Brooklyn Belle

From drab to fab

2009-03-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

When it comes to making jewelry, much of my energy is spent re-imagining and re-working previous efforts. That said, I am so happy with my most recently reincarnated piece, pictured here.

Formerly, each of the three gemstones had been the centerpiece of its own totally blah pair of earrings. All of which had been collecting dust in my re-do pile. And like a slap to the noggin, it finally dawned on me that grouped together, their mix of colors and shapes works really nicely together!

I got (new) skills

2009-03-29T10:26:00.001-07:00

I recently (yesterday) spent a lovely afternoon at the home/studio of Caja Jewelry's Andrea and Juan, learning the basics of metal sawing and piercing. I was also joined by fellow student and {NewNew} member Lydia of Smallest Friend.

I can say with absolute certainty that Andrea and Juan have no cause to fear me as a future business competitor, however I was pretty darn pleased with the finished pieces that I came away with.

I was convinced that the below - my pièce de résistance - would look cool with a chain just going through the loop of the "i," but actually it doesn't hang so well that way. So now I'm looking forward to drilling a hole in it without the aid of real jeweler's tools.

And the work of someone with real skills, all available from Caja Jewelry:

Craft fair season is in the air...

2009-03-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'll remind you as the date gets closer, but get excited for peak craft fair season with the {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team's Spring Handmade Cavalcade? Put a spring in your step and buy something fun for yourself gosh darn it!

Event Details...
Date: May 9 & 10 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: The Bell House, Brooklyn (149 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Click here for directions.

How to: Melt & Pour Soap Wedding Favors

2009-03-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

The first of what I hope will be many more video how-to's. Here I'm joined by Michelle of Dirty Loves Clean, who had some great ideas for using melt and pour soap to make some simple, easy and elegant wedding favors.

This how-to was created by me and Michelle as members of The {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team.

Crochet is my new BFF

2009-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

I've been talking the talk about learning to crochet fo-ever. I'm finally walking the walk. While my mom was in town this weekend, I found a simple hat pattern that seemed like a great learn-by-doing project. It only required a couple of basic stitches - single crochet and a puff stitch. After learning these, I was anxious to dive right in.

It was a bit of a tag team effort, swapping off every few rows. And since my mom can work a crochet hook way faster than me, she definitely ended up doing more of the work, but that way we were able to get it all done before she had to leave.

I'm ready to try my hands at another hat before I forget everything and have to learn how to do a chain stitch for about the fourth time.

I was aiming for sassy, but I think I missed the mark. Looks a little pissed off, no?

I'm back, baby!

2009-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well, looks like I'm back in charge of my own destiny once again. No dream job will be handed to me on a silver platter, and that suits me just fine.

I have sorely neglected my crafting on account of all this Best Job brouhaha over the past several weeks, but watch out, because I'm back and feeling super motivated. I mean, if I can put that much effort into a pipe dream, surely I can be doing more in pursuit of real goals.

Huzzah!

Destined for greatness?

2009-02-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

This, my 30th year, is the year that great things are supposed to happen, at least that’s what they told me.

So when I learned of an intriguing opportunity being made available by Tourism Queensland, I naturally decided to go whole hog, full force and put all my eggs in this one basket. I mean, isn’t it obvious that THIS is the great thing I’m destined to experience.

As if you aren't already getting your fill of me, Yours truly on this or my other, completely self-involved blog - ilana turns 30 - you can now follow my efforts to land The Best Job in the World on my newest blog at www.pickme-pickme.com.

Keep your fingers crossed...

I resolve to buy majority handmade and vintage

2009-02-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite ready to go cold turkey on my Old Navy/Target/Forever 21 habit. But I am making a concerted effort to keep it to a minimum, and put more of my hard earned money toward supporting handmade, and staying green by shopping vintage.

And to that aim, I discovered the absolutely cutest, somewhat new (since October) vintage store right here in good ol' Greenpoint - Old Hollywood.

I needed another clutch like I need a hole in the head, but I just couldn't resist.

And as a side note, every time I step into one of these super cute new boutiques, it makes me absolutely ache for the day when I can open my own. No, Yours truly hasn't abandoned her goals completely, don't fret now my dearies.

Something altogether new

2009-01-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

I've been scheming on a new design for quite some time, with the idea of doing something with teacups. Why teacups? Who knows. Because they're cute, I suppose.

The clever folks at Domestic Construction beat me to the punch a bit with their Ted lights, which are fabulous, especially the clusters. I like to think I had a similar idea (or was at least on my way to one) before seeing their wares at last summer's Renegade, and since they seemed to be doing such a nice job with it, I set about to do something different.

Ta-da...

And besides which, I think my choice of fabrics and pairings have somewhat come to define my work, so it's only fitting that this design is a continuation along that path.

Update:Yay! The lamp you see above was recently purchased by a lovely woman in Oklahoma (at least I'm assuming she's lovely, seeing as how I assume that of all my customers:). Better get to work on more tea cup lamps!

A couple of things around the house

2009-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to make it a point to focus more of my crafting on things that I get to enjoy. So without further ado...

Now that Dylan and I finally have a real kitchen table, I wanted to doll it up a bit. I finally ditched our dollar store utensil caddy and voila!

I just happened to have a couple of canisters laying around that were made from cutting the tops off of wine bottles, and since I had yet to really do anything with them, things worked out rather nicely. I might make another - smaller - one from a beer bottle at some point - could be a useful addition. And to help keep things tidy, I placed everything on a super cute vintage serving tray. I'd also like to call attention to my amazing sugar bowl from Antonisse Ceramics.

