Beautiful Place

Fall is Coming

bw_zigzag, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We've been sewing silky soft infinity scarves the last couple of weeks to prepare for crisp mornings.

At $30 each, these cozy loops of knit fabric make terrific gifts.

Earring sale window display

Earring sale window display, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I wanted to create a simple window that would tell passers by about our earring sale.

I created the black and white banners at FedEx office (very cheap), and made a giant stud earring from a decorative wood piece I bought at Lowes. The only color in the window was this earring.

Kim installed the window in a jiffy. The design did its job. Many new customers came into the shop because the noticed they window display.

The sale is now over, but I wanted to share this cell phone picture with you before we install our (totally different) fall window next week.

Key

luxe_10years, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We're celebrating one decade of our retail store this year, and I'm preparing for our big party on November 3rd. I'm still deciding on the postcard, window display, and other marketing details. I thought this image was apt, as the anniversary is a celebration of our customers, who are the key to our business. The ten year mark also unlocks our future.

Fundraiser for Washington Wildfire

Image courtesy of KPLU

Our Washington State neighbors are suffering through a tragic wildfire. We are sending our love to all affected, human and animals. Livestock and companion animals have been displaced, lost, and hurt. You can read the news here.

This dog was reunited with its owner after being found wandering and singed. 

Image courtesy of King 5. Article here.

When tragedy strikes it's easy to feel helpless. My way of coping with these thoughts is to figure out what I can do, in some small way, to contribute to the aid efforts.

 

I recently made this Travel Bag for our sales floor. It caught my eye this morning as I was thinking about all of the suffering animals and their caregivers. I would like to offer it for sale, and will donate $58 to the efforts to help the animals displaced by the Taylor Wildfire. Right now I have one made up and ready to ship, but will happily make more if there is demand.

This bag will be for sale through this Sunday, August 19th so that we can collect and donate the funds quickly. To order, just click the link below.


If we ship this bag out of Washington State, we will credit back the sales tax charged by Paypal.
If you would like to pick up the bag in our store, we will credit back the shipping charge. Just make a note when you check out via Paypal.

Questions? Email me at orderdesk (at) laurabeedesigns.com

Presenting Our New Locket Charm Necklaces

Locket Charm Trio with Picture, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We can even make and archival print of your favorite image and insert it for you.

Locket charm necklaces, $38-$42
Image insertion, $12

Thanks Awesome Guy in Cool Hat!

Bridal Collection in Chocolate and Vanilla

The bride's Olivia clutch, left. Bridesmaid Luxe Clutch, right.

The bride who designed these bags had a neutral-themed wedding in mind.

Three ribbons and one vintage button form textural layers.

So she used tones of vanilla and chocolate in luxurious textures to create a special collection.

Distinct button choices make each bridesmaid's bag look special.

The tone-on-tone palette puts the emphasis on the sparkle, shimmer, and shape of each element.

Sunny in Seattle

The whole earth was brimming sunshine that morning. She tripped along, the clear sky pouring liquid blue into her soul. 

- Theodore Dreiser, Sister Carrie

One thing that can safely be said about Seattle residents: We surely appreciate the summer sun when it comes out. (Usually some time after the Fourth of July.)


I can't imagine that those living in warmer places like Florida or southern California can truly understand what it's like to have the sun hit your face after all of those damp months.

Last week, I was so happy about the sunny days that I treated myself to a new pair of white sunglasses. Then I designed a sleeve to protect said glasses.

Now I'm offering these cute cozies for sale in my shop or via email (soon on our website). $18-21 each.

What Will I Make with this New Ribbon?

I often tell curious customers that sourcing materials is truly one of the best parts of my job.

I swear I've built my little business around fabric, ribbon, and buttons, three of my absolute favorite things.

 

When I find a new source, my mind whirrs with excitement over all of the things I can make. I wonder how customers will respond to my finds, and what bag or wallet they will design at LBD.

The above new ribbons are currently en route to my shop via US Mail. My hope is that you will be as inspired by their colors and patterns as much as I am.

Scanning Textiles

vintage_embroidery, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Here's an idea: Scan a fabric or textile that you like. You can get some wonderful textures and dreamy images this way.

This is a vintage organdy embroidery I found in my stash recently.

Otis the Shop Dog Poses & Meets Famous Puglet

It's no secret that Otis the shop dog digs having his picture taken. I swear I lift my Canon and he starts to pose.

So when I learned from my favorite blogging pug that his photographer human was coming to Seattle as part of her 1000 pugs tour, I signed Mr. Otis Bee right up.
We made our way down to the EMP at Seattle Center and waited with the other pugs. At 11:40 it was Otis' turn to play America's Next Top model.
He did a great job, and I was a proud Momma. Amanda, the photographer, was super nice and Otis was fond of her magical treat bag.


