The Indie Fixx Shop is participating in Squidfire’s Spring Art Mart on Saturday, May 10th. It’s being held in Mount Vernon Park in Baltimore, so make sure to come visit me and do some shopping! Puls, everyone who stops by my booth and mentions Indie Fixx will get a free button!

There’s some really awesome vendors participating, including some of my faves showcased below.

Darin R. Gehrke Ceramics

Built in Pittsburgh

Wondercabinet

April Scott

Jenny Jen 42

Jon Wye

One of my favorite indie possessions is my stitchpixie vinyl coin purse…I get compliments it on almost every time I pull it out at the checkout. I received it from Cyan, the designer behind stitchpixie, the year before last in a Secret Santa I participated in, and I really do love it. Cyan creates fun vinyl cut-out accessories and some clothing. She also makes cute and kitschy jewelry. I’m so happy that she agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx and I hope you enjoy my it!

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

Stitchpixie. Kitschy jewelry and vegan friendly accessories that touch on both the whimsical and the unexpected (i.e. I can make both cutesy birdie pouches AND things with uteruses on them). Check it out - www.stitchpixie.com.

2. Tell us how you got started with your indie business.

In my hardest year of pharmacy school, I skipped my biochem, anatomy, and physiology courses so I could sleep in and sew my heart out till I finally jumped on the bus and hit campus at 1pm. Pretty soon I had too many handbags scattered around my room, and I was inspired by lekkner.com to start up my own website to get rid of them.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and in life?

Pop art. Andy Warhol. Color.

4. Are there any pearls of wisdom you’d like to share with newbie indie business owners?

Hmm. Give something you make to your mom and best friend, or both, and see how long it survives everyday wear and tear. I say this because I rarely wear my own jewelry or carry my own handbags! I’m usually pretty accessory-less on a day to day basis.

5. What three things can’t you live without?

Cereal for breakfast, Jesus, and a camera.

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

Best: sewing new designs.

Worst: the time it takes to package and ship everything…. that’s not even including the line at the post office!

7. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

Lately, I follow weddingbee (where I’m also one of the bloggers), and while it sounds really unrelated, a lot of the brides-to-bee have a bit of a crafty spirit to them.

When I get time, I enjoy design*sponge, decor8, notmartha, dooce, and print and pattern. There are tons of fantastic blogs out there, but I’ve tried not to get sucked into sitting on the computer for more hours than I already do.

I subscribe to Martha Stewart, Lucky, and CRAFT:.

I love shopping for clothes at great consignment stores in Vancouver, BC, I like Etsy, and I get all my CDs off amazon. Each town I’ve visited has at least one great gift boutique - you know the ones - they carry your favorite online indie goods - but when you see the items in real life, you’re like “wow! That necklace is way bigger than I thought!” my faves in Seattle are schmancy and fancy + pants.

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

Yes! Does anyone remember the Canadian TV show Take Part? They made puppets out of margarine containers and old clothes! I was one of those kids that did all those after-school activities: jazz, ballet, drawing, painting, clay, but my favorite thing I found when I was 10 years old: a photography darkroom.

9. Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both? I’ve owned both, but since then have become allergic. Mooch and Earl from the comic mutts will have to do.

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 is movies, music, and visual art with that… “indie feel” to them. I’m sure you’re all familiar with Little Miss Sunshine and Juno, but movies by Wes Anderson (i.e. the Darjeeling Limited, Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore), and Eagle vs. Shark are a few more that come to mind when I think “indie.” Maybe it’s just an awkwardness combined with attention to detail that they all share that you’d never see in a Will Smith blockbuster. See also the music I listen to below.

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

Listening to pandora.com - currently it’s on a Nick Drake station. Favorites in my 5 CD-capacity stereo are Inara George, Elliott Smith, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Radiohead, Joshua Raidin, Jose Gonzalez.
Reading - Canadian author’s Douglas Coupland’s microserfs.

Re-watching - the first season of Flight of the Conchords.

12. What’s one thing you’ve learned as an adult that you wish you knew when you were a kid?

How to make crepes!

