Archive for February, 2009
February 27, 2009
It’s Friday. The last Friday of February. I know that in a couple of days I will be saying how I can’t believe it’s March already, but I’m going to say it now anyway. I cannot believe how fast the time has passed. I hope that you all had a great week and that your February went as hoped. May you all enjoy your weekend. Happy, happy Friday to you!

1. Screen 2 Colours Turquesa by My Little Books: $15.00
2. Penguin and Polar Bear Scarf by Diskgrunt: $25.00
3. Big Yellow Necklace by Eleanor Rot: $33.00
4. Ship-in-a-Bottle by Sarah Burden: $25.00
5. Luxury Button Scarflette in Purple by Tortilla Girl: $48.00
6. Bear, Photograph of Miniature Animal in Surreal Vintage 60s Home by Pamela Klaffke Photography: $25.00
7. Fantastic Moss Green Duo – Leafy Brooches by Roroism: $11.00
8. Pair of Animal Love Patch Kit by Chikabird: $15.00
February 27, 2009
Reasons to get these Chalkboard Decals by Spell It Out Designs:
1. You can save paper (use less Post-It Notes!)
2. Easy to put up (no need for nails and a hammer!)
3. Easier to see than those little pieces of paper (for those “Honey Do” lists!)
3. You are supporting a small business (of course!)
4. These are affordable (so worth it! and, again, you’ll have to buy less paper)
5. They are just so cute (as if you needed me to point that out!)




Starting at just $19.00
via Poppytalk
February 26, 2009
Yes! Another fun designer has decided to share her typical day with us. I absolutely adore this lovely gal and have been a long-time fan of her blog. She and her hubby are too adorable and I’m so glad she’s our next featured crafter. Enjoy!

Name: Naomi Reid Davis
Business Name: Taza & The Prince
Location: New York City
Website/Blog Link: www.taza-and-husband.blogspost.com (and the shop www.taza.etsy.com)
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
Currently, I have a shop on etsy featuring my handmade headbands. I love creating, so I’m hoping to expand the offer beyond headbands at some point soon.

How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I wake up very early each morning (mainly because my husband leaves for the office often before the sun is up.) I used to hate this, but I’ve found this time I have to myself in the early morning my favorite part of the day. A cup of tea, some reading, catching up on emails and blogging before I actually start my day is always nice.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I love to people watch, which is especially wonderful to do living in the heart of NYC. I think a lot of my inspiration for anything I do comes from the people I encounter on a crowded subway, a busy street, or a noisy cafe. Often, I feel like it is NYC’s gift to me, the thousands and thousands of people whose paths I cross each week. I create stories in my head as I observe them. I have faces stuck inside my head from years ago that I use as inspiration for absolutely everything.


What’s your workspace like (organized)?
My husband and I are living in a small studio apartment here in NYC. So, unfortunately, it’s teeny… but we absolutely love it. It’s made us get creative in finding ways of storing things and making the space livable (and workable for my shop.) With a few dishes out of place or an unmade bed, it can begin to feel cluttered or dirty. But when I think about it, I never seem to mind all the pieces of ribbon, elastic, beading and pins strewed across the apartment for the sake of my shop. I actually love that aspect of creating.

How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
I create around the clock. I don’t have specific hours, especially since Taza & The Prince has been open for less than a month and is something I’m working on in my spare time. I’ll make a few headbands before bed or in the early morning, depending on my schedule for the day. In addition to making my headbands, I recently graduated from Juilliard in dance and am currently styling for a number of projects.

How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Not really. I like crossing things off a to do list and feeling like I accomplished something for the day, so I usually check something off in my head before I get ready for bed. And I can never sleep unless I’ve said my prayers and “I love you” to my husband.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Spending the day with my husband. It doesn’t matter if we’re doing something extravagant or just cuddling on the sofa all day, I am so happy and content when we’re together.


Thanks so much, Naomi! Hope you had a ball with our interview. Can’t wait to see what new things you’ll be blogging about and adding to your shop!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
ps – the fabulous photo of Naomi holding the clocks was taken by Nicole Hill Gerulat. I love her work!
February 26, 2009
As if I didn’t already want everything that she designs, Samantha Hahn now has a t-shirt at Shirt.woot. At their site, they feature just one exclusive and original design per day. Of course, they asked Samantha to create something for them! Get yours here.

