Modish: the blog

Sponsor Spotlight: Blue Citrus Art

2008-05-13T13:40:34-07:00

Visit the Blue Citrus Art etsy shop for a wealth of beautiful photographs! Modish readers get a free 8"x 8" print with the purchase of any print in the shop (choose whatever print you'd like!) For more photos you can choose from, check out bluecitrusart.com as well.

Hip Handmade: Scarves

2008-05-13T12:15:46-07:00

Those big box stores are calling your name with cheap deals on hip clothes and accessories, home goodies that you just can't live without, beckoning you to become part of the latest fashion trends of the moment...it can be hard for the indie design world to keep up! But, they do keep up- it's just sometimes a little more difficult to find the hip handmade goods that rival the big box stores' goods in style, but far surpass them in quality, creativity and uniqueness! So, I'm here to help, taking a cue from the now defunct box vs. indie blog, and Renee's awesome "if you like...., than you'll love...." posts around Christmas time, and helping you find hip handmade alternatives to the big box store stuff that you so covet- hopefully you'll see, it's easier than you think to shop consciously and stay stylish at the same time! :)

First up for the hip handmade comparison, I bring you the fashion accessory that I see popping up everywhere in catalogs, tv shows and on the streets: summery scarves!

big box: hot pepper scarf from Anthropologie- imported, cotton- $48
handmade: acid green & mulberry striped scarf by Karen Richards- hand woven, cotton/wool- $45

big box: silk peony wrap from Banana Republic- imported, 100% silk- $68
handmade: apple blossom scarf by Sylvie & Elizabeth- hand painted 100% silk crepe- $35

big box: guaze buffalo plaid scarf from Urban Outfitters- imported, cotton- $28
handmade: brown & orange woven scarf by heartisans- handmade by co-op in Guatemala, fair trade- $15

big box: batik print scarf from Banana Republic- imported, 100% cotton- $49
handmade: purple grey scrolls scarf by Margot Bianca- hand dyed & batiked, 100% silk- $45

big box: full fringe scarf from Free People- lurex- $48
handmade: garden of earthly delights scarf by Adventures of Jessica Rose- hand knit, pure cashmere- $45

big box: daybreak scarf from Anthropologie- imported, cotton- $48
handmade: poppy woven scarf by Cyberoptix- hand silk-screened, fair-trade woven silk- $44

Well, there you have it! What do you think of the hip handmade options- are these fair comparisons? Do you prefer the big box choices, or the handmade ones? And did you notice all the handmade items are less expensive than the big box ones? Pretty sneaky, eh?

If you'd like to see this kind of post continue as a regular feature, please let me know! Also, if you have item/item types you'd like to suggest for a future "hip handmade" comparison post, leave a comment or feel free to email me! Thanks much!

Hinged

2008-05-13T09:27:12-07:00

I'm working on a special post that may become a regular feature if ya'll like it- but it's taking awhile, so while I finish compiling and editing, take a peek at these cute new cards by sub-studio- they'll be debuting them at the National Stationery Show in New York if you're attending, but non-NY folk can shop for them on the sub-studio website. They're simple and golden and vintagey and original- love them!

Sponsor Spotlight: Modcloth

2008-05-12T11:24:23-07:00

Visit Modcloth for cute indie clothing and accessories. Use code "modish" at checkout for 10% off your order!

Handmade Spaces: Swallowfield

2008-05-12T09:32:56-07:00

Today I'm pleased to be able to share the space of a well-known artist here on Modish, Swallowfield! Jennifer is the talented artist behind Swallowfield who creates mixed media collages and illustrations for her etsy shop, and also sells many prints right here in our Modish shoppe! See what's behind her creativity and keep up with new work on her blog, and take a peek at where it all happens below!

What do you create in this space?
I make mixed media collage, illustrations, gocco prints, the occasional sewn item, and giclee prints.
Can you describe what we see in the pics a bit?
I have two spaces I work in during the day. One is my basement studio space, and the other is my 'desk' - where I make prints, package orders, etc. I like both a lot for very different reasons.

