Still Alive!

I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long here. The holiday flurry of selling had left me quite tired. I spent the last few months concentrating on other things in my life. For one, I've taken Bikram Yoga and am learning to focus, balance and be tone/fit. I've also been trying to step it up a notch with healthier eating habits. As much as I'd like to think I can be great at all things; I've learned that I'll do better if I concentrate on less things, and stay sane at the same time. Sometimes it's better to take a step back and re-evaluate what my priorities are at the present moment. I still love to craft but my mind just hasn't been as into it as much. However, my Etsy shop is still alive and I am slowly getting back into the craft fair scene. My first stop will be with my lovely NewNew team at our 2nd Spring Cavalcade. Hope to see you there!

Handmade Cavalcade: Tomorrow!

I'm so excited. I still have some work to do but here are a few things that will be coming along with me tomorrow to event.

We've also been featured in several mediums including AMNY and the Village Voice. How great is that!

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/shopping/Shoptacular-The-Handmade-Cavalcade-78339182.html

http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/tonyblog/2009/12/where-to-shop-this-weekend-brooklyn-loft-holiday-handmade-cavalcade-and-more/

2 More Days until Cavalcade!

With over 50 Metro New York artists, designers, and crafters bringing their handmade creations together for this one-day shopping event, this year promises to be even more fun and exciting.
The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade runs from 11am-8pm on Saturday, December 5th, at the Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street.

Be sure to enter our free raffle for a chance to win some creations from participating vendors, packed up in hand-embellished tote bags. Raffle tickets are free with each purchase, so the more you shop, the more chances you have to win....

So join us for some holiday cheer in our handmade shopping wonderland. Spread the word, tell your friends, and we'll see you there!

Handmade Holiday Cavalcade coming Dec 5th!

Save the Date: Nolita, NYC.

Tangerine + Tiffany

Amanda Fuller of Amanda Fuller Designs created this most lovely spread and I just had to share. I love the combination. If I were to get married again (haha) I'd definitely consider this palette. It's so bright and fun. Thanks for including my tin - it fit right in!

A new Leaf...

Most people I know dread the end of summer. When Fall is here, Winter is soon to come. I feel differently though. I couldn't wait for the hot & rainy Summer to end. I look forward to the fresh cool air and am thrilled that it's Fall. Inspired by the new change of weather, I purchased a set of these lovely stamps from Hero Arts. It stamps quite nicely and I just love how the leaves pop!

Happy Fall!

Is it summer already?

I've been on a blogging hiatus! I'm starting to feel stressed out again. Time to step back and re-focus.

I realize how difficult it is to simultaneously sell at craft fairs/venues and also work on online sales at home + keep up with a full time job. While I do have fun at fairs, I've decided that I really need to vet which venues to accept. While both have it's advantages (it's fun to meet customers and see their reaction. Immediate sales are gratifying too) it's very hard to do both well and maintain a somewhat sane life. I'm constantly worried about forgetting things and making sure I have enough time...etc.

So I'm feeling pretty good that I haven't signed up for anything in the next two months. It'll give me some time to figure out what to do. I already have some goals in mind in no particular order.

1. Eat healthier (more whole grains, greens & less sweets like cupcakes!)
2. Work out consistently
3. Push husband to do the same for the above
4. Declutter our home and organize better
5. Hang out with friends (I'm horrible in this department)
6. Take Sam(dog) out more
7. Work on increasing Etsy shop sales and custom orders at home
8. Learn to live more meagerly (only buy what we need; not what we want)
9. Be a better food shopper
10. Save money

On other news... My latest custom order. I spent roughly 1.5 months making 250+ of these wedding favors. I normally would have required more time but this came to me kind of late; so I worked my butt off every night and weekend to make it happen in time for the bride's wedding. The bride was quite pleased and made all the cutting, gluing and painting worth it. I hope to do more of these in the near future.


