nicole's threads

back to my roots!

2012-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I didn't have enough time to make all of my clothing from scratch to fulfill the amount of shows/inventory I would need. (Again, reminder to self for next year: DON'T SIGN UP FOR SO MANY SHOWS!!) I had a lot of fun doing applique to hoodies, shirts and tees but never thought it would be a main focus for me. I will be scaling down on my inventory of those items and most likely not reordering to make more. I'll be listing them in the etsy shop over the next few weeks, so if you see something you like, snatch it up because chances are that I will not be making them anymore.

While weighting the pros and cons I really can't tell you how much I enjoy making my clothing from scratch but that being said, who doesn't enjoy a nice fitting cozy hoodie? I have quite a few different sizes, styles, colors, etc. that will be listed over the next few weeks. I *may* keep one style/color of hoodie but haven't decided if it's something I want to continue carrying.

I'll also be working on my spring line! What are some colors you'd like to see for spring?

Mistakes and Why I'm so bad at blogging

2012-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

Consistently I set a goal for myself to blog once a week. And. Well. It just doesn't happen. I don't know why I can't find the time to keep things up to date on here. I find time to look at craig's list 10 times a day, check my e-mail 20 and stare at etsy for hours on end.

I HAVE set a goal for myself for the new year: Not to bite off more than I can chew! This past ~~holiday season~~ year was absolutely insane. I learned a lot! I try not to look at my mistakes as mistakes but to learn from them for next year. I signed myself up for too many craft shows this past year. It left me tired, weary, disorganized, tired, unprepared, and tired. I had too much inventory. I bought WAY too many supplies that I now have to figure out what to do with.

Things I need to remember for this year and especially next holiday season:

Stick local during crazy times of the year! This year I traveled to Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago and San Francisco all within two weeks of each other. I closed my etsy shops down during the busiest time of the year. While I had a super duper awesome time, I was way too stressed out about traveling (hoping there were no cancellations), mailing my stuff to other states (and crossing my fingers that it would get there without any mishaps), finding my way around an unfamiliar city (luckily my awesome friends + Mike's family made this super easy). Next year I need to focus on etsy, apply to local shows, and even consider renegade again if I can find someone local there to vend for me.

Avoid facebook! I spend way too much time dilly dallying around social networking sites. Sometimes it's pertinent to work, most of the time I am just farting around, looking at pictures, lalalalalala and there goes an hour here, half hour there. This is valuable time that I could be using in much more productive manners.

Stay neat and organized. I can't tell you how much time I've wasted looking for my scissors, tape, etc. It is so much easier to function in a clean and tidy space. I have definitely been getting better at this since I moved this past year but I am just naturally a messy person. What can I say?

Make friends. I don't mean for this to sound as pathetic as it does. I really am not pathetic but I live in rural Vermont, you have to actually make plans and stick to them to see other people. When you work from home like me several days can go by where the only people I interact with are Mike, Liane at the post office (Hi Liane!), and my dogs. See, I just called my dogs people. One thing I really miss about having a regular job (probably the only thing I miss) is awesome coworkers. During the summer and holiday season I do enough craft fairs where I feel like I have coworkers. Awesome coworkers that are all super talented. I miss them. Um, hey guys. Want to come over for dinner?
EatDrinkSleep Ahhhh. Winter weight and brain fog. It's definitely hard to convince myself to go outside for a walk on certain days. Especially when it happens to be -10 or so but that cold air (maybe not that cold) keeps things running! I've noticed after several days without much exercise that not only does the the physical activity help me during these cold dark days of winter but the fresh air really helps my brain feel a little less like a pile of mush. I am signing up for yoga classes today and also physical therapy!...which brings me to my next point also about taking care of yourself.
Invest in things that lighten your load. Before I do one more show, I am buying a push cart that makes sense. I remember my friends Jess and Moe saying that if you have to make more than two trips to load in or out, you're doing something wrong. Oh.. so.. you mean my at least 5 trips unless someone is helping me could be improved? Duh. I need a push cart that holds a lot! I need to pack my things better, but I really need a big push cart. I need to lift things properly and adjust my posture when sitting at the computer or sewing machine for hours on end. Take care of yourself. You won't say to yourself "Oh I shouldn't have signed up for that physical therapy or yoga class" 10 years down the road but you might catch yourself saying the opposite.

Anywho! That's it for now. I will try to blog more!

Queen City Holiday Craft Show

2011-11-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

One down, 4 more to go. Thanks to all the hard working folks at twist who put a great show together. It was so awesome to see many long lost craft fair friends! I am getting ready for show number two, Queen City Craft that is happening this Saturday. I hope you'll come check it out! If you are a regular shopper at Queen City and are looking for me, I'm excited to say I'll be switching up my spot this year, so look for me upstairs!

Here are a few items from some great artists that will be vending this year!

Umm.. are these not the cutest most colorful toys you've ever seen? by Nifty Kidstuff

hoodie by New Duds

I love New Duds so much that I had to include a photo of their purse too. I got one of these for my birthday in July and use it everyday. It's awesome and so well made!

Isn't this the sweetest most darling necklace? by Sweet Avenue Jewelry

If you have ever been to Frog Hollow, I'm sure you've seen John Brickels amazing clay works.

Can you say cute? Erinn Simon of Urban Farm Girl makes the cutest little crocheted creations.

I hope you'll come see us and do most of your shopping buying handmade items this holiday season! :)

Twist favs part 2!

2011-11-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's crunch time for Twist which starts tomorrow! I have just been tying up all of the loose ends. I'm excited to say this is the first show where I'll have my appliqued patchwork hoodies!

I wanted to share some more of the artist that will be vending there. There is so much awesomeness that I had to split it into two posts, see my Vermont artist post here.

First up, Beehive Kitchen Ware. I remember seeing their wares while attending a wholesale show with my Mom a few years ago. Their kitchen wears are so great, it was hard to pick which photo to share with you. All of their products would make great holiday gifts for just about anyone.

These lovely cups are by Abby Berkson. I met Abby at Twist last year and her work is beautiful, go buy something of hers!

This beauty is by Rachel Pfeffer Designs. I have been drooling behind my computer at her designs. Isn't this ring the most beautiful ring you have ever seen? I am going to treat myself to one of her pieces this year! You should too! She was also etsy's featured seller a few months back, check out her interview here

This lovely pillow was made by Vonica Designs. I made friends with Erica last year and am excited to be vending next to her. Come see us at the back next to the DJ on Friday and next to the Crafty Kids on Saturday (booth 113 & 114!)

Twist!

2011-11-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my first holiday show is only 5 days away. My, how time flies. I wanted to highlight some of my favorite vendors that will be at Twist. There are so many that i'll be splitting it into two posts: my fellow Vermont artist friends and then a second one of non VT peeps. This show is amazing. It is my second time doing it. It's such a breeze to load in and out and I don't even have to bring a table or garment rack, it's rather luxurious. And as vendors, we even get fed! Hot DOG! No, not fed hot dogs but you catch my drift.

Here are some of my favorite Vermont vendors.. check them out.
First up, Coob Originals. Calvin makes awesome jewelry and accessories out of recycled skateboards. I have a pair of his hoops that I love to wear!

by LoveErica I love this ring so much, it is so affordable and it reminds me of my mother's wedding band from when she was married in Hawaii!

