Handmade Accessories Lover's Gift Guide

Enjoy some of my favorite handcrafted accessories that would be perfect for that fun & free spirited bird in your life. Be sure to shop with them this weekend; seeing as it's Black Friday shopping weekend, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday - most of them probably have special offers right now!

Christi Jay

Harriet Gray

K.C. Peck

Tumbleweeds Handcraft

Roots & Feathers

Moorea Seal

I put this collection together listening to the sound of James put the beginning of my new studio's shelving up, and it made me really happy at the fact that I am going to have handmade shelving. The accessory to a material hoarder lady's life. I'm going to be able to organize things how I've been wanting to and show off the awesome cement floor that I have.

PS. Happy shopping weekend to those taking part. Remember that Bird Trouble is having 20% off + a surprise gift with each purchase with the code: shopsmall2012

Crafter / Artist Inspiration : Imogene and Willie

I really came across the blog of the handcrafted denim company, Imogene and Willie. I felt like I had to share their story with you because I was extremely moved by their words {you should watch their video on the front page of the website} and their dreams for their company. It made me feel good and confident in growing my business to know that there are companies out there like Imogene and Willie, who are completely devoted and love what they've created. Recently, they paired up with Anthropologie. As myself, I can only imagine a fear of your small-business company, or basically your child, turning into something that you didn't want it to grow to. The idea of mass production, or someone turning your company into their idea. Reading the I+W blog, I read that they were hesitant - and almost paranoid - of joining forces with Anthropologie... and that they are normal, passionate, and creative people living in Tennessee who happened to work hard at what they love and turn it into something.

Imogene and Willie are now apart of Anthropologies Made in Kind project, whose purpose is to display fresh emerging talent. They're also sponsoring a giveaway for your own custom pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and Anthro goodies! All you need in a Pinterest and some time to put together a collective board of denim. Get on it!

photos found here, here, here, here, and here

These are the kind of people that inspire me to keep creating. And I think that everyone should always be hesitant of what you chose to do, and always follow your heart because if you don't, you'll be always thinking "what if?"

Hoping your week is coming close to the weekend,

Alexz

Recent Projects in iPhone Form

There's so many things I want to show you guys but I can't because of a broken digital camera! 

Here are some snap shots, look at them as a little sneak peak, of
what I've been creating lately.

 

Large tote bag that can be worn 4 different ways with 4 different buttons to make it size adjustable. Made out of a vintage oilcloth table cover, cotton canvas, leather, and hardware. A red canvas lining is inside. This is what is looks like folded at the smallest size. You can even slip a scarf in the bag while it's folded this way.

 

A smaller shoulder bag that can be worn 4 different ways with 4 different buttons to make it size adjustable. Comes with two straps: the repurposed belt strap and a matching oilcloth strap. Made out of a vintage oilcloth table cover, cotton canvas, leather, and hardware. A red canvas lining is inside.  The flap opens with a zipper for more storage and the zipper pull is braided hemp with a golden leather tab.

Originally a heavy upholstery wool that I found at a garage sale 2 years back. It's taken me that long to work up the nerve to cut into the fabric. It's probably one of my favorite finds. This is a two-way-open zipper envelope clutch. It's a dark chocolate and has white screen printer retro flowers. You can even fold it in half, like a bun, to make it smaller and to hold it with one hand. Perfect for on the go or packing.

As you can see, I've been trying to keep myself really busy until I move at the end of this month. The apartment is so quiet, and I've seen all my movies 100 times. Sewing has been my only vice of entertainment without going crazy. Good thing I'm having fun doing it!

xoxo,

Alexz

Handmade Pinstriped Slouch Shirt

My lovely panda coworker, Lauren, wore this great shirt this other night that fit her like a glove. I loved the comfortable, minimalist look of it. I told her "That looks so easy to make!" and she looks at me, says "It's like a square!" It was like my brain stopped and I had to go home instantly to figure out a pattern so I can make my own.

The other night, doing laundry, I came across this simple square cut shirt I bought from Target a few weeks ago that I love. The fit of it is perfect for me. It's loose, comfortable, off the body, with larger arm holes (perfect for when I ride my bike or a long day outside!). The shape of it reminded me of Lauren's shirt. I took my Target shirt, laid it on top of some fabric, and simply cut around.

This is what I came up with! The fabric I used was thrifted. It feels sort of like a.... bed sheet. Really light, thin, but comfortable. It hangs perfectly! I added some simple scraps of leather for details and to make it more unique. Either way, it's one of a kind!

I apologize for the horrible pictures as of late. I've been using my iPhone WAY too much lately! I do have some real photos to share soon. Until then, iPhones have gotten the best of me, again.

What do you guys think?
I'm thinking about adding some simple shapes to Bird Trouble for the fall.

xoxo,

Alexz

A little old and a little new.

Recently, I've been working on growing my favorites on Etsy so I could make my shopping experience quicker when I'm ready to cough up the bones. I also add items to my favorites when I think the picture is really good so I could go back and use it for inspiration. I've always thought window shopping was just as fun as actual shopping.

Here's some vintage items and new handmade items I've been drooling over.

.VINTAGE ITEMS.

8mm Film Family Vacation to Dillon Colorado.

Vintage boho tooled leather flats.

Retro paisley print mini dress.

Vintage wood accordian peg rack.

1970'a red linen and caramel leather peep-toe wedges.


.NEW AND HANDMADE.

Monsters in Lake Michigan screen printed poster.

Say Anything John Cusack necklace.

Make Do and Mend.

Fun for Boys book clock.

Blood spatter necklace.


I hope ya'll enjoyed my little post! Luckily my internet connection works a lot better in my apartment than it did before. Ya know what that means... more posts more often!


I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I plan on going to the beach on Sunday! Chicago has been scorching hot and humid... sick!
What are your plans?