Naughty or Nice, it's Atomic!

Atomic Thanks Y O U!

2011-12-14T14:49:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for coming out to the 6th Atomic Holiday Bazaar this past weekend in Sarasota, Fl. Whether you were local or drove in from faraway places, your attendance was appreciated!

Thank you to my wonderful Atomic Misfits who worked their crafty bottoms off! You are the meat and potatoes of Atomic, the beautiful indie craft guts that we feed on. Your talent and enthusiasm are amazing and I am proud that you were in my show. Thank you for your amazing donations to the Gimme Shelter raffle basket, the Bay Front room raffle basket and swag items for the tote bags!

Check out the 2011 Atomic Misfits who starred in the 6th Atomic Holiday Bazaar. All images shown in this Flickr showcase were taken during the 2011 show and shot by bad ass Sid Graves.

2011 FLICKR SLIDESHOW, TO VIEW PICS CLICK HERE MY DEARS!

Thank you to my tireless volunteers who helped me with all the nitty gritty Atomic stuff! Michelle Wynne, THANK YOU for helping me stuff 200 tote bags and working the front door with me! Mitzi Roca, thank you so much honey! Nano Rush and Eric Ziarno, my awesome two'some who keep coming back for more, thank you!! Robin Eiseman, thank you for the floor work, you rock the Atomic mini skirt sister! Marcello, Sadie, Brenda and Nancy of madeby Gallery, thank you so much for helping me at the door! My bro-in-law Cregg, you're the bestest too, thanks for stepping in, Christopher McLeod thanks for the company! Michelle Sampson, Elena DeLaVille and Virginia Hoffman, thank you awesome ladies I appreciate you all very, very much! And of course my sweet cheeks boyfriend, Guy DiLullo, you are amazing and I love you, you worked your butt off and kissed me during the shows, thank you! Thank you Brian Boyd for returning to Atomic to spin your magic music! Also, a major shout out to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium staff, Debbie, Bob and Jim, you are the absolute best and you are all "city treasure" employees!

Thank you to my wonderful sponsors, without you, Atomic would limp along, we appreciate you very much!

Thank you to the following people who filmed such amusing and colorful video footage of this year's Atomic shows:

Gabriel Hernandez

Joey Panek of The Art Whisperer

Tony William of Focus Magazine of SWFL

Filmed by Gabriel Hernandez

Filmed by Tony William

Filmed by Joey Panek

Wanna be friends on Facebook? Atomic does!

The Art Whisperer Video Interview featuring a tiny preview of Atomic's Misfit Crafters!

2011-12-07T07:56:00.001-05:00

Props to the Atomic Misfits featured in this video:
1.*sutara* - http://www.etsy.com/shop/sutara - little girl dress in blue.
2. MetroViking - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1320525911 - yellow t on wall, Darth Vader T & hoodie on mannequin.
3. Betsy Bell - http://www.etsy.com/shop/BetsyBellPP - pig pillow.
4. Our Lady of Perpetual Pickles - http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerpetualPickles - canned Sweet Heats.
5. Sexy Beast Accessories - http://www.etsy.com/shop/sexybeastaccessories - charm bracelet on A.L.
6. PAMDESIGN - http://www.etsy.com/shop/pamdesign - hand painted vases.
7. Sue Handman - http://www.suehandman.com/ - I kiss my dog t.
8. Clothesline - http://www.clothesline.bigcartel.com/ - rust t and black t on wall.
9. The Crafty Hag - http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftyhag - Krampus t on mannequin.
10. C.A.B. Fayre - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CABfayre - Doe necklace / earrings / octopus necklace.
11. Fresh Farmer - http://www.facebook.com/minusthemannequin - Awesome office clip necklace on A.L.
12. Lolablue - http://lolablueliving.com/ - Soaps and more on silver platter.
13. Cannibal Crafts - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CannibalCrafts - mustaches on sticks.
14. DearMaddi - batman and top hat disguise.
15. When Bunnies Fly - http://www.etsy.com/shop/alexiscolbert - two art prints.
16. Ems b. jewelry - http://www.facebook.com/emsb.jewelry - repurposed floral necklace on hand.
17. rocklovepeace - http://www.facebook.com/emsb.jewelry - wooden baby teethers / peace frisbee.
18. Kelley Love Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelleylovedesigns - vintage repurposed necklace.
19. Redheaded Stepchild Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop/rhscdesigns - knitted hat & scarf.
20. Oppa Snout Designs - http://www.facebook.com/kristen.mcguigan - Owl felt keychain.
21. Zu-li Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZuliDesigns - Magnet set, vintage birds.

Atomic 2011 Sponsors!

2011-11-05T12:47:00.015-04:00

I just added the current list of 2011 Atomic sponsors (see logos on right side of this web blog). I want to take this time to write a little bit about them because I couldn't run this show without their wonderful support!

Whole Foods Sarasota has been providing a delicious and tasty breakfast for my Sunday vendors since 2006. This is a huge deal in the morning while we are rushing around preparing the show floor before we open the doors and vendors are setting up their dazzling displays; to be able to grab some free AND yummy breakfast to fuel up for the day is an appreciated generosity and I thank Nikki Heil and Whole Foods for their years of support.

Which leads me to a new sponsor, Simon's Coffee House. Over the years I've had and continue to have friends who work at Simon's. I get there now and then but it's a bit away from my hood, otherwise I'd be there on a regular basis. I plan on going there for dinner when my boyfriend gets in town (I know TMI), but I hear their dinners are as fabulous, healthy and unique as their breakfast specials. Simon's Coffee House will be providing a tasty light breakfast for the Saturday Atomic vendors. This is the first time the Saturday crew will have this wonderful morning offering! I am grateful to Holly Gineitas and her father for being so generous to my Atomic vendors and show! If you want to read a review about Simon's in case you aren't familiar with this family run eatery, This Week in Sarasota wrote a damn good review which covers all the basis!

Anything Arts has been with Atomic since 2006. Christine Alexander who is co-founder and mother ship of AA even worked in the kitchen as a volunteer that year. Rick Hughes (papa ship) and Chris' AA is an invaluable resource for locals that have anything related to the arts in Sarasota, sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter if you want to know what is going on in SRQ or need help getting the word out about an artistic/theatrical event. Their website and newsletters are a wonderful resource for the Sarasota community. Look for Christine at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar this year because she is scheduled to work the door as a volunteer, you'll recognize her because she is otherwise known as Bald Chick Ads on Facebook! You may recognize this noggin but the signage is always changing and always for hire, brilliant!

Each year Atomic passes out 100 tote bags to the first 100 adult'ish people through the door. The first year we gave them to the first 100 who entered, my friend pointed out that the totes were larger than some of the toddlers who were strutting around with them. Lesson learned so we upped the "rule" to adult'ish only. These cotton totes are screen printed by locals Clothesline, which is gallery, t-shirt boutique and screen printing business in historic Burns Square in Sarasota. If you need something screen printed, these are the peeps to contact and you should visit their store if you get a chance, it's a visual experience for sure. This is the third year they will be printing the totes which will be filled with indie-goodness-swag, vendor coupons that can be used the day of the show and one of my favorite magazines ever...

Atomic Ranch magazine. I am a huge fan of mid century modern architecture. When I first stumbled across this magazine I subscribed and really began to learn about these wonderful and unique houses. I contacted the founder and editor, James Brown, and was really surprised when he responded to my inquiry about being a sponsor of Atomic Holiday Bazaar. This is the third year Atomic Ranch has generously agreed to fill the totes with their magazine. It is a quarterly publication, (subscribe here!) I wish it were weekly because the pictorials and articles are so informative and fun to read. Sarasota, Florida has a nice array of MCMs (mid-century moderns) and I keep trying to lure the team of Atomic Ranch to our beautiful city to do a piece on our fabulous homes here in Sarasota.

Mommy Magazine has been a part of Atomic since 2006! I've had a few friends write for this publication and the Art Director, Robin Eiseman has participated in Atomic under her business Nekeds. I'm not a parent and sometimes children are like a foreign language to me, however, I read this magazine and I have learned a lot about poop (my favorite), toys, nutrition, exercise...all written by parents who have wonderful senses of humor. They tackle serious subjects about child rearing but it is all written in an approachable and fun manner. If I were a parent, this would be one of my local SRQ resources because they list a ton of current family friendly events, such as mine, (honking the horn) Atomic.

When Atomic began in 2006, it was sponsored by the retired Creative Loafing; this publication was instrumental in getting the word out about Atomic and really helped the public learn about this new type of indie craft show. When CL folded last year, it was picked up by the Sarasota Herald Tribune's Ticket Sarasota. Thankfully the Ticket picked up Atomic too and I am proud to list them as an Atomic sponsor. I couldn't get the word out about Atomic without having the Ticket reach their very large audience. I recommend signing up for their online magazine which will keep you informed and up to date on anything that is happening in SRQ entertainment wise. Folks who are planning on visiting SRQ for Atomic who are working the show or coming in to shop, use the Ticket as your go-to for restaurant reviews, things to see, places to shop and our local night life.

I found Jessica's Picture Framing Studio years ago when I used one of their coupons found in a mail pack that you find hanging on your door. That was years ago and I have been using Jessica's ever since, they are the BEST. Lots of local artists go to Jessica's to get their work matted and framed and if you visit their store they have a wonderful art collection showcasing their beautiful frames. You can find Dari Goggans and Kristen McGuigan working there, cheerful, professional, funny, oh, and you will also find them at Atomic this year at both shows working under their respective vendor names (Dari) "i just wanna sew all day long...and (Kristen) Oppa Snout Designs.

This year Sarasota's roller derby team the Suncoast Quad Squad, (bad-ass women who I wish I could have just a smidgen of their coordination in shoes) will be on hand at both morning shows handing out the Atomic totes to the first 100 adults who enter the show. They will also have a merch table at both Atomic shows where they will be recruiting for new members and selling items to support their wonderful club. If you haven't seen the squad, their home matches are at the Stardust Skate Center on 12th Street in Sarasota.

CRAFT "transforming traditional crafts" is a wonderful online magazine that has sponsored Atomic in the past and as Carol Anne from Poltergeist said "they're baaaAAAAcckkkk!" CRAFT showcases 21st century craft and is top notch resource for learning new and older crafting techniques. Crafters can share projects online, posting videos, tutorials and pictures. Also, CRAFT is a sister to the founders of Maker Faire - one of the planets largest DIY festivals! I've included a CRAFT how-to tutorial on how to bring on the bling to a pair of high heels. This is just one video of many to choose from, so if you are itching for a new project, check them out!

Atomic Saturday NIGHT show CANCELLED.

2011-09-22T08:18:00.000-04:00

The Saturday, 12/10/11 show has been cancelled. Atomic Holiday Bazaar will continue on with its usual day shows scheduled for Saturday, 12/10/11 and Sunday, 12/11/11.

There are numerous reasons as to why the evening portion of the show has been cancelled, here are the top three.

I was hopeful to find a local Sarasota entity/human/organization to co-brand the evening portion of the Atomic show. I presented my idea to several people in town, strangely, (at least to me) no one seemed to be able to grasp the concept. I made a feeble effort to meet with some other people but scheduling conflicts and day to day life and work got me side tracked.

I was hoping I could find someone who would share the workload and share auditorium expenses (only expenses related to the hours for the evening show) and I would split the door proceeds down the middle with them. This could have been a wonderful monetary opportunity for someone who could not really afford to rent the auditorium -- since the city won't let anyone rent the building for half a day. I thought this concept could work for someone who wanted to raise money for a charity during the holiday season or to simply be an event promoter and have an off the beaten path type of party, which incidentally would have included the fabulous Atomic indie crafters.

Also, managing the evening show in addition to running two fully loaded day shows has really taken a toll on my personal creativity and it will be nice to actually perhaps make something again with my two hands instead of being glued to the computer.

Lastly, a very good friend of mine is getting married on 12/10 and I am really hopeful that I can make it to her wedding reception after working the day show on Saturday.

As Scarlett Atomic O'Hara said, "after all....tomorrow is another day. So perhaps next year I'll try and throw another evening Atomic party. Until then, can't wait to see all of you at the Atomic day shows on Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th!

Hugs and Stitches,

Adrien Lucas

B'sue Boutique's "Sari Ribbon Party Blog Hop....You're Invited!"

2011-09-16T09:08:00.003-04:00

Recently I met B'sue online, I was looking trolling through YouTube and stumbled upon her jewelry video how-to's. She instantly captured me with her down to earth style in front of the camera, her sense of humor and her wonderfully amusing large cats who make an occasional appearance. More importantly though, she shares her knowledge of jewelry design and shows you in video how to do-it-yourself.

When I read her "About" page I found out we were both from Ohio and she worked at the Rogers Flea Market for years...one of my most favorite places to shop. What I also liked about her "About" page was her complete honesty about the nature of her work and how she got there. We could all learn a lot from B,Sue (and yes there is a story to her name) in more ways than one!

Oh, also, she has a wonderful jewelry supply online store. Her inventory is affordable and a wonderful place to go if you are like me and may need a certain strange piece to fix a vintage jewelry piece.

She is having a contest that ends next month and I told her I'd share her post with my Atomic peeps. The info regarding the contest is below...or you all can simply jump over to her website! Cheers!

B'sue Boutique's "Sari Ribbon Party Blog Hop....You're Invited!"

We've had a number of challenges with Five and Dime Style at B'sue Boutiques, but this is our VERY FIRST blog hop! The date is Friday, October 14th. The rules are VERY simple:

1. Your entry must be a piece of jewelry, and it must have some sari ribbon in it. That might be:

a cuff you have woven out of it

a necklace with a neckline treatment that incorporates it

a cuff wrapped with sari

bezels tied with sari

sari ribbon accents on chain

flowers made of sari

....those are just a few ideas. You do what you want. YOU ARE THE DESIGNER. But it can't be a jacket, a purse, a decorator item......IT HAS TO BE A PIECE OF JEWELRY. And it has to be sari ribbon (although you can also incorporate other ribbons into the piece, as well). That means it will be a:

bracelet

necklace

ring

brooch

earrings

or....hair jewelry will be accepted.

The sari ribbon and components do NOT have to be purchased from B'sue Boutiques, but of course, I'd be lying if I didn't say I appreciate your patronage. LOL

The sari is found here at B'sue Boutiques

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Sari-Ribbon-7550 don't worry if the inventory is showing low....we have LOTS more. Just let me know! I'll fix it.

2. YOU MUST HAVE A BLOG. I'm not going to be able to sponsor photos on my blog---except Meep's!

To be honest, if you don't have a blog, maybe this is just the impetus you need to get one started. If you sell your work, you are really remiss if you aren't using a blog to feature your work and talk about it. It's a valuable asset. Many blog formats, like BLOGGER, are free! They are also simple to set up.

3. When you commit to being a participant, I will save your name and your blog URL to a Word document. The day before the hop (13th) I will post the participants and their URLS here at this blog. Everyone who has signed up will have the responsibility to come and get the list and post it on THEIR blog, along with their photos and whatever they want to say about their entry, on their blogs EARLY AS POSSIBLE on October 14.

Having the list on your blog with your entry is ESSENTIAL for the hop to work. That's what a blog hop is, you hop from blog to blog to look at the entries. So if you don't post the list, it won't be fair to the rest. ;-)

As much as possible, you will want to leave a comment about others' blog hop entries, when you visit their blogs on that day, too.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Seeks Sponsors

2011-09-11T17:35:00.004-04:00

I am inviting you to join me this year as a sponsor of my 6th annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th, held at the historical art deco Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

If you are not familiar with my show, Atomic Holiday Bazaar is an indie Arts &Crafts’ fair featuring hand made 21st century crafts. Indie craft fairs have popped up everywhere across the nation with shows such as the nationwide Renegade Craft Fair, and the Chicago, DIY Trunk Show. Six years ago I decided to create Atomic in Sarasota for people like me who walk a little off the beaten path and didn't want to do their holiday shopping at large department stores. Atomic is not your granny's craft show and is known locally for its unique, affordable and slightly irreverent atmosphere. Here is a link to a video from SNN Channel 6 shot a few years ago to give you a better understanding about all things Atomic: ATOMIC 2009 NEWS CLIP.

Sponsors of Atomic Holiday Bazaar are recognized in the community as leaders who openly value resources and labor, as evidenced by your support of independent artists and crafters in our community and afar. Atomic crafters join the shows this year from as far as Guatemala, numerous states in the U.S. and the entire state of Florida. Each day 1200 people walk through the door to shop at Atomic; last year the ATM machine was cleaned out twice to an amount of $10K which was spent at the shows; that's an amazing statistic considering the economy the past few years.

I work tirelessly on this show through an extensive Friends list on Facebook and have grown vendors and shoppers from diverse geographic areas. I use any and every source of online social media to ensure Atomic is saturating the advertising market.Please consider joining current sponsors the Sarasota Herald Tribune Ticket, Mommy Magazine, Anything Arts, Sarasota Music Scene, Jessica's Framing Studio, Clothesline and the Suncoast Quad Squad roller girls in supporting this unique community event.

I sincerely appreciate corporate and individual sponsors and hope your generous commitment can be added in helping to continue a community holiday tradition supporting indie-artists. I am also interested in sponsor-in-trade agreements, if you have a cool idea that you think will compliment both your business and the Atomic shows, I am all ears! Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the upcoming Atomic shows and ask me to shoot you a listing of the Atomic Sponsorship Levels.

Sunday, 12/11/11 Atomic Show Sold Out - Spaces still open for the Saturday shows on 12/10/11.

2011-08-06T10:35:00.002-04:00

Greetings People! Thank you for your interest in Atomic! As of July 27, all exhibit spaces for the Sunday, 12/11/11 show are Sold Out. Spaces for the Saturday, 12/10/11 Day and Evening show are still available but are filling up quickly! Please email me if you wish to be considered for the Wait List for the Sunday, 12/11/11 show, along with web info or jpgs of recent creations. Thank you! Adrien Lucas, Event Organizer atomicholidaybazaar@live.com

With Pleasure, Chained to Indie Craft! Saturday Show will remain an indie-craft show.

2011-05-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

After some thought, some deep thoughts and then further trailing thoughts...and numerous emails from applicants who were disappointed that I was trying to change the theme of the Saturday Atomic show into a vintage'eee / flea market vibe, I have been persuaded to switch the Saturday show back to its original show theme.

The above was an incredibly long run on sentence. I suffer from dia'rear of the typing keys and it just spilled out that way. Please forgive me.

Two other reasons for heading back to a two day indie-craft show is by offering a two day show to out of towner-crafters, this makes it more affordable and feasible for some people who are caravan'ing into Sarasota from far off lands.

I would have had to turn away some really talented applicants by not opening the show for two days and that was bumming me out. I can't be bummed out, we just can't have that! And I can't have you bummed out either!

So that's my announcement for now. I will be turning the 2011 Misfit Crafter link list live by next week so we can begin to see how the show is populating out.

Hugs & Stitches,

Adrien Lucas

2011 Atomic Holiday Bazaar Show Info - Press Release For Immediate Consumption

2011-04-03T14:50:00.001-04:00

Adrien Lucas announces 2011 Atomic Holiday Bazaar show info.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Saturday, 12/10/11 & Sunday, 12/11/11

Applications to apply go live 4/15/11

A new spin on Atomic will launch on Saturday, 12/10/11. Atomic will dedicate the Saturday show exclusively to vintage apparel, jewelry, house wares, re-purposed vintage and new clothing based upon retro designs, kitsch and antique assemblage, vinyl and more. “I am excited about introducing my version of an Atomic estate sale, based upon my eclectic kitschy tastes and years of experience working with vintage clothing and admiring beautiful used objects. Every year I see more and more applications based in vintage collections and a growing number of people interested in retro objects. I want this show to grow into a nationally recognized vintage venue for purveyors and collectors of anything and everything vintage.”

The Atomic Saturday Night show is being produced by Sarasota Music Scene and will host local bands who have been featured in the Noise Ordinance CD series. SMS is seeking a national music act to headline the evening show. In addition to live music, the Saturday night Atomic show will feature a rock-n-roll based indie arts and crafts market.

