May 10, 2008 Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa 10am-7pm Athens, GA

May 10, 2008 Urban Street Bazaar 10am-8pm North Oak Cliff, TX

May 10, 2008 Ballston Arts + Crafts Market 10am-4pm Arlington, VA

May 10, 2008 The Philadelphia Independent Craft Market 11am-6pm Philadelphia, PA

May 11, 2008 Buffalo Indie Market 11am-4pm Buffalo, NY

wardrobe_remix is a DIY street fashion community created by Tricia Royal of bits & bobbins in September of 2005. She believes that the best stylists walk the streets, not the photo sets, nor the backstage of the runways. The real style innovators are you and me: real, fashionable people, men and women alike. Here are my favorite remixes of the week. Enjoy!

Sea Lorraine (read her blog here)

ellepea

jodache

godesslike

Today I am going to write about something that is near and dear to me. Polaroid. I will always have a love for polaroids. The way that you can capture a modern moment and have the feeling of a totally different era, watching your photo develop and the not knowing what your photo will turn out to be.

(taken with the Colorpack IV using 669 film)

On February 8, 2008, Polaroid Corporation announced that it will discontinue production of all instant film. This saddens me as I (and my fiance) are the proud owners of three polaroid cameras. The 600, Colorpack IV and an Automatic 320.

(taken with the Classic 600 Camera using 600 film)

Please visit Save Polaroid and learn what you can do to preserve the remarkable invention of Edwin Land, the instant film that made Polaroid a household name.

I will now be doing at least a weekly post featuring my favorite shots from my past and present. I hope you will enjoy them and feel free to share your favorite polaroid memories.

Right now I am obsessed with hair accessories. I have always loved them but I’ve been spending more time playing with my hair and not being so lazy about it. Even if you are hair styling challenged a simple barrette or bejeweled ponytail holder can do wonders to make you look put together.

Pale Yellow + Gray Headband : $8.99 and Satin Bow Headband : $9.99 both by mixbaby design.

Recycled Poppy Bobbypin Set : $12.00 by foundling and Queen Anns Hair Combs : $155.00 by monique leon

With my upcoming wedding (by upcoming I mean next May) I know I want no part of a veil. I’m looking for a sparkly vintage hairclip or comb. Plus since it will be vintage it can double as my something old.

Edina Comb : $150.00 by Tigerlilly and Rhinestone Hair Comb : $40.00 by Brass Paperclip.

How did you get your start?

it was kinda by accident. i made myself a tote bag with a drawing from one of my photos on it. i posted it in my blog and everyone really seemed to love it. so i made a few more and started selling them at a local shop. i think this was fall of 2002. i didn’t start making jewelry until the summer of 2005. that was also by accident. i purchased a bunch of really cool flower beads online that i was going to make into a necklace for my mom. again, i posted them on my blog, and got a lot of good reactions. so i started making more. i called them the Juxtapose Necklaces. and they are still my number one seller to date.

Do you have any formal training?

i do not have any formal training. i originally was going to school for photography.

Has your business changed at all since you began? How?

yes, i started out making bags, then i started making jewelry and didn’t make the bags as much. then i started casting my own plastic pieces. and now i make one of a kind necklaces, hand cast plastic jewelry and zipper pouches.

What is the best part of running your own business?

i love creating. its like therapy for me, its very calming. and i love that i am able to do something that i love for a living. i can pretty much set my own hours, though i wont lie, i work a lot more than i should or expect. i also love all the amazing people i’ve met along the way and all the cool places i get to visit while doing craft shows. i pretty much love all aspects of my business… i even love packing up orders!

and the worst?

the stress around the holidays and the fact that i actually don’t get out much during that time. during the holiday season people don’t seem to realize that i am one person running every aspect of my business.

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

my most important inspirations would be my mom and sisters. while thinking up new designs or deciding on color schemes, i’ll think to myself “would Ashley wear this, or Cori or Mom?”. they are all very unique, and each of them has different taste. i’m basically designing for a 13 yr old, a 21 yr old, and my mom. i only lately started designing for myself, and an example of that would be my new laser cut acrylic pieces.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

my most favorite, and the one who i own way too many pieces from would be Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane. i love fun and colorful items, and even more, i love toys. i now own over 30 of her plush toys, a few being quite large. also, she is seriously the nicest person i’ve met through all of this.

