Studio Update: Work Bench Makeover

So, I told you yesterday I was doing some work in the studio...

Instead of buying a workbench (or building one from scratch), I decided to makeover the current set of (really dirty and gross) drawers that we salvaged from our gutting-basement-project when we moved in.

To prep the drawers, I made a 30% bleach solution and sprayed the crap out of it,  killed my brain cells from the fumes, then wiped it down and let it dry overnight.

Now the fun part --painting!

I live by the motto "just paint it white" for pretty much all of life's problems.

What do you do with an outdated house with horrid wallpaper?  Just paint it white.

I messed up my painting masterpiece, what do I do?   Just paint it white.

How do I get rid of the stains on my teeth from drinking too much tea?   Just paint it white.

Don't paint those roses red.  Keep them white!*

Easy life solutions, my friends.  Take it from the pro.

While Boy doesn't agree with my solution to life's problems, I find that a blank canvas is my favorite kind of canvas.

So, I painted the drawers white.

And what makeover is complete without a little help from her royal highness, Martha? **

I replaced the drawer pulls with these beauties. 

$50, very little work, and 1/8th gallon of paint later, I have a brand new work station to install hardware.  Oh, we destroyed the original table top on the drawers, so I had to buy a better one that could withstand the force of Thor's hammer.  Except I use a rubber mallet.  Still.  Add $10 to that.  But I didn't use most of the paint, so really, about $50.

And I have 7/8ths gallon of white paint leftover for tackling more life problems!

Get excited, guys.

* Alice in Wonderland reference for those who were deprived of popular childhood movies... Boy. 
** As in, Martha Stewart.

Baby Love

Well, I've been a bit busy with two things lately:

1. I'm massively reorganizing and renovating my studio.  (Photos coming when I'm all done.)

2. I'm trying to figure out the best way to steal my 2-month old nephew from his parents.

Do you think they'll notice if they get a swaddled Hubert instead?

Boy and I have been literally forcing his brother and sister-in-law to go out for date nights and movie outings so we can babysit their son.  He's the cutest thing in the world.  He smiles when you smile.  He gives you puppy eyes when you ignore him.  He says "Hiiiiiiii!" And he has chubby baby legs (my favorite).

I think by the time we're ready for kids, (Like 10-15 years if you're curious.  Just kidding.  Likely 5.) we'll be experts.

At least for the first two months of the baby's life.

In 1-3 hour intervals.

Modeling Bags

Baby Ruche in Honey Brown

Last week, in between sewing orders, I felt the need to model some of my bags to add some variety to the shop.  

Actually, I received my new (vintage 1960s) dress from Small Earth Vintage, and I decided that she needed to be photographed with a bag.  Then I was on a roll.  

And by roll, I mean I took one other picture with this super-comfy beachy tank I bought while in LA.  :)

  Mini Ruche in Sea Coral Pink

Sometimes I wonder if modeling the bag takes away from the bag design or does it actually give a potential customer some perspective on its size, how to wear it, what to wear it with? 

Ideally, I'd like to choose leather colors that can go with every kind of outfit.  But sometimes,  a bag and a dress are meant for each other.

This gorgeous dress and the Baby Ruche in Honey Brown are like sisters, 50 years apart in age, separated,  then finally reunited.  

Okay, maybe not sisters, more like mother-daughter.  

Or grandmother-granddaughter?

I digress.

Shop Update: Mushroom Taupe Leather

I'm always on the lookout for a really neutral not-too-light-yet-not-too-dark durable leather that can be worn all year round (because you're always asking me for something neutral and durable that you can wear with your whole wardrobe, all year round).

Well, I've found it, my friends.

And I've made some bags just for you.

Exclusively in the Archive, Briefcase and Packet.


Love,
Jenny

Photo Diary: Los Angeles, CA

Some highlights from our LA trip!



1. Unique LA vendor show - the main reason we came to LA. :)

2. Great bitters selection at Bar Keeper.

3. Yummy burger + house salad at EAT in NOHO before the Conan taping.

4. Sprinkles cupcakes in Beverly Hills --  We got a red velvet, carrot, coconut, and mocha.

5. Thai food at Sanam Luang Cafe --  I got the duck salad.

6. Conan taping -- the best part of the whole trip!  The whole experience was a bit surreal. We were in the second row so we got a great view!  Conan also surprised us with a star interview that would be shown later because the celebrity couldn't make it at that time.   It was awesome.  It was Liam Neeson and all of his handsome glory.  :)

This is us in the audience.  Me, being extremely pale wearing shorts and a tank, next to Boy. 

