Newly listed on Etsy, but these aren't exactly new. I first created this blossoming style hair comb last year and tried selling it on consignment. Unfortunately, not many people were into wearing flowers in the fall. Now it's May, the weather is warmer, so let's see if these Gardenia Hair Combs will be a best seller this season. What makes them so cool is not only the soft pretty colors, but the fact that the flowers have wire stems that can be positioned as one likes.
Yesterday I stayed up for nearly 24 hours preparing for my Mothers Day Showcase spot on Etsy. I must have posted in over 20 forum threads. The result... I sold a grand total of one item! But I'm not complaining. I am very happy to have sold these earrings to a fellow Etsy seller. These bohemian wooden hoops are one of my favorite findings to work with and buyers seem to love them.
Here, I've paired them with large mother-of-pearl teardrops wrapped in silver. The other pairs that I have sold were simpler with just the wooden hoops hanging from decorative sterling earwires. Both styles are sure to be a summer favorite. Since they have been selling so quickly, I better buy some more supplies!
]]>What do you always forget to pack?
Submitted by quornflour.
I always make a list, several lists, but somehow I always forget to pack a nice pair of cute, dressy heels. I like to travel comfortably, so I take several flats (sneakers & sandals) that unfortunately never look quite right for a fancy evening.
If only Chanel made these with a rubber sole... then I could be a warrior maiden on the dance floor. At least the insole is cushioned. You must have cushioning when walking in 4" heels!
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My hairstyle of choice is the no-fuss ponytail. It's quick, sleek and keeps the wayward hairs out of my over-sized eyes. But ponytails don't have to be a casual 'do, they can be chic too. I am working on a collection of barrettes that will dress up your tresses. Here is my newest creation that highlights my love of metal, texture, and pattern.
Le Disque - big brass domed disc hair band
SPECS
+ 2-inch (5cm) domed brass disc
+ Forget-me-not floral pattern
+ Leather backing
+ Thick black metal-free hair band
by KELLIOPE handmade nyc ~ available at http://kelliope.etsy.com
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Sorry Etsy.com, I still love you, but I am having fun exploring this fresh new indie site from down under. Australia has decided to get in on the handmade action by forming its own ecommerce marketplace called mintd. The site is similar to Etsy because it sells only handcrafted items, but it offers some innovative features, which make shopping fun and interactive. Lookbooks allow buyers and sellers to compose collections of products found on mintd. As an added bonus, if an item from the Lookbook you created sells, you receive a small payment. How cool is that?! Sellers also have the option to join groups where they can congregate and view each other's offerings.
Because the site started late last year it has not developed a strong following. Hopefully that will change, sales will pick up, and my products will be seen adorning those in the land of the kangaroos. And in case you are wondering... here is my mintd shop: http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/113-KELLIOPE-handmade-nyc
]]>In early August, the founders of spanking new Craft magazine teamed up with the forefounders of Etsy to host a contest. The objective: to redesign, reinterpret the CRAFT logo using whatever medium desired. The payoff: a very honorable mention in the inaugural issue Craft magazine and all of the accolades and bragging rights that goes along with being one of the chosen few. Out of the hundreds that entered, only five items were singled out for their unique craftiness.
Of course the payoff was too big for me to ignore. After weeks of pondering and planning, I finally settled on a design; a small yet spacious bag built for crafters doing the craft fair circuit. The Crafty Hipster Bag is packed with pockets (7 in all) to keep the "tools of the trade" secure. That's plenty of space for cash, coins, keys, ID, notepad, pens pencils phone, wallet, and a receipt book. Plus, the wearer can go hands free! Two large loops on the back allow the bag to hang from a belt up to 1.5-inches wide.
Although I thought my entry to be highly crafty and useful, I did not win. Oh well. At least all who entered will receive a complimentary t-shirt from Craft Magazine. And of course there is always the possibility that my creation will sell. So, click here if interested in purchasing the Crafty Hipster Bag for use at your next craft fair.
Great Aunt Ethel would be so proud that I am putting her fabric to good use. This quilted metallic satin in icy blue hues is one of my favorites from her stash. I guess it is an upholstery fabric but there is no telling since in the 70's women draped all kinds of stiff textiles over their bodies. In any case, it is perfectly suited for handbags, especially my signature wristlets.
The etheral Ice Willow Wristlet is a great little accessory for summer soirees and glamorous get-togethers.
You can be free to drink, dance and be merry without be weighted down by a hefty handbag. Plus, this petite purse is quite handy, or rather hands free, as it can convert from a wristlet to a shoulder bag in seconds. The extra long strap can be wrapped around your wrist or tossed across your shoulder. How cool is that? A convertible bag!
***Click here to purchase.***
I'm so excited! I just received my first bit of publicity. My Bloomin'
Bauble
Bobby Pins were featured on the Indie Obsession website. Theses hairpins
are the perfect accessory for those with thick, curly, or extra long hair. They're about 4-inches long and have a really tight grip so they can hold any up 'do in place. The Bloomin' Bauble Bobbies are on sale in my Etsy shop: http://kelliope.etsy.com. I also have a similar
version in amethyst purple and red garnet.
After a month of sketching, discussing, cutting and stitching, I have finally finished this custom skirt. A nice young lady posted a request on Etsy for a custom made Gothic Layered Skirt. Many answered the call, but after wooing her with tales of my sewing skills, I won the bid.
Following the excitement, worry quickly set in. I know that I am a talented seamstress/designer, but I have never tackled a project so large without a pattern or some sort of guided instruction. And this skirt is large! Over 5 yards of dark hued fabric, lace and scraps were fashioned into 42 individual panels that were then gathered and attached to an underskirt. The triple tiers and abundance of fabric remind me of Spanish Flamenco dancer, hence the name. I also made a miniskirt in the same style with some of the leftover fabric. This flirty little skirt would look cute over leggings or if daring, could be worn alone. It alsos double as a shawl/ capelet.
This project was a lot of work, but the end result definitely justifies the means.
I love this skirt and am a bit sad to send it off to my client. My designs are like my children. At some point they must go off into the world. I hope that the buyer treasures this skirt for many years. In the meantime, I am already planning to make another one sans the skulls and spidreweb lace because this one will be for me!
***If you would like to request something similiar, feel free to contact me. As you can see, I am always up for a challenge! For additional information, you can also check out my shop on Etsy at http://kelliope.etsy.com.***
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