2,000 Sales Celebration Giveaways!

We've almost reached 2,000 items sold in our Etsy shop! As of my typing this, we've had 1993 sales, which is the year that my favorite album of all time came out: Siamese Dream. If you consider that most of the "items" that we sell are actually sets of 2 or more glasses, then we've probably sold around 4,000 products on Etsy since opening shop on July 5th, 2007. Wow!

To celebrate this big milestone, I've decided to give away some extra special fused glass jewelry and brand-spanking new BADGER shot glasses for each sale up to our 2,000th. None of these products have been available for sale online before, so you'll be the coolest kid on your block (and possibly your whole state) if you get one.

Purchase something now to get one of these free gifts! Thanks for helping us get this far!

[Fine print: I'll choose the gift that you receive, and the gifts are subject to availability, but I'm open to suggestions if there's something you'd prefer. Fused glass jewelry incorporates an assortment of my original designs, includes pendants, rings and hair clips, and comes in red, turquoise and olive green. Badger shot glasses come in round cobalt blue or clear square shapes. Also, the retail value of your gift will be of equal or lesser value than your purchase, but I'll throw in some extras if you spend over $50 or buy more than one item. Mmmkay?]

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New Mugs and Stemware

March is traditionally one of our slowest months of the year, but that just means we've got more time to make stuff! I recently bought a whole bunch of mugs, teacups with saucers and champagne flutes from the thrift store, which we sandblasted with a whole assortment of images.

I've been listing them in our Etsy shop for the past few days, and one of the champagne flute sets has already sold! I'll be shopping for more stemware and mugs soon, to try to keep them in stock all the time. Sometimes they're really hard to come by, though. Matching glassware in good condition (without a bank logo or something on it) is hard to find. Also, you'd be amazed how many chipped or broken-handled mugs end up at thrift stores. I spend HOURS carefully scrutinizing items before I buy them secondhand. But I think it's totally worth it, don't you?

Since we had to move all our furniture for the carpet installation in our house, I had the opportunity to do some reorganizing of our inventory. The exciting thing is that I found a box with 4 brand new wine glasses in it, which I didn't even know we had! I promptly put mustaches on them and listed them in our Etsy shop as well.

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I Heart Art PDX + My Day with Visitors from Etsy.com

This past Friday was the first I Heart Art gathering here in Portland, set up as a meet 'n greet networking event for locals to meet each other and learn more about the group. There was quite a bit of networking going on between the 500+ attendees!

If you're unfamiliar with I Heart Art, it's basically a big collaboration between Etsy.com, PNCA (Pacific Northwest College of Art), the PDX Etsy team (sellers on Etsy), and other local groups that want to offer resources and business opportunities to students, Etsy sellers, and the general public. There will be FREE monthly professional development workshops, one of which I'll be teaching in August!

  

The day after the meet 'n greet event, Vanessa and Morgan (from Etsy.com headquarters in New York) met with Christine Claringbold and me at the Trillium Artisan store to discuss a potential partnership with the Trillium Artisans Etsy team. I'm super excited about the prospects of this collaboration! Christine outlined some great goals that will help our team enormously.

 

After our meeting, I brought Morgan and Vanessa over to Sword + Fern, which is a rad brick & mortar boutique run by fellow-Trillium member, Emily Baker. I couldn't stop photographing the rainbow-colored origami decorations she has around her shop! Emily has tons of stunning artifacts in every nook and cranny of her store, but I kept being drawn back to the bright colored paper.

For lunch, I brought the ladies over to the food carts on 12th and Hawthorne for some crepes. Really, what trip to Portland would be complete without eating at food carts? They're all over our city, and everyone has a favorite. My crepe had figs, prosciutto, chevre and honey. So good!

Spending the day with Morgan and Vanessa was such a great opportunity to learn more about Etsy's goals with I Heart Art, and to share some of my personal feelings on things. I feel like my voice was heard, which is sometimes hard in a group of over 4 million Etsy.com users. Since the majority of my business income comes from my Etsy shop, it's extra important to stay in touch with their company. I can't wait to see what else is on the horizon!