Ever the organizer, I decided that it was time to do something now that we're up to 3 remotes. I had the thought of throwing something simple together with all the extra fabric I have around, but I don't have that kind of time. And besides, this worked out way better. I bought an inexpensive bedside caddy, which has a long flap designed to go underneath a mattress to keep it in place. I simply added a few grommets to said flap, used ribbon to secure it to the arm rail of our futon, and presto-chango, the remotes (and magazines and all sorts of other things) are out of the way, yet right where you need them.

Handmade Holidays

2009-01-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

I always strive for at least a portion of my gifts to be handmade. Here are just a couple of the items I made for the loved ones this year.

H&M has great basics - tee's, hoodies, etc. - they are cheap, fit nicely, and perfect for embellishing. I bought this gray t-shirt on spec for my BF, not entirely sure what to do with it. I was simultaneously pondering what to do with a recently purchased vintage player piano scroll when divine inspiration struck. I used just a small portion of the scroll as a t-shirt stencil (in other words, there are a lot more t-shirts where this one cam from)!

And as for my dad, I figured his inherently 'whimsical' sense of style made him an ideal candidate for some self-referential irony.

And for mom, I went with the handiwork of another - this lovely top from KimmChi. I also included some earrings and a necklace that I made, which coincidentally coordinate quite nicely with the top (individually however, not together).

Oh, and for my brother, I discovered the most hilarious Etsy seller ever, and got this!

My new favorite thing

2008-12-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Super cool bottle found by my mother, and some vintage fabric purchased from Modish Vintage.

The adjacent dresser - not really visible in this image - has been in need of re-finishing for quite some time, and this new lamp has finally helped me decide on a direction. Too bad it will have to wait until milder weather (the need for open windows and all...).

Bauble-icious

2008-11-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Tangentially to the Great Re-Decorate of '08, I finally completed my custom jewelry box, made from IKEA's famed FIRA mini-chest. The FIRA collection is perhaps my favorite, and the most versatile of IKEA's small storage solution offerings.

I stained the exterior with my all-time favorite Minwax Wood Finish - Red Oak - and lined each drawer in a floral print that couldn't have matched my dresser any better if I had tried (and I swear I didn't, I bought this fabric on spec, with lampshades in mind). The drawer bottoms are lined with felt in a super bright fuchsia.

Love it! Now I have plenty of room for all the great necklaces I've been accumulating. FYI - I am so over earrings; it's all about adorning the decolletage (haha...or lack thereof in my case).

And here's a tip: glue sticks! Glue sticks are my new favorite crafting supply. Perhaps not quite as secure or permanent as spray adhesive, but so much easier and less of a hassle to use (plus, I can use it indoors).

The Great ReDecorate of '08

2008-11-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

I am redecorating my life! And by my life, I mean my apartment. And by my apartment, I mean my living room.

The inspiration? This lamp, my latest sidewalk rescue project!

I am horrible at remembering to take before pictures, but lucky for me, it was from Ikea (just imagine it with a busted shade and looking like its previous owner didn't clean the house all that often).

Now as far as the Great ReDecorate of '08 is concerned, everything hinged on finding just the right fabric for a new lampshade, and I was absolutely thrilled when I found this one from Lindylou Fabrics. And FYI, Etsy is becoming one of my favorite venues for supplies.

The fabric has tons of colors - including everything I needed, plus everything that was missing from my life. And it has already inspired even more great Etsy purchases. Updates to come...

What's been keeping me so busy

2008-10-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

while not a "craft" project, per se, I now present my latest creative endeavor...

A question for the ages

2008-10-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Is a blog about the fact that I haven't blogged in way too long worth blogging about?

Oh, blog it!

Crafty Marketing

2008-09-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, you've gotta take a break from making THINGS, in order to make SALES!

I have been super slack on putting together the most essential of marketing tools, namely business cards. But in preparation for the upcoming Atlantic Antic, I figured it was about darn time. The jury is still out on whether or not craft fairs are the best venue for me, but even if they don't result in a lot of same-day sales, you never know what future sales may be lurking around the corner. That said, it's sort of ridiculous that it's taken me until now to put together a proper business card.

However, most of Saturday afternoon was actually spent designing a postcard. The postcard is so much more fun! By its very nature it allows for some actual messaging, and the opportunity to get a little more creative. But the business card is still an essential. Why? Because it fits in a pocket.

My philosophy as far as business cards are concerned is that the design should be clean and simple, and not distract from their primary purpose as a quick reference tool. Therefore, I kept it pretty straight forward (plus I was a bit burned out after spending so much time on the postcard...)

Been feeling a bit pigeon-holed...

2008-08-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

The 'ol Etsy sales have been a little slow lately, which frankly, is a.o.k. with me. It's coincided quite nicely with a (hopefully temporary) lull in my enthusiasm, plus given me the time to get to some other craft projects.

When I first learned of the freezer paper method of stenciling, I was hankering to give it a go. Well, I am pretty sure it's been on my to-do list for well over a year now, but FINALLY, here it is: my first ever, original stenciled piece.

I wanted to keep it simple - I don't know how people do the really intricate stuff, clearly they are way more skilled with an x-acto - so I went with this lovely pigeon silhouette. Despite being the rats of the bird family, they're still pretty cute I think. And as you can see, I couldn't help myself from embellishing it just a bit with that one little rhinestone.

I'm pretty happy with how it came out. There are a few teensy, tiny places where the edges could be a bit sharper, but other than that the only real problem is that it got a little messed up during the final step of heat-setting the paint with the iron. The tutorial I was following suggested placing a clean piece of freezer paper over the dried image during this step, which in the future I wouldn't repeat. Granted I was a little antsy with letting the paint fully dry, which probably exacerbated the problem, but the piece of freezer paper left a bunch of blotchy, waxy residue over it. Even after touching it up afterward, it still appears a bit blotchy. Oh well, lesson learned. Should have used the tutorial linked to above ;)

Where's your Olympic spirit?

