Here's to 2010!

It has been quite a year for me and my business. Here's a re-cap:

Jan: Started a wonderful collaboration with Margot Bianca and her beautiful batiks.

Feb: Successfully litterbox-trained my pug, Hubert.

Mar: Met The Boy.

Apr: Learned to cut my own hair.  Introduced The Clutch.

May: Graduated college and moved away from campus to get an engineering job.

Jun: Turned 23. I was spoiled.

Jul: Improved my product photography, which changed my entire business!

Aug: Introduced The Traveler. Met The Boy's parents (they like me!).

Sep: Stopped job-hunting and went full-time on Etsy with the bag business.

Oct: Improved and re-introduced The Briefcase (in leather!). Contemplated designing cowboy gear. Enrolled an unpaid male model (The Boy).

Nov: My first vendor fair. Featured in Decor8 and PoppyTalk. Blogged about it.

Dec: Celebrated a great holiday with my family, my boy, and my pug.

What to expect in 2010?

A giveaway, a new bag design, new fabrics, and more improvements.  At least that's as far as I know. :)

Coming Winter 2010

I've always had a great interest in Indian culture.  It began when I started teaching Yoga five years ago.  Earlier this year, when I met The Boy, I was then introduced to the food, music, Hindi films, and more importantly, THE FABRICS! Silks silks and more silks. Embroidered fabrics. Rich and vibrant colors. Beautiful textures. I love it all, and I want to get my hands on it all! :)

For Thanksgiving, I visited The Boy's family and I had the honor of stepping into the largest closet I've ever stepped foot in. And not only was the closet huge, but it was filled with hundreds of sarees. Hundreds. Boxes of yards of beautiful embroidered 100% silks all from Mumbai India. And the most interesting fact? The owner has never worn the same saree more than once! I died. And fortunately for you, I live to tell the story.

Introducing the first installment of its series - The Saree Collection.







Psst. I'm starting this collection off with a giveaway.  More details after the New Year!

Home Decor: World Traveler

The bro, The boy and I spent our winter vacation at my childhood home (well, childhood as in my last two years in high school and the place where I called "home" during holiday breaks through college). And I must say, it felt like a resort.  My parents have quite a collection of antique and vintage finds which are displayed beautifully by my mom. She has quite the eye for design.

I wish I brought my Briefcase in Russet Brown Leather to photograph with this backdrop.








But instead, I photographed the living room and meditation room for you to enjoy! Hubert made it to one of the photos. Can you find him? ;)

Holiday Picks: Gingerbread

I'm really excited about the holidays, now! The Bro, The Boy and I decided that we all will open our presents TONIGHT before we head to my parents home for Christmas tomorrow --because carrying all those presents home is a bit impractical in a small car.

We don't usually have a traditional Christmas at home --no tree or lights or anything. My parents are pretty thrifty when it comes to just about everything. All expenses should result in a practical appreciated output --like a home appreciates in value, a gym membership leads to good health, healthy foods lead to a healthy lifestyle...etc. Christmas lights, tree, decorations (although lead to good spirits!) do more in increasing the electricity bill. I apparently didn't inherit any of these genes, as I find myself ordering things online every couple days or so. Mainly stuff for the business like packaging supplies, hardware, some fabrics, thread.... But occasionally I'll find a pair of vintage boots here and there. Or new boots. :)

This brings me to the topic for today. I've been thinking about making a gingerbread house for years now, and I haven't since elementary school if I recall correctly. Thus, I've decided that tomorrow, I will make a gingerbread house, and blog about it. Although this idea won't be greeted with glee and cheer from the boys/parents, I shall force my family to join me anyway. Because it's all about the Christmas spirit, and if we don't have lights and a tree, we can at least have an edible house decoration. :)

And there're plenty more options to gingerbread, too!

a. Little Vegan Gingerbread House Kit, thecupcakemint
b. Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Biscotti, MommaMelRene
c. Old Fashioned Rich Gingerbread, SkippingSkones
d. Gingerbread Man Cream Sandwiches, thecupcakemint
e. Gingerbread Butterfly, GingerbreadStreet
f. Ginger Snapped CakeCup, CupCakesInJars

p.s. I loved the products from thecupcakemint so much, they've got a double-feature in today's post. :)

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Picks: Plaid

Plaids perfect for every season!

