Two weekends ago we hit up the Richmond Craft Mafia‘s Spring Bada-Bing craft show (which we told you about via this giveaway). It was similar to their Handmade Holiday event that we checked out back in December, so since that post was such a hit with you guys, we thought we’d share all of the awesomely local craft-y goodness that we happened upon during this show too. Oh, and while we didn’t leave with the bounty like we bought last year – we did purchase one of the many things we loved (times three, actually). So feel free to guess what it was as we lead you on a little craft tour de jour (and we’ll spill the beans at the end).
When we first stepped into the show space at Plant Zero, this print by Matt Butler met our eyes. Sherry immediately thought of her bacon-loving blog-compadre Katie B. I immediately thought of how I’d love to eat some bacon. We both knew the show was off to a good start.
Matt Butler is not just a spokesperson for the bacon movement, but also does a variety of hand-carved linocut prints (and painted Toms shoes!) “made with tongue firmly in cheek” (to borrow a line form his website). Although our affection for bacon hasn’t quite reached the level of a wall art declaration, we were eying this “Whale Love” print for a while.
One artist who deserved my “Why didn’t I think of that!?” award for the day was Articipe, who turns recipes into cheerful custom works of art. With my stomach now shifting from bacon- to cookie-craving mode, I started thinking of all of the people I could order a personalized version for (you provide her with the family recipe and she whips one up for you).
It’s no mystery that we like state art, so of course Jennifer Allevato‘s embroidery hoop creations caught our eyes. You can order any state from her Etsy shop if you don’t happen to live in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Nearby were some ceramic animals unlike any others we’d ever seen (and let’s be honest, we’ve seen our fair share). The Runny Bunny creates figures with mis-matched head and body combos. Garden gnome on a bird body? Check. Rabbit head on an elegant woman’s figure. Double check. Talk about a conversation piece, though! This booth had droves of people around it checking them all out the whole time. Sherry’s favorite was a cute little finch with the head of a truck. Come to think of it, I think that was Clara’s favorite too. Meanwhile, I was partial to the gentlemanly guy with a deer head.
Given our recent adventures in succulent planting, these Terrariums by Rich definitely drew us in. Just like Helen Hunt made Jack Nicholson want to be a better man, Rich makes us want to be better at planting stuff. He even put little green martians and other tiny creatures in some of them if you don’t like your terrarium to be too serious. Speaking of serious – check out how grand that one in the center is. Awesome.
Modern June showed off this cool chalkboard rooster decal, which is great inspiration for a cool twist on a traditional chalkboard.
Across the way we spotted these cool bound books using Legos from Moonlight Bindery. They had small wallet sized ones, as well as some larger ones using those big green squares that I fondly remember from my Lego-playing days.
Sherry – always a sucker for a sentimental houseware – was ooohing and ahhhing (mostly the former; lots of oohs going on) over these hand-stamped silver utensils from Milk & Honey Luxuries. Me, I lean towards the quirky forks on their website that say “nom nom nom” across the tines.
Speaking of houswares, the show wasn’t strictly art and other home stuff. There was also jewelry, clothes, and body products – like these organic soaps from Whispering Willow. As good as the soaps smelled, we also really liked how she displayed them. Wouldn’t a smaller slice of a tree trunk be a cool soap dish for your bathroom at home? You can even find them for a few bucks at the craft store – or hunt one down in your backyard.
Another fun part of the show was checking out the booths of folks we were already familiar with (either though the previous show, other events, or our earlier giveaway) and seeing some of the wares in person – like these colorful Wisdom Cards from Silver Tree Art…
… and more of the nesting bird bowls given away by Tasha McKelvey. We loved the detail that as the bowls got smaller, there was one less egg in each nest.
Last show we somehow bypassed the booth of our friend Karyn of KShonk Designs, so this time we were determined to say “Hi” (she hadn’t met Clara in person yet) and Sherry of course wanted to get all sparkle-drunk over her jewelry. We house crashed her a while back, so we’re old friends.
