Are you an art lover or want to get a gift for an art lover? Well, let me tell you about the new Art Print of the Month Club offered at the Indie Fixx Shop! Choose from 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions. Each month, you or your giftee will receive a top secret art print from one of our super talented select artists.

The selections will be kept a secret, so you or your gift recipient will be pleasantly surprised with each delivery. What a wonderful thing to look forward to each month, another wonderful print to add to your walls. Each print will be shipped in tissue paper and tied up with ribbon and can include a gift message.

There are a limited number of subscriptions available each month and you can read more about it here.

Today’s Reader Fixx Pixx were sumbitted by one of my favorite artists, Tara Hogan of INK&WIT. Tara’s list is a mix of sites and products with a socially conscious and green focus. Check ‘em out, it’s a great list!

Also, make sure to visit Tara’s site and her etsy shop for some lovely, lovely art.

We want to hear from you and so do the other readers! What are your indie favorites? Send us your list and make sure to include a link to your shop and/or blog, so we can include a link when we post your list.

2 Modern Design Talk - 11 ways to live green

Hugg - Seen some green? Hugg is your source for user-submitted green news.

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary - info about factory farming and you can sponsor a rescued animal.

Greenward - is an independent boutique specializing in eco-modern goods.

I’m Organic - Reusable Bags, Organic Clothes, Recycled Wristbands, Biodegradable Mugs and more!

Envirosax - a great reusable bag!

World Changing - a great site for news and info about green products, politics, building ad more.

Flip and Tumble - another great bag to throw in the car or your purse, so you always have a reusable bag for unexpected errands.

Make It Right - Help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans

Crafting in a Greener World - DIY blog for Environmentalists

If I had a big sister I’m pretty sure I would want her to be like Amy Shutt of day-lab. Amy seems like she would be that cool older sister who would ask you along for shopping at thrift stores, take you to art galleries, help you put on backyard musicals and then pack a picnic lunch to eat in the tree house she helped you build. Alright, I have an overactive imagination and a long established desire for an older sister…I don’t actually know what kind of big sister Amy would be or even if she is a big sister, but I do know that I love her shop day-lab. I’m super excited that Amy agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx.

If you’re already familiar with day-lab, then you know Amy has a wonderful eye and a sixth sense for style. In her shop you’ll find her own jewelry creations, fabulous vintage finds and goods produced by indie artists and small independent companies. Offerings include jewelry, accessories, housewares, paper goods and more. Amy goes on periodic buying trips for vintage goods and is constantly adding her own jewelry designs, which often made with vintage pieces, so I check out day-lab almost weekly to what’s new.

It doesn’t hurt that I am one of Amy’s LJ friends, so I read about her shopping trips and updates there. Amy also shares her other creative pursuits, updates on her home redesign and photographs of her kitties and the gorgeous nature around her southern home. It’s one of my daily reads.

Here’s more about Amy in her own words.

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

My business is www.day-lab.com and I mainly sell vintage dead stock jewelry, accessories, housewares etc. and jewelry that I design from vintage jewelry parts. When day-lab started the main focus was consignment goods that were hand made or independently designed. While I still sell some things along those lines, I do now sell more vintage items and other items produced by smaller companies and distributors than handmade products.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

My business was started in 2005. Initially, day-lab was something that I had abstractly in the back of my mind for a year or more prior to its opening. At the time I was a single parent and student about to start my last year of college. I was waiting tables, while not at school, to make ends meet. At the end of the day I was always sick and tired of coming home to only spend a depressingly short time with my daughter before we both went to sleep, only to wake up again to the same cycle. day-lab was my first attempt to break away from the waiting tables income, in hopes it would provide enough of an income to do so while I finished my last year of school. I also thought day-lab might be able to provide the time I wanted and needed at home to be with my daughter more often and extra time to devote to school work. And, in that first year it did eventually allow me to quit waiting tables, finish school with better grades, and spend more quality time with my daughter.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

My mind works constantly in some kind of creative process overload. If I am not creating or finding or researching or figuring out how to do and make things I will get depressed. My creative process is very much automatic and necessary for me. I can’t turn it on and off. It’s how I get through the day, process information, and see the world at all times.

(Continued)

It’s time for some letterpress love here at Indie Fixx! If you are like me you have a love affair with letterpress and don’t really need any other loves, but you still have one, two or ten loves to whom you need to send a secret Valentine.

Here are my favorite Valentine’s Day letterpress cards.