Travelers in Plaid

a. 3 Favor Boxes, PaperScissorsRocks
b. vintage 50s BLONDE wool TARTAN plaid wrap, NodtoModVintage
c. vintage CHESS CLUB cardigan sweater, PranceAndSwagger
d. PLAID vintage 60s Wool Blazer Jacket, Studio1950
e. Eco Toes in Vintage Golden Plaid, infusion
f. Unicorn no.52, penguinandfish

Holiday Picks: New Years Glam

*Update 11/22: My treasury made it to Etsy's Front Page! :) Check out the screenshot.

The perfect clutch for your next cocktail party.

Pair it with more glitz and glam for the New Year!

I've also got a treasury to match!

a. Graphic Camellia Cocktail Hat, emilliner
b. vintage BLACK ICE sequin silk blouse, DearGoldenVintage
c. vintage MIDNIGHT SPARKLE glitter pumps, allencompanyinc
d. Fairytale Collection BLACK MUSTACHE Necklace, newyorkcouture
e. 5x7 Darwin - Maltese wearing bow tie, christineedwards
f. Sudden Rain - Framed Original Acrylic Painting, SarahJohnAfana

Holiday Picks: The Older Brother

As I was thinking about childhood toys yesterday, I also thought about Christmas presents for my older brother. We grew up very close (like best friends) because we were so close in age (he's 2 years older). So when it came time to finding a roommate after I graduated college, who better to tolerate you than your older brother who you shared a room with as a child.

Yep, that's my brother and me. As babies in New Orleans, then getting ready for a friend's wedding, and now in Austin as roommies. I'm actually not that tall in the last picture, I'm wearing 3-4" heels. :) :)

He tolerates my sewing supplies all over the place, hammering at the wee hours of the night, and a shedding pug who jumps and slobbers all over you while you play video games in the living room. And he can eat everything that I cook, and helps with the dishes, too! Awesome, huh? I've trained him well.

When it comes time for Christmas, what do you get your Coffee Addicted - Electrical Engineer - Video Gamer - Triathlete older brother?

Ah, a little bit of everything. :)

Yes ladies, he's single.

a. Handknit Moss Green Toilet Seat Cover, SaintReagansHollow
b. NES Nintendo Soap, Digitalsoaps
c. Bob-omb Crochet Amigurumi, AmigurumiZoo
d. Barcode Coffee Mug, BarcodeArt
e. Single Speed Tee, vital
f. Drinking Glass Beer Bottles, nickpaul

Holiday Picks: Vintage Toys

My friends and I had a discussion about all of our childhood toys yesterday at lunch. I remember my brother used my Barbie dolls to fight his Ninja Turtles (and of course my Barbies lost, go figure). Then there were Tinker Toys, Legos, and Lite Brite. And Mr. Potato Head. And his wife, though I didn't have two of the potatoes at the same time; I just bought the pieces for her at a garage sale and interchanged them. Mr. and Mrs. never actually interacted.

And all this reminiscing brought me back to the memories of some of my favorite, more basic toys.

a. Antique Toy Wagon, PatinaPosh
b. Vintage White Horse Toy, bellalulu
c. Vintage Children's Chalkboard, ArtfulVintage
d. Vintage Bowling Pins, sweetshorn
e. SPIN AROUND. French antique metal top, myredboots
f. Vintage Children's Chair, EmilyLynch
g. Vintage Wooden Alphabet Blocks, marygracethomas

Holiday Picks: Pet Portraits

'Tis the season for family portraits! It's a yearly struggle to get Baby and Dog to stay still AND look at the camera. How do they do it?!

Yesterday I decided to take a short break from sewing and take some pictures for holiday cards --and what better subject do I have besides my little pug, Hubert?

Hubert the Reindeer Pug

Don't be fooled by his panicked/confused expression, he always looks like that. Plus, he was showered in treats, hugs and kisses afterward, so what's a little suffering here and there, right? You can see more of Hubert and the Reindeer Antlers on my flickr.

Need something more secure for your pet to wear to the photo shoot? Here are some of my favorites. :)

a. Eco Dog Coat, AnniesSweatShop
b. English Harbour Full Neck Sweater, MyAdorableDoggie
c. RECYCLE Dog Hat and Scarf Set, NurdBunny
d. Christmas Tartan Pet Bow Tie, WhiskerKisses
e. Shakespeare Dog Neck Warmer, BeanTownHandmade
f. Ruffle Rump Doberman Sweater, hoverfly

Holiday Picks: Hey Cupcake!