I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time fellow artist Moe of Recycle Moe at the BCA Markets. She's also helping to organize the Women's Festival of Crafts in a few weeks so if you aren't in

Northampton, be sure to check us out there!

this lovely skirt is by Sarah Green of Mountain Ash Design

beautiful porcelain bowls by Rob Cartelli

Deer Wall Art by Fiddleheads For Fiona

Okay, so maybe Lisa moved and actually lives in Northampton now but I will always think of her as a fellow Vermonter! :) Lisa is Elle Paisley Designs and makes awesome jewelry out of recycled watch parts.

stay tuned for part two of awesome vendors that will be at Twist and don't forget to come see us Friday 6-9 and Saturday 10-6 at Northampton Center for the Arts/17 New South St. Northampton, MA!

stocking up for the holidays & applique frenzy

2011-10-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been having too much fun doing applique on everything blank that I own. No more plain hoodies, t-shirts or yoga pants for that matter will be left in my closet for very long. I started this for fun, but meanwhile trying to figure out how I could come up with enough inventory for the holidays and the ridiculous amount of shows I signed myself up for. I just don't have the time to stock all of the shops I sell in, keep things rolling on etsy and prepare for shows with all one-of-a-kind made-from-scratch pieces. I took a little poll on facebook and it seemed that there would be interest in some of these designs on some more simple pieces. I also think this is a more affordable approach for some people who were interested in my designs but couldn't necessarily afford the one-of-a-kinds.

After buying a few sample hoodies, yoga pants, and t-shirts I've come up with some really cute designs that I hope to have photographed over the next week or so but meanwhile, I want to know:What colors would you like to see in terms of hoodies & tees? I'm thinking mainly long sleeved tee's? I can be swayed.

Please help! What would YOU like to see? :) I'm not sure if I'll be putting these on etsy, or just taking them to some shows and putting in some shops. I'm also not sure if I'll continue them after the holidays. It all depends on how they go over. I'd love opinions!

Holiday Shows!

2011-10-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is what my crazy holiday show calendar looks like this year! Come by, I'll be all over the place!

Twist - November 11th + 12th

Northampton Center for the Arts
17 New South Street
Northampton, MA

Queen City Craft - November 19th

Union Station

1 Main St.

Burlington, VT

Craftland Show - November 25th - December 31st

235 Westminster St.

Providence, RI

Women's Festival of Crafts - November 26th + 27th

Union Station

1 Main St.

Burlington, VT

Renegade Craft Fair Chicago - December 3rd + 4th

Pulaski Park Fieldhouse

Chicago, IL

Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco - December 17th + 18th

Concourse Exhibition Center

San Francisco, CA

Look forward to seeing you! Meanwhile, if you can't make it to one of these shows, I'll have my etsy shop on hopefully the entire time, although I may close it close to the holiday.

Thank you etsy

2011-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yay! I am this week's Quit Your Day Job Interview feature thingy majig on etsy. I can't tell you how humbled, honored and excited I am to have had this opportunity. Check that one off of my bucket list! ;)

Yep. It's totally always this neat and organized. Just a short week and a half ago, my world was rocked by being asked to do this interview. I of course dropped every other project and everything else that I was doing in order to make my studio look totally awesome and unrealistic. When reading most of those interviews on etsy I always was so envious by how neat and organized their studios were. Now I'm SURE that they all had to have done what I did. Or maybe not. Maybe it's not normal that I over ran the rest of my apartment with the the stuff I usually keep in my studio in the hall and my bedroom. I wanted it to look really really nice for the 3-5 photos she asked me to take. What? I took hundreds and pondered over which to use for days? Who said that?

Anyway, I had so much fun and am still pinching myself :)

Here are a few of the photos I loved but didn't use

these are my little helpers.

panoramic view!

all of the lovely local Vermont wool that I can't wait to make into neck warmers!

last but not least... this is my ''I just had an etsy sale face!"

Thanks so much for reading my interview and now it's time for me to get back to work on things for the holidays! Speaking of, I have been having so much fun doing applique! After I ran out of tea towels, moleskines and all of my old hoodies, I was thinking of buying some nice hoodies or maybe thrifting some for the holidays but would love some input on what you think? Here is a photo of what some may look like:

I'd love some input!

xoxo

Renegade Recap

2011-09-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I have wanted to participate in the famous Renegade Craft Show. It is the craft show of craft shows after all. It's HUGE with 300 vendors and they host shows in Brooklyn, San Francisco, LA, Austin, London & Chicago. Renegade is based in Chicago and also has a brick and mortar shop in Chicago along Division St.

Several months ago I was super excited to get the news that I was accepted to the Chicago show! I planned on driving so that I could bring as much with me as possible and just a good old fashioned road trip with my Mom was in store.

I headed to Dallas, PA (my old stomping grounds) to spend a few days with friends and family before heading to Chicago. I was a little worried about being able to travel through Vermont and upstate NY because so many roads were washed out due to Irene. Luckily though, all roads were clear and I made the trip with my two buddies safe and sound.

Once I arrived in PA I was very surprised to see that the flooding had followed me. It was awful to hear again that so many people were in jeopardy of losing everything. This also proved to be an obstacle for us getting to Chicago. On Thursday before the show we hopped onto 80west for about an hour before the road was closed. I stopped at three different truck stops trying to find a different route to take to cross the Susquehanna. I kept getting responses like 'YA AINT GETTIN THERE FROM HERE' or 'YOU BETTER FIND A PLACE TO STAY QUICK'

AH! My family on lower ground was being evacuated and staying at my Mom's house. Evacuation deadlines moved up from 8pm to 4pm. It seemed like it was going to be serious business and for a minute we thought we should just turn around and go home. If waters receded we could drive through the night on Friday! or maybe make it in time for Saturday. It all seemed crazy. One fed-ex trucker suggested taking a crazy route that he STILL wasn't sure was passable and would have extended the trip from 11 hours to 19, nonetheless we had lost a few already driving to a road closure and turning around. I had to try. We headed to the turnpike and passed through a few areas that we thought the road would be closed. After a few hours, 81 WAS open through Harrisburg and that meant smooth sailin'!

After a VERY long drive, we made it to Chicago! What a lovely city. We had a free day to walk around and eat yummy food and relax. I'm sure there was much more that I hadn't checked out but my favorite neighborhood that I had been to was the one Renegade was held in, Wicker Park. The shopping on Milwaukee St. was great, too! Lots of cute vintage stores. Then it was back to the hotel to get some sleep before the big show!

I was the first of the staggered load in times, which was great because I am a bit finicky with moving things around 10 times until I get it right. It was SO EASY to load in. We rented a tent, so didn't have to bother with putting one up and we were able to pull the car right next to the tent. It may sound silly, but that can make such a difference.

I set up my (half) booth and met my awesome booth mate Tiyani of Tiselle. She made really lovely letterpress cards. One of the most exciting things about doing a show of this size was being able to see so much cool stuff in person! Lots of things I've gawked at on etsy and also people I hadn't seen in a while. I also got to meet several different shop owners of whom I sell in their shop! Here are some of the things I purchased while I did the rounds of shopping.

doily coasters by uncommon

this I bought for my boyfriend :)

Do the Dishes Tomorrow flour sack kitchen towel by letterform

this was a gift from my Mom!

Porcelain Egg Planters by EcoElements

and last but not least this lovely blizzard hat from YesJess

(mine is red but love this color too!)

All in all it was such a great time! If I do another Renegade I will most likely fly and that will be interesting to see how to come up with neat displays as I can't really bring most of that with me!

Renegade Chicago + New button necklaces

2011-06-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'll be listing these pretties throughout the day today in my etsy shop. I've made about 15 or so new ones and love them!

I am also so super excited to say that I've been accepted as a vendor at the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this upcoming September! More details to follow. YAY!

Summer is here!

2011-06-22T15:24:00.001-07:00

Woohoo! I have been trying my hardest to do any little task usually done in the studio outside. Which really means, making jewelry & sewing on buttons.

Aside from that, I have been vending at the BCA Market every Saturday (weather pending). So if you are in Burlington this Saturday or any Saturday until the end of October, come by and say hi!

Above are some new necklaces that I just listed in my etsy shop here. Get them now before they're gone!

new studio and high speed! woohoo

2011-03-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! We finally moved almost everything in. It seems those little odds and ends turn into a lot of car trips. My new studio is located in our new apartment. It's twice the size of the last second bedroom I was using and it has TONS of light, which is so very important to me. I can't believe we didn't take before pictures. This place was SO much work! The floors all were repainted with a shiny white porch paint. I can't tell you how much white floors really brightens a place up. It may not turn out to be that great during this great mud season here in Johnson, VT.

I can't tell you how much I missed being able to do simple things like walk to the post office, coffee shop, use high speed internet and such. My boyfriend and I used to go on dates to the laundromat 30 minutes from where we lived to use their wifi and do laundry. Ridiculous, I know.

There are downfalls of not living in the middle of nowhere, though. For example, our walls are pretty thin, we don't have a yard to let the doggies run free in and the bathroom....I mean.. the toilet chamber.. see for yourself

Another thing I thought I wouldn't get sick of was our wood stove. While it feels so, so nice and I love the idea of using a renewable resource, it dried me out like crazy, from my hands to my throat. It was also all we used for heat, so on those -20 degree nights, our room was pretty cold!

I have a lot of unpacking, sorting and organizing to do. Then comes the fun part: decorating!

While I am super pumped to get all of this done, it's also just before craft fair season starts and I am about to gear up to have lots of merchandise. I'm coming up with fun new designs for spring + summer.

Here are some of the shows I'll have a booth at in the coming months. Come see me!

Craft Show @ Parker Pie/161 County Road West Glover, VT from 11am-3pm contact milkbottlestories@gmail.com for more info

May 6 & 7 Twist Craft Show in Northampton, MA

May 14 & 15 Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philadelphia, PA

May 19 Trunk Show @ Fancy Tiger in Denver,CO

May 28 & 29 River Arts Open Studios in Morrisville, VT

June 4 @ Queen City Craft in Burlington, VT

consignment. to be or not to be.

2011-03-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking spring. It's been a long, cold and snowy winter. The holiday season was great. I made money doing what I love to do. I saved it too! In late November through early January, when all of the sales started to roll in, I thought there might be an end to the madness. And there was. And it wasn't much fun. It is so much easier to spend the little extra money you make instead of saving it. There are so many little things you may think you 'need'. I am so grateful to have had such a successful holiday season. It was the first year I didn't have a "day job" to steal all of my time away. I was able to see what was selling and make more of it. I was able to keep all of the boutiques that carry my line stocked. I had time to scout out new wholesale accounts.

I want to start a weekly post focusing on advice for my fellow crafters. When I first started my line, I had no idea how to approach a boutique or other brick and mortar store. I finally got the courage to go into one store and bring a few shirts to see if the buyer would be interested in carrying them. There are many little handmade shops all over the country waiting to have your handmade goods to sell and each has their way of finding new talent.

Lots of the stores that carry my wares also seek out merchandise by attending big trade shows that happen once or twice a year (i.e. Pool Trade Show, New York Gift Show, Craft Council) . Many have websites requesting that you fill out an application. Often times they will review and get back to you only if they are interested. Some buyers are really busy and only like to look at new designer requests by appointment only.

When I was just starting out, I was so excited to have my line anywhere that it didn't matter if it was consignment. I didn't care if the split was 50/50. It didn't matter if I wouldn't be paid without having to ask.

I have now been selling my clothing and jewelry for years and I still have a hard time deciding on whether to keep consignment as an option for my line. For those of you who don't sell yet, or only sell online, consignment is a lot of work both for the artist and the shop owner. It's a lot to keep track of. Before I seem negative about it, I want to say there ARE some shops impeccable about paying on time, each month, sending out a list of what sold, etc. But there are a lot of shops that don't do this. I'm not a bill collector, I'm a clothing designer. I hate having to badger people for money. It's okay though, you have to decide if it's worth it for you.

Here are some things to consider
wholesale or consignment? After much trial and error, I decided to be picky about consignment. I stuck to just a few boutiques and pushed for wholesale. I only consign my clothing locally, where I can go in and check on it or if I've already been selling smaller accessories and I am 100% sure it will sell. Shipping is too costly and the items are too valuable to lose if a place doesn't have their act together. Some places just don't do wholesale but they may be a great outlet for you to sell your goods. Don't totally rule out consignment.
ask the potential boutique for references. If someone isn't willing to provide you references of fellow crafters, they may not have a great track record and therefore, I'd skip it.
start small. think ahead. After a lot of trial and error, I decided that if I was consigning with a new account, I would send out 10 pairs of button earrings. This way it's not a TON of stock, if something goes terribly wrong but it's enough to tell whether things will go over well or not. Things sell better in groups. Look at the pictures below and notice which stands out more.

Consignment Agreement Before you decide yes or no, ask the potential store to send you their consignment agreement. Read it over. Are you paid monthly or quarterly? On the 1st or 15th? If things don't sell, who pays return shipping? Are things donated if you lose touch within 3 months? Are your tags cut off and removed so that no one knows who made the item? All of these things are fair game if you sign a contract stating so. **MAKE SURE YOU GET A COPY SIGNED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE** A contract is null and void unless it's signed. Some, few, but some stores don't have contracts. You have the option of writing your own. Be sure that the store signs it and returns it to you.
percentages and dolla, dolla bills. How much does the store take? What is fair? Some stores take 40% and give you 60%. I think this is a fair amount. It allows you to make more than a wholesale cut and gives the store a decent cut also. Some take an even lower 30% and give you 70%, great for you but the store doesn't make much. Some places do 50/50. I've noticed that MOST of the places that are 50/50 are in bigger cities, with higher rent and expenses. This can work and does work for me in a few spots. The downside of a 50/50 consignment rate is that sometimes it's nicer to have the extra 10-20% because you are doing more work (double checking sales, inventory and paying for shipping). If your items are making the higher 60-70%, and things sell well, there's always the option to ask the store to start on a wholesale basis.
sales and special orders. If it doesn't detail sale information in the contract, ask. Some places will run sales and they should take the cut out of their end. I have also been asked if I'd like to participate in sales (a percentage coming out of my end and the shops end). You have every right to not agree to a sale price. After all, you are already only making a % of the retail price. Some places may ask you to make a special order for a customer. Sometimes their percentage will be a bit lower, sometimes not.
pricing and other notes Whether you sell your items in a few different retail venues, they should be priced the same. I know that if you sell on Etsy, you make 100% of the profit and you will only make a fraction selling in someone else's venue. Price your work at a fair price so that you can knock 50% off and still be making a fair wage. Evaluate your pricing and don't try to be cheaper than everyone else. Handmade is worth the extra money. I will write a blog post on pricing in the near future.
I hope this is clear and helps! I'm sure I left some out and please ask questions in the comments section if you have them.

I also wanted to say thank you to all of the boutiques that I deal with that are wonderful. You know who you are :)

designer's block!

2011-02-27T08:03:00.002-08:00

I'm having a bad case of designers block for my spring line. It's time to put away the wool and heavy fabrics and get to work on spring clothing. It's just that this time of year I have a hard time believing it will actually be spring and summer again. What do YOU plan on wearing this spring and summer? What kind of designs would you like to see?

I am excited to announce that i'll be taking part in this year's beCAUSE show. It's a show where each artist donates a percentage of their proceeds toward a certain charity or foundation. This year I chose Pete's Greens after their devastating loss in the barn fire. Come support some local artists and tons of great causes!

Also in the works, I am moving. Again. I know, I know. I just moved 6 months ago. While I do love it out here for some reasons and love my roommate(s) but it's just too far. An hour round trip driving to and fro the post office isn't helping me with time management and I just can't deal with this slow satellite internet. It takes 10X as long to get things done and some things I can't get done. I have to wait until we go on our weekly dates to the laundromat to use their awesome high speed internet.

organic cotton is in!

2011-02-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

johnson gal dress $120. organic cotton and local wool

One of my new years resolutions was to start a line using organic cotton. Well, it came and I made a few tops(and a skirt!) I have also been using some local wool made down the road at Johnson Woolen Mills right here in Vermont.

You can also find other dresses, skirts and even legwarmers in my etsy shop here.

Valentine's Day Goodies

2011-01-18T19:38:00.001-08:00

pink patchwork dress. $82 available here

This is the second to last week of my big new year's sale. This week select clothing from last year are marked down 20%. Next week they will be marked down 15% and after that they'll be back to full price. Here are some items that I made this week. It's been a pink week and i'm trying to stick to Valentine's day themed items!

pink snowflake leggings. $20 available here

cute little heart earrings.$10 available here

weather pending!

2011-01-12T12:12:00.001-08:00

We're currently being hit with a big snowstorm. This means two things for me today: 1. Way too gloomy to take product photos and 2. Too dangerous to get to the post office. While I have lots and lots to mail out and lots to take photos of, I'll have to postpone.

My second week of sale has continued, this week select handmade clothing is marked down 30%, the week after it will be 20% and then 15%.

I've added another goal to my new years resolution. To make a physical product catalogue. While I like the idea of just being able to e-mail businesses and stores, a lot ask for a catalogue to be mailed. I may be missing out on great opportunities until I am able to mail one of these out.

happy new year

2011-01-02T08:50:00.001-08:00

Happy new year ya'll! It feels good to be back in Vermont after being away for a week and a half. The time away has given me time to think of new ideas for the new year. This year is my first year starting out Nicole's Threads as a full-time gig. I had a job waitressing but it was so very part time and I wasn't quite ready to let go of a semi-stable income. It feels great, overwhelming and scary but most of all, exciting! In order to keep things rolling, I have to work long, hard hours between sewing, fulfilling orders, scouting out new places to carry my line and keeping up with the web stuff. Also, here in rural Vermont we got ourselves into a situation of having satellite internet... which totally sucks. I enjoy my big day out to the laundromat to use their high speed internet [note sarcasm]. Living here has been an experience in many ways.

Some of my business goals for 2011 are:

*create a limited edition line using sustainable organic fibers. While I have ordered some organic cotton blends, I will continue using my original fabric sources too. All fabric that I use is sourced from places that either have so much that they are getting rid of extra, there is a little blip every so often that I work around, remnant or vintage. I'm going to expand into a line of organic fibers and will also be using wool blends made by a local company based out of Vermont!

*develop a printed catalogue to send to brick & mortar shops.

*get a website (about time!)

*more craft shows. While I currently vend at a few local Vermont craft shows (Queen City Craft, BCA Holiday Market, and some further away (Art Star Craft Bazaar, Bust Craftacular @ World Maker Faire, Craftland) this year I'll be scouting out & applying to other shows (Renegade Craft, Bazaar Bizarre, SOWA Holiday Market)

*prepare ahead of time & set deadlines! This is something that I don't do every year! In the clothing world, you should be preparing your clothing way in advance. Instead of making clothing for winter, I should be making clothing for Spring & Summer right now.

*keep up new etsy shops. While I haven't been working another job, I've found the time to reopen my other etsy shops.

http://potterylottery.etsy.com - you'll find handmade stoneware & porcelain jewelry

http://grannysthreads.etsy.com - vintage finds (mostly clothing)

*blog more often! I find that most successful bloggers blog EVERY DAY! While I know I can't set a daily blog goal out for myself, I can set a goal of at least one post per week.

Some personal goals for 2011 are to start a garden, learn how to can, paint more, learn to snowshoe and or ski and to find out what it would take of me to buy a house.

What are your goals for 2011?

cozy on up!

2010-12-05T08:48:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share a few items that are super warm + great for this time of year! This cowl is available in my etsy shop. I also have a bunch of smaller ones, button up, + one for the dudes.

Legwarmers made from recycled sweaters! This is a new item in my shop. Find this one + more here.

it's the bee's knees

2010-11-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

bees knees. morrisville, vermont

Pictured above are some of my skirts and patchwork scarves (inspired by the women of Gee's Bend). Those scarves took forever to make but are SO MUCH FUN. To the right is some art by local artist Jess Graham. As I've mentioned before, I'm really excited to be gearing up for this weekend's holiday show Queen City Craft Bazaar. Here are some sneak previews of artists that will be there!

the candy thief bathilde band

subsixstudios fabric earrings

robot dinosaur fiddlehead

skateboard heart pendant by cooboriginals

Like what you see? Come by the Queen City Craft Bazaar!

the swing of things

2010-11-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

My iron bit the dust today! It was a super cheap one from a big box store that I bought after I started sewing. It's probably a good 5 years old. It was a really heavy one and got super hot. Although I understand WHY irons have automatic shut-offs after 8 minutes, it is very inconvenient for me. Enough about that.

I've been photographing and listing so much on etsy. This satellite internet makes it take twice as long to get anything done on here, but while I'm living five miles up a dirt road I've got plenty of time! Hope you enjoy the recent listings and revamped photographs. Reminder that Queen City is this Saturday and I am very excited about it! I also dropped off some new jewelry at Bella Boutique in Burlington, VT and the Clothing Line in Burlington. Stop in to give them some love!

Also if you'd like to see Nicole's Threads in a store near you, recommend them here!

updates from rural VermontI

2010-11-15T22:09:00.001-08:00

Since the last post I have moved! I'm now connected through an annoyingly slow satellite internet because it's all we can get five miles up the dirt road that we live on in Wolcott, Vermont. But it sure is beautiful and the sunsets driving down our road are to die for.

I just made a huge update to my etsy store and can now go out in the yard with my tripod and take as many pictures as I want without any visible neighbors looking over and wondering what the hell I'm doing!

Anywho -- I am super excited to re-invent my patchwork cowl from last season. This season I'll be making a batch of super cute scarves as well.. all inspired by the wonderful quilting women of Gee's Bend. They saved all of their scraps and made the most beautiful quilts that sing and dance with color, as I hope to do with my creations.

Here are some of the holiday shows that I'll be participating in...

This Saturday! I'm very happy to be participating in the holiday Queen City.. please come out!

Queen City Craft Bazaar - November 20th @ Union Station from 10-5 Over 40 crafters!

Also this year for the first time Nicole's Threads will be at

Craftland - 9th Annual Craftland show from November 26th-December 31st at the Craftland shop @ 235 Westminster St. in Providence, RI

visit craftlandshow.com for more information

dangly button earrings

2010-09-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

new item! available on my etsy shop here.

Strut! Art hop time!

2010-09-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

It's art hop time. This is my first year participating in the South End Burlington Arthop. I'll gladly be selling wares/jewelry at Battery St. Jeans on Pine St. tomorrow evening at 5pm and will be showing at the fashion show 'Strut' on Saturday behind the Maltex building. Models will be walking at 7pm and 9pm. See you there!

Shop Local! Bike to a boutique.

2010-06-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

I can't express how important I think shopping local and supporting all things local is. The city I live in makes it very easy to get grass-to-glass milk, local eggs, meat, etc. I know it isn't as easy in other towns and it's easy to take it for granted. I love selling online but I think it's equally, if not more important to push the little businesses that are still supporting local, handmade items. To the right is Heather of the Clothing Line. I love that the places I sell things are the same places I love to shop. I'll be giving away a free pair of button earrings for every comment left with a local boutique you love that you'd like to see Nicole's Threads carried in.

Here is a list of new boutiques that will be carrying Nicole's Threads accessories in the coming weeks!

Nice Things Handmade/1731 E Passyunk Philadelphia, PA 19148

Leo Handmade/22 Frazier Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37405

Tender Loving Empire/412 SW 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97205

Best Friends Boutique/26 Main St. Phoenixville, PA 19460

Verde/108 S. 13th St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Radish Underground/414 SW 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97205

DIY Brick & Mortar.. meet Sally & Mud Season sale!!

2010-04-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip to Maine to play music. First stop was the Dogfish Bar and Grille. One thing that made me fall in love with New England when first coming to Vermont was how hospitable and open the community members seemed to be to people traveling through. We had two great shows, the second was at She Doesn't Like Guthrie's in Lewiston. I can't wait to make another trip again. While I was in Maine, I was up to my multi-tasking ways, trying to find local boutiques to carry Nicole's Threads. To the left is Sally of Eli-phant. Eli-phant is a super unique boutique which carries lots of handmade designer goods. I also dropped some things off at Material Objects. Both are located in Portland, ME but I am looking to get some things to Kennebunkport as well. Check out my etsy shop for tons of spring tops and jewelry all 20% off until May 1st.

organic fabric or remnants that would have been thrown away?

2010-03-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

First off.. I'd like to introduce the first item that I'll be making in small batches.. the Vermont Skirt.

A versatile skirt, similar to my one of a kind patchworks. I have been debating for a while whether it's better to use fabrics that are remnants, factory blips, and vintage (making pockets out of old lady nightgowns, etc.... or to start a line using all environmentally sound materials organic cotton, hemp, etc. with soy based, plant based, low impact dyes... The process would be much longer, but definitely rewarding, and I've even found a Vermont based company that supplies organic cotton jersey material. The cost of my items would double if not triple, as the cost of organic cotton and hemp per yard could easily be 10x the amount of my fabric cost now. What I mostly charge for now with clothing is labor. I'd love thoughts and/or comments. I also thought this would be a good post to clear up any fogginess reguarding where my materials come from.. it takes lots and lots of energy to create new fabric, 99% of this fabric would have been trashed if it weren't for scavengers picking apart to look for the quality parts and making do with what you have to work with. Another option for me is to have a small organic line and keep making things with the end of the bolt/blip fabrics that I create things with now. Please notice that I do not use materials that have anything wrong with them, I cut around those parts to create a quality piece. I hope you enjoy the Vermont skirt as much as I do! I'll be doing custom orders for this skirt in different colors and sizes. It's super comfy and versatile!

pottery co-op

2010-03-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

I love that Vermont is full of opportunities for communal trade.. I have been looking into joining a ceramic studio since June.. I recently joined UVM's Pottery Co-OP. Expect to see lots of new pieces in the pottery lottery store. I just added some pieces that I had done at Wilkes in Pennsylvania...This one of a kind necklace is available in my pottery lottery shop right now.. hope you enjoy.

button rings!

2010-03-02T19:44:00.001-08:00

I just added a bunch of button rings to the etsy store.

spring!

2010-02-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Vermont's spring tease has been reminding me to start making spring tops! I can't believe how mild this winter has been... although I think I've been withstanding the very cold days with help of lots and lots of layers and down coats.. the snow hasn't been falling much.. infact I have heard a record has been set here for the least amount of snow and in Philadelphia for the most amount of snow. so HA to all of you who said I wasn't going to be able to take it...have fun snowshoeing down broad st. ;) Anyway, check out my etsy site here for tons of new tops and jewelry

I also joined a pottery co-op, so as soon as the first glaze firing happens, I'll be adding lots of jewelry to the pottery lottery etsy site.

P.S. I live in this pink house in the background! I think Burlington is the only neighborhood where you'd need to ask "Which hot pink house do you live in? The one with red trim, bright orange trim, or lime green trim?"

featured in a treasury

2009-12-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I just found out that my red porcelain earrings were featured in an etsy treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=98567

winter project

2009-12-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a pack rat when it comes to just about everything. I moved 7 1/2 hours north of where I used to live in June and have somehow managed to make my room/studio look like I've been living here for 10 years. One of my favorite projects is making things with all of my scrap fabrics. This winter I've committed to making a quilt.. I'm usually so busy making things for stores or to sell that I don't have anything to show.. here is the quilt I am working on.. I hung the piece in our kitchen until I make more to add!

Cyber Monday

2009-11-29T20:54:00.001-08:00

Free button earrings with the purchase of a top on cyber monday!

camel's hump

2009-11-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

i did it! it only took me six months of living in vermont to finally go on a big hike...announcing the winner of the contest tomorrow!

Bobby Pin Giveaway!

2009-11-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Long over-due! I'll be giving away this bobby pin! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your favorite item from either my Nicole's Threads etsy shop, or my new Pottery Lottery etsy shop and also what you'd like to see more of. I'll be picking a winner out of a hat on November 15h. Good luck!!!

New stores carrying Nicole's Threads!

2009-11-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

here are some new stores that are carrying Nicole's Threads accessory line:
Double Dutch Boutique - Baltimore, MD (will be carrying clothing soon!)
Red Envy Boutique - Toledo, OH
Trinket - Burlington, VT
Fancy Tiger - Denver, CO
the Artisan Gallery - Northampton, MA
Anna Grace - Buffalo, NY

introducing.... the pottery lottery!

2009-10-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

thanks to jesse for coming up with this name.. along with some of his suggestions last year were.. "stoned.. where?" and I also came up with "Clay Bakin" (you know.. that guy who was on american idol....) anyway, I thought the pottery lottery was most appropriate, being that a lot of glaze combinations are unpredictable, you never know what you're gonna get! Here are some of the things that I have made, when I find a new place to work out of here in Vermont, I'll be adding lots of new stuff!

Vermonster Beer

2009-10-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to put this out there real quick, please please pass it along...

headband/neckwarmer

2009-09-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

new item: the neckwarmer/headband.. i'm really excited about it! They take forever to make, I have to cut out a million and a half squares usually...but.. on my most recent trip to recycle north in Burlington and the ReStore in Barre, I found some pre cut quilting squares... when finding things that have been given away, I always wonder why and how someone put so much time into something and is able to part with it... every little thing has a story... someone had an idea to cut out each of these squares but never got to put them to use... I feel fortunate to have stumbled these materials... all are fleece or lined with faux wool. Thanks to Sam, Ryan, Maggie and Barbie for their recent modeling and photographing expertise. Be on the look out next week for a giveaway... also, be on the lookout for new fall items at all boutiques Nicole's Threads are carried in, and new boutiques being added weekly.. soon Renegade Handmade and Needles and Pens!

back in action

2009-08-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just moved to a new house with room for a studio! Also, a few new stores are carrying Nicole's Threads:

Honeypot - Asheville, NC

the Hodge Podgery - Pittsburgh, PA

the Clothing Line - Burlington, VT

the Bobbin - Burlington, VT

Art Star Craft Biz

2009-05-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

It's finally here!!! I hope to see you if you're in the area..
It's May 30th and 31st from 11am to 6pm - rain or shine..although I hear it's supposed to be nice out... i'm going to do sun dances.. at Penn's Landing Great Plaza (Walnut St. and Columbus Blvd.)... for directions click here
The first 250 people on both Saturday and Sunday will get a goody bag filled with lots of awesome things... live music will be happening.. including one of my personal favorites - toy soldiers! Lauren Fleming included my top in the city paper aritcal - check it out here! I'm going to have lots of new shirts, button earrings, wristlets, headbands and a few pieces of stoneware jewelry. Have a great weekend. P.S. Mention this blog entry and receive 10% off!

First Monthly Giveaway! Wristcuff

2009-05-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm starting my first monthly giveaway, I'll pick a winner out of a hat on May 29th and mail you your wristcuff. To enter the contest, visit my etsy shop and leave a comment telling which item you like best and what you would like to see more of! Post this on your twitter account, facebook, or myspace to earn one extra entry and then post another comment letting me know you did so. The giveaway will be for the blue wristcuff in the photo... good luck!! :o)

new tops on etsy!

2009-05-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

I listed new tops on etsy! All are marked down 25% until June 1st.

Festival Time

2009-05-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

This time of year always gets me. There's always 500 things going on in one weekend that I want to attend, and just can't seem to get to nearly enough. I've also been biting off more than I can chew.. sometimes I wonder whether it would be easier to play music or make clothing and just not do both, but I have too much fun running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
This week, i've been gearing up for the art star craft bazaar, sewing tops for Mew Gallery, and trying to pack for Vermont. I also listed a bunch of stuff on my mom's etsy page.

25% off moving sale

2009-05-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

I'm having a 25% off moving sale until May 13th. Everything in my etsy store will be on sale until then! I just got back from Vermont, where I played the Skinny Pancake and went to visit Johnson, Vermont. It's an awesome town!! The countdown is on.. 4 weeks until I move! P.S. Since my camera broke I had to resort to a photo where we went blueberry picking in July. I can't wait to go again. I can't believe it's almost July again... where does the time go?! I'm getting all ready for the art star craft show.. I hope to see you all there! Also, I dropped off a bunch of button earrings at the Green Closet in Winooski, VT, along with a new design of stoneware earrings I've been working on.

electronic appliance madness

2009-05-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

They're all broke except for my computer, sorry about not listing anything new on etsy for a while. I have to get a hold of my mom's camera.

I left my computer in Asheville!

2009-04-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! I'll be getting it back tomorrow. Luckily, my head is attached or it would have been gone a long time ago. On top of it all, my sewing machine and camera all broke the same week.. so I have just been renewing items on etsy and using my old crappy sewing machine.

After the tour, i'm gearing up to move... many yard sales are in the works, along with finishing the last few shows i'll be playing in PA...for the time being, I'm sure i'll be back to play more in no time. Tonight is a very important show.. it's near and dear to my heart and I hope if you are around the NEPA area you will be there. I'm sure you've already heard of it.. but for those of you who haven't.. it's Concert for Karen. This is a very important year for it, as it is the 10th anniversary.. please come show your support! It's at the Woodlands tonight and starts at 6pm.

Back from Vermont...Winter SALE!

2009-04-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Before I get into anything, I just want to say that I'm having an end of season sale.. $15 off any top with sleeves!

I'm back from our little tour in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. I have to say the whole time was a blast but I especially loved Keene, being that I had never been to New Hampshire. I couldn't have asked for a better, more attentive and fun audience... the people who run the Starving Artist are wonderful! The art there was really amazing and colorful. It was all of the colors that I tend to decorate with.. I wanted to bring it all home with me!

On another note, I just updated my etsy store with a top and just got supplies to make more button earrings! I also found out that I'll be sharing a table at Art Star Craft Bazaar with Kate from Flederhaus. I was really excited to receive her e-mail and find out that she was the gal with the awesome peace flags last year. Art Star Craft Bazaar will be held on May 30th and 31st from 11-6 at Penns Landing's Great Plaza. I went last year, despite losing my wallet, after accidently eating coconut ice cream (i'm allergic... to everything), it was AWESOME!

I have been taking a pottery class with my awesome mom, freaky lyn, who is a great potter despite her modest view that half of the things she makes aren't good enough to sell (which decorates where ever I live well). I'm hoping to start selling some of the jewelry soon... Also, I have been working on a 'hipster'. I hope no one has taken that name! I made myself one as a waitress. It's basically a big pouch with a loop on the back to attach it to your belt. I'll hopefully be adding those this weekend to the etsy shop....

Also, look soon for a giveaway/contest!

Why am I so bad at blogging?

2009-03-26T15:32:00.001-07:00

Terrible.. I read other blogs all of the time, every day...thinking to myself, 'oh I should really post a blog today.' I'm going to make an effort to blog more!
A while back, my uncle purchased www.nicolecarey.com for me, it was before I knew much of etsy and was still selling on E-bay. If I ever learn how to build a website, you may see something there but as for now.. nicolecarey.com has launched but it just forwards you to my etsy site.

I've added a new item to my etsy shop: Reusable Coffee Sleeves.. They're really fun to make and go right along with the rest of my patchwork line.

new! the scrap skirt!

2009-03-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'm the biggest bag ladies of all bag ladies, I think. I can't throw these fabric scraps away. They're taking over my life! I found a fun way to put them to good use: The scrap skirt! Now available at Art Star in Philly and recently updated on my Etsy site!

show in new york tomorrow!

2009-03-07T13:37:00.001-08:00

art show friday! the bog thursday

2009-02-28T23:58:00.001-08:00

i'll be playing this thursday for the fixture series at the bog in scranton along with bob aluni and charles havira... hope you stop out... also i'm having my first official art show at green being for first friday in scranton!

booking another tour...

2009-01-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

I'm going on tour again..a shorter one this time... with Charles Davis and we could use some help booking shows if you know of any places near these cities... We're looking for places with a built in audience or house shows...Also looking for a date on March 30th in or near Vermont.
April
10 - Philadelphia
11 - Baltimore
12 - Roanoke/ Charlottesville
13 - Boone/ Winston
14 - Ashville
15 - Athens
16 - Atlanta
17 - Nashville
18 - Louisville
19 - Lexington
20 - Pittsburgh

if anyone could help, that would be great! my e-mail is nicoleerincarey@gmail.com

Crafters with Carpal Tunnel

2009-01-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

I do a lot of repetitive motions with crafting, painting, playing guitar, etc.. I noticed when I was cutting squares for patchwork things my hand started getting a weird nerve shooting through my hand. I looked it up and it looks like there are many crafters with carpal tunnel. I found this article useful, I think i'm going to the local health food store tomorrow to get some B vitamins. Has anyone had a problem with tendonitis and tried B vitamins? Here's the link to the article if you're interested

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa022198.htm

I started a new etsy shop with only vintage items, view it here if you're wondering where all of the Nicole's Threads vintage items went....they went to Granny's Threads!

honey heals all wounds!

2009-01-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

I burnt the roof of my mouth. It's so annoying. I looked up some folk remedies and one was to put honey on the roof of your mouth and not eat anything for three hours. I'm about one hour into it and it's definitely soothing!

On another note.. I just found this DIY screen printing tutorial that seems very resourceful! http://www.220voltage.net/screen-print-the-diy-way/

I'm going to be shipping out items to Young Blood Boutique & Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow so if you are near there, check next week for some cute shirts!

Also, myself and Becky Lee of Pigeons In The Attic are revamping the Philly Etsy Team's Myspace. Be our friend here!

Pottery Treasury

2009-01-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

A Pottery treasury that I made earlier today: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=38736

Concert for Karen - Please Read!

2009-01-06T17:47:00.001-08:00

This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, it was started 10 years ago after my Aunt Karen passed away from Leukemia. My Grandmother was looking so much forward to helping raise money for research for this cause and has since past and will not be there. Please, if you are my friend, if you care, if you have ever had a loved one pass or survive, if you are broke, if you have lots of money, the least you could do is repost this. The most you could do is donate to the Leukemia Society. This information has been sent to me from Alan Stout who donates so much time to put the concert together every year. I'll be playing and I hope to see you there!

Well, it's been about eight months since you've heard about CFC, but it's back ... "Concert For A Cause 7: A Concert For Karen" will take place on April 22 at The Woodlands. Check out the CFC 7 MySpace page for complete details on the show, the complete lineup of bands, updated blogs on the show's history and hundreds of photos of past CFC events.
It's at: http://www. concertforacausenepa. com

You can also check out the story about CFC 7 from the current issue of The Weekender at:

http://www.
theweekender. com/music/CFC_7_set_for_April_22_music_on_the_menu_01-06-200
9.
html

Save the date and help spread the word. This is going to be a great night of music for a great cause. And thanks for all of the great support over the years.

treasuries

2009-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

I stayed up late last night making a treasury and then walked away and missed my chance to get it, so i'll post some of my favorites here:

Business has drastically slowed after Christmas on Etsy and Earth and Wears. I'm looking into new advertising for my Etsy site and looking into building my own website. My uncle reserved nicolecarey.com for me a few years ago and I haven't done anything with it...that's something I'm planning on for this year.. along with more collaborations. I'm really looking forward to the art show at green being, i've been painting my butt off while sitting at earth and wears. What things are you going to be working on for New Years? Where do you advertise online?

antibiotic or happy cows?

2008-12-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

I was working at my mom's store Earth and Wears the other day while a lady from the local Hillside Farms stopped in. She (being the education director) informed me of some news that never ever crossed my mind and was super interesting. After doing research on organic vs. not it's not hard to digest the fact that although it may be more expensive, organic is much healthier in the long run. Everything healthy isn't marked organic though. Apparently, in Europe, if this particular farm was relocated, they would be certified but in the US, the FDA will not certify an organic farmer if it treats sick cows with antibiotics. This blows my mind! I read a few articles and it seems that the cow will hopefully have a good outcome either way. If a cow becomes sick on an organic farm, the options are to first treat it with all sorts of natural healing. In my opinion, this is the best form of medicine with any animal. I think modern medicine is an important back up though. In Europe after the cow is treated with an antibiotic the farmer must wait two weeks to sell their milk. In America, the cow can't be used at all..giving organic farmers the option to either euthenize the cow or sell to a non organic farmer. I haven't done enough research but I'm just assuming an organic calf is more expensive than not. Anyway, I found out that Hillside follows all of the organic guidelines for the FDA but they do give their cows antibiotics if they get sick. There should be another term for a farmer that practices these farming ethics because it's definitely a million steps up from factory farming and might even be more humane than organic farming. On another hand i've been feeling a little sick, probably from being around a lot of smoking... and everyone is sick this week so i'm going to share a few of my favorite getting better products......

Honey Gardens makes some of my favorite products... and they send out really informative newsletters that I look forward to reading every month. I recommend the Blueberry Rejuvination Tonic, Propolis Spray and absolutely the honey... the honey paired with Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat. I definitely recommend trying to find a similar product if anyone local has a tea business but this really helps. Brewing tea according to directions is really important. Throat coat has ingredients that will only melt in super boiling water. Let it steep covered for about fifteen minutes. Then uncover it and after about 5 or 10 more minutes put in a little bit of honey. When raw honey is heated it looses a lot of its health benefits so tea must be cooled off. If you know me, you know how obsessed I am with helping out the honey bees, so buy raw honey from your local farmer! You can sneak it into more food that you cook than you'd think.
what are your favorite folk remedies for the cold and flu season?

random things

2008-12-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

B. Moss is going out of business... one (wo)man's loss is another (wo)man's treasure... I bought a few mannequins super cheap and was able to get a few for my mom's store and Cristen's Store - Greenbeing. When my grandma fell ill this month I flew home from my tour after being out only 5 days, but I did see a bit of how lovely Colorado was, I saw how boring driving through the great planes was, but Nebraska's rolling hills was fun to see. I was only able to play two shows, my favorite being at the D-Note in Arvada, Co. There seemed to be a great art community in Omaha where we visited Hot Shops and I fell inlove with all three levels of the studios. If you're ever passing through Omaha, stop by there... as I'm listening to Catie Curtis's 'passing through' I typed the title. I've been listening to a lot of great music lately and I can't stop listening to Jolie Holland of the Be Good Tanyas.
While Vermont is still a big option for me to move to, I haven't ruled out Colorado. I think home is always where your family is and where love is and right now that is Dallas. I plan on finishing my album and releasing it before I move anywhere. I'd rather tour than worry about moving.. but I need a touring buddy! I've been working on prototypes for new items and plan to work in new mediums this year and am definitely going to take advantage of being around my parents artforms.. ceramics and woodworking. I just bought a woodburner and it's really fun!
I'm going to have my first art show in a few years in March at Green Being.. I haven't decided on a theme and I can't really keep my head straight.. so maybe that will be the theme...

