FREE!!

Jen-A-Fusion is stuck at 96 fans on Facebook! A free 'Earth Tip Per Day' calender for the 100th fan.... and, no, you can't delete yourself and then re-add. Sorry! ;(

Click on the link on the upper left hand corner of this page and it will take you to the Facebook fan page.

Thank you to all that already fans! More funness coming in the future~Jen

January 2010 Artists of the Month~ Full Sanction

Sometimes, going new places will take you even further than you might have imagined. Going to new shows and festivals will do that for me. I get exposed to customers and other vendors that I would otherwise never have encountered.

This definitely happens when I have gone to the DC Counterculture Festival. This show is mostly comic makers and graphic novelists, with a few crafters and artists thrown in for good measure. Two years ago, I met Joe and Rusty as they were right next to me at DCCF. They are really fun loving guys that take the most odd moments that life has to offer and create comics, zines, keychains and the like. They don't take life or their art way too seriously, which they really can't: their characters are stick people! Now, that's my kind of drawing.

So, for a laugh out loud kind of Q&A, read below to find out more about two guys that create fun.



Q~ How did you get started?

Joe~ I make kitten scarves. I got started when my kitten's neck got cold.

Rusty~ I started doing comics in 1996 after seeing other self-publishers at the Small Press Expo and realizing "Hey, I could do this!" At some point Joe started signing his name to my stories, so I included him as well.

Q~ Why do you continue?

J~ Feline hypothermia.

R~ I'm not sure how to take this question. Are you inferring we should quit?

Q~ What is your greatest success story?

J~ February, 2005 - I was kitten-sitting and my water heater stopped heating. I knit a scarf big enough to keep six kittens' necks warm.

R~ September, 2008 - A dude pissed me off so bad that we wrote a comic about it. We did not name the dude in the issue and were thus able to actually sell him a copy.

Q~ What is one of your greatest failures?

J~ I didn't have enough yarn for kitten number seven.

R~ Not making the 1998 Winter Olympics team for Comic Publishing. I made the Summer team in 2000, but it just wasn't the same...

J~ SYDNEY!



Q~ Where do you get your inspiration?

J~ Human scarves. Specifically, humans that look like kittens that wear scarves.

R~ Many times I find inspiration in my friends and fellow comic creators. They really push themselves and make me want to work harder. Other times I trip on acid.

Q~ Why do you make/create what you do?

J~ I love comics.
I mean kittens.

R~ I love sharing stories with people.

Q~ Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

J~ SKX. Small Kitten Expo

R~ I personally prefer SPX, the Small Press Expo. It's an annual show held in Bethesda, MD for independent comic publishers. It's where we were first introduced to the world of self-published comics and where we've made many friends. I don't like the crowd at the Small Kitten Expo. Kinda snobby.

Q~ What is the one thing you love about your business?

J~ Felting my yarn.

R~ I don't know if I'd call it a "business", so much as an "empire"...

J~ That's not an answer.

Q~ What is one thing you loathe?

Jose~ Me. I don't really knit kitten scarves. I made that up. I've grown very tired. I almost spell it "grone". I just wrote "almost spell it".

R~ I hate having to work with Joe when he has one of his "episodes" and starts spelling things wrong.

Q~ What is your dream about your art?

Jose~ Something about comics and kittens and scarves and winning an award.

R~  I'd like to win an Ignatz.



Q~ What is your mission?

J~ To do something productive with everything that goes through my mind and the crazy crap that Rusty and I come up with.
 
R~ To keep making comics and expand our stories into other mediums.

Q~ Where are you based?

J~ Trunk of my car where my kittens and comics live.

R~ We are primarily based in Hyattsville, MD. However, with Joe's trunk attached to his car we're able to move our base of operations at any moment.

Q~ Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

J~ Someplace with an inside. Or 1800's France.
R~ New York or 1800's Spain. Then we could be penpals in the past!

Q~ What would you be doing if not this?

J~ What I'm doing right now: talking about it.
R~ Making purses.

Q~ What is next?

J~ Porn.
R~ It's hard to say. There are so many possibilities for where we can take our art from this point. I guess...yeah, probably porn.

Q~ What is your favorite question to ask people?

Jose~ What's this smell like?
R~ Where the hell did you come from?!?

