Category: etsy

Georgia Gems

Mocahete is a jewelry line based in Georgia and run by mother and son duo Sabrina and Dante. Their pieces have a tribal flair that can be easily worn everyday. Read on to find out more about this talented team.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started designing jewelry.

Sabrina – I was born and raised in south Georgia although I spent much of my adult life moving throughout the southern U.S. working as a professional chef and living for a time in Central America. I returned home to South Georgia approximately 12 years ago. I have always been creating something whether it be weaving baskets, making collages, painting, cooking and of course making jewelry. I started collecting beads 20+ years ago and was particularly drawn to exotic beads from other lands. I first began designing jewelry for myself as I could rarely find what I envisioned as the perfect style for me. Creating personal adornment is very fulfilling.

Dante – I have long loved the process of creating, from the very time I could wield a tool. For many years I have been attracted to metal fabrication. I trace the origins of my fascination with fire and all things infernal. I received my B.A. in philosophy from Valdosta State University with little forethought or prescience as to what exactly this degree would do for my career prospects. I thought greatly on this matter and proceeded to pursue a teaching certification but soon became disillusioned . So here I am as a self taught metalsmith practicing my craft for the beautification of others. I doesn’t get much better than that!

Creating is a large part of our over all ethos of living sustainably as possible. Along with creating wearable art we are striving to implement a permacultural system where we live–raising our own chickens, ducks, geese and planting every imaginable useful plant we can get our hands on.

Large Copper Verdigris Hoop Earrings - Unearthed Large copper verdigris earrings

2. I’m a big fan of hammered metal and pieces with a tribal influence. Your pieces have a “faraway lands” quality to them. Have you done any travelling that has influenced your work?

Although we have traveled some to Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean our pieces are largely inspired by our love of different cultures. We love the ‘rustic’ aesthetic which is embodied by the textures and colors represented in our pieces.

Jade. Amethyst . Sterling Silver . Necklace Jade, amethyst, sterling silver necklace

3. Where can we purchase your pieces (besides Etsy)?

We have two other venues:

www.themocahete.1000markets.com

www.mocahete.artfire.com

and soon we will be opening our own website:

www.mocahete.com
Handmade Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Pixie Blades Sterling silver pixie blade earrings
4. Any projects for the future?

Yes, we have decided to work on collections. Our current focus, for the next week or so, will be on Native American influenced designs. Soon after this, we intend to turn our attention to middle Eastern themes with a focus on spiritual symbology.

5. Describe southern style.

Spicy, jazzy and a bit laid back with a definite sense of joie de vivre.

You can also keep up with Mochete via their Facebook fan page.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

Playing dress up

Anyone who regularly follows this blog realizes I have a penchant for costumes and re purposed items. Mairi runs two shops on Etsy, Baboo Babeau and Trapped In Time Designs, based out of Lacombe, LA. She specializes in costumes and reworked vintage pieces.

You run two shops on Etsy. What is the difference between the two and how do you decide the inventory for each?

My shops vary quite a bit from each other, though both offer items that I love. BabooBabeau was the first shop I started. It holds vintage clothing & accessories, handmade felt objects for the home (wreaths, dolls, ornaments), and knit baby booties. I have a master plan to start some kids clothing/costume sewing and I believe those things will be in BabooBabeau as well.
I opened my other shop, Trapped In Time Designs six months after BabooBabeau. I’m a costume designer by education and quit my day job to focus more on my stores. It quickly became obvious to me that my custom and ready made costumes, accessories and clothing needed a venue all their own so they now live in Trapped In Time Designs.
Roman Holiday 50s Re-Made Skirt Roman holiday skirt

I love the idea of taking something old and repurposing it into a better version of the original. How did you get started with this?

I went to college for theatre and stumbled into a work study job in the Costume Shop. One of my favorite parts of the job was managing the extensive costume stock. I quickly fell in love with all the vintage items, trying on those that fit, and drooling over those that didn’t. (and they PAID ME TO DO THIS–I still can’t get over it!)

Some items had to be discarded for various reasons; usually they were too damaged to be worn or we had too many of that particular item. I snatched up a number of things that were labeled too damaged because I simply couldn’t send them to the dumpster. I held on to them over the years, meaning to do something with them. When I opened up BabooBabeau, it dawned on me that I could re work some of these pieces and give them a brand new life with someone who would love them as much as their original owners. Now I keep an eye out at thrift and antique shops for those well-loved items that could find a new home with just a little effort on my part.

