Food Friday!
-
Happy Friday!
I'm thinking of making this menu this weekend... since I love Mexican food!
Enjoy!!!
Turkey Chilaquiles
Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Chile...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
dawanda Discovery
The DaWanda "Discovery Week" special is running from Monday 22.06 at 12:00 until Sunday, 28.06 at 23:59 CEST, 2009.
In all participating shops (where products will be marked with a little palm tree icon), in which you are shopping for the first time, you will receive a 15% Discovery Discount off the original price during the sale period! The reduced price will be calculated and displayed during the order process, and in your shopping basket. Please note - the discount will only apply for your first purchase, so it's best to pack a few things into your shopping basket at once!
Have you told your friends about Discovery Week yet? New users receive a 15% discount on their first purchase in all participating shops!
In all participating shops (where products will be marked with a little palm tree icon), in which you are shopping for the first time, you will receive a 15% Discovery Discount off the original price during the sale period! The reduced price will be calculated and displayed during the order process, and in your shopping basket. Please note - the discount will only apply for your first purchase, so it's best to pack a few things into your shopping basket at once!
Have you told your friends about Discovery Week yet? New users receive a 15% discount on their first purchase in all participating shops!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Discover SewnNatural
A little selection of her work
SewnNatural's green collection helps families pair sustainable eco design with mod, offbeat styling. This shop reflects the values and esthetic we use in our own lives: clean, simple modern lines, sustainable design that lasts and lasts, and the rainbow of colors that make us (and our babies) smile.
SewnNatural is 1 designer, long-time textile artist and mother/grand-mother + assisted by 1 potter, teacher, marketer, stay-at-home mom/daughter.
Everything is designed and handcrafted
The designer in the duo has always loved creating and designing with textiles, colour play and repurposing beautiful vintage fabrics. She designs and handcrafts each item with great care, using exclusively NATURAL FIBRES. Most materials are also organic, reclaimed, repurposed or recycled. Often vintage.
"As a young girl sitting next to my patient, loving grandmother learning to sew my first patchwork quilt on a summer's day, I fell in love with textiles. Their textures, feel, colours and shapes really touched me. I strive to introduce warmth, joy, color and comfort into our lives. My passion for designing with beautiful, natural textiles and experience creating wonderful, functional things for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren is reflected in each item.
You can see a real person in my work."
SewnNatural's green collection helps families pair sustainable eco design with mod, offbeat styling. This shop reflects the values and esthetic we use in our own lives: clean, simple modern lines, sustainable design that lasts and lasts, and the rainbow of colors that make us (and our babies) smile.
SewnNatural is 1 designer, long-time textile artist and mother/grand-mother + assisted by 1 potter, teacher, marketer, stay-at-home mom/daughter.
Everything is designed and handcrafted
The designer in the duo has always loved creating and designing with textiles, colour play and repurposing beautiful vintage fabrics. She designs and handcrafts each item with great care, using exclusively NATURAL FIBRES. Most materials are also organic, reclaimed, repurposed or recycled. Often vintage.
"As a young girl sitting next to my patient, loving grandmother learning to sew my first patchwork quilt on a summer's day, I fell in love with textiles. Their textures, feel, colours and shapes really touched me. I strive to introduce warmth, joy, color and comfort into our lives. My passion for designing with beautiful, natural textiles and experience creating wonderful, functional things for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren is reflected in each item.
You can see a real person in my work."
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
call for entries
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Extended Deadline: May 31, 2009
LICC invites passionate visual artists, regardless of experience or nationality, to submit their innovative artwork for inclusion in the LICC competition. The artwork is judged by a board of internationally esteemed artists, writers, curators, gallery owners and other luminaries of the visual arts. The jury-selected finalists and shortlist will be published in the LICC Annual Awards Book, on this website and will be announced to the creative arts and media outlets worldwide. The 15 finalists work will be presented at the LICC awards ceremony in London, one prize-winner will be chosen by the jury to receive the £2,000 cash prize
This year's categories:
Architectural
Audio/Music
Design (Environmental/Fashion/Graphic/Interior)
Drawing/Illustration
Installation
Mixed Media
NetArt/Web Design
Painting
Performance
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Textile
Video and Film
Writing
Other
Entry Fee
Entry fee is £20 single or series*
Students £15 single or series*
All entries must include the appropriate entry fee payable to the London International Creative Competition (LICC).