2011 marks the 6th year of Sarasota’s first original indie craft show. On Sunday, 12/11/11, Atomic returns to its roots focusing on handmade, indie craft and arts. This annual holiday tradition continues to be the place to buy affordable, amusing and elegant American handmade craft. Atomic is “not your granny’s craft show” and offers high end to low brow jewelry that you could imagine seen in a Teen Vogue spread. Other fun products that you won’t see at department chains are: screen printed t-shirts, organic body products, assemblage, collage, photography, clothing, baby products, home décor, there is something for everyone.

Atomic applications to apply for entry into the 2011 shows go live on April 15th and will be available at the Atomic website. Vendors are encouraged to apply early as space is limited and sells out quickly.

Atomic is always seeking Sponsorships that will be a good blend for both the sponsor and the show. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact event organizer, Adrien Lucas.

###

Contact: Adrien Lucas / adrienlucas@comcast.com / 941-539-9044

Happy New Year from the bottom of my Atomic heart!

2011-01-24T08:53:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011 to all the wonderful warm bodies who had anything to do with the 5th Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

We had a terrific turn out thanks to Atomic loyal fans who showed up in droves for the Saturday and Sunday 2010 shows.

I was informed the ATM machine at the auditorium was cleaned out and the servicer of the ATM machine said it was the largest draw ever for the auditorium. Not bad for a country that is doing pretty poorly economically. Not bad for the Arts and Crafts crowd either!

Here is a giant heap of Thank You's to the following (and in no particular order)...also, if I neglected to mention someone, please let me know so I may update this because I really am grateful to all who pitched in.

2011 Sponsors, thank you. Sponsors and their respective links are listed to the right of this blog, please visit them! I couldn't have pulled Atomic off without their valuable time and generosity. It is businesses such as theirs who support local arts and events, without them, many of the wonderful pieces of Atomic would not have occurred.
To the Atomic Misfit Crafters and Artists, some of you have been with the show since 2006 and many of you were new this past December. I love what you create, I love your enthusiasm and I appreciate the hard work you put into your creations and displays for the show. The swag you provided for the Atomic tote bags was lovely and fun for all! Thank you to EVERYONE, your extra effort for the shows is what makes Atomic all that more dazzling.
To my crafters who donated items for the Gimme Shelter basket in support of this non-profit animal rescue organization, Thank You! Your talent and generous spirit for donating your beautiful arts and crafts in support of this shelter are immensely appreciated! I know the time it takes to make things, even just popping them into the mail for this...your time and talent that you selflessly gave for this means the world to me. People who may be considering adopting a dog to be a permanent part of your family, please contact Michelle Sampson, who always has dogs in need of good homes.
Volunteers. Wowza! Again, from the very first year up to this past show, I continue to be amazed by all the wonderful friends and acquaintances I have who help me run this show. I hope you know, Atomic would not exist without you. Having your friendship is the most important thing and my expectations of you volunteering does not exist - I expect nothing in that capacity. Yet, year after year, you all still come back for more torture and I love you all for that. Thank you for helping make Atomic such a success. As I have said before, if you need me to volunteer for anything you may be working on in the upcoming year, please let me help you! Thank you all very much, you are mondo, bestest in the westest everest'est.
Employees of the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. YOU ROCK! I am proud of our beautiful city building and appreciate the care and pride you all take in your jobs representing Sarasota and the beautiful Municipal Auditorium. I hope people will take further advantage in renting the facility because it is one of SRQ's gems and a fabulous place to have a party. From behind the curtains (administration) to the upkeep of the facility, I will continue to say year after year, I couldn't ask for a more professional and upbeat group of people to help me facilitate Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show and see you this year! Here is a photo slide show of the shows, pics were taken by Sid Graves, Brian David Braun and Daniel Perales.

Hugs & Stitches,

Adrien

Saturday Night Entertainment Schedule for Atomic Holiday Bazaar

2010-12-10T14:17:00.001-05:00

Just in case all of you are wondering how this Eye Popping, Ear Splitting Spectacle is going to play out tomorrow evening...here is the schedule for the Saturday Night 12/11/10 Atomic Holiday Bazaar performances...and I use the word "schedule" loosely, because...I only do this show biz thing once a year and we aren't perfect folks but we're fun!

6 - 6:30: Steve Peake, boogie woogie piano popping, Burlesque and Ukulele Stuffs
7:00'ish: The Equines
7:45'ish: More Piano, Dancing, Singing and Girlie Stuff
8:15'ish: Blind Buddy Moody and his beefy back up band
9:00'ish: and even more Piano, Dancing, Singing and Girlie Show Biz'ness
9:15'ish: The Dead Popes...ear plugs suggested
10:00'ish: Some more frilly dancing by some pretty fillies
10:30'ish: The Kenneth Brian Band
Midnight - Show Closes

Libations and food stuff available for purchase from Cosimo's. All Ages show, you will be carded for the booze stuff, so bring your ID! If you come to the Sat. Atomic Day show, keep your ticket stub and use it to get into the night show for $7 bucks instead of the regular $10 admission.

Also, the Atomic After Party is at Pasttimes Pub for the 2nd Annual Spandex Party, head over there after midnight and shake it babies!

Looking forward to seeing all of ya!

Hugs & Stitches,

Adrien

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saturday Night 12/11 Entertainment

2010-12-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

Atomic 2010 Show Coupons!!

2010-12-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

Click the link below to open up the latest eblast that was sent filled with juicy coupon offers from some of the Atomic Misfit Crafters!

ATOMIC 2010 COUPONS!

Simply print the coupons or if you are a true 21st century gadget gal or guy, show the vendor your coupon on your cell phone and save a tree!

Also, don't forget, if you are one of the first 100 adults to get to the Atomic day shows on 12/11 and 12/12, you receive a free Atomic tote, screened by sponsors, Clothesline and totes are filled with juicy swag items along with valuable coupons, many of which could save you some dough at the show!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar digs Kristen McGuigan, Fine Art & Photography

2010-11-26T10:39:00.002-05:00

Atomic Holiday Bazaar video Thanksgiving crafter/artist/photographer is Kristen McGuigan, Fine Art and Photography. Ms. McGuigan is appearing at both day shows, Sat., 12/11 & 12/12.

She also works for an Atomic sponsor, Sarasota's Jessica's Frame Shop on 1st street. So it's a win win for Atomic! Check out her felt key chains...the perfect stocking stuffer for sure!

Lolablue, Indulge Yourself. Respect Mother Earth

2010-11-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

The other night I did a long rambling video blog about Jamie Lovern of Lolablue who makes hand-crafted natural body products and candles. Lolablue (Jamie) has been with Atomic for four years and I don't think my video blog really does her products justice. I've attached the video so you can shove a fork into your eyeball due to my incessant rambling which I tried to make relatable to the products, but I need to give this lady the props she deserves! In the future, I will try and make videos that are about a minute long. I PROMISE!

First off, Jamie delivered a box of her delicious goodies that will be available at both Atomic day shows on 12/11 and12/12...follow your nose, she will be in the fragrant booth with her husband who I think has worked beside her at every show (nice to have a partner in crime like that!).

Lolablue offers two types of soaps - 100% Natural - pure essential oils and

97% Natural - blend of essential & phthalate-free cosmetic grade fragrance oil.

I had the pleasure of trying the Spearmint Lime Mint soap, it is pure pleasure. Right now as I type this I have the 100% Pure Peppermint soap sitting next to me which I can smell as I type. The soap lathers up nicely and really did leave me feeling refreshed and clean and who doesn't want to feel that way? Well, maybe little boys prefer the opposite.

As I mentioned in the video, I also tried her Daily Bliss Aromatherapy Mister in a Clove Patchouli Mint. I am a reformed Clove smoker (mainly because they can't be sold in the U.S.) and because it's a rotten habit. However, the scent of a Clove cigarette is a delicious smell, reminds me of Thanksgiving hams shoved full of cloves, yum. I have never been a huge fan of Patchouli, let's face it, that scent has been a huge cover up for most of the Dead Heads out there who probably could really use a large dose of some of the soaps I mentioned. But I must confess, Jamie hit this scent out of the ballpark because I've been misting myself for two days straight. Just shake and spray and tag, you are it. Good mixture my dear, very clean, non offensive, non burning to the nose, very subtle and clean. I love this product, can't believe I do, but I do and if I didn't love it, I wouldn't have wasted an entire paragraph on it.

I have not lit the Holiday Mulberry 100% organic soy botanical wax candle but it's 11 ounces of hand poured love. This candle burns three times longer than paraffin wax candles. It smells delicious and I think I am going to have to light it up tonight since I'm having guests over...don't worry Jamie, I'll buy it!

Oh, two more things, I am totally addicted to chap sticks, I try all of them and have my favorites but Lolablue's Pucker Up is awesome. Chap stick, truly one of my first addictions (don't worry folks nothing has ever been to the point of where I'd end up in the Betty Ford clinic), but if I had to go live on an island and could only take a few things, the Pucker Up would be one of them. Per Lolablue, her Pucker Up Natural Peppermint "is stimulating and cooling it improves concentration and mental sharpness, helps with nausea and motion sickness as well as headaches. Peppermint produces a cooling sensation and then a warming sensation, getting the blood flowing to the spot of application so LOOK OUT LIPS - PUCKER UP!"

Last but not least, her SKY CLAD Muscle Rescue 100% Natural Sugar Scrub. Oh, praise Jamie, this stuff is delicious. I am outside a lot. I run a lot. My skin needs constant moisturizing. This muscle scrub left my skin feeling invigorated and soft and it was fun to use.

All of her products are packaged nicely, ready for gifting for a special friend or for your special self. I am always happy to have Lolablue be a part of Atomic!

Altruistic and Benevolent Atomic Misfits!

2010-11-10T13:17:00.004-05:00

Atomic is sort of like the movie Ground Hog's Day, I've been doing this annually for five years. Atomic has become a tradition for me which is kind of cool since my family really wasn't into traditional celebrations for the most part. Two years ago, I almost missed opening up the auditorium on time. My alarm didn't go off, I thought I was going to have to take my boyfriend to the hospital the night before and it was a long, long night. We slept in but thankfully my friend Da'reen was spending the night and he woke us up. I made it to the auditorium in five minutes but I would have been in deep trouble if I hadn't of packed the car the night before.

Today I want to introduce you to some of the Atomic Misfits who give a bit back of their proceeds to the community from the sales of the lovely items they create. The reason I brought up Ground Hog's Day is because the first person I want to write about is Michelle Sampson of Gimme Shelter, a not for profit dog rescue and adoption shelter. Ms. Sampson has been with Atomic from the very first year, she does the work I wish I could do but don't have the courage to do.

Look for the Gimme Shelter booth at both Atomic day shows on Saturday, 12/11 and 12/12, she will have dogs on hand who are in deep need of a home for a life time. We will also have a raffle for Gimme Shelter featuring some really fabulous donated items from local businesses and from the crafters and artists in Atomic as well. The winner will be announced after the conclusion of Atomic on Monday 12/13.

Kerry Chen of Little Miss Crafty Chick will be working the Saturday 12/11 shows with 10% of her proceeds going to benefit local non-profit animal rescues such as the Humane Society of Pinellas, Suncoast Animal League and Internet Mini Pin Service. Look for her booth because she is going to have an eclectic and colorful array of hand crafted items for sale.

Betsy Kennedy of be jewelry has been a part of Atomic since 2006 (year 1), originally as the Most Valuable Volunteer
"MVV" ever but she now sells her handcrafted silver-smithed jewelry at Atomic. Betsy creates personalized to order pendants for Manasota BUDS, the local Manasota Down Syndrome Awareness group. These pendants will not be available at the show as they are personalized, however, you can visit her website and order this very special pendant HERE.

Rose Shariati of Rose's Whimsical Garden will be at the Sunday, 12/12 Atomic show and she donates a percentage of her proceeds to Somaly Mam Foundation which is an organization established to help rescue children/adults that are working in brothels. Somaly Mam Foundation helps relocate people rescued to safe houses where they live and are treated if they have any medical issues, as well as educate them so that when they leave the shelter they have a skill that will help them get a job and make it hopefully, easier to rejoin society.

Zim Kids returns for a second year to the Saturday 12/11 Atomic show. The ZIMKIDS ORPHAN TRUST provides food, medical care and training for the future to 160 of Zimbabwe's neediest orphans. The orphans, who make dolls and wire toys for their own play, regularly create extra toys which are sold at events such as Atomic with 100 percent of the proceeds of those donations returned to the children in the form of food, school fees, clothing, medical supplies, or whatever else a given child needs.

Jennifer Bement of Redheaded Stepchild Designs is donating 10% of her sales to the Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Established in 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs’ mission is to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life’s journey with mobility, independence and dignity. Through their programs Paws for Independence™, Paws for Patriots™, and Gifted Canines™ they have more than 600 active guide dog teams across the nation and continue to add more than 70 teams annually, all at no charge to the guide dog recipient, thanks to the generous support of donors and volunteers.

Last but not least, Jen Bartolone of My Pup Rox, who will be at the Sunday, 12/12, Atomic show, donates 10% of her proceeds to Canine Castaways, a local non-profit volunteer organization that rescues dogs in need. They are a fantastic organization; Jen adopted her dog from Canine Castaways and that is why she began making her fabulous collars! It's a total win-win having her at Atomic and I can't wait to see her colorful table of dog collars.

I'm sure there are more benevolent Atomic artists and crafters and customers who give back to the community or Mother Earth in their own special way. Man, that just sounded like a cheesy Hallmark card and really I should be throttled for that sentence...whatever, it's good to be good and it's nice to be nice and it's wonderful to give the gift of giving. Hallmark, hire me. I'm a poet, didn't you know it?

Sea of Bees, Magical Wearable Woodfolk Critters at all three Atomic Shows!

2010-11-08T14:12:00.005-05:00

Stephanie Rivas of Sea of Bees...I couldn't be any more excited about this designer hitting all three Atomic shows this year...check out the beautiful bird ring I am wearing in this video blog.

SEA OF BEES

Know No Truth, the art of Landon Richmond

2010-11-04T11:18:00.002-04:00

Know No Truth, the art of Landon Richmond
Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Landon Richmond of Know No Truth is making his first appearance at Atomic this year, hauling his ass and his art from some far away snowy place to the sunny confines of Sarasota's Municipal Auditorium.

Landon recently entered a contest to win a gallery space for the Art Expo in New York (it's a big deal to get into this show). He has worked passionately for years on his art and I am hopeful if you are familiar with Landon's art or are new to it and like it, maybe you will take a few seconds to vote for him and help him win a spot at the NY Art Expo. You don't have to sign up for anything, it's a simple mouse vote click and you'll be on your merry way.

Here is the piece he submitted to the Art Expo:

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Also if you are interested in learning more about Landon, here is a short 7 minute movie filmed by the very talented Joe Martino based around the creation of this painting, and who Landon is as an artist which you can watch here: KNOW NO TRUTH VIDEO.

I really dig Landon's illustrative nature of the dark side melded with the living flesh of the day to day. You'll find him at all three of the Atomic shows this year.

The Sassy Crafter

2010-10-31T09:17:00.002-04:00

The Sassy Crafter
Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Kim Taylor is The Sassy Crafter and has participated in the Atomic shows since the first year. Kim interviewed me for a Gainesville paper she wrote for and it was my first Atomic interview. She is crafty, she is artsy, she is great with plants, she is funny, smart, lovely and I am proud to have her back for more Atomic torture.

Rather than recreate the wheel, please check out her interview with the Gainesville Sun where you can learn more about her...I love her phrase ""champagne crafting on a beer budget." I think many of us can relate to that!

Kim also coordinates GLAM, an indie craft show held in Gainesville on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at the Thelma Boltin Center.

This woman can re-purpose ANYTHING. If I end up living on Skid Row someday, I am going to ask her to design my home out of the salvaged cardboard I find because I know she'd end up making it look like a show palace!

Check out her Mid-Century Modern Atomic Eggbeater Clock, no two are the same . What a hilarious, cheerful and ingenious creation by The Sassy Crafter!

ROCKLOVEPEACE

2010-10-25T19:17:00.000-04:00

This is the second year for ROCKLOVEPEACE to make an Atomic appearance. I recently had an iced tea with founder, Del Harley at Pastry Art, here in Sarasota, which is owned by a former co-worker of mine from Planned Parenthood. I have to say, hands down, I dig their coffee the most here in town and I love their pastries, yum-the'f-yum. Really.

I digress, because I love sugar...which leads me to Del. She is sweet, but not in a sugar overdose, stomach ache kind of way. I really dig her!

Del has been busy with ROCKLOVEPEACE, her business plan struck her in an instant moment with her mission statement being: eco-friendly gifts that educate, motivate and activate positive change, one mind at a time. Her products have been featured in national magazines and her delightful eco-friendly products will be available this year at Atomic!

ROCKLOVEPEACE organic wood teethers were featured recently in Pregnancy Magazine and will be available at Atomic! Del really impressed me with the research, time and process she took to create these teethers and employs, I think an uncle, to help her have them manufactured, here in the U.S! I know I am buying a few for a set of pregnant gals I know.

I could spend hours elaborating on the national press Del has had and success stories, so if you want to see what ROCKLOVEPEACE has been up to, check out her press HERE.

Red Marionette

2010-10-22T12:31:00.003-04:00

Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Kelli Williams of Red Marionette is another of one of my Atomic Misfits who has been in the show for a few years, or half a decade. I really can't recall! I will say her booth is usually the fruitiest, tootiest, cutiest (I know, I know, it's NOT A WORD) booth ever. Her creations are as bright and cheerful as she is. She has had some really exciting press recently which you can read all about here:

Here is a very cool video she made for You Tube showing her creative process from start to finish, click HERE.

Also, even cooler, and this is big time press folks, Kelli was featured in Christmas Ideas from Better Homes and Gardens with a pictorial of her Pocket Peeper Stockings.

She's hit the big leagues folks and I'm proud to have her back in Atomic.

The Crafty Hag

2010-10-18T16:48:00.002-04:00

Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Coralette Damme of The Crafty Hag is pretty damn humble. I think she should change the name of her biz to "The Crafty Humble Hag" because she really downplays her numerous talents. She returns to Atomic, man, I am really going senile, I think this may be her 4th year? Anyway, the gal has some serious print making skills, an imagination that seems endless and her output of work is impressive. You try doing all this stuff at home, it's a lot of work. But hey, that's what turns us Atomic people on! All I know is I love her creations. Here is a recent video interview from the New Roots News, St. Pete where I learned more about Coralette and her creation process.

GingerDead by Calan Ree

2010-10-15T12:48:00.002-04:00

GingerDead by Calan Ree
Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Featured Atomic artist/maker of the day is Calan Ree who will be returning to Atomic Holiday Bazaar this December! I love Calan's morbidly amusing yet beautiful and perfectly executed approach to the darker side.

Read Calan's interview from the St. Pete Times, or online zine ART SLAM and, yes, there is more, she was recently the featured artist at the Florida Craftsmen Association.

What can I say other than I dig her completely and you can to at Atomic Holiday Bazaar, she'll be working all three Atomic shows in December!

Demeree of DemiGod Studio

2010-10-13T21:14:00.002-04:00

DemiGod Studio1
Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar
I'm seriously senile...Demeree has been a part of Atomic, I think from the very first year!?!?

However, that would mean that I'd have to crack open all those old Atomic files and well, hells bells, this gal is coming to the 2010 Atomic show...and I really dig this!

Zu-Li Designs

2010-10-04T12:28:00.002-04:00

Zu-Li Designs
Originally uploaded by Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Additional Atomic Show Added, Sunday, 12/12/10

2010-07-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

Due to glorious saturation of Saturday applicants to the Atomic 12/11/10 day and evening show, an additional day of all things Atomic has been added for public consumption!

