renegade san francisco

 photo via renegade craft

When I was accepted into Renegade San Francisco, I was a little bit surprised. It's the cream of the crop handmade shows and incredibly competitive. By even applying, I felt like I was putting myself out there quite a bit -- and I prepared myself for not getting in. 

Then when I got in, panic mode set in and the last month or so was a lot of work. The few days before the show, I was a ball of nerves-- even flying down, I could hardly sit still in my airplane seat. The husband came with me, and I was grateful for his support -- as well as the support I got by sharing a booth with Julie --  she's a handmade pro. :)

The weekend in a few words: exhausting, overwhelming and incredible. I had a huge fan girl moment when Brit Morin of Brit & Co bought a clutch from me and then when I spied Melissa Fleis, a runner-up on Project Runway, wandering through the crowd.


My only regret? That I had more time to shop! I picked up a bracelet from Fresh Tangerine as a thank you for a friend and a necklace from We See Stars, but with all the incredible makers there, it was hard to see it all! (I'll have to online shop later.)

I left Renegade feeling both encouraged about my shop and inspired to get back to work. I'm tired but in an odd way recharged. I'm happy to be home-- where it's warmer (San Fran was pretty chilly for summer) -- and ready to start planning for more.

xo, erika

neon shop update

 

 neon yellow clutch

While I love sending out orders and seeing people so excited to order a rouge + whimsy bag, one of my favorite things about my shop is the creative process. I love coming up with new designs and each time I try to push myself to try something new.

black leather studded clutch with neon pink polka dot lining

Each time I come up with something new, I love my new creations even more than the last-- and this is especially true this time around. The neon is just a great addition to any outfit-- and I cannot gush anymore about the leather clutch. It's so soft and just the right size.

See the neon clutch and black leather studded clutch in the shop!

And, I just created a newsletter for the rouge + whimsy shop and blog! Sign up and get updates and discounts.

Sign up for the newsletter here!

 xo, erika

small business love + giveaway with row house 14

One of the best parts of blogging is getting to introduce you to small businesses. I'm excited today to share Heidi of Row House 14 shop & blog.

Tell us about your shop!

I've always been a huge fan of snail mail. There is something about opening your mailbox and finding a piece of real mail mixed in with all of the junk. My hope is that my stationery and greeting cards will bring a smile to someone's face. My ultimate goal has always been to create something that both recipient and sender absolutely love, whether because of the design or even the quality of the product. I want to be able to make someone's day, I suppose.

How did you get into designing cards? How long have you been doing this?

I'm not quite sure exactly when this all started. I know that I've been crafting with paper for most of my life and I remember hanging out with my sister drawing. I've always made handmade cards and gifts for people and art has always been a huge part of my life. I started to learn about digital design in high school and continued to teach myself throughout college and after I graduated. After doing enough of it and getting burned out during my day job as a teacher, my fiance basically told me it was time to open an Etsy shop as a creative outlet. I'm not sure if he was sick of all the cards lying around the house and wanted to get rid of them, or if he just knew I needed that push to make that final leap.

What advice do you have for people in following their small business goals-- or any other dream of theirs?

The biggest thing for me was realizing that if I wanted to accomplish something, I just needed to do it. At one point I read an article that really spoke to me. The article talked about how too many people spend time thinking about what they want to do, but they don't actually do it. I realized I had fallen into that rut. I stopped thinking and started doing.

What's a few of your favorite products you sell?

scorpio card

I'm pretty proud of my zodiac birthday cards. This was by far one of my most intense projects to date. Much time was spent designing-- especially with creating the constellations. My new "Sorry I Was a Butthead" card has to be a favorite. I can't help but laugh every time I see it. My fiance and I tend to have pretty bad humor and it's just a classic card that came out of an incident between the two of us. I love making cards based on my life experiences. I'm also super happy with how my Saint Patrick's Day cards turned out for this year.

What's your goal for yourself, your shop, whatever, this next year?

 ombre dot notecards

My ultimate goal is to quit my teaching job. I have been incredibly fortunate and have had an amazing amount of support from so many people. My business has grown so much more than I had ever thought it would and I'm soon close to realizing that goal. Thinking about how things will be a year from now is incredibly exciting and motivating at the same time!

<><><>
Heidi is generously sharing a $15 shop credit and medium ad space on her blog! You could buy 3 of these cards... which are my current favorite:

taco card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

happy thursday!

xo, erika

 

finding inspiration.

