Holiday Handmade Event!

The lovely Staci of Contempo Artisan Boutique and Kevin of Big Spring Spirits will be hosting an epic Happy Hour Holiday Showcase in Bellefonte, PA. During the first three Thursdays in November, a selection of Central PA's Contempo artists (including yours truly!) will be showcasing and selling their handmade wares at Big Spring. Enjoy the evening with some signature cocktails, Thursday night football, and tasty nibbles while getting your holiday shopping done!

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Gatoooooos!

(Pencil, ink, Photoshop).

Commissioned piece I drew for a friend of mine, who requested it as a birthday present for a friend of his. Style based off of the anime/manga, Chi’s Sweet Home.

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DIY Swimsuit Round-Up

It's already a few weeks into summer...not to mention it's the hottest month of the entire year. You're ready to hit the beach and wanna look your smexiest but can't find the perfect swimwear just about every store you've searched through. Or maybe you have found the perfect one but the price tag made your jaw drop...like in my case.

I was initially inspired to write this post when I was rummaging through my fabric stash and unearthed a bunch of perfectly good tricot fabric, in asphalt grey and sunny yellow (separate colors). I figured, "hey, these'll make really cute swimsuits!" which ultimately lead to my online quest for the perfect sewing patterns. Below is a round-up of several trendy styles you can make at home.

Vintage-Style Bombshell swimsuit PDF Pattern by Closet Case Files

"Alison" Vintage 50s Maillot by BurdaStyle

Gah, I want this crop top/hip-hugger set! Too bad I can't knit.

Vintage Knitting Pattern 1970s Hip Hugger Bikini/Crop Top Play Suit (PDF Format) by 2nd Look Vintage

The 3-in-1 DIY Swimsuit Sewing Tutorial by Cotton + Curls

FREE Swimsuit Patterns in Three Different Styles (PDF Format) by Ralph Pink

Below is a quick and easy tutorial that revives the saggy bikini bottom that's been sitting in your dresser for a few summers...Y'know, the one you're too embarrassed to wear 'cuz it makes you look like you have a saggy diaper that leaks? I've been there before!

The Pucker Bottom Tutorial by Bits, Bites, and Mishmash

FREE Ruched Halter Bikini With Instructions by Sew Mama Sew

Vintage-Style High-Waist Bikini Bottom With PDF Pattern by HollyMann

If you're not skilled with the sewing machine, you can always take any existing swimsuit and make it fabulous with dye, paint, fabric markers, and various embellishments. Below are a few tutorials to get you started:

Solid color dyeing tutorial (I recommend using Jacquard's iDye Poly)
Ombre dip-dyeing tutorial 
Ruffles Tutorial
Fabric stamping tutorial
 

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Featured in Contempo Weddings

Staci Egan of Contempo Weddings and Contempo Jewelry was kind enough to feature my Lucky 'n' Sweet kanzashi in her wonderful blog. Thanks, Staci!

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Team HiP Fave

Custom People or Pets Brooch - Cloisonne Enamel by Bahee

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Shop Lurve: PrettyRaccoon Clothing

Here's one of my favorite shops that I've been stalking admiring for quite a while. Established in 2005, Toronto-based Etsian Andrea Wrinkler of PrettyRaccoon Clothing offers a unique selection of mostly handmade and screen printed clothing and accessories (many of which are one-of-a-kind at that!). She also sells some great vintage finds!

From "woodland whimsy" to "Victorian-era-meets modern-day," this shop definitely has something to offer for many buyers. I've purchased two of her one-of-a-kind shirts in the past (one of which is the Victorian keyhole cowl-neck style like the one here), and still have them in my wardrobe! I must say that the workmanship is that of professional quality (serged seams and no raw edges), and the screen printed designs hold up rather well in the washer. I'm very much tempted to order some of her printed t-shirts sometime in the near future! The shipping time may be a touch lengthy due to many of her clothing being made-to-order, but rest assured, the wait is very well worth it!

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New Kanzashi

Erf, sorry about taking so long to list a new batch of tsunami kanzashi! For a while, I've been in a creative rut with creating these unique fabric flowers. Two are for formal occasions and the other two are for more casual affairs. Click on the images to head over to the listings. And of course, more shall be listed hopefully soon for the spring season, so please check back!

