Arcane Arts

Over the weekend the husband and I braved the cold rain to stop in at the holiday Renegade Craft Fair and boy were we not disappointed I was amazed to see so many people, it was so crowded I don't think I was even able to see all the booths, but I suppose that's a great sign of folks supporting artists. One booth that did however catch my eye was the colorful walls of Arcane Arts. With natural elements, dreamy scenery and even custom portraits I was sure to grab artist Adrienne Vita's card for future commissioned work. I would love a custom print of our little one by her! And aside from illustrations and prints, Adrienne also has a fun assortment of pillows too.

images by arcane arts

Natural beauty

Ever have one of those weekend where you feel super busy but hardly did much?  That was me this weekend.  I spent most of my time either getting to or from locations, public transportation can really slow you down around here on the weekends, perhaps that's why I feel like I do- too much waiting around!  Saturday was spent an hour away at the husbands company picnic.  You never really know what to expect at these kinds of things, but we were treated to paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  I've always wanted to try out kayaking and although my forearms are still sore and my husband got soaked, it was totally worth it.
I was however most excited to take a trip out to Renegade SF on Sunday even after the hour long bus ride.  I always look forward to these shows {missing Unique LA tremendously} and getting to meet and see so many great artists and blogger friends.  One shop in particular that caught both my husband and I's eye were the intaglio prints from Julia Lucey.  Inspired by Julia's young memories of summer camp in the backcountry, her prints evoke such a serene feeling, we wanted to get one so bad but walked away empty handed.  Figured it was better to know exactly where it could go in our place before we spent the money, frames can be so expensive! Her shop is on a mini vacation at the moment, but will be back very soon so do stop by Julia's site and get inspired.

photos via julia lucey

Lisa Swerling

I found these fun glass cathedrals from Lisa Swerling and just had to share.  In person, they give a wonderful sense of scale and emotion. My favorite was this little girl, because well, sometimes the world can be a scary place.  Stop by Lisa's site for more creative glass cathedrals, you can even have a piece customized for an even bigger impact.

photos via glass cathedral 

Caitlin Kuhwald Illustration

I've been going to craft fairs almost every weekend for the last 3 weeks, and its been awesome.  Not only did I pick up a few goodies (for myself of course!) it gave me a chance to check out tons of great shops and crafty people.  One booth that caught my eye at both Bazaar Bizarre and Renegade SF was Caitlin Kuhwald Illustration.  I mean, with Ira Glass at the front, how you could you not be drawn in?  With a background in illustration, Caitlin creates wonderful giclee prints that you have to look at twice just to take in all the detail.  You can find more at Caitlin's site, blog and shop.

photos via caitlin kuhwald

Dotted

Even thought we got home Saturday afternoon, I had to get in the car one more time and head out to San Francisco for all the great shopping at Renegade SF.  I just love these kinds of craft shows!  You can find a little bit of everything, and these bowls from The Bocket Store sure caught my eye.  Artist Sarah Bocket hand paints each bowl with a bit of a DNA feel.  These are so cool in person!!  And did I mention they are all found objects and are one of a kind!  I love the idea of re-purposing something you would ordinarily pass up. I just wish I needed another vessel for trinkets, as it is, I'm running out of tabletop space.  To see more great finds from The Bocket Store, stop by Sarah's blog too.

photos via the bocket store

Nate Duval

I cannot wait to get my newest purchases from Nate Duval up on my wall.  I may have even set a record for myself, purchased the art and frames within the same weekend!  (P.S, Aaron Brothers is having their buy one get one for a penny deal!!)  While at Renegade, the husband pointed out Nate's booth and we quickly made a bee line to his posters and prints and walked away with Mr. Mum (below) and half of the Delectable duo (the artichoke).  Not only are his designs interesting, they are a great deal.  And if you are interesting in  screen printing, you have got to see how Nate and his pal Journe make each piece.  Super cool.

photos via nate duval

Who's going?

If you are going to be in L.A this weekend, you should stop on by the Renegade Craft Fair.  Not only do you get to support local artists, there are some pretty fun workshops available to get you crafting.  And, its free.  Yep, free, so there is no excuse not to go.  I know I'll be there Saturday, let me know if you're going!

photo via renegade