TracyVille

My New Home!

2011-11-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

If by chance, you've been wondering where I went, I've been working on a project these past few months called One Brown Crafter. It's actually a blog I created to give voice and space to the many artists from diverse cultures, as well as to create a viable and supportive community of culturally diverse artists. I'm having a kick butt time with this new venture/adventure and it has grown considerably in the 6 months that I've been at it and I am excited to see what it shall continue to grow into.

Come join me and my community of artists at www.onebrowncrafter.blogspot.com and keep up to date and "like" my facebook page. Hope to see you there!

Hello Out There!

2011-06-06T07:19:00.001-07:00

Hi everybody! I've been away for a hot minute because I've been quietly working on some projects and you know how that goes. Something's gotta give! I've got some art programs I'm doing with kids, which is out of this world fantastic and inspirational and the other stuff I'm working on is a little too early to talk about..... unfortunately. So that's what's happening in the world of me right about now. I'll still be here posting stuff like once a week or so but my regular posting schedule will start back up in the fall. Have a great day!

Call For Student Artists

2011-06-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Calling all student artists from 13-23. If you want a venue to show your work, email me and I'll give you details. If you're under 18, please get your parent's permission. Thanks!

Miss Tillie

2011-05-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

. "Miss Tillie"
. mixed media illustration
. 5" x 7"
. 2011

Sweet Pippa

2011-05-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

. "Sweet Pippa"
. mixed media illustration
. 5" x 7"
. 2011

Your Beauty Is Right In Front Of You

2011-04-29T13:23:00.005-07:00

. "Your Beauty Is Right In Front Of You"
. mixed media illustration
. 8" x 8"
. 2011

His Home Was Small, But He Loved It

2011-04-14T12:27:00.004-07:00

. His Home Was Small But He Love It
. mixed media illustration
. 8" x 8"
. 2011

It Was Over, But Love Remained

2011-04-11T07:09:00.005-07:00

. "It Was Over, But Love Remained"
. mixed media illustration
. 8" x 8"
. 2011

Albert's Mind Was Full Of Colorful Questions

2011-04-01T10:22:00.021-07:00

. "Albert's Mind Was Full Of Colorful Questions"
. mixed media illustration
. 8" x 8"
. 2011

Here is one of the brand new illustrations I've been working on. Once I get some really good shots of this one, I'll be adding it to my shop along with some other pieces I've just added over there. You can have a look at them here.

Please Pledge 2 Eggs

2011-03-30T06:41:00.007-07:00

. Please Pledge 2 Eggs
. mixed media collage
. 5" x 5"

The Goofy Salesman & His 3 Pieces of Hardware

2011-03-28T08:52:00.005-07:00

. The Goofy Salesman & His 3 Pieces Of Hardware
. mixed media collage
. 4" x 4"

The Lovely Exotic Boy

2011-03-23T08:01:00.007-07:00

. "The Lovely Exotic Boy"
. mixed media collage
. 4" x 4"

Mysterious Flying Cleo

2011-03-17T05:34:00.004-07:00

. "Mysterious Flying Cleo"
. mixed media collage
. 10" x 8"

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-03-17T05:29:00.007-07:00

. "The Favored Hen"

. pen + ink illustrated all occasion greeting card

. white speckled cardstock / white card
. 4 1/2" x 5 1/2"

The Clearance Sale

2011-03-14T06:28:00.004-07:00

. "The Clearance Sale"
. mixed media collage
. 8" x 10"

Original Detailed Dressmaking

2011-03-10T05:50:00.006-08:00

. "Original Detailed Dressmaking "
. mixed media collage
. 8" x 10"

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-03-10T05:33:00.007-08:00

. "Elegant Birds Don't Fly"
. pen + ink illustrated all occasion card
. 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Truly Innocent

2011-03-06T17:45:00.020-08:00

. "Truly Innocent"
. mixed media collage
. 8" x 10"

"Chic Club"

2011-03-04T05:58:00.006-08:00

. "Chic Club"
. mixed media collage
. 8" x 10"

I'd like to start posting more artwork on this site, so I'm going to begin from the past and move forward. This piece here from 2008 was the beginning of my transition from painting into collage and mixed media. Enjoy and happy, happy Friday.

The Zine Has Color!

2011-03-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

My zine, Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair + Body Products has been colorized. So now you'll have a choice in which version zine you'd prefer - the colored cover or the uncolorized cover. Both versions will be in the shoppe when it re-opens in April.

