Cloth Paper Stitches

And the winner is

2009-11-08T18:29:00.001-08:00

and the winner of a $45 to spend at bebe + alice is----

---Karuski! Congrats to you. Enjoy. We'll be eager to hear what you choose. Thanks for all who entered.

Thanks again to Heather of Bebe & Alice for sharing her story with us! Today's winner was chosen by the random number generator @ www.random.org.

Bebe & Alice--Feature and Giveaway Contest

2009-10-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Heather of Bebe & Alice
And enter to win a $45 gift certificate to her shop!!

So, I have to say that I instantly admired Heather's store when I first came across it--as well as her blog. For me, her work feels warm and familiar while also being hip, green, and creative.

Through her work and writing you can tell that Heather's inspired by her family and making use of what she has. Personally, my creativity is engaged when I am around pieces of vintage or even just second hand materials of all kinds. Like Heather, I think it's fun to be resourceful. It makes the frugal/cheap side of me happy, but it also makes me happy to find new ways to use materials that may have been tossed out.

I think this is why I really connect to her work. In everything that we see of Bebe and Alice I can feel this same creative and resourceful drive to make something beautiful and unique. Not only that, but I think your customers can tell how important her family and their history is to her--and this is something that I find very appealing in a inde crafter.

I had the good fortune to have the opportunity to ask Heather some questions about herself and her business and I'm happy to share this with you!

CPS: So, tell me about your business name. On the outside it seems very cute and sweet, but it has history to it, right?
HEATHER: Yes, my business name came from my two grandmothers. We called my maternal grandmother Bebe. That is the only name I knew her by. She was a sweet but no nonsense lady, social and very artistic. She was very eclectic, like I am, and leaned towards modern, asian and southwestern design. She was an accomplished oil painter and knitter and sold her pieces in a few stores in my home town. She also knitted for charity and would fill large boxes with hats and booties and drop them off at hospitals and churches for gifts for newborn babies. My paternal grandmother, Alice, just passed away in July. She was a gentle youthful spirit even at 93 years of age. I acquired the majority of my frugal mindset
from her, I believe. She had the sweetest southern charm, dancing eyes and quick wit and possessed a grace and hospitality that is unsurpassable. She was extremely talented and wrote her own music and lyrics. One of her songs was a lullaby she wrote for my father. Everyone in the family knows this lullaby and my two year old daughter sings it today. She had a deep love for family history and heritage which she has passed along to my sisters and me.

CPS: How long have you been working on this store and blog?
HEATHER: I started my blog about a year ago and wasn't even sure what it was going to be exactly. I guess I am still not sure. Kind of like a diary I suppose. I began the blog because I had decided to officially start a business of some sort and had landed on the name and purchased the domain name, etc. I researched enough to know that if I was going to make a go of it with a business then I needed to venture into the web world and dabble in every social media opportunity that I could understand and have time for. It has been such a work in progress but since there is no deadline I suppose the evolution of it will produce better and better results. At least, that is what I am hoping for.

CPS: Is Bebe and Alice a FT job for you? Are you a stay at home mom? Do you have another job?
HEATHER: I am a full time stay at home mom and have been since my first baby was born. Bebe and Alice is supposed to be a hobby, a distraction, a playground for me to visit every so often for my own emotional and mental exercise. However, I have allowed it to become a full time project. My responsibilities at home and as a mother have become the distraction. This is something that I am trying to sort out at the moment. However, I love working on Bebe & Alice from home because my sewing room has become a studio for my girls as well and I've seen so many benefits for them in that. I've noticed a change in the way the girls view me as well when they see things I produce and sales to buyers all the way over seas. I hope that the experience I am having will instill a confidence in them to try all sorts of things without fear of failure as they grow up.

CPS: So, what is the typical day like for you? Is there such a thing?
HEATHER: A typical day in my house is one that has many surprises, a little bit of chaos, a few calamities and a lot of love. Since the school year has started back up there is something resembling order and a schedule but certainly not exactly what I hope for one day. Though, I do hate to think that one day I'll have no one around to interrupt my schedule because all my girls will be grown up and gone. There is a song by Sara Groves called Just One More Thing. The lyrics are a gentle reminder that relationships are really all you have at the end of your life. Slow down. Put first things first. I love that song and am thankful for the reminder.

