Since I haven’t done a post in a while about fabric, I thought it was about time. Repro Depot has a number of fruit prints on their site and they sure look yummy. Just think of what you could make with these. I think they might be quite fun in a kitchen hanging over some bright windows.

Sweet Cherries-Pink; Juicy-Lemon; Applesiini-Orange:

Juicy-Blue; Sweet Strawberries-Blue; Apples Jersey:

Yup, meet Mr. Pickles, a fun-loving…well, pickle!

Mr. Pickles was created by brother and sister team Jack and Rita. They actually came up with the idea on the very same day at the very same time using their telepathic powers. Now Mr. Pickles’ world has grown to include friends such as a flying hamburger and a nerd ghost.

Their recently redesigned website features even more animations, Mr. Friend’s Celebrity Love Poems and Helpful Advice from a grizzly bear named Rusty. You’ll even find the fun Masterpickles Theatre and a shop full of goodies that sport graphics of the characters you’ll come to love.

If you’re ready to venture off into the wonderful land of Mr. Pickles and all of his friends, head on over to visit one of the most fun sites around.

Mr. Pickles Cuddler; Rotten Apple Mini Button; What Up Nut Nut Cap-Sleeve:

Meet Catherine Storing of Catherine’s Designs

What is it that you design and create?
I create one of a kind skirts using fabulous fabrics and accesories.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Having no limitations and working with different fibers.

How did you come up with your business name?
It seemed like a good idea to have my name as a business name.

Who or what inspires you?
Anything and everything. Art, fabric, color, the weather….

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Seek out help from the sba, sbcd and score they are geniuses.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Shakira, john secada, bacon Brothers, all kind of stuff.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Grace’s Anatomy

What was the last movie you watched?
I love to watch movies I’ve seen already. I just saw “Where the heart is” for the 365th time.

What’s your favorite food?
Steak. Must eat meat.

What’s your favorite candy?
Do not like candy, but once in while I would have a twix.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Anthropologie or any fabric store.

Any pets?
No, but I have a 20-month-old, does that count? Just kidding.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Spain, I just love everything about it: the food, the people. Just everything.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?

FC: Fabulous Chic, I would be able to fix any fashion faux pas but wait I already can do that. Ha ha.

Any celebrity crushes?
Just a few……

Favorite Holiday?
4th of July. I just love the Summer.

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
An espadrille or a wedge sandal.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I wish I could open a sewing factory @ the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, so I can help both at the same time.

Favorite piece of clothing?
Black dress, it is the most beautiful + comfortable dress ever.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
Yes, I speak Spanish

Now that we’re at the start of a new year, are you a believer in making resolutions? Do you keep them?
Yes I am. I am going to have more fun and finally take those dance lessons I always wanted to take.

PS
Can you tell that my favorite word is: fabulous.
Fabulous, indeed! Catherine’s Designs has a variety of goodies for you to explore. Take a look:

Plaid-I’m-Back; Lime and More; Denim with a Kick:

Peaches; Pretty in Pink; Africa:

Use code “Mix plate” to receive free earrings with every order for the month of February. Offer expires February 28, 2007.

When it’s cold outside I think of eating a bowl of saimin or soup or maybe even some hot chocolate. At Flavour Design you will find a number of goodies including bowls that will fit perfectly in the palm of your hand and have a spot for your chopsticks. They also carry environmentally friendly vases, adorable cards and other great things for your home. I shouldn’t do it…but I may have to place an order soon…

Buddha Bowl; Udon Noodle Bowl:

Head on over to Anne Maa’s site for her sample sale. Starting today her sample sale is open to the public for great deals on samples from past collections. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings are marked down and will sell like hotcakes. So hurry on over and get shopping because the sale ends on February 2, 2007.

Lemon Quartz Vermeil Earrings; Lavender Quartz Sterling Bracelet; Fluorite Necklace:

Learn more about the sale by readings Anne’s blog.

To get to know more about The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary.

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary was founded in December 2000 by Steve Smith and Alayne Marker. The property consists of 160 acres of open grasslands and cottonwoods that is home to animals with disabilities. Each day they care for nearly 80 animals including horses, dogs and cats, half of which are blind.

When other shelters call on Steve and Alayne it is usually the animal’s last hope. These are the pets that are least likely to be adopted and often times are euthanized. In the Blackfoot River Valley of western Montana is where you can visit these amazing animals. The facilities include three barns, five animal cottages, four large animal sheds and an employee cottage.

I can only hope that there are more people out there in the world like Steve and Alayne that have given their time and so much devotion to saving animals. Please take some time to visit their website, look into adoption if you can, purchase something from their shop or maybe even make a donation and volunteer.

