HandMaiden NY

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

Trading on New Inspiration
2007-08-12 17:23:00
Yesterday was another productive day for HandMaiden NY. I spent it perusing the New York International Gift Fair along with my potential business partner. It would be so easy to just fill the entire store with all the wonderful and amazingly beautiful pieces we saw; but yesterday was about the icing, we still have to build a cake.Oh my goodness, there are so many great designers out there doing the most creative and unexpected things (there are also a lot of people doing the same old, tired and expected things, but at least they're putting themselves out there, which I totally respect).Here are some of my faves:phuze: Super interesting and beautiful hand-blown crystal and fused glass accessories. Bling-Bling! hotcakes design: Love their big and bold rings; they remind me of fanciful rococo picture framesPolly Wales: Beautiful, simply beautiful! She makes these hand punched pieces based on her own intricate drawings and they are just stunning. They are pricey (understandably so h...
More About: Inspiration , Trading

Trading on New Inspiration
2007-08-12 17:23:00
Yesterday was another productive day for HandMaiden NY. I spent it perusing the New York International Gift Fair along with my potential business partner. It would be so easy to just fill the entire store with all the wonderful and amazingly beautiful pieces we saw; but yesterday was about the icing, we still have to build a cake.Oh my goodness, there are so many great designers out there doing the most creative and unexpected things (there are also a lot of people doing the same old, tired and expected things, but at least they're putting themselves out there, which I totally respect).Here are some of my faves:phuze: Super interesting and beautiful hand-blown crystal and fused glass jewelryhotcakes design:Love their big and bold resin piecesPolly Wales:Beautiful, simply beautiful! She makes these hand punched pieces based on her own intricate drawings and they are just stunning. They are pricey (understandably so however), so perhaps something to aspire to.uncommon threads:Croc...
More About: Inspiration , Trading

Where does the time go?
2007-08-04 15:46:00
I can not believe it is already August! And I can not believe I am still working at the same job! I took that job out of necessity after brilliantly quitting my well-paying day job nearly a year ago, and look at me now - I've been there about 10 months longer than I ever meant to be. Oh well, enough about jobs we don't like, and on to what we are doing about it - starting a new business. It seemed like oh so far away when I first got involved, but the deadline for the Power Up! Business Plan Competition is finally drawing near, and it is time to get bet my crafty butt in gear! Not that I don't have much of my plan completed already, but now is the time to get to all those finishing touches I've putting off all summer. Thus today, I am off to the library.And since I won't be far away, from there it will be straight to the Floating Pool Lady at Brooklyn Bridge Park! I am so excited. I hope I'll actually get to swim, apparently it is a bit involved gaining entry to the poo...
More About: Time , Where , The Time

Quick - someone give this girl a job!
2007-07-11 04:17:00
Ok, so I'm not unemployed, and clearly I have plans for future self-employment, however presently, I am in serious need of a J-O-B. Here is my predicament: If everything goes to plan, I would only be at said job for less than a year. But you never know what will happen, so it would be awesome if said job were something I actually liked, so I wouldn't mind sticking around for a while if it came to that (and we all hope it doesn't). And my other predicament: No one seems to want to hire me, much less get to know me over a stiff glass of water and uncomfortable banter, otherwise known as an interview. I'm sharp as a tack, pretty creative, genuinely nice to people, and almost always on time, so I just don't get it. I mean really, I'm not applying for jobs as a rocket scientist. In that case I would totally understand why no one's tugging at my line. I'm simply not qualified to design rocket ships. I am however more than adequately qualified to do many, many other things.Take f...
More About: Girl , Quick , Give , Some

Grab your partner and do-si-do
2007-06-28 16:37:00
Fate has possibly intervened in making my craft store dreams a reality by sending me a business partner. I have always felt that this endeavor would be that much more manageable if only I were going about it with the help of someone else. But with no one sharing my aspirations or vision, I just resolved to do it the hard way, and do it myself.Well, rather out of the blue a mere week ago, I was contacted by another crafty Brooklyn gal who lo and behold, had been sharing my same aspirations and vision, planning and dreaming on her own, rather parallel to myself. We've talked, we've met, and things are looking up (not that they were looking down, they're just more up now). So, what does this mean for HandMaiden NY? Well, if a partnership is in fact formed, we are probably looking at a name change first and foremost. You know, I nice symbolic way of venturing forth as a team. The new name being circulated around is a good one...I think you'll all really take a liking to it. ...
More About: Partner , Grab

