Trendy Shoppes

While I have to wait on my computer to scan for viruses, I figured I would get on my other work computer and tell you about these freaking awesome lip balms from Lippy Service we just got in! They smell so mmmmm good!! I have a few favorites but my absolute favorite is the Rootbeer Float! You have to try these - we have:

• Amaretto Cookie Lip Balm
• Butterscotch Pudding Lip Balm
• Cappuccino Lip Balm
• Choco-Mint Cookie Lip Balm
• Goth Girl Lip Balm (licorice)
• Hot Buttered Popcorn Lip Balm
• Root Beer Float Lip Balm

Today’s daily special is Joanna Goldman Designs‘ Let’s all go to the Lobby Light Switch Cover

Today we are featuring our designer, Joanna from Joanna Goldman Designs.  For the next 4 days we will feature a special item from Joanna - and at a discounted price!!

Tell us about your business and your designs.
I specialize in oh-so-cute characters designs. I like making people smile- and my drawings seem to do that!

What is your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from many different areas. Good music and good art are essential.

Some artists I really like:
Ragnar http://www.ragnarama.com/ragnar.html
Lou Romano: http://louromano.blogspot.com/
Nate Wragg: http://n8wragg.blogspot.com/

And many more! I’m also really into motion graphics work. One of the best sites to see la crème de le crème is http://motionographer.com/

How do you stay on top of the indie world?  What websites, blogs or magazines do you read?
I’m constantly on the Etsy forums which take me to tons of great indie blogs. http://indiefixx.com/ is a great one!

What has been your favorite indie purchase?
I just bought these prints from “FallDownTree” http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=9738769
Here’s her blog: falldowntree.blogspot.com
The style is so much like The Incredibles- one of my favorite movies!

Do you have any advice you would like to share with new designers entering the market?
I’d tell new designs to stick to it! It can be tough work sometimes, but if you work hard and keep positive you are sure to find success.

Just for fun - Do you have a favorite recipe you can share with our readers?
Here’s a yummy lentil burger: http://reluctantveggie.com/?p=107

mmm!

For the monthly drawing for September, simply post a comment to this blog post telling us (1)which item on Trendy Shoppes is your favorite and (2)why you love handmade!

For September we will be giving away a $25 shopping spree!  Random drawing to be held October 1st, 2008!

Each day Trendy Shoppes will feature a special item for sale at 15% off for that day only!  Today is one of my favorites from Mystic Rose’s Designs :Simple Silver Hoops

Each day Trendy Shoppes will feature a special item for sale at 15% off for that day only!  Today is one of my favorites from Mystic Rose’s Designs :Amelia Earrings

Each day Trendy Shoppes will feature a special item for sale at 15% off for that day only!  Today is one of Mystic Rose’s Designs newest treasures she has sent to us: the Big Heart Necklace!!

Today we are featuring our designer, Cheri from Mystic Rose Designs.  We have asked Cheri a few questions.  With each featured designer, we will include specials for 4 days in a row.  Today we have chosen her beautiful Silver Leaf earrings - on sale today for only $17!

Tell us about your business and your designs.
I’ve been designing and making jewelry for about ten years. My son is a lampwork bead artist and I am one of his biggest fans. I love using his beads in my designs. They are just amazing in detail, color and design. I often accent his beads with my own handmade sterling silver links, beads and clasps and have made some lovely pieces with precious metal clay. I’m working on different ideas for  using my photography with the jewelry as well.

What is your inspiration?
Nature, architecture, light, contrast - seeing ordinary things in new ways.

How do you stay on top of the indie world?  What websites, blogs or magazines do you read?
Many bead and jewelry making magazines (Art Jewelry, Wire Jewelry, etc.) as well as Photoshop World, and others. I’m a member of Etsy. I read, browse shops, do research on line.

What has been your favorite indie purchase?
Besides the lampwork beads I buy, I think it would be some prints from a local artist/friend who makes pictures using flower petals and leaves. They are gorgeous. The original pieces sell quickly, but the prints are beautiful, too.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with new designers entering the market?
Working for yourself can be totally time consuming, but when it’s something you love to do, also very rewarding. I worked in an 8 to 5 job for many years and find that I work more hours now on my own (and don’t have sick leave or vacation pay), but I think it’s worth it. Making a real living at this can be challenging. Like most others who enjoy being creative, bookkeeping and marketing are not my favorite things to do, but it’s important to keep up with that part of it.

Just for fun - Do you have a favorite recipe you can share with our readers?
It has been too hot to cook lately in California. I’m a vegetarian and enjoy making casseroles and soups with brown rice, vegetables and beans. My daughter loves the nutburgers I make. For this summer weather a simple platter is nice:

cherry tomatoes
mini carrots
cucumer chunks
broccoli pieces
hummus for dipping
low-salt, low-fat multigrain chips/crackers

That’s what I made for dinner last night!

Thank you Cheri!!  Here are just a few gems you can find from Mystic Rose Designs:

Each day Trendy Shoppes will feature a special item for sale at 15% off for that day only! Our daily special is goodbloom’s “It’s a New Day” Print

“It’s a New Day” Print

Regular Price: $ 18.00
Special Price: $ 15.30

The print measures 8.5 x 11, but the image is 8 x 10 with a white border for framing. This is a print of Holly’s original painting done with acrylic paints. It is printed on Inkpress Fine Art Matte paper with archival inks.