUaU5eQ2uyiQGK3F5FD4uj3hkeEKIuqxxS0rzaNPQgrTqynzVtlQEilf-CkK0jnmx_ycN3yfxS71I6bCXxLfAzVUnfFwmKy-rtA2g0miIxSDmCDFq2sCTugk/s320/Mr+Zip+teaser.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the great things about working with the folks at the <a href="http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/">National Postal Museum</a> is that when I say things like, "Oooh, what if we had a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151767086846054&set=a.198061001053.160131.29516706053">letter-writing event for Mr. ZIP's birthday</a>?" they don't look at me like I have two heads. (They also know who Mr. ZIP is, which is pretty great.*) "Do it!" they said, and so I am. <br />
<br />
I designed a few pieces of stationery just for the event, and you can come pick some up on Saturday, July 27th, from 11AM to 3PM in the museum's atrium. There will also be a limited number of vintage first-day covers to use, as well as plenty of free postcards and blank envelopes to send off your missives.<br />
<br />
The National Postal Museum is located next door to Union Station at the following address:<br />
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE<br />
Washington, DC 20002<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there on Saturday! <br />
<br />
*<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._ZIP">Mr. ZIP</a> was presented to the public in 1963 to help increase the use of the newly-introduced ZIP codes and speed the processing of mail. He's also pretty cute, doncha think?<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-36070070939280206512013-07-10T18:07:00.000-04:002013-07-30T18:17:53.348-04:00Last Grant Avenue Market of the Season!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9hAXXfIC8GhYreae0lczpNRQDgrgh1wTfwq27Q9rSHfr8p-4WpSqZdlYeiVrGELezUnFXy_Jr9muz5MLcoOeW0gOdAXUi3RoJ6BmeOFWHA7jii0VssVs9-EDQbBnRgmeuPv0Eq7FwWo/s1600/Grant+Ave+Market+June+-+Lisa+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9hAXXfIC8GhYreae0lczpNRQDgrgh1wTfwq27Q9rSHfr8p-4WpSqZdlYeiVrGELezUnFXy_Jr9muz5MLcoOeW0gOdAXUi3RoJ6BmeOFWHA7jii0VssVs9-EDQbBnRgmeuPv0Eq7FwWo/s320/Grant+Ave+Market+June+-+Lisa+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beltway Vintage will be right next to me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our last <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/">Grant Avenue Market</a> for the summer is this Sunday! It'll also be your last chance to buy from me at a market until later this fall, too, so come visit me and my fellow vintage and handmade vendors.<br />
<br />
Come visit us on July 14 from 10AM to 3PM on <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/location">Grant Avenue where it meets Carroll Avenue</a>. Hope to see you there! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_a7rMq_hMu6t4w4EG7-bN1ewig1dOY4jLCO0AnJ9_jm4ifKP5l9j7rhi7qFiYyzvuHdP6MRB_2gQOv_pomN9EhwVUBumR5OQRynfpB120gGUIVyZqea_lh6LsqxNhy-s-M-NxnJIh-o/s1600/Grant+Ave+Market+June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_a7rMq_hMu6t4w4EG7-bN1ewig1dOY4jLCO0AnJ9_jm4ifKP5l9j7rhi7qFiYyzvuHdP6MRB_2gQOv_pomN9EhwVUBumR5OQRynfpB120gGUIVyZqea_lh6LsqxNhy-s-M-NxnJIh-o/s320/Grant+Ave+Market+June.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vintage cartoon notepads available at my booth! both photos courtesy of Megan at Grant Avenue Market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-3351337209988897032013-06-05T17:50:00.000-04:002013-07-30T17:51:22.380-04:00Grant Avenue Market this Sunday! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hnNT2KJfIuiBzKu284nKlR82IaeFvSQVxEy5spUEOSisRF3agA-4OJx42qXY8loVk8jMUXI7ZWqYhBNNngV0I_2an5GNuyLoXZHDT9WRkpf73vg80KPMrSL_ZJEvoVWEkz2y3aBbfL0/s1600/Grant+Ave+Market+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hnNT2KJfIuiBzKu284nKlR82IaeFvSQVxEy5spUEOSisRF3agA-4OJx42qXY8loVk8jMUXI7ZWqYhBNNngV0I_2an5GNuyLoXZHDT9WRkpf73vg80KPMrSL_ZJEvoVWEkz2y3aBbfL0/s320/Grant+Ave+Market+May.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troll stationery! Photo by Megan of Grant Avenue Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Come find me and 30 of my vintage and handmade-selling friends at this Sunday's <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/">Grant Avenue Market</a>! I'll have some sets of this fabulous troll stationery and other amazing vintage finds, as well as my usual handmade goodness. <br />
<br />
We'll be on <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/location">Grant Avenue across from the Takoma Park Co-Op</a> on Sunday, June 9 from 10AM to 3PM. Come find something fabulous to start your summer off right!Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-68700904239058157192013-05-20T13:07:00.002-04:002013-05-20T13:07:58.272-04:00Artisphere Workshop Wrap-UpThe <a href="http://www.artisphere.com/calendar/event-details/Education/Mail-Art-with-Craftgasm.aspx">mail art workshop at Artisphere</a> was a success! There was a roomful of people making awesome mail to send out to friends and loved ones.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to share some of the fun pieces that participants were willing to share with my crappy cell phone camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4Gr0CwyJwsUZfxBWRkVMaLuLRropkiJODmsUIH_a1SuTJzABQfemZbKcV1vcckpFUFjTAxbgk_uJ0FBXWY3vK9B_4VkKkC4VFBdJlNuQ4gy2TVhPD_3sfWs345oMNOR2q_HWnMssoYA/s1600/Kate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mail art by melydia at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4Gr0CwyJwsUZfxBWRkVMaLuLRropkiJODmsUIH_a1SuTJzABQfemZbKcV1vcckpFUFjTAxbgk_uJ0FBXWY3vK9B_4VkKkC4VFBdJlNuQ4gy2TVhPD_3sfWs345oMNOR2q_HWnMssoYA/s320/Kate.jpg" title="mail art by melydia at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally got to meet <a href="https://twitter.com/melydia">@melydia</a>, who made these two pieces among others; the envelope was to our mutual friend and <a href="http://www.maryhassound.com/">fellow mail artist, Mary</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhcnZNFrmW4u9t0Jx0blB2fj40_q5_2IqrtxvQ_fAENexB-Z2s6uPqbHhHV831d8AawpNd32d6xvUIGxJTobs8ArYIKyTxfZrwNiq3DzvaVDh8IZDT0GqvzGJu2AjYDFV9Nc0hKk0SuU/s1600/Mame+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mail