Goodbye to The Altered Page

Welcome to 2019. And to my last official post on The Altered Page. 2018 was a year of change for me and that theme will continue into the new year. Wasting no time, the first change starts now.

My online life started on August 10, 2007 when I uploaded my first post to The Altered Page. Back in the day, long-form blogs were the way to go. The only way to go. People had the patience to read, many supportive comments were left and responded to, and a community was born. Some of my strongest artist friendships began in those early years and continue to thrive today.

But, as we all know, social media continued to develop and micro-blogging sites began to become popular. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - to name a few - started to change the face of the online community and make social exchanges more user-friendly and speedier. Why read 5 paragraphs and click through to leave a comment when now you could simply see a picture and click thumbs-up?

I have come to embrace the quick forms of social media in my life as an artist as they allow me to connect with my community while not taking all my time away from actually creating. Seems like many other people agree as more and more long-form blogs have been neglected and closed. But at the same time, I continue to love the depth and breadth that my blog was designed to encouraged. And truthfully, I have always found that I came to truly know people via blogs in a way that has never been equaled by FB or IG.

So what's a guy to do? Why not keep both?

And I am. But not here.

I have made the decision to move my blog to my website and drop the name The Altered Page. This has not been an easy choice but it came down to one simple concept: control. With so many constant changes to the algorithms of many social media platforms, it seems like years of work in developing a community can come crashing down in an instant. For example, it took me many years and much effort to create a Facebook Business Page with 14,000+ followers. But it seems like it only took Facebook one minute to change the algorithm so that only a fraction of a fraction of my followers now see any of my posts. Not going to chance that on my blog. Combining it with my website gives me, and only me, the choices.

While I may lose a good number of followers in the transition, you know what? I am ready to be Seth Apter online rather than The Altered Page. Truthfully, I cannot even remember how I came up with that name except for remembering that all my first choices were already taken!

Hoping that whenever you find this post, you will take the time and take a chance to head over to my new blog. Maybe even have a read and, if you are so moved, to follow along on my continuing adventure by receiving each new post in your inbox. And, since we know nothing ever disappears from the Internet, if this is your first visit to my old blog, maybe stay a while and see what happened over the last 11+ years.

And no matter where your next click takes you, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making my journey in art so fun, exciting and satisfying.

The Happiest...

The Happiest of holidays to you all.....

May your future be bright and your days filled with light.

Apter's Chapters: Save the Independents

Just over a year ago I put up a post called Shop Mom and Pop. I was lamenting the closure of several independent art shops in NYC and encouraging creatives to shop at their local brick and mortar store for their supplies. It definitely struck a nerve as it is now my second most read blog post from 2017.

Today I make the same plea after just receiving news of the closing of The Stamp Addict, an independent craft shop in San Diego, CA - one that I was scheduled to teach with in 2018 for the first time. Sadly, this is occurring more and more often - both in the United States and Internationally. And I guarantee that as I write this, there is a group of owners who are now considering closing shop. Perhaps they have been on the fence for sometime but 2018 might just be the year that they have no choice but to close.

The reasons are of course familiar (e.g., the convenience of the Internet, lower prices online, the tempting 40% off coupons, amazon.com, etc.). But every time a mom and pop shop closes...

--we miss out on a very personal shopping experience.
--we lose a community.
--we no longer have the opportunity to ask product questions from knowledgeable staff.
--we have one less place to take workshops and see demos.
--we lose the opportunity to see (and often try) a product in person.

...not to mention that there are fewer places for teaching artists to find work and that the shop owners lose their livelihood.

More than once I have heard from former owners that former customers share words of sadness and disappointment when the closing announcement was made -- but many of those same customers hadn't shopped regularly at their store for years. I say it is time to show support while the doors are still open. There is no easy way to to turn the tide, but we as a community can make a difference.

Amex already sponsors Small Business Saturday, which this year will be on November 24. But why wait? And why only make this effort once a year?

