Hey there, Indie Fixx readers, I’m debuting a new feature today on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog — Indie City Guides. 

A way for you to get to know some of the indie-friendliest cities around the world, I will be sharing Indie City Guides periodically from guestbloggers as well as those written by myself.  Indie City Guides will include indie shopping tips, of course, but will also include other related info that you might find interesting. Stuff like: indie designer & artist  spotlights, hot entertainment spots, answers to the question ‘where to eat?’, fashion scenes and trends, cool neighborhood tips, arts & culture spots and more.  All good stuff that will be useful to you in planning a trip or to better get to know your own city. 

 Are you interested in writing an Indie City Guide or sharing what is indie happening about your city, then shoot me an email. 

This week the spotlight is on Nashville, TN. Read all about the “Big Little City” from Beth Lawrence of Freshie & Zero. This is the first installment of Beth’s guide. The 2nd will run tomorrow (July 9th) and the 3rd will run on Thursday (July 10th).

by guest contributor Beth Lawrence

Nashville is often referred to by its residents as a “Big Little City” - meaning that we have everything you could want in a big city, but the friendly, close-knit atmosphere of a small town. Nashville is the only city in the world where people will call themselves an artist and everyone assumes they’re a musician! People come to Nashville from across the globe to pursue their music career in “Music City USA,” and even if their dreams of making it big don’t come true, these pilgrims tend to settle down anyway, adding to the atmosphere of Nashville’s melting pot of cultures. The Barista down the street knows your drink, but on any given night, you could go to an NFL game, see a Broadway play, hear a bluegrass band, or catch the Nashville Symphony. You can dine on anything from Ethiopian to Italian, Jamaican to Indian - all within a few miles from your home. In addition, with all of the major universities in the city limits (Vanderbilt, David Lipscomb, and Belmont to name a few) there is a large regularly rotating influx of hip young people who keep the city fresh and vibrant.

Luckily, with all of this diversity comes a great selection of local shops, boutiques, and designers making a different kind of Music City dream come true! The creative environment nurtures those who dream to live off of their creations in a more crafty way – whether it is to create a line of your own, or to open your own shop and cater to those who want to support local and buy handmade.

One of the original fashion designers of Nashville is legendary designer Manuel, (He doesn’t have a website, but you can visit his Myspace profile) who has a couture boutique that feels like a country western museum  — he has designed and handcrafted stage outfits for artists from Dolly Parton and Madonna to the White Stripes. If your pilgrimage to Nashville includes visiting a piece of its history, Manuel must be a stop on your journey – he’s even had a retrospective at Nashville’s museum – the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Photo from getbax at flickr.

Manuel
1922 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-5444 (call ahead)

Also in the midtown area are two popular boutique shopping destinations – Hillsboro Village and Edgehill Village.

Photo from Daniel Box.

Swing first by Hillsboro Village and visit Social Graces — a locally owned stationery shop that carries indie labels such as Hello Lucky,  Pamela Barsky, and Yellow Bird Paper Greetings, just to name a few.  The vintage vibe of this shop is accented with flea-market display finds and selective but plentiful stock.

Social Graces
1704 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

Keep walking south and you’ll hit Fire Finch — a boutique with a modern-day bazaar feel; they carry all kinds of indie designers and are stocked full of fabulous jewelry, accessories and a selective bit of clothing.  Owned by April Parker and Susan Castle, the pair decided to open a store when they needed a change of pace from the medical field, not to mention wanting to feed their love for all things beautiful!   They have an expansive selection of small labels including Kathryn Reichart, Pieces of a Girl, Night Owl Paper Goods, and Wry Baby.  One of their favorite lines is Pyrrha  – solid sterling pendants made by pressing antique seals into the hot silver – each piece is handmade by the couple who created the line in their Vancouver studio.  You can also find hand-printed posters by Nashville-based Isle of Printing.

Fire Finch
1818 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

Walk across the street and take a peek on the wall at Nashville’s Smallest Art Gallery – the smallest functioning art gallery in Nashville and quite possibly the world.  Don’t let the size fool you - the art is real – really small but real.  In fact, Amy Ruppel will be the exhibiting artist in October!  Comprised of a locked display case between two businesses, the art may be viewed 24/7 from the sidewalk.  Measuring only 39.5” x 29”, the gallery lights are powered by a solar panel and the previously neglected case has definitely gotten a new life from its former graffiti-covered self.