2008-08-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through Etsy, really hoping to find some cool Olympics inspired stuff, and I gotta tell ya, I was wanting more. I can't believe no one has stenciled Phelps' goofy, beautiful grin on a t-shirt yet? Maybe everyone is just too busy being glued to the around-the-clock coverage (like me) to post new items.

Here's what I did find (click on image to view Etsy listing):

A little cutesy for me, but I have to give it props seeing as how swimming is THE sport to watch (and the fact that I was a swimmer):

The beauty of sport:

Classic iconography:

Instantly classic iconography:

The coziest way of all to show your Olympic spirit:

Crafting a real vacation

2008-07-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Like a typical overworked American, most of my vacation days get all gobbled up by family obligations, which are decidedly not "vacation," and the occasional long weekend, which is just too fleeting to count.

So I have been eagerly anticipating my first ever "staycation" (a full week off from work, minimal travel beyond the city limits) which will officially commence at 2:45pm this Saturday (I am volunteering for the NYC triathlon Saturday morning in order to secure a spot for next year's race, thus the delayed start time). But here's the thing, in order to properly vacation, I think it might be necessary to put the crafting on hold as well. What!?

Can anyone else relate? I have become so accustomed to spending all my spare time tinkering with lamps and the like, that I've plumb forgot how to veg out and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon watching 10 Things I Hate about You for the 20th time because it's once again the Sunday Matinee on channel 11.

Maybe I'll allow myself just a couple of those little projects that keep getting put off, or limit myself to just one afternoon of work on the ol' Etsy shop. But I fear that may be a slippery slope...

I need to take a break, but when it comes to crafting, I just can't break the habit!

Craft my Cube

2008-07-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Turns out my day job cubicle - blerg... yes, I work in a cubicle... - is the perfect place for displaying and making use of some of my most crafty possessions. Plus, the craftiness of it all really helps alleviate that certain sterile something that accompanies the much maligned 'cube.'

The crafting of my cube is still a work in progress, but here's a sneak peak. Oh, and just in case anyone from the DIY network is out there, I smell a new show idea...feel free to contact me...

1. This one is actually a bit silly. I like to keep hand sanitizer on my desk, but I don't like the sterile (there's that word again...) look of a big 'ol dispenser of Purell just sitting there. After toying with the idea of knitting a Purell dispenser cozy, I realized that the much simpler solution was to just get a nice soap dispenser. I stole an idea straight from the pages of the now defunct Adorn magazine, and 'adorned' this simple one from Target with Hambly Screen Prints rub-on's.

2. OOOOOH...This one is my favorite!!! I just got it! It's a moss terrarium courtesy of Made By Mavis. Perfect for bringing something a little green - and more importantly, low maintenance - into the workplace. And it is so cute (especially with the teeny tiny turtle figurine I added)! Check out the close-up down below.

3. Ok, so it's not handmade, but I bought this little coin bank from Pearl River Mart because it was cute, cheap, and just plain irresistible. I figured it would be good for saving the change whenever I treat myself to some Dunkin' Donuts or Dr. Pepper, but surprisingly, I've been really good about keeping those daytime treats to a minimum (yay me!).

4. The very first lamp made by Yours truly. Naturally it has a few minor flaws being the prototype and all, but that's what makes it special and all mine.

5. Who's that browsing Etsy at work? Tisk, tisk.

Oh, and how could I forget about the non-sanctioned tacks I crafted (yes, tacks are supposed to be uniform throughout the office, although I don't think anyone's enforcing that)? Just some self-adhesive, decorative paper over a clothespin, and a couple of ordinary tacks glued to the back. Much better...

Done and Done

2008-06-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Oh man...I got a little in over my head with my first 'wholesale' order. I was enlisted to make 24 of my beer bottle votives, and while on the surface that doesn't (and didn't) sound so bad, I am super relieved to have them all finished...finally. I went through at least 100 beer bottles in order to get to the finished 24, so a huge thank you to all my beer guzzling friends and co-workers.

I'm also pretty stoked that the libation I'm currently sipping on is NOT beer for a change :)

Scrapping together something extra

2008-06-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

So many great fabrics...what to do with all the scraps? BUTTONS! And perfect as "free trinkets with purchase!"

Who's that on the Etsy home page?

2008-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's Yours truly...along with just a few of my lovely and talented New New compatriots.

I bought stuff at Renegade...did you?

2008-06-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't make it over to Renegade until Sunday, which is a bit atypical for me...I generally like to scope it out first on Saturday (although that does usually entail a purchase or two) and then head back over on Sunday with the bf in tow in order to get his opinion on things I didn't (yet) buy. The Sunday only routine worked really nicely for me this year, and I credit it with the fact that I was much more restrained with my spending, which is a good thing...no, a great thing!

You see, at craft fairs past I have always succumb to that sense of urgency they instill (this is my one and only chance to buy this truly, truly unique X, and if I don't buy it now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life) only to regret at least one of those purchases when exposed to the true light of day-after-craft-fair.

Well not this time by George. It's the day after alright, and not only do I respect my purchases, I love 'em!

Just what did I get? Check it all out... The shirt in the picture above is courtesy of Red Prairie Press. And below, helping me rep for my favorite borough of them all, is the unique design of Brookadelphia (notice they go by BROOKadelphia rather than Phillyn...even though I kinda like the sound of that come to think of it...oh wait, that's probably because my boy's name in Dylan).