If you applied to the Saturday show, it is almost sold out and I am refraining from accepting any more vendors to the Saturday shows until September 15th. I have numerous reasons for this but the number one reason is I am trying to drum up some more masculine crafters on this planet for the Saturday shows. I encourage you to apply to the Sunday show:

ATOMIC APPLICATION TO APPLY FOR SUNDAY SHOW, 12/12/10, NOON - 5:30 PM:

AHB APPLICATION - APPLY HERE

If you have already applied and have been accepted and want to do the Sunday show, please fill out the Sunday application.
If you have already applied but were notified that you weren't accepted, please feel free to apply again...unless I clearly stated that your product wasn't a fit for the show.
If you haven't applied to Atomic but want to do the show, remember, I am only interested in hand-made indie crafts, I am not interested in products such as Avon or vitamins, etc. If you rep organic green products that are not necessarily hand made but are environmentally safe and sound, I will consider you and your products for Atomic.

Thank you and I appreciate your support of Sarasota's one and only Atomic Holiday Bazaar!

St. Pete Craft Heroes Now Accepting Application for Tres Holizaar on Sunday Dec 5, 11 AM - 5 PM

2010-07-24T09:23:00.001-04:00

Coralette Damme of The Crafty Hag and Atomic Alumni asked me to help round up some vendors for the St. Pete Craft Heroes 3rd annual indie craft show Tres Holizaar.

TRES HOLIZAAR LINK TO APPLY

Per the SPCH:

This is the 3rd Annual Holiday Show and Sale held at The Studio @ 620. The Studio is a non-profit visual and performing arts venue located in downtown in St. Petersburg, FL. (620 1st Ave. South to be exact) This event supports both The Studio and local artists and crafts people and is TONS OF FUN!

Here are the deets:
Sunday Dec 5, 11 AM - 5 PM
$75 for a 6 x 6 ft. space
Vendors provide their own chairs/tables/display props
Set up will begin at 9 AM day of show.
Vendor categories will be limited to ensure a variety of products offered.

Don't delay, apply today!!
Use this online form: http://craftheroes.wufoo.com/forms/tres-holizaar/
Questions? email us: craftheroes@yahoo.com

Crafty Chicks Craft Shows Needs Vendors for Two Shows

2010-07-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

A few of the Atomic 2010 crafters are putting on two shows in the Clearwater, Florida area and are currently looking for fellow crafter/artisans. They asked me to post this info to get the word out about their two upcoming craft bazaars that will take place on Saturday, October 9th, and Saturday, November 27th, 2010. Big beefy info provided below:

They are looking to bring the more traditional crafters/artists together with the Indie crafters/artists for a festive market during the holiday shopping season. Proceeds from these two events will benefit local non-profit animal rescues including (but not limited to) the Suncoast Animal League and the Humane Society of Pinellas.

If you visit www.CraftyChickEvents.com you'll find information about both attending and applying to be a vendor.

To become a vendor, applications are available on the website under REGISTRATION or just click the link http://www.craftychickevents.com/register.php to take you directly there.

ATOMIC APPLICATION IS ALIVE!

2010-04-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Atomic Holiday Bazaar Application to apply for the Saturday December 11, 2010 show is Alive and Kicking.

You may apply at the link provided below:

A H B 2010 A P P L I C A T I O N

Letter to the Ringling College Board of Trustees

2010-04-12T09:55:00.007-04:00

April 12, 2010

To: The Ringling College Board of Trustees Officers - Dr. Edward Jennings, Chair, Ms. Isabel Norton, Vice Chair, Ms. Lois Stulberg, Secretary, Mr. Steven B. Stein, Treasurer, Mr. Robert A. Kimbrough, Assistant Secretary, Mr. William T. Kirtley, Assistant Secretary

To: Members - Dr. Valliere Richard Auzenne, Mr. Robert O. Barkley, Jr., Ms. Pauline Becker, Ms. Dianne Belk, Mr. Louis Cabot, Ms. Carol Camiener, Mr. Kevin Daves, Ms. Linda Dickinson, Mr. Arthur Ferguson, Ms. Wendy Gingerich, Mr. Alfred Goldstein, Mr. Jack Harrison, Mr. William Isaac, Ms. Carolyn Johnson, Mr. Robert Johnson, Ms. Elaine Keating, Ms. Cheryl Loeffler, MajGen Lawrence Maciariello, Mr. Michael T. Martin, Mr. Richard Matson, Mr. Brandon Oldenburg, Ms. Susan Palmer, Ms. Diane Roskamp, Mr. Charles R. Smith, Mr. Robert Stuffings, Ms. Wendy G. Surkis, Mr. Peter Weill, Ms. Bonita A. Wright

To: Ex-Officio -Ms. Peggy Wilhelm, President, Ringling College Library Association

To: Honorary Life Trustees - Ms. Louise B. Appleton, Mr. Richard L. Joutras, Dr. Diana Lager, Ms. Elizabeth Lindsay, Mr. George Pierson, Mr. William H. Pritchard, Mr. Ernest F. Smith

Re: Dr. Thompson’s Sound Stage Proposal

Dear Ringling College Board of Trustees,

My name is Adrien Lucas, I live in Sarasota and have run, Atomic Holiday Bazaar, a well attended holiday indie craft show at the Municipal Auditorium for the past four years. This year will be Atomic's fifth year of running what has turned into a holiday tradition for the people of Sarasota and neighboring towns. Many of my vendors over the past four years are Ringling grads, current students and even a Ringling teacher and a wife of a teacher. Atomic Holiday Bazaar is not your typical craft show and has an intelligent and witty approach towards the handmade items offered at the show; Atomic simply put, is not your granny’s craft show.

I respectfully request your consideration in asking Dr. Larry Thompson to rescind his sound stage proposal to the City and People of Sarasota to turn our Municipal Auditorium, and yours, into a soundstage. I have also asked, to no avail, Commissioners’ Turner, Atwell and Clapp to please immediately halt further plans regarding closing the doors to the public and turning the municipal auditorium into a sound stage.

The beautiful structure of the Municipal Auditorium is a historical treasure and a heritage building that belongs to the people of Sarasota. This proposal from your employee, Dr. Thompson, has caused many citizens and constituents of the Commissioners to be appalled at what appears to be complete lack of touch with the people of Sarasota. We support the arts and we support Ringling creating a sound stage with funds from the college to build this or from private enterprise, however, we do not support the appropriation of such a historical gem such as this building.

You, as Dr. Thompson’s superiors, can help heal the divide that this proposal has caused with the citizens of Sarasota and the superior reputation that Ringling College held in this town prior to the introduction of what appears as a very greedy and inconsiderate proposal. Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Adrien Lucas

cc: Dr. Larry R. Thompson, President, Sarasota City Commissioners

-----------------------------------

CONSTITUENTS of SRQ & SUPPORTERS to save our municipal auditorium, RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE ringling College Board of Trustees AND City Commissioners Atwell, Turner and Mayor Clapp to PLEASE RESCIND the Sound Stage Appropriation of the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. ELECTRONIC COMMENTS & SIGNATURES, ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL LETTERS ENCLOSED SHOWING SUPPORT OF SAVING OUR AUDITORIUM.

Below are signatures collected via Face Book, along with comments collected via Face Book.

Jenna Dickes-Deleo, Ringling Grad:
I'll send out my e-mail to the commissioners right away then =) I don't know how they can ignore all the people who use the auditorium yearly, especially since there really are no other community centers on its scale. Godspeed on Saturday, I can't wait to see how it goes. You rock and all of us crafty gypsies are behind you!

Mitzi Roca, Lori Tomlinson, Marian Maxson, Brian J. Boyd, Pamela Clair, Eric Ziarno, Jody Hoffman-Dazio, Nick Katranis, Deven Johnson, Cregg Johnson,

Martha Stinnett: Hell No!

Michelle Donner: Hi Adrien, I want to keep the municiple bldg public damn it.. add me to your list. Thanks!!!

Susan Wallach - Have lived in Sarasota for 45+ years and have some of my fondest memories attending all sorts of wonderful events and the Municipal Auditorium. I firmly believe that it would be a really bad idea to allow Ringling Art School to take full possession of this historic public building for its sole use, especially at the insultingly low lease rate of only one dollar per year. Furthermore, Ringling is a PRIVATE college that charges approx. $30,000 per year tuition per student. Therefore, they should have enough money in their coffers to be able to afford more suitable commercial/industrial space in another location to build their sound stage which won't deprive local citizens from the use of a great public landmark that was originally created for the enjoyment of the entire community. The mere fact that the City would even be considering publicly subsidizing a seemingly successful private entity makes absolutely no sense, especially in these challenging economic times.

Guy DiLullo - I am in favor of keeping the Sarasota Municipal Building, open for public use, and oppose the proposed takeover by Ringling for use as a sound stage. Please feel free to use my name for this purpose.

Sarah Felder - I support leaving the Auditorium alone. Let me know if you need further info.

Dorothy Torres, Ringling Grad - Hi there! this is Dottie Torres, I was a seller last year at the bazaar and hope to sell again this year. I am also a graduate of Ringling. I am only finding out about this now while looking for info on the 2010 Bazaar. I just wanted to say that I fully support your efforts to stop the Ringling takeover of the Municipal Auditorium. I am very proud to say that I'm a grad of Ringling and it's upsetting to know that the same school that told me "the best way to get your name known is to promote the hell out of yourself" could possibly be taking that opportunity away to favor a major whose grads should have no problems finding jobs with reputable companies out in CA. The rest of us who chose the 25 year plan majors have to try a little harder. Personal feelings aside, the idea of gutting a building that serves as a melting pot for all different types of shows, concerts (have played many concerts there when I was in FWCS), and functions to focus on a single interest that's not a very big issue here, is rediculous.
Anyway, that's my two cents. I will most likely be writing to one of the papers assuming it's not to late. Best of Luck!

Atomic Writes to Congressman Vern Buchanan in support of Saving the Municipal Auditorium

2010-04-11T14:40:00.003-04:00

Dear Congressman Buchanan,

I am writing you to respectfully request consideration of a meeting regarding the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and Dr. Thompson's proposal of Ringling taking over the auditorium for a sound stage.

I run an annual holiday craft show called Atomic Holiday Bazaar which was created for a younger audience, however, that being said, it's been well received by the community and will be in its 5th year in December. Atomic exists because I saw a void for artsy crafty people who may be a little bit edgier and avant garde in comparison to regular craft shows. For me, Atomic, represents something that is open to all but speaks to the artsy person in town who may not have a lot of money to spend but can come to my show and afford buying something for the holidays that is hand made and unusual. This is a large chunk of my income and I have used the auditorium because it is an affordable and wonderful facility that suits the style of an Atomic show.

I spoke at the City Commissioners' last week during their weekly meeting asking them to please consider rescinding their vote in exploring destroying the guts and exterior of this historical building by handing it over to Ringling College. This building is an art deco gem, is alive and kicking and is a cultural treasure for Sarasota. If Ringling is given this building, the door of this building closes to the public for good. I saw you on the news yesterday giving a sound bite from the Film Festival where you stated something in that “our town, Sarasota, is unique in all the cultural offerings we have for its citizens.” That’s where people like me who run shows at the auditorium fit in. We are a huge part of the cultural fabric of Sarasota. If you want statistics regarding how this building is used, how it relates to local and tourism dollars, I am happy to provide them to you. We also provide affordable entertainment for the people of Sarasota, and if that’s not good culture, I don’t know what is.

The City Commissioners' take no heed to the advice and requests regarding shelving this proposal. There seems to be a lot of back pedaling regarding how Dr. Thompson and some of the Commissioners' even thought of this ridiculous idea of appropriating this beautiful building for Ringling. Sunshine Laws exist for a reason and I am contacting both City and County Commissioners along with the EDC to release anything related to soundstage discussions, although I suspect a lot of these conversations occurred in private and off line. If you have a room full of people against an idea with only one in favor (Dr. Thompson) and three commissioners’ who refuse to budge or respect their constituents valuable comments which were not purely emotionally based, but given with thought, realistic facts, etc., and a timeline that doesn’t quite add up to how the proposal landed or was presented to the citizens of Sarasota or the fact that Dr. Thompson is on TV acting as if this idea just “popped” into his head, well it’s smelly.

Will you please meet with me and a few others to discuss the importance of this building relating to not only the economy but how the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium has an amazing historical pedigree and cultural significance and needs to remain with the people and not be turned over to a private entity. We really need your support. Please, you have an entire town who is heartsick over this.

Respectfully,

Adrien Lucas

Atomic begs you to GET CIVIC - Email Campaign in support of keeping the SRQ Municipal Auditorium YOURS & MINE & do NOT Hand it over to Ringling.

2010-04-10T10:50:00.007-04:00

Hey, hey you lovely "Fans of Sarasota" I am begging, asking you do to a bit more. If you think you can't make a difference, let's use Gaylord Nelson (yes someone really is named that...) as an example. This is the dude who 40 years ago founded Earth Day and catapulted the environment onto the world stage and public consciousness.

And that's what we need to do, is GO PUBLIC by writing just a brief bit about why you find the Ringling Sound Stage proposal so acidic. I'm just trying to jazz you muther's up because we need people to write local newspapers explaining your outrage with how out of touch with the community Commissioners' Turner, Atwell and Mayor Clapp along with Ringling employee, Larry Thompson are with the Sarasota public, that's you my pretties! And while, I'm sure they are lovely people, their lack of listening to their constituents is unacceptable.

Here is a list of local SRQ newspapers who I'm sure will love an earful:

Sarasota Herald Tribune
mailto:editor.letters@heraldtribune.com
put "letter" in the subject line

Snail Mail:
Letters to the Editor
Sarasota Herald Tribune
P.O. Box 1719
Sarasota, FL 34230

Pelican Press
pelicanpress@jcpgroup.com
Snail Mail:
Letters to the Editor
Pelican Press
501 Ocean Blvd., Suite 206
Sarasota, FL 34242
Editor: Rachel Hackney Brown

Sarasota Observer
mailto:letters@longboatobserver.com
Snail Mail:
Letters to the Editor
The Observer Group
1517 state Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
editor: Matt Walsh

Atomic Vomits Even More re: the SRQ Municipal Auditorium & our Lame Ass elected officials.

2010-04-08T11:38:00.003-04:00

After the Monday City Commissioners’ meeting, it took a while for me to distill my anger into something that may be readable. Here are a few of my thoughts directed to Commissioners’ Turner & Atwell, Mayor Dick Clapp and Dr. Larry Thompson.

Gentlemen & Gentle-lady,

Mr. Turner, at the end of the commissioners’ meeting, this past Monday, Mayor Clapp said you had brought up the sound stage idea in January, then SRQ’s Page 1, 4/7 edition, reiterated how you had come up with the idea. I then thought of Channel 6 and Larry Thompson being quoted on video as saying “Basically, one day while driving down the Trail, I saw this building (the SRQ Municipal Auditorium), and I was like, Wow, that is like a sound stage! I mean, it looks like one!”

Clip to view Dr. Thompsons' cloying bad acting, click HERE.

Seriously gentlemen, if you want to get into the film business, could you at least hire real actors to play yourselves? And perhaps you could train your stand-ins to stick with the script.

Per an email from Dick Clapp sent to a friend of mine yesterday he states “On January 26, the commission met in a workshop to discuss priorities and objectives for the next two years. One of the items was to focus on Economic Development and Recovery. A specific item approved by all the commissioners was “Pursue Soundstage: Explore opportunities with Ringling School of Art and Design within the City, with emphasis along the North Tamiami Trail corridor and in N. Sarasota. A month or so after this we received a proposal from RCAD asking us to evaluate use of the Municipal Auditorium.”

And here is where Dick Clapp kind of rearranges city history, he continues on in his email to my friend with “The city commission then voted 3-2 to discuss this proposal with Larry Thompson to understand what he really was looking for, begin a conversation about how a sound stage might help with employment and economic diversification and whether the Auditorium would be suitable.”

Now all of this may seem a bit confusing to you (if anyone out there is reading or even gives a damn) but to me, this is what pisses me off…

Mr. Turner, Mr. Clapp and Mr. Thompson, obviously you have all been in cahoots (since last year) about this auditorium takeover for a while. What is SO annoying is the cloying way you had Dr. Thompson hold a press conference, on film, badly acting as if he were just driving down Tamiami and thought “Eureka! That Municipal Auditorium building will make a great sound stage!” “What a crazy idea of mine!” “I’m going to send a proposal to the city!” “Woo wee, I’ll call Channel 6 and give them my proclamation!”

This occurred prior to the 3-2 City Commissioners vote. Maybe I’m just being a stickler for “real dates/times” but I think it’s a bit shady in that Mr. Clapp neglected to add into his email that he and Mr. Turner encouraged Dr. Thompson to write a really shoddy proposal so that they could vote on it.

I know, I know, it’s a timeline semantic, however, your constituents were not given full disclosure regarding how you were and are as much of the Ringling proposal as Dr. Thompson is. Bottom line is I don’t give a shit anymore about the timeline but you three really didn’t fully disclose that you were all in this plan together.

I will continue to pound home the fact that the Municipal Building is a historical Sarasota treasure and as our elected officials it is YOUR responsibility to recognize that you had 32 people or so at the Monday meeting in opposition of your greedy and irresponsible proposal. Also, I suspect that by allowing people like me to reserve space at the auditorium until June 2011, you are just buying time, hoping people will simmer down and then begin hacking away at the Municipal Building again.

Atomic Vomits This - more of the Ringling Sound Stage Saga

2010-04-04T09:50:00.003-04:00

Let me tell you how I spent yesterday, Saturday, April 3. I was invited to speak to the CCNA - The Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations for the City of Sarasota, as a panelist representing vendors who use the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. There was a lady from the Sarasota Historical Society and a representative from Ringling. I am leaving their names off of this blog because I do not want my rants to appear as a personal attack towards the Ringling School representative, so this person will remain sexless and nameless. I don’t want to upset this human being or to create a new enemy (I have plenty of current ones that exhaust me), so sexless representative, I get it, I know you were merely the messenger.

I am an awful public speaker, my senior year I actually passed out on stage during speech class; now I’ll have to admit I was at a Hoodoo Guru’s concert in Cleveland the night before and had my first taste of that really gross sticky Yukon Jack which school girls should stay away from. Needless to say, I felt like I was going to pass out yesterday in front of the CCNA and but I got through it and here are my thoughts on yesterday.

I am addressing the rest of this blog to Mr. Thompson and Commissioners’ Turner, Atwell and Clapp:

Mr. Thompson, your representative who came to the CCNA meeting yesterday stated clearly that they did not have facts and were basing all answers upon your four page sound stage proposal to the city and to take back questions or suggestions to you. What was given as the main answer to members of the CCNA was that the MOST that Ringling had done was assess what would be the best existing building for Ringling to appropriate as their sound stage and it was the lucky historical Municipal Auditorium. But that was about the only answer your representative had for us which was then translated into “We (Ringling) are happy that this proposal is engaging the citizens of Sarasota so that we may all come to an agreement regarding a sound stage, blah, blah, blah.”

May I say to you, Mr. Thompson, I don’t like doing civic things too much on a Saturday and I feel kind of duped in that, if your proposal is merely smoke and mirrors, what you are really after is having the citizens of Sarasota foot the bill for your new sound stage. I’m sure you were hopeful that maybe, just maybe your original proposal may have slithered through without any mention from people who live here, but I don’t think this is what your proposal is really about.

So when your representative repeatedly suggested that your proposal is wonderful because look at all the dialogue this proposal has created, well quite simply it pissed me off. You want to know why? Well, I am naturally angry, but lets just say, I have better things to do on a Saturday, like work and play in my yard. I don’t need you in my life to create dialogue. YOU should be having a meeting with the Ringling Board members and Ringling donors on how YOUR institution should pay for a sound stage.

And to the Commissioners of Sarasota, this dialogue that Larry has created could have been immediately squelched by you, had you recognized the Municipal Building as being a historical treasure, a heritage building that belongs to the people of Sarasota and really you all should have shut the door when offered just a $1 for the lease for almost a century of use. Seriously, quit acting like the village idiots, wake up and recognize you owe this city your loyalty and protection and don’t hand over valuable city properties to entities flush with cash for free.

