Rebranding and kicking off the New Year - 2018

I won't lie to you.  2017 was a tough year on many levels.  The good news is that we made it to the end.  More good news is that 2018 has to be better, yes?!

One thing that helped me through the tougher days this year was sitting in my studio sewing, making jewelry and accessories while listening to music, podcasts, and audio books.   It almost frightens me how much I enjoyed my space and time.  Getting back into jewelry making naturally got me thinking about my business.  For me, I can't seem to think about one without the other.  So, with very little forethought, I decided to rebrand à la mode and start fresh.  In part, I wanted to create a website where I can not only feature my own creations but also other artists and wonderful things I find along my travels.

As 2017 comes to an end, I softly opened lcdmodern.  I did it quietly for many reasons but feel that I should mention it here at least once.  I'll include a link in the side bar but don't really plan on promoting it here much more than that.  The constant marketing (especially on social media) really got to me in the past.

I'm still making my hardware jewelry.  I hope to introduce some clothing I've designed, perhaps reintroduce some handbags, and have already found (and am working on purchasing) some great items from my travels.

So, if you liked my "wares" you can still find them and I wouldn't discourage you from spreading the word if you'd like to.  I will continue to personally blog here as well.  Here's to a new year!
To everyone...

Happy 2018!  

Valentine SALE à la mode

Take advantage of this Valentine special for yourself or for the one you love (guys, I'm making it easy for ya)!  Sale ends January 31, 2011.  Only available on my website.

It's been a long time coming - hardware earrings

Many times, I've been asked when I was going to add earrings to match the necklaces in the Hardware Collection.  It wasn't that I hadn't thought about it or tried.  One of the major criteria for adding any item to my collections is whether or not I would wear the particular item.  I've tried a variety of designs that didn't quite work for me: too heavy, too light, too complicated looking, too obvious, etc.  I've finally come up with several designs I love.

The first that I've made available is the Trio ($16.00).  It is a modern twist to the chandelier style earring.  I love that it is lightweight and easy to wear; noticeable but not over the top.  Industrial but not obviously hardware.  What do you think?

I have at least 3 more styles coming soon.  Follow me on Twitter or check out my Facebook fan page for up to the minute additions!

New year, NEW a la mode website

I am so excited to launch my new website - a more streamlined and user friendly site.  The transition began at the most inopportune time...December, right in the middle of the busy holiday season.  But, I believe that taking action whenever motivated results in all things positive.

So, if you have a moment, please take a look around the site.  If you see anything that makes you raise an eyebrow, shoot me an email (or tweet, or fb comment, etc.).  I will be adding products (both new and old favorites) daily.  

I know many of you have exciting changes in store for 2011.  What are they?  I'd love to hear about them.

What's new this week at alamode - where I've been and where I'm going

This morning, I found myself on the Australian blog Kasiabear.  I really like this collection of typewriters and typography products curated by Kasia and thought I should share it with you.  Please hop on over to her blog to see it in detail.  Thank you, Kasia!

This week I mostly spent my time fulfilling wholesale and retail orders along with ongoing production and developing a new line of clutches.

As it happens, more often that I'd like, I also got a bit sidetracked with projects and materials that seemingly called out to me.  We recently changed two bike tires and I couldn't part with the rubber inner tubes.  I've seen some really great things made with these and "had" to make something myself.  This necklace below was the result:

I still have a lot of rubber left and plan to make more necklaces and earrings.  I won't be selling these, but I will give them away!  Stay tuned.

After spending a lot of time dabbling, I was so happy to come across this great post by Cameron on the blog Cottage Industrialist.  She talks about being easily distracted by projects that in the long run may not  yield obvious, immediate, or worthwhile benefits.  This struck an immediate chord with me, especially since I spent several hours this week trying to make things for the heck of it.  Often, people will ask me why I do things that don't connect directly to the bottom line.  Why do I blog, tweet, and promote other sellers?  Why would I spend time making something that I don't intend to sell?  The answer, as Cameron points out, is simple.  It's because I'm doing what I want to do.  I'm satisfying my own curiosity and desire to create.  I'm exploring the possibilities.  I'm pushing myself.  Yes, it may be time consuming and ultimately unprofitable, but for me it is cathartic and meaningful.  It is necessary.  And it is okay.  I highly recommend Cameron's post.

Next week, I'm heading to Reno with the family.  We are going on trip number 2 [1st trip post here] in our quest to find C's next job and our new home.  C has been offered a job at a great practice out there and we want the kids to see the area.  I'm sure I'll be tweeting and blogging during our trip.  I'm also planning to meet a good Twitter friend, Angie of Jumping Jack Designs.  I love how the world wide web has created a global community of friends.  I'm excited to put a face behind @modernpaper!

