Monday, December 22, 2008

Happy Holidays


I know it sounds so cliche but I truly believe that there is something magical about this time of year. I love how cheery people are, the joyous music, all the pretty decorations, and people making time to spend with the ones they love. Velma and I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy holiday season :)

Friday, December 5, 2008

A dog's (and dog-lover's) paradise

If you live in the San Francisco bay area, you have to check this place out. I had been hearing a lot about Point Isabel Park and what a great place it is to take your dogs, so I decided to take Velma there on our day off. I expected it to be the typical dog park: moderately-sized, some well-behaved and some out of control dogs running around, poop laying around creating a "watch your every step" situation, but still a pretty cool place to hang out. I was very pleasantly surprised by what we found when we arrived! First of all, this place is huge! Over 23 acres for your pooch's off-leash pleasure. It's also amazingly clean for a dog park; the owners (in my experience) were all super responsible in keeping the place clean as well as very nice. Mutt Mitts does a great job of providing clean up bags and they are readily available throughout. The energy of the dogs is a very good one (again, simply speaking from my experience). All the dogs were calm, polite, and under their owner's control--that was Velma's favorite part as she is not very tolerant of pushy dogs ;) This place offers everything for your pups to have a great time: plenty of space to run around, bay water to swim in, Mudpuppy's (self-wash, store, and cafe) and beautiful views. I'm not saying it's the prettiest place we've ever been to but it definitely has its charm. If you're looking for a place to hang out with your best pal, relax, grab a casual bite to eat and have a simple but pleasant day, I highly recommend Point Isabel. I know my baby and I will definitely be back!

Friday, November 28, 2008

One day late...


Yesterday was a busy day and I didn't get a chance to get to a computer. However, "better late than never" I always say, so.... Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has ever supported me and my business and those who allow me to do what I love. Every compliment, every smile, every kind gesture helps and I just wanted to say how sincerely thankful I am. You are all great! Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving too :)

Friday, November 21, 2008

All eyes on Poppy...

Meet Poppy, our lovely friend and customer... isn't she stunning?! Her very sweet mom, Linda (owner of Artwolf) contacted us asking for some custom bandanas for this beautiful black lab girl. Of course, we were happy to whip some up for her :) The first bandana is the reversible red bandana seen in our shop. The other was a completely custom design: pink polka dots on one side and a lovely pink floral and butterfly print on the other. She looks beautiful in both bandanas! If you would like someting custom for your pooch, feel free to visit our shop or e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com










Monday, November 17, 2008

Just for the record...

I love my baby more than anything else in the world; I take her EVERYWHERE with me, I always have her looking perfectly groomed and stylish (even smelling nice!) and she is often seen popping her sweet little face out of a stylish purse slung on my shoulder. However, it really bothers me when people think that she is simply a fashion accessory to me when it's not like that at all!
Believe me, she LOVES living the life of a pampered diva: she LOVES the attention and affection, gets SOOO excited whenever I open up her wardrobe because she knows it's time to dress up and "get pretty", and she happily jumps right into her purse carriers (she even tries jumping into my regular, non-doggie purses!) because she knows it means that she gets to do her favorite thing in the world: be with mommy :) It's true, most people only get to see her at work: whether its cheesing it up for the camera during a product photo shoot, accompanying me to a boutique meeting, or any other one of the many things that she helps me with. I understand how this comes off as a little "Paris Hilton-ish" but I would never make her do it if she didn't enjoy it just as much as I do. After all, her happiness and well-being is what inspired me to create my company. As much as she may love her job, though, the other 99% of her time is spent just being mommy's little angel and princess. At any given moment she can be found curled up and napping on my lap, playing a good game of chase at our local dog park, catching a flight to accompany me on my next trip, or strolling busy city streets for a day out on the town. I have been told several times that she lives the life that many children wish they had. All I can do is smile and accept the fact that yes, she is more spoiled than most people's children but what can I say, she's the love of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

My first kitty order!!


I'm so excited! As I've said before, I LOVE taking custom orders, but this time was different. This was the first time anyone had asked me to make something for their kitty rather than their pooch. I've made things for my cat before but that doesn't count ;) A lovely Parisian lady contacted me asking me to make her two harnesses for her new kitten: one for now and another for when it is full grown. Of course I was more than thrilled to do it and was even more excited when I received this adorable picture from her. What a thought... this precious kitty walking down the streets of the most famous city on earth wearing something that I so lovingly made!! So exciting :) Want something custom-made for your pampered pet? Please check out my shop and feel free to contact me with your requests.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Like our newest collar?


