Sponsor Time! Take a moment to sit back and learn about Lisa…

Meet Lisa Macchia of Ity-Bity Bags:

Name: Lisa Macchia

Business Name: Ity-Bity Bags

Where are you located?
Matamoras, Pennsylvania

What is it that you design and create?
I make appliqued purses and gifts.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love getting an idea in the middle of the night that you can’t wait to start. Then developing that product from start to finish.

How did you come up with your business name?
I just referred to my pouches as my “ity bity bags” and it just stuck!

Where/How did this all begin?
I have always been crafty, even as a little kid. I remember my first sewing project; it was in the 3rd grade. I made a quilt square which depicted through appliques the book “The Witches” by Roald Dahl.

Who or what inspires you?
Wow, there is so much that inspires me! I love animals, the outdoors, cute and funny cartoon characters, even odd things from my childhood.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Promote, promote, promote! It may be slave labor for awhile, but it will be worth it in the end!

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I love the Punto Verde earrings I got from Jeweledmonkey on Etsy! I wear them all the time!

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
I don’t even own an iPod! Right now I do have Beck, Fiona Apple, and the Royal Tenenbaums movie soundtrack in my car player.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
30 Rock, The Office.

What was the last movie your watched?
The Man Who Knew Too Much by Alfred Hitchcock

What’s your favorite food?
Pancakes and Veggie Sausage

What’s your favorite candy?
Chocolate covered Halva

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee!!!

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Borders, I love books!

Any pets?
Norman the cat named after Norman Bates.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I like visiting Massachusetts, and would love to visit the Rain Forest of Brazil, Japan, India, Alaska…the list goes on and on!

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I am too much of a hermit to be a superhero…hmmm I guess if I had to my name would be “The crafty caper” and I could capture bad guys in my crocheted nets!

Any celebrity crushes?
I don’t usually have celebrity crushes, and when I do find someone attractive it is in an odd way. I think guys like Ralph Fiennes or a young Paul Newman.

Favorite Holiday?
Halloween and Christmas! I am a holiday junky! I love to decorate and buy people gifts!

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Black Adidas sandals, because that’s what I wear about 6 months out of the year.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I wish I owned my own Art Gallery and pottery studio.

Favorite piece of clothing?
Jeans. Old worn in soft jeans!

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
My brain does not possess the capability to understand other languages, but I wish it did!

There are just a few more months left in 2007. Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?
My son turns 2 in October and All of the holidays are exciting enough for me!

Happy Birthday to your son, Lisa! Check out some of the goods from Ity-Bity Bags…

Hedgehog and Mushroom Sewing Set; Whale of a Time Applique Zip Pouch; Lonely Tree in the Forest Clutch:

Hippo Japanese Zip Pouch; Sunny Day Applique Button; Purple Bird Java Knickers:

{Hedgehog and Mushroom Sewing Set: $10.00; Whale of a Time Applique Zip Pouch: $9.00; Lonely Tree in the Forest Clutch: $20.00}

{Hippo Japanese Zip Pouch: $7.00; Sunny Day Applique Button: $6.50; Purple Bird Java Knickers: $5.00}

Alright, so I am really digging on this song and video. NOMASTERBACKS is a group of 3 talented local boys (Temper T, Well.Being & Wade) from Hawaii that have been writing, rapping, rhyming - you name it - for years. Back in high school these guys were already awesome and they don’t disappoint with this sweet little video that was released earlier this month, “New Rules”, off their most recent album, “At Your Door”.

Yes! I have been patiently waiting for Kealopiko’s online shop to open…and it is here!!! Jamie, Ane and Hina are the gals behind this clothing company that is inspired by and celebrates the Hawaiian culture. The unique designs that are printed by the three talented owners all have very specials meanings. If you are not a Hawaii local or even if you are but may not be familiar with all of the terms, you are in luck. One of my favorite things that this company does - they include a description of the shirt and its message. That’s right, Kealopiko is actually helping to educate its wearers about aspects of the Hawaiian culture. Brilliant!

