To Have and to Hold... Wedding Registry (Part IV)

1. Woven Felt Rugs by feeldesign
2. No.1 Screwdriver Set by Elementary Design
3. Grey Glacier Votive by Cursive Design
4. Blue Deep Water Chestnut Hill Quilt by CarolinaPatchworks

Miriam of elefante, é a vida!

Miriam, Aveiro, Portugal Brand: elefante, é a vida! Blogs: felty.blogs.sapo.pt Shop: miriam.etsy.com

I'd like to say a big thank you to Miriam for agreeing to be interviewed, especially since she went to the trouble of arranging for a translator to supply her answers in English! Muito obrigada!

I love Miriam's creations - her choice of colors, shapes, materials ... all remind me of a Utopian land far far away.

The fact that my grandfather and my father were tailors was a big influence in my life

>> click here to continue reading the interview

1. How would you describe your style?

I don't think I really have a style, it's hard to define myself... contemporary?!... don't know! It's easier for other people to categorize us... but, in fact, I don't really like being categorized :D

2. How long have you been doing this for and how did it all begin?

It was a natural process! I'm a professional graphic designer and I have always been a very "crafty" person. When I was younger, I used to make gifts for my friends & family and because of that I become very good at working with various craft techniques. I don't know exactly when it all began, but I know I was very little. The fact that my grandfather and my father were tailors was a big influence in my life, as well as being surrounded by seamstresses and sewing machines. I began selling my creations on the web and in various shops in 2004 - thanks to a lot of encouraging friends!

Hmmm to get past crafter's block? I don't know exactly, I do this because I love it, so when I'm not inspired, I simply just stop and make other things... and inspiration naturally comes and goes.

3. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?

I'm inspired by everything around me... my boyfriend, my friends, nature, beach, old houses (I love old houses), retro tiles, a lot of books, ohhh and I love music.

Hmmm to get past crafter's block? I don't know exactly, I do this because I love it, so when I'm not inspired, I simply just stop and make other things... and inspiration naturally comes and goes. There are a lot of days that I can't create anything at all, but I've gotten used to that ... it's also like that in my professional job.

I don't consider myself a mentor... but I guess if I think about it, I have a blog that's read by a lot of people, I have an online shop, my creations are sold at real shops... so I guess it is only natural that other people are inspired by my work, just like I am inspired by others.

4. The handmade community is such a close knit group, I notice that most people are either mentors to aspiring crafters/designers or have mentors who have been in the business for a while and are eager to share their experiences with budding crafters/artists. Do you have a mentor? And are you a mentor yourself?

I tend not to think of things in that way... obviously it's almost impossible not to feel inspired by anyone. Actually, I'm inspired by a lot of people. It's not like me to have a mentor, it's not part of the way that I think...maybe it's due to my education or my profession. I follow a lot of designers and illustrators that I like, I read a lot of blogs and books, I devour magazines, and so on.

Essentially, I listen to a lot of advice from the people I love, so maybe my mentors are my family and friends. I don't consider myself a mentor... but I guess if I think about it, I have a blog that's read by a lot of people, I have an online shop, my creations are sold at real shops... so I guess it is only natural that other people are inspired by my work, just like I am inspired by others.

I prefer to sell in smaller shops where there is a closer relationship with the buyer, where I know the shop owner and can continue to create unique, one-of-a-kind handmade objects on a smaller scale.

5. If you could put your products on the shelves of any 3 stores (international), which ones would you choose?

Ohh this one is really hard... topshop, vinçon, urban outfitters maybe, that is if I was to produce my objects on a massive scale.

But honestly, I prefer to sell in smaller shops where there is a closer relationship with the buyer, where I know the shop owner and can continue to create unique, one-of-a-kind handmade objects on a smaller scale.

6. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How did you come up with your measuring tape concept? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

The idea of using measuring tapes have been lingering in my head for quite a long time, I think maybe 2 years before I gave it a practical use. A few years ago, I don't remember where exactly, I found some beautiful tape measures with vivid colors and bought them. I began to look at them with a different eye and began collecting them.

