BUNNIES CAN DREAM

Meet me at Hester Street this Sat and next!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 20:23:00 +0000

Yes, it is the time of the year. Late summer is always my favorite craft market time. It gives me an excuse to hang out in the sun all day and meet with interesting fellow crafters and favorite customers. So come say hi to me at Hester Street. This August, they have changed their hours to noon-10pm, with live DJ and a lot more cool events for summer nights. I'll be there from noon to 9pm only ;)

I've come to realize...

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:55:00 +0000

I thought we have found it again. But we did lose it forever.

Within The Walls of Our Fidgety Hearts by Jeannie L. Paske of Obsolete World Artwork on Etsy

Meet me at Hester Street Fair this Sat~!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:40:00 +0000

Come meet me at Hester Street Fair this Sat! I love this little corner of heaven downtown Manhattan. Quality handmade goods, delicious food and a little court yard of grassland with shades from trees to sit under. It is a nice little hidden corner away from the bustling shopping area filled with tourists. So come say hi. I'll be there ;)

June 22, 2013 10am-6pm

Corner of Hester and Essex

F J M Z to Delancey

F to East Broadway

Bunnies Can Dream at Crafts In Chelsea this Sat

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:47:00 +0000

Where am I???

noreply@blogger.com (Debbie) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:15:00 +0000

It has been a whirlwind this year and now we are in the middle of May. I apologize for not coming here and provide update for my readers for so long. I promise I will do a much better job moving forward!

2013 has proven to be a year of confusion for me so far. Most of you are aware that I have 2 jewelry brands on Etsy. And since last year I have been spending a little more time at my other shop, giving Bunnies Can Dream a slower pace of development and trying to nurture both to be a sustainable business in its own way.

At some point late last year, I realize that it is very difficult to manage both so I have decided originally that I will focus on the other shop this year. But I am at a cross road. As most small business owners, I know I need to work with what I have and there are some hard sacrifices I need to make. What I have envisioned last year as to how I could manage and grow my two jewelry babies are now faced with the challenge of money and time. And I have to reconstruct my plan to make things work. I have to say I am not sure where to go and how to approach everything. What I have learned in the past 2 years are valuable lessons and I am blessed to meet a lot of helpful people and some good friends along the way. But it has not really prepared me well enough for this year so far I have to say...

Well, it will not stop me from trying I can tell you! There is a lot on the plate to work on but I love what I do and I know you guys are always here to support me too. I hope my jewelry can continue to bring you a smile on your face and a spring at your feet every morning when you go out in your lovely outfit with my jewelry.

Now here is a quick look at what I worked on this spring inspired by the flowers. I will get it posted on Etsy as soon as I can. More to come...

The Valentine's Day promotion is here now!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:42:00 +0000

Oh yes, get a lovely 15% off your next order when you subscribe to my mailing list. You get update and special offer from me. Click here to subscribe, or just fill in your info at the subscription box on the left hand column of this blog ;)

Happy February shopping at Bunnies Can Dream!

Goodbye 2012. Hello 2013!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 23:50:00 +0000

Where do I begin...?

2012 had a great start. I went to BMAC as a guest and joined the Art Business Institute workshops, which kick-started the shift-gear from Bunnies Can Dream to Harlequin&Lionhead in 2012, resulted in a 400% growth in revenue for Harlequin&Lionhead (a small pat on my shoulders but more to do in 2013!)

Things progressed really fast in Q1 2012 and then a slow Q2, and a crazy Q3. A trunk show at Henri Bendel followed by a Fashion's Night Out event - definitely highlights of the year! I felt like I have pushed myself forward by leaps and bounds. The lesson learned from here is you will never get what you want unless you ask for it! So don't hold back because you may feel inadequate. There is nothing to lose but your dignity if you get rejected. It is just a small price to pay in order to grow, and gain an unforgettable experience and precious learning experiences.

I have the fortune of some really good friends who have been my support and ally. And I started to see familiar faces coming to my shows at different locations looking for my jewelry. It gave me the greatest joy to see your happy faces when you found the perfect piece to take home every time!

Then came the very challenging 4th quarter, both emotionally and physically. It was an exciting and depressing one at the same time. Some of you were there with me and I have to apologize for my temper and my sometimes psychotic behavior :P I want to say I now realize how blessed I am to have the support of my family in what I am doing. We grow stronger together through the tough times. I can only imagine how this is an important preparation for what may be coming our way in the next few years!

One thing I regret most is that I didn't manage to learn driving. That is going onto my 2013 to-do list. No more procrastination!!!

2013 - I have mixed feelings about it. A year of great things to come, and a year to push myself above and beyond my comfort zone. No matter what, this will sure be a milestone year for me. What will 2013 be for you?

Where to spot a bunny that dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +0000

As we are stepping into December, here are some great news from us few bunnies that dream a lot!

You can find Bunnies Can Dream at our new home, Urban Alchemist Design Collective in Park Slope, 343 Fifth Street, and Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn!

Spot not only lovely pieces from my line, but also a collection of lovely pieces that will make great gifts this season. Take a look at my earlier post about them here.

