Heart Handmade

Look Ma! I made it myself...

2008-08-21T09:17:00.005-04:00

1. Craft Leftovers Monthly, by Craft Leftovers
2. DIY Cardboard Birdhouse, available at The Curiosity Shoppe
3. Baby Shoes DIY Kit white & yellow, by Creatkit
4. Pattern for Jellyfish (No. 65), by jpolka

I spy... One Pretty Thing

2008-08-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Rachel emailed me about this great site that she's created - One Pretty Thing.

Everyday she features a new DIY project and also helps promote contests and giveaways! Great job Rachel, this is such a great resource!!! LOVE IT!

Confessions of a Soapaholic

2008-08-20T09:00:00.001-04:00

scent (snt)
n. 1. A distinctive, often agreeable odor.

The scent of a product is obviously very important. Human emotions, memories... feelings... are all connected to scent. I'm sure you've experienced smelling something that triggered your brain to go down memory lane... Well, I'm without a doubt 100%: scent + memory = priceless, kind of person.

My confession today is my faithful addiction to Soul Sisters candles by friends Jennifer + Rebecah. Let's talk about my most favorite scent Gardenia. It's one of my favorite gardenia scents - I like it as much as having fresh gardenias in my room. It has a generous amount of fragrance which keeps your environment pleasant to be in, but not at all overwhelming like how most floral scents tend to be. Creamy, adequately sweet with hints of what feels like being bathed in beautiful shiny pearls... (Does that even make sense?). What I want to say is that this one is just splendid.

I light it every time I'm working on my drawings. I've also tried their Jasmine, Lilac, Sun and Sea, etc... and all are equally of excellent quality and wonderfully scented.

So in ten years, when I smell gardenias... it will remind me of my old drawing board covered with doodles, paint marks and food stains....

-RJ
www.baileydoesntbark.blogspot.com

Shop + Tell: Me again!

2008-08-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

Who: Me... and yes, that's a picture of what you think it is :) I didn't quite know how to pose with a bar of soap!
How often do you indie-shop?
I was pretty bad last month and bought 5 items, but I'm on lock down this month since we're saving up to buy a house!!
Scores...a Savor Coconut Mochi Bar
How does it make you feel?
Clean, soft, far-away, yummy, and relaxed
What made you buy it?
RJ's first "Confession of a Soapaholic" post. I bought 3 bars and I've tried 2 so far and love them both!!!

I also want to say how lovely Lisa is. She was so helpful and recommended a short list of bars that she thought I would like. Thanks Lisa!!

Kareem Rizk

2008-08-18T08:54:00.000-04:00

Artist of the Month >> Kareem Rizk, Australia

Click on thumbnails to enlarge, click again to close. Click blue arrow for next set:

A selection from Kareem's Handmade collection.
Go to www.kareemrizk.com for full collection.

Random Fact out Kareem >>
1. Lived in Egypt for 4 years of my childhood
2. I like green, black and raspberry tea
3. I’m terrible at answering these kinds of questions
4. 6 feet tall
5. Handsome : )
6. Will be travelling around the world during 2008/2009

A selection from Kareem's Digital collection.

Go to www.kareemrizk.com for full collection.

I'm inspired by... >>

Art:
Charles Wilkin (1-3): 1.Assembly #61, 2.Follow Instructions, 3.The Fine Emotions / Eduardo Recife (4-7): 4.Collage Book 10, 5.Collage Book 11, 6.Collage Book 12, 7.E O Amor / Mario Wagner (8-11): 8.Ashtray, 9.Flat, 10.Room 205, 11.Robot / Richard Hamilton (12,13): 12.Appealing, 13.Interior

Music:

1.8ball & MJG, 2.Journey 3.Donald Byrd 4.Blade Runner Soundtrack 5.Nas 6.Yanni 7.The Pharcyde 8.Zapp & Roger 9.Al Green 10.Notorious B.I.G. 11.Nas: Illmatic 12.Tupac Shakur 13.Phil Collins 14.Bob Marley 15.E-40 16.The Intruders 17.The Click 18.Isley Brothers 19.Earth, Wind & Fire 20.James Brown 21.Outkast 2 22.Sting & The Police 23.Curtis Mayfield 24.Outkast 25.UB40

Nostalgia:1.found photography, 2.weathered elements, 3.nostalgic typography, 4.quintessential suburbia, 5.retro colors & interiors, 6.vintage books, 7.vintage television, 8.typography-experiments, 9.old car advert, 10.distressed elements 11.vintage computers, 12.numbers, 13.old magazines, 14.wallpaper

Fill in the blank >>

Thanks Kareem!!

