Handmade Holiday

Do you like this photo? I made it myself. I didn't just pay a graphic designer to do it for me. Doesn't that make you appreciate it more? The answer to that question is "yes", and this is exactly my point. Never mind that I couldn't size it correctly to fit in the parameters. That is not the point!

People will truely love the gifts you give them this year if you make them. Now I know this sounds ridiculous, so maybe you don't make gifts for everyone. Maybe, make a gift for at least one person. We all have someone we know that we could make something for and they would love. And not just your mom, someone else too. Before you blow me off, it's easier than you think. The internet is full of resources, and so is the library, a book store, a craft store, the supermarket, thrift stores, and hardware stores. People are dying for you to get creative in their name. It's way trendier than buying them a new ipod or Starbucks giftcard.

To give you further inspiration I'll show you what I'm going to make and give out, and no it isn't scarves.

It's a hand-covered light switch! What man on your list wouldn't want these through out his house? All you need is glue and an old issue of Maxim. This is proof that there is a craft for every creative comfort level. A gift doesn't have to be expensive to be amazing.

I could go on with more examples but you get the point.

(I apologize if that example was too graphic)

Despite my winning argument if you still don't think giftmaking is for you, then buy a handmade gift. There are tons of options there. And if you don't mind I'd like to take a minute to plead this case. When items are made by hand they are just, so, amazing. Crafters are passionate and inspired by their world, and they put every bit of their heart into their work. Then you buy it, give it to someone, and you all share in the joy! Unique gifts have character and personality, like the real-life person you give it to. Because artisans are regaining popularity the recipient of your gift will find you more hip and socially aware. And finding a selfish reason to do something is so much more rewarding. 

Seriously, I am going to cut myself off now, but I do encourage you to act on what I've written. Go to the locally owned gift shop in town. Or go online and search "handmade gifts." I can make it even easier for you. Go to http://www.etsy.com/ or http://www.artfire.com/

I can also do you one better. Buy a handmade gift and have all the proceeds go to charity. http://www.rightasrain.org/

I'm shutting myself off now.

                    
http://how2dostuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-make-secret-hollow-book.html

OK, seriously, get out of here now.

My First Business Trip

St. Augustine, Florida, is where Florida Scarf was born. An event called “The Café 11 Trunk Show” was where I sold my first items in 2007. On November 16, 2010, I returned to the same people at the same show and had just as much fun as I’d ever had. It is the farthest I've ever traveled to do a show. I was most excited to use the company card for gas and food. Usually it only sees the light for internet purchases. I was in town for a total of 51 hours, and boy, did I make the most of it. In this post I plan to highlight the most awesome parts.

I did a bit (a big bit) of shopping. But isn’t that what one does on a vacation? (Oops. I mean business trip) I would like to highlight for you my most awesome finds. The first piece I found at the end of my trip. But it is by far the best, a real “once in a lifetime.”

There was a thrift store that was closing. Everything was 75% off. You couldn’t beat it! I have to thank my buddy Tara Ferreira for dragging me there and making this purchase possible. In case you are wondering, yes, it’s a sculpted beer-coozie.

This next piece I purchased at the Trunk Show. It is by Paper Root, a local design company. Ever wonder what you get when you cross Willie Nelson with a Leopard?

I have to really thank Paper Root for this gem of a t-shirt.
P.S. this shirt is not one of a kind. You can get your own at http://paperrootclothing.com/
It’s better if you give it as a gift.

I also got an oversized owl ring. This look isn’t for everyone, but it suits me. The manufacturer has taken a symbol of ancient forestall wisdom and made it out of cheap metal and fake diamonds. Does it get anymore ridiculous? For this piece I apologize to anyone who prefers his or her owls made out of patchwork vintage fabric and sewn onto a journal cover.

Available at St. Augustine Art Glass (if anyone has taste like mine)

I also scored some killer pieces at an American Apparel Outlet Store. I’m psyched about them, but I don’t need to show you. We all know you shop at American Apparel when you need clothes to make you look like you just stepped off the set of FAME.