When I took a month off from the shop, at first I let myself relax. I told myself that there was no pressure to create something right away. I gave myself a few days, and then I allowed myself to start thinking about my shop-- what I liked, what I didn't like, and what new things I imagined that I would have. I knew that I wanted some vastly different items-- more leather and a crossbody bag. I knew that I wanted the bags to continue to look modern but still with handmade touches. The goal was figuring out exactly what that would look like.

I don't know that there's any one way to find inspiration or stay creative, but I wanted to share a few things that worked for me. 

1. look for inspiration outside of your product. 

I make it a point to never search for bags or clutches that would be similar to mine on etsy. I do not want my inspiration to come from something I see and then tweaking it. I think too often people see something that someone makes and think "I could make that," and then with some tweaks, decide to sell it. That might be fine for some people or fine for something you make for yourself, but I do not want my handmade business built on that. I want it to be my own, something I can stand behind and say "this was my idea. this came from my head."

When I was planning my spring line, I bought a lot of fashion magazines. I ripped out pages of outfits and deciphered what about each outfit I liked. Then I designed the handbag using those elements.

2. ask yourself questions.

What gets you excited? What do you love? List everything from foods to activities to colors and work from there. Write or create from what you love.

3. who is buying/reading/enjoying the product/blog/idea you have? 

I have in my mind the very specific person who buys my rouge & whimsy bags. Just a few tidbits: she wears lipstick (occasionally), is attracted to classic pieces, but doesn't mind partaking in a trend or two. When I make a bag, I think about that person. Will she like what I'm making? Would she want to buy it? If I answer "yes," I know I'm on the right track.  If you blog, who reads your blog? What does s/he like to read? What are they looking for?

4. take breaks. 

If you feel like you're in a rut, embrace it and go do something else! I like to go on runs to clear my mind. I also love to cook and in being creative in the kitchen, experimenting with Asian cooking, I felt like I was in some way stimulating another creative part of my brain. I also read novels, and took quiet time and prayed. These things, for me, were helpful.

5. play around.

When I come up with ideas, I like to experiment a bit with it. I make prototypes, I match fabrics and see if what's in my head really works out. Sometimes it doesn't, and sometimes it does. But getting there and experimenting is part of the process! 

are there ways that you find inspiration and stay creative? 

xo, erika

rest

I was originally planning to just take a few weeks break from the shop. I'd just put it in "vacation mode" over Christmas and launch it right back up the 26th.

I even had this crazy idea of creating New Years Eve clutches that would be ready to ship.


I mentioned this grand plan to a friend, and she jokingly said "You are a glutton for punishment."


She meant it as a joke but it stopped me in my tracks.


I was driving myself into the ground and I needed a break.


So I left my shop in vacation mode.


I deleted the post on Facebook promoting the New Years clutches.


And I shut the door to the room where I sew.


Instead, I've been reading a lot of books. I've been going to bed on time. And I've been resting. My house is even decently clean.


I've also been thinking a lot about my shop. I still want to do it -- don't get me wrong -- but I want to do it in a way that keeps my life healthy.

Sewing orders as they came in became a bit insane. I could do it, but it meant that I was sacrificing a whole lot. I don't even feel like I enjoyed the Christmas season because I was so busy. I don't want to do that again.


Right now I'm preparing my shop to reopen but I'm doing things differently.


>> I'm planning. No more last minute runs to the fabric store. I'm ordering and organizing.


>> I'm sewing. I am going to make items, list them, and when they're gone, they're gone. Unless enough of you can convince me to make another batch. ;)


>> I'm giving myself grace. I work a full-time job that I actually like. I'm married. My dog requires two walks a day. Heck, I'm planning a trip to Europe. Things are going to be chill for the next month or so and that's TOTALLY fine.


So that's where I am right now. The shop will open soon enough but until then, I'm taking it a bit easy.


happy friday.

xo, erika

fall photoshoot

I've worked with Caitlin Donovan Photography before to do product photos and was so pleased with the results.

We met last Saturday to do a shoot of my fall and winter line and out of nowhere, the weather turned really stormy and our preferred location was out of the question.

So instead we headed to my favorite University of Washington library for the shoot. The bright book stacks and aisles were a perfect backdrop.

If you're in the Seattle area, I highly recommend Caitlin for photography; she's so fun to work with and does a great job! Check out her tumblr (and cute photos of her adorable puppy).

xo, erika

p.s. love wristlets? I just added three new colors to the shop, including a version in polka dots and leather!

fall line (+ giveaway)

I had planned for my new fall line to come out September 1.

Then I planned for it to be September 25.

Then I got strep throat.

And it turned into October 1.