I believe her wedding just past so I wish her a happy happy marriage!

I love how the photos came out. It's amazing what a fancy SLR camera can do.

Etsy Treasury

Thanks to muppleton for the feature!

The SHC is tomorrow!

I should have worked last night but it's been a rough week. So instead the hubs and I treated ourselves to Indian food at SEVA in Astoria and it definitely hit the spot. My stomach can't handle huge portions, so I have enough leftovers for lunch today.

Anyway, it looks like I'll be busy tonight. Please check out the coupon sheet below for both online and in-person shopping for this weekend! For those that won't be able to make it out to see me, below is a "Free Shipping" coupon for all online purchases. Though it's not stated on the sheet, I'm afraid it will not include any custom orders.

Busy busy busy...

Been busy working on a large wedding order... 275 favor tins to be exact. I'm also prepping for two large events. The Spring Cavalcade - May 9th & 10th and Renegade - June 6th & 7th!

I recently wrote a post for {theNewNew} "A Thrifty Way to Spend the Afternoon" featuring my dog Samantha. Check it out while I get back to work...

Celebrate a {NewNew} Season with the Spring Handmade Cavalcade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Celebrate a {NewNew} Season with the Spring Handmade Cavalcade

NEW YORK, NY – March 13 – Spring is in the air, and with it come the social affairs that take advantage of this beautiful time of year.With this in mind the {NewNew} heads to the Bell House in Brooklyn onMay 9th and 10th to host the Spring Handmade Cavalcade. This two-day shopping affair will feature gifts for grads and moms, fantastichousewares and pretty paper goods for hosts and hostesses, and apparel and accessories for any occasion.

Since its inception last September, the Handmade Cavalcade events have built a loyal following, and helped launch the {NewNew} as acollective that introduces a steady stream of emerging independentdesigners and artists to the local community. Recognized as a leader in local happenings, the event has already garnered major sponsorships from Yelp and Etsy, two major forces on the local and handmade scene. In keeping with tradition, the Spring Handmade Cavalcade will bring 30 vendors to the Bell House, a magnificent two-room music and events venue in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn.

"We're thrilled to be able to hold this event in such a gorgeous setting," said Kristen Couse, who is coordinating the event. "Like our Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at the Knitting Factory last December, wehope to establish lasting beneficial relationships by bringing the local communities out to support local businesses. Shopping from independent artists keeps money in our communities and makes an investment in our neighborhood.”

This local focus extends to the event's collaboration with charity partner St. John's Bread & Life, which addresses the issues of hungerand poverty in Brooklyn and Queens. A limited edition artists' book will be available for sale to benefit the charity. In addition, shoppers who make a donation will receive a surprise handmade gift.

Free, limited-edition tote bags are available to the first 200 visitors who RSVP on the event's website, and can be picked up by visiting on either day of the event up until 1pm, Sunday May 10. And everyone who makes a purchase at the event will be able to participate in a raffle for one of ten artist-embellished totes chock-full of handmade goods.

To add to the fun, DJ Joshy B will be spinning Brooklyn spring-time soul, hip hop, funk, and indie rock while you do some unique, handmade weekend shopping.

What: The Spring Handmade Cavalcade

When: Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2009. 10am–4pm both days

Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St. between 2nd and 3rd Aves, Brooklyn

About the {NewNew}

The {NewNew} is an eclectic group of independent artists devoted tofostering a creative and supportive environment among its members. Thegroup encourages a spirit of camaraderie through craftsmanship andcollaboration, and strives to help its members achieve success on botha personal and professional level. Created in the summer of 2007, The{NewNew} brings together Etsy artists from NY, NJ and CT to shareresources, search new marketplaces, and seek out business opportunities in the tri-state area.

Brooklyn Flea tomorrow!

I very excited that the Brooklyn Flea will be in full swing starting tomorrow. The weatherman (aka, husband) says it should be a very nice and sunny day. Yay! Make sure you come out if you're in the neigborhood. If you've been a loyal fan, please note that the Fort Greene Flea is now on Saturdays!

