Friday, August 19, 2011

Free Reusable Bags from LB Surfrider!!

LB Surfrider is giving out reuseable bags this weekend!

In support of the single use plastic bag ban, the Long Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is giving away reusable shopping bags at two upcoming events. If you're having a difficult time affording reusable shopping bags stop by our table and get one for free! We hope to see you this weekend and one of our events:

Friday August 19, 9AM - 12 noon, McBride Park Free Food Giveaway. California Recreation Park, 1550 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813.

Saturday August 20, 10am - 12 noon, Food 4 Less, 6700 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805.

longbeach@lbsurfrider.org • Surfrider Foundation Long Beach Chapter

Friday, August 12, 2011

Aldana Mica August Calendar

So far....here are the dates for upcoming events....

Aug. 12th Artwalk in downtown LBC, 4-10pm

Aug. 13th Alamitos Bay Art & Craft Fair 9-3pm

Aug. 20th Long Beach Funkfest!

Aug. 21st Alamitos Bay Art & Craft Fair 9-3pm

Aug. 29th Alamitos Bay Art & Craft Fair 9-3pm

Friday, July 15, 2011

Crafty Earthlings Workshop at Cabrillo Villages

This past Wednesday, we had our 2nd successful Crafty Earthlings workshop at CVC in Long Beach! We learned about bottled water and why it's best to use stainless steel bottles. Klean Kanteen generously donated 20 bottles for the kids. They were thrilled to receive them! We had them write their names on the bottles and whatever else came to their minds. We also watched a short documentary about bottled water by The Story of Stuff...they have amazing videos about the environment, our impact upon it and how we can change our ways for the better. Then we followed with a short discussion and some questions and answers....but the workshop did not end there....we also did yoga and made pillows filled with plastic, check out the pictures below!

CEP Crafty Earthlings is a collaborative project of Micaela Salatino of AldanaMica, Maria D'Ambrosio of Leap Frog Yoga, artist Marisela Hndz and Catalyst Communities. They have combined their passions to bring upcycled art, arts & crafts, and yoga to the children at Century Villages of Cabrillo. Read more about our project here! And please make a contribution to the project!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Upcoming Workshops and Fairs in July

Dates for upcoming workshops and fairs in July....

July 17th Alamitos Bay Arts & Craft Fair and Farmer's Market

Located at East 2nd St and East Marina Dr, Long Beach,CA, 90803

Hours: 9am to 3pm

Accessible to persons with disabilities.

July 24th Alamitos Bay Arts & Craft Fair and Farmer's Market

Located at East 2nd St and East Marina Dr, Long Beach,CA, 90803

Hours: 9am to 3pm

Accessible to persons with disabilities.

July 25th Finger Crochet Workshop at Iguana Imports

3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, CA

5:30-7:30pm

$15 p/person, cost includes materials

Thursday July 28th Mom's Craft Night at Averyboo Art Studio in Bixby Knolls

6:30-8:30pm

Call 562-912-4800 to RSVP or visit this link

July 30th Pinewood Car Race at UUCLB!!

11am-2pm

Unitarian Universalists Church of Long Beach

5450 Atherton Ave

www.uuclb.org

July 31st Alamitos Bay Arts & Craft Fair and Farmer's Market

Located at East 2nd St and East Marina Dr, Long Beach,CA, 90803

Hours: 9am to 3pm

Accessible to persons with disabilities.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Finger Crochet Workshop at Iguana Imports!

Last Monday we had another successful finger crochet workshop at Iguana....we made beanies in advance for the winter.....check out some pictures and video below.....

Next workshop will be at Iguana on Monday, July 25th from 5:30-7:30pm

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

LB Green Festival

Join Green Long Beach! on Saturday June 11th as we “IGNITE CHANGE” towards sustainability within our local community and economy. Prominently located in downtown Long Beach on the Promenade between Broadway & 3rd St. from 10am – 8pm.