What's new this week at alamode - more steel hardware necklaces and seatbelt bags

curvaceous, $24

the Manhattan in red with black accents, $65

Here's what's new at à la mode - rubber jewelry and red messenger seatbelt bag

buy here

 buy here

How a disjointed career path can lead to one girl's dream

[credit:  mimidoodles]

Today you can find me over on Allisa Jacob's blog, Quiltish.  As her guest blogger, I wrote about "my other life" in architecture, marketing, pr, fund raising, etc. and how my disjointed career path lead to my dream of owning my own business.  Please hop over to her blog to read all about it.  Oh, and visit Allisa's bright and cheery shop.  She makes beautiful handbags, card and checkbook covers and a whole lot more. 

alamode seatbelt pillows at New York restaurant, The Collective - OM [one moment] meet up #18

pillows can be seen around 1:02 on video

Last Saturday night, while in NYC, my friend and I decided to check out a restaurant, The Collective, in the meatpacking district. My seatbelt pillows were purchased by the architect and developer for the restaurant [blogged earlier here]. I had no idea what to expect but was surprised when we stepped out of the cab.

The restaurant sits on the corner of a cobblestone street. Surrounded by an outdoor patio, the walls were open to expose the eclectic interior.  This hip restaurant was hopping and getting busier by the minute. As we walked in,it wasn't difficult to see my pillows throughout.  What an exciting moment for me. 

Sorry the photos are dark and grainy.  They were taken with my iPhone and the lighting was, well, dark.  You can see better interior shots in my previous post here. BTW, the food was great.  I'd recommend trying the waffles and chicken.  Yum!

What was your 'one moment' this week? What took you out of your present moment and made you excited, happy, proud?

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below) or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter, I've started a hash tag - #omMeetup so that we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

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Adventures at the New York International Gift Show, part 1

This past weekend, I went to the New York International Gift Show with my friend Mandy who owns Studio Six in Bristol, RI.  This was my first time visiting this show.  What an overwhelming experience it was. Let's just say, I felt like a kid in a candy store. [click photos for larger view]

The show is at the Javits Center and Piers 92 & 94 twice a year.  It's big, really big.  I'm certain we only saw 1/4 of it.  I have a lot of pictures to sort through.  In this post, I'll highlight a few of my favorites.

We started in the handmade section, of course.  It was so fun to walk the aisles and see fellow Etsians  Figs & Ginger, and Mani Designs.

Rounding one corner, I was happy to see Hotcakes Designs from San Francisco.  I have admired their jewelry from afar for years, often visiting their website for inspiration.  I eagerly introduced my friend to founder, Caramia, whom I may have initially frightened when I shouted, "You're Hotcakes."  Luckily, she is very nice and I hope took my excitement as a compliment.  I'm happy to report that my friend Mandy ended up buying from the collection.  I've got first dibs, fellow Rhode Islanders.


Moving on to the main floors, we stopped by Fred and Friends.  Always fun, F&F has some really great new products that are sure to please this season.  Check out their new iPlunge here.  We had lunch with my friend, Jason, their art director.  You can follow his blog here.  Yippeee!  Studio Six will be carrying F&F products this Fall!

It was great to see Jason and Ilira from Rag and Bone Bindery.  Their booth is always fresh and gorgeous.  I'm in love with their "12 ways" book series.  You can see their 12 ways to say I Love you book here.  They are fantastic for the writing challenged, like me, as they include prompts such as "I've always admired the way you..." or "my favorite way to spend the day with you..."  Great baby, Valentine, friend gifts!!

Here is Jonathan Adler's booth.  I have nothing more to add here other than, this is JONATHAN ADLER'S BOOTH.

 

I came away wanting to either sell at this show or buy for the awesome studio/boutique I do not yet have (or know that I even want to have).  I also came away with the realization that there are many, many creative people and ideas in the world.  There is enough creativity to go around.  I'll post more pics and details soon.

New seatbelt bag now on the website - the Manhattan

available in black, dark gray, light gray, and red - $63

I was the Friday Feature on the Craftland Blog

I shop Craftland.  I sell at Craftland.  I love Craftland. Now, I've been interviewed by Craftland.  Many thanks, Kristin and the Craftland Crew!

Check out the interview here.

Follow my blog with bloglovin

OM [one moment] meet up - week #14 - welcoming a new blog contributor, Diana Brennan

I am very excited to introduce my talented friend, Diana Brennan, as a new contributor to the alamodeStuff blog! I've known Diana for several years through Etsy and the Arts in RI Etsy team. She is a great photographer and nature enthusiast. Combining her background in environmental science with her knowledge and love for photography, Diana's work is beautifully detailed and ethereal.

