July Team wrap up

Though it was HOT and this summer is 3/4 over we still remained busy as every - being active in the New York markets and looking ahead to fall.

All of July our blog promotion fit a loose theme of Indie*Pendence which members interpreted in different ways. Posts by KimmChi, BeadScarf and WabisabiBrooklyn gave recommendations to shop indie - supplies, coffee AND designers. PulpSushi reviewed a recent Indie craft book she enjoyed. Fubabee gave us some great marketing tips for your independent business and KarensMonsters stressed why it's important to support Indie designers. LoveForever reported on surviving being a freelancer while MayLuk interviewed Indie Designer Mommies. And CollectiveElements was inspired to conduct a whole series of interviews with several popular Indie design blogs who all gave us some insight into their businesses and tips on getting noticed.

Team Member Press
July 2 - MetalSugar on Cupcakes Take the Cake!
July, 2008 - ThirdFloor on Handbag Designer 101.
July 9 -MetalSugar on WHAT!, reviewed for her great puzzle piece necklace.

July Meeting
Our July meeting was hosted by the lovely Cakehouse where we started our fall event planning for a Team Event in Beacon NY as well as discussed opportunities at the South Street Seaport and got updates on our presence at the Brooklyn Flea and printing of our Team catalog. Dates to put in your calendars - SEPT 13 - Handmade Cavalcade in Beacon - DEC 13 - {NewNew} holiday Event!

Live! And in Person
We continued our rotation at the Brooklyn Flea, including AlmaStoller, SpinachNPeace, RedBridge, and Peppersprouts into our regular vendor rotation.

And we also look to expand our presence in other NY venues and perhaps plan some markets of our very own.

Published!
Our very own LoveForever published Complete Embellishing! You can take a look at her recent crafty projects in her flickr pool.
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In the coming months look for The {NewNew} to take it on the Road! organizing trips to Philadelphia, DC and hosting our very own event up in Beacon - The Handmade Cavalcade comes to you September 13. Email handmadecavalcade@gmail.com to be kept up tp date with event information.

Also you can look for us on August 24 to be selling supplies in an extra space at the Brooklyn Flea thanks to the driven Karen of KarensMonsters who is organizing the one day sale of fabric, paint, beads, yarn and other crafting supplies.

Fall is right around the corner!

-Kimm
KimmChi.etsy.com

Here comes the Cavalcade!

The Handmade Cavalcade Rides into Beacon
New York–Area Etsy Vendors Throw an Indie Craft Fair

(Beacon, NY) The {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team—a group of sellers from Etsy.com, the online marketplace for handmade goods—is leaving the city for a day and heading up to Dutchess County to set up shop in Beacon, New York. The craft fair will take place from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and will coincide with Beacon's Second Saturday Art Walk (see http://www.beaconarts.org/ for more info). The Handmade Cavalcade fair will be located at the corner of Main Street and North Cedar, right in the middle of town.

Shop through 20 booths for one-of-a-kind items, all handmade by the hippest DIYers around. You’ll find smashing jewelry, paper goods, hand-screened clothing and accessories, unique artwork and items for the home, yummy soaps and body butters, and much much more.

Meet the artists and crafters who made the stunning wares for sale, and be sure to grab a souvenir. You can sample free refreshments throughout the day while you’re taking it all in.

For more information, please see www.handmadecavalcade.com. For more information on the {NewNew}, please see www.thenewnew.blogspot.com.

EVENT: Handmade Cavalcade
WHEN: Saturday, September 13th, 1pm-8pm
WHERE: The corner of Main St. and North Cedar, Beacon, NY
WHAT: 20 art and craft vendors, free admission, free refreshments, indoors

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Sellers at the event will be...

allenelaspina.etsy.com
beaconbookmarks.etsy.com
bluestitchbooks.etsy.com
cakehouse.etsy.com
collectiveelements.etsy.com
elbeescreations.etsy.com
fubabee.etsy.com
jantar.etsy.com
kimmchi.etsy.com
knitknit.etsy.com
luckx4.etsy.com
mayluk.etsy.com
mshoelace.etsy.com
nordeasoaperie.etsy.com
pulpsushi.etsy.com
saltandpaper.etsy.com
vyphuisdesigns.etsy.com
wabisabibrooklyn.etsy.com

For more information and to be added to our email list, please contact us at handmadecavalcade@gmail.com or visit www.handmadecavalcade.com

Fill out your e-mail address to receive our newsletter!

The Birth of Indiemommy

Forty years ago, my grandmother used to supplement the family income by embroidering complicated dragon and phoenix designs for high-end cheongsam makers. She did it at home. My neighbor in Hong Kong used to sew doll outfits at home for doll manufacturers. Back then, there were not as many career opportunities for working mothers and they were part of larger cottage industries using their hand craft skills. Nowadays, creative moms are starting their own craft businesses to be independent from their previous rigid work life. And using their skills to become successful entrepreneurial business women – or Indiemommies.

The demands of motherhood are incompatible with the 9 to 5, forty set hours of full time employment. The nascent “Indie” handmade movement has changed the work life of Indiemommies. They are able to take control of their time between diapers and trying to make a living. The following are a few examples of {NewNew} Indiemommies and their own experiences:

For Cynthia Mak of Fadingflowers, a connoisseur and maker of custom printed cards, it’s all about flexibility.

“I realized my Mother nor my Mother – in – Law were unable to help me watch over my daughter. I didn’t want to be subjected to finding a Nanny. Plus I wasn’t 100% into finding one and I didn’t trust them. I heard numerous crazy incidents of how a Nanny can abuse your own child and hurt them.

"It all started after I gave birth to my daughter. I wanted to do something and make a little business out of it rather doing nothing at home. I wasn't planning or expecting to be a big shot the next day, it took a lot of time and patience. I also don't want to use up all my time in business and work wise. I wanted time for my daughter as well. I enjoyed every moment of it by interacting with my daughter ever since I gave
birth.”

Cynthia and Evie

Brooklyn Indie Market founder Kathy Malone of Fofolle, formerly a costume designer for the Jose Limon dance and theater company, also started her handmade apparel business after the arrival of a new baby. “When my son Milo was born in 1998, I decided that the demands of the theater and dance world were incongruous with the needs of my new family.”

