East Bay mag Diablo features local handmade-superstars including three of our very own Modern Mouse artists! We certainly share their love for Tortoise Loves Donkey‘s tiny air plants, Papaver Vert‘s felt creations, and lemonadehandmade‘s elegant jewelry. Read all about it here and experience their amazing handiwork for yourselves in the store!
Hammer/ Mix/ Sew/ Shape/ Fold/ Cut
Handmade gifts by East Bay crafters.

BY LEEANNE JONES

Does it get any better than handmade? When you buy something from an artist, you can count on its being unique, personal, painstakingly crafted, and often eco-friendly. Plus, …

Every gal feels a little more special with a flower clip in her hair, especially if it’s one lovingly made by crafty Alameda mom Leslie Fox of L Specialty Designs. Thanks for adding beauty and flair to our hair!
The L Specialty Designs Story
I started making flower clips a year ago when I wanted to put something cute and fun in my daughter’s hair, but couldn’t find anything in the stores I liked. I saw a friend making hair clips and so I pulled together ribbons, flowers &  buttons to create …

Modern Mouse welcomes crunchy leaves and cooler weather! Feast your eyes on these autumnal delights.
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Too stinkin’ cute! We’re lovin’ the urban-retro vibe of this photoshoot published by Intwined. Those are some good-looking people wearing some good-looking bowties…

Kickin’ It By the Docks & Modern Day Tea Party Photoshoot
Alias! My lovely photographer, Ryan Louie sent me the final edits from the shoot today.  I plan on creating a look book soon and I wanted to share some of the photos with you guys.  Check out the rest of the photos here. Enjoy!
<3
Jenn
Photographer: Ryan Louie (http://casanovafresh.wordpress.com/)
Make Up Artist: Melanie Chew
Models: Melanie Chew, Erica Chin, Mary Song, …

Monster Headband in hair? Check. Monster Journal and Monster Wallet in Monster Bag? Triple check. We’re ready to have a monster-happy day! Thank you, Ghoulie Girls, for being so frighteningly cute.

The Ghoulie Girls Story
I have always crafted my own holiday and birthday gifts for friends and family and have always had an affinity for frightening, but cuddly creatures (not to mention fake fur!). After many comments about selling my creations, I discovered Etsy and finally opened up Ghoulie Girls!
In my other life…
I teach sewing (Creation Station!) and digital arts workshops …

Ruth from Sirona Springs recently wrote an excellent post on the true meaning behind the expiration dates on her deliciously yummy soap creations! Read and rejoice!
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Hoot! Hoot! That’s the sound of an owl sending you a very important message, courtesy of San Francisco designer Meredith Cheng of munaluna. Her cheery notecards and bright floral tea towels sure get our attention!

The munaluna Story
I studied printmaking for my undergrad and was completely in love – however, I needed to make a living with my art. Discovering screenprinting on fabric was the perfect medium for me – this way, I can put my creativity into something that is functional!
In my other life…
I’ve worked at a stationary store – …

Hooray! We’re mighty pleased to share an audio interview that gets inside the head of amazing artist Rachel Ann Austin, creator of the lovely nature-inspired map paintings. Rachel was recently interviewed by local Alamedan Kate Swoboda for Kate’s digital book Across Mediums. Women encouraging women to get inspired and creative! We love it!

Short Snippet with Rachel Ann Austin from Kate Swoboda on Vimeo.
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We’re in the business of handmade because we love the idea that a single, creative individual can conceive an idea, make it real with the manipulation of material in their very own hands, and — through channels like ours and/or through their own clever devices — deliver it into the hands of people like you who love and appreciate the heartfelt, handmade creation.
By supporting and buying handmade, you not only help support small/micro-businesses and local economies, you also enable independent artists to pursue their passion and simultaneously make a living …