Are you smarter than my fifth grader?

5th grade mash up : 1982 and 2008

Nope, your not. Cause he has a "Jerry Maguire Kid" brain and he knows how much it weighs, I assure you. Every night he creeps in and asks what he has taken to calling " the weird question of the day". I thought he was getting them from a book, but, no, they are all his. Last nights gem was a series of ponderings about animals dreams and what they might be. uh, huh. "I am sure they do" I said and went back to cutting shapes out of felt.

You know, I actually have no idea if animals dream, and its been a while since I had such a random thought. Perhaps I should have a weird question of the day.

Smell them roses, because your kids WILL grow up before your eyes way to fast.

Fat Birdies are too cute!

I know that when I get back to illustration, my first love, that it should be a lot more dramatic than a little fat birdie - but I drew him months ago and he has been on the bulletin board staring at me. So, now Fruitcake has Fat Birdies. I printed them out on fabric "paper" that goes through the ink jet and did up like 10 prototypes before settling on this cute fabric brooch. ( my desk is a mountain of felty scraps now, joy)

I think they would look cute on a tote bag,no? I also whipped up a few big ones to experiment making appliques, for, guess what - yep tote bags! I think I will clean up my desk first.

Next, I have to make a cute card for them and then make a whole bunch to bring to shows.
If you visit me at a show and make a purchase, you will get a FREE birdie pin if you mention you saw it on my Blog! Can't wait to mix and mingle in the Fall air.....

xo Fruitcake!

Road Trippin!

Sometimes one needs to get out the familiar and get a change of scenery...and In November Fruitcake and Ursula and Olive will be heading out to Hand Made Arcade in Pittsburgh, PA! I am very excited to " take our show on the road", but this means I will have to dive into stock making overload! Since we are sharing a space, we have to plan carefully and it I will have advice later on about sharing and the best do's and don'ts. Darlene of U and O also share a love of vintage goodness and makes the cutest book character cameos. She also has a great line of Geek Girl pendants, that have total pop culture fabulousness. Check out her Etsy shop if you have a minute! Meanwhile, if anyone out there has a Hotel recommendation....email me! Yay crafty road trip!!!

Sweet New Site(s)

I was referred by a super sweet Gal - Layla of Dollface Design, to check out a new up and coming online marketplace: LOLLISHOPS that has what they call a "frou frou" friendly atmosphere.


It's juried, so that they can keep the site in line with a vision, and looks very promising and delicious! Really, it looks like cupcakes and frosting all over. In reading throughout the blog, it seems they have about 400 vendors already lined up for the grand opening ( tba, it seems) It already includes many of my fave vendors, so can't wait to see what happens next.

I am excited to see a place where romantic, elegant, whimsy, vintage, and sweet are the main focus. I applied myself to be a part of the fun, but either way, I wish them lots of luck on their adventure!

Oh, and please, check out Doll Face's shop, her prints are beyond Fab, I have one in my studio right now!

I am thinking that I may start a new weekly feature, based on this post, themed with a "too sweet to eat" kinda feel. Kicking titles around, but will have no shortage of Vintage Inspired, well inspirations to share. Check back soon, as I intend to fully get this Blog up and running again with posts very often and many more pictures and features.

I am in my studio full time and gearing up for shows like mad. I am working on Domino Cuffs with lots of vintage findings, handbags, new cameo style tote bags, trash to treasures, and plenty of top secret stuff. All sweet, all fab, and all keeping me up waaaaaaaay past bed time.

I will be back, soon, and I hope you join me. WIP's and new projects up next.

xo Jennifer

Vintage Inspired Shopping Alert!

I have reopened my shop and my Blog. All this week and next I will be adding new cuffs, sweet flea market finds, necklaces, bags and other goodies! Go to www.fruitcake.etsy.com

Also I am a member of the newly formed Rhody Girls Art Club, and am helping to set up on Saturdays at the Providence Open Market this September. It has moved to Lippitt Park and promises to be super swell. There is a great deal of talent to be had here in New England, and you can never start your Christmas shopping to early!

Make sure to check out my gal pals booths: Ursula and Olive, Black Sheep Designs, Kiddo Mio and Lucky Bird Studio.