Expressive Collections is a store providing you with fun loving, free spirited, retro, classic, yet sophisticated high quality handmade line of products. Where you can find anything to suit your unique personality.
Ugh! Don't you just hate when your glasses/sunglasses get oily smudges on them, well the easy way to clean your glasses is with warm water and a drop of dish washing liquid. It cuts thru grease on your glasses just like on dishes.
Tho, the best investment is to get an eyeglass cloth. Using anything else like tissues, paper towel, napkins, t-shirts etc..., will discolor and scratch your lenses over time.
Always, always rinse your eye wear before cleaning them it gets the sand/grit that can scratch them off.
Lastly when you're not wearing your glasses/sunglasses store them in a case it will help to protect them from breakage.
If you're looking for a unique case to express the unique you, or a cool hat to go with your shades,
While some people may think knitting and crocheting are just for grandmas, that couldn't be further from the truth.
In fact, in the last few years, there has been a huge resurgence in these techniques, and the projects go far beyond scarves and gloves. Crocheted and knitted artworks have taken the world by storm, both on the street—a movement referred to as “knit graffiti,” “yarn bombing” and “urban knitting”—and in modern art circles alike.
Loved for the humanizing quality it lends to everyday objects, the medium continues to attract artists, who have no doubt been inspired by the pioneering works below.
"Locker Room"
by artist Nathan Vincent it will be displayed at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Seattle through June 26, 2011. Photo: courtesy of Bellevue Arts Museum
Banksy Tribute
In 2011, Polish artist Agata Oleksiak—who goes by "Olek"— She installed her works (five in all) on the sides of buildings throughout downtown Manhattan to help promote Banksy's documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop, which was nominated for an Oscar. Photo: courtesy of Olek
“Captured”
In 2009, textile artist Liliana Crespi installed a group of three 6- to 8-foot-wide "spiderwebs" at Sculpture Key West, Florida. Photo: courtesy of Sculpture Key West
Unnamed
Another piece of work by Olek. This was displayed at the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn during 2009), Photo: courtesy of Olek
Mexico City Bus
In November 2008, Austin, Texas–based artist Magda Sayeg—founder of Knitta Please, one of the first U.S.-based yarn bombing groups— The bus, which remained covered through November 2009, is "reimagined" by a different artist every year. Photo: courtesy of Cesar Ortega
Faces
In 2008, Portland, Oregon–based Jo Hamilton took pictures of her 16 coworkers and crocheted their faces. —some of which are currently on display in New York City at two Café Grumpy locations. Photo: courtesy of Jo Hamilton
“Piano Dentelle” (“Lace Piano”)
In 2010, Lisbon, Portugal–based artist Joana Vasconcelos displayed this intricate piano cover at the Haunch of Venison Gallery in London. Photo: courtesy of Joana Vasconcelos
“Varina” (“Fishwife”)
In 2008, Vasconcelos crafted this 5,000-foot-wide, 800-lb bedspread as a tribute to the fishwives—or working women—of Santa Maria, Portugal. Photo: courtesy of Joana Vasconcelos
“Everything Nice”
In 2006, Portland, Oregon–based artist Theresa Honeywell knitted this acrylic yarn motorbike cozy. Photo: courtesy of Theresa Honeywell
“Tree Cozy”
In 2005, artist Carol Hummel, along with her mother and two daughters, crocheted this tree jacket as part of a public art project commissioned by Heights Arts, an initiative in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Photo: courtesy of Carol Hummel.
To see/read more about these wonderful artist and their works of art go to
Art Rapids! by the bay in Veteran's Memorial
Park Saturday:
10am-5pm
75 Artists
Enjoy the gentle breezes off Grand Traverse Bay while browsing through this juried art fair in a stunning setting. Elk Rapids is a charming harbor town just north of Traverse City with a growing reputation as an art-focused community.
The fair is sponsored by a non-profit group of arts minded citizens and area art galleries who host the artists in this sweet one day art fair. Expect to see paintings, jewelry, glass, ceramics, sculpture, photography and all the other intriguing offerings that art fairs bring you. What else? Strolling musicians, art demonstrations, open galleries, kids activity tent. Musicians and dancers will provide entertainment throughout the day.
Now doesn't this sound like a great place to enjoy a summer day? For more info: www.artrapids.org
June 25 & 26
Northville
Art in the Sun Part of the Newly created Arts & Acts downtown streets 50 Artists Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 11am-5pm Downtown Northville is immersed in Victorian charm with many upscale boutiques, unique restaurants and businesses.