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

I’m getting married this summer and I feel overwhelmed with just thinking about diy-ing anything for it, although I feel almost obligated to myself to do so. As for stitchpixie, I’m thinking of making a line of cute found paper journals.

A galleria is a roofed or enclosed courtyard of shops and my latest project, the Indie Fixx Galleria, is an online galleria of independent artists/crafters/designers and independent boutiques. It’s a juried monthly showcase for your browsing and indie shopping pleasure. Featuring a mix of goods including jewelry, accessories, homewares, plush, clothing and more, the goods and shops featured on the Indie Fixx Galleria will change monthly. The Galleria is a showcase only and does not offer products for sale, so if you see something that you’d like to buy or get more info about, just click on the buy it or shop links.

Enjoy and please feel free to let me know what you think of this new feature!

Also, if you are an indie designer/crafter/artist or boutique that sells indie goods and would like more info about how to be a part of the monthly Indie Fixx Galleria, just send me an email. I am currently accepting applications for June.

For those of you who live in the US, I’m sure that you’ve heard that the economic stimulus checks have started to go out this week. I’m also sure that plenty of you are going to do exactly what the government doesn’t want you to do, put it in savings or pay off debt. I know I plan on doing that with most of mine, but before I deposit mine in my savings account, I plan on treating myself and supporting some independent design as well. According to the U.S. Government, that certainly would be the most patriotic thing to do (written with a certain amount of tongue in cheek sentiment).

So, I plan on doing my civic duty and here’s some of the goods I have my eye on. What are you planning on doing with your check? Whether we agree with the strategy or not, the checks are on their way, so are you planning on supporting indie design?

I’ve had my eye on the carved resin necklaces from Hotcakes for some time now, ever since I first saw them in person at my local indie brick & mortar shop, Bloom. I’m attracted to their bold statement and graphical pendants.

I really, really , really love the screenprinted bags from Jenna Rose. The Rooftops Porter Bag in natural cotton canvas is the one I’ve been coveting.

I featured the handmade journals by Five and a Half earlier this year and ever since I’ve wanted one. I always carry a journal around with me to record thoughts, to help me stay organized and to sketch new designs.

I’ve been a long time fan of the Bella Lucce line of skin care products and the Wildberry goodies are among my favorites.

I have a pair of the Mohop bent ply sandals and now I’d like to get their newest addition, the Wedge Sandal.

The Split Pod from Whitney Smith Pottery would look so lovely on my desk and now that’s spring, I could use it to bring a little bit of color in from the flowerbed.

The only problem with getting one of the recycled skateboard necklaces from 2ReVert is, which one to pick?

These cross-stitch pieces from Chez Sucre Chez would look fabulous in my new office.

The Mimosa Earrings from Prismera Design are just absolutely stunning. I really feel that I need to own them!

Andre is so sweetly melancholy and cute! From Morninglori’s cast of adorable little characters.

The porcelain cup and saucers from Bailey Doesn’t Bark are so lovely in all their quirky simplicity.

I’m also thinking of adding one of the Chair series of prints from Desire to Inspire to my office.

I’d like to share my latest Indie Fixx project with you…it’s called the Indie Fixx Galleria and will debut next Monday, May 5th. The Indie Fixx Galleria is a juried gallery of independenet crafters, designers, artists and the indie boutiques that carry their work. A galleria is an enclosed courtland of shops, otherwise know as a mall, and I like to think of the Indie Fixx Galleria as an ‘Indie Mall’. It will be another way for you to browse and shop indie.

If you are a designer or indie boutique and want to learn more about how to be involved with the Galleria, just send me an email.

Otherwise stay tuned for the Galleria next Monday! I’ve got some great stuff lined up for you.

Hello, dear readers! Let me introduce you to our latest guest blogger—Fina Tejada. Fina owns Miss Fruitfly, an indie lifestyle company featuring artwork and home accessories. She is also a blogger who loves to cook, is a closeted reality show junkie and supports independent designers. She will be posting periodically on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog featuring international indie crafters & bloggers to find out what motivates them creatively, how they started their businesses and how they approach the U.S. market. Read Fina’s first post below and please join me in welcoming her to Indie Fixx!