art by Mame at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhcnZNFrmW4u9t0Jx0blB2fj40_q5_2IqrtxvQ_fAENexB-Z2s6uPqbHhHV831d8AawpNd32d6xvUIGxJTobs8ArYIKyTxfZrwNiq3DzvaVDh8IZDT0GqvzGJu2AjYDFV9Nc0hKk0SuU/s320/Mame+1.jpg" title="mail art by Mame at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyVEG3LuKHJbaBG_pyzFw7UHhNyn3vrwPFiLUr1mfa545Uw-h6AO_lI4-69BQ1AMyhdwouT2A3hGooXGYUq8Mqy9cA_qY8CmWttKuiXFUmLrG-U1EiEs2dW11CqiTFHwOzA6K_2nag0g/s1600/Mame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mail art by Mame at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyVEG3LuKHJbaBG_pyzFw7UHhNyn3vrwPFiLUr1mfa545Uw-h6AO_lI4-69BQ1AMyhdwouT2A3hGooXGYUq8Mqy9cA_qY8CmWttKuiXFUmLrG-U1EiEs2dW11CqiTFHwOzA6K_2nag0g/s320/Mame+2.jpg" title="mail art by Mame at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A lovely woman named Mame made short work of the above pieces. She built up quite the stationery hoard for herself in just a couple hours!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfmqzgJpsxVj7K9Dcfh6_1vbnJ-uqsxxiZDPYAWvOUJ6ShuNGoycPTC1iJ-2NGOQY9pcK9iSrw2RgZ3iIk0kba-qClD8OsPuktS1amjzs1LRVmwQqY0z6rD-YDIOlN2xNmAp8yQjGmn4/s1600/Melissa+V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mail art by Other Melissa at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfmqzgJpsxVj7K9Dcfh6_1vbnJ-uqsxxiZDPYAWvOUJ6ShuNGoycPTC1iJ-2NGOQY9pcK9iSrw2RgZ3iIk0kba-qClD8OsPuktS1amjzs1LRVmwQqY0z6rD-YDIOlN2xNmAp8yQjGmn4/s320/Melissa+V.jpg" title="mail art by Other Melissa at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Melissa (not me) made these envelopes and cards with very precise lines before our classroom time was up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fbbaIlDVf-TDPCQbhixUNNpG13AKU8VjpaH1wwtp9-HrWn144GMIBNMSCBZrQ4U26QrzgLcpqx7othzjQTgeLxgtJhP6HwUaEMgQB7rdRdbi3NEmjibmGow9O2NfX9tXlPR4cJrIZnk/s1600/Dan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mail art by Dan at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fbbaIlDVf-TDPCQbhixUNNpG13AKU8VjpaH1wwtp9-HrWn144GMIBNMSCBZrQ4U26QrzgLcpqx7othzjQTgeLxgtJhP6HwUaEMgQB7rdRdbi3NEmjibmGow9O2NfX9tXlPR4cJrIZnk/s320/Dan.jpg" title="mail art by Dan at the craftgasm artisphere workshop" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan surprised me by being able to attend when I wasn't expecting him. He and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/tigerflight">Beth of Tigerflight</a> mostly just sat in the back and made fun of each other, so I was not surprised to see that these seem to be addressed as primarily in-jokes with her. I was also not surprised to see a naked form on there. <br />
<br />
Many thanks to the lovely folks at <a href="http://www.artisphere.com/">Artisphere</a>, especially Katherine, who helped move the event when its first location was overrun by people from the neighboring space, and who were kind and gracious enough to have us there. Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-4319487827669865362013-05-08T10:02:00.000-04:002013-05-09T12:38:10.274-04:00Craftgasm at the Grant Avenue Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUn8Q7fa6jnkcLXexm71ilyMJ9jJ6PzaTHn6qp8r4LVOWlqkuVPeuv9H1zUDH0qz7a8H9eyyJCL_1g805Z7WMZQXKLGt8nLwp1-YA3s2CTDLhtv8I3ppIB0-JFe0VIIjhJRJisVeyA8s/s1600/GAMprofilePic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come visit craftgasm at the Grant Avenue Market in Takoma Park!" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUn8Q7fa6jnkcLXexm71ilyMJ9jJ6PzaTHn6qp8r4LVOWlqkuVPeuv9H1zUDH0qz7a8H9eyyJCL_1g805Z7WMZQXKLGt8nLwp1-YA3s2CTDLhtv8I3ppIB0-JFe0VIIjhJRJisVeyA8s/s320/GAMprofilePic.jpg" title="Come visit craftgasm at the Grant Avenue Market in Takoma Park!" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Come visit me this Sunday, May 12 at the first <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/">Grant Avenue Market</a> of the season! They've focused on finding unique vintage and handmade vendors, so it's sure to be a treat to wander the stalls and check out all the offerings.<br />
<br />
I'll be there with my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftgasm">handmade upcycled paper goods</a>, plus vintage National Geographic maps and vintage stationery finds that I've been hoarding for years and am only sharing if you promise to take good care of them for me and write to lovely people with them.<br />
<br />
The Grant Avenue Market will be <a href="http://grantavenuemarket.com/location">where Grant Avenue meets Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park</a>, across from the TPSS food co-op, and just a ten minute walk from the Takoma Metro. Vendors will be there from 10am to 3pm, so bring a friend and a shopping bag and get ready to buy some amazing stuff!<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-64746571479457698162013-05-07T18:04:00.001-04:002013-08-22T00:51:29.394-04:00Mail Art Workshop at Artisphere this Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSnxEBkSGE7nsq7chIPyHacOfKGqCGsf0QjojHnHdxLrJxTLeJarjZOHHuO3cRYcBFghmpXNwyBe0gW95Sg4d89tNP4IyzQwgj9_NxBFRNiNq9-LCTRDNr1KVoNmMvvWGAy9yTnwR41M/s1600/single+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flyer for mail art with craftgasm" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSnxEBkSGE7nsq7chIPyHacOfKGqCGsf0QjojHnHdxLrJxTLeJarjZOHHuO3cRYcBFghmpXNwyBe0gW95Sg4d89tNP4IyzQwgj9_NxBFRNiNq9-LCTRDNr1KVoNmMvvWGAy9yTnwR41M/s320/single+flyer.jpg" title="flyer for mail art with craftgasm " width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out the fancy flyer that <a href="http://www.artisphere.com/">Artisphere</a> made for the series of upcycled art classes that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/tigerflight">Beth Baldwin</a> has organized! I'll be hosting <a href="http://www.artisphere.com/calendar/event-details/Education/Mail-Art-with-Craftgasm.aspx">a workshop this Thursday to share my love of mail art</a>. Can you come? <br />
<br />
Details:<br />