And it won’t come as a shock that I gravitated towards the more tongue-in-cheek jewelry of Inedible Jewelry. What man doesn’t need a pair of pork chop cuff links?
We also had fun seeing if some of our favorite booths from last time had any new stuff (or new-to-us stuff). Like Lazymuse Productions (whose cool crocheted jellyfish ornaments we previously shared). This time they had a cac-tastic display which just slightly overshadowed the funny cat toys shaped like rat heads, zombie fingers, and fortune cookies (for the knit-blood averse).
And Funnelcloud Studio had more prints that we loved. Man, maybe between these and the Matt Butler print we’re entering some sort of whale phase. Anyone know where we could find a ceramic whale to officially kick things off?
And Zou Zou’s Basement, who created the pink rabbit print that we bought to hang outside Clara’s room during the holiday craft show, had this cool Ostrich (Emu?) print that was pretty much in our favorite colors.
Sherry also had a momentary romance with this Turnerbot. While I was learning how Sarah crafts each one differently, Sherry was lost in its beady, glazed yellow eyes.
Speaking of colorful items, Sherry nearly took home one of these enameled penny necklaces from Lucky Accessories (who made the pea-pod necklaces we shared last winter).
But are you ready for the reveal of what actually came home with us? Here’s a hint, they’re in this pic:
Yup, it’s this friendly little trio of crocheted cacti from Lazymuse Productions. Do we like ’em? In the words of Sherry: faux sho.
They were $10 a piece and are bigger than this pic suggests (the middle one is around 7″ tall). We originally planned to just get one (the guy on the left) but Sherry convinced me it should be balanced by a taller one… and then continued that things look best in threes. Haha. It wasn’t too bad since we walked in saying “we’re giving ourselves a thirty dollar budget to spend” and managed to stick to it. I must admit they look pretty chipper here on the window ledge of our office. My favorite part is that they’ll never die and I’ll never clutzily knock one over and spill the dirt everywhere. Score.
Oh, and the Spring Bada-Bing isn’t the only artsy adventure we recently had in Richmond. Pop on over to Young House Life to see what else we were up to that weekend (it’s a nice juicy post for over there). Have you guys hit up any craft fairs / art shows / farmer’s markets in your area lately? Did you end up bringing anything home?
Psst- We announced the winner for this week’s giveaway. Click here to see if it’s you.
Melissa says
Thanks so much for linking up all the artists’ websites and Etsy shops! I am so in love with so many things you posted and now I’m pinning things like crazy!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re welcome. So glad to spread the word about their awesome wares!
xo,
s
Laura @ Cookiecrumbs and Sawdust.blogspot.com says
That market has some awesome crafts! Not overly cutesie. One of those recipes graphics would be perfect for my baked-good generating kitchen!
Hop on by when you get a chance. There’s lots going on at the little yellow cape these days.
Thanks for sharing,
Laura
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, looks like you guys are having fun over there! Love the under-the-stairs inspiration pics!
xo,
s
Maggie Rose says
I haven’t even read the whole thing yet but I’m cracking up – I thought the caption for the bacon print went with the first photo (with the banners hanging from the ceiling)… so I thought you saw those and fixated on bacon. I’m like “are they starving themselves or something?!” And then I saw the actual bacon print. Lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahhhahahhah, that’s hilarious.
xo,
s
Whitney says
Do you guys watch Revenge? They have a whale figurine on there…it may not be white, but it does have a secret hidden camera used for spying! Seriously though, if you don’t watch it, you should…you’d love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s amazing! We don’t watch it but John’s mom and sister love it! We’ll have to check it out.
xo,
s
Lindsay says
I thought about that whale camera, too. I am addicted to that show!
Zoë says
Agh, you just fed my Etsy addiction. I’ve been buying different art from Etsy representing Tennessee, my adopted state, and so fell in love with the embroidery hoops. I went straight to Jennifer Allevato’s Etsy store only to discover she had a hoop for my other art obsession, London, my hometown: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/79836240. I just had to have it so I can have a London wall when we finally paint our hallway. Thanks for the inspiration!
ps I’ll get a Tennessee hoop later.