This fun and funky collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It has a whimsical white, navy, and blue "mod"-like/ bubble print mkiing it bright and playful. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Check out our shop for more.


Stay tuned for the winter line :)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A necklace that I will treasure forever

In case you haven't noticed, I love my little girl, Velma (my dog), more than anything else in the world. Call me strange, obsessive, the weird dog lady, whatever, I don't care (and believe me, I have been called all of the above and more!). I have never met anyone who has such a special bond with their dog as we do. She is my baby, my friend, companion, little angel, business partner, someone who loves me unconditionally, and so much more. Basically, she is super special to me and always will be. I had been wanting a special piece of jewelry to celebrate that bond and had originally come up with the idea of having a locket with a picture of her in it, but it seemed so ordinary. Instead, I purchased this beautiful, one-of-a-kind, locket-inspired custom necklace from Daisywares. I loved Roni's (the owner of Daisywares) hand-stamped necklaces as well as her scrabble tile pendants, so I decided to ask for a custom order of the two together. She came up with this fabulous piece which I will treasure forever. It is beautifully crafted, it arrived quickly at my door in adorable packaging, and she was even clever enough to use a "V" tile for Velma. This is more than a pretty piece of jewelry to me, it is something very dear to me that I will treasure forever.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Two of my favorite customers




I know I've talked about them before, I know I've said how cute I think they are, I know I've talked about their lovely mom and her FABULOUS company, Daisywares, but I have to bring it up again. Aren't Molly and Sadey PRECIOUS?! Here they are seen modeling two of my creations. Molly is ready for the holidays in her santa suit while Sadey takes a more subtle approach to flashing her holiday spirit in a girly red dress. Their mom, Roni, is always so kind and generous in sharing the cuteness with me so that I can share with all of you :) Just look at those faces... so irresistibly cute!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Holidays Already?!


Oh my! Where did this year go? I can't believe I'm saying this but limited edition "Howliday Collection" pieces are now available in our shop! Even our fur-babies need outfits to show off their holiday spirit :)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Fun and sassy


This collar says just that :)


This fun and sophisticated collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! Its beautiful and fun gold polka-dot print make it super hip and playful, while the peach background is chic and modern. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.


You can find this collar here

Thursday, September 18, 2008

So many ideas, so little time...


Maybe I'm obsessive, maybe I'm insane, but I always seem to have so much going through my mind at any given moment. I'm constantly thinking of what to do next for our fashion line, what would be cute, what fabrics would work, what trims would be needed...on and on and on it goes... it seems to never end. Recently, the owner of the Pampered Pet Boutique, the lovely little local shop that carries our line, asked me to make some beds that she could sell at her shop. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige. I had been thinking about making beds for our Etsy shop for quite some time now, but I hadn't gotten around to it. This gave me a good excuse to finally play around with the idea and actually make some. It turns out, I loved them, and so did Velma! Once I made the beds for the boutique, I immediately went out and purchased some fabric to experiment a little more and make a bed for Velma. I'm thinking... you might just find something plush and fluffy for you pooch in our shop very soon... :) After all, every pampered pup deserves a posh little bed like this, just look how comfy Velma looks on her's!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

All Eyes on Chester


How precious is this?! This is one of my clients, a little gentleman named Chester. His mommy purchased a sweater from our shop a couple of weeks ago and she was lovely enough to send me a picture. Darling, right?! What makes it even cuter is how big the sweater is on him,; he almost looks like a little boy playing dress-up in his daddy's clothes. In this picture, he is only about three months old and still growing into it. Fall and winter are just around the corner, but I'm sure by then he will fit into it perfectly :) What a cutie!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Fall Preview....


Who's ready for Autumn? I know I am :) I find it to be one of the most beautiful seasons with its beautiful colors, ideal weather, and of course, fabulous fashions. This year's 1+1=ONE fall fashion collection will be chic, refined, sophisticated and classy, all while still being casual and fun. I found a beautiful fabric that encompassed all of these key elements and put it to use in this collar. This collar is meant to kick off our fall line and set the mood for what is to come. Stay tuned for more :)

Friday, September 5, 2008

Some down time :)


It's been pretty busy around here with work and getting ready for the new fall collection to launch in our shop (something to look forward to!) but Velma and I decided to take a day off from all the craziness. Where better to go than our favorite city: San Francisco! We walked along the piers, the beach, in and out of shops, and of course, had some fabulous off-leash runs at the park with spectacular views. What a lovely day :)

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Love animals?

