Noshkins Feature, Giveaway & Promo!

Happy December!  For today's feature on Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have such a fun one for you from Noshkins.  When I first saw all of Connie's cute and crafty creations, I was obsessed!  If I'm being honest, I would love a set of her petit fours for myself even if they are made for kids...  They just look so scrumptious!

Actually, the set that Connie is giving away (stay tuned at the bottom of the post) is a sushi set that people of all ages will love!  But first, find out which special person inspired all of these creations, and check out some serious eye candy... literally!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I grew up in Central California on the Monterey Peninsula. I’ve worked as a graphic artist for over 35 years, mostly with my own home business, Connie Simon Design. I love color, typography, well-designed anything! Growing up in the 60s was great—a real do-it-yourself time of my life. Drawing, painting, macrame, sewing, print making; so much to experiment with! • In 2011 I made a set of play food out of felt for my then 3 year old grandson to use in his play kitchen. I hated the plastic food available and thought the wood food as potentially damaging (kids throw things!). His reaction was immediate joy and engagement. He inspired me to start Noshkins, Inc. in order to share my lovingly made items with others.


Where did the name of your store come from?

I went through so many name ideas before I came up with one that wasn’t taken. “Nosh” is a Yiddish word meaning “a snack or small item of food”. The addition addition of “kin” to imply tiny or child related, Noshkins was born.

Why did you start making goods for Noshkins?

I love producing things of quality and detail. My grandson was the original inspiration. There are plenty of products for children that are cheaply manufactured or overly simple in design. I wanted to share something that was beautiful and well made to delight and inspire both the child and adult. I’m looking into ways to let the special needs market know about Noshkins. I’ve been told they’d be great for kids with autism or other sensory processing challenges.


What is your favorite item?

Wow! That’s a tough one! Each item has its own “personality”. The tea party sets are so pretty. I guess I am partial to the tomato slice and broccoli floret. The first time I made the broccoli I used a kazillion french knots. The texture was great but, seriously??? Then inspiration hit. I can get a lot of broccoli out on one bath towel and the texture is perfect! I find myself giggling as I finish a piece. My newest set of sushi has a lot of texture and the “seaweed” is attached with velcro so kids can assemble some of the pieces.

What is your most popular item?

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Haus & Home and Lord & Little features + $30 giveaway & promo!

Welcome back to Shop Small Saturday Showcase!  This is the last week before the official Shop Small Saturday holiday, but let's celebrate early!  We have a two-for-one feature from both Haus & Home and Lord and Little, so it's doubly exciting, right?

Delia, the creative mind behind both shops, is offering one of my readers $30 credit to either shop in this week's giveaway!  Stay tuned for that (plus a promo for all of you readers) but first check out the interview below and one of the cutest models I've ever seen!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I went to school for costume and scenic design and spent 7 years working in Los Angeles as a costumer for film and TV until my husband got a job offer in New York City.  When we moved to Brooklyn, I decided to spend less time on set and more time making things in my studio since it was my real passion.   Brooklyn was an inspiring place to live, but when we had a baby, we knew it was time to move back to Los Angeles where we could have grass and blue skies!   I feel like I'm living my dream...my son plays next to me all day while I make beautiful things in my studio for my two shops!


Where did the name of your store come from?

My home decor store, Haus and Home LA, is just a play on my last name, Hauser.

My kids decor store, Lord and Little, came from another family name, Lord.   It is my dad's, my son's, and my middle name.  One day, I was looking at my baby and thought "Aw...he's a little Lord!" But "Little Lord" was already taken, so I thought "Lord and Little" would be just as cute!

Why did you start making goods for both of your shops?

I opened "Haus and Home LA" and "Lord and Little" because making things is something I can't live without!  Learning new methods, shopping for vintage fabrics and trims, and exploring traditional folk art and craft is something I have always done as an artist, costumer and maker.   Trying to create something profitable from something I love seemed like an obvious next step.


What is your favorite item?

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Martine Leather Bags feature & Giveaway!

It has been a while since our last Shop Small Saturday Showcase!  It is the perfect time to start it up again because it is time for the holidays and putting together those gift lists, so make sure to take note of all of the upcoming shops I will be featuring.  You are sure to find some unique, amazing items to put on your list this year!

In fact, today's feature from Martine has some of the most gorgeous items I have seen produced by a single person.  Seriously!  I simply adore all of Sarah's items, and it is so difficult to look at all of the pretty leather bags, purses, and accessories, and just choose one favorite!  Take a look though and see how tough it is to add just one to your wishlist.

Also, I am so happy to say that Sarah is offering one of her popular clutches for a giveaway!  Make sure to enter at the bottom of the post after the interview.  Enjoy!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My whole life I have been making things.  When I was young my mom taught me to sew, and my grandmother was an amazing seamstress.  We didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up, so we used to make clothing for ourselves.  With my mom's help, I started branching away from typical patterns and fabrics, and was part of my first group "runway" show at a local mall when I was 13.

In my teens and twenties I focused on making jewelry, and had a small line in Portland, OR in 2006.  I never really had the passion to turn it into a full time job, however.

