Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Going Against All My Principles Because the World Needs To Know

So in case you missed the memo, I HATE CRAFTING. Notice, however that I didn't say I hate "crafts" - just the act of making them. Thanks to a previous post on this topic, I am also relieved to find myself in good company on this one.

Now, while I don't necessarily hate crafts, I must admit that I tend not to be too crazy about anything that looks like someone made it at their kitchen table with a glue gun. Or, anything that screams out "I'M CUTE!" These kind of crafts do absolutely nothing for me. And frankly, even when I've ventured into the intimidating world of "Craft Fairs" I still don't find too many things that suit my taste.

But then sometimes you find something really, super, cool.

That someone made.

Around their kitchen table with a glue gun.

And occasionally, when the stars align and universe sings, and you observe a comet streaking past a total solar eclipse, you find yourself related to one of these glue-gun-geniuses (even if it's only by marriage), whom you realize you've been failing to fully appreciate once you find the online site where they sell their stuff.

And then you feel compelled to go straight to your blog, and tell the world. Because they need to know. So that's what I'm doing. (*Surprise* Tia!)

Now yes, I was aware of some impressive creations from this individual. I have even told others about her talent, and attempted to explain how cool the few things I've seen are. But I had no idea, until I went here, that she was So. Incredibly. Awesome.

Seriously. The creator is my niece-by-marriage Tia Valentine, who is an extremely cool girl, and the name of her boutique-y stuff is Urban Karma. And can I just say that I want to buy one of her amazing signs for Little Miss Two sooooo bad!

So, considering how anti-homemade-craft I am, I figure anything that impresses me this much should be shared with the world. So here you go. Link yourself on over, drool on your keyboard while you check out her stuff, make a selection/wish-list, and then get back over here and let Tia know how cool you think she and her glue gun really are, since there's no place on her craft site for comments.

I can't believe I'm pushing a craft on my blog. The world may end tomorrow. But won't this be a nice surprise for Tia, who has absolutely no idea I just found her craft site and decided she deserves a little attention for being cooler than the average crafter?

(And can you imagine what her scrapbooks must look like? Even I might craft if I could achieve these kinds of results!)

(Oh yes, and please feel free to contact Tia-maker-of-awesome-crafts at valentine@urban-karma.com and order something. Or tell her she's amazing. Or refer her to your friends, because they deserve to know. You can thank me for sending you her way later).

(So did you go there yet? Can you believe she makes that stuff? Out of her own head? Just thinking about trying to come up with anything half that cool makes me tired. Hey! Maybe she'd do some kind of giveaway on my blog for my next limerick contest! I know, I know, earning the title of "The World's Greatest Limerick Writer Ever" is already a HUGE distinction, but there's nothing like taking things up a notch... Feedback people, I need feedback!)

20 comments:

LisAway said...

That stuff is AWESOME! Wow. I love the urban karam plaque at the top the best. All that stuff is terrific, though. And, as you say, not like those other kind of crafts at all, really.

Alison Wonderland said...

I'm also generally not a craft liker but I think I may have to brush up on my limericking just in case. (Oh and also because I need to win that stinkin' contest!)

Camille said...

I too can't make anything worth looking at. So I depend on my much more talented neighbors to show me what's hip. I usually end buying my stuff up at Target or pier one. I'm impressed with your niece! I know it takes a lot of work, not by experience, but by watching others.

Anonymous said...

I love the oversized letters! These are all the rage! It used to be vinyl lettering on your living room wall, but now, hey, something with dimension! I LOVE THEM!!!

(And tell Tia, if she needs any lace scraps, please email me and I'll send her BOXES of wedding dress leftovers!)

Claire said...

Her stuff is fantastic! i love it!

I think you should a contest to see who has the best scottish accent. Just a suggestion...?

Lorrene said...

She has some really pretty things.
Money is such an object when you don't have any. I soon found craft making was too costly for me. Even scraps and dibs and dabs of this and that run into a lot.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could get her to give something away to the loser of your limerick contest. I could probably win that.

Barbaloot said...

I'm pretty sure you and I are fake the same person when it comes to crafts. I also hate making them, and rarely find any I feel are worthy of display of any sort. But I did like your neice's stuff. One day...when I have a do-whatever-I-want-with-my-money lifestyle, I will have lots of fun looking at her stuff.

Natalie said...

Ahh, yes. I, too, have swooned over Tia's creations on her site. I think mainly because they don't look homemade and crafty. They look full-on professional and classy. And I WANT several things.

Tia said...

Ohh my goodness Jen!! You are so funny, thank you for the wonderful blog about my crafts. I do appreciate all the comments, and thank you for looking and liking all my things. Jen thank you so much that really was such an awesome surprise. Yes I would love to do a giveaway. How about an Initial done custom made just for the winner?

Lorrene said...

Since you don't do crafts, maybe you would have time to play a game of tag. I have been tagged and I need to pass it on to five people and you are so lucky because I have chosen you among others to pass it on to. Go to my blog to find instructions. And if you do not want to get involved you are already forgiven.

J. Baxter said...

Tia - the only problem with hosting the contest is that I can't win. Other than that, you're on!

As soon as I get the urge for a contest (which could happen any time) I'll let everyone know. In the mean time... Get ready to limerick people!

nikkicrumpet said...

YES she is AWESOME!!!

annie valentine said...

We're related to her? Seriously? We are so cool.

Anonymous said...

Very CUTE! :) And she's in my neighborhood! :)

Kelly said...

Love Urban Karma stuff! My favorite is the star she posted on her website, it is covered with pics of her family. I really want one for my living room (of course with pics of MY family). I love it!

J. Baxter said...

Kel - I loved those too! And I was sad not to see them on her craft sight, because like the rest of her stuff, they looked so classy. And yes, I would LOVE to have one.

Natalie said...

Hey, the star was my favorite too!

Laura said...

I had no idea Tia was so loaded with such creativity! I can already picture a "DIANA" for Diana's wall! Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Jen!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

That is one talented gal!