What: A mail art workshop led by me! I'll have examples of upcycled stationery and be glad to answer questions about what will successfully make it through mail sorting machines and how to make envelopes from reclaimed papers. I'll also provide tons of fun ephemera to use in your project. <br />
<br />
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209. It is two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro and its urban location has plenty of bicycle parking. There is also free parking with validation.<br />
<br />
When: Thursday, May 9, from 6-8pm. There will also be a cash bar from 5:30 to 8:30pm in case you want to get liquored up before crafting, you lush.<br />
<br />
Cost: $12, which includes all crafting materials, (or $11 if you're a student, member of the military, or a senior citizen). <a href="http://tickets.artisphere.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=988&a=20&backurl=%2FDefault.asp%3FSearchMonth%3D%26monthsubmit%3D%26SearchText%3D%26Go.x%3D%26Go.y%3D%26pg%3D1%23abc">Buy tickets online</a>, or pay cash at the door. If you have your own materials you want to bring, feel free!<br />
<br />
I hope to see you there! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-12687512446231632792013-05-02T19:39:00.000-04:002013-05-02T19:39:06.120-04:00sneak peek of prints available soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4YuNgs1QZLdigChJmvuRrR0pakiE3bpmVi1RsWlhwnTXJf2hIrgLk1YwPwNOHFdcU3PBQ5XdrC_u_3qKGlVnSAbHVAFjTqhcsECMYhrLrGEbmB_Z2uzY3CrV_MDSrZMiiuKxlwYhwyQ/s1600/suitcase+prints+drying+5-2-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4YuNgs1QZLdigChJmvuRrR0pakiE3bpmVi1RsWlhwnTXJf2hIrgLk1YwPwNOHFdcU3PBQ5XdrC_u_3qKGlVnSAbHVAFjTqhcsECMYhrLrGEbmB_Z2uzY3CrV_MDSrZMiiuKxlwYhwyQ/s320/suitcase+prints+drying+5-2-13.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
Were you wondering what it would look like if I took a picture of
pretty new suitcase Gocco prints with my crappy cell phone camera? <br />
<br />
Wonder no longer!<br />
<br />
(This also gives you a good idea of the excellent facilities with which I work:
a wood drying rack with paper towels taped to it for this half of the
print run and vertical metal file folder holders for the other. Nothing
but the best!)<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-87115635847835735802013-05-02T15:44:00.004-04:002013-05-02T15:45:33.772-04:00Bust Craftacular this Saturday in Brooklyn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bust.com/craftacular/craftacular-home.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHQvRD7xepYhWox2xWdGJ9_YiVQ4YMeTOWJbMR0PXFbycc9shL1tyqC_hdTH-5FSSDI9PzZ2bUuUDlIlT3G4siazINheQQk7P-7kTbzj12AMP25Cn6Zjz_ymLAFN3Trl0GjBC-RpFJPM/s320/dumbo_craftac.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you near New York City? Come visit me this weekend at the <a href="http://www.bust.com/craftacular/craftacular-home.html">Bust Craftacular</a> at DUMBO! I'll be in Brooklyn on Saturday, directly under the Manhattan Bridge, offering up my <a href="http://craftgasm.etsy.com/">handmade prints and stationery</a> for you. There will also be 120+ other vendors of crafty and vintage goods, and workshops offered for doing your own bits of crafty, too. We'll be there from 11AM to 6PM. Come visit!<br />
<br />
(Mention this blog post for a free surprise!)Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-91556342784933203952013-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T12:44:08.684-04:00Cherry Blossom Bliss<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvWkyrZ_eF8GW8iacvVSbZEYZyF-xUTZ1DhyphenhyphenKkwRKtgIhh5NCXSeHdaoz6ZTkrQxjeQjc-ALy_b5FTG2LJ5S8EYw4SWBuNEajnRyPNejTgziyR6VUlAtt-HATlH15Xxz9_iyUbUMM7A8/s1600/DSC_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cherry blossom photo by Dan Malouff | beyonddc.com" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvWkyrZ_eF8GW8iacvVSbZEYZyF-xUTZ1DhyphenhyphenKkwRKtgIhh5NCXSeHdaoz6ZTkrQxjeQjc-ALy_b5FTG2LJ5S8EYw4SWBuNEajnRyPNejTgziyR6VUlAtt-HATlH15Xxz9_iyUbUMM7A8/s320/DSC_0321.jpg" title="cherry blossom photo by Dan Malouff | beyonddc.com" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Dan | <a href="http://beyonddc.com/">BeyondDC</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cherry Blossom Season (yes, all capitalized) in my mind is one of the best things about living in the District. I coaxed Dan into leaving the office early to hang out along the Tidal Basin this afternoon, where the temperature was a good ten degrees cooler than in the rest of the city. We spread a sheet out and just lounged about, read books, wrote letters, and people-watched.<br />
<br />
"Wouldn't it be great if we could just get everyone we liked here at the same time?" I asked.<br />
<br />
I thought the weekend would be crowded, but doable. However, a check of the weather forecast shows it is going to rain on Friday. Rain usually takes out a good chunk of remaining cherry blossoms (I'm looking at you, early spring storms of 2011). The forecast adds a bit of urgency to the timeline.<br />
<br />
So! Come hang out Wednesday, April 10, between 2pm and sunset under the peak cherry blossom canopy. Bring a blanket, a snack, and something to occupy yourself (drawing, stationery, reading, knitting, or whatever -- I can't be expected to entertain you the whole time), and hang out with other cool DC folk. <a href="http://bit.ly/10KVxjb">I've made a map of the approximate location</a> I plan to lay claim to, so just go and yell if you can't find me. Feel free to bring a friend!<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-64261680625124424122013-04-01T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T00:10:09.603-04:00Craftgasm at the DC Meet Market this weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dcmeetmarket.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdaTywA5Xbeu8wDzOXBiNuM-XrZPCsH26ipPcWAvJOLOwHwy2Nxc-E0tA86nKwhVjfJiPQlt3cvU8U_a8qeDl4suJaTSXLnhxbikQQL7g5Bbv6pQ1tLoUkqLFHzSNZv42Qb5qxbLnFKY/s320/DCMeetMarketApr2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's the first market of the season, and I'm excited to show off some new journals I've been working on! Come out to the <a href="http://www.dcmeetmarket.com/">DC Meet Market</a> to find me and 40 other local vendors enjoying what will hopefully be some true spring weather, according to the forecasters.<br />
