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

My ‘mood board’ for my new office space that is in the works. ***

I’ve got a fabulous new contest debuting today on Indie Fixx…it’s called the Spruce up your Place: Indie Home Decor Challenge. Spring is the season for that annual rite of renewal, otherwise known as ’spring cleaning’, and it’s also a time when I personally get re-inspired to spruce up my place. Of course when planning and dreaming, I’m thinking about all the cool indie home decor goodies I want to buy and the handmade home decor projects I want to do. I know you are all are the same and I want to hear about your plans and dreams, hence the Spruce up your Place: Indie Home Decor Challenge.

The deets:

To enter: Send me images from your home of your completed indie & diy home decor projects or images of your mood/inspiration board of projects you are planning or dreaming of (not all of us currently are in a place to redecorate, but still dream about it, right?) You can email me your images or upload them to the Spruce up your Place Flickr group. Please include the names and links to any indie goods that you are featuring in your images. By entering you agree to allow your photos to be used on Indie Fixx.

Don’t know what a mood board is? See examples at flickr HERE and HERE. Also, see my example above. Read what shops are represented in my mood board at the end of this post. ***

The Spruce up your Place: Indie Home Decor Challenge will run from May 6th - June 18th. That’s 6 weeks and should be plenty of time for you to get your act together to enter!

The Prize: The prize is totally fabulous and includes the following donated indie goods:

1. DecoyLab - Animal Alphabet poster (blue/pink) and Cuckoo clock (blue)

2. INK&WIT - Winner’s choice of print, either Pommebirds or Elephants

3. Circa Ceramics - $100 girt certificate for anything in the shop, including custom orders

4. Buyolympia.com - $50 gift certificate

5. Skinny laMinx - Apron & 3 tea towels, winner’s choice design

6. Berkley Illustration - Winner’s choice of (2) 8 x 10’s

One winner will be chosen at the Challenge end to win the prize.

***My Office Mood Board at the top of this post includes indie goods from the following.

Split pod vase from Whitney Smith Pottery
Cross-stitch pieces from Chez Sucre Chez
Felt Birds from Lauren Alane
Fabric House from Stephanie DosReis
Print from Dan-Ah Kim
Print from INK&WIT
Print from Yellena
Prints from The Black Apple
Fabric from Repro Depot
Fabric from Purl SOHO
Fabric from Cia’s Palette

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.

Since we have the new kitty who is going to only be an inside kitty, I’m looking for a planter to plant some kitty grass in for the house. Of course you know I don’t want a mundane planter, but something that’s a little quirky to fit in with my eclectic decor. I came across these stoneware guys from The Plane Jane Project and I think they may just be the thing I’m looking for.

In the Handmade Wilderness series, artist Jennifer Khoshbin is creating a number of wall-mount deer “trophies”, which are made from paper mâché and decoupage on resin cast heads. Jennifer is attempting to reimagine the celebration of the deer as an emblem of nature, so instead of celebrating it’s death the deer can actually be revered in life. Visit Jen’s Etsy Shop called Ruby’s Lounge to purchase one of your own from the Deerhead Project.

If I had a mantle, I would definitely be getting one! Which one do you like?

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!

Today’s Reader Fixx Pixx list was curated by Meredith from Indie Parade and includes cool modern picks for your pad. Enjoy!

Purpose Design
Resource Revival

Plywerk

Alena Hennessy
Lotta Jansdotter

Decoy Lab
Erinzam

Kim Westad

Art Exchange

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.

Spring is bursting out all around and for me that means more entertaining. I personally hibernate all winter and figure most other people do too, but when spring comes around I feel so much more like having family and friends over. There’s something about more sunlight hours that puts me in a better mood and gives me more energy, both of which I need in order to do my ’spring cleaning’ to prepare for all my visitors. This year, when I’m shaking out the winter cobwebs, I think I want to shake out all my tired old kitchen linens and get some new ones to help bring the spirit of spring into my kitchen. Since we always end up hanging out in the kitchen anyway, some bright new linens will help liven up the party too.