This year’s stimulating educational workshops will include Merry Blues Art: Green Cleaning Concepts at 12:30pm, Leap Frog Yoga: Kid’s Yoga, Linda Nicoles: “Plug-In America,” Rosie The Riveter High School: “Overview of program,” Stas Margaronis:“Rebuild the United States,” Theo Chocolates: “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” Apiana Native Landscaping: “Native Landscaping,” Stella Ursua: “What the Heck is a Green Collar Job,” Carol Rasaphangthong & Amy Tanaka Presents:“Cool Town Claymation,” and MORE!

LB Green Festival website

2011 Etsy Craft Party

happening this Friday June 10th 7pm-10:30pm at 423 S. Brookhurst St. Anaheim, CA 92804

Hosted by: Nest Vintage & Handmade

Learn how to:

-screen print

-make seed bombs

-hand sew

-decopauge

$10 per person or free if you bring your own project

For info & to RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/etsy/anaheim-ca/147391/

714-504-2376

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Really Really Free Day!!

On May 29th, 2011 we had the 1st Really Really Free Day event in Long Beach, hosted by The Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse!! And I hope for many more to come!...below are some articles and videos from the event...enjoy :)

Video courtesy of The Gazettes newspaper! Enjoy and Thank You Very Much For Your Continued Support!

Below is one of the articles from The Gazette newspaper that went out prior to the event (paper copies are still available and we are on page 4).

http://www.gazettes.com/to_do/spirit-of-sharing-to-shine-at-really-free-day/article_3179752c-87e0-11e0-8058-001cc4c002e0.html

Finger Crochet workshop videos coming soon when I figure out how to upload a video w/o getting an error message....

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Video of The Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse

Hi everyone! This short video below was created by Long Beach University students and it's about the Depot and how awesome it is. I am very happy and thankful that the Depot and the students asked me to be a part of it.....I was nervous, but I don't think I did that bad :)

http://vimeo.com/24371704

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Micky doing her finger crochet!

This was video taped by my friend during an event last year at the Melrose Trading Post....in this video, I am finger crocheting a bag for her.....

Friday, May 13, 2011

Yesterday's Workshop at Consignment Corner

Yesterday's workshop took place at Consignment Corner on Broadway and Coronado in Belmont Heights....we sat comfortably outside in the shade and finger crocheted a pair of hand warmers while we watched the people go by. The owner of the store is very friendly so he knows everyone around...we enjoyed many conversations with neighbors walking by....including the ice cream man....even the dogs being walked wanted to stop at the shop to get some treats (they are so smart!!) Below are a couple of pics we took....this student was a fast learner!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mom's Craft Night at Averyboo Arts!

Mom's Craft Night
Last Wednesday of the Month thru August, 6:30-8:00pm
"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" ~Milton Berle

Finger Crochet and Up-Cycled Art
Crocheting is therapeutic because of its calming, rhythmic movements. It relieves stress and muscle tensions after a hard day as it easily draws you deeper into a solitary hobby where you can collect your thoughts. Crocheting can also bond people by sharing time and working on ideas together.

hanging basket Intro to Finger Crochet - $30
Learn the basics of how to finger crochet! Learn how to apply technique to create up-cycled art. During this class you will learn basic stitches and create a hanging plant pot that you can take home. Price includes all materials (including plants) & light refreshments.Available 5/25, 7/27; Instructor: Micaela

Finger Crochet Projects - $30 p/class
Choose from several projects like beanies, hand warmers, scarves, jewelry, frames, rugs, water bottle carriers, bags and more. You are also welcome to bring your own ideas and we can create them together. Great gift-making ideas for those who want to gift something special and unique while at the same time helping the planet. We have yarn & supplies for you to use or bring your own. Price includes light refreshments. Available 6/29, 7/27, 8/31; Instructor: Micaela

Need a babysitter?
Open Studio available for kids 4-8 during your class for only $10 each! Must rsvp, we need 5 kids to make this service available.

Space Limited. Must Pre-register, No refunds.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Aldana Mica featured on 562CityLife!

Hi all!

Updates since our last newsletter...on May 14th, we will not be at Lyons at Night...instead we will be at the 2nd Saturday Artwalk, right in front of Elev8. Hope to see you all there!

Aldana Mica was featured on 562citylife! Thank you Molly Haupt!!

