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.

Friday: Big tote

Yes, another bag. You can never have too many. I love the gorgeous chocolate floral print on this one. Big and Bold! Find it at candy argyle designs.

Thursday: Get a Fambee Poppet

The cell phone pouches at Fambee @ etsy are the cutest I've seen. They are called Poppets and I think anyone with a cell phone or mp3 player needs a little Poppet in their life. Find them at Fambee.

Wednesday: What a Hoot...

I adore this sweet baby blanket. Soft, chocolate minky paired with a darling owl & orange tree print. If you need a baby gift, grab a super blanket from Snug-A-Bug Blankets.

Tuesday: Have passport, will travel

Planning on doing some traveling this summer? Carry your passport (and all other essentials) in this very sophisticated passport wallet. It has all sorts of pockets to carry everything you need. Find it at glass beach.

Monday: A beaded bangle

I am really feelin' this bracelet. Love all the little zinc metal beads with a super special little nugget of Aventurine. Gor-geous! Find it at South Street Designs.

Sunday Brunch Special: Peggy Li Creations

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I started my business like a lot of indie designers -- for the fun of it! I couldn't afford to buy fancy jewelry, so I decided to make some for myself. Voila, the business was born.

2. Where are you located?
San Francisco, CA.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
It didn't require filing for a business name! And "creations" implies all sorts of art, not just jewelry.

4. Where do you sell your products?
www.peggyli.com

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
I'm a regular poster on The Switchboards and IndieFinds.

6. What inspires you?
Beautiful natural materials are always inspiring.

7. Read any good books lately?
I've just started reading Jim Collins' book, "Good to Great" about what makes great businesses.

8. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?
Know your target market. Learn all you can about your business. Be persistent.

9. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
I read lots of fashion magazines, or I look into my sketchbook to pick up any designs I haven't tried yet.

10. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
I have a pet hamster, Houdini (is that a quirk?). Right now, I'm obsessed with American Idol!

11. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
Staying positive, giving myself credit for the success I've already had, taking the downs with the ups, and knowing that there is always work that can be done!

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
I love comfort foods -- mashed potatoes, meatloaf, soups.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Tea, although I do drink a lot of coffee!

Thanks to Peggy Li Creations for the wonderful interview. Be sure to check out her gorgeous jewelry at Peggy Li Creations.

Saturday: Floral notecards

I think these notecards are so pretty. Creamy notecards with a delicate floral pattern and your initial. Set of 10. Find them at ignafruit.

Friday: Beautiful baby bedding

Any new babies in your life? If it's a baby girl, she might just need this beautiful floral crib bedding. Find it at Peanoonies.

Thursday: Spotted Vases...

Beautiful color & texture make up this trio of bud vases. Would look great sitting on a mantel with this Spring's fresh flowers. Find this set at Judi Tavill Ceramics.

Wednesday: Funky beach bag...

I'm lovin' the funky color combo on this beach bag. Made from a vintage shower curtain (!), the colors are just so cool. It's lined in an awesome polka dot fabric and I tell ya', I'm thinking this one should belong to me ;-) Find it at sidney ann.

Tuesday: cool vinyl...

I'm in love with this designer's bags! They are so cool, almost too cool for me. I mean, check out this leopard print lining...isn't it great? Find it at Nitro*A*gogo.

Monday: Moon Flower

Oh my...isn't this necklace striking? A gorgeous unique design and so many glorious moonstones :) It makes me happy. Find it at honeybee.

Sunday Brunch Special: Relaxation Works

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I have a really thick Boston accent and get the classic head tilt from people when I am in conversation with them. I can be silly, shy and outgoing all within two minutes and most definitely outrageous but never in church! I don't have any brothers or sisters but I do have a HUGE family which is awesome; my family are my best friend’s and my best friend’s are my family.

My business was never supposed to include body care products, only massage oils for my private massage therapy practice. Boy oh boy that has all changed. Now I make over 5 different scrubs, three different lotions and a boat load of bath teas, bath salts and bath bombs. I am big on using paraben free preservatives in all my skin & spa products. Many products are Vegan, organic and 100% natural. The best part is naming the product and getting feed back from my customers.

2. Where are you located?
I am surrounded with cranberry bogs (Ocean spray headquarters is actually in my town)in Lakeville MA, which is one hour south of Boston, MA and about 40 minutes form Cape Cod, MA.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
I can't get enough of lavender and the original name was Lavender SPA, but as a family member pointed out "How are they going to know you offer massage?" So I changed it to Relaxing Works which didn't flow that well so the official end all be all was Relaxation Works, which I must say is a great pun on words.

4. Where do you sell your products?
Online at www.relaxationworks.net, local boutiques and www.relaxationworks.etsy.com. Etsy has so much talent squeezed into one place, I love it.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
My massage therapy practice enables me to be part of many holistic and health related groups that network with like-minded people and businesses. But as of now I am actually on the hunt for an outlet for my bath and body business so I can work with local artists and indie businesses. I want to lend my voice and vision. I do belong to Boston Mafia which is fun and fabulous.

6. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC! I go to many live shows to support the local music scene. I love watching people who are passionate about what they do.

7. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?
Make mistakes and make them often, but learn form them or they come back to bit you in the tookas. Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to toot your own horn. Cross-promoting always works well. I go craft fairs to promote my bath & body care business but and at the same time I give away free 5 minute chair massages too "draw the customer in".

8. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
(such a great question) That happens in waves for me, sometimes too often. My problem though is sifting through all the many ideas I have, because lets face it, not all idea are good ideas. I work it out by doing a dry run of what ever I am doing whether it be a new formula, a new postcard or a promo idea. Then I let it sit for a couple of weeks. During that time I either carry it with me everywhere I go (literally), give out samples or post it up at my desk at my office day job. I ask peoples opinion A LOT! I also keep all my ideas that hit the cutting room floor in a box or a file on my computer, which is currently overflowing.

9. What would be your dream job?
Water is my muse and New England weather is pretty cold half of the year so I would be somewhere on the west coast owning a Holistic spa and treatment center. I also want to start a promotions company working with upcoming musicians and bands. Music=Life!!

10. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
I don't like my sheets to be uneven on my bed when it's made.

11. What’s your favorite color?
PURPLE PURPLE PURPLE

12. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
The financial stuff, all those numbers are so boring! I should only operate the creative side of things. But being small means being everyone and everything!

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
(Sorry Vegans) Lobster omelet with a side of fresh veggies. Throw in a cup of Java and I'm golden.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Pot-O-Coffee did you say? Oh yes I'll take two thank you! During my 9-5 I drink ginger tea straight up with a twist of lemon.

Saturday: Hair Clips

I see this style hair clip everywhere but so many of them are a little too cutesy for a 30-something woman like me. These are perfecft! Rich colors and a sophisticated design, I really like this set for when your hair needs a little help. Find them at The Magpies Nest.

Friday: Perfect Paisley

Like this seller, I love, love paisley. This necklaces features a gorgeous paisley pendant and the beads used coordinate so beautifully with it...it is just so lovely. Find it at goddess joy.