My Sweet, Sweet Girl

2011-03-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

"My Sweet, Sweet Girl"

.mixed media collage

.6 1/2" x 9 3/4"

.2010

Vote For Zibbet

2011-02-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

Vote For Zibbet. They're a Finalist!
Congratulations to Zibbet for being a finalist for "Best Online Handmade Marketplace in the 2011 about.com Reader's Choice Awards. I'm happy for their successes in such a small amount of time. If you're thinking about opening a new shop, you can check out Zibbet and the great things they offer to their shop owners including no listing fees, no commission fees, no sales fees and so much more!

If you love Zibbet - please take a second to vote for them! Here's the link: http://diyfashion.about.com/b/2011/02/11/2011-about-com-readers-choice-awards-diy-fashion-finalists-vote-now.htm

Voting closes at 11:59 P.M. EST on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Storage Sacks Doing Their Thing

2011-02-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here you go, Jen. Here are the storage sacks at work. These pictured are burlap recycled from coffee sacks but they come in many styles. They are intended to be used for storage and can either be sat sat down or hung up, as they have jute hangers on either side of the sack. Here are some ideas on how you can use them:

1. in the kitchen to hold onions, garlic, apples, herbs, etc.

2. in your craft room to hold all your paper scraps, felt, glue, and the like.

3. in your office to store you staples, tape, paper clips, etc.

4. in the bathroom to store makeup, brushes, tweezers, shampoo and more.

5. in your shed to dry out herbs as well as a place to keep all your tools and other shed goodies.

6. a really cool idea is to group several of them together and hang them on the wall or the closet door in the kids room to quickly and efficiently hide toys and bric a brac.

7.anywhere that you need a place for things! they're awesome!

PS: I wouldn't store eggs in them. I did that for the photo shoot because I liked the look. Enjoy!

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-02-17T00:23:00.000-08:00

"Got Love?"
.mixed media .all occasion card
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Gift Certificate Winner!

2011-02-16T13:17:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Jenna T. of Minneapolis, MN who won the $25.00 gift certificate drawing that took place on Valentine's Day and thanks to all of you who signed up for my newsletter. THANKS!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T00:36:00.000-08:00

Have a lovely Valentine's Day everyone!

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-02-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

"Best Friends"
.hand illustrated all occasion card
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.2011

Monday Marvel: Peacock Shop

2011-02-07T10:57:00.001-08:00

photos by Stephanie B.

I recently visited Peacock, the vintage and used clothing consignment shop and must say that I was quite smitten. Here are some reasons I found it charming and lovely:

1. the prices are shockingly cheap.
2. the design of the shop is well put together. it's rather sophisticated without being pompous and untouchable.
3. it carries vintage and used clothing, shoes and accessories.
4. Stephanie, the owner is as sweet as sweet potato pie.
5. i love her thoughtful touches like her hand-stamped product tags and business cards that add so much character to the feel of her products and store.
6. it's located in an awesome, historical building on Hawthorne.
7. it's in Portland.
8. it's located on the other side of Mag-Big, one of my favorite stores that carries handmade goods including my own (tee hee hee).

You can check out the shop at 3279 SE Hawthorne.

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-02-03T10:23:00.003-08:00

"happiness under the tree of hearts"

.white speckled cardstock / white envelope 

.4 1/4" x 5 1/2
.2011

Tracyville Zine Update

2011-01-28T10:22:00.004-08:00

I was informed a couple of days ago that 2 locations of Powells Books has sold out of my zine. That was really exciting news to hear so at present, issues are currently only available at the Beaverton store. I also heard from Reading Frenzy - the very cool "Independent Press Emporium" yesterday who informed me that they would like carry the zine, so I want to let you all know that new issues are currently being printed and will soon be on their way to both stores.

If you're new to these parts and don't know what my zine is about, it's called "Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair and Body Products" and is a how-to guide on learning how to make your own natural deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms and more with simple recipes. It's a sweetly illustrated, fun and informative little zine and truly a must have for those people who like me, have moved or want to move away from commercially produced body products. Personally, I love making my own body stuff and I like knowing that good, natural and organic ingredients have gone into making them. Have a great weekend! :)

ArtSpace Friday

2011-01-28T10:22:00.003-08:00

"What Happened"
.mixed media illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010

Thoughtful Thursday Cards + Matching Bookmarks

2011-01-27T09:53:00.004-08:00

Here are some brand new cards and bookmarks to match. I went a little "heart happy" as these cards were made especially for Valentine's Day but they can surely be used for any occasion. Enjoy!

