We were featured in the Barrington Courier for Meet the Arts, which is happening this Saturday, October 15th from 12pm – 5pm at the shop. Here is a snap shot of the article:
Check out the original article in the Barrington Courier here
tons of new dogeared in the shop today! be sure to stop by and get the best pick!
also, check out where some of our favorites have been spotted recently…
We have a great fall wreath project for you! It’s super easy (even the kids can do it) and looks great!
To start, go to your local craft supply store and buy a metal wreath frame and the fabric of your choice. Both materials are relatively inexpensive. I used burlap and feed sack fabric that I had leftover from other curtain & pillow projects. The amount of fabric you need varies depending on what size frame you find; about 1-2 yards.
Cut the fabric into strips. They don’t have to be perfectly straight and they can be any length & width you choose. I cut my strips about an inch wide and a foot long.
Next, tie the strips of fabric to the frame. Once the frame is completely covered, you’re finished and it’s ready to hang! Super easy, right?!
loving the new lollia shower gels! great gift idea for girlfriends, sisters, or bridesmaids!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Red Feather Studio giveaway. It is so interesting hearing all the wonderful places that bring you inspiration!
Congratulations, to Delia A. – you are the winner! We have contacted you via email on how to claim your beautiful new one-of-a-kind necklace!
Also, thanks again to Devon of Red Feather Studio for participating in our interview. Stay tuned for more interviews and giveaways coming soon.
We just started carrying a new local artist in the shop – Red Feather Studio. Owner and artist, Devon De Paepe creates unique one-of-a-kind jewelry from recycled, found objects, paper, metals, fabric, vintage reclaimed jewelry pieces, glass and beads. We just can’t get enough, because no 2 pieces are the same! We were lucky enough to catch a quick interview with Devon.
Thanks so much for joining us Devon!
DD: Thank you. Again I truly appreciate the opportunity to have my work in your store and appreciate you supporting a local artist.
Why did you decide to become an artist?
DD: I decided to become an artist because I simply love creating things. It is a passion, almost something I need to do all the time. I went to college an undeclared major, took a general art course and my professor asked me why I wasn’t majoring in art. I had obviously found my niche and what I loved to do. I guess I never thought of art as a career option until then. Frankly the choice seemed clear after that. The next semester I was enrolled officially as a studio arts major, and the rest it history.
How has your jewelry changed / developed over time?
DD: My jewelry changes all the time, mostly because I discover a new technique that I want to try. I do not like doing the same thing for too long, so I am constantly on the lookout for new inspiration. I started making jewelry the way most people do, beads and string. Then a friend showed me how to do fused glass, I bought a kiln and was hooked on that. The patterning on the paper and wood work I am doing now is inspired by my graphic design work. The fabric flowers were inspired by Kanzashi flowers that I was researching and the inner tube jewelry came from other researching. I am just always looking around for my next project.
Is there a reason that you have chosen to work with recycled materials?
DD: Absolutely there is a reason. I think it is the same reason most artists who work in recycled media have. Not to be wasteful. Objects can have second lives. As artists we have the ability to reinvent pieces and parts in new ways. That is part of the art, not just the aesthetics, but the repurposing. The materials I use just seem to come my way. Or I find an alternative to use that is recycled, which is often more affordable and works better for the projects.
What inspires you?
Everything! I think when you are a designer you look at the world through artist’s eyes. I have wonderful friends and family that encourage ideas.
3 things you couldn’t live without…
Those I love, my work and cheese!
Where is the most inspiring place you have been?
Paris! The whole city. I just got back from a vacation and work trip there and it completely astonished me. Everything there is beautiful. From the napkins and little water glasses set at the café tables, to the masterpieces hanging in the Louvre and Versailles. Every corner of the city was so lovely. I was overwhelmed and I am still taking it all in. The city is bursting with inspiration.
GIVEAWAY QUESTION: Tell us where is the most inspiring place YOU have been. Could be Paris, could be a cool restaurant, or even a park! Fill out the comment form below to be entered to win a one-of-a-kind necklace from Red Feather Studio! The winner will be drawn on September 28th, 2011.
Got the back to school blues still? This DIY (courtesy of Smock) is an adorable way to spruce up your school books (or any other books for that matter), and it’s super easy! You will need:
- Your favorite Angelina giftwrap
- A ruler
- Scissors
- Tape
- A pen or pencil
To start, you’ll need to measure and cut your sheet of gift wrap to fit your book. We recommend giving a 3-4-inch margin on either side of the (open) book, and then a 1-2-inch margin above and below the book.
After you’ve cut your gift wrap, fold up the top and bottom of the sheet. Be sure that the folds are not shorter than the book. Use a few pieces of tape in the middle to keep everything straight.
Next, with the book inside, fold the paper in half, making sure the sides are even. Then, take the top part of the gift wrap and fold it neatly under the book’s cover. Repeat this step on the bottom.
After you’ve made even folds, carefully slip onto the book, securing the book’s cover into the little pockets that the folds create. Secure with tape.
Tada! You are done! These would even look adorable on a shelf in your home! So stop by the shop today to pick your selection of papers starting at $2.75 per sheet.
Let’s face it, summer is over, and fall is here! Although it is sad to see the warm days behind us, it is exciting to browse through all the new fall trends and accessories! Our favorite designer currently in the shop is Shiraleah.
At Shiraleah, they are committed to environmentally and socially responsible fashion accessories, gifts and home products in unique styles that consumers love. They design their own products and work directly with local artisans and producers to assure quality and workmanship. Their goal is to combine renewable natural resources, reclaimed materials, environmentally friendly technologies and traditional techniques to produce their products.
A few peaks from the line…
Hats
This year’s charming hat collection brings back the glam of the Roaring ‘20s with face framing shapes and whimsical details. Modern colors and textures, meanwhile, flatter any woman and any wardrobe. The cloche style won’t blow away and wool is naturally water resistant, keeping wearers warm and dry.
Vegan Leather Handbags
What is “vegan leather”? It’s an animal-friendly polyurethane material designed to look like leather. But unlike leather, the material is safer to produce and healthier for consumers to carry. The production of vegan leather involves minimal toxic output compared to leather tanning; also, the material is biodegradable in 10 years.
Safety and style sit side-by-side at Shiraleah, so every year they ensure that their vegan leather purses follow ~ and even establish ~ the latest trends. A multitude of zippers and pockets keep money, electronics and cosmetics safe. The variety of sizes and styles hold everything you need and the easy-care material wipes clean. These affordable bags have real style ~ and work in real life.
Stop in the shop to see our selection of Shiraleah handbags and hats today!
Labor Day weekend is almost here and we have some great hostess gift suggestions for you! A fabulous guest never shows up empty handed!
Lollia candles – Running in Grass Barefoot 
Xenia Taler – Trivets/ Tiles
Alise Sheehan – House Blessing Bird
And of course there are more ideas in the shop!