I will be there most Weds so come say hi!

Also, I'll be at this great holiday market hosted by PS10.

The South Slope Holiday Craft Fair is at it's 3rd year. Enjoy a gallery of artists, artisans and craftspeople, many from Brooklyn and all purveyors of original and high-quality goods. They have assembled a diverse product line for your shopping pleasure, including jewelry, apparel, ceramics and more.

Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 11am-5pm

P.S. 10, 511 7th Avenue, Brooklyn 11215

Another great place to shop for this holiday is the Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market.

I'll be at this market on Dec 15, 2012 11am - 5pm.

But the event is actually a 4-day one, each weekend features different groups of artists and local crafters. Also listed as one of the holiday shopping destination by Time Out New York, this once a year shopping event is one not to miss!

Come say hi! There will be exclusive pieces created for this holiday season, new collection premier and free gift wrapping! I want to see you all :D

Macrame Fall Collection Sneak Peak!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Last Sat and Sun, I was invited to Urban Alchemist Design Collective in Park Slope Brooklyn for a trunk show. I brought the entire line of Harlequin&Lionhead and a few collections from Bunnies Can Dream. It was a delightful boutique and I just love the neighborhood. I did a little post here.

I took the opportunity and played with my macrame collection a bit on Bunnies Can Dream to incorporate all the great colors that would go well with the fall palette, and included more metal components to the design. Here is a sneak peak - they are not available online yet and currently only available at my trunk shows in New York. If you are interested at them, email me and I can always make one for you ;)

Discover the hidden gem of Park Slope - Urban Alchemist

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:47:00 +0000

Imagine a mini Anthropologie in your neighborhood. Well, the Park Slope folks can. Urban Alchemist Design Collective was nice to enough to host a trunk show for me last weekend and I spend 2 days drooling over all the creative and beautiful pieces in the shop.

Located on the quiet street of 5th and 5th Avenue, this Brooklyn boutique houses independent artist works from all over the country, one-of-a-kind mixed media jewelry, t-shirts, home decors and high quality vintage finds and vinyl records.

I'm going to show you a few lovely finds here.

First off, enter the colorful world of Betsy Olmsted. The Lancaster Pennsylvania designer draws in gouache, water color, pen, pencils and spray paint to create original artworks that are used for her collection of towels and blankets.

Next, the super-cute A-line upcycled sweater dress for toddlers by Banbutsu, a British Columbian brand! All their products uses recycled or organic materials. This bright red pinafore top is made of wool and some angora so really soft. But to avoid the protest of Charcoal and Roxy, I did not buy this for my little baby niece. But she'll look so cute in it!


Roots In Rust	Alison Corrie's Stuffed Animal Collection

Another great find is Roots In Rust by the New York artist, specializes in ‘planters’ and terrariums using air plants and unusual, mostly reclaimed metal, wood and glass objects. It is rustic but modern, definitely one-of-a-kind. The air plants require low maintenance and makes a great gift this fall!
I just love the whimsical animal print on these high quality cushions by Alison Corrie. The only 2 left in the store is the cool alligator and wacky dodo. If they have this rabbit it would be sitting with me, Charcoal and Roxy right now. Alison's artwork is indeed amazing. Check out her collaboration works too!

Urban Alchemist opens Tues-Suns (closes on Mons) from noon-8pm (to 6pm on Suns) and on most days, you will find Tara or Eric from Fencing and Archery Printing Co. there.

If you are hungry from shopping, hop over to my fav. restaurant Juventino for a lovely meal. You can order gluten free yummies and check with the very friendly staffs there if you also want to skip dairy in some dishes due to allergies / dietary requirement.

Next post will be a complete view of my fall macrame collection, including bib necklaces and earrings, launched at my trunk show this past weekend. You can get them in my next trunk show at the Two Fair Ladies 1st annual holiday market. More details to come so stay tuned!

Meet me this weekend in Park Slope!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Yes, it is on! First off, Park Slope Brooklyn!

Date: November 10-11, 2012

Time: noon-8pm

Location:

Urban Alchemist Design Collective

343 Fifth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Tel: 718.499.0758

Urban Alchemist Design Collective offers an eclectic mix of work by independent designers. It has soon became a Park Slope neighborhood fav boutique since its opening in 2008. Look for the Fall Macrame Hoop collection designed exclusively for Urban Alchemist! Also available is collections from Harlequin&Lionhead, including great statement pieces not available on my Etsy shop. Limited quantity only so come early or they are out.

Another November event I will be in is The 1st Annual Beat-the-Crowds Handmade Holiday Happening presented by Two Fair Ladies. More info to come next week! Check back ;)

Poisonous Food Journal turned Healthy! #1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Because hubby has been tested to have high blood pressure, and both our families has a higher risk of heart disease, we have decided to get back on the health wagon when it comes to dinner. I cheated all the time during the day on my own with chocolate, eggs and cheese, but he does not have to know.

Anyways, I want to share with you one of my BEST experiments on my lab rat husband. Yes, he is a brave man eating food cooked by the girl who penned the Poisonous Food Journal. Look I'm very nice to not try the coffee maker cooking recipes on him. Let's just say the blood pressure report actually saved him.