Entry Forms
For online submission click http://licc.us/submit/
LICC and Society6:
To further our support for the arts, LICC is now offering our first non-restricted GRANT through our partner, Society6 http://www.society6.com/grants/grant/LICC_Creativity_Grant, to individuals from every creative discipline and country in the world.
Society6 is a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talent as it unfolds.
Join Society6 and apply, it's simple and fun.
LICC LONDON: 42 Prince Gate Mews London SW7 2PR
Extended Deadline: May 31, 2009
LICC invites passionate visual artists, regardless of experience or nationality, to submit their innovative artwork for inclusion in the LICC competition. The artwork is judged by a board of internationally esteemed artists, writers, curators, gallery owners and other luminaries of the visual arts. The jury-selected finalists and shortlist will be published in the LICC Annual Awards Book, on this website and will be announced to the creative arts and media outlets worldwide. The 15 finalists work will be presented at the LICC awards ceremony in London, one prize-winner will be chosen by the jury to receive the £2,000 cash prizeThis year's categories:
Architectural
Audio/Music
Design (Environmental/Fashion/Graphic/Interior)
Drawing/Illustration
Installation
Mixed Media
NetArt/Web Design
Painting
Performance
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Textile
Video and Film
Writing
Other
Entry Fee
Entry fee is £20 single or series*
Students £15 single or series*
All entries must include the appropriate entry fee payable to the London International Creative Competition (LICC).
Entry Forms
For online submission click http://licc.us/submit/
LICC and Society6:
To further our support for the arts, LICC is now offering our first non-restricted GRANT through our partner, Society6 http://www.society6.com/grants/grant/LICC_Creativity_Grant, to individuals from every creative discipline and country in the world.
Society6 is a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talent as it unfolds.
Join Society6 and apply, it's simple and fun.
LICC LONDON: 42 Prince Gate Mews London SW7 2PR
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
13 threads and counting
Let' s meet Lois Sturgeon of 13threads.etsy.com- How did you get started ?
13threads was started just over a a year ago when I finally had some time to devote to designing and sewing full-time, some spare money to buy some supplies and equipment and with the discovery of Etsy as the perfect outlet for my work.
- Where are you from?
I am originally from Scotland but I did most of my growing up in Los Angeles, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco and Zurich.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
They are a bit of both. Many pieces are "one-offs" , however, I will recreate a particular design but I will change it slightly each time I make it. I will use different fabrics or finishings in order to keep each piece unique. For example, my black twill zip front coats are all finished differently inside.
- How long have you been doing it?
From the making of my dolls clothes to the redesigning of my school blazer, I guess I have always been sewing and creating. It has just always been part of my life.
- Are you a professional ar
tist or is this a hobby?Again, a little bit of both. I see myself as very professional in my pursuit to create and produce the highest quality pieces that I can. I put the same amount of care and dedication into my research and designing as I do into my sewing techniques and customer service. I love what I do.
- What inspires you
An illustration, someone walking down the street, costumes in film, museums, textiles and patterns...The list is endless. At the moment, I am really interested in images from the 1920's and 1930's and the wonderful embellishment and layering of clothes.
- What is your favorite piece (that you still have for sale) and why?
My favourite piece that I still have for sale is my green Harris Tweed coat. Although it is an amazingly flattering and elegant style, it is the colours and weave of the beautiful Harris Tweed cloth that makes it special.
- How do you promote your work?
Word of mouth and recommendations from existing customers. I wear my own designs as does my daughter. It helps when wonderful people like yourself promote my work by featuring my items in their online blogs or magazines. And I am very grateful!
- What is your favorite material
I love natural fibres and textiles like silk, cotton, linen and wool. I also like to use recycled pieces of lace and embroidery when I can find them.
- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Stay positive and enjoy what you are doing
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Stay positive, enjoy what you are doing and take a break now and again
- any special promos?
If someone emails me with a link from this blog entry I will give them free postage and packing.
- what would you liek to be when you grow up ?
Still trying to figure that one out but what I am doing right now would be pretty good.
- favorite jeweller ?
I would love to have any and all of the pieces by Kathi Roussel and Erica Walker
- favorite websites ?
any spare time I have, which is not a lot, is spent on Etsy browsing, updating and shopping!