<br />
See you at the Market!<br />
<br />
ETA: <a href="http://www.dcmeetmarket.com/2013/04/vendor-spotlight-craftgasm.html">Check out the Craftgasm spotlight they put on the blog today</a>! Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-32539833719798141472013-02-28T16:46:00.003-05:002013-02-28T16:52:10.141-05:00Using Pinterest Responsibly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjRtXjFdZHQcjO_xfeDvzcIbPaLLiHkLxjrRAk2lQL9oo8G78vJHcmP7tEJHoC4Y904QR7cWJTjsW4Vq9y6vNu4bjUE9ZzLeDp_G5U4uulaDFFx06DS_CO2KhtT1Egmt4xYh_VtXaB3w/s1600/using+pinterest+responsibly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AKA: Wheaton's Law of Don't Be a Dick." border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjRtXjFdZHQcjO_xfeDvzcIbPaLLiHkLxjrRAk2lQL9oo8G78vJHcmP7tEJHoC4Y904QR7cWJTjsW4Vq9y6vNu4bjUE9ZzLeDp_G5U4uulaDFFx06DS_CO2KhtT1Egmt4xYh_VtXaB3w/s320/using+pinterest+responsibly.png" title="aka: Wheaton's Law (Don't Be a Dick.)" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever click on a pin, just to find the link goes nowhere
useful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s super-annoying, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That happens when the previous user didn’t click the link to
see if actually went anywhere before re-pinning it to his or her own board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s extremely frustrating, especially if you
want to learn more about the image or project or product that was pinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re as addicted as I am to Pinterest, you’ve surely
added their “Pin It!” widget to your browser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then whenever you see something awesome, you can just click the button
and save it to your Pinterest boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, make sure you’re not part of the problem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure the site you’re on is the permanent
link to that image before clicking “Pin It!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few examples of terrible pinning, and their
solutions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148531734508/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p5bnWDoXUnyDr1lenXZDiKIM40XxR8HRRVMjmxI6Ik6gsGA1a1VoD_vGrCAvgrZG4sJCkHn6MMdn6dMCNtiaPsW5hxKfgte_dCCuoMUdxjlCwDGx5defhnHIHFPbi1tBzJMAKVgbSmY/s320/homepage.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BAD: the homepage of a blog, such as <a href="http://lovetaza.com/">http://lovetaza.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any site, especially if it’s a blog, is going to change as
new posts are added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year from now
(and people will be seeing it a year from now and beyond – this pin is over a
year and a half old), that image you loved could be buried under a 300 new
posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes it harder for you AND
other pinners to find it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOD: the exact post in which the image is included, such as
<a href="http://lovetaza.com/2011/01/baby-shower">http://lovetaza.com/2011/01/baby-shower</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When pinning an image for the first time, take the extra two
seconds to click on the title of the post so you get an address similar to the
one here, and then pin from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
takes you directly to the image you were inspired by, and makes it easy to find
in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148531376307/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBhxbDlxpqs0Opz6N3VEtqTUybZLtpBtZLcP7bcBxCjOHNruAzLR7yr0-Ho2UbdtlSpFdf-MrdpS7LJN6K3PSC-aWEyL2hyphenhyphenGuDSTcSeFTCXbQAB84v2Lvdixp_6W5H4QocBziCAtVj0I/s320/tumblr+dashboard.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BAD: your own dashboard or site reader, like <a href="https://www.tumblr.com/dashboard">https://www.tumblr.com/dashboard</a> or
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/home">http://www.blogger.com/home</a> or <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/#overview-page">http://www.google.com/reader/view/#overview-page</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinning from here
is even worse than the homepage of a blog. No one else who is not logged into
your profile will ever, ever be able to see where the fuck you were when you
pinned the image. No one. And you’ll never be able to find it again, either, so
you’re only screwing yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think
this is too obvious to even deserve a mention? I cannot count the number of
times I’ve clicked on a Pinterest link only to be directed to my own profile’s
dashboard. DO NOT DO IT. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOD: Anything else resembling a website that is not your own
reading profile. Please, please for the love of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,
just click on the title of the post before you pin it. It’s that easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148532097302/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNNBSU6nYW0OQJ1Pnx8aF7jJu8jZV8gSnvfiSqRkjB4OQ5hoiTp3COGINvTfYGkH_EONY_hajNVwFMs_KjUzKde6v9AR3FRAvZ3UlLEc9yjcRVInhEzU5Tplhix3K1PVFbuZYgR3Btrg/s320/another+pin.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BAD: a link that sends you to another pin instead of the
image, or any link with “pinterest.com” in it, like <a href="http://media-cache3.pinterest.com/upload/234327986831112691_oqTwPe4y_f.jpg">http://media-cache3.pinterest.com/upload/234327986831112691_oqTwPe4y_f.jpg</a><br />
This gives you no information about the image. None. Plus,
it won’t load when you try to click on it. How does this even happen? Do people
use the “Pin It!” button FROM Pinterest instead of just re-pinning?