I do!!! The ASPCA is a fabulous organization that was founded in 1866, making it the first organization of its kind in the western hemisphere. Since then, they have been fighting for animals' health, rights, happiness and overall well-being, Please take the pledge to help them out :)

Pledge to Fight Animal Cruelty





Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Custom Orders



I realized today that I don't think I've ever talked about our custom-order experiences or how much we welcome them :) In case you didn't know, we happily accept almost any challenges that you can throw our way when it comes to custom orders-- ranging from custom-sizes on existing designs, to altering design details on our ready-to-wear merchandise, all the way to working out a one-of-a-kind unique design. These orders are some of my favorites since they present challenges as well as creative room that we normally don't have to work with. Here is one of the most recent custom designs that we have created: from the design concept to the existing product. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to visit our shop or e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com

Thursday, August 7, 2008

On those dog days of summer....


when it's too hot for your pooch to wear clothes, have no fear... our collars are here :) Our custom -fit collars are not only designed to be lightweight, safe, and comfortable, but super chic and fabulous as well. Check them out and the other pet-fashion accessories we have to offer. You're sure to find something your pampered pooch simply can't be without in our shop.

Monday, July 28, 2008

All eyes on Xen...




Have I mentioned how much I LOVE receiving pictures from my customers? It always manages to put a smile on my face and gives me such a feeling of satisfaction. It makes me proud to do what I do and makes it that much more worthwhile. Meet Xen, a stunning American Pitbull Terrier who now rocks one of our collars. Who says dogs who don't like clothes can't be fashionable? You, too, can show off your pet's personality and individuality with one of our custom collars (or anything else from our shop!)

Monday, July 21, 2008

That perfect summer outfit


When the weather is nice and you're feeling happy, you need an outfit to reflect that. Your pampered pooch also needs a nice "let's go take a stroll in the park" outfit, and this tank is perfect for that! It's bright green color is cheery and playful while it's flower and butterfly applique design are innocent and chic. It is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for playtime on those beautiful sunny summer days. Make sure to come visit our shop to check out our newest and hottest summertime pieces :) See you there!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Fresh and new!




I know it's been a while since I've updated; it's been pretty busy around here :) Nevertheless, I am back and ready to crank out some new and fabulous items for your pooch. Check out our latest collar and make sure to check our shop out often for the latest and greatest in pet fashion!




This fun and sassy collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It is a beautiful shade of pink that subtly transitions into a vibrant salmon-color. The floral design is delicately outlined in white, adding a dainty and feminine touch. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Something for every occasion


Many of us consider our pets to be more than animals who just happen to share our homes, but more like special parts of our family. For those of us who do, it is important that they participate in family events. Such is the case for Renee, a lovely dog owner who wanted her pooch to be a part of her engagement photos. She was fabulous enough to come for us for help :) Her wedding colors were pastel yellow and white, so she decided to purchase our pastel yellow coat for her white dog. Do they look precious or what? Feel free to come to us for your pooch's special occasion needs :)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Rock and Ruff


Let your pup release the inner rocker in them with this fabulous tank.

This fun tank is the perfect outfit to show off your pup's "Rock and Ruff" attitude! It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton jersey making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its blue and white tones are fun and whimsical while the guitar and music note felt-applique add a cool rocker-chic look to it. The contrasting white neckband and matching bands at the hem and arms make this tank even more stylish. The cool narrow back design with extra large armholes allow easy movement and add a sassy feel to the outfit. The fabric has plenty of stretch for an easy pull-over design; no buttons, no snaps, no velcro, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It easily slips right off as well). Your little pup will feel and look stylish in this tank and will draw tons of positive attention :)


Come see what else is new in our shop, see you there ;)

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Did someone say.. "summer"?


