Website is up and running!

Hello Lovelies,

I have totally become sidetracked with making things before next week's launch with Style Outside The Box that I didn't think about how I'ma list everything for sale tomorrow!

So, you guys can check out my website now for my clothing, homewares and accessories over at Handmade by Ify!

I have made everything clean and simple, because I'm not really a graphic designer, and I don't have Photoshop or anything on my Netbook, so I wanted it to be absolutely perfect.

You can either buy from that website, or if you're an Etsy member, you can shop here tomorrow morning! 

Have an awesome evening!

Katherine xo

New Pencil Cases.

It has been WELL over a couple of months since I last created anything for Kaye Homewares... And honestly, my whole month of August has been a whirlwind. I have still been spreading myself too thin, when I said I would relax a little bit more, which was great for about 10 days, and then I felt myself just relaxing TOO much, to the point where I thought I could be doing so much with my time other than watching TV all day!

Anyways... It's business as usual, my lovelies, I've tried doing everything at once, and that failed, I tried to relax, and I still failed, LOL. I'm still learning about the business, and I know that it won't grow if I don't work hard, so I have done a plan for the month of September, and I have used my daily diary more often, so I hope I can stick to it, and make life more easier! 

Katherine xo

A little frazzled.

Hey everyone,

I have been majorly frazzled lately, I have had so much things to do, with sewing up the Autumn/Winter Collection, doing coursework for uni, as well as now joining NY online boutique, Style Outside the Box. I wasn't going to do any wholesale related orders, because of commitments to uni, but... seeing as I am to do everything before I start uni, and it is such a good opportunity for the company as it's nearly New York Fashion Week, it is such a great opportunity to get my work out there, and they seem to really believe in my designs! 

I have now got 7 days to create a new collection of 18 pieces, which I am determined to complete! I always calculate every single thing and I know that I could do that, with a little motivation and concentration! 

So apologies in advance for my lack of posting, but expect some lovely new pencil cases for Kaye Homewares tonight, and Bend Down Boutique on Thursday!

I think I may do a vlog too, because I never know what to say when I write, and I hope that I could communicate myself better :). 

 Katherine xo

Much Love Mondays #09: Mae Chevrette

I came across this Artist through the Quit Your Day Job posts on Etsy a while ago, and I just found her absolutely amazing as a person and as an Artist.



I got a great quote from the interview as well, which I am now living by:

"If you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen" by Conan o' Brien.

I like the fact that Mae's work is a mixture of media, so each piece that is created is one of a kind, and made from the heart!

Here are a few things that I have learned from her:
- I should always be true to myself. If I keep doing the things that I love, everyone will learn to love my things, and that has already proven right, because I now have a majorly supportive group!
- I must keep experimenting with different things, and keep developing as a designer, because you don't know till you try, and if you don't try, how will you know?
- I should really stop being so shy about my business. I have done an amazing thing, starting my own business at 19. I channeled my depression of being unemployed into a clothing line and doing something that I really, really love! If you won't love your work, noone else will!


A few pieces:



This awesome 16x20 painting!



Small Things No.1 8x10 Print

A huge 20 x 16 Print

Such an inspiration!

Have a great evening!

Katherine

Introducing the A/W 11-12 Collection.

Good Evening everyone!

I have finally constructed my collection for Autumn/Winter 11-12! I was so excited whilst I was creating this, and as stressful as it was, I'm very pleased as to how it came out! I made every single piece on the cheap,  because it was made from mostly scraps and old jewellery that I no longer use!

I created every single piece according to the Aura, as I wanted to link this with my ongoing project of how colours are linked with spirituality and such and how it translates into different textiles. I didn't want to have so many different things going on in my life at the moment, and I wanted things to correspond with each other in some way.

I have created a kind of  'back to basics' approach, with simple pieces, but when you add all the pretty accessories, you have a wicked, funky outfit that you could wear in the day or at night- its just destined to transform your basic everyday wear!

New pieces of jewellery, along with the clothing, are going to be added to my shop on September 1st for grabs! The necklaces and bracelets have all been recycled in some way, to make quirky, eye catching, whimsical pieces, that would be great to wear this season.

I wanted to include guys things in the shop too, so if you got boyfriends, lovers or hubby's, snap up a piece for an anniversary/birthday/special occasion present, or better yet, have them snap up a few pieces!

I hope you like them!

Katherine xo

Much Love Mondays #08: Will Recycle

I absolutely am in love with this guy's work. I came across his work when I was window shopping with a friend last christmas, and I have been keeping an eye on his work ever since!

I love that he used plastic carrier bags to create beautifully crafted wallets, oyster card holders and vanity cases! One day, I will buy a piece, when I am not so poor!

As a chronic hoarder, Will had collected many things, most of which he had rarely thrown away.

He fuses many layers of the plastic bags until they are durable and not so floppy (I used to do textiles lamination when I was doing my A-Levels, so I know how time consuming and how much it tests your patience) and then creates a pattern on top, which are sometimes made of plastic fruit netting.