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Valentine Giveaway!

From now until Feb. 14th, any purchase of $25 or more (not including shipping) will receive a FREE "I Heart Music" Recycled Glass Corked Bottle, while supplies last.

It's a roly poly bud vase! Or a perfect gift, if you fill it with candy. Or a keepsake bottle, great for displaying colored sand, glitter, or your favorite spice mix. You could use it as a scented oil diffuser... There are so many possibilities!

We have lots of offbeat Valentine's Day gifts, especially if you're searching for the ever-elusive "guy gift".

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Zombies and Pirates and Robo-Dinos, oh my!

We've had a whirlwind of a month so far, making tons of new things, and also trying not to overwork ourselves. We took our first day off since New Year's, and spent it hanging gutters (our house and garage came without them) and chopping down the overgrown lawn. Now it's back to photo shoots and updating our wholesale order form!

The Robo-Dino design is our first artist collaboration! Our friend, Mary, of Lollytots, is letting us use one of her most popular images for our new collection. If you're a fan of the Robo-Dino then please check out her shop. It's chock full of cuteness, bright colors and fuzzy hats that are perfect for ladies, gents and wee ones!

We've already added Zombie Apocalypse and Jolly Roger pints, double-old-fashioned glasses and soap dispensers to our Etsy shop, with shot glasses and new oil and vinegar bottles being listed throughout the week. (Shoot me an email or convo if you want something that isn't listed yet, and I'll get it online for you asap!)

If you're a current wholesale customer of ours, I'll be emailing our latest order form and line sheet to you really soon. If you'd like to become a wholesale customer of ours, please let me know you'd like to be added to the list.

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BOGO Clearance Sale!

Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off!

All Pint Glasses & Soap Dispensers on Sale!

Get the best deals of the year during our BOGO Sale through Jan. 1st, New Year's Day. Every pint glass and soap dispenser is Buy One, Get One Half Off on our website and Etsy shop (prices are already reduced for you)--including our top-sellers like the Mustache, Bicycle and Robot!

Stock up on gifts for the rest of the year, or treat yourself to a full set of drinking glasses for under $100! Mix-and-match designs to get all your favorites, and snag the last of our retired designs before they're gone (more details below).

1 Pint Glass: $15.00

2 Pint Glasses: $22.50

4 Pint Glasses: $45.00

6 Pint Glasses: $67.50

8 Pint Glasses: $90.00

1 Recycled Glass Soap Dispenser: $25.00

2 Recycled Glass Soap Dispensers: $37.50

4 Recycled Glass Soap Dispensers: $75.00

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Out With the Old - In With the New
We hope you had a joyful and relaxing holiday! We spent the day eating, playing video games, and putting tons of items on sale in our shop. We need to make room for new designs (we're in the process of collaborating with other artists to create some really exciting art!), so a bunch of current designs are being retired and replaced.

Please say good-bye to the Dogwood Flowers, Dragonfly, Koi Fish, Seahorse, Pirate Skull, Steady Snail, Tree and Winged Heart. All these designs will be on sale until they're gone. Get yours now, before it's too late!

We plan on releasing a new series of designs (including a staggering ZOMBIE) in January, as well as starting to accept wholesale and custom orders again. We just need a little time to clear our heads and our workspace from the holiday chaos. :)

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Cyber Monday Sales!

To celebrate Cyber Monday, for today only, we're offering FREE SHIPPING on all pendants and accessories in our Etsy shop, plus FREE SHIPPING on absolutely everything in our second jewelry shop on Etsy, Silver Squirrel!

The discounted beaded jewelry at Silver Squirrel is all one-of-a-kind, and I won't be making any more like it.

Since pint glasses are our biggest sellers, and shipping is a bit expensive, we thought we should offer discounted shipping to you guys. So, for the rest of the day, you can get HALF PRICE SHIPPING to the U.S. or Canada on all pint glass sets of 2 or more. That's right--shipping is actually cheaper if you buy 2 or more pint glasses, than if you were to get just one.

