I recently discovered the simple and modern geometric designs of metal artist Nina Dinoff and I find them really captivating. You can find Nina’s work in her etsy shop and at uselessmachines.com. Nina’s designs seem more like metal sculpture than jewelry pieces you wear, but rest assured this is jewelry that is meant to be worn. The combination of earthy elegance and sensual structure make her designs utterly appealing and there is a texture to her metal worked creations that is wonderfully lovely. They seem like they would be perfectly sumptuous to wear.

Do you ever have one of those days that you feel like making the face this guy is making? Well, I am having one of the days today and it’s not a pretty sight. I’m sure if you saw me, you would say, “Hmm, why is Jen sulking and pouting over in the corner making that sulky pouty face?” I would answer, “Funkety pouty pout-pout. Sulky sulk-sulk, bad mood today. Give me some chocolate, for gawd’s sake.”

Anyway, this Little Blue Meanie is now my new mascot and also my Mintd Friday pick for this week. By CLBcreations and available at Mintd.

OMG, these Pink coral and pearl earrings made by Chick Rocks are so pretty. I am a big fan of the pink coral and oxidized silver combo. It’s a little bit girly and and little bit rock-n-roll.

This week’s Reader Fixx ten top indie pixx were sent in by Claire of Absolutely Small. Claire offers a little bit of everything in her Esty shop including paintings, cards, plushies and buttons among other stuff.

If you want to submit your picks, read how here.

Her top ten pixx are all from members of Etsy’s Plush Team.

Cornflake Girl designs some adorable clothes for Blythe dolls.

Magpie DC hand addresses envelopes in beautiful script!

The Sweetest Pea has this amazing gadget cozy. I’d love to have this chick keep my electronics warm.

Lissa makes some amazing quilts- like this one.

Hobocamp Crafts designs awesome bags:

Christina Ward does amazingly subversive things with quilts.

Kivett Studio does a little bit of everything- including making some nifty paintings.

Vagrant Aesthetic takes time out from creating zombies to occasionally make gorgeous hair clips like these.

Sparkle-rama hand embroiders all kinds of fun things onto bags.

Lauren Smash in addition to making the super cute plushies we all know and love, makes some amazing little drawings as well.

This week’s Indie Artist Fixx is with Liz Wong of ArtGhost.com and LizWongIllustration.com. I first discovered Liz when I went looking for an illustrator for my logo on Tickle Fancy. I instantly fell in love with Liz’s illustration work and knew that she would be able to create the logo I envisioned…I was right. I am so pleased with her work that I decided to use her on yet another project that I am working on. I love her dreamy and playful style of illustration and I am just a huge fan of all her work.

In addition to her illustration work, Liz runs ArtGhost with her husband, Eric Adler, who is also a pretty cool artist. The pair offer paintings & drawings, handbags and greeting cards in their pop art and retro fifties style of art & design. Stuff like Liz’s Hey DJ bag and Eric’s witty & snarky paintings, which may even make you laugh out loud.

Here’s my interview with Liz.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

My husband and I run ArtGhost.com, where we sell handbags, cards, and our art. In addition, LizWongIllustration.com, houses my freelance illustration portfolio.

2. How and why did you get your start?

We started ArtGhost in 2002; it just sort of grew organically from our very basic web skills and our desire to focus more on our art, and less on our sucky day jobs. It started out as a very primitive website that just had pictures of our paintings. We gradually developed our product line as we began doing craft fairs, and the website went through a few redesigns. About a year ago I decided it was time to have a separate website dedicated solely to marketing my illustration.

3. Is there anything you can share with other indie business owners who are just taking the plunge with their own business?

Make sure you spend time (and money) on marketing. You won’t sell anything if no one knows you exist.

4. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

I love the moment when you are in the middle of a creative project, and you are so focused that you just forget about everything else. The worst is accounting and paperwork, although I am trying to get better.

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

Currently I am obsessed with Wizard Rock, which are bands that play songs about Harry Potter.

6. Do you have any future plans for your business that you would like to share?

One day the Girls’ Revolutionary Army will rise up and take over the world, and then we shall enter a glorious new age. But seriously, right now I am working on promoting my illustration so that one day I will be a mega-famous illustrator and people will give me lots of money to sit around and draw all day

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at? List as many as you want.

Magazines: Audrey, Giant Robot, Juxtapoz, Lucky, ReadyMade, Bitch

Shops: I love Bluebottle, Velouria, Schmancy, Nancy, and Fancy Pants here in Seattle. Also, the Giant Robot stores in LA. Online: boygirlparty, My Paper Crane, Thea Starr’s amazing hair accessories; I also have some wonderful earrings from Tilting Swiftly!

