Funky Finds' upcoming event, Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience, is sponsored by a variety of generous businesses. Some are based locally in Fort Worth, Texas, others service customers worldwide. Regardless, they all have one thing in common...they support handmade! I invite you to take the time to visit each sponsor's website & if you are attending the Funky Finds event in November, please stop by the sponsor booths to thank them for supporting handmade!

Cabbage Rose Fabrics & Quilting is a beautiful shop located in Fort Worth, Texas. Owner Karen O'Neill has supported Funky Finds events from the beginning. Karen & her wonderful staff offer a variety of fabrics & notions online & in-store, as well as a number of workshops. Cabbage Rose offers over 8,000 different fabrics from Moda, Free Spirit, Rowan, Riley Blake, RJR, P&B, Benartex, Michael Miller and more! If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop by the store located at 3000 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, TX 76107. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Thursday 10am-7pm. Learn more: Blog • Facebook • Twitter

Quackerbox Creations Ltd. is a full-service, family owned screen printer located in Dallas, Texas. Started by John and Betsy Drake in 1982, Quackerbox Creations offers green-friendly printing, organic and recycled cotton products. Their customer base is large, including local radio stations, school sports teams, and Funky Finds! Services include screen printing, digital printing on garments & stickers, Cad-Cut lettering, embroidery, uniform names & numbers, rhinestone appliques, foil, and promotional products. Visit Quackerbox's Facebook page to see a wide variety of design & print samples.

With an attitude that is fierce, funny, & proud to be female, BUST Magazine provides an uncensored view on the female experience. BUST tells the truth about women's lives & presents a female perspective on pop culture. Established in 1993, BUST is a wonderful magazine that is packed with articles that really speak to indie women. They have generously donated 150 magazines - one for each of the swag bags to be given away at Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience!!! Check out their website for PDF downloads, blog, and more! Learn more: Facebook • The BUST DIY Guide to Life - Now on tour! • Online Store

With two wonderful locations, The Artful Bead stores are the most popular retail bead stores in North Texas! The stores have been so popular because inventory changes almost every day, the staff is very knowledgeable, they offer a variety of classes, and shoppers can choose from one-of-a-kind treasures & unbelievable bargains! I used to live near the Fort Worth location & loved dropping in to browse the beautiful inventory. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates & more info! And be sure to visit The Artful Bead's booth at Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience for make & takes and to purchase a variety of beads & other supplies!!

Nature's Select Pet Food of Ft. Worth offers free home delivery of all-natural pet products. Their offerings include dry, canned & raw food, healthy Treats, bones, chews, supplements, and more fun stuff! Also, all of their products are made in the USA. They use only the freshest & finest ingredients available, such as whole meats, whole ground rice & natural preservatives like Vitamin C & E and Rosemary extract. They never include corn, wheat, soy, chemical preservatives, animal fat or animal by-products. The owners are also very active in animal rescue, which is important to Funky Finds. Visit their booth at Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience to receive 10% off your first order & great holiday gifts for your pets! Facebook

Sublime Stitching is one of the most well-known names in the craft world. Owner Jenny Hart has successfully provided hip iron-on embroidery patterns for TEN YEARS! She has also remained a big supporter of Funky Finds events for the past several years & for that we are so thankful! The Sublime Stitching website features a variety of patterns, tools, textiles & kits. As always, each swag bag at Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience will include an embroidery pattern packet. Also, those who purchase a raffle ticket will have a chance to win a La Petite Embroidery Kit (amongst hundreds of other items). Learn more: Blog • Facebook

ZooTap Inc. features a social networking site, as well as a site featuring musicians & their tunes. ZooTap.com is a social community where people of all walks of life join together in a single common place - a social people zoo, if you will. As a member, you become part of the zoo crew network. This is where you can define who you are and express yourself unedited to your friends or to other crew members - tame OR wild!! This is a great way to stay connected with others worldwide or in your local area.

Unanimous Craft an online directory of resources for crafters, artists and indie business owners. Users can submit their own resources - business websites, Facebook pages, events, and more! It's a great place to tell those interested in handmade about your work or event & others can rate your resource & leave reviews. Unanimous Craft also offers affordable advertising, as well as a premium membership package. Learn more: Facebook • Blog • Twitter

Danielle Murphy is the creative force behind Don't Eat Beads. Her Artfire shop is filled with a wide variety of beaded rings. Whether you're looking for something romantic & floral or something a bit edgier, chances are Don't Eat Beads offers it. In addition to rings, you'll also find earrings, necklaces, bracelets & even holiday jewelry. And Danielle's two passions, crafting & animals, collide in her animal awareness designs. If that wasn't enough, check out Don't Eat Wire, an extension of Don't Eat Beads, for wire jewelry designs.

