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This past weekend my family and I went down to Pioneer Square’s Davidson Galleries for the Seattle Print Fair. We saw some amazing prints, got information on local arts programs, and managed to keep a one-year-old from eating a thousand-dollar serigraph. It was a good day.

I was inside the Collum Gallery when Ryohei Tanaka’s papercuts caught my attention. The crisp lines, bright colors and symmetry of the work reminded me instantly of vector graphics. His work feels contemporary and fresh, yet it’s done in an ancient medium that we’ve ALL practiced and most likely forgotten (remember making paper snowflakes as a kid?) I was struck by the realization that paper, scissors, and talent can often compete with the latest software from Adobe. Next time I’m stuck inside Illustrator and suffering from pixel fatigue, I should pick up a pair of scissors and see what happens. Thanks for the inspiration, Ryohei.

The third annual “Plush You!” showcase of DIY plush toys highlights the movement’s innovative artists. A forthcoming book includes toy tutorials so that readers can take a swing at crafting their own plush creations. With the book arriving in October, we anticipate 2007’s Plush You! to be teh best yet and the most comprehensive display of plush craft ever.

An opening reception will be held at Schmancy, Nancy and Fancy+Pants on October 12th from 5pm to 9pm. Plush artists from all over the country will be in attendance.

Plush You! logo designed by Matt Tamaru.

On September 30th, Schmancy and Made by Moxie are teaming up for a prePlush You! event at Victrola Coffee at 310 E. Pike St in Seattle, WA.

From 1:00pm to 4:00pm Moxie will be doing a demonstration for anyone interested in learning how to needle felt.

Children facing a serious illness are often uprooted from their friends, family and local communities to receive treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center. With generous donations of art supplies, we were able to offer an artistic outlet for children and their families as they go through some very difficult times.  In conjunction with an all-staff outing to deliver the supplies, a handful of us were given the privilege to lead an Origami craft in the hospital playroom with the help of our art therapist friend, Ayako Sato. It was a great beginning to our volunteering and giving traditions at Plexipixel, and we are very grateful for the support and donations from our friends and community. Learn about more ways to donate and volunteer at Children’s Hospital here.

Wow! We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our Plexipixel family and friends during our Art Supply Drive for Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center!  We’re cooking up a way to do more than just donate the supplies too.  With the help of a friend at Children’s we are in the planning stage of participating in an activity event with the patients when we go to Children’s to donate the supplies.  Crafts, art and getting to spend some time with some very brave children – we can’t wait!  Thank you to all who donated, we couldn’t have an impact without you.

Before you head on down to Schmancy to see Snaggs’ amazing felt art work, read the Crown Dozen interview!

See post below for details about Snaggs’ show!

Schmancy Toys is proud to present the colorful and wonderful felt artwork of Snaggs. Please come to the opening reception on Friday, May 11th from 6-9 pm.

Schmancy Toys is located at 1932 2nd Ave in Seattle’s Belltown.

Here’s an interview with Le Merde. If you are in the San Francisco area, please be sure to check out their show at Super7 on May 12th.

This weekend, Dec. 1st -3rd, there is a lot going on! As well as the mondo Urban Craft Uprising, there is at least one other craft sale happening at the Phinney Ridge Center. Friends of Plexipixel Karin Yamagiwa Madan and Suzanne Kaufman will have a table in the red room at table 83.

The event takes place at 6532 Phinney Ave in the Greenwood district of Seattle.