"The Ivory Garden Kanzashi" OOAK

"Retro Love" Kanzashi OOAK

Orange Creamsicle Kanzashi

Cherry Cheesecake Kanzashi

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Friday Favorites

Each Friday, I'll feature ten items I hearted from Etsy here. Just helping other Etsians get a little more exposure. :)

(Items in no particular order)

1. Storm Gray Fleece Jacket by Erin Alexandra Klym

2. In Loved Owl Black Tee by teclur

3. Someday You'll Fly 12x8" Matte Print by Gingerlilly

4. Caramel and Nougat Pinwheels - 1/2 lb. (Bullseyes) by VintageConfections

5. The Road Less Traveled Print by PhotograBee

6. Hand Crafted Cutting Board by John Morgan Designs

7. Color Blend Fish 10" Bowl - Made to Order by YogaGoat Pottery

8. Mini Vintage Chic Paper Starfinders (Set of Four) by Funktapus Designs

9. Duck Butts 5x7 Photograph with Mat by Kclark photography

10. Steampunk Goggles Glasses by old junkyard boutique

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Not Dead

Sorry I've been away, folks. A lot happened during the past few months. August was especially hectic, as I was working on a client's dress while packing for the move. My friends and I are staying at their relative's house while we're waiting out closing on a house I'm purchasing. So until we get to move in, all of my supplies and inventory are in storage. On the bright side, I've whipped up ten new designs that should hopefully be ready before Thanksgiving.

Btw, you can check out the two latest dresses I've made for my client and my friend by clicking the image above.

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Friday Favorites

Every Friday, I will feature ten fabulous items from various crafty Etsy sellers on my blog. That's pretty much it!

(Items are in no particular order)

1.
36 Gourmet Blueberry Marshmallows by Mia Mallows

2.
Silkscreened Long Summer Wrap-Skirt by indivisual

3.
Custom Made Shabby Floral Corset Ruffled Patchwork Skirt 15 Yards Of Fabric by Patches and Rags

4.
Night Falls...OOAK chiffon skirt with detachable train (amazing blacktie event skirt) - FREE SHIPPING by Zimka

5.
HAPPY COLOR SLICE CHECKERED CANDLE in BRIGHT YELLOW n ORANGE passionate peach scented by kokocandles

6.
Dahlia Bra by Hopeless

7.
Light Robusto Cigar Bolster Pillow with White Band by SofaGarden

8.
Mariposa - Monarch Butterfly OOAK Wool Felt Pin or Hair Clip by Pammy Dawn

9.
Mini Black Koi by bubbletime

10.
Leaf Table Lamp by Tansy & Co

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Site of the Day: Recyclart.org

For those who are into eco-friendliness, Recyclart provides inspiration to save random, everyday objects from the trash bin and recycling them into functional decor, furniture, accessories and more! Check it out!

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Friday Favorites

Every Friday, I will feature ten fabulous items from various crafty Etsy sellers on my blog. That's pretty much it!

(Items are in no particular order)

1.
Spring Fling Yellow Chiffon Dress by Stephanie Madesh

2.
PICK ANY 3 A-LIGHT Accent Lamps by RE-SURFACE design

3.
CollegeRuled Pocketbook/Checkbook Holder by QuietDoing

4.
Summer Dreams by de Lacy

5.
Sputnik Chandelier wall graphic by One Up Designs

6.
Japanese Schoolgirl Men's Zip Hoodie by 57thirtythree

7.
BILLIE HOLIDAY Jazz BLACK Satin COLUMN Evening DRESS by Fashion Rocks

8.
Special Edition ttv print Beach Path by Route 3 Photography

9.
Pendant N/L Choker 1950 Vintage Advertising Signed by Designs by Leah Best

10.
Wool Flap Dress by Lamixx

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New Shirts!

"Skulls and Card Suit" Deep V-Neck T-Shirt OOAK (X-Small)

"Skulls and Card Suit" Deep V-Neck T-Shirt OOAK (Small)

"Skulls and Card Suit" T-Dress OOAK (Small)

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