I am in complete awe of U.K. crafter, Laura Howard and her top selling Etsy shop called Lupin. Laura creates all kinds of goodies from brooches, pin cushions, wall art, felt disguises, zines and more. When Laura is not working on inventory for her shop, she’s maintaining her blog and a flickr group called Crafting 365 for crafters who make a commitment to create something new everyday. This sounds like something I should try, though the procrastinator in me is giggling. Currently, Laura is obsessed with British wildlife, loves to drink lots of tea and nibble on cake.

1. Tell us about your business.

I sell an assortment of hand-stitched felt “treats” - colourful brooches, mobiles, textile art, and fun things like moustache disguises. I decided to try out selling my work when I discovered Etsy and realized that I could dip a small toe in the pool of Internet commerce without too much effort. I started working on business much more seriously when I realised just how much satisfaction I was getting out of making stuff.

2. What did you do before you started your business?

I was actually unemployed (after graduating with that most practical of degrees, English Literature) when I started my business - my crafting was born out of the boredom of being stuck home all day with nothing to do! Now I work part-time in a local gift shop and the rest of the time work for myself. It’s very interesting experiencing two different sides of retail simultaneously, and the regular wage is nice too!

3. Where do you sell your products?

My business is pretty much 100% Internet based. I started out selling on Etsy - I love the community there (very supportive and a mine of great information), it was so easy to set up shop and I love how it connects buyers with sellers in such a direct and friendly way. This year I’m setting up on Dawanda, Pink Doodle and ICraft, all of which I’ve heard about through the crafty grapevine. The latter two are very new (as are my shops there!) but Dawanda is a little more established and I am absolutely in love with their shop layouts: so crisp and clean. Eventually I’d love to have my own website, but at the moment I’m trying to take baby steps with confidence instead of running before I can walk.

4. What can you tell us about your international customers?

Very roughly, about 60% of my customers are from the US, 30% from the UK (my home market) and the rest are mostly from Canada and Australia. As most of my items are small and light they are very affordable to ship, so it’s quite easy to market my items internationally. I’m hoping to attract more European customers by adding a middle rate of shipping, in-between my domestic and (currently flat-rate) worldwide shipping. Unfortunately, this is quite a complicated thing to do on Etsy as you have to add each country individually, but I think it will be worth it. People who shop on the Internet frequently are pretty savvy about how much shipping should cost.

5. What do you consider is the best way you’ve attracted customers?

Working on my photography has been hugely important - there’s no point working on an awesome design and making it top quality if your photos don’t reflect that. I rely a lot on passing traffic on Etsy, and good photos are vital to standing out amongst all those other items!

6. How do you stay motivated?

I try to keep a balance between the more exciting and creative parts of my business, and the more everyday or repetitive parts. I think it’s really important not to get bored, or to become more like a production line instead of a creative person. I share my work in progress on my blog and my Flickr account, it really helps me think about my working processes and to keep track of what I’m working on. Connecting with the crafty community through blogs and Flickr also helps keep me inspired and itching to try new things.

For those of you lucky enough to live in Portland, OR, you must visit Flutter. Flutter is billed as a delightful disarray of found objects and clutter. It’s like a wonderfully girly boudoir with a little bit of the strange thrown in for good measure. Shoppers will find deconstructed clothing and jewelry from the house line of Frocky Jack Morgan, recycled kimono, crystal chandeliers, delicious apothecary goods, silk Chinese lanterns, vintage religious chalkware, erotic Victorian postcards and more….visitors describe the feel of the store as evocative of what Alice must have felt when she tumbled down the rabbit hole.

Flutter will be celebrating it’s 2nd anniversary with a party in the shop on May8th from 5-9 and with an all day 15% off sale.

You can also shop Flutter online for those outside the Portland area.

Here’s a selection of some of the items that are available in the Flutter online shop. Just lovely!

