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Steampunk Robots

2012-02-08T08:53:00.000-05:00

Steampunk robots are appearing everywhere around my studio. They come and go quickly, so I had the idea to snap some pictures of these strange little creatures for those who may be skeptical.
My pal Tom Kennaugh, artist and historian has done many art shows around Columbus, Ohio of two-dimensional antique/futuristic collages and photography.

Lately, he's been making these amazing steampunk style robots of modern and vintage machine parts, with camera, watch, science equipment and anything else he collects from local antique shops.
You can find his robots in the book gallery room in German Village Antiques at 716 S High, next to the old Clairmont in Columbus, Ohio.

How We Roll At Home

2012-02-05T20:42:00.001-05:00

Our home constantly has something creative going on. Most of that takes place in the dining room, with art supplies, sewing supplies and instruments with music spread over the front of the piano. This month and last month my daughter has been preparing for her solo and ensemble contests and I have shifted my creativity from sewing to mixed media.

Yesterday, I'm happy to say the contests went very well, with Sarah scoring high on her solo of Rondo in D and then her quartet scored high with their performance of Menuet and Polonaise. The kids all worked very hard and it payed off.

My sewing machines have been acting up and are in great need of repair before I can start working with them again. Instead of waiting on those to be fixed, I started dabbling in mixed media by decoupaging watch part faces, stencils and old photos onto painted cigar boxes.

Introduction To Sewing Machines and Patterns

2011-01-15T10:27:00.002-05:00

This class is for anyone who has a machine and wants to learn how to sew, using commercial patterns.
We will learn basic machine functions and what all those little parts do.
Learn how to read commercial patterns and put them to use.
Cutting, basic sewing terms, sewing seams, etc.
This two day class will bring you from start to finish of making a basic home decor accessory.
Cost for the class is $65 per student for two days. That includes materials kit, notions and instruction. You will only need to bring your sewing machine.
See refund and class policies in the FAQ section.

Craftin' Outlaws

2010-09-12T09:44:00.010-04:00

Craftin' Outlaws has been one of HevVin Designs' favorite shows to patronize for years. They have many interesting and creative vendors there, selling graphic t-shirts, unusual jewelry, handmade journals, etc.
When I visit the show, my pals are always saying, "You should apply here!", or "Your bags would totally do well at this show!" So, I always do.
Last year, I volunteered for the show, because these types of independent venues for local artists are vital for a community. It's vital because it brings income for artists and designers as well as inspires and draws in others who believe in what they do, yet know how hard it is to compete with large mass producing businesses.
At the 2009 show, I had fun volunteering, setting up chairs and tables, checking in vendors, handing out fliers to the rush of shoppers, passing out yummy cinnamon rolls from Patty Cake bakery to the vendors and basically checking around to make sure the vendors had water and see if they needed anything.
One nice thing that made me happy, seeing a shopper already carrying a HevVin Designs bag with her. I was hoping the jurors would notice, but, no. Oh well. They had about five purse vendors there last year, so it made sense that my application was denied.
For 2010, Craftin Outlaws has had to scale back on the number of vendors they let in. I hope this isn't a trend, but just a glitch. HevVin Designs was not accepted again. They have three bag vendors: Flame Stitch (She makes wonderful, rock'n roll, vinyl, structured handbags)Mary Moon: (These bags are so CUTE, you just want to hug every one, with popular motifs and bright, sunshiny colors) and Red Clover Clutches (Her bags are those snap top bags with brand new crisp, new Amy Butler looking fabrics-cute and trendy!)
In this next paragraph, I'd like to bring some encouragement to those who say to themselves, "Why didn't I get in? I know my product is "indie"!?". And, God forbid, actually go up to the jurors and have the gull to ask them why. They work hard and HATE turning anyone away. Believe it or not, I know someone who online, came down kind of hard on a jury regarding this. DO NOT, ever do that. It's hurtful and you end up looking like a jack a**! They really do work hard, putting the shows together for months. If you don't believe me, join a jury. I did for Eco Chic Craftacular in Columbus, Ohio one year and it was really difficult saying, "No" to anyone.
My company uses authentic vintage fabrics, laces that come from estate sales and have to be unusual. I am a textile snob and won't use anything that looks like it came from major fabric stores, or could be mistaken for a bag from Target. I also use repurposed leathers and textile fabrics from decorator warehouses. Does it matter why I didn't get in? Nah! Who knows? I still maintain my support for the indie shows in Columbus, Ohio and know the jurors know what they are doing. Sometimes you don't get in because your product just didn't "gel" with the other offerings at the show. With all the experience I have, knowing my fellow textile "snobs" love my designs and materials, there is no way I would consider changing what I do or how I do it.
This year, Craftin' Outlaws needs your help. They don't have any volunteers, except for the women from Etsy Team Columbus. Only one of our members made it in, yet they know how important it is to support every art team in Columbus. Many of our team members are new at vending their crafts and art for a living, so most of what we do, very successfully, is help out the other art collectives. Last year another art team was snickering at how we "never get anything done", but we continue to give and do our best to be a part of and celebrate those that are doing well. Some of the previous members have moved on to faster paced art groups in Columbus and we continue to celebrate them, as well as maintain friendships with our beloved fellow artisans.
This year, Craftin' Outlaws will be at South Campus Gateway, hosted by Artillery and will take place October 16th. Please come out and support our local, hard working artists!

