Fabfrocks loves: Statement rings

Hi guys,

I love chunky statement rings: it's the one piece of jewellery I throw on every day, and even if I'm just wearing jeans and a jumper, it makes me feel 'fashion-y'. What I don't love though are green fingers that look like you're suffering from an acute case of gangrene: which is what happens whenever I wear the aforementioned statement rings.

If I buy them from Topshop or Accessorize, I'm looking if I get 4-5 wears from each ring before my finger starts to look rotten. From Primark I can only wear a ring once or twice before people start wondering if I need to visit a hospital.

So my (mini) New Year's Resolution is to give up the cheap finger furniture. Have fewer pieces of better quality plated jewellery and fingers that look pink.

The beetle ring is by Kenneth Jay Lane. I got it in the Harvey Nicks sale just before Christmas, reduced from £115 to £32. The Juicy Couture flower ring (chavvy brand I know, but I do like their jewellery) was reduced to £29 in Bicester Village yesterday. In fact, Bicester Village yesterday was mayhem, but their were some amazing further reductions to be had!

If I can I'd like to get one more ring in a plain gold to add to my collection, so that I can wear it with anything. But my focus is definitely on quality rather than quantity, for a change. And my fingers have never been happier!

Love Tor x

Christmas: Lovely luxuries

Hi guys,

Well, Christmas is sadly over, although I'm not ready to hide the Quality Street tin just yet! I've had a fantastic Christmas. For me, Christmas is all about little luxuries. Having Harrods cheese instead of the usual Cathedral City (thanks Mum!), eating your body weight in yummy chocolates, wearing my favourite perfumes everyday (am I the only one that normally has a cheaper everyday perfume?), and having calorie laden snacks whenever you want them, guilt free!

Speaking of luxuries, I have received some seriously luxurious gifts:

I was treated to a new Steve Madden cover for my ipad, the Marc Jacobs watch I added to my Christmas gift list (the hints work!), two perfume gift sets, some gorgeous candles, Betsey Johnson pajamas and slippers, a new leather filofax (I couldn't live without mine), a Vivienne Westwood purse, a Lanvin pen, and much much more.

And the biggest luxury of all this Christmas? Taking time out without focusing on work, to just spend with my family. Especially the smallest member of all: meet little Bertie, who's just 7 weeks old! I am one very proud aunt!

I know I'm biased, but that is one seriously beautiful baby boy!

So, what did you get up to for Christmas? And did Santa bring you everything you wanted?

Love Tor xx

Your Daily Dose of Glitter

So Christmas is over (as is our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway), but New Year's Eve is right around the corner! We already shared with you our love for sparkly dresses, but you don't need a big New Year's Eve wedding to sparkle at midnight. There are many ways to add some shine without wearing sequins from head to toe. A sparkly clutch, a glittery blouse, or sequined skirt can go a long way to jazzing up an otherwise tame ensemble. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Forever 21 | 2. Free People | 3. Gypsy Warrior | 4. Urban Outfitters | 5. Empress Eccentric | 6. Victoria's Secret | 7. Express | 8. J. Crew | 9. Poetic License 

That's all from us for the rest of the year. We hope you bring in the new year with style, and we can't wait to start share our ideas for 2012! Until then...

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the Twelfth, and final, Day of Christmas PDR gave to Rosemarie G.

The Deborah Anne print by Danielle Rizzolo

Danielle has been a friend of ours for quite some time and we've always been a fan of her work. Today's winner will receive one of our favorite prints, the Deborah Anne (fun fact: this print was also sold at Urban Outfitters)! Danielle is an extremely talented artist and an overall lovely person and New Jersey will certainly miss her when she moves out to Milwaukee this winter. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop and her website to see her other great work. And check out our interview below to learn a little more about her:

Tell us a little about yourself.  

I grew up in NJ and attended the University of the Arts in Philly. I am fascinated with past times, past people and the sea. I currently reside in Asbury Park with my better half.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist? When did you get started?