The Jackie Oh-No-You-Didn't Cropped Jacket The Jackie “oh no you didn’t” jacket

I love that you make costumes in addition to everyday clothes. Do you have a typical customer? Do they buy both?

I don’t really have a “typical” customer. People from all across the board–and the world–have purchased costumes and clothing from me. One thing they have in common is the desire for something different and unique. I also tend to have a higher following of women that are looking for a fabulous costume that doesn’t show their boobs or bum, especially during Halloween season. Your typical store bought costume is short, tight and low cut. While that can be fun, not every woman wants to wear that. Plus you really can’t beat a costume custom made your your specifications. The right color and fit makes a world of difference.

The Alice--A Gothic Lolita Dress--Custom Made For YOU The best selling Alice dress

The candy cane peplum

The Dorothy bustier, custom made for you

Does the town you live in (Lacombe, LA) affect your designs?

Honestly, my town doesn’t affect what I create. Despite being just an hour from New Orleans Lacombe is still a sleepy little town. I love Lacombe and have since I was a child. I’m from Minnesota but spent my summers here since the age of four. I always felt at home in Louisiana and am so happy to have been able to move here. Lacombe, while not being a fashion or costume capital of the world, is a great place for me to be right now. While it doesn’t directly affect what I create, it does offer me the peace and tranquility that I need TO create.

I’d say old movies, vintage photographs, fairy tales and some fashion designers (Alexander McQueen, John Galliano) are where I gather most of my inspiration. I also love any kind of costume play that’s happening out there. Gothic Lolita styles are currently my favorites. There’s something about all that frill and poof that seems so very perfect.

Hand knit baby booties

Define southern style.

To me, Southern style is the perfect juxtaposition of elegant and casual. There are so many different people and cultures in our amazing area that I simply cannot pin point a particular style that defines us. Southern style is a state of mind, darling!

In addition to her two Etsy shops Mairi also does theatrical costuming. Custom orders are always welcome and she would love to start selling items in local shops.

Also any Slow Southern Style reader that makes a purchase from either store from now until May 15th will enjoy 15% off any item. Enter the promo code “SlowSouthernStyle” in the Note to Seller section of the transaction and you will receive a refund for the difference.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

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Something old, something new

Post author By Christy
Post date March 13, 2010
2 Comments on Something old, something new

Have you ever gone to an antique shop, saw a beautiful yet flawed piece of jewelry and thought “I could do something with that?” I constantly get ideas to rework a piece but my thoughts rarely come to fruition. Jordan of Opulent Oddities has created a business that does exactly this. Based in Florida she is an artist and jewelry designer who works with antique and vintage pieces. Taking cues from the origin of the pieces she recreates them into something wearable and modern yet maintains the pieces original charms. She describes her work as “Opulence, curiosity, sensuality, antiquity, mystery, romance, sophistication”. Antique chandelier crystals, handbag linings, brooches and baubles are just some of the materials she works with.

The recital collar

Staring into the sun necklace

Like Lava earrings

The powder room bracelet

Jordan’s work has been featured in Bust Magazine, a myriad of blogs and can be purchased via Etsy.

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Trouser Trophies

Shae Freeman is a sculptor that uses her talents to also create beautiful belt buckles that are pure art. Read on to find out what inspires her and where you can purchase her work.

Belt buckles as art is an interesting idea. How did you get into designing them?

One day I literally decided to make belt buckles! The “long” story: I have this really bad habit of picking up any piece of metal I find on the ground. Shiny, rusty, broken, mystery part- whatever. I also have this really bad habit of taking anything laying on the street apart- TVs, typewriters, clocks, speakers, etc. (This actually started when I was young; except then I was taking apart things in the house, radios, telephones- I never put them back together and always got in trouble!) So, after years of accumulating “treasures” I decided to make belt buckles out of them.

Disco rodeo steel belt buckle

I noticed your buckles have a predominately industrial feel.. What inspires this?