I am surprised I hadn't worked with leather sooner, but when I started making bags I found it to be amazing.  I really love working with it and every piece I make, I thoroughly enjoy each step.



Where did the name of your store come from?

Martine is a rendition of a family name (Martindale), my grandmothers' maiden name.

Why did you start making goods for Martine?

I initially started making leather bags because I couldn't find a bag I liked for under $500 dollars.  I wanted clean lines and a simple structure, without all of the other bells and whistles one typically finds with less expensive leather bags.  I found the more refined and clean looking, the more expensive.  I bought some leather and made a bag for myself (the Portland Handbag was the original Martine handbag)  Soon after that I was getting requests from my friends and strangers to make bags for them.  After that I was determined to have a line of bags that are simple and refined, and with an accessible price tag.



What is your favorite item?

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Strauss Vintage Shoppe feature, promo & GIVEAWAY!

This week, I have a lovely shop to share with you all that I seriously cannot get enough of!  Before I even saw Candice of Strauss Vintage Shoppe, I knew that she had to be a woman of good taste.  Her shop is an eclectic mix of treasures she finds, fixes up, and curates, as well as items that she makes herself.  Seriously, she even teaches classes on how to make her gorgeous image transfers on wood.  Sign me up!

So today, we there were so many items in her shop I wanted to share with you all that I ended up including just a couple more pictures than normal.  Oops!  :)  You'll agree with me once you read through the rest of the interview below.

Then after the interview, enter to win a one of her gorgeous wood transfer images in the giveaway and check out the promo code to save 20% off of anything in her shop.  Let's get to it!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Hi, my name is Candice Strauss, I live with my husband and daughter in Southern California, about 15 minutes from my childhood home, here in the San Gabriel Valley. My dad's in construction (and a life-long picker), and my mom is a true maker (crochet, sewing, & embroidery), so I spent my childhood neck deep in building, crafting, collecting, and treasure hunting.


Where did the name of your store come from?

I wanted something that represented who we are, and we are a family business. If you stop by any of my pop-up shops, you will most likely meet my dad, mom, daughter, or husband.

I couldn't do this without the support of my family. From my dad Johnny, who helps me cut wood and set-up my booths, to my husband Eric, whose man-cave is bit by bit becoming our warehouse, and my daughter Delilah, my fave junkin' companion, the whole family is part of the team. (Though Delilah finds it quite hard to part with a rare bottle or sweet vintage camera, both of which she collects.)

Why did you start making goods for Strauss Vintage Shoppe?

I'm someone who likes learning new art forms and techniques. I have an extensive “creative bucket list,” and last summer I finally learned how to transfer images onto wood. I loved the process! At first I was making them as gifts for friends and family, then I began receiving order requests, and the rest is history.


What is your favorite item?

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A Little Delight feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have such an adorable shop to share with you all!  I was at last year's Patchwork show in Santa Ana for just a little bit, and on my way out I saw Blair of A Little Delight packing away the cutest accessories!  I knew it was closing time, but I asked if she would liked to be featured here.  Lucky for us, she said yes!

I caught up with her and the family at Patchwork this year and was reminded in person of how obsessed I am with everything she makes!  Honestly, it will be pretty difficult for the winner of this week's giveaway to choose their favorite.  It's a good thing then that for this week's giveaway, Blair is giving away two bows to a lucky readers!

But first, check out the interview and some gorgeous photos courtesy of A Little Delight!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

HI! My name is Blair and I am the half owner, and (half) bow maker of A Little Delight. I am a wife to a handsome teacher, the momma of 2 sweet toddlers, a natural life loving vegetarian, coffee addict, glitter and confetti obsessed, tattooed crafter!  And of course, am so passionate about my accessory business, A Little Delight!

We love handcrafting these high quality hair bows, picking out fun modern fabrics, and I absolutely LOVE making friends and chatting with shoppers at craft fairs/boutiques! But I definitely don't do this alone! My wonderful husband Sean does a ton of the work making bows, handles a lot of the social media side of the business, shipping,  and takes care of all the Etsy shop back end stuff! We also have the most awesome shop assistant, Chloe. She helps with lots of important things, including packaging orders, prepping products, and wraps up those important loose ends! All together, we make a pretty fun team!


Where did the name of your store come from?

To be honest, it kinda just came to me. I wanted something fun and a little whimsical, and I liked that it gave us room to grow our product line. And really, who does not love a little delight in their lives?! ;)

Why did you start making goods for A Little Delight?

I have always loved making things, and when my daughter was born, I was SO excited about having a girl and finally being able to go crazy with accessories. Most of the bows I purchased for her would end up completely bent our of shape and not very wearable anymore. I also quickly noticed that there was a big need for some really fun modern prints out there! So I started making these sturdy, modern, perky little bows for her, that could also double as a baby bow tie for my son - and our signature lined bows were born! It did not take long for friends to want to buy some, and it really just took off from there.


What is your favorite item?

My favorite bow changes from day to day (I am always posting my "new favorite" on Instagram). We choose every print with a keen eye, looking for modern, fun, trendy fabrics, and we really do our best to not stray from that. So its so easy to just fall in love with each pattern all over again ALL the time! I have to say though, that I really love our modern floral and metallic prints right now!

