Thursday: Hacky Sack

I remember all the kids in my school playing hacky sack. I gave it a try but never quite got it (i was more of an indoor girl;) but this chain mail hacky sack makes me want to try it again. I know my kids would love it. Find it at BinarySoul.

Wednesday: Felted wool

I'm a big fan of felted wool and this little felted bowl is such a unique idea. Has 2 pockets to hold small items and of course, the larger center of the bowl for the bigger stuff. Find it at Chelle.

Tuesday: Peacock earrings

I just love the unique and clever design of these earrings. All hand woven to resemble peacock feathers. Find them at Three 5 Eighty 5.

Monday: Let's Remember

I love this patriotic glass pendant. Not only does it feature our red, white & blue but it has just a shadow of an image of the American flag too. Find it at jochris12.

Sunday Brunch Special: Liliputians

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I'm Heather Flottmann, owner and designer of liliputians. The concept for the liliputians label was born in NYC on May 12, 2004 with the arrival of Lily Belle. She is the inspiration, and she is my muse. Liliputians became a reality about a year later with the completion of the liliputians NYC web site, www.liliputians-nyc.com.

Liliputians is a hip, indie clothing label from NYC specializing in custom, boutique childrens clothes. All Liliputians clothing is lovingly hand crafted to custom perfection. Liliputians offers special designs for every day, unique birthday and holiday outfits, art inspired Mommy & Me sets, trendy appliqued tees, and fun accessories such as dolly barrettes, funky hair clips, and hair flowers. All creations are heirloom quality, limited editions or even one of a kind. For hip babies, little girls & boys, and mommies too!

2. Where are you located?
We're in NYC and love living here. This city never stops inspiring me!

3. How did you come up with your business name?
People always ask me, "Where did the name liliputians come from?" That, and how to say it. Well, liliputians was chosen for a couple of reasons. First of all, I love the play on words with my daughter Lily's name kind of being hidden inside. That only makes sense, as she is the inspiration for the brand. Liliput also was a familiar childhood place, as Gulliver's Travels was one of my favorite stories. I loved the part of the story where Gulliver wakes up on the beach surrounded by all the little liliputians. Lastly, the name liliputians has a history both in NYC and in children's fashions. In 1879, Best & Company founded the Liliputian Bazaar at 60 West 23rd Street in NYC. It was a leading fashion house and specialized in fine children's wear. Oh, and I almost forgot! Lilputians is said like this (lill-uh-pyoo'-shuns).

4. Where do you sell your products?
Liliputians clothing and barrettes are sold on my web site, www.liliputians-nyc.com as well as other online retailers. Lliputians designs are also sold at brick and mortar boutiques around the world.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
There really is a great support network online for indie designers and business owners. I belong to Indie Finds and The Switchboards and have found the advice and encouragement invaluable. I also have an ebay store and belong to a crafty group of like-minded designers called The Little Darlas. And last but not least I have an etsy store and belong to the group Etsy Kids.

6. When you're not making things, what do you do?
(In no particular order) Flower gardening, yoga, cycling along the Hudson with Lily, jogging with Lily in her jog-stroller, antiquing, visiting museums, shopping, cooking.

7. Have any marketing or business tips you'd like to share?
I would tell other small business owners to utilize the internet. There is a wealth of free information! I subscribe to a couple of newsletters for web maintance/html/java tips and SEO. I've gone online for answers about taxes, business paperwork, and other things.

8. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
I have an idea file, both images that I've saved from online as well as pages torn from magazines. It may be a photo of a bedroom and the color combination is inspiring. Or perhaps a font used in an article helps me brainstorm about its transformation into an applique. I find inspiration from everything really and going through this file helps me if I ever feel stumped.

9. What's the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
There are not enough hours in the day! My business is rapidly growing, but my responsibilities as a parent stay the same. I have to do more work in the same amount of time. Lily starts Montessori school next fall so that will help considerably, giving me more time to devote to my business.

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
spicy vegetable pad Thai

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
I am a big mochaccino drinker!