I've always enjoyed creating for as long as I can remember. I would say junior and senior year of high school really solidified that I wanted to pursue art as a career and attend art school.

 Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

Oil painting is my medium of choice. I've always just understood it and had a connection to it.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The past times, my childhood, antiques and the sea.

 Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

 Stay true to yourself and keep making!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

 Mint chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter

Thanks, Danielle!  And congratulations to Rosemarie!

Thank you to all of you who entered our 12 Days of Christmas!  We are so glad to have so many new Facebook friends and hope you'll continue to read Paper Doll Romance.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and we'll see you all again next year!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas PDR gave to Shakiera:

A fun pair of leather earrings from Melody's Addiction!

How fun are these ruffled earrings?  The bright color and fun shape can't help but make you smile and we are delighted to be able to share them with you!  Melody's Addiction has an assortment of leather ruffle earrings and other fun and funky pieces. Want to know more or wear you can find them?  Check out our interview questions below or visit their shop on Etsy to check our their fabulous creations online:

When did you start making jewelry?

I first started designing jewelry in high school. Then I took a long break while working in the non-profit and community organizing world.  I hadn't made jewelry in years and then picked it up again about 6 years ago. Melody's Addiction emerged as a creative outlet and side-hustle about 5 years ago. Melody's Addiction really took a leap when I became one of the opening vendors for the, then brand new, Brooklyn Flea back in 2008. I've been a regular vendor with the Flea ever since and it's been a great space to connect face-to-face with customers and other designers. 

What inspires you?

I gather random materials from various sources in New York and also from travels abroad. When I was working in the garment district I loved the leather stores, the fabric stores, the trim and lace stores....entire stores dedicated to buttons and buckles.  One of my latest collections is inspired by Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibit that was at the Met this summer. Leather, feathers, fabric , lace fashioned into fun earrings! Love it all. My favorite part about designing and making jewelry is the whimsy and endless opportunity for invention. It's sole purpose is adornment and beauty.

Where are you based?

I live and work in Brooklyn and I am a regular vendor at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene (though mostly during the outdoor season April-November).  I do other markets occasionally like BUST Craftacular and Renegade Craft Fair. Year round you can visit me online at my Etsy Shop www.melodysaddiction.etsy.com and my Melody’s Addiction Facebook Page. (please join!!). Check in with my blog for upcoming sale dates at www.melodysaddiciton.com.

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry?

I love the simplicity of the leather hoop earrings which come in many colors, some with funky cut-out shapes. They're big, bold, colorful and light weight! All the elements you want to make your entire outfit pop.

Thanks, again, to Melody's Addiction for allowing us to share their work with you!  Congratulations, Shakiera!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Sarenza.co.uk sale starts today!!

Hi guys,
Christmas isn't even upon us yet, but it's already time to start talking about the post-Christmas sales! The Sarenza sale started today, and I have to say, it's a cracker! I'm a self-confessed shoe addict, so it doesn't take much to make me think about buying shoes: and a discount of up to 50% ought to do it!!

I love the January Sales (any idea why we still call them that when they start in the middle of December?) From around October I stop buying myself anything and add everything I see that I love to a mental checklist, then try to find as much of it as I can in the sales: I just can't resist a discount! With that in mind, here are my picks of some of the best pieces from the Sarenza sale right now:

1. Jeffrey Campbell brogues, £46.50 (50% off)
2. Moschino heart brogues, £160.30 (30% off)
3. Jeffrey Campbell heels, £58 (50% off)
4. Dune leopard print heels, £66.50 (30% off)
5. Swedish Hasbeens boots, £188.30 (30% off)
6. French Connection boots, £99 (40% off)

If none of these take your fancy, there are literally hundreds of other shoes over on the site for you to check out, and a massive selection of amazing sale handbags too. One of my favourite things about being a Sarenza brand ambassador is being given the excuse to spend hours every month trawling through their website and indulging in a little fantasy shoe shopping. And with a little help from the sales and some Christmas money, I'm about to make those shoe fantasies a reality!