Looks like a sane addiction :)
Good luck with your nice shop
Monday, March 23, 2009
unique metal art jewelry designed for the adventurous woman
Let's meet Cyndie Smith and what she says about her journey that lead her to design jewelry designed for the adventurous woman.
I currently live in Florida, near Tampa Bay. However, my father was a military attache, and I spent most of my life, including a portion of my adulthood, in Europe and the Middle and Far East. I've never lost my wanderlust, which may be why, as National Director of Sales and Marketing for a large healthcare corporation, I traveled outside of Florida five days a week for many years. I finally gave it up in 2003 to pursue my dream. I started with classes that same year and never looked back.
In September of 2007, I opened my first on line store, allowing me to show off my creations to someone besides my husband and friends. I prefer to make one of a kind designs, mostly of an organic nature. When asked to replicate a design, I never make it an exact duplicate, so the wearer can feel that he or she has something truly unique.
I am a professional artist. Since opening my first store, it has been my only job, apart from that of wife, daughter, mother, and now - grandmother.
I'm a self taught computer nerd. Probably if I'd been born of another generation, I would have c
hosen digital imagery or digital art in one form or another as a career. I own two computers and a Blackberry and though I still struggle with it, the majority of my marketing is done on line. The advent of social networking has opened many doors and I do gallery shows and a small amount of paid advertising. I've found the best source of marketing is word of mouth. A happy customer almost always refers friends and family! If I was to give any advice to fellow artists, it would be to make sure the product is good and the customer service even better.
I think growing up in the diplomatic service influenced me greatly. Not so much the type of art I produce, but more my tolerance of the differences in people. I see fellow artists as comrades rather than competition. I freely share what I know and appreciate others who do the same. United, we can teach the world about art and share the beauty. It doesn't matter what the craft or medium is, if it took a creative mind to design it, it's worth sharing.
I think the most inspiration I've received came with the death of a very dear friend, much before her time. It inspired my "life" series, which I dedicated to her. My avatar on Etsy is the first from the series. I've actually taken the listing off the site for a while, and the story that went with it, because in the course of 6 months after listing it for the first time, I had (and made) 49 requests for variations of it, including one for each of her two sisters. Each request wanted their story told of triumphs and losses. It took an emotional toll on me..I may relist it eventually, but I think it's run it's course for me. I do still produce additions to the series, but not as frequently as before.
I don't really think of myself as a jeweler. I'm a metalsmith who loves to make art...and usually it's wearable. I'm hoping to spend this year developing some new skills, such as glasswork and enameling, to incorporate into my metalwork. I'd also like to try my hand at some larger pieces, like metal sculpture and wall hangings.
I'm a book junky with an extensive library...and I read them all. If someone is starting out, I would highly recommend "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight. His revised edition has helped me tremendously.
Lastly, if given the opportunity to speak, not just to artists, but to anyone who'd listen, I'd say "Follow your passion!" If it's not fun, and something you love, it will show in your work.
Thanks so much Cat, you're a peach!
Her site and blog http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.etsy.com http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.blogspot.com
I currently live in Florida, near Tampa Bay. However, my father was a military attache, and I spent most of my life, including a portion of my adulthood, in Europe and the Middle and Far East. I've never lost my wanderlust, which may be why, as National Director of Sales and Marketing for a large healthcare corporation, I traveled outside of Florida five days a week for many years. I finally gave it up in 2003 to pursue my dream. I started with classes that same year and never looked back.
In September of 2007, I opened my first on line store, allowing me to show off my creations to someone besides my husband and friends. I prefer to make one of a kind designs, mostly of an organic nature. When asked to replicate a design, I never make it an exact duplicate, so the wearer can feel that he or she has something truly unique.
I am a professional artist. Since opening my first store, it has been my only job, apart from that of wife, daughter, mother, and now - grandmother.
I'm a self taught computer nerd. Probably if I'd been born of another generation, I would have c
hosen digital imagery or digital art in one form or another as a career. I own two computers and a Blackberry and though I still struggle with it, the majority of my marketing is done on line. The advent of social networking has opened many doors and I do gallery shows and a small amount of paid advertising. I've found the best source of marketing is word of mouth. A happy customer almost always refers friends and family! If I was to give any advice to fellow artists, it would be to make sure the product is good and the customer service even better.I think growing up in the diplomatic service influenced me greatly. Not so much the type of art I produce, but more my tolerance of the differences in people. I see fellow artists as comrades rather than competition. I freely share what I know and appreciate others who do the same. United, we can teach the world about art and share the beauty. It doesn't matter what the craft or medium is, if it took a creative mind to design it, it's worth sharing.
