let's play house {office}

October 11, 2012

1. REDSTAR Ink / 2. Linda Monfort / 3. Pablo and Fernando Pardo / 4. Hee Welling / 5. IKEA / 6. Paperweight / 7. Nicopapergoods

I've been having a lot of fun lately but it's time to really get back to work. There are a few new ventures that I'm prepping to launch this month (fingers crossed) and that means that I'll be spending a lot of extra time sitting at my desk. If I had the chance to decorate anew I would choose modern blacks, natural textures, and pops of inspirational colors and patterns. All three combined would make for a casually sophisticated and artful place - perfect for getting things done. What's your workspace style?

{more than knitting scarves} hello etsy, berlin

September 21, 2011

I didn't really need an excuse to visit Berlin but I decided to make one anyway by attending Hello Etsy, a summit for small business and sustainability, last weekend. It was Etsy's first go at an event like this and other than the insane lines for the elevators, the entire summit went off without a glitch. Since I used to run a shop on Etsy and am currently planning for another web store (off Etsy), it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get my creative and business ideas flowing again.

The two-day event was held at ewerk, Germany's oldest preserved power plant, built in 1885; it was so so so cool. The entire event had a very relaxed feel which was nice and extremely conducive to meeting new people from all around the world (hello to anyone who I met and is reading this now!).

Between sessions ranging from Finding Your Courage to Understanding Google Analytics and Secrets to Good PR, there were sewing stations sponsored by Marimekko, lots of drinks and snacks, and a pop-up book store with plenty of inspirational books to flip through. My favorite goodies came from Moo who gave out free customized business cards - how nice, right? The entire experience was all about exchanges - be it free products to help you get your name out or speakers sharing their stories and tricks of the trade. Everyone there had something to offer and truly believed that you can make a living working your passion and doing something creatively. Whether doing it solo or with a team - anything is possible.

I took a lot of great inspiration and practical information from the weekend and I want to share a piece of it with you by giving away a copy of the Hello Etsy Handbook given to attendees. It's filled with stories and words of wisdom from the summit's speakers to make you think of the why, who, what, and how of your business. It's reaaallyy good. If you want it, comment on this post (with whatever you want to say) and I'll pick a name at random then email the lucky reader for a shipping address. I'll take care of the postage, of course ;)

A big Thank You to Etsy, the speakers, and everyone involved in creating the event - a job well done!

getting back to business

September 13, 2011

Before moving to London I was working at a 9-5 job with my own desk and set of projects. I loved the work I did in marketing and event coordination but I would often day-dream about stepping away from the office world and doing my own thing.

I had a version of my own thing going for some time with my fashion accessories line, Anamu, which is how this blog originally came to be. I attempted to turn a sewing hobby into a part-time cottage industry. I hand cut and sewed each one-of-a-kind clutch purse in the evenings and weekends, sold them on Etsy and hawked them at local craft shows. When the time came to think about scalability, making new designs, and hiring other people to sew for me, I realized that the accessories production world wasn't what I was looking for.

A lot of money, time, and energy went into Anamu but it wasn't a loss. On the contrary, I gained a lot by learning how to start a small business and simply put, just going for it. I had an idea and I tried it. It didn't stick so I'm on to the next.

Now in London, I'm fortunate that I get to explore what that next thing is. Graphic design, photography, a new web shop venture...there are some exciting things brewing here. To help keep the creative juices flowing and learn from the experts, I'll be attending Hello Etsy, a summit for small businesses, this weekend. Since it's in Berlin and it'll be our first time there, we decided to make a mini-holiday out of it (yay!). I can't wait to be inspired by a new city, new people, and fresh ideas. It feels good to get back to business.

happy friday!

March 25, 2011

Friday brings good news for you Anamu accessories fans!

With my forthcoming move overseas I am cleaning house and need to have a HUGE Anamu MOVING SALE! Though it's been a while since I've created anything new, I will be adding never before seen cuffs, frame clutch purses, and leather wristlet samples to the Etsy shop.

I'm slashing prices like crazy so you'll be able to grab a piece of Anamu (and kind of like a piece of me ;)) for as little as $5; practically pennies for one-of-a-kind pieces!

The sale will begin on Monday, March 28 and run through Wednesday, March 30. Please tell your friends, family, your postman, anyone! Would love for these creations to find happy homes before I move.

See what's currently online here and be ready to pounce come Monday. Have a joyous weekend!

New ANAMU Designs!

January 19, 2010

New one-of-a-kind bags and jewelry are up on ANAMU's Etsy shop. Really loving the brocade and lace clutches that provide a triple threat: feminine, flirty, and fun! Add some edge with the new tri-color necklaces and you're ready to go...

ANAMU: Pick of the Week

September 15, 2009

Once a week I'll gush about an ANAMU accessory that is for sale on my Etsy shop. I'll tell you why I love it, provide some "making of" insights and, and maybe even entice you to buy it!

Kicking things off with a Vintage Button Magnet Set of 5.

I love this set in particular because it reflects my taste the most. There's a perfect balance of soft and hard lines, feminine and masculine details, and the colors can compliment nearly any background. These buttons have just the right amount of wear and tear on them too...really playing to their vintage appeal.

Eons ago I set out to buy vintage buttons to serve as pillowcase closures. Never got around to doing that but I did test the buttons out as rings and ultimately decided they would make awesome magnets too. I was standing in the kitchen, eating cereal and staring at the random magnets we've accumulated over the years. Thought...I know it's just a fridge but I want something pretty/cool to look at while I eat like a soldier (my mom's saying for eating upright).

Easy enough right? Stick a button on a magnet and presto. It's almost that simple. These vintage magnets have metal shanks (the protruding loop the thread goes through) and they need to be removed so the buttons lay flat on each magnet.

First I cut the shank off with metal shears (actually, I think they are gardening shears but it works!) and then I sand the remaining metal off so the back is as smooth as possible. No, no sand paper here...I use an electric mini-sander that spins like a maniac. Does the job but it creates so much metal particle dust that a face mask is usually in order.

After that then it's glue and then presto!

There's plenty more I have in mind for buttons but it may require learning to solder. Very excited about that but for now I'll let the magnets have their moment in the sun.