The individual components themselves often dictate what the finished piece will look like. My childhood toys were, in large part, my dad’s tools which I think has had an enormous influence on my predilection for the mechanical. I have been a metal sculptor for nearly 13 years, which involves a great deal of industrial processes. I also grew up in Minnesota and my childhood memories are littered with images of rusty farm equipment, truck farms (that’s not just a southern thing!), and weird county fairs with threshing contests. Last, but not least, I am one of those artists who are cursed (blessed?) with having to appease both sides of my brain- so the very rigid symmetry and “industrialness” of my buckles act as a foil to my very organic sculptural work.

Cephalopod- cast iron sculpture Cephalopod cast iron sculpture

You have sculptures for sale in your Etsy shop as well. How does your artwork translate into your accessories?

My sculptural work (as I just mentioned) is in formal contrast to the “utilitarian” objects I make, but I think the treatment of the material remains the same throughout my work, i.e. my particular style is evident in both. The aesthetic that informs both modes of expression is usually concerned with underlying structure, which I think applies, to say, machine gears equally well as the skeletal structure of a coral reef- both reference how stuff works.

Steel ladybug belt buckle

Simple steel square nail belt buckle

Where else can we purchase your items?

I used to sell at local boutiques in New Orleans, but because 50% commission went to the retailer, I stopped doing it. However, I do have buckles for sale at Gerken’s bike shop and my sculptures are represented by D.O.C.S. Gallery in New Orleans. Other than that my Etsy shop is the only place I sell online right now. A personal website keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list….

Insignia steel and brass belt buckle

Define southern style.

I guess my view of ‘southern style’ has been skewed by New Orleans, where people can walk around in slippers and pajamas or full Victorian regalia and nobody thinks twice about it. Another definition of style refers to the manner in which something is performed or executed. This is what separates the south; the manner in which people do things. It sounds cliche, but people never rush about, are usually friendly, talkative and don’t really panic or stress out about anything. Nothing is too important that it can’t wait, and while this is sometimes frustrating, it also gives one supreme patience. Not slow, but leisurely perhaps is the operative word for southern style.

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Everyday Treasures

Let’s celebrate the New Year with one of my favorite subjects, locally made artisan jewelry! I had the pleasure of interviewing Tammy about her jewelry line and what inspires her.

My personal favorite, the flor de campana de oro earrings

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires your work.

Hi! I’m Tammy. I’m a wife, mom to two grown boys and grandmom to a gorgeous 6 year old girl.

I love making things and have done so for as long as I can remember. I can’t draw but I can paint, do woodwork, ceramics, and a number of odd things. When I started creating jewelry about a year and a half ago I found my true passion.I had to teach myself every little part of metalsmithing, and I still learn something new almost every day. I have a wonderful group of online friends that help me in any way they can, and I’m grateful for them.I think I am inspired most by an innate need to try new things and create beauty with my hands.

Copper and sterling cuff bracelet

2. Your pieces have an interesting textural feel, particularly the mixed metals such as copper and silver. How do you go about picking your materials?

I pick the metals I work with by choosing what I love, with the hope that someone else will love it too.

I like the warm look and feel of copper in contrast with the coolness of sterling silver and sometimes the sunshine feel of brass.The textures I add to my pieces create an interesting look and feel so the piece is as much fun to touch as it is to look at.

3. I noticed you mention interesting bugs a lot on your blog. Do you incorporate your fondness for them in your work?

I do like bugs! I think they are tiny little works of art in themselves. Unfortunately I haven’t used them in my work yet except for spiders, which I used to be totally phobic about! I would love to create some of the weird bugs that I see, but I haven’t quite figured out how to do that.

Rosetta picture rock necklace

4. How do you find time to do what you love?

I am very fortunate to have children and a husband that don’t care if I stay home to do what I love. I worked for 20 years in various retail jobs. I hated it snd I now think that everyone should be able to go to work in their pajamas. 🙂 I work more now than when I had a “real” job, but it is so much more rewarding to work for myself that I don’t mind the hours.

5. Define southern style.

To me Southern Style is romance and whimsy with fun pieces of jewelry that can be worn everyday.

There is a little bit of Scarlet O’Hara in all of us Southern girls.