Will has been selling his creations since he was in his foundation year at Greenwich Market, which I found inspirational! I had only just started my own recycled fashion line when I was 19 and just finished my Art Foundation, and I was never as brave as him until last year to get up and start selling on his stall!

I really do hope that one day my line will be just as progressive as his <3

Here are a few pieces of Will's work that I really love!


Vanity Cases


Wallets (I have too many purses personally, and I don't know what to do with them! so I think I will buy this for my younger brother for Christmas)


Oyster Card Holders. (I think I will start of with this one. I gotta look good when I press my oyster card on this bus and trains)


Check out Will's Website, go and buy a few wallets from his Shop, and maybe follow him on Twitter?


As a lover of all things handmade, especially with recycled things, and especially when its a guy doing it for a change, it fills me with sweet joy to write about this awesome artist.

Have a great evening!

Katherine xo

Birthday Celebrations and Leaving Dos.

Hey guys, sorry I have been a bit negligent with my blog lately, I have been really busy socially!

On Monday, I went to my French friends leaving do. I met her and her friends for a drink or two at Vibe Bar in Brick Lane, I love their nachos, although I still would have preferred to have gone to a pub, as I want to try a pie and mash meal! haha.

 We talked about a lot of things, from music, to different languages. I learnt a couple of words of french that night! I'd really love to learn a language fully, maybe Spanish? I find it easier to remember, based on how I was in school! It sucks that I didn't get to do it for my GCSE's!

The day after this party, I went to my local gym, and bumped into my friend from College, who I hadn't seen since I left there like 3 years ago! He invited me to his 22nd birthday, and when there's a buffet involved, I cant say no! So I dressed up in this bad boy I got from Public Beware on Monday:

We went to Cosmo's in Purley Way, and I got to know his friends, they make me laugh so much! I loved the Spongebob Squarepants cake, it was yummy. A perfect way to end an awesome day. 

We then took a spontaneous trip to a nearby bowling alley and I can honestly say that I cannot bowl! It wasn't until after my 5th round and I basically chucked it between my legs that I got some pins! I loved it <3

I have loved this week, I have been working hard this summer, and I just wanted to relax this week before cracking on again before I go back to Uni in 3-4 weeks!

Katherine xo

All Stocked Up.

Good Evening, my lovelies!

I have added some new pieces to my shop, and added some pieces to the sales section on there too! I want to get rid of a lot of things, and so, you may now grab some bargains before I go and give them away as christmas gifts to all my friends in the new year!

Oh and don't forget you can get a 15% discount when you type in 'BDBOUTIQUEDISCOUNT' upon checkout, so shop shop shop!
I hope all is well with you guys! <3

Katherine

Outfit Post: 15/08/2011

Yesterday, I wore this outfit for my friend that I met at my internship, with Tatty Devine. She is leaving to go back to France, so I took the opportunity to go and see her, in Shoreditch. (note to self, no drinking when you are riding your bike... you are asking for trouble).

Here is what I had worn!

Cardigan & Shirt: H&M

Jeans: Peacocks

Shoes: Primark

Bracelet & Earrings: Bend Down Boutique

I was in the middle of setting up my camera on self timer and thought this would be a good idea to take a picture of my bracelet as a taster for my new collection!

I love the simple, but quirky feel to this outfit, and I would love to continue to dress this way, it is so simple, but makes a statement.

Katherine xo

Much Love Mondays #07: Pretty Zoo

Good Evening, my lovelies!

Tonight, I will be talking about my newly favorite blog, Pretty Zoo.

Zoe is an amazing illustrator and graphic designer from New Zealand, but living in Germany. I wanted to get a few images to show on the blog, but I can't seem to get the URL for the pictures that I like, so I say, check out her portfolio website!

I am totally excited to see her shop on Etsy open, it looks so edgy with the illustations but then has a vintage, feminine edge. Zoe, if you are reading this, please let me know when you are opening, so that I may snag a piece of of your beautiful handiwork!

I hope you loved reading about her as much as I have over on her blog!

Katherine xo

NEW, NEW, NEW.

Hello my lovelies!

I have been so busy these past few weeks, I have been trying to be organised with my day, but sometimes it's hard to prioritize or even stay motivated to do what needs to be done!

I have been recovering from major back pain, and now I have just joined the gym to reduce some of the stress that has built up in my life recently, so its more of the case of not enough hours in a day!

I've been making an effort to make a start my dissertation before starting my final year of Uni, I have also been creating a new collection of menswear, womenswear, and recycled jewellery, which will be launched on my new website, as well as Etsy, on September 1st. I am so excited. I will be showing some pictures from an upcoming shoot soon, and I hope you will like it as much as I do!



Oh- and I have entered The Sketchbook Project. I think It's such a great idea to show off your artwork to the world, I love the idea of my work touring the world, and eventually being in a New York Library. It is so exciting, but I am a bit stomped for ideas... As you can see, my project is called 'Nothing New'. I will start is probably around the time of my birthday and send it off before Christmas! :) There's still time to join if you would like to get involved too!

