Small Biz: 5 Great Podcasts for Creatives

I love that we live in a time where there's so much information available in so many different formats all hours of the day. Podcasts are one of my favorite ways to learn about new things and hear about other people's lives and work. Fortunately, there are a bunch of great podcasts around that are focused on creative small business. I listen to at least one of those podcast during my average work day. They enrich the time spent doing otherwise menial tasks (folding and packaging greeting cards, anyone?) and keep me inspired in my own business and interested in the work of others.

And coincidentally, I've had the pleasure of meeting all of these ladies in person at Craftcation. Happy accident!

Raise Your Hand. Say Yes. by Tiffany Han
"A podcast about the creative adventures of (extra)ordinary people." I love Tiffany's no-nonsense approach to creative work and her podcasts never fail to inspire - whether it's to get off the computer to get some real work done or to tell those negative inner voices that everything will be fine. Really.
Favorite episode: Crazyfaith. Tiffany's interviews with creative businesswomen are so interesting and super inspiring, but I especially loved this episode with just Tiffany talking about something called crazyfaith.

While She Naps by Abby Glassenberg
"I talk with designers and makers about what it really takes to build a creative business. Then we recommend great stuff we're loving right now." Abby's interviews are so engaging. She asks the best questions, but also lets the dialog flow so it feels like a casual chat. 
Favorite episode: It's a tie between the interview with Heather Moore of Skinny LaMinx and with Steve Fraser, Co-founder of Spoonflower. I'd want to be Heather when I grow up and Spoonflower has opened a lot of doors for me and my small business, so, enough said!
 
Crafty Planner
"A City Planner Making Crafty Things" I love the relaxed feel to Sandi's interviews. I always feel like I really get to know the guests just by listening in on the conversation.
Favorite episode: Interview with sewing pattern designer Christine Haynes. I got to chat with Christine in a long fabric cutting line at Super Buzzy right after Craftcation and she is so sweet! I enjoyed hearing about her work and the workspace she's created in her home.

Explore Your Enthusiasm by Tara Swiger
"I lead adventures for makers (like you!) who want to explore your best work, your most-right people, and your own definition of success." Tara's business tips and tricks are so helpful! 
Favorite episode: What to say when "networking." The best advice for knowing when to hand a business card to that person you just met.

Dear Handmade Life
"Drinks and discussions on creative business, DIY, craft and design for entrepreneurs and makers" It probably isn't much of a surprise but the ambitious ladies behind Patchwork Show and Craftcation also have a podcast! 
Favorite episode: Wheels to Bricks with Carlos Salgado. I'm not involved with the food scene, but it was really interesting to learn about one guy's experience transitioning from food truck to brick and mortar restaurant.

So those are my current faves. Do you have any that you'd recommend? I'm always looking for new ones to listen to, so I'd love to hear your suggestions! Just let me know in the comments.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Finds 5.22.15

Hey, yall! Happy Friday to you! It's Memorial Day weekend so I hope you have something fun planned for the next couple of days. I'm going to take it easy, catch up on some reading, finish up a few projects. Here are a few cool things from around the web that I think you might enjoy:

• I just started reading this book and I'm already hooked. Can't wait to get to work! Kinda... ;)
• Super cute and so easy to make - you might already have all of the supplies on hand!
• I love these quilted zipper pouches.
• A new place to store those airplants you keep buying!
• Remember these origami bats? These beautiful pieces were also created with the wet folding technique and they're incredible!
• I'm still thinking about that Mad Men finale. I enjoyed this final toast.
• Selling at any craft fairs this spring? Check out this free printable checklist! 

Have a good one!

*Photo via my Instagram account.

New Illustrated Pins in the Shop!

Just popping in to let you know about these brand new pins I have in the shop! I originally intended to make a few just for Patchwork Show (I like to have something special just for shows), but as per usual, I got really excited about them and decided to sell them in the online shop as well. I hope you like them!

Above: Shasta Trailers are at the top of my list for dream trailers. Just love that little wing! I have them in a few different colors - this pink one may be my favorite.

Classic Mini Coopers, in a bunch of colors.
London Bus!
Airstream Trailers. Love these!
Teacups!
Retro Vespas in Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. 

Doxies! I have these in running and standing style. :)
Eiffel Towers in Blue and Red. 

Each of these pins comes packaged in a muslin bag. They would make great gifts!

Small Biz: Craft Fair Packing Checklist - A Free Printable!

