An Indie Biz: Design Theft

November 18, 2013November 20, 20134 Comments

It’s becoming a growing issue within the handmade community- and one that it’s high time we addressed here on Pierogi Picnic: Design Theft. Having become one of the latest victims, I have chosen to speak out in the hopes of raising awareness of this burgeoning trend.

My first encounter with this phenomenon was many years ago at a Renegade craft fair. I was making my merry way around the booths when I stumbled upon a vendor who had a “no photos please” sign up in her tent. I inquisitively asked behind her reasoning – thinking it was a shame to discourage people from photographing and promoting her work. She shared her actual purpose: to prevent idea theft. She explained that large companies send out “spies” to fairs such as Renegade in the hopes of scooping up inspiration for their next season of designs. I was shocked, appalled, and in somewhat disbelief. How could it really be?!

That had been my first time hearing about these alleged scouts, and at the time, I wondered if the vendor’s concern had any basis. Sadly, many years later, I know her fears were well founded. Continue reading →

Events & Sales: Birthday Surprise!

November 5, 2013November 4, 2013Leave a comment

Today is the day I graduate into a new age-decade! It’s my thirtieth birthday!!!!!!!

Moving beyond my twenties into the big 3-0 deserves all forms of celebrating – including a special one-day-only coupon code for you!

For the first time ever, use the following coupon code on ANY purchase in the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop, and you’ll get 30% off your total purchase: birthdaysurprise30 That INCLUDES made to order items too! Yeah! Just pop in the code during check-out and you’ll see the discount reflected in your total.

So join with me in all my birthday festivities and get shopping! The coupon code expires at midnight!

News: Custom Order Crunch

October 31, 2013July 7, 2014Leave a comment

With the holidays quickly approaching I am drafting up a strategy for custom orders and gift-savvy turn-around times. In an effort to ensure that all made-to-order pieces are received by late December, Pierogi Picnic will be closing down this side of the site come December 1st.

So if there’s a dress or sweater you know will make the perfect gift for that special sustainably-minded someone – be sure to place your order between now and November 30th. After that custom orders won’t be activated again until January 1st.

If you miss the custom order deadline – fear not! We’ll be offering gift certificates all season long!

Here’s to an amazing holiday season for all!

Eco Etsy Fall Gift Guide

October 24, 2013January 19, 2016Leave a comment

As if there’s not already enough to love about fall, my favorite Etsy group, Eco Etsy, put together the most adorable Fall Gift Guide to go along with all your favorites for the season!

Featuring genuinely handmade creations by earth conscious artisans, the collection includes one of my favorite minimalist Pierogi Picnic designs, the “Point Out the Way” tunic. Click on the image above to learn more about each item, as well as the creators behind them.

Designs: Peanut Loves Butter

October 1, 2013October 1, 20132 Comments

I am so excited to announce the launch of a brand-spankin’ new line of merchandise: Peanut Loves Butter!

This new collection of pet products keep style and sustainability in mind. High quality, yet affordable, stylish but modern, this unique series of dog and cat pieces is sure to bring a smile to every pet owner’s face!

Peanut Loves ButterL Handmade Dog Dress Shirt Collar

In true Pierogi Picnic fashion, each piece is handcrafted using salvaged fabrics, making each creation one of a kind and eco-friendly. And as if that’s not enough to make you purr, we’ll be carrying adorable toys and housewares for your furry friends too!

What inspired the line you may ask? My three little hobgoblins, Peanut, Butter and Tomato. The majority of pet products found online or in-stores tends to sway on the uber feminine or too utilitarian side. Rather than purchase a bunch of frou frou sweaters or overpriced knitted pieces, I decided to make my boys accessories that both they and I could be proud of. And then a funny thing happened. People started asking where I’d purchased each sweater, bow tie or cowl. Imagine my delight!

So I spent some time this summer tweaking and experimenting with the designs. Sewing a sample of this – hand sculpting a toy for that – until I could come up with a line that was both aesthetically awesome, practical, and not too pricey! With practical earth-friendly designs and dapper touches, Peanut Loves Butter was born!

So if you’ve been looking for eco-chic pet products for your little monsters, be sure to follow all of the fun on the new Peanut Loves Butter blog! And should you be one of the first 10 people who hit the subscribe button, you’ll receive an exclusive 25% off coupon to use in the new PLB shop!

So there you have it! Cute, affordable, totally eco-friendly and style savvy pet gear. What more could you ask for this fall!?

Trends: Polka Dot Pretty

September 26, 2013September 26, 2013Leave a comment

There’s something absolutely timeless about a polka dot print. Retro yet modern, playful yet elegant, it’s a pattern that can adorn countless of items without ever losing it’s retro punch.

And so it seems this tiny repeated shape is making a come back in the season’s fashions. From art and accessories to leggings and prints – it’s the perfect look for fall. And when created with a golden metallic paint – well – let’s just say it makes for an easy breezy transition toward holiday festivities.

So in honor of this vintage inspired look, here’s a monochromatic yet bold collection of handmade goodies that boast this beautiful pattern.

Enjoy!

1. Burlap Bunting by Ali Mark
2. Hair Bow Set by Made by Megra
3. Revamped Vintage Dress by Pierogi Picnic
4. “Glimmer” Photo by Carolyn Cochrane
5. Handmade Clutch by Muni Shop
6. Slouchy Vintage Blouse from Darling Vintage
7. Infinity Scarf by Scarves 2012
8. Portrait by Fanny Erkelius
9. Polka Dot Leggings by Kelly Lynne

Finds: Renegade Recap

September 12, 2013September 11, 2013Leave a comment

It was the first time in over 4 years that Pierogi Picnic did not participate in Chicago’s September Renegade Craft Fair. We took the summer off from custom orders and sewing – and took that time to enjoy the season – which means getting to shop the event instead!

By far, one of the best fair line-ups I’ve seen in many years, this Renegade had a little bit of something for everyone. Whether finely crafted jewelry and elegant housewares or kitschy screenprinted posters and fun stuffies, this was the craft collection to end all craft collections.

Bouncing from booth to booth, David and I scooped up some fun items for ourselves and friends, while documenting the many talented artisans whose items inspired, delighted or enthused. Here’s what we brought home:

To scope out all of our favorite finds at this year’s fair, take a peek at our Facebook event album here. To see a full list of who exhibited, click here.