heysusy

FROM THE HEART {the case for handmade this holiday at poppytalk}

Happy Monday All! Just a little pre-holiday meditation here today on Hey Susy".

If what I hear on NPR is any indicator, The holidays may be a little different this year. Around the world, well, at least around here, people are tightening their belts, asking themselves twice about purchases one and all. One can only assume this will be the case with gift-buying as well.

So, as an independent designer, I've been thinking... what case can I make for actually buying one of my items, as opposed to just heading to Target or Bloomingdales and buying something that costs a less but maybe looks almost (almost!) as hip?

Hopefully these images from Poppytalk Handmade's latest installment answer that question. Handmade, independently designed products have soul. Personally, if I can only afford to give one or two gifts, I need them to be unique, with a good cause in mind, and even if they are just small tokens, they're going to need to do big jobs. It's worth it to look a little harder, in less obvious places...and so, look to independent designers and artists.

Anyway, that's just a little of my case...and if I can't convince you, Poppytalk Handmade can back me up! Their great online marketplace has launched fresh this morning with a Holiday and Gift theme, including all of the sellers and items above, and many, many, many more.

What will you be pondering as you look for your gifts this season? I'm ever so curious!

MEET MARKET {open soon...mixed co shop in NYC!}

Hi everyone! I'm super busy today...but, I have some fun news to share!

In case any of you are round NYC way this holiday season... I do hope you will swing by the Mixed Co. shop on Bryant Park. Mixed Co. will be setting up it's own, beautiful stand-alone store in the holiday market, and we would love to see one and all there! Shelves will be stocked with all kinds of goodies from Mixed Co. members... Joy (of Oh Joy and Nantaka Joy) and Meg (of Mateo Ilasco, Author of Craft Inc) and many others including Allymoon, Laurel Denise, Linea Carta, Good on Paper, Carrie Saxl and Me.

It promises to be a festive, fun event-- with skating, food and festivities very nearby. I'll be posting more info about this as we get the shop set up. For more info about Mixed Co, visit the Mixed Co site.

To get a peek of what the Bryant Park Market is like (and it is pretty cool)...visit the Bryant Park Market site.

- - - - - - -

If would be great if we could start a grass-roots PR campaign for our little shop...so, if you would like any further info, or if you would like to grab the image above and post it on your site, just let me know! I will be happy to provide further information or whatever graphics I can for you. Thanks and hope to see you there, and enjoy your weekend! xx susy

TRAVELING WITHOUT MOVING {kiosk}

So, I'm sure that this excellent NYC store, KIOSK, is getting a lot of blog play right now...because it's great...and because it's owner, Alisa Grifo was featured this weekend in the NYTimes T magazine. So...if you're all KIOSKED out, just ignore this post completely!

If not, then take a trip over to their website, which is easy and fun to browse...with really fun descriptions of the inventory. Full of everyday objects from several countries, this store celebrates diversity from an objective perspective. Personally, I find the emergence of a store like this to be pretty much in line with all of our economic indicators lately, a cool, curated expression of  globalization meeting utility, thrift, inventiveness and frugality.

So, enjoy the ingenious-ness of a simple, balsa wood airplane kit, or the whimsy of a bunch of colored pipe cleaners...then, in your own mind, decide what you would use them for...it seems like the wonder of a shop like this is that it combines function and form-- and reminds us that even the most simple of ideas can become an indulgence...a work of art.

For more: Visit the KIOSK blog
For the T article (very fun read!) Go here

THE WORLD IS ROUND {temari obsession}

Ohhhhh my gosh. Why am I always the last to know?

I don't think it's possible to feel more inspired by something more than I'm inspired by Temari (the Japanese art of yarn balls) right now. Seriously, I am officially obsessed. There is just something about these....especially when the colors are so simple and controlled (like the one I marked up there) that makes me want to wrap everything I see, hear, smell, experience, in multicolored yarn...Installation art, anyone?

Anyway, I spent a long time finding these images-- because it seems like most people who make Temari are so in love with color and texture that they simply cannot stand taking a pulled back macro shot on a calm background... so, to all you Temari makin' folks out there...pull back and defocus the background to better show off your amazing work, please!

Ok, here is where I found these images and more.
And, for a totally insane Temari Treat visit Temari By Becky on  flickr.
Read an iinterview straight from a temari-maker at Waterrose (thanks Rose, for the link!)
If you simply must have your own, check out all of the incredible Temari balls for sale on Etsy.