Q~ What is your answer to that question?

J~ I want a manhat. I mean: Heaven.
R~ Heaven.



Q~ What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen sparrow?

J~ I'm really very sorry about my answers. I haven't really made a comic in over a year. I'm plain awful. I like drawing stick figures because it's both a blank canvas where one can fill in the details regarding emotion and motion as well as an easy vehicle to tell stories based around the ideas we come up with more so than any actual storytelling. I love that there's a low barrier for entry in the comic world where anyone with an idea and paper can go to Kinko's and be as relevant as the biggest of companies. The proliferation of webcomics shows this to an even greater degree where you have people foregoing printing entirely and yet still finding an audience to share their stories. I don't know that everyone should make a comic but I like that anyone can.

R~ What he said.

J~ I buy gas that's unladen.

R~ That's not very green of you.

J~ I'm not the jealous type.

R~ Double touche'.

For more Full Sanction craziness, including more bio info, comic issues and other unexpected items, visit their website at www.fullsanction.com



Hope the new year is treating you well so far. ~Jen

New Year, new you?

New Year resolutions are tradition for many people. Me, I think that a person could change at any time they want. However, I know this a very convenient and clear time to do this.

When making your NYR, did you think about your green resolutions? Even the most conscientious of us could improve. I know it is hard to change everything at once. So, don't!

Take one point in your lifestyle and improve in that area. Think perhaps your gasoline bill is too high each month? Save money while being more eco-friendly. Walk for errands, out to dinner or to a friend's house, if you can. Combine trips by making lists of places you need to stop. Tack these outings onto transportation runs to get or drop off kids.

Perhaps you feel you need to switch over to florescent lights, to save on electricity. Don't just buy all new lights and then chuck the 'old' yet still usable ones. Perhaps buying a pack of compact florescent to have on hand as ones burn out would be a simple switch over method. Also, consider just switching out the lights that you use the most, and that would have the biggest impact on your total energy usage.

The point is that you won't have to do it all at once. Pick one area and work on that until it is second nature and then work on the next thing. Don't beat yourself up on what you aren't doing, if you are making deliberate and concerned steps toward improvement.

Good luck! I'll be working on my own 'stuff' too!~Jen


Green Tip~ Recycle those trainers!

Lots of resolutions have to do with being more active, and thus many new pairs of sneakers are bought around this time of year. What to do with those old ones? Recycle them, of course!

Nike runs a program that takes apart athletic shoes and reuses them in new sports related ways. They are able to use old ones, along with their manufacturing scrap, to make basketball and tennis courts.

For more information, click on www.nikereuseashoe.com

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to everyone! The Best of Health, Wealth and Happiness for the New Year!

Thank you for all the support, love and laughs this year. I can't wait to see what great surprises are coming next year! ~Jen

Downtown Holiday Market

Join me and many other vendors of fine craft, food, imported goodies, music and merriment!

I'll be there through Tuesday, December 15th. Noon-8pm, Accessible to metro. Great fun, people and gifts. What more to say?!

December Artist of the Month~ Reinvented Elegance

Welcome to Winter! The air is getting much colder and holiday songs are all around.

Trying to find something different, eco friendly, beautiful and well made? Look no further than Reinvented Elegance, mosaic, pressed flower art and wire wrapped jewelry by Joyce Wagner.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Joyce for many years and she has been a constant inspiration of creativity and kindness. Her thoughtful nature shows through her artwork, with simple and yet intricate designs. As many things she makes are developed using natural materials, they are automatically one of kinds.

You might have seen some of her work on the $20 and Under Gift Guide. Read on to find out about this talented artist and mother of 5!

Q~ How did you get started?

A~ I’ve loved to make things since I was little. In fact, grouting mosaics reminds me of making mud pies many years ago in my side yard. To the complete horror of a few girly girls in my neighborhood, I then proceeded to decorate them with Dogwood berries and sun-bake them on my aluminum slide.

Q~ Why do you continue?

A~ Because I can’t stop myself! Seriously, because making stuff makes me happy, and I truly appreciate the opportunity of having my own business and the flexibility of working at home.



Q~ What is a great (or greatest) success story?

A~ So far, when something I create makes someone happy … and (better yet) when that person actually wants to buy it! Most of all, I want to make my family proud of me and to be a good role model for my kids.