Dog + Coats = Cuteness!

2011-01-27T09:53:00.003-08:00

Flickr/chazferret

I came across an article yesterday on the topic of dogs and coats and I figure that there are probably lots of dog owners out there who may be wondering if dogs really need coats. These articles may be helpful. Article #1 is from The Wall Street Journal and article #2 is via the New York Post. Whether or not they need coats, I personally think that some coats are just too cute.

Valentine's Day Gift Packs

2011-01-21T10:13:00.002-08:00

I put together these cute Valentine's Day Gift Packs for local shops. They contain a bunch of my paper goods (journal, card, envelope, bookmarks and recipe card) all nicely tucked into a clear box that makes a sweet gift for sweethearts across the land. Enjoy and happy weekend to you all. :)

PS: The V-Day Packs have cute labels on the front of the boxes and content labels on the back but I wanted to show you pics of the contents before I labeled them.

ArtSpace Friday

2011-01-21T10:13:00.001-08:00

"Frecklelina"
.mixed media illustration .matted
.8" x 8"
.2010

Portlandia Premieres

2011-01-21T09:25:00.002-08:00

Portland is buzzing with the anticipation of a new show that premieres tonight on IFC called "Portlandia". The show, which stars Fred Armisen (from Saturday Night Live) and Carrie Brownstein, is a sketch comedy that affectionately pokes fun at Portland. I thought the buzz was contained here in the northwest but apparently news has traveled far and wide as the New York Times and the Boston Globe have reported stories about this much anticipated new show.

There will be all kinds of premiere parties tonight in Portland. People I've spoken to are very excited about the show and are taking it with a [funny] grain of salt (such is the nature of Portlanders who are chill, friendly and happy).

People here have been pumped for a while. Weeks ago, I was introduced to the hilarious you tube video "The Dream Of The 90's" and I must admit that it really looks quite funny so I, too, am looking forward to it. Happy Friday!

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

"He Dreamed Of Hearts"
.illustrated valentine's day or all occasion card
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2011

Sean Hayes + Subaru Commercial = Yum!

2011-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

Last night whilst working on some new cards, a commercial came on which I recognized immediately as being a Subaru commercial only because I love the song -"Powerful Stuff" - that plays in the background of that 60 second spot. That song has so much soul that it sends chills through my body. I felt the need to share. The guy who sings the song is Sean Hayes (not the actor) and I can now say the I'm a fan. Maybe you'll like him too. You can check out the song here. Enjoy!

Scrap Score

2011-01-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

You may be asking yourself, "what is all this stuff?" I admit that it may not look like very interesting stuff right now, but this is the score of a lifetime that I found at Scrap - Portland's premiere place to snag all kinds of supplies an artist could ever want. There is so much there to take in. I'm talking all kinds of papers, wonderful colored pencils (from England!), all kinds of fabrics (like the above upholstery samples), vintage books, stamps, ink pads, paint brushes, bins of this and piles of that - all for pennies on the dollar! Seriously, it's a dream and you can't go and not get lost in the creative goodness. AND they've just added a cute art gallery and a shop selling handmade goods.

Pile #1 is a truckload of file folders that will ultimately be used as canvases, bookmarks and whatever else and pile #2 is upholstery samples that, once washed, will be used for bags, wallets and who knows what else. Stay tuned! :D

P.S. Scrap stands for School + Community Reuse Action Project. According to their site, they are a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to inspire creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing educational programs and affordable materials to the community.

ArtSpace Friday

2011-01-14T11:01:00.003-08:00

"Cody, Circa 1955"
.mixed media .collage
.8" x 10"
.2010

One of my goals in the coming weeks is to list my artwork in my shop. I will do that as soon as I have prints made of the pieces. Stay tuned and Happy Friday, everyone!

Boatload of New Goods = Delivery Day

2011-01-14T10:41:00.003-08:00

Tomorrow I get to play the role of delivery girl and deliver this big shipment of goodies to Local Goods and Mag-Big. This is what the cargo shipment includes:

1. Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair + Body Products Zine
2. illustrated mini journals
3. sweet illustrated patches
4. the cutest hand illustrated bookmarks ever
5. collaged bookmarks from vintage books

AND I'll also be delivering a brand new item that I made especially for Valentine's Day - The Valentine's Day Gift Packs. I didn't have pics of those ready for today but I'll have those for you next week. :)

Thoughtful Thursday Cards

2011-01-13T09:28:00.001-08:00

"She Was Never Without Her Melodious Bird" (pink)
.illustrated .Valentine's Day / all occasion .greeting card
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.2011

"She Was Never Without Her Melodious Bird" (blue)
.illustrated .Valentine's Day / all occasion .greeting card
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.2011

"The Love x3 Bluebird"
.illustrated .Valentine's Day / all occasion .card
.white speckled cardstock / white envelope
.2011

New Year's Giveaway

2011-01-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

* Tracyville's New Year's Giveaway *

Giveaway!

