tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89050780078186975412024-03-13T10:50:02.091-07:00kiu Designs crafthavenkiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-3795002521991566582011-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:002011-01-28T09:00:00.467-08:00When Your Name Isn't So Unique<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey guys! I'm back on the blog post again. December was a crazy month but January was that much busier and hectic! I've moved to a brand new shop space in the Inner Richmond with lower rents and way cooler neighbors. Everybody is so friendly and I have my pick of the most awesome eats in the world!<br />
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If you have not acquainted yourself with Clement Street in the Inner Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco, omg, make an appointment to check it out and get some dim sum for cheap!<br />
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I'm literally one (and half) block away from my favorite Pho restaurant, which makes my life totally the best ever :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TUIpBviaDoI/AAAAAAAAAVg/UIdys5Ykeww/s1600/Pho+Clement+in+San+Francisco+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TUIpBviaDoI/AAAAAAAAAVg/UIdys5Ykeww/s320/Pho+Clement+in+San+Francisco+CA.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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But aside from the new work digs, I stumbled upon another company by the same name as me - <a href="http://www.kiudesign.com/">www.kiudesign.com</a> - but they happen to be located in Poland - from what seems to be a hotel in Poland. Except, they don't have an "s" at the end of their name. Interestingly bizarre! I wonder what they're all about? Anybody out there read Polish?<br />
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I'm curious if any of you have ever stumbled upon another doppelganger out there? Were you excited? Were you unimpressed? Did you care?</div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-20745900861589776312010-12-10T09:29:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:29:25.553-08:00Vacation Away!We're taking a break from work to do a little relaxing the week of December 13-17th.<br />
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Any orders placed from Friday, December 10th through Sunday, December 19th for ready to ship items will be shipped out on Dec 20th.<br />
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The BONUS though, is that all ready to ship clutches ordered on Friday December 10th through Wednesday, December 22nd will receive a FREE upgrade to USPS Express mail for next day delivery within the United States only, with payment of USPS first class postage. This offer applies only to shipments made in the USA.<br />
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Happy Holidays!<br />
kiu Designskiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-67937021606471588712010-12-02T08:39:00.000-08:002010-12-02T08:39:15.949-08:00Give Thanks Winner!It was great reading all the reasons why people were thankful. Sometimes, throughout the year, we get caught up in our daily (and sometimes mundane) tasks and we forget to remember all the wonderful reasons why we should be thankful.<br />
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With that, our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kiuDesigns"><b>Give Thanks Contest</b></a> winner, as selected by three separate judges, is <b>Tee Jay</b>, who wrote:<br />
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<i>I am thankful for challenges because they allow me to reach deep within myself, to persevere, and ultimately make me stronger and wiser.</i><br />
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I couldn't have said it better. The contest prize is a free clutch purse from our <a href="http://www.kiudesigns.com/">website</a>. <br />
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Also, as a bonus, the individual who received the most acknowledgments for referring contestants on our Facebook page also receives a small gift. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Way-the-Cookie-Crumbles/152152068137955">The Way the Cookie Crumbles</a> is that winner!<br />
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Thanks to everybody who participated!kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-34808178185033448772010-11-08T11:27:00.000-08:002010-11-08T11:27:40.718-08:00November Give Thanks Contest<div>Growing up in Southern California, our Novembers were never too cold, but there were plenty of autumn leaves to sweep up. While our autumn colors were never quite as vibrant as New England's or New Hampshire's, I do have fond memories of my childhood in those fuzzy warm autumn days where innocence and mischief blended so blissfully together.</div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TNhINkQ6iSI/AAAAAAAAAUo/9DV4FIEVFMo/s1600/AutumnLeaves+by+Elithe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TNhINkQ6iSI/AAAAAAAAAUo/9DV4FIEVFMo/s400/AutumnLeaves+by+Elithe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by <a href="http://www.sligocameraclub.org/2006/05/08/autumn-leaves/">Eithne Gallagher</a><br />
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</tbody></table><div>As the tradition goes, giving thanks was hailed as almighty for November and I was certainly not immune to that tradition. Through the years, I developed a greater sense of giving thanks and giving back, to my loved ones, my friends, my colleagues, and today, the people who make my craft as a designer so interesting and worthwhile, my fans.</div><div><br />
</div><div>To pay homage to fans and for their patience and loyalty, kiu Designs is sponsoring the November Give Thanks contest - so easy and fun that you'll want not but to enter.</div><div> </div><div>The winner gets to pick their choice of any item that is ready to ship from my <a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/">online shop</a> valued at $68USD or less. Custom items are excluded from this contest. The contest is open to any person but the prize will only be shipped to an address inside the United States via USPS First Class Mail.<br />
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</div><div>To officially enter this contest, become a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kiuDesigns">fan on Facebook</a> (if you aren't already) and then leave a comment on our page with the following phrase (fill in the blanks) </div><div><br />
</div><div>"I am thankful for ... because ...." </div><div><br />
