The newest addition to Jessica Rust Designs‘ personalized dinnerware line is lovely. It is perfect for those couples celebrating their spring or summer wedding. A set of 4 eight-inch vintage Love Bug plates made of high-end porcelain can be personalized for that special touch. You can order them with or without the gold. Also available are matching mugs and a dessert set.

Love Bug Plate Set: $85.00:

Love Bug Dessert Set: $125.00/4 8-inch plates and set of 4 nine ounce mugs; Love Bug Mug Set: $55.00/4 nine ounce mugs:

Meet a wonderfully colorful sponsor of ours…

Meet Betsi Goutal of Zlanarama:

Name: Betsi Goutal

Business Name: Zlanarama

Where are you located?
Waltham, MA - a suburb of Boston

What is it that you design and create?
My tagline sums it up pretty well, actually – “Colorful treasures for your inner child… and your inner rockstar.” To elaborate on that, I make jewelry that’s fun to wear, that makes you happy, that makes you feel like a rockstar or like a kid again. Or in the case of some of my more Jem & the Holograms inspired stuff, like a kid pretending to be a rockstar!

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I’m torn between the sourcing of supplies and the ‘aha!’ moment. The ‘aha!’ moment is the sudden flash of inspiration where the elements I’ve been noodling around with come together and it all just clicks. But oftentimes the ‘aha!’ moment comes when I’m scouting out new supplies, so in a way it’s that part that’s my favorite. Poking around a warehouse full of vintage beads, exploring a forest of fabric bolts in NY’s garment district, or practicing my well-honed web searching skills and then suddenly I spot something and know EXACTLY the right thing to do with it. That’s the best part; the joy of finding treasure and the joy of creating with it all in the same glorious moment.

How did you come up with your business name?
Back in the mid-nineties I was the weird kid in my high school because I spent my afternoons talking with my friends on this strange thing called “the internet.” I went by the name Zlana and over time it came to mean more to me than just a handle. It embodied my love of color, my passion for creating, and my love of life. Zlana became more a name for my muse than a name for me. When I needed a name to sell jewelry under I decided to add the “-rama” as a way to define zlanarama as what happens when I’m moved by my muse.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many things. It’s hard to pin it down to any one thing of course, but there are certain trends in what sort of things inspire me. Certain eras appeal to me such as the frills of the Victorians, the mod patterns of the 1960s, and the neons of the 1980s. I also draw inspiration from the fashion of certain niche subcultures; I love the heavily-accessorized, brightly-colored, playfully-childlike looks of kandi kids and decora-chan. And where would I be without my childhood influence of heroes like Lady Lovely Locks and Jem & the Holograms?

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Be brave, be strong, be persistent. It is incredibly tough and incredibly overwhelming to start a business, especially one in which you’re selling something you put your passion into. “There should be a single Art Exchange in the world, to which the artist would simply send his works and in return be given as much as he needs. As it is, one has to be half a merchant on top of everything else, and how badly one goes about it.” Beethoven said this! And it still rings true today. You have to believe in yourself and not take things too personally. Be bold. Have the confidence to try, and keep trying.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
It’s a bit different from my own style, but I love the necklace I bought from Jennifer Blasko of Jlynn Designs at the South End Open Market last summer. I really admire people who can do things I can’t do, and her freeform wire wrapping is some of the best I’ve ever seen.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Pushing Daisies! I love the twisted and wacky sense of humor, the eccentric characters, and the strange love triangle. And where each episode involves solving a mystery it’s a little like Edward Gorey and Tim Burton joining forces to remake Scooby Doo.

What was the last movie you watched?
Happy Accidents – a great indie flick that goes for a rare genre combo: sci-fi chick flick. It’s a few years old, but you can find it on DVD on Amazon – you can find ANYTHING on Amazon!

What’s your favorite food?
The crispy sesame chicken at Shanghai Tokyo in Natick, MA. Seriously, this stuff is insanely good. I moved from Natick to Waltham over a year ago and I still make a point of eating there every chance I get.

What’s your favorite candy?
Nerds, and not just because I am one – ha! They’re bright and colorful and oh-so-sugary with a bit of sour too – yummy!

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee! About a year ago I got turned on to McNulty’s in NYC, and I just adore it. I never thought I’d be such a coffee snob as to mail order my coffee, but their hazelnut is soooo good.

Any pets?
I have two cats; Moose and Piper. (Bet you thought I was going to say Squirrel!) Moose is a cranky old lady calico, named for the moose-stache patches of color on her upper lip. Piper is a tiny bundle of kitten energy, named for her tendency to follow people around or her squeaky little meow, depending on when you ask.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
This is so hokey, but honestly one of my very favorite places to visit is Disney World – especially Epcot. I guess it’s that whole “in touch with my inner child” thing but I love it. I never went as a kid, but my boyfriend and I have gone a couple times in the past few years and I just love it. The sense of wonder it instills in me, the amazing displays of light and color on some of the rides blow my mind. It’s A Small World is my happy place.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
Following my own advice to be brave, strong, and persistent! I am determined to get my name out there and my jewelry in front of new people. I have a somewhat niche aesthetic and it can be tricky sometimes to reach the right market.
In terms of designs, I have big plans for my shiny new serger and hope to introduce sewn accessory items like armwarmers, headbands, and sash belts in the coming months. I have a great cuddly turquoise zebra print that I’m just itching to use!

