Make Shop Live

How- To: Handmade Paper (seed paper too!)

2012-01-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to show you how to make your own HANDMADE PAPER!

You can add seeds too & make plant-able seed paper :)

First things first. Materials needed for this project is baking racks (the kind shown below that you put hot from the oven cookies on ;) Screen mesh, a container wide enough to acomidate for the baking rack, shredded paper, a hand blender, shammy towels, cloths- I like old pillow cases but you can use any type of fabric bigger than the drying rack as blotter layers for the paper. optional- flower seeds of any variety.

Cut the screen to the exact size as the baking sheet and tack it down with a few hand stitches around the drying rack to create the screen. ( I realized I didn't snap a picture of this oops!)

I lined my counter top with parchment paper (I didn't have wax paper on hand, but that would work nicely too) to ease any mess that the paper could make. Then I placed a pillow case on top as the first layer and used the others in the actual paper making process.

If you don't have some paper shreds on hand- go to town in your shredder. Don't get worried about what color the paper is, once it is mixed and made into the paper it comes out to a grey color.

Put in about 4 cups of shredded paper into the bottom of the bucket for a small batch and up to 10 cups of shredded paper for a large batch.

Whatever amount of paper shreds you decide to use, pour in 3 times more water than that amount of paper. I like using warm water, you can use whatever- just warm/ hot helps break the paper down more. Let the mixture sit at least 30 minutes.

I got this mixer at a yard sale for $5. A total score!!! I only use this mixer for non-food projects. I wouldn't suggest using the same blender you use for food to mix up the paper...

Stick the blender into the mixture on high being careful not to slosh the mixture back up at yourself.

Once you have blended up all the paper to mush you'll end up with this-

These are the seeds I like to use:

Like you are "panning for gold" slip the screen down under the paper, bringing the screen up slowly and a full layer of pulp against the screen:

Letting the water to drip out can be tricky. I like to precariously balance two edges across the bucket letting the water drip down before I smush the water out using a pillow case. You need to be very careful letting it drip this way + when you smush down the blotter fabric becuase if the screen slips off the corner not only does it make a HUGE mess, but you have to pull a new sheet on the screen and start over

You can sprinkle a light layer of seeds across the pulp here or wait until the next step where I have pictured. The seeds get incorporated more at this step whereas putting them in later makes one side flat/ plain. Just sprinkle the seeds on the pulp- try not to get too much in the watery pulp if you are making a large batch.

Here is a close up of the pulp:

Lay your pillow case gently over the pulped paper on the screen (Making sure not to let it slip into the watery mix of destruction) pushing slowly down- pressing out the water. You want to smooth and press out all the water from what will be your paper sheet. It is more of a pressing than a mixing touch that helps keep the paper smooth and sturdy.

You want to get as much water out as possible pressing the paper. The pillow case will be soaked once you pushed the water out!

Here I laid down a shammy cloth over the pillowcase to be the main absorbent layer under the paper.

Flip the wet top of the pillowcase onto the shammy cloth and s-l-o-w-l-y pull of the screened baking rack to form the sheet.

Make sure you are pulling off the edges slowly or else you end up missing a corner like this:

See- I missed a corner :(

Rinse the screen back into your tub so this gunk doesn't go down the drain. Also, using a kitchen drain cover with a screen when making this project is a MUST! What ever you have left in your tub will need to be drained, but an upside- the pulp remains makes good compost :)

Back to the point (I am a very frequent passenger of tangent airlines- sorry!)
Pictured- I sprinkled the seeds down once I flipped it onto the shammy, but I think it is best to put them on the paper before that first pressing to achieve it fully being seed paper.

Flip up the dry part of the pillow case over the paper and push down & smooth more water out.

Layer more shammy cloths on top of the pillow case layer.

Press until Dry (Can take 2-3days to fully dry)

Art history books, encyclopedias, and other large books make good weights to flatten your paper. Notice I used a baking sheet in-between the blotter layers and the books so the books don't get ruined. To make the paper it expels a lot of water so be mindful of that when you are working on/ nearby- the paper can ruin things that touch it without realizing. (true story!)

Tah-Dah! Handmade seed paper!!! Here is what the seeded front side looks like:

Here you can see the backside is smooth. You can write notes in pencil on the smooth side and after the recipient reads it they can plant it for the second gift of their own flowers. How exciting!!!

Now just make a few more sheets and you can make a sweet handmade paper book ;) This paper can be used as covers to jotter journals, stationery, and all kinds of other cool paper things.

Planting Instructions for Seed Paper:

(Check your seed's instructions, but for the most part here is the general instructions)

Handmade seed embedded paper can be planted directly into the soil in a pot, or in your garden. The dirt should be firmed down after sowing and the seeds should not be more then 1/8 in. deep. They must be kept moist for 4-6 weeks and receive 4 hours of sunlight each day in order to germinate properly. Many wildflowers are drought tolerant once established, but must receive adequate water as they sprout.

Hope you make and Enjoy!!!

XOXO,KC

Coming Up this Week Jan. 30th- Feb. 5th

2012-01-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

It's almost February! Where has the time gone???

Check out this cool cat I found thrift shopping! At first I thought I would have to repaint it because this is the condition it is after scrubbing it intensely. I think she had the misfortune of living with a smoker- it was really grimy. A total score!

***********************************************************************************

Want another way to use up the hearts from last week?

With a simple Xyron Sticker maker you can make quick and easy stickers to adorn on just about anything.
Here is another take on the hearts & the coffee sleeves to get ready for Valentine's Day-

All you have to do is slide your soon to be sticker into the slot and then gently rub the plastic top sheet. The picture above shows once you pull of the top sheet to get the stickers :)

How fun are stickers! If I ever in conversation found out someone strongly hated stickers I would give them a thumbs down and say they must hate smiling too?!? The only thing better than stickers is making stickers!

I am still toying with what tutorial will be featured tomorrow... Guess you will have to stay tuned for that!

Also, the rest of the week is devoted to making our Valentine's Day inventory for the Local Love show Feb 11th & 12th as well as some handmade seeded paper for the EcoEtsy Team (More details on this to come) which has a similar time frame. I will be posting short findings and updates, but for the most part I will be working up a storm here in the studio.

Hope you have a wonderful end of January!
XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday 1/27/2012 Ladies Night: BURBANK

2012-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am off to Burbank to check out Ladies Night with my pal Dena of Freckled Pancakes and meet her sister finally too. I am hoping to stop by the Mindful Nest and eat from some amazing food carts.

*update- I did both! Ran into a new friend from last weeks Church of Craft Meeting in Mindful Nest which was surprising, AND I finally ate from the Grilled Cheese Truck!!! Such a great time!

I went for white! I almost NEVER wear white but the weather has been wonderful and I just felt like it was needed to finally pull out this white dress I found Jet Rag shopping. It has these faint black polka dots that make it a fun pairing with all my black accessories.

Cut to a Saturday recap since yesterday got to crazy to finish the post:

While driving towards downtown to get to Burbank I was making super time. Then from downtown to the 5 hwy I sat for 45 min! When LA traffic kicks your butt it also spits on you and laughs while you are down. But then at least it will give you a smile while stuck in a prison of automobiles-

Only in LA would I be beside a PINK "Royalty Ambulance". What does that even mean you think? I joked with everyone that it would be hilarious if it was for those pregnant in heels ladies & husbands with champagne. Whatever it is special for was fun to day dream while jamming out in my pretty much parked car.

BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT!!! I had a ton of fun and I didn't put 2 and 2 together & realized I knew Dena's sister and brother-in-law from SCAD. Our little SCAD community out here never ceases to amaze and impress me :)

Oh, I failed to mention my favorite touch to my outfit! These adorable owl earrings Sharon gave me for Christmas was the best touch to turn any outfit into a real hoot! (Yes, I did just do that. You secretly love that I went there!)

Hope your last January Weekend is a real hoot too!
XOXO,KC

OC Mart Mix

2012-01-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Sharon and I stopped by the OC Mart Mix Celebration and it was a pretty amazing day! I got even more jazzed about our endeavor in CRAFTED after seeing the OC Mart. Kinda close in concept to CRAFTED except it is more of a retail/ boutique/ showroom concept space. I have attached pictures of some details I noticed while visiting:

I really, really like this succulent wreath. I kinda want a whole bunch of them- EVERYWHERE!!!

If you are in OC, you should totally check this place out. I totally recommend it :) I really like how a lot of the spaces had these suspension shelves which I totally need to put a pin in for later- they are super easy and affordable to create.

Enjoy & have a super day!

XOXO, KC

How- To: Upcycled Paper Heart Garland

2012-01-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun way to utilize brightly colored papers you have in your stash?

This Heart Garland is a great way to get ready for Valentines day and utilize/ clean up your paper stash.

I punched hearts out of all types of paper. Maps, Magazine Cards, Graph Paper- Just about anything! My favorite is this CALARTS publication that is above. When it came in the mail I was super excited for the pages :) The layout design is really awesome and it is printed dark with colorful- almost neon graphics. It makes super awesome graphic hearts once punched.

First thing is first- you need a Heart Punch.

I used Fiskars - Squeeze Punch - Extra Large - Heart - That's Amore for this project and yesterday I punched a ton of assorted hearts to start with:

They make awesome confetti too! Use them scattered around to share the love or also you can glue them on to other projects to make them more Valentine's Day themed.

Sewing on paper is really easy. If you haven't tested out sewing on paper, this project is a super great way to test the waters :)

First start with your heart and start your needle down the middle. You can back stitch or just leave the ends loose until you knot the string at the end:

After you get to the bottom end of the heart with your needle down, position the middle of the next heart up to the bottom of the starter heart. Stitch into the second heart and work your way down the heart until you are at the very end point with the needle down.

Here is positioning the third heart to continue with the chain:

Continue this method until the garland is whatever length you wish OR you run out of hearts.

I made my garland out of 100 individual hearts which makes it just over 8' long. (For other lengths:110= ~9' 120= 10') After completing the stitching I made double knots in the string right before & after the heart as well as at the end of a 4"-6" string tail before and after the stitched hearts.

Here is what it looks like once sewn:

I love, Love, LOVE HEARTS! When Facebook started the <3 hearts emoticons I was stoked and I still can't stop using them (Over using them- if I am speaking honestly) on ever comment for everything. When it comes to a shape- I think heart trumps all. How can you not love hearts?!? To soak up more of my heart obsession check out my "Heart Board" here.

