Archive for April, 2009

April 20, 2009

Jump for Joy!

The sun is shining and I am loving it. Of course, I will be at the day job until the weather cools down again. But I cannot complain. I work at a great place where we have giant glass windows and I can at least enjoy the warmth from outside. That being said, my workout this morning probably gave me a sunburn (supposed to be 88 degrees today). What to wear on such a hot day? I thought these dresses by Stephanie Teague‘s line, Pretty Birdie, were nice and loved the fun photos where the model is just jumping for joy. Because not only is she wearing fabulous handmade clothing, but also she’s enjoying the outdoors! Hope the weather is treating you well wherever you may be.

Tumeric Dress: $185.00:

tumeric

Wrap and Snap Dress: $145.00:

wrapsnap

Vintage Winged T-Shirt Dress: $145.00:

wingeddress

Surplus Cotton Mini Dress: $165.00:

cottonmini

April 14, 2009

the Love Shop.

Recently I have had a hard time sleeping. It’s always something. Noisy neighbors. Too much on my mind. Oh, and the other day? There were crows. And they were loud. Not sure where they came from or why they decided to hang out on my street, but they were there. I found this Edgar Allan Poe inspired print the other day while perusing Etsy. A lovely line from one of his poems with a crow and all (as if it were taunting me). Check out the Love Shop for more romantic artwork.

Poe In Love: $20.00:

poeinlove

It was available yesterday but I don’t see it anymore. I ended up linking to the sold one. Keep an eye out for another listing!

April 14, 2009

Time Out.

You may have noticed that there haven’t been as many posts recently. My wonderful day job has been quite busy for all of us involved. I’ve been working extra hours and finally realized that I should take some time to get sleep whenever I could squeeze it in. So, in order to take care of myself I’ve been put on a time out. Yes, I put myself on a time out. I just wanted to let you know that I have been trying to post whenever possible and have one for you today. After this week things should get back to normal. Hope you’re all doing well! I’ll respond to your emails soon!

April 8, 2009

Skylines.

Jessica Rust Designs is asking for your help. Her Skyline tea mugs are back and they’d like to know what city you think should be featured on the next mug design. Of course, my vote would be for Honolulu (Diamond Head, perhaps?). What’s your favorite city? Go and place your vote for your chance to win your very own tea mug.

skylinemugs

The ceramic mug with tea infuser gift set includes the 9 ounce ceramic mug, infuser and lid. You also get to select from one of three organic teas. It all arrives wrapped (perfect for gifting!), and you can personalize your mug with a message (up to 35 characters).

sanfranciscomug

San Francisco Mug: $28.00

April 7, 2009

Sunny and Warm.

Sometimes the cold weather is amazing. You get to dress in layers really warm. You can throw on your favorite cozy sweater and scarf and maybe snuggle with someone special. Sometimes you just want the sun to come out. Yesterday it was lovely outside. I took full advantage of it and took a nice walk/jog around the neighborhood. There were tons of people out at the park sunbathing, having picnics and just enjoying the warmth. There were lots of dogs to be seen, too (love it! woof!), all playing with their friends. This photographic print by Victoria Everman, one of my favorite online buddies, reminds me of the day. Happy, sunny and cheery…

Butter Blooms: $6.00:

butterblooms

Here’s a couple more from her shop

Tuxedo Twins: $6.00:

tuxedotwins

Timeworn Brick: $6.00:

timewornbrick

Big Smile: $6.00:

bigsmile

Lucky you! Victoria has graciously offered Mixed Plate readers something special. Buy any print and get another print FREE! All you have to do is mention “MixedPlateBOGOF” and what free print (yup, your choice!) in the comments section of your order. Offer good through May 7, 2009.

April 6, 2009

A Crafter’s Life: my day in photos.

Hooray for getting to peek into the life of another crafter! Enjoy…

crafterslife

Name: Becky Holbrook

Business Name: Corduroy’s Closet

Location: Sothern California

Website/Blog: corduroyscloset.etsy.com; corduroyscloset.blogspot.com

First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create appliqué baby onesies and kid t-shirts.

How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
My day begins when my girls wake me up. I am not a morning person so I never get up before they do. Luckily they sleep in past 7 almost every day. After we get up and cuddle a little cause none of us like the morning, we eat and then either go running or go to preschool, depending on the day.

becky

Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I try and do something crafty everyday but don’t always have the chance. My 3-year-old daughter Corduroy (who the business was named after), loves to create so either she is helping me sew or we are making some kind of craft while my 1-year-old is sleeping. My inspiration comes from my kids and from friends. My skateboard designs was because I love skating and wanted my little girl to be a skater. And I try to make a new design for every baby shower I go to. The stethoscope was for a friend whose husband is in med school and another time i made scissors for a friend who cuts hair. So I just try and personalize them for everyone so that they can show off who they are.

corduroyscloset

What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Some days it is organized and other days not so much. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment so there is not much space. I just got a secretary desk!!! and put the stuff I use all the time in there but I have stuff in every room in the apartment since there is not a big enough space to hold it all together. I think my husband wishes I would just get rid of stuff but I love my fabric too much!

corduroyscloset2

How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Anywhere from 0 to 4 hours.

How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I like a little snack and to watch something entertaining at night after a hard days work.

What is your definition of a perfect day?
Playing. Whether it be with friends or family, I love being out of the house and going places. I used to travel a lot but haven’t gotten the chance in the past few years and I miss it. If my husband and I would have a day off we would fly to Boston or San Francisco for the day. He used to work for the airlines and we loved it.

corduroyscloset3

Thanks so much the interview, Becky! The girls are adorable and look like perfect helpers!

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.

April 3, 2009

Get Personal.

Many of you are probably already fans of Oktak. The mini pouch that I own goes everywhere with me and keeps all my change handy. Of course, I have been wanting to get one of the larger pouches to use as a clutch (the XL size) for running around the city. I was delighted to see that not only are there more and more delicious fabric choices added all the time, but now you can even have your bag personalized. Select the letter of your choice and it will be hand-embroidered just for you! These pouches are extremely well made and the inside looks great as well. Aki selects fabrics to compliment the outside for a nice little surprise when you open the frame closure to peek in. I think it’s time to get personal, right?

oktak

1. Personalized Medium Frame Pouch – Ranaculus on Purple: $72.00
2. Personalized Medium Frame Pouch with Daisies in Cyan Blue: $72.00
3. Personalized Medium Frame Pouch in Bright Pink: $72.00
4. Personalized Frame Pouch – Letter K on Chartreuse: $58.00

ps – uh…there’s already one that has an “L” on it! It’s just begging me to order it. remember that even if your letter isn’t already made, you can special order it.

April 1, 2009

Michele Maule.

After being a fan of Michele Maule‘s for some time, I realized that I had never actually featured her lovely artwork. I asked myself why and quickly realized the answer. I could not choose just a few pieces to share with you. Could. Not. Choose. So, after much debating and having to tell myself to have you visit her shop, and not present you with every single thing there, I’ve decided on these…

Thought This Would Be Easier Print: $10.00:

thoughtthiswouldbeeasier

I Heart My Bike Print: $10.00:

heartmybike

Imperial Original Painting: $135.00:

imperial

My Blue Boots Reproduction Print: $20.00:

myblueboots

Tea Print: $10.00:

tea

You and Me Reproduction Print: $20.00:

youandme

I Hope It’s Ok Original Painting: $125.00:

hopeitsokay

I Know Reproduction Print: $20.00:

iknow