Photo from Daniel Box.

Nashville’s Smallest Art Gallery
1807 1/2 21st Ave South
Nashville, TN 37212

No trip to Hillsboro Village would be complete without visiting Pangaea, a clothing & gift shop that has been run by Sandra Shelton for over 20 years – here you’ll find something for your boyfriend, mom, and little sister all while picking up a thing or two for yourself.  In addition to carrying brands like Free People and Paul Frank, she also carries Tennessee companies Lala Dex Press, Yee Haw Industries, and Pink Lacey. Sandra also works with Aid to Artisans, a Mexican-based company that not only buys handmade items directly from the artisans in Mexico so that they have retail outlets for their goods, but they also started the first hospice in Mexico.   This explains Pangaea’s nod to Mexico throughout the store – from the décor to the curious Day of the Dead figurine collections for sale – all hand crafted and fairly traded in Mexico.

Pangaea
1721 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

More in Hillsboro Village:
Posh & Posh Shoes
1813 21ST Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

A Thousand Faces (purveyor of gifts & higher-end artisan jewelry from artists like Saundra Messenger & Robin Haley)
1720 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

Fido (a locally owned coffee shop with five distinct locations, each with their own personality)
1812 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

SEE (a hip & affordable eyewear boutique)
1818 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

Make sure to come back tomorrow and Thursday (July 9th & 10th) to read my 2nd & 3rd installaments of the Nashville Indie City Guide.

About the contributor: Beth Lawrence, a.k.a. “Freshie”, is the jewelry artist behind Freshie & Zero. Beth’s designs are available for sale on her website, in her Etsy shop and in boutiques around the US and online. You can also read more about Beth and Freshie & Zero on the Freshie & Zero blog.

by guest contributor Jessica Gonacha

I have thoughts of buying a house on the brain! It’s with fear of jinxing myself that I tell you this: my fiance, Ryan, and I have a house officially under contract! Eep! As a result, I’ve got all sorts of home improvement ideas on the brain, and I love the idea of having a LOTS of birds in the backyard!

Which leads me to today’s post: DIY bird feeders.  There are limitless ways to build a bird feeder, but here are some of my favorites:

1. Build a Bird Feeder (via Life Hacker) — the best part about this one is that it assumes you are going to use leftover scraps from previous projects! I love it.

2. Milk Carton Bird Feeder — another great way to creatively recycle something that would normally just get tossed in the recycling bin.

Photo credits & more tutorials:1.  familyfun.go.com,  2. dfw.state.or.us,  3.craftsforkids.com

3. Lighthouse Bird Feeder — this one is ADORABLE! (And quite upscale for the little birdies.)

4. Pinecone Bird Feeders — always a favorite! And so festive.

5. Method Bird Feeder — Seriously creative and awesome!

6. Decorative Pumpkin Bird Feeder — this is such a cute idea, and I imagine kids would love making these, too!

GREEN CHALLENGE: mAke a bird feeder, of course! Post your genius creations in the Indie is the New Green flickr group.

About the contributor: Jessica Gonacha 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.

Not a fan of big chain stores? Less than amused when you see someone on the shirt with the same top/skirt/purse as you? Then Miss Branches Custom Clothing is the brand for you! Started by Diane-Marie Brache Gelabert Rivera Santiago (say that 3 times fast) in her hometown of Miami, Florida, the company (and its founder) have now set up shop in Seattle, Washington. “I am always dreaming of new outfits. I’ll talk people on the street, clients and friends and ask what they like about their clothes and the way it fits,” Diane said in her recent Etsy Feature Seller interview.

