I have to admit - this was my first Crafty Bastards. I've been to a TON of craft/art/design fairs and even exhibit at a few. I was out of town for the last few Crafty Bastards, so I'm glad I got to make it today!

I did the VIP because, well, I wanted a mimosa and a bagel. I also wanted to give myself a good start time or else I would have put off going and probably missed it again! I'm prepping for cocktails+craft today, so that's what will take up the rest of my day once I get this post up. (That's also why this will be brief).

Here are my favorite artists, designers and makers from today's Crafty Bastards. They all happen to be local to the DC area. Many of them I have been following for a while, but a few are new to me! They are in no particular order as I love them all equally.

Marcella Kriebel

watercolor artist, illustrator, designer -- follow on instagram at @marcellakriebel

Compass Coffee

Locally roasted coffee -- follow on instagram @compasscoffeedc

Handmade Habitat

All natural soy candles and beauty goods -- follow on instagram @handmadehabitat

Printed Wild

Handcrafted bags and home decor -- follow on instagram at @printedwild

Upshur Street Books

Independent bookstore -- follow on instagram at @upshurstbooks

De Nada

Alpaca knit scarves and knitwear -- follow on instagram at @denadadesign

Kicheko Goods

Socially conscious design/jewelry -- follow on instagram at @kichekogoods

Florescent

Handmade botanical perfumes -- follow on instagram at @florescent

http://vimeo.com/etxebystephanie/clintonpark San Francisco, California.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon working with Steven at Clinton Park. I've worked with him for years on lots of different types of garments, and it was fun to play around with leather for my first Etxe product!

We worked out how we want to make the pattern and made a (failed) prototype -- I'm used to going through lots of these before you reach the one! We had some pensive moments where we were both working things out in our heads and then unrelated brainstorming about our favorite bars in the Mission.

It is extremely convenient that I can literally hop on my bike and be at Clinton Park in a few minutes. Steven is always so precise with his work and is really about the craftsmanship behind the making...he's taught me invaluable skills over the years and I would never have gotten anywhere without his help. I can't wait to share this product with you! We'll be finishing a final prototype soon, so stay tuned!