CPS: Your girls are beautiful!! You have 4 girls, right? You can see them in some of the pics on your etsy store. What are their names and ages? Do you find that being a mom ignites your creativity in a way that you may or may not have expected?
HEATHER: Thanks so much for the kind words about my girls! Yes, I have four girls. Hannah is 12. Lucy is 10. Libby Scout is 6 and Georgie Alice is 2. Lucy and Georgie were named after my grandmother Alice's side of the family. As for their inspirational impact on my creative life, they are certainly a help for me in that area. More than anything, they help me focus my design direction and refine things by giving me feedback. Kids don't sugar coat things. They tell it like they see it so I can trust their response to new designs. As for adult products, it is hard for me to get honest feedback in the development stages because my husband doesn't have a lot of perspective on womens' fashion accessories, as you can imagine! He is also a very gentle soul and not quick to criticize, even when I ask him for constructive criticism. It is at these times that I wish I lived closer to my four fabulous sisters!

CPS: What is your background? Schooling, interests, etc.
HEATHER: When I was little I wanted to grow up and become either an architect, an author or an archaeologist. All start with the letter "A". Strange, huh? I also toyed with the idea of becoming a detective. I did attend college for two years but could not stand shelling out money when I had no idea what I wanted to do at the end of four years. I took a lot of English classes and Accounting classes and then took a permanent vacation from college. As for the creative studies, I have always been drawn to them but avoided experimenting out of fear. I do remember that I had this gnawing need to learn how to use a sewing machine since elementary school. I would beg my mom to teach me how to use the one we had shoved way back in a closet in our house. It was very old, the kind that was housed in a sewing table. Do you know the kind? I believe it was a heavy metal Singer. However, she never pulled it out and taught me how to run it. Maybe it wasn't it working order, I don't know. Anyhow, 6 years ago my husband surprised me with a sewing machine for Christmas. It was a very basic Singer but I felt like I had won the lottery! He had been watching me hand sew baby blankets and crib bedding and pillow covers and curtains, etc. I dove in and read through the machine manual and got to work immediately teaching myself how to use the it. From there I checked out every sewing book at our library numerous times until I understood the basic language of sewing. After that I asked my pastor's wife to teach me how to read a simple pattern for a child's dress. It has been a wonderful journey for me! The best gift I have ever been given, honestly well, aside from my four girls.

CPS: Who taught you to sew?
HEATHER: My mom taught me to hand sew when I was in elementary school as well as how to crochet. My grandmother tried to teach me to knit but I can't seem to get a grasp on that. I taught myself how to use a sewing machine and everything that follows that.

CPS: Your photos are always stunning! They usually look like they belong in a magazine. Do you take any of these?
HEATHER: You are so complimentary, Missy! I appreciate your kindness. Yes, I take the photos myself. Usually of myself which makes for a very frustrating experience as you can imagine. I am not at all comfortable in front of a camera- I much prefer to be behind the camera. I love to take photosÖlove it! I admire photographers that deliver original perspective in their work. If I had the time I would pour myself into photography. There is so much to learn and so many things worth documenting! My friends and family are getting quite tired of me asking them to pose with my wares. My girls used to enjoy it and now they moan when I tell them I need them to model for me. This is where lollipops come in very handy!

CPS: Handmade and vintage have become super popular lately. Do you have any views on why you think this is, or how long you expect it to last, or how you think it may develop?
HEATHER: Wow. What a question! How many pages am I allowed to answer this? It seems to me that everything is cyclical. Especially in fashion. However, I suspect that the environmental aspect of this handmade and vintage trend will infiltrate deeply and most likely never disappear. Obviously, I am not an expert in the fashion industry or leader in environmental awareness so I don't claim to know a whole lot but looking at the history of such things I expect an evolution of the fashion industry to embrace eco friendly practices on a large scale. The push for buying vintage and retro is just the spring board. It will take some ingenuity in the fashion industry to find the means to supply recycled and up cycled fashion to the masses. In the meantime, indie designers and the handmade movement will supply it to intentional buyers. At least, that's my take on it all. Just sayin'.

