Posy Pins...pretty on top

Why its almost like being in love

2011-03-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been...
What a rare mood I'm in....

Today feels like spring, the sun was shining and the air was warm and sweet. Posy Pins were lined up for their spring fashion shoot.....and so far a few have made it to the newly reopened Etsy store.

Thanks everyone for being so patient.... this year has really flown by and with Posy Pins receiving national attention through Growing Up Garnet Hill it has really been very exciting. Thanks for buying all of those Posy Pins. I'm sure there have been many complements and smiles.

Well Done....

Posy Pins has big plans, and a few are starting to take shape. This year we are planning to start a limited edition line, and the Pack-it (full of posies) will make it's debut at Etsy April 1..... no fooling. We can't wait to share this new versatile storage option.... Just wait and see......

Why.... Its almost like being in LOVE!

Happy Spring

In Like a Lion

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

March has been fast and furious. Posy Pins is at new levels thanks to all you FB fans and the Women's Small Business Program. Some serious milestones have been met and many more are within reach. Who knew that 2 years ago when Posy Pins started there would be such great and amazing response. Posy Pins is on the verge of a major expansion and I am crazy excited about it... to say the least.

For the last 13 weeks I've been working really hard to complete a business program at WSBP, it has been an amazing adventure so far. Even with all of the bumps and unexpected challenges life throws out, I have managed to send out the first draft of the Posy Pins business plan... Whew.

I had no idea that this would be so amazing and exhausting. 3 weeks and one more draft to go.... at this rate anything is possible. Many opportunites have presented themselves and I guess that just goes to show what you think about expands. Catalogs and samples have been sent to inquiring parties and soon Posy Pins will really start to grow. Thanks for all of the support.

ROAR!!!!

Make a Date

2010-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my girls and I were talking about new ideas for Posy Pins, we all agreed that it would be a lot of fun to have a Posy Pair that would be great for a play date... so the newest addition to the Posy collection is the the Play Date. Two hair pins one big, one small. Perfect for you and your girl, or your little one and her doll.

It just may be time to have a play date
PosyPins.etsy.com

Sealed With a Kiss

2010-02-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

One of the weekly engagements I have is to go to my daughter's school and volunteer in the literacy and reading programs. Today as I made the rounds with the kindergartners, a little girl's hair clips caught my eye. They were cute, she wore one on each side of her head and they matched her valentines themed outfit. When I collected her for reading I realized that those little clips were Posy Pins. This little girl and I had a breif conversation about them, I said I liked them she said she liked them too. She looked at the one I was wearing and then I let her in on a my little secret. When I told her I made her Posy Pins a big smile crossed her face....

I've been thinking a lot lately about Posy Pins what they mean to me, where they end up and what our future together will be. I love Posy Pins but sometimes I question their intrinsic value. Its at the times that I question them most deeply that they reappear where I least expect them. That little conversation and the connection between that little girl and I, sharing and comparing our special Posy Pins, reminded me that its the little things that can bring us all together.

What you think about expands.... and today it all came back to me as a great big SWAK!!!

Mapping Happiness

2010-02-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

About a year ago a friend of mine bought a single bright red Posy Pin before she went to a conference in Bhutan. She was wearing a great smile of satisfaction when she told me she planned to wear it during her trip. Ironically, after asking her about the conference theme, she said Happiness.

I was thinking the other night after my last post that Posy Pins make me happy. The process of designing them, building and packaging them, and sending them out into the world makes me really happy. And I love that Posy Pins are making other people happy too.

And so the Posy Pins Mapping Project has begun. If you are interested in mapping happiness or Posy Pins' travels please post the cities, states and or countries to the Posy Pins Fan Page on Facebook. You can also track Posy Pins' travels on the map located on Posy Pins Profile in the Travel tab.

Happy Travels!!!

Posy Pins to the World

2010-02-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine and I talk sometimes about the PP Empire....that is the Posy Pins Empire. Its funny how those conversations spark a curiosity about how these sweet little flower pins could evolve and just how they might make their way into the world. That little spark of curiosity gets me pretty fired up I must admit and these conversations generally end in my declaration "Posy Pins to the World".

I love Posy Pins, when I make them I giggle, I smile and think "wow now that one is really cute", "ohh that one is much better that I expected"..... "Ohhh now that one I have to keep"..... it gets a little silly after a while. When I package them up and get them ready to send out, I look at each one and think "gotta love that".

I know why I love Posy Pins.... tell me why you love them and I'll put your name in the Pick a Posy hat....if you have the luck of the draw I send you a pack o' posies!

Love Is In the Air

2009-04-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year. Final plans are being made for wonderful warm weather weddings... and Posy Pins will be walking down the isle with at least one blushing bride and her attendants.

Posy Pins can be custom made for your wedding in colors that complement your day. Request Posies in a Cake Box and make your attendant gifts something truly delightful .

Flowers and Cake... that's a true marriage.
Posypins.etsy.com

Something Else

2009-02-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over and I've had a little reprieve, I thought I'd try out an idea that has been tucked away in the back of my head.

How about necklaces.....

Sweet and simple goes a little farther.

Hung by the chimney with care....

2008-12-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

The responce to Posy Pins has been unbelievable, amazing, and fantastically fun . So many people have been excited about these little pins. Stores have been calling to get more before the big shopping weekend, people have been coming by the house and I have been very busy in the studio. Its all so great. I love it.

Santa has placed several orders, so I hope your stockings are up.