Fly People Profile: Micky Aldana

I first noticed Micky Aldana’s finger-crocheted designs at a Downtown Long Beach Art Walk last fall. The bright colored yarn drew me in, but the many numerous cap designs is what made me purchase. There were probably over 20 crocheted hats in every color you can imagine and styles fitted for all. I ended up choosing a pinkish beanie and it’s my most favorite hat I own!

In addition to her obvious crochet talent, after talking with her, I was amazed to learn that she doesn’t use needles, only crochets with her fingers! Her kindness and passion for her skill was also apparent, so let me further introduce you to an innovative and inspiring woman who does so much for the Long Beach community, far more than providing us with stylish hats, scarves, gloves, shawls and skirts.

1. Can you give us a brief description of your background and how long you have lived in Long Beach?

I have been living in Long Beach on and off since 1989. Grew up in Argentina, moved to US at age 10, moved back to Argentina at age 19, and got a degree in Fashion Design. At 24, moved back to the US and worked for a clothing company for 7 yrs.

I started Aldana Mica Company last year. I have participated in art related classes since I was 5 (thanks to my mom) and I come from a very creative family, which I think influenced me profoundly.

2. I know you started crocheting at a very young age, can you talk about your influences and how you got involved in finger crocheting, specifically?

My mom taught me to crochet with a needle when I was young…I would make clothing for my dolls, and then for myself. Around 1999, while taking a theatrical fashion design summer course at a museum in San Telmo, Buenos Aires, we (the students) had to do a special project. We were handed a bag of miscellaneous items, which we needed to use to create a costume for our characters. Luckily for me, there was yarn inside that bag, but I had no needles around. So, I thought I would try to make something with my fingers and luckily enough I was able to create a cape. It didn’t look very good…but I liked the idea of crocheting with my fingers, so I kept practicing and now I think I got it down. I have been doing it ever since. I had not heard about finger crocheting at the time when I started, until a few years ago I found a video on You tube. I also taught my family and close friends and now I am doing workshops and love teaching it to others.

3. What do you love about finger crocheting?

It calms and focuses me, it brings me happiness to create something new, it’s something I can share with others. Finishing a project is very exciting too, and being able to teach someone else and see their own excitement is so rewarding and fulfilling. Creating something useful and unique that keeps you warm and/or can decorate your home is super! Also, there are numerous amounts of projects that can be created, the possibilities are endless. Not having to worry about traveling on the airplane with crochet hooks. Being able to take it anywhere at anytime. I finger crochet while waiting and riding the bus/metro, on road trips, by the fire, while watching a movie…anywhere.

4. You also like to reuse materials or scraps of yarn that others might throw away, correct?

Yes! The only things I throw away in my home are vegetable/fruit scraps and the dust I sweep off the floor. Everything else either gets recycled or reused. Cardboard gets cut into business cards, non-recyclable plastics become filling for floor pillows (idea I got from a book called “Make it, Don’t Throw it”), milk cartons and tp rolls are used to make bags and musical shakers at kid’s workshops, wire hangers get turned into jewelry frames, used envelopes become note pads, empty pens are turned into yarn kites or used as the legs of dolls ( wall art), beer/wine/water bottles become hanging water plant pots, scraps of yarn/thread/fabric/ribbon become pins/broaches/hair clips, yogurt lids are turned into flowers and sometimes dried orange peels are turned into butterflies…

5.Where did you go to Fashion School? What did you enjoy about it?

EL INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE DISEÑO DE MODA in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had two teachers that really helped me explore my creativity, Gabriel and Christina. They had assignments like taking the story of Madame Butterfly and designing a wardrobe for Cirque de Soleil based on that story. We also had to assign them a job function, like the clown or the acrobat, and make sure their costumes would allow them to perform properly. They are the same teachers who taught the summer program where finger crochet sparked in my head.

6. You seem to be very involved with the Long Beach community. Can you tell us what collectives/groups you are associated with?

I am associated with The Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse, Catalyst, Green Long Beach, 2^nd Saturday Art Walk( now titled Downtown Long Beach Art Walk, LB Creative, Circle Painting Community, The Growing Experience, Lyons At Night and various boutiques (listed some below).