I can’t believe I even have to type this crap, which really leads me to believe that this is NOT what this proposal is about at all. Larry wants Sarasota to foot the bill, I wonder how the employees of the City of Sarasota are going to feel about this when their pensions and salaries are being tinkered with.

P.S., If I hear one more comment about how Booker is not a place for consideration because of the children and security issues my eyes are going to permanently cross. Um, there's this thing called SECURITY GUARDS, yes, crazy I know! But hey, you're bringing jobs so when you build that budget to show economic growth - add that in also. I have been to a lot of production companies in Los Angeles, and it's kind of funny but you hand them your ID, they take a picture of you, you get a badge and are escorted everywhere, kind of silly but it works. Why Ringling keeps saying, no, no, no, we can't blend Booker and the sound stage because of the children, well it's because you don't want to. Also, regarding the planes and being in the warehouse district, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Where in L.A. are you not in a flight pattern? Ringling is perfectly capable of putting the $$ into sound proofing a building. You people exhaust me.

If you are interested in becoming a fan of the Sarasota Muncipal Auditorium and to learn about the city meeting open for public comments, click H E R E.

Atomic Digs This - Lolablue is available now at Pure, Sarasota, FL

2010-03-24T08:17:00.004-04:00

Jamie Lovern is Atomic alumni and if you live in the Sarasota area, you now have the option to pick of some of Jamie's Lolablue all natural body products or organic soy wax candles.

If you were one of the lucky first 100 to get an Atomic tote bag the past few years (Jamie has generously donated samples for the bags) then you know how yummy her products are. Or if you bought any of her concoctions at Atomic or online at Lolablue, well again, you know her stuff is the bomb. When I'm beginning to pack the Atomic tote bags my entire house smells like a Lolablue warehouse, and it's good, good, good!

You now have the opportunity to pick up Lolablue products at Pure, a Salon & Boutique on 8784 Tamiami Trail, here in Sarasota, FL. Jamie makes her soaps and candles all by hand and she is talented at what she does. Her line is amusingly named and delightfully packaged.

If you can't make it to Pure, you can always visit her website or check out where Lolablue products are sold and go smell them for yourself!

Atomic does NOT dig this...

2010-03-11T13:13:00.005-05:00

1st, I encourage you to watch this SNN News Report: Ringling Sound Stage to catch up with

2nd, my email to the Sarasota City Commissioners:

----------------------------------

3/11/09

Dear City Commissioners,

Hello, my name is Adrien Lucas and I have held an annual indie craft show called Atomic Holiday Bazaar for the past four years at the Municipal Auditorium. I am asking you to please consider withholding your support regarding changing the auditorium into a sound stage for the Ringling College of Art and Design.

I am appalled that Ringling's President, Larry Thompson, has the gall to offer the city $1.00 to lease the building for 99 years. The auditorium was not in the red in 2009 and was fully booked by people like me who actually do feel privileged to run their shows at this historical facility.

Mr. Thompson suggests that by changing this facility into a sound stage that jobs will be created for our community, perhaps. However, his presentation to the city appears to be rooted in "fear based" rhetoric, and his proposal feels more like carpet bagging. How many people do you know in Sarasota who work in the film industry, who are out of work and have been pining away for a sound stage to come in and save the day? He already has obtained the old high school, a huge facility with a gymnasium that could be built into a sound stage as easily as the auditorium.

The auditorium is one of Sarasota's rare architectural gems that has not been torn down, is easily accessible to the public and of historical significance to the city. That door shuts for the public once it is turned over to Ringling.

Many of my vendors for the show are Ringling grads, students, I even have an art instructor vend with me. My event creates tourism revenue, I have vendors who travel near and far to participate in Atomic Holiday Bazaar and I have to turn vendors away, the show has grown that large. I continue to hold my event at the auditorium because I love the building, management and staff who care for the building are wonderful to work with and the people who come to Atomic Holiday Bazaar love the atmosphere of the building also.

Please do not privatize this facility and if you must, since the city keeps reporting how much they have to cut back because times are tough, shame on you if you choose to accept just a dollar bill from a university that has a huge endowment, expensive tuitions and claims a not-for-profit status. I am always for supporting the arts but I think this proposal is interestingly audacious and insulting to be presented under the guise of "jobs for Sarasota." Let's live in reality and support the auditorium -- as it stands without having its beautiful guts and bones adjusted to support a sound stage that could be put up in the high school.

Respectfully,

Adrien Lucas

cc: Creative Loafing - Atomic Holiday Blog
bcc: Friends of Atomic Holiday Bazaar & Save Our SRQ Municipal Auditorium

and 3rd, if you're still with me: An Invitation to City Commissioner's meeting to review Ringling proposal: Monday, March 15 at 6 PM at City Hall, located at 1565 1st Street, Room 101 - Sarasota, FL 34236. I plan on attending and am hopeful that some of the people I bcc'd will attend. I understand this meeting is not open to public comment.

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A D D E N D U M - EMAILS SENT BY OUT OF TOWN ATOMIC CRAFTERS, BLESS THEIR LITTLE STINKIN' BEAUTIFUL HEARTS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE TO SARASOTA'S CITY COMMISSIONERS RE: THE SOUND STAGE PROPOSAL FOR THE SRQ MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM:

Email below sent by:
Coralette Damme - aka The Crafty Hag
Website www.craftyhag.com
Etsy: craftyhag.etsy.com

Dear Sarasota City Commissioners
I am writing to express my strong concern about a proposal to "Lease" the Municipal Auditorium to Ringling College of Art and Design for $1 for 99 years. Preposterous! This fabulous historic building needs to be kept public where every day people can access it and enjoy it. Events like the Atomic Holiday Bazaar that bring people like myself from across the Skyway are what need to be in that venue generating revenues not sequestering a fine functional space for the use of a privileged few.
No I am not a Sarasota voter or your typical constituent. All the more reason you should listen when someone from 50 miles away says they come to your town specifically to visit the auditorium as it stands now. In my 9 years as a Pinellas county resident I have been to Ringling one time for an afternoon visiting an art gallery and circus museum. As an artist I have participated in the Atomic Holiday Bazaar for the past three years, spending money on hotels and food and supporting the local Sarasota economy far more than would be the case if the auditorium were a privately held entity. And I am but 1 person. There are literally hundreds of others like me both artist/vendors and general public/shoppers alike who value the Municipal Auditorium and its authenticity as it is. Please don't squander another quaint piece of Florida history when it is a legitimate income generator.
Thank you for your time.

Coralette Damme - aka The Crafty Hag

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And another wonderful email in support of the auditorium standing as is written by another Atomic alumni crafter:

Natty Moss Bond
http://nattymossbond.com
http://nattymossbond/etsy.com

Dear Sarasota City Commisioners:
I have just received information from Adrian Lucas, the organizer of the Atomic Holiday Bazaar, that you are considering leasing out the Municipal Auditorium to the Ringling School of Art for a soundstage for a tiny amount of money for a long period of years.
I really hope you don't do this. I actually beg you not to do this, and for many reasons, the least of which is that this lovely historical building should be available to the public for use. It would be a crying shame to take this beautiful example of WWII architecture away from public use.
This is one of the oldest most interesting structures in the area and it should be available for us to use for various reasons.
On a more selfish note, I am able in one day at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar to make my mortgage payment and then some! To me, that is astounding! I also SPEND money at the Bazaar, which in turn, helps the Sarasota economy. Perhaps if you considered doing a few more events like this very successful one every year, the income might help you to reconsider selling off this marvelous facility to a private organization for pennies.
I looked at the calendar of events that you have posted for this facility and it doesn't look as if you are having any trouble filling the dates. There are dance classes, art shows, antique fairs, gem fairs, and public meetings. Why would you take all this away from the public?
I really hope it doesn't happen.
Sincerely, Natty Moss Bond

Atomic Digs This! Valentine's Day...May as Well Make it Amusing.

2010-01-27T20:20:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day has usually been strange for me. My birthday falls four days after VD Day and for me oddly, it also feels like Ground Hog Day (also in February). I have broken up or been dumped between February 14th through the 18th numerous times. However, those days are over baby. Let’s get on to the liquid red, volcano lava Valentine’s erotic lovin’!! If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t want the usual Spencer Gifts chatchke, then head over to these places but buy now because you’ll have to shop online at Etsy to purchase these lovelies:

The Crafty Hag has been to Atomic quite a bit. Coralette Damme works hard to bring us tasty and unique pieces. Now you can get something for your Valentine honey and something for yourself and The Crafty Hag will show her appreciation by taking half off the price of one of your selections! BOGO SALE!! BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 PRICE JAN. 25-30, 2010.

Ghoul Valentine original ink wash illustration by The Crafty Hag - $17.00 or BOGO!

Blinklink’s shop, another Atomic glass artist, Andrea Cammarata who is a delicious glass artist, has these delicious chains with little hearts on it. If you think you can whip something up D-I-Y style and want to make something for your sweetheart, this fabulous chain is sold by the foot. The chain is rhodium plated and is guaranteed to not tarnish. You can add other charms or trinkets from your lovers broken jewelry and create something unique.

Silver Heart charm chain $12 per foot.

Dr. Awkward’s card set “You Know You Love My Uni-Brow” cracks my nut (if I had ‘em) any day. What a loving Valentine’s Day card. Say it with brains and humor, way fuckin’ better than a Hallmarky piece of schlock any day!

Dr. Awkard's Uni-brow Set of 3 (Mustard) - $7.00 on Etsy.

The peeps mentioned here are all Florida crafters/artists and all offer affordable and witty homespun gifties. I hope all of you who have favorite significant others get to make out like a mo-fo! And for all you single people out there, buy yourself a giftie, the hell with Valentine's Day, it is highly overrated. But let's all try and "Get in Onnnnnn" like Marvin Gaye style because baby, that's what Valentine's Day really is allllll about!

Atomic Digs Luxford St.

2010-01-09T11:52:00.005-05:00

I couldn't help but laugh over this re-purposed DIY "Hooktastic Rack" by Luxford St. - Fabulous frippery fashioned by Karen Booker. She's based out of Auckland, NZ, all the more reason for me to go.

I see that DIY loopiness is pervasive planet wide and plan on tooling around more to blog about our world wide brothers and sisters who re-purpose this year. Maybe I can persuade some of these makers to vacation/work in Sarasota for Atomic.

Atomic Digs This! Rumor Has it Fashion House & Gallery Grand Opening

2010-01-06T14:16:00.010-05:00

Nicole Mabalot of Punk Rock Betty fame has landed in Sarasota with a big sexy thud of studs, appliques, strapless retro-fied P.R. Betty style, whoo hooo, shout and holler because this fabulous chica is having her grand opening on Friday, January 15th! Details can be found on the poster posted in this blog...I know where I'll be so if you are free, head over to Pastimes Pub in Gulfgate in Sorryscrotum (Sarasota).

Punk Rock Betty was at the '09 Atomic, her designs were the perfect compliment to the show and I hope she comes back for more Atomic torture this year. I visited her new fashion house after the holi-daze and was really impressed with the space. Although her inventory was just a tiny bit low (due to her sales at Atomic!! sorry had to toot that horn) she had plenty of inventory to keep shoppers happy. What was cool about the place was not only were there lots of PRB sexy dresses on hand with her amusing appliques of hearts and parts but there was shit for men to buy also. Carey Borden's line C.A.B. Fayre with her darling outfits and jewelry are also represented here.

Who is Punk Rock Betty?

Punk Rock Betty, shortened from Punk Rock Betty Crocker, was the name given to Nicole “Nikki” Mabalot by friends and family due to her punk-rock appearance and her extraordinary baking skills in the kitchen.

Nikki was born in California but moved with her family to Virginia at a very young age. An interest in fashion came when she was about 12 years old, and she has been sewing on-and-off since then. In high school Nikki shadowed a sewing and design class and at just 15 years old she created her first wearable gown.

In 2007 Punk Rock Betty-designed tote bags and purses made their way to specialty boutiques and tattoo shops up and down the east coast. Nikki used her role as a vendor at tattoo conventions to market Punk Rock Betty fashion.

After moving to Sarasota in December of 2008, Nikki enlisted her best-friend of over 20 years Amber “Ber” Brown to take Punk Rock Betty designs to a new level. With Amber’s help in making handbags and jewelry, Nikki is able to focus on her passion of creating the designs that inspired the Punk Rock Betty line.

In December 2009 with the help of her supportive family Nikki opened up Rumor Has It Fashion House and Gallery in Sarasota. The store features work by Punk Rock Betty, C.A.B Fayre, Screen Killers and other local crafters and artists.

Support local artists and visit Rumor Has it Fashion House and swing out for her grand opening on January 16th, next Friday at Pastimes Pub in Gulfgate!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar - Postpartum Thank Yous

2009-12-21T17:25:00.042-05:00

I know, I know, I’m a bit tardy thanking everyone involved with Atomic, however, here I am and here is my big, giant Thank You. If I forget ANYONE, please, email me and I will make time to give you your props and amend my senility…and I am serious about omissions, if you need a thank you, let me know!

First before I kill you with a major "thank you session" I want to let you know that chances are if you were at Atomic, whether as a vendor, shopper, or helped me run the show...the odds are, there is probably a picture or two of your self which can be viewed at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar Flickr Showcase. Pics can be viewed by:

Daniel Perales - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Sunday, 12/13/09

Brian Braun & Tara Tomlinson - Atomic Holiday Bazaar, 12/12/09 & 12/13/09

Sid Graves - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saturday, 12/12/09 & 12/13/09

I hope everyone had a great holiday and all that December good tidings bits and pieces we’re supposed to say to each other this time of year. Now on to the important part…first, I’d like to thank the Academy. No! Seriously. I really want to thank everyone in the world for listening to me ramble on about Atomic the past four years.

In no particular order, thank you to:

Atomic Crafters: Man, you all worked your butts off. Your handmade wares were beautiful, zanily unique, and make me happy (along with a lot of other people). Your displays were amazing, your patience with me was huge and I am grateful for the way you just rolled with it. On Sunday I didn’t feel remotely human after working and having fun at the Saturday show. I am sorry I didn’t get to meet all of you individually and I thank you again for creating what you do and being a part of Atomic. To the crafters who sent swag for the totes, your stuff was amazing and incredibly generous, thank you for helping make Atomic so special for the audience. I also want to thank everyone who dropped stuff off to my house for press ops, etc., it meant a lot to me when you showed up and saved me a trip.

Joanna Coblentz of Dollface, Inc.: Atomic’s fashion show producer, thank you! I could not have pulled Saturday night off without you. I hired you for a reason and you took my requests, ran with it and brought it to life. You not only rose to the challenge to create your version of sexy, fun and unique steampunk fashions but managed both fashion shows with ease. This is no easy feat when there is a full keg of beer backstage and it was up to you to pull together an amazing group of models, hair stylists, photographers and makeup artists. Joanna you are the bomb!

Atomic Super Models: The Saturday night show had added visual flavor thanks to these wonderful human beings who traveled near and far to be a part of the vintage and steampunk fashion show. They were also all a pleasure to hang out with. I appreciate them providing the eye candy and wearing the clothing with total Atomic attitude! Thank you showboatin’ models: Anthony Puccio, Thuy Nguyen, Jen O’Connor (and Jen O thank you for the feather hair accessories for the show!), Billy Brake, Malissa Marden, Michelle Wynne, Lauren Mitchell, Richeal Woods, Beth Joy Hoblit, Alaska DiLullo and Zoe Pollux. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, it was a long day and you all were so kind to me about forgetting to buy water…duhhhhh.

Hair Stylists: The hair this year was sexy, sexy bad ass mostly up-do hairstyles for the Saturday night show. Thank you to the following ladies: Mistress St. John, you are the best and so much fun to hang out with and I love your bad ass humor! Cece Wiese, you are a total sweetie and worked magic on the hair…and of course, Kristie, “yes, just Kristie” thank you for being back there pulling it all together, your past experience came in very handy! All three of you gals made the girls look A M A Z I N G and we could not have done it without your expertise.

Makeup Artists: Let’s all kiss and make up! If I could have my makeup put on every day, it would be by these ladies who did a bangin’ good job with the Saturday night models. Lauren Mitchell, I love you for taking the day off and being there (and on Sunday), so thank you, thank you, thank you, visit “Mod by Lauren” and yes, she makes house calls. Weddings, portraits, special occasions, Lauren is a total pro. Beth Joy Hoblit, not only did you rock it with the makeup but you were adorable on the stage (and backstage too!) I loved watching you up there! And again, Kristie “yes, just Kristie” girl, you had your hands in everything back there, thank you!! Seriously ladies, the models looked beautiful and I really am grateful for your time and talent.

Mimi Fleck: Thank you to Meandering Mimi Creations, who provided fabulous mini top hats which we pulled last minute at the Saturday night show. Your hats were the perfect addition to the Steampunk fashion show.

Backstage Assistants: Willa Whalen kept Joanna in line and is not only easy on the eyes but a complete sweetheart to hang out with. Willa, thank you darlin! Alaska DiLullo, your incarceration in an all girl’s prep school and experience in producing plays was pay dirt for me because you came in very, very handy! You kept my ass in line with time, relaying messages, and so much more. Thank you Willa and Alaska and you were also both a blast to watch dancing on stage with Viva Le Vox too!

Atomic Bands: Redliners, The Dead Popes and Viva Le Vox, all of you boys in the bands, the kind you won’t take home to motherrrrr, I’ll say that you are all my all-time favorite and I appreciate you all coming together for the first Saturday night Atomic craft / rock show. I can’t wait to hear you all play in 2010. I appreciate all of you playing your asses off for the show and helping me achieve my dream of what has taken me four years to pull off for Atomic.

Photographers: Documentation of the Saturday night show was captured and preserved by these Amazing and Talented local Sarasota Photographers: Brian Blur, Tara Tomlinson of Aperture Photography Sarasota and Sid Graves of Cemetery Prints. The images shot by Brian, Tara and Sid really show the energy and fun we had backstage producing the Saturday night show and I appreciate their efforts and the way they all seamlessly just fit and rolled with it whether back stage or front stage. Thanks to all three of you, the images you captured of the Saturday night show fill my Atomic heart with Joy...um, and the Sunday pics are terrific also, so thank you all SO much for the documentation!

Atomic’s Sunday Photographer: Daniel Perales returned for the 4th Atomic Sunday show and engaged the public and crafters to interact as only Daniel can get us humans to do! If anyone can coax someone into being photographed, especially when they are tired and worn out (me on Sunday), it is Daniel. Daniel thank you for returning to Atomic for a second round and working your butt off, because I see from the pics that you were all over the auditorium again…which makes me think maybe there are two of you? Daniel, your pics of the Sunday show are so appreciated because the day was all such a blur (as it always is) and being able to see the crafters and crowd through your pictures is wonderful.

Billy Elkins: Thank you Billy Elkins of encompasscreative.net who shot me as the 50 Foot Woman and then did the amazing graphics of me standing tall over the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium holding the “Unconditional Suck-turd” ripped in half. Billy you are an amazing photographer and graphic design artist and you will always amaze me with how well you translate my ideas into marketing pieces; I could not imagine doing an Atomic poster without you Billy!

Colin Panetta: Sarasota is going to be an empty place when you move. Your creation of the fabulous Atomic Holiday Bazaar IV comic poster was a dream fulfilled for me. I must say, it is a really cool feeling to see ones self in a cartoon version and Colin, you totally knocked it out of the stratosphere! I was thrilled to have Colin’s Atomic poster as this year’s handout to the public…thank you again my dear, you made Atomic extra special!

Which leads me to MinuteMan Press on Lime Avenue in Sarasota, who once again, printed Atomic’s handout in full color for the masses. Teresa and Bob Stone, you rock the printing presses and I love that when I walk into your place that it almost feels like hanging out in someone’s kitchen, just a funky place to congregate, pet the office dog and get your printing done!

Sarasota’s Creative Loafing: Thank you for year four of such wonderful support. You’ve been with Atomic since the beginning and your support of the show is huge to me. I love CL and appreciate your support of local business and indie shows such as mine.

