Introducing Our Wish List Program

Create a wish list in our shop, and we'll give you a little stack of these
cute hint cards to hand out to your loved ones.

Let's face it, the dads, moms, husbands, and boyfriends out there want to 'get it right' when they shop for presents for you. In fact, they often come into the shop and tell us that hints have been dropped sending them our way.

This phenomenon has inspired our latest program here at Laura Bee Designs. Behold, our Wish List! Just stop by our shop at your convenience and have fun filling out one of our handy pink forms. We'll ask you questions like, "What are your favorite colors to wear," as well as give you a place to list the specific goodies you have your eye on in our shop.

We'll keep your wish list on file in the store for easy access. Then we'll give you a little stack of Hint Cards (see above) to hand out to your friends and family. They can simply call, email or come into the shop and we'll help them select gifts for you. We can even ship and wrap their choices for them.

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to scope out the goods start dropping some serious hints.

Video: Photo Mini Wallets and Checkbooks

Party Debut: Bright Glass Necklaces

Photo courtesy of Sunup Jewelry

I'm so looking forward to getting this new line of jewelry in for our Anniversary Party on November 7th.

Every year Ashley and I hunt for new handmade lines to debut at the event, and these beautiful fused glass tree necklaces by Portland's Sunup Jewelry are sure to sell quickly.

Video: Gift Guide Series #1

Here's the first in a series of videos I'll be doing on some of our most popular items. I'm hoping these videos will help viewers learn a bit more about our goodies.

Let me know if there are item items you'd like me to feature.

November 7th Party Details

We feel so lucky to be celebrating the
7 year birthday of our store,
that we're busting to share our luck with you!
Join us from 4-8 pm.

* One night only! Play our Lucky 7 Dice Game, where you are guaranteed to win prizes!

* Kick off your holiday shopping in our festive atmosphere. Earn our famous Bee Bucks as you shop to spend later.

* We'll have lots of new merchandise - jewelry, scarves, bags, and more to share with you.

* Shop our Glam for Good handbag collection made from vintage components. Proceeds to benefit some of our favorite local charities.

* Book custom bag appointments at the party and save 10% on your orders!

Sweet Swallow Lockets

This sweet necklace is tiny. The oval locket charm is a bit smaller than a dime. It would be a great gift for a preteen, or the necklace would easy to wear every day for the woman on the go.

Available in silver and gold on our website here and in our store. ($24)

Finally: The Party Postcard Image!

Anniversary Party Postcard, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Popular Ribbons on Licorice Squares

Weekend Adventure with the Boyz

My Boyz at the Sculpture Park, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Have you been to the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Seattle Waterfront? It's one of my favorite places. I love that it is both free and dog-friendly.

Weekend Special for Our Online Friends

I'm testing out the idea of offering exclusive specials for our online followers on Twitter, Facebook, and here on our blog. Starting today (Friday, September 25th), buy one necklace and get the second at 1/2 off.

We have a whole bunch of new fall jewelry in stock, so stop by to take a look!

Button Thursday: What Happened to the 6th?

Red Plastic Buttons Marked "Glamour", originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

One thing I enjoy about collecting vintage buttons is the interesting graphic design that is encapsulated on old packaging.

I love the simplicity of this coated white card with aqua text that is half-way between script and individual letters, as though it is handwriting tossed off by a hip '60s designer.

Also, I wonder who bought these cherry red buttons back in the day, and what did she do with the one missing button?

New to Button Thursday, view my other posts here.

Veronica with African Fabric

Click on the image to see the incredible detail of the handmade batik fabric.

Our customer's husband wore a traditional garment made from this batik fabric when they were in the Peace Corps in Senegal.

She paired the vibrant print with espresso microsuede, dark teal faux leather, and a fun lime lining. You can see her first Veronica with African fabric here.

Some Pretty Things to Share

New in the Store: Cuff Bracelets

$16 each

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.