My little fashion designer

How do you know if you are doing a great job with your kids? They admire you. You are your child’s best role model. Not a superstar athlete or a fashion model or an actor/actress. Your children will model you & learn from you.

The greatest gift of all….seeing this young artist blossom. Ever since she could hold a crayon this little one has been creating, crafting, and imagining. She is so many wonderful things. Who could ask for more?

Recently I discovered a school in the next town, fashion school. As much as it is my dream…it is also her dream. So I enrolled her in a class. And here she is creating…

and her teachers are amazing. They are teachers at FIT & Parsons. The school is New England School of Fashion & Design Association in South Norwalk, Connecticut. If you have a young girl or boy who is interested in fashion…you should check out their summer camps!!

Here are some of the amazing sketches you will find on the walls…

I’ve been working on organizing my new studio, so my old studio is slowly becoming a homework & craft room. I hope to have photos of my new studio soon. Here is a glimpse at what my assistant did to my old office just for my girlies…

Space to grow….

xoxo, Jen

My Health & Thigh High Fashion? Hmmm…

A Little Background

If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’ve had my share of health problems & food allergies. I won’t bore you with all the details here. Yesterday was a very beneficial doctor appointment with a rheumatologist. She did a very thorough evaluation and was not put off by the myriad of doctors I’ve seen and even recommended a couple more. Finally a Doctor who not only cares but is interested in my health.

About the Doctor

You can tell she is a research junkie, reading everything she can in order to keep up to date, the type that lives and breathes her work. She referenced a research article where a number of women were all highly fit suffering from similar symptoms of very low blood pressure, fatigue, inability to gain weight and spider veins.

The Solution is Fashion?

A friend of mine Lisa said her Dad, a surgeon, wore compression socks because he stood on his feet all day. He believed it prevented vein abnormalities such as spider veins. This information is widely known and used among other doctors too, the doctor yesterday shared some anecdotal stories with me about some medical conferences and wearing high heels & no compression socks. That by 3pm she would be passed out in the lobby.

I am on my feet all day while I work in my studio and these doctors believe that when you are on your feet all day your blood starts to pool to your feet which can cause fatigue as the blood has traveled away from your brain. The solution is compression socks but the medical variety may only needed if you have swelling which I do not…so the fashionable treatment is thigh high stockings or knee high stockings. The elastic in these socks will compress the leg and less blood will pool to the feet.

Seriously, could you see me walking around town wearing thigh highs? Probably not but you may see me walking around with running shorts and cute preppy knee high socks. Don’t judge me…it is for my health.

Etsy Success Symposium here I come!!

I couldn’t be more excited to attend Etsy’s Success Symposium this Friday March 30th.

I’ve been trying really hard to stay up on my Etsy communications and follow along. When Etsy’s blog article came out I quickly sent my application in and I am happy to say that I was picked.

The Symposium

The purpose of the Symposium is to help Etsy artists get found. Improve your skills, thereby, improving your shop. I’ve been working hard on my SEO’s but still have so much to do. I’ve crafted a new about me page making it a bit more personal.

Join a Team

I am so thankful for the Teams that I’ve joined. One team in particular has really been there for me…special thanks to team leader Pey. This team has supported me in sickness & in health. This past year has been tough but I am working hard to get my health back. I made this treasury to honor my team “In the Making”. It is a global treasury and a testament to what Etsy really means to me.

I’ve been so happy with all of my sales but global sales would not be possible or far fewer if not for Etsy. Further, I’ve made so many friends around the World that I hope to meet someday. It has been so much fun making friends, supporting each other & getting to know each and everyone of you personally. Some of us have have even become life long friends.

Get Found, Get Team, Be Global

While just operating on your own domain is one way to run your business, those starting out will find a very warm community.

With so many sellers on Etsy, I am reminded of what it was like when I first arrived at the University I attended. Somehow, I managed to find a family there too. It takes a little bit of time, patience & lots of hard work but I’ve enjoyed my journey so far, all the ups and downs have made me stronger and wiser. Nice to not have to go it alone.

I am hopeful that I will come back from the Symposium with many ideas on how to improve my shop. No doubt that my tiny shop is doing well but I do wish my sales were more consistent and not so clustered.Have you ever felt that way?I know some shops have about 4 to 5 sales every day. At this point, I’d be excited if I had just one sale a day. It is the irregularity that always has my brain spinning.