Moi (blue print candy stripe); Hihimanu (black crew):

Koae (longsleeve); Wiliwili (crew):

Something else that will make customers smile is that all of their original designs are printed for both men and women. There are a variety of colors and styles to choose from, so check it out. In addition to sharing some local knowledge with the world, Kealopiko gives back and supports organizations and businesses that are working towards a sustainable Hawaii. The Kokua Hawaii Foundation and Paepae o Heeia Fishpond have both received donations from this wonderful company. Yes, another purchase that you can feel good about…

Elepaio (red boatneck); The Big Five (crew):

{Moi (blue print candy stripe): $30.00; Hihimanu (black crew): $24.00}

{Koae (longsleeve): $30.00; Wiliwili (crew): $24.00}

{Elepaio (red boatneck): $30.00; The Big Five (crew): $24.00}

Marlese Sears of Canada-based Bobe Bath Essentials shot me an email a couple weeks back asking if I’d be open to trying a product or two.  I knew via perusing the website that this company really cared about the products they created.  I selected to try the Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter and a Lip Balm…and I am really glad that I did.

Since I received my sample pack, I’ve been faithfully puckering up with my Carnival Candy Apple Lip Balm (I’m a lip balm/gloss person so this made me happy).  The balm is smooth and you get just the right amount of scent without being overpowering.  As for my yummy Grapefruit Supreme Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter…citrus heaven!  I am always a bit hesitant when it comes to using anything with too much fragrance.  However, after applying some of the body butter I was hooked.  The formula is light enough for me to use in Hawaii yet gave me a nice smooth skin surface that I would bet would work in colder, drier weather.

Marlese launched Bobe in 2006 cooking up fresh batches of custom bath and body products, made to order.  A master mixologist, she combines exotic ingredients to create her unique line that includes body butters, lip balms, perfumes, lotions, scrubs and cleansers.   With over 50 scents and 70 lip balm flavors to chose from, you are sure to get something that’s perfect.

Here are a couple of goodies from the shop:

Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter; Lip Balm:

 

Eau de Parfum; Luxurious Body Wash:

 

Bobe also believes strongly in giving back and supporting the community.  You can feel good about all of your purchases with Marlese because each month, 5% of Bobe retail sales are given to a different charity.

{Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter: $8.71 (USD); Lip Balm: $3.84 (USD)}

{Eau de Parfum: $14.08 (USD); Luxurious Body Wash: $8.19 (USD)}

It is Birthday #3 for Lindsay Designs and that means that everything at the shop is on SALE!!!  You’ll find that all items are discounted at least 10% (maybe more!) through October 31.  Oh, and even though it’s their birthday, Lindsay felt like giving all of the presents to you!  While supplies last, get a special birthday goodie bag that includes a scratch card with every order.  Each one contains a special coupon code for a discount on your next order…there’s even a coupon for $25 off!!!  What are you waiting for?  Go on, wish Lindsay Designs a Happy 3rd Birthday, shop for the holidays and save some money while you’re at it!

Verbena Wallet; Safari Key Fob:

 

Dahlia Flower Pin; Forest Big Dog Collar:

 

{Verbena Wallet: $32.30 (sale price); $38.00 (reg. price); Safari Key Fob: $9.00 (sale price); $10.00 (reg. price)}

{Dahlia Flower Pin: $3.90 (sale price); $6.50 (reg. price); Forest Big Dog Collar: $15.30 - $17.10 (sale price); $17.00 - $19.00 (reg. price)}

hey - check out the Lindsay Designs 2nd Annual Pet Photo Contest (last day to enter is October 31)

What are your plans for Friday? Feel like hanging out and making new friends? Maybe you’d like to get a good workout in while helping a good cause? I know, you’d like me to count you in, right? Come on over to Puck’s Alley in Honolulu to Martial Arts Family Fitness for the first KICK for a CURE!