Kathy and Milo

Kristen Couse of Cakehouse, a textile design graduate of FIT and a former book editor, started her hand printed refashioned home accessories enterprise after she weighed out her scheduling options as a working mother.

“I feel really lucky that this independent, creative vocation that I've
chosen for myself, what I love to do, is also something that allows me such
freedom. I watch some of my friends really struggle with decisions about work
and kids. One of my friends is a city planner, and though she gets a generous
maternity leave from the city and has vacation time saved up that she could use,
she worries that if she takes too much time off, her recent promotion will be
jeopardized. Another good friend is a lawyer, and knows that if she has kids,
the only way she'll be able to continue working as a lawyer is to hire a nanny.
They both love their jobs, and love the idea of having kids and getting to be at
home with them when they're young, but because of the inflexible, family-unfriendly nature of the American corporate world, they will have to make sacrifices in both their jobs and their family life.

“Granted, there are limitations imposed on my business by the fact that
I juggle being a mom and being an entrepreneur. My son is only in school three
days a week, therefore I can really only work three days a week, so there is
only so fast I can grow. But I don't think that's entirely a bad thing---it has
allowed me to grow at a sane pace, and not get ahead of myself, and learn and
make mistakes without losing too much.”

Kristen and Wile

Being creative, entrepreneurial and an indiemommy, offers great opportunities for women to enjoy what they do while bringing up their children. I would like to hear of some good examples of indiedaddy or, perhaps, indiehubby.

-May Luk
MayLuk.etsy.com

The {NewNew} Monday Blog Giveaway! RULES

Each Monday one {NewNew} member shop will donate an item to be given away.

Here's how YOU can enter to win one of these great prizes each week!

Each Monday a Team Member will post their Contest Item Giveaway at http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/
1. To enter to win, blog about why you want the {NewNew} featured item
2. Post a link to your blog post about the featured item in the comments for the item at http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/.
Entries can be submitted through Friday (that gives you 5 days to blog about it) and will be announced the following Monday with the New contest item.
3. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced the following monday
4. Winners will be contacted through email.

The {NewNew} Monday giveaways are open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

See complete Rules and Regulations.

1.ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia age 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees, directors and officers, and their immediate families (spouse, parents, children, siblings, and their respective spouses), and their respective household members, of the Sponsor and its affiliates, subsidiaries, and divisions and the Sponsor's advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible to enter. The Promotion is subject to all federal, state, local, provincial, and municipal laws. U.S. law governs this Promotion and personal jurisdiction shall exclusively be the state and federal courts located in New York. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. In the event that the sweepstakes is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority, Sweepstakes Entity reserves the right to discontinue or modify the sweepstakes, or to disqualify participants residing in the affected geographic areas. In such event, Sweepstakes Entity shall have no liability to any entrants who are disqualified due to such an action. By entering this Sweepstakes, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sweepstakes Entity, which shall be final, binding and conclusive on all matters.

2.PROMOTION TIMING/DESCRIPTION: The Weekly Promotion begins on Monday September 1, 2008 and a new promotion will begin on each subsequent Monday thereafter. Enter online on Mondays, begining September 1, 2008, once the weekly contest has been announced at approximately NOON ET, at http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/. Entries must be received by the following Sunday before 10PM ET, the first sunday being September 7, 2008. One entry per person or email address per day; duplicate entries will be disregarded. In the event of conflict, prize will be awarded to the owner of the email address. Use of automated entry devices or programs is prohibited. Any attempts to access the entry site via a bot script or other brute-force attack will result in that IP address becoming ineligible for the entire sweepstakes and any subsequent sweepstakes on this site. The NewNew and the weekly sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate entry information, human error, technical malfunction, failures, omission, interruption, deletion, or defect of any telephone network, computer on-line systems, computer equipment, servers, access providers, or software, including any injury or damage to participants' or any other persons' computers relating to or resulting from participation in this sweepstakes; inability to access the entry website; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, entry submissions that are processed late or incorrectly or are incomplete, garbled, or lost due to computer or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on the Internet or any website. False and / or deceptive entries or accounts shall render entry ineligible.

3.HOW TO ENTER THE PROMOTION: No purchase necessary. A purchase will not improve ones chance of winning. To enter, you must write a blog post on your own blog or website about that week's contest item and provide a link to that post in the comments of the original post, located at http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/ for that week's contest giveaway. Limit one entry, per weekly contest, per person. Mechanically reproduced, computer generated, incomplete or illegible entries are void. All entries become the property of that week's Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged. Duplicate or invalid entries will be discarded. Entries are excepted from the time of weekly contest posting until 10pm ET the following sunday.

4.PRIZES: Prizes will vary each week. Approximate retail value (ARV) of each prize will not exceed $100.00 USD. The Prize may not be transferred, substituted or redeemed for cash, except at the Sponsor's sole discretion. Specifics of the Prizes are in Sponsor's sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a Prize of equal or greater value if advertised Prize, or a portion of the Prize is unavailable. No more than the advertised number of Prizes will be awarded. Shipping is included in Prize.

5. Selection of Winner and Notification.

Winners will be selected at random from all eligible entrants on or about September 8th, 2008. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be notified by email on or about September 8th, 2008.. .Limit one (1) Prize per person per week. In the event a winning entry is discovered to be invalid for any reason whatsoever or the person who submitted the winning entry fails to comply with these Official Rules prior to delivery of the Prize, or the Return of any prize notification as undeliverable, the Prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. All decisions and results are final and binding

6.ODDS OF WINNING: The odds of winning a Prize depend upon the number of eligible entries received.

7. Obligations and Responsibilities of Prize Winner.

All winners must comply with all instructions in the prize notification letter, including the completion of an affidavit and liability/publicity release, and return them within fifteen days of the date on the prize notification letter; otherwise prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. By entering and/or by accepting a prize, you agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of the Sweepstakes Entity, which shall be final and binding on all matters, and to release sponsor and sweepstake entity from any and all liability arising out of your participation in this Sweepstakes with respect to the awarding, receipt, use and/or misuse of any prize. WINNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING AND PAYING ANY AND ALL INCOME, SALES OR EXCISE TAXES THAT MAY APPLY; SPONSOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR AND WILL NOT PAY ANY SUCH TAXES.