Not only did I get all this great new stuff, but I also got something returned to me. It’s a totally rockin’ purse that isn’t even big enough to fit my wallet, but I love it. I forgot I was missing it until it was returned. That’s like when you put your winter coat on for the first time and find a bunch of goodies in the pockets. $$

Good Old Boxing Glove-Purse. I've missed you and your gold tooth.
The Trunk Show itself was a blast. This year they had it at a much bigger venue and incorporated DJ’s and a fashion show. Florida Scarf closed the show, so the models really let loose. It was great. I feel like I made some new friends. And of course, it was great to see my old friends. (like the one in particular who stayed and helped me pack up in the dark. Amanda, we know ho you are)

I apologize but I do not have any photos. If you are interested you might check a few spots.
http://www.surfthedrift.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/classicblends
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-Augustine-FL/Two-Hundred-Lounge/115325628516378

If I get my hands on any they will be posted in the future. In the mean time you can see/shop my fashion show pieces. I call them, “ Florida Scarf Couture.” 

They will be at http://www.etsy.com/shop/scgeraci

Thank you very much for reading this post. I trust it was more enjoyable than the last.

Until Next Time. Keep Your Holidays Rockin'

I Never Learned to Juggle

This is the most disgruntled picture of myself I could find.

I am writing this post in opposition to every other post I've read recently. I don't consider myself a pesimist, but I feel like I can't do anything as good as anyone else. The more I read about marketing through social media and successfully running an online store, the more I feel like I don't have what it takes.

At the risk of looking incapable on my company blog allow me to pontificate. I have a website. I have an etsy site, as well as an indiepublic site. I am part of three etsy teams. Two of which I check in with. I signed on for Etsy's bootcamp. I have a buddy. I belong to handmade spark. I have a blog, obviously. I don't blog everyday, probably more like weekly. I am a member of independant fashion bloggers. I have a facebook and a fan page. I have donated pieces to charities and received promotion because of the effort. I have google analytics, but I rarely look at it.....the list may go on, but I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

I handmake 85% of the items I sell. I have brought on a few other girls to sew a few pieces each season. This project was designed to get me more stock without working through the night, and get the art of these girls more exposure. Each piece is all handmade, sometimes right down to the button, and one of a kind.
I find it is impossible to spend as much time at the computer as one would spend creating. Besides, the creating is more fun. It's why I started this whole business.

It seems to me that I am starting to flood. So I am going to cut this off and ask, "Is there anyone out there like me?"

The only thing I know I do really well is make interesting scarves and hoods. I don't know how to keep up with every other aspect. I am all over the place. Just when I designed a new banner for my Etsy Store everyone is talking about a banner for the holidays. Ahhhh! Just when I may have my shipping down, now we're talking sales tax! I barely keep up with my blog how can I tweet?

I had a nightmare last night. I made my own Christmas stocking and it was really ornate. It was so beautiful because it was patchwork and embroidery- to the max. When it got close to Christmas it was filled with items before it was hung. This was when the dream started to get weird. Then when it was hung, it got put upside down. Everything started falling out. I couldn't catch everything, prevent it from falling out, and put anything back in it. And I woke up in a cold sweat.

Thanks guys. I just had to get that out. Maybe things will be on the up from here. I don't even have kids, pets, or live in the same town as my family. I don't know how real women do it. God bless you all. You deserve a fabulous holiday season.

I was going to write a post about how people should make, or buy handmade, gifts this season. I guess I'll save it for next week. That is, if I don't drown in my to-do list. 

Ski Barn Wayne, NJ

This is an update for Florida Scarf fans living in New Jersey. All four Ski Barn stores now have merchandise. The slideshow featured above is from the Wayne store. Their address is 1308 Rt. 23, Wayne, NJ, 07724. The number there is 201-445-9070. Feel free to phone in an order. They ship everywhere. Check them out on the web too, at http://www.skibarn.com/. It's a great store for all your winter needs.

I've been hearing in the news that it is getting pretty cold in the North. I hope you get lots of snow this winter!

Previous posts inclulde slideshows from the other Ski Barn locations. Browse them all if you've got a second.

Happy Holidays.

Ski Barn Paramus, NJ

This is the Florida Scarf collection available at the Ski Barn in Paramus New Jersey. They are located at 846 Rt. 17 North. The number is 201-445-9070. they are also at http://www.skibarn.com/