"Splat" is the handiwork of none other than Stereoette.

And what's all that in my hot little hand? What looks like another 'ol craft book is actually an awesome journal that just happened to borrow a bit from some 'ol craft book, a product of Ex Libris Anonymous. And in front is a set of the cutest little note cards ever...they read "*notes are better than letters"...get it? I don't have info on the lovely lady that I bought them from though, so if anyone recognizes her work, do tell!

Happy Handmade Father's Day

2008-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure whether it’s simply the male DNA to blame, or some chemical/biological change that occurred the moment he became a father, but either way, my dad is impossible to shop for. He doesn't want for new clothes (still wearing t-shirts from well before I was born), has no hobbies really (unless you consider his clarinet playing, but he does that professionally so it doesn’t count), and is generally pretty content with the stuff he already owns.

So what to buy the man who doesn’t want or need anything? Well, he already has a lamp made from an old clarinet - seriously - so anything from the likes of Yours truly is out the window.

I looked to my fellow New New’ers for ideas, and here are some of my faves…

A new tie from ikyoto

Message to dad: Stop wearing those awful clarinet ties! They are even dorkier than a piano tie, and most people wouldn’t have even thought that was possible. Now THIS is a tie! I have no idea what the text on it might say, but as a tie, it practically screams “I am the coolest dad ever!”

Cuff Links from wabisabi brooklyn

French cuffed shirts are a classic, classy look; it’s too bad more men don’t wear them. These super cool cuff links are a perfect gift for a new dad who needs some subtle fashion advice. Unfortunately my dad is too far gone.

Nice soap from Kopah

I know for a fact that dad’s appreciate a nice, handmade soap. My grandparents were visiting this one time, and there just happened to be some goat’s milk soap that my mom had picked up at a craft event in the shower they were using, and my gramps went ga-ga over it. Help your dad ditch the Irish Spring and broaden his hygiene horizons (my dad’s name his Gene, insert pun there).

And don’t forget the card...from waisze

Or if you’re like me, it might be all about the card. Because he is, as I said, impossible to shop for, and as homage to the fact that I am truly my father’s daughter (read: I am cheap, and I learned it from watching you dad), I have been known to acknowledge Father’s Day with nothing more than a thoughtful card and a timely phone call. And you know what, I’m still his favorite daughter.

Who's that hangin' out in the Treehouse?

2008-05-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Why...it's none other than Yours truly! A special selection of original lamps from Yours truly is now available at Williamsburg's favorite cute little shop for vintage and handmade stuff, Treehouse.

Whether you need a new lamp or not, you should definitely stop by...you're sure to find something you want/need/want badly enough to rationalize it as a need. Plus they offer classes from time to time, as well as their latest feature, online shopping (courtesy of Etsy naturally).

Treehouse is located at 430 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, open Wednesday - Sunday.

Ya win some, ya lose some

2008-05-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today marked my first appearance selling at Williamsburg's Artists and Fleas, and as much as I might enjoy shopping there myself, it was sort of a bust. Nothing against the venue per se, I think it was simply an ill-fated planetary alignment and/or the following:

a. While the weather held out for the most part, it was rather iffy most of the day and foot traffic was LIGHT
b. In general, I'd say it's a venue that caters best to vintage clothing, jewelry and t-shirts (that's what is usually there, and that's what people expect)
c. Except for one super awesome lady, people apparently weren't in the mood to buy lamps today

Oh, but here's something fun...take a step behind the table ladies and gents, and experience...The Seller's Perspective

Grandma Chic

2008-05-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

I, Yours truly, hereby coin the term "Grandma Chic." I've been using the term casually for some time now, but I've finally decided to make it official.

And what you may ask is "Grandma Chic"? Well, that's the beauty of it; I believe the term is quite self explanatory, and does a superb job of calling to mind the precise qualitative nature which it is meant to denote. You see, it refers to a certain type of vintage aesthetic that while reminiscent of a bygone era and a doting motherly figure, remains thoroughly 'en vogue.'

Examples of Grandma Chic:

Let it also be noted that the entire modern craft movement could in fact be characterized as grandma chic.

Can't...stop...buying...fabric

2008-05-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

I exaggerate. My fabric purchasing habit isn't nearly as severe as my Target or Forever 21 habits. However, like most crafty persons I know, I just can't help buying a fabulous print, even if I have no idea what to do with it.

But fortunately, I know exactly what I will do with these new purchases - lampshades! - that is, unless I just can't help it, and use them for my own selfish desires.

Update on original post (05.17.08):
Just got my fabric in the mail today - the one that I have pictured on the left is amazing! Love it! Not only is it super cute, but it has a great texture. It would be awesome for just about anything, but it will definitely look really good on a lampshade...yay!

So new?

2008-05-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

My goodness...so much time has passed, and yet I don't have much to report. Yesterday I took part in another lovely installment of the Hearts & Crafts Affair over at Cafe Grumpy, and not only did I pick up a few new goodies for myself, but I also sold a handful of lamps along the way.

Thanks to KimmChi for stopping by and snapping a pic of my display! Please ignore the fact that I look like a weirdo however...I don't think I knew my picture was being taken (yeah...that explains it...).

Yours truly can be spotted next at Artist & Fleas' Etsy Day - Sunday, May 18. Hope to see you there!

New BFFs

2008-04-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Oh how you make my life so much easier...

Amendment to my original post (05.12.08):
I'm slow...I only just recently realized that the little red button you see on that rotary cutter is a locking mechanism so that I can keep the blade exposed without holding in the handle the entire time. Also, I think I nicked the blade a bit or something, because it keeps missing a bit of fabric at regular intervals when I make a cut. Oh well...still better that cutting everything the old fashioned way.