As I’ve always done, I share my knowledge with those around me. I’ll be sure to share what I’ve learned but if you have the time. You should stop by one the many of the live streaming seminars. If I couldn’t be there in person, I’d definitely be there online. I’ll be sure to report back any pointers in another blog post.

The hard truth about being a Work at Home

Wanting to attend was a very easy decision. Of course I want to go but it was not without obstacles. Just trying to figure out the logistics of the kids, the dogs and so on was a bit crazy. My husband, very dear friend Amy (who still needs to open her Etsy shop…give her time) and my household assistant Nancy will all step in to help me out that day. It certainly takes a village for one mom to take the day off to go to an all day training seminar. lol.

The hardest part of making this commitment is that I will miss my 4 yo’s performance of “Frogs, Frogs, Everywhere”. We sat down to talk and she said “that is ok mom, matter of fact you come to all my things, so just dad can come to this one and we’ll watch the video at home.”

Thank goodness for everyone’s support. Especially you little one. I will be thinking about you all day!!

Slowly but Shirley…Surely

Hard to believe that I’ve been back for a little bit more than a month. Lets clean out the tumble weeds and get back to business.

It is almost Spring and this is my shops busiest time of year. The largest component of my Spring business is Bridal party orders. Brides are searching for unique gifts specific to each bridesmaids personality and hoping to find something they can use long after the wedding. It is also the time of year that we like to ditch our heavy leather bags and find something bright and cute! Something that says I am headed to the beach. I’ll be sharing my Spring themes with you in my next post.

Here are a few of the items I’ve been working on: Taxes – yep…someone has to pay the bills. Organizing my shop. Looking for ways to get help with my business that doesn’t involve me giving up the creative aspect or spend less time with my girls. Wishful thinking right? I’ll share these details soon too.

Here are some of my most recent custom orders until I have a few minutes to get to the writing.

Handmade Black Ruffle Skirt by Itty Bitty Bag

Handmade Black Ruffle skirt. I still have enough for one skirt to make, contact me if you are interested.

Chevron Stripe Handbag

Our most fashionable pattern this spring….Chevron Stripe. So bold!! I have enough fabric for one more bag.

Bamboo Handle Bag

Nothing says spring more than this mustard/neonish flower power bamboo handle bag. It is thick, stands on its own but is light weight. A fabulous one of a kind bag.

Zipper Clutch in Linen

Love love hand embroidery. Lavender is one of my favorite colors and flowers.

iPhone Wristlet Zipper Pouch by Itty Bitty Bag

And everyone is still excited about the one of a kind iPhone wristlets that actually fit your phone, credit cards, lip balm & cash. Completely hands free.

And I’ve been spending some time with my girls on the slopes. And this is what it is supposed to be. Dad is here…he is our anchor on the mountain & the best photographer. We have some great memories captured.

More to come this week.

xoxo, Jen

Finding My Style

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the question “What is my style?”

There are some other handbag designers on Etsy that when you see a photo of one of their bags you instantly know who’s it is before you see the sellers name. I want that same brand recognition.

Finding your style is the fun part of the journey. I’ve been crafting my bags for 2.5 years and I’ve explored many styles of bags in the ultimate pursuit of finding my style.

The past can sometimes provide guidance for the future

Recently, I returned to a journal entry that I wrote over a year ago. I was given the opportunity to have a meeting in my studio with Liz Conover. Read her Linked-in profile and you will see why this was an amazing opportunity for me. The best part of that meeting had nothing to do with business. I was able to see just how sweet and utterly sensational she is. I’ve seen her at a few other events since this meeting and she has such a warm personable charisma (as does her husband Udi) that you just can’t help but want to be around them.

I digress but was necessary to explain the next part. She is a consultant for the highest end market of handbags and fashion. That said, she is a supporter of grass-roots efforts, Eco-friendly ideas and being yourself without compromise. Having a full on vision of where you want to be in five and even ten years. Is your life about bags or being the caretaker of your family. That is to say do I want sitters, long hours, vacations, and time with family.

You can’t honestly give it all, to all facets at the same level, I have to share my time with my business, my family, and me. In other words finding my ratio. All of these need to be considerations for growing your business. Whether or not you hire help or outsource any responsibilities is another consideration. Also, is this a business that I’d want to sell in 1o years.

Another important part of our conversation was more about the type of bags that I create. As I said, I’ve tried many designs in part to see what I like and in other to see what my fans/customers like. So when Liz and I spoke a year ago she said to me you are not preppy, preppy is plain and boring. You are unique and whimsical. That my items are not mass-produced and that I put detail in every stitch. The colors and color combination are outstanding and that I combine colors that your mom said you shouldn’t. That I am totally a spin-off from the 1950′s.