You can see the full episode here.

Well, now that we're back and I've recovered from flying, (I hate flying.  I always get sick.  I actually get motion sick really easily.  Which is why I don't like roller coasters.  Or rides.  Or anything that sounds fun and moves.  I also get nauseous if I watch someone playing an intense first-person video game.  Which is why I like playing omni/god-mode games.  I used to hate riding in a car.  But being in one is kind of inevitable.  I think I'm OK on a boat, but that's because I can jump out and swim if I need.  Swimming is like second nature to me.  After sleeping.  Lots of people suggest that we do all sorts of traveling for our vacations.  I feel like vacations should be relaxing, not spending most of it recovering from nausea.  I prefer to sit on the couch.  With a popcorn.  And a coke.  Unless I'm doing business on my vacation, you can find me on the couch.  With a large popcorn.  With extra butter.  And a coke.) it's back to work catching up on orders, emails, and getting some new stuff in the shop!

Stay tuned for a shop update. :)

Love,
Jenny

Shop Update: Vintage Mint + Jet Black

As you can see, I'm working extra long hours nowadays.

The other day, I clocked in 12 hours at the sewing machine + cutting table + photo studio (!!!!).

No sweat.

Actually, I was sweating a little bit.

I also don't officially clock in.  Details, nonetheless.

Vintage Mint has been added to the shop! Available and ready to ship in the Archive, Packet, and Mini Ruche.   I used all the Vintage Mint leather, so it's not available for custom order in any other bag styles, sadly.

Jet Black is also a new leather available in the shop.  Reminds me of the black version of the Coffee Bean --glossy, distressed, sturdy and smooth.  It's awesome.  Available in the Archive, Packet, and Mini Ruche.  It's also available for custom order in the other bag styles, I just happen to make these three at the time. :)

I think I need a nap now.

But I've had too much tea.

Which might have contributed to the sweating.

But you didn't care to know that.

Or, did you?  ;)

Coming (Back) Soon: Vintage Mint and Mushroom

Here's what I've been sewing lately.

I should disclose that this is a slightly different version of the Vintage Mint that was in the shop a few years ago.   It's just as gorgeous, I can assure you.  It's soft yet sturdy and has the perfect mix of blue with a hint of green which gives it a vintagey minty feel.  Hence the name.  Extremely limited in quantity (as in, exactly what you see pictured is what's available).

Vintage Mint is available in the Archive, Packet, Baby Ruche, and Mini Ruche.  Once they sell, they're gone forever.  Unless I find something similar down the road.

Mushroom is also really similar to what I've had in the shop a year ago.  It's smooth, sturdy, slightly distressed and has a great earthy brownish gray tone --perfect for wearing all year round!

Mushroom is available in the Archive, Briefcase, and Packet.

You don't have to wait for me to list these to get yours; you can message me for your listing!

I'm taking these to Unique LA, and I'm not sure I'll be able to take them back with me.  Because they will belong to someone else.  And I can't take LA residents with me back to Pittsburgh.  Unless they insist on visiting me.  Then I'll allow it.  But I can't take their bags from them.

Just so you know.

I give you first dibs.  Because I love you.

You're welcome!

Love,
Jenny

Shop Update: Briefcases in Waxed Canvas

The Briefcase is now available in Dark Shadow and Sepia Brown waxed canvas!

What else is going on, you ask?

Well, I've been madly filling orders and stocking up for Unique LA.  We leave next Wednesday and don't have much planned except to attend a taping of Conan on Thursday!  We love Coco.  :)

We've received lots of great emails from you guys with places to visit in LA, so we're going to sit down and figure out what we want to do for our 2.5 days of vacation before the show.  Thanks so much for all the suggestions!  I only wish we were staying longer so we can hit up each spot!

Alright, back to work.  I swear I'll update you more after the show.  Or while I'm procrastinating on work.

Funny story.

I made this somewhat tedious dinner one night last week for date night (baked BBQ chicken, coleslaw, parsnip mash, and poached pears), and Boy came home and said, "Wow, someone is procrastinating for the show..."

So yeah.  I cook a lot when I procrastinate.  Or rearrange furniture around the house.  Or window shop for new furniture.

Basically anything that doesn't make me any money.  Bad Jenny.

Back to work.

For real, this time.

Love,
Jenny

p.s. I've been begging Boy to model these bags for my shop, but he keeps making excuses like watching a Miami Heat game or going to the gym.  I'm pretty sure he's avoiding me.  Pretty sure.