Have you seen our newest addition to the Summer 2008 collection? Can you say precious :) You know your pooch needs this dress! Check it out:
This fun and flirtatious dress is the perfect outfit for those lazy dog days of summer. It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its red tones are fun and innocent while the polka-dot and handkerchief prints add a touch of whimsy. The belt, matching pleats and pocket make this dress even more chic. The cool razor-back design allows easy movement and adds sass. This dress snaps right on and very quickly, with openings down the center front and at the shoulders. No trying to slip this dress over the head and front legs, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It un-snaps right off when it's time to take it off). Your little princess will feel pretty in this dress and will draw tons of positive attention wherever she may go :)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The time has come...


Our collars have finally been released. you can check them out here. Here is our newest:

This fun and sassy collar is sure to draw tons of positive attention wherever your pooch wears it! It has a fun lavender and magenta paisley print with just a hint of brown all around it. The black contour, no-choke, side-release buckle and adjustable slider will ensure safety and comfort for your best pal. The nickel D-ring is also sturdy enough to attach a leash to and perfect for tags. This collar is inner lined with high-quality webbing, making it not only chic but very durable as well. The exterior fabric is 100% cotton, meaning it will last, stay looking fabulous, and will be easy to care for! Best of all, it is soft and very comfortable for dogs to wear. Stress points have been stitched several times through to ensure security and for prolonged durability.

Make sure to check back often to see our newest!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Surprise!


The time has come!! 1+1=ONE will now be offering ...drum roll please... dog collars! Our fashionable collars are very chic, stylish, but most importantly, safe, comfortable, and high quality. They are inner lined with durable webbing and the exterior is attractive, durable and completely washable cotton fabric. They are made with contoured, no-choke side release buckles with matching adjustable sliders. Come check our shop out and see all the other fabulous things we have to offer to keep your pup stylin' :) Keep an eye out for matching harnesses and leashes as well...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Red hot and ready for summer


Does Velma look fabulous or what? Here she is seen sporting the newest from our 1+1=ONE summer collection. Check it out:

This stylish bandana is perfect for your fashionable little pooch. It is soft and made of 100% cotton for comfort and convenience. On one side, it has a charming, tiny white polka dot print on a red background while on the other side it has a whimsical spin of a traditional handkerchief print. It is topstitched for a more polished look and is conveniently reversible for two different looks in one bandana. It also has a snap closure to make it easy and quick to put on and take off, as well as for safety. Your pup will be the center of attention in this bold and sophisticated bandana.

Precious, right? You know you want your pooch to look this chic this summer... see you at our shop.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Summer collection...


...has launched! We will be adding new items to our shop pretty often in the upcoming months, all perfect for summer :) Normally I give you a hint to indicate what the new collection will be like but this time... all surprises! You will just have to check back often to see our new items. Meanwhile, you can check this out, our new sailor-inspired tank:


This fun tank is the perfect outfit for those lazy dog days of summer. It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton jersey making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its gray and blue tones are fun and chic while the anchor printed on the back pocket adds a touch of luxury and a "Yacht Club" look. The navy V-neck and matching bands at the hem and arms make this tank even more stylish and whimsical. The cool narrow back design with extra large armholes allow easy movement and adds a nautical feel. The fabric has plenty of stretch for an easy pull-over design; no buttons, no snaps, no velcro, no fuss! Just get it on and go! (It easily slips right off as well). Your little pup will feel and look stylish in this tank and will draw tons of positive attention :)

If you have any questions or special requests (such as a buttonhole on the lower back for a harness, extra large or small size, a longer garment for longer dogs, etc.) e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com or shoot us a convo (on Etsy).

*NOTE: For safety, this garment should only be worn while pooch is supervised.

Friday, May 2, 2008

All eyes on Molly and Sadey


Here I go again.... I have to brag about this because these girls look so absolutely adorable! I've already told you about Roni, the owner of Daisy Wares, a shop on Etsy, and how she is a lovely customer and bought a dress from us for her dog, Molly. She came back to buy more but this time, it was for both of her girls. She wanted the same razor-back design that she had bought for Molly and ended up getting both Molly and Sadey matching dresses in the same style but a pink floral print. Isn't that precious? (Sadey is the big girl and Molly is the little one)
















Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Summer is upon us...


ok, well not quite yet but very soon. With this warm weather heading our way, it's time to make room in our doggie's wardrobe for those fabulous summer outfits and accessories. This is the latest in our shop. Check it out:
This sassy bandanna is perfect for your stylish little princess. It is soft and made of 100% cotton for comfort and convenience. On one side, it has a charming pink polka dot print while on the other side it reads "Material Girl". The writing is silk screened and heat set so it will not fade or come off. It is conveniently reversible for two different looks in one bandanna. It also has a snap closure to make it easy and quick to put on as well as for safety.
If you have any questions or special requests (such as a custom size or phrase) e-mail us at designsbyone@yahoo.com.