Reiko Ho (owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness) will be hosting this event to help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Passionately Pink for the Cure. It’ll be a special 90-minute kickbox class of Bands, Bootcamp and Bags. Everyone is invited and we look forward to seeing you there. Simply bring your $5 donation that will be collected at the door and get ready to KICK it!

Martial Arts Family Fitness
Puck’s Alley, 2nd Floor
2600 S. King Street, Suite 202
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

Come on down to join in, send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) or visit the site and contact Reiko. It’s guaranteed to be a good time!

Here’s some info on one of the fabulous designers who is part of the Trunkt community…

Meet Marie Cristine Lund of Marie Cristine Jewelry:

Name: Marie Cristine Lund (just married in June)

Business Name: Marie Cristine Jewelry

Trunkt LookBook: www.trunkt.org/mariecristine

Where are you located?
Campbell River, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada

What is it that you design and create?
Jewelry

What is your favorite part of the design process?
That’s a tough one! I guess the end, seeing the finished product and knowing it’s done, it usually turns out to be nothing like what I had first imagined.

How did you come up with your business name?
I have to thank my Mother for that! I felt my own name sounded nice and was appropriate to use for a business of this type.

Where/How did this all begin?
It began in grade five with friendship pins. But I have been crafty all my life and I have tried many different things, I’ve always come back to jewelry though and the last few years have been a great journey.

Who or what inspires you?
Everything and nothing. There isn’t one place I look to for inspiration it just sort of hits me out of the blue.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
A purse from a girl at my local farmers market, it’s a lovely blue and brown pinstripe bag.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
A heavy mix on my MP3 player. Classical in the house stereo.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I don’t watch very much tv, but when I do it’s usually a CSI or Law and Order, something like that.

What was the last movie you watched?
First Born (I think that’s what it was called)

What’s your favorite food?
Pasta, but I like a lot of different foods especially if it’s spicy.

What’s your favorite candy?
Gummy Candy or Lindor Truffles

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee in morning herb tea in afternoon/evening

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Jewelry supply store, something with lots of great tools and stones!

Any pets?
Boxer named Bryn, a cat named Bean and a beta fish named Mason who spends a great portion of his time living in a mason jar.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
My favorite place is here in Campbell River I’m lucky enough to live in paradise! But there’s so many places I would love to visit. I want to explore my own country more, I would love to go to the east coast and up north, but I would also love to travel the world, there are so many amazing places I don’t even know where to start.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
You mean I’m not a superhero? My kids may not agree, but lets see….
My name would be Super Duper Smiley Woman and I would be able to make everyone in the world happy all at the same time!

Any celebrity crushes?
No one comes to mind

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas, having kids really makes Christmas fun!

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
A clog or maybe a flip flop

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I wish I could play the piano

Favorite piece of clothing?
P.J’s Nice and comfy!

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I’ve picked up a bit of Spanish from Dora the Explorer, but other than that, no. I wish I could speak another language though.

We’re more than half way through the year! Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?
Just to keep working hard and see what happens!

Thanks, Cristine! Here are a few of the great pieces you can find at her shop…

Silver Wire Sapphire Circle Pendant; Sterling Silver Ladder Earrings:

Sterling Silver Bright Thumb Ring; Sterling Silver Organic Styled Cuff Bracelet:

Sapphire and Smoky Quartz Long Earrings; Rhodonite and Sterling Silver Necklace:

{Silver Wire Sapphire Circle Pendant: $120.00; Sterling Silver Ladder Earrings: $45.00}

{Sterling Silver Bright Thumb Ring: $20.00; Sterling Silver Organic Styled Cuff Bracelet: $150.00}

{Sapphire and Smoky Quartz Long Earrings: $125.00; Rhodonite and Sterling Silver Necklace: $200.00}

Alright, so it’s the last day (sale ends on Wednesday, October 24) of the sale over at Punk-n-Pie. EVERTYHING at the shop is marked down and the deals are amazing! Hurry over and get your shopping done now before everything is scooped up. Some of the items will not be back in stock again once the shop reopens in a month or so.

