An Indie Biz: Model Call

March 26, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

Spring is here and with it I’m looking to host several photography sessions to show off some of my newest designs as well as vintage finds. But it’s not enough to photograph the pieces on hangers – we need lovely ladies and gents to get in front of the camera in these duds. And that’s where you come in!

If you live in the Chicago area and would be available on an upcoming weekend to take part in a Pierogi Picnic photo shoot, shoot an email to pierogipicnic@gmail.com. Within your email be sure to send me your clothing size and basic measurements (if you know them). We’ll then coordinate a day and time for you to join an upcoming photo shoot. I’m looking for people of all shapes and sizes to take part!

All participating models will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop, plus a digital set of fab photos! And if you’re not sure you’re up for the task, but know a friend who is, please put them in touch with us.

Here’s to fresh faces and new designs!

Spring Fling Sale!

March 22, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

It’s that time again – time for my annual SPRING FLING SALE!

Giving you the best deal of the year on handmade and vintage goodies in my shop, the sale helps me make space in my studio for new designs. It’s spring cleaning season after all!

Take 40% off your total by using coupon code “springfling2015” during checkout. Plus – refer a friend to buy something and I’ll refund both your shipping fees. Simply enter the note “I referred a friend” in the notes to seller upon checkout and include your friend’s name and I’ll reimburse you both for shipping. Talk about a great deal!

The sale starts today and will be taking place for a limited time – so stop reading this post and start shopping now!

Featured Designs: Freshly Picked

March 13, 2015March 13, 2015Leave a comment

Just like you, I’m aching for the start of spring. Fresh air, blooming flowers, sunny and rainy days, it’s the season of renewal and re-birth after all. When choosing a design to feature that embodies the season I easily gravitated towards this bright yellow tank top.

The “Freshly Picked” design utilizes upcycled t-shirt cotton and reshapes it to create a flirty yet comfy top that’s great for dressing up or down. And with the adorable ruffles along the collar and button details, it’s easy to see why this piece makes me think of April showers and May flowers. Scoop it up on my Etsy page here.

Designs: Dawn + Dusk Collection

April 22, 2014April 21, 2014Leave a comment

It’s finally here!

After months of sketching, sewing and tweaking, I am excited to officially debut my newest collection for Pierogi Picnic!

The Dawn + Dusk collection combines upcycled and vintage fabrics to create clothing that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Merging warm and cool tones with soft textures and classic shapes, these unique pieces are perfect for wearing day and night. And as always, each piece is eco-friendly, handmade, and one-of-a-kind.

One part ready-made, one part custom order, the Dawn + Dusk collection offers eco fashionistas two different avenues in which to express their style. The first is a limited edition set of pieces that was made out of vintage fabrics. That includes skirts, tops and accessories that are beyond replication. The second option is the new “Design It Yourself” series. With this option shoppers pick a base color, silhouette and embellishment and I create a piece that’s as unique as the wearer.

Whether ready to send or made to order, Dawn + Dusk collection has brought together some of my favorite silhouettes with soft fabrics, a green methodology and a feminine touch. View the full collection in my Etsy shop today!

Finds: Bunny Bun Buns

April 8, 20141 Comment

It’s that time of year – rabbit time! There are graphics of rabbits every which way you look and it’s easy to understand why. These little critters are the ultimate symbols of fertility and spring, which is why they are the perfect animal to represent the litany of holidays that happen this season.

As the proud owner of a rescued and hyper intelligent bun – I can also say that’s it’s the perfect time of year to also highlight rabbit adoptions. So many people go out to pets stores and purchase baby bunnies for Easter, only to find within a few weeks that these highly functioning pets are no easy charge. They require a minimum of four hours of socialization a day, lots of socialization, a special diet and a veterinarian with specific training for small mammals. It’s no easy task to be the guardian of a bunny!

That’s why in drafting my favorite finds – I chose to highlight rabbits. They make incredible pets – and are sure to give you a daily dose of cute overload – if you know what you’re getting yourself into. So here’s my public service announcement of the day: If you, or someone you know, is considering getting a rabbit for Easter, do your research first on what it will take by visiting the House Rabbit Society website. Read all about our bunny adventures on the Peanut Loves Butter blog.

And in the meantime, enjoy these adorable rabbit themed finds from some of our favorite vendors on Etsy!

Night light rabbit from Mouton Cerise
White bunny plush by Mos Mea
Bunny rabbit print from Corella Design
Bunny nail transfers from Hello Harriett
Merrabbit t-shirt from NYhop
Vintage bunny soft toy from Lovintage Finds
Geometric rabbit brooch from Sketch Ink
Rabbit scarf print from Corella Design
Bunny rabbit pillow from Handy Happy Teddy
Art print from Matou en Peluch

Rocket the Rabbit - the new Pierogi Picnic spokes bunny!

Trends: Retro Headkerchiefs

March 18, 2014March 18, 2014Leave a comment

Headkerchiefs are back!

These timeless head wrapping scarves are becoming all the rage again – and the timing is perfect too! With spring and summer on their way, and beach days, farmer’s markets and outdoor shows at hand, it’s the best possible time to scoop up a set of vintage or handmade kerchiefs for wearing in your hair!

Rockabilly Bandana from Maple & Oak Designs
Starlette’s adorable kerchief styling off Tumblr
Dolly Bow Tie Head Scarf from Three Bird Nest
Retro head scarf styling from the Mattieologie blog
Vintage Floral Headkerchiefs from Pierogi Picnic

Easy to tie, timeless in charm, and truly versatile, any square-shaped scarf can be transformed into a rockin’ retro hair accessory. Not sure how to tie things up? Check out this adorable and easy to follow video tutorial from the DIY N Crafts website, which will show you twelve different ways to style one of these classics scarves.

And if you don’t have any in your arsenal yet, check out our new collection of vintage and hand-printed pieces in the Pierogi Picnic shop here!

Happy kerchief-wearing!

DIY: Newspaper Party Streamers

March 12, 2014January 19, 2016Leave a comment

This past month I found myself in a dilemma. David’s birthday was suddenly at hand, we had a party planned, and I totally forgot to consider decorations! With just an hour before the first guests’ arrival, I devised a quick and resourceful way to get my apartment into the party spirit: Upcycled paper streamers!

Sneaking a few sheets of newspaper away from my bunny’s stash, I concocted a simple banner design that only required a few strategic cuts and less than 10 minutes of sewing. The result? A transformed festive space that’s eco-friendly and ready for fun!

Should you be on the lookout for a simple and design-savvy way to deck out your place for an upcoming get-together, give this easy four step tutorial a try!

1) Cut your newspaper into one inch slices.

2) Gather a stack of your sliced paper and cut each strip in half.

3) Align your strips to ensure they’re all the same length. Don’t worry about the width of each being exact.

4) Use a simple stitch and same plain thread to connect the strips together, sewing about a half inch from the tops. Sew approximately 30-40 slips per streamer.

And that’s it! To hang your streamers all you need to do is grab some washi or marking tape and affix them to your ceiling at varying lengths and spaces. You’ll find that the more streamers you hang, the fuller the installation’s look, so don’t be afraid to go nuts and make ten or more pieces!

Do you have a secret last-minute party decor idea that’s easy to make and eco-friendly? Share your tips with us!