I collect a lot of things in my house, things that I find everywhere and anywhere. My mother hated that! Now that I'm in a new home, I do the same ... basically I keep everything that I find graphically pleasing, it was exactly how I came upon the measuring tapes! I just didn't know exactly how to start, nor what to do with them. It was my father that helped me sew my first ever purse in the beginning of 2005. Since then I've found a whole variety of measuring tape with different colors and numbers. I even have a few that I can't get myself to cut... so I keep them!

It's hard to give advice, especially since I don't consider myself an expert crafter =) I think everyone should follow their own inspiration, research a lot, keep creating their own style and, more importantly, be really honest with themselves and others.

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

No! I teach design at the University of Aveiro and I'm a graphic designer also. My free time is dedicated to crafts and creating new products.

8. Who is your idol or current craft-crush?

I read a lot of blogs, but actually... I think I don't really have an idol. I love so many crafters, for the materials they use, for the forms of their creations, or just for the amazing imagination they have. I love so many people it would be unfair to mention just one and forget the others =)

9. Can you share any recently discovered blogs and or artists?

Yes I can, but just a few... I love so many people ;)
I love the recent screenprinted fabric from maria joão arnaud, I love kjoo's new bracelets, ox-hill necklaces, it makes me smile the eikumpel´s cute monsieur virgule, I love the funny fruit necklaces of vento na praia the fantastic deditos from fric de mentol, just an example of some of my favourite Portuguese girls...

I've found so many creative people lately... let me think... well, here it goes more of my favourite etsy shops: lealandmabe.etsy.com, daisyjanie.etsy.com, cocoondesigns.etsy.com, syko.etsy.com

Thanks Miriam!!

Megan Price

Megan Price, Norfolk, UK Brand: MrPS Website: mr-ps.co.uk Blog: meganprice.typepad.com, flickr Shop: etsy, allthingsoriginal.com, notonhighstreet.com, threepotatofour.com

Megan is what the entertainment industry might call a triple threat! Not only does she make the most adorable silk screened tote bags, but she also has a line of kitchen tea towels and creates wonderful collages like this one below.

She also just recently got plucked from hundreds of other hopefuls and won the "win a great start for your business" competition over at notonhighstreet.com. Congratulations Megan!!


1. How would you describe your style?

I use the best media I can to get my message across, be it drawing, photo, printmaking or collage.

2 How long have you been doing this and how did it all begin?

Mr.PS was launched in 2004. But in the grand scheme of things I’ve been sitting quietly drawing and making things since I was little. I then went on to study at college and University.

3. How is it working with your husband? Most people advise against working with family. Could you give us some tips on how to make it work?

Well I guess the most important thing is that we both have our own projects on the go. Robert works as an illustrator. When you’ve got loads of ideas and potential solutions buzzing round your head, it’s good to have someone to talk it all over with.


4. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?

I start by researching a nugget of idea, then seeing where the drawing and designing process takes it. Sometimes, a walk to the corner shop is all it takes to jig an idea around your head. Then you can get it down on paper when you get back.

5. What tool(s) can't you live without?

Screens, squegees, sewing machine, sunshine.....

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

I do have a part-time job. It can be a bit of a juggle, but it 's good to be with other people sometimes and let your brain work on something else.

7. The handmade community is such a close knit group. I notice that most people are either mentors to aspiring crafters/designers or have mentors who have already been in the business for a while and are eager to share their experiences with budding crafters/artists. Do you have a mentor? And are you a mentor yourself?

My first printing job was for the textile and lighting designer, Helen Rawlinson. Working in her studio really gave me the belief that I too could run my own business. It was a great experience and we are still in touch, checking out what each other are doing. Although she wasn’t strictly a mentor, she has certainly given me good advice.

I’m not a mentor myself, but I do try to be helpful when people ask for my opinion.

8. Who is your idol or current craft-crush?

Umm that’s tricky, there’s so many great makers out there.
I recently came across the Finnish designer Outi Martikainen. I love the way shes makes small artworks out of everyday items and also works with architects to cover major buildings with her delicate imagery.

