Cheap treats :: Lovely thread earrings

Posted on | Thursday, March 19, 2009 | 3 Comments

I just discovered charsbeadcreations on Etsy. I love her whimsical thread chandelier earrings:

I immediately snatched up two pairs:
Click here, and here

Guess how much??? I asked Matt, who was sitting next to me and his guess, "$50? Those are really intricate." Nope... only $7 per pair!!! AND $0 for shipping. Free shipping! Hop over to her shop and snatch up a pair for spring!
Photo credits: charsbeadcreations

Vacation shoes

Posted on | Wednesday, March 18, 2009 | 2 Comments

J. Crew has a great "final sale" right now on these fantastic sandals. I just got them this past week for our vacation and I LOVE them. I am usually nervous to order shoes online because I'm so picky about fit, but these are so comfy. Much more so than flip flops. Plus, if you buy right now through March 21st, you get an extra 20% off by entering the code "extra20" at checkout. I got them for $49.99... but head over right now to get an additional $10 off!

Matt said they were "sexy"! Bonus!
Photo credits: J. Crew

In my spare time...

1 Comment

... I try to "think" I know a thing or two about computers. puah ha ha... ha *slight sigh*

Somethings are easy and the easy things are hard. For instance, my lack of a mouse has helped me to heighten my keyboard shortcut skills to the point where I scare myself when I get into a crazy rhythm of ctrls and alts. But other things... yikes.

If this blog looks a bit janky over the next week or two, forgive me as my fingers fumble over the keyboard. I'm trying to make it prettier, I swear.

For real pretty things, visit Becky Kelso's website for understated, yet completely ga-ga gorgeous jewelry.... at the very least, to tie you over while my blog is on the fritz.

I love every single piece on her site. I want it all.
Found through Snippet & Ink
Photo credits: Becky Kelso

Etsy shop update! :: Many new pieces

Posted on | Sunday, March 15, 2009 | 2 Comments

Lots of pretty little things in my Etsy shop today. A nearly identical headband to the one above was featured in all the Brides Local magazines this month. Yay!

Also, I'll be on vacation this coming week. I'll post more details soon!

Hair today.... gone tomorrow...

Posted on | Friday, March 13, 2009 | 14 Comments

I decided to make my hair adventures a two part series. Matt and I recently watched the movie Bride Wars, and I'm usually not a big fan of Anne Hathaway, but I really loved her hair in the flick and it completely changed my mind on what style I wanted. Before I go any shorter, I thought I should give her do a try, since I had so much hair to work with. I liked her blunt, in between lengths cut. Something so fresh about it. I've seen layered cuts for so long and I've had my hair layered for what seems like even longer... so these blunt cuts and bobs are really appealing to me (Nothing wrong with layers! I'm just bored). After I keep this style for a while, I think I'll cut it shorter for something more adventurous and choppy. The inspiration:

Obviously, I have some bangs and my hair is straight... but I liked the essence of her cut and tomorrow... I'm buying a big barrel curler. Before:

After:

A pretty blunt cut but with some light texture at the ends.

I need to take an "action" shot because my hair has tons of movement now. If I shake my head, my hair keeps on moving. I love it. So silky and clean. Thank you stylists at Bishops in Portland. No appointment necessary... great for procrastinators.

... I did it!

Posted on | Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 10 Comments

14 INCHES!!!! GONE!!!! I cut over a foot of hair off my head! LOVE IT. Pictures to come.

I think I'm going to do it....

Posted on | Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 5 Comments

...cut my hair! On Thursday...
TO BE CONTINUED......

New pieces :: In my Etsy shop later today...

Posted on | Tuesday, March 10, 2009 | 4 Comments

I'll be listing a couple new pieces in my Etsy shop later on Wednesday. Perfect for spring!

Spring Fashion :: Etsy Voter

2 Comments

Voting ends March 16th at 8:00am...
A twigs & honey piece made it on the board. Vote for your favorite Spring Fashion. I also noticed another local talent, Holly Stalder, on the board!
Go HERE to vote.
Bring on the sun, shorter skirts, and flowers...

New Piece :: Etsy update

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Just added this lovely adornment to my Etsy shop.

I need to post one more inspiration post to last week's series! I'll try to do that later today. It's getting late and the day light savings has me all screwed up.