What is your most popular item?

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Feet Tea feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have such a fun shop for you today!  I first saw Feet Tea at one of last year's Patchwork shows, and I was immediately intrigued!  First of all, the entire area around their booth had the most tempting aroma, so as I approached Josie to say hello, I was already loving their "Feet Tea."  Then, I saw their adorable packaging (so will you in the pictures below) and the cute shop name.  Since all of the foot soak tea bags smell so delicious, they had to add a little tag that says "Don't Drink Me."  How funny!

I took home a sampler pack to try out four of their varieties – all amazing!  Now, one lucky reader will get the chance to take home a burlap sampler with eight Feet Tea foot soak tea bags.  Wow!  That's eight luscious, relaxing soaks to make you feel like you are at the spa... Aahhhhhh...

But first, let's hear from Josie and find out a few tidbits like her favorite product (which is made just for men) and see some pretty items from Feet Tea!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Josie and I am the creator and owner of Feet Tea. I make foot soak tea bags that contain Epsom and mineral salts, essential oils, and dried herbs or flowers. This is all contained in a tea bag that is perfect for softening dry feet in need of moisture and pampering.

Even at a young age, I had always preferred handmade goods over store-bought. I liked the fact that someone used the creative side of their brain to create something unique and original. I also loved visiting craft shows to get inspired and to chat with the makers about their creative process.


Where did the name of your store come from?

I did a lot of brainstorming as to what would be a fun and memorable name for my product, and also wanted to be really clear as to what Feet Tea was used for – soaking and steeping your feet, not for drinking. I also researched similar products on the market and the name Feet Tea was unique to the other foot soak products out there.


Why did you start making goods for Feet Tea?

I have always enjoyed drinking and mixing loose leaf tea and learning the benefits of using various herbs and dried botanicals. I have suffered from eczema since I was young which made my toes very itchy and I used soaking salts on a regular basis. I decided to add the salts and some of the herbs to one of the teabags made for loose leaf tea. Adding essential oils really brought out the aromatic qualities in the blend. The Feet Tea concept is about taking the spa experience home and also relieving your feet from soreness and muscle aches.

What is your favorite item?

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Silicate Studio feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I am happy to showcase the fantastic creations of Kevin Anderson from Silicate Studio!  At last year's Unique L.A., I was immediately drawn to the rustic and clean designs, and I absolutely loved the combination of wood and metal of the Turnbuckle shelves.  Then, I saw all of the different designs and knew I just had to feature the shop and share with all of you.  Just check out the fantastic headboard below, and you'll know what I mean!

Lastly, the giveaway today is extra special because we will not have just one winner... but three!  That's right, three of my lucky readers will have their choice of one of Silicate Studio's beautiful geometric mirrors.  There are a few pictures in the interview below, so keep an eye out for which one you'll pick if you are a lucky winner.  :)  Now, let's learn all about Silicate Studio from Kevin, shall we?

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I come from an interior design background and I also come from a cabinetmaking design/construction background. I decided to start my own business after realizing that I loved furniture and the creation of it more than designing white rooms.


Where did the name of your store come from?

It sounded like the beach to me, and I am a full-blooded beach boy. But it also sounded unique and related to mirrors and glass.


Why did you start making goods for Silicate Studio?

I have an insatiable need to create things with my hands. I can't control it.

What is your favorite item?

Don't have one, how can you say which child is your favorite?  If I had to pick it would be our turnbuckle shelves. They started as a uber-quick solution. I needed a nightstand to put into a photoshoot and I had turnbuckles, a few slabs of old wood and soem random pieces of harwdare. They just sort of fell together and I realized after gettign TONS of questions about them instead of the bed in the picture, that these had some cool potential.



What is your most popular item?

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Massey Honey feature & GIVEAWAY!

For this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a tasty feature to share with you!  When my friend and I visited last year's Unique L.A., we couldn't help but notice the crowd forming around Massey Honey to sample their delicious honey!  I adored their pretty packaging as well, and after tasting a few of the varieties, we were hooked.

For all you Southern California locals, they will be at Unique L.A. today and tomorrow, so head there to check them out!  For you non-locals, check out their lovely feature below and enter to win this week's giveaway.  You get to choose between their orange blossom or wildflower honeys, and Ryan and Jessica told me that each variety has been just recently extracted this spring and very tasty!  Yum!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am a veterinarian with a background in public health and food safety. I came across beekeeping while in college (an entomology class in snuck into) and fell in love with the complexities of bees. Once I finished veterinary school, I got my first bee hive and it grew from there.


Where did the name of your store come from?

We are a family-owned company and Massey is a family name. We are related to the gourmet vanilla company with a similar name- "Nielson-Massey" Vanilla.

Why did you start making goods for Massey Honey?

I originally did not plan on beekeeping with the dream of starting a company. I got one beehive  as a hobby. Word spread that I was an amateur beekeeping and people would call me to try to rescue their hives. I eventually began to rescue and relocate the hives and now have close to 100 located throughout Southern California. With time, I was able to responsibly manage the hives and produce a quality honey. The rest is history.