Anything Arts: Rick Hughes and Christine Alexander, thank you for four years of supporting Atomic, it’s a wonderful endorsement and I appreciate it. I look forward to your e-newsletter every two weeks and encourage everyone to make use of this fabulous publication which supports local arts.

Sarasota's Whole Foods: Thank you for four years of providing nutritious and yummy breakfast to the Atomic Crafters! We all thank Sarasota’s Whole Foods in providing a wonderful spread, it does not go unnoticed and believe me, we wolfed! Crafter’s are hungry folk…

Atomic Ranch Magazine: Your magazine featuring mid-century marvels was the perfect complimentary gift in the Atomic tote bags. Thank you for your generosity and indie-spirit style magazine. You have fabulous taste, hardee har har!! And may I suggest to anyone who has made it this far into this thank you letter, to consider giving a gift subscription to Atomic Ranch magazine, it is superb magazine.

Moxie Le Femme: Thank you girls, girls, girls! You were an amazing treat for the Saturday night show. Your energy was infectious and your sexy 21st century take on burlesque was exactly what I wanted for Atomic. Thanks for traveling so far to be a part of the show, I wish I could dance just a smidge of the way you all do!

SRQ Magazine, Page 1: I must give a shout out to SRQ Magazine for being such a wonderful supporter of Atomic. Believe me, I noticed and was immensely grateful for the Page 1 blurbs I kept seeing leading up to the show. Thank you for supporting local arts and business, I appreciate your support!

Bradentucky Bombers: Thank you ladies! Year Four, wow, it’s like we have been going steady! The Bombers started out as Atomic’s super models the first year and have been Atomic’s welcome wagon for four years! Thank you for volunteering and being a part of the show, I appreciate you sassy lovely ladies being a part of Atomic! People always ask me, “Are the Bradentucky Bombers going to be at Atomic?” and it’s nice to say, “Hell yes!” so thank you roller derby girls!

Clothesline: Thank you for the totes, they were a huge success and I am still getting emails and calls on whether there are any t-shirts out there…Thank You for making the totes so special! I love your store and I adore what you crazy kids are up to!!

Cosimo’s Brick Oven: Thank you for pitch hitting at the last minute and stepping in to take over the Saturday night festivities providing your yummy pizza and of course, the BEER!!! Cosimo’s staff rocked and the extra bar by the stage was perfect, so thank you to the pizza kitchen and back for helping me out on such late notice, if you’re in for next year, I want ya back!!

SRQ Municipal Auditorium Staff: Seriously, this is to me one of our cities gems. I can’t believe that this fabulous building was actually covered in aluminum and I can’t believe that when I talk about how lovely this building is that some people in town look at me like I am crazy. However, if you are considering throwing an event, getting married, a fund raiser, etc., this is a facility you should consider! The city should be proud of the crew who care for this historical building and manage the facility, Debbie, Tom and Bob are top notch! Thank you all for allowing the craziness of Atomic enter the building once a year and being such a pleasure to work with.

A big scoop of Thank You to my friends who traveled to the show! Some of you drove quite a ways and some of you flew in and that meant the world to me to have your support and help the days of the show. The gals who helped me Sunday at my booth, Yen Reed, Katie McCue, Lauren Mitchell, Helena Furberg-Barnes and Michelle Wynne, you are all the best and I thank you for helping me on Sunday when I was pretty much in a coma from the night before, YOU GIRL’S ROCK!

Door Duty: Without you, I am nothing. It would be a surge of people like an Atomic tsunami and that could be very bad, very, very bad. So THANK YOU for working the door because it is difficult getting those slots filled and I appreciate all of you for taking the time out of your schedules to help me. Without further adieu, thank you to: Michelle Sampson, Derek Smith, Sabrina Harris, Mindy Whitehead, Beth Shirilla, Amanda Crain, Eddie Midler, Betsy Kennedy, Mitzi Roca, Nano Rush, Eric Ziarno, Alaska DiLullo, Cat Horton-Pennenga, Liz Noonan, Judy Cooley, Julee Breehne (and thank you Julee for four years of picking up breakfast for everyone on Sunday morning!)…

AND to my boys, the Atomic Muscle on Sunday, Guy DiLullo, Christopher McLeod and Russell Sherman, thank you a million times to the moon for working the door all day Sunday and manning the fort. I never had to worry about anything with you three around! Thank you babies!

Mommy Magazine: Every year you support Atomic and I appreciate you child rearing producers of a great rag who all write very amusing articles. Thank you!

Christine Alexander and Justin Irwin: Thank you for your humorous stage antics at the Saturday night show. It meant a lot to me to have your support and to have you two just roll with what I mumbled about “just do your thing and do it well!” And ya did, so thank you both lovies!!

Shock to the System: Jake Dubber, you returned for a second year and you are wonderful! Thank you for putting on such a show and keeping us dancing all day Sunday. I loved watching you up on the balcony whooping it up, thank you for your energy and enthusiasm!

WQ Magazine: Wes and Kim, thank you! Your support of local women and the events we run is boundless and your support of Atomic is immensely appreciated!

FunkyFinds.us: Thank you for your support of indie-crafters everywhere!

Josh Wynne Construction: Thank you over and over Brandon, the Atomic Holiday Bazaar sign was exactly what I wanted I know it was a big pain in the ass to make. Thank you!! Triple xxoo!

Miscellaneous Thank You’ze (in no particular order): Becky Kowal – pizza runner for the models, you rock and your unwavering cheerfulness is fun to be around! Martha Stinnett of Silly Rabbit Vintage, you were missed girl! Pamela Clair, I could not have made it without your fabulous paper cutter, Sarah Felder the use of your air bed saved the day, Bob at CTI Publishing, thank you for my amazing post cards and your speedy output was awesome and appreciated. Screen Killers, thank you, I appreciate your help also! On the Trashy Side, thank you for the killer metallic dresses on the mannequins, they were perfect and sparkly and thank you! Video Renaissance for the use of the fabulous films that rolled behind the bands at the Saturday Atomic show, you boys ROCK, so thank you!

Phewie. That’s it, that’s all. If I forgot anyone, really, pinch me and I’ll make amends, I promise! Cheers and until next year…

Hugs and Stitches,

Adrien Lucas

Colin Panetta - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-24T11:04:00.007-05:00

I met Colin Panetta via Craigslist when I was trolling for an Atomic artist last year to create the handout that everyone gets when they enter the auditorium. Not only was his email actually readable and polite but the links to his artwork knocked my socks off. Colin is a talented illustrator, comic book writer, community volunteer, has impeccable taste in music and he looks like a blond version of my father circa the beatnik era...if I were running the planet, he'd be a part of my faux administration fo' sho. Below is a little tiny sample of the poster he has created for Atomic this year. Again, this knocked my socks off, to be immortalized in ink is about the coolest damn thing ever! This poster will be handed out at the Atomic show so you can thank Colin for this wonderful Atomic addition!

Name of Business/Website Address? Colin Panetta / Illustrator/Designer/King of Spiders /
www.ColinPanetta.com (out of date, soon to be revamped) / And you can read my weird haunted science-fiction comic for free at DeadManHoliday.com

What City/State do you reside in? Right here in Sarasota Florida, for at least another couple of months.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done something with the show before? I've been at least once, I think twice. Three Atomic Holidays ago Tom Hall, Programmer for the Sarasota Film Festival came back from it with a bunch of cool stuff, and I felt like I had missed out. So I made sure to go the next year!

How'd you get roped into creating the hand out for Atomic? Haha, it's the other way around actually; I pretty much told Atomic Holiday I was making it, without being asked. Adrien and I met on Craigslist a year ago (which is exactly what it sounds like) and she told me about her Attack of the 50 Foot Woman Vs. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium idea. I kept the idea in back of my head all year, forgot it was Adrien's, and then proposed the idea to her as if it was my own creation. -- ADRIEN INTERJECTS - COLIN, LET'S JUST CALL IT A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF CREATIVE UNION!

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I have a full time graphic design job right now, but I support myself with freelance work when I can. I'm only a parent to Gordon Greenspan, the adorable Shih Tzu that I share with my girlfriend. Since I have a full-time job right now I've pretty much been full-time ignoring them to keep up with my illustration and comic book work after clocking out at the job. But I've got a pretty chill next couple of months laid out.

What's your favorite color? Black and white. Colors terrify me.

What inspires you? Uplifting people. Usually with monsters.

What are your favorite bands? Raw rock bands like Quintron, The Reigning Sound, The King Kahn & BBQ Show and The Dirtbombs are my bread and butter. But I listen to lots of other stuff too. I like Girl Talk a lot, rapper Kool Kieth is great, I really like the jazz band The Lounge Lizards and ambient composition stuff like Philip Glass, John Zorn or Arvo Part can really get me going too.

What is your favorite movie? Maybe Walker, by Alex Cox? It's an intense portrait of William Walker, the genocidal, white president of Nicaragua in the mid-eighteen hundreds sent to keep an eye on the Panama Canal and "spread democracy". It's also a slapstick comedy. From the director of Repo Man! I write Little Movie Review for the941, so you can see a lot my favorite stuff there.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I learned from a lot of people over the years, but I kind of consider myself to be self taught. I went to school for graphic design, and took some traditional art classes there, but I think I've learned more about drawing from music, movies and listening to people talk about stuff than from any formal class.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yeah, all the time. But no matter how sick I am of drawing or what I'd rather be doing, it usually passes after about an hour of making myself draw, and I start really enjoying it again.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Haha, well, I don't think I'd want to force my work on anyone. But my heroes are mostly comic book artists; Jamie Hernandez, Jeff Smith, Mike Allred, Mike Mignola, Bob Burden, Paul Pope, Brendan McCarthy. I guess if I saw Guillermo del Toro or Bong Joon-ho walking down the street I'd shove one of my comics down the back of their shirts and run away.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? My proudest achievement is tricking my babysitter into letting me eat grape jelly with a spoon, straight from the jar for dinner when I was seven. I also used to eat onions like apples.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Elba Island, Italy. Holy crap.

Bella Cucina Aprons - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-24T10:49:00.003-05:00

Carolyn Trabulsi of Bella Cucina Aprons is a newbie to Atomic and will be appearing at the Sunday Atomic show on 12/13. I have quite a few aprons (all vintage) which usually aren't in minty shape, I get grubby in the kitchen! However, wouldn't it be a treat to have a brand new hand made apron to wear in the kitchen? I think so! After reading her interview, I could just squeeze her, I love what she wrote about her husband!

Name of Business/Website Address? Bella Cucina Aprons / www.bellacucinaaprons.com

What City/State do you reside in? Odessa, Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? 1st Timer

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Making stuff is a f/t occupation, I am otherwise a retired artist. Usually, I set aside only certain hours a day for my designing and sewing.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I have always had my own business, first as a professional artist and now as a designer. It is a great sense of accomplishment and satifsfaction to see your creativity produce a finished product.

What's your favorite color? turquoise

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Fabrics, old ribbons, lace, buttons that I've held onto forever.

What inspires you? Being successful and knowing that my creations are being enjoyed by another.

What are your favorite bands? Maybe not a band - but I love all show tunes, singers and standards, Il Divo. I really love all music and appreciate music from every generation (am I dating myself here?)

What is your favorite movie? Gone with the Wind and All old dancing musicals

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I was first taught to sew by my elementary school teacher c.194....., and I became hooked. Later as a young woman, I attended NY Parsons School of Design & Traphagen School of Design.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Not really

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Giada Di Laurentis on the food channel would look great in one of my aprons.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Other than my artificial right knee, this might count as unusual? I married the boy from next door 54 years ago - We have been together for 68 years . He still make my heart beat!

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Definately, Hawaii

Dr. Awkward - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-23T11:45:00.004-05:00

OK, I have to admit, I am a sucker for a cool name and Nelani Palomino (really, what a NAME!) of Dr. Awkward is one funny gal. Her sense of humor reminds me of a certain person named Alaska (Alaska check out her cards!)...Dr. Awkward will be at Atomic's Sunday show on 12/13. Since this is Ms. Palomino's first time to Atomic, let's all get to know her better by reading her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Dr. Awkward / http://www.drawkwardstore.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? Tampa, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Yes, first time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic: Funny Cards, Holiday Cards, Hand Soaps, Mulberry Bark journals hand made by The Karen Hill tribe in Thailand and embellishments added on by DR. AWKWARD, a few hand painted blocks with cute characters, some headbands..maybe some other fun stuff.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I've been doing freelance, mainly t-shirts, for places like Skechers, Journeys, Spencer, and Urban Outfiters. So I've been able to make my own schedule and work on what I want. Though freelance is dwindling due the crappy economy. So I've been looking for full time work for quite some time now. And since I'm not willing to leave Florida or the west coast it has proven to be difficult to find work in my field. So after some debating I'm looking into getting a Teacher Certification to teach art k-12 and keep my own art on the side. I love kids and coming up with creative projects, plus it'll open me up to more work.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love being crafty. I've made a lot of gifts for people in the past and they tend to appreciate it more. It's something you took the time in making and no one else has it.

What's your favorite color? Blue

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? In some of my mixed media art pieces I have. I also love going to vintage shops, or garage sales with a idea and that have it expand when i find something amazing. My packaging for my hand soap, I attached a little barbie hand charms to each one. I went around to god knows how many garage sales and places searching for barbies. My apartment was looking a little creepy with handless barbies laying around.

What inspires you? I don't have a source of inspiration. My inspiration comes from any where. A random thought that turns into something amazing. I do a lot of research when i have a idea and it just explodes from there. google is my best friend!

What are your favorite bands? Jack's Mannequin, Bowie, Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Sinatra, Val Emmich, Florence + The Machine, Matt and Kim, Jack Johnson, The Sounds, Ok Go, Th Kooks, Flight Of The Conchords...and many more

What is your favorite movie? I love way tooo many movies to have a favorite. Amélie, Wet Hot American Summer, Fight Club, Ghost World, Nightmare Before Christmas, Brick, Royal Tennenbaums, Batman the movie (60's), Battle Royale, Harry Potter.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I went to Art school. But most crafty techniques I learned either thru friends, or books, or on the internet. If I ever want to figure out how to do something I just looked it up.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes, but usually when it's for work. I love coming up with funny saying or characters. And I did that for a living, most of the time it would just come to me. But there were those days where I'd be sitting there trying to force out a joke or rack my brain for something funny.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Anyone famous should have one of my pieces and buy them for their friends!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Well my favorite Fun Fact that I love to tell people is...Mister Rogers was my neighbor! When I was 5 years old I lived in PA and Mister Rogers lived down the block in a big white house. He didn't come over for dinner or anything but my mom says he was always nice cause if he was on his lawn when she strolled by with us he'd give a big smile and a wave.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I've actually have had the privilege to travel to quite a few places from Alaska, to China, Spain, Italy, France, Greece. I've seen a lot of struggle, but I've also seen the simple happy life. There's just so much beauty out there. Santorini, Greece was just so peaceful. Probably one of my favorite places.

birds and planes - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-23T11:32:00.005-05:00

Kimberly Klabel of birds and planes rocks my Atomic world. Ya know why? Do you even care? Well shuddup and read why she is so fabulous. Kimberly contacted me out of the blue last year and volunteered to handout the program at the show. We'd never met, so I was hopeful yet dubious...sorry it's my nature. She was showed up, was so damn sweet and wonderful and I just fell in love. This is one hell of a sweet gal and I dig her taste, so look for her at the Sunday show on 12/13, she is sharing a table with Jenna Dickes Deleo. Get to know KK better below with her AHB interview:

Name of Business/Website Address? birds and planes. www.birdsandplanes.etsy.com http://www.birdsandplanes.blogspot.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Sarasota, Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I have been to the show almost every year but this is my first time as a vendor!

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? birds and planes is a long running side project. I am not a parent but a very proud aunt. I travel for work so I am in a different city/state every week. I bring projects with me on the road and go to estate sales to hunt for treasures.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? I was a volunteer last year and the fashion show was out of this world! The concept was fantastic and they did a great job executing it.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love the little things. I think things have become so routine and robotic in the retail industry. Most stores today look like a warehouse full of stuff made in factories by machines or children. There is minimal merchandising, rude staff and no charm. You walk in and no one speaks a word to you until they tell you what your total comes to and then they put your purchase into a generic plastic bag. I don’t want my money funding an operation like that. To me D-I-Y is the opposite of that. Items made with love and passion, fueling someone’s dream.

What's your favorite color? Blues, greens and browns.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? All my pieces are vintage. I try to incorporate recycled things in some of my handmade pieces as well.

What inspires you? Old movies, romance, tragedy, music, sassy old ladies.

What are your favorite bands? Kevin Devine, The Format, Reubens Accomplice, Dianna Ross and the Supremes, Patti Paige. Basically a mish mash of indie artists and doo wop.

What is your favorite movie? An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain and Teen Witch.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I studied fashion design in school. Every woman in my family was a seamstress or a crafter and my father can make anything out of anything so I was always in a creative environment.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Rarely. If work and things get to stressful, I tend to take a time out.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Jenny Lewis. She is just the coolest. Her style, her music. Everything.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have hyperacusis, which is a basically over-sensitivity to many sounds. I hear everything. It is one of my super powers.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth?
Paris, France. I know it is a bit cliché, but it really changed my life. The world and everything in it just made sense when I was there. I also love going to super small towns for work. I love areas that still have a ‘mom and pop charm’ about them.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview with ZimKids

2009-11-23T11:19:00.004-05:00

My friend Sue Handman who has participated in Atomic for the first three years put the ZimKids organization in touch with me to see if table space could be donated for their mission. It was impossible to say no to an organization. After visiting their website, ZimKids was a perfect fit for Atomic. Please read the ZimKids interview with Katherine Kourapis
Childcare Director at Cyesis Teen Parent Program and volunteer for ZimKids which is a such wonderful charity. Please consider visiting their table at the Sunday show on 12/13 to buy one of their one of a kind dolls. How can you say no to such sweet faces like these?!

Name of Business/Website Address? ZimKids is the name of the organization. I am simply a philanthropist and a teacher who supports this program. The name of the website is: www.zimkids.com

What City/State do you reside in? Sarasota, Florida, USA

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This is the first time we will be showing in the Atomic Holiday Bazaar!

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? These items are made by the children of No. Pumula, Zimbabwe. 100% of the children in this village are Orphans. They are all in need of food and therefore, create toys for food!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? These students use 90% recycled materials for their dolls. The dolls that my students will create to support this organization will be approximately 50% of recycled materials.

What inspires you? Children!

What are your favorite bands? Indigo Girls, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez

What is your favorite movie? Cool Runnings

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I have four college degrees. But I think you are referring to how we came up with our artistic talents…. I took a class in African Doll Making, from which my students will be creating dolls in the future. Regarding the African ZimKids dolls, they are taught by their Founder, Dennis Gaboury and teachers in Zimbabwe.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I find that there are times when my motivation to help or promote others, runs low.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I am absolutely passionate about global awareness for our youth. I firmly feel that educating our youth in a global perspective will aide me in my senior years and my children in their lifetime to come.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I would have to say that seeing the founder of ZimKids in action totally give me hope for my future. Further, coming to MMS everyday is inspiring as I watch our upcoming population of voters grow to be incredible people.

Our Lady of Perpetual Pickles - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-23T11:05:00.004-05:00

Ms. Griffin of Our Lady of Perpetual Pickles is pure Atomic Alumni. She's been with me every year and has made me a complete and utter addict of her "Sweet Heat" sliced pickles that are to f'in die for. TO DIE FOR, ya hear me? I love "Jess the Mess" (hey she called it, not me!) and not only is she an amazing canner but she whips up some funky fun crafty stuff. Jess is amusing, sweet, enthusiastic and a complete gem and I wouldn't want to have an Atomic without this gal. Our Lady of Perpetual Pickles interview follows below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Our Lady of Perpetual Pickles / www.perpetualpickles.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? Seminole, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I will be struttin my wears for the 4th year in a row!! I LOVE this show!