Q~ What is one of your greatest failures?

A~ Not being able to add hours to my day!

Q~ Where do you get your inspiration?

A~ Literally everywhere. And I always joke that I get my best ideas in the shower.

Q~ Why do you make/create what you do?

A~ I love the opportunity to create with mosaics, pressed flowers, and wire jewelry; each is challenging and great fun and I never get bored.

In making mosaics, I get tremendous satisfaction from finding discarded or thrift store materials and trying to breathe new life into them, and I love the idea that an odd assemblage of materials can somehow be greater than its individual parts (or we would hope so, anyway!).



In creating with pressed flowers and leaves, I never cease to marvel at Nature’s beauty and what a wonderful gift it is to each of us.



And in making jewelry, I love to throw odd materials and colors together with pressed flowers and twists of wire and see what happens!

Q~ Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~ Wow, it’s hard to pick just one. But I can definitely say that one of my favorite markets is right around the corner: The Del Ray Artisans Fine Art and Craft Holiday Market 2009.

It’s a happy, friendly, artful, and cozy indoor show that opens on Friday night, December 4th, from 7 to 10 p.m. with a catered reception. This market continues on Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 6th, from noon to 4 p.m. and also features a terrific bake sale benefiting a local charity, Food for Others. Admission is free.

Q~ What is one thing you love about your business?

A~ The many, many fantastic opportunities it provides: to work at home where my family is (thanks, Derrick!); to love my job; to learn, grow in, and practice my art continuously; and the sheer pleasure of making new things every day.

Q~ What is one thing you loathe?

A~ The huge and sometimes opposing pulls, especially around holiday sale times, of trying to be a good wife/mother and a good artist/business owner. Also, the fits of nerves I have before markets … I confess I still get really bad stage fright.

Q~ What is your dream about your art?

A~ That someday I might have an agent (and perhaps a maid, too, but that’s another story – ha!).



Q~ What is your mission?

A~ To make things that will make people smile and bring them joy.

Q~ Where are you based?

A~ In beautiful Alexandria, VA, in the community of Rosemont.

Q~ Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~ Hmmmm, I’m happy where I am, but might have to do some more traveling (purely to research this, of course!) to provide a well-thought-out answer.



Q~ What would you be doing if not this?

A~ Writing children’s stories.

Q~What is next?

A~ I want to keep working, learning, and thinking up new creations.

Q~ What is your favorite question to ask people?

A~ “How are you?”

Q~What is your answer to that question?

A~ Usually, “Great!”



Reinvented Elegance can be found at these shows for your holiday shopping:

Friday, December 4
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA, 7pm to 10 pm.

Saturday, December 5
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA, 10 am to 6 pm

Santa’s Gift Show Ellicott City, MD, 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, December 6
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA noon to 4pm

Saturday, December 12 and Sunday December 13
National Harbor Holiday Market, Oxen Hill, MD, noon to 6 pm

Saturday, December 19 and Sunday December 20
National Harbor Holiday Market, Oxen Hill, MD, noon to 6 pm

A variety of Joyce's goods can also be bought at A Show of Hands in Del Ray, 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301 703-683-2905, www.ashowofhands.biz.


In addition to Joyce, there will be many other great artists at the Del Ray Artistans Holiday Market this weekend. Ceramics, glass, wood and all artistic media will be available for all on your list. Treat yourself to a goodie from the bake sale and pick up a wreath for the door. We have it all!

See you this weekend~Jen

Green Tip~ Gift Wrap Smarter~

I know a lot of people love to tear open their gifts and toss the paper around. And, you don't have to be two years old to do it. However, then, the paper is thrown out and creates a lot of waste. So, start out smart and create less waste in the first place!

This year, I'll be offering re-usable fabric gift bags. Available in Christmas and non-holiday fabric and various sizes, they are great for little items like jewelry and gift cards. $3 each or 3 for $8, these are a wonderful add on for the tree hugger!

$20 and Under Gift Guide

Times are tough and the holidays are coming. Friends, family and co-workers all need to be bought for. What's an art lover to do? Browse the following gift guide to find great hand made items for a variety of folks. Designed with skill and handmade with pride, these gifts are all sure to strike the right cord with the right recipient.