Don't wait! This sale is only going on for a few more hours!

We were going to save these Musical Heart Note recycled glass corked bottles until Valetine's Day, but I thought we should release them early. For a limited time, they'll be on sale for only $6 in our Etsy shop.

Fill it with your favorite candy and give it as a gift, keep one for yourself and put colored sand inside it, or use it as a scented oil diffuser. My brother-in-law designed the graphic, and we put it on these cute little bottles for his wedding.

(Discounts and shipping prices have already been adjusted, so there's nothing you need to do to get the sale prices. The shipping calculator on our website works differently than the one on Etsy, so if you order from BreadAndBadger.com, we'll send you a refund through Paypal, or discount your order before processing your credit card, depending on your payment method.)

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Housewarming

We've now reached that point in the year when Sean and I are completely incapable of cooking, washing dishes, laundry, or ourselves. So it's a good thing we had our housewarming party a few weeks ago, back when we had time to vacuum the kitchen carpet.

I don't think we've ever had that many friends over at the same time before! It's such a great feeling to have the space for kids to run around in, and adults to talk or sit or eat food, or whatever adults want to do. We had a fabulous evening, and can't wait to have another gathering. Thanks to everyone who made it, and super huge thanks for all the gifts. We loved your company, but fancy food, beverages and thoughtful home decor were extra appreciated.

The psychedelic clock is an Eye Pop Art original, hand-painted by our friend, Christine, on a recycled vinyl record. We keep changing our minds about which room of the house it should stay in, since we want one in every room! I love that the copper paint is metallic, and gives an unexpected shine when you're walking past it.

Mary of Lolly-tots gave us some prints of her newest artwork, which have taken up residence next to the seagreen glass hen on a nest that I discovered at a thrift store as we were painting the house. Our plans are still in the works, but Mary and I are working on collaborating this spring on a new project! Stay tuned for more details...

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Cicada Jewelry by KimiDukes

Where I grew up, we had a lot of cicadas in the summer. Their unmistakable buzzing was intrinsically linked with the sticky, humid New England weather. I used to patrol our backyard, searching for their creepy brown skins, which were always attached to our split-rail fence. I don't know why they fascinated me so much, but I've never quite gotten over it.

When I was at Crafty Wonderland recently, I discovered the amazing natural history style jewelry of local Portland designer, KimiDukes. Her deceptively simple pieces incorporate all kinds of hidden treasures: cast resin cicada bodies, tiny bird skulls and bones, shiny beetle wings, dried seeds and other lovelies. The bold colors of the resin contrast perfectly with the earthy pods. These beautiful accessories brought back all the wonder and joy of discovering little pieces of nature from my childhood!

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Eleven is my Lucky Number

What a fun way to start the day!

Don't forget to enter my LOLcat Book Giveaway, which ends this Friday! All the details are in this post. You could win a free copy of the new book from icanhascheezburger.com, How to Take Over Teh Wurld. Tell your friends!

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Red Boots Design Hoodie

Another great thing I picked up at Renegade in S.F. was this awesome purple zippered hoodie from Red Boots Design! I knew I needed a new sweatshirt, but I still had a really tough time choosing between all their great colors and designs.

I finally settled on this great Koi fish design, since I loved these pretty fish printed on the front and back. Plus, I've never owned an outerwear garment in such a perfectly bold color. (Do I sound like a crazy elderly person for saying "outerwear garment"?)

Not only do Red Boots make great clothes with a heavy focus on bike themes and mechanical diagrams, but they also make beautiful wall-mountable bottle openers. I've already picked out the perfect one for my future house in turquoise and bright red. These folks have totally got my number in the color department. Plus, this dude has the best curly handlebar mustache, AND they let us borrow their dolly to load our stuff into Renegade the first day. Love love love them!!

P.S. The button that I put on the pocket says "get excited and make things" (patterned after those "stay calm and carry on" posters). Someone awesome gave it to me at Maker Faire.