CPS: I notice that you have a new website under development. Do you have some new plans for Bebe&Alice?
HEATHER: My website, as well as my blog are in the midst of a face lift as I try desperately to refine my design vision for Bebe and Alice. Because I am still in the baby stages of growing this business I cannot afford to hire professionals for many aspects and therefore am struggling to brand the business myself. I have been blessed to connect with a gal, Leslie Doughty, in Virginia. She has been in branding and design for over 20 years and has given me much feedback and help in my redesign. I hope to eventually, sooner rather than later, land on the perfect window dressing that reflects exactly what Bebe & Alice offers and from where it originated.

ENTER the Bebe & Alice $45 gift certificate GIVEAWAY!!
Thanks to Heather for sharing a little about herself and her business! I'm pleased to announce that Heather will be giving the winner $45 to spend in her shop on anything--you can also apply it to a large order. (But it cannot be put toward a custom order.)

TO ENTER: Simply visit her shop and leave a comment below telling us what you would buy with the certificate if you win.

PLUS: Free shipping to anyone entering the giveaway!!!!

This contest will run from Monday November 2, 2009-Sunday November 8, 2009. The winner will be picked at random and will be contacted on Monday Novemember 9, 2009.
Thanks!

Check out this giveaway

2009-09-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

How nice would this look on you? Wanna win it? Of course you do. Enter to win here: http://olivebites.blogspot.com/2009/09/giveaway-elisa-shere-rustic-urban.html

For more details check out http://www.olivebites.blogspot.com
To see the artist's shop go to http://www.elisasherejewelry.etsy.com

Go see it!

2009-08-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

I just went to see FOOD, INC., and I recommend it to everyone. It is such an important film that uncovers the secret life of food and how it's produced. Go watch it!
Link here for info: http://foodincmovie.com

From the SOWA blog

2009-07-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the pics of my setup at the South End Open Market. I found these on the SOWA blog from their flicker page. The fab signs were made by my friend, Brandon of thebrandonstore.com!!

From the Garden

2009-07-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Lookie here! I guess we'll be eating well today! This is what the hubby and I picked today from our first garden. This past weekend we sliced and grilled some turnips and zucchini. It was quite good! Tonight I be cooking some zucchini with some spinach pasta with some garlic and basil and of course green beans on the side. Tomorrow I'll have to do something with the turnips!

Come one! Come all!!

2009-07-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Come one! Come all!! This Sunday, July 19th, to the South End Open Market in Boston. You will find me and and Jeremy there, along with some handmade goods and vintage finds! If you live anywhere nearby you should check it out. It's a great market filled with handmade goods, a farmers market, and an antique building next door to the tents!! You'll be glad you did:)

Here's a sneak preview of a few of the items I'll be bringing...

Congrats to NewDuds!!

2009-07-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share that two fellow New Englanders were just featured in Etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" series. Pictured above are the owners of NewDuds from Vermont, Tessa and Torey. I just participated in the virtual lab where they answered questions and shared their helpful tips. It's nice to see local Etsy businesses doing well! Their two stores carry such creative and beautiful prodects. I love the notebook tshirt that Tessa is wearing in the above picture, and their catnip eyeballs make me want to go out and get a cat so I have a good reason to buy them.

They have two Etsy stores:
http://www.NewDuds.etsy.com

http://www.hannapt.etsy.com

Check out the article here: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/quit-your-day-job-newduds-4259/

Yay!! for creative New Englanders!!

Treat yourself well

2009-06-30T20:20:00.001-07:00

This summer I say we all treat ourselves well. This is my idea of an AT HOME citrus inspired SPA treatment!! You start with a refreshing bath with a Threla Body Bar. Then slip into something a little more comfy and glamorous. Maybe make some green tea with ginger slices in these mugs of sunshine, and finish it all off with the super yummy Lemon Cookies from International Pastry. Then all you need is your favorite book or magazine and a husky man--like the ones of the covers of romance novels to fan you and feed you grapes. I couldn't, however find one of these on Etsy.