Openly inspired by the shapely and playful style of the 1950’s, Miss Branches custom fits each one of her orders. “I happily make anything in sizes 0-22,” says Diane in her online store. Thanks to the rising temperatures, Diane’s custom swimsuits have been getting a lot of attention from both indie fashion fans and major media. Click over to Miss Branches Custom Clothing for a look at all of the current skirts, dresses, swim suits and other stylish items for sale. See a style you like, but have your own vision? Contact Diane directly with your idea and fabric choices – collaborative projects are another specialty of hers.

by guest contributor Fina Tejada

Gabriela Hughes is a great example of rolling with the punches. When faced with losing her job, instead of focusing on the negative, Gabriela decided to start her Etsy shop, India y la Luna. In addition, she is a mom, a teacher, and photographer.

Gabriela’s jewelry is modern and simple, but also gives a nod to her South American heritage with graphics inspired by pre-Colombian art. I love how her creative process envelopes all parts of her life and her environment. She is definitely a jewelry designer to watch.

1. Can you give me a brief description of your business? What are the products that you sell? How did you come up with the idea to start your business?

I started my business on Etsy in 2006, I worked in the Business Center of a hotel in Buenos Aries, Argentina which kept me away from home many hours. By then my daughter was almost a year old and I wanted to spend more time with her. When I found Etsy I didn’t think it was for me because it was based in the U.S but I the idea of working for myself kept me thinking. In August 2006 I lost my job and took the opportunity to start selling hand made totes, purses, and wallets on Etsy. I noticed that jewelry was selling well and I dusted off my old jewelry gear and that was my start in the jewelry business. The truth is that I’m grateful I lost my job so I could do something I love.

2. What did you do before you started your business or did you keep you day job?

I am a kindergarten teacher in the afternoons. The rest of the time I’m a mom and create pieces for my shop.

3. Are most of your customers international? Does it make it more difficult? Such as the packaging and paperwork?

All of my customers are international. Primarily in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Japan. Shipping to those countries hasn’t been a problem, our mail system is very efficient and I make sure to package everything in bubble wrap.

4. What are your plans for your business?

I would like to generate more sales through local shops where customers can touch and feel my pieces. My goal is to make a living only from my jewelry business.

5. What’s the first thing your remember making?

Clothes from my dolls; my mom taught me how to sew when I was very young.

6. What motivates you?

My daughter keeps me motivated. Also the will to improve my business, learning something new, love for what I’m doing. All of these things are important to grow and continue betting on life.

7. Do you have any tips for crafters who want to start their own business?

I think the most important to believe in what you’re doing, be confident in yourself and in your work, and have a lot of patients.

About the contributor: Fina Tejada 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 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. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.

by guest contributor Jessica Gonacha

If any of you are like me, you can’t bear to throw anything away. Which for an indie business means: CLUTTER. It also means leftover materials that I don’t know what to do with, or things that I don’t want to throw away because they are harmful in landfills (ie: paint-filled rags, ink cartridges, oil paint-filled solvents), but I don’t know where to safely dispose of them.

Some of the things I am often left with are: small pieces of wood that are leftover from frame-making, paint-covered rags, cans of paint with dried paint in the bottom, ruined brushes, ink cartridges.

Depending on where you live, the ease with which you’ll be able to safely recycle or dispose of these types of items will vary. For example, when I lived in Boulder, CO it was easy! I just went to the local hazardous waste recycling facility and voila! Nothing to worry about. But here in Duluth, Georgia, it’s quite a bit more difficult.

So, I thought I’d share some resources I’ve collected to help get you started:

1. Earth 911 — an extremely informative site that will tell you what can and can’t be recycled, and you can search by zipcode, state, or city to find your local recycling and disposal facilities.

[*Quick fact: did you know that in July 2007 Office Max started a national ink cartridge recycling program? You can recycle your used ink cartridges (as well as old cellphones!) at any Office Max store! And they’ll give you $3 any in-store purchase!]

2. Building Materials Reuse Association — find out where and how you can recycle building materials (wood, paint, etc.) You can also serach this site by state.

3. School Art Programs — can you donate those bits of wood that you don’t know what to do with? Kids could make sculptures out of them (here’s a great example).

4. Mother Earth News — a great site that’s FULL of articles on every green topic you can imagine. You can search their archives for answers to your recycling questions and to get tips on how to reuse materials.

5. E-Waste on Wikipedia — learn about what types of products contain hazardous substances.

6. eRecycle.org — info about where to recycle e-waste in California, as well as a page that allows you to search outside of California.

