My haiku ode to Crafty Bastards:

Crafty Bastards, yea!
I’m gonna get some crafty
loot tomorrow, yea!

Bags, cards, pillows, soap,
Crafty Bastards make them all!
DC, here I come!

Prismera Design is just one of the amazing jewelry shops featured in the Fall Jewelry Guide and you can enter a contest to one one of their lovely, lovely designs. Read how to enter here. Don’t miss out the deadline to enter is October 2nd at 11pm EST.

So last night was our Wilmington Craft Mafia trunk show at Bloom and it was a smashing success. We had tons of people who came by and it was just such a gorgeous night to be out selling our wares. You can see some of our wares above. Last night was just our first step in helping to make Delaware a hipper, cooler and more indie aware place to live and shop. Bloom is such a great store and we are glad they are around to help us with this goal. I, of course, just had to check our some of the new goods for sale at there.

Some of my favorites included: jewelry from Patch NYC, more jewelry from Lucky Loo Loo, and clothing designs by Nicole Rae Styer (also available at My Bonnie and Clyde, another one of my favorite shops).

If you are a hot tamale, you really do need a pair of these hot pepper earrings from Stone Soup Jewelry. They are my Mintd Friday pick this week.

I will be participating in a trunk show with my Wilmington Craft Mafia peeps tonight, at Bloom on Main St. in Newark, Delaware from 6-9. If you live in the MD, PA, DE, NJ area come on out, do some shopping and say ‘hi’! Main St. Newark is a cute little college town and is hopping place to be on Friday night. Listen to bands, eat some good food, get some gelato, drink some good beer, do a little people watching and do a bit of shopping at Bloom and the other stores on Main St. Everyone who stops by Bloom and mentions Indie Fixx will get a treat!

Visit all the crafty bastards who will be participating in the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair in DC this Sunday, September 30th. You know, I love me some crafty bastards and I will definitely be attending this show as a visitor. You should definitely go too! Details can be found here.

A few of my picks from the participating vendors are pictured above: dandelionblu, Miyasol, the cupcake girls, mary ink, the small pbject and a. bel studio.

Hey, DC peeps! Is it better to take the Metro or drive on Sundays? I am coming from the north.

This week’s Reader Fixx was submitted by Alicia of Eternal Sunshine. Alicia makes and sells crochet patterns and the cutest crocheted stuff. I really like this adorable little candy smiling candy corn. You can also check out Alicia’s blog to read about her latest projects.

Here’s Alicia’s top ten list of cute, cute indie stuff. If you would like submit your picks, read how here.

Clara’s Kitty Bank at Mahar Dry Goods

Lady Luck Rules Ok Tote Bags

littledear’s gnome buttons

Lemon Cadet’s Numbers Bean Pillow Doll at MY MY

Smiling jellies from Nut And Bee

Ox Crystal Bead Figurine by DaibeBeads

I love mintconspiracy’s line of Somethings

Smiling slices of cake

Amigurumi Alien Rabbit

Mr. Ketchup by smeeta

There’s something about prints of fashion and accessories that completely appeal to me. It’s not just as simple as I love fashion, accessories and indie shopping. I think it goes back to my childhood when I used to photograph my Barbie dressed in the outfits I put together for her. Or when I used to fill notebook upon notebook of dress and accessory designs for Princess Diana to wear. I wish I had those notebooks now…I would line my walls. In their place, I can be content with prints from artists like Leiaka as well as Jen Oaks and Askey Illustration.

This week’s indie artist fixx interview is with Laurel Denise. Laurel is a jewelry and stationary designer and maker. She primarily works with glass in her jewelry design and is inspired by the natural world in both her stationary and jewelry creations. Laurel also creates her signature inscribed glass jewelry, which I totally love and have even purchased as gifts.

Please enjoy Laurel’s interview. She is one talented & interesting indie artist.

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

Laurel Denise. I create and sell jewelry and stationery products.

2. When did you get your start and what made you decide to take the plunge?

I started researching the various how-to’s for starting a business and developing how to make my designs in March of 2003. I had a dream one night where I was creating jewelry using glass and drills and my hand drawings and handwriting — all artistic activities I’d never even thought about! I remembered that dream in the middle of the day the next day - I was working as a government contractor at the time - the only problem was that I didn’t really know how to make that dream a reality. I’d never considered having a jewelry business or launching a website. But, as soon as I remembered that dream and how I felt, I was an obsessed gal - researching the how’s and the when’s and the even more how’s of my jewelry design idea. As soon as I felt I’d researched enough and developed my designs enough, I decided to launch a website and really get the designs out there.