We were Amanda's last appointment before her lunch break, and she told me that the famous Puglet and his Dalmatian brother Dutch were hanging out nearby in her car. "Would you like to meet them?" she asked. I couldn't believe it! I was so thrilled, I think I acted like a crazy person.

That's me with Dutch and Puglet, who is such a supermodel he's even posing for Jeff's Droid.
For those of you who don't know, Puglet is quite famous for his modeling abilities. You can see some of his best work here and here. He treated Otis to a master class at the EMP building. (I wonder what Frank Gehry would think.) Amanda let Puglet off-leash and he scaled the wall and found a pose.

The dogs were BFFs by the end of the time together. Notice Otis (left) and Puglet (middle) in sync.
Thanks Amanda, Puglet, and sweet Dutch for a wonderful day. I can't wait until the book is published.

PS - 1000 Pugs is donating 20% off the sitting fees to the local pug rescue in each area she visits. That means Seattle Pug Rescue benefited from our antics yesterday!

Instagram Earrings

Earrings are always top sellers, so we stock new styles every week. Yesterday enamel teardrops debuted. $18/pr

These brushed silver trefoil earrings are lightweight and unique. The long kidney style of ear wire is my personal favorite for its comfort and security. $21/pr

If you're an Instagram user, follow me at LauraBeeSeattle.

Crafty + Vintage Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, June 23 from 10-5 pm

Sunday, June 24 from 11am - 4 pm

New merchandise each day!

It's time to clear out our stash of craft supplies! Join us for our annual sidewalk sale.

THE PROBLEM: After nearly 10 years in the same location, I've accumulated too much crafty stuff that I don't have the time to use. I've run out of space for new fabric and supplies that are coming in every day!

THE SOLUTION: Sell our overstock of fabric, ribbons, beads, baubles, glitter, decorative paper, craft books, gift wrap supplies and more via a sidewalk sale!

We'll have cool stuff for the crafter in you! This year we'll also have vintage treasures to peruse. All at great prices.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. Check out the Facebook invite here.

Our Mini Wallet Solves Gift-Giving Dilemma

We often hear from wistful customers who complain that all their gift recipient wants is money or a gift card to iTunes, the Gap, etc.

Just because you're giving a rather generic gift to a graduate, teacher, or friend, doesn't mean the gift needs to be boring. We suggest gussying up said card in one of our ever-popular mini wallets.

 

We've making and selling these little guys for many years now and they remain incredibly popular to give and receive. With lots of color combinations to choose from online and in our shop, and a friendly price of $14 each, we have a wallet for everyone on your list. Even guys swear by the compact design for their credit cards and a few bills.

Some gift ideas:

• For the college grad: She'll put her new business cards in the wallet once.
• For the high school grad: She'll love tucking her new college ID inside.
• For the 21 year old: Driver's license and happy hour please!
• For the elementary school grad: Library card, school ID + allowance.

With all of these graduations, don't forget the teachers! Restaurant or coffee shop gift cards are perfect inside of our mini wallets.

Oh the Places You Go!

Our customers go to some amazing places around the world and I just love hearing their stories. Amy brought this luscious multicolored silk back from Indonesia. We made her this special Audrey shoulder bag trimmed in black and lined in saffron.

Taking a Trip?

You might not have considered buying fabric as a souvenir, but that's what our customer Lisa did when she went to South Africa recently.

 

She found a fair trade fabric store in Capetown and came away with this gorgeous batik cotton. With custom handbags from Laura Bee in mind, she tucked the print into her luggage and came home to Seattle.

When she returned, she brought the fabric to us and commissioned two bags: this Olivia clutch, and a gorgeous cognac Helen Hobo whose photograph I missed.

Good News - May Newsletter

 We've published our May newsletter and this cheeky monkey pin awaits you inside.

In case you aren't a subscriber, check it out here. If you like what you see, subscribe here.

Rhoda Bag with Exterior Pocket

One of our long-time best-sellers, Rhoda is roomy and functional. We now offer her with a new upgrade option.

Behold, Rhoda with an exterior zipper pocket.

 Slip your wallet and keys into this pocket so you don't have to dig at the checkout line. Stash your boarding pass here when you're traveling and you'll be organized and ready to fly.

Exterior zipper pocket upgrade, $14. Rhoda as shown with premium pesto faux leather and exterior pocket, $129. Rhoda base price $110.

Contest - We're Giving Away this Locket

locket_jadegem2, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Visit our Facebook page to enter a contest we're running right now. Tell us what picture(s) you would have us put inside this locket, and you'll be entered to win via random drawing.

http://www.facebook.com/laurabeedesigns

Contest ends 5/18/12 at 2 pm.