</div><div>If applicable, a secondary (surprise prize) will be awarded to the fan who has the most referrals on our Fan page. So if your friends become a fan and enter the contest, make sure they leave an additional comment on our fan page thanking YOU for referring them to kiu Designs. </div><div> </div><div>All comments must be made on or before November 30th. Our panel of three judges will select the most interesting entry. The winner will be announced by December 1st on our Facebook page as well as in our December newsletter. Entry into this contest authorizes kiu Designs to use your name and likeness in our newsletter and Facebook page. The contest is void where prohibited. </div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-83853542881102535502010-10-22T09:50:00.000-07:002010-10-22T09:50:50.136-07:00Bridal Clutches for the Winter BrideWho says that winter has to be dreary? Not me! Here's my latest bridal clutch creation. I'm crafting much more bridal clutches in the upcoming months.<br />
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The Masterful Bridal clutch by kiu Designs was inspired by a recent bride whose destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas Mexico resulted in some awesome pictures. Here's the stock studio pics of this unique clutch. Note the kiu Designs watermark too, to signify the copyrighted design. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHADHWAJBI/AAAAAAAAAUY/hrs-D_r-jyY/s1600/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHADHWAJBI/AAAAAAAAAUY/hrs-D_r-jyY/s400/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHAE-5c_GI/AAAAAAAAAUc/FY0QY4YJ6fk/s1600/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHAE-5c_GI/AAAAAAAAAUc/FY0QY4YJ6fk/s400/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHAGZ-ypOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/G38hahHRupc/s1600/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TMHAGZ-ypOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/G38hahHRupc/s400/Masterful+Bridal+Clutch+D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-90637095913013872492010-10-04T13:55:00.000-07:002010-10-04T13:55:51.297-07:00Fabric that Tickles!Thanks for those who came by on Sunday, September 26th to the Cole Valley Fair in lovely San Francisco and visited my booth. It was totally awesome!<br />
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I also had the chance to chat with some locals and very surprised to learn that the fabric print I use for my Trina clutches was created by a very talented graphic artist Jessica Jones. Jessica also happens to be an online blogger too! You can read her blog <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/">here</a> and see more of her Calliope print.<br />
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You can see her print on my Trina clutch purses in Blue and in Brown:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TKSmy7KIetI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5_zN4mtoXzs/s1600/Trina+Blue+AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TKSmy7KIetI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5_zN4mtoXzs/s320/Trina+Blue+AA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TKSm2DpRr_I/AAAAAAAAAT8/4vcB6EEWYeg/s1600/Trina+Brown+A+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TKSm2DpRr_I/AAAAAAAAAT8/4vcB6EEWYeg/s320/Trina+Brown+A+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can see why I'm a quick fan of hers. The prints are fun, flirty, and just a bit zany. I mean, just a little of that in all of us, no? In fact, Jessica's Calliope print has been so awe inspiring that many imitators (and out right copycats) have followed suit. But, she's taken it all in stride, which makes her so poised and awesome in my eyes.<br />
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Cheers to Calliope and Jessica.kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-76974988730875649532010-09-25T14:32:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:00:50.225-07:00Taste of EdenMy latest creation - a taste of Eden in both black and cognac! It's leather and canvas and I'm totally loving it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pOkBDkaI/AAAAAAAAATI/H1Fyx20Iw4c/s320/Eden+Cognac+A.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pQE3TsTI/AAAAAAAAATM/4P1nAufkY-I/s320/Eden+Cognac+B.jpg" width="320" /> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pQwMvOnI/AAAAAAAAATQ/U_YnIPe6lxM/s320/Eden+Cognac+E.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pgjN3uAI/AAAAAAAAATU/QeVQKgPeKJU/s1600/Eden+All+Black+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pgjN3uAI/AAAAAAAAATU/QeVQKgPeKJU/s320/Eden+All+Black+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5phZgHu0I/AAAAAAAAATY/dprRN4XeTLE/s1600/Eden+All+Black+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5phZgHu0I/AAAAAAAAATY/dprRN4XeTLE/s320/Eden+All+Black+c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pib8sSXI/AAAAAAAAATc/L01YnGyLcLE/s1600/Eden+All+Black+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJ5pib8sSXI/AAAAAAAAATc/L01YnGyLcLE/s320/Eden+All+Black+e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Also, come visit me at the <a href="http://www.cviasf.org/cole-valley-fair-2010/">Cole Valley Fair</a> tomorrow, Sunday September 26th from 10am-5pm on Cole Street, San Francisco. Lots of vendors (including me), food and entertainment all day!kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-89068654328843531802010-09-16T09:45:00.000-07:002010-09-16T09:45:48.827-07:00Cosmetic Bags - fun for Fall 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My newest projects for Fall 2010 - are finally here! Cosmetic bags that come in fun prints both on the inside and the outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/category/cosmetic-bags"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJJIoE6DzeI/AAAAAAAAATA/BGsopdAjDC4/s320/Leaves+BWS+a.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/category/cosmetic-bags"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJJIchqcW5I/AAAAAAAAASo/VsjRxeq54kM/s320/Apples+a.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/category/cosmetic-bags"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJJIh46ACFI/AAAAAAAAASw/DsmjjUTqhS8/s320/Caffeine+c.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/category/cosmetic-bags"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TJJIkj5WY6I/AAAAAAAAAS4/484NWt_C0bo/s320/Dandelion+a.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-25869925800257437602010-08-27T12:14:00.000-07:002010-08-27T12:14:03.242-07:00Finally, Handbags!Wylie handbag has been a long time in the making. I've finally completed 95% of the bag. While waiting for the final components to arrive next week, I'll probably work on some other new designs. I'm really excited about Wylie since I've incorporated some new designs aesthetics, including snaps that are also functional, purse feet, zippers, pleats and a hard purse strap<br />