TRUE APPETITE {romancing it in tough times}

It has long been my belief that even on the worst days...when you feel poor and ugly and deprived, that buying a baguette or two helps. Not only do people wonder '...where is she going?'...but they also think 'who the heck does she think she is toting around that big, unwieldy loaf?' and, if you are carrying it at the prime hour (around 3:00 in the afternoon on a workday), they might even think...'doesn't she have to WORK ??!!'

So, while I can't afford even the smallest scrap of cloth from a teeny-bopper store at the moment, I might be able to spring for the world's most stylish crust of bread with the little dough I do have. Highly recommended!

Links...
I would seriously wear this Striped sweater by Acrobat every single day.
Wood Platform Shoes by Report, Black Platforms by Steve Madden and Boots by same.
Great and affordable scarves here and Versatile Black and White Pinstriped Scarf here.
Gorgeous Leather and Metal Jewelry by Bauxo --a selection available at Candystore Collective
Simple, Elegant, wrapped bangles from Brazillian, woman-owned business Nugaard Designs ...visit their shop here.

VIRTUOSITY {solve sundsbo}

Happy Monday, all! I had a veeerrry busy weekend getting caught up from feeling so yucky last week. A huge thank you for all of your well-wishes! I really appreciate them, and they made my headachy days so much brighter and better! : )

Now, about these photos...When I used to work for clients, and art directing was often on the list of things to do, it was always great to come across a photographer who could offer a broad array of concepts, all excellent-- and not just use personal style as an easy out. It's a different sort of creativity-- taking the risk to continually explore and reinvent...range.

That's one of the reasons I really love the work of Solve Sundsbo, a photographer who has received a lot of acclaim for his fashion shots lately. While it's easy to take a great shot with a beautiful girl, great make up and incredible clothes, it's harder to move beyond that and really create and innovate. For me, most of Solve's shoots are like separate dreams from one mind, brought about by this photographer's desire to create yet another world we haven't seen yet.

Other faves: This one, This one, and this one.
More about his fashion work right here.

Quartet {the healing power of daydreams}

I am still suffering from a migraine today...but it's residual. So, pardon the short post.

When I am not playing catch-up, todays moments of reverie will be spent wishing I was sitting in this chair, wearing this pantsuit, looking down at my feet in these shoes, and twirling this necklace around my finger while my newly hired personal assistant, Fernando, brings  me petitfours and kirs and reads me my mail.

Enjoy your weekends, all! I will be back in the Land of the Living on Monday. xx sus

Take Two of These...{out sick}

Hi Everyone. Unfortunately, I am not feeling very well today. I have a migraine. So...I'm finding comfort in looking at cute things...among them. these incredibly awesome little cuties at The House of Mouse. Handmade in Amsterdam. I think I'm feeling a little better already. Hope to be back tomorrow! xx s

GOOD MORNING {welcome back}

Good Morning Everyone,

I cannot speak for anyone else; But for myself, I can say I'm very happy today. Last night was a wonderful thing to behold, and to take part in. So, I'm not going to say much...but I am very proud to be an American today...as I am every day. Still, after a long, long time, It feels like home again.

---

For me, this seemed to be the most appropriate image to pair with this post, for so many reasons. A Gee's Bend Quilt. "Closely linked to family well-being, a sense of identity for the individual quilters, and the cultural continuity of their community, a Gee’s Bend quilt constitutes more than a creative outlet. As one of the Benders stated, "It represents safekeeping, it represents beauty, and you could say it represents family history." from The Corcoran Gallery

Escapism {worldly touches, stylish wares}

Hello! Happy Tuesday. A charged day here in the States. We'll see. Anyway-- a little relaxing yumminess in this post today.

So... I'm loving this color palette. And...loving the vibe of each and every single one of these images up here! For me, a little texture, a little sculpture, goes a long way in adding sweetness and whimsy to my life. I truly adore everything in Simply Shell's shop...a GREAT place to buy gifts, or treats (many of the earrings are only $12, beautifully packaged-- lovingly handmade--totally elegant. What a find!)

Also, this gorgeous floral mirror at Urban Outfitters...what a lovely expression those little flowers have. And, this wonderful Asian turquoise-green dogwood plate at the wonderful ceramicist Whitney Smith's shop.... all of her pieces have a wonderful calm to them.

