One of the {many} goals of mine that I have yet to achieve is learning to sew. Sarai Mitnick’s shop, Colette Patterns, is yet another reason why I need to learn…
Sencha: $16.00
Ceylon: $18.00
Lady Grey: $20.00
Beignet: $12.00
Eclair: $16.00
ps – reminder that the prices are for patterns. I’m so jealous of you if you can sew well.
I forgot that I had bookmarked the Project Optimism website for Mixed Plate. Shame on me. I had such a wonderful day yesterday that I thought I’d share some happy with you all. I love Reed Seifer‘s work which includes his optimism buttons that was part of his senior art thesis back in 1995 while he attended Clark University. Since that time, his designs have been included in the collections of universities, museums, and Ms. Martha Stewart. Check it out…
Jar of Optimism Buttons: $24.95:
This is for all of us tape lovers. You know who you are…
?!: $18.00:
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!
This is my kind of place…
Ez Pudewa of Creature Comforts and Marichelle Burdman of Heart Handmade have launched their shop, Nice Package. It’s filled with the perfect little details that should adorn any well-dressed gift. While I love everything in the shop, I think I’ll need this, please…
Alright, so it’s basically a bit of everything in the shop. Can you blame me?!
Total Package – Winter Essentials Kit: $34.00
When I opened up the email from Xenia saying that she had a paper shop I was excited. I mean, it’s paper. I love paper. Then when I opened up the photos attached to that email, it was over. I knew I was in trouble because how was I supposed to choose what items were my favorite. Found paper co. is inspired by Xenia’s love and fondness for paper and appreciation for vintage. Her large collection is something we can all benefit from because not only can you find things for your crafty projects and your own paper stash, but also mixed paper journals. There are also some other great vintage finds for your home in the shop. Here are some of my picks…
Vintage Airmail Envelopes – Set of 5: $4.00:
Vintage Square Division Flashcards – Set of 6: $4.00:
Silver Metal Lockbox: $12.00:
12 Vintage Black and White Letter Flashcards: $5.00:
Found Paper Pack Edition 2 (25 Piece Ephemera Set): $8.00:
1950s – 1960s Travel Book – Country of Your Choice: $5.00:
Flags of the World Game Cards – Set of 6: $4.00:
30 Vintage Game Pieces: $5.00:
Cigar Box with 55 Pieces of Vintage Paper: $25.00:
I am a sucker for packaging. There, I said it. If something is aesthetically pleasing, obviously one would be more drawn to it and want to perhaps have it. Did I already admit that when I say “one” I’m not necessarily referring to myself? Anyway, I stumbled upon this shop full of great crafty supplies the other day. So let me warn you that the shop, Karaku Style, is based in Tokyo, Japan. I’m warning you now because I know that a lot of us have a thing for supplies from Japan {some of us have even had conversations about this}. One of my favorite things that, you know, suckered me in with it’s packaging, were these stamp sets in little cases {look at the French/English box}…
Wooden Trunk Boxed – Alphabet Stamps: $28.00:
Wooden Trunk Boxed – Number and Sign Stamps: $28.00:
Check out their full site. ps – I warned you already.
A beautiful, 500 colored pencil rainbow…
For some reason I’ve been meaning to post this awesomeness for a while and kept forgetting. I apologize for not sharing it with you sooner. This is part of a project that can be found via Social Designer. You can actually subscribe and receive 25 colors per month for 20 months. Yup, you can own 500 different colored pencils, all with unique hues and names. I think the best part is the display aspect. Instant artwork and decor for your space!
I may {or may not be} slightly jealous of everyone who’s going back to school and stocking up on supplies. I’ve been seeing everyone walking around with new books, new pencils and pens, new pads of paper. And I’ve been seeing lots of indie shops with handmade or vintage options. Yes, I am one of those gals who loves the office supplies sections in shops. Then I got to thinking, who says I can’t have new supplies? Same goes for you. Just because you’re not headed back to class, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this time of year like others are. So, here’s what I’m going to assume {and am giving you fair warning about} that this will be my first of a few posts related to my supply love.
For taking notes and sketching ideas…
Pocket Moleskines by Treatzone: $8.00:
Screenprinted Fabric Sketchbooks or Notebooks by Summersville: $16.50:
you’ll need something to write with…
be inspired and have fun with these:
Writing Sticks Gift Set by Earmark: $9.50:
or make your notes something you’d actually want to read by making them colorful:
The RainboWand/5 Wand Pack at Magnetic Originals: $8.00:
somewhere to store your writing instruments:
Pencil Pouch in Navy Wildflowers by L&B Accessories: $15.00:
Moss Green Pleats on Light Blue Pencil Case by ziazia: $20.00:
and setting goals…
Mini Goals Chalkboard – My 2 Goals by Mary Kate McDevitt: $25.00:
nope. this isn’t the last supply-related post. I just feel it.
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:
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.
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.
It has been a while since I’ve posted about fabrics. While I still haven’t reached my goal of learning to sew, I can sure appreciate Sew Bettie‘s newest project. Check out their line of 100% cotton fabrics that are printed in a limited edition of 100 yards. Fabrics are sold by fat quarts that are approximately 18″ by 21″ for just $9.00. With your purchase you’ll even receive a certificate with the edition number of your fabric. I love the patterns they designed. Here’s a little sampling..
**Sew Bettie has just offered Mixed Plate readers a discount! Receive 10% off your order with the code “MIXEDPLATE” from their site.
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.
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