I say we all make it a point to head to the our local (or semi-local) independent craft or art shop this month and buy something. Or buy many things. Say hello and thank the owner. And buy something. Or many things. And then go back again any other day and buy more. 

And if you are a shopper (and who are we kidding - if you are reading this, of course you are), leave a comment and share the name and/or link to your favorite shop(s). Let's get this party started!

The Friday Five

1. 7 Things You Need to Know: Street Art

2. Artists as Hoarders (the 145+ comments make for a great read too)

3. 9 Famous Artists' Studios You Can Visit

4. How to Start a Mixed-Media Art Journal

5. The History of Stamping

Friday Fifty on Tuesday

This past Friday I posted my first Friday Five, a new weekly series. What better way to start than with 5 thoughts on how to live a better life?

1. Follow your gut. Always.

2. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

3. Put in the work.

4. It is okay to say no.

5. Always be authentic. Always

All you wonderful people added your own thoughts to the list in the blog comments and on Facebook. Totally printable and absolutely helpful on one of "those" days, here is my updated list of the Friday Fifty, including your additions.

1. Follow your gut. Always.

2. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

3. Put in the work.

4. It is okay to say no.

5. Always be authentic. Always.

6. Follow your dreams.

7. Stay true to yourself.

8. Be grateful for what you have.

9. Never feel guilty for experiencing love or joy.

10. Success in everything - even in getting the right opportunities - takes drive and effort.

11. Know the rules so that you can break them.

12. You create the life you lead.

13. Be yourself, be kind, be brave, grateful, be happy.

14. Your work and thoughts are unique.

15. Do something creative every single day.

16. It's never too late to become an artist.

17. Always take the road less traveled.

18. Believe there is good in the world.

19. Be the change you want to see in the world.

20. Be kind, say please and thank you, and never take love for granted.

21. Do what is in your heart.

22. Do what you are driven to do.

23. Live life to the full as there may not be a tomorrow.

24. Be a timely, effective communicator.

25. Courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says "I will try again tomorrow."

26. Being creative is not a hobby, it's a way of life.

27. Be mindful and grateful.

28. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

29. Manners matter. 

30. Work hard. 

31. Follow your passion.

32. Try something new.

33. Spend your time on what you love.

34. Immerse yourself in music.

35. Share your blessings through your actions, words, and art.

36. Don't compare yourself to others.

37. Always be kind.

38. Communicate appropriately and in a timely fashion.

39. Always be encouraging.

40. Remember, no one is perfect.

41. Don't be afraid to ask.

42. Give it a go...you never know what might happen.

43. Always act with integrity.

44. Always be you.

45. Be true to yourself.

46. Never give in or give up...even when it looks like a hot mess.

47. Choose the simple way. Always.

48. There is always something to be grateful for.

49. Never try to eat anything bigger than your head.

50. It is never okay to say no to an online shopping cart.

The Friday Five

1. Follow your gut. Always.

2. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

3. Put in the work.

4. It is okay to say no.

5. Always be authentic. Always

Going Off Grid

It is with excitement - and a little bit of fear - that I will be going off the grid, offline, and off social media. For 12 days. Not as an experiment but as a refresh and reboot.

The longer I have been working as an artist, the less time I have to make actual art. Ironic, right? Between travel and teaching, blogging, product design and promotion, writing, online shop keeping, answering emails, and everything else....who has time to actually create? Don't get me wrong. I truly love all of that. I really do. But I have come to realize that I also need to find make time for art. For me. It's all about balance.

So starting February 22 I will be an artist in residence at one of my most favorite places on earth - the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.

Starting that day, my focus will be on filling up the creative well and making art. After all, I did say that 2018 is all about change.

I will be teaching a one-day workshop toward the end of my stay and visiting a few local friends - so I may pop-up on social media at some point. And, because I am not sure I can handle the withdrawal, I may just pop-in to say hi once or twice on social media.