What is your favorite item?

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Nora Floral Studio feature, promo & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature, I have a shop to feature that everyone will want to take note of... because it's perfect for Mother's Day!  I first met the lovely Nora from Nora Floral Studio at Artisanal L.A. and fell in love with her ceramic, geometric designs.  The shapes and colors that she uses are so interesting, and I absolutely love how both floral arrangements and succulents look like in her creations.

Definitely take note of any gifts that you would like to purchase for mom, yourself, or someone special because Nora is generously giving a 10% discount to all of my readers!  Not only that, she is also giving one of my lucky readers a matte white Double Triangle planters in the giveaway!  Enter to win at the end of the post and as always, enjoy all of the beautiful pictures and enjoy learning more about Nora Floral Studio!

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am originally from East Texas. I have a BFA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from Art Center College of Design, I have been a practicing sculptor for over 10 years and have exhibited in the United States and Europe. I began Nora Floral Studio 2 years ago. My favorite colors are pink and grey, my favorite flowers are the ranunculus and anemone, my favorite succulent variety is the Echeveria.


Where did the name of your store come from?

When I started doing this all my friends told me that since my name rhymes with flora that the name of my business should be "Nora Flora" but that to me seemed to rhyme too much so I made it "Nora Floral Studio" the studio part reflects the studio practice that is involved with the slip cast ceramic production.

Why did you start making goods for Nora Floral Studio?

My studio practice was always very labor intensive, and after the downturn in the economy and the birth of my son I needed to find a way to enhance my income. It was a process to figure out how to combine my love and aptitude for making objects and something that the world needs. I had learned slip casting years ago in a sculpture class, slip casting is a process where you pour liquid porcelain into plaster molds to get your clay form.  I started taking floral design classes and in the meantime cut up some of my old sculptures in progress and made molds of the pieces. It seemed obvious to use this process to make planters and vases for the succulent and floral designs I was into.


What is your favorite item?

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Treeline Woodworks feature, promo & GIVEAWAY!

For this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I am really excited to share this one with you because this one was a first for me!  Normally, I find these amazing makers and creators at shows around Southern California and share lots of photos of their finished products with all of you.  However, when I spoke to Ad from Treeline Woodworks, he invited me to take a look at the amazing shop where they craft their pieces, plus their nearby lumberyard.  The wannabe woodworker in me was so excited!  :)

You'll see in the interview below many of the pictures I took during the tour.  Believe me when I say there were ten times as many interesting items to photograph, but I could not possibly fit them all here.  For example, in the lumberyard collage of pictures, you will spot a church pew sitting on top of a wood pile.  That pile of wood was actually reclaimed from a set of church pews that were being torn down.  There were sets of school bleachers, fence posts, and all kinds of interesting objects that the wood was being sourced from.  It was amazing!

Last but not least, my readers are being treated by another generous shop owner!  One of you will win a beautiful State Cutting Board (you'll see it in the widget below), and ALL of you can utilize the 15% off promo to their entire store.  That translates to: you can buy 15% more... at least!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I'm an engineer by education and designer by disposition. From machine class in college to making things out of wood for friends or my loft, I've enjoyed building things for a long time. My interest in working with reclaimed woods is fairly new, a handful of years, I'd say. As a fabricator, I'm always learning about more materials and trying to incorporate them into my designs and what we have to offer.


Where did the name of your store come from?

Treeline has been a favorite word for long time. I'm a sucker for the outdoors and adventures with reckless abandon. Treeline is the highest a forest can grow up the side of a mountain before conditions get too harsh for it to survive. So in a way, it's the natural limit for forest. I'd like to do good work and there's always more left to learn, so I'm striving to reach my treeline.

Why did you start making goods for Treeline Woodworks?

There a lot of things I'd like to make and as much custom work we do, I enjoy flexing my creative and designer muscles. So whenever we have some free time on our hands we dive into a collaborative ideation process and experiment with product we can design and make ourselves.


What is your favorite item?

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Simply Brigadeiro feature & GIVEAWAY!

On today's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a gorgeously delicious shop to share with you today: Simply Brigadeiro!  I first met the fabulous Sabrina at Artisanal L.A. while she was passing around samples of her amazing brigadeiros.  I was hooked!  They are sweet, gorgeous, and the perfect gift for everyone!

I did my usual interview and took some photos, and awaited the "few" pictures she had of her own.  Well, I was absolutely floored by the creativity and gorgeous displays she created, so be prepared for the literal eye candy ahead!

Not only that, but Sabrina is offering a box of 24 assorted brigadeiros to one lucky winner!!!  Check it out below after the interview and beautiful photos.  Enjoy!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Hello! I'm a Brazilian transplant from the Southern part of Brazil to Los Angeles since 1994. My family always cooked and baked. My passion comes from watching and helping both my grandmothers. They both taught me how to make a few delicious dishes and sweets. Sometime in 2006, I took a professional baking course at Epicurious and cooking classes here and there.

Where did the name of your store come from?

The name behind it its purely from the product itself. I'm a gourmet brigadeiro boutique so Simply Brigadeiro was the right way to go with. Because that's all I do.

Why did you start making goods for Simply Brigadeiro?

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Vintage Remade Feature, Promo & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have one of my favorites shop to share with you!  When I first saw Vintage Remade's booth at Unique LA, I stopped dead in my tracks because Michelle had the cutest vintage sewing machine on display (you can see it below).  Then, I noticed Mic shop name was made up of two of my favorite words: Vintage and Remade!  I obviously love vintage and I am an upcycling fan as well, so when I found out the materials she uses for her bags, I fell even more in love with her items!

So, get this.  Once you peruse through all of the eye candy and read about the roots of Vintage Remade, Michelle is offering a 30% discount to all of my readers AND she is giving away this gorgeous black leather clutch!  I am in love.  Now, enough of me, let's get to the feature!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself! 

Well, first off, thanks so much for the interview! I'm happy to be featured on such a lovely site.  I'm a mostly-self-taught designer living in Los Angeles, but I'm originally from Texas.  Since I was little I've always loved making things and creating.  I started sewing on a whim about seven years ago.


Where did the name of your store come from?

All of my Vintage Remade pieces are quite literally made from repurposed vintage textiles.  I take old clothes, curtains, leather coats, etc. and refashion them into one of a kind handbags.  When I named my shop, I was apparently going through a very literal phase of life.  :)  I had tossed around a few other ideas, but ended up just going with something that made it clear what my line was all about: Vintage Remade.

Why did you start making goods for Vintage Remade?

My first creation was a tote bag made from an old curtain.  When I saw the fabric, in all of it's 1970's glory, I could instantly envision it as a bag.  That purse got me thinking what else I could repurpose, and I began running with the idea of deconstructing old clothes and other fabrics and reimagining them into something new.


What is your favorite item? 

I love getting to do larger leather tote bags.  Leather-working involves using lots of tools, and there's something really fun about a process that's hands on.  Out of everything I make, the leather tote bags are also the most involved, so it's a rewarding accomplishment to see the finished product.

What is your most popular item?

Our leather clutches are probably the most popular item.  A clutch is great because it's versatile enough to use every day, but it can also elevate an outfit.


Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

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Brooklyn Butcher Blocks feature & GIVEAWAY!

For today's Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature, I have an absolutely wonderful shop to share with you today: Brooklyn Butcher Blocks!  It was the end of Unique LA, and I was rounding the corner to exit, when I spotted this booth at the end.  It absolutely stopped me in my tracks!  I was in the midst of my woodworking projects, so I loved absolutely everything that I saw.  Then, while talking to Nils about the pieces he works on, it was apparent that he is extremely thoughtful and invested in his craft.  You will be able to see exactly what I mean in the interview below!

Not only is this one of the best interviews I have shared with you, in terms of insight into a creative small business owner, Nils is offering one of his gorgeous items as a giveaway.  Yes, this gorgeous 12x18x2 End Grain Butcher Block Cutting Board could be showing up on the doorstep of one of you lucky readers!  Stay tuned for that at the end of the post, but first check out some wonderful creations by Nils and how it all gets done!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I haven't ever received any official training--what I've learned has been from family, from studying and from experience.  Not to downplay the importance of the former two, but nothing quite matches experiences.  You just got to do it at some point.


Where did the name of your store come from?

Brooklyn Butcher Blocks: While I call myself a maker of wooden kitchenware now, when I first started I was doing butcher blocks (and rest assured that's the gist of our business, despite also making beer mugs, wine racks, magnetic knife racks and tablet/phone docs, and we're about to finish up our first chair) and I live/work in Brooklyn, NY.  When I started in 2010, Brooklyn seemed to have opportunities around every corner.  I was tentative about calling myself Brooklyn blank, but after some more consideration, I thought that I should name my business after the town that helped me so much creatively and professionally.  I considered it an "ode" or something.


Why did you start making goods for Brooklyn Butcher Blocks?

A knife making friend of mine answered me with, "A certain point, I think it's kind of existential.  You do it just because that's what you do."  I think there's something fundamentally true about that, but I think I'll extrapolate some.  Why I work with my hands is existential in this way (I do because I do), but I think I'm interested in kitchenware because of the odd similarities between kitchens and wood shops.  Once kitchens are put into a home, that's what they are.  You're not going to make it into a bedroom without some serious renovation or an openness to an odd design.  Additionally, kitchens are where you do work; you go in to do a specific job.  It's much like setting up a wood shop in that way.  You want long lasting equipment with a clean, simple, smart design without superfluous gimmicks.

What is your favorite item?

Hm.  I like the 12x18x2 End Grain walnut because it's the classic, it's the building block of my business.

I like the brickwork board because it was a way to keep the same consistent design as everything else but it turned it into something different.  The pattern was still reflective of function and in fact called attention to its function (the brickwork pattern we use is stronger than your run of the mill checkboard pattern)

I like the iBlock because while it added a gimmick to the product, the addition of the tablet slot was extremely useful--like way more than I ever thought it could be, and I think it was a solid idea from the getgo.  Plus it's the first of its kind, I invented it.  So not only are we making really function pieces, not just really beautiful pieces, but innovative pieces.  I'm proud of that.

