I just thought I'd take a brief moment (I've got to get back to the print studio to finish up holiday gift orders!) to say that it is so wonderful to meet new people and talk in person and in depth about my work in real time. Craft shows can be very stressful for me especially the lead up. There are preparations, printing, speculations about what will sell or what to bring the most of, booth display decisions, and many other considerations, and I'm sorry to admit that, I lost my cool a couple times last week (and snapped at my husband, which I instantly regretted). But doing a craft show or popup shop is ultimately such a wonderful and rewarding experience and it's all because of you guys.
Read MoreWalking is a Way of Life
One of the things that I rate pretty highly on my priority list is living in a place that is walkable or bikeable. It's so healthy to have light exercise built into your lifestyle. I grew up in the suburbs, so we drove everywhere. I don't specifically remember disliking it at the time, but there was no other choice - it was part of our way of life. Going to college changed my perspective on that in a hurry. I decided to go college in the small urban town of Charleston, SC - and I didn't bring a car.
Read MoreGuidelines for Shopping Responsibly
I'm the first one to admit that I don't really shop all that much anymore. Ever since I lived on our small 37-foot sailboat (for 3.5 years), I realized that having lots of stuff is completely unnecessary. Not only that but it's downright wasteful and it weighs you down. Sure there were often times when I missed or longed for certain items that I didn't or couldn't have in such a small space, but it was liberating to know that I could survive off of just one backpack of stuff. Nowadays I live in a much bigger space, but I still carry around some of those principals that I learned from small space living.
Read MoreA Holiday Pop Up and Craft Market for Savannah
It's been a whirlwind of preparations these past few weeks, but I am finally excited to announce that I will be participating in the Broughton Exchange Pop Up Shop. For the whole month of December, actually starting this weekend Nov. 28th (yep, that's Black Friday) and running through Dec. 21st, my printed tees will be hanging out on Broughton Street at the awesome Broughton Exchange Pop Up Shop alongside products by other local talented makers, artists, and small businesses. Ever since ReCreate Savannah closed last winter, I've been looking for ways to get more involved in the community. I miss the connection with customers, getting feedback on my designs, and having a local spot to share my products and art. I am so happy to be getting my wish for a whole entire month and, if you're local, I really hope you'll stop by to take a look around. We'll be in the former Gaucho storefront at 18 East Broughton. I'll have all of my bestselling tshirt designs plus a bunch of last year's leftovers that will be discounted due to limited sizes, and - this is a big one - my Bicycle Wrap Skirt sample, so that you can see it for yourself and learn how it works. :)
Read MoreMeet Katie - Pattern Maker/Designer Extraordinaire
I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to my uber talented friend, Katie J Mattern, the creator of Waypost Craft a handmade leather goods brand and the pattern maker for the first Bicycle Wrap Skirt. She has put a lot of hours into the Bicycle Wrap Skirt project with me, and has been instrumental in the development of the prototype and the first sample skirt, for which I am oh so grateful. Katie just launched her website a few weeks ago, which you really must check out, and is preparing for the Porter Flea market in Nashville in December. When I'm not monopolizing her time (just kidding!), she can be found making beautiful handcrafted leather bags, journals, and other items. She studied Fibers at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and is heavily influenced by southwestern colors, patterns, weavings, and traditional methods of craftsmanship.
I've asked Katie a few questions so that you can get to know her a little bit better. Here are her answers in her own words.
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