Well, off to share my heart with Kevy-

XOXO, KC

Rainy Days & Mondays

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year's Everyone!!!

I have been working today on getting these paper hearts ready for tomorrows tutorial-

My friend Sharon was telling me that the belief is: How you spend your day on Chinese New Year's = A reflection of the year to come...

I wonder what a rainy Los Angeles Day says about the year to come- My vote is for a rebirth kinda analogy for the weather today.

I happily got a ton done today :)

I love rainy days!!!

Thankfully we have a car that drives in all weather now so hearing the rain outside no longer brings stress and dred. It does mean extra time that Kevin and I get to spend together carpooling! I like the time we have digesting the day in the car. Thank goodness for enjoying each others company!LOL

How did you spend your Chinese New Year? What do you think that the year to come has in store for you after today? Hope the Year of the Dragon is good to you :)

XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday 1/20/2012

2012-01-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

The post is late since I wanted Kevin to take a picture of me...

I need to just start setting up the timer & snap the shots myself on Friday-

I like mixing patterns. When not dressed in my classic black- I am totally into busy patterns and bright colors. I love that this dress has the same mustard as one of my favorite cardigans found while vintage shopping last year in Echo Park. I think I have the info on my laptop for the store... {I will try and post on that later.}

Anyway, Its been cold here so I brought out this hat for the night. While cleaning and reorganizing I came across a box of hats that I think need to start making some appearances ;)

Well, this weekend I am a working still on Valentine's Day inventory and items for the upcoming Local Love- UNIQUE Show. Off to make some things!

XOXO, KC

Find me on Pinterest

2012-01-19T23:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't yet heard, Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board - a place to store visual ideas and inspiration. Pinterest's goal is to connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting. And although it is a fun little time suck- It is one of the most helpful ways to organize things I come across online that I like!

I collect lots of projects- sewing, cooking, wedding, and organizational as well as cute animals and fun inspiration.

Here is the link to my boards to check them out :-)

XOXO, KC

#SOPASTRIKE

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

The page http://makeshoplive.blogspot.com/ is on strike today

to fight the Stop Online Piracy Act.

We are in full support of #SOPAstrike please join me in doing the same. Follow the action by Tweeting #SOPASTRIKE or check out Fight For the Future to see more of what I am fighting for.

How- To: Upcycled Coffee Sleeves & Tags

2012-01-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

First things first, I thought Lana Del Rey was horrible at first when she performed "Video Games" on SNL this past weekend, but I was totally intrigued. Then, Kevin tried to test me with "Blue Jeans" to see if I would like it- and I was hooked! My mom is a HUGE Kate Bush fan. In fact sometimes I wonder how KC stuck and she didn't force Kate on me as my nickname ;) The first thing out of my mouth when Kevin was teasing me for getting into it was how much it reminded me of Kate and how I think my mom would totally flip for Del Rey!!!

Anyway, the style of her "copyright infringement-riddled, self-made music videos" as Yahoo put it here, are awesome and I can not stop putting them on repeat!

Here is my favorite for you to enjoy while making some projects:

Now to the projects. I like to save everything. I mean everything. Here are a couple of tricks to jazz up packaging using old tags and coffee sleeves. Yes, these are some easy "projects" but maybe it will be just the thing to perk up some leftovers from the holiday season. Plus, it is a good way to get ahead of the curve to use these tricks to start Valentine's trinkets.

Take some old tags and stickers-

to make small attachment cards and cute notes:

Those paper coffee cup sleeves make a great holder for small objects and books! All you need to do is sew across the bottom to create the pocket:

You can stamp on the sleeve if there isn't already an awesome message on it like this one :) You can paint them, put stickers on them and all kinds of upgrades to the paper sleeve to decorate it for any occasion-

Once you wrap it with a ribbon these things make a super great package for all occasions:

These are a fun jumping off point. I'd love to see what you come up with if you trick out your sleeves and tags too :)
XOXO, KC

Happy MLK Day Everyone!

2012-01-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a stellar day this MLK day!

This weekend I traveled down to San Pedro for a CRAFTED vision session on Saturday and I got a chance to see the Aquarium with my gals afterwards. I really, really was inspired by how beautiful all the colors of the touch tanks. I don't think I have seen such great purples and oranges in a touch tank before!!! For more info on the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium here's a link.

Big day today- I jogged for the first time in forever today. I am super excited that it just got an inkling to go and forced myself to go out and run. It was GREAT! I thinking going on a hike yesterday afternoon was the kick in the butt I needed to finally get my physique on. I have really let myself slip since I gave myself the lazy pass after my shoulder accident- before my surgery my doctor said I shouldn't jog b/c my hand would go numb. This time it definitely didn't go numb so that is pretty exciting :) I am so glad to finally be feeling better and pushing myself past laziness. I want to look back on the photos from Ale's wedding and feel smokin' hot!!! Let's hope the exercise will start giving me the added energy I need to get everything done soon. (That happens right? LOL)

(With this little thing around how am I ever supposed to work!)

I have been horrible at avoiding the things I have to do versus I am enjoying doing. One of the pitfalls of working for yourself is you can allow yourself to do "helpful things" that still aren't helpful- Like my favorites: Organizing the house, pinning to Pinterest, reading blogs and helpful books. Such great helpful things to fill my time with that still isn't what I "should" be doing. Honestly, why can't I have explained to the teenage me that finding time to read is harder than you think. I would have been happy to sit home and read back then if I had known.

I have a TON of Craft books I got over the Holidays that I can't wait to dive in and make some projects :) I will make sure to show off some reviews and my favorite books soon. We are almost done rearranging the house and both Kev and I's studios are so much easier to navigate in now that we have gotten supplies stored nicely.

Have you gotten your New Year, New organizing done? Or are you a Spring Cleaning type of person? I'd love to hear what works for you!

XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday the 13th 2012

2012-01-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

Last night Kevin and I went to see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close which has been on my list big time! I found myself actually wanting to be older when before the holidays some guy was standing outside the Theater getting people for the screener, but he was looking for 35-42 year olds :( Oh well, we had purchased some tickets at Costco where it was pre-purchase BOGO tickets so last night was "free". The movie looked like it could be depressing/ a cry fest movie and I was surprised when Kevin asked me out of nowhere to go last night. I was in the right mood for it and psyched to go.

Usually my deal is I read the books before going to the movie and I did not read this book even though it was on my list. If I had, I think I would be better emotionally prepared for the movie, but instead this is what I started my Friday looking like/ What I Wore today:

Being sick this week plus crying for 2 hours has left me looking like a puffy mess!

If I had a cucumber I would try that on my eyes because I can't get them to settle down at all.

The Movie is inspired by the book of its namesake by Jonathan Safran Foer. Here is a book review post from a blogger that's a total spoiler but will tell you the plot overview. In the movie the son Oskar and his dad print out business cards and from the exert I found bellow the movies streamlined his ego.

Oskar's Non- Modest Card (from booksandboston)

Here is what I would have on my card:

KC COOPER SEARS

Artist, Environmentalist, Cinefile, Blogger, Event Planner, Career Hi-Fiver, Helper of the Bride, Display Artist, Consultant, Vampire Book Reader, Etsy Artisan, Upcycler, Friend, Merchandiser, Teacher, Amateur Photographer, Amateur Interior Designer, Amateur Life Coach, Collector of: pressed coins, stamps,magazines, craft books, useful tools, owls, vintage dresses, cook books (even though I rarely use them), large shoes, and other items that inspire me. E-Mail: makeshoplive@ymail.com

Home Phone: Private/ Cell Phone: Private

Fax Machine: I don't have a fax machine

I would love to know what your card would say! The movie also has an awesome journal that Oskar records his journeys in. The book is so pro and really inspiring! It has everything recorded in it including pop-ups to enhance the images. Part of Oskar's deal is he records everything and plans everything out and he ends up with a sick journal. I would love to know who the super duper book artist is who made the book for the movie. If any one knows the information on who made the artsy journal in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close I would love to know it. I am a fan of their work for sure! I would love to "take a page from his book" and journal more like him.

Over all there were things that really inspired me in the movie. It was a very well made film. The story was respectful and heartwarming in my opinion- props to the novelist for that one. I don't have time to go on a tangent about my opinion on 9/11 because I am very moved by 9/11 and I think that for future generations this is a great way to depict the realness of 9/11 in a movie. I saw Remember Me the Robert Pattinson movie and thought that handled the September 11 subject manner very well for a young romance rebellion movie, but that is a fluff piece compared to E.L.& I.C.

Anyway, if you need a good cry or are really into the book- you won't be disappointed. I'd love to hear your thoughts and movie talk :) XOXO, KC

1/11/12

2012-01-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Today I don't have too much to report on- so I'll be brief.

The CRAFTED meeting I earlier stated was today turned out to be next week, so I am getting to work late this evening organizing the studio and catching up on neglected paper work.
Tomorrow should be more of the same, but getting everything in order it is always a great way to start to the year.

More tomorrow!

XOXO, KC

How- To: Easy Daily Calendar

2012-01-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Having a daily calendar to save a few notes on what you did for the day or milestones you may have crossed is really fun.

All you need for this project is:

4"X6" Index Cards

Date Stamp

Optional- Day of the Week Tape

A box or something to organize the cards in.

I got lucky and the box I found at a garage sale has month dividers already for me to utilize. You can make your own or buy some to separate the months:

First things first, load up your index cards. You can either pre-stamp the dates or stamp as you go. I found the days of the week washi tape from Etsy seller Pretty Tape back before the Holidays and I LOVE having rolls of this tape on hand. I thought I would be using it in my notebook- I am addicted to jotting notes about everything! I think if I don't write something down it never sinks down into my brain. Notebooks are helpful but until recently I haven't figured out a good way to use the information after I record it. Now, I like having a small notebook on me at all times to capture important notes to recall and remember as well as an idex card day diary to record snippets of each day. So far the notes have been short enough to where I can add extra info on the card next year too! It will be interesting to see if there are any trends or lucky days when the years go by. Also, the cards can be slipped in your purse and travel with you on the go so you never miss the details-

Here are some items on Etsy to make your own:

Hope you enjoy making and enjoying one for yourself!

XOXO, KC

Coming Up this Week Jan. 9th- 15th

2012-01-09T11:30:00.001-08:00

Today is Kristin's Birthday! She has a mutual friend from high school in town, and we all went out for lunch. A long lunch, shhhhh- don't tell the boss lady ;) Lol.

