Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Moku Pe Pe

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The story behind Moku Pe Pe is an interesting one. The shop owner, Kellie Crowe, spent eleven years on small sailing vessels, traveling from Europe to South East Asia. She was so deeply affected by the beauty of the islands she experienced, that she wanted to keep those memories alive in her home. What started as a mom making unique clothes and blankets for her own baby, has developed into a full collection of lovely baby blankets and yoga pants. All are hand-sewn by Kellie in her home, when she’s not working her full-time job.

I was immediately attracted to the vibrant colors and patterns. These blankets and yoga pants for babies offer a refreshing breath of island air. Perfect for those looking for a not-so-usual shower gift, or to preserve island memories of your own. And the blankets are made from pre-washed fabric and lined, either with fleece or batting, to be snuggly, warm and cozy.

I love that Moku Pe Pe’s designs are bold (definitely not your run of the mill infant gear), and unisex. With pattern names like Beach Baby, Puff The Magic Dragon, and Summer Flower Power, the infant yoga pants are lightweight and made for ease of movement and comfort, just the thing for an active crawler or toddler. The cuffs are lined with a contrasting fabric and can be cuffed at first, then let down as baby grows.

Kellie doesn’t shy away from sophisticated fabrics depicting dragons and pirate insignia, giving her work just a touch of edginess. Another nice thing is that the patterns mix well, so you needn’t worry if baby is wearing her Batik Baby pants with her Shanghai Blanket, she’ll still look like a little island princess. Stop by the Moku Pe Pe shop and have a look at all of her cute designs.

Interview with Mika Mosier of Froggy Girl Designs

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Please let me introduce you to Mika and her line of children’s clothing and accessories.

1

What is your craft / art / creative endeavor?

I primarily make childrens clothing, but I also tend to have a bit of crafters ADD so I sew anything that catches my eye-key fobs, rice bags, cloth diapers and wipes, unpaper towels, mama cloth and so much more!

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

When I was a child my grandmother sewed, and tried to teach me but I wasn’t really interested. After she passed, I found the passion and taught myself to sew. I’ve never worked in another creative arena other than music which is a whole different realm.

2

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

I make 100% of the items I offer. My husband is the “muscle” behind the Froggy Girl-he lugs boxes, show setup equipment, machines, etc. for me and he is my #1 cheerleader. I frequently ask for opinions and critiques from my family and friends-constructive criticism is the key to moving forward.

I like to say that my fabric speaks to me. I see a piece of fabric, and it tells me what it wants to be. I then build around that piece.

Finding a work/life balance is hard for anyone, but I think most especially work at home moms. I find myself all to frequently pulled in 100 directions, and making sure that my husband and children are the first direction I go to is definitely a challenge, and something I’m working on doing better in 2010.

3

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

Right now you can find my work primarily at www.froggygirldesigns.etsy.com, although I also maintain a storefront at www.hyenacart.com/froggygirldesigns and I’m starting to explore Store Envy as well. From about March or April onward, I try to do at least one show or fair per month. The only brick and mortar store carrying my items so far is Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana. They carry a selection of my monogrammed badge reels.

What do you wish I had asked you?

I wish you had asked how you (I) overcome fears and get out of your comfort zone to get your work out there. I think that’s something that everyone faces starting out, and it’s something that I’m definitely tackling in 2010.

You have to take a deep breath, and go outside of your comfort zone. Submit your work to blogs to be reviewed, take your things to local stores and talk to the owners/buyers. Have faith in yourself and your product.

Fantastic advice, Mika, thank you! And if you would like to be interviewed next, just fill out the application.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

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I just love lazy Sunday afternoons. I usually sleep in just a little bit later than usual, treat myself to a healthy breakfast, and lounge around in my pajamas reading a book, singing along to Hawaiian music on the radio or catching up on my favorite blogs. It always feels so indulgent to set aside my chores, and just let the rest of the world continue on its busy way.

A cute (and comfortable!) pair of pajamas always make my lazy Sunday afternoons that much more enjoyable. This ruffled chemise from Sandmaiden Sleepwear is made with an organic cotton/rayon blend that has just a little bit of stretch to it, the perfect fabric for lounging around. You can customize your chemise by choosing from twelve fabric colors and six lace colors. I think the rose colored fabric with navy blue lace would be just beautiful, although I really love the ochre color featured on the model for fall.

If you prefer to lounge in pajama pants, Lorigami creates cute and comfortable cropped pajama bottoms from vintage material. I just love the cheery yellow gingham fabric and satin trim on this pair. Add your favorite worn-in t-shirt and settle in for some relaxation.

Sometimes a girl needs to treat herself to a little bit of lace. This blue lace sleepwear set from Little Sister Lucy is sexy enough to make you feel special, but comfortable enough to lounge in all day. I just love pink velvet trim and the little sprinkling of sequins around the neckline, what a beautiful touch!

Well, I know what I’m going to be doing this weekend. I hope you too will take the time to treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon, and some cute pajamas!

**Created by tastes orangey, the beautiful image featured at the top of this post is a print of an original painting and features a stitched border.**

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

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[hTara]

This week my tip came from Jean, from 3squares. Through twitter, Jean suggested her home town of Raleigh – and after one look at some of the shops, I was all too happy to oblige!

3squares - kiwi ceramic necklace

The necklace above is some of Jean’s handiwork. Her designs are inspired by another love in her life: food. This pendant is ceramic with kiwi-colored glaze. Her shop is very eclectic and, while that can sometimes be a bit distracting, her aesthetic is very consistent. She works in many media to create her jewelry, including metal, fabric, glass, and ceramics.

So then Jean suggested that I check out Allover Art.

Allover Art - hand-painted earrings

And it was by sheer force of will that I did not buy these earrings right on the spot. Ruth Jones is the talent behind this fabulous shop! Each piece is a hand-painted little work of art. Ruth is also a more traditional fine artist but loves the idea of creating tiny pieces that people carry with them throughout the day instead of being hung on a wall to be admired at a distance.

Jogi Originals

Jogi Originals is a brand-new shop with loads of potential. I love how the details on this bag are delightly off-center! There are tucks in the body of the bag and, just above them, a bit of the lining fabric peeks out in its only little set of tucks.

ahpeele - yoga pants

Finally, I couldn’t resist the Xtreme poses that accompanied these hand printed yoga pants. Who doesn’t want to be comfy & pretty? Whether you wear these for their intended purpose or simple around the house, you’ll look great doing it. Find more limited-edition, screen-printed goodies at ahpeele.

Counting the Days

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owl1

At our house, December 2009 was a blur of working, crafting and traveling. Somehow, in all of the excitement and frenzy of the holidays, the 31 days of 2009’s final month felt more like 13 days. There just never seemed enough time! That must be why, almost a full week into the new year, we are just now getting around to replacing all of the calendars in the house. In past years, I have always grabbed a big, glossy shrink-wrapped calendar from the big-box bookstore, but this year I am looking for something different. Because we are going to have to live with it for the next 12 months, I want something unique, clever and, of course, eco-friendly.

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