Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New Lenses = More Photos

 
Luxe clutch with premium Moss faux leather and discontinued Midori ribbon. $53

During the Christmas rush I don't have much time to take or post pictures on the blog, but when January arrives I will be back to my regular picture posts.

I received two new camera lenses for Christmas, so I'll be extra motivated to shoot and share. Let me know what you'd like to see.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Thank You for Our Best Season Ever!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

See you on Tuesday, December 28th at 10 am.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

About Electronic Gift Cards

Ready to finish your Christmas shopping? Here's the part where I tell you that you can buy gift certificates on our website and be all done.
Just click here to got to our site, place your order, and have it emailed directly to your giftee. Or you can email it to yourself, print it, and then wrap it up to give in person.
Visiting our shop to custom design a bag is a special, creative experience. Share it with someone you love by giving them a Laura Bee Designs gift card.

If you'd rather buy a gift card in person, swing by our store tomorrow (Thursday) between 10 AM and 7 PM, or Christmas Eve between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Chocolate Button and Chocolate Truffles


I must be hungry, this button reminds me of a truffle.

I love naming colors after food. We have saffron lining, sugar cookie faux leather, and chocolate microsuede.

(Did I tell you we're selling delicious truffles by locally crafted Dilettante chocolates in our shop? They make great hostess gifts.)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Have you Heard this Christmas Song?


I've been listening to Sufjan Stevens' Songs for Christmas almost non-stop since Thanksgiving. The songs are at once lovely, melancholy, and nostalgic.

My production and customer service duties have taken me away from photographing and blogging the last couple of weeks. It's our busiest, most exciting time of year. Thanks to all of you who have shopped with us so far. We've had a great season!

I want to let you know that we'll be open through Christmas Eve at about 3 pm. We're open tomorrow (Monday) through Thursday of this week from 10 am - 7 pm. (We'll be closed December 25, 26, and 27 to relax with our families.)



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Pink Inspiration



Pink Glitter Cottage, originally uploaded by skybluecrayons.
Sometimes I visit Flickr and just type in a search to see what will pop up. Tonight I entered "Pink Christmas" and up came several wonderful images made by kindred spirits.

Take the one above, for example, made by with a popcorn box. It makes me want to build my own sugar-coated Christmas village. (Maybe next year.)

Here's another inspiring pink-themed Christmas picture. Her entire photostream is dreamy and nostalgic.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Truffle Eleanor with Peacocks

 Our Eleanor back is the perfect size for an every day purse. She zips closed and has a comfortable single strap.
This version, currently available in our Seattle shop, features our premium Truffle faux leather and a unique peacock-themed turquoise ribbon.

Eleanor, standard with one zipper pocket, $86, with premium faux leather as shown, $96.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Crystal Medallion Necklace

Sparkling and gorgeous, this necklace was crafted in the US by the artisans at Anne Koplik. Who will be the lucky person to get her hands on the very last of these in stock?

Swarovski cryststal and antique silver necklace, $42.

Ribbon and Ring Necklace

Silky ribbon laces through silver-tone rings to make this edgy necklace by Caracol. We just received a new shipment from this popular line. With fashionable pieces prices from $14-$24, this line will sell quickly.

O-ring necklace, $18.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Featured Bag: The Lola Clutch

 This design is sleek and simple. It can hold your essentials -- phone, wallet, keys, lipstick -- without weighing you down.

Purse fanatics love this shape, but those who are handbag averse enjoy using it as well.
We have several ready-made Lola's available in the shop for easy gift-giving. Or come in to design one for yourself.

Lola clutch - $52, without pockets, $62 with four credit card pocket.



Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Post 1000: Santa Photo and Pink Tree

I bought this little folder over the summer because I love any Christmas decorations that are pink and retro. This Santa photo from 1966 has it all. First, the illustration on the folder is both pink and adorable. Plus, it's stained with (hot?) chocolate. I know many native Washingtonians are still grieving the loss of department store Frederick & Nelson.
This photo is a Christmas showpiece. Never mind the pink tree, the saddle shoes, the gloating older sister. The look on the little boy's face shows that scary Santa photos are timeless.

 What must Santa be thinking? (Feel free to write a caption in the comments.)

PS - Blogger tells me that this is my 1000th blog post! Thanks for reading my musings for the last five years. I'm looking forward to 1000 more!



Sunday, December 05, 2010

The Return of an Old Favorite

When we carried Mark Poulin's charming jewelry a while back, many of our customer fell in love with his sweet animal illustrations. I'm happy to report that we have received a batch of these sterling silver charms just in time for holiday giving.

