Archive for October, 2006
October 20, 2006
As if her original messenger bags weren’t cute enough, Vanessa of Gerbera Designs has created an XL messenger bag. Oh, I’m in love! A big bag with polka dots on it? But if polka dots aren’t your thing, there are a bunch of other great fabrics that you can choose from. Both the small and XL messengers have enough room to carry all sort of things (hey, check out the photo below) including a special pocket made for your iPod or MP3 player. It’s made so that you can easily control your music through the vinyl pocket. Does it get any better?
Check out the messengers and all of the fun fabric choices now.
Small Messenger Bag; XL Messenger Bag; Stuff in XL Messenger Bag (just to give you an idea of what you can fit in it!):
Lucky you! Gerbera Designs is offering FREE SHIPPING as an introductory special of their new XL messengers.
October 19, 2006
A gal from Hawaii, just like me! How fun is that?
Leigh was born and raised on Oahu and moved to the mainland for college. Trying to stay connected to the islands is what started Hapa Hale. When Leigh would search the internet she had a difficult time finding the unique and truly local Hawaiian designs she craved. Putting Hapa Hale online was her way of filling that void, being that she is now 2500 miles away from her home.
Hapa Hale not only helps Leigh keep in touch with what is happening in Hawaii, but also introduces this state to the rest of the world as well as others who have moved from here. It’s a way to help those who may be homesick feel some comfort.
Features such as local designers, great travel deals and things you can do in Hawaii are a few of the fun things you can learn about at Hapa Hale. There is also a spotlight that Leigh tries to shine on things to do in Hawaii that are “off the beaten path”. She feels that so many folks (including us locals) don’t really explore all that the islands have to offer. It’s like having your own special tourguide!
Leigh‘s hope for Hapa Hale is that it becomes a guide of everything modern that is coming out of Hawaii for us all. Take a visit to her blog and discover something new.
October 19, 2006
Yup, special bracelets with pictures of your favorite someone in them! Spencer contacted me to share his Smoy Photocuffs with me.
Smoy is a one person business based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Spencer is the one person that runs the operation creating unique bracelets with “pockets” where you can insert photos of your special someone or maybe special clippings, turning this into your very own work of art.
Spencer started Smoy after working in Tokyo, Japan for a couple of years. He had the idea of these Photocuffs dancing around in his head and couldn’t wait to turn them into a reality. He recently redesigned the cuffs and now offers them in leather and in new colors. You can also get them in vegan-friendly vinyl.
These Photocuffs are a fun accessory and even make great gifts for your friends, family, or even a new mom. They are stylish and such a cool concept. Head on over to Smoy now to see what ideas you have that could go on your wrist!
SOHO 1 Photocuff; SOHO 1 (on Model) Photocuff; Brooklyn Photocuff:
October 18, 2006
Here is our first sponsor feature. I would love for you to get to know our wonderful sponsors. They are talented and sweet gals, which is why I thought it would be nice to do a fun interview that will give you insight as to who these creative designers and artists really are. Enjoy!
Meet Ashley Crim of Teacups and Tadpoles!
I asked Ashley to share a little background with us about herself, her company and where she finds inspiration…
I LOVE design. My specialty is in children’s interior design. I love starting with a blank canvas of a room and mixing and matching until a cozy, unique, one-of-a-kind domain is created for little ones! I enjoy the challenge…therefore, no two of my designs seem to come out the same. My husband began medical school in a new state…therefore, I had to leave behind life as I knew it. This included my craft…my creative outlet! I soon felt the need for design, but knew that we would not be in one spot long enough to be able support the family with a design business. Thus many prayers later, lots of encouragement from my husband, and a large leap…I began designing again. However, this time my designs took a new direction…Teacups and Tadpoles. I now have my craft that I can always and forever carry along with me wherever the Lord takes us next!
What is it that you design or create? Oh, and tell us a bit about your design process…
Design is my passion…I love to mix the old with new, combine the vintage with the whimsy, and to pair the well loved with new things to be treasured. I feel that my design “philosophy†extends into Teacups and Tadpoles. I built, designed, and created T&T simply from images in my head and dreams in my thoughts. This was the largest task! I knew not one thing about web design…coding, HTML, etc. My store image had been in my head a while and the web design of putting that vision into reality is what held me back from taking the jump into an e-boutique. However, in His own way God opened that door and I found the confidence to begin working and designing it exactly one year ago today!…and well, the rest is history! I still can’t say that I am a mastermind, but I am proud to say that I have taught myself! I also dabble a bit with a few of the products I carry. For example, I create and design the personalized stationery that you see on T&T. I love mixing the lush fabrics with personalized notes with my customers name all over them!
So, how’d you come up with your business name?