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I'll be revealing the full pictures of the front and back once the bag is 100% complete. I'm really looking forward to hearing the feedback on this one :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgLwaIy54I/AAAAAAAAAR4/nS_c8za7OvA/s1600/Wylie+Front+Pocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgLwaIy54I/AAAAAAAAAR4/nS_c8za7OvA/s400/Wylie+Front+Pocket.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgL0OoZoII/AAAAAAAAASA/OfPK47RYbOc/s1600/Wylie+Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgL0OoZoII/AAAAAAAAASA/OfPK47RYbOc/s400/Wylie+Feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgNdWpxlAI/AAAAAAAAASY/7snojaxADCo/s1600/Wylie+Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgNdWpxlAI/AAAAAAAAASY/7snojaxADCo/s400/Wylie+Open.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgMf1aWhgI/AAAAAAAAASQ/T5KhI8hT1bk/s1600/Wylie+Side+Snap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THgMf1aWhgI/AAAAAAAAASQ/T5KhI8hT1bk/s400/Wylie+Side+Snap.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-32083637362603761342010-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:002010-08-26T08:18:37.061-07:00What's In a Name?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a sneak peek at my latest project - the much anticipated Wylie Handbag. It's fun, versatile, and have interesting storage compartments in the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBGnd5bVI/AAAAAAAAARg/FexOpDTpFCs/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBGnd5bVI/AAAAAAAAARg/FexOpDTpFCs/s320/IMG_7041.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBHb8p0SI/AAAAAAAAARo/Odf9ad0PLds/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBHb8p0SI/AAAAAAAAARo/Odf9ad0PLds/s320/IMG_7045.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBH7Apv7I/AAAAAAAAARw/TlH28wggMgQ/s1600/IMG_7046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THXBH7Apv7I/AAAAAAAAARw/TlH28wggMgQ/s320/IMG_7046.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've included a picture of the lining for this nearly completed prototype. I love lining my bags and wallets with some fun prints. Even more fun is when I name my bags after people I know - they really get a kick out of it! I'm thinking in the near future, I'll have a bag naming contest and the winner gets to win the bag. Think that might be a fun endeavor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-53651608814101313982010-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:002010-08-25T18:17:14.449-07:00Good Bye Butt Brick, Hello Slim WalletAfter my first craft fair, it occurred to me that I'd been leaving out the guys in my creative pursuits. This led me to an earnest effort of designing a functional yet fun wallet that was different from the rest.<br />
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I came up with my previous prototype back in July but decided to put that design on hold because it was too commonly found. Instead, I began researching (asking all the guys I knew) a wallet that could fill that niche in the market. What I came up with was interesting: most guys are currently carrying around a "butt brick" (for lack of a better word. An alternative was to provide slim wallet approach - to (hopefully) prevent the wallet from becoming too large.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQdjL1vjuI/AAAAAAAAARA/8OoC9R_T-ms/s1600/Butt+Brick.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQdjL1vjuI/AAAAAAAAARA/8OoC9R_T-ms/s400/Butt+Brick.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo c/o www.sodahead.com</td></tr>
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Seriously, who wants a butt brick? And for the guys reading this, doesn't it hurt your back? At least in this very narrow area of fashion/function, I think women have it good here. We can carry our wares in a bag.<br />
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While I know I'm not the first to invent the slim wallet, I'd like to think that I'm helping out they guys out there interested in slimming down. Here are pics of my prototypes, which are currently still being refined. I'm using my sleek black labels for the wallets. The prototypes are made in black but the final designs will come in different colors.<br />
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Thoughts? I'd love to hear your feedback. Would you be willing to slim down?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQd_5M21zI/AAAAAAAAARI/34JOkfXvUiI/s1600/Label+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQd_5M21zI/AAAAAAAAARI/34JOkfXvUiI/s400/Label+closeup.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQeBgOthRI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1BH-78A-ea8/s1600/Open+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQeBgOthRI/AAAAAAAAARQ/1BH-78A-ea8/s400/Open+2.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQeCS_HPwI/AAAAAAAAARY/h4hPbH3BJGU/s1600/Standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/THQeCS_HPwI/AAAAAAAAARY/h4hPbH3BJGU/s400/Standing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-68443010188433359302010-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:002010-08-20T09:16:00.002-07:00Autumn Clutch is Here!After weeks of working on other projects, here's the first of many new designs for Fall 2010!<br />
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I'm incorporating some clutches with chains for this season and experimenting with new shapes and designs.<br />
What do you think? Something you take with you out for drinks?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oFJl4-yI/AAAAAAAAAQg/aIDhS64UKnU/s1600/Autumn+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oFJl4-yI/AAAAAAAAAQg/aIDhS64UKnU/s400/Autumn+down.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oGADk7kI/AAAAAAAAAQo/zgcS-NXt_uo/s1600/Autumn+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oGADk7kI/AAAAAAAAAQo/zgcS-NXt_uo/s400/Autumn+side.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oIzIUwOI/AAAAAAAAAQw/L-MT-3_UF7E/s1600/Autumn+front+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oIzIUwOI/AAAAAAAAAQw/L-MT-3_UF7E/s400/Autumn+front+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oLvkiNRI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/REK3op6axBk/s1600/Autumn+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TG6oLvkiNRI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/REK3op6axBk/s400/Autumn+inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-74456580713284029822010-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:002010-08-16T08:06:38.961-07:00New ClutchesThe first half of August has been a hectic as I've been trying to finish some outstanding custom projects which included a dress, some luxury pajamas and a clutch purse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've been working on some new ideas for clutch purses- mainly new lines and shapes. The forms are totally different from my current line of clutches. I'm bringing this out in leather as well. Any thoughts? I'd love to hear your feedback. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS50eNyXI/AAAAAAAAAQA/iILmYy2ealg/s1600/Augustine+Angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS50eNyXI/AAAAAAAAAQA/iILmYy2ealg/s400/Augustine+Angle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS7FLadhI/AAAAAAAAAQI/wEFdg57DBbk/s1600/Augustine+Drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS7FLadhI/AAAAAAAAAQI/wEFdg57DBbk/s400/Augustine+Drop.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS8Ag3JfI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/grhpjKg04T8/s1600/Augustine+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlS8Ag3JfI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/grhpjKg04T8/s400/Augustine+Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlTp08dtAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/y6TPHA1rCZ0/s1600/Augustine+Inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGlTp08dtAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/y6TPHA1rCZ0/s400/Augustine+Inside.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-20316648305153276312010-08-11T11:00:00.000-07:002010-08-11T11:00:21.764-07:00Yo Gabba GabbaBeing that I'm the go-to person for sewing in my family, I was given the responsibilities of crafting some stuffed animal dolls modeled after the Yo Gabba Gabba crew - as the free party favors at my niece's 5th birthday party this past weekend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGLhhEDkjmI/AAAAAAAAAPw/cVh-ZtEDrao/s1600/yogabbagabba_pressimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGLhhEDkjmI/AAAAAAAAAPw/cVh-ZtEDrao/s400/yogabbagabba_pressimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Most parents with young kids will probably know what the heck <a href="http://yogabbagabba.com/#">Yo Gabba Gabba</a> is... Not only do I not have kids, but I wasn't sure what my sister was talking about when she first texted me. Yo Gabba What? It's a new (sort of new) gang of characters from <a href="http://www.kidrobot.com/">Kidrobot</a>, really cute, that teaches young kids about all sorts of stuff (eating their veggies and dancing) mostly to lively music. It's fun.<br />
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For starters, I headed to <a href="http://www.joann.com/">Jo-Anns</a> for some felt and a vague idea of what I was suppose to craft. Something YGG related... Yet, I wasn't sure exactly what. With 25 kids from newborn to 10 years old, what was one to do? Stuff animals? Tote Bags? Costumes? I finally decided on stuff pillows in the shape of each character's head: Foofa, Muno, Plex, and Brobee. The store didn't have any light blue felt, so I opted to forego Tudee (unfortunately) and I didn't have enough time for DJ Lance (the human DJ). After spending nearly 2 whole days of my vacation down in LA, this was the final result:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGLijOD9ThI/AAAAAAAAAP4/9n6cKsoaSvQ/s1600/YGG+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TGLijOD9ThI/AAAAAAAAAP4/9n6cKsoaSvQ/s400/YGG+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The pillows were filled with poly fill and ended up being quite the party favor hits for the party guests. So much so, that one of the guests apparently left with 6 or 7 of them.... I hope none of the other kids got left out :-) I'm only sorry I didn't get a chance to make Tudee and DJ Lance, as those two would have been a great addition as well.<br />
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Though hard work, the end result was actually really fun. I'm glad I was a part of this party :-)kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-87560034460543100992010-07-19T17:23:00.000-07:002010-07-19T18:31:07.537-07:00What's In A Name?<a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/product/navi-bridal-clutch-purse" target="top"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qg5VPSPZGGg/TET4B0xJiNI/AAAAAAAAAus/icTew0LyClU/s320/Navi_ClutchA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495790155527194834" /></a><br />Like any parent out there who anguishes over choosing the perfect name for their child, I encounter the same challenges for each of my little creations. The major difference is that while parents stop at a few kids (usually), I have multiple creations (mainly my bags) and anticipate creating many more for years to come.<div><div><br /></div><div>The major challenge, therefore, is finding interesting names for each of my designs. Here's where I always enlist the help of friends, family, and my loyal customers :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>One day back in late May, a good friend of mine was interested in ordering a clutch purse for a wedding she would be attending later this summer. I whipped up a clutch purse made from leftover charmeuse silk from a dress project for a previous client. I paired the beautiful silk with a bright gold frame, resulting in the Navi Bridal Clutch.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/product/navi-bridal-clutch-purse" target="top"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qg5VPSPZGGg/TET4GzA5STI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Xtln8Ixnn4M/s320/Navi_ClutchB.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 291px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495790240955713842" /></a><div>The making of the bag was quite a fun process but the piece d' resistance was truly the naming portion of it, which was quite a challenging aspect of my creative process. How does one find the right nomenclature to reflect the true personality of the bag? Or do you? I ended up choosing a rendition of my friend's name for this bag because it reminded me of how this bag came into existence. In fact, she was the one who inspired the bag.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm curious to find out how other creative types name their creations? How do other artists do it? Maybe I'll leave it up to my readers to decide. What should go into a name?</div></div>Mark M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02824278134660466609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-28416138783423783192010-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:002010-06-29T13:15:11.748-07:00Raffle Winner?Hey guys, just a quick follow up to the winner of my Dotted Clutch Purse Raffle at SF Market from June 19, 2010.<br />