Blogs: Mostly I read illustration blogs. I am particularly obsessed with Drawn. I also like Rare Bird Finds, Tickle Fancy and Indie Fixx of course, and the Sampler Journal.

8. Were you an artsy craftsy kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

Yes, I was fortunate to have a mom who always encouraged me to make art, and enrolled me in summer art programs. In first grade I decided that I was going to be an artist when I grew up. I drew and painted a lot - I have some pretty sweet unicorn drawings from my childhood. My sister and I also made a lot of tiny accessories for our Barbie dolls, then would pose them in scenes and take photos.

9. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Cookie Dough. Or maybe chocolate-vanilla-strawberry, because you get three in one!

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

Indie to me means the opposite of big business, usually hand crafted, made with care and in fairly limited runs. Indie is generally more unique, is well designed, and there’s also the satisfaction of knowing that a real person is behind it.

11. What are your inspirations?

I love going to the fabric store and just looking at everything. And art supplies - I love pens, ink, and paper. Oh, and super cute Japanese products!

12. What you are doing new that you want everyone to know about?

Gosh, well, I’m working right now on some illustrations for Indie Fixx! We’re also working on a new series of paintings for a show in February at Redux in Portland.

A little birdie told me that there is End of Summer sale going on at Modishoppe and i just had to share, because we know what cute indie stuff Jena stocks over at Modishoppe.

Starting today and for the next 3-days, take 15% off with code “goodbyesum07″ at checkout. I’ve had my eye on one or two or twelve things over there, so you know I will be doing my own end of season shopping. Pictured are just some of the goodies that I’ve been coveting including the Leaf Wristlett Wallets by Blissful, Wooden Brooches by Allira, and the Secret Message Card by paperedtogether.

These Kimono Rings from Carrotbox are the latest fashion items I’ve come across to incorporate the beauty and artistry of the kimono. Each acrylic ring encases a genuine piece of kimono fabric and one is just as stunning as the next. If you didn’t have to choose based on size (sizes 6 1/2 - 8 1/2 are available), I think it would be almost impossible to decide which one to purchase.

Carrotbox is the ultimate ring shop offering a veritable ring smörgåsbord. There’s the one-of-a-kind and whimsical Glass Fiction Collection, the translucent flower lovelies of the Garden Collection and the complexity and elegance of the Murano Dome Collection. There are no metal rings to be found, which I find totally appealing. All the rings are made of other materials including glass, wood, acrylic, semi-precious stones, celluloid and resin.

I love this bag from Crystalyn Kae and I must own one. I realize that I have approximately 12,001 other bags, but I just need to add this one to my collection. It would be so perfect this fall, which I am so ready for already, with jeans and a cute blazer. It also is large enough to stow away a book, which is a requirement in a bag for me, and looks like it would be so practical as your running errands bag.

Plus, although it has a great leather look, it is not made from leather. I know, I couldn’t believe it when I read about it myself, but most of the Crystalyn Kae bags are made from glazed fabric, which is created by coating upholstery-grade fabric with a colored glaze, so no animals were harmed in the makin’ of this bag.

There are other styles like the Topstitch Hobos and the Pleated Clutches, but I like the Troubadour Tote best.

Looking for a gift $5 or under or just want to treat yourself without breaking the bank, then you have come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of indie goods, that are so cool—they’re hot, and every single one of them are $5 or under. So, splurge your heart away or stock up on some little gifties for your “Oops, I forgot her birthday” stash. I know I will be.

Tree Climber Artwork by Etui at Imogne $3

Tequila Notecard from JHill Design $3.50

Feto Soap’s Chai Tea Lip Balm $3

SuperHappyFunJoy Coloring Book at Bettyjoy £2.99 (close enough)

Fortune Kooky Cootie Catcher from If’n Book + Marks $5

Bug Parade Pin at Orange Button $1

Nut and Bee Guinea Pig A-Go-Go Stickers $3.20

Mojita Handmade Soap by Bidwell Botanicals $5.25

Colorspot Owl Hairpins by Art School Dropout at Modishoppe $5

destination: unkown Luggage Tags $5

miSPA Soy Travel Candles $5

Mckenna Hairbow from Creative Cupcake $5

Angry Popsicle Pin by MoJo $3.75

Letterpress Notebooks by DeLuce Design available at Cut + Paste $4.99

Bird Calling Cards by Bee 13 Paper Goods over at MY MY $3

Red Sky Stud Earrings from AuntChilada $3.85

Here’s some interesting indie newz for ya:

Jan of Poppytalk has put out a Call for Submissions for her new online street market. Just like a real street/flea market, indie makers of all kinds will be able to rent a virtual table at Poppytalk Handmade for an opening date of early October/07 (just in time for the Christmas season)! For more info, go to Poppytalk Handmade.