8.LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND PUBLICITY: Participation in this Promotion constitutes an agreement by entrant to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and their respective agents, employees, officers, directors, successors and assigns, against any and all claims, injury or damage arising out of or relating to participation in this Promotion and/or use or misuse or redemption of a Prize. Entrant agrees to permit the Sponsor use of images submitted for the Promotion, name, Prize won (if applicable), Avatar, likeness and/or comments about the Promotion for purposes of online posting, advertising, promotion and publicity in any media without additional compensation. By entering the promotion, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Promotion, or any Prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action; any claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Promotion, but in no event attorneys' fees; and under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental or consequential damages and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased and any other damages, other than damages for actual out-of-pocket expenses. Entrants agree that any and all disputes shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

9. Governing Rules and Sweepstakes Rule Modifications. This Sweepstakes shall be governed and construed exclusively by New York law, and the exclusive venue for any and all controversies arising under or relating to the Contest in any way will be in state or federal court in New York, New York. All federal, state and local taxes are the exclusive responsibility of the Winner.

10. Winner's List. For winner's list, go to http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/ after the following Monday beginning September 7, 2008.

The Guide to Indie-pendance: How to Be a Sane and Happy Freelancer

A couple of years ago, I left a coveted and creative position as a Visual Manager at a well-known retail store to work for myself. At the time, I was fairly uncertain of what that meant but I did have three years of bonuses stored away in my savings account and I was pretty sure that I was going to have a breakdown if I stayed at my job.
So I jumped.
My goal was to craft for a living, to make things and sell them on Etsy and at craft fairs. I learned very quickly that making things to sell was not going to earn me a living wage. Most of my crafts are one of a kind and I just can’t do assembly lines. But I found a lot of other work out there in the world of crafting. When people ask me what I do now, I say, “well, I do a lot of things” and that’s true. Sometimes I write for blogs, websites and even books, sometimes I work as a stylist on photo shoots, sometimes I even sell a few of those one of a kind, handmade crafts.


A photo of my "home office".


Working for oneself can be both extremely rewarding and excruciatingly frustrating. Though I am often watching the mail for checks to come in, I am also often in my PJs for days at a time. That’s pretty cool. And it’s incredible to be able to focus so much on your own career and business. But, freelancing is definitely not for everyone. Here’s a little guide to see if you have what it takes. I asked a couple of freelancers to share some of their tips and tricks for staying sane, paying the bills and managing time.


Money Matters
If you ask any freelancer what the hardest part of their job is, they will mostly likely say the money. Jobs fall through, checks take forever to process and some months you are left wondering how you are going to pay the rent. I recommend having a lot of money saved before you branch out on your own. Determine how much money you need to live on per month and save six months of that, three if you’re a risk taker!

Though it’s a little less stable, there are still ways to try to get a more secure paycheck when working for yourself. Lorelei was trying to balance her full time writing job with her burgeoning doula career and it was getting to be too much. She negotiated with her company to work part time and spends the rest of her week building up new clients. Though she is technically a freelancer, she continues to have a steady paycheck.

You also don’t have to commit to working for yourself in one fell swoop. MaryAnne works as a teacher, which allows her large breaks of time to focus solely on her jewelry business. “The breaks inherent to teaching allow me to produce enough to sell and keep the business afloat,” she says. “Wabisabi Brooklyn is only one year old, so maybe some day I will be able to support myself in the manner in which I've become accustomed (dental!); but even if that were the case, I imagine I would always keep teaching at least part time. Jewelry making and selling satisfy a certain side of me, but I get (non-financial) rewards from teaching that would keep me in it. In a perfect world, I'd just like to switch the ratio of the time time I devote to my two careers!”

If you’re totally strapped for cash, work a few days as a server or a bartender, have a stoop sale or sell a few things on Ebay.

It’s all about Timing
One of the hardest parts of working for yourself is learning how to budget time. Everyone has a different ways of keeping themselves on track but you absolutely have to plan what you’re doing every day, week and month. I keep a notebook with me at all times and write lots of lists. Crossing things off as I get them done always feels great!

Lark, an artist and web designer says, “Keep your freelance/ craft time separate and take your crafting time seriously and prioritizing it beyond social needs, if necessary. When I question what I should be doing at any given moment of "free time" I just head over to the studio and get cracking. I also prioritize my prior commitments with myself (i.e. creative work, meditation time, relaxation etc) over freelance work.”

Working for yourself also allows you the flexibility of working whenever you want. If you are most productive at night then you should set your schedule as such. I write best early in the morning when my mind is fresh, so despite being somewhat of a night owl, I set my alarm to 7 am when I have a big writing gig.

There are going to be times in your freelance career when you work day and night and you just want to hang out with your friends. I have worked many a weekend and late night but I always reward myself later with fun plans after a big job is done and, hey, sometimes I can stay out until 4 on a Monday. How many working stiffs get to do that?

Your Business, Yourself
Often as a freelancer, you will find that the lines between your work life and the rest of your life are blurred beyond distinction. This can be good and bad. On one hand, I love that my hobby (crafting) has become my work and thus my life, but sometimes I really need a break. It sounds silly but try to find hobbies or activities that have nothing to do with your job. Mine is karaoke but maybe yours can be tennis or fly fishing.

It is also really important to carve out a space to work in that is specifically for your work. While mine is in a spare room in our apartment, some people really need to get out of the house to get their work done. May, a ceramics artist and graphic designer says, “because of the nature of ceramic craft, I must have a studio. I found that separating work and home is very helpful for my sanity. I had a studio when I used to work in illustration as well and I found that I could be more creative in my work. journey to-ing and fro-ing to the studio gives me some creative thinking time and that is quite valuable too.”



Though the freelancing life is not always easy, I can imagine my life any other way. I hope to never have to work full-time for anyone again!
Thanks to May, Lark, Lorelei and MaryAnne for your wonderful insights!

Kayte
loveforever.etsy.com

Where to Find The {NewNew} on July 25, 26 + 27

Friday, July 25
Tonight you can head on up to Chashama Gallery at 112 West 44th Street between 6th Ave and Broadway for new paintings by Miranda Hellman (who moonlights on Etsy as MiraArtz), opening from 6-9, new work in the Water Progression series.

