Name: Emily Levenson
Websites: Etsy, Subu Inc., Facebook, Flickr
Blogs: Subu Inc., Reluctant Vegetarian, PCC

Emily is another of our founding members here at the PCC. She is our in-house blogger, web designer and internet aficionado. In her spare time, Emily works a full-time job, crafts and plays with her hubby.

She also makes some pretty fantabulous books. Our current faves are the Pittsburghese ones. How can you go wrong with Jagoff?

The following is our interview with Emily. Hope you enjoy it!

How long have you been crafting?
Technically, all my life. With an artist for a mother, a father who likes to dabble in pottery, and a brother that lived for photography, I didn’t have much of a choice. It’s in my blood.

The book business started in September of 2006. Just in case you were wanting a real answer.

How did you get into bookmaking?
By accident. My intended business was with personalized magnets and lip balm. I stumbled into a forum for bookmaking on Craftster and have never really turned back. Once I felt comfortable [and certain that I really liked bookmaking] I took a class. And the rest, as they say, is history.

[If you really want to read the full story, you can. Just click here.]

Do you have a day job?
Yes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work for an Employee Assistance Program. But I sill dream about crafting all day long.

What advice would you give to newbies in the crafting world?
Never give up. And don’t expect that success is easy. Work hard to perfect your craft, take really good pictures if you want to sell online, and surround yourself with people who support you.

What’s the most challenging part of your crafting?
Finding the time to do it all! Between a full-time job, a crafting business, doing craft shows, and helping to run the PCC, and spending time with my hubby, I seem to run out of time often.

I try to stay as organized as possible, but there are days when I don’t get enough sleep. And yet, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else! I would be miserable. And pretty bored.

Do you show your work locally?
Yes! I do local shows like I Made It! Market and was lucky enough to participate in the Handmade Arcade 2008 this past November.

I am also thrilled to have my books at Fresh Heirlooms in Lawrenceville and Jupe Boutique in the South Side.

Rapid Fire:

What is the one tool or supply that you couldn’t live without?
Paper. Ok. And my book cradle, awl, and drill.

What inspires you?
Paper. Color. My mother. Other crafty people. Reading Martha Stewart Living. Playing online. Breathing.

Who is your crafting hero?
Martha Stewart.

No, really. She is.

Favorite TV show?
The Mentalist, Eli Stone, Chuck, and The Closer

Favorite song/band?
Currently: I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Favorite book?
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann

Favorite color?
Pink.

Favorite meal/cuisine?
Anything Asian - Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese

Famous last words?
If you build it, they will come.

ever find yourself looking for super cool pittsburgh themed crafts? well. we’ve taken the liberty of looking for you. yep. we’re pretty stinkin’ cool. and so are these crafts.

1. Southern Md. Signs: Steelers Vintage Sign
2. Garbella: I bike PGH T-shirt
3. Shine jewelry: here we go…earrings
4. Slimy Pebble: Pittsburgh Steelers pin
5. Neighbor Teaze: The Pittsburgh Mug
6. Fresh Popcorn: Friendship, PA Lovers
7. Hearts and Bugs: Cow and Moon PITTSBURGH kids long sleeve shirt
8. Subu, Inc.: Get Aht Recycled Notebook

it’s that time of year where we need to look back on the past year so that we can move on with more intensity, passion, and focus into the new year.

maybe a better way to think about this is to create new goals for the new year. since new years resolutions are typically associated with failed attempts to make change, it might be a better idea to set goals.

goals are something to strive for and to achieve. they carry with them a deeper feeling of accomplishment. and can help set the foundation for success, whether it’s for your personal life, physical health, or your business.

the pcc has some pretty lofty goals for 2009. want to hear a few?

• set-up monthly member meetings
• have at least 4 classes scheduled per month
• build membership
• continue to improve our website and blog
• grow membership
• plan a craft show
• schedule loads of fun events for the year

so…what are your goals for 2009?

from all of us at the PCC. we hope you have a happy, exciting, fun, and safe new year!

we are truly looking forward to all of the great things that are in store for us in 2009 and hope that you will continue to be a part of it all.

ever wonder what the big deal is about pittsburgh?

aside from the fact that we have 4 rivers converging [yes, we really do. see for yourself.] there are some other cool events that took place in the ‘burgh first. and we’re going to tell you about a few of them.

1903: First World Series was held in Pittsburgh. Pirates lost 5 games to 3 to the Boston Pilgrims
1920: KDKA was the first commercial radio station in the world.
1954: First Public TV station - WQED - was started
1961: First retractable dome was built at the Civic Arena
1967: The Big Mac was invented by Pittsburgh native, Jim Delligatti
1967: The air brake for trains was invented.
1980: First internet emotion, the Smiley :-), was created by Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist Scott Fahlman.
1989: First Heart, Liver and Kidney Transplant

Other cool factoids:
Pittsburgh is second only to Venice, Italy for number of bridges in a city with over 700 in Pittsburgh and over 2000 in Allegheny country.

The first drive through gas station in the world was on Baum Blvd near Negley Ave.

Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jeff Goldbloom and Christina Aguilera are Pittsburgh natives

if you still wantto read more about Pittsburgh and the other exciting firsts that occured in this loverly city, click here.

looking for a family friendly way to celebrate the new year and support the arts in pittsburgh? look no further. First Night Pittsburgh is a great event that is held in more than 200 cities worldwide.

centered in the cultural district, First Night Pittsburgh has something for everyone, from children’s activities and performances by nationally-known musicians, to installations by local artists and a spectacular fireworks finale.

check out the various events here. you can also downlaod a schedule and map here.

ever wonder if other cities have super cool craft collectives like pittsburgh does? well. we do. and as it turns out, there are quite a few cities out there with them.

here are a few to check out:

• brooklyn craft collective
• astoria craft collective
• future craft collective
• seamrippers craft collective
• chicagoland craft collective
• pdx super crafty
• NEW CRAFT Collective
• Sticky Pennies Craft Collective

if you’re thinking of starting a craft collective in your area, we’d love to hear from you. and even do a group project or swap. or just plain chat with other crafty folks in new parts of the world.

As we sit back and take stock of the Pittsburgh Craft Collective’s first 6 months, we are just awed and amazed at all of the things that we have accomplished. We hosted our first craft show, threw our first party, held several classes [with actual people taking them!], and even managed to grow our membership to include 30 amazing individuals. We couldn’t have done any of it without you, and for that we are eternally grateful.

In 2009, we are looking to do more in every way. From bulking up our class schedule to scheduling regular meetings and crafty get-togethers. We already have six classes lined up, plans for a craft supply swap in January, member meetings, and a variety of studio visits and demonstrations. We would love to hear from you for additional ideas on class topics, events, and whatever else you can dream up. This is only the beginning of our wonderful group and we look forward to continually improving it in every way.

From all of us at the PCC, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a safe and prosporous New Year!

i was reading through my newest copy of martha stewart living and came across some great gift ideas. i have dog-eared most of the projects [what else is new?!] and am looking forward to trying my hand at these:

Bath Fizzies, Body Scrubs, Tea Cup Lights, Japanese-Motif Soaps, Homemade Lip Balm, and Homemade Grass Soap.

looking for a fairly comprehensive list of crafting organizations in pittsburgh? look no further. the carnegie library of pittsburgh has compiled a great list.

we were pretty excited to see that the pcc is included, as well as the i made it! market.