Alliday ALLSTAR: Rainbow Swirlz

There's a pretty good chance that you have some of Rainbow Swirlz work already.  You may wear it or you may carry it and if you were involved in our December 2011 show, you most certainly have one of their sturdy totes!  For our past show, we decided to offer free swag bags filled with goodies from our talented artists to the earliest of attendees to the show and also gifted specialized bags to our Allstars and Artists just for being awesome!  These bags (with graphic by Pop Prints) wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of Rainbow Swirlz, a screen printing company nestled right down the Turnpike in Stroud!

I personally fell in love with Rainbow Swirlz almost four years ago at Indie Emporium where I snagged my first of many designs of theirs.  It was about a year later that I met Mendy, the brains (and brawn!) of the company, and quickly fell in love with her strong work ethic, true blue honesty and sense of humor that never fails to make me laugh.  Their designs are endless as are their nonstop Facebook specials!  So if you're needing custom screen printing done, are looking for something new and comfortable to wear or are just wanting to support a worthy local business, check them out and become addicted like I did!

-Briana

Alliday ALLSTAR: Lot 6

Did you know there are perpetually changing local art shows in the heart of Tulsa?  If you're over 21 and want to support a deserving local business, scoot yourself over to The Pearl District and check out the glorious Lot 6!  Owner and Entrepreneur Vanessa Somerville (recently included in UTW's Hot 100!)  has created an environment perfect for artists and art appreciators alike.  Open from 2-2 with daily specials, Lot 6 is more than just a bar, it's an Art Bar with a different artist each month displaying their works.  

 Typically, Gallery Openings are held on the first Friday of every month and are a guaranteed good time.  Other specials are: 

Monday - Service Industry Night,

Tuesday - Ladies' Night, 

Thursday - Guys' Night, 

2nd Saturday of the Month - Steve Cluck 80's & 90's Dance Party

Sunday - Happy Hour All Day

Everyday - Free WiFi, Happy Hour from 2-7 and Outlets Aplenty!

Lot 6 was kind enough to let Alliday take over the bar for our Artist Meet & Greet before our 2011 show!  It only made sense to have an event for artists at an Art Bar!  We had a great time and thank them for being so accommodating and fun!  

The staff is great, the drinks are cold and the art is totally worth the trip.  Perhaps we'll see you at the next opening!

-Briana

Alliday ALLSTAR: Pop Prints

Before, during and after our 2011 show, one of the most common questions I encountered was "Who did your graphics?"  That would be Pop Prints, run by the very talented Ross Maute in Stillwater, OK.  Ross was SUCH a joy to work with and if you're in the market for a quality graphic designer who doubles as an awesome guy, he's your man.  No doubt.  Having never worked with a graphic designer before on a project, I had no idea how the process would work, especially with us being in different cities but it worked beautifully.  He was efficient, accommodating and obviously has got mad skills.  Take a moment to check out just a few of my favorites of his below and check out more for yourself.  You'll be sold, just like I was.  

-Briana

And, of course, my favorite.

Alliday ALLSTAR: Bluebird Lane

How many of you out there have dreamt of running away for the weekend, wished you had time to complete your stack of unfinished projects or pined for a few days away with your friends?  I think it's safe to say, we all have.  Luckily for us, Bluebird Lane has made those dreams much easier to achieve with their beautiful, functional and modern craft retreat just outside of Tulsa!  Set on five acres of land, the 3,000 sq ft retreat sleeps 15, hosts all modern conveniences and, of course, boasts some very desirable and personal crafting spaces!  You better believe I'll be there and in fact, I'm already examining my calendar to see when I can book my weekend!  Want to know more?  Bluebird Lane will be spending the day with us THIS SATURDAY and is ready to help your crafting weekend dreams come true!

-Briana

Who are you? 

Jen Junkermeier and Megan Neal, Lifelong sisters and recent business partners! We are the dreamers and creators of Bluebird Lane, Scrapbooking and Craft retreat.

Megan Neal (the little sister) is the creative energy and vision behind Bluebird Lane. She is an Oklahoma Certified Florist and works full time as a floral designer at a local Tulsa flower shop. She enjoys spending time with her handy husband Edward and yorkie Mabel. A cute pair of shoes, a blooming garden, and a bargain shopping trip keeps this girl going. She has been scrapping since college and loves to find inspiration through other crafters projects. 

Jen Junkermeier (the big sister) is the centering force of Bluebird Lane. She is happily married to husband John and a proud mommy to son Jack. While working full time she is a family focused woman who knows how to get things done. She thrives on laughter, good music, and chocolate. Although new to scrapping, she has developed a great passion for perfecting the craft. 

Tell us a little about your business/service. 
Bluebird Lane is a Labor of Love created my sister’s Megan Neal and Jen Junkermeier. Our primary goal is to spread a passion for creative crafting. We offer a comfy, cozy weekend retreat experience for people looking to escape and create. We strive to give you a laid-back atmosphere in a beautiful country setting. We have sleeping and work-table accommodations for up to fifteen guests and you can book as a single reservation or a group. 

Where are you located?
Our facility is a 3,000 square foot hideaway located just south of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We Love to give tours at: 

Bluebird Lane
20539 S Yale Ave.
Mounds, OK 74047
(918)633-6628  

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you?
Creators and scrappers at heart, we are constantly amazed at all the innovative and fresh ideas that flow from friends who have a crafting passion. There is always something new to learn! Being surrounded by creative people creates inspiration in our own lives and for us that is what living is all about! 

