Itybityblog

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:47:00 +0000

Exciting news in my wee little corner of the world. For a couple of months I have been in collaboration with Lo of HeartsRevolution. We been planning a super cute attack on NYC via the Hearts Challenger Trucks. Well we finally finished! So make sure to stop by those super awesome pink ice cream trucks you see buzzing around the city and pick up some awesome goodies!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:55:00 +0000

Busy buzzing bee

So as usual the studio is an utter wreck. I am a very messy worker bee, but like to begin with a clean work space. Tomorrow before anything, I will be sorting and cleaning my work table. I know I should not be that messy, but no matter how much I try the end result is the same.

Here is a little snippet of one of my new fabrics. I am still tweaking it, but I am very pleased with what I already have done. I am thinking of many cute things to make with this print. So excited! I do have a couple more new designs, but need to make some extra monies before spending it all on fabric. Besides all the craftiness that is swirling about my head, only one thing on the mind...Thanksgiving! I enjoy cooking, so needless to say I love Thanksgiving. This week will be a whirlwind of squash, potatoes, cranberries, Apple and pumpkin pies! Can't wait to gobble them all up come Thursday! After Thanksgiving I will have some more cuteness to share, but for now have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

xoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:29:00 +0000

Makers unite!

Things have been nutty around here. There is always personal and family happenings, but also lots of busy creation happenings too. I have been working on lots of new products and ideas for the shop. I have already introduced two new projects; The holiday "Bag-O-Cheer" and Monsieur molar. They had been floating around my head and my sketch book for a while.
I do have some exciting news that I can't share yet, but I hope to be able to share it soon! It is so super awesome and I am so honored to be a part of it! Eeek! Not to totally be a tease, here are some new things I can share!

I have been feverishly designing fabrics. It is my new obsession! This guy above is my ode to the 1980's. My Son recently saw an old Simon game commercial from the 80's and now he has been searching out all 1980s games. I have decided yet what I plan to make with it? I experimented on some designs, but nothings a keeper yet.

I also designed these 2 little birdies. I think I might name them Peep and Tweet! They will be making an appearance in the shop soon. After the holidays I really have to clean up my act, literally. I have to organize everything! This tend to get a wee bit unruly around here with the Holidays.

A couple of things coming up in the ityworld. Look for holiday sales on EtsyonSales , Lots of new items at Needles &Pens in sunny San Francisco, and if you haven't already sign up with my newsletter for coupons and events!

xoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 20:32:00 +0000

Its Fall again...
So its Fall again. Time to wrap up loose ends and sewing until my fingers are sore! Right now I am busy, busy, busy getting ready for Christmas. I have lots of new things in store for the itybity shoppers. Two new lovelies will be in the shop in the next week!

Can I tell you how much I love the Fall. Really, I love it with all the fuzzy feelings of an awesome sweater and homemade pumpkin pie! So besides sewing and working at the shop...I have been enjoying this wonderful Season with my family. Making yummy goodies and pumpkin picking. What more could a girl ask for?

I also wanted to thank all the itybity fans that came to see me at World Maker Faire NYC! I had a blast and meet some really cool people, made some connections, and nibbled some good food.

It was a weekend filled with interesting twist that is for sure! I was able to showcase some new items that are now available in the shop. Like my new line of ipad and Iphone cozies. My good friend Mandi came to help out. She walked away with a camera full of gold women, bicycle fish, squid cars, and larger then life mouse trap game. And if all that confused you, you had to have been there!

xoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:45:00 +0000

It has been a long and busy Summer. It has been mighty hot, too hot if you ask me! I am more of a home body then a beach bum. Don't get me wrong I adore the beach! I love collecting seashells splashing in the surf, and building sand castles. I don't however like to sweat. Most people are amazed how pale I am considering my Italian heritage.

So what do I do with all that time spent indoors...I think of crazy and whimsical things to sew and make silly!

This Summer I have introduced some new items to the shop, but before the holidays there will be much more! I have been doodling like crazy in my notebook (I have tons of notebooks scattered around my house filled with doodles!) and can't wait to start creating! I really can't imagine not making things. Its kind of like breathing for me. Not all my creations work, but I learn from everything I do. It is amazing how much one person will learn over a years time.

Whats next? Why loads of fun, cute and geekey items headed your way!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:35:00 +0000

Christmas in July sale!

FREE SHIPPING

ON EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP!