I really like Abigail Percy’s jewellery, and my most favourite recent etsy purchase is a clutch purse made by Rowena Dugdale.

Customized tea towel available at threepotatofour.com

9. If you could put your products on the shelves of any 3 stores, which ones would you choose?

I’d love to do some design work for somewhere like Habitat - It’d be good to have my imagery on other homeware products. Recently we made a trip to San Francisco - I loved shops like National Product and Doe, and wish I could go again and check out Rare Device. I also love the look of Madam Andre’s shop in Paris - it’s always a thrill to see Monsieur A’s graffiti around other cities.

10. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies?

It's great to discover independent retailers when we go away, for instance in France and Italy. I just worry that when I next go back they're not going to be there anymore.

Closer to home, I love going to rummage at Barnett and Lawson for wholesale ribbon and trimmings near Oxford Circus, in London

11. What are your top 3 favorite blogs?

1. 3191
2. Design*Sponge
3. And it’s not really a blog, but I can get really sucked in to Flickr. I love looking at my contacts’ new photos.

Thanks Megan!!

Myra Callan

Myra Callan, Oregon, USA Brand: Twigs & Honey Blogs: twigsandhoney.blogspot.com Shop: myrakim.etsy.com, theenglishdept.com

I'm so happy to feature Myra, designer extraordinaire of Twigs & Honey! She creates the most beautiful hair pieces and boutonnieres perfect for weddings, and the best part? - no more worrying about wilting flowers or messing with hairspray to preserve them! Each one is handmade using a variety of materials, including silk flowers, feathers, or even shells for beach-themed weddings.


1. How would you describe your style?

My style is a mixture of seemingly disparate things but generally speaking: nature inspired (in terms of structure and balance) meets whimsical, colliding with modern and vintage styles that can be at times elegant or offbeat. I think the use of colors really influences my style too, and getting the right palette in every piece is really important to me.

2. By the looks of things in your shop - Twigs & Honey is doing quite well. 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?

Thank you for thinking so!

I think the number one piece of advice for any business is you have to have a good product. Of course it’s not always so easy and I definitely had months of hesitation to start twigs & honey officially because I wasn’t sure if what I liked would be what others would like.


>> continue reading Myra's interview

I think the second crucial part is good customer service. This is pretty easy if you end up doing what you love because you’ll be working with people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. How fabulous is that? If you are good to your customers they’ll return the favor and become repeat customers or spread the word to their friends, family, or business relations. I get many repeat customers and referrals, which is always awesome. I’ve even become friends with sweet ladies that started out as clients.

Another piece of advice, depending on your line of work, is to stay fresh and innovative. Keep things changing, but of course make them recognizable as your unique style.

I could go on and on, but I think when it comes down to it, good old fashioned hard work and dedication always pays off. A little bit of luck and timing never hurts either. Before I started twigs & honey, I created hair pieces for myself, family and friends. I tried to do my own thing by not referring to others’ works, creating pieces as I was moved to do so and I think the end result was a line of very different and sometimes quite eclectic pieces of art for your hair. I suppose I was a bit lucky that there happened to be this huge niche my pieces fit right into it.

I calculated that I was working about 100-120 hours of work a week. Seriously! I would wake up at 6am, get ready and go to work until 5pm, eat a quick dinner, and get to work until about 3 to 6am on twigs & honey.

3. How do you find the energy to make such beautiful things while holding a full time day job as a research analyst? How do you juggle a full-time job, a growing business and being a wife? Has the thought of leaving your day job and dedicating all your time to Twigs & Honey crossed your mind?


That is so funny you ask these questions!

I actually left my full time Research Analyst post exactly 2 weeks ago. For a time, I really thought I could hold onto both, but after about a month of starting twigs & honey, I calculated that I was working about 100-120 hours of work a week. Seriously! I would wake up at 6am, get ready and go to work until 5pm, eat a quick dinner, and get to work until about 3 to 6am on twigs & honey. I guess I wasn’t really juggling since I just cut out sleep for 2-3 months as the solution to handling both. I’m also a long-term planner and pretty conservative, so I refused to leave my fulltime job until I knew twigs & honey was viable and had reached a point close to my level as a researcher and held there for an extended amount of time.