I actually think I am going to pick up those Moschino Cheap and Chic heart brogues. I admired them when they were full price but couldn't justify the expense, so the 30% off is the perfect reason to pick them up now!

Love Tor xxx

The Tenth Day of Christmas

On the Tenth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Angela:

A fun 2012 screen printed calendar from YeeHaw

While we don't have a nice interview to share, we can tell you first hand how fun these prints are!  We came across this little booth at the BUST Craftacular and we just loved their work and knew we needed to share it with you.  These calendars are super convenient and feature a bottom that tears off when it's time to change to the next month.  Today's winner will receive the pink and magenta "Sweet Mama" calendar that feature an adorable cotton candy vendor.

Congratulations, Angela!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the 9th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Elizabeth:

An eco-friendly and organic gift assortment from Heaven and Earth LLC

Today's winner will receive four chocolate mocha solid sugar scrubs, a lemongrass poppy seed soap, and a hand knit washcloth courtesy of Mary at Heaven & Earth, LLC.

  We've known Mary for years and are so impressed with the work that she's been doing to help educate people about the importance of sustainability and healthy living.  We're also thrilled by her generous donation and continued support of Paper Doll Romance. Interested on learning more about Heaven & Earth and their natural, organic products? There are lots of  ways to connect with Heaven & Earth online! 





Be sure to visit their website to order, "Like" them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter at @HeavenNEarthLLC for great recipes and updates, and visit Mary's blog to see what she's been up to and what tasty treats she's cooked up!  

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I grew up in Jackson, NJ, lived out of state for a little while, and now I live in Bayville, NJ. I wear several hats: wife, daughter, sister, friend, college professor, director of a nonprofit group, and I am the Co-Owner of Heaven & Earth, along with my Mom, Cathie. Heaven & Earth is all about health, wellness, sustainability, and education. We make natural products for mind, body, and spirit, and we will soon be Certified Holistic Health Coaches on top of that, so we can teach people not only about what they put on their skin, but what they put in their bodies as well.



2. What made you decide to start your business? When did you get started?

We got started in November 2009. It's kind of an interesting story. My Mom found an article online highlighting several women who made amazing career changes. One of the women was a marketing director (I was also a marketing director at the time). This woman felt like something was missing in her life, and she basically quit her job, moved to her grandfather's farm in TN and turned an old barn into a soap studio, and used her marketing talents to open a cute soap business. My Mom sent me an email with the text "You have to read this." I contacted the woman in the article, and she was so kind and inspirational. And then after not much time at all, Heaven & Earth, LLC was born.

3. Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I love natural and organic, fair trade materials from God's good earth. The more natural, the better! Some of my favorites are coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, dried flowers, and essential oils.



4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the earth. I used to be very separated from nature, and once I started to embrace this lifestyle, I felt truly alive, healthy, and happy.



5. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Work hard and follow your heart, and anything is possible.



6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I like Cherry Amaretto Coconut Milk Ice Cream!

 Thanks so much to Heaven and Earth, LLC for their generous donation!  Congratulations, Elizabeth.  Enjoy those luxurious scrubs and soaps!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the Eighth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Hillary:

The "Amour Cookie" necklace from Wink and Flip

This darling little necklace caught our eye the second we came across the winkandflip Etsy shop.  When Natasha contacted us and said she was donating this necklace, we were thrilled!  It's petite and charming, and simple enough to wear with just about everything.  Plus, it's written in French, so we just couldn't resist.  Check out her shop for more great pieces or to get an Amour Cookie necklace of your very own.  Want to know more about winkandflip or find out where you can find them next?  Read our interview with Natasha below:

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I'm finishing up my Master's in Liberal Studies at The New School for Social Reserach. I was born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens. When I got my working papers no one would hire me because I was so young, so I started my own company. I've been in the fashion jewelry business for eight years, and have worked a combined two years in the accessories departments of teenVOGUE and Marie Claire magazines as an intern. One of my headbands was featured in teenVOGUE. We have two parts to our business, a curated line that we buy, which is sold at winkandflip.com, and a line we design in an etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/winkandflip. Enjoy our shop!