THE LIST
http://www.TheRubyKitten.etsy.com
http://www.jaditekate.etsy.com
http://www.PetiteThrela.etsy.com
http://www.InternationalPastry.etsy.com

Blooming mad: A treasury

2009-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey lookie here...one of my items has been included in an Etsy Treaury!!
Thanks to MissMooseDesign on Etsy for including me! I hope everyone checks out her cool Etsy Shop, too. I like what she does with buttons.

Find her shop at: http://www.MissMooseDesigns.etsy.com

Manic Monday Must Have: Lunch Box

2009-05-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

I recently listed two vintage lunch boxes in my etsy store which made me start wondering who else had fun lunch boxes listed. I did a search and here are some of my favorites. Mine are the Rainbow Brite and Alf boxes.

THE LIST
(from top to bottom, left to right)
http://www.ClothPaperStitches.etsy.com
http://www.runonthesun.etsy.com
http://www.thepuddingstorevint.etsy.com
http://www.GRACEFULPAST.etsy.com
http://www.GRACEFULPAST.etsy.com
http://www.ClothPaperStitches.etsy.com

HAPPY MANIC MONDAY!

Summer time and the living is...

2009-05-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Summer time is officially here. Time for fishing and fires and whatever else comes along.

Manic Monday Must Have: The Garden

2009-05-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've got gardening on the mind! My husband, my Dad and I just planted our garden. So it just makes sense that the Manic Monday Must Have is a mix of handmade and vintage garden inspired items.

To all of you who have also been digging in the dirt you will appreciate these cool finds.

THE LIST
(from top to bottom, left to right)

http://www.callmejasper.etsy.com

http://www.melimade.etsy.com
http://www.GlazedOver.etsy.com
http://www.RedPrairiePress.etsy.com
http://www.thevintageholicfrog.etsy.com

Happy planting to you fellow gardeners and Happy Manic Monday!!

Finally Freakin' Friday: Picnic

2009-05-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

It's Friday! I think with the beautiful weather and these cool finds someone should be going out for a picnic this weekend. I love the plate and cup set--with the divider to hold your cup--how perfect.

Find them at: http://www.ClothPaperStitches.etsy.com

Manic Monday Must Have: Inde VT

2009-05-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a good one for me. I decided to take the 2.5 hour drive to Burlington, Vermont to go to the Queen City Craft Bazaar. Despite the drive, the rain, and a faulty umbrella it was a worthwhile venture! So, today's Manic Monday Must Have is: Inde Vermont. Below are some of my favorites...YES I KNOW...there are A LOT of them!

I snagged as many business cards as I could get my hands onto and have been checking out all these super websites, etsy stores and blogs. Below is just a portion of what I got to see, Saturday. Click on these photos and check out the works of these crafters, and for a complete list of the participants go to the Queen City Craft Bazaar's blog.

I was completely impressed with the wide variety of work that was represented in Burlington. And, I HAVE to say that all the artists and crafters were super friendly and generous. I loved that there was a wide variety of price points. I was going on a tiny budget and was able to come home with three fab finds. Plus, I found the artists to be very generous with their tried and true tricks. This is a common thread I find among crafters--this sense of community and willingness to share new techniques and resources.
I hope that the Queen City does this again. I'd go again for sure!

THE LIST
(top to bottom, left to right)
http://www.rivulettecraft.etsy.com
http://www.moemoe711.etsy.com
http://www.newduds.etsy.com
http://www.jessgrahamstudio.etsy.com
http://www.petuniabuttdesigns.etsy.com
http://www.subsixstudios.etsy.com
http://www.sarahryanstudio.etsy.com
http://www.alchemicdesigns.etsy.com
http://www.maydaystudio.etsy.com
http://www.reart.etsy.com
http://www.queencitycraft.com

Mothers' Day and BINGO

2009-05-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

I went to a local flea market last weekend and bought a vintage bingo game. I've been having fun making things from the varied pieces. I've made some magnets and rings. BINGO keeps popping up for me lately. My husband's grandmother loves to go play bingo, so for Mothers' Day I made her a zip up pouch that says "I Heart Bingo." For my mom I wrote, "I Heart my DS." She recently became a nintendo DS addict! Then for my mother-n-law I made a heart and her name.