'Granted,' things have been a little busy, but I apologize for not having
2007-06-01 17:26:00
Man, have things been HECTIC in my life. Let's go back a couple of weeks shall we. So, my intrepid Dylan and I had finally found a great new apartment, but actually moving into it was frought with more complications and confusion than a typical trip to the Williamsburg post office. Needless to say we did manage to get moved, but a mere day and a half after getting nearly all of our stuff (the task of completely clearning out and cleaning up the old spot still remained) into the new place, I was jet-setting off to New Mexico with mom.After two weeks away, I came back to the same maze of boxes and disassembled furniture as was there when I left, so it was right back into moving mode. After a couple more crazed moving-type days, things were beginning to come along; one can now safely navigate the apartment, and only our 'home office' paraphernalia remains in boxes. Now is the time for craft projects. I got the curtains made in Charlotte - my mom's sewing machine is leaps and bounds...
More About: Things , Grant , Thing , Ving , Been

Hooray for crafty people
2007-05-07 02:37:00
So today was craft fair, and I am so happy with how things went! I forgot to bring one of the displays I had made (this great necklace holder made from a tree branch) - whoops - but I managed pretty well without it. Once again, saucer mirrors were the runaway hit, followed closely by necklaces. I would love to have sold more earrings - as you can see I've made a ton of them! - but so it goes. Based on today's success, I think I'll give this new semi-permanent craft fair down in Cobble Hill a whirl later in the summer.I'd like to play around with saucer clocks for the next one...we'll see how it goes once I attempt drilling ceramic. Craft ing with power tools, that's what I'm talking about.
More About: People

I love it when everything falls into place
2007-04-22 19:46:00
It's 99% sure we'll get the apartment we were hoping for (let it be noted that it will present quite a few crafting opportunities), for all intents and purposes my copywriting portfolio is finished...finally (an issue rather unrelated to HandMaiden, however if it helps me get a better paying job, it could definitely aid in financing), and I am so happy with how this little guy came out:And since I was on a roll, I went ahead and made this one too:Oh, and to top things off, Spring seems to have finally arrived in New York!
More About: Love , Love it , Everything , When , Ever

A Practical Distraction
2007-04-17 02:47:00
I should totally be working on my biz plan - haven't touched it in days. Instead, I've been way too consumed with crafting. Would you expect anything less? Check out my revamped card holder, made fresh for the upcoming craft fair.
More About: Distraction , Stra , Trac

Craft Fair Update: So Happy For Me
2007-04-13 16:51:00
I just received word that a space opened up, and I'm in! Four square feet of crafty retail space, all to myself!In case anyone's interested, here are the details:"the Hearts and Craft s affair - it's a craft fair" @ Cafe Grumpy, Sunday, May 6 from 12-6pm193 Meserole Ave. (at Diamond St.)Greenpoint, BrooklynStop by and say "Hi" (and buy some handmade stuff:)
More About: Happy , Update , Fair

So Happy for You, Still a Little Sad for Me
2007-04-13 15:38:00
My crafty friend Kristen was accepted to participate in the little affair over at Grumpy, and she has graciously agreed to share a bit of her space with me. If only I can get past the pain of rejection...
More About: Happy , Stil , Little , Still , Litt

So Sad
2007-04-12 15:47:00
I recently applied to participate in two upcoming craft fairs, and wouldn't you know, I didn't get into either one. I was not at all surprised to be turned away by the craftastically hip folks at Renegade Craft Fair; I would have felt a bit out of my league, wanting mostly to get the word out about HandMaiden NY, anything sold would be a bonus. However, I was just absolutely counting on getting into this much smaller affair being held at Cafe Grumpy in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (a wonderful coffee joint if you're in the neighborhood). I had been counting on it since all the way back in the Fall, when I first quit my day job and got all wrapped up in making stuff, lots of stuff. I remembered that Grumpy had hosted a nice little fair in the past, and I waited anxiously all winter long to hear about the next one, while crafting away in anticipation. This one was more personal. I just wanted a legit chance to sell some of the trinkets I've been accumulating all this time, as opposed to ...

