Marketing, PR and other stuff

Along with my new website I thought it was about time to have a set of professional looking business cards printed up. While I used to order them from Vistaprint, this time around I wanted something a little more stylish; cards that reflected my personality/image as well as tying in with my new site by picking up the main colours (pink and brown).
I researched both Dawanda and Etsy and finally decided to approach Etsy seller Jennifer of  Zoopri who offers really nice designs at competitive prices, plus I liked her upbeat attitude! Although the cards took about three weeks to arrive here in Germany, it was well worth the wait. The cards are high-quality, not flimsy at all, and they came nicely packaged. Along with the cards I ordered some cute Thank You stickers, which I will use to beautify my simple packaging, because although I would love to ship my products in chic boxes - 1. my budget doesn't allow for that and 2. there is the issue of the packaging ordinance which I wrote about here. So, stickers it is!
I am also currently brushing up on my PR skills :) I am initially on the shy side when meeting new people, but I do realize I can't hide behind my sewing machine forever! Speaking of sewing - my back is killing me. In the long run I will need to invest in one of those ergonomically designed chairs.

Until next time, take care!

OP ART Shoulder Bag

 note the edgy angle of the pic

As promised here is the finished bag! It's inspired by the black and white optical art popular in the 60's. The interesting thing about this bag is that the leather bag straps, which I cut by hand, are an integral part of the design.The leather is repurposed from a skirt/suit ensemble.

Here shown on my lovely 'Miss Audrey'. 

 The bag is fully lined with a black/white polka dot cotton and includes an interior zip pocket and mobile phone pocket. It has a magnetic snap closure underneath the flap.

Op Art Kitty ?

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Friday!

That 70's look :)

Since I'm no longer part of the corporate world I am free to wear whatever I like! I don't follow trends. I like mixing comfortable classics with Vintage - preferably from the 60's and 70's - spruced up by customizing or adding scarves (my mom's), pins or flower brooches. When buying Vintage I look for natural fabrics such a cotton or silk and shapes which aren't too outrageous or can be altered easily. I avoid anything polyester, lycra or spandex (popular in the 80's) and only choose colours that harmonize with my basic wardrobe. If I can't find what I'm looking for I make it myself! Here's an example of a blouse I made using a mille-fleur cotton fabric and an original pattern from the 70's. For that 'special' touch I embellished the collar with a velvet and lace trim and sewed on vintage buttons that were in the stash I got from my hubby's grandma.

And here's an example of customizing. I was very lucky to have found this Vintage 70's coat in a solid brown for next to nothing.

 It's in great condition, none of the buttons were missing and all the seams are nicely piped. There was just a tiny smudge at the hemline which I took care of by shortening the coat to knee-length. It was too long anyway. I also gave it a good wash to get rid of the slightly musty smell ;-)
But there was still something missing...until I was inspired to appliqué the pocket flaps with my beloved heart-fabric, which some of you may remember I used for this bag and frame purse.

I get a lot of appreciative (and sometimes jealous) looks when I wear this coat! So much more fun than the basic black suit, don't you agree?

Have an inspired weekend!