Manic Monday Must Have: Maminka Girl

2009-05-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend I FINALLY had the time to go to some great yards sales, a flea market, and a craft fair in a near by town to me. The craft fair featured many of the great Walpole Artisans. There was one artist there that I had to share with you. I love her creations. She makes all sorts of beautiful and funky art dolls, but she also makes things ranging from broaches to travel journals. My favorite at her sale was these adorable luggage tags. Who would think I'd want a luggage tag that much. I, of course had already spent my money at the flea market, so alas, I was a window shopper, but it was probably safer that way!!

I hope you check out her work. You can find her on etsy and on her blog. If you go to her blog you'll find out what her name means!

Maminka Girl Studio http://www.maminkagirl.blospot.com
Her etsy store: http://www.maminkagirl.etsy.com

Here are some of Maminka's creations...

Kreativ Blog Award

2009-04-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I got to my computer today to find out that I was awarded by Gidu a Kreativ Blog Award!! How cool is that!?! I think this is such a great idea. I was trying to track back through other awardees to see where this started, but couldn't figure it out. So, to whomever started this, Bravo!
Now, I have the privilege to award it to EIGHT Kreativ bloggers that I think ROCK!

So, in APLHABETICAL order, I give the Kreativ Blog Award to eight of my favorite beautiful, creative blogs and their makers:
1) Art Nest
2) Badger Sandwich
3) Bathrobe Warrior
4) Bebe & Alice
5) Chelsea Ann
6) CraftPudding
7) Eco Etsy
8) Grosgrain

The rules for this award are:

1) Add the logo to your blog (will do after posting)
2) Link to the person from whom you've received the award (yes)
3) Nominate 8 blogs of your choice (see below)
4) Leave a message on the nominees' blogs (will do after posting)

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

How cute are these!?! Grosgrain is hosting a contest and three lucky people will win a ring. Click on the link below the pic and you can enter to win one of these adorable pincushion rings made by their sponsor, Art Nest. Check it out! Love them!!

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Techie Tuesday: Integrating an Ad Checkout w/ Paypal

2009-04-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the late night version of Techie Tuesday with the Bathrobe Warrior. I just added the option for all you fabulous crafters and vintage sellers to buy ad space here on this blog, and I was thinking that some of you may also be wondering how to sell ad space on your own blogs. So, I begged and pleaded with the Bathrobe Warrior, aka, my husband Jeremy to do a quick tutorial on how to do this. So, if you've been thinking about this and have gotten stuck--watch this tutorial and get un-stuck!

You will notice there are actually two tutorials here. The first shows you how to do the paypal part and then create a page on your blog to post the paypal link. The second tutorial shows you how to make your "Advertise Here" button live...linking it to the paypal page you created.

Make sure to watch this in full screen mode so that you can actually see what the Bathrobe Warrior is doing. (Do this by clicking on the icon under the tutorial that looks like a little tv.)
Also, please note that I am unaware of the exact tax rules. In the tutorial we sort skip over that...I'm not completely sure of how that works. I live in NH where there is no sales tax. You'll want to check out the regulations in your own state.

Manic Monday Must Have: Vintage Sunglasses

2009-04-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

It's definitely just another Manic Monday! After this weekend we just had...the most beautiful, sunny weekend-- I think this week's MUST HAVE has to be Vintage Sunglasses. I cannot help it--I love BIG sunglasses. Probably always will. If they're not big they at least need to be dramatic. So, here are my pics this week. All found from etsy.

Go out and snag them for yourself before I do!
Clockwise from top left....
Title: Vintage TURA Italian Sunglasses with New Lenses
Find them here: http://www.SusabellaBrownstein.etsy.com

Title: vintage 80s Sunglasses blue
Find them here: http://www.Groovintuesday.etsy.com

Title: Big hippie glam '70s Foster Grant sunglasses
Find them here: http://www.kansascouturevintage.etsy.com

Title: Fluorescent retro orange pink sunglasses vintage
Find them here: http://www.Groovintuesday.etsy.com

HAPPY MANIC MONDAY!

Finally Freakin' Friday: Etsy Day!

2009-04-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS ETSY DAY...and, Finally Freakin' Friday!!

