An Interview with Allison Kapner

Today's Feature is a wonderful woman named Allison Kapner and boy, she is SO creative and even eco-friendly! She hand sews wonderful items and comes up with some new and hip ideas using recycled/upcycled fabrics! Take a look at her interview!


1. What is the name of your business?
Allison Kapner Originals

2. What has been your inspiration behind your business and/or products?
Seeing potential in items that other people have found no longer useful.

3. How long have you been doing your art/craft? I have sewing and quilting for 10 years, but the past 3 years I have spent focusing on creating my items for others.

4. What is your most favorite piece of art/craft that you constructed?
A suede purse that I made from a suede skirt that I had that I haven't fit in since high school.

5. What is something that keeps you going forward with your art/crafts? The ability to come up with new ideas, or work with new materials seems endless. The ideas seem to always be out there, it just might take me awhile to turn the idea into a project.

6. What are your hopes and dreams for your business in 2010? That I'll get more collaborative projects with customers, and that I'll have more ideas to share with people through my blog - The Sewing Lawyer: http://kappysews.wordpress.com/

7. If you can learn another craft, what craft would you like to learn?
I would love to learn how to create my own fabric designs.

8. What would you like to tell other artists/crafters who are just starting out their business?
Make what you love, not what you think others might like. Have a passion for what you do, and make sure it is enjoyable (even though it might be a lot of work).

Check out Allison Kapner's Facebook page below!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lake-Worth-FL/Allison-Kapner-Originals/348972263960?ref=ts&__a=8&ajaxpipe=1

Allison Kapner's etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kappy6

Interview with Veezie of "The Dirty Peaches Clothing Co."

This person I chose to interview is Veezie of the "Dirty Peaches Clothing Co." I met Veezie at a craft fair and she is a great inspiration to keep on recycling and sewing! Read more up on Veezie and what she does!

Interview Questions


1. What is the name of your business?
the dirty peaches clothing, co.

2. What has been your inspiration behind your business and/or products?
at first it was just to sew, deconstruct, sew. but now its to (a) make really beautiful clothing from 100% recycled material (b) help mamas stay at home with their children and (c) save the world and make everyone in it pretty. :)

3. How long have you been doing your art/craft?
i graduated fashion school in 2002. i officially started dirty peaches in 2004 (as pretty in punk, and changed the name later), and only really started the ball rolling when my partners, heather & may joined up with me this year. BUT i've been making my own clothing and jewelry from "garbage" since forever. i was a poor kid.
4. What is your most favorite piece of art/craft that you constructed?
my fav thing is always the last thing.

5. What is something that keeps you going forward with your art/crafts?
money. lmao. no, jk. i like the idea that if i can make fashion this way, then other people can do this, and maybe, just maybe, one cute dress at a time, we can somehow change the way we make fashion.

6. What are your hopes and dreams for your business in 2010?
to just keep truckin' through. we are just barely making it and i hope that with all the hard work we've been putting in it'll pay off soon.

7. If you can learn another craft, what craft would you like to learn?
metal working. welding... but christian says that you can never have a ct scan once you're a welder because of the metal bits in your eyeballs.... so we'll see how that goes........

8. What would you like to tell other artists/crafters who are just starting out their business?
no matter what happens, keep truckin' and keep having fun with what you do. it will show. and that will be the winning ticket. the pieces we make that are just... made, don't sell. but the stuff we make that we are just in love with making every step of the way are always the first to go. its cheesy, but there's something to be said about making your items with love. its what kept crafting alive for the last billion years (or however long its been. lol).


Be sure to check out The Dirty Peaches Clothing Co. HERE! and catch up on their latest fairs and items!

Ahoy Mateys!

Ahoy Mateys! Summer is approaching and boats are sailing! I just adore anything with boats, anchors, fish, water etc.. so I wanted to show a bunch of great finds with these theme! Here they are! Check them out!

SilverBeyondOrdinary on Etsy has this really awesome bracelet..



TheCozyNest- Anchor's Away Pillow will really add a cute accent to your boating decor!

ButterCookies has these adorable nautical shoes..handpainted! CUTE!

KarenMiller has beautiful pictures all made from wood. This particular piece is called, "Crossing Paths" and it is made from an old door panel and chair rungs. Very cool!

Ponderandstitch has beautiful handmade bracelet cuffs! This particular one is a pretty charcoal greyish/blue color that would be so cute with a little nautical outfit!

Fabulous Vintage Passage Key Jewelry by Sojourcuriosities

Sojourncuriosities specializes in mixed media jewelry using vintage keys, wire wrapping, beads and whatever she can get her hands on into making such beautiful and unique jewelry. Her jewelry is one of a kind and you can easily find something in her shop for yourself or for someone else! If for some reason, you can't find something, no worries! She accepts custom orders as well as wholesale! Check her out at www.sojourncuriosities.etsy.com



She also has done some beautiful collaborations as well! Pumpkin Pye Boutique has had the opportunity to do a Coraline Inspired piece with her! A black clay button bowed skeleton key, faceted & starry blue and purple glass beads, and vivid dusky purple & blue wire.

Measures 2.5" long, with bail, and 1" across at widest point.
Presented on black organza ribbon necklace with lobster clasp. Other colors available upon request



Another gorgeous collaboration was done by Jupita, also an etsy member. Vintage silver hued
key and a cluster of iridescent glass beads accent this lovely upcycled gift card necklace by Jupita.Etsy.Com.
Handcut starbucks gift cards merge with this adorned key to create this amazing upcycled necklace. The upcycled starbucks card pieces are different from front to back of the piece. (Meaning, you can flip it over for a different look!!)

Chain portion is 18", drop is 3"

A perfect gift for Mom, your favorite barista, or even better.. yourself!

If you are interested in seeing some more beautiful work from Jupita.Etsy.Com go check out her shop!