This one took nasty extra lean ground turkey breast, small sweet peppers, kale, and black beans into town!

Turkey stuffed peppers

Ingredients:
Extra lean round turkey breast - 90-100g
Small sweet peppers - a dozen or more (you can also replace with bell peppers)
Soy sauce (low sodium) - 1.5 tea spoon
Soy sauce (dark - get that from Chinese grocery stores) - 1 tea spoon
Onion powder - 1 table spoon
Galanga ginger powder - 1/2 table spoon
Ground black pepper - as much as you like
Sesame oil - 1 tea spoon
Olive oil - 1.5 table spoons
Egg white - 1

Instruction:
Marinate ground turkey with onion powder, ground pepper, ginger powder and sesame oil the night before. Mix in egg white before stuffing.
Cut sweet pepper in halves, and stuff the turkey meat in with either a fork of a spoon. Add olive oil in a flat non-stick pan and wait for it to get pretty hot. Put the stuffed peppers in meat side down and let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes with lid on with high fire. Turn peppers and lower heat and let it sit for another 2 minutes. Check to see if pepper are burnt and shift it a little and let it sit for another minute and serve!

Nutrients approx.:
Extra lean turkey breast ground = 120 Cals. (Sat.Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol 41mg, Sodium 58mg)
Soy sauce = Sodium 600mg (that's more than 25% of daily, so be fugal with it!)
All oil added = Fat 30g (stinker, that's almost 60% of daily! See how it all adds up!)

Kale
1/3 of a bag of kale, chopped into 1 inch sections
Wait for water to boil, then put stems in first, and then leaves. Keep it in water still under heat for no more than 2 minutes, take out of hot water, and rinse under cold water. Tastes real good with some sesame oil (1/2 tbsp), Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp, Sodium 65mg) and a bit of sugar.

Black Bean Rice

Ingredients:
Black bean from can - 1/2 (Make sure to look for the ones that have the lowest sodium level! I was unpleasantly surprised by the nutrient labels on some of these well known cans!)
Rice - slightly less than 1 cup

Instruction:

Cook rice in rice cooker with half cup of water. Wait until water is boiling, then stir in black bean and some of it's water from the can into the rice cooker. Then wait for it to cook and viola! Delicious!

Who are the bunnies behind Bunnies Can Dream?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:35:00 +0000

As a tribute to Toffee, who passed away 3 years ago, I am doing a rabbit highlight here on Bunnies Can Dream's blog!

Yes, Toffee will always be my special boy.

He and Charcoal were the original inspiration for the name of the line, Bunnies Can Dream. They are also the two bunnies in the logo my husband and I created together.

Toffee was born as a harlequin (because of the mixed colors in his body) and a dutch (according to my vet) in 2001. He and Charcoal moved with me from HK to NY. It was a terrible trip for them but they took it like solders. Toffee developed head tilt syndrome back in 2008. The little trooper, being always positive and kind, and could eat like a pig, bounced back with a tilted head the same year, and continued to eat like a champ until his last day on earth. His kidneys were attacked and crystalized, a painful illness that he managed to hide and continued to live with happily until both of them gave up on my high spirited boy on Sept 6, 2009. He has since then lived between Rabbit Heaven and on earth in our hearts and possibly sometimes late at night in our house. Recently, I suspect he is either reincarnated into Roxy or my new baby niece. Both are equally happy, energetic and hungry like Toffee.

Charcoal is such a strange creature.

Charcoal was born a lionhead angora mix a few months later than Toffee but he looks much smaller and acts younger somehow. Charcoal has a princely air about him. More like a cat than a rabbit, he is the fuzziest rabbit ever. Grooming for his appearance was his most favorite thing to do in the world until Roxy came along. Charcoal is also a very emotionally sensitive creature, although he may not be very sensitive about YOUR emotion. He went into a period of intestinal statsis problem when he was living with us alone after Toffee died. When he was turning 11 last year, we got so worried about his health that we finally decided to get him a friend. It was very hard for me to accept a 3rd rabbit and I think it probably wasn't very fair to Roxy when she first joined us. But the addition of this new young playgirl to Charcoal's rabbit mansion seems to have given him a new found joy in life.

Roxy Rock Rock, my girlie girl

Roxy is my first shelter rabbit. We didn't know how old she is but the vet said she was probably 1 or less when we picked her up Sept 2011. I looked it up and she is a british butterfly dwarf. She has almost symmetrical pattern on her body and her face. We thought she looks like a cow, but she is a bit sazzy so we thought we will have to name her something with an attitude. We called her Roxy, short for rorschach. And then it evolved from a simple Roxy to "Roxy Rock Rock" which is what I usually call her around the house, when she is not a girlie girl. This kid has a strange crush for Charcoal when they first met at the shelter. She was obviously keen on playing with Charcoal, who was only keen on having sex with her (oh well can you blame the poor 11 year old virgin?) She kept pushing him off but kept going back to him. We thought, here is a rabbit who knows what she wants and can keep her man in check. That's my kinda girl. And in the 12 months she was with us, she literally took over the place, turned it into a dirty quarter and put on one full pound (that is like 1/3 of her original weight, say equivalent to 30+ pounds?) Talking about white trash...oh well. We only love her more.

