Button Thursday: Pink + Blossom

Pink Plastic Button on Flower, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I've been working on some new microsuede blossoms and topped off this espresso and ivory number with a little rose pink vintage button.

Sweet Treats - New Premium Faux Leathers

Check out our new Premium Collection section our website to see what we've cooked up so far with these yummy ingredients.

Sugar Cookie - The shimmering pearl finish reminds us of sugar crystals atop fresh baked golden cream cookies.

Truffle - Dark chocolate goodness glows with a warm metallic finish.l.

Mojito - Fresh mint meets a supple matte finish on this refreshingly fun faux leather.

Licorice Squares - Shiny and matte squares dance across the luxe black surface.

Becky for Mom to Be

Pockets are made of our new Whimsical Woodland
cotton print. Love the orange skunk!

Our Becky bag is the most complicated to cut and sew. This version, with an extra cell phone pocket and open-divided pocket, is 29 pieces of fabric, interfacing, and faux leather!

The tooled espresso microsuede provides a rich, subtle texture.

Not to mention the three zippers, four metal feet, one magnetic snap closure, and three colors of thread that are all key ingredients in the Becky.

All of the details - pockets, closures, materials - will keep this new mom to be organized and stylish!

Sneak Peek: New Premium Faux Leathers

We're calling this rich bronze color Truffle. I'm working on a new line with four gorgeous new colors and finishes. I'll keep you posted!

New Earrings for Autumn

The light was really pretty early last evening in my back yard so I took this picture of these earrings that just came in this week.

They measure about 3/4 of an inch tall. $16 pair with sterling ear wires.

Practical Color - Thread and Zippers

Above, Ashley demonstrates the huge the selection of zippers and thread.

We spend quite a bit of time behind the scenes working on procurement of all of the components that go into our bags and accessories. We have to stay vigilant about the status of our inventory of each and every part.

Above, look at all of the beautiful green thread choices.

We sew with German-made thread that come in gorgeous colors that make selecting our 50 or so stock colors difficult.

Above, check out the variety of gray and brown zipper options.

Our US manufactured zippers are available in infinite shades as well. We carry about 25 stock colors to match the majority of our faux leathers, microsuedes and patterned fabrics.

Design Inspiration: 1940's Teatowel

One of the least expensive items to buy at most thrift shops and antique stores are vintage linens. I bought this pretty blue tea towel in Bellingham for three dollars.

It caught my eye for several reasons. First, the lovely linen is soft and nubby with wear. I love the flower illustrations, and especially the little bumblebees.

I also think the color palette is unique and lovely. Here are four colors I extracted from the my photo using the eyedropper tool in Photoshop Elements. I pulled one blue from the highlighted areas of the image and another from the shadows.

You can use this technique, or my more low-fi version, to put together a color palette to use to decorate a room, some cupcakes, or anything else that needs a color pick-me-up.

I *Heart* Corduroy - Video

These New Rings are a Hoot

These crazy cute owl rings just arrived in our shop yesterday. Available in silver and goldtone for your sparkling pleasure. (Or is it sparklish, sparkley?...) $14 each.

(Sorry about the title. I just can't resist silly puns.)

This Week: Tuesday Treasure Hunt

Party Planning: Save the Date!

We're planning big things this year for our anniversary party - new products, games of chance, giveaways and more.

We hope you'll join us for our biggest event of the year on November 7th. Missed last year? Check out the pictures here and here.

For the Love of Chimps

The folks at one of my favorite animal non-profits, Chimp Sanctuary NW, are having their first annual fundraiser auction in Seattle this year. I made this little mini wallet featuring one of the Cle Elum Seven, Foxie.

I stuffed the wallet with a $50 gift certificate and donated it to the silent auction. I'm in love the the rescue chimps and visit their blog daily to watch videos of them at play, so I hope this donation helps them in some small way.

Button Thursday: Blue Sparkle with Hoot

Button in Owl Dish, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Kim gave me this owl dish for Christmas last year. I love it!

Gentleman Pug

This is what Otis wore to the event at All the Best Pet Care earlier tonight. It's a silk necktie I picked up at Goodwill. The button (which I made) says, "Notorious P.U.G."

He joined the panel of costume contest judges.

I honestly didn't even realize that my top matched his tie until Rebecca pointed it out to me before snapping this picture.

Am I Nina Garcia or Michael Kors?

Poster courtesy of All the Best Pet Care.
Click on the image above to see it full-size.

My friends down the street at All the Best Pet Care invited me to judge a pet costume contest this Tuesday. Join with with your festive furry friend and you'll have the chance to win one of three prizes. I'm offering gift certificates for custom photo products featuring your pets.

If you know me, you know I love to dress up my dog Otis Redding each Halloween, so I'm extra-excited this about this contest! Plus, with the recent debut of the new season of Project Runway, many of us have fashion on the brain.

Boston Wedding Bags

Photo by Paul Brown.

