There is something about the rustic feel to jewelry made out of recycled and upcycled materials that is captivating. This is especially true with the creations of Angie Lawlar, a steampunk jeweler whose work I have been obsessing about for months now.
Angie sells her unique handmade steampunk jewelry internationally through her Etsy shop, Steampunk Funk, as well as locally in Janeau, Alaska where she lives with her husband, three kids, and their dog Reuben.
From her crooked house necklaces that I am absolutely in love with, to her unique take on a pair of wedding bands, her jewelry has its own voice; a loud yet subtle enticing hum. So although her jewelry falls under the steampunk category, she has added a funky edge to her work that for me has made it come into a category all on its own with the capability of a universal appeal.
"I create because it's who I am, it's a part of me that can't be denied or suppressed. I think I try to create pieces that will be enjoyed by many different people. For example the barn nail rings are popular not only with steampunk enthusiasts but also the ranchers, farmers and cowboys/cowgirls.
"I have a wide age range and style of buyers. I've had 60 year olds purchase the steampunk sparrow, and I've had 13 year olds go for the skeleton keys," Angie said.
Although producing appealing jewelry isn't an obstacle for Angie, her remote location is.
"Living in Janeau means there are no roads in and no roads out. The only way to Juneau is by plane or boat. So supplies are limited and ordering supplies is a job in and of its self. For example I just ordered supplies and paid $125 for shipping. I can't just run out [and] find what I need, I have to carefully plan it out and order accordingly," Angie said.
How hard Angie works just to be able to come by the materials she needs to produce her jewelry makes her that much more attractive as a seller; when you buy a piece of jewelry from her Etsy shop, you know she worked through obstacles to make it for you.
"I sincerely hope in five years I'm creating in a nice bright studio. That is my goal, to move out of my garage phase," Angie said.
Outside of creating Angie enjoys being a mom first and foremost, and the park hopping, hiking, biking, beach evenings and bear scoping that comes with it.
You can follow Angie's journey and a mom and jeweler through her Blog and through her Facebook page.
(Photos curtesy of Angie Lawlar)
I choose to take on Joe's last name for a variety of reasons. The major one being that when we have kids I want to have their same last name. This means making a lot of changes including changing my web Site name (it's currently sandrasantosphotography.com) and my business information on my business cards. That means the 500 cards I have left at the moment are no-go no-more.
When I thought of getting new business cards, I immediately thought of MOO. It isn't specifically that their quality surpasses other printing presses, but there is one sole fact that sets them apart and makes them my next go-to-place for business cards.
What makes MOO great is that you don't have to order one design in bulk from them, rather you have the choice of having a variety of images on the front (or back) of your business cards.
For any kind of crafter or artist this allows you to cater to your audience even with your business card. You don't have to send a customer that bought a scarf a business card with a photo of the great mugs you sell, and vice versa. They really are great if you create in more than one medium or simply have a vast diversity of subject matter. Or simply want to have more than one design in your cards.
They're a little expensive, especially if you're used to buying 500 business cards for $10, but I think it's worth it to splurge a little on your business. And you can get a set of 10 for free by clicking here to try them out.
They also create mini cards, postcards, and stickers which are all pretty groovy too.
Happy Friday loves.
(photos from Moo.com)
At the beginning of this year I embarked on a 365 day photography project journey. Halfway through the year, however, I got sidetracked planning my wedding and had to stop continuing that project.
Although I hope to start over next year, meanwhile I want to start doing a fine art photo of the week post every Friday.
My first photograph of the week is one that I've been meaning to try for a while. A vintage spoons photograph that I've tinted in black and white, which I hope you like.
Besides vintage hunting this weekend, Joe and I are thinking of going kayaking or canoeing, which would be the first time we go onto the lake in our new home town.
What are your plans for the weekend loves?
How neat is this leather SLR camera satchel from Ona?
I love all of their camera bags. Their beautifully crafted leather exteriors and fashionable look make them a very desirable item for those of us that don't want to lug around a camera bag that is noticeably a camera bag. Although a little pricey at a little over $300, one of these babies is definitely on my want list.
If you like them too Joanne, from A Cup Of Jo is sponsoring a giveaway that you can enter today only and win one of these fabulous bags. Click here to enter.
I'm already crossing my fingers I can beat the odds and win it!
G'luck loves.
(photos from Ona website)
Happy Monday loves! From now on my Tuesday posts will be fashioned based, so if you're looking at this because you're into fashion. Stay tuned with me on Tuesday.
I'm really excited about this fall's fashion trends. Mustard yellow, dark teal, fiery reds, fuschia, and dark blue head my favorite color trends. Colorful pants, graphic stripes, polka dots, jade and red dresses, suede shoes, and plaids also top my most liked trends.
Some of my favorite finds following the new seasons trends include:
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You can click on each image and go directly to their product page.
1. Matchstick Cords - J.Crew - $63.60
2. Rufflescape Wedges - Anthropologie - $488
3. Knit Sweater - H&M - $29.95
4. Wool Coat - H&M - $199
5. Maxi Polka Dot Dress - Forever21 - $22.80
I love this 1920s vintage pincushion from Luncheonettevintage on Etsy.com.
Its rustic feel and dark orange color make it a perfect edition to a household for the new season. It costs $21 and ships worldwide.
Etsy.com has some great finds for the new school year, both handmade and vintage. I made a treasury featuring some of my favorites from my favorite handmade titled, "Back to School Madness". You can click the image below to take a look.