So needless to say I was floating after this conversation and sort of put aside the most important part. She told me to be me always me and that I should never compromise who I am or change for another person. Bag lesson and life lesson. As I said, she is sensational.

My personal style

My clothing style is a clash of preppy boring and sustainable. I only wear solids but especially when I get dressed up, I am all 1950′s and vintage (but mostly solids). Generally I seek out cottons, a whimsical feel (but not print) with ballet style tops but sometimes you’ll see me in a blue polo sweater and pink shorts but not everyday. I do like to accessorize with something fun like a bold belt, pink shoes (atypical), scarves, pearls, bracelets and fun handbags.

Designing risks

I know that when I design I take a risk that I will lose fans & customers but that happens from time to time even with big store chains. I take a look at their color palate for the season and sometimes I swoon and other times I run for the hills.

I like that I change and evolve with new ideas that meet my lifestyle as many others share the same style. I don’t just make one thing and stick with it, I always keep trying new things. Sometimes they work and other times they do not.

A recent design element that I want you to weigh in on

I believe that I have found my style and what I love most. I love embroidered elements. The time and skill that it takes to complete such intricate designs all by hand. I am not hip with the machine embroidered design. They are fine but not for me. You can tell the difference and I like that someone toiled endlessly to draw and then stitch by hand the fine little details that make an item certainly unique. As my daughter said when she was 6, it is the love that you put in it that makes it special.

Unfortunately my other half dislikes embroidery. His preference is my burlap designs with fabric band across the front, sometimes a grosgrain ribbon but usually that is too much for him.

I trust his judgement as we’ve done a lot of design work together. We argue quite a bit about design and we do disagree from time to time but most often we see eye to eye and our combined style is pretty nice I think. If you’ve been to my house, it is not just my thumbprint but a collective of both of our ideas on design, decorating, and photography.

I’ve not abandoned my burlap design and it is still one of my favorites. So he need not worry. I still want to make them but sometimes a girl needs options.

Enter…my new designs for the winter with the following features:

1. Wool, Tweed, Corduroy (we both like these fabrics)

2. Brightly colored whimsical interiors (same, we both like them)

3. The loop and button (me)

4. The embroidery (my favorite element and his least favorite)

Of course, I still do custom work so if you liked an idea of wool without an embroidery feature or you wanted a different color fabric that is always an option unless it is one of my OOAK designs and I have no more of that particular fabric.

What other elements of my designs that are my favorite

1. Burlap designs

2. Winter designs that are neutral with a pop of color

3. Winter colors that are bold, bright and whimsical like the purple flower tote

4. Spring designs with a whole lot of color

5. Short handles as I am not a shoulder bag girl

6. Small totes and honestly even my large totes are pretty small but no more weekenders or full on mom diaper bags

7. Wood handles may come back in the Spring

Thanks for taking the time to read but here is what I need from you.

What are your likes and dislikes about the colors, embellishments, size, shape, anything really?

I need your feedback to help me stay on track. Yes a large part of the design process is what do I like to make but if I am the only one that likes them, then my sales will reflect that and certainly that is not the road I want to travel.

peace, love and happiness,

Jen xoxo

Here are a few of the designs I mentioned

Winter Collection 2011

Burlap Collection

Whimsical Fabrics

So much to do…so little time WIR

You would think as your kids get older that you would have more time to yourself but that is not the case. I seem to have less time. Here is my past couple weeks in a short review not a play by play. Some shop, some personal.

Our home is still busy with carpenters and improving our pad which poses a few difficulties when you have barking doxies but we are managing and looking forward to enjoying our changes in the coming years.

Lots of chores and to do’s that seem to never end. But managing to keep it all in check and in stride. I’ve been running and doing yoga as often as possible. Always trying to squeeze it in but it reminds me daily in my new handmade journal.

We’ve been transitioning from being without our Liz. She is abroad now and we get updates on how she is doing through her blog. It is fun to read about what she is up to. We miss her a lot and we’ve been transitioning to doing things again without help. It is not a hard transition but still one none-the-less.

We started school with a back to school picnic and then moved right in to our first colds. But for the picnic I donated these cute cookies that were allergy friendly to the bake sale.

I also placed a custom order from one of my favorite local ladies for my own personal stationary and purchased some of her lovely stationary to have on hand for gifts.