Cute right? Look for new summer items coming your way very soon...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Great shop, great customer: Daisy Wares


About a month ago I had a fabulous customer on Etsy buy one of our razor-back dresses and I hadn't gotten around to bragging but here I go... Doesn't Molly look absolutely darling in her new dress?!


Anyways, I really wanted to share Roni's Etsy shop with you; it's called Daisy Wares. Not only does she offer amazing, handmade vegan jewelry and beauty products, but she also donates 10% of the money that she makes on all her sales to The Animal Place, a safe haven for abused or neglected animals, located in Vacaville, California. Best of all, Roni is very nice and perfectly friendly! Make sure to check her shop out!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Discovering the undiscovered: Crazy4Cards


I stumbled upon Kim on the Etsy forums and could not wait to present you with her work. She has a GORGEOUS shop filled with beautifully hand-crafted cards and card gift sets that include a wonderful card with a lovely pair of earrings attached to it. You can see her passion reflected in these sassy and fun cards. The best part: she has something for every occasion!


Meet Kim. She is the owner of this fabulous shop on Etsy, Crazy4Cards. She enjoys making very unique cards, stylish, sophisticated, something you just don’t find everyday. It started with a group of her girlfriends over a year ago, getting together once a month with a consultant from “Close to my Heart”. All they needed was a reason to get together. Who would have thought that she would find her passion on a spontaneous decision to join a card club?! "I really enjoy making these cards. I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they see my new creations. That look, is greater than any price I could put on them", she says. These cards are not only beautiful, but have a very personal touch. They have become a reflection of Kim's personality. "I love old movies, To Kill A Mockingbird, My Fair Lady, and Breakfast At Tiffany’s, just to name a few." If you couldn't tell already, her favorite actress is Audrey Hepburn, who was the inspiration for her “Sexy and Sophisticated” card. She put this lovely card together in honor of her. "It just came to me one morning. I woke up with the idea and couldn’t wait to get started on it. It took me 4 ½ hours to design her dress and hat. I then dabbled with the earrings and whoa-la look what I came up with."


With Mother's Day just around the corner, what better shop to visit than Crazy4Cards. You are sure to find something that mom will love! What are you waiting for? Go visit her shop! I guarantee you will find just what you are looking for :)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

have you seen this yet?


ok... so I realize it has been a while since the last post, but I've been away and super busy. Last week, I was off and Velma and I headed up to Seattle to explore, relax, shop and have a blast. We are back and ready to rock! Before we left, I listed our newest spring jacket. However, I normally do a little bit of promotion for each of our new items when they first debut. This one was slightly neglected since it was such a last minute listing before our trip. Anyhow, here it is!


This cute and convenient coat is the perfect jacket for those chilly spring and summer nights. It is made of lightweight and soft cotton weave making it perfectly comfortable to play in. One side is pastel yellow with white embroidered swirls while the other side is more subdued khaki with yellow topstitching detail. Closures are located at the front of the chest as well as at the side. The strap-on design makes it easy to move in and easy for you to put it on your pooch! No sleeves or armholes to worry about. You also have the option of selecting from silver snaps, Velcro, or traditional buttons with buttonholes for the closure. (If not specified when ordered, we will surprise you!). Your pal will feel stylish and comfy in this easy-to-wear jacket.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

discovering the undiscovered: GiDu




You HAVE to see this shop http://gidu.etsy.com. GiDu is a shop run by Gina, a professional graphic designer who has decided to sell on Etsy part-time. Her shop is full of beautiful things and believe me, you won't leave her shop without being completely in love with it!

