Tuesday: Paintings on pennies!

This is a notecard set of 5 that feature fantastic hand-painted pennies. It's just extraordinary. I'm very impressed that anyone can paint on such a small canvas :) Find it at Rebel 1 in 8.

Monday: A darling Pencil Case

School is starting soon and how great would it be for your child to pull out this adorable Little Red Hiding Hood pencil case from her backpack instead of some boring one like everyone else? You know you want it! Find it at Cotton & Cloud.

Sunday Brunch Special: Sophie & Spice

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
I have a BFA in Illustration from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I used to do a lot of editorial collage illustration and I also design youth sports posters for photographers. After my daughter was born, I was inspired to create children's items. Right now I sell name plaques, mommy calling cards, and children's photo collages. I am working on wall art and onesies.

2. Where are you located?
I live in the Philadelphia suburbs and work from my home studio.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
Sophie is my daughter's name. I wanted something that would evoke the playfulness of childhood and the funky, modern look of my designs.

4. Where do you sell your products?
Right now they are sold on my own site, www.sophieandspice.com. I am looking into other online retailers for some of my products.

5. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
Ideas are the main aspect of being an illustrator. I just sit down with a pen and paper and let my mind go. Sometimes I need to get out 100 bad ideas before nailing down that one great one. I also find it helpful to look for inspiration in everything around me.

6. What would be your dream job?
I would love for Sophie and Spice to get to a point where I can manufacture and wholesale boutique quality items. I'd also love to do fine art and show in galleries.

7. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
Though I would have made fun of it as a teenager, I love American Idol. I'm also a really big Queen fan and am notorious for singing their songs during karaoke.

9. What's the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
It can be hard to project how much work I will have on any given week. When I have a lot of work on my plate, I focus on that. During slow times, I focus on marketing, new designs, cleaning my studio, etc. Since I work from home, I think it's also important to let people know that you work during certain hours. You don't want your mother-in-law constantly calling during business hours, and you don't want clients always calling at night. I have to be clear about that, otherwise it would be impossible to separate home life and work.

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
Pretty much anything Italian, with red wine and my own tiramisu for dessert!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Coffee.

Saturday: Very cool wristlet

I think this bag is just fantastic! Love the blend of dark wine colored vinyl & this lovely print of green trees & black birds. Find it at Three Green Apples.

Friday Fish Fry: Origami Fish Earrings

How cute are these? Little origami fish earrings. Find them at Tiny Shiny.

Thursday: Baby Blue Pod Earrings

I love the mix of soft blue and rustic brass. The baby blue glass beads are vintage - love it! Find them at Handmade Catalog.

Wednesday: Darling Mouse

Just look at the fabulous detail in this little mouse. Felted wool forms this sweet thing and she carries a darling little acorn basket. Find it at Motley Mutton.

Tuesday: Polka Dot hair clips

I love these cute little retro hair clips for little (or big) girls. Colorful felt dots add a little spice to your darlings hair. Find them at One Girlie Girl.

Monday: 3-D trees

What a cool design and a great piece of art for your walls! 3-D forest cut from white paper and framed in black. Love it! Find it at A Little Hut.

Sunday Brunch Special: Charssi Spoon Fudge

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
My name is Cherie and I make a sinfully yummy fudge that is packaged in a jar and eaten with a spoon, aptly called "Spoon Fudge." This is the second business I've started and I'm having a boatload of fun working my way through the food industry. I have a husband, Joe, and a 15 year old son, Timothy, who both are an immense help in the running of this business. Timothy is the one who labels and packages all the product and Joe handles the shipping side of the things. I'm left with the actual making of the product. My husband and I also run a web development firm from home - this is our "real" job and it allows us to get away as needed to run the fudge business.

2. Where are you located?
We are currently in Tucson, AZ but are looking forward to a change of scenery and are planning to relocate in Seattle, WA this fall or next spring. Our families are in the general area there and my fudge will be much happier away from the heat of the desert!

3. How did you come up with your business name?
My grandpa used to call me "Charssi" when I was a wee little girl and the name stuck up until his death when I was 12. When it came time to find a name for the business my old nickname came to mind immediately. It's unique and I really love it!

4. Where do you sell your products?
We currently sell online only at our website, www.charssi.com. We are planning to franchise at some point in the future and are looking at mall locations where a customer could purchase "scoops" of different flavored spoon fudge, much like one orders ice cream now. We like to plan big!

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
Nope! We're pretty much loners and like to keep to ourselves. :)

6. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
It's quite silly actually, but a great hobby of mine is making up new business plans and running through how they could succeed. I'm just a bit odd I guess ;) When I'm not daydreaming about yet another business, I can be found in the kitchen, tinkering around with recipes and coming up with new ways to keep my weight on.