P.P.S. Think it rains all the time in Portland? Check out the crispy grass in our front yard. It's sort of like the desert here in the summer, FYI.

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Skeletal Dropkick Mugs

Remember when we went to Renegade Craft in San Fransisco all those weekends ago? I know, I haven't talked about it much. Well, one of my favorite things from the event was picking up some handmade pottery mugs from Skeletal Dropkick!

The first time I discovered these awesome skull creations was when SD were the featured sellers on Etsy. It's so great to finally meet an artist in person and be able to touch and hold their wares for the first time, especially if you've been secretly admiring them online for a really long time. I loved hearing the story behind how this mug shape came into being, and learning a bit about the firing and glazing process.

I love that these mugs are like the big and little brother of caffeinated pleasures. I had a tough time choosing between these and all the other monster jars, bowls, and teapots that were available. I guess I'll just have to add to my collection over time.

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Maureen Shields Paintings

I have some time this afternoon to sit in front of the computer for a little while (with a cold glass of water and a big fan blowing on me, of course), so I thought I'd finally share some of my favorite artists from Renegade Craft San Fransisco with you.

The first artist whose work really popped our at me was Maureen Shields. It could have been the vibrant colors she uses (I'm addicted to anything turquoise right now), or the amusing animal-people she paints in high-contrast retro styles.

Not only do Maureen's paintings feature bold dayglo colors, but most of her original work is done on wooden plaques. My future home has a wall that is just screaming out for one of these masterpieces!

[Purchase from mosie26.etsy.com or Artist Xchange in San Francisco, CA]

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Tea Time with Anda from Etsy

A few folks from Etsy.com are traveling around the west coast, visiting some of the street teams between Renegade Craft Fair events. We were lucky enough to have Anda (who does the social networking and webgraphics for Etsy--if you follow Etsy on Twitter, you've been reading her tweets!) stop in for Tea Time in Laurelhurst Park!

It was a beautiful day to be in the park, and I loved getting to see some of my crafty friends. We need to hang out more often! I also got to knit a few more rows on the banana silk scarf I'm working on.

From the left are Ryan (littleputbooks), Lea (leakarts), Leah (leahpellegrini), Aimee, Danielle (misspurl), Judi (curlygirlglass), Kirsten (piperewan), and Anda.

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Man-tastic Front Page, or How I Love CraftCult.com

My Rocket Ship Pint Glasses were on Etsy's front page this morning! It looks like a Father's Day-themed treasury, with lots of great items. I love the tooled leather wallet, the bike inner tube book and the ceramic shot glass. Such great picks!

I discovered this page while checking my stats on CraftCult.com. If you have an Etsy shop, you need to check out CraftCult! I'm a serious statistic junkie, and I'm constantly checking to see if any of my items are featured on the front page, in the Storque, or in gift guides. Plus, they archive all the front page treasuries, so you can see exactly what you've missed!

CraftCult.com became well-known for their Heart-o-Matic, which gives you info on your shop and item hearts (the people who add your stuff as a "favorite"). What a fabulous way to waste some time! :)

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Happy Etsy Day!

Today is officially Etsy Day, so I thought I'd share a small sampling of shops from my favorites. Who are your favorite Etsy sellers that you've bought from, or have always wanted to buy from?

[The Risk I Took Was Calculated, But Man, Am I Bad At Math - 8 x 10 ART PRINT]
the Mincing Mockingbird

These guys have beautiful paintings of birds. They used to have lots of funny comments printed on each one (as if the birds were yelling something snarky), but they seem to have switched over to simple realist paintings which are still lovely.

[Morpho Butterfly Landing Ring]
Neile

This shop makes amazing jewelry from real butterflies! No insects were harmed in the making of their unique pieces, since they're found dead. I think this makes them incredible recycling artists.

[SALE Ride the Fox]
She Rides the Lion

I'm a big fan of these whimsical wood block prints. You can purchase original art or prints from this shop.