Saturday July 26
The Brooklyn Indie Market will be in full swing under their stripes tent on Smith Street from 11am to 7pm. Fofolle's feminine summer skirts and WabisabiBrooklyn's vintage inspired decoupage jewelry will be on display this weekend.

Also on Saturday Night from 7pm to 11pm, The McCaig-Welles & Rosenthal Gallery on Roebling between North 4th and 5th in Williamsburg is hosting a silkscreening party. With a donation of $5 for materials, you get an open bar and are able to silkscreen some supplied original artwork from their artists Dave Tree and Jasper Patch on to a shirt or other article of clothing you bring.

Sunday July 17
Our representation a the Brooklyn Flea this weekend will be silkscreened clothing and accessories by BetterThanJam, keepsake albums and cards by Waisze, coasters by LittleTileGnome, artwork by Peppersprouts, jewelry by AdornmentsNYC and hand stenciled shirts by KMStitchery.

Classes at the Etsy Labs at 25 Gold Street 3rd Floor, on Monday July 28 from 6 to 9pm beginning Soap and Toiletry making. And on Wednesday July 30 from 6.30 to 9pm Make an Electric Guitar(!)

-Kimm
KimmChi.etsy.com

NewNewInterview with Liana of Mixed Plate

Part seven of our indie blogger series and its Liana of Mixed Plate. It's also the second anniversary of Mixed Plate. Woo hoo!!!

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?
Mixed Plate is a site where I share all sorts of things I like that I find online. It is devoted primarily to introducing the readers to independent business owners, artists, designers, etc. and their handmade goods. I started this basically because I was a one-gal business operation of my own and knew how difficult it was to have folks notice your work, especially when there are so many larger corporations out there. I just wanted to show my love and support for all the talented DIY-ers out there. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to the handmade aspect of things. Mixed Plate is actually about to turn 2 on July 22. I can hardly believe it!

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?
Honestly, if I could do it I would try and feature everyone. I really do wish the best for all the craftspeople out there. Since that isn’t always possible, however, I look for artists who create things with love. What I mean by that is that you can really see their love and passion in their work. When I feature products, it is usually something that I’m attracted to instantly as well. Oh, and the item usually makes me smile!

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?
If you have a product that you truly believe in and enjoy creating, that is an excellent start. As far as generating buzz I would say there are a lot of ways. You probably want to be sure that if you are online, your site is easy to navigate and your photos have to be clean. Local art and craft shows are another way to gain exposure in your own community and I think blogging about your crafting process helps as well.

4. What not to do when contacting sites like yours?
I would say that sending just a press release with no note included is not the best way to approach sites in general. Don’t forget the important things when trying to introduce yourself to someone – your name, the name of your business, what you create, website address, etc.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?
I wish that I could say I had more time to read all the blogs that I love everyday. Unfortunately, I really don’t. I do, however, adore the ones that are of crafters creating things and showing how they come up with their amazing pieces of work. It’s always nice to see the process and sometimes even get a glimpse into the lives of favorite artists.

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?
Hmmm, I don’t know. I guess I don’t consider myself a “trendy” person, so I may not always be aware of what is going on as far as what is hot and what is not. Maybe I should work on that…Perhaps I don’t necessarily always gravitate towards the latest and greatest, but just towards the things that make me happy. That’s pretty much what ends up on Mixed Plate.

7. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?
Mixed Plate started off as more of a hobby in terms of not being as seriously focused on the direction it was going. While I do still have two day jobs, and two websites (http://www.onafriday.net/ -still working on the re-opening - and http://punknpie.net/), I dedicate many hours each day to the site. It really is like having another full-time job. Of course, the benefits of discovering and meeting so many great online friends is well worth it.

8. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?
I have thought about learning to do a podcast. But I’m not sure that anyone would actually want to listen to my voice for very long!

9. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?
I like to think that even though we may have similar interests and probably overlap a lot on the people and things we feature, we all have something different to offer. I know that I’m not a great writer (I didn’t go to school for it or anything), but I do write what I feel and folks seem to respond to that. They like that it seems like we’re having a conversation.

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Special thanks to Liana for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Liana at Mixed Plate (http://www.mixedplateblog.com) And also check out her shops, On A Friday http://www.onafriday.net/ and Punk N' Pie http://punknpie.net/

Danielle
Collective Elements

NewNewInterview with Sharla & Mei-Lynn of Rare Bird Finds

It's number six!! And we have Sharla & Mei-Lynn of Rare Bird Finds!

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?
Rare Bird Finds is a shopping blog dedicated to bringing you unusual products from all over the Web.

We started a few years ago because we were frustrated that many of the big-name blogs wouldn’t give the indie designers a second glance. When we started in March 2006, we were one of the first pioneering blogs to feature indie designers. Our goal was to create a dynamite blog that attracted mainstream shoppers and introduce them to talented yet unrecognized designers around the world, the kind of designers who unfortunately were being overlooked by mainstream media.

We love products that are off the beaten path. Our blog is full of quirky finds that make perfect gifts to treat yourself and your hard-to-shop for friends. In a typical day, you’ll find an eclectic mix of the kitsch and the beautiful, a little bit of something for everyone (even men!)

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?
We love a clean, easy-to-navigate website with high-quality images. If the images are dark or blurry we won’t feature you no matter how much we like your product.

Obviously we love to feature items that are unique. Because our blog strives to keep our readers one step ahead of the pack, we probably won’t feature an item that has been done to death on all the blogs.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?
The best way a designer or artist can generate buzz is to talk up his or her product! Some designers find it hard to toot their own horn, but its part of the business. Many of the products we feature come from designers sending us emails letting us know about it – and we’re so glad, because we may never have stumbled upon it without them putting it on our radar.

4. What not to do when contacting sites like Rare Bird Finds?
After receiving hundreds of emails from designers, here are a few tips:
* If you add us to your mailing list without our permission we will never feature you! We already get bombarded with emails.
* Please don’t send us multiple emails or pretend you are the company’s “friend” emailing for them.
* Remember to include your shop’s URL
* Don’t send a long email. Get to the point.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?
Neither of us have a lot of free time to read a ton of blogs. We both spend so much time searching for items to feature that if we are going to indulge ourselves in some blog reading it’s going to be something like Perez, TMZ or Go Fug Yourself.