Receive a 20% discount at Don't Eat Beads or Don't Eat Wire
with coupon code getfunky. Expires October 1, 2011.

1. Flower Head Band by Hippie Chick Creations

2. Baby Quilt by 3 Quilting Sistas

3. Music Mix Bento Box by Bento Box Gifts

4. Cheetah Print Apron by Susy G Designs

5. Peace Sign Tassel by Delightful Decor

1. Say A Prayer by epgphotography

2. Lovely Pair of Leafs Earrings by Gleeful Peacock

3. Lotion Bar by Owens Acres

4. Hand-crafted Dragonfly Sun Catcher by Creative Imaginings

5. Red Pearl Keychain by Felíz Beads

*Bonus - 6: I Love You Mom Tile by Tilesmile

Arrowsarah features wooden box purses & jewelry designs by Angela Mosera. My long-time favorite has been the hand-painted retro owl purse. The zebra square box is pretty funky, too!

Tracey Medrano IS Bad Tracey! Using recycled bicycle tires, she creates the coolest watches & other accessories. I recently read on Facebook that Tracey is now offering bicycle tire koozies for just $7!

Beatrice Ardila is originally from Venezuela, but is currently living & working in Texas. beat-art showcases Beatrice's unique accessories & photography. Her collection of fabric necklaces is full of eye-catching designs. I also dig the braided headwraps.


With over 20 years experience in the fashion industry, Guadalupe Salais creates a beautiful line of accessories found at Cosa Monna Leather. My favorite pieces are the fabric-covered beaded necklaces. Each one is adorned with a leather flower that is so lovely.

Creative Imaginings offers a wide variety of accessories, including glass pendants & yarn scarves & belts. And don't miss the hand-crafted glass sun catchers.

At Delightful Decor you'll find one-of-a-kind gifts items, including beaded tassels. These make fun party or wedding favors, bookmarks, purse or backpack charms, key chains, etc. The possibilities are endless!


Elizabeth Cassels is the talented designer behind eclectibles. She always has a beautiful booth set-up & her accessory designs are unique & funky. I love all her jewelry designs, as well as the vintage purses & tins.


Elliott Williams of ezduzit by elliott is the epitome of a funky find! His booth set-up is so colorful, eye-catching and Elliott is full of life & energy. His funky handbags, wallets & other accessories are always a big hit with shoppers of all ages.

Gypsyharte Arts features unique needle & wet felted creations by Joyce Hazlerig. Her award-winning Psychedelic Cheshire Cat is stunning! Event attendees always ask where Joyce's booth is, because they enjoy collecting her small felted figures & her needle felting kits.

Looking for "fancies and frippery"? Katinka Pinka is the place for you! Kat Wallace has a terrific style that's hard to imitate. Her jewelry is great, but I really love her clothing designs & hair accessories. Visit her Facebook page for more photos.


KraftyMunchkin Designs features all kinds of fun accessories created by Lisa Baltierra. The monster bags & tie pouches are my favorite!

Karen Rester of Luna Azul Studio is a talented painter and fiber artist. Karen weaves her fiber art on a Leclerc 4 shuttle loom & each piece is made from hand-dyed wools, natural fiber and other fun yarns.

I loved the feel of Melissa Knight's booth space at the Spring Fling. Take Flight Boutique has a shabby chic style that suits me to a T! You'll find jewelry, tote bags, hats & more listed online. Also, Melissa donates 5% of all proceeds to Homes for Our Troops, a foundation that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans.

Alena Veteto of the Beadtanical Garden creates one-of-a-kind, hand-beaded florals that will last a lifetime. Her designs are available in the form of hair accessories, rings, earrings & more. Her intricate work is truly amazing!

Bella Boutique was founded in July 2010 by Katerina Strange. At just 15 years old, she creates unique accessories using fibers, fabrics, and metals. When Russian-born Katia is not creating custom designs, she spends her time raising budgies, developing her talent as a classical pianist, and producing music videos for her online channel. By upcycling & repurposing everyday objects, Katia creates accessories that teens & adults will both enjoy. The snap tab earrings combine recycled soda tabs with colorful buttons, and the snap tab bracelet (pictured) are the perfect colorful accessory for groups of youngsters who want to show school spirit. Bella Boutique also features beaded bracelets, pearl earrings, and more.