Ever get sent to the principal’s office, have to stay after for detention or even get in-school suspension when you were in school? Of course you did! Well, hopefully you aren’t as naughty now, but I’m still going to send you to Reform School anyway. Don’t worry, Reform School is a throughly wonderful indie shop and not a place for wayward students. Whether you shop in their one-room schoolhouse Brick & Mortar shop or on the wonderfully fun school-themed Online Shop, you will appreciate the selection of unique goods from some very talented independent artists. Choose from your favorite subjects including Home Ec, Organic Chemistry, Intro to Sewing, Child Development, Art 101 & more and start browsing.

I’ve chosen some of my favorite goods below.

I’ve been collecting recycled skateboard accessory shops for a while now and I thought it might be time to share them with you. The coolest of cool found objects, skateboard decks with their vibrant and graphically intense images just lend themselves to being remade into hip & fashionable accessories. The shops and designers I’ve featured below create everything from bags and jewelry to iPod covers and shoes and all are made from recycled boards. Enjoy!

Becy(y)—bags, iPod covers, money clips, belt buckles and jewelry

2ReVert—jewelry and belt buckles

Claire McDermott—jewelry

Maplexo—jewelry and pocket mirrors

Kris Lovett—shoes

I am so excited to be able to share my interview with Paulina from FluffyCo for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx. If you aren’t aware already, FluffyCo is a fun line of tees, accessories and homewares and with just about each new product release, I see something to I covet (I just love the Bird of Prey design). I’m sure you do know exactly what I mean. Read the interview and take a look at the shop and pick your favorite design.

Read my interview with Paulina below and learn more about FluffyCo.

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

FluffyCo is a small lifestyle brand that has grown to include Men’s and Women’s tees and accessories, hand screen-printed home décor Items and now our baby line, Little Fluffy.

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

FluffyCo was founded at the very end of 2004, so it’s been 3 years now. I had always wanted to own my own business (let’s call it insubordination, but I’ve always had trouble taking orders or having someone tell me what to do). I had worked in advertising and design studios for years, then had a small business with a friend before Fluffy: it all led me to realize that I wanted to do my own thing, my way.

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

It’s cyclical. We come out with new designs every six months, so at some point I have to sort of turn it on. I start with inspirations in the media and culture, and that leads me to the first designs. It’s funny, but these initial ideas never make the cut for my sample production: they’re a first step to give some direction. Then, it’s all about refining the ideas and getting down to something I’m really into.

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

I guess just getting this going in the first place—it takes a leap of faith in yourself to stand up to all those risks.

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

I am incredibly messy. My husband and I joke about letting my inner hamster run free…making piles all over the house. Sometimes, it’s like we’re living in a crack house or something, but more sanitary.

(Continued)

Oh, how I love that the two parts of my life I’m most passionate about (living a creative, hand-made life and supporting others who do the same, and taking care of our earth) are married more and more every day, and that living an eco-friendly life has stylish and unique options. The range of products that are both good for the earth and good for small, independent businesses seem to increase by the minute and I say, Hurray!

I often bookmark sites and products that I would like to have in my life or as part of my home, and today I thought it would be fun to fantasize about ‘A DAY IN MY ECO-INDIE DREAM LIFE’ by pulling them all together to create a list of products for each part of my day. From waking up, showering and getting dressed to jotting down inspirations and going out at night, there’s something on my list for all of it!

I hope it inspires you to think about what your own eco-indie dream life looks like!

6:30 am: Wake up in an organic bed, under a Cove cream & cocoa organic duvet cover from Amenity. #1 & 2

6:45 am: Brush teeth with Recycline Toothbrush, made from Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups. #3

7 am: Eat breakfast and drink coffee—Gimme! Coffee Las Mingas Relationship Coffee, sustainable, fair-trade and delicious. Fiona’s Granola, made in my hometown of Boulder. Catch up on blog reading. #4 & 5

7:30 am: Shower using shampoo by Luscious Naturals. #6

7:45 am: Put on makeup by Mixology. #7

8:00 am: Get dressed. Top from Urban Renewal, undergarments from Louella Bloom, skirt by orangyporangy, cute sandals from Mohop. Now for the accessories—a cork ring by ottoman and a necklace from Atlanta-based Smart Glass Jewelry. #8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13