One to Bookmark: Leilialoo

2008-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Make sure you stop by Dana's shop Leilialoo - it's full of wonderful handmade items crafted with lots of heart! I'm absolutely in love with her hand printed fabrics & ribbons and the sweetest house ornaments.

All these wonderful items and much much more can be found in Dana's DaWanda and Etsy shops. And don't forget to stop by her blog leililaloo.blogspot.com to see what else she's got up her sleeve!

Retail Therapy: Jan & Äya

2008-08-14T08:56:00.011-04:00

QUICK FACTS:
# of employees: 1
Did you write a business plan (y/n)? Currently working on it
Day your doors opened: March 14, 2008
Owners: Carolyn Veith Krienke and Kai Krienke
http://janandaya.com/
http://janandaya.blogspot.com/

>> Think you're ready to open up a shop? Read on and find out what really goes on behind the register...

1. Name one thing that completely took you by surprise when you first started Jan & Äya - something that neither biz how-to books or any "SCORE" workshop prepared you for.

My store started getting press even before the doors opened. I discovered that Greenpoint was full of writers, bloggers and journalist who couldn't wait to write about the shop. All the attention was fantastic, but I wasn't ready on a business level.

2. Buying initial inventory is probably one of the most daunting tasks during the start-up phase. Do you have a magical "buying" formula? Can you please share 5 things you've learned about buying and deciding how much inventory to purchase with first-time buyers getting ready to make their first batch of wholesale orders?

This is something I'm learning about everyday. Since most of my products are handmade and when I need to place an order by how things are selling.

Also since some of my items are every designer has a different process it can get quite complicated. I am starting to anticipate limited editions and are curated to fit a particular theme, it is a one time purchase. I am very sensitive to what people like and what stimulates the emotion of attraction to an object. I really love my customers and listen closely to their reactions to what I have in the store.
(See side bar for tips)

3. I know that you were the art director for REAL SIMPLE. Why the change from publishing to retail and what compelled you to go into retail? I read that it was more of a lifestyle decision. Most people assume that you end up working more hours as a shop owner and have less of a "life", what has your personal experience been?

Well, I'm currently working full-time as an art director (for another company) as well as the shop and have two little children so it can't get any crazier than it already is! I plan to start freelancing in September so that I can focus more on the store and take on design and styling projects when I can. That would be a luxury! Design, art, the shop, my family and friends are all part of my world and I want to celebrate that through my work. Somehow my husband and I still find time to go out with friends and eat waffles in bed with our little ones on Sunday morning. Perhaps I'm a dreamer, but I think you can create the lifestyle you want.

4. They say location is everything - how did you decide on your neighborhood and what was your commercial-space shopping experience like?

We were really lucky with the location. I knew I wanted to open in Greenpoint since that is where we live and found that our neighborhood was really lacking a gift/home type of store. Then one day the perfect stop opened up and my husband and I just knew we had to have the store there. The space is probably the biggest asset to the store. It is on an up and coming street, just next to the park and other stores and cafes. The full glass front, exposed brick and white washed floors give it a dreamy raw sophistication. And the garden out back inspires future projects and a place for my little ones to play while I'm at the store.

Äya, (5 years old) who just set up our "holztiger" animals

>> So you think your goods are perfect for Jan & Äya?

5. What is your process in choosing merchandise and what 3 things can artists do to stand out in your mind?

1. Refinement in their craft: This is so important to me. It doesn't matter if they are making chocolate or toothbrushes, but when you can feel the love and attention to the construction, the time and care taken to the design, the story and the thought into the process… it is something you either have or don't.
2. Beautiful and simple presentation with all the information clearly stated.
3. A smile.

6. Owning a shop means constantly wearing different hats. Here's how Carolyn ends up spending her time:

25% Buying
10% Marketing & Promo
10% Production & Operations (photos for site, hang-tags, display)
30% Customer Service
10% Fulfillment/Shipping
15% Accounting/Finances

7. Some say that the best business partners complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. Can you illustrate this balance using 3 points.
e.g. Partner A: Allergic to numbers Partner B: Loves spreadsheets and is in charge of end-of-month financials.

