Archive for December, 2010
I just found this photo of our dog Luna (which is one of my favorite photos of her), and I had to share it. This post is not actually about her. But hey, I don’t have any kids, and I am kinda of a crazy dog lady, and its my blog. So, why not?
So what is this post actually about than?
I’ll keep it simple. If you make cool things, I want to hear from you. Papernstitch.com is now accepting submissions for the first exhibition of the new year, and Jeff and I are hoping to make this next exhibition extra special.
The exhibition will run from January 10th through February 6th. So start putting together your Valentine’s Day goods and those extra items that didn’t sell at Christmas, because we are ready to promote them.
All the details for submitting can be found here. And you can read over our testimonials and press mentions to help you decide. *Please note there is a small fee to participate and not all shops who submit are chosen.
Sound good? Submit now. It’s super easy.
Already been an exhibitor on papernstitch before? No need to fill out the form again. Just email me at brittni(at)papernstitch(dot)com to say that you are interested. I’ll send you more info if you need it.
Submission deadline is Friday, January 7th.
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I am going to take tomorrow off, but I’ll be back to a normal blogging schedule on Monday.
I’m baaaaaaack! I just returned home late last night from my trip to Ann Arbor to see my family. And now that I am back, I couldn’t wait another day to post something here on the blog. So, I have a new tutorial for everyone to enjoy…
I came up with this easy accessory project for a feathered barrette that is a tiny bit flower child and a tiny bit awesome. Excluding drying time, this project will take less than ten minutes to complete. Easy peasy. I posted it last week on Oh Hello Friend, but I wanted to make sure I posted it here as well, for those that didn’t see it.
Here’s what you need to make your own: all purpose craft glue ; feathers; silver tone french barrette hair clips- you can pick these up at any craft store or on amazon
Here’s how you make it: 1. Apply a very thin bead of glue down the length of the top of the metal barrette clip. If you accidentally apply too much glue, use a q-tip to remove the excess. 2. Choose your sturdiest, thickest feather. And use that for your base feather. Apply the feather to the top of the barrette and use the pressure of your fingers to press the feather down until the glue holds on its own.
3. Wait for it to dry and then apply your second feather, working out from the center. 4. Repeat step four with additional feather until you’ve achieved your desired look. Pro tip: If any area looks a little sloppy once finished, apply one small feather with glue on top of the messy area to cover it up.
5. Wait for everything to dry completely. And you have yourself a brand new feathered barrette. Great for the gifting season as well. Here’s what the finished product looks like…
For even more diy ideas + quick and easy projects, click here to visit the tutorials page. And if you like this project, please share the love by clicking the facebook and twitter buttons below.
That’s going to do it for me this week. Merry Christmas everyone!
I’ll be in and out next week. I am taking a little time to spend with family. But seriously, who am I kidding? I can’t stay away from this blog for more than a day or two.
While I am away though, be sure to visit papernstitch.com for daily updates throughout the holiday.
Baby its cold outside! The temperatures continue to drop around here. And I’ve been breaking out the true winter gear a little lately. But I am not exactly well-equipped for anything less than 30 or 40 degrees (and I am about to head to Michigan to see my family). So, I am going to need a few more accessories.
Here are my three picks for cozy must-have winter accessories from single mom, Marion Glass of MBG Designs…
1. Extra Thick Wool Cozy Cowl / Circle Scarf (choose your color) $65
2. Fingerless Mittens (choose your color) $25
3. Aviator Cap (choose your color) $40
Special Discount: I love a good discount around here. And Marion has graciously provided one for all of you. Receive 10% off your entire order at MBG Designs, when you enter code PNS10 at checkout.
Visit MBG Designs on Etsy to view the entire collection. And be sure to take advantage of that 10% discount.
I can imagine filling an entire wall with these ready to hang photo blocks from Washington photographer Bonnie Jones. The blocks would look so good in a big grid. And I am truly a sucker for anything that I can put into a grid right now. Must be Jeff’s minimalist ways rubbing off on me. Although 15-20 photographs on one wall is probably not all that minimalist, is it? Whatever. I still love the idea.
So anyway, I think what I love most about these photos is the rustic texture Bonnie has captured. It provides a nice balance to the sleek, simple block framing.
Visit the Bonnie Jones portfolio site and Bonnie Jones on Etsy to view more of her work.
I am excited to say that the Why We Create column is back again this week with another inspiring video and mini-interview. This one comes to us from Charlotte Mills of Plum Pretty Sugar, who you may already know from her cozy-chic line of apparel and intimates (amongst other things). Lucky for pns, we are getting a behind the scenes look at Plum Pretty Sugar with the video above (its a little less than five minutes, so not too long and not too short).
