Around the Studio

Sneak peek into fall...

My [new] studio

Recently I moved my studio from an upstairs bedroom to the basement. Then from one room in the basement to another. That's right - two moves. Yuck.

I originally moved downstairs to have more room and because it is a lot cooler. It can get really hot with the iron on for most of the day. Especially when it is 90 degrees and humid outside. I loved my new space [and much nicer temperature] but there was just not enough light and it made it incredibly difficult to sew and match threads and such. So I made another move, to another room, and I couldn't be happier :D

There is plenty of room and a lot more natural light. I absolutely love how everything fits in the space. I set up a new shipping station, which has made sending off packages a breeze. Most of all, I am just happy to be settled and have a spot where I am super productive. Now I just need to decorate and put up an inspiration board for fall :)

What is new in your studio lately?

New in the Shop

New in the shop! The summer tote.
Perfect for trips to the market, toting your library books, or a day at the beach.

For summer, I like to keep things simple and easy. I need a tote that I can throw my stuff in and go. Big enough to hold my daily goodies and still hold a light jacket for chilly nights.

Shop Update

Milk & Honey got a new look with a new style of photos. New bags can be found in the shop now and new styles will be added all week :)

Busy as a Bee

Seems that all I have been doing lately is sewing, sewing, sewing. Making new stuff, remaking old stuff, and working on some custom orders as well. All of my pouches have a signature milk & honey bee free hand embroidered on the back. They are like snowflakes - each one unique ;)

This weekend I will be working on photos [a constant battle]. Photos are the single most important thing for any online business owner and there is always room for improvement. Now that I have a better understanding of using natural light, white balance, and my camera's ev settings; I am really focusing on composition. I am excited to see how they will turn out!

Do you own an online shop? What is your best photography tip?

Sneak Peak

A stack of new styles in process.
May will bring many new things to the Milk & Honey shop [and blog] :)

Weekend

This weekend was filled with a lot of sewing,
having fun editing photos on picnik ,
relaxing, watching movies,
& poker with friends on Sunday.

How was your weekend?

Inspiration[milk & honey]

photo credits [1] [2] [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

Milk & Honey inspiration.

I am working on several new things for the shop [well I have been working on them for a little while]. For some reason, I always start on several new projects and work on them all at once, instead of just starting something and getting it finished. It's the gemini in me.

I think that spring always gets me motivated to make changes and start new things. What new projects have you been working on this spring?

In the Studio [fabric printing]

This weekend was pretty uneventful. The majority of my time was spent sewing and printing star pouches.

When I started making star pouches I hand cut each star out of freezer paper, ironed on to fabric, and used as a stencil. This took forever and would not always yield the best results.

After a few had sold, I had a custom stamp made [I had difficulty hand carving the tiny design into the lino block] and use block printing ink applied by a foam brush. This is a lot easier and there is a huge time difference.

Prepping

Printing

The book Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin, inspired me to try stamping and create my own linocuts . It has taken a little while for me to get the hang of carving. Right now I am working on some prints for spring and summer :)

I love fabric stamping. Every print is slightly unique and if I apply just a soft pressure, the stamp is slightly faded, like a worn vintage tee.

Spring Sale!

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Spring Sale in the shop!
Slim Totes - 32.00
Ribbony Zipper Pouches - $17.00
Pencil Pouches - $14.00

Ends Wednesday March 23rd

New Things

Sebastian got a haircut and is looking very cute.



My portfolio for Indie Biz 3.0.
I really liked the way it turned out and it was a lot of fun to create.
I think I am going to more binders like this to organize my desk.



I moved all of my sewing stuff down to the basement. I now have a lot more space and storage options. It feels more like a studio now and I love it.
A photo tour coming soon =)

Hello March

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I am really excited to start a fresh month!

I am looking forward to...
warmer days
moving my workspace downstairs
red riding hood
planting seeds for my garden
introducing new designs
indie business 3.0 [so excited for this class!!]

What are you looking forward to this month?

Introducing

The eco friendly collection.



Made with luxurious faux suede that was created using recycled plastic bottles.

Beautiful and soft. Incredibly durable.
Stain resistant. Wrinkle resistant. Moisture resistant. Machine washable.

These new clutches and pouches are the best bags that I have made to date. The fabric is amazing and environmentally friendly. I love the antique brass zipper. The soft yet sturdy feel.



In the shop now.
Larger bags coming soon =)

In need of sleep...

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I have been working really hard behind the scenes for a major shop update coming next week.
I am really excited to share everything I have been working on!
I need a good night's sleep. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel refreshed and ready to sew =)
I will be back then to announce the giveaway winner!
Until then...
sweet dreams

Shop Update

New in the shop!
Star print wristlets.
Perfect for a night (or day) on the town!

Available in blue and black.
Two inside slip pockets.
Star print lining.

Shop Update

New clutches in lovely new prints are now in shop.
I have been loving prints lately. My favorite is the black, gray, and yellow floral print - I just adore the striking color combination.

Balance

[credit]

Hoping for a little snow!
Tonight it is supposed to snow a bit - which will be great for snowboarding tomorrow morning :)

This year I am trying to maintain a more balanced life. This includes making more time for exercise. I am trying to stick to a structured schedule, to make sure that I enjoy some down time, exercise, and read. I have always done better on a schedule. I think this will help me avoid burnout and increase productivity.

I am working on a lot of new things behind the scenes. Look for shop updates next week and some other new designs later this month. I have been working on some new bags and materials that I am really excited to share!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Like every holiday season - I feel like I have just been going, going, going...
I have been super busy this holiday and am so happy!
The fact that so many people will be opening up a bag from Milk & Honey on Christmas morning makes me smile.

This weekend we got our tree and have slowly been decorating for the holiday.
I also went snowboarding for the first time this year - Woohoo! Although we have not had much of a snow yet, it has been really cold, so the ski areas have been making a lot of snow while they can :) On Saturday I went to [my first] ugly Christmas sweater party, which was a lot of fun and hilarious. Full of holiday shenanigans! I really need to start taking pictures to document my adventures [New Years resolution]!

I have also been getting in the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music and watching good holiday movies. I ♥ a good Christmas movie. My favorite is Home Alone - I could watch it over and over! What is your favorite holiday movie?

Sewing

Lately I have been sewing, sewing, sewing
I hardly have had time for much else

Custom orders for the holidays have piled up
and I am working on some new things for the new year

I have been trying to take some time to enjoy the chilly nights with hot cocoa and a good book
I hope this holiday season is treating you well!

The Winner Is...

The winner for the star print pouch is A. Alexandra! Yay! Check your email :)
Thank you everyone for entering to win and all of your lovely comments!