What do you make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Can you guess?? I don’t want to give it away, but I make PICKLES, or anything else delicious that can be put in a mason jar! I also make fun and funky stuff from vinyl albums including purses and jewelry. Past that I dabble in all kinds of craft projects that look like fun. I love turning something normal or plain into something fun and unexpected! Stop by my table. I always have free samples, and you never know what else I might have.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I wish I could work in my kitchen full time! Alas, I work full time and I work in a cube farm. I have to make the cheddar to feed the craft addiction. I normally craft in my off hours, but I do try to squeeze in some crafting during my lunch breaks. I’m working on being a parent, and I sing and ring bells in my church choirs.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB?
I always remember the vendors! I love catching up with people I know, and meeting the new vendors and seeing their wares. I also love the music selections during the fashion shows. I’m still steadily listening to “Pot Kettle Black” from last year. I also remember that the show always seems to go by so fast, so I am glad it is two days this year!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love making things with my own two hands! It feels like you are passing on a little piece of yourself with every project you work on. I also love knowing that something I made might have brightened someone’s day. I love creativity and feel like it is a very intimate part of who we are that can be shared with everyone.

YUM THE 'F YUM!! (Adrien's two cents)

What's your favorite color? I don’t have one. I love blues and purples, especially aqua, teal, cobalt, eggplant, and a bright violet!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I use old vinyl albums in many of my creations as well as the cover art. I typically use ones that are already scratched or banged up, and can’t be listened to anymore.

What inspires you? Music! For me music is everything! It sets our moods, gives us escape, and it connects us all to the past, present, and future!

What are your favorite bands? DMB, BNL, Gaelic Storm, Any band playing back up for Tori Amos!, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Vampire Weekend, Blues Traveler, Reverend Horton Heat, Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris, Talking Heads, Peter Paul & Mary, Heuey Lewis and the News…these are just the bands…solo acts are a whole other beast!

What is your favorite movie? I have so many, but the hands down favorite is Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell is my hands down favorite! I also love Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Steel Magnolias, The Big Lebowski, Practical Magic, A Christmas Story, and It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I can watch them anytime over and over again!

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I learned an awful lot of crafty stuff from my mom. I have also taken many art and sewing classes for many summers as a child. However, everything I make now I taught myself how to make.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I hit creative blocks where I will forget how to make something mid making it (even though I have made it many times over), or something I am working on doesn’t turn out the same as the last time I made it. It always happens! That is when I know it is time to put the glue gun down and go to bed! I also have spells where I can’t wrap my mind around how to make something. I can see the raw materials, and the finished product, but not all the steps in between.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I want to make anything I can for Tori Amos, and would love to send her some of my Sweet Heat Pickles. I just know she would love them, and share them with the girls! I also really want to send some pickles to Paula Deen because she really is an inspiration to my cooking! Those ladies are the coolest people in world to me!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I love vintage finds, but I have a very odd phobia about used and/or antique furniture. I am now also terrified of riding on big busses or in rv campers. I just keep thinking they are going to fall over. I used to love being on them in school when going on trips. I can also do this funky muscle control thing with my neck. Yeah…I’m odd.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Ireland! As soon as my feet hit the ground I felt like I had finally made it home!

Evil Needles - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-21T17:15:00.004-05:00

Patricia Valery of Evil Needles will be at both Atomic shows, Saturday Night, 12/12 and Sunday 12/13! Her handmade clothing jumped out at me on Etsy along with her business name and happily she agreed to give Atomic a go. Upon reading her bio on Etsy, holy shit, this gal "occasionally makes clothing for The Dresden Dolls, Reverend Horton Heat and Hank III." If you want to check out the stuff she has made for The Dresden Dolls and Amanda Palmer you can check it here: www.postwartrade.com. Evil Needles interview follows below...

Name of Business/Website Address? evilneedles, http://evilneedles.com/

What City/State do you reside in?Orlando, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This is my first time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make clothing, but I also plan on bringing a few handmade purses, bags, boxes, and trinkets.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Making clothing is my only job. I've been doing this full time since 2004. There is no balance to my life, it's all work and no play.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? DIY is cool, but it has a double meaning. On the one hand it's a lifestyle, and on the other hand it's aesthetic. I really respect the whole DIY lifestyle, which works out great for me because it's more of a necessity than a passion. I'm obsessive about my business and just can't seem to hand any of the chores over so I end up doing everything myself. Aesthetically I do everything I can to make my clothing look nothing like DIY. When someone picks up one of my pieces at a boutique the last thing I want them to think is, "this looks handmade."

What's your favorite color?You know that orange-ish brown on top of German Shepherds' heads, that's my favorite color.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? We recycle everything. My boyfriend is a recycling Nazi. However, most of my clothes are made from totally new materials, but the other (non-clothing) stuff I make uses recycled materials.

What inspires you? I'm most inspired by the things I don't have and the places I haven't been. This depravity is motivating. When it hits 2:00AM and I start seeing Twitter posts from people who've been out partying I get inspired. It pushes me to think about something I want from life and it inspires me to work a couple more hours before calling it a night. Some of my best designs have come about in the wee hours of the morning.

What are your favorite bands? Right now I'm on a quirky lo-fi, fuzztone, garage rock kick. I've been listening to this band from AU called Eddy Current Suppression Ring. I've also been listening to the Mummies, the Hexxers, the Headcoats and stuff like that.

What is your favorite movie? I don't really have a favorite movie, but I am obsessively following a couple of TV shows: Lost, Dexter, True Blood, to name a few.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I went to school, but I consider myself self-taught: trial and error, that's the way to go.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I used to make band tees and that sucked the life out of me. Now that I'm making my own line I feel rejuvenated.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Susie Essman: the chick who plays Susie Green on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I am so generic there just aren't words to describe it.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Canada, they run a tight ship up there.

Zombukis Love You - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-17T20:43:00.005-05:00

Brigitte Coovert of Zombukis Love You is baaacccckkkk for her second season at Atomic's Sunday show on 12/13. Yay, the hell YAY! Zombukis Love You creations are fun and candy-fied, yet there is an inviting edge to her pieces. Look at her creations, ohhh, so sweet and tasty, confections of pinks and sugars yet a nice little zing that makes you open your eyes and take a second look! Brigitte's (and what a great first name) interview follows below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Zombukis Love You @ http://zombuki.etsy.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Palm Harbor, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Second year, holla!

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Resin jewelry (necklaces, charms, rings), OOAK Kokeshi Art Dolls, customized Urban Vinyl figures, and swag featuring the Zombuki, which
are Pullip, Dal, and Blythe dolls that I've customized.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I went full time DIY in August of this year! I'm crazy lucky to be able to follow my dream, make a living off my own work, and it makes every day a lot more fun! I'm also in graduate school so there's a lot of balancing that needs to be done, which is hard, but as long as I'm doing something "productive" I refuse to get down on myself for letting A or B slip for a few days.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB?
Being seated next to a totally rad couple last year (my first year) who saved me by giving me about 30 $1 bills when I completely ran out (which happened almost right away). Love them! I met a lot of awesome people there and totally hooked my family in, now they do all their
holiday shopping there every year!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Love DIY! I started making zines when I was 6 years old so things that other people made themselves were always considered preferable in my household. Now, cough, a few years later, more than half of my closet and 99% of my jewelry box is full of DIY!
What's your favorite color? Turquoise :3 it's even the color of my hair!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I don't use a lot of found objects but I do use objects differently, like making resin jewelry out of candy, though sometimes I use items like dried flowers that have been reappropriated.

What inspires you? Most of my work is just color, exercises in color, so I'm inspired by just about everything, from a cereal box to a billboard to haute couture, anything that strikes me and makes me think, "That's a palette I *need* to play with." I also pull a ton of inspiration from
mythology and fairy tales, I love reinterpreting, warping, and making them my own.

What are your favorite bands? The Knife, Ruby, and Bjork are at the top of the list at the moment, though I'm not able to clean the house without either Madonna or Lady Gaga in my ears, lol. What is your favorite movie? Metropolitan by Whit Stilman <3>

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? My grandma and my dad were both hugely influential, but for what I do now I'm 100% self taught.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Nope, but I am really ADD so I can only do something for about 2 hours and then I just have to stop and do something else, it's why my table is so so so very eclectic!

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Bjork, in a second, in a second. Call me!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? The blue hair maybe, but I've gotten really used to it!

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Las Vegas! Most hippocampus statues per capita.

Andrea C. Glass Art - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-17T10:17:00.004-05:00

Andrea Cammarata has a lot of "A's" in her name so it must be kismet (I'm breaking out the German words folks) that she is appearing at the Sunday, 12/13, Atomic Holiday Bazaar show. I have not had the pleasure of meeting her in person but I have seen her pieces at everything but the girl and this gal knows how to work glass! Her jewelry is juicy and one of a kind and bright and colorful and amusing and well, let's get to know her better with her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Andrea Cammarata Glass Art/ http://www.andreacglassart.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Sarasota, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Second time attending, first time vendor.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? My unique glass jewelry, that includes one of a kind dichroic glass pendants, rings, earrings, flameworked glass birdies, snails, and some amazing glass moustaches!

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I work part time at a glass supply company here in Sarasota, and then the rest of time I'm working on my creations.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love the fact knowing that everything I make is unique, and the possibilities are endless to what I can create.

What's your favorite color? Reds, greens, black and white.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Nope everything is new.

What inspires you? Stuff that makes me happy, could be a flower, colors, cute creatures, other artists. It varies from time to time.

What are your favorite bands? to many to name......here's just a few, Animal Collective, Muse, Aphex twin, The Specials, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Horrorpops, Gogol Bordello and many many more.

(these are snails folks!)

What is your favorite movie? Alice in Wonderland

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? About 5 years ago I took a four hour glass bead making class and I'v been hooked on glass ever since. From there I pretty much did my own thing teaching myself different techniques.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes! I get in a non creative funk at times, and then I create for a while, and then get back in the funk, back and forth....

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? your mother (ok Andrea, I caught this answer, you think I don't read this shit? I challenge you to a thumb wresting off, and your mother...!!!)

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? no, but if I did have one I would want it to be webbed toes or fingers.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? anywhere where there are mountains and big trees.

Aperture Photography / Brian Blur - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-17T09:34:00.006-05:00

What can I say about Brian Blur? We had a moment. Thankfully, not caught on camera, maybe we'll tell you about it some day. All I can say is it was a very rock n roll moment, all ten seconds of it, which ranged from learning, to screwing up the lesson, to surprise to laughter to fear and back to holy shit, "Did that just happen?"

Now don't go to the gutter folks, please! Brian and I are simply friends, he has a beautiful and talented biz partner and partner in crime, Tara, who wasn't a part of this interview, so we just have the meat and potatoes ala Mr. Blur's point of view. Which is pretty damn amusing, Brian has never been to an Atomic so I'm not sure if he knows what he is in for so I demand that he rest up, drink plenty of liquids and do a few bench presses!!

Name of Business/Website Address? Aperture Photography / http://www.apertureswfl.com/ & http://www.briandavidbraun.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Unincorporated Sarasota County

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? First time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Three large cameras and a lots of prints.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? I am a single father and a full time photographer.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I do all my own stunts.

What's your favorite color? Black and it's a shade.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I find and recycle humans.

What inspires you? The sideways moment.

What are your favorite bands? The Clash.. The Specials, TSOL, The Damned, The Cramps .. this list goes on and on.

What is your favorite movie? Man Bites Dog

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught .

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Never, ever since I sold my soul to the devil my mojo is on fire...

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? No, most famous people are rich, I'd be happy to sell them one, my free work is for my friends.
Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I hate when people photograph me and I have a giant mutant penis that is shaped like the state of Florida.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Belle Glade, Florida... No matter what; I know my life will never suck so bad that I have to live in Belle Glade.

Sew It's For You...another Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview!!

2009-11-17T09:18:00.003-05:00

Julie Marriott of Sew It's For You just had a baby boy (and he's cute as hell!) and guess what folks?! She is working both Atomic shows on Saturday 12/12 and Sunday 12/13. I can barely scoop poop out of the litterbox (but I do because I am civilized) but I can't imagine working a crazy craft show after having a young 'un (just wanted to sound a bit countryfied this morning). So to all you mama's and papa's I salute you. Ok back to the crafty world. Julie is a delight and embroiders a sweet dish of amusing images. Check out her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Sew It's For You http://www.sewitsforyou.etsy.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Tarpon Springs, Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This is my 3rd time attending Atomic and the 2nd I have been in it.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make all hand embroidered items. This year I am planning on bringing all sorts of cheeky items to appeal to a variety of folks. There will be some "adult" pieces and loads of great gifts for the holidays. I will also be filling custom orders.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? If I was able to make stuff all day I would be much calmer. Unfortunately I do have a full-time job and I am a new mommy as of September. I haven't found much time to make things recently but I usually was able to creat at night.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? Oh I loved the fashion show last year and the mix of all the artists. We had a great time!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? DIY means that I have the ability to create something that I can utilize and have the ability to be creative at the same time. The best of form and function. I am able to create personalized items to give to my friends and family while being able to feel like I have accomplished a meaningful gift.

What's your favorite color? Silver is my favorite color.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I recycle all of the time. I shop vintage and thrift stores to find interesting mediums to embroider on and often embellish items I own already. I take apart old items I have that I would donate and creat new items from them as well.

What inspires you? My friends and family inspire me. My friend Pam is amazing at embroidery, Jenny Hart, Adrien, Tara Mcpherson, Mitch O'Connell, Keith Haring.

What are your favorite bands? Depeche Mode, Yaz, The Editors, U2, The Killers, The Smiths, The Cure, Kings of Leon..too many to mention.

What is your favorite movie? Since I was a kid it was Grease, but newer movies Million Dollar Baby, Crash, Muriels Wedding, Juno

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I taught myself how to embroider by reading a instruction sheet from a Sublime Stitching pattern sheet.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes I have in the past now I am just trying to have the energy to make stuff.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Johnny Depp, Jenny Hart, Mitch O'Connell

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I call these my bar tricks I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue, make a straw sound like a slide whistle and can't stand the foam on hangers ( or off but the foam is terrible).

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? San Fran made me feel so great. I love it there!!

Still Room Studio - Atomc Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-17T08:57:00.005-05:00

Jen Renninger of Still Room Studio will be at Atomic's Sunday 12/13 show. She recently contacted me which worked out perfectly because I was in need of a person willing to work a table split, not always an easy thing to finesse! Anyway, when I opened up Jen's email and saw her beautiful illustrations, it was a no brainer! I loved getting to know Jennifer better and you can too...Still Room Studio interview begins now:

Name of Business/Website Address? Jen Renninger Illustration - Still Room Studio, portfolio: http://www.jenrenninger.com/ / shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pleasebestill

What City/State do you reside in? Tampa, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my first time attending and showing! How exciting is that? I can't wait.. It sounds like such a great event!

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Yes, I've been a freelance illustrator for about 10 years, working mostly for magazines and new papers.. Up until recently I considered it my day job and selling prints / artwork a hobby but I'm beginning to do more of that now.

How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? In all honesty I consider making stuff to be an integral part of my life. Even when I'm doing something not connected to making art part of me is always thinking about it and being impacted by the process.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love that people put so much of themselves into what they make! I love the inventiveness that comes from the DIY community. I feel pretty honored to be a part of it!

What's your favorite color? Yeah, I don't know if I can choose. Lately I've had a brief love
affair with teal and aqua and bright snippets of red here and there. But it changes all the time.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Just about everything I make has something found or something old in it. I have a pretty large collection of ephemera to draw from.

What inspires you? This one is hard to pinpoint because I feel as if everything is inspirational in it's own way.

What are your favorite bands? Lately I've been listening to a lot of the Avett Brothers and a band called First Aid Kit from Sweden that I absolutely love.

What is your favorite movie? I have never been known to turn away from either the Shawshank Redemption or the Royal Tenenbaums. And I know this isn't a movie but I'm a big Northern exposure fan, and watch it on a regular basis.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? All of the above! I was inspired by my uncle and my Mom as a little kid and then went to school for photography. I became an illustrator because I didn't want to run a commercial photo studio and didn't want to do fine art at the time. I just wanted to make pictures for magazines. With no real training in illustration I had to teach myself. So all in all a little bit of self taught / family inspired / college bound education!

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes! My husband usually helps me out with that. I ask him for an assignment and always manages to give me something great to work on that pulls me out of the deep blue funk.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I was listening to NPR recently during the pledge drive. Ira Glass
came on and gave a ten minute speech that started with" it didn't really matter if we donated or not " and somehow turned into " we are all in this together." I went home and mailed a "We are all connected" poster to him that day.. My other choice would be Neil deGrasse Tyson, 'cause he has the best brain around, well, maybe EO Wilson..

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I love to sing but I have a voice that could break glass! Does that count for odd? I know some people definitely find it amusing (as long as they can find their earplugs!) ok, I asked my husband about this and he came up with a list! I cut my own hair. I'm picky about my pens. (he steals them!) I like my Mac + Cheese with water (it's an acquired taste!) Ironically he didn't mention the singing.. hmmm.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I get inspired by our little blue speck pretty easily, so my backyard or open window is enough to get me all happy about this place. That being said, I took a trip to Alaska once that really instilled a sense of awe. Everything seems more monumental there. And years ago I went to Hawaii and flew in a glider. I remember thinking that riding on the air felt an awful lot like surfing, and it surprised me. That still sticks with me: the sense that we are part of something that we don't completely understand, and there is beauty in that.

Sutara - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-06T08:36:00.004-05:00

Brenna Foster of Sutara and I keep running into each other at the post office. She usually has her back to me (she's a tall gal) while she is hammering things out on the auto-postage machine. I saw her yesterday and I have to say her son is adorable, loves to talk and he showed me his broken eraser on his pencil. She has also lived in Youngstown, Ohio and went to the music school there, somehow we both managed to escape to Sarasota. Now while I may have more of an 80s new wave punk rock vibe she has more of a granola vibe, however, I can completely appreciate the work she does with her sewing machine, brain and hands (not necessarily in that order, hardeeharhar). Her layered skirts are well made and peaceful, the color choices she uses to layer these skirts imply style and comfort but are completely feminine and lovely; she makes a ton of other items as well which you can find at the Sutara table at the Sunday, 12/13 Atomic show. Let's get to know her better by reading her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Sutara / www.sutara.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? Sarasota, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Second time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? A variety of stuff... mainly specialize in applique-ing. :) Skirts, apron tops, kiddie wear, onesies/t-shirts, reusable cloth napkins and tote bags, banners, wall-hangings...

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Although I'd love for it to be my full time occupation, it's not. I serve tables in the evening and spend my days with my 3 year old. Making my stuff is never a chore, I love to do it... so I work hard to find the free time I need/want to get it done.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? The fashion show! The AMAZING crafters/crafts that I saw last year... meeting awesome new people. It was a blast. :)

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? These days, it's hard to find anything original. You can go to three different stores and find the same exact thing, different prices. So it means everyone is importing the same junk... no diversity, no creativity, just mass production. When I buy something handmade, I know I'm getting something beautiful - something that was created with peaceful intention and love. It just feels better. :)

What's your favorite color? Probably something loud - red, maybe yellow? But I really love all colors.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I mainly try to work with organic materials, but I do "upcycle" from periodically... taking something apart to create something new.

What inspires you? The natural world.

What are your favorite bands? Yonder Mountain String Band, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Avashai Cohen, Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals

What is your favorite movie? Wow, I have a lot. The Usual Suspects?

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught... and still learning!

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Definitely. And trying to create when you don't feel like it sucks!

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Not that I can think of.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? We don't have TV in our house!?

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Yes! I love the states... I've been from one side to another half a dozen times and it never gets old. I worked on an organic farm/community in New Mexico for a while and just loved it.

