The Return of the Flower Fingerless Gloves

I've always loved fingerless gloves and the cozy dexterity they provide. We recently received a shipment of the wildly popular versions, pictured above. Made by Look at Me Designs, each pair is crafted from repurposed sweaters. Each is unique in color and texture.

$30 pair. Also pictured, the back of a Clara wristlet, $48 each.

Number Nine

Otis the shop pug turned nine in early February so we took him on a day of adventure. First we hiked in a local park.


His age may qualify him for AARP membership, but he's pretty sporty and spry.

Tempting Trims

Recently the owner of a huge lot of vintage sewing trims contacted me. She wanted to sell her goods because she was moving to Florida to be closer to her granddaughter. I went through a carload of amazing finds and settled on those that will work best on handbags and Laura Bee Designs products.

Here's the first teaser picture. I posted this image on Facebook last week, and several customers came in over the weekend to design with these very ribbons. It's a score for all of us! I look forward to unveiling new vintage ribbon options each week as I hand wash and air dry my haul.

February News

 

Get the latest Laura Bee Designs news here.

Weiner Dogs for Pawsitive Alliance

I though you might enjoy seeing this dog-themed set I made and donated to Pawsitive Alliance. They will offer the Clara and mini wallet for bid and their upcoming silent auction.

Their mission: Pawsitive Alliance's mission is to help end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention.

Please join us in supporting this terrific organization!

Romantic Jewelry by Anne Koplik

This is the kind of necklace that earns you compliments each time you wear it. Handmade and enameled in New York State by the artisans at Anne Koplik. $38 each.


This vintage-inspired necklace is at once super-sparkling, yet understated. $42 each.


Each Austrian crystal on this stunning locket is handset. The golden green shades pair perfectly with the antiqued brass metal. $48 each.


What photo would you put under the bezel inside this special piece?

New Scarf Styles

Our handmade infinity scarves continue to be popular with customers of all ages and fashion sensibilities. We make fresh batches twice a week with new fabrics.

Above, a painterly bird print in slate blue with gold and brown accents. This is a lightweight, exceptionally soft fabric. $30


The black and cream geometric print is a thicker fabric that pairs perfectly with winter jackets and cozy sweaters. $30


Our current best-seller, this scarf has quirky vintage-inspired colors - aqua, espresso, butterscotch, and white. $30


The fabric is as soft and lightweight as your favorite cotton t-shirt. $30

Color Therapy: New Fabrics

 

This is the time of year when gray skies and gloominess can get to us. I find that colorful fabrics and bright hues can cheer me up. The print above is our newest coated cotton. The material sheds water and wipes clean making it perfect for a makeup bag, wristlet, or any every day, heavy use purse.

Here's another cheerful fabric. This is a lightweight knit that we're using to make our popular infinity scarves. This large-scale floral looks amazing wrapped around your neck, the color and pattern brighten up your face.

 

 Here is the same print in bold hot colors. Fuchsia, orange and turquoise are sure to spread some color therapy when you wear a scarf made with this fabric.

Our Cabin Fever Cure - A Sale!

We're having a sale on two of our most popular items this weekend. Learn more and get the latest in our newsletter here.

Clara Three Ways

Our bestselling new design in 2011 was our Clara. Sold as a wristlet with a strap or bangle, the Clara protects your smart phone, and keeps your essentials close at hand.

For 2012, we've added a third handle for the Clara - a cross-body nylon cord. Those of you who find wristlets and clutches too fussy, this option is for you.

Of course the detachable wrist strap remains popular and functional

All three Claras share her defining feature, the exterior zipper pocket.

Claras in Graphite premium faux leather, $48 each.

Learn to Make Felt Flowers While Supporting Your Cause

I've always wanted to have crafting workshops in my store, but I've never quite figured out what to teach. Yesterday, listening to news stories marking the two-year anniversary of the Earthquake in Haiti, I hatched a plan.

You may remember our Dahlias for Haiti project, where we made nearly 700 of these felt flowers, and you our wonderful customers bought them for $12 each? Together we raised almost $7000. I think these little flowers can continue to give to many great organizations via how-to classes.