Here are some of my favorites.

Table Runner by Fribert :::: Table Runner from OM Home :::: Table Cloths from Henry Road

Cloth Napkins from Michelle Brusegaard :::: Cotton Tea Towels from Lisa Stickley :::: Dish Towels from Reyart

Tea Towels from Hammocks and High Tea :::: Tea Towels from Gloaming Design :::: Table Cloths from PataPri Textile

Tea Towels from Skinny LaMinx :::: Linen Napkins from Lotta Helleberg

Linen Napkins from InSaneity :::: Woven Napkins from Plait

I love today’s Reader Fixx Pixx from Christine at Flapper Girl. They are spring inspired, quirky and just so cute. Thanks so much, Christine.

Enjoy!

Miss Bluebird Creations

Marmee Craft

Louise Black

Stacey Winters

The Black Apple

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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)

I’m going to be moving my office to a different room in the house….it’s a good bit smaller, so as a consolation I told myself that I could get some nifty new stuff to decorate it with. I’m thinking that I’d like to include one of these stitched houses from Stephanie DosReis. Made from vintage and scrap fabric, they come complete with extra special cute details like stitched windows and doors, button doorknobs, appliqué and one even has a little green finch perched on the roof.

I also like the watercolor and stitched original paintings by Stephanie. Wendy in her new coat and Horse Man in his way cool jeans and vest are my faves.

I will definitely keep you updated on my new office and any decor items that I purchase and when it’s all done I will share a pic!

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

You are in for a real treat today dear readers— the talented duo of Nancy Pizarro and Andy Witt have agreed to be interviewed for this week’s Indie Artist Fixx. If you are not sure who Nancy and Andy are, I know you surely recognize the name Circa Ceramics…ahh, yes that does it. Yes, Nancy and Andy are the ceramic creating geniuses behind Circa Ceramics. A real collaborative team, Nancy and Andy create the best in functional decorative ceramic homewares. They combine equal parts form and function with a little of the whimsical thrown in for good measure. It was a real pleasure to interview these guys…you’ll see what I mean when you read my interview with them below!

Nancy Pizarro and Andy Witt of Circa Ceramics in their own words…

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

Circa Ceramics - We make functional decorated ware for the adventurous entertainer.

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

1999. We’ d just moved back to Chicago and while we were both working dead end jobs we needed a creative outlet that also provided us with a little bit of income. Luckily we found an opportunity (and a receptive audience) to design, create and sell functional ware through Chicago’s various art festivals.

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

andy: I tend to put a lot of roadblocks in front of a new idea, these are usually in the form of trying out some new or different processes. To make a simple magnet turns into a long trial and error exploration of pressing clay with air-release dies.

nancy: I am the remover of said roadblocks - We bounce ideas off each other all day long, and in doing that, come full circle to a resolution. It’s an adventure every single time!

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

andy: Getting Nancy to move half way across the country with me.

nancy: Getting Andy to move back to Chicago!

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

nancy: I love to cook while there is a football game on tv - There’s something very homey about that!

andy: I used to be able to predict the future (really mundane, like “so and so is calling”) I think all the wi-fi networks are screwing it up.

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

We love when an idea comes to fruition. The worst is when all the steps in between start becoming costly or take up too much time. You have to either set it aside or adjust accordingly without compromising the original idea. We butt heads on this from time to time

(Continued)

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 Fixx Shop is one of the featured shops, which I am so proud of and happy about.

Some of my fave new discoveries from this month’s Market are: Orange Willow, Yellow Owl Workshop and Susan Schwake.

New in the shop! Showpony bags featuring a little hidden surprise within their folds. Also, placements, dishtowels and napkins from Girls Can Tell featuring hand printed bike, sewing machine and turntable diagrams.

Just a quick little note to let you know about the sale going on over at Paper Cloud. They, along with a bunch of the rest of us, are anxiously awaiting spring and have decided to have a sale to bring a little spring to the end of winter. So, bring a little spring into your world and visit Paper Cloud.

[ All flower designs are 20% off until the end of March. ]