I also asked Charlotte a few questions. Here is what she had to say…
Why do you create? I think creating for me is something that really comes from an instinct, an intuition of sorts. It is about business, about opportunity, a niche… finding it, developing it, creating it and following it through. Evolving and the idea of continually creating. That to create is not just a one time thing, but an ongoing process… whether it is a business like Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie, in ourselves or in our relationships.
I also love so very much ideating… brainstorming. Cultivating a simple concept, anything at all and growing its branches, its roots and seeing what flourishes. And not just an idea related to Plum Pretty Sugar… it could be anything. It is so amazing to me that an idea borne from a simple sentence, a photo or a sweet word in passing can be grown and adapted. The ultimate creation!
What is your fondest memory thus far with Plum Pretty Sugar? Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie came initially from a really difficult place. A place of change, of heartbreak… a journey in emotion, of heartfullness. And while life moves sweetly and happily forward, I am still very connected to that place, that touch point within myself. And so, I think two firsts are the most fond… the first piece of press and the first year.
The first piece of press for Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie was via an online shop blog. Seeing my little brand.. my heart and soul… on the screen in someone else’s online environment was truly remarkable. While I sat alone staring into the depths of my computer it brought tears to my eyes. It meant that I wasn’t alone… that someone recognized it, saw it, and liked it. Truly a moment I will never forget.
Marking the first year of Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie is also a sweet, sweet moment. For some of the same reasons, but more so because the year was not just a success in terms of sales but because it meant people liked it. And for a whole year. I suppose at the time coming from a place of emotional hurt, it meant so much that for 365 days, people liked it, liked what I had created and therefore liked me. Does that make sense? Emotional and esoteric I know, but coming from where I had been, it was really prominent moment and a turning point of sorts.
What keeps you inspired to create new collections each year? I think inspiration can come from so many things. For me, it is about color, about flowers, about photography, a good book, a loved one. A dream that somehow passes through my mind’s eye. From there it is about developing that inspiration into a print and a silhouette. I have learned not all prints work in every silhouette… and creating a “collection” of individual prints that represent the same tone and manner is not always easy. Whew! I have a very specific idea of what Plum Pretty Sugar stands for and turning that into a living breathing item every season can be challenge. And so, I don’t introduce something every season as much as I’d like to. Instead, I introduce when I think I have all the elements right… although I’m so not always right!
Thank you Charlotte for sharing your behind the scenes video with us. And of course, for answering my questions. Please visit Plum Pretty Sugar to see the entire collection of loungewear (or loungerie as Charlotte calls it), apparel, home items, and other accoutrements. And follow Charlotte @plumprettysugar on twitter for updates.
And for more from the Why We Create series, click here to see past videos and interviews.
Remember Jenna of Small Bird Jewelry from last week’s felt garland tutorial? Well, this week, I am chatting with Jenna again. But this time, its for a holiday house tour and mini interview. How fun!
I really want to share Jenna’s beautiful home, so let’s just jump right in. Oh, but before we do, let’s take a moment to “awww” over Jenna’s cat. Adorable. Okay, are we good? Let’s get going than…
Tell us a little about yourself .
I’m an art teacher and jewelry maker in Rochester, NY. My handcrafted jewelry can be found at www.smallbirdjewelry.com.
What kind of home do you live in?
My house was built in 1928. Although it had been updated over the years, it still had enough of its original charm to make me fall in love with it.
What is your favorite project that you completed in regards to your home?
My favorite project (although I have to give all the credit to my dad) was installing the sliding glass door in the dining room. It added so much more light to the space and created a perfect connection to the outdoors. With the recent addition of the deck (um, thanks again, Dad!) I use my outdoor space constantly throughout the spring and summer months.
How has having such a creative career inspired you in decorating your home?
Being a part of the independent craft community has really influenced the look and feel of my living space. Staying connected through blogs and Flickr contacts allows me to be inspired by other indie artists with whom I share a similar aesthetic. I love seeing what other people are making or finding or repurposing; often incorporating those ideas into my own home. Not surprisingly, most of my art and accessories are either vintage finds or have been made by independent artists. I love surrounding myself with objects that have meaning and make me feel “at home.”
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Thanks so much Jenna for sharing your home with us and answering a few questions. Please visit Jenna’s shop, Small Bird, to view Jenna’s lovely handcrafted jewelry collection. And receive 10% off your purchase now through January 9th when you use the code papernstitch at checkout.