Spring is in full swing and if you're an entrepreneur of the crafty variety you may be considering your craft fair schedule for the year. My mini is still loaded up with inventory that I took to Patchwork Show last Sunday so craft fairs are still fresh on the brain for me. I've done enough of them by now to have a fairly good system in place to make sure I have everything I need, but the panicky feelings still creep in sometimes when I'm on the way to a show - "Did I forget my tablecloths?! Do I have my change?" Feeling totally prepared helps take the stress out of the equation so I decided to write up a craft fair packing checklist. And since some of you may be in the same craft fair schlepping boat I decided to share it here. Click here to download your own copy!

Check off each item as you load it in to the car! I included a few blank lines for you to add anything additional or specific that you use in your setup. I hope it's helpful! And I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Thinking about kicking off a new creative venture but don't know where to start? Feeling like you need to read a few more articles about SEO and product photography before you launch that new Etsy shop? Check out my post about getting started.

DIY Eames Inspired Mobile

The Eames' are some of my creative idols. Not only was their work prolific and diverse (architecture, furnishings, fabric prints, toys, fantastical sculptures, film) but they were their most active during my favorite era in design - the 1950's and 60s. I'm really into mid century fabric prints and on of my favorites is their "Dot Pattern."

Ray Eames and her "Dot Pattern" 1947. Photo via American Treasures of the Library of Congress

This print is simple, but has so much movement. It always reminded me of mobiles, and since I'm still working on my bedroom redesign I thought it would be fun to make a mobile inspired by the "Dot Pattern" print to go in the room. I love that mobiles add energy and interest to a space. They're also really relaxing to watch - whoever said they were just for babies? :)

This mobile is very simple to make, and inexpensive, too! The supplies cost me less than $10, and as usual, I still have some supplies left over. So let's get started!

Here's what you'll need to make an Eames Inspired Mobile for yourself:

• Wood dowels. I used 2, 36" lengths. 5/16" diameter
• Wood balls. I used 1" Dowel Caps with pre-drilled 3/8" holes. This size fit the dowels perfectly. They came in a bag of 16
• Wood glue
• Clear monofilament, fishing line, or beading thread. I used 0.25mm monofilament cord, found in the jewelry section at the craft store
• Black spray paint
• Clear spray sealer (optional)
• Additionally: scissors, something to cut the dowels (I have one of these from my model making days and it's great), screw hook for the ceiling

Spray paint the wood balls with a few coats of the black paint, enough to get even coverage. Spray seal the dowel rods (not necessary, but it does improve the wood tones on the dowels). Decide on an arrangement and cut the dowels to size. I used 5 pieces, 18" 14", 10", 8", and 6" lengths.


Glue the balls to the end of each dowel and let dry.


Cut a length of monofilament longer than you think you'll need, about 4'. Starting with the piece that will be on the bottom of the mobile, tie a square knot tightly around the center of the dowel. Hold the monofilament in one hand and balance the dowel, scooting it back and forth until you find the center point and the dowel hangs evenly on each side. Allow about 4" of line, and tie on the second to last piece, tying a tight square knot and then balancing. Repeat with the other 3 pieces. Add a dot of glue over each knot to keep it from moving if you'd like.



Tie a loop in the end of the line and hang from a hook in the ceiling. Watch it move! I love how the clear line makes it look like the pieces are floating. Just a little bit of air movement is all you need to get it to spin. It looks different from every angle.


Baci loves it, too! Have a great weekend! I'm a vendor at Patchwork Show in Oakland this Sunday, so stop by if you're in town.

P.S.  Wondering which plants would suit your Eames Case Study House best? (We can dream, can't we?) Check out this post from the archives.

Friday Finds 5.1.15

Happy Friday! I have a bunch of new projects in the works, but I feel like I'm always saying that, huh? I like making new, special products for up-coming shows so I made these new acrylic pins with my trailer, vespa, and doxie illustrations. They're so cute - I'm thinking about making them regular products in the shop. I'm also working on restocking a bunch of products, so I've been busy in the studio lately. In the meantime, here are some links from around the web that I thought you'd might enjoy:

• These earrings are lovely!
• I'd love to find one of these during my afternoon walks.
• Betty Willis, the designer of the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign passed away last week. I enjoyed reading about her and her work.
• The best wetsuit I've ever seen.
• I've been planning a bunch of sewing projects and researching patterns and tutorials. Check my Sewing & Fabrics Pinterest board for my favorites.
• Patchwork Shows are coming up! You can find me at the Oakland location, May 10th.
• I'm having a spring cleaning sale over in the Etsy shop! Once these items are gone, they're gone, so act fast!  

Photo via my Instagram account.