The Etsy forums have declared today April 24, 2009 Etsy Day. So go on out there, support your local crafters! Sign up. Become a seller. Become a buyer.
Come check it out!

Come visit the varied sellers of Etsy.
Here are some of my favorites:

Make sure to tell everyone you see Happy Etsy Day and
HAPPY FREAKIN' FRIDAY!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend. We're in for temps in the 80's for the first time since last year. Woooo hooo!

(The image at the very top is from Etsy's blog, The Storque.)

Westmoreland UCC Yard and Craft Sale

2009-04-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

WESTMORELAND YARD AND CRAFTERS SALE: RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

For all you NEW ENGLAND crafters out there...
There is going to be a Yard and CRAFTERS sale in WESTMORELAND, NH on May 30th. So, for any of you up in this neck of the woods who have that Saturday open, send me an email and I'll hook you up with the people to contact. It is sponsored by the Westmoreland United Church of Christ. It's rain or shine and bring your own table. Spaces are a very affordable $20.00. I will be having both a yard and craft sale table.
Contact me for more info: missy@clothpaperstitches.com

Wicked Green Wednesday: Earth Day Challenge

2009-04-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

Holy mama! Today is Earth Day and Wicked Green Wednesday. In honor of Earth Day I'm giving myself an Earth Day Challenge. I have been thinking about this for a while and PROCRASTINATING. So, TODAY is THE day. No more procrastinating. I'm going to take an ugly walk into my TRASH. How much do I really throw away? Last week I posted the link to the Story of Stuff, and when I first watched it, it really made the wheels start turning. I do recycle a fair amount. The cans, bottles, newspaper, cardboard...but there are always those questionable items. Like the yogurt container that I don't think I can recycle in my area, or the just regular, non newspaper, paper, that my local center doesn't really have a good system for...then the food I throw. There really is no excuse for me to throw food. I live in a rural area and I could easily compost. Then there are those shameful, but honest times where you get lazy, or you're on a cleaning spree and you say, F--K it, and you toss it, because it's easy.
So, it's not going to do me or anyone any good to get angry or overwhelmed by how hard it is to recycle. It won't do me any good to feel bad about what I've already tossed. Nor should I think that change can happen overnight, right?

So, here's the CHALLENGE: *For two weeks I will track EVERYTHING that I throw away in the trash and in the recycling. *After those two weeks I will take a look at that info and make a plan of action to reduce what I throw away. *I'll start with the easy and obvious and when I get to the less convenient items I will start digging around to see where and how these items can be recycled or reused. *Then finally I will take a look at what comes into this house to determine how I can reduce what enters the house so it never becomes trash at all. REDUCE. I plan to make this about a five week challenge and I'll keep reporting. So check in. Or better yet, JOIN ME! Join me and comment on this and future postings and tell me what you've figured out.

And now for a little bit of Earth Day shopping and a couple freebies that are out there right now:

FIRST THE FREEBIES

1) Looks like anyone can get a free roll of their new 100% recycled materials foil wrap!
Get yours: http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/index.html

2) The food blog Carrot n Cake teamed up with Stonyfield Farm and you can enter to win.
Check it out: http://carrotsncake.com/2009/04/stonyfield-earth-day-giveaway.html

EARTH DAY ON ETSY:

These colorful, funky drawstring wristlets are so great! They are made from tee shirt sleeves and pieces. I love the collage look to them. It reminds me of the magazine collages I used to make. Love them!
Title: What's Your Word Wristlet ONE Pouch Custom
Find them: http://www.zJayne.etsy.com

These are my own, Upcycled Shopping Bags. The are very strong and durable. Each has both a tee shirt and usually a non-stretchy button up shirt. They are made from the unwanted items the closets of myself, my husband, friends, yardsales, thriftshops, etc.
Title: Upcycled Shopping Bags
Find them: http://www.ClothPaperStitches.etsy.com

Manic Monday Must Have: NH Made

2009-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I participated in the Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock Craft Fair in Keene, NH where I met a great variety of crafters and artists. So, for this week's Manic Monday Must Have I have featured some of the wonderful Crafters from my home state, New Hampshire, who participated at the fair. I hope you check out their work and their sites!