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?
I joked in a post the other day that even toast is trendy these days. Our readers tend to love our “cute” finds, but even finds about zombies and robots are popular, too!

7. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?
We got the scoop recently from our readers through correspondence and a survey that our readers enjoy Rare Bird Finds at work. So for our blog it’s best to keep things simple and silent (for when the boss is around..)

8. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?
We’re not a design blog, per se. We’re a shopping blog with one goal – to make each find a new discovery for our readers and make them go, “Wow! I didn’t even know there was something like that out there.”

9. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?
For now it’s a hobby. At this point in our lives it wouldn’t be financially feasible for us to make it a career choice. But, who knows what tomorrow will bring!

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Special thanks to Sharla & Mei-Lynn for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Sharla & Mei-Lynn at Rare Bird Finds (http://www.rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/).


Danielle
Collective Elements

NewNewInterview with Jena of Modish

Our indie blog fifth installment brings us Jena of Modish.

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?
Modish is a celebration of all things handmade, from jewelry to art to home decor. At the time I began, I could not find any design blogs that focused exclusively on small, independent designers and handmade goods, so I started one! It took off really fast and now the the niche is filled with tons of blogs!

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?
I look for someone who presents themselves professionally and makes good work- it's a shopping blog, so I only feature artists and designers that sell their goods online, whether it's on their own site or an etsy shop. I need to see unique handmade goods that are represented with clear, well balanced photos. I also have to be drawn to the products personally in some way so that what I feature stays in line with my own style/tastes.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?
Oh my gosh, I'm working on a new blog that's purely about this- marketing your art and craft business. There's too much to say here, but some quick tips would be to start your own business blog, contact design blogs you like, use online social networks, write a press release, advertise on blogs that serve your niche...

4. What not to do when contacting sites like Modish?
Hmm, I'd say don't contact us until you're really ready- if we head to your site and find yucky poorly lit images, only a few items, products lacking descriptions, etc, we're not going to feature you and we might not be back again even after you fix those things. Make sure your site is in tip-top shape before you start submitting it to blogs- use forums like the Switchboards to get feedback before you release it to the world.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?
I read all the major design blogs like design*sponge, decor8, oh joy and Poppytalk. I also like Heart Handmade, a new-ish blog that also focuses on all handmade goods, but has some fun, unique features, Creature Comforts, Design for Mankind and many others- my feed reader list is long!

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?
It's summer so everything's super saturated and colorful. Mustaches seem to be big right now, masks are popping up in lots of art and I've noticed more Native American imagery and styles in art, jewelry and accessories.

7. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?

I've been thinking about how to incorporate video into modish... we'll see what pans out. I think podcasting and video will come more into play with the new marketing blog I'm working on, as that's more information based.

8. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?

The fact that I feature only handmade goods is the first thing. I try to incorporate new features all the time to see what works and what doesn't, and am ever striving to make Modish a unique experience. I also think everyone's individual voice and style are evident after spending just a few minutes on their blog, and are really what make people come back.


9. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?

For me, it's already a long term career choice. I've been blogging for over 2 years and have been self-employed for a year now (wow!) I also just closed my shop, so right now, blogging is my only source of income. It's a lot of hard work to transform a blog from a hobby into a career, but I've been successful so far, and that's why I'd like to start another, more informational blog so I can use one blog to write write write on and share my advice and experiences, and still have Modish to share all that fun handmade eye candy.

10. Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
If you're an artist, crafter or indie designer, stay tuned for my new blog all about marketing tip and tricks, just for you- it's gonna be great! I hope to have that up and running by mid-August! :)

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Special thanks to Jena for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Jena at Modish (http://modish.typepad.com/).


Danielle
Collective Elements

Karen's Monsters Birthday Party Sale!

In honor of my birthday (not the monsters') I'm throwing a party, and it's your good luck that it also means a sale!

There are two ways you can benefit from this.

1) July 19th thru July 27th visit my etsy store for free shipping to anywhere in the world on anything in my shop. AND you get a free party goodie bag filled with handmade samples and fun party toys (I couldn't resist).

2) If you're in the NYC area, come to Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (On N. 6th at Bedford St) anytime this weekend (July 19th & 20th) for 25% all monsters, shirts, cards, button packs, and more. AND you get a free party goodie bag with each purchase. There will also be some free giveaways just for coming out and having a good time. It is a party after all.

Thanks and hope that you enjoy the party!

Karen

Where to Find The {NewNew} on July 19 + 20

SATURDAY: The weekend starts with the Brooklyn Indie Market from 11 am to 7pm at Smith and Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Look for fun summer skirts and jacket reinventions by Fofolle and funky decoupage jewelry by WabisabiBrooklyn.

KarensMonsters will be at Artist's & Fleas in Williamsburg on both Saturday and Sunday again this weekend with monsters, tees, buttons, and cards.

SUNDAY: Drop by the Brooklyn Flea to see this week's vendor rotation. We're back by the fence and loving it. We'll having several clothing vendors including original designs for women by Vyphuisdesigns, silkscreened designs in women's apparel by BetterThanJam, and silkscreened shirts and dresses by Kimmchi. Rounding out the day will be handcrafted jewelry by Jantar as well as handmade soap by NordeaSoaperie and delicious jewelry by MetalSugar.

_______________
In other Crafty News, Chantel of Junkprints.Etsy.com will be speaking at the American Craft Council on Thursday July 24 about the complicated relationships among the broad spectrum of crafters. Sounds very interesting. Anyone want to go? From 6 to 7 at 72 Spring Street, NYC.

On the Etsy Labs Class front - July 30th they will host an intro to origami on Sunday from 2-5pm - classes still in stock - 325 Gold Street on the 3rd Floor in Brooklyn, NY. And Monday Night Craft Night on Monday July 21 at the Labs will be iron on stencils on freezer paper to clothing. FREE workshop takes place from 4-8pm at the Etsy Labs.

Make workshop in Soho at XYZ will have the Intro to sewing on Monday July 21 from 12 to 2pm.