1. Embroidered Apron by Let Me Make U Smile!

2. Fan Pulls by Lady Grace

3. Zebra Wine Keeper by Sweet Potato Pie Creations

4. Fused Glass Star by Sundancers Studio

5. Wine Koozies by Sassy Thangs

6. Clay Tile by Tilesmile

7. Pie Candles by Shayz Scentz

8. Personalized Floating Frame by The Crafty Geek

9. Custom Wine Glass Charms by Spunk & Sass Designs

10. Sachet Sets by PEEP*ACCESSORIES

Miriam Hope works hard to create gorgeous, imaginative works of art that are also wearable. Spellbound showcases a variety of unique & whimsical accessories. The Picnic In The Park wrapped headband features numerous miniature butterflies that are so cute! I also love Flutter My Heart that is adorned with blue, purple and green butterflies made of feathers. Blue Skies is a fun cocktail-inspired headband that is encrusted with tons of bright Swarovski Crystals. If you're really looking to make a statement with your accessories, you may like The Last Dance or Around the World. And don't miss the lovely Gaga For You lace mask featuring a beautiful beaded cameo.

WHAT: Fusion's Handmade Happy Hour
WHEN: Friday, May 21
WHERE: Fusion, Chesterfield Mall (2nd level near Sears), Chesterfield, MO

WHAT: DFW Bead Renaissance Show
WHEN: Friday, May 21 through Sunday, May 23
WHERE: Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX

WHAT: San Francisco Bead and Design Show
WHEN: Friday, May 21 through Sunday, May 23; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., San Francisco

WHAT: The Providence Open Market
WHEN: Saturday, May 22; 11am-4pm
WHERE: Lippitt Park, Providence, RI


WHAT: Trenton Avenue Arts Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 22; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Crafty PDX Sale
WHEN: Saturday, May 22; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Urban Grind, 2214 NE Oregon St., Portland, OR

WHAT: Les Artistes: The Revolution
WHEN: Saturday, May 22; 8pm-2am
WHERE: The Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St., Austin, TX

WHAT: Maker Faire Bay Area 2010
WHEN: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23
WHERE: San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo, CA



WHAT: East Nashville Arts Fest
WHEN: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Five Points in East Nashville, TN

WHAT: SoWa Open Market
WHEN: Sunday, May 23; 10am-4pm
WHERE: 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

WHAT: Ipswich Indoor Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, May 23; 8am-1pm
WHERE: Ipswich State High School, 1 Hunter St., Brassall, QLD


WHAT: Handmade Mart
WHEN: Sunday, May 23; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Ellsworth Drive (between Fenton & Georgia Ave.), Silver Spring, MD

WHAT: Blim Market
WHEN: Sunday, May 23; 11am-4pm
WHERE: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St., Vancouver, BC

Funky Finds hosted the 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 13. As usual, our closing thoughts were "I can't believe it's over!" The day flew by and it was a huge success. We have received so much positive feedback from participating vendors, many saying they set new sales records, received wholesale orders from local boutiques / galleries, and most commonly, when is the next Funky Finds event? I think that says a lot about what we accomplished. It was very humbling to see how many family members and friends came from all over Texas & Oklahoma to support us & help us run the event. We could NOT do it without all of them pitching in!

Another highlight of our events is the charitable raffle benefiting local charities. This year each participating vendor donated an item for the raffle benefiting the Humane Society of North Texas and CASA of Tarrant County. We raised $1,070.00 for the charities and several dogs and cats were adopted! Pictured here is Dozer, a Labrador puppy, that was adopted by local artisan Rachel Willis of AngelCow Designs.

We have a Flickr pool set up with lots of photos from the event. Also, be sure to check out the video below shot by KERA staff member Cindy Chaffin. You are sure to get a kick out of my true Texas accent!



Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be highlighting many of the participating artisans that showcased their wares at the Spring Fling. Below are just a few to get us started. If you are interested in participating in and/or learning about future events we have planned, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter so you'll receive information & announcements. Also, if you are ever in the Fort Worth area, spend some time downtown and in the nearby Cultural District where we held the show. I was amazed by how much has changed (for the better) in less than a year.

Cabbage Rose Quilting and Gifts is a returning sponsor who helped make the Spring Fling possible! We are so appreciative of owner Karen O'Neille's support. If you are in the Fort Worth area, be sure to stop by Karen's brick & mortar location at 3526 West Vickery Blvd. near the Will Rogers Memorial Center. You can purchase fabric, patterns, and much more online or in store.






Original Youth features Sarah Zamora's fantastic artwork. A member of show sponsor Etsy Fort Worth, Sarah paints beautiful, eye-catching works on found and recycled materials. I have her Shopper Girl piece & love it!





Jenn Kautsch of Hippie Bliss had an adorable setup, too. I was amazed to learn that Sarah of Original Youth painted her sign (pictured) the NIGHT BEFORE the Spring Fling! Jenn creates fabulous designer matchboxes, beaded pendant jewelry, & mixed media art. Her daughter, Katie Jo, was there to help her out & handed out candy-filled eggs that were a huge hit with Moms and kiddos.