Oh! And you know what I FINALLY checked off my "to do" list?? I watched two fabulous and lovely movies... Paris, je t'aime over the weekend and Slumdog Millionaire. Aw~ they just get you in that loving mood, don't they? I watched the former at home by myself Saturday night. How cool am I? Matt and I watched the latter in an eclectic theater in downtown Salem Monday night. It was this quirky place and the bottom floor of a parking garage. Amazingly, we've lived only a few blocks away for almost a year and I always miss it. Kind of a hole in the wall but nice because there weren't as many hooligans as there are in the mall's theater. ;) Needless to say, it was good one-on-one time with Matt. Check these movies out with your loved one!

Week of Inspiration :: Day 4 :: Going the distance

Posted on | Thursday, March 5, 2009 | 3 Comments

I love my "job". Most often than not, it doesn't feel like work. Sure, I am exhausted all the time, and frazzled or stressed about some fast approaching deadline, but it's such a hard feeling to describe.... working for yourself. You don't have someone telling you what to do, yet you just do it because it makes you feel good. Some days I'm really tired or even sick, but I still want to work. I think I have some form of attention deficit disorder... I definitely have a bit of OCD... but I can't stand still. It drives me bonkers. I have to keep working on something!

I like photographing my pieces in natural light so it always seems like a race against the clock to have all the pieces finished so I can photograph them before the light dims too much outside. In the summer, 7pm would roll around too quickly and I'd almost curse the clock, wishing I had more time to work just so I didn't miss the sunlight. Sound a bit wacky yet? I used to be SO competitive with everything. It wasn't healthy! But even now, I like challenges. I like keeping my plate piled high with projects.

Some days, I admit, are tougher than others. Sometimes it feels like I'm spinning my wheels and not really going anywhere. Other days, I have huge personal or business-related successes and it makes all those exhausting days worth it. You know... those instances when you get off the phone or click out of an email and start jumping around and dancing with your arms in the air like no one is watching. I know everyone reading does it - don't deny it! I had one of those moments today... but I'll have to tell you more about it later! ;)

I am rambling again! So I wanted to dedicate today's post to Leanne Marshall who has inspired so many with her work ethic and otherworldly talent for designing fabulous clothes. I know Leanne was uber talented and hard working before getting on a tv show. She had such drive and such a passion for what she did that it was so great to see her get amazing exposure on Project Runway. I remember before she was totally famous, exchanging a chain of convos with her about all things business and all things that make us roll our eyes. And even though it was tough, she worked through it and is really on her way! Thank you Leanne for working so hard so the rest of us can enjoy your beautiful clothes!!

Leanne Marshall
Photo from here.

I love how Leanne sports her own creations all the time!
Photo from here.

Week of Inspiration :: Day 3 :: A one woman powerhouse

Posted on | Wednesday, March 4, 2009 | 2 Comments

Photo credits: Ann Wood Handmade

I'll probably eat my own words in the future, but since the beginning of twigs & honey until now, I've felt that it was important for myself to keep the business smaller in scale. And by that, I mean that I felt that it was important for me to create each piece. As many of you know, I've loved the work of Ann Wood Handmade. I was in awe of her work while planning our wedding and completely taken by her little birds. As time went on, I continued reading her blog and it was wonderful to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work. She was so inspiring. Ann has such a talent for creating unique, one of a kind pieces. I would love to pick her brain one day! Even though she had so much more demand for her pieces than there was enough time in the day for her to sew, she continued to handcraft each and every single piece. There was something magical about this to me and I've made it a point to follow in her lead. I actually have 3 of her birds now (which were not easy to come by!), and it really means something to me to know that this fantastic woman on the other side of the continent hand cut and hand sewed these birds, two of which sat on our wedding cake and made it into Portland Bride & Groom magazine. As I read her blog, I took mental notes and have even had a couple email exchanges with her. She is nothing short of the sweetest lady around and was ultra supportive of me when I had mentioned the idea of starting twigs & honey. After time went on with twigs & honey, I felt like so many of the topics she wrote about, I went through with the biz.