This will be the last sale for this year, so grab'em while their hot!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:04:00 +0000

Happy 4th of July!

I am sorry my little readers that I have been away for so long. I can't believe it has been a whole month almost since my last entry. Crazy! I have been so super busy that I plum near forgot about it. A couple of readers asked, "Where have you been?"...well between my online shop, the brick and mortar store, store website and a 4 yr old....I just lost track! EEK!
Well the shop has some new additions like yummy pocket mirrors and new vintage camera pouches. I hope to share some more new projects and goodies I have been working on soon!

One of my newest adventures is in pillow making! I not only made the pillow case, but designed the fabric! Cool huh! I am not sure if I will offer online for sale yet? hmm I guess I will have to think about it some more.

I have been crazed lately about making my own lip balm or roll on perfume! I haven't taken the leap yet, but maybe someday soon! I guess it all depends on time/ money (wait doesn't everything!). This weekend should be pretty busy for me, but I hope to relax a little on Sunday and catch the fireworks! Hope everyone has super fun plans for the holiday weekend!

Cheers!

xoxoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:26:00 +0000

Hello. My name is Lisa. I am a forgetful blogger! Hahahah! Too many things going on to keep up with everything. Yikes! It's not that I don't remember you blog, you just keep being put on hold. *sigh* I need more hours in a day, and more energy from my body. ok enough about me...How are you?

The shop has been steady and I have lots of little projects brewing. More yummy totes, and fun plushies soon. The brick and mortar is also keeping me busy (never a time to think). In between sewing, working, you can often catch me doodling (above doodle of recent store window display). I have also taken up knitting, which I am enjoying. It has been a good activity to bring to the shop that doesn't require plugs, nosey motors, or many tools.

Also in non-crafty news, my bathroom is almost completely done! We only have to hang 2 things and she is finished! Boy, oh boy was that remodel a challenge. It took me to my breaking point! Now I am pleased to say we have a lovely tiled 30's style bathroom. Yay! I will post pics when we are completely finished.

Ok. Off I got o get some other work done and pump myself full of coffee!\

cheers!

xoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:11:00 +0000

The demolition.

Starting this weekend we are ripping apart our bathroom for renovation. So as you can imagine these past couple of weeks have been a little crazy! The fun parts were picking out the tile and so forth, but the dumpsters, tools, time, and plumbers needed are not my cup of tea! So in honor of what my dream bathroom might be, I put together a inspiration board. I am hoping to remember to take pics of the former ugly bathroom, and do a side by side with the new and improved!

In other news I have been working on many little side projects that I hope to share soon. A new tote should peek its head into the shop next week, and some of the old but awesome appliques will find there way too!

Keep warm in this crazy May weather!

xoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:14:00 +0000

Holy cow!
I can not believe the last time I updated the blog! Yikes! Time flies when life is keeping you busy. Lots of new things to share! I have been super busy with my B&M and Etsy shops. I have a ton of new ideas and new items for the shop to be up shortly. I have been making a line of home goods for my B&M that I hope to share soon as well. I have lots of cutey items on the way like notepads, totes, wristlets, brooches, mini zines, exclusive pouches and plushies!

This little taco guy is from the last round of totes (just to give you an idea). I have been sewing feverishly on all kinds of yummy goodies! So stay tuned!

Last I would like to share a little side project that I have teamed up with my Husband on. My Husband loves wood working (since HS), and I just recently got insanely obsessed with knitting. Yes, I said knitting. Like I don't have enough on my plate! So over the last couple of months I have been knitting away on cowls/neck warmers, and he has been cutting and sanding bracelets. Above is an example of one of his Ash bangles. What I find amazing is he doesn't even own a lathe! These babies are made totally by hand! So after getting quite a stash of items we decided to open a Etsy store together! You can check it out at The Same!

xoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Spring has sprung!

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while! It has been crazy (shops, health, etc...). I hope everyone is enjoying some form of Spring weather! It has been unseasonably warm here this week, and even though I know it won't last...it stills feels good :) The Sun always gets me in the mood to clean everything. That's what I really enjoy about the season, Spring cleaning!

I have been hard at work applique, knitting, sewing, and doodling. It has been a very productive Winter. I plan on having many new things popping up as the year goes on. But for now I am busy like a bee! So I hope you all have a sweet as can be weekend, and enjoy my little cherries that I hope to eat on some chocolate cake tonight :)

Cheers,

Lisa xox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:48:00 +0000

The NEW news...