Gina is not only a graphic designer, she has a a love of arts and crafts as well. She loves all kinds of crafts - knitting, jewelrymaking, sewing, painting, and many more. "Learning new crafts is always exciting for me," she says, "I guess I have always been this way, even when I was little girl. I used to create little drawings and sell them to kids in my elementary school. I had the beginings of an Etsy shop!". In her shop you will find a beautiful selection of wedding invitations, such as this elegant and chic invitation, amazingly GORGEOUS earrings (I admit, I am a sucker for earrings!!), as well as unique and one-of-a-kind purses with great details. Gina is comitted to great customer service and takes custom orders as well! Does it get any better than that?! I don't think so! Make sure to take a peek at this fantastic shop before you go :)

Sunday, March 30, 2008

discovering the undiscovered: crackpots




I came accross another wonderful shop on Etsy that offers beautiful, artistic products for great prices, but could use a boost in exposure and sales. Come meet http://crackpots.etsy.com


Crackpots started last fall when Carla and Jen decided to take a pottery class. They loved it so much, they just kept making things! Now they've been taking more classes (and consequently have to make pootery items) and want to share the crackpot love. All of their pieces are hand thrown or built, which means they don't use molds. Every piece is unique based on the nature of the craft and their style. Sometimes the clay has a mind of it's own. Their pottery is great because it's fired up to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit! That means it's oven, microwave and dishwasher safe, not to mention lead-free!

Jen has been working with clay since college; she took an art class just for the heck of it (she had been in non-stop academic classes since high school) and she loved it! Jen would find herself throwing pieces in her head when she went to sleep at night. "Clay is such a cool medium it goes from being so soft and pliable to being tough and reliable(oven/microwave/dishwasher safe)", she says. She pulled Carla on board when she found a pottery class through the local adult ed. Carla was hooked and couldn't stop either. "We love love love to make pottery", they claim, "all the steps along the way are important and challenging". They strive to make things you'll use, they see things and think: "Can we make that out of clay? I need something to hold my stove top utencils! I'll make the perfect one at the studio, with colors to match just the way I want!". Their stuff IS art, but it's also cookware, dishes, vases, planters and a million other things, they're functional and that makes them all the more special. The problem became they had too many wonderful pieces for their homes (and that of their family and friends) so what better to do than share the love on Etsy?


Their pieces have a very organic shape and handmade vibe to them while still being modern and fabulously chic pieces of art. Crackpots has a little something for everyone but best of all, they serve dual purpose: they are decorative pieces as well as very functional. Come check out this fantastic shop, believe me, you will NOT be disappointed!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

discovering the undiscovered: amberafternoon




Here is another "undiscovered" shop that I would love to share with you: http://amberafternoon.etsy.com/


This shop is run by Wanda Edwards aka amberafternoon. She is an Artist who likes to create Art Jewelry, Fiber Art, Fine Art, and crafts. Wanda doesn't have any set mediums in which she works. She loves working with several different types of mediums, and is always exploring new found Art forms. Mediums which she feels that she has mastered are: Printmaking (Relief Printmaking-wood cuts, Lithography, and Intaglio); Oils, Watercolors, Drawing, Clay, and Fiber. Wanda has been creating Art her whole life. It just comes naturally; she can't remember a time when she wasn't creating. It's just been a natural progression. She has created Art since she "was old enough to hold mud in her hand". She loves the whole creative process...from start to finish and just lets it flow through her very naturally. She claims to "just lets go and let it happen". However, she finds some parts of running a business to be a bit challeging. "I don't enjoy Marketing: I'd much rather create! I am seeking to license my work, or someone to manage the Marketing," she says. Her user name was inspired by a kind of zen moment one afternoon, when she was enjoying her work lit by the amber rays of the Autumn sun. Wanda's work is Traditional Fine Art: all handmade. It takes time...but she enjoys it! She hopes that her work brings much joy to the viewer. She feels that the best advice ever given to her has been:"Just do it."-Her Husband, "Surrender."-Deepak Chopra, "You have to become independent of the good and bad opinions of others."-Wayne Dyer, and "Follow your bliss."'-Joseph Campbell. Words of advice she would give to other artists are: "Do what you Love...what makes you happy". Wanda is always looking for new avenues to promote her work. She is currently at the following websites: http://amberafternoon.blogspot.com/














Wanda is very grateful for Vincent Van Gogh's creative genius. She feels his perspectives have helped form her own, in color, technique, expression of emoton, etc...Vincent Van Gogh Museum: http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp. Read about her Cat inspiration in her Journal here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/journal/258651-catshttp://www.redbubble.com/people/amberafternoon/writing/869020-bad-kitty


Read her Article about Lithography here:





Make sure to check out her AMAZING shop, you are sure to find high-quality work and a little someting for everyone :)