June 25 & 26 Lathrup Village8th Annual Michigan First Art Fest - Municipal Park
27400 Southfield Rd. (between 11 and 12 Mile Roads)
Saturday: 10am-7pm; Sunday: 11am-5pm 50 Artists Shop for yourself or for others at this juried fine art show in a leisurely and gracious setting. Enjoy the fabulous food court and listen to the music drifting from the gazebo.
Doesn't that sound great?
In the great tradition of Michigan art fairs. Free parking.
39th Annual St. Clair Art Fair Downtown Riverview Plaza &
Palmer Park
along the St. Clair River Saturday: 10am-7pm; Sunday: 10am-5pm 134 Artists
One of the state's original art fairs, held in a lovely setting along the St. Clair River, a gracious place to spend the day and add to your art collection. Easy access for all. Summer, sunshine, the river, art, music and children's activities.
So all you Michigan people with all this nice weather we're having get out and see what the artists have been up to. Don't forget to share what you think of the fairs.
What better way to celebrate the summer, than with embellishments of flowers.
Flowers for your hair, flowers for your shoes, flowers for your clothes. And with these flowers you don't have to worry about bees.
Here is a simple and easy pattern for a 5 petal flower.
Materials: any size crochet hook that you want.
whatever scrap yarn that you have. optional - small pearls/beads/buttons.
1st row - chain 3, sc in 1st ch made and in same st do 9 more sc - total of 10 sc - sl st in top of 1st sc.
2nd row - to create a petal in the 1st sc (pattern - sc, 3 dc, sc) - skip the next sc, in next sc do pattern continue arnd until you have 5 petals total. Sl st in the 1st sc of the 1st petal.
3rd row - flip to back of the flower - sc down thru base opening of the small petal - Ch 3, sc thru next petal base opening - repeat 4x in each opening - sl st thru 1st sc, creating 5 loops total.
4th row - (pattern - sc, 5 dc, sc) - create a petal with the pattern in all 5 loops - sl st in 1st sc of 1st petal. fasten off weave in ends.
You can add some tiny pearls, beads or buttons to the center of the flower if you choose.
Now you're ready to embellish with your flower !
Want to embellish without making the flowers just look for them in our etsy store for a wide selection.
If you have any problems or questions with this pattern please feel free to let us know.
We know that Summer cleaning is a chore and can be expensive.
So while you're cleaning, go green.
We will be selling custom made mop covers, (that will fit the swifter sweeper type floor mop.)
A Mop Cover that can be used and then wash, and re-used and re-washed over and over again.
Our Mop Covers are worth the investment. Use them wet or dry. They will last a long time and in one month look at the savings you'll have not buying floor sweeper refills.
Coming soon in a variety of colors !!
Buy more than one for those in between laundry days.
Reeds Lake Art Festival Lake Side Drive and Wealthy Street 9am-5pm 135 Artists A great place to finish your Saturday shopping. The Reeds Lake Art Festival is the only event in Grand Rapids to bring you a juried fine art fair. Don't miss it.
June 18
Battle Creek
Art Fair in the Park Mill Race Park, downtown presented by the Art Center of Battle Creek 10am-4pm 75 artists
June 18 & 19
Charlevoix 13th Annual Summer Solstice Art Show East Park downtown Charlevoix Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 10am-4pm 75 Exhibitors
So all you Michigan people with all this nice weather we're having get out and see what the artists have been up to. Don't forget to share what you think of the fairs.
44th Annual Flint Art Fair on the grounds of the Flint Institute of Arts Friday: 6-10pm Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am-5pm 160 Artists
The Flint Art Fair has been a summer destination for over 20,000 art fair lovers throughout Michigan and Canada for the past 40 years. Presented by the Friends of Modern Art, a fundraising auxiliary of the Institute.
June 11
Berkley
Berkley Art Bash on 12 Mile 10am-6pm 100 Artists It's not just an Art Fair - It's a Street Party! 12 Mile will be closed from 6 am until 7 pm between Tyler and Wakefield Streets.