Thank you Heather for the great interview. Be sure to check out her adorable goodies at Liliputians.

Saturday: Sweet sewing kit

This set would make a great gift for anyone you know who sews. Comes with a pin cushion, tape measure and straight pins, all nestled in a darling little box. Find it at Chet and Dot.

Friday: Welcome to the World Matthew!

My neighbor had her fifth (yes, 5th) sweet little baby last night so I just had to feature something appropriate for him, right? This adorable onesie says "Hi, I'm new here" Find it at ALaine Designs.

Crazy Squid love...

The maker and seller of this very cool squid must reeeeaaallly love squids. It's what she makes. But I must say, these squid are awfully cute and I think I might just be catchin' some squid love myself :) Find this darling squid with his bat friend at Cleo Dee's.

Wednesday: A necklace for moi??

OK, so I couldn't resist featuring a necklace named after me ;) (well, not really). Beautiful Thai Hill Tribe rose pendant is the focus on this lovely necklace named "Julieanne". Find it at that jewelry girl.

Tuesday: Plate quartet...

The colors on these handmade porcelain plates really pop and I am lovin' the different textures. Find them at Stir Designs.

Monday: Amigurumi worm...

Adorable patterns like this are what really makes me want to learn how to crochet. A sweet little worm and her apple home...find this and other sweet Amigurumi patterns at anapaulaoli.

Sunday Brunch Special: Gwacie Beads

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I am a full time glass artist who specializes mainly in lampwork glass beads, buttons and cabochons. My primary aim is to supply jewelry designers with unique custom pieces of art for their designs. I’m married and currently live with 4 dogs.

2. Where are you located?
I live in Southeastern Michigan

3. How did you come up with your business name?
Gwacie is my nickname. I have always been a klutz and thus I was often called “Gracie” as I clumped and bumped my way through the life. In time the name changed to “Gwacie” and it just stuck.

4. Where do you sell your products?
I have a very active website at www.gwaciebeads.com . In addition, I often travel to local bead shows, art shows and bead stores, and occasionally I sell via online auction sites.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
I belong to several glass artist organizations.

6. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
I’m involved in terrier rescue and transport. Occasionally I get out and garden. But most of my time is spent in creation mode.

7. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?
Your business card is your best friend. It’s the cheapest and most effective marketing tool you can use.

8. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
If I get stuck in my glass work I move to another medium for a while or I get out and look at things – colors in stores or museums. I let myself rest mentally and drench myself with other input.

9. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
It’s a constant struggle for me to limit my fabric and fleece inventories. I have a zillion ideas when I see a fun fabric or yarn or fleece and I just want to have all of the wonderful textiles on hand just in case I ever get time to use them. My collection is getting a bit unreasonable at this point.

10. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
We had a German Shepard mix when I was a kid. He had no formal training. I spent hours training that dog to do tricks and obedience commands one summer. He was a great dog.

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
It would be hard for me to choose just one meal, since I'm such a foodie, but right now I'd have to say my current favorite would be Thai lettuce wraps. It's the perfect warm weather lightweight meal because it's satisfying without being too heavy. Plus there's room for dessert!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Tea, mostly herbals or a nice double bergamot Earl Grey on occasion.

Great interview and amazingly gorgeous beads. Check them out at Gwacie Beads.

Saturday: gadget bag

There's just no reason to tote around your digital camera in a boring black bag when you can use this swanky little number instead. Or use it for your ipod, glasses or cell phone. Find it at sewnsational.

Friday: Nursing Necklace...

I sure wish they had these when I was nursing. I either took my necklace off or took the chance of it getting tugged on and broken. This nursing necklace is designed to withstand the tugging from a nursing babe and it is gorgeous to boot. Find this and other beautiful nursing necklaces at Laughing Starfish Jewelry.

Thursday: garden pendant

I'm thinking ahead already to Christmas and this gorgeous and unique hand painted garden pendant would be perfect for my mother-in-law. How fun to find the perfect gift for someone. Find it at Tumbleweed & Rose.

Wednesday: Butterfly cards...