I'm definitely more like Partner A... still hoping to find that perfect B as a future manager... for now it is me.

8. We all have days when we throw up our hands and say "I can't do this anymore!" - what 3 things do you say to yourself or do in order to snap out of it and persevere?

9. If Oprah decided to give you $10,000 tax free for your business, but you had to spend it in one week, what would you do with it?

Buy merchandise and get my online site up and running.

10. I once heard someone say "A business that doesn't grow eventually dies..." I notice a coming soon "flowers and cakes" link on your site and talk of you hosting events. Sounds like you guys are busy evolving - can you tell us a little bit more about these two future initiatives?

My husband and I have always seen the space as more than just a store. We want it to be a space that reflects the talent in the community from poetry readings to art/design openings to using the space for photo shoots and private parties. I love the idea of a living space.

The cakes are a collaboration between my baker friend Sarah Magid and I. There are also a few more friends interested in selling their confections at the store including the Mast Brothers for example. I would love to have Sunday tea and Friday night socials.

I also plan to use the back space as my own design studio and will offer my creative and styling services.

As for the flowers, we will see... I've already sold lily of the valley on Mother's Day and a collection of plants this summer.

1. Sara Paloma's Droplet Vases $25-50
2. Zid Zid Kid Horse $38
3. Lisa Levine's New Spirit Collection $180-365
4. Yellow Owl Workshop's Landscape Journal $20
5. Esther Derks' Wine Glasses $12 each

>> VISIT Jan & Äya
99 Franklin Street, between Greenpoint Avenue and Milton Street, Greenpoint (718-609-1404 or janandaya.com) h: thursday-friday 2-7pm, saturday 12-7pm, sunday 12-5pm

>> LINKS
http://janandaya.com/
http://janandaya.blogspot.com/

Photo credit: Shop photos taken by Elaine Perlov + check out Elaine's blog over at elaineperlov.blogspot.com for additional photos of Jan & Äya.

Thanks Carolyn!!

Heart Lab: Rifferaff

2008-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've been reading Shannon's blog Make It over at rifferaff.typepad.com for.... pffff... god knows how long now. I love how she shares both the highs and lows of running a creative business. I'm really diggin' her latest card collection - I'm so excited to finally have her on the site!

The making of a Jigsaw Card set...

Step 1: Come up with a design
Usually I'll doodle on scrap paper when bored at work and if I like something alot, I'll redraw it on a clean sheet of white paper with black felt tip pen so that it can be scanned into the computer - 30 Minutes

Step 2: Scanning, Illustrator, creating a pattern repeat
Scan drawing, manipulate it in Illustrator to look how I want, create a pattern repeat - 2 to 3 hours. I'm self-taught in Illustrator, so this is taking less and less time the more I do it, as I figure out how to actually use the program.

Step 3: Burn screens
Send digital file to local t-shirt screenprinting shop to burn my screens - Pick up screens a week later.

Step 4: Mix colors by hand
In this case I'm printing with white ink, which I use straight out of the container. I make sure to mix it up good and add lots of glycerine to get the perfect consistency . 8 Minutes

Step 5: Printing & Drying
Print 40 sheets of 19 x 25 cardstock and lay them out to dry - 60 minutes printing + another hour for drying.

Step 6: Clean screen
Clean screen thoroughly so ink doesn't dry in mesh and clog it up.
25 Minutes

Step 7: Cutting
Clean screen thoroughly so ink doesn't dry in mesh and clog it up.
90 Minutes

Step 8: Score and fold
It's just me, a metal ruler and the bone folder. I take breaks every so often to give my wrist and elbow a rest. 3 Hours

Step 9: Photograph, edit photos
I'm the worst photographer so I'll try a lot of different things for the shot (with tripod, without tripod, white background, wood background, super close-up, etc) then end up choosing the most basic ones. The secret of photo editing, I have learned, is just make everything brighter. 1 Hour

Step 10: Upload to Etsy
I have a kind of template I use for the description of most of my paper goods, so I just change the wording to reflect the proper pattern name and ink colors and then upload the pics. 10 Minutes

Visit Shannon's shop at www.rifferaff.etsy.com.

Thanks Shannon!!

I spy... Craft Victoria

2008-08-12T09:21:00.004-04:00

Craft Victoria is a Melbourne-based organization enhancing the awareness of Australian craft and design at state, national and international levels.