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Unfortunately, both the winner and then the alternate winner did not claim their prize :-( I'm really surprised because there were quite a few entries for the raffle and I was really excited about my first raffle (aside from the raffle at my Open House back in February 2010).<br />
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So what would entice you to actually claim your prize? What prize is worth winning (besides the lottery)? Let me know so that I can perfect the art of having more raffles and actual winners. They are certainly a fun way to spruce up the average day :-)kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-79455645643803967302010-06-23T09:29:00.000-07:002010-06-23T09:38:36.078-07:00Coupon Crazy!It's official - I now have an almost complete shopping cart site hosted by <a href="http://www.bigcartel.com/">Big Cartel</a> (BC). The one advantage BC has over Etsy (for now), is that BC allows me to provide incentives and discounts to my customers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCI0_Ozi6pI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/zH4baBa2mww/s1600/coupon+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCI0_Ozi6pI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/zH4baBa2mww/s320/coupon+image.jpg" /></a></div>For instance, yesterday, I announced (drum roll please) my very first promotion on my <a href="http://kiudesigns.bigcartel.com/">shopping page</a> - a 20% discount off your entire order with coupon code <span style="color: red;">KDFRENZ</span>. Of course, folks who signed up for my newsletter, Fanned me on Facebook and followed me on Twittter got wind of this first. Now, it's time to share it with everybody else. The code is good for the month of June 2010.<br />
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I love coupons. When I buy online, before finalizing my sale, I always do a quick search first to see if there are coupon codes I can use floating out there in the nether world. Sometimes, I get lucky :-) So my coupon promotion is my way to "pay it forward."<br />
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So send this blog to your friends, share it with others :-) I say that my shopping site is almost complete since I'm always in the process of creating some new product.<br />
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Which brings me to the topic of product testers.... I think I'll be looking for some male readers out there in SF (ages 20-40) willing to test out products. Are you out there?kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-54770957244766834972010-06-21T21:27:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:27:27.611-07:00For the KidsAlthough this weekend was Father's Day weekend, I got the sense it was all about the Kids! Saturday was my <a href="http://www.market-sf.com" target=_blank>Market-SF</a> craft fair at <a href="http://www.thebluemacawsf.com" target="_blank">The Blue Macaw</a> in the Mission District of SF. The day was blistering cold but it was nice and cozy inside the bar. The lovely operators had cleared out the bar to make room for local SF vendors, including yours truly :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There were fun stuff to be bought and had, for sure! <a href="http://johannaevans.com" target="_blank">Johanna</a>, my immediate neighbor and visual artist extraordinaire, let me borrow her "fun for hours" pinball balancing puzzle thingamabobber. Here's a picture to prove I actually did get all the pinballs balanced in each socket.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAoitR3OiI/AAAAAAAAANg/RgZucprl6Go/s1600/Johanna+Evans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAoitR3OiI/AAAAAAAAANg/RgZucprl6Go/s400/Johanna+Evans.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of the most interesting toys I found were monster plush figures from the world of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Aplushplush" target="_blank">A Plush Plush</a>. They are handmade and stuffed with lots of love (and filling). Aside from the fact that the name is AWESOME and the toys are totally unique, each figure has a brief bio and story. I can't wait until Andrew releases the full world of A+sh+sh figures. I'll be the Earthling eagerly awaiting it's complete debut! I'm also the proud owner of one of his very first creations. That might worth something huge on the auction block one day :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Aplushplush" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAolC4uWzI/AAAAAAAAANo/SE65WdneIH8/s320/Aplushplush.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAopW7sppI/AAAAAAAAAN4/gXJnWVlEr9k/s1600/Aplushplush+world.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAopW7sppI/AAAAAAAAAN4/gXJnWVlEr9k/s320/Aplushplush+world.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAont751XI/AAAAAAAAANw/UmFH-R8kKKI/s1600/Aplushplush+tag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAont751XI/AAAAAAAAANw/UmFH-R8kKKI/s320/Aplushplush+tag.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then there were some super cute children's accessories, including this adorable bib from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/finchbaby" target="_blank">Finch Designs</a>. It's so appropriate too because when I think of mixer beaters, I think of kids licking cookie dough from the beaters... Ah, some of the joys of child(and adult)hood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/finchbaby" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAou748u5I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/3mDY38XttR0/s320/Finch+Designs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also couldn't help but notice the cute dolls made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelbean" target="_blank">Laurel</a> here. If they were edible, I would probably eat them up! [insert munching sounds here....]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelbean" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TCAotrK4iEI/AAAAAAAAAOI/e_Chn6aohP4/s320/dolls.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These propeller cuff links by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/riquelle" target="_blank">Riquelle</a> also reminded me of being a kid. Though, I was never really that into airplanes, my honey was a aerialphile (is that even a word?). In other words, he loved airplanes (and still does). Now, I know it comes a bit belated, but these cuff links would be the perfect Father's Day present for the Dad who loves planes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think? What do you like?</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-58845542707403605352010-06-09T11:11:00.000-07:002010-06-09T11:11:04.628-07:00Join Us Market-SF in the MissionHey Everybody!<br />