Links:
Paper, Fabric Textures: Ruby Star Traders
Handmade Earrings, Wire Wrap Crystal Necklace: Simply Shell
Silk Leopard Blouse by Jenni Kayne at Forward
Floral Mirror from Urban Outfitters
Handmade Dogwood Plate at Whitney Smith

NEW(S)

Hi All! Hey, Guess What?

Ah...I'm sure you can guess! And if you've already received the email newsletter about the calendar which was sent out this weekend, I apologize for beating you over the head with it! Still, I'm very excited to finally offer up the new susyjack* 2009 Deluxe Wall Calendar. I certainly enjoyed working on it, and I hope you will enjoy it too. Just click on the image above, and it will take you right over to see room shots and read all the details.

In other news... I wanted to mention that the lovely Kelly King Anderson of Startup Princess (a highly informative resource blog for emerging businesswomen) has featured susyjack* in a post about starting a business, manufacturing locally, and keeping it eco friendly. I hope you will head over and take a peek-- and also peruse the other posts on the blog. It's a fantastic resource.

Links:
View the Calendar
Read the Interview

THREAD AND CAMERA {favorite artist images}

Hello All! Finally Friday...and a very very busy day here, as usual. I am getting a few orders out...and getting the calendars ready (they came in from the printer yesterday)... and getting a few other ideas out onto paper.

Anyway, next week plans to be an emotional week for me, and probably for many other Americans. While I've mentioned before that I will not get too political on HS*, I expect that the day after the election, I'll probably have a little something to say, so I'll be planning what that is...and it will probably be the same no matter who wins.

Finding some solace in the work of artists who share their magical processes on Flickr...

Danske (of Ban.do), Little Paper Bird, Knitalatte (love these new directions), Across And Two Stitches (sewn poetry and little bitty buttons! a simply divine combination.)

Another sidenote: Jen from IndieFixx kindly interviewed me about the paper business, thoughts on life, organization, and of course, food. So, if you're interested in any of those topics, head on over. (There's also a discount code for interview readers which will be active for a couple of weeks!)

USED AND NEW {recycled, reworked, revisited}

Not a long post today, just a little note about reusing things, turning old into new, and one thing into another. What fun.
1. I'll take any of these wordy wallets at Trees With Knees, 2. I love the old typographic selections made into prints at Font Supply 3. Everything old is new again (Including these very hip shoes) at Santoki 4. Beau Soleil gets the message with their hip, eco friendly totes (check out the ones made out of old denim...so cool) 5. Bracelets wrapped in Paper...pretty, tactile and a nice handmade touch can be found in abundance at Uncharted. 6. And... Last but definitely not least... a wondeful brand new collection of handmade found paper booklets called Eclecto... where else, but Uppercase.

Enjoy!

Dark and Lovely {deliciously elegant}

I love these photos and outfits from The Reiss Lookbook... The dark and moody colors and gorgeous shapes in playful combinations really do it for me right now. And, I like the way that although each of these items is really feminine, the way they're put together really has a non-frilly look. They feel like great clothes for women...not girls. I love that.

Other items I thought had this same tailored, retro yet distinctively female look.. This inlaid bracelet by Roberto Cavalli, This patent clutch with purse detail by Hobo International, and These beautiful satin shoes by Pura Lopez (For some shoe drooling, definitely check out the website. Yum!

SOURCE MATERIAL {meditative decor}

So often, I forget to just stop for a minute. And lately, with the economy and the elections, and all of the other things to think about I tend to get busy, and just go and go, only to stop when I completely exhaust myself...barely leaving time to think about anything outside of my anxieties.

I'm starting to wonder if I should meditate....because I lose sleep and forget to have full, healthy meals when I get stressed. Anyway, perhaps this post is a little reflection on that; each of these items somehow made me stop and look...the journal-style pillows, the stoic basket vase, the divine little hand. I'm liking the contrast of dynamic forms with stable textures and materials in each of these pieces. Especially in the picks I've chosen. There's a beautiful and light randomness paired with a nice, rustic, weighty material. OM.

Links:
Basket Vase here, Wool Embroidered Pillows here, Copper and Circles bowls here, Orange Rose Floating Candle here, Hand Sculpture here, and wood bottles here.

MIGHTY BRIGHT {the substance and style of mad imports}

This seemed an appropriate way to start the week.