What’s in the name?…many dreams wrapped into a neat little package! I have always felt that my personal motto and my passions joined hand-in-hand…F-R-O-G. I have always collected vintage frogs and the acronym for the name itself summed up my motto for life…Fully Rely On God. I paired “teacups†with it because it reminds me of my childhood. My mom, sister, and I used to spend Saturdays strolling through antique shops. The many teacups I ran across…each unique and well loved! I found this to be the perfect combination…the memories of my childhood paired with my motto for life!
Where or who does your inspration come from?
The whimsy of a child’s mind! I love the limitless boundaries and creative whims of children’s thoughts!
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Take the risk! Whether it be the courage to jump and try something new, the confidence to stretch out of your comfort zone, or the easiness to try the uneasy! Live your passion…find out what makes your heart tick and work toward that. Life is too short and each day to precious not to!
Now to something really important…What your favorite food?
I just love Mexican food! I could eat it daily! Being from Texas you don’t drive past too many street corners that aren’t adorned with quaint little Mexican food restaurants. Now that we are living in Ohio…sadly Mexican food is not as prevalent. Maybe that’s why I crave it so much!!
How about your favorite fast food?
Chick-fil-a all the way! Yep! I am one gal who just loves Chick-fil-a. I just can’t get enough of their sweet tea with lemon! The closest one to us now is about 45 min. {I know a pitty!}. I make special trips out that way just to get Chick-fil-a! {…and yes, quite the pitty}.
What stores could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
I have quite the weakness for all things vintage. I could spend hours strolling through antique shops. I love the thrill of a good find! My favorite pieces in my home are the ones that have been well worn and loved by someone else! I just love the feeling that my home is my scrapbook. It is a mix all of things I like and have picked up along the way!
Any pets?
We have a handsome “little Yorkie boy†named Wilson Emory. He just turned four and is all of 5 pounds…he runs the place! His big brown eyes make it hard not to let him!
So…now that you know a little more about Ashley, let’s check out some of the things you can find at her shop…
Little Darlings Art Folio (a HOT seller); Go Fish Playing Cards; Doggie Diary Lunch Tote:
Red Headed Beauty Stroller Cover for Bugaboo Strollers; Horsie Tubbie and Bath Puppet Set; ABC Tots Tower:
Use coupon code “MP15” to receive 15% off your next purchase at Teacups and Tadpoles. Simply enter the code in the comments box upon checkout. You will be refunded your 15% once the transaction is settled. Excludes sale items. This offer expires Wednesday, October 25, 2006.
October 18, 2006
Again, I’ve never owned a pair of shoes from Anthropologie. In fact, I think I’ve only owned one jacket from them (I bought it on my honeymoon). However….it’s always fun to see what interesting things they have on their site. The colors are always great and if I could walk in some of those and were brave enough to wear them, I guess I would!
Here are some I could walk in (since they are flats, of course!)…
Buttercup Ballerinas; Riverbed Flats; Gondola Wedges:
October 17, 2006
Mau Designs is a fun little shop on Etsy owned by Maru. Maru creates jewelry, clothing and accessories out of her sunny studio in Old San Juan. She loves silk screening, dyeing, stamping and painting fabrics. She enjoys using recycled goods in her designs, especially her jewelry. Her jewelry line contain natural, vintage and colorful materials.
Some of my picks include a great shirt (got me thinking about Halloween-I love it!), a fun skirt with a great little saying (It reads “Don’t Tell Secrets Over the Phone” in one spot and on another spot of the skirt it says “Careless Talk Can Be Pieced Together by the Enemy”) and one of her fabulous necklaces…
Pirate Woman and Snake Dolman Shirt; Pistol Hearts and a Sodacap Necklace; Don’t Tell Secrets Over the Phone Skirt:
October 13, 2006
I’m always so amazed, but not surprised, that the wonderful folks in the indie community come together each year to raise awareness on all sorts of issues and concerns. These are simply small business owners that work hard to create their products and are often on small budgets, as they struggle to support each other in the stand against the mass-produced.
For years now, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has encouraged people around the world to raise money for research and finding a cure. This year is no different. There are so many people coming together to create special products dedicated to donating portions of their earnings to this cause.
Lilie (my friend from A Planet 4 Creation) let me know that she and Jennifer (of Diva Tribe) have put together an amazing new annual campaign that was created to raise funds and awareness by some of the industry’s hottest designers. Check out the article to learn more.
Here are a few indie friends that are doing their part by putting their talents to good use, earning money to raise awareness and help find a cure.
Pink Heart Pin by Iglubu – 20% of sales during the month of October will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. 50% of the total sales from this heart felt pin will be donated as well. This pin will now be a permanent item at the Iglubu shop.
Cancerpants Journal at If’n Books – $1 from the sale of every Cancerpants Journal will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation during the month October.
Pink Toile Malaga Bag at Sommer Designs – 20% of the sales from this bag will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Los Angeles Affiliate all year long.
Bib for Breast Cancer Awareness by One Little Monkey – $6 will be donated for every one of these bibs sold to the Philadelphia 3-day walk.