1. Ice skating ring by The Tiny Tiara

2. Holiday pendants by MDStudio

3. Frosty the Snowman Earrings by Oh By Jingo

4. Hand-Beaded Santa Necklace by Treasure Beads

5. Rudolph the Reindeer Clippies by Ms. J Creations

Megan Nichols of Excellent Creations decided to use her craftiness for a good cause after her son was born with a heart defect that required open heart surgery when he was just 3 days old. She now donates 10% of the proceeds from all sales to The Children's Heart Foundation for the research of congenital heart defects. Megan's designs range from sweet and demure to funky and wild. I love the fun 80s-inspired polymer bead and tulle necklace, as well as the red irridescent necklace featuring a leopard print pendant. Do some charitable shopping & pick out something nice for yourself or a loved one today!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Megan is giving away a black & orange beaded chunky funky beaded necklace. To enter, visit Excellent Creations and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends Friday, November 27.

Hip Fusion Designs features hand-crafted jewelry created by Neida Joseph-Abel. Using precious metal clay Neida creates personalized pieces, including front toggle bar tag necklaces. I have one of these necklaces featuring mine & my husband's name and it is such a special & unique piece. The floating disk tag necklace is another beautiful design. Neida also offers made-to-order jewelry allowing you to custom order your jewelry by picking out what you like best including glass & leather color, bead type, and more. Of course, this talented designer offers many ready-to-go accessories, as well. I love the brown pearl & silver charm necklace made using brown pearls, beads and small silver discs. Check out all the unique & stunning pieces Hip Fusion Designs has to offer.

Julia Bristow Jewelry features hand-crafted, nature-inspired pieces that are unique & elegant. All jewelry pieces are hand-wired or woven and meticulously pieced together by designer Julia Bristow. Her offerings include a variety of beautiful necklaces, such as the flower necklace that is made with a special Gumamela shell flower pendant, yellow jasper beads, glass beads and gold plated findings. The blue & white vintage-style necklace is another lovely design. One of my favorites is the Hippie blue cool beaded necklace that incorporates wood beads, gemstone beads, & other elements. Julia also offers a variety of bracelets, little girl jewelry, and more. Perhaps the most intriguing items she creates are the beaded guitar straps. These intricate pieces are stunning works of wearable art. Visit Julia's blog for updates, including upcoming events & specials.

Karen Cayetano Leano is a young designer that offers women personalized, handmade jewelry inspired by luxury designers Chanel, David Yurman and RJ Graziano. This sophisticated, trendy line combines pieces such as silver/gold chain links and beautiful beads, creating bold necklaces that make a statement, as well as quaint styles that compliment, rather than make, an outfit, for the more subdued fashionista. The beads are carefully hand-selected by Karen during her frequent trips to Asia, Europe, and throughout the country. The 2009 New Styles section features beautiful pieces perfect for spring & summer months. Browsing through the Best Sellers section you will see the luxurious work Karen has created.

*GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a Modern Vintage necklace by visiting Karen's website & leaving a comment on this post noting your favorite design. The necklace has a mix of chains with various silver finishes. Accent stones consist of glass pearls and fresh water pearls to give it a vintage feel and twisted moon stones to give it a modern look. Perfect for both day and night looks. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Monday, May 18.

Nothing ruins an ensemble faster than having thick ugly bra straps hanging out. Strappy's remedies this problem by offering decorative bra straps that are so fun and flirty you’ll actually want to show off your straps. The interchangeable bra straps are fashionable, comfortable and affordable – no matter what your fashion style is. Founder Allison Mercer created the straps while living in California. She loved to wear tank and spaghetti-strap tops but found strapless bras didn’t provide the support she needed. She began decorating her bra straps so she didn't have ugly ones showing. The jewelry bra straps are perfect for elegant fashions and are available in a variety of jewels, such as black crystals and pink rose jewels. Strappy's also offers handmade beaded bra straps that are comfortable, supportive & available in a wide variety of colors. There's also many cute fabric straps to choose from. Strappy's offers fashion solutions that make women look and feel sexy - without giving up comfort.

Through Mari's Eyes features exceptional jewelry handcrafted by Mari Keating Schofield. To create her pieces, Mari uses components made of glass, ceramics, and semi-precious stones, as well as vintage elements. There are many beautiful necklaces to choose from, including the pink & black piece comprised of various charms & beads. I especially love the necklace that is made up of yellow vintage beads and Japanese glass & retro resin. All of Mari's bracelet and earring designs are equally eye-catching. The stiletto and sandal charm earrings are fabulous! Additional items are available, including beaded belts and bookmarks. Receive 15% off when you mention Funky Finds at checkout (expires May 1st).