October 30, 2009
If you were wondering why there are posts missing today {like Friday Favorites, perhaps}, I have good reason. I have been burning the midnight oil to work with some fabulous artists and designers to create another amazing guide for you. May I present to you Mixed Plate’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide!
It really is crazy because it feels like I was just working on last year’s guide. But it’s here, people. The holiday season once again. How it happened, I have no idea. But I do know this much: This group of handmade craftspersons have been extremely generous in offering up exclusive discounts and specials just for Mixed Plate readers. Times are tough for all of us in this economy so why not support small businesses like these. You’re helping them out as they allow you to discover unique items for your loved ones {as well as yourself} and extend savings your way. Shop indie. Shop handmade. Shop the guide.
October 29, 2009
Corrieberry pie is a shop that I had seen on the front page of Etsy a while back. I had bookmarked it for sharing on Mixed Plate. I have to say that my favorite design is a necklace that Alice and the Mad Hatter would surely approve of…
Tea Party Necklace: $28.50:
The rest of Corrie’s shop is full of all kinds of lovely, but today I’ll focus on her neckaces….
Miss Scarlet Bib Necklace: $27.50:
Vintage Chaos – Blonde: $33.00:
Sailor Girl Necklace: $20.00:
Portrait Necklace: $30.00:
October 29, 2009
Hooray for Betsy and Shanna and the relaunch of their shop, Hello Handmade Paperie! Earlier this year when I featured their shop it was all about Lace and Foxes for Valentine’s Day {so romantic}. Brand new in store are these two beauties…
2010 Laureled Tea Towel: $26.00:
Yup, it’s a calendar! I love how it looks framed. The design was screenprinted on a snowy white 100% cotton tea towel.
Tannenbaum Specimen Chart: $24.00:
This is their take on old scientific specimen charts. Betsy and Shanna created one with six different types of fir and pine samples screenprinted on sturdy kraft chipboard.
October 28, 2009
This gal makes fabulous little bags and pouches {I should know since that’s what holds the coins from rolling around at the bottom of my purse}. I know that many of you are already big fans of her work, so you’ll be happy to see who stopped by to share a little bit of her life with us…
Name: Aki Takada
Business Name: oktak
Location: NY, NY
Website/Blog Links: http://www.oktak.com/; http://www.oktak.etsy.com; http://www.oktakmini.etsy.com
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I make bags and pouches of all sizes and shapes, but I think I’m best known for my frame pouches.
I also recently opened a second shop on Etsy to sell items for babies & kids, such as bibs, book bags and smocks.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I set my alarm clock to 6:50am. The first thing I do after I get up is turn on my laptop. I make breakfast for the whole family and pack lunches. I check e-mail titles between tasks, and if there’s something urgent, I read that. At 7:30am, I take my 4th grader to the bus stop. My husband and kindergartener leave at 8:15am, and I finally get to sit down in front of my laptop with a cup of tea. (I’m a tea person and drink lots of tea).
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I don’t think there’s ever a day that I don’t make anything. It’s my job, and I’m ashamed to admit I’m a bit of a workaholic – even on weekends, I usually spend at least a few hours working.
I’m amazed by people who can pinpoint the source of their inspiration. For me, it comes from random things unexpectedly, and I’m sure there are times when I don’t even realize that I’m being inspired by something – it can be subconscious. As far as I know though, I love looking at paintings and illustrations, photography, beautiful textiles, nature (flowers in particular), vintage kimonos, my kids’ drawings (they can come up with the most amazing color combinations and designs!), product packaging and architecture.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Let’s just say, organized chaos.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Probably 6-7 hours. I have roughly 5 hours from the time my family go out the door until I pick up my daughter. I try to do as much work as possible during these 5 hours, and after the kids come home, I do little things while I do housework or care for the kids. For example, I’d list new items in my shop while my son does his homework on the kitchen table, or I’d cut up a few pieces of fabric while I wait for the water to boil.
In the evenings, after the kids have gone to bed, I have another 1-2 hours.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
At around 10:30pm, I try to force myself to stop (but don’t always succeed). When I do manage to stop, I sit down on the rug in front of the TV and stretch as I watch the news. Then I read the papers (yes, the morning papers). If I’m not worn out, I’ll take a book with me to bed.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
A day when I’m productive, able to cook a nice meal and enjoy time with my family. Dinner is important to me – I cook most evenings so my kids can eat yummy healthy food, but it’s also so I can use the gorgeous plates & bowls I’ve collected over the years. ;)
Thanks so much, Aki! Congratulations on Oktak Mini. We’re all looking forward to see what other creations will pop up in both the shops!
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.
October 28, 2009
I sort of think know I need this kit. Illustrated by the talented and adorable owner of Red Velvet Art {they were one of my contributing pieces in N.E.E.T Magazine}, Elsie has created this fun You’re a Fox Craft Kit {$32.00}. It includes a couple of prints, a sheet of stickers, a paper doll set, 2 sheets of fox tags, 2 full sheet embroidery patterns {of a boy & a girl fox!}, and much more. It’s almost too cute to handle!
October 27, 2009
Head on over and grab the 2010 letterpress calendar {$42.00} of Tara Hogan‘s work in her INK+WIT shop. The limited edition calendar of 150 are signed and numbered. Each 100% cotton paper page doubles as a print to frame. Love…
October 23, 2009
I’ve been busy, busy, busy! How about you? There are a few things that I have in the works right now. One of them happens to be the Holiday Gift Guide {let me know if you want to participate because there’s still time to sign up}. I hope you all had a great week and will enjoy your weekend. Have a Happy, Happy Aloha Friday!
1. Fiorello Top or Mini Dress in Dancing Green by Lirola: $89.00
2. Dot of Blue Clutch Purse by Me Plus Molly: $42.00
3. Vintage French Clock by Sadie Olive: $48.00
4. Lucia Lace Garden Necklace by White Owl: $28.00
5. Atlas Bangle Bracelet by so it’s gray: $32.00
6. Love Story by tollipop: $20.00
7. Button Collection with White Screenprinted Button Holder by my grey sky: $25.00
October 23, 2009
A treat that I’ve been really hooked on recently are fortune cookies. I get a bag of them each time I go to my favorite restaurant in Chinatown at the shop that’s right around the corner. So I’m totally liking Sub-Studio‘s first-ever calendar {$4.00 – $5.00}. It’s a take on traditional fortune cookie messages with an updated modern design. There are 24 different proverbs {or according to them, random sayings} to choose from or you can let them select one for you and be surprised. You know, kind of like opening an actual fortune cookie. The calendars are small enough to fit in your wallet or pocket at just 2.25″ wide and 3.75″ tall.
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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.