This month is all about making...
A Month About Making is a festival of public events, workshops, residencies, exhibitions and forums focusing on the practical and conceptual elements of making, inherent in craft and design.

Not quite down under? That's ok, we can still discover and admire the amazing roster of member artists participating in the main exhibit In the Making from afar!

Shop + Tell: Ashley

2008-08-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Who: Ashley Donnan of horrible shapes, a wonderful artist who has been featured here before.
How often do you indie-shop?
I try to shop pretty regularly, and I've recently been replacing all my bath and body type products with handmade things. I try to buy all my gifts handmade as well. I also encourage others to shop handmade.
Scores...
a "the tree" t-shirt from timber!
How does it make you feel?
Whimsical, awesome, outdoorsy, proud, and clothed!
What made you buy it?
I bought it for my husband for his 25th birthday.

Cabin + Cub Design

2008-08-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Valerie Thai, Vancouver, Canada
Cabin + Cub Design
Website: www.cabinandcub.com
Shop: cabin.etsy.com

Valerie makes the sweetest collages - love the dash of nostalgia that goes into each one!

1. How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as simple, cute and modern with a hint of nostalgia thrown in.

2. You've sold over 300 items via Etsy and your goodies are stocked in multiple shops - can you give us some advice on the best way to get noticed. Is it just a matter of luck and good timing or do you have a recipe for success?

I started off doing local craft fairs, which I found to be a great way to promote my goods in the community and get direct feedback on the things I made. From doing a few fairs my first year, I also got my first batch of wholesale orders from some local shops. A lot of retailers I met have told me they like to visit art/craft fairs to seek out fresh and new local products to carry in their shops.

Etsy has been great venue for promoting my items worldwide too. I try and list items often as well as list a variety of items to keep the store fresh. I also am a part of Poppytalk Handmade, which I find is another great site that helps promote my items.

3. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How long did it take you to come up with your own style, signature look and products? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own niche?

Some things I have made in the past that I thought would sell well and be well received failed horribly, and vice versa...

Not sure how long, since it has been an ongoing process for me... so I feel like my style is always and still evolving. The only advice I have is to not be afraid of experimentation when trying to find your style. Some things I have made in the past that I thought would sell well and be well received failed horribly, and vice versa... so you just never know.

4. Who is your idol/current artist-crush?

My current art crushes include:
Julie Morstad
Marcel Dzama
Alyson Fox
Ashley Goldberg and Drew Bell

5. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills and how do you find the time to do both?

Not full-time yet. My main job is as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. I do a lot of print work for non-profits, art organizations, and socially conscious/sustainable companies. Because I freelance, I have a flexible schedule which lets me do both things.

6. Can you share with us a couple of blogs that you've recently discovered and love?

Newer blogs I love include:
http://bkids.typepad.com (Bloesem's blog for everything kid)
http://www.pikaland.com/
http://printpattern.blogspot.com/

7. You, like most people enjoy the process of making & crafting and didn't get into it for the sake of "business". Eventually you found yourself having to make the transition from crafter to a businessman. What have you learned so far and what advice can you give others in the same situation?

Stay positive... not everyone everywhere will love what you make, so don't take a rejection personally.

To always keep it fun and enjoyable....if you stop enjoying the making & crafting, then it will show in your products. And to stay positive... not everyone everywhere will love what you make, so don't take a rejection personally.

8. If you could put your products on the shelves of 3 more shops, which ones would you choose?

- Reform School
- Rare Device
- Colette

Thanks Valerie!!

Painting by Numbers

2008-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

1. Rainbow Playtime Dress by elsiemarley
2. Toro by corduroy
3. No Bear - print by corduroy
4. Tropical Waters Nodule Bracelet by Gooseflesh
5. Hand-printed cushion with butterflies by jodii

I spy... Christine Schmidt

2008-08-07T09:01:00.000-04:00

I'm loving these new{ish} stamp sets from Yellow Owl Workshop! Check out what Christine is up to over at her blog yellowowlworkshop.blogspot.com

Basket Case

2008-08-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

1. Recycled Necktie Wallet by prixprix
2. Plaid Wool Hat by hathouse
3. Woven Blue/Golden Basket by SewDanish
4. Rattan Ball Pink by iomiss

Confessions of a Soapaholic

2008-08-06T09:00:00.001-04:00

I must confess, I am undoubtedly pleased and happy with Gudonya's "Salty DAWG Creme Shampoo: Spa Fusion"

The fact that it's so unusual made me want to try it. On photograph it looks like something you would use to exfoliate your "summer" feet... not your hair, which made me very curious. Gudonya's detailed and very enticing description also helped convince me that I had to try it.