Diana will be curating a weekly photography post called "Captured." I look forward to seeing what she will share with us each Monday. You can learn more about Diana on her website, http://www.dsbrennan.com/ or blog, http://www.dsbrennan.blogspot.com/.

My moment this week actually came about while I was scheduling Diana's first post for this Monday. I have written aproximately 775 posts on this blog beginning in March, 2008. Having Lindy (Crafted by Lindy) and Diana as contributors allows me an opportunity to view this blog as the readers do, with an element of surprise and anticipation. Thank you, ladies!

What was your 'one moment' this week? What took you out of your present moment and made you grateful, smile, happy?

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below) or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter, I've started a hash tag - #omMeetup so that we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

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A glimpse into the alamode STUFF studio

I'll admit I'm a voyeur when it comes to looking into people's living and work spaces. I love to see how people organize and decorate their homes and studios. When Allisa of the blog Quiltish asked me to share photos of my work space for her Studio Peeks post, I panicked.

My studio, the 4th bedroom of our home, is generally a mess. Cleaning and organizing it is always on my "to do" list. I'd like to blame it on space. There's just not enough room to spread out and work. Inventory and supplies take up much of the area, too. Perhaps I've always had the "temporary aspect" of the space in the back of my mind. Or, gulp, maybe I'm just not as organized as I'd like to think I am. Yeah, that last one is probably it.

Since I make many different things (handbags, jewelry, switch plates, pillows, etc.), I'm always in the middle of about 5 different projects. And, when I work, I like to have my supplies spread out all around me. This makes for a very messy, cluttered work area. I'm familiar with the piles but anyone who enters this area may consider it a disaster zone [Now the truth comes out about the origins of this switch plate.].

Back to Allisa's request. I wanted to be a part of her post. I figured it was a great excuse to get organized. Honestly, a bit of humiliation would do me good in point.

My work stations are set up so that I can literally turn (swivel) from my computer, to my switch plate/jewelry station. Just beyond it is my sewing machine area. In the middle of the room is a cutting table that is never clear enough for me to cut fabric. On the remaining two walls are my fabric supplies and inventory. I make due with what I have and it has worked for me. My dream is to have a wonderfully large, bright, modern shed or industrial looking loft someday. [ I do believe that thinking big can be the impetus to dreams coming true.]

see these pictures with notes/tags on flickr here.

Hop on over to Quiltish to see more pictures of my space along with other very bright and organized spaces. Be sure to check out Allisa's bright and beautiful bags on Etsy, as well. Thanks, Allisa, for including me in your post and lighting a fire under me!

what's new at a la mode

go go gadget bag - color block, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

Here's what has been added to my Etsy shop this week:

Go Go Gadget Bags - THE alternative to the fanny pack.  Wear them across your body or around your waist.  $15.00 to $20.00 - buy yours here (more added daily).

Stuck between a rock and a hard place triptych - mini pop art canvas - $26.00.  Buy yours here.

What's new at alamode - 2 new necklaces in the Hardware Collection

Interlaced - the Hardware Collection, $24

Trilogy-the Hardware Collection,  $24

Currently only available in my Etsy Shop and at Craftland in Providence.

Find a la mode seat belt pillows at new restaurant in NYC - The Collective

We spent last week's spring break in NYC with the kids. We packed a lot of sightseeing, food, shows, and taxis into 4 days. From the Statue of Liberty to the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA, we did it all. I'll post some of the highlights and photos later.

All of NY's taxis now have flat screen tv monitors in their backseats that display an array of info from maps of the city to city event highlights. While in a taxi heading to the MoMA on Thursday morning, a segment came on that caught M's eye. It was for a new restaurant that featured recycled, upcycled art and furniture in the meatpacking district. M points it out to me and says,

"Mom, could that be the restaurant that has your seat belt pillows?"

I had totally forgotten. I knew my pillows were going into a new restaurant in NYC, but was waiting to follow-up with the architect who was going to send me photos and details.

"Why, yes, it could very well be."

I immediately looked it up on my iPhone and sure enough, the newly opened restaurant was designed by the same architect and development group who had purchased a bunch of pillows from me several months ago.  It was fun to find out about it in the back seat of a NYC cab!

A sort of Alice in Wonderland goes eco-friendly hotspot, The Collective is in a refurbished warehouse space and features recycled and upcycled art and furniture alongside an equally creative menu.

Picture the sort of giant art-gallery warehouse (the space is basically one big room with a bar at one end and tables throughout) that the Mad Hatter might curate, add some booze and Short-Rib Stroganoff, and you start to get the picture of what's going on at the Collective. [urban daddy]

Hmmm...sounds like my kind of space!

