May 15, 2009
We all have them, right? They don’t have to be something that’s deep and dark, but there are some things that we keep to ourselves. I stumbled upon this great Box of Secrets Mini Note Set by Bread of Many yesterday and had ideas for gifting them. I mean, how cute would that be as a gift for not only adults, but kids as well. In each set you’ll receive 10 “Top Secret” notecards with envelopes that come packaged in a handmade box, all for just $6.00. So, what little secret would you share?
May 14, 2009
Congratulations to Emma for the launch of her new website and shop, Showpony. I am a fan of her goods and if you’re not already, I’m sure you will be soon. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, she designs and screenprints accessories such as bags, purses, cushions and tea towels and is dedicated to using organic and fair trade materials. She also makes it a point to only use water based inks on her products. Here’s a few items from her shop {see below for a discount code}…
Hot Dog – Daisy: £25.00:
Alphabetti Badges: £1.00/ea:
Kitchen Commandments – Do the Dishes: £11.00:
Embellished Bag – Corset: £15.00:
Hiding Place – Cushion: £55.00:
Receive 15% off your order. Simply enter the code “helloshowpony” when prompted at the checkout. There’s also free UK shipping on orders over £30. Offer good through June 14, 2009.
May 12, 2009
You know I love paper and art. You do, too! So, how perfect and lucky for us all that Poppytalk Handmade‘s current market theme {launched yesterday and is up through June 12} is dedicated to all things paper. Titled “Paper Pops”, you’ll find some of the best designers behind handmade papergoods and art. How about a sneak peek…
May 12, 2009
What kind of cell phone do you have? Or do you have a music player? If you don’t have an iPhone or iPod, you could always pretend you do. Check out the detail of this handstitched felt case {$49.50} for your techie gadgets by L’atelier de Luluu…
May 8, 2009
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Hopefully you’ve thought of something nice to gift your mother with or something sweet to do for her. She deserves it. Just think of all you may have put her through {that’s what I remind myself of} in your life. While it may be too late to place your order for these items to receive them by Sunday, you know, better late than never.
Tattoo – Heart Mom Bowl Medium by Laura Walls Taylor: $45.00:
Laptop Bag – Pink Fawn and Lace by Track and Field Designs: $48.00:
Say It Loud Including Frame – Pearl Red by Littlest Flower: $9.00:
Home Is Where My Mom Is by Mud Hutt Studio: $22.00:
Sleepwear Dress by Lucia Apparel: $48.00:
Mother Daughter Necklace by Peggy Li Creations: $49.00:
May 7, 2009
I am loving the newest collection from Studio Violet, Circus Violet. I have been meaning to post about these magical re-used porcelain, fun prints, wall stickers and stamps that are the whimsical and playful ideas of creators Camilla Engman and Elisabeth Dunker. Here’s a few of my favorites from the gallery. Go here to start shopping.
May 7, 2009
Please show our sponsors some love. Time to learn more about a gal behind a felty business…
Meet April of Felt-o-rama:
Name: April
Business Name: Felt-o-rama
Where are you located?
Charlotte, NC
What is it that you design and create?
My shop, Felt-o-rama, specializes in all things felt! I currently carry 4 various types of felt (woven felted wool, wool blend felt, recycled eco-felt, 3mm industrial wool felt) in over 80 colors. In addition to felt squares and yardage, Felt-o-rama also has a great selection of felt embellishments, craft books, patterns, along with embroidery and needle felting supplies.
How did you come up with your business name?
The name Felt-o-rama popped in my head early on when I was planning the business and it just felt right to me. It was important that the name I chose state the purpose of my business very clearly. To me ‘Felt-o-rama’ says it all – everything felt!
Where/How did this all begin?
A couple of years ago, I wanted to create t-shirts with felt appliqués and had a difficult time finding high-quality felt in fresh and vibrant colors. The selection at local craft stores and online sources left me disappointed. I knew that I couldn’t be alone in this search for felt and Felt-o-rama was born! The response has been fantastic since the online shop opened in Summer 2008, and I’m lucky enough to have some of the nicest customers around!
Who or what inspires you?