Until then, happy creating to you all. And here's to hoping you find your balance too!

Apter's Chapters: Respect

I have been wanting needing to write something about respect. About support. About sharing. And about caring. More and more I hear stories about artists, crafters and designers being copied, taken advantage of, cut down in an online comment and/or treated with a general lack of respect. And like so many others in our community, I have been the recipient of these types of treatment as well.

It has long angered me when I hear one creative talk down about another. The fine artist who puts down the mixed media artist. Or the mixed media artist who minimizes the crafter. Or the _____ who puts down the _____ (fill in the blanks with what you have experienced). How about respect and inclusivity instead?

At Creativation in January, the annual trade show in Phoenix for AFCI, I had the pleasure of seeing and talking in depth with a large number of creative people - many of whom you all know and admire. Wish it weren't the case, but I heard the same stories over and over about struggles with the companies they work with, challenges with their peers, stealing of ideas and creative content, and the like.

Happily though, there was also a feeling that 2018 is the year to change that. To use our voices to stand up for ourselves. To get back to our roots in order to find the love of creativity again. To say no to the things that don't fit with our personal beliefs and to say yes to all that does. No coincidence in my mind that this seems to be mirroring what is happening in a broader way in our world.

Perhaps it is naive, but I believe that we should all support and lift each other up. To me, there is more than enough to go around for all of us. Rather than coming from a place of (unhealthy) competition and a sense of division and threat, I believe it is far better to work together, to support each other, to respect each other. This is what will lead to each of us growing, thriving, and obtaining our goals as artists and as people in general.

A simple equation in my mind. And one that is very effective and powerful when put into action.

Hoping you will use the comment section to share your thoughts and experiences, whether negative and traumatic or positive and uplifting. But always with respect.

Apter's Chapters: Social Media

Social media has become such an integral part of my daily life, I can barely remember not having it. Or what I actually did to fill up the hours in each day that I now spend online. And I do admit, I am online hours every single day. I truly believe that without the Internet, first in the form of this blog & email and now via all my social media platforms, I would never have gotten to where I am today in terms of my art. I am certain I would be creating. But none of you would know me.

For many, social media is a love-hate relationship. Not so for me. I embrace it and think of it as part of my creative process. Yes, I would prefer to be making art. But I never try not to grumble when I have to answer (most) emails and am always usually excited when I look for just the right image to post.

I embrace social media for many reasons but there are two that are primary for me. First, making art can be a lonely venture. When it is shared with all of you though, it becomes a social event. That might not be great for everybody but it works well for me. Second, I feel that my creative process is complete when the art that I make is viewed by others. It is the last step after the signature. Without the Internet, only a bit of my art would ever be seen. And certainly not instantly. I am a patient person but sometimes there is nothing wrong with some immediate gratification and validation. Thumbs up anybody?

2018 is the year of possibility and change for me. So a review and revision in regards to social media is in order. In the middle of last year, I dropped my Periscope account. What was once so hot...is now not. Do any of you still use it?

And after many months of deliberation, I deleted my Twitter account on New Year's Eve. Publicly announcing it here will help to ensure that I do not reactivate it in a weak moment. I have come to see Twitter as more of a news feed rather than a social or visual platform. Even with their recent increased word-count allowance, I do not feel that Twitter is a good fit for me. Also, Twitter as a platform has historically been very tolerant of abuse, harassment, and general nastiness. Even if that hasn't been directed toward me, it is not something that I want to support or see popping up in my feed.

So I continue with this blog, Facebook, and Instagram (which is now kind of like Facebook's little brother). I don't think my target audience is on Snapchat, so that is out. While I have avoided Pinterest for fear of never leaving the computer, I think the time may be right to set up my first Board.  And maybe there is the next big thing out there already, waiting to be discovered by me as soon as the kids think it is passé.

Thoughts about this my peeps? Favorite platforms? Hated platforms? What will be the next big thing?