In my basement 'creating' space, I have lots of inspiration on the walls, including favorite prints, stuff from my kids, cards, etc. It changes a lot. At my desk there is not much wall space, because the room is filled with windows. I like the natural light a lot.

My tools and materials include countless pens + markers, a ton of different papers, vintage books + ephemera, a gocco printer + supplies, inks, a fancy archival printer, my laptop, photoshop, exacto knives, tiny scissors, glue...

How do you feel when you enter your "handmade space?"
I love being surrounded with all of the tools i need to make art. I sometimes wish my studio wasn't in my house, because it is constantly tempting to multitask and throw in a load of laundry or do the dishes...and I can definitely get distracted. A dream for this year is to move my handmade space to a 'real' studio, but for now I am pleased with how I've set things up.

Thanks for sharing your lovely space and even lovelier work with us, Jennifer! Be sure to check out all the wonders that she creates here in the Swallowfield shop!

Put it on ice

2008-05-12T07:41:52-07:00

I love these pendants by Soma Venus, a new line that features her original art collages, tiny and compact, housed behind a thick, icy piece of glass:

They're unique and fun in vibrant colors and sure to start a conversation. Each pendant is only $18, so you can collect a few for your every whim! And right now, if you buy 3 you get the 4th one free! That's a pretty good deal for some wearable art. While you're there, be sure to also check out the Soma Venus polaroid ice pendants and all the other fun stuff in the shop!

Spring Gardening with Renee: Gonzo's Girlfriends or the Search for a Citified Hen

2008-05-09T10:53:23-07:00

When I was a kid I went through all sorts of "When I grow up" dreams. There was a long period where being a horse jockey seemed like heaven (after the Eight Belles incident I'm glad that didn't work out), the cursory veterinarian period (until I learned about worming and med school), being an artist (this was much more than a dream, more like an ingrained detail), living on an island. . . which turned into having an island that was a small village like minded people (those were my Utopian teenage years) that farmed and lived happily together rebelling against popular belief.

Those dreams went away for a long long time, but are back in an evolved form. Do I have Michael Pollan, Barbara Kingsolver, Linda Cockburn and her family to thank? My first awakening came from Peter Singer's Animal Liberation, a book originally published in 1975 that has been updated and reissued periodically to reflect changes in technology and farming practices. "Rebellion" itself is now inherent in small scale gardening and farming, 2 practices that I find integral to each other. I'm not a meat eater, but I wouldn't hesitate to snack on a freshly laid, unfertilized egg, it offers a flavor like no other. Plus, they eat bugs (pest control, woo hoo!), produce manure, and can be quite social animals.

And chickens, that's a dream I can really wrap my little hippie head around, even now. Every time I think of my long term, greater-sustainability dream, chickens seem most feasible. Through my Mr., Charlie, I met Troy and Alisha, parents of Mr. Joy. They gave us fresh eggs to eat, and since then factory farm eggs have been the equivalent of a supermarket tomato. They're completely different beasts. Truly cultivated farm products (produce, milk, eggs, etc.) are rich in color and taste, not to mention nutrients. Between the Tomlinsons gals and gentleman (image right, via Mr. Joy.Net) and my brother's ever-growing chicken family (now at 8!), I'm constantly in awe of the civilized nature of chickens. Apparently I'm not the only one; check out this article in the New York Times.

Rules vary from town to town here in the US, check your town website for animal control ordinances. In Matthews, NC one must first apply for permit, then be accepted. The coop must be 25 feet away from property lines, and each bird mush have a minimum of 4 feet floor space. There are, of course, other rules about cleanliness and upkeep. I'm thinking these rules do not apply to any of the industrial farms in the area.
It is currently illegal to keep chickens within the city of Toronto, but there is an active movement and petition to have that rule changed.

Even if you have a small space, there's tons of info on small scale coops:

The City Chicken Gallery is amazing!
The early iMac twin of lesser fame: The Eglu.

Perhaps you consider yourself a Renaissance (Wo)man? Then a Chicken Moat might be more your style.

