Archive for August, 2011
If there is one thing that I love more than independent designers doing what they love its independent designers who give back! Marie Khediguian is one of those designers! Her collection of modern, edgy jewelry at Markhed Design gives back to charitable organizations every month. I love small business owners like Marie.
Here’s what she has to say about her donations…
My philosophy in life is do good and give back. I try my best to give as much time and money to charities as I can.
Currently Markhed Design gives regularly monthly donations to the Canadian Humane society (SPCA) through Canada Helps…
Markhed also has some products whose proceeds partly go to ending violence against women globally. At this moment, the female pelvic necklace is the main product…
Giving back like that is certainly more than enough to make me want to support Marie and her (amazing) jewelry line, but if you need a tiny bit more convincing, here’s another way Marie is giving back right now: with a discount just for you!
Especially for papernstitch customers! Take 10% off your whole order by using the coupon code paper10 at checkout. How awesome is that? Visit Markhed Design on Etsy now to use your discount and browse Marie’s quirky, cool shop.
The end of summer always makes me want to extend that time just a bit more, even though the hectic nature of my life doesn’t really change throughout the summer months. But it reminds me of family vacations, going to camp, or staying in a cabin. I reminisce about those times when we live more simply – you know that little twinge when you’re at the beach, lake or mountains without all your ‘stuff,’ and realize that you really don’t miss it much at all. Our closets are pared down, our kitchen is basic, and we tend to live according to the sunrise and sunset, actually enjoying all those moments in between. Truth be told, those times always make me want to chuck all my stuff out the window when I get home. There is a kind of rusticated austerity, a fundamental simplicity to that type of space that you can bring into your home, even mixing those pieces with your current favorites.
Think simple construction – thick pieces of wood, exposed hardware and spaces limited to just those items that are a necessity. Metal accents, especially in an imperfect finish, make a great accessory, in chairs, tables and decor items. Natural finishes and rougher textures keep these pieces warm and inviting. Try scaling back a little – pick a room and take out a piece or two of any size. It can be something cluttering a bookshelf, or it might be as large as a piece of furniture. Try moving it out, and see how you feel about it. If you miss it, it might be worth keeping, but then try another. See if you can do without all those extras. Try living more simply and recapture the ease of those summer times.
(above) Picnic Table
Cot on a Deck + Wood Bench and Hooks
Stool as Nightstand + Bench Blocks
Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.
Are you ready for another husband and wife team? Because you know I am!
I Screen You Screen is Kyle an Courtney, a h + w team who have been creating art together since high school. How cute is that?
You have to see their hand pulled screen prints. The large formats are perfect for big walls and super affordable. And to make things even more affordable for you…
Use This Coupon Code: Use code PAPERNSTITCH at checkout for 10% off your order.
Visit I Screen You Screen on Etsy now to browse the print collection and use your discount.
Do you love to write? Do you have a passion for creative businesses? Do you love creating your own diy projects?
Well then, I want to hear from you because I am looking to add a few new contributors to the papernstitch blog team, and I am anxious to hear from you.
I am looking for writers who are able to write weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly articles in one of the following categories:
- Creative biz tips for small business owners: Looking for writers in various biz categories- general small business, marketing, social media, Etsy, etc
- Original diy projects and tutorials: Looking for crafters with excellent (original) ideas and good photos.
- Art + handmade features: Looking for someone with amazing style who is always finding new (undiscovered) artists and makers + wants to share their findings with papernstitch readers.
Blog contributors will be able to include a blurb about themselves at the end of every post (which will include a link back to their shop or blog) + will be added to the contributors page with additional links and info. Additional perks may be worked in after a trial period depending on how things go.
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Here are the details…
To apply to be a blog contributor, email me at brittni(at)papernstitch.com with the subject line “Blog Contributor: (Category you want to write about-either Business, DIY, or Art/Handmade)” along with the following…
1. What is your name and where do you live?
2. Why do you want to be a contributor on papernstitch (keep this brief)?
3. Would you prefer to write weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly articles?
4. List links to 3-5 of your best articles or original craft projects.
5. In 3-5 sentences, tell me a little about yourself and your past and current experience with writing.
6. Links to share (your blog link, your shop link, twitter, facebook).
I’ll start looking at the applications as they come in. Once the contributor slots are filled, they’re filled. So, send your info over early if you can. If you have any questions before you apply, please respond in the comments below (do not email the question please) and I will make sure to answer your question(s) there asap.
Can’t wait to hear from you!
Today, Grace Kang and I are unlocking the mysteries that surround getting your products into retail store and boutique shops. So, if you want to break in to the world of landing wholesale orders, you’ll want to listen in on my 40 minute podcast with Grace.
For those that don’t already know Grace’s story, she is the owner of Pink Olive (a specialty boutique in New York City), the brain behind Retail Recipes, and she was previously a buyer for stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.
I asked Grace the questions that you want answered most, and together, we’ll de-mystify the crazy world of retail and getting buyers to notice you…
Here’s what we discussed in the 40 minute podcast:
-Common mistakes that designers make when approaching retail buyers and how they can be avoided.
-What you can do right now to grab the attention of buyers.
-The top ten things you must do before you approach a retail store.
-And more.
Get the free download we discussed at the beginning of the podcast, by opting-in at retailrecipes.com (you’ll see the box on the right hand side of the home page).
Visit Grace Kang on Retail Recipes (Grace’s consulting info here) and Pink Olive for more. And get updates from Grace on twitter @retailrecipes and facebook.
Listen to the podcast now…
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I am so excited to share Burd-Haus with you today.
Nathan Danials just launched his handmade modern birdhouse collection in May, and I can’t help but be just a teensy bit jealous of the birds that get to call his ‘haus’es home.
Before I show you my favorites from the shop, I just have to share what Nathan has to say about Burd-Haus…
My goal with Etsy is to create modern shelters for our fine, feathered friends. My professional background is in retail furnishings, but creating my own products is my passion. We are a family run business with one full-time employee, and a 6 year old consultant who works pro bono for now…
Visit Burd-Haus on Etsy now and find the next house for your feathered friends.
Whenever I am feeling uninspired with my writing or I have a big project to map out, I actually go out and buy a new pencil or pen to write with. It’s like a little present to myself to get motivated again or simply to get pumped up about my upcoming plans. Sounds silly, but it totally works.
And next time, instead of heading to my local Office Depot, I’m thinking I’ll be clicking the “order” button online because I’ve found Write with Moxie.
This shop is filled with (colorful) eco-friendly paper pencil sets that I can feel good about buying. And aside from that, they look so cool. Love the colors available!
Visit Write with Moxie now to check out the stash that Lisa has available. You can also visitWrite with Moxie on Etsy if you’d prefer.