Naughty Little Valentine letterpress card from a. favorite design

Love Nest Letterpress card from three red hens

Duo of Letterpress Love Folded Notecards from INK&WIT

Love Fixx Letterpress card from Bellis Studios

LOVE Letterpress and Screenprint card from amyb13

True Love Letterpress card from Sarah Ridgley

I Simply Love You Letterpress card from DeLuce Designs and Heartstrings Be Mine from Egg Press

I love You letterpress card from Paper Stories

Definition of Love letterpress card from porridge papers

Be Mine Letterpress card from Sycamore Street Press and The Parts of My Heart Letterpress card from Armato Design

Indie Fixx has been nominated for The Fabbies in the category of Best Indie & Niche Blog! Yay!

What are the The Fabbies you ask?

The Fabbies are the first-ever, blogger-organized awards to recognize the top Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogs from around the world.

Various prestigious blog awards have existed for some time, but they repeatedly snubbed the Lifestyle Blogosphere, deliberately ignoring the growing power, influence and prestige of this group of bloggers. So, in typical entrepreneurial style, three bloggers decided to take action: The Manolo of Manolo’s Shoe Blog, Tina Craig of Bag Snob, and Lesley Scott, Fashiontribes…with crucial assistance from Christina Jones of eBeautyDaily and Sam Francois of Papierdoll.

One of the best features of the Fabbies is that it’s a democracy. Rather than a few judges determining which blogs are “best” in 12 different categories (which showcase the impressive breadth and depth of the Lifestyle Blogosphere), it is the real experts – the blog readers, fans and supporters – that determine the winners with their votes, highlighting the deliciously freewheeling spirit of blogging.

I’m very honored to have been nominated and would be even more honored to win, since it would be based on the people’s vote. So, if you love Indie Fixx and would like to see Indie Fixx win The Fabbies, sign-up here to VOTE!

Voting will be live until April 30th and the awards will handed out during New York Fashion Week in September. 

I’m happy to tell you that I’m now carrying work by Starving Artist Bazaar in the Indie Fixx Shop. I’ve long been a fan of their art glass jewelry and even own several of my own pieces. The beauty and workmanship of their creations are even more amazing in person. I’m currently offering necklaces, hairpins and earrings in the shop and plan on expanding the line in the future. Make sure to took a look, I don’t expect the current stock to last long.

Frozen Peas makes adorable jewelry & accessories that are just lovely all year round, but especially lovely for Valentine’s Day. Offering handmade goodies made with love, Frozen Peas heart-themed products are sure to make you or your Valentine feel some love.

Polar bear or dino love pouches.

Wooden bird heart and fawn heart earrings.

Wooden bird heart pin and an owl heart necklace.

The theme for this week’s TGIF: Thank God for Illustration Friday is hair…some of the featured prints may depict the dreaded “bad hair day” or just some really interesting styles. You be the judge.

Serpentine Braids by beesknees industries.

Bad Hair Day print from the Dreamy Giraffe. Corinne from Unconventional Ida.

Riding the Wind print from Badbird’s. Unruly Hair print from Emma Klingbeil.

The Precarious UniWig print from Marmee Craft. Temptation print from aussiepatches.

Winter Apples print from Carambatack Design. The Green Dress print from redheather.

It’s time for the Annual Indie Fixx Reader Survey. Take a few moments to let me know what you think about Indie Fixx , help me get to know you better and be entered into a drawing for a great prize donated by this year’s survey sponsor, The Sampler. Your survey responses will help me tailor Indie Fixx to you and your interests and will help my advertisers know if Indie Fixx is a good fit for them or not. (Don’t worry, your information will remain completely confidential…I will only share the overall results of this survey). You can choose to remain completely anonymous when answering the survey or choose to share your email address for a chance to be entered into the drawing for the prize. The survey will remain open until February 8th and the winner will be chosen then. If you have any questions about the survey, please shoot me an email.

Take the survey now!

About the prize:
The wonderful folks over at The Sampler have donated a Sampler Select: Sleep (pictured below) to be given away to one lucky survey respondent. The Sampler Select: Sleep is a specially curated Sampler with sleepy time goodies purchased especially for the Sampler Select.