YoungHouseLove says
So cool! Love the link!
xo,
s
Randa says
So much fun – I always hear about this craft show after the fact, so need to pay more attention next year!
Saw this today and thought you guys would appreciate the artistry: http://laughingsquid.com/dad-creates-touching-time-lapse-videos-of-his-kids-growing-up/
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, that’s amazing! We’re totally in awe of all the footage he got!
xo,
s
nicole m says
I’m shocked! Did you not see the bike print above the bacon print?!
I totally would’ve bought the bacon print for myself, as I agree wholeheartedly with that saying! I immediately thought of Katie Bower too! I also have a soft spot for garden gnomes and birds…and the combination of the two was adorable!
I’m pretty sure I would’ve bought something from every table, as everything seemed pretty cool! Too bad I haven’t seen a craft show like this in Edmonton yet!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, we loved that bike print too! So much to love at that show, I’m telling you!
xo,
s
Sophia says
Wow what a creative sampling you found! Love it all. As luck would have it I was looking on etsy, after reading your post, and found a ceramic whale candy dish. Thought of you guys!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/36516910/round-whale-candy-dish-in-white-vintage
p.s. i also have caught the succulent bug and scored an amazing pear shaped terrarium to put it in. I may have to add some funky little thing in there like you guys saw!
See it here: http://www.lifeasacanvas.com/2012/04/14/gotta-have-the-succulents/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love that candy dish! And your succulent/terrarium is awesome! I totally think it needs a tiny martian or a small hippo hiding out in there!
xo,
s
Matt Butler says
Thanks for the love! Great post. It was wonderful meeting you guys. I hope to run into you in Richmond again soon.
Matt
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re welcome Matt! Loved your stuff!
xo,
s
Marian says
Ahh, ceramic whale! I’ve been watching this baby for over a year now, waiting for it to go on sale…no dice. But now they also have a butter dish that’s a little easier to swallow the price…maybe. We’ll see.
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Whale-Pitcher/?cat=323&xid=0a08595335c9354898440bb265d7f779
YoungHouseLove says
OBSESSED!
xo,
s
Jessica says
I loved those little cacti too- I was in the booth right across from hers all day (with the food cuff links! Thanks for the mention!) I had a blast watching her crochet during the little lulls in traffic.
For the person who mentioned craft shows in PA- there’s an awesome one in Philly called Art Star (that will be in two weeks: http://www.artstarcraftbazaar.com/ ).
And if you’re in the Richmond area, but missed this show, Maryellen of Twist Style has just opened an awesome handmade shop down in Chester that has work from many of the artists from Spring Bada Bing.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the info, Jessica – and for letting us share your delicious cuff links. :)
-John
Mizden says
Love it! It’s been a while since I’ve been to a place like that..
And I would like to make a correction, compadre is used for men and comadre for women so Sherry calling compadre to Katie is kinda funny, I love you use words or phrases in spanish!!…well maybe that’s just because I’m mexican, maybe not, who knows haha..you should include spanish in Clara’s lessons! :D
Happy Friday!
YoungHouseLove says
That makes total sense. I took four semesters of Spanish in college so I should’ve noticed that but I honestly never thought about the actual root of the word. But since it came across as funny, I’ll leave it for now. Thanks for the Spanish lesson!
-Juan
Mizden says
hahahahaha Juan! I wonder how Sherry would be translated…Clara needs no translation though :) and your welcome…any time! :D
Marge says
Neimans has a Jonathan Adler whale on sale for $23 right now: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/product.jsp;jsessionid=51EA7A7AE32423C23EC31FD720A2E16C?isEditorial=false&index=17&masterId=cat8900735&itemId=prod143280014&cmCat=cat000000cat8900735cat21000740&parentId=cat21000740 I love the JA squirrel I landed for $5 (!) secondhand http://monochromaticdynamic.blogspot.com/2012/03/feelin-squirrely.html
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh, thanks for that find! That’s a great price.