If I could, I would accompany this post with a chorus of 'Aaaaah!'s. Because that's how this design makes me feel. Anyway, I really like all of the bags at Mad Imports...but somehow...these just took the cake. There's something about those nice big pieces of wood and especially, those radiant stripes.

And, they have a story to match their ebullient designs-- so definitely take a peek at their About Page-- where there is a beautiful picture of the lady leaders of the company and an amazing story about how they create their earth-friendly, socially conscious wares.

On that note, Happy Monday, everybody!

Collage {dream and observe}

Well, Friday is here, and I can already feel my brain heading off into the weekend.... This has been a really busy week here in the studio, and I'm going through a pretty intense creative time. I'm enjoying it. I wanted to kick off the weekend with a few random inspirations.

I am obsessed with the pigeon sketches in Anna Ruby King's etsy store. I would SO love to have 2 huge prints of these to put over our bed. Even though most people consider them vermin, I am fascinated by pigeons and their antics. This weekend, I might even try and capture a few with my camera, for fun.

I guess this post is probably a visualization of what I've been doing lately...looking closer, and longer.

Calligraphic B: Personalized stationery at Horchow
Pigeon Drawing: Anna Ruby King
Wrought Iron Type: Citypix (on Flickr) found via Uppercase Journal  
Photo and Dots: Dawn Cerny via  mer mag

PAIRS {color and texture craves}

These things refreshed my eyes. I love this blue background...and sometimes I think Etsy Vintage sellers like GreyBrocket should have separate sections for prints of their photography. Either of these up here would make great art shots. Definitely look closer at the eyeglasses...what a pretty lace texture they have.

And...what a perfect, perfect gift. I am completely enamored of the idea of eating little tapas-y goodies off of these beautiful plates by Atelier BB (aka Brigitte Bouquet). To me, the mixture of the textured, colorful and gorgeously thick slabs of plateness are perfection. I'm just loving her tableware, and I can't wait to see where else she will go.

CHUNKY GOOD {bigger, better}

I don't have much to say at the moment...I am working very hard this week, building up inventory for an event that I am going to be participating in here in NYC this holiday season (more on that soon!) and filling orders...playing around with my new accounting software (more on that soon as well)...and generally making sure my ducks are in a row.

Designing new patterns...thinking about new products. As usual, looking to fashion for inspriation. Currently enjoying the chunky trend a great deal... and it's no surprise since I tend to gravitate to a little bit of a retro style with large shapes. Although I don't think they really look that good on me, could it be that it's time to get a pair of Platforms for Fun?

Anyhow-- Probably the key for me is to pair any of these chunky, bold accessories with a more sober style-- and I'm really liking the idea of adding something more large and in charge with a simple cable knit coat or incredibly fit blazer. It tones it down, but adds some thoughtful detail too.

Carpal tunnel is bothering me a little, so I will eat lunch and hop off for now-- I will fill in the links later to save my wrists from certain discomfort. X to the O! s

Update...Ok, links below!
Coats: RM by Roland Mouret and Pringle of Scotland at netaporter
2 Tone Suede Belt: Armani Exchange
Ring: Tous
Beaded Bag: Renaud Pellegrino
Scarf: Gap
Watch...or should I say 'luxury timepiece': Baume + Mercier
Platform Shoes: Vogue by Stuart Weitzman and Wood Heel Platform by Jil Sander
Bangles: Anthropologie

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND {scrapper's batch}

Good Morning Jellybeans! A rather short post this morning, but, hopefully, happy news for those of you who have contacted me asking if the Scrapper's Batch will ever make a reappearance in the shop. Well, I've finally gotten around to shooting and listing it...a little bit of a new band design, but the same fun assortment of colorful, hand-drawn papers for scrapbooking, card-making, illustrating...collaging

If you'd like to take a peek, right now, this product is in my etsy shop, and I will be adding it to the Big Cartel shop very soon, too!

I hope you all had wonderful weekends.  I did...lots of work got done on the back end of the business. I have a new accounting software, which I hope will enable me to process orders more quickly, and also help me better determine how much I have to spend on fun new projects. I hope to be able to share more information about this aspect of shoring up the business soon, because I think people *might* be interested in it. While I know accounting can be such a snore, there's a certain satisfaction I'm getting seeing it all in the same place, organized, trackable, and moving forward!