Possibiity

I have never been one to choose a word for the year, although I have often been drawn to words that other people have selected. I see 2108 as a time of change and so this year, I decided to go for it and make a choice. I thought about the word Change but in the end I selected the word Possibility.

I chose Possibility because this year is all about being open to any and every possibility that comes my way. 

In many ways this will be a year of transition for me in my creative life, and as such it is even more important to see all things as options. 

On the notion that anything is possible, I am thrilled to start this new year with this piece being featured in the January/February issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.

Cloth Paper Scissors

( r ) evolution

As we start 2018, I think it is fair to say that very little in life feels the same as when 2017 began. To me, and to many others regardless of where they stand on the issues of the day, the world has changed. Given that art is often a reflection of the times, it isn't surprising that our creative lives may also be changing. Call it it evolution, call it revolution, just call it. It is a time of change and it is a time for change.

Late in 2017, I posted about some of the changes that I had planned for 2018. I think I am not alone. In blog posts, Facebook feeds, text messages, and Skype conversations, I keep seeing signs that people want change. They want to do things differently. They want to focus on what is important to them and do so in a genuine and authentic way. Against all odds, some people are even starting blogs so they have a place to share their thoughts in a more substantive fashion -- even if nobody reads them.

Among the many changes I plan to make include the content of my blog. I am always doing my very best to balance my desire to share my creative life with my need to promote my products. Art is my career after all and the balance is not an easy one to achieve. I still plan to share my product lines here in the hopes that you are inspired to use them, but I am also feeling the need to express. Simply to express.

I have endless conversations with other artists about all kinds of creative issues that I know for sure are also being considered by many of you out there. Time to share. In a new, periodic feature called Apter's Chapters (and yes - I have waited many years to finally find the right time to call something that), I will be posting about creative thoughts, obstacles, successes and the like. My hope is that you will join the conversation, listen and perhaps speak up as well -- in my comments section and on your own platforms -- so that we can strengthen the bonds of our community. I really do believe, perhaps naively so, that there is more than enough to go around for all of us and that sharing and supporting can only serve to lift all of us higher.

Call it it evolution, call it revolution, just call it. It is a time of change and it is a time for change.

Top 17 of 2017

Best of...

December is always a time of reflection for me. At the end of the last four years, I have looked back over the previous year's blog posts to see which were the most popular based on hits. This not only lets me work toward creating a better blog but helps me to take the pulse of the art community. If you want to look back, click here for 2013, here for 2014, here for 2015, and here for 2016.

As in years past, my top posts revolve mostly around giveaways, video workshops, art products and new product releases, collaborative art projects and postings, artist issues and trend watching.

#17

10 Techniques for Mixed-Media Artists

#16
Make it Your Own: 11

#15
#ARTifacts: Exhibit One

#14

Take my Pulse Giveaway

#13

Time to (Card and Photo) Play

#12

Make it Your Own: Broken Maze

#11

Embossed

#10

Extra Special

#9

PaperArtsy: Sneak Peek

#8

Baked Texture: My Line of Embossing Powders

#7
Ray of Light

#6
Technique Tutorial

#5
Spellbinders Hop and Win

#4
ARTifacts: A Collaborative Project for 2017

#3
Top Ten Trends in Mixed Media Art in 2017

#2
Shop Mom and Pop

#1
Make it Artsy Giveaway

Best Wishes

Best of...

It wouldn't be a "Best of" Week without wishing you all my best wishes for a wonder-filled holiday season, a beautiful end to 2017, and a dream-come-true new year.

Change is in the Air

As we creep closer to the end of one year and contemplate the start of a brand new one, I find myself in a place of review and contemplation. 2017 seemed to be a year unlike any other and I still find myself dizzy with all the events that took place - both in real life and as reflected online.

Change for me is never easy. I find comfort in the familiar and the routine. But change is necessary for growth as an artist and a person. So changes are in the air. And since you have all been a part of my creative journey since it began, I wanted to share a small preview of what is to come and what is to go. It is truly a "one door closes another door opens" situation.

