Your Secret Admiral

Notes from my handmade world. Find my work on Etsy

[yoursecretadmiral]

Studio Visit With Jennifer Judd-McGee

I have followed Jennifer Judd-McGee's art since she spoke on a panel at Etsy HQ in 2010. Each time Taproot Magazine arrives in my mailbox with her drawings or papercuts on the covers or pages within, her artwork transports me to a daydream of gardens and forests and sea breezes.

So, when I realized that I would be traveling to her part of Maine, I jumped on the opportunity to visit her beautiful basement studio. In the latest edition of Etsy's Inspiring Workspaces series, you can get a peek into Jennifer's workspace with me (lasers! deer! the scent of miso soup!) – without even traveling to Maine.

Read on, friends.

[Photo by Erin Little.]

[yoursecretadmiral]

Interview With Peg and Awl

I've followed The Black Spot Books and Peg and Awl for ages, oohing and ahhing over their beautiful wares – from swings made from wood reclaimed from 19th century water towers to jewelry depicting useful weeds. So, it was exciting to get to interview owner Margaux Kent and learn more about how her and her husband's business has developed over time, for this month's edition of Etsy's Quit Your Day Job series. Read the full story for a special glimpse into the inner-workings of the lively business they run from an old casket factory in Philadelphia.

Photo by Michael Persico.

[yoursecretadmiral]

Summer Wisdom

A little drawing from my summertime sweet tooth to yours.

[yoursecretadmiral]

Look what came in the mail yesterday! It's Lisa Congdon's brand new book, Art Inc. which hits shelves today. Back when she was researching the book, she interviewed me over the phone. Months and months later, I get to hold my own copy in my hands. It's such an honor to be part of this go-to resource for artists. I hope you'll check it out!

[yoursecretadmiral]

Bibliocraft Book Launch

Tomorrow night marks the launch of Bibliocraft, a new book by Jessica Pigza, the rare books librarian at  NYPL and the host of Handmade Crafternoon. It's a really beautiful book, featuring projects based on researching at the library, including two that I developed and wrote. If you're free tomorrow, I'd love to see you there! (Word on the street is that there will be lots of doughnuts from Peter Pan too, just saying.)

• When: Wednesday, March 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. • Where: Brooklyn Craft Company, 61 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 • More launch info

[yoursecretadmiral]

Ta da, new business cards!

[yoursecretadmiral]

Cat-on-Wheels

I drew this tribute in colored pencil to Gus the Cat in his favorite posture, transporting his favorite food, riding his favorite style of bike for his BFF’s birthday gift.

[yoursecretadmiral]

Inspired by George and Martha for Larks & Japes

Recently Larks & Japes asked me to write a piece for their "Inspired By" series, which is dedicated to parties and gatherings inspired by books and movies. My take on the theme features an ode to one of my favorite picture book series in the form of an all cookie tea party.

[yoursecretadmiral]

Tea Towel Embroidery Workshop

Get your year off to a clean start! Join Kim Konen and me for a workshop on embroidering tea towels to kick off our third year of Greenpoint Hand Skills craft programming. We'll have vintage embroidery patterns on hand or you can design your own imagery.

This free, all-levels craft workshop is open to all levels of embroiderers. Materials and tools will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share and a plain tea towel to embroider. (This is not required –- we'll also have spare tea towels to share with you.)

When: Saturday, January 4 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP suggested.

[yoursecretadmiral]

How to Make a No-Sew Felt Garland

My festive DIY tutorial is up on the Etsy blog –– a cozier twist on paper chains that are easy to store and reuse. This quick holiday craft project simply uses felt + a clever tab system.

Learn how.

[yoursecretadmiral]

10 Spots to Shop in Brooklyn

Small Business wrote up a list of top notch places to shop locally in Brooklyn this holiday season, featuring some of my suggestions from my beloved borough.

For your last-minute gifts, peruse the full list, 10 Great Places in Brooklyn to Shop Local for the Holidays.

(Image: BookCourt)

[yoursecretadmiral]

Love From NOLA Inspired

What a nice surprise! Today Katie Wohl featured handmade wares from my Etsy shop for NOLA Inspired's Etsy Wednesday series. 

Check it out!

[yoursecretadmiral]

Totally BUSTed

I've been a fan of BUST Magazine since I was a teenager, so when they reached out to me for a profile piece for their online Meet Your Maker series, I jumped at the chance! 

Read the full interview for my thoughts on eyeballs, small business, and my current inspirations.

Photo by Jessica Marquez.

[yoursecretadmiral]

December Workshops

Crafty holidays to you! I've got a busy month of DIY classes kicking off this weekend. Check out the line-up below, and I hope to see you at one of my sessions.

Stamp Carving + Holiday Cards Workshop 

Learn how to carve your own rubber stamps make a set of festive holiday cards.

When: Saturday, December 7. Sessions at 3:30 and 5 p.m.

Where: Brooklyn Craft Company, 61 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Sign up here.

Pom Pom Workshop

Join my craft group for a festive pom-pom-a-thon! For this month’s Greenpoint Hand Skills workshop local artist, designer, and author Sarah Goldschadt will teach us how to make pom pom ornaments and pom pom garlands to celebrate the season in cozy style. Be sure to check out her craft new book on the topic, called Pom Poms!

This free all-levels craft workshop is open to all, and donations to support continued programming are welcome. Materials and tools will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share, or yarn from your stash.

When: Saturday, December 7 from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

RSVP here.

No-Sew Felt Chain Garlands Workshop 

Drawing inspiration from the traditional holiday craft, we'll make cheery and colorful holiday with nice wool felt that can be reused from year to year (or kept up all year round). I'll teach you a clever and quick way to make these garland using just felt and scissors, no sewing needed! All skill levels are welcome.

When: Saturday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Bust Craftacular, Metropolitan Pavilion

125 W. 18th Street, New York, NY

Sign up here.

[yoursecretadmiral]

G is for Glasses Art Opening

Four eyes forever! You're invited to the opening of a compendium of brand new paper cut pieces celebrating eyewear from my time as the artist-in-resident at Alphabet City in Auckland, New Zealand. 

• Where: Alphabet City, 71 Mt. Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland

• When: Friday, November 1 from 6-8 p.m.

• More Opening Info.

Please do spread the word to Kiwi friends! 

For more photos of my works-in-progress (I know you're wondering what the letter N will represent) and a preview of what the show will hold, peruse my Instagram pics.

[greenpointhandskills]

Inspired by the colors and swirling leaves of the season, at this workshop we’ll be making embroidered felt leaves. Turn the felt leaves into your choice of craft project, such as decorative leaf garlands, brooches, and hair clips using the templates and motifs provided, or your...

[yoursecretadmiral]

Join me at the next Greenpoint Hand Skills workshop to make fall garlands. It'll be fun (and free)!

[yoursecretadmiral]

Wisdom from Yokoo

“If you’re smart, don’t be a fool wasting your time being a genius.”

 – Yokoo

For more wisdom from my interview with the knitting superhero herself read the full interview on the Etsy Seller Handbook blog.