Hey Cupcake! is my favorite cupcake stand in Austin. The Boy and I make an attempt to visit at least twice a month. Then make up for it with a run --so it evens out. :)

If you're needing your sweet treat fix, try some of these great cupcake Etsy finds! Cupcake for your library, wall decor, sewing station, work desk, cat, and of course, your next holiday party.

a. Cupcakes, SewManyQuiltBooks
b. Cherry Cupcake Print 8x8, BabyChickDesigns
c. Cupcake Lollipops, BakedByJoanna
d. Pincushion, MadeInLowell
e. Sweet Red and Pink Cupcake Boxed Set, DawnCorrespondence
f. Catnippy Cakes, SpellWell
g. Gourmet Cupcake Sampler, SinnersSaintsSweets

Holiday Picks: For the Pug Lover, Part II

Hubert looks out the window.

a. Pug Art Doll, pugnotes
b. Pug Print 8x10, JohnWGolden
c. Leopard Print Pug Sweater, PreppyPugs
d. I Wanna Meet That Pug shirt, SquidInkKollective
e. Black and White Stripes Doggy Sweater, NatalieWyatt
f. Pug Records Album Graphic on Canvas, geministudio

Me and The Workbench

It's a mess here in the studio with all the cutting, sewing, hammering, and packaging orders to ship for the holidays. I made some time to finally snap a picture of myself in my studio. The shirt that I ordered from Gap finally came in, so I wanted to wear it today with my favorite shoes. :)

Today is the last day to order your items to arrive in time for Christmas. All orders are being shipped out tomorrow and next week! If you're getting antsy for the whereabouts of your package, feel free to convo me through Etsy, I shall tell you where in the process it is. But if you ordered a Traveler, they're all being shipped tomorrow (you can see the pile next to my right knee).

In the meantime, let's go shopping!

Holiday Picks: For the Pug Lover, Part I

Well. I have to say. I am quite the lover of all things Pug. Hubert, my pug has been with me for over a year now, and he brings so much love to my life and to everyone he encounters. Really. He has more love to share than he can physically display when you meet him.

Hubert with the Traveler in Brown/Tan Houndstooth

If you know a friend with a Pug, you're in for a great treat! You'll have plenty of ideas for holiday gifts! This is Part I of II days I will dedicate "For the Pug Lover" because I can't get enough of these little guys!

a. 4x4 Print Flat Flop Pug, nutandbee

b. Cuddly Fabric Pug Plush, plainjanetextiles

c. Pug Bathing in a Sink, watercolorqueen

d. Mod Pug Print 11x13, ModDogShop
e. Wasabi the Gregarious Pug Knitting Pattern, dangercrafts
f. 5x7 Giclee Print Pugs Not Drugs, gemmabear

p.s. Today is the LAST DAY to place your orders at my shop in time for Christmas delivery!

Holiday Picks: Gifts Under $50

Find something for the most pickiest of recipients, for well under $50!

a. Tikku Patchwork Pillow Cover, Mandag
b. Floating Pine Sprig Magic Lantern Suncatcher, VintageAimee
c. Felt Food Cherry Pie, BeckyM
d. Holiday Tree Coffee Gift Card Card Holder, ParkersPrints
e. Plum Blossom Kanzashi Flower Brooch, PetalMix
f. Pinwheel Bowl, CatherineReece

Holiday Picks: Black and White

In the engineering world, we like to think in binary (1 or 0). True or false. Black or white. End of story.

a. Mustache Envy Kit, SomethingsHidingHere
b. Black Linen and Amber Salt Bar, CarvelCountrySoap
c. Vintage 1980 Leather Biker Boots, DearGoldenVintage
d. Black Giraffe Lampwork Bead Bracelet, PattyLakinsmith
e. Cow No. 1 7x8 Fine Art Print, SharonMontrose
f. I Am A Ninja 8x10 Print, Steppie

Holiday Picks: Silver Bells

Just a few of my favorite Etsy finds in grayscale. :)

I also made an Etsy Treasury featuring these great artists + 6 more favorites!

a. 1-layer center ring, nervoussystem
b. Boyfriend Pinstripe Button Down Shirt, lamixx
c. Three Ring Chain, Yokoo
d. Little well ring, lunaticart
e. Winter Inspiration Apples, lapomme
f. Silver Nugget Post Earrings, baremetaldesigns

Order THIS WEEK for Christmas arrival!

That's my pug, Hubert. He's such a cute model. :)

Get your order in THIS WEEK by Friday, December 11th.
US orders only, International deadline has already passed.