The Tin Man

2010-01-01T16:41:00.004-05:00

"Well, Oz never did give nothin to the tin man, that he didn't, didn't already have..".
We all know that song which talks about the tin man from the famous story "The Wizard of Oz". The tin man already had a heart, which showed in how much he cared for his friends. But the Wizard gave him a heart shaped watch that ticked, anyway.

Well, somehow my next venture into following my bliss as an artist had me wondering what to do with the bucket of antique and vintage watch movements my father just gave. I took them home and cleaned the parts to see what could be salvaged from this rusty and tarnished heap of about 500 watches. As I pulled each little shiny, fine detailed piece from the cleaning machine, it struck me how beautiful these tiny gadgets with faces really were. As I rinsed and dried each one, I fell in love with the shine and lacey quality of the gears, wondering what stories could have been told, where they had been and even if any were given as tokens of love.

There are many jewelry makers out there who would use them right away, gluing them to manufactured earring posts, ring bases or whatever would bring quick money at a fair. There are also steampunk jewelers who make gorgeous brooches out of them and wonderful necklaces. Some of these jewelers are good friends of mine. My experience as an art student, with a couple of metal smith classes under my belt, lets me know I could probably make such beautiful works, but my heart is too big. I wouldn't feel good about myself going after the target audience of my pals. Nope, I won't do it!

Thanks to my gift for creativity, I will delight in coming up with another way to show case these beautiful gears of the past. Sometimes adversity pushes you to dig deep into what has not been discovered. Over the holiday break I've had time to brain storm over what is to be my next creative outlet for the new year, that includes the watch parts. I can't wait to get back to my studio and get started, putting it all together.

Have a great new year and stay true to your hearts! And don't worry, I will be making more bags, too. Cheers!

Pride And Joy Show

2009-10-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

Etsy Team Columbus Is At It Again!
Come to the Pride and Joy Trunk Show presented by Etsy Team Columbus at 4th Street Art Studio will have fine crafts and art for sale from 11-5pm on November 22 at 4th St Studios (1950 North 4th St, in Columbus)
10% of all sales and all raffle proceeds will go to health education products for the children at Indianola Middle School. Also we are asking for donations of gentle hygienic products such as shampoos, soaps, lotions (sample sizes or full sizes will be contributed to the program). Check out http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=149852758723&ref=ts for more information or go to http://etsyteamcolumbus.blogspot.com to find out about Etsy Team Columbus. Let's give these children Pride and Joy!

Trunk Show Review

2009-09-01T19:12:00.004-04:00

It has been almost a week since the Fall Fashion Trunk Show at Market At Serendip. It seems like a year ago, though. Lots of folks are asking how everything went. So here is my review:
As you walked into the new store in Powell, Ohio called Market At Serendip, you step into a very welcoming, rusticly charming gallery containing some of the newest, hip and upcoming creations. There were paintings, fine hand crafted jewelry and accessories. The purses and bags there ranged from chic designer quality to bohemian new age upcyled. All the wonderful treasures there were original hand crafted designs by local artists and independent designers who show much pride in thier work. Among those displays were two tables of our Trunk Show Artistans of the night.
Deb and Etsy Team Columbus had generously provided a bountiful assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruit, desserts, as well as sodas, wines and other refreshments. It was classy, yet unpretentious.
The attendance was a constant inflow of local residents and good friends from out of town who came out to support, shop and visit with us.
As the guests made their way through the gallery, they came to the back room where the actual Fall Fashion Trunk Show was beheld. Amy from Painted House had many beautiful hand painted glasswares for sale. Audra was there with her dear Grandmother to offer many wonderful hand knitted and felted bags and accessories. Karla from Adornments by Karla had a glorious display of crystal, metallic and glass combinations of beaded jewelry. Heather of Smarty Pants Designs had her artisan hand rolled beads and one of a kind buttons in rich color swirled combinations. Traci from T and Little Scrapper Designs had a great assortment of hand designed paper gifts of stationery and various paper gifts, along with hand crafted coasters in trendy patterns. HevVin Designs (that's me) had a display of one of a kind clutches, made from repurposed designer mid-century fabrics and. The fabrics went from formal laces and velvets to funky 70's wool plaids. We all offered 10% off to each buyer that night, as incentive to our buyers.
The sales that night for each of us ended up being not as high as hoped, even though the place had a steady stream of guests. The economy is taking the indie craft market for a little ride, right now- and not in a good way. But all in all everyone was pleased.
At 8:30 that night, we had a raffle drawing which offered prizes donated by Adornments by Karla, Painted House and German Village Antiques. All of the money from the raffle went to Oak Stone Schools, raising a $50.00 gift to them.
Thank you so much to the hard working women of Etsy Team Columbus, Deb and her staff from Market At Serendip , those who came out to support us and Oakstone and those who helped spread the word.
Keep posted for some pics of that night, coming very soon.