I was a bit skeptical when I felt the consistency on my hand... It's thick and grainy. However it softens immediately when you applied to wet hair. And you don't need a lot of it. My hair is long and with regular shampoos I need quite a bit of a squeeze, but not with this one.

The scent is out of this world. In Gudonya's words: "This exceptional fragrance sports cooling greens, invigorating ginger and thirst-quenching melons." It's fruity and surprisingly... sensual.

More importantly: I did a test. I didn't apply conditioner to my hair after shampooing. I wanted to see whether or not the wonderful scent would linger even after drying. My hair never felt so soft and so deliciously scented.

I'm a fan :)

-RJ
www.baileydoesntbark.blogspot.com

One to bookmark: Anne Black

2008-08-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

Simply beautiful.
1. Porcelain fingerlings
2. Porcelain broche
3. Porcelain & silk bracelets
4. Porcelain & silk necklaces

www.anneblack.dk

Shop + Tell: Aggie

2008-08-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Who: Aggie, a Heart Handmade reader who recently had a great experience on Etsy and wanted to share her finds...
How often do you indie-shop?
Not very often. Vol25 was my very first indie purchase. When I saw the Uptown, hadn't a clue where to place it but it was a great print that I couldn't pass up. And Vol25
prices are extremely affordable.
Scores...
a. We are shaped by our thoughts
b. Grand Wishes (cotton candy series)
c. Roses among us
d. Uptown
e. Tunes (which was actually a gift with purchase)
How does it make you feel?
elated, giddy, happy, ecstatic and warm
What made you buy it?
Even though the print "we are shaped by our thoughts" is black and white, I knew it would go well in the kitchen
but the rest I bought because of the colors. I love color. The prints have, to me, beautiful colors.

I spy... Kajsa

2008-08-05T08:58:00.000-04:00

Kajsa of Syko is one of the most talented crafters I've encountered on Etsy. Her patchwork and appliqué based creations are out of this universe. I spotted and fell in love with this adorable seagull cushion on her blog sykossa.blogspot.com. Kajsa tells me that she is currently working on this new "word cushion" series... the next one will have homes and houses in different languages.

She also recently opened up a second shop SykoFabScrap.etsy.com where she sells fabrics, scraps and notions all from her own personal studio!

Ashley Donnan

2008-08-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ashley Donnan, Lancaster, PA,
Horrible Shapes - Artwork by Ashley Donnan
Shop: horribleshapes.etsy.com
Blog: horribleshapes.blogspot.com + Flickr

1. How would you describe your style?

It is very loose and fluid. I am inspired by gesture drawings and trying to capture the figure with simple lines and color. It's strange, because a year ago I was really into technical drawings, with precise cross hatching and details. It feels really freeing to let loose, and have to think quickly where the next line will go, or what the next shape will be. I also think fashion, elegance, and decadence ties in greatly with my work. I am always looking for old fashion plates to get inspiration.

2. On your blog you wrote:

"I'm dealing with buying a house so that pretty much saps any energy I have. If we get the place we're hoping for, I'll actually be able to have my own studio! A room just for my art! And my stuff!! Right now I'm working out of my living room, so it will be such a happy, happy event."

Can you share any important lessons that that you've learned from the whole house-buying process?

The main lesson I learned is that nothing goes as planned! You really have to be adaptable and expect the unexpected, as they say. However, it's all worth it for that studio space.

3. What was it that made you want to start creating? Do you feel like you were born with a desire to create or did something trigger it?

As far back as I can remember, I was drawing. I drew on walls, I drew on old boxes, I scratched pictures into my sidewalk with rocks. I definitely think there was something within me that urged me to create.

4. Who is your idol/current craft-crush?

I idolize a lot of contemporary artists, but my biggest one is probably Audrey Kawasaki. She's the same age as I am and she's doing so well for herself. It makes me a little more than jealous!

5. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills?

I guess you could say I create full-time, because I am a full-time student in art school. I only provide meager supplemental income, and my husband provides the roof over my mess. One day, I hope that my art can support both of us.

6. What's on your current (music) playlist?

I'm in love with Beirut, it's the perfect music to play loudly with the windows down while driving at night. I also recently got into Balkan folk music, which is amazing.