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kiu Designs will be at <a href="http://www.market-sf.com/events/index2.html">Market-SF</a> fair on Saturday, June 19th in the Mission in SF. It's a venue featuring many independent artists in the Bay Area, including yours truly :-) taking place at the wonderful Blue Macaw restaurant and bar.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">12 noon to 6pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday June 19th, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blue Macaw</div><div style="text-align: center;">2565 Mission Street (x 22nd Street)</div><div style="text-align: center;">San Francisco CA </div><br />
To entice all my blog readers and wonderful kiu Designs fans, come to my booth and be entered into a drawing for a FREE, dotted clutch purse (excluding tax and shipping). That's right, FREE :-) The drawing will be held that evening and you don't have to be present to win. But you do have to show up :-)<br />
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You'll also get a chance to help support other local SF artists. Check them out <a href="http://www.market-sf.com/artists/index.html">here</a>. See you there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_S_mf9YeI/AAAAAAAAAM4/uNY2QCyfYyg/s1600/Andy+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_S_mf9YeI/AAAAAAAAAM4/uNY2QCyfYyg/s320/Andy+A.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_SqmuelFI/AAAAAAAAAMY/xV5L5DIpTQs/s1600/Sandy+Red+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_SqmuelFI/AAAAAAAAAMY/xV5L5DIpTQs/s320/Sandy+Red+A.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X9V97zlI/AAAAAAAAANQ/LHG6eqjmewc/s1600/Dot+Pink+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X9V97zlI/AAAAAAAAANQ/LHG6eqjmewc/s320/Dot+Pink+A.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X3GxUDmI/AAAAAAAAANA/96FRkOqMUEA/s1600/Dot+Blue+-+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X3GxUDmI/AAAAAAAAANA/96FRkOqMUEA/s320/Dot+Blue+-+A.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X7T7exLI/AAAAAAAAANI/EU49-8uM6Hs/s1600/Dot+Brown+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TA_X7T7exLI/AAAAAAAAANI/EU49-8uM6Hs/s320/Dot+Brown+A.jpg" /></a></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-47042138725781772802010-06-02T16:33:00.000-07:002010-06-06T13:05:57.591-07:00Craft Fair Post-MortemHi Everybody!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's been almost two weeks since my very first craft fair at the Bizaar Bizarre Craft Fair at the Maker's Faire 2010 in San Mateo. Lots of fun! I have to thank my very good friend Lorianne for helping me all day on Saturday and my honey Mark on both Saturday and Sunday. Not sure where I'd be without good friends and loved ones to help encourage and support me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TAbnwIpAJDI/AAAAAAAAAK8/li2Oy4yyQro/s1600/The+Girl+and+Rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/TAbnwIpAJDI/AAAAAAAAAK8/li2Oy4yyQro/s200/The+Girl+and+Rhino.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I also met many cool neighboring vendors who all had many unique craft items. My neighbor Adam, at <a href="http://thegirlandrhino.com/">The Girl & Rhino</a>, had the funniest screen tees. More often times than not, I heard customers walking by asking him what PILF meant... too funny! If you want to find out, check out his site. <br />
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Nic, my immediate neighbor of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knickerocker">Knickerocker</a>, had some awesome insight about arranging payments at craft fairs. She had the cutest lingerie and I admit, were just way too cute to hang on the racks.<br />
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One of my faves were the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=13574003">black and white panties with butt cleavage</a>! NICE! Who doesn't like butt cleavage!<br />
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There were too many to name, but Rebecca at <a href="http://www.jimdandyshop.com/">Jim Dandy's</a> created some of the prettiest feathered hair clips/barettes. I love her stuff and want more, even though I'm a pony-tail type of girl :-)<br />
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As a newbie to the craft fair scene, I also had some great feedback from customers and faire-goers. Apparently, the boys are also interested in purses too - though they don't call it that. So as part of my upcoming future product, I'll be creating some new products that are gender neutral as well. I had many other novice and veteran sewers compliment me on my craftsmanship, which is makes me feel so proud of my hard work (if I don't say so myself).<br />
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As part of my continual growth and expansion of kiu Designs, my shopping cart is fully up and running, though I still have to load more product. Check it out: www.kiudesigns.bigcartel.com. Can't wait to promote my new shopping site! Stay tuned for an announcement and discounts!<br />
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-kDkiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-7288751316680785652010-05-04T20:21:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:21:19.634-07:00Why I Said Yes!Being my own boss is not always easy. From a practical standpoint, it's quite overwhelming. I put on many hats.... administrator, receptionist, errand person, bookkeeper, and most recently, marketing director.<br />
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As the "marketing director," I was asked a few weeks ago if I (<a href="http://www.kiudesigns.com/">kiu Designs</a> actually), would be willing to donate a clutch purse (or two) for a silent auction. This request, like most things in life, did not actually fall out of the sky randomly....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S-Day_5bmJI/AAAAAAAAAKk/8X9ZDbH5EqE/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S-Day_5bmJI/AAAAAAAAAKk/8X9ZDbH5EqE/s320/IMG_5665.JPG" /></a></div>It so happened that one of my good friends had recently purchased the Lara Clutch Purse from me after an afternoon rendezvous for lunch. With a full belly and a newly acquired fashion statement, back at her office, she instantly developed new fans of her purse.<br />
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That was how the fundraising department of the non-profit organization where my friend work came to send me an email, boldly asking for a kind donation to their silent auction.<br />
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Why would I say yes? Why would a small-time independent handbag designer, give away her prized clutch purses for free?<br />