3. As a seasoned pro, are there are any pearls of wisdom you can share with those indie designers who are just starting out?

As you can tell with the answer above, I’m a fan of research. When you read or listen to how other people have made their businesses successful, you will give yourself some ground to stand on. I would also say that I’ve learned that if something is going to be done correctly and the way I want, I’m ultimately responsible and should be willing to roll up my sleeves to get things done. Work hard and be dedicated and you’ll develop the business of your dreams soon enough!

4. What’s been your biggest, or one of your biggest accomplishments, so far?

I’ve reached so many of my goals, I want to pinch myself most days! My biggest accomplishments have varied from the time they’ve happened - in the beginning, I was so honored and happy that someone I didn’t know actually ordered from my website! What an honor that was. As time went on, it was a huge accomplishment to participate in my first ENK trade show. I was terrified and so uncertain, but I did it and actually made money and got such a great response! I’m going to be sold on the Uncommon Goods website this Fall and that is so huge for me. To be sold on a site I’ve been shopping on for years and years is incredible! So many honors, goals met, and accomplishments - it’s been so nice.

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

I’m really, really clumsy. Really. It’s bad. If there is a drink to be spilled, I’ll spill it. If there is a crack in the sidewalk, I will trip over it…etc. etc. Luckily, I’m surrounded by people who love me and laugh at my clumsy tendencies with me, so I haven’t developed a complex!

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

The best is setting my own schedule - by far. If I need to take a break and exercise, I can do that at 3:00 and not have to wait for the 5:00 bell to ring. Also, I get to point out my own mistakes (for the most part) - for whatever reason, it was really hard to me to hear about my mistakes in a corporate atmosphere so I’m glad to have left that behind! The worst is the pressure to support myself from money that I make from my business. There is very little consistency and for a planner like me, that’s difficult.

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

I read so many blogs a day…here are a few of my top choices:
Oh Joy!, Something Old, Something New, decor8, Ladies Who Launch, design*sponge, 3191

magazines:
Blueprint, Domino, Lucky, Martha Stewart

shops:
Anthropologie (mostly just for the eye candy and inspiration!)
my favorite shops are thrift and antique shops

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

I was such a crafty kid and was so lucky to have parents that supported that. I was a sensitive and semi-introverted kid (and pretty much remain that way as an adult) and I really felt I could express myself in art classes and doing creative activities.

9. What kids of things do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m an avid reader. If I could be doing anything ever, I would say I’d like to be reading!

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

To me, “indie” means (obviously) not mass-market. But, on a deeper level, I think it means personal…I feel that most items created and designed by independent artists are just so personal. Not just that the artist is making them and putting a touch of their personality or preferences into the design, but that the artist is actually putting something that they treasure and love out there for the world to see and hopefully purchase and love themselves.

11. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I’m currently reading “The Confessions of Max Tivoli” by Andrew Sean Greer. I just finished “Three Junes” by Julie Glass and loved it! I read about a book every other week. Love to read. I’m listening to Bethany Dillon and Sara Bareilles. I’m watching…well, not much right now because the new seasons have yet to begin but I love “Friday Night Lights”…I’d say that’s my number one can’t miss program.

12. What are your inspirations?

Feeling the seasons change, my wonderful (and so very creative) friends and family, all of the beautiful blogs I read, women business owners I’ve met along the way, favorite books and music. So many more, I could fill up a website!

13. What’s next for Laurel Denise? Any new plans or products that you want to share?

I think I will continue to explore the stationery aspect of my business a bit - developing more journals and cards. As for the jewelry, you will see some new foreign language pieces in the future and I’m going to continue to play around with the various glass pendant shapes that I offer.

I’m having another contest with one of the featured designers from the Fall Jewelry Guide. Prismera Design has donated one of her stunning and unique Hardware Lariat Necklaces, which are made with vintage hardware pieces and handcut tourmaline. It is really just lovely in person and is the kind of piece that you will get tons of compliments about.

To win it, visit the Fall Jewelry Guide and find the link to the Prismera Design shop. Browse around the various collections, pick your favorite design and leave a comment with the name of your favorite in the comments for this post.The contest will end October 2nd at 11pm EST. I will pick one random commenter to win the Hardware Lariat Necklace pictured above and notify the winner by the 3rd.

It is coming…the Indie Fixx Shop is coming! I am not quite ready for a sneak peak, but the Indie Fixx Shop is coming later this fall. Right now, I am working on stocking the shop for opening day, so if you would like to submit your products or would like more info about consigning just send me an email with 2-3 images of your work and/or your url. If I think your designs will be a good fit, I will be in touch.