Happy Holidays

Flowers by mail

2008-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have sent some pretty crazy things in the mail. If you are willing to go into the post office and ask the clerk to hand cancel your card you can send someone flowers just by popping Posy Pins in the mail. All you have to do is write a note, address the postcard, attach .62 cents in stamps and wait for your delighted friend to call and tell you that was the best piece of mail she has ever received .

make someone giggle, send flowers

A stones throw to metalsmithing

2008-12-01T22:34:00.000-08:00

Today I opened the 4lb bag of buttons a bought on ebay, wow.

many great buttons, many large buttons, many stand alone buttons, many many many buttons.

so after all I will have to get out all of that metals studio equipment sooner rather than later and somewhere find lots of extra hours in the day to start fabricating some wearable buttons.

Some ideas take longer than others and lucky for me making posy pins keeps the hands busy so the mind can wander.

All of this button stuff has piqued my interest in button history. I'll have to do a little research just for fun.

Eco Twist

2008-11-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lets talk materials:

Mulberry paper: made from the bark of the mulberry tree. After the bark is stripped, it is made into handmade paper. A year later the bark from the same mulberry plant is ready to be harvested again.

Buttons: reclaimed from old clothes, lots and lots of old clothes and vintage collections that turn up at antique store, estate sales, or ebay.

Packaging: made up of a USPS size paper postcard and a biodegradable/compostable plastic sleeve.

Being conscience apparently puts Posy Pins on the list of ECO friendly products. No wonder one of my favorite sets is called "mod nature girl" (currently listed on posypins.etsy.com)

Just goes to show there's beauty in simplicity.

Buttons and Big City Lights

2008-11-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Right before my trip to Chicago for the holiday week, I received a great package filled with 4lbs of reclaimed and vintage buttons I bought on Ebay. I am so excited by the prospect of opening the bubble wrap and inspecting these amazing little treasures. Unfortunately it will have to wait until I get back to Vermont next week.

In the mean time I have been enjoying being around family and a more urban lifestyle. I have also been investigating possible venues for Posy Pins and stopped by a few today. If you are in Chicago and get up north to Evanston, check out:

Asinimali: A great off beat women's clothing and accessory store. I always love to go there when I am visiting family...unfortunately their website is still under construction.

Tink Tinks: Great store for the new modern mom, or any one who likes shopping for cool baby goods.

Lollie: One of the Chicago area's finest little children' s boutiques, lucky for me it is just down the street from my favorite Evanston pet store Thee Fish Bowl and the Blind Faith Cafe.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving

One thing leads to another

2008-11-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Between shipping orders, setting up retail displays and restocking the etsy store, I have been trying to find great buttons, designing new wearable objects, playing with all kinds of shapes and materials, but mostly really enjoying and again having a relationship with objects and fabrication.

This is such a far cry from what occupied my art making practice 4+ years ago, and the gravity of having to make amazing, poignant, contemporary work paralyzed my ability to play. There is no weight in this work, though I'm sure it is the step that will again help gain entry into that much different and missed practice.

But for now, this is really great.... and thanks for all of your encouragement and support.

New Ideas

2008-11-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how Posy Pins could evolve into other wearable objects. New ideas are on the drawing board, and I am excited to dust off all of the metal working tools that have been out of use for 4+ years. I'm very excited about the process of making these little wearable objects again, and amazingly unaffected by putting them out into the world. Age does have a way of calming the nerves and it also helps that people really seem to love them. I'm having a great time making these little pins, and am so glad people are smiling.

On another note, thanks America

Shophandmade.com

2008-11-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Etsy is elegant, hip and very popular....but her little sister Shophandmade.com deserves a look too. Shophandmade works so that artists don't have to pay fees, if you opt to be sponsored by a craft supply retailer. They also commit a small amount to environmental issues. The site does copy some search options such as "by color" and "newly listed". Its worth a gander, espeically if you want to find more amazing work handmade by artists.

Check it out after you VOTE

Posy Pins to the world

2008-11-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

These past few days have been amazing, with a little energy and lots of playfulness, Posy Pins are making their debut. Posy Pins now have their own store at PosyPins.etsy.com and they will be available at Isa Bean Boutique in the new Burlington, Vermont store.

All of this has happened at break neck speed and just goes to show that being back in the studio is where its at. Finding space and time to play does pay off.

If you have never heard of Etsy.com it is a great site to buy and sell handmade. There are so many amazing, gorgeous, unbelievable things artists make and you can find them all right there....give yourself a treat and check it out.....I'll be looking for you!

Sense of Place

2008-10-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long time since I have had a studio, room of my own to pursue small endeavors. I find myself everyday attracted to the space where my mind can wander, and i can play with colors, textures, and materials. I hadn't realized how far away I had drifted until now, being sucked back in. Many doors are opening. Finding old friends and students, working with my daughter in a playful creative and cooperative way, learning new tricks and pulling very old knowhow out of pre-parenthood storage.

I have to say it is quite nice to meet myself again

Mulberry Paper Flowers

2008-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Fine Art affected and 4 years outside of the game, I have decided to play. A stroll through the local craft store, revealed to me that I have been MIA for far too long. Small ideas and products that have grownup into an industry that I have thought absurd suddenly delight me. So with sheets to the wind I bought beautiful paper flowers, two glass bottles full. Small ideas of playfulness have amounted to many hours arranging colors, patterns and textures.
Whaaa La.... Posy Pins.