Blueberries and chocolate ring

Tammy’s jewelry is available for purchase, with free shipping, at her Etsy shop. Don’t forget to keep up with what inspires her on her blog.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy local flavor saints

Black & Gold fever

As anyone with a pulse is aware the Saints are 11-0. Even though I don’t follow football I can’t help but feel proud of the hometown team when they are doing this damn good. I’m old enough to remember when people wore bags on their heads to games and they were called “The “Aints”. Fortunately the turbulent times have changed as we now have Who Dat Nation and “Jesus loves the Saints” tees sprawled across every woman, man, and child’s chest in the form of a t-shirt. Join the love and grab an original t-shirt at any of these New Orleans stores:

Skip & Whistle
Buffalo Exchange (carries Ichabod’s)
Storyville
Dirty Coast
Ruby

If you’d rather whisper “Who Dat” instead of yelling there are a few really great handmade items for sale.

Give your updo some oomph with this black & gold flower hair pin from Flambeaux designs

I love the simplicity of this crystal and aluminum necklace from metal4mommies.

Really show your, er pride in this beaded bra from Miss Karina

How ’bout them Saints? How ’bout these cool antique whiskey tags from NOOBOO?

Who Dat necklace by Heather Elizabeth Designs

Also Shoefty is celebrating sweet, sweet victory by offering 15% off everything December 1st.

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etsy secondhand

Nifty, thrifty and best of all handmade

Post author By Christy
Post date November 18, 2009
5 Comments on Nifty, thrifty and best of all handmade

Meet Alison and her nifty little vintage and handmade shop.

How did you get into thrifting?
I’ve always adored old things. I had an “antique box” as a child. But I actually didn’t get into thrifting until the end of high school.

What makes an item really stand out to you?
My eye has gotten better. I skim a rack of clothes and what pulls me in is texture. Vintage clothing has a very different texture than most clothing today. Some modern clothes imitates the vintage texture and gets pretty close, though.
Vintage 60s/70s Victorian Gothic Cocktail Ring

Is there a certain style that you are drawn to, or do you try to stock a wide range of things in your shop?

Personally, I love mod style from the 60s. But I also enjoy many styles from 70s & 80s. For myself I am more picky. But for others I can appreciate how others express themselves and will often buy things that I think someone else will love.

Ruffle lace bolero jacket

What are your top sellers?
My top sellers are hard to determine because everything I’ve ever had was of a very limited quantity. It can pretty unpredictable on what will sell fast. I think that when my shop has been more stocked with vintage clothing, it helps my handmade items sell better.

Vintage bingo card hand bound notepad

Define southern style.

I‘m not really sure how to define Southern style only because It seems like there are people from all over here in the South. But I can say that I think Southern style probably has a warmth and charm that is as sincere and down to earth as Southern hospitality!

One of a kind brass and copper charm bracelet

You can purchase these items as well as many others via Alison’s Etsy shop.

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Beautiful metal

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into metal smithing.

My father was a silversmith as a hobby and had a workshop in the basement. I began experimenting with his tools and supplies as a teenager. I then spent many years exploring other mediums and art techniques, coming back to metalsmithing after inheriting his tools. I have made my living as a jeweler for the last 6 years.

To me jewelry should be a personal representation of oneself vs. a fashion item. How are your interests and personality showcased in your work?

I embrace hand-made, especially when it comes to jewelry. My very favorite designs come about when I try to make what I want to wear -not just make something because I think that it will sell. Many of my designs reflect collections that I have, my most cherished being a wall of heart milagros that I have collected over the years. I want my pieces to feel like they’ve been around for awhile, have soul, or a story to tell.

I couldn’t help but notice the circle themes in your work. Is that a conscience design decision?

The circles in my work are not a conscience theme, but come from designing what I like to wear.

How does living in New Orleans inspire your work?

New Orleanians have an attachment to their town and all things New Orleans that I don’t think exists in many other places. It is very inspiring. It is a town so steeped in history and ritual that it can be a little intimidating to try to reflect that.
New Orleans is very lucky to have several great art markets. I love our creative and very supportive community. Being a regular vendor at a few of these helps me strive to always improve my creations.

Define southern style.

For me, Southern style is easy and not too fussy; can it be in our humidity? It is also slightly worn around the edges with a touch of funk, a little flirtation and a measure of mystique thrown in.

You can purchase Kiki’s designs on Etsy as well as Bywater Art Market (3rd Saturday of every month) and the Arts Market of New Orleanss at Palmer Park ( last Saturday of every month)

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Sunday Best

I’d like to give a warm welcome to an honorary southern belle that resides far, far above the Mason-Dixon line. Joanne James creates magnificent antebellum worthy hats that are truly wearable works of art. Read on to find out how she crafts her chapeaus.