One of my dear college friends got married earlier this month and the event served as a reunion of sorts for my college buddies.

My friend Amy (right) and I (left) ended up with similar dresses to wear to the shindig, but our purses are very different.

I chose a Celeste Clutch because it fits my small digital camera plus primping essentials. Amy opted for a Sadie wristlet in burgundy to carry her minimalist items.

Button Thursday: Unabashedly Girly Button

Pink and Rhinestone Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

This button reminds me of an outfit Betty Draper might wear to a chic Manhattan restaurant.

(I'm posting this picture a little early because Ashley and I will be walking the Seattle Gift Show tomorrow searching for new goods to offer this fall.)

New for Fall: Jewel Toned Pendants

These rich pendants came into the shop while I was away on vacation last week and they are just lovely. Made of silver-tone metal with enamel accents, they have the heft of quality at a reasonable price of $24 each.

Perhaps the best thing about these necklaces is that they are completely reversible. For example, see that black one up there? It's peacock teal on the other side - two necklaces in one. We also have coordinating earrings if you're on the mood for matchy.

Tuesday Special (That's Today!)

Join as we offer a mini scavenger hunt all day today.

Search for the yellow Tuesdays in Ballard tags hidden inside three Laura Bee Bags. If you find a tag, we'll give you 20% off that bag and a free Laura Bee Designs pen!

We're open from 10 am -7 pm on Tuesdays this summer.

Penguin Auction August 14th

Dorothy Parker Penguin, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

The Woodland Park Zoo penguin sculptures will be auctioned off tomorrow, Friday at the Greenwood Collective from 6-9 pm. Learn more about the auction here.

My penguin Dorothy Parker will be among those available.

Something Cute for Free!

Fabric Tuesday: Rich Floral Corduroy

Take a Cool Bath and Relax

Blond Wood Belt Buckles

Button Thursday: Victorian Balcony

Antique Metal Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Washington's Cherry Surplus

Washington state has produced a bumper crop of cherries this year, so thought it would be fun to show you a picture of an enamel cherries necklace by Classic Hardware. ($21)

I took the picture with metallic pipe cleaners as a background, accidentally making the image seem a little Christmasy. Since it's the hottest day on record here in Seattle, it's kind of nice to think about cold crisp winter weather.

Tuesday Special: July 28th

I've had fantasies of offering cute Laura Bee-themed pads and pens for while, and I've finally splurged on a first run. Visit our shop this Tuesday, July 28th and we'll give you a free set when you spend $20 or more. ($3 value.)

Printed in Ballard on recycled paper, the pads measure 4.25 x 5.5", and the hot pink pens are made in the USA.

I chose a style that reminded me of old-school pens they used to give away at banks and such. However, these are a fun, hard-to-lose electric pink color.

If You've Been Coveting Something Pretty

The jewelry in the images above were handmade by Jill Fagin from recycled aluminum, and are currently available in our store.

Just Returned From the Oregon Coast

Whale Tail, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I'll catch up in the next few days.

Does Three Make a Collection?

Vintage Cookie Jar, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I've coveted this mushroom cookie jar of my mother's for several years. Last year I mentioned to her that I would like to have it if she ever thought of getting rid of it.

Last Christmas she sent it as an unexpected gift! I'm afraid she's created a mushroom cookie jar monster. Early this spring I bought a harvest gold model up in Bellingham.

Recently, I scored a crazy bright version at Goodwill. I think I officially have a collection.

I still like the one my Mom gave me best. To see more pictures, visit my Flickr page here.

Our Scissor and Cutting Tool Collection

Sewers, tool geeks, and craftistas might enjoy this look at our scissor collection. In this video I show our most used tools, explain why I like them, and give tips for shopping for your own scissors.

Tomorrow's Tuesday Special

Don't forget, we're open until 7 pm each Tuesday this summer, so stop by after work!

Lovebirds Wristlet

Here's a fresh spring green wristlet with one of our best-selling ribbons called Lovebirds. The pattern has tones of avocado, pink, citrus green and plum.

$28 in the shop.

Button Thursday: Cream and Spearmint Plastic

Green Faux Chain Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Kind of Like an Infomercial for a Wallet

The very popular Madeline Mega Wallet is now available for sale on our website here!

YouTube, MeTube, WeAllTube

After establishing a true addiction to how-to videos on makeup and craft, I've decided to add my own videos to the YouTube soup. Here's my debut.

Right now my video is lonely and sad without any ratings or comments. If you're a YouTuber, then please consider rating and commenting this first try. Keep in mind that I'm a novice at this whole process.

Also, let me know what kinds of videos you would like to see from me in the future!

Fabric Tuesday: Turquoise with Blossoms

Tuesday Feature: Free Earrings with Necklace

Learn more about this week's Tuesday special here.

Happy Independence Day

Button Thursday: Shades of Green

Blue Dish of Green Buttons, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.