July 27th, 2009

I had a great time teaching the decoupage plate class yesterday! We sifted through vintage images and patterned prints and each person created a gorgeous collage on a decorative plate to take home. Two of the students in the class were Eileen Gibson and her cousin, Susan. When Eileen mentioned that she is opening up a small business called The Writers Junction, my ears perked up.

There are several small business in Santa Monica that are striving to build community through creativity, while providing a physical space to bring out the endeavors and ideas that can often remain isolated in one’s home. The Writers Junction is a membership based, shared workshop space that encourages just that.

Eileen (pictured above), and her brother Jay, decided to open the business together. Both are working writers who wanted a space apart from the distractions of home, dedicated specifically to writing. Why not just rent an office space you ask? Well, creative minds must think alike because, like The U.C.C, The Writer’s Junction wants to make people’s workspace a place of supportive interaction as well as a space to work independently!

Eileen says that, “The Writers Junction offers an affordable destination for work that is conducive to productive solitude, within a growing and supportive creative community. We create the quiet of a library, the society of a coffee shop, the focus of a daily office, and the camaraderie of a club.” What’s the biggest perk, you ask? The workspace is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! If you are a member, you can burst through the doors the moment your writer’s block subsides.

If you’d like to find out more about The Writers Junction, visit Eileen’s website HERE.

July 14th, 2009

The event on Friday was a tremendous success! It was great to see so many familiar and new faces, all celebrating the handmade journey of U.C.C sewing teacher Christine Haynes.

Christine signed copies of her book, Chic and Simple Sewing for eager seamstresses who were able to get questions answered about starting a successful crafting business.



Groups gathered to learn one of our very favorite, addictive crafts: needlefelting. In addition, we had Yudu screen printing demos of images adapted from Christine’s book. People left with an elegant silhouette image, or a special event poster from the night.





Trunk Show pieces from Christine’s collection


The night ended with a fashion show with a fantastic group of models. Such fun :-)



Thank you everyone for being a part of our very special evening!

June 27th, 2009

Join us at our studio on Friday July 10th from 6pm-9pm as we welcome Christine Haynes, author of Chic & Simple Sewing. She will be discussing and signing copies of her latest book with a fashion show to follow. Come early for homemade Sangria and cupcakes while we enjoy music from DJ Lady C. Bring in an item to print on and we’ll show you how to screen print with the Yudu and how to create needle felted accessories – all free!

We will be raffling off two signed copies of Christine’s book, fat quarters of our fabrics and other U.C.C goodies throughout the night. In addition, Christine will have a trunk show of finished garments for sale. It’s a great chance to meet other crafters, get inspired and celebrate the handmade revolution!

About the book: Chic & Simple Sewing is a collection of 24 contemporary projects for the woman who wants handmade clothing without going to fashion school to do it! The book includes patterns for each design, from an Indian Summer Dress to a classic Trench, categorized by season – perfect for a modern seamstress.



About the author: Christine is one of our beloved guest teachers. A Detroit native, she graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she launched her first clothing label, then called Twospace. All of her clothing is made by hand. Christine’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times, and more!

To see examples of some of the gorgeous finished pieces Christine will have for sale at the party click here!

June 25th, 2009

Here are pictures from Christine’s latest class that ‘wrapped’ up last weeked- a Reversible Wrap Skirt! The class was completely full and each person made a unique, elegant skirt in just two sessions.



There are two more of Christine’s classes being offered this Summer; a Ruffled Skirt in July and Halter Dress in August. Please see our class schedule for more information!



A rebellious sewing needle

June 23rd, 2009

Here are some photos from last weekend’s Altered Art Techniques class. Students repurposed an existing book, learning many magical altered art techniques from Sasha Harris, truly the most energetic teacher we have here. She is very passionate about getting people together to create and always brings amazing goodies to share with her students.



Stamps, gesso and mod podge, oh my!



Each technique learned is represented on a page in the book to refer to later on, no matter what project you are working on!




A finished, fuzzy creation.

June 12th, 2009

We get so many interesting and talented people visiting and working on projects in our studio. From screen printing business cards, designing a line of jewelry, to sewing costumes for a charity event, there are already many stories to share from our community of crafters.

This is the first of our ongoing series called Urban Crafter. We will be featuring the stories and work of people who have made The U.C.C their space for exploring and creating. We hope that you will be inspired to take some time, whether that be a full day or just an hour, to bring your unfinished projects and bubbling ideas out of your home and into the studio. Share your story, photos and creations with us and let’s join the handmade revolution together! :-)



Andria Ledon stopped by our studio one day with the idea to stitch some chopstick holders for her upcoming wedding. She didn’t have much experience with a sewing machine, so we talked about different ways she could get her project done in time. Andria came back into the studio a couple of weeks later with her awesome mom, Jade, who knew how to sew and was enthusiastic that her daughter wanted to get started. They worked in the studio with one of our sewing machines and spent the day learning from each other and talking to other crafters working nearby.





I learned that Andria not only made invitations for her wedding, but used her very own letterpress to print the original designs. She presses each design individually, using an 1889 Chandler & Price, foot operated platen press. No electricity boys and girls!

After earning a degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Andria worked as an Art Director for a Japanese toy company as well as a Senior Designer for a boutique advertising agency. She spent several years mastering the craft of letterpress before starting an independent design and letterpress company called Lilikoi. Recently, she and her best friend, Megan (a.k.a the Peaches), started a second creative business together called Peach Press. The two women are dedicated to creating personal and unique creations, tailored to each individual project. This is my favorite of their designs, the Phonograph!



Here is a photo of one of Andria and Jade’s finished creations from the day. It was really great to see a mother and daughter working together, learning from each other and laughing along the way. Her wedding took place on a beautiful island in Hawaii on May 30th. Congratulations newlywed!

June 7th, 2009

We had a great time in a booth at the farmer’s market last Sunday, May 31st. It was so special to see all of the Santa Monica businesses supporting one another in the same space! We did needle felting demos all morning, one of my favorite crafts to show because most people are so fascinated by its simplicity. :-) I partook in some locally grown fruits and veggies as well. We can’t wait to do it again!

May 30th, 2009

We will be at the Main Street Farmer’s Market tomorrow, May 31st, doing needle felting demos all morning, from 9am-1pm It is our first time being invited to participate in the farmer’s market and we can not wait!!! Follow your noses to the pancake booth because we will be set up right net to it. Needle felt with us, then get your fingers deliciously sticky with maple syrup after :-)

Read more about the local farmer’s market here

Tomorrow is also an amazing day of clothing transformation at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. 2525 Michigan Ave. Beginning from 2pm-5pm.
Bring a bag of t-shirts, any size, and get in for $5. Once inside you will be able to visit the design stations including, Hoodies, Silkscreening, Felting, Shopping Bags and more! Learn to alter your clothing into something unique! Find more about the event, including what to expect and what to bring, here