The design is meant to respond to concerns about the environment and the recession, while also being “cheeky and fun,” said Lionel Ohayon, the founder of Icrave, the design firm responsible for the interior. [The New York Times]

While we didn't get the chance to visit, I was able to find many photos online and several where you can see the pillows.  Some of the black and red pillows are on the sofas in the foreground and background of the photos below:


 

You can see more pictures here at the Gothamist or on The Collective webiste here.

Spring break and misc. happenings

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a nice weekend!

My kids are on spring break this week.  C has the week off, too.  Looking forward to some much needed family time.  I'll share details next week. 

 

New bags...

I was finally able to get some sewing in over the weekend.  I made a half dozen new cell phone slings.  I'm so excited about this newest addition to my collection.  Here's the back story:

During my holiday shows this past December, I was looking for a way to carry my iPhone without attaching it to my belt with a clip or wearing a fanny pack (none too fashionable).  I quickly made an across the body zipper pouch.  It was lightweight (made from neoprene) and comfortably sat across my body.  I could carry my phone, lip balm, and i.d.  Turns out, this little bag is perfect for concerts, shopping, hiking, biking etc.  I grab my little bag often and thought others would find it useful, too.

What else?

If you are a fan of my seat belt tote bags, you may want to visit The RikRak Studio blog giveaway.  It's easy to enter and ends on April 24.

What did you do over the weekend?  I'd love to hear.

Mini photo/image canvas art

I love small art in nooks, crannies, and unexpected places around the house - especially if it makes you pause, smile, laugh, and think. Every home has that tiny wall, or awkward angle that could use a bit of color and interest.

Several years ago, I bought a supply of 4" x 4" mini canvases. My original intent was to experiment with photo transfer , seen here in an earlier post. I've not perfected the technique, nor have I come close. I'm certain my dissatisfaction correlates with my refusal to follow the recommended instructions or use the suggested materials (my rebellious nature will be noted in a future post).

So, being cheap and crafty, I decided to decoupage the canvas. After all, I like using what I have and, as Tim Gunn says, "make it work." Perhaps this would be considered mixed media, I'm not sure. I feel like I'm somehow cheating. Should I be printing my photos directly on to canvas (kinda expensive) or on to wood blocks (a bit pricier than purchasing these blank canvases).

Here are a few of the canvases I've made. I'm currently working on a few pop art Sophie canvases which I'll share with you when completed. Although I use decoupage medium, I also coat the canvases with a protective sealant.

Stuck between a rock and a hardplace

(also available as necklace, earrings, or mug).

This is from the a photo of Buddha that I took in Vietnam.

I've used this photo as an image in several peices of jewelry and other productds: necklaces, earrings, mugs, and t-shirts.

blog it forward: what inspires me

Participating in blog it forward (BIF - 300 bloggers connecting to each other through posts from their own blogs) today...it's my turn to share with you what inspires me.

Much like defining success, narrowing my focus on what inspires me has been tough. I'm inspired by something different every day. Yesterday, for instance, I found myself inspired by fearless 3 - 10 year olds learning to ski for the first time ever. Their ability to learn quickly and effortlessly was amazing.

print by Hide 'n Seek

I am continually inspired by my family: my husband's daily fortitude, my youngest son's wit and compassion, my older son's wisdom and discipline. If I ever need to be inspired, I simply look to them.

I find a lot of inspiration in the kindness of others. It doesn’t take a disaster to see others reaching out to help one another. The biggest inspiration can come from the littlest gesture of kindness.

photo by She Watched the Sky

I always find inspiration in nature through colors, and clean lines; intricate patterns and organic forms.

photo by Kodilu

A visit to my local hardware store often inspires me to look at items for their simplicity in shape. Something we overlook everyday, like laundry detergent containers, can become beautiful pop art simply by grouping them together.

photo by Ned Lyttelton

I love reading modern architecture magazines like Dwell, Elle Decor and Metropolitan Home, and Sunset or gardening books. Fashion magazines and blogs inspire me through words and photos. Yesterday's BIF blogger who linked to me, A Diary of Lovely, is a great example of such a blog.

Beautiful photography inspires me, particularly modern abstract and macro.

photo by Tengtan

Everyday icons, the sounds of the city, and the urban landscape inspire me.

photo by me

The creative energy of others is also a huge inspiration. All I need to do is spend 5 minutes on Etsy, and I'm pumped to make something new.

You, my readers, are a great source of inspiration. You always have something wonderful to add and I know that I can always count on you to cheer me up, answer my questions, or simply "listen" to me.

Okay, I can go on forever. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to check out tomorrow's BIF blogger, Alexander Salvage, where you will get another great dose of inspiration!