Archive for January, 2011

01/12/11

So yesterday, I was at this amazing conference all day, and I gave a talk about building an online community. Well anyway, the conference was great. Some very inspiring speakers and great people hanging out. The only draw back was lugging around my already huge purse and the freebies that were given out along the way. I saw a few ladies with some cool “business-y” type purses. So, I started thinking about a heavy-duty bag that could lug around even more of my crap. And I remembered WhiteSycamore.

PNS has been lucky enough to have WhiteSycamore as an exhibitor for the last few months, and I love the handmade (luxury) leather goods in the WS shop. Each piece is made completely by hand, right here in the USA, by experienced leather artisans. Leather can be a difficult material to work with, so I am even more impressed with the workmanship of each bag. But if I had to pick just one as a favorite, I would definitely go with vintage-inspired briefcase / book bag. It has a great shape to it, and (of course) it’s hard not to love the vintage style. At least for me.

Visit WhiteSycamore on Etsy for more leather bags and accessoires.

01/11/11

I first stumbled on You Sentimental Idiot, a project recently started by artist and designer Rikkianne Van Kirk, via twitter. I immediately got into contact with Rikkianne to discuss one of her pieces, a print entitled Margaret, to ask if it was in fact the Margaret I was thinking of (Margaret Kilgallen-one of my biggest inspirations in college and still today when it comes to art). And it was, and I was insanely hooked from that moment on.

You might already know Rikkianne as one half of another (beautiful) shop on Etsy called Chakra Pennywhistle. And her newest venture, is sure to see similar success. You just HAVE TO check out Rikkianne’s print shop. I bet you’ll love it.

Visit You Sentimental Idiot on Etsy for more.

01/11/11


We all have fears when it comes to our business. Some are rational and some are completely irrational. So today,  I am sharing my story of the biggest fear I had when I was teaching high school art students, just a few short years ago. And how it rolled over in to a business fear as well. Watch the video to find out what my fear was, what happened when it came true, and what happened next.

After you’ve watched the video, here’s a little “school work” for you. Don’t worry it’s not too terribly hard. Here’s the assignment… Now its your turn to confront your “worst fear” for your business. Share it in the comments below. Who knows. It might not even seem all that bad anymore once you face it head on. So go ahead and say it…

Link Laura Roeder (as mentioned in the video): http://www.lauraroeder.com

If you liked this video, please share it with your friends, by clicking the facebook and twitter buttons below.

01/10/11

Necklaces are by far my favorite type of jewelry to wear. And Edor is an excellent source for uniquely simple necklaces for everyday wear. It’s difficult to choose only a few, but these are my must-have picks from the Edor shop (all under $25)…

1. (above) Petit Marin $19

2. Apricot Necklace $20

3. Gold Dash $24

Special Offer: Free shipping on Edor for Papernstitch readers! Just write “Papernstitch” in the message to seller area during checkout.

Visit Edor on Etsy to view the entire jewelry collection.

01/10/11

We have loads of new, amazing handmade shops on papernstitch.com today. Because its the first day of the new exhibition. Have you seen it yet? It is filled with more than 85 shops from all over the world and its pretty damn awesome, if I do say so myself. Here are some of my favorites, so far…

(above) The Paper Butterfly: Nature photography with a twist.

Live + Conquer: A handmade boutique, featuring unique and one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories and fine vintage items.

When You Escape: Artworks and prints by Jessica Stewart.

Belle Hibou: Whimsical photography, handmade jewelry and housewares.

Mano Bello: Handmade original accessory designs, including romantic leather belts, bags & more.

Ocasiocasa: A husband and wife team, creating original 3-dimensional designs with reclaimed objects, as well as photography.

Shop your favorites in handmade now.

If you like the new exhibition, please share it with your friends by using the facebook and twitter buttons below.

01/10/11

Good morning! How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?

I was going over my talk for Creative Company about building kick-ass online communities. And working out the kinks for that free goal tracking download I mentioned last week.

But anyway, I wanted to stop in while everyone is still grabbing their first (or second) cup of coffee and give you a little home diy project roundup to check out. I think its probably my favorite post I’ve written for Oh Hello Friend so far. And I’d love it if you went and checked it out.

Be back in a couple of hours with shops from the newest papernstitch exhibition, which kicks off today.

01/07/11

I am going to catch up on some reading this weekend since I scored a few amazing books for Christmas (  like this one). But if you are hoping to catch up on some online reading instead, here are a handful of links I’d recommend…

-Why writing everyday isn’t enough for bloggers.

-See my post on Scoutie Girl for a playful 2011 (hint: its art related).

-This bunny is literally warming my heart with adorableness.

-There are still a few days to register for Creative Co., where I’ll be speaking about creating a community online. The conference will focus on using technology creatively to market your business online. For all the details, click here.

-When it’s said like this, I almost believe it. Why blogging *is* actually dead.

-Tell me your goals for 2011 and win a really cool Egg Press planner/ calendar. And speaking of goals, can you answer a question for me on the subject? If you’re willing, thank you in advance! Click here to answer my goals question.

image credit Johanna LaFaith