Fab Flea Market Finds
2007-04-10 16:06:00
I got it in my head a while back that I absolutely had to get to the flea market at some point prior to opening my store. Surely I would find a whole treasure trove of unique goodies to use as store fixtures, decor and to offer for sale. Well, my recent trip down to Charlotte proved quite a little adventure.The trip was highly marred by an absolute debacle concerning delayed luggage. I could go into detail, but let's just say that Executive Delivery Service of Charlotte, NC is THE PITS! Long story short, they left my luggage on someone else's doorstep, where it stayed for two nights before I tracked it down myself, no thanks to them or the airline.My time at the flea market however, was successful and lovely. Oh man, did I come across some characters down there, I swear one dealer walked right out of the movie Deliverance and straight into the Metrolina Expo. There were quite a few large pieces I would loved to have bought if not for the lack of a practical way to haul them...
More About: Market , Mark

Craft Tip #1
2007-03-26 04:44:00
Of late, I have developed a weird obsession with buttons. It seems to be one of the first things I notice about a piece of clothing, however unfortunately this obsession usually manifests itself with my making an observation such as, "I would really like this sweater if only it didn't have such horrible buttons." I am also rather prone to periodic reviews of and edits to my wardrobe, meditating on those items I just can't bring myself to get rid of, but never seem to wear. Well, I was reviewing my wardrobe last night and took pause when I got to this Old Navy sweater. I like it, it makes for a good cover-up with a dress I really like, however the buttons have always struck me as very cheap looking, and a bit of a detraction.Light bulb! - I decided to get some nicer buttons and replace those awful, chintzy ones, and that's just what I did. I felt a little silly spending $14 on buttons for a sweater that probably only cost about $20 in the first place, but I really liked them, and ...
More About: Craft

I can make that myself
2007-03-17 21:38:00
I'm attending my first trade show in a couple of days, so I decided I could use a business card holder. Staying true to my crafty - and thrifty - sensibilities I figured I'd make one. But as per the uszh, thrifty went out the window as soon as I decided that a new pair of $25 pinking shears was necessary for just the right finishing touches. Sure pinking shears are a great thing to have, a neccesity some may say, but I've gone this long without them and could probably have gone much longer.Anywho, here's the finished product (and my new pinking shears).
More About: Make , That

Fuzzy Math
2007-03-12 19:20:00
The "I've got an idea!" part, that's the easy one. It's the rest of it that gets all complicated. I tried to approach the "time to crunch some numbers" part with the same amount of zeal ("!"), but it is not working out as I'd hoped. Now don't get me wrong, I am no slouch when it comes to math. Granted I haven't taken a math class since high school, but that's only because I had already proven myself such a smarty pants that they never made me take it in college. Math is not the problem, it's the going round and round with various formulas and projections such that in the end, it still seems as if I simply pulled a bunch of numbers out of thin air.Tell ya this though, I am such a pro now with Microsoft Excel. I mean, my illustrious 'administrative' career had already laid quite a foundation to expand upon, but I have really taken my skills to the next level. I mean, really, If there was a job out there that only involved manipulating Excel spread sheets all day, sign ...

Typical
2007-03-07 03:49:00
I received my Certificate of Authority (Tax ID that allows me to buy at wholesale) from the state the other day, and my name was misspelled.
More About: Pica

Just checking in
2007-03-01 19:56:00
Things are moving along, although there's nothing to report really. I've had a few people here and there contact me to express their support for and interest in what I'm doing, which is so great and so encouraging. I had to let my crush (my perfect, ideal space which I checked out a couple weeks ago) go for the time being, but you know what they say about setting the one you love free. If it's meant to be, it will be. Here is a fun little anecdote. So the other day I'm at work, and as per usual, I am blabbing on to my co-worker, this time about my tendency to think about everything all at once and thus stress myself out and get all anxious about things. Just as I'm saying all this, a very swami-looking guy walks in, approaches me directly, looks toward my forehead and proceeds to tell me that I think too much. He went on to tell me some other things, very predictable, general-type things that any run-of-the-mill, side-show psychic might tell you. You know, success over...
More About: King

I have awfully bony hands, don't I?
2007-02-20 23:45:00
Today was a monumental day for Hand Maiden NY - today she became a registered business entity with the Kings County Clerk. Woohoo! For anyone out there who is interested in going into business as a sole proprietorship in the borough of Brooklyn, and doing business under a name other than your own, allow me to walk you through the process. Yes, there are many other resources out there which outline these steps, however having done this once before by following the instructions of such bureaucratic resources, what I am about to outline will be much more helpful.1. Go to 20 Court St. to purchase the necessary legal document, fill it out and have it notarized. Now, when you walk into 20 Court St. you're going to say to yourself, 'Am I in the right place? This is just a building lobby...huh?' I know this because I had the same response about a year and a half ago when I was setting about to register a different business name. Yes, you are in the right place. See that little hol...
More About: Hands , Have , Full , Awful