I always feel so guilty having to work so much and miss out on “life”. My husband and I have definitely had our long discussions about the business, but the key has been for us to be very open about everything and to be realistic. We squabble from time to time as I miss family outings, but overall, he has been so supportive of my decision to do what I love and I really could not be where I am at with twigs & honey without him. He’s my #1 fan.

4. One of the hardest things for artists to do is to stand apart from everyone else. How difficult was it for you to come up with your own style and signature look? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

At times, it was challenging for me to create my own look and it wasn’t to stand apart, but because I’m really critical and a bit of a perfectionist and if something isn’t just right, I junk it. I never received professional training and for my original pieces, literally let my mind run wild. Often, after purchasing and collecting supplies and materials that I think look nice and are of good quality, I throw them in a pile and just dig in and go with the flow. I experiment often and have been known to start and completely stop a project when it’s just not going perfectly.

I’ve heard the saying before that there are no original ideas anymore, which I tend to disagree with. I think there is plenty of room left in the realm of creativity to make unique and new pieces of art and I don’t think that will ever get filled up.

Early in 2007, I made a few pieces for myself for special occasions and I think that is when I really solidified the twigs & honey aesthetic and style. Not to sound too “out there” but most of my original designs are an outpouring of all these ideas and feelings in my head, and I think when you freestyle it, it really becomes “your own style”. I also think that is some of the best advice I can give aspiring artists looking for their own look. I’ve heard the saying before that there are no original ideas anymore, which I tend to disagree with. I think there is plenty of room left in the realm of creativity to make unique and new pieces of art and I don’t think that will ever get filled up. So if you go with your gut and let your inner self and style guide you, I think that is the route to take when trying to find your own voice and look.

5. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery..." (until it happens to you!) Many of the artists I speak to have had issue with copycats. What do you think is the best way to deal with this type of situation?

Yikes! That is a tough one! When you truly feel in your heart and know that your original idea is “knocked off” for profit, it is really emotionally exhausting and hurtful in so many ways. I tend to be a DIY freak and I know of many people to DIY for budget purposes, so there is definitely a grey area. I think that when people directly copy your original designs bit by bit for profit in an environment that creates direct competition with you, then it’s pretty disrespectful and irresponsible. Your first instinct is to get mad. Beyond that, it’s hard to suggest the best option for recourse. This is definitely one of those, “ask me again in the future” types of questions, as I haven’t yet perfected the best method for dealing with it. I do have some good Samaritan, internet watchdogs out there that let me know when it’s happening, but I am going to see what happens in the future. To be continued!

...much of the joy in doing what I do is the discovery process that leads to the final piece. I think you lose much of this joy when you completely bypass this step and copy someone else’s work.

I do want to say that much of the joy in doing what I do is the discovery process that leads to the final piece. I think you lose much of this joy when you completely bypass this step and copy someone else’s work. If you are considering it or are doing it for profit… don’t.

6. Who is your idol or current artist-crush?

How do I narrow it down?! I’m going to list a few because otherwise, this whole interview would be a list of my obsessions. I love Ann Wood Handmade (doesn’t everyone?), Leanimal, Elizabeth Dye, Dust Furniture, Fernanimals, Holly Stalder, Flufflife, and so many more. I have to stop there but just know that the list is long!

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

A blog that I was told about recently: Posie Gets Cozy (which it appears everyone loves)
An artist I recently discovered and love: Dust Furniture (not love… obsessed)

8. Your wedding on the park looked absolutely beautiful. As we all know, wedding planning can be a "little" stressful. Can you give our bride-to-be readers 5 life-saving tips that you and Matt learned from planning your own wedding.

1. SLEEP… and EAT
2. Make a budget and stick to it
3. Don’t expect that “the most important” day of your life in your eyes is as important to everyone else (i.e. Expect that something will go wrong and it’s not the end of the world if something does and when it does, don’t rip off someone’s head if they don’t get something completely perfect).
4. Tell guests where the restroom is at your venue. ;)
5. For outdoor weddings, be smarter than I was and do not put chocolates and desserts in a place exposed to sunlight. It will be one big icky mess.