Here are some beautiful new chandeliers from Anthropologie. I’ve never lived anywhere that had a chandelier, owned one or really knew many people that did but sometimes they really look great! It can absolutely change the look of any room and give it a more romantic vibe.

Effervescent Chandelier; Noir Chandelier; Prismatic Chandelier:

Can I just love these? Yup! Can I PLEASE have one..or two…? These are so adorable! I saw these online a little while back and thought that they were so smart. The covers are made of vintage wallpaper and there is a built in pencil holder in the pad. Yes, an actual spot for your writing instrument so you’ll always be prepared. Perfect for your desk or the desk of someone who is constantly coming up with ideas when there is no pencil and paper in sight! Love it!

You can find these at Smitten Kitten, based in downtown Toronto, and made by owner and designer Amy.

Picnic Memo Pad; Cuckoo Memo Pad; Labyrinth Memo Pad:

Meet Alexandria Hendrick of Girly Rings

What is it that you design and create?
We create accessories for Women whether it would be a handbag, a ring or a scarf. We believe that every women has a distinctive look and taste. In one way or another, women want to feel unique and different. To be able to express our emotion is a way of life.
Our company was created with the intention of offering good quality products at reasonable prices. I’m talking 100% leather items at low prices. Our designer line is young and energetic, clean and fun.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
To have the vision and see the final product come to life is a rush!

How did you come up with your business name?
In honor of my sister, my best friend, my partner.

Who or what inspires you?
Leather and suede have their own uniqueness; they inspire you to create depending on the color, texture.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out? Perseverance. Don’t give up. It may take a little time, but if it is in your heart you will find a way to make it happen

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
A mix of Sting, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Smooth Jazz artist and Rob Tomas, Shakira.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Rome HBO

What was the last movie you watched?
The pursue of Happiness. Great Flick!

What’s your favorite food?
Sushi.

What’s your favorite candy?
None. Boring eh?

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Target!

Any pets?
You name them, I have them. When you have a 5 yr old spunky daughter, you get what they want. Cat, Dog and fish.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I love Europe. However, Morocco is on my list of exotic places to see on my the next trip.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I would like to be like Elastic Girl with Extra hands; I’m a hands-on girl and like to do it all!
Superpowers. Be able to split myself into lots of me. So I guess you can call me Split-girl.

Any celebrity crushes?
Brad Pitt. Of course!

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas!

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Stiletto. A must!

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
The best mom in the world!

Favorite piece of clothing?
Breeze summer dresses.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak Spanish; however I would love to learn the language of love, French.

Now that we’re at the start of a new year, are you a believer in making resolutions? Do you keep them?

Yes, I am a much focused person, and my goal is to share with you all a little bit of fun.
Clothing and accessories is all used in the name of fun. Be creative, be yourselves!
Great advice and fun interview by another one of our sponsors. Here’s a little of what can be found by visiting Girly Rings:

Baires Handbag; Blue Winter Scarf; White Snow Ring:

Turquoise Blue Necklace; Tootsie Roll Handbag; Orangina Summer Headband:

London-based independent clothing label Tonic offers up a bunch of original designs on organic shirts. Sweatshop-free ethically sourced clothing is what you will find at their site. All of their garments are custom-made in a UK factory which employs workers that are highly skilled and are paid above the minimum wage. The factory is a nice environment and has been verified to meet the core standards set out by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on workers’ rights. These standards have also been verified by free trade unions. Currently, they are having a January sale. Check it out…

Hasselhoff T-Silver; Fatale T-Red; Monkey Roger T-Black:

About two years ago I went to a work conference in Utah. We were able to spend some extra time there and went to Park City. There we found a cute little ice cream shop filled with fun merchandise based around their name - Cows! I was in heaven. Ice cream and cows? How fun is that, right?

Their shirts, stickers, mugs and more sport designs that parody pop culture. What originally started off as a small ice cream company still remains old-fashioned and true to their roots. By the way, the ice cream is yummy! Here are some things you’ll find on their site:

Graze Moonatomy Shirt; Cowy Potter Sticker; Nemoo Long Sleeve Shirt:

Yoga Shirt; Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon; Nacowleon Dynomite Shirt:

While I don’t currently own a pair of Keds, I sure would like to slip a couple of these cuties on…

Celestial Rainbow Skimmer; Celestial Star Skimmer; Hipster Canvas Skimmer:

Poppy Skimmer; Craze Destroyed Camo Mary Jane; Eleanor Brown Fox Print Skimmer: