Sarah of sarahseven.etsy.com is an independent designer in Portland Oregon. Old Hollywood Glamour, pearls, recycled fabrics, romance, nature, lace… are just a few of the things she is inspired by. She takes vintage ideas and makes them totally wearable for the modern gal.

Mocha Ruffle Dress : $125, Floral Pleated Dress : $225, Striped Bubble Dress : $75, Toile Party Dress : $225. All available at sarahseven.etsy.com

Who doesn’t love fun brightly colored housewares? At miso you will find just that. Pillows to brighten up even the dullest of beige sofas and owl magnets to cover your fridge. It’s not all housewares though. There are tons of little odds and ends that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Owl Planter : $9.95, Wall Flower Pillow : $18.00, Cupcake Magnet Set : $5.50 and Lemon Chirp Pillow : $18.00 All available at bannerbabe.etsy.com

Los Angeles based creative business Poketo, is hosting a silent art auction fundraiser for the independently produced documentary Handmade Nation (currently in post-production) in their downtown headquarters. The silent auction will include the work of 30 emerging and established artists including Keith Shore, the Polaroid Kidd (aka Mike Brodie), Monica Canilao, Nikki McClure and Jill Bliss to name a few.

All proceeds will go towards production costs for Handmade Nation. Winning bidders will need to be present to purchase artwork which will be taken home at the end of the event, cash and credit cards accepted. There will be light snacks and a cash bar for the duration of the event.

Event Highlights 6-10pm:
6:00 gift bags to the first 50 guests, art preview
7:00 screening of 20 minute work in progress clip from Handmade Nation
7:30- 9:30 silent auction event & cash bar
9:30-10:00 hang out, drink and if you missed it we will be screening the 20 minute work in progress clip from Handmade Nation again.
10:00 winning bidders must be present to purchase artwork (cash or credit cards will be accepted)

For more information visit indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com and read the LA Times article here.

How did you get your start?

I started when I was pregnant with my son. I got really into handmade body products, then rediscovered glycerin soapmaking. It suits my need for instant results and creativity!

Neopolitan Soapsicle : $8.00

Do you have any formal training?

No. I just goofed around until I started figuring things out. I got a book once but it was pretty basic.

When and why did you create your business?

In February 2006 I launched a website, but then discovered Etsy which is where I did all of my business until just recently. Etsy was so much fun!

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

Oh my gosh - it’s always changing! I added a shopping cart to my own site a couple of months ago and pulled out of Etsy to try to simplify my life a bit. I’m a WAHM with 2 kids and the feverish pace of Etsy was not fitting in with my day! So now I blog and do more advertising than I used to.

Confetti Soapsicle : $8.00

What is the best part of running your own business?

Making my own hours for sure. And doing whatever I want! I was in the corporate apparel world for 10 years so I’m glad to be independent now.

and the worst?

The stress of not knowing how much profit I’ll be bringing home! Ugh!

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

I am inspired by many things, but mostly by images I find online and in magazines. I love fashion trends, interior design, the food network, and flickr!

Who is your favorite indie designer?

Oooooh…. tough question! Gosh, I can’t pick one. I love many designers for all different things they do. But here are a few: A Little Hut, Stoopid Girl, Pukashell Creative, Bird Nerd, Everyday is a Holiday, Kup Kup, My Paper Crane, Orange Peel Enamel, and Rik Rak Creations. There are many more! I hate to leave anyone out!

Nilla Sammie Soapsicle : $8.00

What was your most recent indie buy?

I got some awesome custom package tags letterpressed by Joie Studio for my new line called The Soap Lab. Her work really added the elegance I wanted!

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

Domino Magazine. I love when I get a new one!!

What advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Try lots of things when it comes to selling and advertising. The more you experiment, the more you’ll find the people who are really attracted to what you make. And follow your heart! Make what you love!

Candy Carousel Soapsicle : $8.00

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

Yes, I’m writing a soapmaking tutorial book which will be published next fall, and I just launched The Soap Lab at www.thesoaplab.blogspot.com which will have my most progressive and innovative soap designs ever! Definitely different than my Soapylove Soapsicles - but don’t worry, I have lots of new styles coming up there, too!

www.soapylove.com

Today is one of those busy days where I feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I have errands galore and must get caught up on all of the lovely email I’ve received. Then it’s off to my favorite farmer’s market to pick up some fresh veggies and fish for dinner. Although I’m in a rush I still wanted to tell you about swallowfield. I could look at these beautiful collages and drawings by Jennifer Judd-Mcgee all day long!

To view more of Jen’s artwork visit her etsy shop and to learn more about the woman behind the art check out her blog. Enjoy!