These custom girl walking her doxie carrying her itty bitty bag are just perfect for me to send thank you’s and notes to friends. Patti really nailed the design. It matches my personality so perfect. Thanks Patti!!

These will make the perfect little gifts. I can’t wait to gift them. Whales, Seahorses, Seastars, and Rope oh my!!

You can view her items here:  http://eastonplacedesigns.com/

I’ve been working on a number of shop items too.

This new blue bird tote!! With a hand monogram and appliqued little blue bird, trees and bugs.

This new passport pouch that was a custom request from my sitter. It is large enough to hold e-tickets, passports, and itineraries.

I’ve also been working on a number of other items such as a large monogrammed tote, my day planner which I’ve already been receiving requests on, phone cozies of course, and small fall totes which are customized to the color you like. All of my fabrics are now uploaded to Flickr so you can stop by and place your custom order today.

Peace, Love and Happiness this week!! Hoping for more productivity but with the little one being home sick…wish me luck.

JSJ

Fall Fashion, Design & Color for 2011

Whether your craft is Fashion, Design, Cosmetics or Fine Art there will always be a color palette that is used throughout the industry to create beautiful articles, front pages of Etsy, or just what the general population is buying and searching for through popular search engines.

Colors that will dominate Fall of 2011

First and one of my own personal favorites is pale colors with pops of brights. These will work great on handbags, accessories, fine art prints or even interior designs that might include accent pillows. Keep this in mind when you are photographing as well.

Charcoal grey (gray) was definitely a theme with some of the big design powerhouses. The overwhelming color that was an accent with it…pink neon. Oh my!! Though this is a bit much for my taste, perhaps a fuchsia pink might give it the same level of pop.

Other color themes for fall might includes shades of Emerald Green, Vivid Blue, or Graphic black and white.

Patterns and Styles for Fall of 2011

Geometric seems to be a recurring theme that includes a houndstooth or bold stripes. You might see some switch up with the colors Indigo and Black.

Exotic skins like snake will also take the stage, these will include lush colors and golden accents.

On the topic of golden tones…yellow was still a very popular interior design color and autumn colors including very deep oranges and yellows will continue to be front stage for Fall of 2011.

I’ve included some of these thems in this fall Treasury.

Click here to view the Fall 2011 Fashion Treasury on Etsy’s website.

I hope you enjoyed this article and it helps you define your own theme for fall of 2011. I am so excited to start working on my ideas. So stay tuned.

My best, Jen

A bit of this and that….

It has been a while since I’ve posted.

We were away for 10 days which hardly felt like a vacation at all. We were busy exploring the shores of Cape Cod. Growing up it seemed normal and only an hour drive but now it is quite the hike from our NY city suburb.

Here is one of my favorite photos highlighting our trip

Photo credit: Shawn St. Jean

We did so many fun things on our trip. We played mini golf, went to the beach with real waves, playgrounds, watched the fisherman come in after their morning catch, and our Seal Watch was quite the adventure as it was easily the coldest day and the waves were a rocking so much so that they cancelled the trip following ours as they didn’t think anyone would have fun…go figure. We also did some shopping getting our black dog wear and salt water taffy (hmm…where did I hide the taffy). We went to a beach that is excellent for watching the Oysters fisherman, and for catching crabs and minnows. The water was murky but the girls didn’t seem to mind. A trip to the Cape wouldn’t be complete without a carousel ride, a minor league baseball game, a sand castle contest, and quiet tranquil runs out on the beach.

The one thing that we are most thankful for was for the suggestion to bring along our high school sitter. We only had one date night but it made all of our day trips so much less stressful having her there to help out and even playing with the kids. If you have the extra room, I highly recommend it.

The week following vacation…last week. My sitter was away at camp. I had builders running around my house and still managed to squeeze some work in. We took another quick trip up to Massachusetts to have my girls with both of their cousins all in one place. It was only a day trip but it was so great all being together and going to a local pool that I spent many childhood summer days.

This week was my first full week back with my sitter giving me a hand and I was very productive but started to feel run down, but I pushed onward and I was able to catch up on a lot of work.