Samurai Girl Cap Sleeve T-Shirt; Baby Wash: Calm:

Band Tee; Carnivale Wall Art:

Brown Hat w/Army Green Skull, Distressed; Guitar Tank Top:

{Samurai Girl Cap Sleeve T-Shirt: $28.00 (reg. price: $32.00); Baby Wash: Calm: $10.00 (reg. price: $14.50)}

{Band Tee: $20.00 (reg. price: $24.00); Carnivale Wall Art: $45.00 (reg. price: $76.00)}

{Brown Hat w/Army Green Skull, Distressed: $18.00 (reg. price: $20.00); Guitar Tank Top: $20.00 (reg. price: $24.00)}

Head over to Lounge Luxe and enter for a chance to win a goodie basket full of pretty things.  The basket contains handmade gifts by mi-SPA, Kailo Chic, Peggy Li and Tees for Change.  Earrings, bath and body products, shirts…you can’t go wrong!  Trust me, these are amazing designers and you’ll want a shot at winning their stuff.   While you’re there, take a look around the shop where you’ll find all of these companies and more.

Yeah!!! New goodies at Art School Dropout for your weekend shopping pleasure…

Juxtapose Necklace #827; Olive Green Vinyl Swallow Brooch:

Television Necklace; Yellow Mini Deer Necklace:

Red Wing Earrings; Juxtapose Necklace #820:

{Juxtapose Necklace #827: $40.00; Olive Green Vinyl Swallow Brooch: $8.00}

{Television Necklace: $12.00; Yellow Mini Deer Necklace: $10.00}

{Red Wing Earrings: $10.00; Juxtapose Necklace #820: $30.00}

Thanks to the suggestion of one of our readers (thank you, Parsiri), here’s a little bit of vampires…

Porcelain Vampire Teeth by C-Urchin; Vampire’s Garden Soap by Arcana Soaps at Gorey Details:

Mirrors Are Useless For a Vampire Pocket Mirror by Brandon Reese at My Favorite Mirror; Fang-tastic! Women’s Tank Top by Flippin’ Sweet Gear:

Vampire Rabbit by Fluffy Flowers; Night Shade Vampire Bat Black Hoodie by Beta:

{Porcelain Vampire Teeth: $10.00; Vampire’s Garden Soap: $6.50}
{Mirrors Are Useless For a Vampire Pocket Mirror: $6.50; Fang-tastic! Women’s Tank Top: $19.99}
{Vampire Rabbit: $15.00; Night Shade Vampire Bat Black Hoodie: $58.00}

Zombies. Love ‘em or fear ‘em there is something intriguing about ‘em. I figured that since Halloween is coming up (yippeeee!) I’d start dedicating some posts to such a fun time of year.

In the Zombie Room Messenger Bag by Cipolla; Sometimes I Worry About Zombies Adult Underoos by Tina Seamonster:

Crumb the Sock Monkey by Sappy Moose Tree; Nite of the Night Zombie Undead Print by Matt Cipov:

Zombies Love Brains Mug by Folded Pigs Porcelain; Zombie Escape Plan Blank Book Journal by re-conceived:

Rob Zombie Tunic Horror Shirt by  SUGARFOOT DIY; My Favorite Zombie Wallet by Travis Pitts for Tinymeat:

{In the Zombie Room Messenger Bag: $70.00; Sometimes I Worry About Zombies Adult Underoos: $12.00}

{Crumb the Sock Monkey: $57.00; Nite of the Night Zombie Undead Print: $16.00}

{Zombies Love Brains Mug: $14.00; Zombie Escape Plan Blank Book Journal: $12.00}

{Rob Zombie Tunic Horror Shirt: $27.00; My Favorite Zombie Wallet: $14.00}