Archive for November, 2009
Shop of the Day: My grandmother has been a quilter for as long as I can remember. When I was little, my brother and I would go to their house and I would sit right next to her as she sewed mounds and mounds of fabric right there at the dining room table. So, when I was introduced to Lauren’s patchwork (Aunt June), I was thrilled. Her quilts are beautiful (my favorite is the one above) and it brought back old memories.
In addition to patchwork quilts, Lauren also designs wonderfully quirky fabrics and creates bags made from the fabrics that she designs. Love this shop! Definitely check it out.
Visit Aunt June the etsy shop and blog for more.
I am always on the hunt for good online vintage shops. And when I re-discovered Thrush yesterday, I was pretty excited. I am a total sucker for any dress that requires a crinoline undercoat…just love the look. So Betty Draper.
Visit Thrush for more vintage clothing and accessories.
So apparently not only do I have a lighting obsession, I also have a dinnerware problem.
I spotted Jessica Rust Designs’ customizable Birch Tree Collection on Lake Jane. While ordering you provide your and your sweetie’s initials and the last two digits of the year and – VOILA! Your initials carved in a (porcelain) birch tree. Wouldn’t these pieces make a great anniversary or wedding gift?
Have a lovely week!
Kathryn
Here are my picks for today. For more info on the items above, click here.
There are many photographer’s that I admire…and one at the very top of my list is Washington-based photographer, Bonnie Jones. Bonnie is originally from Florida (where I currently live) and considers herself a “Southerner at heart.” Her photography is often inspired by a mix of storytelling and the history of the landscape that surround her.
All of Bonnie’s photographs are printed in small editions, which I love. And her photographs are absolutely breathtaking: ranging from black and white to full color, and small scale to larger format.
Exclusive Discount: Mention papernstich at checkout and enjoy 25% off in Bonnie’s Etsy shop ~ just type “papernstich” in the message to seller.
Visit Bonnie Jones on Etsy and also via her personal website.
Purple is one of my favorite colors for autumn. Here are some stylish pieces to help you incorporate the royal hue into your wardrobe.
1. This motorcycle jacket mixes an edgy shape with a soft, feminine color. Jacket from Urban Outfitters, $58.
2. You can’t go wrong with a cashmere sweater! The deep eggplant color and off-shoulder silhouette give this one a sexy, sumptuous feel. Sweater from Victoria’s Secret, $49.
3. This stunning agate ring showcases brilliant violet and fuchsia hues found in nature. Ring from Lulu’s, $14.
4. This versatile knit piece can be worn either as a statement necklace or a scarf. Three loop scarf by Nitca, $57.
5. These indigo suede booties up the chic factor with military-inspired details. Boots by Dollhouse, $44.95 from DSW.
6. A strong shoulder dress makes a bold statement. Dress from Urban Outfitters, $58.
7. Classic driving gloves get a modern style makeover in purple faux leather. Gloves by Miss Sixty, $34.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Welcome to Craft Venture, a weekly column about managing your online indie biz for handmade, vintage and even supplies! I’m Brenda, owner of Phydeaux Designs on Etsy and 1000 Markets. We’ve spent the last month talking about preparing for the holidays. Last week, we talked about diversifying your shop. This week, we will talk about how to get the word out for a sale for the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday.
There were two days of the year that I used to dread when I worked in retail: the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) and the day after Christmas. The former is the busiest shopping day of the year and the latter is the busiest returns/exchanges day of the year. There was no getting the day off for either – all hands on deck! Retailers spend the entire year planning for the holiday shopping season, kicking everything into high gear with their Black Friday specials and events.
What about you? Have you spent time this year thinking about the upcoming holiday shopping season and what, if anything, you’ll do to attract customers on Black Friday, just under two weeks from today? If you’ve been reading Craft Venture for the last few weeks, you’ve already read some suggestions about how to prepare for the holidays: decking your halls (shop), diversifying your prices and products, online advertising, and shipping.
Rising above the “noise” of Black Friday sales and specials even with your own promotion is challenging at best! What can you do now (this week!) to set up your special or promotion without spending all of Black Friday advertising your shop on Twitter?