Thanks Myra!!

*Wedding photo courtesy of Paul Rich Studio

Anna Laura

Anna Laura, Melbourne, Australia Site: annalaura.com.au Blogs: annalauraart.blogspot.com + Flickr + myspace Shop: annalaura.etsy.com + DaWanda

I have to admit that it was Anna's lovely badge ladies that first caught my eye, but as I started working on her feature I soon discovered her geniosity extends further into her more traditional art work and collages...

>> continue reading Anna Laura's interview

1. How would you describe your style?

Eclectic. I have a lot of different styles happening. I like being able to do different things and mix it up a bit. I completed a BFA in Painting and Drawing, so I have fine art training, but I love to do stuff which is design based as well. Then there are the badge ladies with a different style to them also. They all link together and I think the different styles work with one another but finding words to describe them all is hard.

Sometimes when you look at other designer’s work you get overwhelmed by what is out there and wonder if your own stuff is good enough. I find it helps to work on something that you know how to do well and is a bit automatic. That way you feel like you’re accomplishing something so you don’t feel worse about not working.

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?

When I get it I know, I often feel sick as well, so it should be an illness diagnosed by a doctor. Taking a break is a good start. Sometimes when you look at other designer’s work you get overwhelmed by what is out there and wonder if your own stuff is good enough. I find it helps to work on something that you know how to do well and is a bit automatic. That way you feel like you’re accomplishing something so you don’t feel worse about not working. Watching some television, a nice pot of tea and some badge ladies to stitch up always makes me feel better.


3. What tool(s) can't you live without?

Needles, thread, sharp scissors, sewing machine, silkscreen, ink, small squeegee, computer, Photoshop. Just to name a few things. The list goes on and on.

4. You've sold over 175 items via Etsy and your goods 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?

Just keep doing what you’re doing. Keep posting blogs, updating your websites like flickr and myspace. Get in contact with other people, go out and meet them and email them and make friends and talk shop to people. Make things well, make different things and get creative and buy from other people to help keep the creative marketplace going. Buy handmade gifts for people and tell people about what you do so they know and understand that there is a marketplace out there making beautiful products.

5. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies?

I love going to the opshop (thrift stores) because it is an unknown, you don’t know what you will find and it could be the best thing ever, or you could come home with nothing. They are my favourite.


6. 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 and signature look? What advice can you give aspiring artists struggling to find their own voice and look?

I think everyone has their own look when they start, although aspects might be similar to other designers they still have something about them that sets them apart. I think my style has developed a lot since I have been working in 2006. When I first started I had been pretty dormant with my creativity, so the things I produced were maybe a little more basic and it has developed over time.

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

Oh, I thought you were going to say who is my current boy crush, an I was going to say Commander Chakotay from Star Trek and get totally nerdy on you. But now that I have my nerdyness out there I can answer the question correctly. Lara Cameron and Ashley G are two I really like, not only are they both super talented, but also they are also really friendly and down to earth.

8. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

More artworks. I really want to expand that part of what I do and have an exhibition. I’ve got some ideas for some larger artworks I want to try involving screen-printing and painting, but not in the conventional way. Lots of experimenting is what keeps me happy.

Thanks Anna!!

Twiggy

1. The Anti-Bangles (set of 3) by kateszabone
2. Twiggy Kitchen Towel by nutnutgoods
3. Long Gold Twig Earrings by cursive design
4. Wedding/commitment band by bmjnyc
5. Creamy Twig Clutch by brookegalardi

Rock Around the Clock

1. Black and Red Plaid Shrug Jacket by Frog Song
2. Reddie by mondazeschild
3. Black and White Checkered Bandana by heavy machinery
4. Black Leather Clutch Purse by rookie rags
5. Big Box Bow by mondazeschild
6. Turquoise Faceted Gem Lace Wrapped Earrings by Heatherly Designs
7. 4-Strand Navy Leather Bracelet w/ Suede and Swarovski Crystals and 3-Strand Fuschia Leather Bracelet both by sara mcgrath

Sian Keegan

Sian Keegan, Brooklyn, New York Site/Blogs: siankeegan.typepad.com, siankeegan.com Shop: sian.etsy.com

I came across Sian Keegan's work on Etsy and it was pretty much love at first sight...