ACCESSORIES

Fingerless gloves, $15 by Jen-A-Fusion Fashion Accessories


Fun polar fleecey fingerless gloves keep you warm while you text, drive, walk the dog or go to the farmers market. Available in a range of colors and designs.

To see more, go to jenafusion.etsy.com or visit Jen at any of her many December market days. Check at the schedule at left.


On The Go pouches, $15 by oblinaknit


Toss one in your tote and go - fill them with makeup, id, or even knitting notions ....the list is endless!

Find this and more at www.oblinaknit.etsy.com


Wire-wrapped Key Chains, $12 by Reinvented Elegance


Each key chain features a wide variety of wire-wrapped novelty beads, from dogs to chickens to mushrooms!

Joyce Wagner, of Reinvented Elegance, will be the featured December Artist of the Month, so there will be much more on her next week. For this week, you can find her at Santa’s Craft Show in Ellicott City, MD, November 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


ART


Holiday Portrait, $5 from Joanna Barnum Portraits & Illustration


On special until December 15, you get a 4" x 6" quick portrait sketch from your photo in graphite, ink, and marker on paper.

For more details about this special for ordering information:
joannabarnum.livejournal.com/49168.html
There is also information in the post about larger portrait options.
Visit www.joannabarnum.com or jbarnum.etsy.com to see a portfolio of other work available.


COLLAGE/DECOUPAGE

"FUKITOL" Box, $16 by BoxBoy Demented Decoupage


Wooden 3.5 x 2.25 x 2.25" Trinket Box ... BoxBoy's all-time best seller!

BoxBoy will be at Eastern Market on Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and the Downtown Holiday Market, Dec. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19. More boxes can be seen at www.boxboyboxes.com or emailed to boxboypab@aol.com.



Robots Decoupage Piggy Bank, $20, by This Little Piggy


Hand-decoupaged robot-themed ceramic piggy bank

Jessica sells little piggies online at www.ThisLittlePiggyMarket.net & www.thispiggy.etsy.com and at A Show of Hands in Alexandria (Del Ray) & PetMac in Arlington (Virginia Square). She will also be around town doing the craft show circuit!



Pressed Flower Greeting Cards with Coordinating Envelopes, $4 each or 3/$10 by Reinvented Elegance


Happily designed with local flowers and leaves; no two are alike!



JEWELRY

Unique polymer clay pendants, Prices range $10-20, by Jennifer Judd Designs at Jen Judd Rocks!


These are handmade polymer clay pendants with one-of-a-kind patterns that'll work with just about any choker or chain you already have.

You can see more work at www.jenjuddrocks.com and you can shop for these pendants at www.jenjuddrocks.etsy.com.


From The September Artist of the Month~Red Tape Earrings, $17.95 by Jenny's Pretty Things


These earrings are handmade with a piece of the original red twill tape once used to bind U.S. Government documents.

They are available online on the National Archives eStore.


Crocheted Earrings, $15 by Reinvented Elegance


Whimsical, lightweight, and a treat to wear; no two pairs are exactly alike … and, yes, they really are crocheted!


Black and Gold Felt Cut-Out Bracelet, $18 by ShesSoCrafty Art & Design, the August Artist of the Month


Hand cut black felt cutouts, hand sewn and blanket stitched with metallic gold threads.

Find this and much much more at www.sunflowerexpress.etsy.com.


MOSAIC


Jumbo Pressed Flower Magnets, $6 by Reinvented Elegance


Bring the beauty of nature indoors to bloom on any magnetized surface; outstanding stocking stuffers!



Potomac River Orbs, $10 by Reinvented Elegance


Created featuring recycled river glass and shells happily collected from the shores of the Potomac River; equally great as desk accessories or unique holiday ornaments.


PHOTOGRAPHY

Various Photos, including cards $4-15, by Love to Create



Greeting Cards - $4.00 each, 3 for $10.00 or 5 for $15.00
5x7 matted prints - 1 for $6, 3 for $15.00
8x10 matted prints - 1 for $10.00

Love to Create will be selling at the Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA Friday, December 4, 7-10pm, Saturday, December 5, 10-7pm, Sunday, December 6, 12-4pm. For more images, check out www.lovetocreate.net.


Thanks for taking a peak and supporting small business people and talented artist. Hope to see you at a show or two in the next month!~Jen