7. What would be your dream job?
I love what I do now, both the web development and working with the chocolate, but I really REALLY would like to be a chef and run a restaurant at some point in my life. I have celiac disease so all my cooking is gluten-free and my goal is to have my own little cafe within 5 years where I'll serve up tempting and tasty gluten-free treats and meals - good enough that "normal" folks will want to eat there.

8. Do you have any quirks or obsessions you care to share?
I think I might have a bit of OCD. Everything has to be lined up "just so." The light switches must be in the down position if the light is off (when a light has multiple switches), my books have to be lined up by size, and when I am working on new labels or some other form of graphic design for the fudge, I throw away more than I keep due to it not being *just right*. I drive my husband batty! ;)

9. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
I would have to say shipping. We cannot do daily pickup by the USPS due to the heat here (can't leave that setting in a truck for hours) so it becomes a major hassle to run the PO all the time. Thankfully we live just 3 miles from the nearest branch and we pay for shipping here before we deliver them, but it's still not the optimal situation.

1. What is your favorite meal?
I LOVE fried chicken, biscuits, and ice tea!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Coffee = yucko! I'm a tea gal all the way ;)

Saturday: Wire & Bead bird

I absolutely love this little chick. In the style of Eni Oken comes a new designer that made this darling little bird. Fabulous! Find it at Magdalena's Atelier.

Friday Fish Fry: Pufferfish Bag

Very, very awesome leather bag with lots of cool details like a giant Pufferfish and a little pink heart. Find it at Bonspiel Creation.

Thursday: Rose portfolio

I love the idea of walking into a meeting with a pretty portfolio instead of a plain, boring one! So, take this gorgeous vintage-look rose portfolio. Find it at acus et filum.

Wednesday: Gypsy ring

I believe that I'm a gypsy at heart so it's no wonder that this cool ring appeals to me. It jingles softly and mysteriously, like a good gypsy should :) Find it at Gypsy Charms Jewelry.

Tuesday: Rose Embroidered baby shoes

Oh my gosh! Is anyone having a baby girl??? You better snatch these adorable baby shoes up quick before I find someone I know having a girl. Too darling for words :) Find them at Tiny Happy.

Monday: Farmer's Market tote

Not only do I love the Farmer's Market but I love this bag to take to the Farmer's Market :) Find it at Purple Flower Designs.

Sunday Brunch Special: Lil' Sugarplum

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
My name is Monique and I feel so blessed to be a stay at home mommy to my two beautiful children! The business idea came shortly after my daughter was born. I was able to create a hair clip that doesn't fall out of a baby's hair even if they only have a few strands. I also make clips for toddlers and girls. I feel so lucky to have had the ability to start my own business while raising my kids. I'm really enjoying life to the fullest.

2. Where are you located?
Online and I ship internationally too!

3. How did you come up with your business name?
My dad always affectionately calls my sister and I "Sugarplum" since we were in diapers.

4. Where do you sell your products?
Online at my website www.LilSugarplum.com.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
No (for lack of time).

6. Have any marketing or business tips you’d like to share?
Network as much as you can, you never know where it may lead to!

7. What would be your dream job?
I am living my dream job! I'm a stay at home mom to my two beautiful children and I started a side business on my own. How blessed am I!

8. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
Not enough time to unleash all my creativity!

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
Dinner --- fresh vegetables and fruit!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Both sound good, depends on my mood but I don't drink caffeine so I'm a decaf girl. :-)

Saturday: A simple Tree pendant

Such a simple idea but the result is just gorgeous. Funky papers decoupaged onto masonite make up the fun pendants at Madison Craft Studio. I really like this mod tree one.

Friday Fish Fry: Whale of a painting

Need a darling gift for a little girl or boy? Check out the beautiful artwork at CuddleBugs Art. I'm partial to this sweet mommy & baby whale playfully swimming in the sea. Make it even more special ~ get it personalized.

Thursday: Kimono cosmetic case

Isn't this the coolest little cosmetics bag? I love the kimono print fabric and the detail is amazing. Find it at Studio Globe.

Wednesday: rosehips

What a gorgeous cut-out necklace we have here! Delicate yet strong - i adore it :) Find it at Anabella Designs.

Tuesday: Be a Super Hero!

Every kid wants to be a Super Hero. This cape will help him/her reach that goal! Find it at SuperFlyKidz.

Monday: Yoga mat bag...

As soon as I start taking yoga (and I will!, it's on my list of things to do this year ;-), I'll need a bag like this for my yoga mat. Find it at small city styles.