You can find us every Saturday, from May to October, at the famous Hester Street Fair on the Lower East Side. Girls follow us on Twitter to find out where we'll be next.

 It's @winkandflip 

What made you decide to begin making jewelry? When did you get started?

We started assembling necklaces after we were selling jewelry for some time because we found things we thought would look great at the end of 30" chains, and we didn't see anyone else putting them together.

 Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

We find metal charms, or stones with metal charms. But one of our bestsellers is a mini harmonica on a long chain. Once a guy came into a show who was a professional musician. He bought one and started playing it. It had four tones, but he was making music and everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to him. 

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Flea markets, trolling on etsy, pieces from the wholesale market that we chop up and "frankenstein" into new pieces. We know what girls are going to love and when we see it, it jumps out at us.

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Start small and keep at it. Learn about being a business person, so you can elevate your efforts from hobby status. I attended classes at the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Finding something like that can help a lot.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Any fruit-flavored sherbet.

Thanks, Natasha!  And Congratulations, Hillary!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Fabfrocks at Home: Decorating for Christmas

Hi guys,
It's that time of the year again! When I look out my window I can see the soft glow of Christmas tree lights in almost every flat and house around me: people are preparing for the big day, and so are we. My Christmas tree has been up for weeks! I love Christmas and I love decorating my house for Christmas: it's a relaxing ritual that prepares you and your home for the craziness to come!

My tree isn't exactly traditional: it's more of an eclectic mish-mash of all the things I like: hence the lights shaped like rabbits (a steal at just £5 from a local carboot sale) the skull and deer baubles (both available from Paperchase) and the ice cream cone bauble from Harrods. I think it's more important that you love each bauble or that they mean something that that everything matches.


As well as decorating my tree I also decorate my table. I have a big red Christmas table cloth, an Advent ring as my centre piece, Christmas place mats, and even salt and pepper shakers shaped like Santa! In the kitchen I have a Christmas dinner service (covered in Polar bears) and two sets of Christmas mugs (you can pick up similar ones from Debenhams if you're feeling inspired!)
Finally in a new addition for this Christmas, I built a sleigh using a cardboard box and some red and silver wrapping paper. We're hosting Christmas for the first time this year, meaning 6 people will be squeezed into my two bedroom flat. As well as looking fantastic (and perfect for my nephew's first Christmas) it has a practical function too: it will keep all the presents organised and in one place, rather than spread all over the house when we're so space-restricted!

What have you done to your house for Christmas? Have you put your tree up yet? I'd love to hear if you have any great ideas on how to make a big festive impact on a low budget too!

Love Tor xx

The return of the Christmas jumper!

Hi guys,
It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas! My family are arriving from 'tup 'North over the next couple of days, all my presents are wrapped and under the tree, and I've already eaten my body weight in mince pies! I cannot wait for the big day to arrive!

Even my outfits are taking a Christmassy turn. Today I am wearing my new Louche Gnome jumper from Zalando (Pictured above: although personally I think the gnome looks like Santa and so I refer to it as my Santa jumper) I've become slightly obsessed with online shopping lately (what's the point in going outside to get wet and cold when you can shop from your PC?) and Zalando is a new favourite! I also have a red santa apron, red jeans, and an army of red tops and cream knits to keep the festive theme going!

I've always loved Christmas jumpers, being the Christmas obsessive I am, but I've also always accepted that they're a bit naff. Sartorially speaking though, they're making a bit of a comeback this season. Christmas jumpers are everywhere!

-Vibrant snowflake jumper (£24) from ASOS
-Snowman jumper (£50) from Topshop
-Snowman jumper from Atom Retro (Vintage shops are great for Xmas jumpers!)
-Reindeer jumper dress (£31) by Anna Field.
-The reindeer sweater is also by Louche (£65) from Zalando
-Knitted snowflake jumper (£65) by Free People.