Anyway, it was a super good time getting to see Faith Anne since it has been close to a decade since we have seen each other. Where does the time go??

What to look forward to this week:

Tomorrow the Tutorial is making an index card calender/ diary for the year. Yes, we are in week two for the year, but you are still in perfect time to make this project revolutionize your record keeping!

There is an info session for CRAFTED at the Port Of Los Angeles on Wednesday for potential vendors here in Culver City I hope to attend- I have to go down to the OC to get the FIT checked out since they do a 30-day check for their new cars- Hopefully it won't suck all the time from my day...

Also, there is a meeting for accepted vendors in San Pedro this Saturday that I am pretty stoked about. Hopefully I will be able to report back on the space :)

Thursday I have a phone interview to present some of our craft projects on TV which is totally exciting and nerve wracking. I am glad that I will have over a month until tapping if everything goes well because I really want to come up with some fun projects for the show. I will have more details after the call- wish me luck.

Speaking of luck, did you know that in 2011 there was only (1) Friday the 13th all year and this year in 2012 there are (3) Friday the 13ths? This Friday will be the first and while I am not overly superstitious I never look forward to them either.

More soon! Kevin and I are trying to rush off and see Drive at the ArcLight. We were bummed thinking we missed it, then tried to make it our double date last Saturday, then there were complications that had us pick another movie. It has been on the top of everyone's must-lists so we can't let it vanish from the theater before seeing it! Have you seen it yet? We should swap stories after I get back!

Speaking of things with Ryan Gosling have you seen the Feminist Ryan Gosling site? OR the Handmade Ryan Gosling site? BOTH ARE A MUST!!! TOO FUNNY :)

Stop everything and check them out if you have missed it somehow. Seriously, you wont be disappointed...

XOXO,KC

1st Week of January Recap

2012-01-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Wild headache late

Super breakfast; eggs and more

All day "killed zombies"

Saw We Bought A Zoo

Watched movies, played games, had fun

Great start to the year

Long and busy day

Kevin and Gypsy hung out

She sat on my lap

Finally in sync

Hubby and me have a date

We love Wednesday night

Errands all day long

Snuck in a pedicure too

Mailed a blase card

Traveled to Venice

CRAFTED: a team of big thinkers

Fresh start filled with hope

Started "Home" to-dos

Checked off reorganizing

Had a double date

What I Wore- Friday 1/6/12

2012-01-06T21:43:00.000-08:00

I wore one of my favorite dresses, Navy & White striped with a great neckline- to meet with Alison and Rachel, the leading ladies of CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. Alison has a sweet detached office that I could only dream of one day having! Plus, this super outdoor space I am posing in front of :) To bad the fruit trees didn't make it into the photo, but they would have stolen the spotlight anyway. I love all the citrus trees and her's were A+!!!

Anyway, I have now added some extra fixin's to my plate if you will, and I am happy to announce my ambassador involvements with CPLA. If you make something handmade and live within a 30 mile radius of LA; I am sure I will find you soon enough to share why you should be a part of this awesome endeavor.

The Marketplace opens this summer and I am brewing over in anticipation of having our own mini-shop! Not having to tote everything back and forth/ doing the normal craft fair set-up & tear down is going to be so choice. I just want to jump for joy thinking about how after a long hard day I can just grab my purse, the cash box, and head home :) Well, there is tons more rumbling inside me but I will have to organize my 4 pages of notes and get everything all typed up to share.

Keep posted for a post tomorrow (Saturday) for one of my new resolutions is to write a Haiku every day and compile a weekly recap. It is actually been a great idea because it is a good formula to keep the recap short and sweet. Kinda like one of those one line a day diaries.

Kudos for getting through the first week of January!!! Now time to enjoy yourself ;)

XOXO, KC

What are your 2012 Goals?

2012-01-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

One of my many goals is to read at least 1 book per month.

(I already surpassed my quota for January by getting sucked into the Hunger Games Trilogy. Soooo Good!)

A new year and a new set of goals is always invigorating. I like the promise of all the wonderful goals to pump some life juice into my veins and give me that kick start into the year. So I ask you- Have you thought about things and goals you want for 2012? What kind of things make the top of your list this year?

I have come up with a lose structure for my 2012 Goals and I am really looking forward to this year being the year I make do with my resolutions. At least sincerely try- lol. Here is a loose structure I am planning our business goals around, maybe they will be helpful for you too.

*New product goals- How many products do you want to release? When will they launch/ come out?

**Monetary goals- This one is hard, but having yearly goals as well as monthly goals are very important. What is realistic and what is your dream big scenario?

***Social media goals- Goals for fans/followers in 3-month goals on social media sites. 3-moths sound digestible. What are your thoughts, does 3-months sound doable?

*Marketing goals- I have been naive to neglect that people send out pitches to blogs and magazines every month. This needs to be at the top of my "scary but must-do" list of things to conquer. Maybe you can conquer this with me if it is on your list too ;)

**Wholesale goals- How many shops can I wholesale too and if more is needed how many stores shall we pitch to?

***Then a BIG, The Sky is the Limit Goal for 2012!! What's your goal going to be? Ours is super exciting and a little nerve wracking, but we just got word that we are accepted into the Crafted at the port of Los Angeles Craft Market Place!!!

We are super elated about the market place and I am glad that my big goal for the year is something I am both excited for and confident in. Having a tangible "sky is the limit goal" to achieve is getting me hella pumped for 2012 :)
I would love to share details for you to make it a goal for yourself- shoot me an email and I can fully express why you should jump on board this great opportunity. OR or check out their Facebook for even more details.

Well, good luck on all your goals this 2012! More soon.

XOXO, KC

How- To: Make Heat Pads/ Ice Packs

2012-01-03T23:30:00.000-08:00

(Here is an example of one I made for my Grandpa)

Before the Holidays, Sharon and I stumbled upon this amazing project on Pinterest from blogger elm street life. It is a DIY Heating pad that you can also put in the freezer and use as an ice pack.

(image via elm street life)

Whitney's project is awesome so I will just be adding my tips and findings here. For full instructions head over to her post here.

What I wanted to show you today for the tutorial are some variations I came up with for mine that I am using as a neck warmer/ shoulder saver. The holidays have taken most of my shoulder strength from me and this heating pad has been a great help with eliminating some of my chronic pain. I didn't stitch as many separate compartments to this heating pad so that it would mold to the curve of my shoulder and stay put.

Note: When cutting the 2 pieces of fabric I cut both pieces 13" X 6"

First thing I found was a bundle of dried Lavender as seen below. The lavender is quite fragrant while stripping it (aka, get some air breeze of some sort or it will take you out!) Plus it takes a bit to strip it for yourself...

So, to help with time, cost , and hassle wise- My trick to using dried Lavender if you are in a pinch trying to source it is Trader Joe's has these sweet lavender dryer bags which you can dissect and get the dried lavender. As you can tell it varies a little from the Lavender I plucked from the bundle- It is the top one that has less color...

I did various tests between the two, the fragrance is pretty much the same; they just look different. If it comes to looks alone, stripping it yourself (minus the people who are awesome and have it in their gardens) can't begin to compare to the TJ's hack.

Using any dried bean or corn (minus the popcorn-duh, but thought I should note anyway) as the stuffing works really well for the body of the pad. I find the smaller beans heat more quickly and hold heat nicely. Also, I used a cup used to fill an iron to load the filling in the pouch. It not only helped with accurately pouring the pieces into the flipped holes of the fabric, but it also gave me a receptacle to mix all the ingredients together :)

Everything else I followed Whitney guidance from her tutorial except I only stitched across the middle making 2 sections to the heating pad/ ice pack.

Yay! For 2012!!! Happy New Year Everyone

2012-01-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

It's an new year and a fresh start to clean the slate and start all over again! My Favorite!!!

(Free Clip Art Image from Here)

Kevin and I had a wonderful Christmas in Texas and spent New Year's Eve together at home last night.

Did you have a super 2011 Holidays? We hope everyone shared the love with the people who matter most to them and got all the blessings that come from time with loved ones over the Holidays. I would like very much to share what we have been up to and what's to come for 2012... And don't you worry- it will be AWESOME! I know it ;)

But first, I wanted to extend a big thank you for your support in 2011 as well as let you know that you are a big part of what is getting me excited for 2012!!!

I turned over a lot of stones in 2011 seeing what works and what doesn't- and with that said I am going to be trying tons of new approaches that will bring a lot of cool new things to the table for Make Shop Live's 2012 Calender. As for this week, we will be focusing on some of the structure behind the scenes.

We have seasonal aspects to our organization as well as being multifaceted in topics which creates pockets of obligations and opportunities throughout the year. I finally feel like I have a good grasp on laying out the year to come :) Finally! I have realized how important the process of re-tailoring after the holidays and mapping everything out is and I am going to make this priority #1 so I can block out mini goals across the year to get more in. PLUS some good brainstorming now gets everything streamlined so things don't get overloaded during a busy season.

It got me thinking, Is there decluttering or re-structuring routines you look forward to doing in the New Year? If so, stay tuned because we will be bringing tons of helpful hints and tricks to catapult you into 2012 with a bang!

Kevin and I have one more holiday day tomorrow :) Hopefully he won't distract me too bad and I can get at least some work done... we'll see!

Again, Best Wishes and Happy Holidays!
KC & Kevin

What do you like to do on long road trips?

2011-12-24T19:46:00.001-08:00

I love listening to music and finding unique/ random places to check out along the way. Car games are a plus too :)

Ask me anything

What I Wore- Friday 12/16/11

2011-12-17T04:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, if the time for this post is coming up, it is correct. It is almost 4AM in the morning and it has been very busy over here getting everything in order for the holidays. I was able to break free for dinner and some fun "Today" (Since I guess it is technically Saturday now- I am actually talking about yesterday...) with our newly engaged friends! Yay for LOVE!!! Here I am at their place after dinner-

I wore this outfit because it finally got cold today and we walked across the street to Downtown Culver City. This was a totally great idea until after dinner we all did a surprise round of Just Dance 3 and I was seriously shvitzing in the polyester! I have been wanting a Wii mostly after seeing all the Just Dance commercials and it was amazing getting to test it out. Thank goodness I can actually do a fist-pump & throw my right arm in the air!!! The things we take for granted.... Oh, and for the record- I really suck at the game and was last every song :( But it was super awesome!!! It's kinda like a full body guitar hero (which is my favorite video game to get into/ play) I feel like I could get the hang of the dance game and do better with some good exercise and practice.