9:00 am: Time for errands! Grab the purse—it’s a hand bag from escama, a company that combines fair-trade practices with sustainable design, by working directly with two Brazilian crafting cooperatives, to create gorgeous pieces using recycled aluminum pulltabs. Can’t forget my wallet! It’s from bird vs. bird. #14 & 15

11 am: Work, work, work & create, create, create! Make sure my eco-friendly notebook from ecojot out of Ontario. #16

5 pm: Get some groceries for din-din with a tote bag from greenward, no paper or plastic for me! #17

8 pm: Going out! Change up the accessories a bit: a ring from julep115 and a necklace from 2ReVert. #18 & 19

11 pm: Back into my Amenity bed to dream, dream, dream!

GREEN CHALLENGE: find an old t-shirt that you don’t wear anymore and turn it into a grocery shopping bag. And use it this week!

Share your project on the Indie is the New Green Flickr Group. Since there was no winner for last week’s challenge, one person will be chosen this week to win a reusable coffee cup sleeve made by Textile Fetish and available for sale in the Indie Fixx Shop!

About Jessica:
Jessica is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia who is endlessly creating. Her work includes paintings, drawings, illustrations, and paper goods and is vibrant, colorful, and charming. Her work can be found on her site, in her Etsy shop and in the Indie Fixx Shop. You can also read more about Jessica and her work on her blog.

Oh, happy day! Spring is here! I’m doing a little dance while I type this! I’m so happy…as if you couldn’t tell from all the exclamation points! I am such a spring and summer girl and much prefer warmer weather to cold. In fact, I stay cold from October to about April, depending on when Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (this is a total aside, but my Grandmom was actually born in Punxsutawney).

Anyway, on this most glorious 1st day of spring, I share some of my favorite spring indie goods with you. These are all goods that I am seriously coveting.

Milk Stud Earrings from Trove & Bloom Pin from Margrietje

Marigold Cotton Coverlet from Sleeping Buddha & Teal Bird Pillow from Joom

Purple Daisy Runner from Henry Road & Teapot from Daisy Dog Studio

Air Necklace from Bellissima Jewelry & Plymouth Bay Necklace by Amy DiGregorio

Ride in the Rain Tote from Supa & Spring Blooms Bag from Oktak

Silver Bunny Pin from Imogene & Porcelain Birds by Coe & Waito and available at Peek Keep

Walnut Wedge Shoes from Mohop & Pleated Lemon Yellow Bag from Sketchbook

Rainbow Bike Tee from Vital Industries & Nature Speaks Tee from Deliscious Tees

Native Flowers Journal by Jill Bliss & Freedom Carried on the Wind Print from Vol. 25

Here are some lovely new goodies in the Indie Fixx Shop that I’d like to share with you.

Art is the antidote for what ails you! A clever magnet set made from original Wolfie and the Sneak artwork will arrive in a prescription bottle with the label ‘Art is the Antidote‘. What a great gift for an art lover or your BFF who is under the weather!

Exclusive prints from Wolfie and the Sneak. Very limited series—ONLY 5 have been printed of each print! The print on the left is called Invisible Connectivity and you can read more about artist Renee Garner’s inspiration here. The other print is called Enriching Growth and is my personal favorite.

Are you a clever kitty? Then you need one of these Clever Kitty totes from Cathy Peng. Available with pink, red or blue glasses.

Good Kitty and Bad Kitty stationery sets from Cathy Peng. Get one of each to fit your mood.

Sweet and charming Flower Rings from Intrinsic Garden, just perfect for spring.

Letterpress notecards from Messenger Bird Press. Choose from the Dress Form notecard on the left or the Woodland Creatures Set on the right.

I love me some Chucks and I know I am not the only one, since I see them on everyone from tweens to grandpas now. I also like this Tutorial Tuesday Converse-inspired Vinyl Cut-Out Pouch…it’s almost better than the real thing. This project is brought to you by Vanessa of Gerbera Designs. Vanessa is one crafty lady and you may be familiar with her line of bags, iPod covers and accessories….especially since I’ve featured her goods here and here.

