Modish

Sponsor Spotlight: Leader of Men

2008-11-19T14:14:12-08:00

Visit Leader of Men for beautiful metal, gemstone and organic jewelry that will help you conquer the world (or at least feel like you could!)

Handmade Spaces: Kaching Design

2008-11-19T10:06:38-08:00

Today I have the space of Pearlyn Tan from Kaching Design to share with you. It's an interesting one, in that she creates her artwork here and also cuts hair! Hmm... a good way to bring in more art buying clients? Perhaps! Let's see how she divies up the art space with the hair space, shall we?

What do you create in this space?
I make the things I sell in my online store and also do haircuts out of this space. It is half art space and half haircutting studio. I mostly draw, sew, make collages and silkscreen posters, cards and tshirts.

Where is it located?
I converted a house basement into a studio split in two for design and hair. I built a dividing half wall to separate the spaces yet keep them together. I put in a larger window to let in more light.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?
I've tools in the studio for hair and design: hair cutting shears, flat iron, blow dryer, combs, clips, other hair related equipments, silkscreen set up, cutting mat, printer, laptop, button maker, sewing machine, power drill, various wood saws, router, etc

What inspirations do you keep nearby?
Magazines, my sketch book, music and a window.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating? Or is silence best?
I usually shuffle my ipod selections or listen to online radio.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?

I feel lucky to have a space like this just downstairs. The time just flies by when I'm in it. It's my sanctuary.

To see all the cute prints, apparel and original artwork that Pearlyn creates here, check out the Kaching Design website! And right now, you can receive a free poster with a purchase over $50, or a free linen tote with a purchase over $100! See her site for details. Thanks for sharing with us, Pearlyn!

A little compliment goes a long way

2008-11-19T08:50:47-08:00

I went to a little market this weekend and scored a little stash of wonderful things. I wore one of my favorite necklaces there, the fawn from Figs & Ginger. I received compliments galore on the delicate little necklace from the lovely ladies I met there. In fact, when I think back on it, I've received a compliment from someone, friends and strangers alike, almost every time I've worn that necklace. It makes me feel nice. Makes me feel pretty. Makes me feel like I have good taste :) You can feel the same way wearing a necklace from the new collection at Figs & Ginger. I promise, you, and everyone else, will love it.

Picture Perfect: 13Threads

2008-11-19T07:02:23-08:00

modish

Sponsor Spotlight: Nek Jewelry

2008-11-18T12:28:51-08:00

Visit Nek Jewelry for beautiful re-vamped vintage, one-of-a-kind gems. Mention "modish" in the notes at checkout and receive a 20% refund back on your order!

Eco-Friendly Find: Mollie Dash

2008-11-18T08:38:06-08:00

Mollie Dash is back at it again, with a new and improved site and a beautiful new collection to match!

Not only is her jewelry just stunning, it's made completely from found components- old coins, vintage and thrifted jewelry items, industrial remnants like copper wire, old brooches and more. She breathes new life into old things creating one of a kind pieces that any girl would feel lucky to wear. Take a peek at the whole collection at molliedash.com.

Picture Perfect: Little Sparrow Nest

2008-11-18T06:55:00-08:00

modish

Sponsor Spotlight: MAUstudio

2008-11-17T16:24:00-08:00

Visit MAUstudio for a wealth of wonderful goodies by a variety of artists! Use code "modish" at checkout for 10% off your order!

Giveaway Winner!

2008-11-17T11:58:48-08:00

Well, it's time to announce who's taking home the first round of goodies from the November November Giveaway, worth $778! First, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who entered the giveaway by helping to spread the word about it on your own blogs, or by finding your favorite goods from the contributors- thank you! Also, an extra big double thank you thank you to all the wonderful crafters who participated by donating an item. You all rock!

So now, without further adieu, the winner of the November November Giveaway, part one, chosen randomly from all the comments received is...

Jennifer Ladd!

Congrats Jennifer, you won it all! Please contact me with your mailing address so I can send all your goodies out! jena @ modishblog.com.

The rest of you, stay tuned for part 2 of the giveaway to be announced this week! You all have another chance to win big!

Pretty things indeed

2008-11-17T07:29:26-08:00

I really need something to lift my spirits this morning and the packed full prettiness over at new shop, Nest Pretty Things may be just the trick!

Filled with bits of pink and red everywhere you look, the range of goodies, from jewelry and hair accessories to dream-catchers and fairy crowns, is colorful, vibrant and whimsical. Take a peek for yourself! Owner Tamar would like to extend a special 10% discount to Modish readers- use code NEST at checkout!

Reach for the stars!

2008-11-15T12:13:46-08:00

Just popping in to say there's still time to enter the November November giveaway! You have until this Sunday at 11:59pm (pst). You could win $778 worth of handmade goodies- enter now! Otis says, you can do it!

Room to Wiggle (even in the smallest apartment!)

2008-11-14T14:17:28-08:00

Election night 2008 doesn't seem like good timing for a political junkie like myself to sign up for a class and pry myself away from the TV for several hours. . . or does it? This year I decided I needed a distraction from the results rolling in, and signed up for a Worm Workshop.

For a mere $15, supplies included, I forgot about red and blue states for 2 solid hours while I concentrated on creating a new home for a pound of red wigglers. I'm not really one to be bothered by a few (thousand) worms, and was really excited about having yet another way to transform food scraps into rich nutrients for my houseplants and garden.

Since I'm a vegetarian and really enjoy cooking, we have a lot of vegetable scraps. They get divided up for different uses: vegetable stock, hen treats, the occasional kitty and puppster salad, and now worm food. Anything that doesn't make it to another mouth one way or another gets thrown in the big compost heap outside.