I think these reversible Bamboo Tile Key Rings by Charming Elements would make really great gifts. They are the kind of thing that you can order a bunch of and add to your present drawer for last minute little gifties. For those people who are thinking about holiday shopping already, these would be perfect for coworkers, your kid’s teacher and friends.

Here at Indie Fixx headquarters, a.k.a my basement, we do our part to try to reduce our environmental footprint. We keep the thermostat down in the winter time, combine errands to reduce trips in the car, eat as much local food as we can, recycle etc. One of the biggest things I am really trying to do is reduce the number of plastic bags that I use. What better way to do that than with a MamaGoToMarket Bag from BananaSaurus Rex?!?! Each bag is made from a recycled vintage tablecloth, so now we can be stylish & eco-conscious. Plus, save $4 when you buy a set of two!

Today is the last day to be entered into the drawing to win a winner’s choice pack of stationary from Anna Bella Stationary. Read how to enter here.

You will be able to choose from these stationary sets.

Back today after a long weekend of reinstalling windows and every blasted program on my computer, I am in a pretty foul mood. I really hate computers…sometimes. Everything is finally back to normal and running smoothly, I just need to turn off all those annoying programs that automatically run at startup.

Anyway, this morning I went looking for something to cheer me up and I found two of my favorite things in one—mod jewelry and cameos. E. 9th Jewelry creates mod lucite cuffs adorned with Victorian inspired cameos, which come in a variety of sizes and colors. Unfortunately, e. 9th doesn’t offer online shopping, but here’s a list of online and brick & morar shops that carry their cuffs.

I have to do a reinstall on my ‘puter, so this is going to be me later today…Waiting Patiently by ashleyg.

Be back later, my lovelies.

JULIAN & Co. offers personalized jewelry for moms, dads, babies and kids. Created by a mom who couldn’t find a baby bracelet small enough to fit her premature son Julian, JULIAN & Co. uses sterling silver and 18K gold to create handcrafted and personalized memories.

**Sponsored post**

The Mintd Friday pick this week is the Kiss Me Button from Radical Rags.

Today’s Reader Fixx ten top indie pixx were put together by Emily Kircher of EKRA. I really love Emily’s eco-pixx, and in fact, most of her pixx are either made from recycled materials or promote recycling. I think Al Gore would be proud. I also think I am going to have to get one of those recycle heart t-shirts from Feral Girl.

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

1. Handmade Nation Movie- www.indiecraftdocumentary.com.

2. Miss Malaprop - www.missmalaprop.com Blog on indie eco friendly items.

3. T8 designs - www.t8designs.etsy.com - revamped vintage jewelry.

4. Glitter Workshop - www.glitterworkshop.com and www.glitterworkshop.etsy.com - Indie store featuring over 100 artists. The owner, Naomi, makes a lot of stuff from discarded books including coasters, accessories, and cards. In full disclosure, this store is 2 blocks from my house and I sell stuff there and Naomi is one of my best friends. But still indie and I still love it!

5. Aorta - www.aorta.etsy.com - appliqued vintage/thrift store clothes with a crazy sense of humor.

6. Etsy Trashion - www.etsytrashion.etsy.com - store featuring over 70 etsy artists who use recycled materials to make a wide range of stuff.

7. Feral girl - www.feralgirl.etsy.com - I love her recycle heart t-shirt designs.

8. Matteart - www.matteart.etsy.com - The most beautiful mod art I’ve ever seen, lots featuring owls and birds.

9. Luxe Deluxe - www.luxedeluxe.etsy.com - gorgeous jewelry that tempts me every time I look.

10. Gingermao -www.gingermao.etsy.com - Adorable ‘lucky cat’ coin purses made from kimono fabrics.

Ahoy, mateys! Shiver me timbers, it be International Talk Like a Pirate Day thar grandest day of the year. Let’s be setting sail and putting down the grog, to find us some adventure and pirate booty.

Here be some treasure Davy Jones himself would be proud to plunder…the Pirates Postcard Set from the pirates over at Cricket Press. Arrr, don’t be making me settin’ ye up to walk the plank, head on over and give ‘em the ole pirate cheer….yo, ho, ho!

Lookin’ for more pieces o’ eight? Hoist up thar ole Jolly Roger for this pirate wench by the buccaneer that goes by the nom de querre, The Black Apple.

Avast thar, if you be lookin’ for a somethin’ proper to hold your booty, try this thar pirate bag from Loverly Ink.

Me mateys, now make me proud and shop and talk like proper pirates!