Sunday Brunch Special: Lindsay's Candles & Stuff

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
Hi! My name is Lindsay Green & I own Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff. I make scented candles, soaps and bath & body products. I started Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff back in September 2004, while I was still in college. I had been making candles for 10 months at that point & figured people liked them, why not sell them! Soap & bath & body products entered the product line shortly after, once I had enough time to test them all out personally.

2. Where are you located?
Pickering, Ontario, Canada

3. How did you come up with your business name?
I came up with it one night when I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep. I seem to come up with lots of things like that!

4. Where do you sell your products?
I sell them through my own website www.lindsayscandles.com as well as through 2 other local shops. We are currently looking for new wholesale partners.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
I belong to The Switchboards as well as some other message boards for candle & soap making.

6. Read any good books lately?
Yes! I’ve really enjoyed the past 3 books I’ve read – A Million Little Pieces & My Friend Leonard both by James Frey and more recently Wild Orchid by Beverley Brenna, it’s written from the point of view of an 18-year old girl with Aspergers Syndrome, which was interesting seeing as my day job is working with children with special needs.

7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
I work for the school board as an Educational Assistant. I also enjoy scrapbooking!

8. What would be your dream job?
To be a foster parent & bump up production with Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff.

10. What’s your favorite color?
Pink! With blue/teal running close behind.

11. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your biz?
Keeping all of the paperwork up to date. It’s definitely the most boring part!

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

1. What is your favorite meal?
Any sort with pasta, tomato & chicken!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Definitely tea!

Saturday: Beach necklace

When Summer is long gone and you miss all the glorious things about it...sand between your toes, finding seashells on the shore and my favorite, beach glass...you will have this gorgeous necklace to remind you that Summer will come again :) Find it at Beadkeepers.

Friday Fish Fry: Amigurumi pattern

Hey, it looks just like the cracker, no??? I just love him. If only I knew how to crochet! Find this adorable Goldfish Amigurumi pattern and others at AmyGaines.

Thursday: Mixed media

There is something about Rachel Austin's work that really appeals to me. I'm sure it has to do with the cool texture of her paintings and that they often feature the simple, yet amazing paper airplaine. They also all begin with a map underneath as a base. Very cool. Find this one and others at Rachel Austin.

Wednesday: Happy 4th of July

How about a bunch of patriotic little stars for the 4th of July??? Aren't they just adorable...tiny origami good luck stars made of paper and miraculously folded into bitty stars. Find them at origami hearts.

Tuesday: Gorgeous fabric!

OK, so I'm in awe of the fact that someone screenprints their own fabric! And it's gorgeous! I could hardly decide which print to feature but I think this riverstone design is my fave. Check it out at Kirin & Co..

Monday: Brighten up your meal...

These stylish napkins are just the thing to brighten up your meal. A gorgeous shade of turquoise linen with chocolate brown curly trees. Very spiffy! Find them at Michelle Brusegaard.

Sunday Brunch Special: Midnight Firefly

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
My business is Midnight Firefly and I create one of a kind jewelry from sterling silver, gold, and semiprecious stones. My background is in graphic design and fine art and I feel that this, along with nature inspires many of my ideas.

2. Where are you located?
Western Massachusetts

3. How did you come up with your business name?
Midnight Firefly actually comes from lyrics of a Sarah McLachlan song that struck me; "Your eyes like midnight fireflies light up the trenches where my heart lies". Not only did the words sound beautiful together, but it was such a stunning visual. The meaning has transformed for me as I've had the business and I think that it's come to describe myself and my customers; a creature that may seem completely commonplace but is beautiful and exquisite because of the effect it has on it's surroundings.

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

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
Western Massachusetts Artists Association

6. Read any good books lately?
I just finished the most amazing book, "The Time Travelers Wife". It's not really science-fiction as the title suggests, although the main character does travel through time. The book truely demonstrates the character and bond of true love, while giving the reader an appreciation for the here and now. It really forces you to think about the sequence of events in your life, and how they relate to each other.

7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
Other than designing jewelry, I am also a freelance graphic designer. You can see some of my design work at www.amdesignworks.com.
In my free time, I like to spend time with my fiance. I enjoy going hiking or to the beach when the weather is nice. I love to watch movies and to read. I love anything involved with art. I could spend an entire day in a museum and love walking through galleries.


8. What’s your favorite color?
Many people argue about this with me, but my favorite color is brown. I've been told that brown is not a color and I have to choose something else, but there's something about a good chocolate brown. It has depth and richness, and next to any other color it just seems to pop to life.

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 food, it'd be so hard to pick just one, it really depends on my mood. My recent favorite has been calamari with garlic and banana peppers. I think I could eat that every day for the next week.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
I love a good cup of coffee, it's like a spiritual experience for me.