Giveaway!
Giveaway!

To celebrate the New Year, I'm having a giveaway. A cinnamon + nutmeg, sugar + spice, sweet sweetie-pie giveaway. All you have to do is sign up to be on my email list, which you'll find on the right hand side of this site and my Trace-O-Matic Shop site. The names I receive by February 14th will be entered into a drawing to win a $25.00 Tracyville Gift Certificate! Do you know how many products you can get from Tracyville with $25.00? The drawing will take place on Valentine's Day, the winner will be notified on February 16th and the gift certificate will be good until May 14, 2011. Good luck!

ArtSpace Friday

2011-01-07T10:33:00.003-08:00

."The Big Brother"
.recycled .mixed media .matted .illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010

."The Little Sister"
.recycled .mixed media .matted .illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2011-01-06T08:55:00.002-08:00

."The Valentine's Heart Tree"
.original .mixed media .illustration .all occasion card
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2011

Valentines Cards are here! So Thoughtful Thursday cards from now until February 14th will be Valentine's Day cards (that can do double duty as all occasion cards). They'll be posted in the Trace.O.Matic Shop by week's end. Hope you enjoy them.

Tracyville New Year's Giveaway

2011-01-06T08:55:00.001-08:00

* * New Year's Giveaway * *

I'll be having a big, New Year's Giveaway starting on Friday. Tune in tomorrow for details. :)

Back From Seattle!

2011-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

I rang in the New Year in Seattle and want to share some pics of this beautiful city that is surrounded by water. Yum!

Also, tomorrow will mark the start of Tracyville's official Valentine's Day card season. Starting tomorrow thru February 14th, Thoughtful Thursday cards will have a Valentine's Day theme. See you back here tomorrow with new card cuteness. :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T11:10:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year!

I want to take a moment to kindly thank all of you who supported my work in the past year. It was so appreciated and I wish you a happy, healthy and amazing New Year.

The Recycled and Now Beloved Birdhouse

2010-12-31T10:50:00.003-08:00

This is the tale of a once sad, wee birdhouse: Someone discarded this birdhouse and I found it. I knew that one day I would do something with it. It sat and sat in its rather tattered state (and that's putting it nicely). A few days before the holidays, it suddenly hit me and I figured out what to do with it and to whom it was going to go. I cleaned it all out (yuk!) and was going to cleverly paint it when I realized that the person who was going to get it loves wood, so I decided to just cover it with newspaper - wonderful, artsy clips from the newspaper - while leaving some parts with exposed wood. Projects of this kind don't always work out, but I think this one did. I really liked it and wanted to keep it for myself but it was earmarked for another who, as it turns out, really liked it too. The end. Happy New Years Eve everybody!!

Random Inspiration

2010-12-31T10:43:00.001-08:00

For artists, inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. I saw these folders all packaged up so nicely in the store and I stood in that aisle for the longest with a trance-like inspiration overcoming me (which I didn't know until my friend, who had traveled the store and came back to said aisle exclaiming, "you're still here?") I'm telling you, these folders are so lovely in person and they will be my inspiration for much of what I will be creating in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. :) :) :) :) :)

A Random Moment

2010-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with anything but just received the current issue of Portland Monthly. I am liking the cover because I really love winter scenes. Can't wait to dig into this issue. :)

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2010-12-30T09:25:00.001-08:00

."Living The Dream"
.recycled .mixed media .sewn .illustrated card
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2010

."Ever Wish You Had A Personal Guide For Your Life"
.recycled .mixed media .illustrated card
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2010

I'll have all new cards next Thursday, which will mark the official start of the Valentine's Day card season.

Colorized Patches

2010-12-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the colorized version of the patches that were posted a couple of days. These and others are on their way to Local Goods.

A Holiday Dog's Tale

2010-12-29T14:06:00.001-08:00

If you are a dog lover as I am, you will have an appreciation for this online Christmas card a friend shared with me and now I want to share with you (even though Christmas is officially over but unofficially still in the air). It tells the story of a precious little dog who awaits a visit from Santa and his preparation for said visit. Given the sweet story and the background music, I must admit I got a wee bit emotional.