I would like to teach you how to make these fun, happy flowers in workshops at Laura Bee Designs. I will donate 20% of the class fee to the non-profit (501c3) of your choice! These flowers are easy to make and can be used to decorate all kinds of projects. Wouldn't a workshop be a fun way to celebrate a birthday or brighten up a gray winter day?

Here are the particulars:

• Classes will be two hours, hosted at my store on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, to be scheduled via email (orderdesk (at) laurabeedesigns.com) or phone (206) 789-4044.
• Class fee will be $30 per person, with a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 10. (Larger groups can be accommodated, as can off-site classes.)
• 20% of total class fee will be donated via check directly to the non-profit (501c3) of your choice within two weeks of the class date. If you aren't sure of a non-profit to support, we can tell you about some of our favorites. We need to know the name and contact info for the organization before the class date.
• Classes are for adults only (over age 13).  (Kids classes may be considered in the future.)
• Students will leave class with completed flowers plus materials to make more at home (6 flowers total).
• No special skills are needed to make these flowers except basic manual dexterity with scissors and hand-sewing needle.

I will work up some fine print regarding payment terms and cancellation policies, but those are the main points. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a workshop!

New Premium Faux Leather: Graphite

Photo courtesy of www.skyesworld12.blogspot.com

The smoky black of graphite serves as the namesake of our newest premium faux leather. This material has the same matte base with subtle sheen as the tip of your favorite No.2 pencil.

Here is a Clara wristlet made with Graphite and topped with our black and old gold floral ribbon. Super soft and supple, the material is understated yet expensive-feeling.



This picture of the back of the Clara wristlet shows the soft pebble finish and sheen of Graphite.

Clara wristlet, $48. Features exterior zipper pocket (great for cell phone) and detachable wrist strap.

Like the Purest Water

swarovski_aquamarine, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Like the purest water, these Swarovski crystal earrings are clear blue and dance in the sunlight. $26/pair.

New Year, New Ribbons

We started using these new ribbons on holiday season inventory, but I haven't yet shared the trims with you. The rich ribbon above has the holy grail combination of black and brown, making it extra versatile.

This narrower ribbon reminds me of a men's tie. Shades of green, bronze, black and brown combine to create a menswear sensibility.

Happy 2012 to All Friends and Family

Otis in a new sweater, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We'll get back to regularly scheduled blogging in the coming days.

Pare Down for Party Season

wristlet_glam, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

With all of the baggage we carry in our daily lives, isn't it fun to go minimalist (yet sparkling) on the weekends?

Every woman should have a small bag that packs the essentials - phone, keys, lipgloss, and ID. Dinner dates, girls night out, movie night - think of the times you'll carry such a bag.

Wristlets and clutches start at $28. The above Caroline wristlet features a vintage glass button, $39.

candycane_lipbalm

candycane_lipbalm, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Perhaps this is the perfect stocking stuffer. $4.

Let's Hear it for the Boys

The brothers, husbands, fathers and sons in your life need accessories too. We offer some fun goodies for the boys in your life. These super hero-worthy socks are brought to you by Portland's Sock It To Me, $9.

This recycled notepad is made in Canada by EcoJot. $10 each.

Our mesh pouches are at home in a briefcase, backpack, or tackle box. Available in two sizes, $10 and $13.

Many men report that they prefer our slim mini wallets over bulky billfolds. $14 each.

For the Frequent Texter

Want to keep your cell phone close at hand, along with your keys, lip balm, and some credit cards? Choose our Clara Wristlet. Her back pocket hugs your iPhone/Blackberry/Android perfectly, while the main compartment holds your essentials. $44-48, depending on materials.

These Texting Gloves by Look at Me Designs are handcrafted from recycled sweaters. Among our hottest sellers this season, they are available in various colors and textures. $30/pair.

We offer a selection of both of these items for sale in our shop.

Stocking Stuffers - Handmade from Recycled Materials

Made from discarded sweaters, these sweet flower pins are crafted by Look at Me Designs. We have various colors and textures in our shop. $18 each.


Seattle jewelry design Krissy Maier collects vintage treasures like broken necklaces and lonely earrings and incorporates them into one-of-a-kind new pieces. These hair clips are perfect for holiday parties. $17 each.