Well, crawling into bed is a must-

XOXO, KC

How- To: Fabulous Fabric BOWS

2011-12-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of hosting our first annual Christmas Craft Party. Personally, I think it was a huge success! For the layout of my apartment it felt huge- but we had a small group of crafters over and amongst the evening's projects were these simple fabric bows that can be uses as embellishments to necklaces, hair clips, pins, and many more ideas.

I will illustrate the project, then include some pictures taken Saturday at the Party-

For this project you need fabric pieces at least 12" X 6" Thus, making Fat Quarters & Scraps perfect for this project.

*Thread in matching colors.

*A crochet hook or other tool for flipping fabric.

*Long Hair Clip and/or Necklace Chain. Scrap paper at least 12" X 6" for pattern pieces.

I like to cut patterns from graph paper or old boxes to use as templates. For the main rectangle you need a 6" L x 9" W : rectangle and a 4.5" L x 2 3/4" W smaller rectangle.

Cut two pieces of fabric (For a twist you can use two different types of fabric for the bow)

I will be doing the break down for the necklace first:

First take the small strip and fold it together lengthwise, right sides together. Using the outside edge of your presser foot as a guide- line it up with the cut edge of the tab. Sew a straight line down the tab making sure to backstitch at the top and bottom to hold the stitching in place:

Once the stitching is finished you can use a crochet hook or other turning tools to flip the tab to the right side of the fabric:

For the main section of the bow-

Fold right sides together width wise (Fold in the middle of the 9" section) and sew down from the top in 2 parts leaving a hole in the middle. Make sure to backstitch at the top and bottom of each section so it is reinforced for the flip. *This will be the hole we use to flip the bow to the right side.

The thread was kinda light so I went over it in Photoshop to illustrate the finished stitching...

"Open" and re-fold so that the stitching is across the middle. Stitch down both edges closing everything up. (Do I need to emphasize backstitching again or do you know its implied by now- lol)

Now you should have a flipped tab and a sewn bow piece-

Flip the main bow piece to the right side of the fabric threw the hole you left in the middle:

***Iron and press both pieces.

Slightly fold the bow piece into the back where the hole is to create the fullness in the bow:

There is two ways to connect the bow- You can take the tab and stitch it together with the machine or you can whip stitch it closed by hand. The Necklace chain slips into the tab either way so feel free to do it any way you choose. I like whip stitching it because you can get it super snug and secure so your bow doesn't get uneven.

*Note: The chain I used pictured above was 19" in length. Personally I don't like my necklaces too long so this length is perfect in my opinion. If you would like it longer or smaller- go for it! that's the beauty of making things :)

Above is whip stitching it closed...

YAY! A great way to use fabric scraps to make these awesome necklaces!!!!

The hair clip is the same bow, except you secure and wrap the tab around a hair clip...

Get the sewing steps finished and everything flipped. Then make sure to press the wrinkles out (this is pre-pressed)

When sewing the tab wrap over the top layer of the hair clip and secure:

Tah-Dah! A bow for your hair :)

Here are some fun pics snapped of people's projects:

When Kristin isn't making bows she is busy being a finalist in ModCloth's Make The Cut Competition! Please take a second to show her your support here (Voting is daily through Dec. 16th)

Most people made a necklace and a hair bow:

There was wreath making and ornament folding + decorating too!

Everyone chipped in during the party to help make these Etsy ornaments for west elm's new Beverly Blvd. Location. This tree will be donated this Christmas + since the power was off and we had to move the craft demo to Santa Monica all the ornaments we made that night went on the tree for the Boys & Girls club. We made sure that the tree got tricked out with ornaments made at the party so that The Center can have an awesome tree too :)

Here is more details from a prior post-

Ladies who I was unable to get a picture of your projects, please send them my way! It got so crazy busy making bows- the pictures got away from me :( Next time I will have to get Kevin to document the event!

Hope you can have a Wonderful Handmade Holidays too this Season! It's SEW Wonderful!!!

XOXO, KC

UNIQUE LA's 4th Annual Holiday Show 2011

2011-12-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Here is our UNIQUE LA Picture Wrap-Up! Thanks for everyone who came out and said "Hello"!

Those of you who couldn't make it- here are the Highlights:

Set-up began Friday and Kevin brought up all of our items for our booth. We did one load in our new FIT and it was just big enough to get everything we needed display wise nicely.

We lucked out and had an obstructive column just outside our booth that we could decorate on and make sure our booth was visible from the aisle way :)

Kevin made some AH-MAZING record accessory stands for UNIQUE! Here are some of my favorites:

There were Craft Demos featured by the Craft and Folk Art Museum- Making Upcycled Gift Bows.

If you happened to miss the demo- Here is our tutorial to make upcycled bows this holiday...

Here bellow, are some of our Friends who are based out of LA. I got this picture with Ryan of Magic Industrie, but missed a picture of his booth :( The rest have pictures of their booths/ contact info:

Enchanted Leaves and Maiden Voyage Clothing was Hoppin'!

Monstertrocity (Monster Kat -formerly known as Handmade Store on a Bike)

Janie XY always has the cutest table set-up and the Handmade Plush toys are so cute I want to burst!

For even more pictures, hop over to UNIQUE LA's Flickr Set...

Also, I want to give a big shout out to Kristin Parker for our new Logo design for our business cards!!! I am really excited to expand off this logo into 2012 :)

I hope you enjoyed the Show! XOXO, KC and Kevin

What I Wore- Friday 12/09/11

2011-12-09T21:49:00.001-08:00

Hi guys! During this time of the year when everyone gets sick usually I can skate by and miss the general yuck. What I miss in flu season my lady migraines make up for, for sure- but this week has been kicking my butt. At first I thought I maybe coming down with the Flu after exhausting myself planning on UNIQUE LA, but thankfully that wasn't the case. The unfortunate thing that happened instead was that I got a sinus infection. I think I have had sinus infections before, but I either didn't realize what it was or it wasn't bad enough to bother me. This morning however was horrible and when I was able to get to the doctor I found out that I had a migraine on top of sinus infection :( No Buenos.

Tomorrow I am hosting a Christmas Craft Party Extravaganza at our place and between cleaning/ prepping for that and working on the last batch of Reinbeers, I have been neglecting posting pictures to the blog. They are on Flickr however so if you are needing a fix on the updates or if you need the pictures grab them there :) I will be working through the Holidays getting things labeled and posted.

This dress was everyone's favorite of my Top Shop shopping trip in NYC back in May. Read more about other outfits from this trip here. Kevin loves yellow, and everyone (the shop girls + Alisa) had nothing but nice things to say about how I looked in this dress and I am glad I listened to them and purchased it.

When I feel crappy it really makes me happy. I love how colorful and playful it is. Plus it is super comfy for working around the house.

I am obsessed with BOWS! These little shoes are my favorite black flats right now. Wanna see more bow inspirations check out our Bow board on Pinterest.

I love this cummerbund that I found one of my first trips to Jet Rag. There was one batch of clothes that took me back to chorus in middle school- We wore black pants, white button up shirts and a red cummerbund. The batch at Jet Rag must have been for people with similar uniforms only the base is black and there was pink, purple, and green motifs- way better than plan 'ol red. I have been waiting for an opportunity to rock out and make the cummerbund a statement piece and I really like mixing patterns when something is this busy. Maybe I can work it into a holiday party outfit... hmmmm. Jeez, no I am trailing trying to think of what I'll be wearing all holidays- I really need to get on making some outfits. I love dressing all fun over the holidays!!! What is your favorite thing to add to your wardrobe? Or your favorite theme to dress up over the holidays?

I would love to hear what your favorites are :)

Well, off to get some rest before a busy day! Best wishes to everyone and have a super weekend!

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up TEASER

2011-12-05T23:26:00.001-08:00

Thanks for everyone who came out to UNIQUE LA this weekend!!!

We had the most wonderful weekend and really enjoyed this year's show. I am going to post my first "haul video" of items I purchased so stay tuned for videos and more details.

I have been uploading pictures Kevin took with the slr onto our Flickr Page and I have to dump my point and shoot/ cell phone tomorrow. I had an exhausting day of regrouping, moving and organizing today and I still have some things hidden from myself :/ I can't hardly keep my eyes open which isn't helpful when I so badly want to add all kinds of updates. Things are swimming today! But if I walk downstairs one more time I don't think I am coming back up. So sleepy!

I have had a ton of inquires about the PBR Reinbeers so it looks like I need to make another batch of those suckers before its too late to ship for Christmas, but that is honestly the tip of the iceberg...

I must go to bed before I work myself up-

XOXO, KC

On Location- UNIQUE LA Day 1

2011-12-03T11:32:00.001-08:00

December 3 + 4 // 11am – 6pm both days

Where: The California Market Center (110 East Ninth Street, LA, CA 90079)

Cost: $10 at the door or in advance online (Kids 12 and under are free), 10% of ticket sales go to the non-profit partner 826LA.

We are all set-up and the show has begun :) ABC World News with Diane Sawyer are right now walking through the show filming and we are all getting pumped!

We are at Booth # 146 and will be updating and tweeting as much as possible updates for the day.

Hope to see y'all here :)

Best,
KC and Kevin

What I Wore- Friday 12/02/11

2011-12-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

My wardrobe today was all about function and comfort. Kevin has taken time off to help me set up for UNIQUE LA today and even with the help I need to be mindful of moving around and setting up so I don't have a fashion emergency.

This dress was bought new- gifted by my friend Alisa for my Birthday. When I was in NYC in May I was very, very excited to go to Topshop! It had opened just after I left the city and when I heard the description of the store I really was bummed that I left before I could check it out. Everyone, EVERYONE thought this dress looked horrible on me and convinced me not to buy it. I can understand why they didn't like it- but their reasons were pretty much why I loved it!!! It is really big and ill-fitting but with a belt I think it works just fine. I believe this dress is a 6- a super big 6! That was another reason I loved it- LOL. I am OBSESSED with black and grey leopard print, so the pattern alone screamed "KC wear me around LA please!" and It is a great length even with out leggings.

The outfit wouldn't be complete with out my hable construction apron! I am so glad I got this lilly pad work apron when I was interning with hable because it is my favorite utilitarian item to keep all my items close at hand when I am working.