Do you have a special Christmas jumper, or are they just not cool, no matter what anyone else says? In which case, what will you be wearing over Christmas? And my final (very important) question is this: Can I wear my gnome-but-really-Santa jumper after Christmas, or will I never get away with calling him a gnome?

Love Tor xxx

The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the 7th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Rachel:

A One-Eyed Girl drawing by Kasey Tararuj

We love Kasey's One Eyed Girl series of drawings and were delighted when she offered to create one for our giveaway.  This One Eyed Girl is edgy and romantic, a little bit of what PDR is all about. Interested in your own custom One Eyed Girl?  Send her an email to commission your very own piece.  And, be sure to visit her website and her blog to check out Kasey's other work and to save the dates for any upcoming exhibitions.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

Paralyzed artist since 2000! I'm a paraplegic thanks to an AVM on my spinal cord, but that hasn’t stopped me from my 3 favorite things: traveling, (most recently) surfing, and (most importantly) creating!

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? When did you get started?

I've loved doodling and creating since I was a child, it always my favorite hobby.  I can't remember a time of wanting to be anything but an artist.  I took every art class in high school, got my Bachelor's in Fine Arts, and have been making and showing art ever since.

Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

For me, there's nothing better than painting and sculpting.   I love the mess of paint and clay covering my hands, even though it never seems to come off and gets all over everything else I own.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Much of it comes from my disability, dealing with it, expressing it. Other comes from my own personal mission to amuse myself (and I guess sometimes others). I love creating characters in 2D and 3D that are just funny, weird, cute, and unique.

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to sell their work?  

Create like crazy and love what you do.  It doesn't happen overnight!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?  

Cotton candy!

Congratulations to Rachel and special thanks to the talented Kasey Tararuj for her generous donation!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Sixth Day of Christmas

On the Sixth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Kimberly:

A  Silver Tusk Terrarium Necklace by With Roots

Wear a little piece of mother nature around your neck.  With Roots creates beautiful necklaces, ornaments, and other mini terrariums that combine nature with fashion. Sharon from With Roots has been a busy girl, but she was kind enough to take some time to answer our interview questions below:

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I am from New Jersey, been living in NY for 9 years with a brief hiatus to San Francisco for bit. My shop is called With Roots.

What made you decide to begin making jewelry? When did you get started?

I was making regular terrariums for a friend's birthday last year.  He loved them so much he told me he wished he could wear them, so I did some research and made it happen! 

Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I love working with all plants.  I like figuring out which plants will work best in what environment.  I'd also love to start studying glass blowing so I can make more custom pieces.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from so much!  When I'm not making jewelry I support myself with photography.  So, I love looking at the way light hits objects and interacts with them.  I love seeing the sunshine hit one of my necklaces because I know it's combining nature and style. 

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Go for it!  I started out just making these for a few friends and through their support I've just gone for it and have been getting such a positive response.  I love it!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chocolate cookie. 

Congratulations to Kimberly and many many thanks to Sharon from With Roots for her lovely contribution  to our giveaway.  Didn't win today but really want one of these?  No worries, just visit her website to order your own With Roots mini terrarium necklace!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Fifth Day of Christmas

On the Fifth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Maggie:

Two all natural body scrubs from Naki Nagi!

We were able to catch up with Rachel, founder of Naki Nagi, last weekend at the BUST Craftacular and we can personally attest to the fantastic smell and textures of these scrubs. They smell amazing and good enough to eat (though you shouldn't actually eat them).  And, the best part is that the scrubs are created using just 5 all natural ingredients! This set of scrubs includes a Vanilla Milkshake Sugar Scrub and an Espresso Sea Salt Scrub, both of which act to cleanse and naturally exfoliate the skin.  We liked them so much that we even bought one for ourselves!   Check out Rachel's shop online or like Naki Nagi on Facebook for additional updates on new products, sales, promos, and more!  Here's a look at our interview with Rachel from Naki Nagi:

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop? 

