I've been crafting… now it's time to get fancy!

I've been busy making things for the Craft and Fancy Show… 

It will be this Saturday, December 7, from 10 until 5 at Home ec., 

which is on Linn Street in Iowa City. 

I'll post some beauty shots here over the next few days. 

Here are some new earrings… 

from old industrial brass tacks, 

to buttons, 

charms,

 and pieces of history.

I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones! 

Enjoy the season, and thank you for supporting local vendors and independent artists!

Oh, and don't take any of those in the above picture…

Getting Ready...

Craft and Fancy 5 is this Saturday, Dec. 1st at Home Ec. from 10-5 in Iowa City.

 I always go a little crazy--- so many wonderful bits and bobs that I've collected all year long. And never enough time to make them into all the jewelry that I've imagined.

But my sore little fingers are trying...?

Hope to see you Saturday if you're local, and if not, hope you pop into Age Before Beauty on etsy this Sunday for new listings in my shop.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Debut

Meet Hector,

He, along with a few of his friends, will be making their debut as cards and blank books at 

Craft & Fancy 5

Saturday, December 1, 10-5

at Home ec. in downtown Iowa City

Not from the hood? Never fear, I will be adding them soon to my etsy site 

jbreinhardt.etsy.com

If you are from the area, please consider spending a day here, shopping at all the wonderful independently owned businesses in Iowa City. I will be at Craft & Fancy with some illustration work, as well as Age Before Beauty jewelry.

My heavens, I can't believe it's this time of year already!

Where Buffalo Roam...

Oh give me home... Where the buffalo roam...

in Iowa?

We stopped at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on our way home from a college visit to Iowa State yesterday. 

Not only was the prairie preserve awe-inspiring and breathtaking (even in this brown-grass time of year), 

but the buffalo--- 

crossing the road in front of our car--- 

coming right up beside us, 

close enough to touch--- I felt transported back in time. 

 

(here's the shot you get when you hand your 14 year old son your camera. No cropping involved.)

 

Truly beautiful. If you're lucky enough to live in Iowa--- gotta go. 

And if you're ever passing through this lovely state, it's a quick trip off the highway, and well worth the new perspective.

 

Embroidered Oliver

This is Oliver. 

He is our big, goofy, white, Standard Poodle.

  This is his portrait which looks just like him, done in fabric and stitchery by the very talented artists at Home ec. in Iowa City.

 

Not only does it look like him, they've really captured his personality. 

Love it!!!!!!!!

 

Thank-full

What a beautiful, beautiful Thanksgiving we have had here. These dusky prairie pics were taken on Thanksgiving eve at a state park. 

No need to adjust the 'contrast' on the camera. Nature provided the perfect juxtaposition of colors and textures.

 I'm a little late, but Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Iowa City Book Festival

It's the Iowa City Book Festival this weekend!

Fun for all during this literary celebration. Lots of authors, illustrators, and book enthusiasts--- presenting and inspiring. 

I'll be talking to kids (or anyone who wants to listen) about illustrating--- Sunday, July 17, 11 am at AKAR at 257 East Iowa Ave. 

Check out the Book Festival's website http://www.iowacitybookfestival.org/ for a listing of all the great events this weekend!

Independence Day

I'm grateful to my Uncle for taking us on a night-time tour of the monuments in Washington,  D.C this summer. 

And I'm grateful for all who protect our magnificent country.

 

I'm grateful that I live here.

Happy Independence Day!

Craft and Fancy

Feeling a little "catnipped" myself right now. But so excited to see smiling friends tomorrow at the Craft and Fancy Show in Iowa City.

Happy weekend everyone!

Organized Chaos

Well, this may look like mayhem... or an I Spy photo... but it's really a sampling of some of the new/old/reconstructed necklaces that I'll be bringing to the Craft & Fancy Show here in Iowa City on Saturday, Dec. 4th. 

More pictures later in the week... busy, busy, busy!