Ok. what have I been up to you might ask, well tons of stuff. First off like many of you I have been buried in snow the past week. Lots of shoveling and warm sweaters. I have also joined a new local organization for promoting shopping local which I am very excited about. So I have been really trying to keep buying local as much as humanly possible! It can be hard at times because of my Sons food allergies. Which brings me to food. I love food. I sometimes wish I went to the culinary. I really enjoy cooking!

So in my effort to make the world a sweeter place I offer my readers a simple and yummy recipe!

Banana Strawberry smoothies!

8-12oz of crushed ice

1 1/2 cp of stonyfarm strawberry yogurt

1 1/1 banana (cut up)

1 tsp of sugar

Pour into your blender, blend until it looks like ice cream, and eat!

num num!

Speaking of num num. I finally got my butt over to Beach Lake Bread. I wholesale and retail bakery of the main strip here in Honesdale. The breads are amazing and beautiful to boot! You can also purchase homemade teas (from my friend Gudren), pies, rolls, pastries, hummus, muffins, etc. I purchased a cheese croissant. Holy joy of eating it is (and I am not lying) the best croissant I have ever tasted. EVER. Every part was perfect, the flakiness, the buttery soft inside and the creamy sweet cheese. Really an amazing experience for your taste buds!

Now that I will probably gain 20lbs due to my cheese croissant addiction. I will leave you while I sob into my bathing suit.

Stay warm!

xoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:58:00 +0000

What have I been up to...

Well to tell you the truth, a little bit of everything! I have been sewing like a mad women, getting the shop in gear for Spring, and doing many side projects. The weather unfortunately has hindered some of my many projects, but at times helps me get things in order.

I spent the weekend organizing, and day dreaming of warm weather. Listening to my crazy mix of music on my ipod, and basking in any little pinch of sunlight wondering through the window. My brain is starting to buzz alive with new ideas (I think it may be solar powered )! My 4 year old Son has been nagging me to help him start his own mini zine. He adores some of the awesome artist zines we have at the shop and kept begging me to help him make one. Well, I finally got some time together to make that happen. And putting our 2 brains together was beyond fun and awesome! So I unveil to you our first mini zine

"Super Cider vs Evil Soda"

The Title was all my Sons making! He even laid out the store line (I only tweaked it a little bit). He helped me design the characters and put it all together! I am so proud of our little zine! He made copies for all his friends and even asked to have it on Etsy (smart kid). So if you would like a peak or to purchase our amazing mini zine, just hop on over to my Etsy shop and check it out! All proceeds will go to my little man.

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Gift ideas

With Valentines Day getting near I thought I would post some of my Fav gift ideas. All of the gifts will be under $20, unique, and will be guaranteed to create awesome memories. Check back through the month to see new ideas!

1. Personalized Flip books!

Yes, I said flip books! This site and product are so fun! I did this for my Husband last Fathers day, and he adored it! All you have to do is download a personal video, or pictures and presto! You have a one of a kind gift that no when can top (unless they have a billion dollars and buy you a tropical island or something?). They start at $8.99, and go up from there. You can even place bulk orders for Birthdays, Wedding favors, and the list goes on and on.

I recorded a quick video on my digital camera of my Son dancing, Loaded the video to flipclips, Picked a cover, and in about a week I had a awesome gift! EasyPesy!

They also often send you coupons for % off or even free flip books on your next purchase.

Pretty cool in my book!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Lazy Days...
I am still trying to beat this darn cold! It has been kicking my butt for over a week. My Son (the germ infested pip) has it too. I have tried every conceivable cold medication out there, nothing works against this mutant. I guess it is back to old remedies, Chicken soup don't fail me now!

I decided to post some awesome finds on Etsy that I am really lovin right now!
The Scottie letter holder is soo amazing. I wish I had scooped it up first!
Well enjoy and happy Etsy hunting!
xoxoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:37:00 +0000

New Look for a new Year!

Happy Wednesday! The sun peaked out at me for a tiny bit, and then ran back to hide behind the clouds. It now looks gloomy like rain is headed our way.

I am really looking forward to warmer weather! I can't wait to do more "Spring cleaning" and to start planting my garden!

In honor of Spring and warm weather...

I gave the blog a make-over. I think it really needed it (plus the old one was making me dizzy). I hope you like the new light and airy feel!