So here is what I’ve been up to:

• create a prototype sleeve for a friend to hold business cards or small note cards
• 4 burlap wine bags
• a custom skirt
• a custom iPad messenger bag
• finalize the design on a bridal order
• a monogrammed zipper pouch
• 2 iPad Sleeves
• an iPhone cozy
• a bunch of key fobs
• some new items (one listed…more to come)
• a framed clutch that may debut in a book being photographed come September
• completed the monograms for two new dance bags for my own girls (still some work to be done)

I guess I’ve been pretty busy though I wish sale numbers reflected that. In addition to all my creations and home improvement, I’ve still found some time to spend with my girls and have some relaxing playdates with friends. I finished out my week by returning to Hot Yoga. Yes an hour and half of blood, sweat and tears.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer. I am excited to read all about your adventures. For me, I am looking forward to back to school when life seems a little less busy, we are on a schedule and I am back to work full-time.

You can check out my Facebook page for recent pictures of all the items above.

http://facebook.com/ittybittybag

I may try to highlight a few of these items in a post but time has been a little tight and I’ve only had time for highlights or week in reviews.

My best, Jen xoxo

Pedicures, childhood laughter and a sale!

Growing up I remember my Sicilian Grandmother following after us in her driveway laughing and smiling. I also distinctly remember the green chain-linked fence around the yard. Some memories just stick with you, like my grandmothers feet, she always wore slippers and a “house coat” just like those Prego commercials. What I am not sure most noticed was her very dry feet. It is actually a sign/symptom of health problems. Most just thought she was in need of a pedicure.

Doing my nails has never been my thing. After some health problems and some gentle persuasion of my husband, I went for my first pedicure. It is such a strange feeling to have someone scrub your feet. I still have a hard time with that. Last year, I went a total of four times. Hardly a frequency at all. I started thinking, even lotion doesn’t get rid of this dryness, why do I want dry feet? Even a 4-year-old notices dry skin (I did).

So this year I am putting my hangups on the subject aside and in my pursuit of health and wellness, going to give my feet a treat too! I really had a change of heart now that I am doing yoga, my eyes are up close and personal with my feet and I want them to look cute not dry. Let this be known, I will most certainly not be painting my fingers. Lol.

So if you feel weird about the whole thing that is ok, most normal people do. Take a deep breath and a good magazine and pretty up those toes, so you are not remembered as the girl with dry feet.

And while you are getting your toes done, it will leave your fingers free to stop over to my shop and take advantage of free shipping and 10% off. I am busy with my next 12 custom orders and also trying to find balance. For a while it has been non-stop sewing and I never set out to be a one-person sweat shop. So while I pause to reflect and find a schedule that works for me, you can take advantage of my sale.

Peace, love and happiness, Jen

Finding Balance

Finding Balance when you are living the American Dream.

This statement is quite timely in my present schedule. I am living the American dream, nurturing my seed that is the Itty Bitty Bag Company. I see and feel it’s every move. I can love it and hate it in the same breath.

So this week among all the orders, 2 kids, and prepping myself for huz’s next trip, why would I challenge myself to 8 days of Bikram Hot Yoga?

I was asked today if running was comparable for me. The short answer is yes but the difficulty is in it’s flexibility. I am always squeezing it in. I hadn’t booked time on my calendar for me. I am always so busy with everyone else that I often forget about Jen. I know many people that do this. Not taking time to take care of the caretaker can only last so long. It will catch up to you and may have very real physical consequences.

A little bit of history of me and my yoga experience. I have done yoga before but only through DVD’s or Tara Stiles on YouTube which have the same inherent flexibility as running.

After talking with a friend and asking her to go for a run, she said she hadn’t been running for a while but doing hot yoga instead. She offered to take me. Well actually I demanded she take me as it sounded torturous and I felt I needed to be a part of this. She happily accepted.

So now it is Day 3 and I will tell you why I am hooked. It is hard! I have to be there at a certain time. It is 110 degrees. I sweat…a lot. It is completely silent. It is a set routine that remains constant every day. I use my own body to stretch, strengthen, and relax. I have found mind, body and spirit.

I love all the orders and I’ve been so happily busy but lacking me time. So this one week challenge is important. They say it takes more than 30 days to break a habit and 7 days to make one. So I am making a new one. 8 days of Bikram Yoga. One extra day to make sure it sticks!

You would think I would be tired, similar to running 12 miles right? Wrong! I feel stronger every day and I have so much energy. I must have opened pandoras energy box or something. I am wide awake at midnight and my eyes open with the sun. Take that Starbucks! Well I haven’t given up coffee yet.

The other channel it has opened is that I have a sense of calm. I am trying to keep the mountain of work as a blessing and my hill to climb. Racing to the top will kill me but if I pace myself, perhaps make some stops along the way, I might enjoy the journey that much more.

Peace, love and happiness my friends!

Jen