Alliday Artist: Meet Marekalaine!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. 
Social media manager by day, crafter by night. I live, work and play in Oklahoma City. I found that sewing and other crafts are cathartic and have really relieved some stress. It’s my version of running!

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products? 
I create Oklahoma pillows and corkboard maps. I absolutely love the Oklahoma pillows because so many of them are bought and sent to people’s friends who have recently moved away from OK. It’s awesome to know that people get a warm feeling when they look at something as small as a pillow! I love creating the maps because it allows people to track their travels!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why? 
Such a tough question! If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have answered emphatically that Christmas is the best. Now, I really enjoy Thanksgiving – spending time with my family, great food and board games!

What is your favorite holiday tradition? 
My birthday is Christmas Eve, so the birthday-Christmas craziness is always a blast!

How would you describe your work in three words? 
Homemade, heartfelt, fun!

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Alliday Artist: Meet Iron Bear Jewelry!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. 
I am a self taught wire design artist. I love creating my beautiful jewelry! I hand pick all of the natural stones and fossils I use to create my unique pieces. I use all natural stones, fossils, freshwater/saltwater pearls, mother of pearl and artisan crafted glass. My metals are sterling and non-tarnish silver as well as 14kt. Goldfil and 14kt. Gold. Everything is real.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I originally started creating jewelry for myself. I love original designs, the natural stones and fossils. And you couldn't find this 13 years ago when I started. I love my jewelry because it makes me happy to create it for someone else. And very happy when that person loves it as much as me. 

What sets your creations apart from others? 
My free form wire design. It is non-traditional and unconventional. Like me. I use all real stuff. No plastic, cheap products. I use artisan crafted glass because I believe in helping fellow artists and keeping small businesses going.

Where do you find inspiration?
In nature. Colors. I look at stones and see what it can be. And I see what kind of wearable art it can be.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
Hmmm. I love Christmas and the giving and the gifts. And wish it could be every day. The giving mostly but also who doesn't love gifts!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
National be kind to nature day. Because so many of us get up go outside and never see the sunrise or never see the clouds, never see the sunset. We don't appreciate mother nature near enough. And as a holiday we could.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Cooking great comfort food. Being with family, friends and being happy.

How would you describe your work in three words? 
Non-traditional/unconventional
Beautiful
Enhancing

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Alliday Artist: Meet Stirling Madrid!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
Hello, My name is Stirling Madrid I have a fiancé’ named Brian my daughter Karter and an Australian Sheppard named Lillie. I live in Tulsa Oklahoma and I am blessed to say that I am a stay at home mom. Being a stay at home mom has given me the leisure to create accessories at my own pace. I enjoy being with my family day in and day out but I have a deep passion for creating personal creations that light up people’s lives. I work closely with Brenda Horan Photography in creating accessories that compliment both of our styles. I also work closely with Destry Davis of Glamour Artz Designs in creating couture bridal pieces that are truly one of a kind. I have had pieces featured on pintrest, Tulsa Kids and Tulsa People (holiday issue) and I would like to say that I have a very loyal following.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I create and work closely with customers to design accessories that accentuate that customer’s personal style. I LOVE that my pieces are reasonable in price but have the upmost quality today’s customers demand. I strive to give the absolute best I can at the best price possible. Once you have experienced one of my creations you will have trouble with how you ever had anything else. I use only the best quality materials when creating my accessories.

What sets your creations apart from others?
I can say that my accessories are different from others simply with the amount of detail and scrutiny that goes into each piece. I am a very prideful person and there is just something special about a customer wearing a custom flower creation that just radiates confidence. As an artist I couldn’t be more proud.

Where do you find inspiration? 
I find my inspiration in day-to-day activities that My daughter participates in. Karter has a heavy curriculum as well as gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, and just being prissy little girl. She truly is my inspiration in all that I create
The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?  
If I were to wish I were a holiday I would wish to be a birthday. As a child who doesn’t love there birthday? The anticipation of celebrating such a wonderful day with friends, family and loved ones with Decorations, cake, planned excitement and the joy and laughter that only those special can create in your heart! If I could be a holiday I would love to be a birthday. What a special experience to be apart of.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? 
My favorite holiday tradition would truly be a tie between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Nothing can make your heart more proud than the values you hold deep in your heart and the pride you feel of coming together with the ones you love. They are both such American traditions that make you proud of where you come from and all that you have overcome to be the person you are today. With the national anthem on the fourth or the saying of grace and holding hands around a meal at Thanksgiving both are my favorite.

How would you describe your work in three words?
Detail
Beauty
Pride

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Applications Due THIS SATURDAY!!!

Did you know that applications for our 3rd Annual Alliday Show are due THIS SATURDAY?!  Applications and details can be found here.

We can't wait to see what you've been making!!

How to Apply for Craft Show Class THIS SUNDAY!

We're partnering with the wonderful Indie Emporium again to bring you a class that will teach you all you'd ever need to know about successfully applying and preparing for indie craft shows!  We'll be covering EVERYTHING you could possibly imagine!  This class is FREE and will be held THIS SUNDAY at 2 p.m. at Hardesty Library!  

The application deadline for Alliday is September 1st and the deadline for Indie Emporium is August 15th!  Get those applications in!

Make That Application Count!

Sometimes, applying for a craft show can be just as intimidating as participating in a craft show!  If the show is juried, like ours, then your application needs to shine and fully reflect your products!  All shows have differing criteria for their applications but one thing remains true for all of them - your application is your first impression so make it memorable, in a good way!  Think of it as a creative resume!

Overview of our 2011 show!

Here are some of the things that Alliday is looking for from their applicants:

- That YOU make your products

- That the artist making the product will be in attendance during the show

- Unique, well-made products

- Creativity!

- Cohesive branding (company name, logo...) and products

- An up-to-date website complete with your branding and good photographs; a professional online presence.

- Quality photographs of your products and booth display if a website is not available.  If you've never set up at a show before, make a mock booth in your garage to photograph!  And make sure those photos aren't blurry!

- Make yourself and your products stand out!

Things that you may not think of when filling out an application:

- Fill out ALL blanks on the application

- Make note of the application deadline!  Ours is Saturday, September 1st!

- Write legibly

- Double check all of your links!

- Use creative adjectives to describe your products...spelling and word choice ARE important!

- Have a friend check your application over before you send it in.

- Make a copy of your application for your records.

- Send in your application fee check with your application.

Applications for the December 15th Alliday Show are now available and can be downloaded HERE!  

Impress us!

Call For Artists!

It's time!!!  We're looking for you to impress us with your handmade creations for our December 2012 show!! Applications are up and ready!  We want YOU to make this the best show yet!

Download an application HERE.