In Sampler Select: Sleep, you’ll find:
Bedtime story zine about bunnies created by Marie Kare and her brother Rex Kare, II
Original, archival giclee print by Susie Ghahremani of Boygirlparty
Plush Bed Bug, handmade by Mandy of SappyMooseTree
Sweet Dreamz/Nightmaries mini dream journal handmade by Deb of If’n Books
Chocolate Slumber herbal tea by Herb + Ginger
Travel-sized candle tin in Twilight Mist by Beccalights
Songs to Sleep to, or Not to Sleep to CD by Clovis Heald
Eye-quilt by Jennicakes
Itty bitty blankie, handmade and distressed by WonderlandQ
Color-It-Yourself Tasmanian Devil gretting card kit by Renee of Wolfie and the Sneak
Fused glass nightlight handmade by Amy of Amy Burhoe Designs

**Contest Update**

Congrats to Aine from Wisconsin for winning the Holiday Giveaway. Aine was the lucky winner who won the great prize of donated goodies from Wolfie and the Sneak, Kimmchi, Becky OH!, Shy Siren, Nico & Zoe, Daisy Lane Designs, Artchestra, Jewelry by Jennifer Casady, Bramble Berry, .tomate d’epingle ., Greener Me, Sha-Sha Jewelry, Mau Studio, Melissa Page Cosmetics, Broken TeePee Designs, A Pretty Rock.

Today’s Reader Fixx Pixx were submitted by It’s Victoria from www.victoria-e.com and www.craftingagreenworld.com. Victoria put together a great list of her favorite indie shops for us. Victoria has some kick ass taste…she included a few of my favorites on her list.

1. Kirin & Co - Her sustainable fabrics are perfect for every crafty project that I envision doing … you know … once I have the time and such.

2. Recycled Rings - Eco-blogs have been mentioning Michelle’s crafty creations for years now and after interviewing her in July of 2007, I was hooked as well. I don’t yet own one of her pieces, but I am this close.

3. Ink+Wit - Nestled in northern New York, this yoga-loving modern-art-creating woman is not only a fantastic creator whom I fawn over, but she has also become a good friend.

4. Betsy Walton - Betsy is the first of many Portland artists and indie businesses that I have come to know and love. Her art is like looking into a dream that none of us fully understand but long to be a part of. My goal is to get a piece for my mum as a gift (and many for myself). I know she would adore it.

5. boygirlparty - Susie’s nifty creations, from paintings and pouches to recipe cards and stationary, are an infamous part of the indie culture. Now that she has started using soy inks and recycled paper, I’m all the more addicted to her works.

6. Amy Ruppel - My favorite bird lady. She is the epitome of a sustainable indie artist and I’m always on my toes, waiting for her next fantastic creation.

7. Yellena - Despite my wide appreciation for indie art of all kinds, if someone asked me what my favorite style was, I would immediately answer with “surrealism.” Yellena seamlessly blends modern outdoor concepts with surrealist beauty … I can’t even put it into words, you just have to see her stuff!

8. Old School Stationers - I have a serious soft spot for letterpress. The first letterpress company I found, and which helped to cement my love for this “ancient” art, was these folks in Portland (where I just happen to be moving to in June, go figure).

9. Happy Owl Glassworks - Drooling over Happy Owl’s goods for over three years, I finally bought my first pin from them a few months ago. They have a true talent for what they do and I will be a loyal customer for many more years to come.

10. Craftyyarn - I’m a sucker of eco-yarns and you can’t get more sustainable than ones made from vintage sweaters. A lot of the colors in here are ones that you rarely find in mass-made yarn brands as well, making them all the more enjoyable to work with.

A little late in the day I admit, but here’s this Wednesday’s Indie Artist Fixx interview with Nicole of Yen Jewelry. Nicole makes gorgeous & intricate jewelry creations that will make you go, “Wow!” Read more about Nicole and Yen Jewelry below.

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

Yen Jewelry is my line and I offer intricately styled jewelry that is made from finer materials.

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

Although I have been making jewelry for myself for quite some time, I officially opened up shop for my line in April 2006 as a result of all the requests I had from people who wanted to purchase pieces from my personal collection.

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

I usually find something that inspires me when I am not looking for it. I then start sketching designs reflect my interpretation of what inspired the design. I keep several sketchbooks in different areas so I will always have one available when ideas arise.

(Continued)

Renee from Wolfie and the Sneak is looking for donations of handmade goods for her Bleeding Hearts Benefit. After reading about the impact oil drilling will have on Alaska should the US pass legislation to begin leasing drilling rights in the Chuckchi Sea, Renee was spurred into action. Always interested in environmental causes, Renee decided to use the impending Valentine’s Day holiday to raise the awareness of this particular issue and to raise funds for the Sierra Club, a champion of the environment.

So, if you are a bleeding heart and would like to donate, contact Renee at nobiting [at] gmail.com. The sale will take place for one day only on February 1st, so make sure to visit and shop as well. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Sierra Club.

