Friday, January 9, 2009

Test Post

Free Graphics from Dover
Get free graphics and clip art each week with the Dover Design Sampler.
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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Meet Glam.Spoon

Meet Glam.Spoon UCU- When did you start your business? GS- summer, 2005... first sale in august of 2005. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? GS- how to choose??  buttons!  no, thread cones!  no, wait.  fabric!  any kind of fabric!!! UCU- Where do you sell your work? GS- online through Etsy and in two local shops: Bouncing Wall & Frock Shop.  I also take referrals for custom pieces. UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU? GS- UCU is quickly becoming my only annual show.  the organization and promotion are so top notch, it makes me feel like I have my own store for one weekend a year.  It is undoubtedly a great weekend for sales, but it's also a great networking opportunity.  the number of shoppers I meet who take a business card, and then come back to buy from me later is really encouraging.  But when you come right down to it, it's just FUN! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? GS- the cashmere sweater dress... mmmm.  cashmere. [gallery]

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Don't forget to pimp yourself!

6

Meet Holly from Style Garden

UCU- When did you start your business? SG- I started my business September of 2008. I've been dreaming of this for a long time and finally decided to do something about it. I work full-time as a graphic designer, and had a hard time finding time for my crafty dreams until I decided to start living out what I have been talking about! I am very busy, but inspired and motivated by the crafty community. UCU- What is your favorite craft supply? SG- I have many, but I will have to go with my Gocco, my life hasn't been the same since we met. UCU- Where do you sell your work? SG- Right now I sell my stuff at Dwell Home Decor in Tacoma, (www.dwellhomedecor.com) and a couple things on Etsy. (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6075465) UCU is really my first appearance as Style Garden.
UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?
SG- This is my first, I will let you know next year! UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year? SG- My "hot item" this year would have be be my lamps. I have worked hard to find amazing vintage lamps, re-finished them, and handmade drum lampshades out of authentic vintage wallpaper. They have been a labor of love, but I am excited to put a product out there that is 100% unique. You are guaranteed to have a truly one-of-a-kind lamp that fits into any modern decor. [gallery]

Meet Go Robot! and win a reversible bronze pendant

UCU- When did you start your business? GR- I made my first piece of jewelry in 1989, got serious in 2001, started selling at shows a few years ago, and went full-time when I moved to Oregon in Sept. of '07
UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?
GR- Surplus stuff.
UCU- Where do you sell your work?
GR- I have a few stores scattered around the west, but I sell most of my stuff at shows. We have a market in Bend, Oregon on Saturdays in the summer. I'm there every week. Also www.smashingdarling.com
UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?
GR- I like talking to people. I've worked retail jobs and I still have fun talking to people. I Like meeting other artists too. It's also a great place to get feedback and do "market research."
UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?
GR- The sandcrawler ring. It's flexible, unisex, fun to play with, techy and easy to wear [gallery]

Meet Kokoro Designs and win an evening bag!

Leave a comment here with contact info for your chance to win!
UCU- When did you start your business?
KD- I began Kokoro Design 2 years ago because my girlfriends were interested in the kimono scarves I was making for myself.
UCU- When did you start your business?
KD- I began Kokoro Design 2 years ago because my girlfriends were interested in the kimono scarves I was making for myself.
UCU- What is your favorite craft supply?
KD- I buy my kimonos from Japanese dealers that sell on the internet.
UCU- Where do you sell your work?
KD- I have sold my work through trunk shows and street fairs mostly.
UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?
KD- This will be my first big show.  I am excited to see if my products will be well received by such a diverse crowd.
UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?
KD- I have been combining silk and cashmere to make winter scarves, which are new for me.
[gallery]

Meet Lady Konnyaku

UCU- When did you start your business?
LK- I started one whole whopping year ago. Things have been crazy great! I invite one and all to make a stop at my booth and celebrate my 1 year happy anniversary of being in business... free hugs and hi-fives for all!!
UCU-What is your favorite craft supply?
LK-Vintage fabrics from the 60s and 70s get me cuckoo crazy for clothing design! Fabrics of yore are so inspirational in both color and texture, and it is my mission to preserve and transform these worthy cuts into modern-day pieces that will rock any dreary Seattle wardrobe.
UCU- Where do you sell your work?
LK- Lady Konnyaku lovers can catch some cool, superb-quality clothing at www.Ladykonnyaku.com. There, you can peruse my gallery of designs and send me an e-mail for custom orders and requests. I love my customers who buy direct!! I actively participate in Seattle area events, especially UCU and I heart Rummage. The Pretty Parlor in Seattle carries the largest selection of Lady Konnyaku Clothing, as well as the Bouncing Wall occasionally. Look for more Lady Konnyaku in northwest boutiques in 2009 as well as in beautiful Japan!
UCU- What is your favorite part of doing big shows such as UCU?
LK-I love UCU because I have a chance to kick it with my awesomely stylish customers. The vibe is totally positive, hi-fives and hugs abound! It feels so good to see people get excited about my uniquely Japanese-street fashion inspired goodies... after bajillions of hours of sewing clothing in my chilly room... all the toiling feels worth it when I do UCU!
UCU- Most anticipated "hot item" at your booth this year?
LK- I've whipped up a batch of the cutest yoke tops with puff sleeves-- one of a kind, all of the time!
[gallery]