So here you go. The inspiration as well behind these animal necklaces I recently made. Both silhouettes for Toffee and Roxy found a nice home last week. And I have decided to keep the Charcoal silhouette to myself. I am looking forward to some toasty down time this X'mas with Charcoal and Roxy. And if you see a cloud in the sky that looks like Toffee, say hi and eat a carrot!

Meet me in Brooklyn this Sat!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Dekalb Market I am back!

I will be at this great gem of Brooklyn on Sat. Come say hi!

Date: August 25, 2012
Time: 11am - 6pm

Where:

138 Willoughby Street (@Flatbush Ave)

Brooklyn, NY 11201

How to get there:
B, Q, R to Dekalb Ave
A, C, F & R to Jay St. Metrotech

A little adventure into an out of city handmade market

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:57:00 +0000

I made a new friend on Sunday at the organic farm, Garden of Eve, in Long Island!

This creature is the funnies thing ever - a rooster (or hen) and a rabbit combo it seems to be. There are 3 of them (see below) and they are so super fluffy if it is not because of the beak I would really touch it.

They were really noisy too roosting all day long. But it was more hilarious to me than annoying. Despite the super fatigue I was experiencing, from only having 2 hours of sleep.

It was all for the fundraising event for the Forgotten Friends of Long Island. Me and Jessica, who owns Hans-My-Hedgehog Illustration and was also the driver for the trip (because I failed my to-do list for the year and didn't get a driver's license yet), started off 5:15am to pick up our rental car. Drove all the way from Queens to Long Island to be at this lovely little farm where the event was hosted.

Not only do they have a chicken coop, lots of beautiful herbs and vegetable for sale, a lovely barn turned cafe with great quiche, they have a small lavender patch made into a labyrinth for children to play in! And on the day of, they have a little birthday party and a pony was brought in to let kids have a taste of riding.

We were there to work so I didn't get to enjoy much of the farm but people were just all very nice. I had my tent up, and from time to time when the sun was gentle we would just sit in front of the booth at the wooden table and chairs provided for patrons to sun bath a little. I had my lovely organic meal of the day and helped out the animal organization a little with my sales. It was a great day for Bunnies Can Dream and Harlequin&Lionhead!

BTW, my mascot porcelain rabbit has retired. I have this constant fear I would break it one day so I got this carved wood rabbit in Hong Kong instead. It has a black friend who crouches. I'll show you next time :)

Meet me in August at these locations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:13:00 +0000

August brings some really exciting events. First off is a very meaningful one for animals in need of adoption and the kind people who take care of them in the interim.

Event: Fundraiser for Forgotten Friends of Long Island

Date: August 18, 2012 (rain date: Aug 19)
Time: 10am - 5pm
Location: Organic Farm - Garden of Eve
4558 Sound Ave, Riverhead, New York 11901
(At the intersection of Sound Ave and Rt 83/Northville Tpk)

Forgotten Friends of Long Island was established in the spring of 2008 as a rescue organization that would help the neediest animals in our municipal shelters. Their mission statement was to reflect the belief that all lives should never be forgotten. The folks at the organization decided to rescue the animal that was continuously overlooked by others or the one in need of medical care. They constantly host adoption events. Check out their website here.

Garden of Eve kindly offers their space for this coming fundraiser. For more info regarding the organic produce, click here.

For this special event, proceeds of all vendors' sales will help support the organization and their efforts. Bunnies Can Dream and Harlequin&Lionhead will be donating 20% of all sales. I will also have (very) limited quantity of these lovely animal silhouette pendants available at my booth.

These little pendants are all about 3/4 of an inch tall or less, made in brass with satin polish, hung on a delicate plated ball chain of 16 inches long. Do you see your favorite animals here?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:47:00 +0000

By Upstate

Yesterday I went to a fabric dyeing class in Brooklyn, taught by Katrin Reifeiss. It is about a specific Japanese technique called the Shibori. It involves binding techniques, stitching, folding and pole-wrapping. Here is a quick introduction of Shibori based on what I learned. For a thorough introduction, you can also view videos by Narablog on youtube.

Katrin Reifeiss, who also teaches at Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn if you are interested for the full course. But ours was just 3 hours and it flew by like an hour! Here is our table. There was a bucket of squeeze bottles of dyes we could have used for direct dye method but it would have taken at least 12 hours for the fabric to cure in dyes to complete so we opted for the tub dye method, using buckets of dye water and submerging our fabric in it for a few minutes to 45 minutes to achieve the dye.

There are 4 types of methods as I introduced at the beginning of the post. Below is the Pole-Wrapping Shibori technique called the Arashi "Storm" Shibori. It involves some folding of the fabric (or not), then wrapping it around a pole (you can get the PVC pipes from Home Depot) and then stringing the thread over in horizontal lines tightly, then pushing up the fabric to bunch it up before dyeing. Katrin was demonstrating on a scarf she has made before the class. The red scarf is then dyed in navy so you can see the black lines which is the bunched up fabric exposed to the dye, and the lighter red lines which is covered by the thread (i.e., the resist) which is not dyed.

