Heather Ramsay

Heather Ramsay is one of the most talented artist I know. Her work is so high polished one might question if it is truly handmade at all. I can assure you it is.

Think of your favorite old record album. Now think of carrying it around as a sassy purse. Oh yeah. Heather has made this a reality. Old record album cover purses. She’s so good she uses only recycled materials, and makes them look like new.

Heather will be the featured artist at happy delusions for the month of August. She will be taking over the window to showcase her talents as she pairs music and art together. What a great way to kick off the announcement of Tyrannosaurus Records and happy delusions new merger. That’s right! If you haven’t seen the changes yet, swing by for the block party Friday, August 6th from 5 – 9 pm. Meet Heather, and welcome Nich (owner of T-Rex) to the store. Renton has gone indie, and we are planning our take over of the world, one indie artist / crafter at a time.

Growler

So it’s the last day of Renton River Days, and the Duck Hunt that happened over the last month is officially over. But, you do still have time to check out all 25 of the amazing ducks together at the duck booth at River days. You can even vote on your favorite duck. This is Growler. He was lost in happy delusions for 1 month, and got some amazing ink done Tor. This duck is hard-core and looking for some love. So please go check him out and remember to vote.

25 years of Magic in the Park!

Celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Renton River Days, Friday, July 23 – Sunday, July 25

You know summer has arrived when it’s time for Renton River Days!  There is something for everyone from music and kids activities to arts and crafts.  Learn more about local community groups and programs.  Check out Downtown window displays celebrating the festival’s theme – “25 years of magic in the Park.”  Go to the famous Rubber Ducky Derby and watch thousands of rubber ducks race down the cedar, and Don’t forget – the Renton River Days Parade marches down S 3^rd St on Saturday – street closure from 7 am to approximately 1 pm and the parade begins at 10 am.  View the festival schedule for more details.

And be sure to stop over at the Art Market and say hello. We have 72 local artists with all handmade products.

Renton Annual Art Show

2009 Winner

The Renton Annual Art Show is a not for profit all volunteer organization that runs in conjunction with the Annual Renton River Days Festival the week of July 19th – July 25th. The show features artists from all over the Northwest. This is the first year the organization has gone green. That means all the publicity has been done online this year. Way to do your part guys!

Registration starts this Sunday, July 18th from 11am – 4pm. at the Renton Community Center located at 1715 SE Maple Valley Hwy, Renton WA. 98057.

Anyone can enter, all work must be original, for sale, and not more than 2 years old. It must be framed and ready to hang by wire only. There are 3 separate galleries, and all will be shown and on display thru Sunday July 25th at the Community Center. The main gallery is $10 per entry, the little gallery is $6 per entry, and the student gallery is only $1 per entry. Please click here for an application and more information.

My friend Britt was the winner in last years show. I’ve posted her piece here. She was nice enough to let me use the picture for this blog and has informed me that we will have to wait til the 2011 Art Show to see more of her amazing work. As much as I would love to see her submit something this year, I do understand that genius can’t be rushed.

Crochet Ice Cream!

Bombshell & the Cone.

Cupcake Crystal serves up some crochet ice cream. Yummy! I found this pattern on my favorite yarn site, Ravelry. I modified the pattern and created some cute rattles for my nephews first birthday. They were a huge hit. Click here to get the original pattern published in Bruised Weasel’s Sketchbook. Not that it takes much for anyone to be tempted to eat anything Crystal hands them, these are display only. No eating please.

The Tide Pool Collaborative Market

View from the street

I am so lucky that I got to send this last weekend celebrating my independence with my honey bunny out at Ocean Shores. And of course because I’m always looking for local and creative handmade things, we found ourselves at the city’s newest business, “Tide Pool Collaborative Market”. It’s on the main drag, in the same complex of the Irish Pub. While in the shop I had the opportunity to meet with one of the artist and wonderful lady, Susan. She had nothing but positive things to say about the new shop and all 8 artist who are currently involved. They have room for 10 artist total and info. on how to get involved is on there website. She calls her product “The Good Egg Emporium”, and makes super cute embroidered pillows. I fell in love with a sock doggie she was selling. She also has a massage room, which was her former business. I found myself walking out with this great leather journal by Deneen Shank. It’s perfect for my drawings, and just the right size. You can find her at Pike Place Market. I also grabbed some essential oil from Rainwater Botanicals. Her product comes in beautiful packaging, and I highly recommend the Cedar.  So next time you find yourself down on the coast please go in and support this local business. They have everything from jewelry, to watercolor, to handmade sailboats, even signs and fences made from drift wood. Yeah Local!!!

July 2nd Show

happy delusions is pleased to present the work of Jennifer Brooks – Owen on Friday July 2nd from 5-9. Please stop by and celebrate art and life with us.

"The Face of Contemportary Corporate Congress" -title piece