The above pics of my little Lucy are here because this post is about a sweet, little dog and I needed a pic of a sweet, little dog. I know she looks a little scruffy right about now, but I much prefer her long curly hair over her freshly shorn look, even if she looks much more pristine with the latter. No matter, she's ever so cute on any occasion. And now, on to our little dog's, Christmas card story.....

Local Goods Delivery

2010-12-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

FYI: More patches and Tracyville Zines are on their way to Local Goods for those of you who didn't get a chance to snag some before they ran out. Here are some of the new patch designs you'll find there (but they will be finished by the time they're delivered). :)

Santa Is The Best!

2010-12-28T08:23:00.001-08:00

With the holidays quietly behind me, I wanted to share some of the wonderful books that Santa brought me. I love to crochet but only know just enough to say that I can crochet. Now, I'll really learn how to do fancy schmancy stitches. The Natural Health Book has a bevy of info on another passion - herbs and such and the Encyclopedia of Country Living gets my heart pounding with excitement because it contains everything I need to know from milling my own flower to raising a goat! The byline of this book reads: The Original Manual For Living Off The Land & Doing It Yourself. That has my name all over it and I can't wait to jump into this gem of a book! I love Santa!

East Coast Snowstorm

2010-12-28T08:13:00.001-08:00

This is what I missed the past couple of days - a huge snowstorm that hit the east coast (these pics are of NYC). Wah!! This is me whining. What can I say? I am one of those people who looooves the snow. I think it's lovely and comforting and romantic and I miss it!!!! Pardon me whilst I go off to whine some more. :( Oh, and check out the guy on the bike.... on a snow covered street! I love New Yorkers and their it's-just-another-day-and-stuff-still-has-to-get-done spirit!

A Happy Holidays Wish

2010-12-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of tryhandmade.com

Here's to wishing you and yours, near and far, a very, very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa ....

New Stuff In The Shop

2010-12-22T11:12:00.001-08:00

I just posted some new patches in the Trace.O.Matic Shop like the googly.eyed bloke you see above. To see more fun patches, go check out the fun shop. :)

ArtSpace Friday

2010-12-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

."Original 1"
.recycled .mixed media .collage .illustration
.6" x 9"
.2010

All-Purpose Drawstring Bags

2010-12-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

Check out these cool drawstring bags that I found in my inventory. I make so many things that sometimes I happen upon stuff that I've forgotten about. I wanted to share them because I think they're so darned cute. I drew them freehand onto the fabric and was pleasantly surprised that I rather liked them because usually my process involves much thought, design and planning. I might have to have these printed up for next year. Hmmm.....

Feature Friday Creative Business: Wanderlust

2010-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

I saw this business - Wanderlust at Crafty Wonderland on Sunday (yes, I'm still talking about CW) and I had to share because it wasn't your usual craft fair set-up. It was a trailer! A trailer people!! I am a big fan of trailers - modern trailers, vintage trailers, artsy trailers and this one was certainly one of the cutest trailers ever! I mean look at it and they have the sweetest vintage + handmade products all showcased ever so cutely. Thanks to Dan + Vanessa for letting me take pics of "Portland's First Traveling Retail Shop."

Feature Friday Film: "Black Swan"

2010-12-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

This movie is getting much hype and from all appearances, I can see why. In a nutshell, this film looks highly intriguing. Wow! It opens today.

Diskgrunt Raffle Winnings - Yay!

2010-12-16T10:47:00.004-08:00

I mentioned a couple of days ago that I won the Diskgrunt raffle at Crafty Wonderland Holiday Bazaar over the weekend. Well, I blinked and loe and behold, my 3 pack "Herding Your Thoughts" pocket notebooks had arrived AND with some cool little stickers thrown in for that added sweetness! How fast was that?! Great service, great product, great happiness! I love them. Thanks, Diskgrunt!

Thoughtful Thursday Card Rewind

2010-12-16T10:47:00.001-08:00

"I Love You Cards"
.recycled .mixed media .collage .illustration
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2010

Lily's Pop Up Diner - For Dogs!

2010-12-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Look what I just heard about this morning on the news - Lily's Pop Up Kitchen Diner - FOR DOGS! How incredibly cool is that I ask you??!! It's too cool for words and I just had to share it. Good news - it exists; Bad news - it's in London. Well, I guess that's not bad news for the UK but I sure would have like to check that out with little Lucy. The pop up diner is open for 6 weeks and the food is free. FREE! The owner also has a line of Organic dog food. You can check out the link for more info. I love this idea!