WhatisthisIdon’teven.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOD: Just re-pinning the (properly sourced to the original
location) image.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148531917061/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrn1CWW3-dByRYidmiNe3rw1yO4XfEhrxL9LMWPE6ifLDOJ4Dv6sXlW22MHQoABUw-Uc8jKGB70-WPmPLOnUECHOZe2N6CigXz7hrDfXPrN3igFkMGy4v1Mjz3piQ4j1nJmnzMl8oTKA/s320/link+to+image.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
BAD: a link to an image’s static
page – like <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAfy6FQ6uPmG4ONKGgHKNZPEgUnHNphvMkWpUijZ_6wrwgmuYyoA0NfltgdR7aQ8OaYCq7wKKDZWTCls_THr5_mjZnFPKON0IBYtqr3Y4HgVkgKcED8s-4A2x3haD0BYI1L1tEUqlDVM/s1600/3.jpg">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAfy6FQ6uPmG4ONKGgHKNZPEgUnHNphvMkWpUijZ_6wrwgmuYyoA0NfltgdR7aQ8OaYCq7wKKDZWTCls_THr5_mjZnFPKON0IBYtqr3Y4HgVkgKcED8s-4A2x3haD0BYI1L1tEUqlDVM/s1600/3.jpg</a>
-- or pretty much anything ending in .jpg.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the page you’re taken to if you click on an image in
a blog post to make it bigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
never be able to find the original source with only that link to guide you, and
it’s a huge pain in the ass for everyone else who comes after you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOD: The permalink to the original post.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course you want to see the largest image possible if you
like it. But click the “back” button before you pin it, because the link of
just the image gives you ZERO information to help you find the blog from which
it came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/30258628718733722/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUgWrbh-GgbBsfckO8uE4sVmWVQ3FOnhBeQcJRxazx7UJv_iRLCNcR7NFwSueCTULdgP_jvaVzEcDrl-7_Bf7GvnQDHNnwVAi9iyHudDu12T8rxo98Yzw1c6AoZUUBCNTsWCBZIcIe1w/s320/etsy+shop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike>BAD</strike> NOT GREAT: an Etsy shop’s homepage, like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderlandRoom">http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderlandRoom</a><br />
I saw this
recently, where an item I like was pinned from a shop called Wonderland Room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Wonderland Room has 33 pages (at the
time of this writing) of items in the shop. I appreciate that the original
pinner wanted to spread the joy of Wonderland Room’s items for sale, but I am
highly unlikely to scroll through 33 pages of items to find the one that was
pinned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOD: a specific item for sale, like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/122586515/perfect-alphabet-rolling-rubber-stamp">http://www.etsy.com/listing/122586515/perfect-alphabet-rolling-rubber-stamp</a></div>
This is the item that was on Pinterest that I liked. If the
original pinner had linked here, she would have been able to pin a larger image
of the item for sale, and it would take her directly to this item in the
future. If the shop sells this listing, Etsy tells you that and suggests other
items in the shop that are identical or similar to the sold item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus
this way, you’ll be able to click on her
shop icon to see her whole line of products in an instant. I've also
found users pin the item from the item's page, but use the description
to link to the shop's main page. I think this is a good solution, too,
and am going to be doing it from now on.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
/rant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some ways to be a responsible Pinterest user who
gives credit where credit is due.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li>Click the image to visit the link before you re-pin it. Make sure the link goes to a website that actually features the image you clicked on. Then, make sure that image originated on that website. If that website has a link attributing their source of the image, click on that too, and repeat the process. Make sure any future re-pinners of this image will be able to find its original source by editing your pin’s link to direct them to the original location of the image. If the link is no good and does not link properly to an original source for the picture, the easiest thing to do is to simply not re-pin the image. Do not continue to perpetuate the problem.</li>
<li>If you love the image for some reason, and want to do the harder thing, go find the image’s original source. Sometimes a Google image search (<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/129689664241678482/">“green floral wallpaper bathtub vogue,” for this one, based on the item pictured and the watermark</a>) will pull it right up. Then you can click all the instances of it in the search results until you find it on its original website.</li>
<li>Often the front page of a blog is the landing site from the Pinterest link. If that website has a search function, use it, and your work might be very simple. If the website doesn’t have a search function, you can Google it by specifying you only want the search engine to look for certain words on one particular website. For instance, if I want to search for the word “mail” in my own blog, I’d Google: “<a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=mail+site:craftgasmdc.blogspot.com&oq=mail+site:craftgasmdc.blogspot.com">mail site:craftgasmdc.blogspot.com</a>” (without the quotation marks). Replace the page after “site:” with whatever page you’re searching. Then use due diligence to make sure that page is the
original source, as specified above.</li>
<li>My last resort option if I can’t find the image on the web, but I want to be able to refer back to it for a project, is to “like” the image. Then it’s stored in my profile, but not added to the feed of every person who follows me.</li>
<li>If you find one person in particular is consistently lax about sourcing their images, it’s usually less disappointing to stop following their boards rather than getting frustrated each time you can’t find a source. Don’t reward irresponsible behavior!</li>
<li>Sometimes you won’t be able to find the proper source for an image. It’s frustrating, but not as frustrating as it must be to be the original owner of the image who is receiving no credit or website traffic for their work.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/craftgasm/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiAN5bwgSy3p257pFK8Vq3sWPfNVGtPWS5cZbkMYnpqovc7uuxCjh09faxURgJei4ApsKwBk1d7RzGpsx9Nhm2l9ER5QydwR0K71wAImhZ6U7Xs3obnM9uFIERKjRHyR9doh_LTnhZiM/s320/follow+craftgasm.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't promise I'll never make a mistake in pinning properly, <br />
but I can promise I'm trying a lot harder than most.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-49398690846323246272013-02-26T15:42:00.001-05:002013-02-26T15:45:03.545-05:00Nate Silver is my hero<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTOMM0CmydvWMMFc8bkEGiUZgsFvzIt6cu0as1nBB_QIH8qtrqnPHzF1lskMgdpUao5QjkHzH4D-7UoImu3trJ8CX6ype19EB1FHg-cgTJSRdWmwbrxAhWfqDcjzZGNdomHx3z2f0zhM/s1600/Nate+Silver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124814345/nate-silver-gocco-print-math-bitches-5x7" border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTOMM0CmydvWMMFc8bkEGiUZgsFvzIt6cu0as1nBB_QIH8qtrqnPHzF1lskMgdpUao5QjkHzH4D-7UoImu3trJ8CX6ype19EB1FHg-cgTJSRdWmwbrxAhWfqDcjzZGNdomHx3z2f0zhM/s320/Nate+Silver+1.jpg" title="Nate Silver Gocco print by craftgasm" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AKA: Every liberal's rallying cry the night of November 6th.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Throughout the fall, my grandmother, a conservative Democrat who watches CNN in the afternoons because she wants to give herself another stroke (I can't think of another plausible reason), kept calling to tell me how worried she was about the election polls. I would respond by refreshing fivethirtyeight.com and telling her what the actual facts were.