These necklaces appeal to both the young, and the young at heart. Shown larger than actual size in the photo, they are quite petite - perfect for layering.

$23 each available in Rabbit, Whale, Octopus, Owl, Cat and more!

Thrift Score: Matroyshka Dolls


Matryoshka in the Park, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

What is it about tiny versions of big things that makes them so cute?

Friday, December 03, 2010

Thrift Score: Washington State Mug



Washington State Mug, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.
I moved to Washington back in 1994 when I was twenty-two. But I first heard of Seattle when my dad used to fly there from Western New York for work.

When I was about seven (I think) he brought me little portable sewing kit made of bright orange vinyl (the same color as this mug) that folded closed, and said Seattle in gold lettering. I remember a plane illustration on the front. 

I guess it was my destiny to make my living sewing in Seattle.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Gussied Up Gift Wrap


Starting this Friday, we're adding something new to our signature pink pastry box gift wrap. I used one of my button photos to create a little gift tag for our packages.
We're tying these to our packages with tinsel pipe cleaners. They're free with purchase beginning at our Stuff It! event this weekend.
We've also stitched up a batch of reusable fabric gift bags that we'll give you when you spend $40 or more during the Stuff It! weekend.  (Limit 1 per customer, while supplies last.)


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

For the Boys

Mustache socks by Sock it To Me. $7.50 a pair

Introducing SoapyCakes

I want to tempt you with our latest confections. Made in Kent by SoapyCakes, these are deliciously scented soaps. I've been testing the Candy Cane version (above) the last few days and it smells amazing.
  Even after several showers, the soap is still in the shape of an adorable cupcake. Other scents include Creamsicle, left, Vanilla, center, and Pumpkin Pie, right.
I think these soaps might be the perfect stocking stuffer. At $5.50 they are terrific value so you can stock up for everyone on your list!

These cupcakes will debut at our Stuff It! event this weekend. Learn more here.

Monday, November 29, 2010

You're Invited!


Material Spotlight: Our Zipper Supplier


We use YKK zippers, top quality notions that are made in the USA.

We buy our zippers in bulk from an historic supplier in the garment district of New York.

This video is a fascinating look into their business, which was started in the 1940s by an entrepreneur who escaped the Nazis.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Cyber Monday Special: Save $20 on our Website

We're offering an incentive to place your holiday order on Monday, 11/29/10, also known as Cyber Monday. Fill up your shopping cart on our website with $100 or more in merchandise and save $20 upon checkout. You'll need to enter this coupon code: 20onCYBERMONDAY.

You'll need to act fast because this is a one day only special, and code expires at midnight. You can choose from various shipping options including Store Pick-up (free), and gift recipient shipping. Order here.



Great Gift for Under $25: Passport Covers and Luggage Tags

Here's a gift idea for your jet-setting friends and relatives: bright, cute passport covers. At $21 each, these slim cases feature clear ID windows inside and protective faux leather on the outside. Plus, you can't possibly lose a bright yellow or red item in the bottom of your travel bag.
Pair a passport cover with one of our vintage-style luggage tags, and you have a sweet set. The tags are made in the USA by Bluebird Bath, and are a mere $3.50 each.
So together, that's $24.50 for a useful gift. For a scads of additional gifts priced at $25 or under, come to our Stuff It! event this weekend. The official invite is here.




Saturday, November 27, 2010

Great Gift for Under $25: Scrabble Tile Necklaces

I constantly hear from new customers that they are pleasantly surprised by all of the affordable gifts we carry in our shop.

This year I wanted to highlight our focus on great gifts that cost $25 or less by having a special weekend-long event. I've decided to call this shindig 'Stuff It' because all of these goodies would make great stocking stuffers. You can check out the official invite here.

All this week, I'll be highlighting featured Stuff It inventory here. First up, our best-selling Scrabble Tile Necklaces, which retail for a mere $16 each. These are handmade in California by the really nice people of Home Studio Arts.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Freebie: Gift Enclosure #2

Copyright Laura Bee Designs. If posting online, please link to this blog. Thanks!

I took this picture of a friend's door knocker a couple of years ago. It feels like Christmas to me.

I've posted this at 300 dpi so you can download (right click and save) and then print it for your holiday gifts. This one folds so you can put a personalized message inside. The finished size is 2" wide by 3" tall.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Getting Cozy - Back on Friday


The Laura Bee crew will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow by getting cozy at home with our families. We'll be back in the store at 10 AM on Friday morning, staying open until 7 pm.

Shop with us this Friday and receive Double Punches on your Frequent Shopper Card.