MIJOY, a business run by Sandy Lee and Tracy Pollak are from Barrington, NH. They sell very cool 100% organic tee shirts. I think this shirt is such a clever idea. Splat is written on the front and MIJOY says, "...it's intended to be used as a canvas for the dribbles, the smears, and the frequent splats of life."

Find them at http://www.mijoyonline.com

Before the fair opened to the public I did the walk around and came across what I thought were these beautiful photos of golden retrievers, but to my surprise they were illustrations! If you are a pet lover you may just want to have Mia Houman of do a custom illustration of your pet.

Find her at http://www.goldenillustrations.com
See her on Etsy, too. http://www.goldenillustrations.etsy.com

Neighboring the Golden Illustrations booth was Ripenstitch, the works of Kristen Lehouiller from Loudon, NH. I love her stuff! It's hard to say which item I like the most. The Reversible Daily Traveler Hobo Bag has a shape that I love. It seems like it would just hug the body. The inside pockets help to keep the bag organzied. Add the skinny wallet and the Key Fobs and you have the perfect set. To top it all off she uses vibrant fabrics from some of my fabric designers out there.

Find her at http://www.ripenstitch.com
See her on Etsy, too. http://www.ripenstitch.etsy.com

After the craft fair got going my husband and I got very hungry. Fortunately for us we were next to Michele's Sweet Shoppe seller of Totally Awesome Gourmet Popcorn. She sells both sweet and savory varieties that she and her family take time to perfect. We had the yummy Chocolate Caramel and the hot, hot, Buffalo Supreme. I recommend them both.

Find her at http://www.micheleseetshoppe.com

This is just a small sampling of the fabulous crafters that attended Saturday's fair. Check back as I hope to feature more of the work from the great state of New Hampshire!

Finally Freakin' Friday: Bottlecap Magnets

2009-04-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

It's Finally Freakin' Friday! Tomorrow I will be at Bentley Commons in Keene to participate in the Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock's craft fair. Along with some upcycled bags I will be bringing these alphabet magnets I made with bottlecaps. The question: Where do you put 1000+ magnets when you live in a tiny house that also serves as your studio? Well, we made it. They took over for a while, but atleast when they are done you can just stick them up. After the craft fair I will put some of these in my etsy shop.

Craft Fair: At Bently Commons

2009-04-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend on Saturday April 18th I will be participating at my first craft fair. It's at Bentley Commons in Keene, NH and it's hosted by the group Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock. Come check it out if you are in the area!

Wicked Green Wednesday: The Story of Stuff

2009-04-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this yet? If you haven't watch it. If you have, watch it again. The story of stuff is a quick paced film with Annie Leonard about the process that takes place so that we can all have the things we want and think we need.

Today being Wicked Green Wednesday made me think that was a perfect time to share this short film and website. This zippy film takes us through the processes of Extraction, Production, Distribution, Consumption, and Disposal and reminds us that within that linear system there are other important elements: like people, corporation, and LIMITS.

Now, I don't typically like a preachy, in your face, you better do this or we're all going to die kind of documentary. Sure, it may be true, but as I see it that is no way to live. Can't we fix the problem and be happy? Maybe it's idealistic, but if we are living each day in dread is it still living? With that said, this film gets it's point across without being overwhelmingly dark and dreary. So, in that way it also appealed to me.

A couple things that really stick with me after watching this again are the concepts of planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence. The first means that products are designed to be disposable. There are the obvious things like toilet paper and trash bags, but this has begun to get way out of hand. So many items are designed this way including large items like computers and televisions. In the design it is planned that you will need a new one in so many months or years.

Perceived obsolescence is similar, but instead of it breaking or no longer working in the more modern system, we think its no longer good enough. Like our clothing or our cell phone. Our current cell phone probably successfully calls our friends. It works perfectly, but there is a new one out, and if we do not have it we will be perceived as out of date. Our value is tied to our things and how many things we have, and out of all these things we accumulate it is said that after six months 99% of it is trashed!