The simplicity, versatility, and color range of felt never ceases to inspire me. My other favorite sources of inspiration are vintage patterns and craft books (the kitschy-er the better!), browsing handmade creations on flickr and Etsy, and the many incredible crafting blogs out there.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Every felt crafter must own a rotary cutter and pinking shears. I rely on my rotary cutter and mat on a daily basis. The Olfa zigzag, wave, and scallop rotary blades are my favorites. Rotary cutters are super-sharp. Be very careful when using these or you’ll end up with band-aids on your fingers!
What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
I love to listen to bubblegum pop from the 60’s when crafting and filling orders – The Monkees, The Zombies, The Hollies. It’s such fun and cheerful music that has me singing and dancing in no time.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Project Runway is the one t.v. show that I look forward to each year. I can’t wait until season 6 this August! The over-the-top drama and weekly fashion challenges keep me hooked. Isn’t about time that Project Runway has a FELT challenge?!
What was the last movie you watched?
The Women – the 1939 version with Joan Crawford! This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The fashion show alone – the only color scenes in the movie – are worth watching over and over again.
What’s your favorite food?
It’s hard to beat a beautiful plate of sushi – especially with soy wrappers.
What’s your favorite candy?
Haribo Gummy Raspberries and Twizzlers
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! My current favorite concoction is Rooibos with honey and cream.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Anthropologie is the stuff that my dreams are made of. The store always smells heavenly, too!
Any pets?
My husband and I have 4 sweet and endlessly entertaining kitties – Simon, Tudy, Sophie, and Duncan. We recently took beekeeping classes and hope to have a hive of bees as our next ‘pet’!
What are your plans for 2009?
On the personal front – We’re having a baby this fall, so I plan on sewing up a storm in the meantime!
On the business front – I’m expanding the Felt-o-rama product line to include felt food kits and felt ribbon from Japan. There are so many great products out there and it can be a challenge to determine which items will be most exciting for my customers.
Thanks so much, April! I’m sure everyone can agree when I say that we’re all super excited for you with your personal and business expansions for 2009!
Wool Felt Dogwood Flower: $3.99; Recycled Eco-Felt 27 Color Bundle: $13.99:
Woolpets Needle Felting Kit – Hedgehog: $15.99; Wool Felt Mini Beads – Cool Colors: $3.99:
Wool Felt Leaves: $4.99; Cute Felt Fruit & Vegetables Book: $19.95:
Mixed Plate readers can enjoy 10% off now through May 20, 2009. Simply enter “mixedplate” as the coupon code during checkout.
May 4, 2009
Ever feel like having a spa day? Just for yourself. No work. No cell phone. No email. No “other half”. Just you. You in the hands of the spa. What service would you choose from the menu? Mani/pedi, massage, facial? I am not going to lie. My dream {some day} is to have it all. I want to submit to the half {perhaps full} day at a spa where I am pampered like never before. Ah, but it is currently still just a dream. Until I can afford that day, why not shop indie and create your own spa day…
Roasted Coconut Soap by Body Systems: $7.00:
Sugar Mochi Body Polish {I’ve used the Lychee scent} by mi SPA: $21.00:
Mint Bath Tea Blend by Boh Bon Soap Company: $5.00:
Relax Cleansing Body Wash in Provence by Sweet Petula: $12.00:
Sweet Mandarin and Honey Shea Body Lotion by Piper Tate: $14.00:
Valencia Infused Soy Candle by Sydney Hale: $12.00:
Organic Green Tea with Rose by Healing with Herbs: $7.99:
Therapy Neck and Shoulder Heat Wrap and Eye Pillow by HomeGrown Pillows: $17.95:
May 1, 2009
What a week! I met a lot of great people, sent birthday wishes to a friend yesterday, chatted with an old friend, and even battled an evil headache. Hope your week was as interesting as mine was. Oh, and it’s May Day {Lei Day in Hawaii!}! Happy, happy Friday, loves!
1. Tea Dress by sohomode: $85.00
2. Ornately Draped Olive/Brown Cloche Hat by Hats by Behida: $185.00
3. Heart Factory by PearsonMaron: $18.00
4. Pink Wedding Rose Fascinator by Hapitat: $50.00
5. Dolce Roll Necklace by giia: $50.00
6. Live What You Love Letterpress Print by Hijirik Design Studio: $17.50
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aloha! i’m Liana. this is my site. i am not a professional writer. i pretty much just write the way i talk. it’s fun meeting new online friends and introducing these amazing artists. i’ll do my best to keep you entertained.