Have fun with this and remember to join the Tutorial Tuesday flickr group and share your completed Tutorial Tuesday projects.

VINYL CUT-OUT POUCH

Materials Needed:
· (2) 9.5″x6.5″ vinyl
· (2) 9.5″x6.5″ fabric (lining)
- (1) 9″x6″ white fabric
· zipper
· X-acto knife
· Sewing Materials
· Stencil

Preparation:

Vinyl Cut-Out:
1. Print out stencil (if you’d like to make your own stencil, there are some great tutorials at Stencil Revolution).

2. Using an x-acto knife, carefully cut out all the black parts of the stencil. Don’t forget to save the cut out bar from the shoe’s sole and your heart.

3. Trace and cut your stencil onto the vinyl.
4. Using tape to secure, position your white fabric to the back of the vinyl. Make sure fabric is somewhat tight. You don’t want the fabric to pull and crease when you begin sewing.

5. Read more…

Btw, congrats to Emily for winning the book Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Lacy Crochet in the Tutorial Tuesday project challenge. I just love Emily’s adorable mouse based on the stuffed mouse pattern from Sewing Stars.

I’m going green and greener today on Indie Fixx…that’s green, as in the color green—and greener, as in eco-green. I’ve compiled a list of goodies that is bound to make you green with envy (yes, today is also going to filled with clichés). Some of my finds are eco-indie products, because I know you all want to be more responsible shoppers. Other finds are just great green lovelies in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Finally, some of my finds are both…green and green-er! Which ones are which????

1. Whale Preppy Print Tee from Charlie and Sarah

2. Shadow Pods Moleskine Journal from Gosh Darn Knit

3. Clover Card from Hello World

4. Owl Gocco Print from Matteart

5. Envy Earrings from August Lately

6. Canvas Tote from Peace Love and Canvas

7. Swirly Green Bobbies from Sprout Studio

8. Fuchsia Foliage Pendant from The Intuitive Garden

9. Coin Purses from Bird vs. Bird

10. Reconstructed Skirt from Secret Lentil

11. Four Cork Tote Bag from Cork and Cotton

12. Recycle or these animals are going to eat your pants T-Shirt from Andy Eats Only Candy

13. Vintage XO Typewriter Earrings from Webby Sue’s

14. Cork necklaces from Uncorked

15. Flirty Apron from Callie Micks

16. Ctrl, Alt, Delete Keyboard Pin Set from Acorn Studios

From Zukale & Huoviala and available at Chocosho, these exquisite tights are hand dyed and printed in Finland. Aren’t they just stunning?

I love hedgehogs and apparently so does everyone else. I’m not sure when this trend of hedgehog goods first developed, but it is here now and I for one will never tire of it. How about you?

1. Card holder from Sea Breeze

2. Sterling Silver hedgehog charm from LuxeDeluxe

3. Jackalop and Friends print from Creative Thursday

4. Hedgehog plush from Little Odd Forest

5. Hedgehog Friend print from The Black Apple

6. Hedgehog Piano print from boygirlparty.com

7. Hedgehog zippered pouch from purlyshells

8. Hedgehog magnet from Dear Sukie

9. Hedgehog pouch from LouLouBell

10. Hedgehog puppet from Burtonwood

11. Pete the Hedgehog notecard from Snowy652

12. Hedgehogs are for Lovers notecard from Mew Paper Arts

The Indie Fixx Spring Fashion & Accessories Guide is here! I’ve chosen some of my favorites spring fashion and accessory goods for yours and mine spring wardrobe. You will find shoes, jewelry, clothing, hats and more. I hope you enjoy it and find some great new stuff for your spring shopping.

Also, make sure to visit the sponsors of the Indie Fixx Spring Fashion & Accessories Guide for more indie fashion choices.

The Poppytalk Handmade Market for March, ‘Green Pop’, is up and once again there’s some really amazing shops participating. Poppytalk Handmade is a monthly online street market that is put together by Jan of Poppytalk to promote independent designers. The Indie