In no particular order...

My blog recently turned 10. I have posted over 1,850 posts. That averages out to about 1 post every 2 days. I know fewer people will be reading this post than posts past. The popularity of long form blogs has ebbed for many reasons, not the least of which is the rise of quick and easy social media platforms. This shift has had me contemplating and my blog may be will be morphing - both in terms of content and form. But it will not be going away. Stay tuned...

The longer I have been in the business of art, the less time I have had to actually make art. Ironic, right? Many of my colleagues who have spent years focused on teaching have now come to the conclusion that they want to cut back so they can return to their roots as a maker - rather than a teacher - of art. For me, I am still head-over-heels in love with teaching and travel and that part of my journey will continue. But, as a way to keep art-making a priority, I am planning on creating an annual art residency. In 2018, I will be spending 2 weeks as an artist-in-residence at The Mabel Dodge Luhan House in New Mexico. And I want you to "join me." Stay tuned...

These past few years I have spent more and more time on the design-side of my business. I now work with multiple creative companies, designing and producing art products. Truly a dream come true for me. Change is in the air in this regard as well. At the end of December, I will no longer be designing for Spellbinders. I started with the company as a blogger in 2012 and five years later it is time to move on. But I am excited to announce that I have connected with another company and will soon be releasing a completely-new-to-me product. Did I mention that I am excited? Stay tuned...

Some other changes are also in the works and will be shared as they occur. But one thing that will not be changing is my appreciation for all of you. Despite all the negativity that seems to have been a prominent part of the Internet in 2017, your support of my adventures in art has been unwavering.

Thank you!

Top Ten Trends in Mixed Media Art in 2017

Trends. Some people watch them, some follow them, and some people avoid them at all costs. But trends are a very real phenomenon that often determines the items available in your local art and craft shop, the art books that you see online, the workshops that are available to take, and the pictures which pop up in your Facebook feed.

The following is a list of the top ten trends among mixed media artists in 2017.  While by definition trends come and go, the list below suggests that trends do come - but may never go. As noted, many of the trends listed have been popular in the recent past and show no signs of disappearing.

Remember that this represents just one artist's opinion and has been limited to ten. Feel free to add any trends that you may have noticed in the comments below. 

And stay tuned for January which brings my list of the top ten trends coming in 2018 as seen at Creativation, the annual trade show for AFCI - the Association for Creative Industries (formally known as CHA).

THE TOP TEN

1. Wet Media. Acrylic paint continues to be the number one choice in this category. While traditional fluid and heavy body paints are the most popular, paint pens, daubers, and sprays are increasing in popularity as well. Of late, there seems to be a spike in people who are engaging in acrylic pouring. There has been continued growth in the use of watercolors as well. More and more companies are developing products in this area, which not only include traditional paints but also watercolor pencils, metallic paints, along with paper and products with a watercolor design.

2. Texture. Adding texture to mixed media artwork continues to be a trend. New formulas of gesso, gels, pastes, and textured elements are continually being developed. Ingredients used to create texture run the gamut from commercially made products to natural elements. Style-wise, they range from matte, vintage and rusty all the way to shiny, glossy and sleek.

3. The adult coloring book trend appears to be losing steam. Last year at this time, the top ten list of mixed media/craft books on Amazon was overflowing with coloring books as were the magazine shelves at Barnes and Noble. Still evident in the marketplace however, these books have lately been focused on highly specific markets rather than coloring in general.

4. Lettering. All things text, letters, fonts and calligraphy remain a powerful force in the mixed media market. Whether as a stand-alone technique, incorporated into artwork, or used as a relaxation technique, lettering remains hot. Think of all the fancy lettering you have seen this past year on those ubiquitous inspirational quotes on Facebook The continued popularity of art journals and planners is a strong contributing factor as well.

