What a week! I hope our friends on the East Coast are safe and dry tonight. As a former Brooklynite and a Bayonne-born lad, I can’t imagine how tough things are with the aftermath of the superstorm and now the threat of cold. The best piece of advice seems to be to stay calm, be patient and be grateful for what you may have at the present moment. Things will get better.
The whole mess out East reminds me of how interesting it is that so many of us are connected in this virtual universe called the internet. No matter how deeply intrenched we are via social media or blogging, there really is no substitute for real human interaction. With that said, have you considered joining some of the new collectives that are popping up in your local creative community? Here are a few that you should know of:
- Makeshift Society - I’m not sure how the Makeshift Society could not work. I mean, seriously, the founders include the effortlessly talented Victoria Smith from sfgirlbybay, an advisory board so stacked with talent that it’s just plain scary and the perfect location in the lovely Hayes Valley? Be sure to stop in and check out their classes, events and membership options.
- Creators Unlocked – Now with groups in the SF Bay Area, Portland and San Diego, Creators Unlocked brings together creatives from all disciplines. Participants are encouraged to collaborate, break bread and expand their connections with other like-minded creators.
- Let’s Do Brunch – The Left Coast isn’t the only place where folks can meet, eat and connect. Allie Lehman, Stephanie Howard and Rachel Tayse Baillieul have formed a group of brunchers who gather to share the joys and struggles of a creative life in Columbus, Ohio. You can join them for their inaugural brunch on November 18, 2012.
If you know of any other groups that get together in the real world, let me know and I’ll give them a shout out here. If you don’t know of any, maybe it’s time for you to start one.
Here’s one hot handmade item that I forgot to feature this week. It’s from Britt McGillivray’s Poisonberry shop on Etsy:
Fun colors and a great price, this necklace should be in your collection. Speaking of getting handmade at a great price, be sure to check out my Etsy Share and Big Cartel Share posts for some exclusive discounts and great handmade finds from the handmade community. I will be highlighting many of these finds all next week. Have a creative and safe weekend!