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For one, it's good karma. As a practicing Buddhist, karma helps me navigate through life and subconsciously always make the right decision ;-) Notwithstanding, when I think about my good fortune (however big or small), I am grateful for all the positive karma that has come my way. So here was an opportunity to pay it forward.<br />
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The rest of my reasons actually make me much more human :-)<br />
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Seriously though, the organization, <a href="http://www.familydocs.org/about-the-cafp.php">California Academy of Family Physicians</a> is a legitimate non-profit, whom, in my opinion, does important work in the field of family medicine. I felt comfortable supporting a legitimate and altruistic non-profit organization. Because I have many friends who work in the non-profit world, it also made me feel good about myself (which is totally self-serving, I know).<br />
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Being that I'm also a for-profit business, I also knew that I'd more likely than not be able to provide proof of this donation for year-end tax purposes. <br />
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In addition, giving also helps to market your company - however small your company may be. Malcolm Gladwell sure knew what he was talking about when he wrote the <a href="http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html"><i>Tipping Point</i></a>. Marketing by word of mouth can be contagious, just like an epidemic. With the right kind of individuals supporting your company (either by buying your products or spreading through word of mouth your company), your company can potentially see exponential growth in a short period of time. This reminds me of a story about one of my friend's food blogs... but I'll have to save that for another blog post. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S-DeX1q_BpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/XHLWiKVFRco/s1600/kiuD+Bags+for+CAFP+Silent+Auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S-DeX1q_BpI/AAAAAAAAAKs/XHLWiKVFRco/s320/kiuD+Bags+for+CAFP+Silent+Auction.jpg" /></a></div>Saying yes also gave me a chance to test out a new bag design. I created a new shoulder bag with a generous 12 inch drop. It comfortably holds a neck pillow, some magazines, and a beach towel for a sunny-day outing. It comes with a partitioned flap pocket inside as well as a flap pocket on the outside. I paired the shoulder bag with two clutch purses.<br />
The 10 inch kisslock clutch purse is perfect for that "Hampton Chic" evening out on the lake (or backyard patio). The smaller, fishtail lock clutch purse is a perfect finale to wrap up this collection. Total retail value: $250+ <br />
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Moral of the story: give, but give discerningly. I've had my share donation requests that didn't always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy, but rather, paranoid and gullible. Certainly, we've all had our encounters of the unsavory kind. And if you live in San Francisco, you know exactly what I mean!<br />
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Weighing in all the pros and cons, I'm glad I said yes. I love my bag collection and whomever ends up "getting" this bag at the silent auction, I hope, will love the collection too, and maybe, help me spread the word!kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-76592878958983378472010-03-08T14:43:00.000-08:002010-03-08T14:48:33.432-08:00Fun in Upcycling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In the trendy shops of SOHO, New York City one fall in 2003, I stumbled upon the cutest black leather trench coat on a mannequin in the window. Without any hesitation, I suddenly found myself wandering into the leather shop, and minutes later, walking away with a knee length coat made out of the most supple black leather my hands had ever felt. The coat was cut in a very traditional single notch tailored suit and it fit me perfectly.<br />
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I wore that coat maybe a handful of times in the next ensuing years. Not nearly enough to validate the amount of money I has spent on it and nor to do it justice.<br />
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In 2007, I attempted to sell the coat to the local consignment shop, but they offered me a measly $50 for the coat. Feeling that would have been a bigger tragedy, I was dead-set on holding onto the jacket until I could find a more just use for it.<br />
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Fast-forward to February 2010, that "just use" finally materialized. My leather trench coat was now living a new life, as a fashionable petal purse. I laboriously dismantled almost the entire coat stitch by stitch during the months prior knowing that a fabulous new life was awaiting this leather. After all, some poor animal (or herd of) was sacrificed in this process.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-TnjbrZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/sVomx3oYWNo/s1600-h/Leather+Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-TnjbrZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/sVomx3oYWNo/s200/Leather+Pics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I worked off of photographs of what the eventual owner of the purse wanted and went from there. I physically deconstructed the purse in the photographs onto paper to create my paper pattern. From there, I proceeded to cut up my muslin fabric and sew a prototype. I presented the prototype to the owner and she liked it very much, giving me the okay to proceed. I then cut up the leather based on my paper pattern and began final construction.<br />
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Now, working with muslin fabric versus genuine leather is very different. Muslin is inexpensive, easy to maneuver, and rather forgiving of any errors. If I had to remove stitches, the fabric could be massaged in a way to "erase" the previous stitch holes. Leather, on the hand, was much thicker and heavier to maneuver. Once I proceeded to cutting up the leather, I knew I had only one chance to create this purse perfectly. Once holes were punctured into the leather by my machine needle, I knew that it had to be the final puncturing.<br />
