Congratulations to Jennie Hinkle, creator of Unstandard Deviations for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Jennie to congratulate her on winning and also to get the dirt on what she has going on.

1. How did you come up with the name Unstandard Deviations and what inspires your pieces?

My jewelry is unique and usually the first thing people say about it is, wow I’ve never seen anything like that. So I actually had a really hard time coming up with a name that I felt worked for my jewelry. I made lists, looked at synonyms, asked friends for opinions, etc. I knew I wanted it to be something that was unique, bold, and different. I wanted it be something that made people think. It needed to portray the nonconformity, and the “against the grain” quality that my jewelry carries along with it. I finally came up with “Unstandard Deviations” and the tag line “jewelry that defies the norm”. It stems from the statistical term “standard deviation” and how it relates to bell curves. Once I came up with the name, I knew there was no turning back.

2. Without giving away your secrets, what are your pieces made out of?

Most of my pieces are made from a material called polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This material allows me to make pretty much any image into a piece of jewelry (providing I have the legal right to use the image). I also use glass microscope slides on some pieces to encase collage images. All the chains I use are sterling silver and can be shiny or darkened according to personal preference. I want everyone to have something they feel represents them, so I am all about doing custom work as well as making that perfect piece for each and every person! I am also a silversmith, and at some point will be offering some of those creations on my Etsy store as well.

3. Where can people check out your stuff? (more…)

With the holiday spirit ringing in the air, beer-belly Santa’s running rampant through malls and store entrances, rainy freeways, and ridiculous traffic with even more ridiculous drivers; now is the perfect time to stay close home and enjoy some of your favorite local artists.

Despite the despicable economy most everyone still feels the pinch to give back, if you are one of those kind-hearted souls check out our friends Mimi and Red at one of our fav spots El Dorado. Mimi and a sleuth of other local companies will be hosting the Holiday Toy Drive from 9p-12a at the East Village hang out. There’s no cover, just bring in an unwrapped toy of your choice (Super Soakers are a timeless pick) or $10 that will go towards buying new toys. When you buy for someone else, despite how empty your bank account is your heart will be full, especially with that corny metaphor.

All that giving really leaves my soul yearning for some inspiration… of the visual sense. Stop by 3795 30^th for Wish You Were Beer with art by Brian Clinebell and Taylor Johnson, (more…)

This Saturday. October 3^rd from 1:00 PM- 5: 00PM, North Park will host its first-ever Taste of North Park.  More than 30 restaurants and 20 galleries and boutiques will participate in this tantalizing event. The event is the ideal blend of delicious cuisines prepared by top chefs around the neighborhood mixed with the perfect variety of microbrews and flavorful wines.  Tickets to the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the North Park Mainstreet.  Don’t miss this opportunity to sample the best in local North Park dining.

Participants Include:

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Love Street Vintage is a unique vintage clothing store run by local North Parker, Sarah Sanaee.  It is stocked with a variety of vintage goodies ranging from 60’s mod era Cindy Brady inspired gear, to 70’s disco party dresses, to comfy old vintage tees.  Although it is mainly filled with stuff for the ladies, there are occasionally some really cool 70s style rocker items for the fellas as well.  I met up with Sarah to get the inside scoop on why she loves vintage and what it was like to be a part of Commune Wednesdays. (more…)

If you haven’t had the chance to check out MESH, one of Commune’s favorite local boutiques, today is the day to do it. MESH is celebrating its 3-year anniversary today (8/20/09) and has an unbelievable sale going on. We all know times are tough so why not get stylish AND save money. (more…)

In this current economy, most people are passing on boutique stores because they tend to be the priciest. Luckily for San Diegans, this is not the case for Mimi & Red.

Owners, Rhondda and Michelle, tapped into the neighborhood culture of North Park a little over two years ago. The boutique specializes in women’s clothing and accessories and plans on carrying children’s clothing in the future as well. Mimi & Red is unique as it mixes affordable clothing, jewelry and handbags, with designer jeans, fancy tops and beautiful dresses. This allows those on a tight budget to enjoy the boutique just as much as those seeking more expensive designer clothing. (more…)