7. You will be attending the Children’s Day and Earth Day celebration at El Dorado Park this Saturday, what will be going on at this event?

I will be representing The LB Depot for Creative Reuse and I will be doing an up-cycled/recycled art workshop for kids, their families, and anyone else that wants to join in. We will be making bags/purses out of milk cartons, musical shakers out of empty tp/paper towel rolls, weaving strawberry baskets, all until supplies last. And if any youth or adults want to try to finger crochet, than we’ll do that too.

8. Where can residents view your work and purchase?

Items for sale

My up-cycled dolls will be exhibiting at Averyboo for First Fridays on May 6^th. My work can be purchased at: Iguana Imports (clothing, accessories, some up-cycled art)…The LB Depot for Creative Reuse (up-cycled art), Beach Health Tree (Lavender eye pillows)…Belle’s Nest in Sierra Madre, Etsy:www.aldanamica.etsy.com, Thread Society: www.threadsociety.com/aldanamica

Last fall/winter 2010 my winter items sold at Twig & Willow so I hope to be able to be in their store again this coming fall/winter 2011.

Workshops

Iguana Imports, Consignment Corner, InspyrArts for kids and adults (all are ongoing but no specific dates set after May)

During the spring/summer, workshops come up sporadically so people can check my blog for those dates/times. I try to post a list of events monthly.

Averyboo: workshops for adults on the last Wed of every month from May-Aug, and currently working on ideas for kid’s workshops.

9. Anything else you would like to include?

Thank you so much for thinking of me for this piece. I am so grateful. As an earthling on this planet, my wish is for people to share with each other and stay informed, become aware of how we can help the environment and how much she needs us, unite and reuse!

I thank you Micky, for the awesome beanie and the opportunity to highlight you, and Long Beach thanks you for the wonderful things you do for this city.

Please check out Micky’s products in local stores, online shop www.aldanamica.etsy.com, and visit her blogwww.aldanamica.blogspot.com for great workshop information and updates on her activities. Also, visit the Children's Day Event Saturday, April 30 with info on her blog page.

http://www.562citylife.com/profiles/blogs/fly-people-profile-micky?xg_source=activit

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Post Mother's Day Trunk Show Pictures

Last weekend's trunk show at Iguana Imports was a lot of fun. I taught a handful of people how to crochet including a couple of teens! Check out the pictures below.....

This was my trunk show area, beautifully decorated by the owners Tom and Gorge....a variety of finger crochet and up-cycled styles including: rugs, water bottle carriers, hanging bottle plants, Ahimsa yoga mat bags (made from old jeans), hats, beanies and more....

Tom and Gorge, awesome owners of Iguana Imports for the last 17 years and counting!!

Jessica Eldridge, local LB jewelry designer who also participated in the trunk show....staying busy making jewelry with a smile through out the show.....

Her attractive jewelry can be purchased at Iguana all year round....her designs vary in style, so there is something for everyone...

Me...finger crocheting a scarf and staying busy...surrounded by colors!

Finger crochet demos cont'....

My finger crocheted rugs were used to adorn different furniture in the store, the owners sure know how to "interior design"!!

Red and pink area rug/doily......

Please like Aldana Mica on Facebook.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Trunk Show News and May Workshops Updated!

Children's Day Event

This Saturday April 30th is Children's Day. Aldana Mica will be representing the Depot for Creative Reuse at the Children's Day and Earth Day Celebration happening at El Dorado Park, from 11-4pm, by The Duck Pond, 2400 Studebaker and Willow, Long Beach, CA 90815 Hosted by ChildrensdayUSA.org

First Fridays in Bixby Knolls

May 6th, join us at Averyboo Arts in Bixby Knolls for First Fridays. Avery Boo will be showcasing Aldana Mica's recycled wall art including dolls, flowers and plants .... We will also be doing finger crochet demonstrations for those who want to try it out.

Mother's Day Trunk Show

Happening on May 7th from 1-5pm, Iguana Imports will be hosting a Pre Mother's Day Trunk Show at their beautiful store. They have a wide variety of items to choose from in at a wide range of price point....there is something special for every mom in this store! Please come join us! Drinks and snacks will be served! Finger crochet demonstrations too!