The other method is called the Binding techniques. Below are some examples:

Ring Shibori - a string is tied to a little bit of fabric bunched up. The white line seen here is created by the resist of the string.

Shell or Spiderweb Kumo Shibori - It is basically a larger Ring Shibori, and the string is wrapped around the bunched up fabric in horizontal lines to create the white line you see over the orange here.

My attempt at the Spiderweb Shibori was ok. The strings were too thin and the color is a bit too light so I cannot really see the horizontal lines. But the ombre effect of yellow to green is very nice in reality.

My classmate of the day, Christina, is working on her skirt here to try and create an ombre effect. She did a combination of Spiderweb and Arashi on her scarf below and it came out really beautiful.

Another example of the binding techniques is the pleated stripes. Here Katrin made an example for us using this technique, which starts off with pleating your fabric and securing it with rubber band or a string, then you wind the string down the folded fabric to create the horizontal lines you see here. I tried but mine was horrible. Note to myself, must fold my pleats a lot tidier next time and tied the string tight around the fabric!

Then there is the Stitching Shibori Method and this is called the Ori-Nui. You start with drawing a pattern on the fabric, then fold it up a little into a ridge, and stitch running stitches in regular intervals right under the fold line, pull tight to bunch up, then dye. After you dye it, the pattern will emerge as white dots. It is absolutely beautiful.

The last method is called the Folding techniques. Below is my work (yay!) from yesterday which is a not very regular Tortoiseshell Kikko Pattern. The folding techniques involve pleating the cloth, then folding it in triangles or squares, and clamping it down sometimes on its own, or sometimes with a resist material. To achieve the tortoiseshell, I used a pair of chopsticks clamped on both sides of my folded triangular shaped fabric and submerged it into the dye to get all the fabric colored, except for the part where the chopsticks were clamped in tightly. The yellow is actually part of the black dye which somehow got separated from the black and the effect is random but lovely.

Here is my friend Atsuko, and our teacher Katrin. Atusko's dress was dyed using the folding technique, and then using a plastic resist in the shape of a circle but somehow it came out square...?

Fabric dye is fun and I love the surprise you get everytime you unwrap a piece. Of course, the masters can always control the dye. But for me, it is like magic!

Things I learned in the past few months

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:00:00 +0000

By Microzoa

Well in January I have set up a to-do list for 2012. 7 months later I have only achieved 2 of them, but probably the most important 2 items to me. And I learned a ton so far. Most important lesson of all, is never under-estimate what each opportunity brings to you.

1) "When a door opens for you, walk through it." - Joan Rivers

OK, I didn't get to see her at the Barnes and Nobles in Manhattan for her book signing. But I read about this from Ellese Launer's blog post. But it is so true. Last year I went to a workshop hosted by a friend, Holly Luttrell of Edward Owl. She is also a jewelry designer in NY and has experience in the retail fashion world. She taught a few of us designers how to approach a buyer at an interview and I was told that Henri Bendel hosts open see for emerging designers twice a year. All I needed to do was to line up and bring my A game. And I did. I figured, "I have nothing to lose but my dignity, which is worthless if I cannot sell." I took the chance, and I got in to their 2F for my 3-day trunk show.
One day you will look back at all the choices you made and doors you went through, and see that some doors opened for a reason and that was how you get here. Then you should be grateful and continue on with confidence.

2) Be grateful for what you learned. Be generous with your knowledge.

So pt 1 leads to pt 2, I am grateful for the things I learned from my fellow designers and peers. Do not feel that you don't deserve help or sympathy. A little advice goes a long way and everyone deserves it. Because we can always pass on the knowledge and help to someone in need. And that is how the world gets better. But never take things for granted.

3) Do not evaluate the success of a single event with the immediate return.

Every opportunity leads to the next one. That is a lesson I learned from going to the Arts Business Institute workshop during BMAC, a wholesale show designed for artists to sell to boutiques and art galleries. Like wholesale business, the world runs on relationships. No one will trust a newbie on the block with no credibility. You have to keep doing things a few times at your own expense, and get people to hear about you more, before the real volume of wholesale orders or sales will come in. Like this trunk show at Bendel, I didn't make as much as I would in other trunk shows, but I learned a lot. And I met a great designer friend, Brandy Pham, who is not only talented but generous and kind, taught me a lot about breaking into the fashion jewelry world. That is invaluable.

4) Sometimes it is ok to just do it.

I had always been a control freak (maybe still). I planned a lot before I act. And I think impulses were dangerous. But a person can only see what are in the present. We plan for our future based on what we can see right now. So in a way, planning gives us a false sense of security but in fact, it is just another gambling on our lives. Yes I agree that some level of planning is needed to ensure we eliminate the 100% chance of failure. But when you are faced with a dilemma and things can go either way based on what you see in front of you, then just follow your heart. The only way to not regret an action is to be able to answer to yourself, that you have tried your best to make things work, to make yourself happy. If it does not turn out the way it should be, maybe it was never meant to be. And it is ok. Because now you can move on.