You would doubt me!?
2007-02-20 04:55:00
My biggest obstacle is myself. I confronted my parents last night about traces of doubt and scepticism I was picking up on when discussing my plans with them, when my dad intuitively suggested that perhaps I was reflecting my own doubts onto them. And for once (ok, maybe the second or third time:) in my life, I'm thinking he was right. My dad was fantastic. As soon as I told him what I'd been feeling, he did nothing but completely boost my confidence. He was there to remind me that I'm smart and capable, and sometimes that's all you need. Thanks Pops!
More About: Doubt , Would

Real estate market update #1
2007-02-17 22:34:00
I made my second real estate scoping outing today, and it was quite lovely. My first, last weekend, was not very fruitful and somewhat discouraging, so it felt good to take a look at properties that really held some potential. I was in Greenpoint today and looked at 2 properties. I kind of fell for the first one, my first crush. It's on the high side, could be out of my league, but maybe it will stay empty a little while longer - I'm not ready to move in yet anyhow - and the price will come down some. The greatest thing about this space was its basement. Sounds strange, right? Well, it has this finished basement that seems to have previously been used as some sort of office, and although a bit drab right now, it is perfect for a variety of cozy little crafting workspaces. The space would however require some work by a contractor, so I've got to look into what that would cost. Anyone know a good contractor in Brooklyn?
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Market , Market , Update

My greatest craft project ever
2007-02-17 18:54:00
See before image to the left.So, I had this great idea for starting my own business and I thought to myself, I should go ahead and get a simple little web site up and maybe a blog to go along with it. But then, what to do with the blog. I have never really blogged before, never even been able to keep a journal for very long, quite frankly the whole blogosphere thing completely overwhelms me, like a giant black hole in cyberspace. But then, I had my next great epiphany.This whole building a business thing, this is perhaps the greatest craft undertaking I have ever undertook. So that should be what I write about. Ever y step of the way, I can discuss and document, share and showcase, like one elaborate tutorial if you will, until the grand unveiling, the grand opening. And then we can take it from there. Stay tuned for the after.
More About: Project , Craft , Test , Greatest

Happy Sneetches Day
2007-02-15 16:00:00
My latest little project, as ridiculously simple and silly as it may be, was to turn my boyfriend into a sneetch for Valentine's Day. You would not believe how difficult it was to find a shirt that was just the right yellow! I originally wanted to make it a cozy pullover hoodie, but there were no yellow hoodies to be found. I ordered some online, but when they arrived, the shade was all wrong. So it was off to American Apparel, as much as I hated to turn to them for help. I mean, I definitely own some AA clothing here and there, however I just get more and more annoyed with that company as their quality continues to go down, prices continue to go up, and seriously, they just take the whole dirty sleaze image too far. And I only say that because this guy working there the other day had honestly not showered in days - I could smell him from the other side of the counter - just gross.Anywho, so I got a yellow t-shirt, some green fabric, and voila, instant sneetch!
More About: Happy , S Day , Etch

Need another scarf?
2007-02-02 02:49:00
Do you get intimidated by yarn stores? I totally do. I can knit, and I can purl. I like to knit scarves, and they are just about all I can knit. Patterns, schmatterns, it's all greek to me. But yarn, yarn is so much fun to buy. Colorful, fun to touch, it comes in neat little balls, each one holding the promise of something special and unique. But I just can't coax it out of 'em, and that makes me sad.
More About: Another , Need , Scarf

What are you into?
2007-01-29 21:11:00
I'm into sewing, occasional knitting, if I could paint I would, and I've always harbored the feeling that deep inside me lies a great clay artisan. In the fifth grade we did a study of ancient Egypt that culminated in taking what we had learned of Egyptian burial traditions and using them to create a tomb for Walt Disney. It was a bizarre, yet intriguing device for placing the ancient and far-removed into relatable terms. Anywho, I made the most amazing canopic jars. The heads of Mickey, of course, Donald and Goofy all adorned the jars' lids, and they really were something. If memory serves, Donald's bill fell off and had to be repaired, but it goes with the territory. I also made a lovely fruit bowl in a jr. high art class, but who didn't?

Hi there!
2007-01-28 16:40:00
Welcome to HandMaiden NY, currently a blog, soon to be the single greatest spot for crafters in all the borough of Brooklyn. Don't you hate it when you have an idea for the greatest project ever, but there's no store nearby where you can go and get everything (or just about everything) you need in one place. You have to trudge over to Manhattan, scurry around in the garment district maybe or fight the crowds on Canal St., and either way it's a pain and a chore. And that's not what crafting is about. It's about stretching your creative muscles, working with your hands, and enjoying the fruits of your labor, not trapsing all over Manhattan on your next free weekend. So anywho, that is just one of the issues HandMaiden can address for you. But she's crafty, so there's more...stay tuned.
More About: Here , There