Lyons At Night

Aldana Mica will have a booth at Lyons at Night, May 14th from 4-10pm, at Lyon Art Supply located at 441 E. 4th St. Long Beach, right in the East Village Arts District.

Coming up Teen & Adult Workshops

Details about class: Learn the basics of finger-crocheting and up-cycled art. Great gift-making ideas!Choose from several projects like beanies, hand warmers, scarves, hanging bottle plants, jewelry frames or bring your own ideas and we can create them together.

Benefits of crocheting: therapeutic because of its calming, rhythmic movements. Studies have shown positive results for people suffering from chronic depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and schizophrenia. It relieves stress and muscle tensions after a hard day at the office as it easily takes your mind off from work and draws you deeper into a solitary hobby where you can collect your thoughts as you let your fingers do their work. Crocheting can also bond people by sharing time and working on ideas together.

May is last month of donation based workshops at Iguana and Consignment Corner, please join us while they last!

Monday May 2nd 5-7pm Iguana Imports, 3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Monday May 9th 10am-12pm InspyrArts 3910 East 4^th St., Long Beach, $15 p/person

Thursday May 12th 3-5pm Consignment Corner, 3228 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Monday May 16th 5-7pm Iguana Imports, 3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Wednesday May 25th from 6:30-8:30pm at Averyboo Arts, 3908 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, $30 p/class, RSVP required, please contact Averyboo Art.

Thursday May 26th th 3-5pm Consignment Corner, 3228 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach,suggested donation $15

To RSVP please go to my facebook page for a list of events or send an email to micaelaas@gmail.com or call me at 562-225-7511.

If you would like to attend a class but these dates don't work for you, please contact me and we can schedule for a day that suites you best.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Earth Week and Other April Workshops

Next week is Earth Week!! Aldana Mica will be representing the Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse...at CSULB's annual Earth Week Celebration "Environmental Awareness Fair"....happening on Tues 19 & Wed 20 from 11am-2pm

On Thursday we will be at the 2nd Annual "Earth Day Event" at The Growing Experience from 2-5pm

"Taste and learn about sustainable foods from our farm, prepared by local chefs......Learn how to do your part in energy and resource conservation.....Take a tour of our urban farm, sit under a tree, enjoy the green!....Enjoy activities for all ages (recycled art, herbalism, composting, yoga, +!)....Live music from awesome local acts...Sign up for Long Beach’s only local Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program"

Other Workshops Schedule for Kids, Teens and Adults are as follows....

Kid's Workshop

"Crafty Earthlings" Ages 5-9

Tuesday April 26th 3:30-5pm InspyrArts 3910 East 4^th St., Long Beach, CA 90814

Students will create several useful projects using items found in the household. They will be encouraged to be creative and exercise their imagination by reusing ordinary items and turning them into functional creations...as well as learn about how important it is to take care of mother nature and their role as earthlings on this planet.... They will be able to choose from several projects including: basket weaving, musical shakers and guitars, milk carton bags and magazine holders, yarn kytes, notepads and greeting cards.

$15 per class

Teens-Adults Workshops

Monday April 18th 5-7pm Iguana Imports, 3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Monday April 25th 4-6pm Consignment Corner, 3228 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Tuesday April 26th 6:30-8pm InspyrArts, 3910 East 4^th St., Long Beach, $15 p/person

Monday May 2nd 5-7pm Iguana Imports, 3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Monday May 9th 10am-12pm InspyrArts 3910 East 4^th St., Long Beach, $15 p/person

Thursday May 12th 3-5pm Consignment Corner, 3228 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Monday May 16th 5-7pm Iguana Imports, 3440 E. Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

Thursday May 26th th 3-5pm Consignment Corner, 3228 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach, suggested donation $15

To RSVP please go to my facebook page for a list of events or send an email to micaelaas@gmail.com or call me at 562-225-7511.

If you would like to attend a class but these dates don't work for you, please contact me and we can schedule for a day that suites you best.