5. Stencils. Stencils have become a hot item in the last number of years and, at this point, seem to be more of a staple for mixed media artists rather than a trend that is likely to disappear. Artist designed stencils - rather than more generic, computer-based designs - seem to be driving this continued resurgence. The acceptance of graffiti and street art as a full-fledged art domain has also contributed. Ironically, stencils developed for home decor have been evident this past year, mirroring the purpose of stencils popular back in the 1970s-1980s.

6. Art Journaling. Creatives continue to embrace art journaling and its popularity only appears to be increasing. Many artists find the freedom that comes with keeping an art journal ("no rules") very appealing. The availability of journaling products, books, groups and workshops have taken what at one point was a solitary activity and turned it into a group exercise. While many people still keep private journals, an ever increasing majority share their pages. And as in many creative things, build a community and they will come.

7. Tradition. While it might at first glance seem strange that tradition could be seen as a trend, it often seems like long-standing art domains periodically emerge as popular approaches for mixed media artists. In addition to watercolor, as noted above, collage continues to be strong, with people incorporating paper as well as painted elements, found objects and the many commercial embellishments created for artists and crafters on the market. Portraiture has shown a resurgence, helped along by workshops, books and products such as face stencils that are now available. Other traditions showing an increase in popularity this past year include cold wax, encaustics, paper cutting and sketching.

8. Fiber. Mixed media artists continue to integrate materials and techniques more historically associated with fiber artists. Hand and machine stitching, eco dyeing, shibori, and fabric-based books have all been increasingly evident over the course of 2017. Mixed media weaving to create texture and dimension is also notable and has been supported by the release of small, easy-to-use looms from multiple companies.

9. Mark Making. Mark making has been synonymous with abstract art for many years but it is an area that has been increasingly prevalent in mixed media over the last few years - perhaps in part because the concept of mark making seems so much more accessible to many people than drawing. As more and more people have become increasingly comfortable with the freedom of expression that goes along with mixed media, they have also become more willing to experiment and take risks via mark making. This trend has led to (or been fueled by) an increasing number of mark makers being produced by the craft and art industries and the popularity of more rustic, hand-made mark makers.

10. The Rest. Other mixed media trends noted throughout the year include 1) layering: always a hallmark of mixed media but recently simplified by the many companies releasing "kits" of stencils and stamps, dies and stamps, coordinated products, etc.; 2) metallics: in the form of pens, paints, and mediums, foils and related adhesives and machines, embellishments, paper and design elements; 3) planners: a recent mainstay in the craft industry, 2017 saw the rise of planners in the style of the traveler's notebook; and 4) apps: painting and drawing apps continue to be popular and are bring used as both digital sketch books and to create finished work.

Art Scam/Art Spam

Did you know that the traditional gift for 20 years of marriage is art? I had no idea until I received the following 3 emails in the past week...

My name is Jeffery Hewlett from Snyder, Texas. I was looking for some artwork online and i found your contact while searching. I would like to purchase some of your work for my wife as a surprise for our 20th anniversary. Please kindly send pics and prices of some of your art which are ready for immediate sales within price range $500-$5000. I hope to hear a lot more about any available piece in your inventory ready for immediate sale.

Thanks and best regards, Jeffery.

------------

My name is James from Charlotte, NC. I was looking for some artwork online and i found your contact while searching. Will like to purchase some of your work for my wife as a surprise for our 20th anniversary. Please kindly send pics and prices of some of your art which are ready for immediate sales within price range $300-$1,200, i could be flexible with price. So i hope to hear a lot more about any available piece in your inventory.

Thanks and best regards, James

------------

My name is Kevin Spiker from Washington, DC. I was looking for some artwork online and i found your contact while searching. I would like to purchase some of your work for my wife as a surprise for our 20th anniversary. Please kindly send pics and prices of some of your art which are ready for immediate sales within price range $500-$5000. So I will hope to hear a lot more about any available piece in your inventory ready for immediate sale.

