Copabananas

Community Page Feature on 1000Markets

Just a quick note to mention how excited I am that my long blog post from my 1000Markets shop blog about the store and the makeover is featured on the Community Page on 1000Markets. Thanks to Matt for selecting it, I'm very happy to be featured!

Makeover At The Shop

Today Adam and I gave the shop a makeover. We moved the counter up flush with the dreaded step! Now I have lots of space to work and it makes for a much better shopping experience. See all the before and after pics here and stop by to see it in person!

 

The Snow Globe Experiment

Normally when I create I work quickly, in batches, producing a large quantity of whatever item I'm obsessed with at the moment. Lately I had been thinking about making snow globes with used jars and vintage knick knacks. This project deviates from my normal ritual since it would involve very long term planning, experimenting, and seeking out very specific materials.
I began with what I had on hand, a honey jar, a small Japanes knick knack from my childhood, and a concept. I posted a picture of the beginning of my experiment on Flickr. Then I tweeted about it hoping to get some feedback and suggestions. A few people offered ideas and words of encouragement. That night there was a Virtual Lab Show and Tell on Etsy and I brought the picture there for more feedback. But the next day I was unknowingly included in an Etsy Success email about using social networking, like Twitter, for getting feedback about work-in-progress. That picture on Flickr has gotten over 200 views since that newsletter went out! It was really encouraging and today I worked on that snow globe more, adding crushed egg shells for the snow and mineral oil instead of water. The picture below is how it turned out.  I still need to seal the lid but this is the beginning of a new way of working for me. I would love to see a huge variety of these, different size jars, filled with all kinds of vintage goodies floating around happily. And something about that is very satisfying.

Anne Taintor Coin Purses and Cards

Just arrived fresh from Brooklyn- Anne Taintor coin purse and cards. Stop by the shop and check them out!

Tea Towel and Repurposed Denim Jeans Zipper Pouch

These new zipper pouches come from materials given to me by my family. The denim jeans were given to me by my niece and the tea towel was given to me by my parents, who received it at a wedding they attended. I like the results and I'm happy I could give these items new purpose as zipper pouches. They have a felt lining which makes them very sturdy. Available in the Etsy shop or at my brick and mortar shop in Upper Montclair.

Purple Is The Color Of The Day

My purple zipper monkey was included in two lists today! This spotlight by Rebecca on byhand.me and a Treasury list made by Kendra from Teamzvonik. Thanks!

Driving Animal Pillows

I made these cute little pillows from Ikea fabric printed with little animals driving fantastical cars. The reverse side is fabric from a vintage duvet cover and matched so well it was serendipity. They range in size from 6" to 12" and are stuffed with polyester fiberfill.

How Did You Find Me?

I love to know how you came to find my shop! If you make a purchase and include in NOTES TO SELLER how you found me, I will happily include a free gift!

Etsy Buy Handmade copabananas

Zipper Monkey

What to do with the extra short zippers in my grab bag order of 50 zippers I received recently? Put them in the back of a sock monkey, of course, with a nice soft little felt pouch for hiding special things!

Repurposed With Purpose

Today I created yet another website but this one will focus on my repurposed items. Right now I have the basic bare bones version that Big Cartel, the host site, offers. I'm considering upgrading so I can add more products, with more than one item picture, and stats. What do you think? I may keep it ever-changing based on whatever new items I'm making at the moment or what time of year it is. Speaking of, I need to find some leftover Easter grass to embed in the fused plastic for cute zipper pouches! Opinions appreciated! See it here.