<br />
<br />
Her: Who says that?<br />
Me: Nate Silver. And math.
<br />
<br />
I called her just after midnight on November 7th.
<br />
<br />
Me: I told you Nate Silver wouldn't let us down.<br />
Her: You were right. Thank goodness.
<br />
<br />
I made these Gocco prints on November 8th. They're printed on atlas index pages, the local place names reminding us that actual people in cities and towns matter more than polls on supposed national opinion.<br />
<br />
You can buy yours <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124814345/nate-silver-gocco-print-math-bitches-5x7">here in my Etsy shop</a>. Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-47473475464914195832013-02-13T21:08:00.000-05:002013-02-13T21:29:00.307-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__BPMubon3w6YGLekB0VqtGt2JhbcJtPyq9u__E2yylOEa5n3F-8afWZX8rbmdgwGRt9H6XLh8d5IEOwoY-9QWfz3fEEIsce6ZpKpAZh_PNdxh878SGj_24FmEl8Qg9daIpc0PcsnpbQ/s1600/Craftgasm+Printable+Valentines+-+set+of+6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__BPMubon3w6YGLekB0VqtGt2JhbcJtPyq9u__E2yylOEa5n3F-8afWZX8rbmdgwGRt9H6XLh8d5IEOwoY-9QWfz3fEEIsce6ZpKpAZh_PNdxh878SGj_24FmEl8Qg9daIpc0PcsnpbQ/s320/Craftgasm+Printable+Valentines+-+set+of+6.jpg" title="printable vintage Valentines, edited by craftgasm" /></a><br />
<br />
I posted these vintage Valentines a couple of years ago, but I cleaned them up recently and thought you might like them in an easier-to-print format. They're perfect for cutting out, either along their outlines or in evenly-sized rectangles (with 1/4 inch margins around the edges). <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By4JoXDErpQQVlB0WFdhcG1Sc2M/edit?usp=sharing&pli=1">Download the printable sheet here!</a><br />
<br />
Printed on white cardstock, they lend themselves well to decor; dress them up with glitter or ribbon, or just leave as-is. If you make anything with them, take a picture and link to it below so we can all see!Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-17858630722243439012013-02-07T14:00:00.000-05:002013-02-08T14:02:51.296-05:00Nana's Handmade Valentine Mart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nanadc.com/events/details/nanas-handmade-valentine-mart"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNficBF027nJoepFtmI55xddsW_TVGMFQwsTQ8paa0MAlnMlVNUfvBw2y-_C9k_9PGokNNNwsWbIRPdz5Efs_-Lkf3c5nSLpkLH96pcrfFwnDWsadTa7o8rtic7kVxjZYPcekNQyAClE/s320/HVM+at+Nana+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While I will be at the Postal Museum's <a href="http://craftgasmdc.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentine-workshop-at-national-postal.html">Valentine's Day Card Workshop</a>, my wares will be in good company across town at Nana's <a href="http://www.nanadc.com/events/details/nanas-handmade-valentine-mart">Handmade Valentine Mart</a> in Mt. Pleasant. More than a dozen of the DC area's fabulous makers and shakers will be selling their items at this one-day event. Come get your Valentine's Day shopping all wrapped up by buying from local designers and crafters, including some new Valentine's Day cards from me!<br />
<br />
The show is from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, February 9th. Nana is located at 3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW, just a couple blocks from the Columbia Heights Metro. My work will be lonely without me, so it hopes you can swing by to say hi!Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-8547863239870432492013-02-07T13:46:00.000-05:002013-02-08T14:05:21.614-05:00Valentine workshop at the National Postal Museum this Saturday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D103979645%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuKKceLX0OIPf7lketFNc2SAPIUwz6j3DcadMIkhr0R1QvpzX8vw3Uf2G_1pe_hT6RWXDKJLi-Cbx2FNPOyC5i_GC4jU7zdaVgsKNt1YOUqRti1fk6F6rC3o4yJ95qITfy4OT6J7Im2A/s320/Valentine+Card+Workshop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Have you made your Valentines yet? If not, come make a couple at the <a href="http://postalmuseum.si.edu/">National Postal Museum</a>'s free <a href="http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D103979645%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D">Valentine's Day Card Workshop</a> with me on Saturday, February 9th! We'll have tons of supplies: cardstock, pretty papers, cancelled postage, ribbon, rubber stamps, washi tape, and more. Cards mailed from the museum will also receive a special cancellation (which I will hopefully be able to convince the postal employee to put on all my Valentines that I'm also bringing with me).<br />
<br />
The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, right next to Union Station. We'll be there from noon to 4pm. Hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
(And if you can't make it to this event on Saturday, take a look at the <a href="http://craftgasmdc.blogspot.com/2013/02/nanas-handmade-valentine-mart.html">Handmade Valentine Mart</a> in Mt. Pleasant on the same day!) Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-41925863749483963892013-01-22T18:31:00.001-05:002013-01-22T19:01:43.568-05:00We have winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sjdAHAIRIZ4jewkak49WA1mL0VxkT1LlNSsGzws20rTu62Cih6LxhC8AFMeiSvh45LMkp6jNApSQHHzYceaSQh2HAbJxsu8k5ZOrIru7cw-K9ZHgHPlCGsE1xmVrOj7UzZzqA1UBDWU/s1600/Michelle+guess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sjdAHAIRIZ4jewkak49WA1mL0VxkT1LlNSsGzws20rTu62Cih6LxhC8AFMeiSvh45LMkp6jNApSQHHzYceaSQh2HAbJxsu8k5ZOrIru7cw-K9ZHgHPlCGsE1xmVrOj7UzZzqA1UBDWU/s320/Michelle+guess.png" title=""Because reasons" is as good a reason as any." width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know what those reasons were, but they were the most accurate. I sent 1,141 pieces of mail during 2012, and <a href="http://now.wherewerewe.org/">Michelle</a> was only off by 32. Congrats, Michelle! I've got your address and will be sending a little packet of stationery items your way shortly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDf3i-mB3VQBXmIpT0YF3VzYRPGKVsaf1pkVsy1jxTKLFkv5iZzFPn6nFTy-JUbKuiBt54wYklvMBCWnTQ-cu5j1ZyVPal73QpIYRSU4RGGbqVGOB6GJci8joTv1myhe-vgEOkEQBX2s/s1600/random+number+gen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDf3i-mB3VQBXmIpT0YF3VzYRPGKVsaf1pkVsy1jxTKLFkv5iZzFPn6nFTy-JUbKuiBt54wYklvMBCWnTQ-cu5j1ZyVPal73QpIYRSU4RGGbqVGOB6GJci8joTv1myhe-vgEOkEQBX2s/s1600/random+number+gen.png" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus! as promised, I entered the number of entries into Random.org and it awarded the second packet of stationery stuff to Alegna101. I'll mail it out as soon as I get her address from her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for playing, and especially for reading the blog!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-77661653021977638512013-01-14T14:33:00.001-05:002013-01-22T19:00:54.796-05:002012 in mail, and a giveaway!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oKEmtufpHADZ5RQBkpsvY5KgDtIEey1QyhB6L6wYp4UBwBiWvDIVvtVobOJrx1bK-5NE5_B1TLG3ejEqSOzeicPEx99Qa-9XwoOI1UPaEsFlvcRNVegRDR7wzKMcGkSNWH-e1v8Qko4/s1600/outgoing+june+13+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oKEmtufpHADZ5RQBkpsvY5KgDtIEey1QyhB6L6wYp4UBwBiWvDIVvtVobOJrx1bK-5NE5_B1TLG3ejEqSOzeicPEx99Qa-9XwoOI1UPaEsFlvcRNVegRDR7wzKMcGkSNWH-e1v8Qko4/s320/outgoing+june+13+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[crappy cell phone picture of some sent mail]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2012 was a record year for me in mail-sending terms. I know this because my OCD record-keeping lets me look back on my spreadsheet and see what I sent (and how much I spent on postage).<br />
<br />
I also have piles and piles of excess stationery, and <a href="http://beyonddc.com/">Dan</a> and I are trying to start the new year off with less stuff and more space.<br />
<br />
Let's play a game!<br />
<br />
Guess how many pieces of mail I sent from January 1 to December 31 of 2012. Place your comment by January 21st at 12:01 AM Eastern time, and I'll give away two packets of assorted stationery -- lettersets, notecards, postcards, and the like from various brands and crafters -- to one person whose guess is the closest numerically (above or below the actual number is fine), and to one person whose name is drawn randomly. Be sure your comment somehow includes a way to contact you so I can get your address, if I don't already have it. <br />
<br />
P.S. I'll give you a hint: I finished <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/search/label/craftgasm">my first year of participating in MailArt365</a> in 2012.Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-49863774045205271832012-11-29T18:15:00.002-05:002012-11-29T18:17:01.918-05:00Holiday mail party wrap-upI was going to write a whole post about how awesomely the mail-making party went, but when <a href="http://www.maryhassound.com/">Mary</a> has done it <a href="http://www.maryhassound.com/2012/11/card-writing-party.html">so nicely for me already</a>, why duplicate? Check out <a href="http://www.maryhassound.com/2012/11/card-writing-party.html">her post</a> on the party and the rest of her fab pictures! (I failed at remembering to bring a camera.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF2J78neCcN4B3pWZH9ZHKgRSYb5F0PLIqQSWYWclP1ioK__7pGhg-H6vQkZMiwb7qcC-QyiZYuIedwDzhs1QQjVqgY0JAd0HWSj8A1pkJShOsqMiWm9DrJ-0h5z7VfApjKEXPR06IZc/s1600/washi-tape---photo-by-maryh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF2J78neCcN4B3pWZH9ZHKgRSYb5F0PLIqQSWYWclP1ioK__7pGhg-H6vQkZMiwb7qcC-QyiZYuIedwDzhs1QQjVqgY0JAd0HWSj8A1pkJShOsqMiWm9DrJ-0h5z7VfApjKEXPR06IZc/s320/washi-tape---photo-by-maryh.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">washi tape and gold stars -- photo by <a href="http://www.maryhassound.com/">Mary Has Sound</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My thanks go out to all those who came out in the cold to make some holiday cheer, <a href="http://www.lulamaeevents.com/">LulaMae Events</a> for helping me get everything there and helping me make it look pretty, and everyone who blogged or tweeted about the event to spread the word! Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-14280077334115516812012-10-31T18:20:00.002-04:002012-10-31T18:37:39.472-04:00Come to a holiday mail party in DC on November 26!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZSIRShewbDgNy4ykPExSKy9kSN005GBb7Tbc4ETpyB3s3df_xVnX4BtV7W4Q7My-f6TGoY6cicJOBwap6s3aVHkBBt0VOsvxA-QuFm8SM4Dje4mtjCOwU7iYAgKCVujFvk9NFV70vSY/s1600/holiday+card+party+at+MtP+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZSIRShewbDgNy4ykPExSKy9kSN005GBb7Tbc4ETpyB3s3df_xVnX4BtV7W4Q7My-f6TGoY6cicJOBwap6s3aVHkBBt0VOsvxA-QuFm8SM4Dje4mtjCOwU7iYAgKCVujFvk9NFV70vSY/s320/holiday+card+party+at+MtP+copy.jpg" title="holiday mail part hosted by craftgasm" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to embiggen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm hosting a mail-making party in DC on Monday, November 26, from 5:30-8:30! Since it'll be the Monday after Thanksgiving, you can come bitch about your family get-togethers with us. We'll understand.<br />
<br />
Bring your own Christmas or holiday cards to write, or make some there. It's a way to make what can be a pain in the neck into a fun activity with friends. Also, you can get the card-sending out of the way early in the season -- and not feel guilty when people send cards to you.<br />
<br />
I'll have some mass-produced holiday cards available, along with supplies for making your own. Donations are always welcomed, but not required, to use either. (You can bring your own supplies, too, of course.)<br />
<br />