What have you been up to?

Katherine xo

New Designers on the Block: Kitsch Courtesy

Hi guys,

My friend Amelie has opened a new shop, for all you guys that would like some cheap, but still good quality and amazingly kitsch jewellery.



I really find her a real talent, and it would mean a lot if you gave her a few sales!







If I could, I would buy all her things, but I don't have much money right now, I never do! I should change that! Anyway, I must dash! check out her shop, please!

Katherine xo

Paint your love #01

I just realised that I have never done a 'Paint your love' blog post before, and I have been planning to do so for so many months, but a mixture of procrastination and to-do lists always get in the way. 

After reading this post over on Moorea's blog, I was totally inspired and I wanted to just start pampering myself like I used to when I was at London College of Fashion. The only thing that stopped me was when I just started my first year at University for Creative Arts, and my nails were always being ruined by the printing and weaving and dyeing fabrics/yarns, so I just felt there was no point in doing this if my nails were going to get ruined, plus I was working in Catering at the time, so I couldn't really have them painted for hygiene reasons. But now, I am making this a weekly tradition again. 

I painted my nails thinking that it was going to be a neutral browny colour, but it came out baby pink! I quite like the colour, its pretty cute, I have never used this colour before, as I have always gone for the drastic colours, so it is a nice change!

According to the aura, pink represents uncondtional love, friendship, and balance between the spiritual and material. 

Have you painted your nails a nice colour this week?

Katherine xo

A new addition to the bedroom.

I bought some paper doilies and a frame from the pound shop and framed one of them, as i thought it would make an excellent decor piece. 

If you would like to do the same, all you have to do is stick the doilie onto black paper  and put it in the frame  :)

Do you like it? I thought it looked quite good, and I wanted to cheer myself up after all the horrible news with the riots in London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol. It made me sad that people would behave in this way, and that areas in London that I was born and raised in had been destroyed in such a vicious manner.

What do you think of the situation? 

Katherine xo

Much Love Mondays #06: Mozzypop

Oh how I love Dayner and her shop so much! I love how lovely her jewellery is, it makes me wanna just dance around in my cocktail dresses (if i had any). And I have bought a few pieces from her shop for my friends birthdays, but never for myself, as I'm always poor! I have enjoyed the opportunity of knowing her via twitter, her shop and her blog!

So, without further ado, here is Dayner!

1- Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Dayner, I'm 23 and I run a blog and jewellery company by the name of Mozzypop :-)

2- How did you first get involved in designing/making?

I started making jewels when my parents bought me some Fimo clay on a whim one year for Christmas. After leaving them in the cupboard for months, I finally decided to dig them out and have a play. I suddenly fell upon all these great ideas for jewels I could make... and after they got a good reaction I looked further into buying other charms and stock in for my shop, and it went from there!

3- How would someone describe your style?

I'm not sure, I tend to think I don't really have any style! I guess I like retro styling, I love long or voluminous hair and glamorous, smart and lady-like clothing - I'd love to have the confidence to wear heels and lipstick every day!

4- What do you do when you aren't creating?

 I work full time and am studying web design currently, so if I'm not immersed in my jewellery and blog I'm always busy with something else! I'm like a sponge, I love to learn and pick up new techniques.

 5- How and why did you get into creating? 

I started making jewels as a hobby and had no intention of selling, but on family and friends telling me I should and them taking things to school fairs for me I decided to try selling online - not really expecting much to come 

from it - but if you never try you never know.

6- Whats a favorite item from Mozzypop?

My favourite item is my teacup necklace or the selection of "Drink Me" bottle pendants... they seem to be my best sellers so others must agree with me :-) 

7- Whats the most challenging part of your label?

I find keeping up with my paperwork and invoices the biggest challenge, you know, all the boring stuff! I also have a tendency to overspend on new stock and charms... I can't resist anything cute or pretty. I have so so much stock in my little office you wouldn't believe!

8- If someone was interested in designing, what would be the few things you'd suggest?
Well, I'll just tell you what works for me. I spend a long time browsing the net for anything that inspires me. I use www.pinterest.com to keep track of all the pretty things I see so that I can look back at those when I feel a bit "uninspired". I also collect scraps from magazines, have a cork board over my desk, and write notes into my iPhone wherever I am. You can be inspired by ANYTHING, so keep your eyes open!


9- Does anyone inspire you in the way you make your work?
I'm not directly inspired by anyone in particular, but I find so many designers on www.etsy.com/www.folksy.com that I love. I also totally admire self-made brands like Me & Zena or Temporary Secretary, and would love my brand to reach their level and higher.


10- Anything else you'd like to share?
Just to always believe in your work and what you're doing, and keep positive about it. Never talk down your designs or belittle yourself to others. If you love it, then of course other people will too :-)

Thanks so much for sharing, Dayner! 

Shop

Twitter

Blog

I hope you enjoyed reading about her as much as I have! Enjoy your evening!

Katherine