5) Failure is ok. It is not permanent either.

After I got in Henri Bendel, I applied for Zappo's emerging designer contest. I didn't get picked. I also applied for a scholarship, and I didn't get picked either. I was a bit disappointed (but it is easier to overcome because I got rewarded anyways). But then I got a nice email from both contacts, saying that they wish I would continue and that they look foward to seeing my new collections. I am sure they say that anyways to everyone. But you know what? It is true. I can still submit my new work next time. And I may still be picked. Today is just not the right day for me. That's all. And that is how I will keep working, until I think I have done enough. Which kind of brings me my last point, ironically...

6) Never say enough.

That includes "Enough I can't do it anymore." "I have hear enough and see enough, I think I get it." "I have said enough." "I know enough about (this and that) to know this is (right or wrong)." "I have done enough for now." or even "I have enough stock." "I have enough SKUs." "It is bold enough."
Because, it is never really enough. Well, maybe "I have said enough" could really be "enough." Sometimes.

Well, I think I will stop here for now and maybe do more of this later. I need some chocolate now...

By HandMadeByTammy on Etsy.com

How to eat 2 bananas and an orange in 1 min - Poisonous Food Journal #5

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:35:00 +0000

On this super rainy late spring day in NYC, I am taking a break from being the designer of Harlequin&Lionhead or Bunnies Can Dream to be the Killerbun that I am, and bring you another episode of the Poisonous Food Journal.

Now this one is not poisonous literally. It is indeed a super healthy one. But the speed I took it in was probably not very good for people with smaller stomach. Eating 2 bananas and 1 orange, all in a minute. Let's just say I have help and I am not going to be at the hotdog eating competition anytime soon. And true to the spirit of this journal, no cooking involved, and possibly no washing even. 280 Cal - more than a bowl of rice and less than a salad lunch. hm, maybe it is just half a post instead. hm...

Got this from Bed Bath and Beyond. Made a great X'mas gift. I'm sure you can find it on Amazon or ebay. Single-serve blender from Hamilton Beach which comes with 2 cups in the packaging. One for you and one for someone else who made you make breakfast. Or if you were me, one cup for morning, one cup for evening. No dishwashing in between hoho...

Dump your fruits in the blender. Add water, or milk (in my case, a splash of Vitamin Water). And drink it in super speed. I left a little bit here for you in the blender. Enjoy.

My other portfolio

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:56:00 +0000

It has been awhile since I post something here. I have been very busy with Harlequin&Lionhead this year, I don't think I have given enough love for Bunnies Can Dream recently. But then again, I am a busy bun dreaming big dreams. I thought I'll share a little milestone here with you.

I have recently put together a set of samples of Harlequin&Lionhead to be circulated with a company. Here are some shots of it and a quick note on how you can do it for your own line easily, if you have not already.

Case

If you are in New York, visit Midtown Display on 30th Street between Broadway and 5th Ave. They sell some nice portfolio cases for jewelers there. I bought the bigger ones. One for each of my collections.

The problem is that there is no card slot on the front. So I just print a tag containing my brand, my website, email and phone number, and use a super wide packing tape trimmed nicely to seal it on top and stick it to the cover. It is good to have all your info there because if a buyer or a shop owner lost your card, they can simply find your info on your portfolio. And if (touch wood) you lost your portfolio in a public area, some nice person can also call you to return it.

And then of course, I put down the name of the collection and mark it as "Samples" on the front.

Inside the portfolio there are space on the left for chain necklaces with straps to keep everything in place. My pendants are pretty big so I use u-pins to keep them tightly stuck so it doesn't swing around scratching each other. On the right there are 2 rows for studs, and 4 ring pillow straps which I love because my rings are too big for usual slots. At the bottom there are also spaces for chain bracelets. But for my rose bangles, I simple use the faux leather clasps for chains on the left, snap them off and hook around the elastics on the bottom right through the bangles. It keeps the big bangles tight in place. (see top image)

Reference tags

What is key is that you have a little label for each piece. I included my line sheet with the samples but you can never assume the buyer will have your line sheet handy when reviewing your samples. What if they pass the portfolio to someone else in the office? Or worse still, what if one of your pieces is separated from the portfolio on someone's desk? How do you expect them to remember this is yours (of course they should if you have an unique style, but they could be reviewing a ton of stuff everyday).

Even if they do have everything in one place, help them refer the piece easily to the line sheet by quoting the sku number and item name. I also included a small note if one of the variations I listed in the line sheet is not among the samples I sent them. So they will not be confused - "where is that 2-tone plated version in black and rose gold? I only see one color here...oh wait, ok it is not available right now. Got it."

And as I said, include your contact on the tag. How do you get these tags done cheaply and quickly? Print everything at home!