Curious Doodles + Diskgrunt = I Won The Raffle!!

2010-12-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

At Crafty Wonderland on Sunday, I stopped by a sweet booth shared by Curious Doodles and Diskgrunt. They pointed out the fact that they were having a drawing and since they had a booth full of the cutest goods ever, I couldn't refuse (though honestly never thinking for a moment that I would win anything).

Fast forward to early last night when I received word that I won the Diskgrunt part of the raffle which was the 3 pack "Herding Your Thoughts" pocket notebooks! Once again, I played the role of big kid, as I was jumping out of my skin at the very thought of having won something. Winning something, no matter how great or small, can make one go a bit bonkers.

These pocket notebooks feature an original Diskgrunt illustration of a herded pile of sheep on the front and a gentle herding pup on the back. Check out both sites to see what wonderful goods they produce (some of which you can see in the pics) and congratulations to the person who won the Curious Doodles part of the drawing! :D

Crafty Wonderland Afterglow

2010-12-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

As you know last weekend was Crafty Wonderland, the hugest indie craft fair in Portland. I had a lovely time and met many artists and crafters. It was so nice and a bit surreal to meet the many folks behind their online brands and weird to not be a vendor for a change. I was like a big kid in a big art factory - definitely a happy-happy-joy-joy moment. Anyway, I collected some things including many pieces of micro-chip art (aka business cards), like those you see above. It was a good time.

Trace -O- Matic Shop

2010-12-10T07:55:00.002-08:00

Shop Handmade For The Holidays

If you're just starting your holiday shopping or you simply need some stocking stuffers, I know the perfect place to get what you need at a most agreeable price point. Right here at Tracyville of course! Or I should say at Trace-O-Matic.

I thought Trace-O-Matic was an inactive site of mine but apparently, I get more traffic and more inquiries from over there than I do my zibbet shop, so I set it up as a shop for your convenience and it has a much broader selection of my handmade, recycled treats.

So for all the folks who are still on the hunt for handmade goodness, pop on over to Trace-O-Matic. I've got sweet stuff, odd stuff, sweetly odd stuff, small stuff, paper stuff, lined stuff, art stuff, cheap stuff, stuffed stuff.... so you can Shop Handmade For The Holidays! :)

Holiday Cards Part 2

2010-12-10T07:55:00.001-08:00

."Chester The Startled Blue-Nosed Reindeer" Card
. white cardstock / white envelope
. 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

. "Happy Holidays" Said The Girl With The Extra Long Scarf
. white cardstock / white envelope
. 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

ArtSpace Friday

2010-12-10T07:51:00.002-08:00

."Hello! Hello!"
.recycled .mixed media .collage .illustration
.6" x 9"
.2010

Brand New Rag Tag Plush Dolls

2010-12-10T07:49:00.001-08:00

this little girl is "jema"

and this is her cousin "ahni"

and they like to sleep on burlap sometimes

because parts of their bodies (their hair) are made from burlap

Recycle, recycle, recycle!!! It's what I do. This is what you get when you mix together some unwanted jeans, clothing tags from said jeans, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, coffee sacks, jute and buttons. You get yourself an official Tracyville Rag-Tag Doll - my freshly made, oddly cute, chunky babies!

Crafty Wonderland

2010-12-10T07:33:00.002-08:00

This weekend is Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale, the biggest indie craft show in Portland! I'm so excited because this will be the first time I will be attending a really huge bazaar - as a visitor, not a vendor. So I get to check out tons of artisans to see what is out there and what other folks are making. I can't wait!

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2010-12-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

."The Swoopylicious Holiday Tree"
.recycled .mixed media .illustration .stitched edges
.white cardstock / white envelope
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2010

."Gloriously Happy Santa + His Steady Sidekick Alfie"
.recycled .mixed media .illustration .stitched edges
.white cardstock / white envelope
.4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
.2010

I finally had a moment to make some holiday cards. Enjoy and Happy Thoughtful Thursday everybody!

Random Pic Of The Day

2010-12-09T09:07:00.006-08:00

My picture taking skills are highly questionable, but I rather like this photo I took. Perhaps it's simply because I seem to like photos of bikes and this bike especially, because this bike has a boot on it. Yup, a boot. Ya gotta love Portland!

NY Art Book Fair

2010-12-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Look at this gem I found in my travels yesterday. The NY Art Book Fair??!! My first thought was - Say What?!! And my second thought was Wow!! Really? And now, pardon me whilst I go off to think, contemplate and plan. This year was a big, big, busy year for me, but next year....Let me just say - hooyah!