February 25, 2009
I am always intrigued by the creativity and thought that some folks put into photographing items for their shops. I am totally smitten with these shots and have been meaning to post about them for a while now…

Anja created this background in her basement by actually sketching and cutting out the background designs herself. I mean, come on. There’s a forest scene. With a squirrel. Too, too cute! Check out Clever Nettle’s Estate Sale for these great vintage pieces and also visit her art shop.
1. 1950s Peach Lace Bow Party Dress: $70.00
2. Navy Blue Leather T-Strap Heels: $29.00
3. 50s Inspired Velvet and Rhinestone Cocktail Dress: $51.00
4. Sage Suede Lace Up Boots: $35.00
5. 1960s Suede Criss Cross Strap Coral Wedge Heels: $60.00
6. 1970s Calico Haystack Lace and Ribbon Prairie Skirt: $32.00
7. 1970s Maple Leather Clutch: $10.00
February 25, 2009
Juliet‘s work is something that I have always loved since I first saw her shop. The Broken Plate Pendant Company has now kicked it up a notch and started making things for your hair. These headbands and clips are another fun way she has turned her need for plate-breaking into fabulous artful accessories.

1. Broken Plate Hair Clip with Feathers – Purple: $24.00
2. Broken Plate Hair Clip with Feathers – Turquoise Blue and Pink: $24.00
3. Broken Plate Hair Clip with Feathers – Red and Purple: $24.00
4. Feathered Broken Plate Headband – Yellow: $35.00
February 24, 2009
Get ready, all…

If you’re a crafty person wanting in on the action, click here for your vendor application. This year, BUST Magazine will be featuring 50 of the best indie designers and crafters, drinks, dancing, DJs, a green garden of craftiness, guerilla gardening demos where you can learn how to grown your own food and more. Hmmmm…maybe I can go on a mini vacation to New York in May…
February 24, 2009
Lovely jewelry designs in black acrylic and onyx by Isette:

1. Spectacles Ring: $9.00
2. Epershand Necklace: $24.00 (this one made me think of you, Lindsay!)
3. Jeweled Mustache Necklace: $28.00
4. Bubbly Peacock Earrings: $17.00
and if I had my long hair again…

Love Returns Haircomb: $22.00
February 23, 2009
I can’t exactly remember how I landed in this new shop, but I am glad that I did. PomLove transforms tissue paper into lovely, delicate pieces of eye candy décor. The kits allow you to have that hands-on feeling (without all the prep work). I love the variety of color options so you can really get creative and match the theme or color scheme of your space or event.

Fun, right? Each kit comes with an instruction guide to help you on your way. Papers are scored and edge cut by hand providing different patterns for a textured appearance. Single piece kits are $5.25, 3 piece kits are $15.00 and 7 piece kits are $30.00.
February 20, 2009
It’s the end of the week yet again. I apologize for the shortage of posts this week. I just haven’t been feeling 100%. I’m going to do my best to rest up this weekend. Hope you are all doing well. Happy, happy Friday to you! Have a wonderful weekend!

1. Handy Handlebars by HISSS Illustration: $14.00
2. Armour by Junkhouse Dollyard Designs: $112.00
3. Hand Carved Toadstool by Trillium Artisans: $92.00
4. Spring Bouquet Necklace by Raquel Castillo: $29.00
5. Bouquet Light Shade (3) by Nice: $138.00
6. Hojales Handbag by Zelaya: $110.00
February 20, 2009
Show of hands – Were you a girl or boy scout? My hand isn’t raised so I never had the opportunity to earn any badges. Who says that as an adult I can’t go ahead and earn some of my very own Merit Badges? Sometimes we need a little bit of validation. A confidence booster. If you feel the need, as I do, or know of a friend who could, check these out…
Lee Meszaros has created an entire collection of fun merit badges. Each one is silk screened, hand painted, and hand embroidered. They also have a pin back sewn on so that you can easily show your earnings on your sweater, jacket or even bag. She also offers different color choices for the borders. Your badge will come on one of these:

Can you choose your favorites? I must have them all!!!
For Flipping the Bird: $25.00; For Pushing the Envelope: $25.00:

For Surviving First Love: $25.00; For Barking Up the Wrong Tree: $25.00:

For Making a House a Home: $25.00; For Rolling With the Punches: $25.00:

For Being Birds of a Feather: $40.00; For Being a Black Sheep: $25.00:

February 20, 2009
Oh, I wish…

How great would this Mushroom Forest Table look in your space? Created by Thomas Wold and offered in two styles: A three-top side table/nightstand (on sale for $399)or a seven-top coffee table ($985.00). The side table comes in either orange or light blue and the coffee table includes both colors as the caps of the mushrooms. Just a bit out of budget, right? But, hey, a girl can dream.