I also love the beer mugs.  After the iBlock, I thought... "Okay, so how can I make something that's virtually impossible to make?  Like a wooden cup."  Our prototypes tried to stay true to beermugs of the past, but I decided that if I were making a beermug out of wood, then it should stand out and its design should be consistent with the rest of our lineup.  If you wanted a standard beermug, then whynot just buy a standard glass one?  It felt like I stripped down what a beermug should be and rebuilt it.

In short, I love everything I make :P


What is your most popular item?

Anything.  Made.  From.  Walnut.

Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

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Marco Paolo Chocolates feature, GIVEAWAY & promo!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have an absolutely delicious feature for you from Marco Paolo Chocolates!  After meeting Mark at Artisanal LA, I was immediately excited to share these tiny works of edible art with you all.  Not only do the chocolates look gorgeous, the flavors are just as beautiful.

And lucky, lucky you... Mark is giving you the chance to win a Sense-venture nine piece collection of truffles!  Not only that, he is offering a promo to all of my readers, so make sure to stay tuned for that at the end of the post.

First, make sure to check out all the gorgeous chocolates below and find out which chocolate is Mark's peppery favorite!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Mark Lewis, chocolate artisan and founder of Marco Paolo Chocolates.  I have been a life-long connoisseur of fine chocolates and wanted meld his passion for creating flavor harmony in unique ways with my obsession for chocolate. The result is a line of paired chocolate ganache truffles that extend the experience of one of life’s most universal pleasures; the joy and comfort of chocolate indulgence.

My personal exploration and development of unique flavor profiles has been years in the making, and it is a continuing process full of excitement and discovery.

Making chocolate truffles was inspired by my infatuation with a Scotch Bonnet truffle, discovered at a new French style chocolate confectionary and pastry shop in my neighborhood. The now defunct chocolatier made one particularly luscious, not too sweet, but deceivingly spicy tiny morsel that melted in your mouth and left a lasting tingling impression, which was surprisingly distinctive from the others that lacked prominent flavors. These Scotch Bonnet truffles were very small and expensive, so I decided to try and make my own version in a size that fit my cravings. The results were good on first attempt and improved with each trial. After learning all I could from books with many successes and failures working chocolate and formulating recipes, I took a series of classes at the famed Chocolate Academy in Chicago with well-known French chocolatiers. There, my previous trials and tribulations permitted me to soak up the knowledge instantly. I then returned home to practice and further expand my culinary horizons.

Where did the name of your store come from?

Marco Paolo came from my name Mark and my partner's name Paul. We thought that the adventurous tasting journey our chocolate truffles take you on, which we call a sense-venture, is a tip of the hat to the famous explorer Marco Polo.


Why did you start making goods for Marco Paolo Chocolates?

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Grey Theory Mill feature, GIVEAWAY & promo!

This week, I have such a fun Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature for you!  Jonnie, the delightfully quirky girl behind Grey Theory Mill is sharing a bit about her work and life.  Actually, when I say a bit, I mean a lot!  I love how much thought and detail she gave in her interview, which reflects the same amount of attention she gives to each handmade creation.  Also, when I say quirky, I mean it!  Check out a couple of the funniest maker photos that I've ever featured below.  :)

Seriously, I am in love with just about everything in her store.  The jewelry is an awesome mix of geometric designs, fun colors, and sweetness, plus her notebooks are just as pretty!  Seriously, when I first saw her booth at Patchwork, I could not decide on just one design.  Well, luckily the winner of the giveaway won't have to make the same decision because she is giving away $45 to one lucky reader!  And for all of my readers, she is giving a promo to save 15% off at her store.

Stay tuned for that at the end of the interview, but first check out some amazingly creative handmade gems and hear more from Jonnie herself!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Jonnie and I’m a doer-maker-creative-learning-reading-watcher sort of person (or whatever that means). My favorite pastimes include reading, tea-drinking, learning, listening, dancing, being, creating, sharing, cooking, baking, daydreaming, dreaming, pretending, writing, photo-taking, walking, exploring, shopping for supplies, hanging out with my other half/friends/family, and many other present progressives.

I’ve always been rather creative and have always enjoyed an established relationship between my mind and hands. As a very young child (so young this is my mother’s memory), my first masterpiece was a portrait of my mother’s face on the bathroom floor. I had gotten rid of the throw rug and collected every last bit of her makeup and went to town on my linoleum canvas. When she woke up, I was just finishing her piece and I excitedly squealed, “Look momma! It’s you!” She was bummed all her brand new make-up was now diminished, but she said it was really well done. I was also really good at drawing on the walls. So, with that said, I would say I’ve never been too nervous to try out new mediums. If an idea comes to me (whatever it may be) I just figure out how to do it until it can be done. If it can’t, I chalk it up as a learning experience and move on.

I did drama in high school, dabbled in garage bands, and wrote quite a bit. “Art” was something I did on my own time (which was usually collages for my school binder). It wasn’t until my sophomore year of colleg--as an English major--that it struck me I needed to major in art. So I left that college, went back home, completed all the undergrad art courses needed to transfer to a new school and then decided to change my major to Human Development. I started Grey Theory Mill sometime in between and would say that in starting a business, I created my own classroom where I have learned about myself, art, design, online marketing, etc. It wasn’t a clear cut training program, just a conglomeration of personal experience and existing.