Thanks so much, Betsi. Gosh, I totally remember Jem & the Holograms!

Lime Green Boombox Necklace: $20.00; Teddy Bear Earrings: $6.00:

Chain of Love Charm Bracelet: $12.00; Rainbow Strawberries Necklace: $16.00:

Black Star Earrings: $10.00; Punk Charm Bracelet: $20.00:

Enjoy 20% off your next order. Enter coupon code “MIXEDPLATE” at checkout. Offer good through May 31, 2008.

Hunting. I understand that there are many people and many cultures that grow up hunting. It is a sport for some, a way of life (survival, perhaps?) and cultural thing for others. Do I enjoy the idea of hunting or watching it being shown on television? Not a fan. I am an animal fan and do think that this is a much better alternative for your walls to the “trophies” that some may display.

Here are the new papier mache animals at Stray Dog Designs. All of these art pieces are handmade by artisans in Haiti.

Deer with Flowers: $290.00; Giant Crab: $480.00:

Ferdinand: $375.00; Pig: $150.00 (for white) or $180.00 (for color):

Wings Hawaii, one of my favorite shops, has launched a new site and I love it! The new designs, new jewelry…ah, where to begin. The new spring and summer collections are up on the site currently and one of the main features right now happens to be their Eco-Friendly line. This consists of a short-sleeve pocketed v-neck hoodie (I have one and adore it so!), long-sleeve hoodies and full length drawstring pants. The items are made of 50% organic cotton and recycled polyester and are super soft!

The jewelry collection by Sam has evolved a great deal as well. I have been a fan of everything on this site and the jewelry is really catching my eye even more. Every piece is fabricated, handmade, hammered, you name it. She does it all!

If you can’t already tell, I really do love what the gals at Wings Hawaii are doing and will continue to show my support. Remember, if you’re ever in Maui you can visit their storefront (so lucky!). There’s so much more on the site and at their retail shop so check it out. Why don’t I just show you a few of my favorites (you know, what’s on my ‘wish list’)…

Shell Eco-Friendly Pullover Hoodie: $52.00; Opihi Earrings: $200.00:

Bling Wing Necklace: $325.00; Eco-Friendly Pants: $52.00:

I always adore the artwork that Jaime puts up in her shop. These, however, are especially charming…

This Ain’t No Disco Print: $18.00; It’s Not Me It’s YOU Print: $18.00:

Happy Friday to you all! Enjoy…

1) I Promise…Original Illustration by Michele Maule: $25.00; 2) Burgundy Clutch with 1950’s Polka Dots by Crystalyn Kae: $68.00; 3) Maga’s Spoon Earrings by Blue Poppy Jewelry: $56.00; 4) Silver Giant Puka Shell Ring by Seaweed Boutique: $105.00; 5) Little White Vase at Forensic…by Amy V.: $4.00; 6) Letterpress Gift Tags by Sycamore Street Press: $10.00/set of 9; 7) Cute Kitty Cowl Shirt by Threads by Elise: $23.00

Without going into too much detail, I had one of THOSE days on Tuesday. I was up until 2:00am (doing computer work) and was kept awake due to a loud neighbor. This somehow triggered an entire morning of events that left me feeling, well, unhappy. You know what I’m talking about. Where you just know that there are things to follow that will make a little more annoyed and unhappy. Of course, once I was at work I got over it. But wouldn’t it have been nice to have had a bag like this to look at…

It is Okay…Bag: $41.00:

Homegrown (& The Bug) sent me a little note recently about the shop. I only wish I had seen this bag sooner because it surely offers a pick-me-up when you need it. The embroidered lettering and fun vintage bed sheet fabric make for a great spring tote. Alright, so deep breath…It’s Okay….

Receive free shipping on all bags at the shop. Simply enter “MixedPlate” in the note to seller area.

Another Hawaiian favorite of mine - Kealopiko. These gals have done it again with the release of their newest lines. The Makahiki line actually launched back in December but I still wanted to show it off. Also newly released is Hilu - the new line for keiki (kids). Remember, not only are the designs beautiful but educational as well. Enjoy…

Malolo Tee: $24.00; Pua Aloalo Scoop: $24.00:

‘Ekaha Long sleeve: $38.00; Makali’i Tee: $24.00:

‘Opihi Onezee: $20.00; Moi Dress: $30.00:

Okay, so let me just share with you some of the awesomeness that is Fred Flare…

I used to love reading books about Madeline as a child. Check the shirt: $24.00:

I do love my music, as do I love my iPod. So, you can see why I think these are pretty funny…500XL GIANT Earbud Speakers: $60.00:

Ice cream, anyone? No electricity required. Just some ice and rock salt in one end, ice cream mix in the other and let the playing begin!
Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker: $34.00:

Let’s take a moment to learn a little about the designer behind one of our sponsors.