The library is located at 3160 16th Street, NW in Mt. Pleasant, on the southwest corner of 16th and Lamont Streets. We will be in the large meeting room, which as you come in through the new main entrance, is on the right.<br />
<br />
If you're the sort who likes to RSVP (which I appreciate) and have this on your Facebook calendar, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/356773244410732/">click here</a>. <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3160+16th+St+NW,+Washington,+DC&aq=0&oq=3160+16th+st+st+NW&sll=38.930057,-77.036369&sspn=0.003572,0.007854&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3160+16th+St+NW,+Washington,+District+of+Columbia+20010&ll=38.930478,-77.037242&spn=0.003572,0.007854&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=3160+16th+St+NW,+Washington,+DC&aq=0&oq=3160+16th+st+st+NW&sll=38.930057,-77.036369&sspn=0.003572,0.007854&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3160+16th+St+NW,+Washington,+District+of+Columbia+20010&ll=38.930478,-77.037242&spn=0.003572,0.007854&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>
<br />
<br />
<i>via Metro</i><br />
Columbia Heights, Green and Yellow lines. Exit the west entrance, walk 1 block west on Irving Street (past the Five Guys) to 16th Street. Turn right on 16th Street to head 1 block north. <br />
<br />
<i>via bus </i><br />
S1, S2, S4 - pull cord for Lamont. If coming from the north, you'll be on the right corner. If coming from the south, cross 16th Street to reach the library.<br />
S9 - pull cord for Irving Street. Walk one block north on 16th; library will be on your left. <br />
42 - pull cord for Lamont. Walk one block east on Lamont; library entrance will be on your right. <br />
<br />
<i>via bicycle</i><br />
The renovation of the library came with new bike racks. There are also places to lock up along Lamont and 16th Streets.Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4278816948319767028.post-74536132210202961672012-10-29T09:30:00.000-04:002012-10-31T02:25:24.260-04:00MailArt 365If you follow my Twitter feed, you may know that I am participating in <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/">MailArt365</a> this year, producing <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/search/label/craftgasm">365 pieces of decorated mail</a> for 2012. The project has been ongoing since December of 2010, but I thought I was too busy then to get in on the ground floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JgYrUYzyyt7n87VMgY1ni_0EFv_K_W6H3EVmrA7bJ7qAt4nh-uw9KTSmfBy3ut7z3mAM0CUZsaJML0laADUfNDStctAMfDAjHy6c_rgEOkJJXiowPsy_AjZntR4LOTv6r0I4ZZFGRps/s1600/craftgasm+213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JgYrUYzyyt7n87VMgY1ni_0EFv_K_W6H3EVmrA7bJ7qAt4nh-uw9KTSmfBy3ut7z3mAM0CUZsaJML0laADUfNDStctAMfDAjHy6c_rgEOkJJXiowPsy_AjZntR4LOTv6r0I4ZZFGRps/s320/craftgasm+213.jpg" title="mail art by craftgasm" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
I tracked my outgoing mail for 2011, though, and realized I was already
sending more than 365 pieces of mail per year. That made it an easier
decision to commit to making mail art in 2012.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa1rDAikgDpRU-no9Y9enpjN1kzJqU4Dsj7fdyqSi96h4zH9pD-Sso8ukbXVxZuKdF8ZNbDfgvVE58_us_4SBq2-64i7oZhGZCjgobiAoSr4DF9ynXQJEEG-7GQlpUqeZUg3N7d5M0Yo/s1600/craftgasm+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa1rDAikgDpRU-no9Y9enpjN1kzJqU4Dsj7fdyqSi96h4zH9pD-Sso8ukbXVxZuKdF8ZNbDfgvVE58_us_4SBq2-64i7oZhGZCjgobiAoSr4DF9ynXQJEEG-7GQlpUqeZUg3N7d5M0Yo/s320/craftgasm+3.jpg" title="mail art by craftgasm" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not that anyone's holding me to it; it's more of a challenge to myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPilqGoGf6tk-6h_T0mxUcH80m3OwRMdp5DW2jfnWeuRaY-Ali8fD5SRQdauAQVIZPDTyv2eLWGrvnz6IGSI0t5cIwIoZdLgFccwMHrNYsDqNrloUygCsRxZMyD37sVXjDoQbXNifmcg/s1600/craftgasm+231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPilqGoGf6tk-6h_T0mxUcH80m3OwRMdp5DW2jfnWeuRaY-Ali8fD5SRQdauAQVIZPDTyv2eLWGrvnz6IGSI0t5cIwIoZdLgFccwMHrNYsDqNrloUygCsRxZMyD37sVXjDoQbXNifmcg/s320/craftgasm+231.jpg" title="naked mail by craftgasm" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
If you regularly send mail that you could describe as unexpected, I
think you'd be a good candidate for <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/2010/11/get-involved.html">joining the project</a>, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4fanGeWNk0vWfL9xK_1bigBM-DdbN3oJxzG9FKzwnFizRDovuRvOcS3ykZ-bXs6MDXjYXU8xp-d08EvLHRACHw9ZSDYrvHQZsPypus3vCKGycibZ68b4J3SsHbT263uWsi-87W59uvA/s1600/craftgasm+74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4fanGeWNk0vWfL9xK_1bigBM-DdbN3oJxzG9FKzwnFizRDovuRvOcS3ykZ-bXs6MDXjYXU8xp-d08EvLHRACHw9ZSDYrvHQZsPypus3vCKGycibZ68b4J3SsHbT263uWsi-87W59uvA/s320/craftgasm+74.jpg" title="mail art by craftgasm" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
You can <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/search/label/craftgasm">check out my contributions</a>, but be sure to just visit <a href="http://mailart365.blogspot.com/">the main page</a> to see what other people all over the globe are doing. There's so much creative work being sent through the post. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n2rAPCS29xa5csFdfbuVx8YxTEQkk9Y9dU4QEDXunRNYNVHreXu5V5t8MHYlAlGSJ4Uyht1NgQQQwnQjqWX6TdfZo23HMzw_sXlrQxvE1XxNI-N78oXnQvs6hcExpZgY-njRYw0vT-8/s1600/craftgasm+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n2rAPCS29xa5csFdfbuVx8YxTEQkk9Y9dU4QEDXunRNYNVHreXu5V5t8MHYlAlGSJ4Uyht1NgQQQwnQjqWX6TdfZo23HMzw_sXlrQxvE1XxNI-N78oXnQvs6hcExpZgY-njRYw0vT-8/s320/craftgasm+25.jpg" title="mail art by craftgasm" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa of {craftgasm}http://www.blogger.com/profile/18255435232436468708noreply@blogger.com1