What was your most recent indie buy?

this isnt normal, but my mailbox was actually very stuffed today with both purchases and trades from Etsy… here’s a few… a ‘Milk and Bread Pendant’ from melaniefavreau.etsy.com, some very awesome figurines from therunnybunny.etsy.com, a ‘Quadrapus Necklace’ from marmar.etsy.com, a ‘Silica Gel Pillow’ from rummage.etsy.com, and a ‘Friends Mobile’ from spindesigns.etsy.com.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

im totally going to get made fun of for this, but i would have to say my Nintendo DS. i love it, and currently i’m “playing” a game thats teaching me French!

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

again, i feel weird writing this… but i listen to a lot of punk and hardcore music. currently looping on my play list is Murder City Devils - Empty Bottles Broken Hearts, Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike, Bane - Give Blood. and my favorite magazines are Craft: Magazine, ReadyMade and Lucky.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

hmm, i guess promote yourself well. i try out a lot of different advertising opportunities, i sometimes submit items to the Sampler, i contact blogs when i have what i think is a cool neat design, and anything else like that. sometimes i cant remember how i did it.

Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?

my goal is to actually open up a brick and mortar shop of my own. its actually already in the making. it was my goal before i even started Art School Dropout. and as for Art School Dropout, i just hope im doing as well as i am now and im still enjoying myself.

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

the only new project i’m working on now is a tote bag version of my embroidered pouches. i wish i had more time to devote to new items, its just been too crazy around here as of late.

All IndieShopping readers receive 15% off at Art School Dropout until May 25th with coupon code: indie_04_08!

There are tons of fun events happening this weekend in the indie craft world. Check em out below.

May. 3, 2008 10am-5pm Hello Handmade Spring 08 Market Rancho Cucamonga, CA

May. 3, 2008 11am-5pm The Handmade Market Raleigh, NC

May. 3, 2008 9am-5pm Crafted Together White Bear Lake, MN

May. 3, 2008 10am-6pm San Mateo Maker Faire Bazaar Bizarre Bay Area, CA

May. 4, 2008 10am-5pm San Mateo Maker Faire Bazaar Bizarre Bay Area, CA

For more indie events visit our event page.

Angel of AD LOVE, the online shop famous for it’s one-of-a-kind hand screen printed, stenciled, and hand painted unique items, is running a very special promotion. She is trying something a little different and selling a few items auction style on ebay. Items starting at $15 dollars, hopefully you can bid and get a great price too! Regular prices range from $28-$35 so this is a deal!

Visit the AD LOVE ebay store and bid today!

How did you get your start?

I started selling my artwork in a previous etsy store called SparksFly last August? I had originally opened the store to sell my photography, but I ended up designing packaging for other etsy sellers, and was staying WAY too busy. It was then that I decided to pick up an old passion of mine… drawing. I really had no photoshop experience whatsoever, but knew how to use a pencil. I listed a few finished pieces, and it turned out people were interested, and buying. It was like a dream come true. I decided in January to take the plunge and start fresh with vol25. I feel very fortunate that things have picked up and stayed fairly constant ever since opening. Many people ask what the story is behind the name vol25. In January of 2008 when I opened the doors to my little shop (via etsy.com) I was 25 years old, and vol25 was like opening a new volume in my life, which in turn has created several new chapters for me.

Do you have any formal training?

No, I am proud to say that I am completely self taught. However, it did take quite a few google searches, and online tutorials to teach myself photoshop.

When and why did you create your business?

After I got married in October of 2003, my husband and I decided I would quit my job (secretary at our local chevy dealership) and we would try to live off of one income, his. We had immediate plans to start a family, and knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. The following November our daughter was born. We managed to get by with his income just fine. Granted it wasn’t always a picnic, we had to make responsible decisions… which meant very few splurges. I have always been a crafty person and loved making original handmade baby books with my illustrations. One day I did a search for handmade baby book, and it brought me to etsy. I opened up my first shop that same day. A few months later, I was still at home with my daughter, filling my need to create and making extra money for those “splurges.” We still do not rely on my income, and this keeps it “extra.”