On top of her talents, I personally believe she is very budget friendly. If you own one of her birds, you know the craftsmanship that goes into each and every bird. Every stich is just perfect and each tiny little eye is placed just so. I remember Matt used to think I was just doing my crazy girly girl thing when I shelled out for her birds... but after creating things by hand and really knowing all the work that goes into every handmade piece, I totally understand her price points and actually think she is very affordable (trust me... you might think they are high, but if you work for yourself for a year, they'll seem like a steal!). For every handmade item you see, there is a ton of work behind it. Whether it is driving to the supply shop, listing pieces on the web, or packing up a box for shipping, the piece itself is not the only place where time is invested. And when you work for yourself and get sick, forget about the sick leave pay or vacation pay... or personal business leave days! You really need to account for everything. And don't forget those website fees and taxes!! Ugh.. taxes (more to come on taxes in later posts!). Where am I going with this? I mean to say that I was inspired by Ann Wood to keep prices as budget friendly as possible while still providing high quality, one of a kind pieces, that were handmade by my own hands and to be enjoyed by those I am working with. Whew! Needless to say, Ann Wood... you are awesome!

One of Ann Wood's lovely ships.

Photo credits: Ann Wood Handmade
Just a disclaimer... I want to say that having employees and others making your designs is completely fine. :) I just found it personally important to handmake and hand sew all my pieces. I may be eating my foot later down the road when I need the help, but for now, I'd like to make everything for everyone else to cherish. Thank you Ann Wood for the inspiration!

Week of Inspiration :: Day 2 :: Business smarts

Posted on | Tuesday, March 3, 2009 | 7 Comments

Paul and Holly of Paul Rich Studio

When I used to make hair piece for myself and family/friends only, I never thought of ever making pieces as my main occupation. I thought I was going to be a scientist forever. It amazes me still to look back and see the huge steps I took to get to where I am today. I usually plan very far out and hardly take risks... very type A personality. I remember telling my dad on the phone that I was planning to leave my research position to do twigs & honey full time and he first went, "oh, okay..." and then, "uh, what??" It took guts, I tell you! Jumping into the unknown head first.

Possibly unbeknownst to them, Paul Rich Studio was a huge motivator for me to take that huge step from employee to self-employed. They were so encouraging and so right with everything... before, during and after our wedding. I remember when Matt and I went to one of their soirees in early 2008, soon after we were married, and it was just a few days after I listed my first piece on Etsy. I told Paul and Holly and their reaction surprised me. So supportive and really great with their suggestions. Both Paul and Holly are so wonderfully successful in their occupations and their business savvy was invaluable. Paul mentioned that I should consider the possibility of doing twigs & honey full-time. I think Matt and I thought it was a tad premature/nutty, but it got the wheels turning. Paul also gave me a huge tip. He said that when your side job is making about 80% of your main job, that's the sign that you need to do what you love full-time. Perhaps it was some great psychic power, but after that talk, twigs & honey started to takeoff.

As the weeks went by, I really started to realize that I couldn't keep both my full-time job and twigs & honey demands (I literally slept 0-3 hours a night!). Throughout, Paul and Holly really believed that it would definitely payoff for me to go for it, and by March, twigs & honey was reaching the break even point with my full-time job and I put my paperwork in, gave my final notice to my employer and as cliche as it sounds, the rest is history. Since then, they continue to be a great source of inspiration and always have the best tips and advice. Paul and Holly are some of the hardest working people I know and I always love hearing about their personal successes and watching their work reach a greater audience and gain deserved recognition. Thank you so much you two!!!

Some of Holly's work:

Holly's work is stunning. You must visit her website to view her work by clicking here.
Photo credits: Holly Andres

Beautiful work from Paul Rich Studio:

I have to show some more gorgeous photos from my sister's wedding. Visit the Paul Rich Studio blog to view their slideshow or click here. By the way, Amy & Sean's wedding was so beautiful and can you believe their wedding budget was well under $10,000?! There were so many lovely details, so be sure to check it out!!

The rest of Amy & Sean's wedding photos are up in the proofing gallery. Go to Paul Rich Studio and then to "proofs" and to "Amy & Sean". Or, just click here. You can also view Matt & Myra wedding photos by clicking here. Lovely!!

