Saturday: Bird Silhouette Bracelet

I adore this unique bracelet featuring birds (of course!) handcut from white plastic disks. Just lovely! Find it at Miss Bluebird Creations.

Friday Fish Fry: Fish Tee

Love this bright red tee with a gigantic goldfish swimming down it. Find it at Circular Accessories.

Thursday: Beach Glass ring

What could be better Summer jewelry than a ring that looks like beach glass? I think this ring is gorgeous and it surely must find it way to my finger! Find it at Waterfall.

Wednesday: Keep the car clean...

I found these awhile ago on etsy and had been meaning to blog about them. I think they are the niftiest idea. A litter bag for your car...and it's pretty! I love this zinnia number but there are lots of fabrics to choose from. Find it at Allyson Hill.

Tuesday: Cherry Blossoms

Lots of texture and hand stitched detail in this wonderful, unique pillow. Find it at the little stitch.

Monday: Drop of Dew bracelet

Very pretty bronze bracelet with a single teardrop glass bead. Love it! Find it at E.V.O.D..

Sunday Brunch Special: Little Uni

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
Andrea and I met 10 years ago as graphic designers working at a design
firm in Chicago. We had always talked about starting a business together
at some point. I have always loved making things and one of my passions
was giving personalized baby tees as gifts. After Andrea had twins, I
brought over tees for the babies and we decided it was the perfect time to
get the business going.

2. Where are you located?
We are located in Chicago.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
"Uni" has been our longtime nickname for each other so when we decided to
start our business it seemed natural to include it. We also like it
because it can mean other things.

4. Where do you sell your products?
Currently through our website, www.littleuni.com, and Red Balloon in Chicago.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
The switchboards

6. What inspires you?
Interesting fabrics, seeing amazing things other people make, etsy.com,
and craft and home design blogs.

7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
I do graphic design work and Andrea spends time with her twins Mira and Will.

8. What would be your dream job?
We are doing it!

9. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
Not enough time to get everything done. Also being creative people yet
having to figure out the business side like every other business.

Ok, now these two are mandatory and I have to ask (this being a diner,
after all)

1. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite is sushi which I don't have nearly enough because my husband
doesn't like it as much as me. Andrea likes margarita pizza.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
I like coffee. Andrea likes tea.

Thanks Little Uni for the wonderful interview and adorable t-shirts! Be sure to visit Little Uni.

Saturday: Wire Letters

This is an unusual and unique take on the wooden wall letters you see everywhere these days. These have a very modern and industrial look to them. I think they would look great in a kitchen, spelling out the word "coffee" or something. Find them at kristine mays.

Friday Fish Fry

I'm starting a fun new tradition here at Indie Diner. Growing up, we always had fish on Friday, whether it was Lent or not. It's a very common tradition in my hometown. There is a neat little fish market open only on Fridays from about 2 in the afternoon until 6pm. There is always a long line out the door and the smell of fresh fried haddock wafts down the street. It's a wonderful treat! So, from now on, Fridays at Indie Diner, will always feature something related to fish. So, today's special is:

This darling kissing fish necklace. Etched into sterling silver and oxidized, it has a very lovely finish. You can find this fishy find at daniel maveal of PreciousPups.

Thursday: Baby's First Rattle

I love wooden toys. They feel so much better, warmer and natural to a baby. This wooden rattle is the perfect new-baby gift. Find it at Nico & Zoe.

Wednesday: Fat Hedgehog

Ok, so I have a thing for hedgehogs, the fatter the better, and this little guy has to be the cutest, fattest hedgie ever! I love him :) Find him at the sweetest pea.

Tuesday: Pop art checkbook cover

It's time to get rid of the ugly, cheap plastic checkbook cover and carry around your checks in style. I adore the print on this fabric. Find it at bloom design co..

Monday: Sweet & sassy pink necklace

Wow, this necklace is like cotton candy for your neck. Very Summer-y and super cute! Find it at A Little Something by Dawn.

Sunday Brunch Special: bōbē bath essentials

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
If someone had asked me 10 years ago if I ever saw myself as an entrepreneur I would’ve either curled up my nose or stared blankly at them. Now that I’ve begun my journey on this path I can’t imagine myself not doing it. It’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I started bōbē just over a year ago from very humble beginnings but it’s slowly evolving and I have big plans for the year ahead. The packaging & labels are being recreated, new products will be added to the line & I’m making a point of getting out into the community as much as possible. I want to be able to provide a “choose your own adventure” for bath & body products. The products are to be quality items, at an affordable price while maintaining a professional appearance.

2. Where are you located?
Saskatoon, SK Canada

3. How did you come up with your business name?
The name bōbē (pronounced “beau-bee”) happened by accident really. My younger brother brought home a new goldfish a few years ago and wanted to call it Bobby; but being the tender age of 8, spelt it wrong on his sheet of paper that he showed me. When I said that it said bobe instead he decided to just call him that. When I was brainstorming business names this was near the top of the list. I thought I could use a fish as a “mascot” but when registering the business name I couldn’t use just bōbē, I needed a descriptive term as well. I thought an acronym would be a good way to do that. bōbē: beyond ordinary bath essentials was then born!

4. Where do you sell your products?
Our products are available through our website www.bobebathessentials.com.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
The Switchboards – what an amazing network of talented indie businesswomen!

6. Read any good books lately?
Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes – great summer relaxation reading!

7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
Exercise has recently become a large part of my spare time. Now that’s it warmed up I’ve joined a running clinic with my goal to be able to run 5K by the end and I’m learning to golf. Reading has always been a passion of mine as well.

8. What would be your dream job?
My dream job would be to expand bōbē to a full-time venture, ultimately as a retail location.

9. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist and small details always catch my eye. i.e. spelling errors It’s a blessing and a curse because I hate to feel nit-picky J

10. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
The most difficult aspect for me personally is marketing. It’s one of my main goals for this year is to learn more about marketing and find effective outlets to spread the word about bōbē.

Ok, now these two are mandatory and I have to ask (this being a diner, after all)

1. What is your favorite meal?
Dessert – I’d eat it before my meal if I could!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Peppermint Tea

A big thanks to bōbē Bath essentials for the great interview. Be sure to visit www.bobebathessentials.com for some fantastic bath goodies.

Saturday: Honeycreeper

I not only love the name of this illustration, Honeycreeper, but the work is so great. Pencil, ink & watercolor were used in the original illustration and then made even better digitally. I just love it. And you know I have that thing for birds :) Find this one at the yumi yumi shop.