We're also giving away the 2011 CRAVE guide to the first 20 customers who spend $50 or more.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Freebie: Gift Enclosure Card #1

Copyright Laura Bee Designs. If posting online, please link to this blog. Thanks!

I thought it would be fun to make some gift cards to share with you. I've posted this at 300 dpi so you can download (right click and save) and then print it for your holiday gifts. This one folds so you can put a personalized message inside. The finished size is 2" wide by 3" tall.

I love using pretty cards tied with a simple ribbon or string around a butcher paper wrapped package. I also think the blue on this image would look pretty with silver giftwrap.

Let me know what you think. If you like this idea, I will post more in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

I'm Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

It's our annual tradition to put up this pink Christmas tree at the shop. It looks great with our pink pastry gift boxes.
This year we added to the sweet theme by hanging hundreds of paper doilies as stylized snowflakes. I stitched up the garlands using my favorite tool - the sewing machine.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lauren Carries Amy


If this box isn't working, click HERE to watch this video.

I adore the HBO series Six Feet Under, especially the character Claire, played by Lauren Ambrose. When she drove off into the sunset in the series finale, I had tears running down my face.

Imagine how thrilled I was when the costume designer for the film Grassroots chose one of our bags for Ambrose' character to carry in the film.

You can catch a quick glimpse of the Amy bag in this video at the 57 second mark.





Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wristlets and Mini Wallets

Best-sellers for a few years now, our wristlets and mini wallets make perfect gifts for both the purse-lover and the handbag averse. We have a full batch available in our shop right now, and I'll be added some new options to the website tomorrow as well. Stay tuned. (Wristlet as shown $30, mini wallet as shown $14.)

If you're getting your holiday shopping list together, you might want to check out our recent newsletter. This one is designed for out-of-town and online customers, while this one is meant for Seattle-based peeps.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Get Cozy: Velveteen Hats and Fingerless Gloves

Hats by the San Diego Hat Company, available in many colors - $24. Gloves by Laura Bee Designs, available in several colors, $21 pair.

Available in our shop, or order via email or by phone (206-789-4044).

Monday, November 15, 2010

Customized Christmas (and Hanukkah too!)

Custom photo keychain, $16. Order online here.

I wanted to let you know our deadlines for custom holiday orders this year.

Hanukkah (December 1st): Deadline - November 18th
Christmas Shipping to a US Address: Deadline - December 1st
Christmas Eve (December 24th): Deadline - December 5th

Don't forget, we can ship your goodies to their destinations to save you time. We charge a nominal fee, and fuss with your gifts (at no charge) to make them pretty and fun to open, where ever they end up.
 Custom photo notebook, checkbook, and mini wallet. Order online here.

PS - Hop on over to our Facebook page to get some yummy Thanksgiving meal ideas via our current contest. Enter to win while you're there!




Thursday, November 11, 2010

Introducing: Cozy Fingerless Gloves

 Heather green fingerless gloves, available with embellishments $21 pair, and plain $15 pair.

I have a thing for fingerless gloves, so I'm excited to announce that we have our own line of fingerless gloves at Laura Bee Designs! We've teamed up with a machine-knitting company in New York State to create these cozy acrylic gloves. These are perfect for our Northwest climate, and will keep you warm while you text, feed the meter, or scratch your dog behind his ear.
Heather gray fingerless gloves, available with embellishments $21 pair, and plain $15 pair.  

I've been having a great time adding vintage buttons to the gloves, making each pair unique. We're also offering them without embellishments, for those who prefer a minimalist look. These gloves are a cozy wrist-warmer length to keep that pesky draft from rushing up your sleeves.

Also available in Deep Indigo, and Bright Teal.



Gift Idea: Enamel Leaf Brooch

We have so many gorgeous new pieces in stock in preparation for the holiday season, that I want to share some with you online here. Case in point: This beautiful pin, crafted by the artisans at Anne Koplik Designs, would make a special gift for the sophisticated woman who has everything.

Available in our store, and online here. $26.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Pleated Satin Ribbon

We unveiled these gorgeous new ribbons at our Anniversary Party last weekend, and bags made with the pleated textile sold quickly. Now you can visit our shop to design your own accessory using these special embellishments.
We have three shades in stock, Deep Charcoal (top), Rich Aqua (middle), and Sunset Copper (bottom). Select the textural ribbon as a stand-alone detail, or layer it under a narrow velvet or brocade ribbon as shown here.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

It is What's on the Inside that Counts

I took this picture of our lining fabrics as Kim was unpacking a recent delivery. This material is made specifically as handbag lining by an old-school company in New York that's been making the material for over sixty years. From left to right: turquoise, gold, raspberry, saffron, terracotta, and aqua.