I think the most inspiration I've received came with the death of a very dear friend, much before her time. It inspired my "life" series, which I dedicated to her. My avatar on Etsy is the first from the series. I've actually taken the listing off the site for a while, and the story that went with it, because in the course of 6 months after listing it for the first time, I had (and made) 49 requests for variations of it, including one for each of her two sisters. Each request wanted their story told of triumphs and losses. It took an emotional toll on me..I may relist it eventually, but I think it's run it's course for me. I do still produce additions to the series, but not as frequently as before.
I don't really think of myself as a jeweler. I'm a metalsmith who loves to make art...and usually it's wearable. I'm hoping to spend this year developing some new skills, such as glasswork and enameling, to incorporate into my metalwork. I'd also like to try my hand at some larger pieces, like metal sculpture and wall hangings.I'm a book junky with an extensive library...and I read them all. If someone is starting out, I would highly recommend "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight. His revised edition has helped me tremendously.
Lastly, if given the opportunity to speak, not just to artists, but to anyone who'd listen, I'd say "Follow your passion!" If it's not fun, and something you love, it will show in your work.
Thanks so much Cat, you're a peach!
Her site and blog http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.etsy.com http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A LOVE for fabrics
Let me introduce you to Chio Bloom, whose website is bloomwoosie
She is going to tell us about her adventure.
How do I get started....
I grew up in a small coastal town in southern Japan. As far as I remember, I was always making things with my mom. My mom taught me everything I can think of in terms of what you make and do with your hands. As I wrote in my "profile" section at my Etsy store, my sister and I liked to stay home doing crafts in my mom's kitchen. By middle school and high school, I was making lunch bags, gym bags, and small cute things all by myself, that by the way, my mom still keeps in her drawer.
After I worked for a major American company in Tokyo for four years, I decided to study business here in the States. I was supposed to go home with my MBA, but I didn't - I got married to my husband. My older boy was born soon, and I just made so many things for him in my 6 months maternity leave. The crib bumpers, bibs, pajamas, blankets, diaper bags, anything you can think of for the baby. I discovered my destiny - making cute things for little people! My friends, neighbors, and other mommies from music and swimming classes kept asking me where I bought my stuff - this certainly gave me some confidence and put a little "seed" for my future Etsy adventure in my heart.
I became a full time stay-at-home mom when I had my littlest. He took a great nap every day - I came downstairs after he fell asleep and had so much fun making cute things for him. But there is only so much he can use and wear... I started to make things for other babies around me, and soon after, I decided to open up my shop at Etsy.
I make what I think other moms also like, using the fabrics I fell in love with. I just make sure to use high quality, comfortable materials as my items are for little, delicate people!
I opened my Etsy store in May 2007. Since then, I am having just a GREAT time.
Are you a professional artist?
I am a professional full time mommy, wife, and an artist (I am so honored to be called an "artist!"). I actually have other hobbies, too.
What inspires you?
Anything. Anything around me. My boys, their friends, my friends, books, window shopping, swimming pool, anything. Most of all, I love spending my time at bookstores just browsing books. I get really refreshed and visually (and intellectually?) inspired by the atmosphere.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Mommy's One Mile Bag. I feel very special about this piece. When my littlest did not need a huge diaper bag anymore - maybe he had just turned one - I made this bag for myself to carry what I needed for a quick trip to neighbor stores and parks. I made several different sizes in different materials until I came up with the current design, and I am really confident that this bag WORKS. It is just the perfect size for anything - not too big, light, but carries a lot more than it looks.
Favorite materials?
Cotton fabrics - softer the better!
Any tips for fellow designers?
I am not in a position to give any advice... but one thing I have been most serious about is to make my customers happy. I have a baby gift business - people come to my store to buy gifts for themselves or someone they love. People think about their family and friends when buy gifts and every single gift is special for the person who buys and person who receives. I want everyone 120% happy with what they select as a gift, because that is what I want when I buy a gift for someone.
Any special promos?
I am not currently running any special promotion on my website, but please tell me by sending an Etsy conversation, if you found me through this blog. I will give you a secret discount...