I don't believe this issue is black and white, but I think it is important to be AWARE of what cycles we are involved in and how we choose to participate or not. I don't believe that we are all going to suddenly stop buying and consuming, nor do I think we should, but I do think it's a good idea to take a look at what we consume and how it's produced, and to decide how we can clean up the chain of events. I think this film will strike a chord with us all. I think we all can do a little to fix the problem. Some of us may finally get on the boat and recycle everything we can. Some of us will buy the better light bulbs. Those of us who can afford it will power our homes with solar power. Then some of us will be driven to find ways make the smart choices affordable for us all, and I think all these things are good.

So, check this film and website out. It goes by super quick and I think you'll be glad you did.
http://www.thestoryofstuff.com

Manic Monday Must Have: Breakfast

2009-04-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

So, it's Monday again. Maybe you love Monday. But for those of us who need a little motivation to get up, how about some good breakfast. I started my Monday with a search of breakfast food. I was shocked at how many felt eggs are out there!!

Ok. Roll out of bed and try one of these baked yummies!

Title: 12 Cinnamon Pinwheels
From: http://www.Shabbies.etsy.com

Title: Annas Oatcake minis with blackberries
From: http://www.DownFromtheMountains.etsy.co m

Of course you have to have some coffee or tea with it, and why not drink it in this cup?

Title: Breakfast Tea mug - red
From: http://www.MrPS.etsy.com

And, if you truely are someone who cannot stomach breakfast, I suppose you could wear it.

Title: Eat Your Breakfast Necklace
From: http://www.CuteAbility.etsy.com

Title: MMM...Bacon and Eggs
From: http://www.kristasgonebananas.etsy.com

Whether you eat it or wear it, enjoy your breakfast, and Happy Manic Monday!!

Wicked Green Wednesday: Rosewebs

2009-04-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for checking out the first week of "Wicked Green Wednesday." This weekly posting will feature anything from green crafters to solar shingles. So, today I was searching for green crafters and came across this super cool etsy store called Rosewebs.

I love when I find something new online. Someone reusing unwanted items in a new way. So, Rosewebs takes the webbing from lawnchairs and turns it into wallets, zipper pouches, and handbags. Love them!

Find her store at http://www.rosewebs.etsy.com

Techie Tuesday: Add an Etsy mini to your blog

2009-04-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first edition of Techie Tuesday with Bathrobe Warrior. So, I am admittedly tech challenged. I assume I'm not the only one out there like this, right? Beyond emailing, searching the internet, and writing documents I am a bit useless. Without my husband, Jeremy (Bathrobe Warrior) I probably would not have an Etsy store or a blog.

So, to help those out there, like myself, I dedicate Tuesdays as Techie Tuesday. Jeremy is a web developer and will have a weekly post here ranging from tutorials, tips, or telling us about great resources.

Today's tutorial will show you how to add an etsy mini to your blog. I hope you find it helpful. If you are still stumped I recommend marrying a web developer!

You can find his work at http://www.bathrobewarrior.com

To view the video in full screen click on the tv button directly under the video (left of the audio button)...

Manic Monday Must Have: Coffee Cups

2009-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

I know that for me coffee is a must have. Especially Monday morning. So, for this first Manic Monday Must Have how appropriate to showcase some of my favorite coffee cups on etsy. So, in no particular order, here they are!

Any of these fabulous coffee cups are worthy of the Monday morning brew! Find them and more cool items with the links below.

Title: Burst of Color 3 Vintage Retro Coffee Mugs
From: http://www.oldcrowfarm.etsy.com

Title: set of 2 vintage mugs
From: http://www.ricracandbuttons.etsy.com

Title: Left Handed Mustache Mug
From: http://www.breadandbadger.etsy.com

Title: fiesta inspired hand built porcelain yellow cup
From: http://www.clayswan.etsy.com

Title: Coffee for you, me, and she
From: http://clothpaperstitches.etsy.com

Spring is here!!!

2009-03-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

Spring is finally here. I'm doing a little spring cleaning today. You wouldn't believe how much dirt I found in the rugs! This pillow case is very spring-like. It's in the vintage finds of my etsy shop. http://www.clothpaperstitches.etsy.com

Please pass the peas

2009-03-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

I posted this pyrex dish in my etsy store today. You can see it at http://www.clothpaperstitches.etsy.com

2009-01-28T17:21:00.000-08:00

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