Here Is What You Can Win At The Trunk Show!

2009-08-18T16:48:00.002-04:00

This beauty is donated by Adornments By Karla. Isn't it lovely! Thank you Karla!

Beautiful Prize, Courtesy of Adornables by Karla

2009-08-16T21:46:00.006-04:00

Buy your raffle tickets today to win this fabulous jewelry set, donated by Adornments by Karla.
Proceeds will go directly to Oakstone Academy in Columbus Ohio to benefit children with Autism.
From my Favorite Places sections of this blog, click Adornments by Karla to see the beautiful jewelry set she is offering for you to win. Good luck!

Raffle to Benefit Autism Education At Oakstone Academy

2009-08-05T16:25:00.004-04:00

On August 26, 2009 there will be a raffle drawings with proceeds going to Oakstone Academy in Columbus, Ohio at the trunk show.
You may purchase one ticket for $1 or five tickets for $4.
If you RSVP by August 20th to hevvindesigns@yahoo.com with your e-mail address, you will receive a free chance to win.
A purchase that evening will win you two tickets.
Bring a friend and you will get another ticket for that.
You must be present to win at the 8:30 PM drawings.

You could win a beautiful hand crafted necklace and earring set donated by Adornables by Karla of Etsy Team Columbus or
a handsome Block O stained glass decorative window donated by German Village Art and Antiques
Check back to see photos of these fabulous prizes and a peek at the artisans that will be featured the night of the show.

Etsy Team Columbus and Market at Serendip Trunk Show

2009-08-04T21:08:00.003-04:00

You Are Invited
Etsy Team Columbus Designer's Fall Night Out
Hosted by Market At Serendip
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
And raffle to benefit Oakstone Academy
(a non-profit school for children with autism in Columbus, Ohio)

Be the first to see Fall Handmade Creations Featuring
HevVin Designs (handmade designer fabric bags)
Adornments by Karla (exquistie hand made glass jewelry)
SmartyPants Designs (artisan hand rolled beads and custom jewelry)
T and Little S Designs (custom paper gifts and decor)
Crazy Craftn Ladies (hand knitted and felted bags and fashions)
Painted House (hand painted glassware and gifts)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
7-9 PM
36 N Liberty St, Powell, OH 43065
RSVP to hevvindesigns.yahoo.com

Enter The Raffle For A Chance To Win
A beautiful necklace and earring set will be donated by Adornments by Karla
All proceeds will benefit Oakstone Academy School for Autism
Also, there will be a runner up prize for the second raffle drawing donated by German Village Art and Antiques

Extra Bonuses:
Purchase that night and recieve an extra 10%!
Refreshments will be provided by Market At Serendip

New Digs

2009-08-03T09:19:00.003-04:00

Well, the day has finally come where I have a place to work, that is not in my home.
For many years a studio to work in that is mine, all mine has only been a dream. My dear dad has opened up a room to me at his warehouse store in German Village . The room is going to be perfect for designing and putting together bags, clothing, jewelry and other accessories, without distractions.
Today is Monday. The closets, tables, files, shelves, machines are now in the room that will allow me to work. I think I will start the day washing down everything and placing supplies, so that tomorrow can be a sewing day. Even my twelve year old is excited to help me get it set up. Maybe will have a corner in the room to create on her days there with me. Yeah...

Flickr

2009-07-29T16:16:00.008-04:00

Works from our Fall Fashion Trunk Show in Powell this year

2009-07-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

It has been an exciting and busy Summer, with all the concerts, shows and festivals we've been attending.
I've worked and played hard all Summer, spending as much time as I can with my husband and daughter, while I designed and made bags and accessories to sell on line and at some of the festivals.
It's hard to believe that it's time to start cranking out some new Fall designs.
Here are some of those accessories that I had fun making over the Summer- Enjoy! :

Fussy Clutch

2009-02-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

Spring is coming and I'm getting ready. Here is one of my new clutches for you to check out.