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom did not think my science grade was good enough for that dream, and I was too easily convinced.
Favorite jeweller?
I love visiting the Diamond District in NYC - spectacular!!!
Favorite website...
I like "Secret Agent Josephine" 's blog at http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog. She is an excellent graphic designer, blogger, and a wonderful mommy. Her blog that often talks about her daughter "Baby Bug," is so honest, lively, and sweet. She actually reminds me of my mom a little bit.
My older son is a big boy now - he puts my customer packages in his backpack and bikes to the local post office for me. He is the biggest supporter of my website. I started making baby things for him, and I would never even have thought about doing what I am doing now without my boys. They are a bottomless source of my ... trouble, gray hair, and joy!
Arigato gozaimashita Chio :) Subarashuii !
She is going to tell us about her adventure.
How do I get started....
I grew up in a small coastal town in southern Japan. As far as I remember, I was always making things with my mom. My mom taught me everything I can think of in terms of what you make and do with your hands. As I wrote in my "profile" section at my Etsy store, my sister and I liked to stay home doing crafts in my mom's kitchen. By middle school and high school, I was making lunch bags, gym bags, and small cute things all by myself, that by the way, my mom still keeps in her drawer.
After I worked for a major American company in Tokyo for four years, I decided to study business here in the States. I was supposed to go home with my MBA, but I didn't - I got married to my husband. My older boy was born soon, and I just made so many things for him in my 6 months maternity leave. The crib bumpers, bibs, pajamas, blankets, diaper bags, anything you can think of for the baby. I discovered my destiny - making cute things for little people! My friends, neighbors, and other mommies from music and swimming classes kept asking me where I bought my stuff - this certainly gave me some confidence and put a little "seed" for my future Etsy adventure in my heart.
I became a full time stay-at-home mom when I had my littlest. He took a great nap every day - I came downstairs after he fell asleep and had so much fun making cute things for him. But there is only so much he can use and wear... I started to make things for other babies around me, and soon after, I decided to open up my shop at Etsy.
I make what I think other moms also like, using the fabrics I fell in love with. I just make sure to use high quality, comfortable materials as my items are for little, delicate people!I opened my Etsy store in May 2007. Since then, I am having just a GREAT time.
Are you a professional artist?
I am a professional full time mommy, wife, and an artist (I am so honored to be called an "artist!"). I actually have other hobbies, too.
What inspires you?
Anything. Anything around me. My boys, their friends, my friends, books, window shopping, swimming pool, anything. Most of all, I love spending my time at bookstores just browsing books. I get really refreshed and visually (and intellectually?) inspired by the atmosphere.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Mommy's One Mile Bag. I feel very special about this piece. When my littlest did not need a huge diaper bag anymore - maybe he had just turned one - I made this bag for myself to carry what I needed for a quick trip to neighbor stores and parks. I made several different sizes in different materials until I came up with the current design, and I am really confident that this bag WORKS. It is just the perfect size for anything - not too big, light, but carries a lot more than it looks.
Favorite materials?
Cotton fabrics - softer the better!
Any tips for fellow designers?
I am not in a position to give any advice... but one thing I have been most serious about is to make my customers happy. I have a baby gift business - people come to my store to buy gifts for themselves or someone they love. People think about their family and friends when buy gifts and every single gift is special for the person who buys and person who receives. I want everyone 120% happy with what they select as a gift, because that is what I want when I buy a gift for someone.
Any special promos?
I am not currently running any special promotion on my website, but please tell me by sending an Etsy conversation, if you found me through this blog. I will give you a secret discount...
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom did not think my science grade was good enough for that dream, and I was too easily convinced.
Favorite jeweller?
I love visiting the Diamond District in NYC - spectacular!!!
Favorite website...
I like "Secret Agent Josephine" 's blog at http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog. She is an excellent graphic designer, blogger, and a wonderful mommy. Her blog that often talks about her daughter "Baby Bug," is so honest, lively, and sweet. She actually reminds me of my mom a little bit.
My older son is a big boy now - he puts my customer packages in his backpack and bikes to the local post office for me. He is the biggest supporter of my website. I started making baby things for him, and I would never even have thought about doing what I am doing now without my boys. They are a bottomless source of my ... trouble, gray hair, and joy!
Arigato gozaimashita Chio :) Subarashuii !
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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