I think these simple and sweet pink butterfly cards are lovely. They have one of my favorite color combos of pink and chocolate. Find them and other beautiful note cards at Two Hand Design.

Tuesday: Pretty up your Compost...

Now this sure would look a lot better sitting on my counter than my ugly milk carton I use for collecting compost scraps! Great idea and unique design. Find this pottery compost crock at LakeBay Pottery.

Monday: Taking a trip?

If you plan on doing some travelling this summer, you might want to pick up one of these lovely travel journals. Designed specifically for the traveler, these are perfect to take along with you on your journey...wherever it might take you. Find them at Destination Unknown Journals.

Sunday Brunch Special: Gallimaufry Arts

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I’m 33, am married with two children, and I work part-time at a winery. I started Gallimaufry Arts to try and remain a stay-at-home mom, and still contribute to my family. I make vintage-inspired jewelry, chain maille, little books, goodies for the home and other random items.

2. Where are you located?
In a little foothill town between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
I like making lots of different things--sometimes I really like making them, and sometimes I don’t. The definition of gallimaufry is a medley or hodgepodge, and in addition to liking the word, I thought it would give me space to explore different avenues.

4. Where do you sell your products?
Currently through my website, www.gallimaufryarts.com, my Etsy shop GallimaufryArts@etsy.com, purplepinkandorange.com, mybonnieandclyde.com, and soon at lepetitgarage.com. I’m hoping to get into some brick and mortar stores this year as well.

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

6. What inspires you?
Anything old or antique, carnivals, boxes, nature, music, movies, other artists.

7. Read any good books lately?
Elephant House, it’s about Edward Gorey’s home.

8. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
Think about making things! I love spending time with my kids, taking pictures, cooking, gardening, walking, watching movies.

9. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?
Just do what you love, and make your business an authentic extension of you.

10. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
All the time! I either just let myself take a break, or look for things that inspire me, and usually something will come up. The important thing is to not force it.

11. What would be your dream job?
Doing what I do now with Gallimaufry, but on a large enough scale to do it full time.

12. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
Definitely marketing! It’s like having kids—everyone tells you how hard it is, but until you’re in the middle of it, you really have no idea. It takes a huge amount of time and energy.

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
Good cheese, salami, crackers, fresh fruit, and a bottle of wine.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Wine. I mean tea!

Big Thanks to Gallimaufry Arts!!

Saturday: Daisy Market Tote

Everyone needs a simple tote like this one. I should pick up a couple myself as I often find myself needing a bag and what do I grab? You know...those ugly plastic grocery bags that we save by the hundreds in case we need one. Well, get rid of them all and pick up a couple of these instead! Find this lovely daisy (my favorite flower) bag at Trail Mix Designs.

Friday: to outerspace....

I found the sweetest children's store ever and this awesome space mobile caught my eye. It's handmade of 100% cotton and when you no longer need a mobile, it becomes a whimsical room decoration. CUTE! Find it at Petunia Petunia.

Big Sale at PurplePinkandOrange

Sad news for PurplePinkandOrange but good news for all you bargain hunters out there...A big going out of business sale is happening now until they close at the end of May...Savings of up to 40%. Now's the time to get some hip designer goods at a great price. So...get on over to PURPLEPINKANDORANGE and support your favorite indie designer!

Thursday: My kind of garden

I've never had much luck with a garden but I don't see how I can go wrong with this one. Such a unique design and sure to get lots of attention :) Find it at Maggie J's Jewelry.

Wednesday: Mental Veggies

Whenever I stumble across these on etsy, I always get such a chuckle. Check out all the goodies at AnthroPoMorphCo.

Tuesday: Take it with you...

Terrific little pouch to hold all your knitting goodies for a project on the go. The zipper pull is even a stitch marker! I love clever little ideas like that. Find it at piddleloop.

Monday: Fruity Love

If these earrings don't get you in the mood for Summer, I don't know what will! Look at the gorgeous shade of pink jade, it's like a juicy red grapefruit...yum! Find them at erin elizabeth jewelry.