I got nice textured paper from Paper Presentation on 18th Street between 5th and 6th Ave. I type everything out (or rather, copied from my line sheet) onto a word doc, set the column wide to 1.5 inch and do 2-3 columns on one sheet. Print it out from my inkjet printer. Putting the other side of the text on the tag is easy. Get a inkjet printable label sheet instead of trying to line things up on word.

Cut everything up quickly with a paper cutting board (you can get it cheaply there or at any art supplies store), use a small size paper hole puncher (which I also use for earring cards) and...Voila! Done in no time. Loop through about 6-in long string per tag, and tie a knot. The tags can go around any jewelry easily.

Line Sheet

I put everything in a nice folder. Card, line sheet and bio. Get the folder from Paper Presentation as well. Many colors to choose from. I use the same textured paper from Paper Presentation I used for the tags for the cover as well, to give it a bit of charm and consistency. And the same paper is used for the business card. I print everything in small amount on my inkjet. Of course, you can always print business cards easily with Vista Print or Moo. But I like mine with embossing. Get embossing powder in different color or even metallic from Paper Presentation or Michael's cheaply and get a heat gun while you are there. You'll never run out of the powder and the heat gun is great for plastic shrink wrapping and many other craft purposes.

Keep your line sheet simple - pictures on white or black or gray background, no texture. 1-2 images max. per design. Put all color variations on one shot if possible. 1-2 lines of product spec (no fancy write up, just dimension, materials...etc), and wholesale price point (no sales tax needed for wholesale!) If you have specific terms and conditions, include it. And remember to include an order form with fields for the customer's contact info and tax ID!

Make sure you create simple enough SKU numbers. Never too ridiculously long, or you and your customers will have a hard time referring to it.

Hold it all together in one place

Last but not least, if you are leaving it with a company, make sure to find a good bag for your portfolio and line sheet to sit together.

I have not printed my own bags, so I got a white shopping bag, and print out labels of my brand, with my contact info, and stick the labels on both sides of the bag. And I stapled a card on the bag with the buyer's name and contact, and my info on the bag. So if any chance the whole thing got circulated around their office, it will go back to my contact person.

One set done. A couple sets to go and I am ready to venture out and talk to more people. Sell sell sell!!!

A new page to the Poisonous Food Journal girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:12:00 +0000

This past Valentine's Day was a sweet one with an unexpected bouquet from my husband. To thank him (we usually don't celebrate VDay) I thought I'd make him a nice dessert that is low in cholestrol (for him) and calories (for me).

As the girl who is proud of her "poisonous food journal" this is a huge challenge. But I had a big bag of carrots from Cosco that Charcoal and Roxy could not finish and it was going dry in the fridge, I thought that kinda passed as semi-nasty ingredient and I used it as an excuse to get working on a carrot cake! I found this recipe on allrecipes.com and adjusted it to my need.

Ingredients

1 cup cake flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
(Changed to 2 cups of all purpose flour)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
(Changed to 1 egg and 2 egg white)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup buttermilk
(Changed to skim milk)
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
(Added 1/2 cup of raisins and a tablespoon of vanilla essence)

Technically you should fluff up the egg white and fold the ingredients in, but I am too lazy so I just mix all the wet ingredients and then whip in the dry ingredients. Don't over blend. Heat up oven to 350F (remember to preheat!) and bake for 20-25mins.

Instead of icing, I use confectioner's sugar for decoration only. And you really don't need to use any because the cake is so moist and delicious! To make the pattern, get a paper cutter and cut out your favorite shape and put it on top of the cake before you sprinkle the sugar on. And voila! It's done looking pretty decent. All in 30mins!

The problem is, I still have a big bag of carrots left...grumpy.

A grand review and forecast!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

2011 is definitely a year of blessing. A few ups and downs. But most importantly, no regrets. It was a year of confirmation and reinforcement. The past 12 months I am able to see which direction I should proceed and set a good foundation for 2012.

After leaving my stressful job in advertising back in May 2010, I have been working on my own terms. I met many new friends and propelled my jewelry shops from a hobby to an initial business. I am a much happier person, and a lot more patient and relaxed. To a point, I would say I have become a little less organized and a little more forgetful! But I love every second of it.

2012 will require some major changes. Big things planned and I am not sure if I can do it all. But I will try my best.

Here is a quick list of 2011 major incidents:

Finished 12 handmade markets!
Met some really talented people and made a few good friends through Etsy
Launched a brand new macrame line on Bunnies Can Dream
Launched a brand new polymer clay Whirls collection on Bunnies Can Dream
Got my first wholesale order for Bunnies Can Dream
Found a stable supplier for Harlequin&Lionhead
Launched a brand new Whirls collection on Harlequin&Lionhead
Got my first custom order for Harlequin&Lionhead
Triple my billing for my jewelry shops
Purchased my first work bench ever!
Helped Charcoal find his new love, Roxy
Became an aunt to my baby niece, Tegan
Finally went to Niagara Falls, thanks to my mom
Carved my first pumpkin, thanks to Jessica
Recovered from a bad little accident

And here is a list of 2012 targets:

Triple my 2011 billing
Get the Rose and Whirls collection into boutiques
Find a fashion related full time job (that would still allow me to work on my shops!)
Get into at least 2 major handmade markets
Get into at least 1 major trade shows
Squeeze in a stone setting course
Create a collection of polymer clay Whirls art piece
Become a mother (unwillingly :P)
Learn to drive
Visit a lavender farm

The higher the target, the more anxious I get. But we still have 11.5 months ahead. Maybe, just maybe, the carrot is not too big for the bunny that dreams big.