Call for vendors for Indie Sacramento — 1st Annual Holiday Bizarre to be held at the YMCA Sacramento on Saturday, Dec 1 from 2-9 pm. For more info about participating, visit the vendor page.

The Hipp Benefit Shop at Etsy are looking for crafters who would like to donate items to be sold with 100% of the proceeds going to help Taryn Hipp’s sister, Jennifer, pay her medical bills after an emergency stay in the hospital. Like so many people, Jennifer is under-insured and as a single mom lives pretty close to paycheck to paycheck. Jennifer is a big help to Taryn at her MY MY, while Taryn helps Jennifer take care of her daughter. They sound like a wonderful supportive family, so let’s all pitch in a little bit and help them through this rough patch.

FYI about Wonderland Retreat, the benefit shop for Elijah Wyman’s rotten kidneys, will be closing down September 15th, so if you’ve been thinking about buying something to help out and haven’t gotten around to it, you better make it over there soon. There are some really cute donated goodies in the shop and it’s a great way to help out some deserving peeps.

In our final newsworthy item tonight, the organizers behind I Shop Indie have created two shopping portal sites—Cutique and Loungeluxe. If you are a designer who may interested in listing your products on either site, check out their parent site.

Advertise your craftiness with the Silver Scissors Tee in black and white by Mintd seller Circular Accessories. I also like Simple Complexity in green and violet.

If you received my newsletter, I apologize for the typo-riddled document you were forced to read.  I had technical difficulties due to a new newsletter program and accidentally sent out the version before the speller checker and the proofread.  I really have no defense for my error, but please know I am a horrible typist and speller all rolled into one, but I am usually better at hiding it.  

This week’s Reader Fixx was sent in by Taryn Hipp of MY MY, one of the most adorable indie shops around. Taryn stocks her shop with really just the cutest stuff…I am a habitual customer and that’s one habit of mine that’s not too bad.

Taryn is the Queen of Cute and I totally respect her indie eye, so when she wrote that she wanted to submit her picks, I was thrilled. Taryn also suggested that the Reader Fixx submissions be called Reader Pixx instead of Reader Picks. Such a cute idea, and now why didn’t I think of it.

Oh a sadder note, shortly after Taryn submitted her Pixx, her sister Jennifer became ill and was admitted to the hospital. They still don’t know what is wrong with her and to make things even more complicated, Jennifer is a single mom who is under-insured and has run out of sick time at work. If you want to read more about her status and send good wishes to her and/or Taryn, then visit Taryn’s blog.

Taryn has set up a Paypal donation button on her blog. If you would like to help out, every little bit will help with Jennifer’s mounting bills. A raffle is being set up by Trisha and if you would like to donate something, read about how here. I am planning on donating something to the raffle and I already send in my donation via Paypal. I send me best wishes to the Hipp family.

Here’s Taryn’s top ten Reader Pixx.

If you want to submit your picks, read how here.

A Stuff Mighty Dog by All Mighty Clothing
What a Hoot Owl Print by Egg-a-GoGo
Garden Journal by Seam Ripper
Broken Girl Parts Shirt by In Hope
Felt Lavender Sachets by Minor Thread
Comin’ Up Roses Handspun Yarn by Kitten Logic

Underwater Circus by Jamie Zollars (proceeds go to Handmade Nation, the Indie Craft Documentary)
Serene Necklace by Bombalurina

Owl Be Your Friend Sticker by Matt Cipov
Raspberry Shea Butter Lip Balm by Feto Soap

This week’s Indie Artist Fixx is with Tara Hogan of INK&WIT. Tara is an illustrator and offers prints, t-shirts, cards, postcards and originals of her lovely, lovely work on her website INK&WIT and at INK&WIT on Etsy. She also offers custom graphic design and illustrations.

I was first drawn to her monochromatic postcards and prints for their simplistic, yet visually rich, designs. I soon discovered that there is more to INK&WIT and I have been smitten ever since. I especially love her new Aesop’s Fable inspired animal prints and I feel the desire to own each and every one of them. I think you will love them too.

Here’s my interview with Tara for your reading pleasure.

1. What’s the name of your business and what do create and sell?

INK&WIT. Creating and selling illustration prints, postcards, notecards, tshirts, and original art.

2. How and why did you get your start?

I started INK&WIT in 2003. I was making notecards one holiday season and was having so much fun translating my illustration and design passion into a new form. I was also tired of the 9-5 thing in house. I have not looked back since.

3. Is there anything you can share with other indie business owners who are just taking the plunge with their own business?

Go for it! Be true to your talent and self. Listen carefully and you will know when the time is right to just do it. If you feel scared know that all great things start from scratch and persevere through the tough times.

4. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best is I am the boss of my hours, vision, and contracts. The worst is being shorthanded at times when you get very busy but I am working that out. Also, all the tax stuff drives me bats but I love my accountant ; )

5. Tell us one funny/goofy/silly thing about yourself.

I take my cats outside for play time and follow them around so they do not run off. Our street is not the best for cats so it is for the best. But, I find that I am watching them like parents watch a 1 year old crawl around. I find it silly since I wish they could roam free in the country.

6. Do you have any future plans that you would like to share?

I am planning on exhibiting at the 2008 NY Stationery show. And, I am trying to go to the south of France within the next 7 months.

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at? List as many as you want.

- Magazines: Dwell, Print, Elle Decor, Good, Blueprint, Domino, Yoga Journal, Lucky, National Geographic
- Blogs: Indie Fixx, decor8, Oh Joy, Poppy Talk, Design*Sponge, Design Milk, Freshly Blended, Cuteable, Frolic, Port2port

8. Were you an artsy crafts kid? If so, what kinds of things did you do?

Oh totally! I was always ready to glue things together from 3 until now. I loved sewing, cutting paper, drawing, making those shoebox narrative diorama things, bulletin boards… you get it. I have to admit I loved the whole thumbprint thing where you pressed your thumb or fingers into a stamp pad and drew little characters out of the print. So much fun.

9. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

- Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato

10. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

Indie means walking to the beat of your own drum. Following your own path and listening to your voice.

11. What are your inspirations?

I have been inspired by nature forever. I love intricate details and patterns. Japanese architecture and vegetation has been largely inspirational. I am inspired by meditating and my yoga practice as well. I teach now and find that my creativity is more nourished than ever by becoming more aware of who I am and what my intentions are.

12. What you are doing new that you want everyone to know about?

Making limited edition shirts.

On a much more serious note, doing research on the environment, factory farming, and how to bring the messages through little by little to my designs and illustrations.

I discovered these adorable Kanzashi Hair Clips from Thea Starr in the Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide. If you are looking for back to school stuff for you or your neato keen kid, cool moms Liz and Kristen of Cool Mom Picks have got the stylin’ goods for you, like the Library Card Bookplates from One Good Bubblebee and the Babysitter Board from Teacups and Tadpoles.

Make sure to check out the Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide for more must haves for all you cool moms and your cool kids!

Plus if you put a Back to School Guide button on your website or blog, you will be entered into a drawing for a $200 goodie bag. Read more about the details of the giveaway here.

After weeks and weeks of no rain here, it has been raining for three days and it’s supposed to rain all day….needless, to say that the ground is a spongy puddled mess. I may just have to break down and get myself a pair of Plueys. Named from a play on the French word ‘pluie’ for rain, Plueys are the reinvented rubber boots of our childhoods. Playful, yet totally practical, they can be worn to work, school, the beach, or on 5th Avenue. I’m thinking that they have to be my newest purchase for my fall wardrobe.

Are you lucky or want to have a little more luck in your life? Advertise your luck or desire for more luck with these Lucky Necklaces from Hand-Me-Down Designs, which are made from either old typewriter keys against a background of old type or from gamepiece letters dating from the turn of the century. Using other common ephemeral items, such as old postmarks, passports, dictionaries and other old documents and papers, Hand-Me-Down Designs hopes to create art from everyday items that speak to a time when life was simpler and every scrap and button was precious and saved for some purpose. I think these necklaces are just lovely.

Tiny Canary Indie Design Market is looking for vendors for their show Novembers 17th & 18th in Columbus, Ohio. If you are interested in applying or want more info, check out their website: http://tinycanary.com for more details. They have a cute little site!

Cooler weather has come to to where I live on the east coast for about the last week. It has been cool enough that I need a sweater if I am planning on going on out in the evening. All this cool weather and my boredom with all my summer clothes, has got me thinking about fall fashions.

I am planning on doing a fall fashion post later this month, but for now I thought I would share a find I came across in doing research for that post…Horst Couture. Horst creates wearable works of felted wool art that are truly stunning. He creates gowns, jackets, shrugs, tops and more using his special felting process. You can purchase custom creations from horstcouture.com and his designs can be found in shops, both brick and mortar and online, like There She Goes.

I really can see someone choosing either of the white gowns for a winter wedding and I wouldn’t mind one of those jackets to help keep me warm.

For this week’s installment of Mintd Fridays, I bring you the Brianna - ‘Hey Sunshine’ Handbag by Shagpile. It was hard to decide which bag of Shagpile’s to feature, as I also liked the Amanda Ladybug and the Taylor Ladybug and all of them are really just stunning. I like the quirky shapes, bright colors and that they are made from re-purposed 1970s fabrics.