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Fortunately, my decades of sewing didn't fail me, even on a new medium like leather. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I was using a heavy duty industrial sewing machine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-af1LUvI/AAAAAAAAAKE/7NqX4DzGjgE/s1600-h/Inside+Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-af1LUvI/AAAAAAAAAKE/7NqX4DzGjgE/s200/Inside+Pics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Having made numerous clutch purses and totes, I knew I had to follow a strict order of construction. Before I made the final closing stitches, I had to ensure that the metal snaps were in place and the interior zipper pocket was all in order.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The final product, I'm happy to say, was a great success. I posted it on kiu Design's page on Facebook (<a href="http://tinyurl.com/kiudesigns">click here to see</a>) to rave reviews. Now that I have my pattern, I'm ready to make more! I'd love to hear your feedback!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-jMaH9GI/AAAAAAAAAKU/07_E1AIVq1c/s1600-h/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x0rUwblt2Ws/S5V-jMaH9GI/AAAAAAAAAKU/07_E1AIVq1c/s320/Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-15188271678451507262010-02-25T20:59:00.000-08:002010-02-25T21:24:39.175-08:00The world of fashion blogging<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1267160429726"></span><span id="goog_1267160429727"></span>One of the challenges as a small, start up fashion designer is getting your product into the grasp of mainstream customers. That's where blogging can really jumpstart exposure of your products through your readership.<br />
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To be more specific, my line of "kiu D" clutch purses currently listed on <a href="http://kiud.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, were featured on today's blog at <a href="http://dailydivadish.com/2010/02/25/etsy-find-2/">Daily Diva Dish</a>. How exciting!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39808530" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" kt="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.120379801.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Although we are in the midst of the winter season still, spring is around the corner and the editors at Daily Diva Dish were quick to point out how my floral prints on my clutch purses help them gear up for the upcoming season itself. Thanks so much Editors!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40918219" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.124153070.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What an inspiration. I immediately began working on more clutch designs today. I dug straight into my numerous boxes of fabric and by day's end tomorrow, should have an entire collection of spring-themed purses....<br />
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Stay tuned!kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-86371934876751650132010-02-24T20:17:00.000-08:002010-02-24T20:31:23.909-08:00Wolf What?<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29476452" target="top"><img alt="Linda Dress" border="0" height="200" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.85568470.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><br />
This month has been quite an exciting month so far. <a href="http://www.kiudesigns.com/">kiu Designs</a> was featured in the February 2010 issue (second issue) of the brand new online magazine, <a href="http://wolframmagazine.com/">Wolfram</a>. <br />
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It was such a short-lived high getting approached by the layout editor about featuring my work in their magazine. Their site utilized Adobe Flashplayer for their spread and it's actually quite well done. The lifestyle pages entertain through articles and wonderful photographs.<br />
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I was asked to included a brief bio of myself. My first thought was, brief? Oh my, was that possible! But I managed to squeeze in a bit about me and my work. <br />
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It featured the lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29476452">Linda dress</a> and my clutch purse that is now all sold out, the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=25065648">Silky Flowers</a> clutch purse. You can read more <a href="http://wolframmagazine.com/current">here</a>....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.117641286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=25065648" target="top"><img alt="Silky Flowers Clutch Purse" border="0" height="159" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.117641286.jpg" width="200" /></a></a></div><br />
The entire magazine featured other Etsians, some of whom I actually love! It's so cool to be part of this special cohort.kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8905078007818697541.post-82622974211310553092010-01-23T12:46:00.000-08:002010-02-23T08:52:01.716-08:00Red Ryder Clutch Purse - medium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39009986" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red Ryder Clutch Purse" border="0" height="181" mt="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.117652646.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Red Ryder clutch purse was created by <a href="http://www.kiudesigns.com/">kiu Designs</a> for Valentine's Day but its original inspiration was mainly from my childhood.<br />
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The color and print combo reminded me of a fun and whimsical childhood and flavorful lollipops. Or maybe not my own childhood, but an ideal one.<br />
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Like all my clutches, I created an inner pocket, but this was the first time I switched it up by using the outer fabric for the pocket. It was actually completely by accident but I found this technique created a great contrast. It doesn't seem like rocket science, but still, I'm surprised I hadn't thought of it sooner.<br />
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The name was derived from the movie, "A Christmas Story," which was one of Ralphie's singular Christmas want. I was hoping that would translate to my customers too!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39009986" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Red Ryder Clutch Purse" border="0" height="167" mt="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.117652752.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"></div><div style="border: medium none;">Good thing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39009986">Red Ryder</a> is a one-of-a-kind clutch purse.</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39009986" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red Ryder Clutch Purse" border="0" height="140" mt="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.117652909.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>kiu Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06810088046478158784noreply@blogger.com0