1. How would you describe your style?
I like to think it's fun, modern, and playful.

2. How long have you been doing this for and how did it all begin?
I have always been into making things, but I would say it started about a year ago when my friend Alison Tauber and I decided to share a booth at the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn. We were both about to graduate from F.I.T. and just decided to do something fun before starting our careers in textiles. We graduated in late May and the fair was in mid-June so we only had a few weeks to prepare for it. I felt such a great response for the few things I had so I decided to open and Etsy shop and devote more time to my little business.


>> continue reading Sian's interview

3. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?
I really love magazines, in fact I'm trying to cut down on them! Same with design blogs. I also get inspired just looking through thrift/antique stores. If I feel blocked I like to just take a break from it, that usually helps.

4. The handmade community is such a close-knit group, I notice that most people are either mentors to aspiring crafters/designers or have mentors who have been in the business for a while and are eager to share their experiences with budding crafters/artists. Do you have a mentor? And are you a mentor yourself?

I interned with Lena Corwin during my last year of school and learned a lot from working with her. It was so great for me to see someone doing well on their own. I never really saw myself working for a big corporation and it was really important for me to see there is an alternative to that. Also Julia Rothman and Caitlin Keegan (my sister) are two great designers who have been really helpful to me!

5. How has your experience been with the Brooklyn Flea/Craft Renegade? Would you recommend participating in these types of events?
Yes, I would recommend it, even if it's just to get feedback about your work, pricing, etc. It's also great for meeting other artists and designers, and they're really fun to do!

6. What did you think of the textile/surface design program at FIT? Would you recommend it to aspiring textile designers?
I would say it depends on what is important to you in your education. It's not a place where you'll be pushed to be creative, it's more vocational than that. It was great for me as it was affordable and it introduced me to New York. My advice to an aspiring textile designer would be to take as many computer classes as you can, and take an internship as soon as you can because that will really help focus you on which direction you want to go in.

7. Most of your designs incorporate reclaimed materials, when did you start becoming more eco-conscious and when did you decide to incorporate it into your work? Do you find that more and more consumers are seeking out eco-friendly products?


I think I have always been pretty conscious about environmental issues. I grew up in a rural area and I worked on a farm for a long time, so it was always important to me. My grandmother once gave me a ton of her old fabrics from her collection, most of which she got from taking apart old clothing. I think that got me started on using recycled and vintage fabrics. Plus I find it more fun to have a more limited selection of materials to choose from. I hope more people are looking for eco-friendly products, I know it's something I look for!

8. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills?
My goal is do this full time...one day! Right now I work a few days a week as a textile designer. I held a full time job for a while, but I realized it was really important for me to have time to pursue my own work.

9. Who is your idol or current craft-crush?
I love Alexander Girard. The first stuffed creatures I made were crocheted adaptations of his recently re-issued wooden figures. I think they might still be my favorite out of everything I make!


10. What are your top 3 favorite blogs?
I have a lot of favorites! Right now it's design*sponge for sure, Lena's blog, and I think Reference Library - I love seeing ebay finds. I also love the Sartorialist! I read too many blogs.

11. Can you share any of your favorite sources for supplies?
My new favorite source for fabric (besides Grandma!) is Baltic Bazaar in Brooklyn. It's all donated fabrics which they sell by the pound, and proceeds go to charity. I love Purl Patchwork and Purl Soho, too. I buy three or four bags of cotton stuffing every time I go...they probably think I'm nuts.

Thanks Sian!