ArtSpace Friday

2010-12-03T09:19:00.001-08:00

."Brina, The Original Bun Girl"
.matted .mixed media .recycled .illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010.

Edible Portland!

2010-12-03T08:04:00.002-08:00

I was introduced to Edible Portland shortly after I arrived here over a year ago and I have been infatuated with it ever since. It's a local, free magazine that is all about eating well, buying from local growers, small scale farming, eating local and all things like that there. I love Edible Portland which is clear because I've kept - or should I say collected - every issue I've ever received.

I love the subjects, the recipes and the photos. I even love the texture and feel of the wonderful, hearty, matte paper that the magazine is printed on. I'm so enamoured with growing my own stuff, making my own stuff. I just can't get enough of it. Happy Friday folks! :)

Thoughtful Thursday Card - Encore, Encore!

2010-12-02T08:53:00.001-08:00

The holiday cards that were intended for this post were not ready - is that any surprise given my schedule? - so I'm going down memory lane and posting some of the first cards that started my whole card craze. Happy Thursday to you all!

Portland Oregon Sign

2010-11-30T11:20:00.001-08:00

Whilst out and about last night observing the Christmas lights around town, I captured the sign that has been evading my camera for months - the infamous Portland Oregon sign. The photos aren't the best - as I was in a moving car and fumbling to find my camera - but still, I finally got it! That sweet, little galloping deer (or is it an elk?), reminded me of how thankful I am to be here and thankful for all the wonderful things that have happened to me here.

ArtSpace Friday

2010-11-26T08:52:00.003-08:00

."Purse Lipped Rosey Cheeked Ginger Girl"
.matted .mixed media .illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010

Stars + Roses Craft Bazaar This Sunday

2010-11-26T08:23:00.002-08:00

*:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::*
Stars + Roses Craft Bazaar
Sunday, November 28th
12:00 - 5:00
+
Sunday, December 12th
12:00 - 5:00
Star E. Rose Cafe
2403 NE Alberta
*:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::*

Hope to see you all this Sunday at the Stars + Roses Holiday Bazaar this Sunday at noon at the Star E. Rose Cafe on Alberta. It'll be fun and I'll have gobs of handmade + recycled things like cards, journals, burlap bags and storage sacks, burlap pillows, sweet plushies, odd plushies and more! Oh, and I'll also have the brand new zines, recipe cards and body products. Well, I guess the holiday season has arrived. :)

IT'S ZINE DAY!!

2010-11-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been counting down for weeks now and I made my deadline! The zine is fresh off the presses and on the shelves of bookstores and shops throughout Portland, just in time for you to get your issues for all the folks on your Christmas list. It was a lot of work, a lot of fun and I'm proud to officially present the first Tracyville Zine - "Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair + Body Products" - your personal guide to making natural deodorants, shampoos, body oils, lip balms and more. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. And now, pardon me as I can walk off into the sunset and go get me some Thanksgiving vittles. The happiest Thanksgiving to you all!

Powells Books + Me = A Wow Moment!

2010-11-25T10:15:00.002-08:00

I am very, very pleased to announce that Powells Books is carrying my zine! This is really exciting news for me and I'm truly grateful. I feel like saying that like 20 more times (the part about Powells carrying my zine).

Walking into Powells Bookstore is like walking into a most wondrous world of books and coffee and art and happy people - floor after floor of it! It's the biggest independent bookstore on the planet for goodness sakes and I want to thank their buyers for carrying my beloved little zine!

Where Can You Get The Zine?

2010-11-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

"Miss Tracy's Guide To: Handmade Hair + Body Products" can be found at the following shops and bookstores:

: Powell's Books
: Local Goods
: Mag-Big
: Acupuncture + Wellness NW
: Love Cup Cafe

ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS NW

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

* HAPPY THANKSGIVINNG *
To Everyone Near And Far!
: )

Countdown To Launch Date Of Tracyville Zine

2010-11-24T08:56:00.001-08:00

1 Day Left !!

As you can see, Bucky's a little excited that there's only one day left until we'll be able to show you our first zine. We'll see ya back here tomorrow with the zines and the places where you'll be able to pick up your copy. See you then!

