Tag: handmade

Item of the Week: Catch the Wind

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We’re in the midst of another heat wave and I can’t bear to think of wearing anything thick, long or tight when the temps are this high. So when picking the “Item of the Week” the choice seemed obvious: my Catch the Wind blouses.

These tops are revamped from vintage lightweight tops and are transformed to give each one a unique and modern twist. Some have reconstructed hemlines while others have chunky zippers sewn in. And then there’s a slew with my hand pulled screen-prints.

No matter which style or color catches your eye – one thing’s for certain: The billowy fabric and loose fit will keep you from swooning in the sun.

An Indie Biz: The Personal Touch

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One of the things that makes shopping with indie businesses so fantastic is indulging in the details. From a custom order to the close interactions you have with the maker, it’s about more than the product, it’s about the experience itself.

So when photographing your items, curating your shop, or shipping out orders, don’t forget the importance of the ‘personal touch.’ It’s why many of your shoppers come to you in the first place. If they wanted a generic customer service experience they’d go to their local big box. But your clients know better. They know that by shopping with you, or seeking your services, they’re taking part in a sustainable economy – one which values both the maker and taker. Continue reading →

An Indie Biz: Inside My Studio

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There’s nothing more intriguing to me than catching a glimpse into the studios of artists and crafters. Seeing the creative space of fellow makers always sets me into a flurry of inspiration. Which made me realize that I have not shared my own studio space.

And so I snapped a bunch of quick pictures of the nook that is my sewing studio. Below is a sneak peek into my own lil’ world of fabric, chaos and color.  Continue reading →

An Indie Biz: Exciting News

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It’s been an incredible week! I’ve got lots of positive things happening at my day job at the humane society, a potential trip to Eastern Europe in the works, a vocal audition next Friday and a family filled weekend just ahead. Pierogi Picnic has also been bustling with custom orders waiting to be made, shipments to be mailed and new designs to be created. As you can imagine – I’m beaming with joy with all the great things that are going on.

But then there’s another piece of news that has me bursting at the seams. I wanted to blurt it out when I found out yesterday – but thought a blog post would be more appropriate. So without further ado, here it is: Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Night Shift

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Tank dresses are all the rage this time of year – at least in my book! Perfect for wearing to work, picnics, church and more, slicing off sleeves is the quickest, and most modest, way to let your torso breathe this season.

That’s why this week’s featured item is the “Night Shift” dress. With lots of wiggle room and a mod shape, it’s the piece that will turn heads no matter where you go. And with the soft t-shirt cotton, color blocking and fringe embellishment, it just oozes with summer spirit.

An Indie Biz: Etsy’s New About Page

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So I did it – I hunkered down last night to create my “About” page on Etsy.

Deciding how to embody your brand in a neatly wrapped box and bow was quite the ordeal – which must explain why I’ve been putting it off for the past week. From the moment I read the announcement I cringed, knowing that my over-the-top detail-oriented brain would implode at the possibilities. The questions that boggled my mind included: What kind of dialogue should I use in the description? How can I fit my life story into such a small space? What photos do I choose to include in the revolving banner? Should the copy be more polished? Goofy? Down-to-earth? Continue reading →