Black wool bucket hat

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in millinery.

I am a person who has always loved people, learning and sharing what I’ve learned with others. As a young girl, I used to stand at my grandmother’s side and watch her sew on her treadle machine. She would explain what she was doing and I hung on her every word. She taught me patience and perseverance as well as needlecraft skills. She once gave me a little brown paper bag with some embroidery floss and a hoop when I was about 12 years old. I had no idea what to do with it, but I treasured it. I learned how to embroider when I was 17 and it took off. I embroidered everything. Gradually I learned how to do silk embroidery which then led to ribbon work. I now use ribbon work on hats, purses, and wedding memory albums. I’ve got some plans in the works right now to branch out into needlework craft kits. They should be ready for sale in the spring of 2010.

Golden winter hat

2. Your hats are painstakingly detailed. Take us on a little journey from concept to creation.

I make up ribbon roses, mums, hatpin roses, leaves and other flowers in advance. I store them in containers until ready for use. When I want to design a hat arrangement, I first pick out the hat that I want to embellish and then look through my stash of flowers and leaves. I then set the hat on a stand to make it easier to work on and set the main flower and two leaves on either side of it. At that point, I usually put the hat on and check in the mirror to see whether the arrangement should be in the front, back, or off to either side of the hat. Then I fasten down the main components. I add pieces of jewelry such as a brooch or a brass ornament that I put an antiqued finish on and add a sparkly glass stone, and perhaps some smaller flowers or feathers. I am finished when the hat looks like a wearable piece of art.

3. You are located in Canada. What influences do you take from your surroundings?

I live in Brockville, Ontario, a small community of 24,000 people. The beautiful St. Lawrence river is only a few blocks from our home. Because of the location, Brockville is considered a tourist town and a variety of artists live here. We have studio arts tours several times a year. I have been influenced by many of the artists who have appreciated my work and encouraged me to move forward in it.

4. Do you have a particular customer that is drawn to your products?

A variety of women have purchased my hats. There are those who are confident, strong and sure of what they want and know how to put on a hat and wear it. There are also those who are timid and unsure of what hat would suit them and then are surprised at how attractive they look when they get the right style for their face. Always though, they leave standing a little taller, feeling a little more beautiful and special inside.

Brown and pewter ruched purse

5. Define southern style.

To me, southern style encompasses a way of life. God first, family second, then work, and play, but all intertwined. Southern ladies seem to embrace life with a passion. They appreciate the importance of special gatherings and enjoy dressing for the occasion. Often a matching hat is the crowning accessory to their outfit. That is where I can help them shine. I love trying on different styles on them until we find just the right one. Then when her eyes light up, we both know…this is the one…it is her.

You can purchase a Le Chapeau creation on her website or on Etsy.

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Dead Head

Creepy and cute is what sets Artisans A Go Go apart from the pack. Read on to find out what inspires this artisan of head wear.

I love the subject matter you’ve chosen for your hair accessories. There is something great about a frilly hair clip juxtaposed with a skull. How did you get started with your business?

I have always been an artist. I am inspired by anything that has a form of beauty. An odd fusion from images of “The Golden Era” Jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday and a new found love for color through the late artist Frida Kahlo are what gave me inspiration to create my current pieces.

Day of the Dead skull hair clip fascinator Fascinators, mini top hats, etc… are a huge trend right now. How do you stay competitive with so many artisans out there?I dont really follow other artisans work to see what the competition is doing. I create what I like and what i am inspired by with the culture around me.

You live in Austin which is a very funky city by Texan standards. How does the city’s culture affect your work?
I love Austin, born and raised, I like to say I am an endangered species, which if you’ve ever lived in Austin, you would know what a big deal that is. Austin is very culturally diverse and accepting, art is everywhere here and local businesses a people embrace it.

Day of the Dead skull headband

Do you have any special designs in the works for Halloween?
Yes! I love Halloween. I am working on numerous styles of Halloween and Day of the Dead creations. I have skull fascinators that I have hand painted and dusted with glitter as well as hand painted Day of the Dead hair clips stop by and take a look!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Hand Painted Black and White Skull Hair Clip Fascinator
Hand Painted Black and White Skull Hair Clip Fascinator

Define southern style.
Southern style- independent in your own skin

Pick up a piece for Halloween or anytime via Artisan A Go Go’s Etsy shop.

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