New Tag Time - Democratic Design

We're running low on our current round of tags, so it's time to order a fresh batch. I've decided blue is the theme this go-round.

You can vote for your favorite on our Facebook page here. We'll order the most popular choice!

Neighborhood Pride & a Great Deal

KEXP is our local independent radio station. Each year the station hosts a battle between Seattle neighborhoods to see who can donate the most money to the publicly-funded institution. This year our neighborhood, Ballard, won!

KEXP is treating our 'hood to a day long event tomorrow, May 20th. You learn about all of the cool stuff going on here.

We're offering a great discount to KEXP members tomorrow. Show us your membership card, and we'll give you $10 off when you spend $30 or more. Scroll down on this page to learn about the other sweet deals in Ballard.

Summer Chandeliers

Pair these delicate earrings with a summer sun dress or halter top. We have them in a variety of bright and neutral colors, as well as antique gold and silver tones. $23, made in Washington by Deborah Funches.

Mirror Mirror on My Hand

These enormous cocktail rings have mirror-backed crystal stones. You might find them useful for either checking to see if you have spinach in your teeth, or blinding  your companion with a sunbeam. It all depends how your date is going.

$16 each.

Calling All Camera Bugs - Reposted

My earlier post about these camera-themed items was eaten by Blogger, the host of this blog. So here it goes again.

Photo enthusiasts will love these vintage camera-themed gifts.

Necklace - $12, ring - $12, mini wallets, $14 each.

Otis Bucks Expire in Four Days

In case our last newsletter was stopped by a SPAM filter, I wanted to let you know that Otis the shop dog is offering a special right now. Print this image, and bring it to our shop to save. Spend $30 or more and save $10. (Note the fine print above for exclusions.)
 
The coupon is good through this Saturday, May 14th, so don't miss out.Visit this link to check out our store hours.

Three Luxe Clutches in Vintage Navy Floral

Our Luxe clutch design has long been a popular bag for bridesmaids and many other customers. The simple rectangular shape can be made unique with endless fabric combinations.

Here is a short video where I explain how I used one vintage cotton print to make three different Luxe Clutches. This size is perfect for the essentials - phone, lipstick, keys and small wallet.

Ruched clutch withe vintage button embellishment. Learn more here.

Single fabric clutch with ribbon and vintage button embellishment.

Bisected clutch with silk accent and vintage button embellishment. Learn more here.

French Enamel Brooches

If these brooches entice you, act fast we only have one of each color. They are made in France by the artisans of La Vie Parisienne. They may look vintage, and that's because La Vie uses antique casting molds to craft high quality jewelry.

$34 each

Squirrel!

Take a look at these sweet squirrel charm necklaces made in Portland by Luscious. Available in silver and and gold. $18 each.

In Print

The Stranger, March 2011, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We were in The Stranger a while back as part of a terrific new campaign called Think Local. I'm holding a sign that says, "Custom Accessories designed by you, handmade by us. Cruelty Free!"

It's designed to encourage people to spend their money with local businesses. Learn more on their website here.

Her Mother's Wedding

A customer brought us this amazing image of her mother and father's wedding. We transformed it into a glossy black photo notebook.

Maybe we should make one of these for Kate M...

Mushroom Mania: Color Combinations, Video Style

I thought I would try something new with my handy smart phone. Here is a short video where I show you fabric and faux leather combinations.

(Please excuse the camera shake, I need to figure out a way to affix my phone to my tripod.)

Mother's Day Gift Idea: Hummingbird Necklaces by Luscious

Handmade in Portland, these special necklaces are available in cool antique silver, or warm old gold.

Buttons for Japan: Grand Total for Mercy Corps

Our button-making equipment in action in our studio.

Thank you wonderful customers for supporting our recent fundraiser effort: Buttons for Japan. Together we raised $2009 for Mercy Corps' efforts to aid Japan after the March earthquake and tsunami. That means we made 1148 buttons out of origami paper and shipped them all around the country.

Learn more about Portland-based Mercy Corps' Japan relief here.

Mother's Day Gift Idea: Oval Poppies Locket

French Oval Poppies Lockets - Gold or silver plated brass - $42 each

I post about lockets frequently on this blog because I love them so much. Something about the little compartment and the nostalgic designs make me happy.

French Locket- Gold with Swarovski crystals - $52 each 

We offer lockets online and in our Seattle store. Prices start at $24, and up to $65 for a deluxe enamel design. These necklaces are special gifts. Put a secret message, picture of loved one, or tiny drawing inside.

Resin Rose Rings

Recently we've received several shipments of exuberant rings. The carved rose resin versions above are chunky, fun, and adjustable. Plus, they are a nice price of only $12!

Glass Jewelry Handmade by Lisa Sparks

 

Glass artist Lisa Sparks is inspired by nature. Her simple sepia images are embedded in luscious glass chunks.

We have several beautiful necklaces and brooches by this Los Angeles based crafter. The larger pendants, such as 'Fir Trees' above are $28.

Sparks calls these smaller pieces her 'critter pendants.' Shown larger than actual size above, the mustang is under one inch square.

More Critter necklaces in juicy, candy colors.

I met Lisa at the Seattle Gift show back in January, and she is just as sweet as her designs. Her work is from the heart, and you can see that in each glowing glass lozenge.

A Little Otis Video for His Fans

POed pug a video by Laura Bee Seattle on Flickr.

I've been sewing away and haven't been blogging as much as of late. I have some fun things planned though, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, here is a funny, short video of Otis the shop dog.

Black Bag, Six Ways

Recently a customer from California asked me to send her a few images of black bag options. She wanted to order a fairly neutral black-based Helen Hobo.

I pulled a few prints from our collection, and photographed them with both glossy and matte black faux leather.

These images offer a quick peek at our design process. You can see how simple changes, like matte (left) to glossy (right), alter the look of the combination.

Which bag would you choose?

Wedding Party Celestes Featuring Orange Pleats

Our customer is a bride who loves orange (a girl after my own heart). She brought some bright orange dupioni silk with her when she came in to design clutches for her bridesmaids.

She came up with two totally different designs, one for each attendant. Both are pretty, fun, and unique, just like the women who will receive them as thank you gifts.