Inspiration A-Z: G is for Gardens & Goldfrapp

Inspiration A-Z: G is for Gardens & Goldfrapp: "

First, press play: Goldfrapp- Eat Yourself

That really should be, G is for gardens, garden parties, garden fresh vegetables, greenhouses, green-thumbs & general good fun growing things. All of which I hope to have in my life in the very soon future in my own backyard. Here's a little garden goodness to inspire your own this season, whether your garden is a big veggie wonderland, in small pots on your patio or only in your black-thumb dreams...

{tea party blessing flags by Garden Songs}

{wooden shoe tulip farm by Abby Try Again} just outside of Portland, so worth a trip!

{cactus gardens by Elly Yap - via All the Mountains}

{by ngoc minh ngo}

{by simply photo}

{by Isadora Filković}

{by semiplume}

{a
greenhouse picnic wedding, by Chelsea & Lisa for Project

Wedding}

{by Amanda♫}

{by le portillon}

{by Matthew Monteith}

{by bloom magazine}

{plants for your bathroom on Re-Nest} oh my gosh, I totally want to do this in my bathroom!

{by anniebee}

{by adahnue}

{from this Swedish gardening blog}

Are you growing a garden this year? A flower garden? Edibles? Are you part of a community garden, or do you grow herbs in containers on your patio? I'd love to hear about what you like to grow and where, or even what type of public gardens there are in your city that you like to visit (in Portland we have gorgeous Japanese, Rose, Chinese & Rhododendron gardens just to name a few! :)

"

Interview with Suzanne Elizondo of Smileforsuzy

Interview with Suzanne Elizondo of Smileforsuzy: "

I make unusual, odd, and silly earrings out of old school shrinkydink plastic. I handdraw and color them and then bake them with love. I like to make silly characters that interact and try to make each of them unique and fun. I was born and raised in Austin and I think a lot of that Keep Austin Weird mentality has rubbed off on me.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I discovered shrinkydinks as an adult while I was in college and was amazed I’d never tried it as a kid. I love to doodle and draw and I’ve found that handdrawing and designing earrings is the perfect medium for the kind of creatures and oddities I create. I got a BS in Creative Advertising so that’s the ideal day job, but I love creating these earrings for my own personal joy.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

Its an old user name I came up with just to send good vibes my way. I find it ironic because I usually try to create things that I think will make other people smile as they wear them.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

I work mostly by myself. Occassionally I’ll ask my friends and family for ideas or what they’d like to see as an earring set. I try to think about upcoming holidays or seasons that would make the earrings more relevant. This is my favorite thing to work on when I have free time.

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

I sell them mostly online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/smileforsuzy but also have them for sale at Storyville on the drag in Austin. I love to hear about the people that buy them and what they personally mean to them.

Do you have any favorite handmade shops or sellers you’d like to recommend?

I’m in love with the clutches they make over at Tsuru Bride.

What inspires and motivates you?

It’s a release for me to create things. Sometimes if it’s been too long since I made something I get antsy about it, and it feels great just to know I made something out of nothing. I love to fill blank canvases with ideas from upstairs.

Thanks Suzanne. And if you would like to be interviewed next, please head over to DIY Interview.

Erika Jurney is the founder of Try Handmade. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook and FriendFeed, or learn more about her love of the handmade.

"

Jade Sapphire Neck-Lace Scarf Kit: The Perfect Way to Welcome Spring!

Jade Sapphire Neck-Lace Scarf Kit: The Perfect Way to Welcome Spring!: "

We love the new Neck-Lace Scarf Kits from Jade Sapphire and think this delicate and light yet cosy scribble-lace scarf is the perfect way to accessorize for early spring.

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Molly's Sketchbook: Carefree Clothes for Girls Sundress

Molly's Sketchbook: Carefree Clothes for Girls Sundress: "I am constantly inspired by the amazing craft books that come form Japan. We carry many of these books online and in our stores and even though I can't read Japanese I still find them endlessly fascinating. I know that it's possible to sew the patterns from these books using just their well drawn instructions but I've never had the courage to try. (Mari however did a great tutorial on how to figure out Japanese sewing patterns that you can see by clicking here.)"

CRAFT Video: Intro to Metalworking

CRAFT Video: Intro to Metalworking: "

Learn the basics of piercing and texturing metal with just a few tools. I exhibit you how to use a jeweler’s saw and copper etchant to create a get-well bill for a friend. More info and cater list: blog.craftzine.com

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Coat with Potholder Pockets

Coat with Potholder Pockets: "

I am still working on my psuedo trench coat. It's not yet done. It's taking me awhile but I'm having lots of anxiety with this coat. It's my first: sleeves, piping, pockets, buttons and lining. Alot of first. I still have to do the buttons and lining.

I did manage to attach the sleeves. I must have done something wrong because it's not laying as smoothly as I would like. I was fighting my sewing machine to put those dang things on but it's good enough for this coat.

I decided to put a piping detail around the pockets to tie in the piping above the pockets. I've been looking at it for a week now and I still hate them. I thought they would eventually grow on me but they look like potholders attached to my coat. I also sewed the piping on very sloppily. I just remembered sewing them on and kept thinking this is gonna be a stupid idea doing these piping so I think I had already started talking myself out of the idea and did not commit to do a good job. Now I'm gonna have to rip them out which is more work. Oh well. If I don't do it, I will never wear this coat at all. I'm determined that this coat will be wearable. Everything I've done thus far are NOT WEARABLE. So far I do not like anything that I've done with the exception of my doggy clothes. The coat is not perfect but I really want this to work. The saga continues. Who knows, maybe by summer time, I'll finish it finally.

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Sneak Peak at the Creamsicle Dress

Sneak Peak at the Creamsicle Dress: "

Dude. I sewed like the wind yesterday. It felt so good at one point I was doing a little jig at the ironing board! I finished my creamsicle party dress from the May 2010 Burda Magazine. And you know what, after some fit tweaks, I am 100 percent in love with it! I just don’t have enough ‘fun’ clothes or ‘party’ dresses.

Carol asked to make sure I show them with my shoes. Well *cough*, I don’t have shoes for this dress yet. Yeah. I have a serious shoe deficit. I hate shopping for shoes because all the shoes I like are about $238. So, I tend to settle. A lot. I’ll take photos in the dress and give a proper review when I get the right accessories. Yeah. I need a purse too. I am a hot mess!

Filed under: sewing Tagged: 5-2010-107 "