Back to the worm bin (vermicomposter, if you want to be all fancy) You'll want to use an opaque plastic storage container. You know, the kind you buy imagining that with it your life will become instantly transformed into an organized system of neat stacking bins color coded for storing your craft materials. The one that just seems to collect junk and actually hinders the organizational idealism. (Remember that tendency of mine?) Make sure it has a nice snug lid, you want to keep most of the light out...as well as any curious kitties that may be lurking about. Drill holes in the sides to create good circulation. We have 7 holes on each long side. Lots of people suggest holes in the top and bottom as well, which sounds like a good idea.

First off, you'll want to soak a whole lot of newspaper--tear it into 1" wide strips and soak it for 20-30 minutes. The water will end up black and inky, so make sure you're wearing clothes you don't mind getting messy. When you're ready to transfer the paper to the bin, you'll want it loose and airy, so don't wring it out or stir it up, just let it soak.

layer #1--Cover the bottom with a material that won't break down in a moist environment. We used styrofoam packing peanuts, which is a great way to keep them out of the landfill.

layer #2--Cover the packing peanuts with plastic landscaping fabric (it has little itty bitty holes to allow for drainage) sandwiched between plastic fencing or screen--this will keep the fabric flat and in place. This layer will allow for drainage if your paper gets too wet. It also keeps a fair amount of air in the bin for good ventilation.

layer #3-- Fill your bin about halfway up with moist, loose newspaper strips. When you're removing the paper from the water, you'll want to drain it til it doesn't drip anymore, but don't wring it out!

layer #4--Add a pound of worms that's about 500-1000 worms. Sprinkle a little soil on top. This will introduce some beneficial organisms to speed up the composting process. Think of it as a housewarming gift for your little guys.

layer #5--Fill the rest of the bin with moist newspaper strips.

layer #6--Add another sheet of landscape fabric. It'll keep the top dark (remember the worms will burrow away from light) and maintain moisture levels.

To keep up with your worms:

One pound of worms will eat about 3 1/2 pounds of food a week. They'll really like you if you cut up your veggie scraps into bite sized pieces.

Keep your food scraps buried in the bin to keep gnats and pests away!

Keep the worms in a high moisture environment: about 80%. If you think it's getting a little too dry, mist the paper down with a spray bottle, but don't drown the little guys.

Things to remember:

Your worms want a damp, not soggy and not dry, home.

Feed them about 3 1/2 pounds of food a week. If it starts smelling, you may have too much food in there. Feed them with the same rules you use for your compost bin (no meat, no dairy, no greasy greasy gunk).

They will go through an acclimation period and won't eat too much at first. That's okay--they'll grow to love their new home and will start processing your garbage with glee.

However, if your worms try to escape, you might need to troubleshoot; examine how much food you're giving them, the moisture of the environment, the air circulation and anything else that may go awry. They're trying to tell you something!

Don't let them freeze--no one likes a wormsicle, especially the worms. Also, don't keep them in direct sun. A nice temperate climate is what they, and you, want if you want to avoid a worm massacre.

Other helpful resources:

Martha Stewart Living's online instructions.

Another WormWoman.

Online brochure from Piedmont Landscaping and Naturescaping Training.

You Grow Girl's online guide to setting up a vermicomposting bin.

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

Sponsor Spotlight: Carolina Cottage

2008-11-14T12:56:20-08:00

Visit Carolina Cottage for a heavy dose of decoupaged goodness. Get $3 off your order by mentioning "Modish" in the comments section when checking out!

Handmade Spaces: Little Flower Designs

2008-11-14T09:43:58-08:00

Oh do I have a treat for you today! A behind the scenes studio tour of one of my favorite shops, Little Flower Designs! Created by Linda Johnson, Little Flower Designs is full of beautiful pottery with adorable hand-drawn designs that I have long since oohed and ahhed over- in fact, Little Flower was one of the very first shops I blogged about here over 2 years ago! Both this blog and her work have evolved a lot since then- let's take a peek at where Linda's beautiful designs are born!

What do you create in this space?
I design and make nature inspired pottery with a focus on dinnerware. I also create functional and decorative items like platters, vases and holiday ornaments.

Where is it located?
I am very lucky to have a home studio, it is in my basement which for now works out very well. We live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, close enough to enjoy the city but far enough away to have a nice yard with room for a dog and garden.

What sort of tools/equipment do you use?

My main tool is my hands, I also use many small hand tools that are designed for working with clay. My main pieces of equipment are the potter's wheel, slab roller and of course the kiln.

What inspirations do you keep nearby?

I do a lot of sketching and keep them close by when I'm working. I also pick up bits of nature, including acorns, leaves, flowers and branches to look at in the studio. I have photos of my family, art postcards and small art pieces on a cork board above my drawing table that I often sit and look at when I need a little break. I also take a walk or 2 each day around my neighborhood and find little inspirations while out.

What do you like to listen to/watch while creating?

I do it all! I am in the studio from morning to evening and mainly listen to the radio all day. I listen to an alternative radio station (Y-rock http://www.xpn.org/yrock-on-xpn/home) that plays everything from 80's hardcore and new wave to current indie bands. I love the mix. I also have a tv in the studio, I won the tv in a raffle so it just ended up in there but I admit, I do turn it on! I often turn on the news. Silence is also good, my ears get tired and sometimes it's nice to just be in my own thoughts while working.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
Most of the time I feel motivated, ready to get my hands in the clay, sometimes overwhelmed, overall, very proud to be an artist and blessed to have a space to work in. I have been making small improvements to have a better work flow- that has brought a great calmness to the studio.

To see more of the beautiful items that Linda creates here, check out the Little Flower Designs shop! She's having a special free shipping promo right now too, until the end of Nov! Thanks Linda, for sharing your wonderful space with us!