Where did the name of your store come from?

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Spazz Happy Line Design feature & GIVEAWAY!

This week on Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I'm featuring Spazz Happy Line Design, with the impeccably named Tiff Tuttle.  Her geometric designs are so fun, and I can't wait for you to check them out!  As well as coming in a variety of creative shapes, they can adorn everything from your walls to coffee table and can hang in a pretty corner or take center stage on a bookcase!

Because she is so lovely, Tiff is giving one of my readers a Flash Diamond Sconce (pictured at the bottom) in the giveaway!  Make sure to enter at the bottom of the post, but first read the interview!  You'll find lots of interesting tidbits, including her surprising day job!

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Hello!! I am Tiff Tuttle, ETSY shop proprietress and Spazz Happy Line Design himmeli maker. I love minimalist design and I have a penchant for all things geometry. I have created my designs with the idea that symmetry establishes balance and generates positive energy in the space it occupies. I believe that straight lines and clean angles will never go out of style, and that everyone should be able to afford objects of beauty. This is why I strive to keep my prices low.


Where did the name of your store come from?



Great question, the name of the store came from me! I am a lover of life, and a lover of all things fantastic. When I encounter something that makes me happy, or excited, I want to tell every single person I can about it. I’ve always liked to share, so when I am inspired or moved or find something magnificent, I want to others to know about it so they can experience and enjoy it for themselves. I have a lot of positive energy and would hug the entire world if I could. So, the name of my store captures part of my essence. I’m generally happy and have this spazzy energy fueling my fire, so the name Spazz Happy seemed fitting. Since I work with lines, I tacked on Line Design to establish my branding a bit more.

Why did you start making goods for Spazz Happy Line Design?



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Tea Drops feature & GIVEAWAY!

This week’s Shop Small Saturday Showcase feature is perfect for the chilly weather right now because it’s all about one of my favorite beverages: tea!  Sashee is such a warm, inviting person, it's only right that she wants to spread her love of tea to the world through Tea Drops.  Seriously, check out the beautiful video below, and you'll see exactly what I mean!

Coincidentally, I used to have an advisor from Sri Lanka (you will see Sashee's connection in the interview below), who would insist on a daily tea break so we could be more productive later in the day.  It was such a highlight of my day!  Now, even with a crazy schedule, I can continue the tradition thanks to Tea Drops!

Lastly, Sashee is offering a Variety Box of Tea Drops in a lovely wood box to one of my lucky readers!  From experience, I know that you will want to try them all for yourself, so it's perfect.  :)  Make sure to stay tuned for the giveaway at the bottom of the post.  Now, to the interview!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Sashee Chandran and I am a life-long tea drinker! Tea has always played a pivotal ritual in my life. With a father from Sri Lanka and mother from China (two of the largest tea exporting countries in the world), becoming a tea junkie was a really hard destiny to avoid. To me, tea is like a hug in a mug, and I've tried to share that same outlook with as many friends and strangers that allow me to.

I don't claim to be a tea connoisseur at all. I simply have observed the ritual of tea my entire life and have come to love the memories that are created over a great cup of tea.  Different teas often correspond to a particular memory in my younger life, that's what I love about it; When I had long day and needed comfort, Chamomile soothed its way in. Chai was a common tea of choice for a good heart to heart with friends. PG black tea was the social tea and reminiscent of Sri Lankan family gatherings in England. Chrysanthemum tea reminds me of trips to China Town with my mom. So many of my fondest and best memories were created over a great cup of tea.

Over the years, I've come across many who tell me that they don't drink tea, and specifically that they don't drink tea because of the huge ritual involved - from sifting through the varieties of tea, investing in a tea strainer, familiarizing oneself with steep times, adding sugar, adding milk, on top of finding a moment to enjoy a cup of tea amidst a busy day. This is really the reason why Tea Drops was born -- to spread the love of tea to as many people as possible by making the tea process simple and accessible.

Where did the name of your store come from?

Tea Drops was born from my sheer passion for tea and desire to simplify the tea experience, so that it can be made accessible to as many people as possible. While I love the ritual of making tea the traditional way with loose leaf and steep times, I often found myself bouncing in between meetings but still wanting a high quality cup of tea. The notion of being able to drop a tea morsel in your cup, stir, and enjoy  is what captivated me and inspired me to create Tea Drops. The name "Tea Drops" seemed like the perfect way to describe what this tea is about and how it works.


Why did you start making goods for Tea Drops?

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Stacy Wong Handmade feature and GIVEAWAY!

Welcome back to the Shop Small Saturday Showcase!  For today's feature, I have the lovely Stacy of Stacy Wong Handmade!  She has so many lovely items in her shop, all with an attention to detail and lovingly handmade by the woman herself!  I curated a few items in the collage below, which would be amazing for Valentine's Day, but I think many of her items are perfect for the sweet little girl or boy in your life.

