Item of the Week: Valentine in Blue

February 12, 2013February 11, 2013Leave a comment

When thinking about what I should feature this week the choice was easy: my hand-stenciled Polish-folk blouse.

Created using a vintage women’s top, the style of the design is reminiscent of the Polish tradition of “wycinanki” which literally translates to “cut-outs”. Looking to bring the unique aesthetic to a Pierogi Picnic design, I hand carved a stencil with which to create the print. Including the silhouettes of hearts and leaves, I made a whimsical scene that I could then transfer with fabric paint onto the front of the blouse.

The captivating back-story to this particular piece is that my first print also became my last, as my plastic template morphed beyond recognition after the first stenciling. I even wrote an article on how we as indie biz owners can accept defeats gracefully – and guess what inspired the post? This design!

So in ode to Valentine’s Day I bring you a bittersweet design that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Re-Decorating

January 24, 2013January 19, 2016Leave a comment

The weather is officially dreary in Chi-town and the post-holiday slump is coming. The decorations have come down and the new budget is in full-effect, which means one thing: It’s time to re-decorate!

Now, when I use the term I’m not talking about going out, buying lots of new accessories and paint, and cluttering my home with more ‘stuff.’ To me, re-decorate (see the clever use of the hyphen?!) means to take what you already have in your home and re-arrange it for a new look. Continue reading →

Sale: BOGO

January 3, 2013January 3, 2013Leave a comment

It’s the beginning of the year which means it’s time for me to do some purging and organizing within the Pierogi Picnic studio! And boy is that a good thing for you! I’m looking to move older merchandise to make way for new designs, which means it’s sale time!

All ready-made clothing in my Etsy shop will be BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF from January 4th-18th! This includes your favorite frocks, vintage finds and accessories. As long as it’s not a made-to-order item, it’s included! Shoppers will need to check-out with their goodies and following my receipt of the order I will reimburse 50% of the total price of the least expensive item in true BOGO style.

So head on over to the Pierogi Picnic Etsy shop and start rummaging through my listings now while the gettin’s good!

My Christmas Wishlist

December 17, 2012January 19, 2016Leave a comment

When shopping this holiday season there’s nothing better than scooping up items that are handmade, vintage or sustainable. Not only does it mean you’re supporting a smaller business, you’re also promoting a greener economy.

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites off Etsy. Here’s my own whimsical wishlist:

What’s on your holiday wishlist? Are you dreaming of something vintage or handmade? Share links to your favorites in the comments.

Press: Etsy Fashion – Ruffled Reveler

October 15, 2012October 15, 20121 Comment

Ooh la la – one of my vintage finds was featured in an Etsy Fashion email last week! The adorable piece, which is a black and white polka dot fitted dress with a peplum waist, is one of my favorites from a photo shoot with Wanderslustings‘ wonder Caitlin Peters. So glad to see it being noticed!

Trends: Peter Pan Collar Mania

September 17, 2012September 16, 2012Leave a comment

I had no idea when I started making the Never Never Land tunics that I would be joining a soon-to-be trend that would take the fashion world by storm. My original inspiration for these tops was a vintage dress I had scooped up years back. In the Spring of 2011 I started experimenting with various ways of hand-making and screen-printing the iconic shape. That’s how my whimsical design (though it wasn’t a trend then!) was born.

Then this past Spring I suddenly started seeing this embellishment everywhere! First it was on the runway, then magazine ads, etsy sellers and now on the streets! I am definitely one to encourage a vintage aesthetic and am thrilled that the look has caught fire. Long live the Peter Pan collar!

In With the Old, Out With the New

July 9, 2012January 19, 2016Leave a comment

We all know the meaning of the word ‘adopt.’ Many of us think about orphaned children or homeless animals when hearing the verb, but what about object adoptions? Rather than purchasing mass-produced, manufactured goods new, consider changing the look of your home with pre-loved objects instead. You’ll find that you’ll create a captivating ambiance while giving an otherwise landfill-destined item a new chance for use.

People often come over and note our unique decor style and don’t realize our aesthetic was never intentional. Our mantra, for many years, has been to avoid purchasing furniture and other housewares new whenever possible. And while the DIY spirit can be felt as well – it’s really our commitment to re-using as much as possible that brings the look of our place together.

Our home is filled with tiny upcycled treasures in each nook and cranny. The majority of items came from antique markets, garage sales, dumpster dives, thrift stores or hand-me-downs. Whether it’s our couch frame that we bought from a gal in Andersonville, or the many glass bottles we’ve collected over the years, each piece has a history that gives a room it’s own character.

So next time you’re itching for a splash of color, or a new side table, consider hunting down items that are ready for re-homing. Not only will you achieve a one-of-a-kind interior design, you’ll also be lightening your footprint too.