In other news I would like to share a new project of mine! Say a howdy welcome to 3-D pouches! I am so excited about this venture! I have been working on this for a while now and it was so awesome to finally release the first in the series (yes, I said series). After many tries and countless headaches, I finally found what worked! Yay! I have listed the Space themed pouch in the shop already. This is only one idea that has been floating around my crowed and silly head.

Well off I go. I am out of coffee and there are errands that need running!

xoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Hello Tuesday...

This week so far has brought shopping, snow, rain, sunny days, eureka moments, and a head cold. Wait, you say its only Tuesday? How could that all happen by the 2nd day of the week?

It's all true I say!

This week was suppose to be the week that I got a head start on the pending projects and errands. Instead I got sick. Just my luck! Sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, now a cough that could wake a drugged raver!

Looking at the bright side to all of this (under the dirty tissues) I got to break in my new slippers! Santa dropped them off on Christmas and they are AMAZING! They are from LLBean, and are super comfy! I love you slippers!

******

Here lays my mess.

I still can't wait to finally move into my studio. Maybe this Summer will bring promise :)

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:09:00 +0000

The week is half over and boy am I glad! I think I have the Winter blues, and am in need of some sunshine! In my state of mooping I have managed to start some projects that have been brewing my little head. I love being part of some of the teams on Etsy (even if i don't have as much time as I would like to create with them) and have been a member of Etsy Veggie for some time. This group is near to my heart, always helping other members, and donating lots of funds to many worthy causes. I wanted to express my love, and help support them this fine new year! My idea, I would design a pouch just for them!

This is a pieces of the fabric I have created for Etsy veggie! I am not sure if I want to tweek it some more...Maybe I will let it grow on me for another day or two :)
I also wanted to make another little something to go inside the pouch! How about recipe cards! Everyone needs recipe cards, no?
I hear the kettle calling my name! Back to work he says!
xoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:04:00 +0000

Winters dream...

It seems like Summer, Fall, and Winter have gone by with a flash. After opening my own shop last August, I have been working non-stop. It doesn't even feel like the Holidays have come and gone. I have so many things I want to do! But the question is do I have the time to do them? I have been buzzing around working on new ideas, old ideas, and keeping up with orders. Sometimes I wish I could tune out the world and just work on crafty projects all day. I have so many ideas, maybe too many ideas! I hope to try and keep the blog up to date this year as much as possible.

So today I will start with some AWESOME gifts I received for Christmas!

National Geographic Image collection hardcover book. It is filled with never before seen photos from their archives! I am such a nerd! I wanted this book the second I laid eyes on it! I think my idea of the best day ever would be to spend an entire day in the national geographic archives with unlimited access and unlimited hot coffee ! Hahaha!

I have a Le creuset obsession. There, I said it!

I also got these boots from Nine West their vintage America series. I love these boots! I can't wait to wear them in the Spring, and Fall! I think they may even work with a cute dress some days? I guess I can't wait for the snow to melt, but I still have 3 mos to go!
Well I hope my awesome gifts from err "Santa" have inspired you, or made you jealous :)
xoxoxoxox

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:59:00 +0000

Coming soon! Blog re-haul! For the New Year! woot woot!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Happy, happy weekend!

Its Sunday? Where did my weekend go? Has anyone seen it? My life has become a flash, or at least sometimes it feels that way. It is tough being a shop owner times two, and Mom. But I can't complain, I make my own life stressful by taking on to much in a given time!

That being said, even though I have not upped my inventory yet, or started getting potentially ready...

I applied to be in the Bust magazines Holiday Craftacular !

I am so excited!! We (All of us crafters) find out if we got in on Tuesday! I really hope I did! It was such a blast last year, and I met so many wonderful people! This year I have so many new items I would love to share, and I have an awesome table display up my sleeve! hehehe

Well cross your fingers for me! I would sell my left leg to go! Is that weird?

The Bust ladies know how to throw an awesome show! Oh and last year I got to meet my idol Amy Sedaris (I am also in love with her very talented brother) so it was a dream come true!

Ok, tootles folks! I am off to do some work, and maybe eat lunch. Veggie Chili is on the menu today and it is sooo yummy! Have a smashing rest of your weekend!

Cheers!

xoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Head on over to Treat Street!