In fact, she is giving away one of her sweet Birthday Year Blocks to one of my lucky readers!  Check out how to enter at the bottom of the post, but first read on and get ready to enjoy some serious crafted eye candy!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Art & creating have always been a part of my life. People say I have a keen eye for the unique and special. I’m also a resourceful creative and a Multi-Tasker Extraordinaire. While I took art classes in high school, I am self-trained and always learning.


Where did the name of your store come from?

It's my name – I just couldn’t think of another interesting name!


Why did you start making goods for Stacy Wong?

After my boys were born, I started designing and creating baby gifts and products on a very part time basis. Many of these "little works of art" were products I couldn't find in the market for baby gifts and nursery decor.  I opened an Etsy shop to sell my products directly to customers. Although the growth was slow (due to my working a fulltime career in Human Resources), I managed to continue to juggle my family, creative work and HR for many years.

What is your favorite item?

My favorite product is one of my newest – animal puzzle blocks. They are a set of 2, solid wood blocks which have images of the top half and bottom half of four domestic animals (bird, cat, dog, and rabbit). Little hands match the blocks to form each animal image. The word of each animal is on the block so kiddos can learn and even spell the animal’s name. The blocks are very kid friendly – they are 2 ½” blocks for easy grasping, and I use water-based inks and soy paint. They are also not laminated or varnished in any way.


What is your most popular item?

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Thread Therapy feature & GIVEAWAY!

I am really, really looking forward to covering some white walls in the new house, and I have a Thread Therapy piece in my sights!  I went to Patchwork Long Beach a few months ago thinking that I might find a couple of new shops to feature and I just fell in love with Crystal's creations!

Let's get to the feature, plus enter to win a giveaway for your own creation!

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Crystal. I grew up in a small desert area of Southern California about an hour northeast of LA. Growing up, I always loved to create. Coloring, painting, makeup, crafts, food... anything I could make, I wanted to try. At 16, I started cosmetology school and completely found my niche. I met my husband at 18, started dating at 19, and we were married when I was 22. When I was 25 I had my first daughter and cut down to just two days in the salon which enabled me to stay home with her most of the time. My second daughter arrived just 20 short months later and again, I cut my time down in the salon to one day a week. I'm carrying my third baby girl right now and there will be a 19 month gap between the second and third. Having the three little ladies in such a short period of time was NEVER my plan, but God always knows better than me and my husband and I are so very much in love with them.


Where did the name of your store come from?
 
When I made my very first piece I found it very therapeutic. I had a simple piece of wood with some nails in it sitting in my lap. I slowly started pulling the string in all directions and as the gaps of wood became less evident, a picture began to form. I looked at my husband and said "Look at this, this is so cool and really therapeutic." He laughed at me and I said, "I'm serious, I'm gonna start a business and call it Thread Therapy! It's perfect alliteration!" Again he laughed and I laughed too.

Why did you start making goods for Thread Therapy?

I was asked to teach a DIY class at a local consignment store where I had some various things for sale. I dabble in everything from acrylic painting and watercolor to sewing and refinishing furniture, but I didn't feel like I had anything great to teach. I looked and looked at crafts online and bookmarked a few things. I am forever saying "I could do that" when I see a project, so I decided to try a few to see which would work for a class. The first thing I tried of course, was the string art because to me it seemed like a skill you learn and develop and can then turn it into a gift for anyone in your life, so it seemed great for a class. My first piece was a star that came out a little crooked because it was a little harder than I had anticipated. I went to sleep that night plagued with images of string and dancing nails. The next day I made a few more and figured out a few techniques. I posted it on my Instagram page (with no real intentions of selling these) and within an hour I had my first order and probably close to a dozen other inquiries. Thread Therapy was born and I never did teach that class.

What is your favorite item?

My favorite piece that I've made is hanging on my living room wall. It's a larger piece around 2 feet long and it says "peace" in variegated tones of yellow and green. My living room is yellow and green because I love color and I wanted a cheery, happy, yet PEACEful place to hang out with my babies. Peace is something that everyone craves in every area of their lives, it's the reason behind nearly every decision you make. You eat, pray, listen to music, hang out with friends, exercise... All for what? To bring a sense of order and peace to your life. In this day and age there is so much chaos and ugly happening in our world, people spend their whole lives looking for peace, I have found mine in God. I seek peace daily in my own home with my crazy girls and since I'm a visual person, I wrote it on my wall.

What is your most popular item?

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$100 Best Buy Giveaway!

Who couldn't use an extra $100?  Today, I wanted to let you in on a great group giveaway to win $100 to Best Buy!  Definitely a great way to celebrate the start of summer, with a shopping spree.  :)

Good luck!

Hosted by:
NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by:
Barbara's Beat, GiveawayFrenzy.com and Simply Sherryl.



One lucky winner will win a...

Best Buy E-Gift Card $100
(2 code $50 each, can be used together in store or online)

June 30 To July 14 11:59pm EST.

Valid only in the Continental United States.
Void where prohibited

18 years or older to enter/only 1 entrant per household
Winner is chosen through random.org

All entries are optional.

All winning entries will be verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Vintage Zest is not responsible for the awarding of the prize. If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com  This blog, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media network is not associated with this giveaway.

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