Breast Cancer Awareness Purse Charmie by A Planet 4 Creation – 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Komen Southern Arizona, a local branch of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A Planet 4 Creation is also going to be donating 20% of all sales in the month of October to their local branch in Arizona.
Paws for a Cause Big Dog Collar by Lindsay Designs – 25% of the proceeds from the sale of Paws for a Cause items will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Himalayan Pink Salt Therapy by Body Systems – 20% of the proceeds from this product will be donated to Breast Cancer Research in the month of October.
Hourglass Earrings by Angela Tong – 15% of sales of these Hourglass Earrings will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation during the month of October.
African Cancer Awareness Card by ZeVin Creations – 10% of sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and 10% will be donated to the Harriet B. Porter Cancer Education and Research Endowment.
Breast Cancer Awareness Package by Reliving Moments – $10 will be donated to The Canadian Cancer Society with the purchase of this month’s awareness package.
Daisy Patch Flat Card by Dear Monday – 20% of web sales in October will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Muse Stone Necklace, Special Edition-Goddess by Earthenwood – 50% of all sales from their Etsy shop will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Again, please check out the Diva Tribe article for more information. These are just a couple of friends that I featured but there are many more wonderful businesses out there trying to help out.
October 13, 2006
Sick on Sin always has fun things at their site. Great shirts with graphics cute graphics
Situated in a little suburb outside of Toronto, Ontario, Sick on Sin is always coming up with new designs. Jennifer is the owner and operator of the shop and has design support from Michael. Jennifer was part of the corporate world when she decided to start Sick on Sin in 2005. She shares all of her ideas for design with Michael and he quickly whips up the artwork. What a great team!
Check out their site to see what’s new. Jennifer just did a huge update with 9 new shirt designs, 7 undie designs and 5 pocket mirrors! There are even Undead Friends button and magnet sets in honor of Sick on Sin‘s favorite holiday…Yes, Halloween!!! And to celebrate the holiday, every order gets a special “treat” included.
Every Day Is Halloween Button Pack Series A; Every Day Is Halloween Button Pack Series B; Zombies Button Pack A:
October 12, 2006
How can you not love someone who believes pez dispensers are special and that anything handmade is a gift? Tobi is the someone I’m talking about and she designs some of the prettiest paper items around.
Tobi Wood Designs is the site where Tobi sells journals, note cards, wall art, magnets and prints. Her designs are clean, bold and simple. The colors are beautiful, as are the graphics of trees, grass, flowers and more.
Another thing I love about Tobi is that she is generous. $1 of every note card set that is sold will be donated to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation. Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia is an extremely rare blood cancer. The foundation is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and was developed and financed by patients and their friends and families. This is a foundation and cause that is very close to Tobi’s heart.
Head on over to Tobi Wood Designs now to see the wonderful designs on paper and to learn more about this pez-loving gal. This is another site you can feel good about purchasing from.
Journals; Bloom Wall Art; Note Cards:
October 11, 2006
Another fun Blog of the Week…
Indie Obsession is a wonderful blog that features indie designers to feed the “obsession” of Brandy, a respiratory therapist who aspires to be a stay-at-home mom. Brandy is a wife and mother of two boys. What started as a way to keep sane, Indie Obsession became a true addiction. Brandy feels a need to find cool indie items and share them with her readers, keeping up with new posts each day.
Etsy was Brandy’s first taste of handmade goodies. She began to make her own handbags and accessories under the company name Oblivious Designs. With all that she has going on in her life, she put her handmade items on hold and is now concentrating fully on Indie Obsession. Brandy’s feeling is if she “can’t make things she may as well shop for them”! Isn’t that the truth!
So check out Brandy, the self-proclaimed indie-holic, and see the lovely picks she has up on Indie Obsession today. You’ll soon find yourself wanting to learn about what new thing she’s found. You may even start calling yourself a little obsessed…
just a little note…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BRANDY! I do hope that you can check things off your wish list today!!! :o)
October 11, 2006
In May of 2004 Liliputians, an indie designer label, was born in New York City with the arrival of Heather‘s daughter Lily Belle. Lily is her mom’s inspiration behind all of the unique handmade items on the site. This line of boutique children’s clothing is a reflection of Heather’s love for art, vintage designs, whimsical themes, bright colors and more.
At Liliputians you’ll find that the care that goes into the craftsmanship of each design is what makes this line of apparel so different. Heather invites the opportunity to create custom outfits for your little ones as well. So many options…
These are some of my faves from her shop. I love that she even has holiday-specific clothing:
Halloween Cat & Full Moon Set; Frida Kahlo Inspired Mommy and Me Set; Mod Zoo Animals Set:
Receive 20% off your purchase! Enter code “MIXEDPLATE” upon checkout. This offer is good through December 31, 2006.
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aloha! i’m Liana. this is my site. i am not a professional writer. i pretty much just write the way i talk. it’s fun meeting new online friends and introducing these amazing artists. i’ll do my best to keep you entertained.