Other keepers of the coop:
The City Chicken
Sunset Magazine's One Block Diet Blogger
The Urban Homestead
The Urban Chicken Underground

Getting Started, some helpful resources:
According to the University of Illinois, there are over 175 varieties of chickens!

If you really want to geek out on these fine feathered friends, the Ithaca College Chicken Chart has all sorts of info you never knew you needed to know.

Heritage breeds are the livestock equivalent of an heirloom plant. They have historical significance, and are often times hard to find, due to breeding out certain traits for commercial farming means. Learn from the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy about the importance of protecting the biodiversity of these breeds of chickens.

This Poultry Mini-Manual from Mother Earth News just might be my new birdie bible.

Image above from Mad City Chickens, a group dedicated to raising awareness about raising chickens in Madison, Wisconsin.

How about you? Do you want your own farm fresh eggs, or do you think keeping chickens is just plain fowl?

Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.

Colorsplash

2008-05-09T10:02:12-07:00

Oooh, I love these brand new pieces from Heather Smith Jones- they are original watercolors, not prints, and are just so supple and colorful and lovely:

And the best part is, they're only $25 each! Get'im before they're gone!

Acrylic wonders

2008-05-09T09:01:16-07:00

Just discovered on the etsy front page, the beautiful jewelry by Lauren K Roberts!

It's amazing to me how you can make something like plastic appear to be so feminine, frilly and sweet. All these Lauren K Roberts designs are just that, made from laser cut acrylic, inspired by 1950's design elements. They come in either black or white and since they're plastic, I'm sure they're pretty durable and can withstand any bar-hopping-earring-dropping nights in your future (not like that's ever happened to you though, right?)

Sponsor Spotlight: Sparkle Thots

2008-05-08T12:17:50-07:00

Visit Sparkle Thots for cute and really affordable handmade jewelry. Mention "modish may" in the comments at checkout and get 10% off your order! Please wait for a revised invoice to be sent with your discounted total.

Poketo Surprise!

2008-05-08T10:43:12-07:00

I received a special present in the mail yesterday from the lovely lady Angie behind Poketo- a pair of wonderful melamine plates!

They're not handmade, but since they were sneakily sent my way and I love them so much, I just had to publicly say a big thank you to Angie! Thank you! They're great! Not only are they cool to look at, but melamine is super durable, lightweight and great to use outdoors camping or on picnics. Check out the new plate designs for yourself, along with tees, wallets and more great stuff, at Poketo!

New goodies in the shoppe!

2008-05-08T09:28:34-07:00

I haven't posted about new items from the modish shoppe in a loooong time, and since it's well overdue and I happen to have lots of wonderful new items in for spring, I thought it high time to show some off!

First off, I'd like to introduce a new artist to the shoppe, Stephanie DosReis! I feel honored to carry her wonderful mixed media prints and (my favorite) her adooooorable plush houses made from vintage fabrics, they're each one of kind!

There's also beautiful new jewelry and a pretty new color of poppy pins and hairpins for the summer, by foundling:

Also, back in the shoppe, Mood Swing's wonderful reversible storybook charm necklaces- you get two necklaces in one!

There's also lots of new prints by a modish favorite, Swallowfield- they're all so colorful and cheery!

There's a lot more new goodies on the way to the shoppe too, including new tees from wenifnotnow, plates by New Work, jewelry by Odd Bird, new bags by Jenna Rose and Queen Puff Puff, new jewelry from Mollie Dash, and more more more! Check in often and remember, you can use the code "modish" for free shipping!

Sponsor Spotlight: Eclectic Eccentricity

2008-05-07T12:44:34-07:00

Visit Eclectic Eccentricity for re-vamped vintage jewelry that's feminine and fun! Enter code MODISH08 at checkout and receive 10% off your order!

Eco-Friendly Find: rikrak

2008-05-07T10:20:51-07:00

Today's eco-friendly find is colorful and cheerful, creating lovely wallets, business card holders, fabric wraps, iron ons, coasters, bibs, scarves and more (more? yes, more!) all from repurposed vintage fabrics- they're eco-friendly and cool and a lot of the designs are customizable. What is this wonderful place, you ask? It's rikrak! Check it out!