[Do Not Touch Maternity Tee]
Salmon Street Studio

Sean and I have a few of Salmon Street's t-shirts, and we love them! If I ever find myself "in the family way", I'm snatching up one of these porcupine maternity tees before you can say "ouch".

[Franz Kafka Parable Vladmaster Set]
Vladmaster

This awesome gal takes 3D photos and turns them into little stories that you can view on an old school Viewmaster (remember those??). I bought one of these sets for my friends last year, and it even came with a mini CD of music that you're supposed to listen to while viewing the images. Love it.

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Mini Mobile

I won this colorful little mobile on my friend Leah's blog a while ago, and I just got around to photographing it. I found a perfect little hook just outside my office window to hang it from, and it was dancing crazy this afternoon in the strong winds! I love staring at it when I need a break from staring at the computer screen.


You can pick up one of these mini-mobis for yourself (or for your mom for Mother's Day!) from Leah on Etsy. She has a fantastic selection of colors to choose from, or we'd be happy to work together on a one-of-a-kind etched mobile for you like this Ocean Critter one.

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Space Rocks My World

These were such a fun design to draw! I originally developed the Astronauts in Love for a custom cookie jar, but I heard lots of requests to put them on pint glasses. I listed one pair in our Etsy shop, but I can make more if they sell out.

There's also a new guitar design (also developed as a custom order), but I'll wait until the morning to list it. I have knitting that's calling to me! I hope you'll understand.

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Craftgasm Weekend

I had such a fabulous weekend, I can't believe it's over! On Saturday, I went with my friend, Adrienne, to the second day of the Handmade Nation movie premiere here in Portland. Before the film, we got brunch with Twitter friends Heather Mann of CROQ Zine (and her 2 adorable boys,) and Melissa (aka KnitFemme). It was great for me to finally put some faces and voices to the people that I virtually chat with all the time!

We stayed for the panel discussion after the movie with filmmaker Faythe Levine, and other crafty celebs Betsy Greer, Susan Beal, Kate Bingaman-Burt, Jill Bliss and Garth Johnson. It was refreshing to hear their views on the current DIY crafts movement, and to hear about their own backgrounds.

While we were at the Museum of Contemporary Craft, and I completely fell in love with Mandy Greer's exhibit of mossy green dripping chandalier-like fiber/bead/buttony yumminess. I can't really describe it better than that, but I want some!

Sunday was spent vending at Crafty Wonderland, which was packed with people all day! It was really encouraging to kick off the month with some good sales and lots of positive feedback about the new jewelry line. I got rid of some seconds that have been taking up space in the studio, and I got the message (loud and clear!) that you guys really want to see some Astronaut Love designs. They're on their way!

I picked up a copy of the Handmade Nation book and got it autographed by Faythe Levine and a whole bunch of other people who had a hand in the making of the book and film. I sort of wanted to pass it around "yearbook syle" and have all the Crafty Wonderland vendors sign it, since it felt like such a magical day. I also traded for a pair of earrings by Giant Jewels. I'm trying to decide if I should give them as a gift to someone, or keep them for myself!

[The first 3 photos are by the amazing Lee Meredith. You can see more of her photos of this weekend here. The 4th photo is by me--it's of my awesome friend, Autumn Drey of Autumn Comfort Candles. Check out our collaborative etched wine bottle candles on the top right!]

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New jewelry is here!

I just started listing jewelry items from our new fused glass line in our Etsy shop! I'm adding items slowly so they don't overload the other products in the shop, but I'm happy to create a listing for anything you see in our Flickr photos (if it's available). Just email me!

The new items are selling at an introductory price while we get some feedback, so now's the best time for a bargain! We've also marked down all the older pendant styles to just $15.

I'll be bringing everything that isn't listed online with me to Crafty Wonderland on Sunday, so if you're in Portland, partaking in the Handmade Nation extravaganza known as "craftgasm", then stop by the Doug Fir Lounge on E Burnside to see our new stuff.

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