GREEN CHALLENGE: make a paper collage out of bits of paper in your recycling bin! You can find colored bits in newspapers, magazines, and advertisements, and what about using non-traditional materials like toilet paper roll tubes, cereal boxes, and egg cartons? There are fun textures in the recycling bin! Post your creations to the Indie is the New Green flickr group.

About the contributor: Jessica Gonacha 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.

by guest contributor Fina Tejada

Argentina, land of the Tango, Gauchos, and a delightful tea called Maté. Also from Argentina is illustrator, Andrea Sardo. When she is not creating new illustration and jewelry for her Etsy store, Muñieca, the mother of two works in a design studio. To keep her creative juices flowing, she paints, makes collages, and is a photography buff.

1. Can you give me a brief description of your business?

The name of my Etsy store is Muñieca, which means doll in Spanish. Paper is my first love, with that in mind I make jewelry, accessories and art. I like my Illustrations to have fun and festive feel. I decided start a business with the idea to see if my creations sold around the world. I work in a design studio where I create illustrations that are similar to what I create for my shop. This allows me to work on both at the same time.

2. Where are your product available?

I sell my crafts on Etsy, Dawanda and some indie shops in Argentina. My main shop is on Etsy; it’s a great community, with many visitors, wonderful artists, who are very helpful and nice. I really love Etsy!

3. Are most of your customers international?

Yes, I’ve only had two customers from Argentina. When I first opened my store, my goal was to reach a broad market, so I’m happy that it has worked out that way. Shipping from Argentina to local or international customers is exactly the same for me.

4. How have you attracted so many customers to your Etsy page?

I don’t exactly know. I think being different other websites help, but it also helps to be on Etsy. The site offers several ways to help sellers promote their shops, so I try to participate and take advantage of those opportunities.

5. What are your plans for your business?

I want to keep reinventing myself and grow.

6. What keeps motivates you?

I always feel inspired by other artists, crafters on Flickr, blogs and etsy. Also, I love toys! I’m inspired by Asian culture like Anime, movies, Kawaii and folklore. So I think you can see those influences in my little dolls; the infantile faces, birds, flowers and colors choices.

About the contributor: Fina Tejada 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 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. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.

Today on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog I have a real treat for you…Vanessa and Alison, writers and editors over at The Storque (Etsy’s Blog), are sharing some hot Etsy summer fashions for both guys and girls called Summer Loving: Fashions to Get Noticed Down at the Boardwalk!

Plus, as if that’s not enough for you to get all excited about, head on over to The Storque to read my version of Summer Loving: Fashions to Get Noticed Down at the Boardwalk and see my favorite Etsy summer fashion picks. We are calling these sister posts and more are in the works folks, so I hope you enjoy.

Once, you’ve checked out my post over at The Storque, be sure to come back here and leave a comment with your fave pick from my fave picks!

by guest contributors Vanessa and Alison aka TeenAngster, writers and editors for The Storque

Over here at Etsy’s Storque blog, we’ve been trolling for finds apropos of the summer boardwalk. While on our virtual stroll by the seaside, we found many a hot fish to fry, for both ladies and gents.

Just because it’s incredibly humid and smelly doesn’t mean you can’t look fantastic.

1. GOPHER Men’s shorts by Carter Safari
Cool men’s shorts are hard to find. These bring a burst of color to any man’s wardrobe which, let’s face it, shouldn’t be so drab in the summer. “Great for golfing.”

2. Stormcloud brings wwf panda camo electric tanker by CloudbringsRainbows.etsy.com
Another colorful pick for dudes. When you wear this tank top, you can be sure to get noticed, even if you’re “panda camo.”

3. Extra fold top bag in khaki beige by minus.etsy.com
A roomy canvas bag works as a summertime city bag, as well as a beach bag for guys. (Or the ladies!)

4. Jaguar Sunglasses from jenn3star.etsy.com
And here are the sunglasses. They’re vintage, so be careful not to scuff ‘em up any more!

5. The Newfangled Zebra Eyeglass/Sunglass Case by ReiGN.etsy.com
Nothing is worse than finding the most perfect pair of sunglasses and then getting them all scratched up. (Or worse, sitting on them. We hate that.) ReiGN makes a nice unisex case.