What are your favorite handmade items to shop for? 
You cannot beat a great pair of Handmade Earrings that you know no one else has a replica of! It’s the interesting and one of a kind piece that normally catches our eye. Although, handmade soap, scarves knitted by friends, and personal artwork adorn both of our homes! 

What are you most looking forward to at Alliday? 
We are so excited to meet all the wonderful and talented Vendors that will be a part of Alliday. Having sold handmade goods in the past, we have a true understanding of the love and dedication that goes into running a business of handmade good.  

What is your favorite holiday tradition? 
Every year we (the sisters) along with our parents and spouses gather on a Sunday morning in the beginning of December, eat a hearty brunch, and travel to a local tree farm to cut down the perfect fresh Christmas trees. Bundling up in our winter best, snapping a few pictures to place in our scrapbooks, and spending the evening adorning our tree has become our favorite family time of the season! 

What holiday do you wish was everyday and why? 
This year for Thanksgiving our family all gathered at Bluebird Lane for an old fashion sleepover! What a blast! The joy of Thanksgiving is in family, food, and fun. It must be our favorite! There is no pressure to chose the perfect gift, or have the prefect table setting. As long as there is Turkey, Mashed Potato’s, and family it’s perfect. 

If you could create a new holiday, what would it be and why? 
We think a simple Family day is in order. This would not be like Valentines when one looks for NEW Love, or any government holiday where one celebrates a long lost memory of a person. This would be a day to simply celebrate the family we have, cherish the time we all get to spend together and focus on what is important. 

(And then the next day we would all go back to work! ; ) 
All the important stuff is at : www.bluebirdretreat.com
And the fun “get to know us stuff” happens here: https://www.facebook.com/BluebirdLane 

Alliday ALLSTAR: This Land Press

In case you weren't aware, Oklahoma is unbelievably amazing.  Our history, our people, our land, our culture, our EVERYTHING constantly amazes.  Every day I fall deeper in love with this great state and the people that share it with me.  

This Land Press loves Oklahoma too.  It's more than puppy love, it's more than a fleeting crush, it's L.O.V.E.  And they're not shy about it.  Their publication encompasses the history of the state, what to do locally, the magic of our small towns, controversies, hidden treasures and so much more; it's a list that could go on for days.  When I read one of their issues I feel more Oklahoman which I didn't think was possible.  And it's a proud, powerful feeling that only they can create.  With some of the best writers in the state under one (cute) roof, it's no surprise that This Land churns out some killer work.  Find an issue THIS SATURDAY at Alliday and witness the love affair between our land and This Land.  

Oklahoma+This Land 4EVER

-Briana

Who are you? 
This Land Press - Oklahoma's First New Media Company. Our mission is to chronicle life in Oklahoma through courageous, compelling stories- and to tell those stories in the most suitable medium: print, video and audio.

Tell us a little about your business.

We are mainly a subscription based paper, but also distribute at 40+ local businesses around Tulsa- http://thislandpress.com/find/

Where are you located?
12th and Peoria in Tulsa, OK

How does being involved in the creative handmade community affect you? 

We are proud supporters of local art. We understand the importance of fostering new talent and bringing original work to Oklahoma.

Where can we find you? 
Facebook
Website

Alliday Artist: Meet Figments of Imagination!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I’m Claire and Figments of Imagination is my business. I have been working with jewelry since I was a teen and with glass for over 15 years. You might call it my addiction! I live and work in Stillwater, OK and grew up in Tulsa.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I create jewelry from fused glass, from sterling silver, and from copper. I also fuse/slump glass into plates and bowls. I just love glass in all forms. I especially like the dichroic glass – love the sparkle and shine!

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the glass itself – it is almost like it tells me what to do. Okay, I know that sounds kooky but I am too!

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?
I love Christmas – the decorations and lights, the spirit of giving, the time with friends and family.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
It would be International Glass Appreciation Day. I would honor the use of glass in all forms from utilitarian to artistic and introduce people to creating with glass.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Reading “The Night Before Christmas” – my 29 year old son now reads it to my 15 year old daughter – it is very the same book I read him and his grandmother and I read to him. It is a bit tattered from almost 50 years of wear but very special to us.

How would you describe your work in three words?
Unique, beautiful, fun

Website
Facebook

Alliday Artist: Meet Garden Finds!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
I am a retired creative spirit, gardener, woodworker, seamstress, bird lover, wife and grandmother to 12. I started an etsy shop after seeing gardening items on ebay for a number of years and showcased my feeders and houses there.

What do you create and what do YOU love about your products?
I create recycled items with nature in mind. I build bird feeders, birdhouses, planters, etc. from salvaged, reclaimed, vintage materials. I love creating something new and original from something old.

Where do you find inspiration?
From nature and from many years of watching the birds in my own wildlife habitat.

The Alliday Show believes that everyday should be celebrated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do you wish were everyday and why?

Earth Day. Everyday is Earth Day for me. I believe in the good of our environment and the importance of reusing things that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and why?
Love Day. So we can have a chance and reminder to tell the ones we love how important they are to us and to spread the love to others.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? 
Decorating the Christmas tree with my grandchildren.

How would you describe your work in three words?
Practical, easy and attractive

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