August 31, 2009
I was checking out the Wings Hawaii site a while back and thought about chatting with Melody about their newest items. I am always excited to see what these girls make and have a couple of their pieces that I’ve been wearing for a few years now. Melody mentioned that the very first Wings Hawaii creations were actually under the label Hoa Aloha – Girlfriends. Nine years ago, she had received a top from her friend {and Wings girl} Samantha Howard that still plays a big part in their current designs. Wings Hawaii is now recreating the original aloha tops as well as creating their own printed fabrics to sew dresses with. Samantha actually drew the miter print {see the first dress below} which is her interpretation of the miter shell pattern. Everything – the designing, printing, sewing, etc. takes place in the Haiku, Maui workshop. The dresses are made from 100% organic bamboo jersey and are screenprinted {like all their items} using water based inks. Yup, it’s their very own fabric design. Here are just a few of my favorites currently available online:
Miter Shell Dress: $450.00:
Solid Yellow and Rose Gold Bangles: $230.00/ea:
Sunwing Belt: $140.00:
Kauai Shell Ribbed Tank {matching hot pants – they’re super comfy!: $12.00}: $26.00:
Miter Band Skirt: $150.00:
Enjoy 25% off your order. Simply enter code “mixedplate” to save.
ps – mahalo to Melody and the Wings Hawaii crew. they offer Mixed Plate readers that largest discount! Lucky us!
August 28, 2009
I can pretend that I have my own little library in my apartment with these great items that were just added to the Present & Correct shop.
Library Office Box: £45.00:
Library Stamps: £5.00 – £7.50/ea:
August 28, 2009
Over at Poppytalk I spotted Shauna‘s post for her “I Made This For You” contribution piece. Look at what she did for her hubby, Stephen {go read her post}…
I adore that couple.
images via Poppytalk by Shauna and Stephen of Something’s Hiding in Here.
August 28, 2009
Who needs new recipe cards?
4×6 letterpressed recipe cards come in a set of 10. Baked with Love by HawkGerber Ink: $7.50
ps – the oven is hugging itself. cute? i think so.
August 27, 2009
The home page of Three Potato Four‘s site shows off their vintage school-inspired selection, a number of which are already sold. I wish I could have them all, but check out the aqua chairs and megaphone!
August 27, 2009
Basically all of the bags this gal makes are on my wish list. I must have “favorited” them all on Etsy as well. Enjoy meeting her…
Name: Suzie Sorenson
Business Name: Bees’netta
Location: Humboldt Park, Chicago
Website/Blog Link: www.beesnetta.com
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create bags and purses from found, reclaimed and organic fabrics.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Every morning my black lab, Walter, wakes me up at about 5:30am and we take a long walk together. While he jogs and sniffs and chases squirrels, I formulate my plan for the day, make lists in my head, and daydream about new bag designs. When we return home, I make a large pot of coffee and enjoy it while checking my emails and catching up on blogs.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
Well, I sew each day, but that’s more “job-y” to me then “crafty,” but I also enjoy cooking, playing guitar, and working with my man on some house-related carpentry or decorating project.
I’m really inspired by nomadic behaviors. Since I have a very settled and stable home life, and I’m a bit of a type-A personality, I daydream about the reclusive and the runaway lifestyle: circus acts, beach bums, troubadours, cowboys and gypsys…etc. I love that drifters might carry their life on their back…so I design with them in mind.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
My studio is very small, so to stay sane I keep it extremely organized, but after a long day of sewing it looks like a thread and fabric bomb went off.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
It really varies, but since my “studio” is between my family room and my kitchen I feel like I’m always at work. One of my struggles is having a stopping point, I’d like to say, “It’s five o’clock, I’m done for the day!” But most of the time, it’s my boyfriend taking my computer away from me late at night saying, “Ok, dear, you’re done for the day.”
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I clean and re-organize. Like I said, my studio + day of sewing = fabric bomb. And I often overflow into my dining room and kitchen, so I clean, sweep, organize, basically prepare it for the following morning so I can start fresh. I also, almost always, make and have dinner with my man. It’s a great way for both of us to decompress and for me to try and bookend a work day.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Right now, since I’m still starting out, my idea of a perfect day is selling at least one item and getting a lot of sewing done and not feeling like there are not enough hours in the day…needless to say, I rarely have perfect days. :)
Thanks so much, Suzie. The fabric bombs are just part of your amazing creative process and I’m glad that it happens!!
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.
August 26, 2009
The new Autumn 2009 Issue of small magazine is available online now. I do not have children and yet I still enjoy flipping through the pages of this virtual mag. The photography and styling of the kids are amazing. I mean, I know I was never that stylish and fashionable. Heck, who am I kidding? I’m still not. But here’s the photo that was included in my email:
Come on. How cute, right?
By the way, I love this Small Draw Original Art Coloring Book: $10.00:
August 25, 2009
Cindy Steiler pays homage to her grandmother, Mary Steiler, by carrying on the traditions of craftiness at her shop. Growing up she was taught by her grandmother how to crochet and sew and to have an appreciation for all things handmade. I adore the idea behind the textile art, jewelry and dolls that Cindy has created, especially these guys…
Will – Embroidered Painting: $45.00:
Greta is Not Amused Brooch {free shipping}: $40.00:
look at the back…
She Holds the Key: $52.00:
Fern: $30.00:
Henry Doll {he’s the boy. you can also purchase a Greta Doll}: $30.00:
Happy Ending – Painted Embroidery: $150.00:
{I was introduced to Cindy’s shop via Etsy‘s homepage yesterday}
August 25, 2009
I like the new simple styles and color palette in the first installment of the Fall 2009 Collection from Fighting Eel.
Becks:
Lily:
Jackie:
Badu:
Wink:
some styles available via their online shop.
August 24, 2009
Bare walls? Yup. How about some porcelain frames that are functional? Sure. Check out these Framed Objects {$100.00/ea} containing a vase, shelf, or hook by Mihoko Ouchi and Sherwood Forlee of the. {yes, that is their company name, I didn’t forget what I was typing}.
via oh joy!
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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.