Don't forget...

2008-04-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

This Sunday marks the debut of the Brooklyn Flea. Check out their web site for the most complete directions ever on how to get there - www.brownstoner.com/brooklynflea.

And guess what...the outlook for Sunday is about as good as it gets for the first weekend in April - sunny and mid-50's.

Craft Diaries: Part 3

2008-03-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Craft Diary,

Where was I? Oh yes, when we last met I had just finished reminiscing about my forays into crafting during my Chapel Hill days. (Speaking of Chapel Hill, I just received an Etsy order from Chapel Hill – how funny?)

After Chapel Hill I found myself in Boston for what I like to consider my graduate school of life. It was a period when although I had finally matriculated, there remained much to learn, and I am grateful that I got to live it instead of reading it in a book or discussing it in a classroom.

Anywho, crafting...my impetus for crafting in those days was my discovery of the store Beadworks. I was in need of something special to where for a special occasion, and like so many other beaded jewelry makers, I decided to make it rather than search endlessly for just the right thing. I had no idea what I was doing, but through trial and error eventually developed some technique with wire wrapping and such, and if I do say-so myself, a certain knack for bead shopping. Or maybe that’s just shopping? Or spending money? Either way, it’s a knack. Then again, it could just be a knick knack. Or a paddy whack? OK, I’ll stop. Sorry, got a little carried away with that one.

Later on, not entirely satisfied with my beads and wire, I decided that owning a sewing machine would empower me to do any number of crafty things. But the machine I got was a lemon, so it mostly collected dust.

And then I had an idea, an amazing idea. I had always wanted to own my own boutique, so I thought why not open an online boutique – an online destination that would offer the best variety of handmade, unique wares. Trouble is, apparently, someone else had the same idea, except a way better version of it, and the means to do it really, really well. My meager little venture IlanaRose.com (nothing's there anymore) was short-lived and cost me money that would have been better spent on craft supplies. But somewhere down in Brooklyn, Etsy was being hatched, and I’m pretty darn ok with how their version turned out.

Ta,
Yours truly

Patting Yours truly on the back

2008-03-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I have been very pleasantly surprised by the initial success of my Etsy shop. All of my previous sales endeavors have always been met with a fairly luke warm reception, so it is just fantastic that I seem to have finally (although I don't want to speak to soon) hit upon something that strikes a cord with folks.

I want to give a huge thank you to The Broken Plate who expressed great enthusiasm for my items right from the start, and was pretty much responsible for my adding a custom lamp shade listing to my shop's offerings - a great idea that I hadn't thought of yet. And best of all, she was kind enough to give me a nice little write up in her Craft Therapy blog.

From the looks of her blog, she is definitely an all-around super crafty lady who is up to all types of worthy endeavors. I love that she also has a focus on upcycling and making use of the old and discarded. After all, it's called The Broken Plate for a reason - check out this piece that I've already bookmarked as one of my faves on Etsy.

And I'm back...

2008-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

I had the flu, and then it was house guests, but I'm back and ready to start living my life again. More coming soon...

Hooray

2008-03-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

I had my first sale on Etsy today! And not only that, but I sold 2 of my 3 items listed (to the same kind woman in CO). My store is pretty empty now, but it's for a good cause - me!

What's in a name?

2008-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

I am currently going crazy and stressing over business names.

A little background: My first commercial craft venture was done under my actual name (because my parents did a great job in that department) "Ilana Rose." But then I got started with the craft store business, so I came up with the name "HandMaiden NY," and started doing everything under that name. But then reasons arose for me to abandon that name as well (as previously discussed), thus I have just about completed my latest name change.

Presenting...*drum-roll please*..."Yours truly, Brooklyn."

HOWEVER, I am sort of already suffering a terrible case of buyer's remorse. Is this name the one? I still really like the name "Brooklyn Belle" which I dabbled with briefly a year ago or so. But that doesn't lend itself to a store name for down the road, and all of my crafting is done with an eye toward the future. Argghhh, I just don't know.

Oy, my head is spinning...have I ever mentioned that I am very indecisive?

Here's a rundown of all that the name change has entailed:

1. New URL - www.yourstrulyxoxo.com (the old one redirects)
2. New blog URL (and name) - blog.yourstrulyxoxo.com (the old one redirects as well)
3. MySpace - here's where things get murky. "yourstrulyxoxo" was already taken, so I got "yourstruly__xoxo," but then decided it would make more sense to just not mess with my MySpace so as not to lose any friends, so basically I am all over the place there. I think I now have like 3 identical pages floating around on MySpace. Oh well, hardly ever go on there anymore.

Craft Diaries: Part 2

2008-02-29T15:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Diary,

After my first dalliance with sewing, I didn't do much more for a while. My mom would sew stuff for me here and there, and I usually helped out to an extent, but not enough to advance my skills much.

Sure, I enjoyed craft related stuff, and liked to assist my mom with her various projects around the house (she has pretty much done everything in our house - paint, refinish, tile, embroider anything from cornices to throw pillows, make curtains, the list goes on) but I was way preoccupied with competitive swimming. I spent all my free time from about age 10 until 21 starring at the black line on the bottom on a swimming pool, and I was fairly blind to everything else (except boys - want to know who I had a crush on when I was 10, and then at 12, or how about at 16? I could list them all).

I never gave much formal thought to making stuff until college when I discovered a lovely little bead store adjacent to an upscale fabric store in the same strip mall as Harris Teeter. I might have tried to make some jewelry - I don't really remember - but I definitely decided to make a purse in the style of a way overpriced one I had seen in a nearby gift shop, and embellish it with some beads.

