Thursday, April 30, 2009

Featured Artist!

I am being featured on www.bretttorrium.com ! This is a really cool site from NYC that markets handmade artisans from all over the country. I don't know how they found me but I am sure glad they did. I am hoping this will bring me some exposure in the big apple which would be great!

Please check it out today and let me know what you think.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Best Recycling Idea

Last week I talked about ways to recycle and asked for your ideas. I got 15 great responses and I thank you guys for that!

Two that really stood out as great were to use old sewing patterns as tissue paper in gifts and to use old receiving blankets as diaper doublers. Although I am long out of the diaper stage this really is a fantastic ideas for those of you with little ones still in diapers. Cut them up, fold them up and sew along the open edge. They are washable and reusable!

This weeks question is more of an idea hunt. I have a big collection of vintage calendar tea towels. They are in great condition and I would like to make some things with them. Any ideas? Comment on what you think I could make with them. I will make the best idea, post the finished product here and on Etsy, and give you the credit!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Shad Festival

This weekend is the Shad Festival in Lambertville, NJ. Lambertville has a really cool main strip that has lots of antique shops and boutiques. Go over the bridge and you are in New Hope which is an awesome town for shopping. While you are browsing around, please make sure to stop in at Simply SOTA on North Main Street http://www.simplysota.webs.com/ .

SOTA is a consignment shop for only PA artists and crafters. Not only do they carry B Stauff Designs, but they have beautiful art, clothing, jewelry, woodworking, and more.

If you go, get there early as parking is on the street and since the weather is going to be fantastic, it will be packed!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

For the Boys....


I can't tell you how many times friends will say to me "don't you make any boy things?" Having three girls, I have always just gravitated to the dresses, the purses, and the feminine accessories. Finally, I was asked by my favorite shop owner Patti Cilenti of Simply SOTA in New Hope to make something for younger boys because there is nothing out there for them.If you don't believe me, take a look through a pattern book one of these days. 700 pages of women's and girls, 2-4 pages for men and boys and 90% are PJ'S!
So, after some thought, I decided to branch out a bit and make some cute drawstring bags with different themed pockets. The first one is shown above. They are perfect for carrying toys, handheld games, clothes, books, or just about anything. An overnight bag, pool bag, gym bag, beach bag, or small laundry bag even.

I also have planned and in construction some pj bottoms, fun boxers, and some outfits for little boys.I have so much to make I better stop blogging and get back to work!
What would you like to see me make more of? Have any ideas of handmade sewn items that boys would like? Let me know, I read all comments!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Wanted: Your recycling/reusing ideas!

Rather than use the dreaded Easter grass that ends up on our floor, our carpets and is horrible for the environment, I will be using fabric.

I am going to pick spring colors from my scraps and tear them into thin strips. Then I will line the baskets with the strips to resemble the grass. I can them just store them in a bin for next year!

Now it is your turn. What is your favorite recycling tip? It can be simple or you can tell me about a favorite project you did. Post it here and let others be inspired! I will read every suggestion and post the one I think is the best on my blog!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Growing

In the past few weeks business has started to really take off which I am so excited about. More people are hearing about B Stauff Designs and word of mouth has been really instrumental in helping me to make a brand for my work.

In addition to my custom orders and selling at Etsy, the consignment shop down in New Hope, Simply SOTA is now going to be running a weekly feature in the Bucks County Herald. Each week a different artist will be featured and this will bring lots of exposure not only to the store, but to the individual artists as well. The artist will also be at the store demonstrating their craft, answering questions and letting people see how things are made. I will be down there one of these weekend so when I get the date, I will let you know!

I have been working on some new original designs which I will be showing this summer. They will be part of my Fall line so stay tuned for that too!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

New Look for a New Season

Recently on http://handmadeinpa.net/ , we were given a challenge to redesign our blogs in order to help with our brand, and connect more to our businesses. I took this challenge and the results can be seen with my new look.

I changed the background colors to coordinate with my business logo and changed the heading of my blog to my business name. This helps my followers connect my brand name to my blog and makes my logo get stuck in their brain for future use!

I also added a section on side called "About Me" which explains what B Stauff Designs does and why I love doing what I do.

My goal is to have a cohesive package so that customers, bloggers, and those just browsing will be able to get a complete package from their visit.

I have been so busy the past two weeks with tons of custom orders and sales! My poor Etsy shop is getting low, but I will not be able to re-stock until the middle of next week when I should be caught up. B Stauff Designs is growing and I want to thank all my family and friends for their love and support. Thanks you also to all my customers! You are the best!