-John
Marge says
Well, now it’s $34 and out of stock. Got to love their midday sales… :)
YoungHouseLove says
Boo… :)
-John
Monique says
I was definitely guessing you guys got ceramic animals, but boy was I wrong! :)
LARY @ Inspiration Nook says
Loved this! It remained me of this event I went to a little while ago. It’s called Unique L.A and they basically sell everything made locally in Los Angeles. From crafts to food to art. Super fun.
http://www.larysubero.com/wp/?p=4898
YoungHouseLove says
So cool! Wish that “I am a robot” shirt came in adult sizes!
-John
Darcy says
yay! I’m so glad it was the cacti. That’s totally what I would have bought as well. Super cute! and as for ceramic whales, you guys should check out this over-priced but fabulous ceramic whale pitcher by Johnathan Adler. I love that you could put use it as decoration but then when you’re entertaining, it has a function!
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Whale-Pitcher/?cat=323&xid=8fe0e62b615ef3bfcd327da1bf801e7c
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s amazing!
xo,
s
Lynn @ SafeBeauty says
Last weekend we went to our local farmers market that is in the old abandoned parking lot of an old now defunct KMart. I bought a Gator Salad (first time this Northerner has eaten gator after living in the south for 5 years, can you believe it?) and it was delicious! Then bought our fruits and veggies for the week from some pretty great local aquaponics farmers. It is pretty sweet living in a small town. All of these cool finds from your Spring Bada Bing is going to make my husbands job of finding me a nice anniversary gift preeeeeeety easy.
My best, Lynn
Sherry from BC says
Love the whales….love the cacti….only one quibble….hope you post a pic from further away so I can see them in the office…Are they on the window between laptops or on the side? Inquiring minds want to know…..LOL
YoungHouseLove says
The pic was taken on the front window because the light was better, but they actually live on the window between the laptops so we can see them from our desk. Good question!
-John
[email protected] says
I need one of those I just killed my 2nd cactus. I know what you’re thinking it’s just not possible to kill a cactus but I’m here to tell ya IT IS!
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
I really love these types of events!!! Sad part: I was in Richmond that day and we had other plans. Couldn’t make it to the even! Boo! So glad you guys are sharing with us though!
Jennifer says
It was so funny –
at the show my boyfriend (who was kindly helping me that day) said “there are a lot of people with cameras… that’s weird,” and I replied, “they’re probably bloggers.”
So excited to see it was you guys!
The show was so fun, thanks for your great post!
~Jennifer
handmade by jennifer allevato
YoungHouseLove says
LOL – and I totally remember how we awkwardly just snapped pictures at your booth. I think I could see your boyfriend’s gears spinning thinking how weird we were. Ha! Thanks for letting us share your wonderful wares!
-John
lisamarie says
Oh how I wish I had a Spring Bada-Bing by me!!
Heather W says
Totally random but I am just curious on where your spray painted rooster Jarvis has been hiding? Did you decide you didn’t like the color after all and ditch him to another room? Also, I wondered if John ever got to hang his Gap bike poster up yet? Just curious. I loved jarvis against your grellow walls.
YoungHouseLove says
Both Jarvis and the gap posters are nomads, they’re both actually in our bedroom for now, just for fun (Jarvis is on the dresser and the posters are safely tucked under the bed). Once they find a final spot to live we’ll have to post all the details!
xo,
s
Lauren says
The craft fair looks awesome!
This is totally off topic but I got to meet The Bloggess (of giant metal chicken fame) yesterday
I said hi to her for you Sherry as requested.
She signed a bunch of books for me including one to giveaway on my blog. So if anyone is interested I’ll post the link below.
http://www.filing-jointly.com/2012/04/i-met-bloggess-and-now-we-are-best.html
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so exciting! I love her. Off to read about your adventures!
xo,
s
Sarah Parker says
I remember seeing you there! You walked by my booth after buying your bacon print and every one of us along that wall burst out laughing and said we needed to get one for ourselves.
I had so much fun at the Spring Bada-Bing. Everyone was so laid back and friendly.