Holidays Picks: Winter Romance

I hope you enjoy these romantic finds on Etsy. Pink is always in season. :)

a. Pole Rose, labokoff
b. Winter Rose Ring, ixela
c. Candy Cane Marshmallows, VintageConfections
d. Kissed By Pink, UrbanDesign
e. LOVE Little House Village, TheLittleRedDoor
f. Pink Candy Cane Flannel Decorative Pumpkin, SeaPinks

Holiday Picks: Candy Canes!

I love candy canes. I think they're my favorite food.

a. Bib Necklace, HipCoutureDiva
b. Max's Sock Hat Pattern, Mamachee
c. Red and White Stripe Mittens, CaboDesigns
d. You Are the Happy to my Holidays Note Card, DawnCorrespondence
e. Poison Apple, Eclu
f. June Loves Pearls, BlueNostalgia

Holiday Picks: Winter Wonderland

a. Nature Theme Tape, hchappycat
b. Reality, Sooooound
c. Woodland Fawns Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers, PolkaDotSandals
d. Ice Crystals Earrings, NancyWallisDesigns
e. Slate and Ivory Clutch, EdensWake
f. Sweet Peace Dove, TheNightJar

I'm off to my TWO events today! Keep track of the haps on my Facebook Fan page! I'll be updating periodically with pictures. :)

The Briefcase in Wintergreen

Well, I got my hands on more green leather, and I think this one's quite the beaut! It's darker than the Sage leather, and much more distressed --which is my kind of leather! :)

Available in the shop. Very limited quantities available for this one.

Only FOUR to be precise.

Get Yours Now!

Holiday Picks: Joy

Ornaments and stockings and gift tags galore. Stuffed pandas, baby booties, and puppies and more! The holidays now bustle with the coming of snowfall. And it's always the little things that bring joy to us all.

a. Joy Hoop Art Ornament, AllAboutTheFiber
b. Mini Stocking, MeghanDesign
c. Jiyong the Winter Mushroom Bear, Y0omii
d. Joy to the World Gift Tags, PipingHotPapers
e. Red Riding Hood's Booties, SillySockMonkeys
f. Blenheim Polymer Clay Dog Christmas Ornament, nanjodogz

It's The Boy and my 9th month anniversary, so this title suits today very well. :) :)

Holiday Picks: Fire Inside's Delightful

We finally had to turn on the heater. It's finally gettin' a bit chilly in Texas. :)

a. Beaded with Love Bracelet, SimplyUniqueKreation
b. 100 Business Card Size Envelopes, PipingHotPapers
c. Sunshine Yarn Wig for Kids, LaChiffoniere
d. Let's Play - Suncatcher, GlassEtc
e. Vampyress in Crimson Handmade Leather Mask, Pilgrimage
f. Red Crocodile Mohair Shawl, TrendyKnitting

Holiday Picks: For Him

Unique guy gifts are hard to find. But I've found some really AWESOME gifts for the modern man!

Something unique for his desk, the bar, his back, neck, fingers, and feet! Pretty much got it covered, huh?

Oh, if he needs something for the shoulders, I've got something in the shop for that.

a. Three Little Ninjas, Mooshoopork
b. Crows Together Tee, Elefint
c. ABCD Felt Coasters, InBoundThread
d. Black Licorice Hand-knit Scarf, Schemata
e. Unfulfilled - Ring, CyndieSmithDesigns
f. Handwoven Recycled Rag Rug, FiveForty

Holiday Picks: Hostess

Thankgiving Feast, check. Black Friday sales, check. Cyber Monday sales, check. Wallet, empty. The other half of your family is visiting for Christmas and you have to play hostess and throw a gathering to welcome the bunch. But another feast is out of your budget. What to do?

Try a brunch!

Put on your favorite 1950s vintage dress and spiral hoops earrings, because Mrs. Hostess, you're about to whip up a stress-free classy brunch!

Dress your table with a handmade table runner and lay out the cheeses, crackers, breads, and jams. Adorn the entrance with your new door knob wreath, and turn up the holiday tunes. Sit back, relax, and let the holidays begin.

Oh, and remind someone else to bring the wine. :)

a. Handmade Table Runner, LinenMe
b. Vintage 1950s Golden Leaf Print Dress, SmallEarthVintage
c. Kiwi Lime Daiquiri Jam, BovineBubbles
d. Sterling Spiral Hoops, JewelsOfEden
e. Emerald Green Doorknob Wreath, LittlePapoose