Below must be why I love the black and grey leopard print:

It is a picture of me and my Momma- her love of leopard must have been passed to me <3

Big thanks Alisa for being such a good friend to get me something I love even if I am delusional in loving it ;) You're the best!

XOXO, KC

Location has CHANGED for west elm tonight

2011-12-01T15:36:00.001-08:00

PLEASE NOTE:

The Handmade Holiday Workshop & Mini-Market from 6-9PM @ West Elm Tonight has CHANGED TO the location in Santa Monica: 1433 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Due to Weather related power outages. Please be advised of this change.

We hope to still see you there!

Best,
KC & Kevin and the Team

What?!? 10% off too good to be true

2011-11-30T22:48:00.001-08:00

Well it isn't! I just found out that there is an extra silver lining to tomorrow nights event @ west elm: They are offering a special 10% off your entire purchase for the evening!!!

Check out the list on west elm's blog for a full list of the local sellers here. At our location it is Kiddo & Pye, Andie's Specialties Sweets, iluxo, and bertie's closet.) Also, the coordinating charity is the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center.

(image from Etsy)

Wanna get a sneak peek of the project? Etsy did their How-Tuesday: Paper Ornaments post all about the project we'll be making tomorrow evening. Check it out here.

Things have been crazy getting ready for the Handmade Holiday Workshop & Mini-Market tomorrow and UNIQUE LA this weekend. If I keep at this pace I think we'll be at a perfect point to fully convey everything we in-visioned and set out to complete :)

With that said, I am still on East Coast time I am afraid I must retire for the evening...

XOXO, KC

Coming Up this Week Nov. 28th- Dec. 4th

2011-11-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Cyber Monday! Did you use our Cyber Monday Deal today in Our Etsy Shop?

There is just a few hours left to get 30% off your entire purchase-

Use code CYBERMONDAY2011 at check out.

Tomorrow is a full day of travel back to the West Coast and I am anxious to get back to all the work we have this super busy week. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and packed your online cart full of Cyber Monday deals ;)

Thursday is the west elm + Etsy workshop & mini-market which members of SCAD+ Etsy = LOVE Team as well as the Team EcoEtsy members in the LA area will be demonstrating a demo on how to make a paper ornament. (free for all to attend and make a take away project) More details here.

Friday, we have set-up for UNIQUE LA at the California Market Center Downtown.

All day Saturday and Sunday we will be vending in booth #146 at UNIQUE LA's Holiday Show!!! The first 10 people to drop "Make Shop Live" at the door gets *FREE Admission to both days of the show. Also, let us know that you are a fan of the blog for a free gift :)

Best of luck wrapping up November to y'all and Hopefully we'll be seeing you in December.

XOXO, KC & Kevin

What I Wore- Friday 11/25/11 Borderline Shlumpadinka

2011-11-25T21:15:00.001-08:00

The outfit I wore today is something slightly warm but mostly comfy. There has been a lot of eating foods that have been cut out of my diet recently so I feel kinda gross and really just put on items that seemed comfortable and easy to wear. You would think I would be more glamorous for the Holidays- but alas, pretty uneventful glamor wise:

The dress is a Jet Rag $1 find :) the jacket is from a thrift store in Williamsburg Brooklyn which I got before moving, and the hat is one of my employee Urban purchases in NYC too.

Why didn't I think of this before???

If you are packing elastic belts to accessorize your outfits you can fold your clothes into a tight bundle and wrap them in the belt to wrap them nicely for your suitcase. I can't believe I only just thought of this today. This is going to revolutionize my travel packing from here on :)

Don't forget we are running a Black Friday Sale! On top of free shipping in Our Etsy Shop- get a free gift with purchase for both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
*valid on Black Friday (11/25) and Small Business Saturday (11/26).

Black Friday Code: BFfreeGIFT
Small Business Saturday Code: SBfreeGIFT

Hope you have a super weekend!

XOXO, KC

Handmade Holiday Workshop & Mini-Market

2011-11-25T20:51:00.001-08:00

west elm + Etsy invite you to the 1st ever Handmade Holiday Workshop &

Mini-Market inside a brand new west elm on Beverly Blvd. next Thursday Dec. 1st!!!

Come see me and tons of my fellow teammates as we demo a

Super sweet ornament to make, take, then celebrate :)

6-9PM

@ West Elm

8366 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA. 90048

Hope to see you there!!!

XOXO, KC & Kevin

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

2011-11-24T15:14:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from (a portion of) Our Family to Yours!

We had a late Thanksgiving lunch with part of my Dad's family earlier today.

Thankfully my Grandma was feeling up to coming! She and my Grandpa, my Uncle, his Wife, and her Brother's Family, my Dad, Kevin and I went to the North Carolina State University Club where they had an awesome buffet. I only got one plate in preparation for our second Thanksgiving dinner with my Mother, her Sister (My Aunt is coming down from VA and spending the night) my step-dad and Brother at The Irregardless Cafe.

My mom is picking us up in a few minutes and I wanted to shoot off a quick post wishing everyone a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Best Wishes and Blessings for you and your family this Holiday Season.

XOXO, KC & Kevin

Greetings from NC

2011-11-23T17:30:00.001-08:00

Hi Y'all! Kevin and I made it safe and sound to my hometown Raleigh, NC today. I am trying to adjust to the time and get my schedule situated- Let's hope it doesn't happen right as it is time to go back West!

So far today we got into town, had lunch with my Dad, checked out a super awesome beer store- Bottle Revolution, came back home and Kevin took a nap while I re-sized Pin Cushion Rings for Our Etsy Shop.

SUPER EXCITING: Our First Newsletter went out today thanks to Sharon Fain!

Sharon Fain is an excellent consultant who helps small businesses, non-profits and community organizations to name a few of her many talents. I would strongly recommend her expertise for a large range of services that you can check out here.

Well, I have a Banana Bread Beer from Bottle Revolution calling my name...

We want to wish you the very best Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Best wishes + enjoy your loved ones & some good eating ;)
XOXO, KC & Kevin

Weekend Wrap-Up & Coming Up Nov. 21th- Nov. 30th

2011-11-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

(Kevin took this picture at Patchwork Culver City)

This weekend I was able to break away long enough to get an update to my hair cut and watch the Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1, twice- lol. It was so good! But seriously, going to bed late and waking up early to squeeze in everything is starting to take it's toll. I could really use some R&R :)

I still have to pack for Thanksgiving, and I have some pictures that I took today that need to be re sized for Etsy and posted before heading back East. I am very excited to see my family and Kevin hasn't seen them in forever so everyone is really looking forward to seeing us. My mother's sister is coming down to visit from VA which will be nice and we finally get to see my other aunts family- we weren't able to attend her and my uncles wedding so I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her family yet. I am looking forward to food galore and amazing company this week- See everyone soon!

I will hopefully be able to keep on the same posting schedule but worst case scenario I will for sure be tweeting updates and finds over Thanksgiving. Wanna know something even better though? You can get on our Newsletter which will have gift ideas and inspiration for you to make yourself, PLUS Holiday Discounts! Sign up here-

See all the hard work that's kept us so busy- mark your calendar for UNIQUE LA Dec. 3rd and 4th Downtown, LA.

We are available 24/7 online in Our Etsy Shop- we have tons of new items that got listed over the weekend.

I hate to run, but I am so sleepy. More to come-

XOXO, KC (& Kevin)

What I Wore- Friday 11/11/11 Anna Sui + Bows

2011-11-18T19:33:00.001-08:00

Today I had my first full wedding consultation out in Chino Hills at the McCoy Equestrian Center. Too bad I didn't dress in equestrian theme in hindsight- that could have been quite interesting. Shucks, a missed opportunity.

Pretty much this whole outfit was my main score second-hand shopping with Alisa on her last visit. We found the jacket at the Goodwill on Santa Monica Blvd. I picked it up for Alisa and she had one similar already which was totally lucky for me. Out here in LA everyone has a fitted faux leather jacket- preferably something rocker/ motorcycle jacket fit to mix that hard edge into your wardrobe. It is not quite brown, not quite black which I thought would be a bad thing- instead I think it actually makes it better. Unless I am clueless and can't tell myself how drastic it sticks out on top of black, that is totally possible too-lol.

The dress an Anna Sui dress is a find from our trip to Wasteland just after I found the jacket. On that trip I got two dresses at Wasteland that both look great with the jacket :) For more details check out the post on our shopping trip here.

The overall cut is one of my favorites and I like that I can wear it un belted since I usually belt all of my outfits. When I wear it loose it makes me feel like its one of those trapeze cut artist smock-like shirt. Shout out for teaching me the beauty of belts Alessandra, this is one of my only exceptions I can wear with no definition- I would have no waist ever in my silhouette if it wasn't for you Ale`;) Looking at the pictures of myself I feel like she really deserves that shout out too because defining your waste is a big help! I'll have to try and snap a picture with a belt for next time.

The dress has this awesome retro neck line with a ruffled bib and a long skinny bow at the neck. I wish the bow could be bigger/ fatter, and it could be interesting if the color was black. I think that would be really fun. If you are a bow fan like me, make sure you follow my Bow board on Pinterest.

Speaking of bows, I am rocking this fun bow necklace that we also got on the trip at the Melrose Trading Post included in that blog post too. Man, I am realizing Alisa is a good luck charm. Note to self- shop 'till I can't shop no more whenever I can see her!

Well, Looks like the work flow isn't letting up until mid December. I am going to sneak a break tomorrow to go to Breaking Dawn Part 1 with Sharon and get my hair cut. I will post some fun pictures of my hair tomorrow- I know its going to be cute because my guy is awesome ;)

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend & enjoy yourselves!

XOXO, KC

Graffiti Beach Holiday Pop-Up Shop

2011-11-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Graffiti Beach Holiday Pop-Up Shop opens TODAY! Yay!!!

Graffiti Beach

Holiday Boutique

@ 1221 Abbot Kinney Blvd- Venice Beach

STORE HOURS
Sunday - Tuesday: 12 noon - 6pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 11am - 6pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm

We have 3 Record Accessory Stands displaying merchandise as well as for sale in this Pop-Up Shop, which is super exciting! I saw a sneak peak of the space and I can't wait to check it out fully displayed and merchandised.
BTW- The Featured Fashion Designers are pretty amazing making this a must for you fashionistas out there ;)

Abbot Kinney is an amazing shopping destination for independent designers, awesome boutiques, galleries, great food and furniture. Every genre is pretty much covered all in one street and easily navigated. Too good to pass up- Add it to your Shop Local Holiday.