-Sarah from
milk & honey
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that must have been someone else! Haha. We didn’t end up buying that print, but we did take pictures of it! Loved your booth and so excited for the next show!
xo,
s
Jasmine says
I know everyone is sending you ceramic whales, but I couldn’t pass this one up.
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Whale-Pitcher/?cat=370&page=1&xid=9fb1431ebb6101ee1024eff49c138305
YoungHouseLove says
Haha love it!
xo,
s
Marilena says
My husband has a thing for whales. He recently said that his dream was to get as close to a whale as humanly possible…whatever that means. I wished him good luck with that. I think he’d just be happy with seeing one in person instead of reading books about them : )
When I saw this super cute juice glass at Anthropologie the other day I had to buy it for him: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/21093398.jsp?color=040
I now have my eye on those whale prints you shared. Thanks for sharing them and so much other great stuff.
P.S. Sherry, I’m glad you liked the pig plant holder I tagged for you on Pinterest. It’s two of your loves combined and so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that glass is so cute! And I recommend Hawaii for whale watching- so exciting! And yes, I loved that plant holder too. You find the best stuff!
xo,
s
Katelyn Made says
This is so cool! I know there are things like this in Toronto but when you live in a big city if you don’t pay attention you miss things since every weekend is busy with something going on. I love those home made soaps!
Ashleigh says
This looks amazing! I’m going next year!
Sara@LiteraryLima says
I LOVE Jennifer Allevato’s work! I wonder if she would do Canadian provinces???
Jennifer says
Sara,
I think I could work something out
:)
~jennifer
Nina says
Amazing stuff!! I opened my Uncommon Goods magazine today and recognized Tasha McKelvey’s work thanks to you guys! quick question, is there a good website or something to find craft shows in my own area (Atlanta)? I don’t know if there’s a trusted one you guys (or Katie Bower) like? Thanks for the time!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I don’t know of one. Anyone have an idea for Nina?
xo,
s
Christina Bailey says
THATS IT! I am moving to Richmond!!!! SO much cuteness going on in your neck of the woods, there is nothing quite like that in Missouri.
I am actually planning a trip to Richmond in Sept….you guys have made it seem so awesome I have to visit! And I will be living by your “Guide to Richmond” that you did a while ago. Heres hoping there is another CRAFT a palooza or something :)
YoungHouseLove says
No way! Glad you’re coming this way. Not sure if the Richmond Craft Mafia does anything in September, but there are always things going on. You could always catch a First Fridays art walk if you’re here at the start of the month.
-JOhn
alisha says
Your ol’ friend Jonathan Adler has some white ceramic whale cuties!
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Whale-Bookends/?cat=462&initial=
I personally love the bookends! but there is also a super cute platter, butter dish, and water pitcher you should keep your eyes peeled for, too!
YoungHouseLove says
Love them!
xo,
s
Alisha says
Random – check out this Joss and Main sale with your dining room curtains for some serious coin – $190 a curtain panel. And thats on sale. Have a fabulous weekend.
https://www.jossandmain.com/Hathaway-Curtain-Panel~KVM1052~E1004.html
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that so funny?! We died when we saw that. I still thank my lucky stars for coming across that clearanced out “imperfect” fabric!
xo,
s
Grace @ Balancing Me says
I have NO idea where you guys get your self control. I would have bought everything that you showcased here — especially the yellow ceramic bot, and the beautiful articipes.
I thought you might be interested in knowing that cactuses are great feng shui items. My parents, who immigrated from Taiwan, are very big on feng shui in the home (as is nearly everyone over in Taiwan). I grew up with them in the bathroom, where they’re evidently supposed to be. I might pick up a few of these crocheted ones for my tiny NYC bathroom! Thanks for the wonderful ideas. :)
michelle says
jonathan alder used to have, maybe still does, a really cool white ceramic whale. ebay???
YoungHouseLove says
He does! It is very cool – though a bit up there for our usual ceramic animal budget.
-John
Georgina says
Loved this post! Now I have a few new favourite shops on Etsy!