Fremont NCCA Art Festival Market Place Pavilion,
corner of Merchant and Dayton Streets
9am-4pm 50 Exhibitors
June 11 & 12
Royal Oak
16th Annual Royal Oak Clay, Glass Show & Metal Show on Washington Avenue & Fifth Street
downtown Royal Oak Saturday: 10am-6pm;
Sunday: 11am-5pm 125 Artists Great pottery, metal, and that ever increasingly popular collectible, glass, in fashionable downtown Royal Oak with great restaurants nearby. For more info: www.royaloakchamber.com
So all you Michigan people with all this nice weather we're having get out and see what the artists have been up to. Don't forget to share what you think of the fairs.
June 11 & 12 Chicago, Illinois
Old Town Art Fair
Old Town neighborhood
260 artists
For more info: www.oldtownartfair.com
June 16-19 Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Show
17th St. & Atlantic
320 artists
June 17-19 Nashville, Tennessee
American Artisan Festival
165 artists
June 17-19 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lakefront Festival of the Arts
on the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum
170 artists
June 18 & 19 LaJolla, California
LaJolla Festival of the Arts
Genesee Ave. & Regents Rd.
190 artists June 24-26 Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Arts Festival
Western Gateway Park
180 artists
For more info: www.DesMoinesArtFestival.com
Bronson Park downtown
New Hours:
Friday: noon-7pm; Saturday: 9am-4pm
210 Artists
Due to demand from art patrons and artists this popular event opens on Friday and again on Saturday. What a great place to spend time and money! Visit the fine restaurants that surround park when you are finished shopping.
June 3-5
Mt. Clemens
Mount Clemens Art Fair
downtown Mt. Clemens presented by the Anton Art Center and the Mount Clemens
DDA Friday: 3pm-9pm; Saturday: 11am-8pm; Sunday: noon-6pm 80+ exhibitors For more info: www.TheArtCenter.org
June 4 & 5
Midland
Summer Art Fair Grounds of Midland Center for the Arts 10am-5pm 160 Artists
June 4 & 5
Lapeer
5th Annual Lapeer Celebrates the Arts Chatfield School, at Prairies & Ponds of Oakdale in Lapeer Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: noon-5pm 50 juried artists Expect a fine arts festival, music and food
June 4 & 5
Chelsea
Chelsea Painters Art Fair Chelsea Community Hospital Campus 10am-5pm 30 painters
June 4 & 5
Farmington Hills
Art on the Grand
Grand River Avenue in the middle of town Saturday: 10am-7pm; Sunday: 11am-6pm For more info: www.fhgov.com/CulturalArts/
So all you Michigan people with all this nice weather we're having get out and see what the artists have been up to. Don't forget to share what you think of the fairs.
Memorial Day is a US federal holiday that honors the soldiers. It is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, which begun as a ritual of remembrance it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.
Memorial Day has now become an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visit the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not.
So we here at Expressive Collections would like to tell everyone to have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day weekend!
We are at it again, making new exciting handmade items for you. With the weather warming up and the snow melting, things are looking kinda slushy and muddy.
So what are you going to do when you visit friends and take off your shoes. Well you don't want to walk around with nothing on your feet.
This is where we come in, just slip on a pair of Pocket Footies. They fold up small and neat into your purse or your pants pocket. Now you never have to walk around in bare feet when you're visiting family and friends.
They're also great to have on hand, for when something unexpected happens to the socks you're wearing.
Have you ever come across that one nagging question when making a hat, What do I use for a brim? Well we've got the answer. Look no further for those hard to find flexible plastic brim inserts for your handmade custom hats. Try using one of our exclusive plastic brims.
Expressive Collections now offers their own flexible plastic brim inserts for sale.
Specifications-
From point to point - 9"
Thickness - 2mm
Our Mini Mushroom is the perfect hat for the changing of the weather. Nice and lightweight for those warm spring days and just enough for those cool summer nights.
It gives you just the protection you need from the elements with its
crocheted brim, keeping your hat lightweight and ready for anything.
More colors on the way!!
Had a great time at the winter Artist Market. We met and networked with some really talented local Artists. Great traffic and good customers. Our new hat the mini mushroom was a big hit with the locals. The mini mushroom is a spring time hat that is fashionable and light for the warm days and enough for cool nights. Look for it at expressive collections.com soon. Enjoy the pictures!
We are a store providing you with fun loving, free spirited, retro, classic, yet sophisticated high quality handmade line of products.Where you can find anything to suit your unique personality. Come visit us at www.expressivecollections.com
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June 11 & 12
June 9-12