Myself

I am a native New Yorker, and I currently live on Roosevelt Island. I graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in 2005 in Nutrition & Food Studies, and returned to NYU's Stern School of Business to complete my MBA in Marketing & Business Analytics in 2011.  After graduating from Stern, I did not want to simply work at a desk in an office - I wanted to create, to manage, to make decisions and to help people. I have been experimenting with body scrubs for a while now, testing them on friends and family with various skin types, and I created a unique formula that exfoliates and nourishes, without excess oil or drying. In August 2011 I decided to launch Naki Nagi, a handmade body scrub company that allows me to use my culinary training and business education to create a company and a product that I know you will love.

My Company

Naki Nagi [pronounced Na-Kee Na-gee] is a combination of the Hebrew word "Naki", meaning clean, and "Nagi", the Russian word for legs. The name blends the cultures that define me, Jewish and Russian, with my love for my two Siberian cats - Mishka and Gorbie (short for Gorbachev)., who happen to have the fluffiest,  "Naki Nagi" (clean legs).. Naki Nagi represents a unique combination that results in a one-of-a-kind handmade body scrub made with love and appreciation for its ingredients and formulation. 

2. What made you decide to begin making body scrubs? When did you get started?

In December 2010 I was walking around the Bryant Park Holiday Market, looking for a gift for someone who loved soaps and soap-related products. I came across a store that had delicious-smelling pastel-colored body scrubs – for $30 a jar! Exfoliating your body with natural ingredients should be a daily, not an exclusive and expensive, ritual – and I instantly knew I could create something better, more affordable, and more approachable for women and men.

I began experimenting at home, trying different recipes and ingredients in an effort to create a scrub that could be used on all skin types, that provides just the right amount of moisture without excess oil (something that bothered me about other body scrubs). After graduating from Stern in May, and being largely uninspired by the job market, I decided to take the ultimate MBA challenge and start my own business in August 2011. 

3. Do you have any materials or scents that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I think my favorite scent has to be the fresh ground espresso - the smell, the texture, the amazing exfoliation - my hands feel amazing after I am done producing my Espresso scrub! I am also beginning to experiment with a "Half & Half" idea, in which I mix sea salt and sugar...but I am still working on the consistency of that one - stay tuned!

4. Where do you draw inspiration from? 

There's no hiding it - I love my cats. Mishka and Gorbie are both Siberian cats (who by the way can grow up to 25 lbs of sheer muscle), and they are the most loyal, loving, soothing and inspiring animals. I work a lot from home, and watching the two of them interact is hilarious. I take them for walks outside (on their leashes), they chase each other up and down the hallway, and snuggle together in bed. They are the inspiration behind Naki Nagi. 

5. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Don't give up. I know it sounds cliche, but you will have really bad days where you sell nothing, and great days when you sell a lot. Sales is probably the hardest part of any business - but if you believe in yourself and your product, you will make it through. 

6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?  

Pistachio 

Congratulations to Maggie and thanks again to Rachel from Naki Nagi for these fantastic scrubs and for helping to support our 12 Days of Christmas.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Fourth Day of Christmas

On the Fourth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Lindsay:

A witty set of cards from Orange Tabby Press

We are delighted to present these cards from Orange Tabby Press.  Each card has a cute design and clever saying and comes with a pretty colored envelope.  When we were asked to select an item for our giveaway, we just couldn't choose as we found ourselves liking everything!  Luckily, Julia was generous enough to put together this set for us.  We were excited to meet with her this weekend and were happy to find she was just as pleasant in person as we thought she would be (cat lovers just know these things...). We love her work so much that we even also even picked up some great holiday cards and gifts for ourselves!  You can learn a little more about our artist from the interview below:

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How did you decide on a name for your shop?

I'm a letterpress printer that lives in Washington DC with my husband and three cats. After months of flip-flopping on shop name ideas, I ended up naming it after my cat, Copernicus, an orange tabby.  

2. How do you make your cards? Do you do everything yourself, or do you have people to help you?

I print my cards on an antique press using lead and wood type, photopolymer and linoleum cuts. I do the whole process (besides making the actual paper) on my own: design and layout, cutting the paper, printing, scoring, folding and packaging!