It actually came out pretty well, but I NEVER used it. The strap came out way too long, and I don't know, it was just never the purse I wanted to use when heading out for the evening. I finally got rid of it a few years ago. Too bad, I wish I could share a picture with you.

And then I made a mermaid costume for Halloween my senior year. It came out ok, just ok. Like that skirt back in fourth grade, I still didn't have much of a concept for how clothing should be constructed, nor did I bother with a pattern. But it was just a costume after all.

Til next time,
Ilana

Let's be renegades together

2008-02-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

I made a feeble attempt at applying to last summer's Renegade, but this year I want to do it right. I'm trying to pull together a group of perhaps 3-5 folks, depending on how much stuff everyone has, in order to submit a super strong group application full of variety and panache.

Pretty please, if you're interested, or know someone who should be, put them in touch with me, and pronto - info@handmaidenny.com.

Any ideas?

2008-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

So, I got this really cool decanter that I'm going to use for another lamp, but I'm wondering what I can do with its stopper. I don't have any use for it as far as the lamp is concerned, but it's super cool too...anybody have an idea? It is sort of heavy and chunky, FYI.

BUST is doing it again

2008-02-22T10:08:00.001-08:00

Seems they've decided to get back in touch with their Craftacular roots by bringing it back to Brooklyn with the first ever Spring Fling Craftacular, to be held at The Warsaw in Greenpoint (even though their web site claims Williamsburg). Very exciting, to me at least.

The event is scheduled for Sunday April 27, and its line-up includes all the same fun and games as their hugely successful Holiday Craftacular - over 50 vendors, DJs, dancing, drinks, and a 90's themed dance party!

Vendor applications are due March 30, and can be found at http://www.bust.com/craftacular/spring.fling.apply.html. FAQs are also available at http://www.bust.com/craftacular/spring.fling.faq.html.

Miss you there - I'll actually be in FL celebrating my grandfather's birthday with the fam.

Let there be lamp!

2008-02-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Deciding to step away from jewelry for a while (with the exception of a few little baubles for myself), I had the idea a while back to try my hand at lamp making, and...Ta-da!

While definitely a 'learning piece,' I'm still pretty happy with the results of my very first lamp. It's going to be my new desk lamp at work since there's no space for it at home.

Lessons learned:
1. Wine bottles are maybe too tall, maybe not.
2. Entirely do-it-yourself lamp shade = way too labor intensive. Apparently there are a lot of pre-fab, self-adhesive ones available that ought to make things much easier. And if stenciling or something, like I did on this one, a cheap, ready-made shade would be the way to go.

Techniques to try in the future:
1. Etching
2. More interesting bottles
3. Putting stuff in the bottle
4. Something other than a bottle

p.s. Those of you that have been with me for a while might recognize that stencil...have totally gotten my money's worth with that one :)

Craft night

2008-02-15T09:25:00.001-08:00

Gal pal R. Vine hosted a lovely craft night this past Tuesday, and I'm happy to report that it served as the impetus for me to finally make good on a promise to myself to learn how to crochet. Apparently even a children's crochet book is too difficult for me to follow, so with the aid of new friend Lindsey, I successfully put together a nice little practice swatch.

Why are needlework instructions so difficult for me to follow? Am I the only one with this problem? It's like, in an effort to be so thoroughly explanatory, they make it more complicated than it needs to be. Just say: "wrap yarn under hook from back to front. Pull slip knot off and over hooked yarn." But they muck it up with so many superfluous details on exactly how to hold the hook, and balance the hook, and which fingers to use, and how to hold the yarn, and how you should be sitting, and which hand to use for grabbing your wine glass (well, maybe not that one)...enough already, just tell me what I need to know in plain and simple language, and leave all the rest out. Or better yet, sit down next to me and show me.

How to replicate that one-on-one tutorial experience into written instructions? If someone could figure that out, I mean really nail it, then we'd be onto something.

New name coming soon...

2008-02-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Handmaiden NY was the first name I came up with that I liked, but I never loved it. Plus, when I began talks with a potential partner, she didn't love it either, and since I wasn't sold on her proposed business name, we decided to start from scratch. I've stuck with Handmaiden all this time on account of that business plan competition (so as not to confuse things, since that was my working name at the time the competition commenced). So anywho, now that the competition is over and done with, I figure why not roll out the new name that I am in love with...

Why not? Well, I do have a new domain purchased, and the logo you may have now become accustomed to was inspired by, and works much better with the new name (at least I think so), however, I can't do anything about my blog URL. I can change its title and all (I think), but the URL will still involve handmaiden. And so will the MySpace, but I haven't done much with that anyhow, so whatevs.

Oh well, I'll just have to not worry about that for now. Whenever this store actually opens it'll probably warrant a whole new blog, but in the mean time, the handmaiden URL can serve as another reminder of how this is all a work in progress. Yeah, I like that reasoning...

Craft Diaries: Part 1

2008-02-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Diary,

OK, so you're probably wondering, "Does this girl even make anything, or is she all talk?" A fair enough question; I've devoted very little space to discussing my actual, nuts and bolts craft ventures. I'm here to rectify that.

What do I do? What have I made? How did it all begin?

I think my penchant for making things myself can be traced back to fourth grade when my mom gave me free reign with her sewing machine to make a skirt. I had no idea what I was doing. No pattern, no idea of how actual clothing should be constructed, just a picture in my mind of what I thought the 'it' skirt of the day was - a mid-calf, pencil type thing with a slit in the back from which some lace peeked out. I managed to put something together (probably with at least some help from my mom), and although it promptly ripped the following morning when I was getting on the school bus, it was wearable enough to make it out the door. It was pretty terrible, but I was mighty proud.