I'll be busy tonight prepping for the Flea and making another Bridal order. Oh and trying to figure out what to make for dinner tonight that's quick and easy.

Red and Black Scrapbook tins

Right before I left for Paris, I completed a set of red and black themed scrapbook tins for a West Coast bride. (I love that the wonderful world of internet allows me global transactions!) 7 tins in total. She asked for "vintage, pin up girl feel kinda wedding" And here are the lovely results.

Let the wedding season begin. I just finished two more bridal orders. Will post shortly.

Love is In the Air Wedding Suite

A brand new wedding suite handstamped and finished off with a shabby chic lace pattern. I spent hours on this one and I'm quite proud of the result. I am happy to announce that this is now available in my shop.

Saturday Evening

I love being home. This weekend we had no plans which was great! We ran a few errands, went out to brunch, hung out with the dog, picked up some food and dined on a smorgasbord of hearty bread, chorizo, organic grapes, some yellow peppers and a bottle of sparking wine and enjoyed a movie together. The simplest ways to spend together is the most memorable.

22 Days until Paris {Oui Oui}

I'm in love with the water color paintings by Carol Gillott of ParisBreakfast. Her pieces are just amazing! It seems so real doesn't it?

This just amplifies my excitement to get to Paris ASAP and eat my heart out! I'm going to have to walk miles and miles each day to make up for all the food I'll be trying.. I fell in love with Paris the first time I was there two years ago and it will be the first place I'll be re-visiting again. It's not something we do because I've always figured that there's so much of this world I haven't seen yet but I think visiting a second time will allow me to appreciate Paris even better than before.

Valentine's Dinner

Hubs surprised me with dinner this year at home! I was shocked. Making dinner is a huge ordeal for him because he doesn't know how to cook!

Tomatoes + Fresh Mozzarella + Basil = Yum!

Plated..

Lasagna!

Mini Red velvet Cake from Martha's Country Bakery - It's good but much heavier than most Red Velvet's I've sampled. Hubs loves the cream cheese frosting. I found it to be a bit heavy. My favorite is still at Sugar Sweet Sunshine!


He really earned his brownie points. The house was clean and dinner was home made. I don't ask for a lot (well sometimes I do) but it's the simple things that make me feel loved.

And there's more! The next morning, Hubs made us Banana Bread. It was made with whole wheat flour + he substituted Splenda instead of using sugar. Not too bad healthwise eh? The bread was super moist and really good, perfect with my cup of home brewed coffee!

Banana Bread Recipe (adapted from a blogger who I forgot to jot down and now I feel awful, sorry!)

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temp
1 cup Splenda
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 large bananas)
2 eggs
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional - no nuts for us)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease one 8 1/4 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan and dust with flour.

In a bowl stir together: flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, beat together: butter and splenda until blended. Beat in the banana (just drop it into the mixer, you don't have to pre-mash), then beat in the eggs until completely mixed. Don't worry if the mixture looks lumpy and curdled. Stir in the nuts.

Add the dry ingredients and stir until just blended.

Pour into pan and bake until a toothpick (or chopstick as I always use) inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean, about 50 minutes.

A Day at the Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo

My first Show for 2009!

This weekend promises warmer weather so I'm hopeful that it'll be a fantastic weekend! On Sunday, I will be venturing out to Dumbo with my scrapbooks and greeting cards at the new Winter Pop Up Market along with {NewNew} members joyella & jantar.

Hope to see you there!

Etsy's Special Delivery

Etsy is sponsoring a fab event this Valentine's Day. They are currently accepting handmade Valentine's Day cards and partnering up with City Meals on Wheels to distribute a meal and card for VDay! So fun!

I'm not the best writer so I borrowed a verse from the internet and handwrote it in each card.

Read more about it from Etsy's Storque!