Naomi says
Oh man! I was totally going to put my money on the chalkboard rooster for beside your fridge, and the sweet butter knife for your craft show scores! I’m amazed by your ability to resist! That show looks AMAZING!!!! Thanks for sharing! I’m gonna bookmark this post for possible Christmas gift ideas!
Kismet says
Oh how could you pass up that fabulous ostrich print!?! And in your colors too. I insist you order one right now!! :)
Asha says
Hey guys, just fyi Whispering Willow soap contains palm oil – which is causing some major destruction over in South East Asia. I understand its organic but it’s very production is causing habitat loss for Orangutans, tigers, rhinos, the humanitarian cost is also significant. Sorry if this sounds preachy, it’s a big issue over here in Oz.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- thanks for the tip Asha! We had no idea, so we’ll have to learn more about it!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I have something from ARTICIPE in my kitchen, I got it off Etsy! Check it out (the finished project is at the end of the post, that’s where you’ll see it): http://sandpaperandglue.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/great-success-2/
I love it!!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the Articipes – and the little furniture makeover too!
-John
Penny says
Just happened upon your blog via Canadian House and Home and I keep returning. :) Here are some more whales from my favorite pottery/craft store. http://www.kingspointpottery.com/gallery.htm
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh, beautiful stuff.
-John
kristy says
Hey guys!
Go by World Market…there is a cute white whale ceramic soap and/or sponge holder in the bath section!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like I need to take a trip!
xo,
s
Georgia says
What an awesome craft fair! I’d love to have one like that nearby – as a craftist myself. I would totally have gone for the cacti too, as NO indoor plant is safe around me? Thanks for sharing.
Angie says
I walked away with the enamaled penny earrings! Yeah! And there was so much more that I wanted to buy. It was hard to control myself. I’m so glad you posted that this even was happening, or else I would have missed it!
Thanks!
Maura says
I absolutely love your blog. I mean love like eat, sleep, breathe your website. My husband said I’m addicted as he always catches me on your site! Haha Not trying to sound like a stalker but you guys really inspire me! We are about to venture into the home re-do world. We are looking at fixer upers and know from reading your website that it will be a ton of work, (especially with a one year old girl running around) BUT you guys give me courage to do it as I have visions of the end result. We live in PA outside of Philadelphia. Do you know of any interior decorators that work with restored farmhouses or specialize in rustic chic decor? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Oh and check out Nordstrom.com – they have a few really cute Jonathan Adler whale pieces… Love the white ceramic whale butter dish :)
Thanks for giving the the not so creative person (me) a dream!
Maura
YoungHouseLove says
Love those Jonathan Adler whale guys! As for an interior decorator in PA, we don’t know of any. Anyone have any tips for Maura? Maybe try posting on our Facebook page too to get some tips?
xo,
s
Taylor says
I always LOVE your taste!! Any cool mother’s day gift suggestions that you can think of off the top of your head?
YoungHouseLove says
We like the idea of those Articipe prints or any of the jewelry featured in this post. It certainly got our brains spinning!
-John
Kari @ Human, MD says
This has nothing to do with this post, but there’s no place on the blog for totally random, off the cuff comments, so I thought I’d put it here. I’m sitting in the atlanta airport waiting to fly home, and there is a girl (im guessing 18-24mo) who reminds me of what I would expect clara to act like in an airport… she is pushing her stroller in circles, giggling, and running on her toes because she can barely reach the handles. It’s super adorable, and I felt the need to share!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s cute! I wish she was that well behaved the last time we were in an airport. Let’s just say she was about 12 hours past nap time at that point! Haha.
xo,
s
Talia says
Jonathan Adler has ceramic whales! I bought two whale candleholders a few years ago on sale at anthropology for $5 a pop. This is gorgeous but pricey! http://www.jonathanadler.com/Whale-Pitcher/?cat=0&initial=
Meghan @ Wishful Thinking says
I think I probably would’ve gone a little ‘spend-crazy’ here! There are just so many awesome finds! The Articipe prints and sentimental homeware goodies from Milk and Honey Luxuries really stand out for me!