Photo credits: Paul Rich Studio

Week of Inspiration :: Day 1 :: Personal Style

Posted on | Monday, March 2, 2009 | 4 Comments

Photo source: Kate Towers
As previously mentioned, this week I'll be posting about a different aspect of the twigs & honey biz and the various creative folks that inspired me along the way. I just spent all day Sunday finishing taxes. I'm mentally done with numbers for this week, so onto pretty things!

In terms of the style of twigs & honey pieces, I have been influenced by so many people, materials, and eras throughout the years. During the beginning though of "twigs & honey" (earlier 2007), I was particularly drawn to local designers Holly Stalder and Kate Towers. Up until the more recent past, they co-owned a lovely shop in Portland: Seaplane. I found out about them after discovering that one of our wedding photographers, Holly Andres (of Paul Rich Studio), had her dress custom made by Kate (which was this utterly gorgeous blue confectionary treat! I hope photos of her dress surface someday!!). Everything about the varying textures they used and their deconstructed styles appealed to me. Though both designers definitely have a different style, I think I love them equally! If I can create adornments that include all the complexity and uniqueness of one of their gowns, I'm happy. Have I ever mentioned that they are both the biggest sweethearts?? Thank you Holly and Kate for being such great inspiration to so many admirers!!

If you read the blog or visit my Etsy shop, I'm sure you recognize this dress that I ALWAYS wear. It's my favorite, favorite Kate Towers dress. Aw~ but a very old photo that recently came out of the woodwork.

Beautiful wedding dress by Kate Towers.
Photo credits: Portland Bride & Groom

One of my all time favorite Holly Stalder ensembles... so much so, that I had to have that shrug!
Photo from here.

Lovely Holly Stalder dress.
Photo from here.

Who inspires you? :: A week of inspiration

Posted on | Friday, February 27, 2009 | 3 Comments

I recently received the sweetest email from Sierra of Romeo Envy on Etsy. She just opened up her new Etsy shop, which sells lovely jewelry at very affordable prices. I hope she doesn't mind me mentioning, but she had been following the twigs & honey blog this past year and was inspired to start her own shop! I've received some of the nicest emails and convos from many brides and aspiring entrepreneurs. Thank you to everyone and keep them coming. It really makes my day to read all your heartwarming stories! I think that with the state of the economy today, it is really great that people are turning toward crafting, the arts, and hobbies! It's even greater to hear that people are supplementing their income through crafting/creating/designing or taking the plunge and becoming their own boss/home business. Doing what you love and being able to make a living or extra income on the side can be very empowering. Also, supporting crafters, artists, and designers is wonderful and gratifying in its own right!! I love finding those one of a kind pieces, made by the hands of some talented individual near or far and not too different from myself or my complete opposite.... awesome! Doesn't it feel great to create and to support those who create?? I'm not going to make this blog my political soapbox, but I do want to say that I think small businesses are such an important part of the greater picture. I love seeing all sorts of talented people succeed against current projections and trends. Every little bit can truly make a difference. What goes around comes around. Have you hugged a crafter, etsian, artist, designer today?

So I thought of doing a slightly different week of blog posts next week. Sierra's email got me to thinking. There were many individuals who inspired me to both start twigs & honey and make the career shift from employee to self-employed. I thought it was about time I share with everyone else who those fabulous people were! I'll do a post a day about an aspect of the twigs & honey business and the individual that provided me with the inspiration and push. Check back all next week!

Happy Weekend! Old photo of an Ann Wood Handmade bird. Longing for warmer days...

Beautiful! :: Amy & Sean's wedding photos :: Paul Rich Studio

Posted on | Thursday, February 26, 2009 | 3 Comments

I'm up late as usual and while visiting Paul Rich Studio's blog, I was so excited to see some of Amy & Sean's wedding photos! They turned out beautifully! I wasn't expecting them up so soon, so it was a great surprise. I think the rest will be up after all the post production work is complete, but some of their favorites are up and you'll have to check out there blog to see the rest and to see all the other lovely pictures from these talented photographers! Here are a few that are just too lovely for words:

I love this photo. My mom looks so cute. It's very creative photography too. My mom and I were actually standing behind my sister in the bathroom, and the photo is showing our reflection in the bathroom door's mirror. At least I think that's what I'm seeing. My head hurts thinking about it. ;)

Photo credits: Paul Rich Studio