Curves in all the right places

1. Bone Votive by sarapaloma
2. Flower Lampshade by Alkamie.biz
3. Mocha jacket/shirt by Ena Daro Couture
4. Textile/Fibre Art Flower Corsage Brooch by sujati
5. Pink Sugar Oatmeal Soap -Blossom by 4thAveSoapCo

It's Your Lucky Day

1. Ellie by Lucky Life
2. Lucky Charm by neltak
3. Small Fortune coin purse by Victore NYC
4. Melamine-Plate Lucky Elephant by selda
5. Astrology Zodiac Cute Animals Blank Note Cards by Cuore

Petopia

1. Personalized Pet Tag by Rae Dunn
2. Kitty Donut by acrudele
3. The Best Cat Toy Mouse by By The Airport
4. Catnip Kickin Stick by hannapt
5. Hemp Dog Collar (Flourish) by The Modern Pet
6. Recycled wool snowflake dog sweater by Hodgepodge Farm
7. Woodland Friends Organic Hemp Cat Toys by The Modern Pet
8. New Cat Announcement by The Modern Pet

Sail Away

Sail away with these ship-shape finds:
1. The Sailboat from Marseille by lapomme
2. Nautical stripes screenprinted notes by cutiepiecompany
3. Nautical Brooch by 123rainbeau
4. Sailboat & Anchor Key Fobs by preppypetunia
5. Reiter8 Large Black 7 Messenger Bag by reiter8
6. Sperm Whale White (Moby Dick) - 2ft. by Morning Star Design

Showpony by Emma Henderson

Emma Henderson, Glasgow Scotland Brand: Showpony Blogs: showponydesign.blogspot.com Shop: Showpony.etsy.com Indie Fixx, Tiny Volcano, Rose and Raddish, Julianna Grove, All things Original, Not on the Highstreet, Red Door Gallery … And many more

1. I'm not responsible enough to have a dog (but would love to have one)
2. My muscles ache almost everyday - thanks to Jarl, the spin instructor
3. I love cuddling up with a pillow...

... three reasons why this Showpony wheat and lavender filled Hotdog could be my new best friend!

Use him to sooth away aches and pains, warm up your bed or just give you
a cosy cuddle on the couch. Pop him in the microwave and this little
doggy will keep warm for about 2 hours.

Trompe l'oeil meaning to ‘trick the eye’ is a theme which runs through much of Emma’s designs, from hiding bugs within the folds of her cushions or using vintage images on modern shapes. Inspired by honesty in nature and poking fun at real life she creates products that are functional and beautiful. Not to mention, she's also dedicated to sustainable design and all her products are made out of organic cotton - hand spun and woven by a fair-trade cooperative!

As a designer I love to surprise and delight. I believe an object should engage the user both emotionally and functionally. As those which do so become loved, cherished objects which remain in our homes long after others have been discarded.

What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) Designer

What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block?
Going for a long walk always gets me thinking in new creative ways.

What tool(s) can't you live without?
My computer, sorry if that doesn’t sound very artistic.

Who is your idol, current craft-crush?
Soop, Donna Wilson, Alison Willoughby, Lotta Jansdotter

How long have you been doing this?
I launched Showpony in September 2006, been making things for ever though, just without the focus or the money.



Where did you learn your craft?
I studied Product Design which was a great way to get me thinking about what your making but the how is self taught.

Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills?
Bills? Well somehow they do get paid in the end. I’m nearly full time (I still do one day a week in the real world but hopefully not for too much longer).

Here comes the sun

1. Red Baby Doll by sixgunsally
2. Romantika Necklace #16 by neawear
3. Seersucker Bubble Dress by tortillagirl
4. Romantika Necklace - Pink by neawear *photo for style-reference only
5. Green Jump Rope Clutch by buttonpom

Crochet Touché

1. The Wounded Poppy by Dainty Crochet by Aly
2. Textile cuff -nO.257 by kjoo
3. Striped Crocheted Clutch by Twiggie
4. Penelope Caplet by judithskiss

SIESTA by Mai Araki

Mai Araki, Yokohama, Japan Brand: SIESTA Blogs: English - mairuru.blogspot.com Japanese - d.hatena.ne.jp/mairuru Shop: mairuru.etsy.com

I'm a huge huge fan of Mai's. All of her products are hand sewn and it's clear how much love goes into every single piece. I love everything she makes, but I especially love the hanging doll set and her patchwork bookmarks - the teardrop is meant to point to the line where you left off! How sweet is that?