7. Do you have any personal favorite recipes you can share with us? Chocolate Ganache!

Random Facts about Ashley...

1. My favorite food as a child was sauteed mushrooms.
2. I can make astrology charts and do tarot readings.
3. I name all of my house plants.
4. I love studying history, especially plagues and epidemics.
5. My husband and I were married by Dracula in a fake cemetery in Las Vegas.
6. I have a driver's license and don't know how to drive.

Thanks Ashley!!

Window Shopping

2008-08-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

All from Greenergrassdesign

1. Scarf by Alyson Fox (love this "tree" scarf too)
2. Fauna Pillow by Judy Ross
3. Tree Lace T-Shirt by Melissa Borrell
4. MIFA Bag by Krejci

One to Bookmark: Shanah Lewis

2008-07-31T09:02:00.001-04:00

Shanah Lewis is one talented chick... LOVE LOVE LOVE her clothes and hats (oh how I wish hats looked right on me!) You can check out her coats/jackets and tops at littlehouses.etsy.com and her très chic hats at hathouse.etsy.com.

I spy... Abigail Brown

2008-07-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

I was so happy to get wind of a new blog by Abigail Brown. Abigail was the very first artist I featured here - I'm such a fan of everything she makes, so I will DEFINITELY be stalking her blog abigailbrownscreatures.blogspot.com to see what she has up her sleeve!

Photos credits: Graeme McAulay of Rainyday Pictures

Heart Lab: Emma Gordon

2008-07-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love Heart Lab because not only does it make me appreciate all the time and effort that goes into a handmade product, but I love seeing the wealth of talent on display. For instance, if you add everything up , it looks like Emma of Emma Gordon can create one of her lovely clutches in under 2 hours (I know, crazy)!!! I don't know about you but I can hardly set up my sewing machine, let alone sew something as pristine as this clutch bag in two hours!

The making of a Dolly Stripe Clutch Bag...

Step 1: Drawing and cutting out each fabric shape
First I have to cut out each piece of fabric - the black canvas for the flap, top collar and the canvas used for the rectangular bag shape which will be sewn underneath the stripy jersey so the bag can hold it's shape. I also need to draw and cut out the interlining fabrics for each piece which are then ironed on to give extra rigidity. 30 Minutes

Step 2: Ironing each piece into the correct shape
Now I have to iron each piece of fabric into the correct shape (rounding the corners on the flap and ironing the strip for the top collar). 20 Minutes

Step 3: Making the flap
The red trim is then tacked by hand onto the front part of the flap and both sides are sewn together on the machine. I then have to attach 2 magnetic fasteners to each corner on the underneath of the flap. 10 Minutes

Step 4: Sewing each section together
Each section of the bag is then sewn together. The top collar has to be pinned to the inside shape, the stripy jersey is ruched into place as I go around the top. They are then all sewn together on the machine. 10 Minutes

Step 5: Stitching lining into bag
The flap is then pinned into place and 2 more magnetic fasteners attached to the correct place on the top collar so that the flap can be folded securely shut. The lining is then tacked inside and everything is sewn into place on the machine. 10 Minutes

Step 6: Stitching on red heart buttons
The red heart buttons are hand-stitched onto the front flaps. 1 Minute

Step 7: Finishing off with branded labels
A woven branded label has to be ironed flat and stuck inside the bag, then it's finished off with a Emma Gordon card hang-tag. 1 Minute

Visit Emma's shop at www.emmagordon.co.uk

Thanks Emma!!

Bulletin Board: Crafting for a Cure

2008-07-29T15:25:00.000-04:00

Shop + Tell: RJ

2008-07-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Who: RJ of Bailey Doesn't Bark!! A special friend and a regular contributor here at HH with her "Confessions of a Soapaholic" column!
How often do you indie-shop?
Last month I made fifteen purchases on etsy... yikes. I would say on average 5-10 purchases a month. Not always big, just little things here and there. supplies, gifts,... most are bath + beauty products, and that can add up pretty fast...
Scores...Xenotees - Collective Name of Animals T-Shirt
How does it make you feel?
Unique, comfortable and a little bit more educated about collective names of animals ;)
What made you buy it?
I am t-shirt person. When I saw this one I completely fell for it. I think the print is very unique and fun - ultimately genius, actually.
(A list of over 100 animals & their collective names). There are so many printed t-shirts out there with the same look, I wanted something different.