Boutiques that i'll be selling in very soon include:
Young Blood Gallery and Boutique 636 N. Highland Ave Atlanta, GA 30306
Smash Records 2314 18th St. NW 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20009
and possibly international at
Molly Kulte 943 Rue Mont Royal est Montreal H2J 1X3

2008-12-18T14:49:00.001-08:00

new winter top.. I haven't been able to do much sewing lately as my gram has been sick but I plan on starting limited editions as i'd like to venture into wholesale.. but I also started doing many more reconstructions. here is a sneek peak of what is at earth and wears for the winter..
I'm also going to start painting and will be the first friday artist featured at Green Being in Scranton in March. I'm looking for new boutiques to sell in - if you are interested drop me a line at nicoleerincarey@gmail.com

earth and wears is open!

2008-11-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

We're open! Featuring many local artists, selling all things handmade, earth and wears' doors are now open. Stop in if you're in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. We're located at 68 Main Street Dallas, PA 18612.
Call for directions (570) 675-6868

bee kind!

2008-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

I've started beein' kind. I actually have been interested in focusing on one fundraiser, everyone has their own little niche that they like to donate their time and money to. When I started reading about the honeybees disappearing and the phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disaster I knew I had to help somehow. I started making pillows from purely scrap fabric. The inside are scraps and the outside is quilted scraps. I couldn't really envision selling them as they take so long to make and I didn't think that anyone would pay for their worth. I decided this would be a good item to use as my donation to CCD. 25% of my pillows are donated to CCD. I really want to start to organize a few fundraisers for the bees. If anyone is interested in helping or donating things to be raffled or auctioned off, please let me know. I hope to hold a fundraiser in February or March.

CRAFTADELPHIA!

2008-08-05T00:15:00.001-07:00

I'll be playing around 1:30ish..ehh...whenever there are enough people to listen. Buy from local etsy sellers! Listen to music! Yippy. New shirts should arrive at White Rabbit sometime next weekish also!

charity/project runway/vermont/tour in november

2008-07-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

trunk show weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-12T21:14:00.002-07:00

This weekend is filled with trunk shows! Friday I'll be selling my goods at Magpie on Main in Carbondale.

on Saturday i'll be playing a show at Crossroads Coffee House in Roxborough..

Sunday i'll be at the Crane building selling my shirts at Art for the Cash Poor.. everything everyone is selling is priced under $199.

hope to see you out!
Afterwards i'll be posting way more things on etsy, i've really been slacking because I put my stuff in lots of boutiques including Orphelin and Art Star in Philadelphia, the Makery in Kentucky, Candy Plum in NY, and Oak in Boston!

new shirts on etsy!

2008-04-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

i'll be selling these shirts on etsy for two weeks, then i'll take them to some kind of jam =)

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
nicolecarey.etsy.com

tonight at fuse & election 08

2008-03-06T16:33:00.002-08:00

show tonight.. snow tomorrow

2008-02-21T15:25:00.001-08:00

I'll be playing tonight with Sterling and Andrew at the Dive.. there is supposed to be a show tomorrow at Test Pattern with Cabinet and Sean but word on the street is that it's supposed to snow a lot, so I'm not sure if i'll be headed to Scranton.. on another note, I was interviewed today for the fixture series that i'll be playing at fuse on march 6th and look forward to playing a benefit for Mew Gallery at the North Star Bar. I'm going to be selling my clothes at Magpie in Scranton and was going to drop stuff off tomorrow but i'm not sure if that will be happening. That's all for now folks!

shows this week

2008-02-20T00:36:00.000-08:00

My guitar flopped =( It's in the shop trying to get fixed but I ordered a new beauty.. hopefully anyway, I can't wait to get it! Tonight I was filmed for comcast on demand's local musician something or other.. interviews are just as weird as I had assumed.. I have a show tomorrow at the Dawson Street Pub, Thursday at the Dive (I think.. I haven't heard from the person who booked it in a while), Friday at Test Pattern.. that show is going to be lots of fun, Cabinet and Sean Abbott are both playing. Nikki and I plan on going back to Vermont in a few weeks... trying to find a job isn't easy right now.

2008-01-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

Ahhh this picture looks just like Joe and Matthew... it's freaky... anyway, that's my next show coming up. Last night I played at the Sidewalk Cafe in NYC. Shows in New York for me are always hit or miss, sometimes I end up playing for all of my friends from Philadelphia that I'm playing with or traveled with me or sometimes it's a full house of strangers. I'll be playing in the middle of February at Banjo Jim's in Manhattan and Goodbye Blue Monday in Brooklyn. I find it neat yet strange that in the past few months I have played at two bars named after Kurt Vonnegut Books (the Monkey House in Vermont and Goodbye Blue Monday). In other news I dropped off new tops at Mew Gallery and may be sending things to a few new shops, including jewelry and maybe bags.. I might try bags.. anything to use all of the s(crap) fabric.. just kidding, I just can't throw ANYTHING away. Hope to see you at Joe and Matthew's!

back in philadelphia

2008-01-17T12:22:00.002-08:00

Big Jar Books flier

2008-01-14T16:07:00.001-08:00

Vermont, New York Times and Big Jar Books

2008-01-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to move! Although I can't right now, I have to get a car, save some money, etc. Vermont was beautiful and I just love it there. Bambi Boutique was featured in the New York Times yesterday and I had a name drop (exciting!) Click here to view the article. Also, I'll be playing tomorrow at Big Jar Books with the Spinning Leaves around 8PM. Stop by (2nd and Arch - Philadelphia)

Neeecole's Threads on indiecollective.net

2008-01-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

I've been selling my clothing on my bonnie and clyde's website and we were both currently featured on indiecollective's website. Click here to read about it! Also, I might be in the NY Times Monday! yay!

traveling to Vermont next week

2008-01-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be taking a trip to Vermont next week to see if I'm strong enough to deal with their winter during its prime. If so, I plan on moving there next summer. I'm not sure where.. I don't want to move from one big city (Philadelphia) to live in another city (Burlington) when I'm sure I could live 10-20 minutes outside and have more space. Anyway, I'm going to be playing a few shows, if you are in the area you should check them out:

January 8th @ The Monkey House 30 Main Street Winooski, VT

January 9th @ The Red Square 136 Church Street Burlington, VT

January 10th @ Radio Bean 8 Winooski Ave Burlington, VT

I need a traveling partner! I'm going to drive my dad's truck there and back...if anyone is interested, get in touch!

new necklaces on etsy and old shirts

2007-12-30T02:50:00.001-08:00

I added some new necklaces, some which I made and some that my mom made out of clay. I think i'm going to put a lot more on etsy. I haven't sold anything yet but I'm frustrated with e-bay! Click here to see my etsy store

shopping handmade for the holiday season, last night @ ibimw, @ vermont soon

2007-12-16T22:01:00.001-08:00

I brought new things to Mew Gallery, Bambi, and Outrageous for the holiday season and will be sending things to Galactic Boutique, Selvage Boutique and a few others soon. I just want to encourage you all to buy handmade this holiday season!

Here are some pictures of the necklaces i'm going to be putting in some boutiques shortly and selling on etsy:

Last night I played with Sean Abbott @ I Brewed It My Way..the weather was pretty crappy and not many people came but I still had fun and tried out a new song that is just a little rough around the edges. I wrote it all the words when I went to Vermont with Paul, i'm happy it's coming together well. The trip I took in October to Burlington, Winooski and Montpelier has paved the way for next year. I'm going to take a test run trip and mini-tour in the beginning of January to see if I can handle the winter. So far I'm playing at the Monkey House in Winooski but I hope to book some more shows!