Red Marionette Interview for Atomic Holiday Bazaar 2009

2009-11-06T08:06:00.007-05:00

Kelli Williams of Red Marionette is appearing at Atomic's Sunday show on 12/13/09. Look for the booth of exploding felted creatures in every color under the rainbow. I sort of have a feeling that these creatures take on a life of their own when Kelli is sleeping because this chick's output is huge! The felted animals must be cutting and sorting felt while Kelli is snoring (not that I know if she snores) and maybe paying her bills and folding her laundry. I think all of us could use some of her creations in our house which are delightful, cheerful, uplifting and truly zany.

I just visited Kelli's website (again) and almost fell over in love with her holiday wreath (pic shown below). When she applied to Atomic this year I was concerned about giving her a booth (it's about a three table sized space) because I wasn't sure how she was going to fill it...duh, this girl works her butt off making the world a more colorful felted planet! Get to know Kelli a bit better by reading her interview below and she's coming to Atomic soon!

Name of Business/Website Address? Red Marionette / www.redmarionette.com

What City/State do you reside in? Orlando, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I attended last year and it was amazing!

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Pocket Monsters, Finger puppets, Brooches, Tree Skirts, Ornaments, Stockings, Tote Bags and Clutch purses to name a bit.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I do have a day job teaching art at a local Computer Animation school. I hope to turn Red Marionette into a full time gig someday. It takes a lot of proper planning to do both at the same time! Good time management skills are a must!

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? The professionalism that Adrien achieves and the correct demographic. Whatever that lady is doing to make this show she is doing it great! Last year was wonderful!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? To me, Do it yourself means that you rely more on yourself for items that we all readily purchase now. If you cant make it or do it, your neighbor down the street can. It makes me think of the times when it was more personal to interact on a consumer level. Also the theory of Make do and mend. Use skills most people dont have anymore to enrich our lives.

What's your favorite color? Blue

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I try to use and incorporate vintage and gently used fabrics in some of my creations. They have so much more personality than brand new fabrics.

What inspires you? Vintage items. Life and Children. I love watching how people react to color combinations, stories and shapes.

What are your favorite bands? Regina Spektor is a favorite right now. I love classic jazz and 80's music.

What is your favorite movie? Labyrinth. It was what inspired me when I was young.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? My mother taught me how to sew when I was young but it was hidden away for many years until I picked it up again in hand stitching, It has blossomed.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I have more ideas than I have time. That is my speed bump. I get overwhelmed at the lack of progress due to the inundation of so many ideas!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I can cross each eye individually. :)

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I recently when up north into northern Wisconsin to visit a family members cabin out in the middle of nowhere. No electricity. Just a generator. It was humbling and amazing at the same time. The fact we used to thrive in an environment like that amazes me. It was untouched, beautiful and pure. So rare anymore to find places like that.

Lorna Ruth - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-04T14:28:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Lorna Galloway of Lorna Ruth at the Delray Stitch Rock indie craft show this past October. As I'm sure some of you may have noticed (all seven of my readers) I like the dark stuff. I like the things that make the hair on my skin stand up and take notice. Lorna must too because her photography and perfectly edited images make me wake up and calm me at the same time. Is there a word for that? Damn, it alludes. Lorna will be at the Saturday night Atomic Holiday Show on 12/12/09. Her images are the perfect compliment to the upcoming dark hearted evening craft show. Get to know her by reading her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? Lorna Ruth / http://lornaruth.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? West Palm Beach, Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my first time ever participating in Atomic both as a vendor and as a shopper!

What do you make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Lately I’ve really been focusing on experimental photographic techniques and shooting a lot of old signage so I’ll have all sorts of Polaroid transfers and hopefully some fun simple resin pieces.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Ahhh I wish making stuff was my full time occupation! Currently I’m a student at Florida Atlantic University attempting to get a BFA in Printmaking. I work two jobs (at an Art Supply Store and Community College) to be able to afford it. I think having creative friends and
family that support and encourage me is what really keeps everything as close to balanced as possible.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Unfortunately I think self sufficiency has gone by the wayside and “D-I-Y” helps remind and show hopefully everyone, not just other crafters, that traditional manual skills are not completely lost and that there are people out there still willing to teach others really unique things. Since making something takes time and labor and one’s own creative contributions, the end result is even more significant. Aside from all that there’s the knowing who your toys or piece of jewelry or dogs treats came from and knowing what they’re made out of. And then there’s the whole idea that creating really helps bring together communities and build strong relationships. But I digress!

What's your favorite color? I can’t pick one single favorite anything, let alone color!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? In my photography, I’d consider any object used to be found. Especially with things like motel signs, it always feels more like a right place, right time kind of moment.

What inspires you? Seeing what other people make and being part of their creative process
really helps get me motivated. It helps tremendously to have people you can bounce ideas back and forth with and20really work with together on that sort of level.

What are your favorite bands? Sorry, Duane, THE BEATLES! of course. And at the moment The Blue Stingrays, Neko Case, I could go one forever with this one, too.

What is your favorite movie? Ahhh back to trying to pick one favorite! Right now it has to be “The Lives of Others.” Subtitled, watch out!

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? All of the above! And I don’t think you ever stop learning.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Indeed I do get burnt out on creating. I think everyone does, like its part of the process. It’s always hard when you start putting yourself out there and selling your work you start to create with others in mind and that’s what really gets me jammed up. When this happens to me personally, it’s important to remind myself why I do it and really just the time to make something for myself, whether it’s printing or sewing or baking, usually helps.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Haha. There are way too many oddities over here, not sure there’s any amusing. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to meeting everyone at
Atomic!

everything but the girl - Interview with Atomic Holiday Bazaar

2009-11-04T14:00:00.003-05:00

Laura Gale of everything but the girl is Atomic Alumni...she is a FOUR TIMER, folks! Laura produced the fashion shows for AHB II & III with Monica Eshkoli (of Freaky Tiki) and ebtg will be at both Atomic shows this year, Saturday Night, 12/12/09 and Sunday, 12/13/09.

I remember the first Atomic show in 2006, Laura made a point of stopping me a little before the doors were getting ready to open and she told me to stop and take it all in. What can I say? It was a moment, a very, very good moment! everything but the girl is kind of like Atomic Holiday Bazaar year round, we are very lucky to have such a fun and colorful place to shop in Sarasota! It wouldn't be Atomic without Laura. Ms. Gale's interview can be read below!

Name of Business/Website Address? everything but the girl, boutique & gallery / http://www.shopebtg.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Sarasota FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I am in my senior year, Year #4!

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Only the coolest shiz in town, crafted by EBTG family of artists.

Is making stuff your full time ocupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I am a mum first, shop-owner second. I always find time for things that excite me.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? The excitement of seeing that line form out front before the doors open, the fashions shows I've produced, the overall energy of so many creatives in one space! Thrilling, all of it!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? DIY, to me, means you don't need the 'expected', the 'usual' to get things done, to accomplish something important. That taking the road less traveled always yields a far more interesting result. It speaks of self-sufficient existence to me.

What's your favorite color? Black

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? My EBTG artists do, indeed.

What inspires you? Love, sex, music

What are your favorite bands? Right now, Im into War Tapes, Mute Math and Kings of Leon. All time faves: Lloyd Cole, INXS, Psychedelic Furs, Billie Holiday and my guilty pleasure: Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell.

What is your favorite movie? Almost Famous (aka The Laura Daniel Story), Amelie, To Kill a Mockingbird

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Learned it all on the mean streets of D.C.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Every one does.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I wish Tim Gunn would walk into EBTG and ask me to go for a Chai Tea with him at Olive Oil Co.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Too many to list....

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Anytime I travel, I am happier.

touché crochet - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-11-04T13:33:00.007-05:00

Marah McCaleb of touché crochet will be at Atomic Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, 12/13/09 sharing a space with loretta gen. I am a Cloche hat fanatic, my Aunt Francena gave me one with sequins when I was a little girl, about the time when the movie Paper Moon came out. I thought I was the shit with that crocheted hat... Marah makes sweet headbands and other crocheted goodies...since I've never met her, we can all learn more about her with her interview below:

Name of Business/Website Address? touché crochet / http://touchecrochet.etsy.com/

What City/State do you reside in? St. Petersburg, Florirda

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? First time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Crocheted items such as hats, ornaments, headbands, and other similar things. I also do a bit of sewing and will probably bring some aprons & such.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I wish that this was my full-time occupation! I also have a part-time job as an assistant at a recording studio & clean a couple houses. It's hard to balance the time. I go through surges of creativity and often make things in the evening, since it's pretty relaxing.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love the whole process of making things -- that moment that an idea pops into my head, figuring out how to make it work, seeing the fruit of my hands. God is creative and has made us creative beings. Some create with food, others with words- I like to create with buttons, yarn, fabric. And I love to own things that have been handmade as well-- it's personal, it's full of love and often way more creative than what you'd see anywhere else.

What's your favorite color? Turquoise.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Yes, I like to use old buttons, vintage lace, fabric from the flea market or old clothes, sometimes even yarn from previous hats.

What inspires you? the sea/sealife, old photographs, fashion, the store anthropologie

What are your favorite bands? laura veirs, cat power, m.ward / she & him, simon & garfunkel, the decemberists, coldplay, sufjan stevens

What is your favorite movie? thoroughly modern millie

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Two different friends showed me how to start crocheting and make a hat, everything else i've figured out on my own.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes-- I'm kind of there currently, but trying to get some new ideas and inspiration.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Laura Veirs or Zooey Deschanel (i am one of millions i'm sure).

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have a bizarre love for anything martian-related? It's only slightly a joke.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Boston.. the harbors, the cambridge/harvard area.. so much loveliness. same with princeton, nj. also israel.. seaside in scotland, areas of germany. i love the blend of nature and city life.

Love Alison, Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-10-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

I've been a fan of Love Alison for a while now. Alison Krafick was going to attend Atomic last year but she was off in Atlanta and couldn't get her lazy butt down to my show. I'm just kidding, Alison and I love to abuse each other; my sister is the only other person who is better than Alison in insulting me and making me feel really fucking fabulous about myself. What can I say? She is one funny muther and I dig, dig, dig her sense of humor which completely shines through her art and jewelry. Alison will be at both the Saturday night Atomic show (12/12/09) and the Sunday show (12/13/09) and I really encourage you to stop by and see her so she can throw a spicy insult your way as you buy something from her, otherwise she may throw stones and boulders at you if you don't!

Name of Business/Website Address? Love Alison / www.LoveAlison.com

What City/State do you reside in? Orlando, FL.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before?
Atomic Virgin.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? The coolest FUCKING art Atomic has ever seen.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? No. Yes... though technically a night job as I'm a bartender. Yes I am a parent. I don't.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? DIY totally ROCKS... it lets personalities shine through.

What's your favorite color? Hot fucking pink.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I do recycle and I do use found items in many of my art pieces.

What inspires you? Music, all things cool, vintage, words.

What are your favorite bands? Bands containing whiny tattooed rocker boys.

What is your favorite movie? Heathers... duh.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught in the art I actually do but once upon a time I acquired an art degree.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
Occasionally one of my girls won't speak to me but usually after I yell at her she tells me some sordid story. Stop trying to jinx me anyway.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Yes... Rob and Corrinne from Threadbangers have one of my pieces on the wall behind them in most of their segments. They are way too cool for school.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Pretty much everything about me is amusing.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Atomic Bazaar 2009.

Ela Steel - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-10-27T09:54:00.003-04:00

I'm having a memory block on how the fabulous Ela Steel landed in Atomic's lap; I think I may have found her through Etsy (I often do geolocator searches to find new talent) but she may have found Atomic. Oh hell, what does it matter, she's coming to Atomic on Sunday, 12/13, noon - 6 p.m., and I am really, really looking forward to eyeballing her creations. Ela's interview is below...I can't wait to meet you Ela!

Name of Business/Website Address? Ela Steel http://steel.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? Austin, TX

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my first time.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I create strange and offbeat paintings of corseted bug-women. I plan to bring jewelry featuring my weird artwork (as well as jewelry featuring my pretty photography.) Pendants, rings and earrings. I'll also have prints, postcards and possibly a couple of small originals.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Making stuff is my full time occupation and I love it!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love that you can get quality (insert-almost-anything you might be looking for here) handmade by an actual artisan who you can converse with. I love the personal touch.

What's your favorite color? Purple!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? In my paintings, yes. I'm currently designing some tree ornaments that use recycled/found objects as well.

What inspires you? Bugs. Corsets.

What are your favorite bands? The Gathering, Anathema, Antimatter, VNV Nation, Infected Mushroom, Nine Inch Nails.

What is your favorite movie? Hmmm. Maybe Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I went to school for Fine Arts, but the jewelry portion is self-taught.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes, I go through painting dry-spells all the time. But I love that I can also do the jewelry which keeps me creating through those times.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I find most bugs totally awesome and love to look at/photograph them, but when it comes to spiders I become a total stereotypical girl. Shrieking. Flailing. Demanding other people in the room deal with it. You know.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I went on a pretty rad 2-month backpacking trip last year to southeast asia. Loved almost every second of it! The second that was not loved involved a hand-sized spider in a dressing stall with me at a park. At that point it's really past the point of shrieking and more to the choking on air phase. But yeah. Thailand rocked otherwise. ;)

be jewelry and crafts, Atomic Interview

2009-10-27T09:32:00.003-04:00

Betsy Kennedy of be jewelry and crafts is an Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saint. Really, she's like my Joan of Arc of Atomic. Betsy contacted Atomic for our first show and volunteered, she didn't know me or my former Atomic partner in crime Cemantha, she didn't know much about our show other than we were looking for volunteers and trying to pull this crazy craft show off. Betsy showed up for a few meetings, met us the day of the show and managed our crafters and kept us calm. She's smart, sassy, and I didn't know she was talented until last year when she came to Atomic as a crafter instead of a volunteer. This year I have her roped into both, she'll be around at the Saturday night show cracking the whip and then back to make some holiday cashola at the Sunday show. I adore Betsy, she's a stellar gal who makes lovely jewelry. Interview with Betsy is below:

Name of Business/Website Address? be jewelry and crafts - http://www.be-jewelryandcrafts.com

What City/State do you reside in? Myakka, Florida.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Did it before.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Sterling silver jewelry.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Jewelry is not full time. day job as teacher, also a parent. TOTALLY unbalanced.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? LOVE the Bradentucky Bombers. LOVE adrien. love sneaking wine, eating food, watching people.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Love making something cool out of something boring.

What's your favorite color? Depends on what we are talking about. Clothes? Black. Houses? Taupe. Flowers? White. Walls? Many assorted.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Sometimes.

What inspires you? Seeing other people's work.

What are your favorite bands? Florida Mountain Boys (I sleep with the guitarist).

What is your favorite movie? Something about Mary.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Classes.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yup.
Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Obama.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I love shrooms.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Dingle, Ireland.....actually anywhere in Ireland. Or Maine. I love spending summers in Maine.

humblebumbleb - Hat Maker Extraordinairre for Atomic Holiday Bazaar

2009-10-26T07:52:00.006-04:00

Brenda Burton finally has a name. Let me explain. She and her husband have attended Atomic, they were always "that cute couple" who dressed well, looked madly in love and just left that kind of impression on me. All that with the whirlwind of Atomic going on, so yep, they were that memorable and she always had on a fabulous felt hat on and a smile. Then last year "that cute couple" showed up at Atomic with not one baby, but two. Twin baby girls, beautiful, identical. Memorable. I guess that's what happens when you are "that cute couple" you create something genetically wonderful and unique. Finally, attending the Stitch Rock show this year, who do I see, but Brenda, her husband and the twins, we had emailed because I had her biz card and begged her to do Atomic and thankfully she agreed. But now I know who she is and simply, Brenda is as fabulous and colorful as her beautiful and affordable hats. Brenda's interview is below:

Name of Business/Website Address? humblebumbleb / http://www.humblebumbleb.com/

What City/State do you reside in? West Palm Beach, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I have attended as a customer the past two years, but this is my first time attending as a vendor.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make retro and vintage inspired hats (Pill Box Hats, Fascinators, Flight Caps, Cloche Hats)

Is making stuff your full time ocupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I am a full time mommy. All my crafting is done once the babies are asleep and the house work is somewhat taken care of.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I've always been a DIYer. My mom always had a project going to keep my sister and I busy. The process is more exciting to me than the final product (which is pretty awesome as well) but the act of creating something makes me happy.

What's your favorite color? Yellow (Mustard Yellow to be exact)

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? The majority of my hats are made of ecospun felt which is 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. I use a lot of vintage and thrifted embellishments as well. I try to do my part.

What inspires you? I am inspired by fashion from past decades. I love the 20's 40's 50's and 60's. I mix classic vintage styles with new materials and techniques.

What are your favorite bands? All time fave is the Beatles. I'm really in to Rockabilly groups with female vocals like Kim Lenz, and we can't forget about the great Johnny Cash!!!

What is your favorite movie? Huge Star Wars fan, right here. And I'm a sucker for The Notebook.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? As mentioned before, my mom taught me how to be creative. A also attended FAU and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Can't say that I have. I like to dabble in a lot of different types of crafts so I don't get bored on one thing, but my passion is sewing.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Love to give Katy Perry a piece, and Zooey Deschanel. They have great vintage inspired style.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have identical twins

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Ireland on my honeymoon.

Brenda will be sellng her humblebumbleb hats both at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saturday, 12/12 evening show and the Sunday, 12/13 show. The world is a more colorful place with a chick like this and that makes me happy!

Viva Le Vox, Headliner Band for Atomic at Saturday Night Show, 12/12/09.

2009-10-26T07:08:00.005-04:00

Holy Shit. I finally got to see Viva Le Vox last night at Pastimes, who are my head liner band for the Saturday night Atomic Holiday Bazaar show on Saturday, December 12, 2009, 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., and yes, I will continue to state the date over and over to pound it into your sweet little fleshy heads until you all become my Atomic minions and rub my body in holiday honey, oh wait, that's another story.

Back to Viva Le Vox! Jesus, what a bunch of sweet boys. OK, men. Sweet, talented men. They have a new CD out "Desperation Alley" and please, please get your asses to the Paddywagon over in Gulf Gate, here in Sorryscrotum (Sarasota) on Friday, October 30th to get a preview of this band because they will knock your fuckin' socks off unless you're wearing flip flops and if you're wearing flip flops your toes will curl openly in public from the sheer glee of what this band delivers.

The boys in the band present as follows according to their MySpace page:

Tony Bones~Vox , Guitar...
Antoine Dukes~Drums, Stomp, Poor People Skills....
Jim Bob "Scarecrow" Jenkins~Bull Fiddle, Vox...
Paultergeist~Accordion, Washboard, Intimidating Presence...

Tony Bones is a delicious front man with a voice he pulls up from hell ranging from theatrical to melodic to gruff to sexy and Tony, I just know you have a dark hearted ballad somewhere in that skinny rocker bod so please pull it out of your ass and play us a Viva Le Vox version of a love song.

Paultergeist is a talented accordion player and slams the washboard around like he means it. We found out we had sat near each other in Detroit for the Leonard Cohen show earlier this year. I know this is enthralling for you but it was a coolio moment for me.

I'm getting lazy and hungry so let me wrap this up, Antoine on drums, he has a thing for shoes, I have a thing for shoes, so I'd say he's perfect.

I didn't get a chance to talk to Scarecrow who played the upright bass but I could have watched him all night humping and thumping his instrument, haha, that cracked me up, that broke me down. But really, I am so very excited to have these guys playing at Atomic.

Please try and get your sorry behinds to the Paddywagon next Friday to see them, otherwise I will sic the hounds of H1N1 on you.

Pickeled Eggplant Interview for Atomic Holiday Bazaar

2009-10-11T15:00:00.003-04:00

Pickled Eggplant by Nicole Gugliotti is appearing at the Sunday, 12/13 Atomic show. Nicole's medium is ceramics and I love the shapes of her sculptures. Organic, yes. Unusual, oh for sure. However, there is such a clean aesthetic to her designs yet they are not sterile. Quite simply, I really, really love the abstract images she is firing up for us. I am thrilled to have her participate in Atomic and I'm really curious to see what she creates in the future. You may get to know her by reading her interview.