-Kimm
KimmChi.etsy.com

Indie-pendent Craftepreneurs of the Bahamas Straw Market

by Lorina of The Original Beadscarf

Who doesn’t love to visit local markets while traveling? Sure you have your usual souvenir suspects: shot glasses, t-shirts, caps, the list goes on. But my favorite is always the local craft, especially when the person who created the item is also the person selling it. The item just seems to have more meaning.

On a recent trip to the Bahamas, I visited the Straw Market. The largest of its kind in the world, the Straw Market houses some 200 vendors selling everything from those ubiquitous tourist t-shirts and counterfeit handbags to figurines and toys.

But just past that knockoff “status” bag, you will find the most prominent of all the items. They are the bags, hats, fans and baskets all made from colorful straw, and their purveyors working tirelessly on these items.

These are the indie-pendent craftepreneurs of the Straw Market. Tourism is the most viable industry of the Bahamas and these craftepreneurs are ready (and eager!) to provide a personalized straw item on-the-spot! For many of the vendors at the Straw Market, this is their primary means of income. You can find them stitching dried palm and sisal plants, which are sometimes dyed, to create beautiful and useful souvenirs every day of the week.

At this market, I also found someone who created toys from recycled soda cans.

A fun day out, the Straw Market in Nassau, The Bahamas is definitely worth the trip!

All text and images
©Lorina Pellach Ladrillono 2008

NewNewInterview with Lynsey of Cuteable

In our fourth installment of indie style bloggers, let's meet Lynsey of Cuteable.

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?

Well Cuteable is fairly new to us as we only bought the site in January after the previous owner realised they weren't spending as much time as they would like on their own craft business. I'm a WAHM with two girls and I run my own Etsy shop, Swirly Arts too so thought I could combine my love of cute and handmade things with my daughters being at home. Luckily my husband agreed (he does all the technical stuff) and it fits in quite nicely into our lives now.

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?

Well the site is called Cuteable and the previous owner did a great job of keeping with that feeling but I'm moving it slightly to feature more stuff that isn't traditionally 'cute' - but that's not saying I don't like the cute! I tend to feature things I like myself and if I really like something then I will do a whole post about that ones person's items.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?

It's probably something you have heard before but make your item unique - not necessarily the only one of it's kind because that is pretty rare but have a unique selling point either to do with you or the item itself. Also if you are describing something then make sure you describe it well - people cannot pick the item up and see how much work has gone into it so you have to let them know. Also don't be afraid of contacting people with blogs etc about your work - I'm always on the lookout for new things!

4. What not to do when contacting sites like yours?

Make sure you enter your shop name/flickr name or where ever I need to link too in your email - I have lost count of the number of people I have contact to ask for these details! Don't worry if you do forget though as I will still feature you but just not as quickly!

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?

Oh my goodness - lots and lots!! I have 370 blogs in my google reader and my favourites are the ones written by crafters themselves - I like to see what the masses are doing and I use these as the basis for my Clinks posts. I do also like having a peek at the Craftzine blog too!

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?

I think eco friendly products are becoming more important with more and more crafters sourcing their materials from charity shops, thrift stores etc and just generally making use of things that would once be thrown away. Birds are always a popular theme too :)

7. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?

Running Cuteable is much more than a hobby - it takes up a great deal of time and at the moment it's about 4 hours a day. That involves all the answering of emails, sending out advertising information as well as writing the posts. I do it though because I love mentioning people, their products and just acknowledging the hard work and time and effort that goes into making things. If I had a pound for every email I have received thanking me for the mention then I would be well on my way to becoming rich!

8. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?

Eeek - that kind of thing scares me! It took me long enough after we took over Cuteable to get the hang of writing the posts so that's not going to happen in the short term future. Maybe longer term but we will see!

9. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?

I think the fact that I am a crafter and maker myself so I know the amount of time and effort that goes into the work I showcase. Also I hope that the passion I have for handmade comes though in my posts.

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Special thanks to Lynsey for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Lynsey at Cuteable (http://www.cuteable.com/) and her shop Swirly Arts on Etsy!

Danielle
Collective Elements

NewNewInterview with Grace of Design*Sponge

Our third installment from indie style bloggers come from Grace of Design*Sponge. Woo hoo!


1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?

d*s is basically a site devoted to all things design-related, whether that's diy projects, home design or individual projects and fine art. i started the site as a hobby and over the past 4 years it's grown into my full time job and supporting a small staff of 5 editors.


2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?

i primarily look for something that grabs me instantly- whether it's a color, a pattern or an overall composition- i need to be really drawn in for me to consider posting it. when i first started i would post things willy nilly because i loved everything i came across in some way or another. but i've tried to cut back and focus on posting more substantive posts (well, compared to my earlier posts) that are distinct because the work is really unique, brand-new, or innovative in some way.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?

i'm rather partial to blogs and local art shows because they reach two distinct markets: blogs are generally run by pretty friendly people looking to showcase great work to a national and international audience. if you're targeted well for a given site, it can be a great way to reach a large audience- including magazine editors who read the site. i also suggest local art and craft shows because they're a great way to build hometown support and find a good network of local shops to carry and support your work. i think both levels are important these days.

4. What not to do when contacting sites like yours?

just the basics: don't lie about your product or any aspect of your work (this happens more than i would like), be polite and personal (always use a blog/editor's name and not a general "dear editor") and try contacting sites/magazines one at a time. you can maximize your story size by giving any given site an exclusive or a small head start on the general blog population. i also think it helps to keep things short and sweet and attach a few pictures- we work in a really visual field so i always love to see a few well, shot pictures of people's work.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?

i really love the photography and fashion blogs in the market right now- especially scott at the sartorialist and some of the photography sites that are run by students on the west coast. but i always read sites like oh joy, lena corwin's blog and kelly cooper's "hoping for happy accidents". i also love maria vettese's port2port site. they all have such strong visual points of view (that are different from my own) and i love seeing what they have to say about things on a regular basis. and not a day goes by that i don't read dooce.com. and 101cookbooks.com, mattbites.com and orangette- i love well photographed food sites.

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?

in products? well patterns are big and i think we'll see them stick around for a few more years. magazines seem to be calling it an "ethnic" trend towards things like indian and moroccan patterns. i think we're just moving away from more geometric patterns and towards something more ornate. i'm personally trying to narrow it down a bit and stick to a few key patterns in my house but i'm sure they'll stick around for a while. i also think we'll start to see some progression in the area of eco-friendly design. i'd love to see designers start moving forward with the idea of found materials and using them in interesting ways.

7. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?

it's definitely my full-time job right now but i've been trying to think outside the box when it comes to the next 3-5 years. i'm a little worn out when it comes to the daily product post format so i'm in the process of trying to imagine what the next step should be when it comes to the site. we'll see what happens...

8. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?

i did podcasts for a year and while i think some people enjoyed them they just really tanked for me. a few thousand people would download each one but as a percentage of my overall audience it was really low- so i'm going to try to do more videos. design is such a visual process it really needs to be seen to be appreciated and understood. it's tough to capture a product or interior with just audio.

9. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?

i really try not to think abouit d*s in relation to other sites. i think any site is unique because of the overall voice it projects. i've always tried to stay true to the mission i had when i started and grow as i feel the need to try something different. so i think my voice, and now the voice of our contributing writers, is what makes us different from another site. but overall i think we just try to do our own thing and put as much positive, interesting work out there as we can.

10. Any other thoughts you'd like to share?

just that i'm excited to see where this new media movement goes in relation to design. i think video is really where it's all going and i'm excited to see what new trends and tools we see in blogging in the next 3-5 years.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to Grace for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Grace at Design*Sponge (http://www.designspongeonline.com/).


Danielle
Collective Elements

NewNewInterview with Mallory of MissMalaprop

In the second interview of our indie blogger series, I bring you Mallory of MissMalaprop.com

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started?
I write MissMalaprop.com, a blog devoted to independent artists & designers, eco-friendly & recycled products, and charities & organizations that are working to make the world a better place. Whenever possible, I try to spotlight artists and issues related to New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where I'm from. I launched the site in August 2006, a year after Hurricane Katrina forever changed the lives of practically everyone I know. I've always wanted to do my bit in changing the world for the better, and I've always been an environmentalist and a crafter. I just wanted a place to talk about the things I care about.

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist?
If it's handmade AND recycled AND cleverly useful, that's my favorite. I tend to write about things that appeal to me in some way personally. My tastes have always been a little off from center (I love strange, colorful, happy things), but they're pretty diverse as well. Sometimes I write about something I stumble across randomly on Etsy and sometimes I mention designers who have contacted me to let me know about their work. Even if I don't choose to write about someone's work right away, I always add their website information to a list I keep... when I'm uninspired for something to write about, I check that list until I find something that grabs my attention that day and I blog about it.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products?
The main thing is to just create good stuff. If it's not well designed, or beautiful, or useful, you can promote the hell out of it and no one will care.

Also, be sure to have a clean, easy to navigate website if you plan on selling online and trying to create a buzz that way. If you can't do it yourself, hire someone who can; it will be worth it. I hate sites with too much Flash, or music and video that starts playing immediately, or navigation that is trying too hard to be clever but in reality is just impossibly tedious to use. If I have problems figuring out how to get to the information I need on your site, as someone who is pretty Internet savvy and grew up using computers, just imagine how someone who is new to shopping online will feel. You just can't retain customers that way.

Other than that, just try to learn as much as you can about the business and marketing side of things. I'm self taught with all I know about business and marketing. There is tons of information out there and plenty of it is free. You just have to do the legwork and be willing to learn.

4. What not to do when contacting sites like yours?
Do your homework before you contact a blogger. Take a look around their site, and see if you can find their real first name mentioned anywhere. When you email them, address them by name -- it shows you took the time to care. Also, make sure that you're contacting someone who will likely be interested in your work. I've had companies contact me about products that obviously have nothing to do with what I write about on my blog. I lose respect for that immediately, and honestly I usually don't even take the time to respond to them, because they clearly didn't take any time to learn about my site before contacting me. A simple, honest email usually works best. I pay MUCH more attention to an email that looks like a real person wrote it versus a press release that gets sent out to tons of people. Also, adding a blogger to your e-mail newsletter without their permission is a REALLY bad idea. When I suddenly start getting newsletters that I never subscribed to I immediately unsubscribe and in some cases I've reported it as spam. Because it is.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current?
I keep myself so busy that unfortunately I only manage to keep up with a very few design blogs on a regular basis. Modish, Indie Fixx, Indie Shopping, and Bits & Bobbins are the mainstays on my feed reader.

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot?
I've always been the kind of person who could really care less about trends. I like what I like, and if other people like it that's great, and if they don't, that's fine too. Sometimes it's kind of fun to see the things I've loved for a long time become trendy (like the recent octopus and seahorse trends), because it makes it easier to find these things.

I also find the steampunk trend really interesting... when I first started seeing it pop up as a "trend" on Etsy and style sites I thought it was interesting that A. there was a name for it in the first place and B. that it was becoming so popular among so many types of people. I've always loved Victorian styles (corsetry, tall lace up boots with fancy heels, bustle skirts) and I hang out with sort of a goth-alternative crowd, so it's really cool that these things are finding a broader audience.

7. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice?
Blogging is definitely something that I find enjoyable, but I sort of see it more as a means to an end than as a definitive career path. The other day I told a co-worker that I have "entrepreneurial ADD". I think what I really love is just entrepreneurship in and of itself. I love being an entrepreneur and helping to promote like-minded entrepreneurs. I always have about 10 million ideas going off in my head, it's tough to stay focused sometimes. I have been very lucky to have managed to build a pretty successful blog from the ground up, and in turn it's opened up a lot of other opportunites for me, including a monthly column in a local alternative magazine, Antigravity, and a paid gig blogging for Styledash.com (and formerly for BloggingNewOrleans). I'll probably continue blogging for a long time in some form, but I think I would go crazy if I had to rely on blogging alone as my primary source of income (even if it was from multiple blogs).

8. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)?
I've thought about branching out, but honestly I just don't think I have the time to devote to any of it right now. Like I said, I have a bit of ADD when it comes to business, and I do manage to spread myself thin sometimes. I'm trying to be better about not letting myself overextend in how many projects and types of projects I try to maintain at any given time. That said, if I ever try to branch into video, I'll be set because my boyfriend is a freelance filmmaker and that's pretty much all he does for a living. (www.dreamsonfilm.com)

9. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs?
Some of the other indie design blogs out there focus a lot on things like seasonal gift guides or big giveaways. And while I think those things can be great for other bloggers (and the artists & readers), it's just not where my focus is. For me personally it's too time-consuming without enough reward. MissMalaprop.com turns two years old in August and I feel like it's definitely been a huge learning process. Personally, I've been trying to take a step back from too much consumerism and over-indulging in my own life , because of concerns for both the toll on the envrioment and financial prudence. So I wouldn't feel right constantly telling my readers to "buy buy buy". On the other hand, just because I don't feel the need to buy every amazing handmade, recycled, fantastic thing out there, that doesn't mean I don't love it just the same and want to share it with other people. Lately I've been trying to take a more laid-back, personal approach with my blog and just write about the things that really appeal to me.

10. Any other thoughts you'd like to share?

I do a feature on Styledash.com called Indie Designer Interviews. It's an ongoing thing and I'll feature just about anyone who takes the time to do the interview. If I get a ton of responses at once, there may be a bit of a backlog and it won't get posted for a few weeks, but eventually I will post all of them. I've posted more info in a thread at The Switchboards forum (a fabulous resource for indie businesses, and if you're not already using it you should be).
http://www.theswitchboards.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26679

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A special thanks to Mallory for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Mallory at MissMalaprop (http://missmalaprop.com/).

Danielle
Collective Elements

Indie-Pendence from the Mermaid: Indie Coffee Shops

Often, independent artists and artisans toil for long hours - either at their chosen craft or at another more lucrative endeavor that allows them to then in their "free time" pursue their creative work.

Sometimes this makes us sleepy.

Studies have shown that coffee is good at making you feel less sleepy.

In the spirit of indie-pendence, here are a few notable non-multinational purveyors of the bean:

• Across the street from Brooklyn Indie Market,The Fall Café is a friendly venue with good snacks and comfy chairs.
• Not quite a huge many-tentacled entity, Joe has four locations in Manhattan - I frequent the one at 9 East 13 Street - and they make a superb latte.
• With two locations in the inner borough, Jack's boasts a proprietary stir-brew process that makes a rad beverage. Its 222 Front St location feels like somebody's log cabin, in a good way.
• While I have not been there myself, I hear good things about Café Grumpy, which has a location in Greenpoint and one in Chelsea. Their Hearts and Crafts fairs bring together crafters and coffee for fun and profit.
• Lula Bean on in Williamsburg boasts a cute and homelike atmosphere.
• Klatch offers respite from the corporateness if the Financial District.
• Bread Stuy on Lewis Avenue tempts you to have a little cake with your coffee.
  
• Westchester-ites need their brew too: in Tarrytown, head to Coffee Labs (think puppies, not scientists) for the good stuff; Peekskill you say? Try the Peekskill Coffee House. Croton-on-Hudson? Really? Ok- The Black Cow.
• For the coffee-loving cinephile, The Archive in Bushwick has both rad flicks and sweet beans.
  
• On the corner of Fifth Avenue and Park Place in Park Slope, Gorilla Coffee roasts their own fair trade beans. Now that's indie-pendent.
  

-MaryAnne
wabisabi brooklyn
wabisabibrooklyn.etsy.com

NewNewInterview with Jen of Indie Fixx

In honor of our "Indie-pendence" themed month, I decided to interview some of the best indie style bloggers around. First up is Jen of IndieFixx.com.

1. So tell us a little about your site and how you got started? I run the blog Indie Fixx (http://indiefixx.com/) and the indie boutique called the Indie Fixx Shop (http://indiefixxshop.com/). I’ve pretty much always been into artisan goods, even as a kid when I enjoyed going to craft shows, farmers’ markets, museum shops, local festivals and the beach, all of which are places to find handmade goods. I’ve also been a maker and a seller myself, since the 5th grade when I opened up my ribbon barrette business. Then in 2004, I started my own jewelry line called Tilting Swiftly, so I come by the love of indie-made goods honestly.

2. What do you look for when featuring an artist? Hmm, this is a difficult question and one that I’m not really sure that I have a good answer for. I do have to be inspired to write and feel that I’ve chosen something that my audience would like to read about. Also, good product photography is a must…I actually can’t stress how important good product photography is to getting featured on blogs in general.

3. Suggestions on how to generate buzz about your products? Constantly reinvent yourself and your product line. Good photography. Have a story.

4. What not to do when contacting sites like yours? Don’t send attachments that are 12 million megs in size, instead a url or 1-2 small images will suffice. Don’t just send a press release; make sure to add a little note.

5. What blogs do you follow to stay current? Believe it or not, I don’t actually have time to read a lot of blogs. I used to, but then I decided it would be a good idea to keep adding projects to my life.

6. What trends do you see developing? What products or styles are hot? I’m waiting to see what’s going to be the next pirate/owl/ninja/hedgehog/zombie/octopus/bird myself!

7. Do you see yourself embracing new media to reach your audience (podcasting, video)? Maybe, but I don’t have any plans in the works yet.

8. What do you think sets you apart from other design blogs? Hmm, maybe my goofiness….

9. Is blogging more of a hobby or do you see this becoming a long term career choice? Running the Shop and writing the Blog is my full-time job, and I sure do hope it is a long-term career.

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A special thanks to Jen for taking the time for this interview. Be sure to check out Jen at Indie Fixx (http://indiefixx.com/) and the Indie Fixx Shop (http://indiefixxshop.com/).

Danielle
Collective Elements

Where to Find The {NewNew} on July 12 + 13

Lots to do in Brooklyn this weekend!

KarensMonsters will be at Artist's & Fleas in Williamsburg on both Saturday and Sunday with her troop of monsters in tow and new tees and buttons.

On Saturday at the Brooklyn Indie Market at Smith and Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, Fofolle and WabisabiBrooklyn will be selling their wares from 11 am to 7pm - drop by for your fix of skirts and jewelry.

On Sunday bringing handmade to the Brooklyn Flea will be unique accessories made from vintage ties and scarves from Beadscarf, paintings, mixed media and photography from SpinachNPeace, handmade soaps from NordeaSoaperie, city inspired jewelry and mirrors by CityBitz, silskcreened houswares from RedBridge, and eye catching glamourous jewelry from AdornmentsNYC.

-Kimm
KimmChi.etsy.com