* The Graffiti Beach Holiday Pop-Up Shop is inside the Altered Space Gallery FYI.

They have one of those super awesome cork chairs I re-pinned to my Made with Corks board on Pinterest and all kinds of cool re purposed art so make sure to give yourself time to shop in both- super inspiring!

Shop and Enjoy! XOXO, KC

Team EcoEtsy's Holiday 2011 Gift Guide

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yay! This year's Holiday 2011 Team EcoEtsy's Holiday Gift Guide is out and ready for you to check out here.

(image from EcoEtsy Blog)

We are on the "Gifts Under $20" Section seen above which you can check out here.

XOXO, KC & Kevin

PLEASE NOTE- HOLIDAY 2011 Shipping Details

2011-11-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

Our Etsy Shop's HOLIDAY 2011 Shipping Dates & Deadlines :

***Purchases from Nov. 22nd to Nov. 30th will be SHIPPED ON DEC. 1st***

Cut-off day/ Last Day to receive before Christmas (US Shipping via USPS Mail):

Free Shipping : Dec. 15th 2011

(Regular Parcel Post® Service at no extra cost to you)

$$$ Small fee for Priority Mail® Service: Dec. 21st 2011
(Please contact for updated invoice including upgraded shipping)

Last Day for International Shipping: Dec. 2nd, 2011

<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>

Rain or Shine Here We Come!

2011-11-16T23:34:00.001-08:00

I am so excited and relieved that Kevin and I got a car today :) It has been unnerving that our vehicle can't drive in standing water and the rainy season is upon us. Plus, I have a really bad fear of stupid drivers driving over me out here so I am really concerned with safety while driving and dealing with what happens when the car breaks in the rain freaks me out. Today I feel a huge weight lifted off me because I won't have to worry about any of this ever again. YAY!

It has almost been 4 years of car sharing since I moved to LA saving up to get a car and trying to figure out what we wanted. I thought at first I wanted a Forrester- we need some extra tow space so we could beef up our displays and carpool with friends. I really didn't want anything too big because I do find myself parallel parking and we park tandem in our spot...

So when I first got into a Honda FIT I feel like my mind was blown. Do you know how big these things really are inside??? We have somehow figured out fitting a ton of things in our Ford Escort ZX2 (A 2-Door, small car) but its not really possible to have a passenger with anything 6' long in the Escort. This Honda FIT we got today supposedly can fit things 7'9" long which is ridiculously amazing. Plus, the back seats do multiple configurations where you can fit things up to 4' tall tall stacked floor to ceiling with a "trunk" still. I can't wait to pack this thing up for Unique LA :)

I have so much more I could say but we went to Orange County for the car and it took way more effort and energy than anticipated. Now that I can take a breath and finally not worry about what ifs in my transportation planing I think it wiped me out!

Hope Y'all had a happy hump day :)
XOXO, KC

How- To: Make Shop Live's Project Round-Up

2011-11-15T20:59:00.001-08:00

Hi Y'all!

Here is a round up of projects on our blog for the new subscribers or people who may have missed them.

Hopefully there is something that inspires you that you can add to your "To Make" list this Holidays ;)

Bottle- Cap Magnets

Reusable Tee Tote

Scrap Image Glass Coaster/ Paperweight

Dyeing Buttons and Random Supplies

Mini Magnetic Notepads

Enclosure Cards Envelopes

Recycled Paper Bows

Tissue Roll Pillow Boxes

Bubble Mailer

Coin Ornaments

Can Garland

Happy Making-

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up- Patchwork Culver City

2011-11-14T23:08:00.001-08:00

We were able to take our time setting up Saturday AND our booth was in a location where we could paint the wall- double bonus :)

Patchwork Culver City was rad yesterday! When we applied we certainly thought it would be cool, but I had no idea they were going to crank it to 11 the first time at the Helms Bakery. Not only was this the 1st time the show came to Culver City, but it was also the first time indoors. Usually Patchwork is held outdoors under tents and thankfully with the possibility of bad weather Delilah & Nicole the co-creators/producers of the Patchwork Show were able to secure us indoors!

Here are some pictures of our Booth Set Up:

Even thought the space was a bit tighter than a 10'x 10' the set up was quite easy to walk around this time. I actually kinda like the indoor without walls vibe- nice and airy. We were located in the building closest to Venice Blvd. and there was three, count'em 3 buildings worth of shopping and indie vendors and fabulous finds!!!

These little hand made pillow boxes were last weeks tutorial- Wanna make them? Go here.

Note on the Fashion/ What I Wore: Kristin is wearing one of her own creations & My outfit is a vintage find.

I like to check out the other vendors and One of my all time favorites is Enchanted Leaves. I love husband and wife teams and Nedda and Aaron are an inspiring duo. They are one of my favorite places to get presents from at the shows! I really like their concept and all of their products really make me feel like I am transported to my fantasy spot in nature where all my favorite animals and creatures come and then are displayed using fun accessories. I wanted to share a picture of their booth/ website info because their range of products could fit just about anyone on your holiday list and keep your budget intact too.

A must to check out: The line of wooden butterflies and moths pretty, graphic and inspired by vintage entomology illustrations- they are in the bottom right bellow:

Our friends Annette and Zach stopped by which was perfect- Annette could fill in at the booth with me so that Kevin and Zach could sneak off to Father's Office for a minute. Man I wish I could have gone and gotten a Maudite at the bar since its hard to find it is totally my favorite beer. Thank goodness we live close, I'll get one another time...

annette

kevin

me (kc)

We had such a fun time at the show! Best day ever filled with decorating our booth, meeting wonderful customers, seeing friends, great shopping, topped off with some silly portraits- Yay!

Thanks again for everyone who came out and said hi!

Best Wishes,

KC & Kevin

What I Wore- Friday 11/11/11 Metermaids Tee

2011-11-11T21:51:00.001-08:00

(I am trying to figure out if I should do a wrap up on Friday and take pictures in advance. There is quite a bit of readers for this segment and I am trying to figure it out still. Comments are welcomed. I don't have an option for a photographer during the day and I don't have a good mirror for those cell phone to mirror pics- that I don't really like anyway... So shooting in advance seems to be the best option to add some more outfits to the mix. This will be something that I put into effect next Friday so stay tuned.)

'Yo! It's just past the last 11:11 on 11/11/11!!! What did you do to celebrate today? I have been putting the pedal to the metal and working my little fingers to the bones getting ready for Patchwork Culver City on Sunday and some wholesale orders that have to go out first thing on Monday. I was beginning to have a migraine today so I focused on pincushions and allowed myself to dress comfy. My new favorite shirt to wear around the house has been this Metermaids tee.

One of the main things I have missed about NYC since I have left is the music. While living there I was into Brooklyn Hip Hop and between hip hop shows & going dancing at the bar at all hours with my friends (Not quite hittin' up Misshapes but still out on the town) I got my fill of amazing music while in NYC. Towards the end of me living there I got super into a band the Metermaids and I would go see them anytime, I mean ANYTIME they were playing. Pretty much if I didn't have a good excuse like work or something extremely important I was there enjoying the music because I knew one day I wouldn't be able to see them whenever I wanted to.

I am glad I went to all those shows - their music makes me super happy. When I first moved out here singing along in the car was the only thing that made the traffic enjoyable. I note updates and buy the CDs from afar now with the distance to get my fix. Hopefully on one trip back East there will be a show I can catch or I have been waiting quite sometime for another West Coast tour, maybe that can happen soon too. I geeked out on my last trip to Brooklyn because while I didn't get to squeeze any concerts in, I was flipping channels at almost 3AM and their music video came on a indie music program. I Wish I knew the name of the program at the moment but it was the middle of the night and a show that New Yorker's would know but I don't remember currently- I do however remember that it was a pretty awesome moment to stumble upon. Until another show, I'll rock the music here in Los Angeles and enjoy my new favorite T-Shirt. I got when I ordered their most recent album and it has basically been my lounge shirt since it arrived.

I found these pictures from when I first moved to LA and Kristin came to visit LA and we went down to the Prospector in Long Beach I thought I'd share:

When Kristin and I caught this Metermaids show it was back in 2009 and she came out for a job interview while she was trying to relocate. It feels like forever ago and just yesterday at the same time. I really can't believe how fast the time has passed since I have moved out here. Kudos Kristin for all the accomplishments you have had since then!

Here are some pictures of Sentence, Swell and Domer at after the show at The Prospector:

I feel like I should call them by their artist names, but since I worked with Mike, not Sentence and then found out about their music where he is Sentence -I still feel like that's weird when putting a tag to these pictures. In hindsight I wonder if the Metermaids secretly laughed at my almost Mel from Flight of the Conchords obsession once I heard their music. The Urban Outfitters I was working at in Manhattan was one of the largest grossing stores and while we worked together closing a lot I don't think I give off a vibe that this type of music is something I am really into and I was super glad I happen to have checked it out when I heard people from work were go to a show. I really don't care what anything is labeled if I like it I like it and I just absolutely loved what was happening in Brooklyn Hip-Hop wise at the time. The best part of getting into the Metermaids was the other artist they collaborate and perform with are super dope too so going out to the shows were really enjoyable.

It was like a transcending art documentary unfolding and the first time I saw them play and I was hooked instantly. It was such a bizarre experience that could only happen in New York. It was where the mix of the company/ friend I was with + the venue + the atmosphere was something I just couldn't get enough of. I love how music really can just take you there when you hear it. Those were some good times!

Now back to the present-

This morning was the first time I had a migraine and an acupuncture appointment where I used acupuncture to treat it. It definitely helped! I think a big part of it helping is the level of relaxation it helps me achieve if I am able to relax my mind and sink into the treatment. Sometimes you have a session where you run through your to-do list and that is therapeutic but not as dramatic when it comes to fully helping. Today my mind was definitely racing some so I didn't fully sink into full relaxation, but Sun (The acupuncturist I blogged about briefly here) treated my hands so good that they are feeling day and night better. I am really enjoying Costa Acupuncture and going all last week has definitely made a huge difference in how I am feeling today. I strongly recommend checking them out.

Even if I wanted to sleep in there is a Unique LA meeting downtown at the Grammy Museum followed up by Patchwork set-up in the afternoon. I really should wrap this post up now and retire to bed so I can be rested for tomorrow.