6. SWIM SHORTS by unparalleledumbrella.etsy.com
Tiny ’60s inspired swim trunks are H.O.T. Menfolk, if you got it, flaunt it.

7. Vintage 1960s Tortoise Retro Cat Eye Frames from Chigal.etsy.com
Ladies love the cat eyes. Green lenses are a great touch for the vintage look.

8. Owl Cycling Cap by pauladeer.etsy.com
Pauladeer is a genius. Not only is this hat embroidered with a cute owl motif, it is also reversible!

9. Itsy Bitsy blue & white vintage terry towel bikini by VintageVacations.etsy.com
This terrycloth bikini is super cute! VintageVacations, who lives on the Isle of Wight, made this from old school fabric.

10. Reversible Bolero by freecoffeeclothing.etsy.com
Reversible = magic. Imagine wearing this darling blue number while sipping a pina colada under a fake palm tree. Spice up that sundress!

11. Back-Up Train Engineer Cap by superjennylove.etsy.com
Another very charming unisex cap to keep the sun from scorching your brains.

12. Blue and White Polka Dot Halter Sun Dress by TailorMadeVintage.etsy.com
When it’s truly sticky, a loose sundress is just about the only thing worth putting on. This one is refashioned from a vintage dress. Very nice!

13. Jump Jumper by ruffeoheartslilsnoty.etsy.com
Ladies, wearing such a very fresh and fun jumper might inspire you to have more fun at the seaside. Do the disco bumper cars!

14. Scrimshaw tie tack by lindalayden.etsy.com
Guys, don’t you hate it when your tie keeps fluttering in the sea breeze? Keep that thang stable with this scrimshaw tie tack. Indulge your inner ship captain!

15. Custom Sandals by zerkahloostrah.etsy.com
Summertime isn’t always fun and games for the feet. Breaking in summer sandals is a painful business! Why not get sandals made exactly, perfectly for you?

About the contributors: Vanessa and Alison aka TeenAngster are writers and editors for The Storque, Etsy’s blog extraordinaire. If you love fashion, crafting and vintage gems, there’s a lot more where this came from! Visit Etsy’s Storque blog today for more shopping goodies, and on the flip side, advice on running an ethical and crafty business.

Don’t forget to check out my post over at The Storque for more of Summer Loving: Fashions to Get Noticed Down at the Boardwalk!

by guest contributor Jessica Gonacha

It is HOT, HOT, HOT here in Georgia these days! Which has gotten me thinking about how I can put that sun to good use. My solution? A solar-powered outdoor shower. No, I haven’t built one, but I’ve been trolling the internet searching for a DIY version that seems like it could actually be doable, for a novice (like me).

Flickr, as always, holds some inspiring examples and there are some great instructions around the Internet for how to make various types of outdoor showers, from easier to more complicated versions. The photo above is from kelland’s Flickr photostream and is the outdoor shower at the Tuscon, Arizona home of Brad Lancaster. It also supplies greywater to the garden.

The images above are from jesse_n_debbie’s flickr photostream, they built an incredibly awesome solar-heated shower in the backyard of their Florida home, and when Ryan and I buy a house I’m totally going to convince him to help me build something similar.

This is a photo from Chip Gallo’s Flickr Photostream of the outdoor solar heated shower at the Blackburn Trail Center on the Appalachian Trail near Round Hill, Virginia.

The image on the left is from The Green Lane’s Flickr photostream and is a shot of the outdoor bathroom at the Cob Cottage outside of Coquille, Oregon. The image on the right is from Natacha201′a Flickr photostream in Bordeaux, France.

If you are interested in learning how to construct your own solar-powered shower like I am, here are some online resources that seem pretty great:

1. Greentrust.org

2. Mother Earth News

3. The Tinbasher

4. Treehugger

5. And then there is this inspiring example of a solar-powered water heater made from beer bottles and hosepipes, built by a Chinese farmer farmer of Qiqiao village.

GREEN CHALLENGE:
Take a walk and draw 5 different flowers, and find out what they are! Post your drawings to the Indie is the New Green Flickr Group.

About the contributor: Jessica Gonacha 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.