Once again I saved a bookmark for something that I had my eye on only to have it sell out. Well, I thought I would still share it with you anyway. I really, really, really had my eye on the Grassland Necklace from Dreams and Jewelry, but alas it sold out before I could decide whether I should buy it or not. I do love the beautiful enameled jewelry from Dreams and Jewelry—they look so well made, are so smooth and glossy and the colors are so vibrant. Plus, there are cute little animal shapes too—like the owl, bluebird and seahorse. The gorgeous Deep Red Robin Pendant would make a good choice for a Valentine’s Day gift for someone special, especially if that someone is yourself.

I know I’ve been incommunicado since Friday, but Mr. Indie Fixx and I took advantage of the long weekend to work on the redesign of Indie Fixx. I had hoped to be able to make the changes on the 1st of the year, but there is only so much that one can accomplish in a year. Better late than never, you know!

I’ve been planning an update of the design since the opening of the Indie Fixx Shop. It’s been a sad long time since Indie Fixx had been updated and I didn’t want her to look like the Shop’s ugly stepsister, so I asked Liz Wong to work on a new logo for me. Once again, Liz was able to understand my gibberish and Crayola drawings and gave me exactly what I wanted!

I think the new logo better represents the blog and my personality and it feels like such a better fit than the old one. It’s like getting sparkly brand spanking new clothes…and you just can’t believe those old rags you used to wear.

So, my wonderful friends, what do you think of the new look? Share your opinions, thoughts and critiques!

There’s a sale going on at Amy Bengtson today. Take 20% off everything in the shop for today only. Plus, use the code fixx08 for free shipping for Indie Fixx readers until the end of February.

Shira Sela is a super talented Israeli artist who creates lovely & whimsical illustrations. She works with a muted & pleasant color palette and her art is reminiscent of some of the illustrations in my favorite children’s books. Her work is playful, fun, dreamy and has an air of innocence that is totally appealing. I’m happy to say that Shira is one of the featured artists in the Indie Fixx Shop.

Remember, use the code BOAR for 10% off your order at the Indie Fixx Shop until January 23rd!

The end of the Chinese Year is drawing to a close and that means the end of the “Year of the Boar”. Since I’m a boar, no not a bore, to celebrate the end of my year I’m having a Year of the Boar Sale at the Indie Fixx Shop.

Use the code BOAR for 10% off your order until January 23rd!

There’s some new goodies from some new sellers…purses from Tortilla Girl, jewelry from Buzz Buzz Designs and plush cuties from Fock Space.

Today’s Reader Fixx Pixx were submitted by Lynette. Lynette’s one busy lady with three different indie shops—that’s my kind of gal. Her sites are bleu-lulu, Shuusei & Like Wolves. Check them out, because as evidenced in her pixx, she has good taste.

Shana Logic

Voododoll

Abigail Brown

Art by Emma Klingbeil

Batbird’s

A multi-talented “Jane of all trades” artist, Jenifer Lake from Sprout Studio is my featured artist this week for the Indie Artist Fixx. The best way to describe Jenifer’s work is to say she creates loveliness. Whether it’s re-purposed vintage jewelry pieces, illustrations, ceramic cuties, glass creations or accessories whatever Jenifer puts her mind to create, it will be lovely. I think you will agree. Based out of San Fran, Jenifer’s work can be found on her website, in brick & mortar stores around the country and in online shops including the Indie Fixx Shop.

Read more about Jenifer in my interview with her below.

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

sprout studio & i make and sell handmade lovelies & art goods!

2. When did you get started with your business and why did you decide to open your own indie biz?

officially march of 2005, but i was really planning and testing 8-10 months prior to that. i’ve been a maker of art and things my whole life & when i started to see more & more of the diy presence in little boutiques, i thought, well, me too!

3. What’s the creative process like for you?

well, it really depends on what i’m making or working on. i tend to be someone who has a quite a bit of ephemera around her — so i’ll pick & cull from all this detritus and compile art collages, or my glass necklaces, or think about themes, or color ways to help me get started. i always keep a sketchbook or sticky notepad near and am sketching or thinking about things a lot. i find a lot of inspiration in the daily going-on’s of business of life, so i get a lot of ideas throughout the days. sometimes just trolling around on the net can be inspirational in fashion themes and what is popping out & what’s the new thing to help me think about my vintage products.

4. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

being able to get my business up and running all on my own. and then keep it running and creating new things all the time! i’m also really proud of the amount of indie craft shows i’ve been accepted to.

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

errr…is being clumsy goofy? if so, i’m not so co-ordinated, and i really wish i was! i’m that person that trips up going down the street and then laughs and looks behind her to see what HUGE obstacle was obviously put in her way

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

being able to be creative & mess around with a lot of “stuff.” i also teach art full time though, so the best thing about that is the kiddos (kindergarten through 8th grade). the worst about sprout studio is taxes & paperwork.

(Continued)