Best wishes to everyone & thanks to all the Veterans Today on Veteran's Day!

XOXO, KC

Totally wiped out

2011-11-10T22:12:00.001-08:00

Most of the day I spent working towards an order of bottle cap rings and the new offshoots of this product. I just finished a batch of pincushion rings, NEW pincushion magnets (as seen below), and these fun folded fabric magnets (also shown below). Each one utilizes the small scraps of fabric we have collected and leftover from other projects. The base is a bottle cap and they all are magnets but coming up with a different way to make several variations of bottle cap magnets is pretty fun and exciting for me so I hope they are well received. The bottle cap magnets with images shown are also new and improved for the holidays too, just don't use the fabric but do use recycled magazines and other found images ;)

I am so happy about the magnets this year. They are such a superior product to the ones we made before. They have a super strong magnets and the sealant is more glass-like and way nicer. It is always fun to see an idea get better with time and slightly different techniques. Our magnets were always popular, but not only did I undervalue how great it was to make and sell magnets before, but I also wasn't completely satisfied with the original quality of our previous magnets. I want to have the best product possible to offer- just because it's Eco or upcycled doesn't mean it shouldn't be quality. The same could be said about handmade. It should be of better quality because we took the love and care to hand make it and these magnets are a perfect example of the attention to detail that took forever to figure out when being a handmade mini factory and doing quantity of items.

Today has flown by so quickly it has practically left me dizzy! I accidentally rested my eyes for a second and now I feel destined to retire early this evening. Has global warming made this particular daylight savings time more difficult? Is that even possible???

Christmas orders are piling up and I may just be at the point of closing custom orders for this Holiday season. Thankfully we are well prepared for Christmas inventory but there were some new items I had hoped would be ready when people start to think about presents. That's okay because that just means 2012 is going to be busy and eventful!

Between the orders and coordinating some exciting things we are getting into this next month, I have been on the computer a lot and my hand is cray cray. I will keep this post short and sweet because I am limiting my computer/ phone usage into bursts rather than constantly checking and updating to relieve the pain some. Tomorrow I am looking forward to some acupuncture early. Also of note, my acupuncturist has a really fun Etsy Shop: Rock Paper Needles, where she makes earrings out of acupuncture needles and the little seeds. Check it out for sure.

That's all for now ;) XOXO, KC

Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts- Culver City

2011-11-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts just cranked it up to 11 for this weeks Festival! It is going to be the first time it's not only in our neighborhood Culver City- but it is the 1st time it is indoors too! This is so major!!! We are giddy with excitement :)

This weekend you should come out and enjoy the indoor shopping and all the amazing presents to be found at this one-stop shopping destination. For more details check it out here.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

XOXO,KC & Kevin

How- To: Make Upcycled Tissue Roll Pillow Boxes

2011-11-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

We sell a lot of small items and one thing that is always a concern for me is how should items be packaged and protected from damage starting from our studio until they get home with you ;) I have seen some of these Upcycled TP Roll Pillow Boxes and I wanted to make something different... I came up with this version to use as our pillow box packaging.

First you need to save up some empty tissue paper tubes. Every brand varies slightly in length and strength- so some of the process "feels" a little bit different to work with the different types. This is a super easy project so I am confident you will make them with no hassles no matter what brand you use.

Materials Needed for this version:

*Tissue Paper Tubes (one yields one finished box)
*Maps
*Glue stick
*Paper Tape
*Stickers or other decorations like ribbon

First things first, the cool part about using maps is that the width and length of each folded section is perfect for the tube.

The width is a bit smaller than the tube, but since I used paper tape on the ends of the rolls this isn't an issue. The height would need to be trimmed because this is a bit longer than the roll-
You can cut up a whole section of the map into one long strip, then cut individual sections from that.
OR you can cut each panel/page of the map out and when you trim the leftovers needed to cover the tube you can use this piece for other projects.

Use the glue stick to attach the map sections to each tube. Make sure to smooth the paper flat and get it to stick thoroughly. After you get the map smoothed down and in place- set it aside to dry fully overnight or at least a couple of hours before moving on to the next step.

Once you have the tubes covered and fully dried the next step is to wrap the edges in paper tape for added decoration, stability, and great color:

Pick which edge you want to start with first and on that end of the tissue tube, push the top edge down and fold it into a curved crease. do the same to the bottom edge. Flip the tube to the opposite side and repeat with the other end of the tissue tube.

I gently rubbed the whole tube with a bone folder to make sure the paper was extra smooth with no bubbles and I ran it over the creases too to make sure they aren't lumpy.

For the details I used this hand made sticker from PrettyTape on Etsy. I used some labels with our info across the seam where the map paper overlaps.

TaDa! Perfect packaging:

Hope this inspires you to Make & Enjoy!

XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up & Coming Up this Week Nov. 7th- Nov. 11th

2011-11-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or isn't the days just after daylight savings time weird? You would think an hour wouldn't make much difference, but it can. I hope the difference in time has been a good adjustment to shake things up with everyone ;) I know this weekend definitely didn't go as planned on my end- but it was still a really great weekend/ start of the week so far.

Here is the wrap-up from the weekend:

Saturday Kevin thought he would finally have the day off possibly and we were getting stuff done around the house, then he got called in for the rest of the afternoon/evening. I decided if I was going to drop him off at work which is right next to JoAnns I would go in and get some glue before going home. I ended up wandering aimlessly- which can be inspiring and overwhelming... but what was crazy I thought was how great some of the products/ customer base is now vs. 10 years ago. 10 years ago I feel like all the good knitting and crochet patterns were vintage hand-me-downs or collected patterns- all the ones in stores looked like ill-fitting 80's knits from the home shopping channel or something. Now look- there is trendy magazines marketed with French Bulldogs on the front and all kinds of awesome hip new things. I love that more young people have taken over this wonderful pastime.

The new face of crochet/ new line of supplies from The Crochet Dude even has tattooed carpel tunnel/ work gloves. I dunno the whole story behind The Crochet Dude, at first I was thinking it is crazy that all these products say dude and it is historically a lady hobby. But, its kinda not 100% true because back in history sailors would knit...

Kevin used to joke about the reason he'd never take up knitting back when we were dating and I would teach knitting to people in college. He'd say why should he learn, that's what I am there for. Totally cute and funny- not rude... more like something that would be followed by a laugh track on a sitcom. My friend Omar was another good example of boys who are awesome at crochet- take that Kevin. He used to come over to my old place and try and explain to me why I am horrible at crochet. It has been one of my life's missions to make a granny square afghan. The squares have eluded me for years.

I kinda wish I had a crochet dude to make me some sweet projects once I saw this Crochet book of "Celebrity Slouch Beanies" (BTW, the price is more like $5 it is in the wrong place in case someone wants to purchase it). There is always way cooler crochet patterns for sale. I had hoped even with Omar and others' tutorials to get better but I totally screwed myself learning knitting fist. Since I am a knitter and it is hard to tell where to place stitches compare to knitting I make lumpy, misshaped crochet projects leading me to not consider them an option, even though they are my favorite design wise. I figured I would take a picture and maybe write up a little post along the lines of "what does it say about our obsession with celebrity to have patterns influenced by them- yada yada".

I was super stoked to find the knitting one on another isle and totally bought it ;) Between the two little booklets they both have different projects. I really liked the finished projects in the knit beanie book which was perfect after all.
Back in college I would knit Kevin so many beanies! I hope I can take this project book with me over the Holidays and get some awesome hats made- Fingers crossed!

I saw this new yarn by Martha Stewart online and I was looking forward to checking it out. It looks like wool roving all caged like puffed cotton sausages with a spidery but squishy feel. I am not sure what type of process they use to bind the second layer on top of the other- it is definitely a crazy machine though for sure.

I really like this fabrication and texture of this yarn. Since I want to use up my yarn first, I really want to try out using a finger crochet over a chunky yarn to achieve a similar effect. The old me would have totally had 4-5 skeins of this yarn come home with me, basically to sit in my collection just because I liked it. Now that I have pledged not to by "new things" I blog about how I love them instead and that has been way more positive on my pockets :)

I will definitely make a few allowances when it comes to buying new things, it is not as easy as I just don't by things. Some things like glue or items that need to be sourced are an exception for instance:

If I were to try and make my own packaging for the Reinbeers it would take me forever, and it would be hard to find enough to fit the demand for boxes 2nd-hand. So if we must source something Made in the USA, 100% Recycled Content/ Green Resourced, and ethically resourced are the requirements before I will make a purchase. This has been a helpful way to cut down waste, needless spending, as well as cluttering up our place while buying a ton of projects.

*These boxes came today- we reordered gift boxes and thankfully it got here just in time!

Yesterday was a bummer. All day I was haunted by our decision to stay put vs. brave a potential tough storm with the car and I kicked myself on and off over the course of the day. We made the day count since it was a let down- working on getting ahead for next week's show in Culver City. I am totally ready to get a car before then, I am so anxious to get this little snafu nipped in the bud and never have this as a hindrance again. Thankfully whether we get a car or not the Helm's Bakery is pretty darn close to walking distance and is close enough to test fate and drive in the rain.

Over the summer Kevin has taken more interest in cooking. Sunday nights Kevin likes to do dinner and I am really enjoying it being a reoccurring thing. Since Patchwork was a no go, and we were planning out our day, "Kevin wanted to do something we would never do" which ended up being him making jalapeno beer bread for dinner and I made fresh cranberry sauce.

Last night he came back from the store with all the supplies and said we were making this bread as our "something different". I loved that idea! It was totally unexpected and surprising. His mom had passed along a Cooking with Beer cook book to him as a Christmas present previously and I was super impressed that he had dug up the recipe and decided to try out this easy cornbread.

1 1/2 Cups beer

2 Cups flour

1 Cup Cornmeal

2 Tablespoons sugar

3 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

Fresh or jarred jalapenos

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.

Bake approximately 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

I tried my hand for the first time making cranberry sauce from fresh berries. Cranberries have always been my holiday favorites. I could eat them daily from now until the end of the holidays and not ever get my fix.

12oz. Cranberries

1 Cup Pineapple Juice

1 Cup Sugar

Dissolve the sugar and juice over med-low heat.

Once fully dissolved bring to a boil, cover and simmer fro 5 minutes.

Add cranberries to the mixture and cook covered for 10 minutes stirring on and off.

