A big congratulations goes out to Norfolk Craft Mafia member Sloane Solanto (who, if you didn't know, does a great job managing our Myspace page) for winning first place in the "Shirt Off Your Back" challenge at Red Thread Studio this past weekend! She refashioned clothing to create this awesome Cowl Girl piece.

There were also some wonderful entries from mafia members Annie Moon and Jeannine Peregrine. Jeannine's outfit will be featured in this issue of Altered Couture! Congrats, Jeannine!

There are a few events coming up that everyone should attend! The first is also at Red Thread Studio (which, by the way is owned by mafia member Angelia Armstrong).

February 23, 2008, 10-12:30 p.m.
Collage & Mixed Media Workshop with Instructor Jeannine Peregrine
At the Red Thread Studio - 153 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434
angeliaarmstrong@verizon.net or 757.923.9832 for more information.

The other big event is an art opening featuring work by mafia members Elizabeth Henry, Sloane Solanto and Jeff Guinn. Everyone come check out the reception!

February 29th-April 6, 2008, Opening reception Feb. 29th at 6-8 pm
Take A Flying Leap: Emerging Artists Group Exhibit
@ Smithfield Cultural Arts Center - 346 Main Street, Smithfield, Va.
call 757-357-7707 for more information.

Congrats to all the mafia members getting their work out there! Hope to see you at these events!

Sunday night the Norfolk Craft Mafia hosted yet another skill-sharing workshop: CROCHET! We had a great turnout and got a big start on crochet skills!

A huge thanks goes to Tasha, Mary and Amanda for sharing their knowledge of this fiber art. You guys were awesome teachers!

Like this... then like this...

Crochet concentration. Don't miss our next skill-sharing workshop which will be held on April 6th in place of our regular monthly crafter's roundup. Announcement on that coming soon!

The application deadline is rapidly approaching! This was one of the first events that the Norfolk Craft Mafia participated in last year, and it was a huge success! I'd love to see some mafia members in this show, so send in your submissions!

Our sister mafiosas over at the Richmond Craft Mafia are now accepting applications for the 2008 Spring Bada-bing: The BOSS of all craft shows! Go join la famiglia for their 3rd installment of the largest indie craft show in VA. The show will be at Plant Zero in Richmond's southside and, as always, will showcase artists and designers from across the country selling high quality, original handmade goods.

I went to this show last year, and fellow mafia member Amanda of A.Bel Studio was a vendor, and it was a great time!

There is a non-refundable, non-transferable $5.00 application fee due when you submit your application. Application deadline is midnight March 19th. Click here to apply online!

Prince Books, an awesome indie bookstore in downtown Norfolk and one of our sponsors for Handmade Parade 2007, will be hosting a craft demonstration and book signing with Mark Montano of TLC's While You Were Out and author of the Big Ass Book of Crafts.

In THE BIG-ASS BOOK OF CRAFTS, Mark Montano gives the younger and cooler generation of crafters over 150 crafts to fill their home, give to friends, or send to Mom. A top designer for TLC's While You Were Out, host of TLC's 10 Years Younger, and cohost of the Style Network's My Celebrity Home and We's She's Moving In, Montano approaches design with a scrappy, D.I.Y. sensibility. He believes handmade is always better than mass-produced, and encourages readers to use their own style and creativity when crafting.

In THE BIG-ASS BOOK OF CRAFTS, Montano offers step-by-step instructions for projects in home and office accessories, gifts, jewelry, furniture, even bath and body products. From Warhol-inspired lithographs to tissue paper-covered chandeliers, THE BIG-ASS BOOK OF CRAFTS has projects for every style, skill level and budget.

The event will be on Sunday, March 9 at 3 pm. Go check it out! Prince Books - 109 E. Main Street - Norfolk, Virginia 23510. Call 757-622-9223 or visit www.prince-books.com for more info.

Also don't forget, our Monthly Crafter's Roundup is this Sunday, March 2 at 6pm at the offices of Grow Interactive in Ghent. Bring a craft to work on and a snack to share, and hang with some crafty people! Check the events page for full info!