3. What inspires you?

Because I really like playing around with words, a lot of my cards feature puns. When riding the bus, I often find myself rhyming words or coming up with funny sayings that I eventually turn into greeting cards. I also like playing around with letters and including cats in my work.

4. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

I think being aware of the amount of time and effort selling your work is really important. When I first started, I didn't realize how much there is to do besides designing and printing. There's the post-production and packaging, then the marketing and selling (photographing your work, writing descriptions, maintaining an online ship, applying to craft fairs), and then there's all the business-y stuff (inventory, accounting, etc.). I'm sure there are a lot of other things I should be doing as well!

5. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chocolate chip!

Congratulations, Lindsay!  And much thanks to Orange Tabby Press!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Need a budget Christmas party dress? Think Primark!

Hi guys,
I know we're in the middle of a recession and times are tight, and restyling and reusing are very cool and fashionable. Whilst blatent consumerism just isn't. And I do reuse, and buy second hand, and even customise to save money. But, for me at least, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a brand new party frock!

If you agree and are dying to buy a new dress for the party season, but have a miniscule mice-sized budget, then I would recommend checking out Primark. They have an amazing range of budget partywear in store at the moment that doesn't look like it's been bought on a budget. Think simple shapes and styles in plain block colours that are just dying to be teamed with killer heels and your favourite accessories:




Gold batwing dress, £17
Mermaid tunic dress, £25
Fur coat, £30 and Playsuit, £15
Bronze pleated dress, £17

I actually picked up the gold batwing sleeved dress for my boyfriend's birthday 'do (which was last week) and it looked amazing on - it's fully lined too, which helps hide any lumps and bumps, and which you wouldn't expect for the money! I wore it teamed with my leather jacket and D&G wedges, and noone would ever have guessed it was Primark!

Have you bought a new party dress this year, or will you be restyling an old favourite? And would you buy partywear from Primark? I used to avoid their partywear like the plague, because I didn't want to be wearing the same dress that someone else was bound to wear (because everyone shops in Primark and Topshop!) but now I think with clever styling it really doesn't matter!

Love Tor xx

The Third Day of Christmas

On the Third Day of Christmas PDR gave to Francesca :

A pair of vintage brass earrings from Glamourpuss Creations!

It was a pleasure to meet Lisa at the BUST Craftacular this weekend and we are so excited that she agreed to participate in this giveaway. We just love her work and if you like these earrings make sure you take a look at her shop because so many of her pieces look equally as fun to wear.  Lisa was kind enough to answer a few questions for us, so, without further ado...

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop? 

Hi there from Lisa O'Neill of Glamourpuss Creations. I grew up in the wooded wilds of Southeastern Massachusetts but have called Boston my home for almost 15 years (yikes!). Among my faaaavorite things to do are lounging on the beach, thrift store shopping and listening to classic country music of the 50s and 60s. 

2. What made you decide to begin making jewelry? When did you get started?

I guess you could say I'm a life-long crafty gal. From woven pot holders and macrame as a kid, to sewing and crocheting as an adult, I've always love to make stuff. Five years ago I made some jewelry for my sister and friends for Christmas gifts and things just grew from there. 

3. Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

Working exclusively in vintage materials, I love finding beautifully aged brass components. The rust spots and patina that occur naturally over time are so striking. 

4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

History and nature are huge inspirations. The story behind a style of chain or color of bead, the fashion trends out which they were born and the people who originally wore them are thrilling. Refashioning these pieces into modern, stylish designs for a whole new generation of women is my favorite part of making jewelry. 

5. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Perhaps the best piece of advice I ever got was to be sincere and impassioned about what you do. This will translate into your creations and customers can't help but love this. 

6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

This might be he hardest question! I'd have to say Butter Pecan or Pistachio, 'old lady' flavors as my husband calls them.

Congratulations, Francesca!  And, thanks very much to Lisa, from Glamourpuss Creations, for her generous donation and for helping to make our 12 Days of Christmas a success.  

XOXO

Jen & Saira