Around the 10 minute make you should hear the berries pop. This is good.

Turn it up to med.- hi heat, give it a good stir, and do this off and on until you think all the berries popped.

After you have fully cooked all the berries and popped them- transfer the mixture into a bowl.

The mixture/ sauce will thicken as it cools.

Tomorrow, there will be a tutorial on upcycling tissue paper tubes into packaging for small items this holiday season.

Turn This:

Into this:

Looking forward to even more holiday tips and helpful tricks this week so stay tuned!

XOXO, KC

Make Shop Live MIA from Patchwork Long Beach

2011-11-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, but today we are not going to be at

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival in Long Beach

Sunday 11/6/11.

I want to apologize if us not being there today effected you- Our Fans & Customers.

When it rains the serpentine belt of our car slips off (Our car has no lip or anything to keep it in place and for some reason it gets knocked off in the rain) and then the steering gets locked up, the alternator goes, and we have to get a tow to get everything in place. It is a huge pain in the butt to deal with for something that should be a non-issue. The mechanic has said he hasn't seen it on other models just our car :( Since the situation with the car is only a problem in the rain and it is SoCal, we had planned to hopefully purchase a car before it was an issue and that obviously didn't work out.

The weather was bad around when we would need to pack the car and get on the road and I felt I needed to make the decision for the day about whether to brave it. Even though it is nicer now, it looked like online like it will pick up later around the time when we would be driving back too. We never wanted to inconvenienced any of y'all and I hate that we may have kept a spot from someone... Gosh this post is making me feel even more horrible. I just wanted to vent my apologies because I have put in so much work and money into the show it is killing me not being there.

Please except our apologies for today and we promise, PROMISE that next week the Culver City Show is a definite!

XOXO, KC & Kevin

What I Wore- Friday 11/4/11

2011-11-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the first rainy days here in LA and I got to listen to the rain and make crafts for the bulk of the day. What I would like to bring up today is- Why did we stop wearing house dresses as lounge wear? I don't quite know when terrycloth jumpsuits came in and mumus went out, but the right ones are fabulous. I think they should make a comeback-

The quilted house coat was a fun find. I don't usually collect house coats, but this one is the perfect shade of raspberry. Plus, the quilted fabric is still in really nice condition, so I can feel snugly in it. It has exquisite costume jewelry buttons with little crystals inside and it has pockets- love it! Don't hate on my shlumpadinka picture- I am not a persona, I am a person who likes comfort and I will definitely take risks because fashion should be fun. Do you remember when you were little and you would want to throw on everything you loved even if the pieces don't quite work together?? That is kinda my favorite.

Main project for today was finishing up these upcycled containers as packaging for our pin cushion rings.

Made from paper towel/ bathroom tissue rolls, old maps, decorative tape and sticker details. The shape and size is perfect for the rings. I really lucked out connecting that this would be a perfect fit as packaging to protect the rings. This could be a good addition to your holiday craft fair as packaging for jewelry and other small gift items.

Hope everyone has a stellar weekend!!! Make sure to come to the Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival in Long Beach this Sunday 11/6/11 and say hi!

If you come buy our booth & mention this posting- we will hook you up with a free gift :-)

Hope to see you there! XOXO, KC

Productivity in Motion

2011-11-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

I am going to make this a short post with pictures to illustrate my day(s).

Productive time is the best! Feeling a sense of accomplishment is such a great motivator. Yesterday, I got the car worked on so I spend a ton of time looking at new products at whole foods and reading magazines outside soaking up some vitamin D. I love that finally there are some breakthroughs in the way of green products/ environmental alternatives. Just researching things and seeing new ways of how people are innovating products gets me so stimulated. For instance, the below picture is a new detergent bottle that has a recycled paper shell and a "bladder bag" inside to save plastic waste. How cool! It will be really neat to see how some of these innovations will hopefully become commonplace and things will become less wasteful.

The fruits and veggies are from the Farmers Market this past Tuesday. Thankfully I had all these goodies at home or I would have tried to buy WAY too much stuff while killing time at Whole Foods. When Alisa was in town I finally got a bag of popcorn from the vender who always seems so popular- as you can see I am hooked. I don't know if they sprinkle legal crack on it or what but I am addicted and find myself waiting until Tuesday to buy more.

What a lazy beast. Why does she make me want to be a crazy cat lady on the internet???

Side Note: I know I was busy with other obligations yesterday, but Gypsy has no excuse and refuses to help pull her load of the work as seen above.

This morning we had a larger order of Reinbeers placed and I was able to get them out early before my acupuncture appointment mid-morning. For the first time in a while I finally got some acupuncture and while I think it has helped some of the problems I have been having, my hand is still wicked painful- hence the more pictures/ short post.

I have been working on the base layer of map paper on these rolls this afternoon. There is a bit more work to come before they make a protective container/good holder for when customers buy our pincushion rings in person at the fairs.

I will make sure to showcase some finished shots :)

Well, off to take a hot shower and get a shoulder rub. Good Night-

XOXO, KC

UNIQUE LA Holiday Show & State of Unique Website

2011-11-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

We are super excited for UNIQUE LA's 4th Annual Holiday Show!

December 3 + 4 // 11am – 6pm both days

Where: The California Market Center (110 East Ninth Street, Downtown LA)

Cost: $10 at the door or in advance online (Kids 12 and under are free), 10% of ticket sales will go to our non-profit partner (TBD).
More details about our booth # and any promotions (tbd)

How lucky are we to be amongst the talented independent designers included at this must see Holiday Show! We are so honored to celebrate all the Local Love <3

Their new website launched today- Yay! for modern, curated, Made in America design :) There is new content daily which means it is going to be the first page I look at everyday. I am pretty freakin' excited about all of this!!

Check it out State of Unique.Com here or their Facebook page here.

Please save the date and see us in person at the UNIQUE LA Holiday Show!

XOXO, KC & Kevin

My Kinda Garden- First of November :)

2011-11-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying November! Can you believe it is here already??? I am off to hit up the Farmer's Market in my neighborhood- it is just across the street every Tuesday :)

Sometimes you get lucky and can come across some limes in the neighborhood here in Los Angeles. Stumbling upon a fruit tree is my MO for "gardening" I buy local produce at Farmer's markets and want to be a part of the slow food or local movement, but I need to work on my 'green thumb" majorly.

I have the worst timing when getting excited to try new things. I am dying to try my hand at gardening now, just in time for winter. I feel so out of the loop with the weather being off here- I hope everyone is fending well with the snow back East/ all other locations that have general seasons, which we don't get here in SoCal.

Anyway, I am excited about this cat grass I blogged previously about here, is really amazing. Even though I found out I actually killed a cactus this past week- can you believe I killed a cactus?!? How embarrassing. I had it in a nook and must have been in denial about how much sun got that spot :(

This cat grass is going to be the start of a wonderful new hobby for me :) It is so easy even I am a pro at it.

How- To: Make an Upcycled Can Garland

2011-11-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wanna make this Upcycled Can Garland? You can make one of your own with a short amount of time & minimal supplies. It is really durable and has an industrial feel-

The upcycled aluminum makes a wonderful modern touch when it comes to materials.

Here is the supplies and necessary tools to make this project:

Clean- washed and dried cans, Fiskars Paper Crimper, Gloves, Box cutter or X- acto cutter, 1" circle paper punch, 1/16" hole punch, cotton crochet thread or sturdy thread & a needle with an eye large enough/ size of the thread. *Optional: Bone Folder, Extra sharp small scissors

Here is the basics on stripping down a can to utilize it as supplies:

I like to make the first vertical cut where the nutritional facts or writing is. I marked in the photo where the initial cuts are made- you can mark it if you'd like, but I just marked it for this tutorial.

Once you cut up the middle you can move on to the top:

After you take the top off, use the same method to remove the bottom. Once you get the top and bottom removed you can flatten it out. Anything with a 90 degree edge like a table- you can run the can rectangle across it to help flatten it out.

Yay! Now the can is ready to be used in what ever project you may desire ;)

The next step is using your 1" circle punch to make circles out of the can.

Until this project I had no idea you could use the paper punch on aluminum cans. They work great! If this is something that interests you/ you respond to the materials you should try other punches too.

I like to get as many circles out of a can as possible, which takes some patience- but I want to make the most of my materials. Plus, I think assembly line style saves time in the long run... Whatever you choose, get your circles ready and on to the next step. I made 100 circles in my garland- Finished length: ~8' (It's a bit longer + string length) I think it was a bit too long for the string strength. I would say get 100 circles made then see how much the smaller amount of thread described below needs.

Use the small 1/16" hole punch 2-holes across from each other.

The part that I think makes this project look "un-handmade" is this crimper. The Fiskars Paper Crimper is available online or is a great addition to use one of those JoAnn 40% off coupons. When you run the circle through the crimper they end up coming out oval looking- I made sure the holes are parallel and in line with the crimper lines. Doing it other ways makes the shape different. Test out other ways if you'd like too ;)

Once they come out of the crimper, I took a second to run the bone folder down the 2 sides to smooth them out. This part isn't necessary, just an added step you can take. Here is the finished circle:

Now to MAKE the Garland:

I took the thread and spread it arm to arm 3 times when I tried it the first time. I think that length was a bit too long to use... Towards the end, after the thread went in and out- rubbing across the aluminum so many times it made the string fuzzy towards the end. My best advise is to make the garland with 2 arms lengths of string and make it closer to 6' rather than using 3 arms lengths of string which made 8'.

Once you knot the tread onto the first circle you string up the back and out the bottom hole.

Loop it back through the hole before stitching into the side you want facing up. To make it shiny and reversible/ cool from both sides I flipped the side that showed so that every other one was the printed side:

The stitch connecting the next circle doubles back kinda like a figure 8 and holds everything tight and in place. To save time you can just stitch in and out through the holes- the circles will slide down on to each other. This way is easy and will pretty much look the same. With stitching each one together and doubling back took me the good part of the afternoon- it is a super afternoon movie watching project :)

Continue stitching them together until you:
A) run out of string B) It get's long enough for you to decide it's long enough C) You run out of patience or D) all of the above ;)

Then you are all finished! Yay!! Now decorate and use it- It is great to enjoy the fruits of your labor:

We'd love to see your finished Garland or other projects that use these "sequins" for your upcycled Holiday celebrations this year.

Good luck and happy making! XOXO, KC