Next Stop - Columbus Avenue Holiday Pop-Up Market

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Finally I have all the info for my next market. The Columbus Avenue Holiday Pop-Up Market organized by the Astoria Market. It will be at the beautiful Church of St. Paul the Apostle, where the Radio City Rockettes practices during the week ;) And it is just steps away from Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle and Central Park.

Date : Dec 10, 2011
Time : 11am - 5:30pm
Where : Columbus Avenue (9th Ave) btw W59th St & W60th

45 plus vendors that will be featuring their unique handcrafted and vintage wares out of the spacious 9000 square foot auditorium. You’re sure to find amazing holiday gifts such as art, jewelry, toys, body care, handbags, clothing, stationary, scarves and hats, pottery, and more!

Read more about the market here:
NY1: http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_community_calendar/events/#18957
Queens Mamas: http://www.queensmamas.com/queens_mamas/2011/12/shopping-made-easy-holiday-shops-and-markets-in-queens.html
City Limits: http://www.citylimits.org/calendar/15337/columbus-avenue-holiday-pop-up-market-on-12-10
Pretty City: http://nyc.prettycity.com/events.cfm
Markets of New York: http://www.marketsofnewyork.com/2011-new-york-holiday-markets-guide/
NY Free Guide: http://www.nyfreeguide.com/content/columbus-avenue-holiday-pop-market

Remember, you get special discounts when you buy from my table at the holiday markets. And you can order online and pick up at my table so you don't need to pay for shipping :)
I hope to see you soon!

My table at the Dekalb Market last Sunday, Dec 4.

The new Harlequin&Lionhead corner on my table - all of the Whirls Collection will be available and some of them are available at the market with a special 20% off. So come check it out.

Hans-My-Hedgehog will be sharing my table at the market. Get some pretty holiday cards and ornaments for your loved ones this Christmas!

Holiday Sale and My Next Few Stops!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 +0000

Bunnies Can Dream is now on sale up to 25% OFF!

Click here to the Sale section.

More exciting new items are on promotion!
Sign up for my mailing list and you get an exclusive offer ;)
And don't forget if you are already an customer,
you get 10% off your next purchase!

***

So where will I be in NYC this December? More details to come but here is a quick schedule:

Dec 4 - Dekalb Market, Brooklyn

10am - 5:30pm

138 Willoughby St

This lovely market is getting better and better. Come check out the weekend market vendors and the 24x7 retailers in recycled containers! A larger and better food court and lots of live music and art installation. I was vending there last weekend and I love the fried donuts, BBQ chicken panini, delicious ginger carrot soup and yumyum chocolate from Jacques Torres.

The shops opens around 11am though the weekend market and food vendors will be ready for you at 10am. The place does not close until 9pm I believe but as the sun goes down, lazy bunny me will be packing up around 5pm so come visit me before then.

Getting there is easy! The BDMQ line is right outside the market. Or take 2,3,4,5,G line you will be right around the area.

If you crave from some cheesecake afterwards, Junior's is just right there.

ATM machine at the food court too but I take credit card now ;) yippee~~

Dec 10 - PopUp Holiday Market in Manhattan!

More details to come on this one but this is managed by the Astoria Market organizer and it will be at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle on Columbus Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets in Manhattan!

I'll be selling with my pal, Jessica Boehman of Hans-My-Hedgehog with lots of holiday greeting cards.

Upper West Side, here we come!

Dec 17 - Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market

Noon - 6pm

633 Degraw St. in Park Slope/Gowanus

This event is an annual highlight of X'mas shopping! This year it will be on Dec 17 and Dec 18 though I only appear on the 17th. It is an indoor event at Littlefield, a warehouse-turned-club and each day will feature different vendors. So you get lots of choices of quality gifts you last minute shoppers!

It is accessible by R train, 2 blocks from the Union Street stop.

Will post more later about the events as it gets closer. Hope to see you all there!

"Whirls" Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:42:00 +0000

"Whirls" Collection
The “Whirls” Collection is launched in Bunnies Can Dream as a crossover line to Debbie’s other jewelry brand, Harlequin&Lionhead. The polymer clay version is featured at Bunnies Can Dream, while the metal version will be available at Harlequin&Lionhead on Nov 1.

The “Whirls” Collection showcases clusters of organic shapes that are perceived differently by different people. It could be interpreted as feathers, flowers, leaves or even coral pieces. It is edgy but with a subtle sensitivity. Each piece is handmade by Debbie in New York and not produced in mould, so they are one-of-a-kind with its own personality.

The clay pieces are made of polymer clay, heated to harden, and treated with layers of gloss and matt protective finishing to create different textures and increase durability.

Check out the details of each piece at Bunnies Can Dream on Etsy here.