Meet Crescent Maille:

Business Name: Crescent Maille (cMaille for short)

Where are you located?
Northern California

What is it that you design and create?
I make chain maille jewelry, especially bracelets, in both traditional weaves and original designs. I specialize in working with very small rings to craft delicate and exquisite jewelry. I’m also creating a series of my own designs based on lace.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
It’s exciting when the circles swirling in my head coalesce and form a new design. But I like most the weaving itself, being immersed in the pattern and repetition. It’s a form of meditation.

How did you come up with your business name?
I came up with my internet name first: cMaille. It’s short and memorable, and evokes chain maille. As for choosing the right word for the “c,” my favorite weave at the time was the Half Persian 4-in-1, which looks like a line of crescent moons. So the “Crescent” just sort of fell into place.

Where/How did this all begin?
I never thought I’d be interested in making jewelry, but after years of drawing and painting, I wanted a “tidy” artistic outlet. I’d been pretty fixated on drawing and painting circles. Last summer I saw a couple examples of chain maille and was intrigued: circles! I bought a beginning-weave kit and once I started on my first bracelet there was no going back. I find it a low-maintenance pastime of quiet solitude; something I can do while talking or watching television, or just sitting. It’s like being a chronic knitter, only with metal.

Who or what inspires you?
My Significant Other is My Muse.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
- You must love your craft — everything else follows; do something you love, and something that you would do anyway, regardless of sales.
- Communicate well with your customers, since as a seller your job is to make them happy.
- Keep meticulous records from the start, so tax-time is easy.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I’ve found a wonderful shop on Etsy called TeaNoir (http://TeaNoir.etsy.com) that makes truly inspired blends from all-natural botanicals. They created a custom green tea for me based on my favorite ingredients, and I’m hooked.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Elliot Smith, Gorillaz, Fiona Apple, Franz Ferdinand, The White Stripes, Firewater, Cake, Malajube, Radiohead, Wilco.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
The Simpsons, The McLaughlin Group, and The Dog Whisperer.

What was the last movie you watched?
Gone Baby Gone

Coffee or Tea?
A lot of both.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
A grocery store in Tokyo.

Any pets?
Two fish. Red fish, blue fish.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Paris is my favorite city so far.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I wouldn’t want to be a superhero, but I’d like to be able to fly.

Favorite Holiday?
Halloween.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I’ve studied French, Spanish, German, Russian and Arabic. I’ve forgotten almost everything but some French. I am trying to teach myself Spanish now.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
In 2008 I would like to see my sales increase.  As I have more customers (and repeat customers) that are happy with their purchases, I hope both that they will return, and that all of the positive feedback I am getting will encourage others to give my shop a try.  I’d like to start selling a larger number of my more complex pieces, like bracelets and woven necklaces, because these are where the real joy comes in for me as a craftsperson.  I make every piece to order, and all bracelets are custom made to the length the buyer specifies.  Therefore, each sale means another chance to make something.  Sales help keep me in supplies, and supplies keep me weaving and designing.  I’d make chain maille no matter what; but selling definitely helps me create.

Thanks so much! Here is a little selection from the shop:

Graduated Byzantine Necklace: $280.00; Zen Lace Bracelet: $90.00:

Academy Lace Earrings: $43.00; Mobius Charm Necklace: $38.00:

European 4-in-1 Weave Bracelet Cuff: $165.00; Octopus Lace Earrings: $55.00:

Receive 10% off any purchase. Type “Mixed10” in the message to seller field and you’ll receive the 10% refund via PayPal after your purchase. Offer good through May 15, 2008.

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been working hard to update and “fix” the Blog Rollin’ and Indie Shops and Sites pages. There were some glitches earlier and so we’re now good to go. I am still continuing to add some links to the Indie Shops page since it takes a little bit longer. If you should be there because you’ve advertised with me or have been featured in the past, shoot me an email. It may just be that I’m adding it back in again (I surely don’t want to leave you out).

By the way…if you have any Sales, Specials or Coupon codes you’d like to offer Mixed Plate readers just let me know. If you are a handmade shop, I would like to help support you and do my best to send customers your way!

ps - If you are listed on the Indie Shops and Sites page and would like to change the category you are listed in, let me know. Also, if you have a better, more current description of your shop (preferably on the shorter side), send me an email as well.

Mahalo!

Some favorite finds for today, courtesy of a few Etsy artists…

1) Urban Signals Wall Decals by ShaNickers: $36.99; 2) Lime Butterfly Pouch by Dang Argyle: $9.00; 3) Balloon Racing Birds Print by Barking Bird Art: $16.00; 4) 60s Vintage Hollywood Regency Iron Scroll Bench Window Seat by Aqua Designs: $395.00; 5) Cherry Embroidered Handspun Knit Fingerless Gloves by Bloodroot: $28.00; 6) Subtle Seahorse Babydoll Dress Tunic by KoreanDollz: $30.00; 7) Just He/Just She Big Blue-Black Bowls by Ceramic Designs by Baris Gun Sahin: $40.00; 8. Copper and Steel Bling Ring by monkey meditates: $18.00