Archive for June, 2009
Special Offer: Use coupon code PAPERNSTITCH for 15% discount at checkout from Brandi Strickland of Paper Whistle. Visit Paper Whistle here.
I spend a lot of time in junk shops and markets searching out gems for my home. Top of my list are vintage coffee pots, retro glassware (especially red and blue) and old (and dusty) oil paintings of flowers. I like my home to feel lived-in and well-loved, and I find that by surrounding myself with vintage pieces I not only feel comforted but inspired too. This week’s Super 16 celebrates homemade style, in all its crafty fabulous flavours!
See you next week, friends! ~ Susannah
1. Untitled, 2. gennaio 2008, 3. Etoile Home, 4. treasure wall, 5. ‘write a poem every day’ spoons set, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. {film.335}, 9. Untitled, 10. tea time, 11. *, 12. polaroid love, 13. Trish Grantham sneak peek via Design Sponge, 14. queen of cups, 15. The client, 16. afternoon pick me up
The sun has finally decided to show her face in New Jersey, and I’ve been taking deep sunny breaths and trying to soak up every last ray, just in case the skies open up for another weeks-long deluge. This weather is unnaturally warm and humidity-free and a perfect excuse for a dinner party or two. There’s something wonderful about outdoor dining, and for some reason I don’t think people take advantage of it as much as they should (or maybe it’s just me?). When I spent time in Spain last year, the outdoor cafes swarmed with people regardless of the time of day or the elements… whether there was a chill in the air or a damp drizzle, everyone kept smiling, sipping their cava and nibbling chorizo…
I found this sweet and simple idea on housemartin and am completely smitten. A few florals dangling over your table while the sun streams through the trees? Perfection. Doesn’t it make the most ethereal centerpiece? Bonus: it doesn’t take up room on the table itself and won’t impede conversation with your guests.
For more details (aka wire hanger + ribbons + paperclips) visit the crafty maven behind the idea on Sweet Paul.
xo,
Visit the Many Muses Studio here.
One of my new year’s resolutions this year was to be more eco-friendly, and I’ve been trying to apply that rule to everything in my life – including my wardrobe. With the world becoming more and more environmentally conscious by the minute, there are tons of great options for stylish, comfortable, and sustainable clothing.
1. This fun summer tote bag is hand crafted from recycled boat sails… how cool is that? The perfect bag to compliment a nautical themed ensemble. Blue star tote by Reiter8, $65.
2. Who says eco-friendly clothing has to be dull? This gorgeous yellow ruffled skirt proves otherwise. It is custom made from super soft bamboo jersey fabric, so it’s sure to fit and feel spectacular! Daffodil skirt by Ureshii, $58.
3. This lovely flower ring is made from scraps of reclaimed and recycled leather… the perfect way to add a splash of color to any outfit! EcoRing by Greenbelts, $12.
4. This amazing top made from vintage scarves is a triple threat: handmade, one-of-a-kind, and eco-friendly. Does it get any better than that? I heart Holland tank by Tangente, $55.
5. To be truly eco-friendly from your head to your feet, pick up a pair of these cute and comfy sneakers. The outer fabric is hemp and organic cotton, the pretty ribbon laces are made from recycled soda bottles, the inserts are made from post consumer recycled paper, and the soles are made from recycled car tires. Even the box they come in is earth friendly! Satire shoes by Simple, $55.
6. Even denim companies are starting to create green designs. These jeans have a super stylish slim leg and dark wash, and are made from Fair Trade organic cotton. Jeans by Good Society, $106 from The Green Loop.
7. This pretty tank top is sure to become a wardrobe staple for summer. The bright magenta color and floral ruffle detail are feminine and fun, and the bamboo and organic cotton fabric is gentle on the planet. Organic tank by Enuwbe, $62.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Hi there! Brenda from Phydeaux and Phydelle back to continue our conversation about marketing. Last week, we talked about marketing basics, including identifying who your customers – real and desired – are.
If you did your homework last week, you should have an idea of who your customers actually are and who you want to be your customers. So … are they the same? If your answer is “yes,” great! If your answer is “no,” what did you decide about which group to market to?
The good news is that you can market to different groups of customers – doing so is just a little more complex and time consuming.
Now that you (hopefully) know who your customers are, how do you reach them? Remember that “marketing” is everything you do to create value for your actual and potential customers, with return on investment (e.g., sales!). How are you going to reach your potential (and real) customers?
There are many, many ways to reach your customers. Arts and crafts fairs are full of potential customers, just waiting to be introduced to your wonderful product. Brick and mortar (B&M) stores are a great venue to introduce your product to customers. Both of those venues are time- and resource-intensive, and are great ways to build customers, but not as immediate for online sales.
Visit Mattie’s Social Circle here.
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Visit the B. Johnson Jewelry shop here.