Regretfully, my skills as a seamstress haven't improved much. I have owned a sewing machine for the past couple of years, but until recently it was this refurbished Singer that my mom had gotten me, and that machine and I did not get along well. Needless to say, I didn't use it much, and the clothing projects I attempted didn't turn out so well. While I now have a better idea of how clothing should be constructed, I still don't like patterns much.

But...I got a new machine - a Bernette (by Bernina) 65 - and so far, so good. I am versed in the basics, so I can totally handle the simple stuff like tote bags, of which I've made plenty (Holiday presents a couple years ago). I was stoked with the results of my first project with the new machine (check out my new everyday tote pictured below), and even more stoked that I got through it with no snags, literally.

I've pledged to take good care of my new friend Bernette and follow all her maintenance instructions. We're getting along so well, I definitely want to keep it that way! And, feeling empowered by this new relationship, I've mustered the courage to properly undertake clothing. First on the agenda - a cute pair of bloomers for my most favorite summer dresses (that are a smidge on the short side).

But I've dabble in so many other things...more to come later

A new craft fair venue - how exciting!

2008-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

The Brooklyn Brownstoner has been hard at work organizing what is sure to be the "biggest and most interesting flea market in the city." Its Brooklyn Flea is set to launch April 6 on the Bishop Loughlin schoolyard on Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene (map).

In their own words, they admit that: "We use the term 'flea market' with both affection and a wink and a nod because...while the Brooklyn Flea will offer plenty of flea market meat-and-potatoes (vintage clothing, music and furniture), it will also have an exciting mix of local designers, artists and crafties."

Get excited and find out more by checking out their new blog.

Make your own valentines

2008-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

...or buy some that someone else has made. As featured on the Calendar of Craft, the Brooklyn Indie Market is hosting a craft fair this Sunday.

Brooklyn Indie Market: Be Your Own Valentine
When: Sun, Feb 10, 12pm – 6pm
Where: Camp Lounge, 179 Smith St. (between Warren and Wyckoff), Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

My family is nuts, but hilarious

2008-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have to give a shout out to my brother for his own crafty venture - his homemade documentary Jews at Sea. Plus, I'm in it, and that's always fun. Check out the trailer -

If you like what you see, you can be his friend too - www.myspace.com/jewsatsea

oh darn

2008-01-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Poop! After many, many months of the most drawn out competition ever (PowerUp! Business Plan Competition), the results are in. And...I didn't win. But I didn't leave empty handed either. I received a PowerUp! branded umbrella (automatic!), a sweet little set of laptop accessories (the miniature mouse is a scientific marvel), and a framed certificate on which I'll be replacing "Honorable Mention" with "Super Duper Craftastic." Actually, I'd first like to replicate it in cross stitch before making that little change in wording, and then it should be just about perfect for hanging in my future office.

But seriously, I did come away with a totally buttoned-up business plan, and the validation of having been recognized as a finalist. And while I didn't secure the big bucks as far as prize money goes, I wasn't left empty handed in that regard either. While not enough to start a business - or pay a month's rent - it's money I didn't have before. It's covering the cost of my new sewing machine (a Bernette 65 - more on that later) and getting the ol' savings account kick started again.

All in all, PowerUp! was definitely a worth while endeavor, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a new business (in Brooklyn or Queens). If nothing else it will help organize your thoughts and plans, and put a deadline on getting it all together. And who knows, maybe you'll end up with a little extra pocket change too!

p.s. So here's a funny little anecdote. There are sure to be at least a handful of reasons for why the winner won and I didn't (maybe Mod Podge isn't as cool as I thought? Nah...). However, in introducing the winner, it was noted that "she's already earned a following on her blog." Now there's a novel idea... but hers really is a 'novel' idea - she's planning to open a book store.

The Calendar of Craft

2007-12-15T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well, the calendar is up, but there ain't much on it yet. Further proving the need for such a calendar, not much luck so far gathering info on upcoming events, other than the ones I already know. Send me your events, and I'll get 'em posted!

Keeping track of craft fairs

2007-12-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Even those in the know, don't always know what's going on.

There are a ton of craft fairs going on these days on account of the Holidays. But throughout the rest of the year, there continues to be a lot of craft goings-on in this town whether you realize it or not. It's been suggested on more than one occasion that someone should be keeping track of them, so I figured I'd give it a whirl, but I can't do it without you. Know of a craft fair happening in New York, pass that info along, and I'll get it posted on my coming-soon Craft Fair Calendar. 'Bout dang time, right!?

And Speaking of Craft Fairs...

2007-11-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

The weekend of Dec. 1-2 is gonna be a busy one for yours truly (oh man, that line would have just worked so well if...I don't want to give too much away...). Just in time for the Holiday rush, I'll be peddling some wares and trying to earn a buck or two. All in the name of a good cause of course - me (I think I've thoroughly covered how important my own personal financial health is to this whole business planning business, so no need to elaborate there).

Satuday, December 1, 10am - 5
28th Annual Holiday Craft Fair @ Brooklyn Friends School
375 Pearl St.
Brooklyn, NY
*Near Jay St.-Borough Hall station

Sunday, December 2, noon - 6
the hearts and crafts affair *a holiday craft fair @ Cafe Grumpy
the corner of Meserole Ave. and Diamond St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
*Near G - Nassau St. stop (exit at Norman St.)

Oh, and check out my new splash page at HandMaidenNY.com - I don't claim to be a great web, or graphic designer, so as a total novice, I'm pretty proud of the animated .gif I made.

TIME to get crafty again!