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) I don't really refer to myself as anything, maybe a Hand Sewer?

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? I see many beautiful things and books in my life. They inspire me. I have collected many pieces of fabric, they inspire me too. I enjoy hand sewing.


3. What tool(s) can't you live without? Needle, Pencil and frying pan.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? littlebirds.etsy.com I was shocked when I saw her site.

5. How long have you been doing this? For more than 20 years. I'm always sewing something, always by hand.


6. Where did you learn your craft? I learned sewing techniques by myself with the help of many books. My mother taught me how to knit. I'm currently learning Hardanger Embroidery from a teacher.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? I've just begun selling my works. So now my savings pay the bills.


8. How would you describe your style? Natural and easygoing.

First Class Crafts

Fly comfortably and in style with these handmade travel essentials:

1. Luxurious Wool and Alpaca Knit Wrap by Tickled Pink Knits
2. Lavender Cozy by milk pail
3. Name Luggage Tags by Minmade
4. Laundry bag with applique by syko
5. Homemade Mary Jane Shoes by netamir
6. Passport Case no65 by stiksel
7. Sleeping masks by Bridget Davies

Acajou by Mink Hebert

Mink Hebert, Seattle, WA, USA Brand: Acajou Shop: acajou.etsy.com, Maket Featured on Trunkt

Bags in general are hard to resist and Mink Hebert, maker of the lovely Acajou collection, does not help matters!

I love her modern take on patchwork and the subtle details she adds to each one her goodies. I think what I love most about them, is that they're feminine and cutesy, but not in an overly girly-pinky kind of way. I'm a new fan!

“I wish there were nine of me to accomplish everything I'd like to do and make- travel, research, paint, design, sew, learn how to cook, etc. I am a nightbird and work until early morning when I usually get a flood of ideas.”

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) Sometimes I call myself an artist or designer though mostly I say that I "make things". That phrase seems to sum it up!

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? I design things that I would have loved as a child. There is a seamless connection between what I create now and stuff I made when I was young. There is so much that inspires me... ocean life, children's books, the animal kingdom, anatomy, friends, origami, music, visual culture, and often the textiles themselves spark something! I keep sketchbooks that are filled with a collection of scraps and images of color and textural combinations that clarifies my overall concept for Acajou.

“ I wanted to construct bags that were beautiful and strong and unique in response to the city and people I met.”

“Music is always the background soundtrack to my work and keeps me energized.”

I don't suffer much from crafter's block. On the contrary- I wish there were nine of me to accomplish everything I'd like to do and make- travel, research, paint, design, sew, learn how to cook, etc. I am a nightbird and work until early morning when I usually get a flood of ideas. I narrow them down, and then push those ideas. I try and work a design to the point where construction becomes effortless. When I am stuck, I find it is helpful to either go inside- meditate, or go out in the world and absorb... visual stimulation can be found everywhere.

3. What tool(s) can't you live without? My necessary tools include, a sweet beast of a sewing machine, my laptop, camera, and mountains of fabric. Music is always the background soundtrack to my work and keeps me energized.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? My idols include anyone who makes things on their own terms. Etsy is great for discovering crushes. Here are three that I just love... stiksel, for wallets and things, modofly, for etched moleskin notebooks, fluxproductions for screenprinted clothing.

5. How long have you been doing this? I started making bags when I lived in San Francisco a few years ago. I worked at a fabric store where I would dream about things to make while being surrounded by a forest of towering bolts of fabric. I wanted to construct bags that were beautiful and strong and unique in response to the city and people I met.

6. Where did you learn your craft? My mother is an artist and she taught me how to sew at a very young age. She made elaborate, complex clothing for herself and my siblings and I, so being around sewing and artmaking was very much a part of my early life. Later on, when I lived in San Francisco, I picked up tips, knowledge, and enthusiasm from fashion students I worked with as well as from local designers. I am still refining my craft and I learn something new with each bag that I make.