Name of Business/Website Address? pickled eggplant / www.pickledeggplant.wordpress.com

What City/State do you reside in? St. Petersburg, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? First time vending, second time attending.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic: I hand build porcelain into organic sculptures and wall pieces. At Atomic a selection of my wall pieces and other small works (sculptures, monsters, rattles) will be available.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I have a day job working in a medical clinic. In the last year I've been able to transition into more of a balance with art and day job. This is really awesome but at the same time I feel like art making takes all of my spare time. In the next year I'd like to make the leap to full time art making so I can have a day off.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Well, basically I was raised by the ubiquitous Italian immigrant parents, who instilled in me the desire to know how to do things. They ran bakeries when I was growing up so processed food was kind of unheard of. They made bread, birthday cake, pastries. I always knew what exactly went into the making. They also rarely called upon repair persons or mechanics, opting to do it themselves. I think growing up in these conditions just made me a "do" kind of person.

What's your favorite color? Blue, gray, black.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I am currently using recycled cardboard for my business cards. I use crushed shells and soil in my installation work (which often gets recycled into gardens or friends landscaping projects after the fact). I also collaborated on a life size gas station installation (with gas pump and hummer) made completely out of recycled cardboard stolen from wal-mart.

What inspires you? The short answer to that is nature. The long answer is that I am inspired by things in nature that both attract and repel. The broken open seed pods you find on the ground and take home with you, accounts of tape worms growing so long that they protrude from the host's anus or the Surinam toad who's eggs are embedded on her back during mating so that tadpoles eventually have to push themselves out. I love that stuff. I love researching and traveling and then binding all these bits of information and textures and images together into something the viewer can have a little attracted/repelled experience with, even if they don't have all the information.

What are your favorite bands? Old school riot grrrl bands, le tigre, sinead o'connor, 90's pop and rock ballads.

What is your favorite movie? 10 things I hate about you

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Mentally I learned about making from my family. I also have a B.F.A. in Ceramics.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? On the one hand I'm not making art full time yet so it seems like there are so many ideas that never get made. At the same time there are moments when my brain is done and it needs a break.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Kathleen Hanna or Jason Briggs

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have no sense of smell (seriously) and no middle name.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Well, Japan, for so many reasons...

2009-10-10T15:17:00.004-04:00

Carey Borden of C.A.B. Fayre is making a splash in the local DIY scene, I ran into her at the Stitch show in Delray Beach last weekend and it was a pleasure finally getting to meet her. Carey has a great eye for color, her clothing is fresh and sexy and her jewelry dangles in all the right places, in other words, this gal knows how to put shit together! C.A.B. Fayre can be found at Atomic's Saturday night and Sunday day show. Carey's interview follows..

Name of Business/Website Address? C.A.B. Fayre. www.cabfayre.com

What City/State do you reside in? Bradenton, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I went to Atomic last year as a shopper and loved it so much I knew I just had to be a vendor this year

What do you make and plan on bringing to Atomic: We make jewelry, clothing, hair accessories, and other kick-ass creations.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I'm currently working towards making this my full time job. I hated the job I was at and what I was studying in school so I decided I would rather know I pursued doing something I love than know I just ended up falling into somewhere that I didn't belong. I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness. I think the most important thing in life is to do what makes you happy because you only have this one life to live. You shouldn't waste it by spending everyday at a job you hate!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I'm all about handmade things. I would rather buy something handmade from other people like me than from a big heartless company. I also like being somewhat one of a kind. I hate how so many people walk around wearing the same things and in this small town with barely anywhere to shop its hard to be original unless you DIY. Creating and making things is a huge source of happiness in my life. I love turning nothing into something. Doing it yourself is empowering.

What's your favorite color? I have a favorite color combo...Black and White but I guess I should say hot pink is my favorite color considering I made it the color of C.A.B. Fayre

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I have a new collection that I just recently added to my line called "ReVAMPed" which is vintage clothing, jewelry, and purses with a modern C.A.B. Fayre twist

What inspires you? I get inspired by lots of things...pictures in magazines/art books, random things around me, items in thrift stores, and even music. I walk through thrift stores and find items that give me visions. I will immediately see a vision of what I can turn that item into. Music is another big one. I have to be listening to music to make stuff. Sometimes I will just play music and stand in front of my mannequin and getting lost in the music without thinking start draping a necklace design on it. Inspiration is everywhere. (man if I was an outsider reading this I would totally make fun of myself for that answer....ha!)

What are your favorite bands? No Doubt will forever be my favorite band but right now I'm loving a new up and coming local band called Crash FistFight (they remind me of Guns N' Roses with a Motorhead twist) they put on one hell of a show!

What is your favorite movie? The Dreamers is a big fave of mine but I'm also a huge fan of 80's movies and black and white films.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I'd have to say a lot of what I do is self taught and a result of many failed tries. My mother taught me to sew. She has always been really into "arts and crafts" so she has surrounded me with that kind of stuff since I was a little tot. My father taught me how to work with resin and typical dad stuff like how to use tools. When I would get a vision of something I wanted to make my mother and father were always there to tell me what can and can't be done in order to make it happen until we'd make it work. I was and still am really lucky!

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I never get burnt out, I love what I do, but I definitely get "creator's block." However, it never lasts very long and all I have to do to break it is look through one of my hundreds of art books or fashion magazines that I have stacked all over my house or go shopping at a vintage or thrift store until I find something that... (forgive me for how ridiculous this is about to sound but...) speaks to me.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I would pee my pants if Gwen Stefani wore one of my pieces!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? It's not exactly an oddity but I will not step foot into an elevator I don't care if I have to walk 30 flights of stairs...I don't do elevators!

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I visited Eleuthera an island in the Bahamas. At one point I found myself all alone on the beach with no one around as far as the eye could see. The water was a shade of teal I've never seen and the sand was pink. It was amazing and being all alone like that in such beauty made me forget how cruel the world can be.

Sara Leigh Handbags - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

2009-10-10T14:56:00.003-04:00

Sara Johnson of Sara Leigh Handbags is Atomic Holiday Bazaar alumni. Sara is a delicious as her bags and creations which I recently saw at the Stitch show in Delray Beach. She had some gnomes and mushroom felted creations that I hope she will be selling at Atomic! Sara will be at Atomic's Saturday night and Sunday day show. Sara Leigh Handbags are durable, sewn well and pure girly delight. Sara's interview may be read right now:

Name of Business/Website Address? Sara Leigh Handbags. www.saraleighhandbags.com
and www.stitchofwhimsy.etsy.com.

What City/State do you reside in? Stuart (Stu-ville as I like to call it), Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my 4th year (wow how time flies !!!)

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I sew and create anything and everything I feel like but I specialize in handbags and forest inspired plush creatures.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I wish this was full time! I have a part-time job and no kids. Making things is something I've been balancing into my day to day life since I was a kid, I just cant help myself!

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? I love when I see my bags / accessories from years passed show up again with their new person. Creating something that someone else loves as much or more than me is what its all about for me!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I am CRAZY passionate about D-I-Y! For me everything you wear/purchase is a reflection of your personality and mass produced, factory made generic is not my style!

What's your favorite color? The rainbow, it always depends on my mood and season.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Always love to create something new out of something old.

What inspires you? Nature, the stars and the people and things I love the most. Lots & lots of music.

What are your favorite bands? There are soooo many, lately im very into Miss Li, The bird and the bee, Arcade Fire, Beirut and the list goes on & on & on & onnnn.......

What is your favorite movie? Amelie

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
Of Course. Every now and then I hit a block but always try my hardest to reignite that spark with music, travel and art. When life gets rough I imagine its hard to make it all work for everyone creatively but the only thing that really gets me through the block is to find that spark again, however, I have to.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Zooey Deschanel- LOVE her ! 500 days of Summer would have to be my new 2nd favorite movie and she has a great little band happening too.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Sometimes I think I have more oddities than any of you would like to know! Trust me on this one, I live in a crazy world in my mind created by me :)

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Atomic Holiday Bazaar , Stitch Rock and all the other moments of each year I get to meet the people most like me with an appreciation for the unusual and one-of-a-kind. This is true.

Cemetery Prints - Atomic Interview

2009-10-10T14:05:00.013-04:00

I was introduced to photographer Sid Graves of Cemetery Prints by two people who are helping me and appearing at Atomic this year (Brian Blur and Doll Face, Inc.). Sid and his strikingly moody Cemetery Prints are appearing at AHB's Saturday night and Sunday day shows.

As far back as I can remember I have been obsessed with cemeteries. In the 90s I dated a guy who had a studio that overlooked one of my favorite cemeteries in Youngstown. That cemetery is filled with beautiful crypts of the rich, literally little studio sized mansions that I wanted to live in. My friends and I would play night time hide-n-go seek, higher than kites, bruising ourselves silly as we crashed into old tombstones. Man it was fun. Around that time Danzig had his hit "Mother" and it gave me great giggles to stand over a ground tombstone that was inscribed with "MOTHER RIP" and sing his song. Maturity surrounds me. But seriously, there is nothing more lovely and peaceful than an old cemetery, trust me, birds of prey at dusk like to hunt in there, trees and statuary's are everywhere, pack yourself a picnic, bring some kind of mood enhancer and kick back as the sun goes down. Sid's Atomic interview begins here:

Name of Business/Website Address? CEMETERY PRINTS / http://www.cemeteryprints.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Everywhere.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? 1ST TIME.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Framed or Matted Cemetery Photography from Maine to Florida and beyond…..

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? It’s my full time occupation along with another full time occupation. I’m also a parent however mine just turned 18. Weekends and late nights balance out the 2 perfectly and it keeps me out of trouble!!!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? You have to have passion in order to succeed starting a business and running a business is 2 different things. Hard work and determination will always prevail.

What's your favorite color? Black

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Hmmmm somewhat LOL.

What inspires you? People who know how to push boundaries, beyond what is typical. My own internal drive to succeed helps too.

What are your favorite bands? I like all genres of music.

What is your favorite movie? Devil’s Reject’s

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I’ve had photographic guidance since my teens and self taught in many photographic mediums. I’ve taken a few classes over the years however they teach basic principles or ideas that I already encompass in my work.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things; hit a dry spot like writer's block? Ohhh Yes… I get photographer’s Block all the time!!!

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I’ve had several that I’ve been able to give my cemetery photography to but I’d love to get something over to Rob Zombie I think he would appreciate my photography.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I get aggravated when people say “I wouldn’t do that to my worst enemy” Really??? Why Not??? It’s your worst enemy!!! If you’re my worst enemy, guess what?? You’re doomed….

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Maine!!! Hands down the most peaceful place anywhere. I grew up in Maine and fall in love with it every time I go back to visit. The fresh air, good down to earth people and the weather is beautiful, except for winter lol.

Come check out this fabulous man at Atomic Holiday Bazaar and buy one of his Cemetery Prints!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview with Alison Ware

2009-10-09T11:15:00.006-04:00

Alison Ware has shown her pieces at Atomic before. The first time I saw her paintings they grabbed me. Not only because they were painted on cardboard, which

for me causes my body and mind to react in a sort of bittersweet way. Cardboard makes me think of skid row in Los Angeles, moving and packing a billion times, being poor, I digress. Digression will occur a lot with these posts...and may I add, my digressions and thoughts may not relate to the artist I am writing about...their points of view compared to mine may and probably are coming from another planet.

Now let's move on from my fixation on Alison's use of cardboard to the content of what she paints. Again, these images strike a chord in me, reminding me of feelings of being in high school (a place I hated) and feeling like if she had sat next to me in art class I would have passed her note with a heart in it and maybe a joint.

Interview with Alison can be read right here, right now:

Name of Business/Website Address? Alison Ware / http://www.amoebamine.blogspot.com/

What City/State do you reside in? At the moment, Sarasota, FL, but I'll be moving to Washington, D.C. in early 2010.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I have attended once before, the second AHB in December 2007. I had a blast then, and am planning on a repeat of the fun this year!

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make acrylic paintings of cute and odd critters on cardboard. I also plan to bring a few little pen and ink sketches, the kind that form the first drafts of my creature paintings.

Is making stuff your full time occupation or do you have a day job?

At the moment, I have a day job working in a local shop (Elysian Fields), which allows me to paint and create without the worries of economic performance anxiety.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? Besides seeing all the amazing stuff that other folks are making with their own hands, I loved talking to the people who came by my booth and seeing the connections they felt with my work. I was deeply touched by their reactions to my little critters!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love the idea of being able to pick up some odds and ends and just going to town doing what you like. When I was little, I thought that there was a very specific way of doing art, that you had to paint like the Old Masters or have access to companies and factories to make toys and jewelry or buy heaps of expensive art supplies. It was exhilarating to find a group of people doing it for themselves in the way that worked for them, not according to a single template.

What's your favorite color? Purple!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Yes! I paint on repurposed cardboard. I'm still working my way through the giant cardboard box my husband's and my TV came in 3 years ago. As word of my work has gotten out, my lovely co-workers now know to save nice cardboard from the trash for me to use.

What inspires you? Japanese pop culture, Disney cartoons, Pee-Wee's Playhouse, the cracks in the ceiling, my mom's elderly Brussels Griffon terrier Aja.

What are your favorite bands? Sigur Ros, The Knife, Kate Bush, The Postal Service, MC Frontalot, Portishead.

What is your favorite movie? Beetlejuice

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I took a few art classes during my school years, enough to learn some basic theory and skills, but I'm mostly self-taught. My most valuable art education came from the book Mark Kistler's Draw Squad, suggested reading for all kids.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
I hit occasional dry spots. Nothing too serious, but there have been stretches of a few weeks at a time where I either can't think of anything to paint or I just can't bring myself to.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? If I was able to give a painting to Paul Rubens and have him use it as background decoration for his new Pee-Wee's Playhouse stage show I would be absolutely over the moon.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? In my free time I do makeup for low-budget horror and monster movies.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I lived in Japan for a couple of years and saw some of the most beautiful scenery while I was there: mountains covered in snow or clouds or autumn colors, the arrival of flowers in Spring, the shocking pink of blooming cherry trees. That made me pretty darn happy!

Alison Ware will be working the Atomic crowd, Sunday, 12/13/09, Noon - 6PM.

Agorables Clothing Interview

2009-10-07T12:01:00.008-04:00

Agorables Clothing comes to Atomic Holiday Bazaar from East Lake Weird, Florida. It is their first time working the show and they can be found at the Saturday night Atomic show.

I really adore their dark sensibilities, they speak to me. I hope their creations speak to you as well. October seems a fitting time to showcase Agorables...perhaps you have a loved one you must buy a Halloween gift for? Look no further, they have you covered...or just show up to the Saturday night Atomic Holiday show on 12/12/09, 5PM - 11:30PM.

Check out their interview below:

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic: All kinds of Shit, mainly wallets and vintage items given a NEW LIFE.

Is making stuff your full time ocupation? NOPE.

Do you have a day job? YEP

Are you a parent? YEP

How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? LOTS OF LATE NIGHTS.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Individual Expression, NO Wal-SHIT.

What's your favorite color? EVIL.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? We use vintage and thrift store items to give them a new bitch'n life.

What inspires you? Life and Life's Little Fuck-ups.

What are your favorite bands? Something with a good beat and is easy to dance to; STP, Alice in Chains, CHEVELLE.

What is your favorite movie? FUCK!! Willy Wonka and the Pulp Fiction Factory...coming to Blu Ray soon.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught in the streets, WORD to your momma.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? MORE of a TIME thing than IDEAS.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Dave Grohl, he is one bad mother fucker with a wicked sense of humor.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Around our house opossum meat is a delicacy.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? San Fran.

As you can tell, Agorables creators have a fabulous sense of humor and I dig them the most.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar 2009 Intro Blog-Get-Know-Me

2009-10-05T14:06:00.008-04:00

Greetings Atomic Holiday Bazaar peeps and Creative Loafing Readers, my name is Adrien Lucas, if you have not heard about Atomic Holiday Bazaar, consider this blog a "get to know me & Atomic" entry. Future blog-gulations will include interviews with all of the Atomic misfits who will be selling their tasty crafty/artsy items at this year's Atomic shows which occur Saturday night, 12-12-09 from 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12-13-09 from noon - 6:00 p.m.

I have the good fortune of blogging about Atomic Holiday Bazaar this year for Sarasota's Creative Loafing. Creative Loafing has been on board with Atomic from 2006, sponsoring the event, I appreciate their support of Atomic. CL understood from the get go what this show was going to be about (thank you Max, Cooper and Richeal), while some other people just kind of scratched their heads thinking Atomic was just another craft show. Whatev's, here we are, it's the fourth year for Atomic and bigger and badder than ever.

This year is Atomic's first Saturday night show, again, 12/12/09, 5PM - 11:30 PM, 18 and Over Only and a $7 Admission. I know you're saying WTF? Why so expensive? Well, it's expensive to run this baby...listed below I have written for your viewing pleasure what is the haps this December for Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

AHB's first Saturday night craft show will feature live rockabilly music raining upon the crowd like a foamy PBR . The evening craft show will present dark hearted craft, art and clothing infused with splashes of punk, smudges of rock and jabs of general tuffness.

Saturday night is alright for fighting but we perfer, two fashion shows produced by Doll Face, Inc., showcasing vintage clothing from Silly Rabbit Vintage and Vintage Stew in addition to a second fashion show featuring rocka-billy-licious clothing designed by Joanna Coblentz of Doll Face, Inc., and Adrien Lucas of Tuff Betty Bags, we promise to not make you yawn!

Burlesque dancing performed by Moxie Le Femme and live music with The Redliners, The Dead Popes and Viva Le Vox! Come hungry, Sarasota Olive Oil Co. will be on hand selling some food, beer and wine!

Sunday, 12-13-09, we are back to basics, with Atomic's Addams Family or Six Feet Under Family Friendly Show, $5 Adults / Children 12 & Under Free.

AHB's Sunday craft show is back to its roots, holiday shopping at its finest with 80+ vendors presenting handmade DIY amusing craft, jewelry, body products, home decor, indie-fashion, smidges of art and much, much more. FREE cotton tote filled with Atomic swag to 1st 100 adults through the door with special offers from our vendors, zines, buttons, samples and more.

Stitch Rocks Indie Craft Show '09 Recap

2009-10-05T13:47:00.006-04:00

This past weekend I attended the Stitch Rock show in Delray Beach, produced by the lovely and talented Amanda of "With Sugar on Top." Amanda is big-time Atomic alumni (she is coming back to Atomic for round IV!); I adore her and she put on a hell of a show for us.

I'd say about half of the vendors at Stitch are headed to sell their creations at Atomic this year. It was really nice to meet old friends and make new ones.

I'd like to thank Amanda and her volunteers for being so nice and working their butts off for us. Also, I'd like to thank Jess from Stray Creative who makes the best damn brownies I have ever had. I was a complete glutton and I want the secret recipe dammit! The picture above is of Jess and her hottie mama and Joanna Coblentz of Dollface, Inc. who shared a table with me.

Check out the pics I took at the Stitch Show right H E R E!

Atomic Vendors working the runway at Everything but the Girl, Friday, 9/18/09.

2009-09-11T13:47:00.004-04:00

The following news bit was appropriated entirely from Creative Loafing. All of the highlighted linked lovelies will be at Atomic in December!

Photo courtesy L. D. Gale

The characters in Lou Reed's notoriously catchy song "Walk on the Wild Side" undergo some pretty outrageous things. Holly (from FLA, mind you) hitches across the U.S. and becomes a "real" woman, Candy is everyone's "darling," and even the Sugar Plum Fairy makes an appearance in her quest for soul food [Ed. note: and a place to eat]. Here in Sarasota, our Walk on the Wild Side is a little more glamorous. Everything But the Girl boutique is holding a fashion event featuring four local designers: Punk Rock Betty, C.A.B. Fayre, Meandering Mimi and On the Trashy Side. The trunk and fashion show will also feature DJ Sinna G spinning our '80s favorites and photographers Brian Blur and Tara Tomlinson snapping everyone's mug shot. 7-9 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18, Everything But the Girl, 430 Central Ave., Sarasota, 954-8800 or shopebtg.com, free.