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

Yes, it has dramatically. Photography is hard to sell on etsy, because there are SO many talented photographers with shops. I really didnt feel like I could even compete with them… my lack of sales made it obvious. I have always had a desire to create graphics, and began learning photoshop, designing banners, business cards, and other packaging for etsy sellers. I was doing VERY good, but my family was suffering. Working around customers’ schedules, and NEVER resting until my customer was 110% satisfied. It was then that I decided to test the waters with my art. It was so much more relaxing, to create at my own pace, on my own time. While I still have a few super sweet customers that followed me over to vol25, for the most part I am focusing completely on my art. It is nice to not feel pulled in so many different directions.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being able to do 90% of my work at home in my pj’s, with my daughter in my lap.

and the worst?

Setting myself a schedule! Since I enjoy drawing so much, I find it is hard to make myself stop and get things done around the house.

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

Thank You! Clothing stores inspire a lot of my color combinations. Lately, quotes have been inspiring an entire drawing. I also have a huge collection of Martha, Real Simple, and Domino Magazines, they inspire me as well. My husband is also a constant source of inspiration, he is always encouraging me to try something new.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

I have a few favorites, but I simply adore Alix from treehouse28’s designs. Not only is she super sweet, but her talent is amazing. treehouse28.etsy.com

What was your most recent indie buy?

I bought a pair of minky baby frog feet for my niece from justkiddn on etsy. JustKiddn.etsy.com too cute!

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

My 10 mp sony a-100 digital camera.

What will you be wearing come summer?

Anything comfortable. I am due this July to deliver our second child.

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

Currently my Ikea catalogue is getting quite a bit of loving. After drooling over the last three years of catalogues, I am finally planning a trip to Ikea. As you could guess my wish list is somewhat long… I am keeping track of page numbers, prices, and getting a grand total before I even walk through the store doors! We will be leaving this saturday, so wish me luck!

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

I sure do. Don’t expect the sales to come immediately flowing in… but be optimistic about your work, and believe in its potential. Have a plan mapped out, and definately be prepared to spend a little money advertising. Search blogs that seem to target your audience, and inquire on advertising. Many blogs will host giveaways that bring in a ton of exposure, and you would only be out that one product you donated.

Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?

I would love to have had a couple magazine features, my own room/studio, a few more customers, and several new *favorite* pieces of art hanging on my walls.

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

Yes! I have a pregnancy book designed, and almost completely ready to send to the printer. I plan to follow up with a matching baby book. I have several designs featuring some of my more popular pieces of art in mind. I think there is a HUGE market for baby/pregnancy books that are not so frilly and cutesy… a little more modern. I hope to launch these into my etsy shop by the end of the year.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding your business?

Do not expect people to fall into your shop… promote, promote, and when you dont think you can promote anymore… promote.

Site: vol25.etsy.com

Anna Cote is the designer and owner of Modern Printed Matter, a stationery and graphic arts studio based in Rhode Island. Anna has always considered herself an artist, although it is until only recently that she has brought creativity into her professional life. Anna’s designs are bright, simple, modern, and fun. She is inspired by nature, by color, and by modern design of all genres.

In September of 2007, Anna Cote and Modern Printed Matter found the amazing world of Etsy. Since opening up her Etsy shop, Anna has been able to experiment and explore new designs and medium while feeding off the interaction and community that makes Etsy so successful.

Apr. 26, 2008 9am-6pm St. Paul Craftstravaganza St. Paul, MN

Apr. 27, 2008 11am-9pm Bust Spring Fling Craftacular Brooklyn, NY

The BUST Spring Fling Craftacular will feature over 50 of the most unique and talented crafters from across the country offering the very best in handmade wares. But BUST’s Spring Fling Craftacular is not just another craft fair, it is also an all-day party with an entire room set aside for dancing and mingling. BUST Craftacular DJs will put the spring in your step, spinning all your favorite jams from the ‘90s all day and into the night for a prom-themed dance.

For more upcoming events and places to go check out our event listings.