Sunday Brunch Special: Creative Outlet Designs

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I am work at home, stay at home Mom. I have 2 children at home and a teenage – Eek! -stepson who visits often. I have always loved creating with my hands. I started art classes at a young age and continued dabbling in the arts up through high school. I reconnected to my art roots when my first daughter was born. It is amazing how creating a life changes your own entirely. Sewing and designing is a great way for me to have “me” time and a chance to keep learning and developing my talents. It’s a great expression of my ideas and personality that’s different from anything else I do.

2. Where are you located?
I am located in Idaho and work out of my home office and sewing room!

3. How did you come up with your business name?
LOL!!! Well……….just sort of on a whim. Basically, I was needing something for “me” outside of my everyday duties as wife and mother. My own creative outlet – hence my name – creative outlet designs

4. Where do you sell your products?
I sell locally to family, friends and referrals. I started selling on ebay a few years ago and that helped me to reach a HUGE worldwide audience. I also have a shop on Blossomst.com in the Villa Fresca neighborhood, Creative Outlet Designs at Blossom Street. You can also find ebooks written by me of some of my patterns, etc on You Can Make This.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
As far as the designing/boutique community goes, I am involved with a website called Boutique Cafe. It’s a weekly podcast for the fashion savvy mommy. We spotlight, interview and highlight indie designer from ebay, etsy and other Momprenuer sites and companies.

6. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
I’m a full time Mommy! I have 2 small children at home that keep me on the go, go, go! I volunteer with the youth group at my church as well. When not designing you can find me shopping too! I love hunting down an bargain – whether it be clothing, accessories or even a fun “junk yard” find that I can re-create to make it my own.

7. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it? SURE! Sometimes it can be a bit hard when a customer asks for a specific theme for an outfit or when I am trying to create an outfit for a themed launch with a group. The ideas and inspirations are just not there. To work through this I usually will go fabric shopping locally and online. Just browsing around to see what JUMPS out at me. If that doesn’t work, sometimes just putting it away for awhile and focusing on something else will help. Usually while involved in another event or activity I’ll see something that will spark an idea and it starts snowballing from there. It’s usually something small, a decal, a symbol in a book or magazine or something I have read will take what I trying to create and push it in a whole different direction – one that comes together much easier.

8. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
Hehehe. I have quirky double jointed elbows that can turn move in odd directions to really freak some people out. I am obsessed with Black and white! I love that color combo – it can be simple, dramatic, bold, etc. I love to use it not only when designing and creating but in home décor as well.

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
That is hard! I am a bread fanatic!!! I love bread so eating at a fabulous Italian restaurant with bread and dipping oil, pasta and yummy salads is a favorite of mine. On the other hand, I like it HOT too! I love a great salsa with chips followed by a great Mexican main dish followed by more salsa and chips!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Neither! I hardly prefer water. I am pretty simple when it comes to that. Just water for me with a touch or lemon, lime, cucumber or a touch of both.

Thank you for the great interview. Be sure to check out Creative Outlet Designs.

Saturday: It's My Anniversary!!!

Today is my 17th anniversary so I felt it only appropriate to feature this beautiful Happy Anniversary card. Gorgeous pink toile mixed with chocolate brown ribbon and other amazing details. Find this card at Pacokeco's Scribbles

Friday: Bird notecards

You know me...love those birds. Here are some sweet little birds on a beautiful shade of green. Find them at Square Business Designs.

Thursday: Lovely Locket

Now here is a beauty. This necklace has a pretty locket which you rarely find anymore. It also has an oxidized finish which I'm very partial to ;-) Find it at my sunset road.

Wednesday: Itty bitty bugs

I must say, I can't stop thinking that I need to have a whole little collection of these sweet and amazingly adorable bugs. Are they not the cutest??? Find them at Dream A Little.

Tuesday: Adorable Hats

Every time I see these on etsy, I say to myself "I really need to post these on my blog...they are SO cute". Well, today's the day. Check out these sweet crocheted hats for babies and toddlers at pdx beanies.