Drive Carefully - Pleeeezzzzzz

2010-11-24T08:44:00.001-08:00

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
For those who will be on the road to visit your families for the holiday, please drive carefully. We're having road concerns in these parts, so be safe everyone, everywhere. I hope yours will be a happy and safe holiday. :)
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Countdown To Launch Date Of Tracyville Zine

2010-11-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

2 DAYS LEFT !!

Hungry? Are you hungry for the recipes on how to make those cool, natural products for your bod? Well, you only have 2 days until "Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair + Body Products" hits streets. We're almost there people....we're almost there! :)

Handmade In Portland - Thanks!

2010-11-23T08:59:00.003-08:00

Jolie from Handmade In Portland wrote a very lovely post about me yesterday on her blog. If you're wondering what Handmade in Portland is, their about page should explain it all:

Handmade in Portland is the brainchild of Bettie New who recruited her friends That Jolie Girl & Swankyday in order to highlight the dynamic craft community in and around Portland, Oregon – what these three women might dare to call the most creative place along the Willamette. We three are at varying levels of craftitude but share a love for and commitment to all things handmade. Handmade in Portland, fueled by our own exploration (to feed our voracious crafty appetites) as well as surreptitiously whispered (or emailed) crafty tidbits, is a meeting place for all folks interested in, engaged in, &/or looking for the community of handmade artisans in Portland. Our love of Portland’s wildly diverse and awesomely talented pool of hand-makers goes beyond our love of beautiful things. We celebrate the community of crafting – a creative community imbued with that friendly, giving Northwest spirit. We are three crafty gals among many and feel lucky to call Portland home.

Thanks Jolie for the wonderfully fulfilling write-up!!

Snow In PDX - Yippee!!

2010-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

We're on snow alert here in PortlandTown. Yay!! There has been talk for days about the impending snow - on the news, on the tips of everyone's lips. They're even making me nervous and I'm from a snowy land. I can't wait to see those sweet little flakes! Mmmm.... Mmmm....Good!!!

Stars + Roses Craft Bazaar This Sunday

2010-11-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

*::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::*
Stars + Roses Craft Bazaar
Sunday, November 28th
12:00 - 5:00
+
Sunday, December 12th
12:00 - 5:00
Star E. Rose Cafe
2403 NE Alberta
*::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::*

This is going to be a cool little fair at the very cool Star E. Rose Cafe on Alberta Street. They've gotten so many responses that they had to rent another space. I'm excited about this one. I'm going to have some sweet stuff in tow and I'll have the ZINES with me. Hope to see you all there. :D

Countdown To Launch Date Of Tracyville Zine

2010-11-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

* 3 Days Left !! *

The countdown is really on now because there are only 3 days left until "Miss Tracy's Guide To: Handmade Hair + Body Products. I can't believe there are only 3 days! I remember when there was 41 days. Boy, where has the time flown to. Phew!

Artspace Friday

2010-11-19T10:44:00.002-08:00

."Oh, How She Loved That Checkered Dress"
.matted .mixed media .illustration
.8" x 8"
.2010

Dick & Jane Bookmarks

2010-11-19T10:32:00.002-08:00

People seem to have a sweet spot for the Dick & Jane bookmarks, so I made more for the holidays. :)

Countdown To Launch Date Of Tracyville Zine

2010-11-19T10:23:00.001-08:00

* 6 DAYS LEFT !! *

The Magnificent Harry Potter

2010-11-19T10:22:00.001-08:00

Mr. Potter, Hermione, Ron, He Who Shall Not Be Named and the rest of crew can be seen today in the nationwide premiere of their new film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Fans from pillar to post are going bonkers over the film (as per news reports) and the trailer looks IN.CRE.DI.BLE! I can't wait to see it.

Thoughtful Thursday Card

2010-11-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

These are recipe cards I made for those who are participating in my workshop on how to make your own natural body products. They still need to be embellished with some sewing details but I thought they'd be good for the card post today. Enjoy!

Countdown To Launch Date Of Tracyville Zine

2010-11-18T10:32:00.002-08:00

7 DAYS LEFT

Oh, boy! Time is drawing near! The first Tracyville Zine "Miss Tracy's Guide To Handmade Hair + Body Products" is almost ready to hit stores and bookshops in the Portland metro area. Only 7 days left!!

Appearances Are Everything

2010-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

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Oops, I forgot to mention yesterday that I changed it up again -"the look" - of the blog that is. Remember weeks ago when I changed it to the grandma's lemony, vintage, wallpaper look and said that I wanted to give it a test run to see how it sat with me? Well, it sat long enough. It was just a wee bit too busy for me to live with for long. I am liking this look much better. Hope you do too.
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