I am head over heels for these ladies! It doesn't get much cooler then random street bake sales filled with yummy and fun goodies! I only wish the ladies of treat street lived on my coast. After reading their blog I fell in love and headed over to their website Yummyfun and ordered up a indie movement dream of a cookbook. You can't beat it for $5! It is chalk-full of awesome sounding treats and even cooler sketchbook drawings! I can't wait to start baking these yummy delights! I also think this little cookbook would be a perfect gift (maybe throw in a rolling pin or whisk and your golden!) So head on over to treat street and grab a copy while supplies last and start baking!

* pictures like this make me drool!
xoxoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Cute by the dozen!

Well the holidays are fast approaching and I am started to feel the stress of it all. With the order s starting to step up, and family to shop for, it gets a little hairy. So over the last few weeks it has felt like everything has to be made on a grand scale, by the dozen or 3 dozens! Phewww I think I broke a sweat just thinking about it all! So I hope to start making and adding some new additions to the shop, but I can only cross my fingers and hope for the best!

This past weekend was super busy! My Son turned 4 and we had a (at his request) transformer party. We had 10 (or 11) four and five year olds , and about 9 adults. So my house was crazy, but it was a controlled chaos. At least that's what I want to tell myself. I think it went well. No injuries, the kids had fun, and my house was in pretty good condition when everyone left. Not to shabby!

Well off I go to continue sewing and maybe sneak in some nachos for dinner! Yum!

xoxoxoxo

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Something cute and something manly!

I have been crazy busy like always. With the store, itybitybags, the holidays and just plan normal craziness. We did manage to sneak in a day of pumpkin picking! Fall is my favorite time of year! Since moving to NEPA we had to find an awesome location for pumpkin picking, and I think we found it! Last year was our first year at Roobas farm and we loved it! It is already becoming a tradition in our house. The pumpkin patch is not as rustic as I would like, but there are animals, bonfires, a pond,playground, pig racing, corn mazes and tons more. My Son loves it! They even have Santa at Christmas's and real reindeer! If you live anywhere near this place you must go!

Here is my cute and manly pics! First we saw this baby bunny. How adorable is this! I soo wanted to steal him and take him/her home! such a cute fuzzy little bunny!

Then came the pumpkin canon. This the boys went nuts over. Who cares about an adorable bunny when you can launch pumpkins at high speed into fake cows and trees! ohh the joy of parenthood. But all in all we had a amazing time and I can't wait to journey back for Santa come December!

noreply@blogger.com (.Lisa) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:56:00 +0000

What to do...

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks. My Son not being in school, was bored and with me all day at the store. No matter what little games, crafts, or books we read...it was long and boring for him. So finally school has started! Yay! Now I have that little extra time I need in the morning, and most importantly he is doing something he enjoys :)

Besides school it has been a busy past week anyway. It has become a challenge to keep up with everything. I defiantly need to focus and plan out a better schedule.

Last week marked the centennial anniversary for the volunteer firefighters federation. They picked our wee little city/town to have their ginormous parade. It was super fun to see all the antique fire trucks.

They passed out cool little freebies for the kids and throw candy. Because my Son is allergic to corn A.K.A everything. This always poses a problem, because he can't eat the candy they give out. So we went home after the parade and made yummy cake. It is, I swear to you a really good cake. It is made without wheat, corn syrup crap or anything else most people are allergic too. We topped the cake with strawberries and whipped cream! Yummy! So here it is *drum roll* the...

Chocolate cake recipe:

2cps of Buckwheat flour

2 cps of sugar

3/4 cp cocoa powder (I use Hershey's)

2 tsp baking soda

1 extra large egg (I use brown eggs)

1 tsp salt

1 cup whole milk

1 cp of vegetable oil (made without corn)

1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract (sometimes contains corn)

1 cp of boiling water

1. preheat oven to 300 degrees

2. spray 9x13 pan with veg. or olive oil spray (or you could use shortening)

3. mix all the ingredients in the bowl on medium speed until smooth

4.pour into pan, bake for 1 hour or until you can stick and a knife in it and pull it out clean.

Strawberry topping;

Quart of fresh strawberries

1 cp of sugar

1 cp of water

1. slice and wash strawberries and toss into small pan.

2. add sugar and water to strawberries and mix in pan on stove top.

3. Put stove top on med heat.

4. Let strawberries cook down. Mix occasionally. It takes about 20 mins.

Let cool and add to cake for topping.

I also made whipped cream from just whipping heavy cream. You do have to be careful, because some heavy creams have corn in them. It really is a shame how much food they put crap in these days. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this super moist yummy, most allergy free cake!

Cheers!

xoxoxo