Thanks and best regards, Kevin

------------

Somebody should tell James that he needs to up his price range!

Anybody else hear from Jeffery, James or Kevin?

Gift Giving and Receiving

The Do's and Dont's of Handmade Gifts.

"Every year, as the holiday season approaches, my thoughts turn to gift giving... This got me thinking about the hows and whys and the dos and don'ts of giving handmade gifts. Why do people give handmade gifts in the first place? Does the giver have different expectations of the recipient when the gift is handmade? Are these handcrafted gifts appreciated by the receiver, or do they somehow add an extra burden or level of obligation that might not be appreciated?"

Read the entire article here on the Cloth Paper Scissors blog.

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Have you ever given and/or received a handmade gift? Share your thoughts in the comments about your experience.

Celebrating 1809

 My blog is 10 years old today. 

10 years ago today I started The Altered Page. I feel so very fortunate that all these years later, my blog is still going strong. I had no idea back in August 2007 where this venture would lead and am grateful for all the creative opportunities that have come my way as a result. I am on the ride of my life and enjoying every minute. 

I send thanks to each and every one of you for your visits, comments and support. I would not be where I am without you and am thrilled to be part of this creative community.

Some interesting factoids:

-My blog started 1 year after Twitter was born and 3 years before the existence of both Instagram and Pinterest. Facebook was already a toddler at 3 years old.

-In that time I have published 1,809 posts - which averages to just about 1 post every two days.

-Hey There Delilah by the Plain White T's was the number one song on the day of my first post.

-The number one movie that day was Rush Hour 2.

-It took 11 days before I got my first comment. Thanks a million Esmeralda.

-You amazing people have left a total of 35,986 comments on my posts (not including spam).

-I am still using the original template I started with, a canned design which I now look at as a vintage throwback. You know, kind of like a flip phone.

-Having a blog completely changed my life and has sincerely enabled me to be the artist I am today.

Giveaway:

How can it be a birthday without a present?

One person will win a $100 gift certificate to my online shop. Ten people will each win a $10 gift certificate. The random numbers table will choose. To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this post. Internationals welcome of course. Giveaway will close end of day on Sunday 8/13.

Thank you all for being a part of my adventure and journey. Cannot wait to see what the next ten years brings!

-------------

The giveaway is now closed. Thank you for all your wonderful comments. The 11 winners will be contacted by email.

Shop Mom and Pop

Say it ain't so....

Over and over again, I hear about the closing of brick and mortar, mom and pop shops. You would think that 8 million locals plus millions of visitors would keep the independent stores open in NYC but this is not the case.

Last year, NYC and its artists lost both NY Art Central (111 years old) and Lee's Art Shop (65 years old).

2014 was a bad year for the independents as well with the loss of Pearl Paint (81 years old and my personal favorite), Sam Flax (95 years old), and the Antiques Garage flea market (a relative baby at 23 years old).

And truthfully I am still mourning the loss of the original Chelsea outdoor flea in 2005.

More sad news. Tinsel Trading Company (which already had moved a number of years ago from its massive location in Chelsea into a small space on Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side) has lost their lease and will be closing soon. They are seeking a new location - fingers crossed.

In such a short time, we have lost so many creative New York institutions that had survived and thrived for so many years.  While rising rents and "progress" are certainly at least partly to blame, the fate of these stores was no doubt also impacted by the influx of big box shops and, of course, the availability of art supplies on the Internet.

At the same time, due in part to the changing face of the craft industry, a gazillion (accurate count) small, independent craft shops have closed across the United States. The stores that remain open face serious competition from, yet again, the big box shops and the Internet.

Sense a pattern?

I am writing this post now as a reminder to myself -- and to my readers -- of the importance of supporting the independents. The local stores. Neighborhood joints. Even if it means paying just a little more or traveling just a bit further. So go shop mom and pop. We can do this people. One store at a time!