2007-11-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the next round of craft fairs - 2 in one weekend! - I FINALLY got around to trying my hand at those plate clocks. Now imagine how great this will look on a brightly colored kitchen wall...

Materials:
1 cute saucer from Goodwill
1 power drill
1 glass and tile drill bit
1 clock making kit
some patience

Tips:

My first few attempts were unsuccessful on account of a poor quality drill bit - a good little bit goes a long way. After successfully drilling through the first plate however, even the good one seemed noticeably duller, so if you can find a way to keep the bit sharp, bonus!
Place the plate on a hard surface, such as a scrap piece of wood, when drilling.
To easily locate the center of the plate simply draw an outline of it on a piece of paper, cut it out, fold in quarters, and cut a hole in the center. Use this to mark where to drill.
A pilot hole is essential - use a smaller drill bit to make a pilot hole large enough to accommodate just the tip of the larger one, just big enough to prevent it from slipping (not big at all).

Next step...playing around with ceramic paint to add another dimension.

CRAFT FAIR II

2007-09-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's craft fair time again! I'll be representing at Cafe Grumpy's Hearts and Crafts Affair once again this Sunday (tomorrow). Stop by if you can - good coffee, good crafts, good people.

Details:
Sunday, Sept. 9, noon-6pm
Cafe Grumpy
193 Meserole Ave. (at Diamond St.)
Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Hooray for crafty people

2007-05-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

So today was craft fair, and I am so happy with how things went! I forgot to bring one of the displays I had made (this great necklace holder made from a tree branch) - whoops - but I managed pretty well without it. Once again, saucer mirrors were the runaway hit, followed closely by necklaces. I would love to have sold more earrings - as you can see I've made a ton of them! - but so it goes. Based on today's success, I think I'll give this new semi-permanent craft fair down in Cobble Hill a whirl later in the summer.

I'd like to play around with saucer clocks for the next one...we'll see how it goes once I attempt drilling ceramic. Oh, power tools...

Craft Fair Update: So Happy For Me

2007-04-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

I just received word that a space opened up, and I'm in! Four square feet of crafty retail space, all to myself!

In case anyone's interested, here are the details:

"the Hearts and Crafts affair - it's a craft fair"
@ Cafe Grumpy, Sunday, May 6 from 12-6pm
193 Meserole Ave. (at Diamond St.)
Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Stop by and say "Hi" (and buy some handmade stuff:)

So Happy for You, Still a Little Sad for Me

2007-04-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

My crafty friend Kristen was accepted to participate in the little affair over at Grumpy, and she has graciously agreed to share a bit of her space with me. If only I can get past the pain of rejection...

So Sad

2007-04-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

I recently applied to participate in two upcoming craft fairs, and wouldn't you know, I didn't get into either one. I was not at all surprised to be turned away by the craftastically hip folks at Renegade Craft Fair; I would have felt a bit out of my league, wanting mostly to get the word out about HandMaiden NY, anything sold would be a bonus.

However, I was just absolutely counting on getting into this much smaller affair being held at Cafe Grumpy in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (a wonderful coffee joint if you're in the neighborhood). I had been counting on it since all the way back in the Fall, when I first quit my day job and got all wrapped up in making stuff, lots of stuff. I remembered that Grumpy had hosted a nice little fair in the past, and I waited anxiously all winter long to hear about the next one, while crafting away in anticipation.

This one was more personal. I just wanted a legit chance to sell some of the trinkets I've been accumulating all this time, as opposed to setting up shop on the street corner like I took to doing last Fall. Well...it looks like I'm back to selling my wares on the corner.

Craft Tip #1

2007-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Of late, I have developed a weird obsession with buttons. It seems to be one of the first things I notice about a piece of clothing, however unfortunately this obsession usually manifests itself with my making an observation such as, "I would really like this sweater if only it didn't have such horrible buttons."

I am also rather prone to periodic reviews of and edits to my wardrobe, meditating on those items I just can't bring myself to get rid of, but never seem to wear. Well, I was reviewing my wardrobe last night and took pause when I got to this Old Navy sweater. I like it, it makes for a good cover-up with a dress I really like, however the buttons have always struck me as very cheap looking, and a bit of a detraction.

Light bulb! - I decided to get some nicer buttons and replace those awful, chintzy ones, and that's just what I did. I felt a little silly spending $14 on buttons for a sweater that probably only cost about $20 in the first place, but I really liked them, and they totally classed things up.

So...long story short, my tip for today is BUTTONS. A simple little switch-a-roo can really go a long way in transforming the look of something. I have another so-so sweater that I've been thinking needs some type of face lift, and after considering embroidery, I think I'll just go with a button swap. Way easier, and it could still have a big impact. It is such a simple, easy idea, but I never realized how big a difference it could make.

P.S. I heard that Star Jones Reynolds used to switch out the buttons on her discount store suits with fake Chanel buttons from Chinatown. Make of this information what you will.

Happy Sneetches Day

2007-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

My latest little project, as ridiculously simple and silly as it may be, was to turn my boyfriend into a sneetch for Valentine's Day. You would not believe how difficult it was to find a shirt that was just the right yellow! I originally wanted to make it a cozy pullover hoodie, but there were no yellow hoodies to be found. I ordered some online, but when they arrived, the shade was all wrong. So it was off to American Apparel, as much as I hated to turn to them for help. I mean, I definitely own some AA clothing here and there, however I just get more and more annoyed with that company as their quality continues to go down, prices continue to go up, and seriously, they just take the whole dirty sleaze image too far. And I only say that because this guy working there the other day had honestly not showered in days - I could smell him from the other side of the counter - just gross.

Anywho, so I got a yellow t-shirt, some green fabric, and voila, instant sneetch!