But, no matter, one month later, I still have a few new additions to the shop that I'm excited to share with you! And I have a few more up my sleeve that will be debuting in the short weeks to come.

plum and mustard tote bags

off-white and orange faux leather foldover clutch 

I am also excited to announce my new tote + mini collection. For $10 more, you'll get a 9-inch zippered pouch along with your tote bag. You can pick the same color, or pick a contrasting shade.

So... want to win something? 

How about the new white and orange foldover clutch? Perfect for October. :)

just follow the directions for the giveaway via rafflecopter. Can't wait? I'm offering 15% off in my shop until Friday with the code CUSTOMERLOVE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, erika 

new items in the shop!

happy monday!

I am super excited about the new items I just added to the shop...

I thought it was time to get on the ombre trend. These fun 10 inch foldover clutches feature bright dyed ombre fabric and a bold brass zipper. They're perfect for going out and special occasions, or throw them in a big bag to organize your stuff.

This line is a limited edition-- so snag 'em while you can!

They're currently listed for $28 in the shop. 

I'm kind in love with pairing spring colors with gray right now-- especially these two hues: peach and mint! Each has a gray floral lining and leather straps. These bags are durable; I use mine everyday to cart around all my stuff. They measure 12 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches and can even carry a laptop.

These guys are $50 each in the shop.

And because I love you all and love summer, get 15% through Wednesday, July 18 with the code "SUMMERTIME."

xo, erika

saturday discount

oh hi there.

I know you need a new tote or wristlet for summer... can I suggest a pretty cute shop on etsy? ;)

 coral and gray tote

 gray and yellow tote

 black and white chevron wristlet

 striped green wristlet

let me sweeten the deal a bit, too.

MEMORIAL gets you 20% off until Monday! woot :)

xo, erika

updates & such

hi!

how are you?

while it is Monday-- one of my not-so-favorite- days, I'm happy because I had a great weekend, spending lots of time with the husband, the pup and getting a few bag orders sewed up. Plus Seattle finally decided to be spring, so that meant laying outside reading (hunger games) and going for walks.


I also added two new colorblock totes to the shop, and one is my new favorite...

Coral and gray! and I especially love the cheerful yellow, rose print inside. Soo cute :)

I'll be adding it in a crossbody bag version (soonish), but if you want to preorder one, you can always email me to order one: rougeandwhimsy [at] gmail [dot] com.

I hope you guys are all having a good start to your week! I'm convincing myself that I am ;)

xo, erika

p.s. what color bags would you like to see in the shop? let me know!

winner winner!

if you're name is Bree of The Thing About Joy -- send me an email! You won $25 credit toward one of my color-blocked purses! 

xo, erika

swap week ...and some coupon codes

we.are.HERE

the long awaited swag swap week is going on right now :) Cliff Notes: All shops participating in the swap get to trade their swag with swag in other shops too!

Not participating in the swap? No Worries! Our shop owners have graciously offered you fine folks COUPON CODES so you too can go all "click, add to cart" crazy on these awesome handmade shops!

Are you participating in swag swap week? Make sure to re-read all the rules and contact your swapper via email! Please make sure your swapper is actually participating in swag swap week by referring to this list :)

Now what are you waiting for? Browse our shops, go swapping, use their coupon codes, and check back later in the week at YellowHeartArt.blogspot.com for group giveaways from some participating shops happening this Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday!

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook]

COUPON CODE: homegirl is giving 15% off ALL items in her shop with the code "CELEBRATE", works worldwide too! Go on our friends in Europe and Canada, get shopping! -------------

 [shop] [blog] [twitter] ------

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: enter SWAPLOVE at checkout for 15% off! -------------

[shop]  [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: enter SWAGER at checkout for 20% off! -------

 [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: score yourselves 20% off EVERYTHING in the shop with SWAG20 at check out --------

 [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAG20 to get 20% off all these hair lovelies! GO GO GO! ---------

  [shop] [blog] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAGSWAP20 to nab yourself 20% off! (WOOT!) --------

 [shop] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: If you enter SWAGSWAP12 at checkout you get 15% off on ANYTHING in the shop! ((US & Canada only please)) ((good till end of swap Jan 21st, 2012)) --------

 [shop] [blog]

COUPON CODE: Enter SWAG10 at checkout for 10% off! ((US only please)) 

 [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAPWEEK for 30% off (WOWZAS!) -------

 [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook]

COUPON CODE: Enter SWAPWEEK and get 10% off anything your heart desires <3 --------

  [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAGSWAP at checkout for 10% off ANYTHING! (holla) ---------

  [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAGSWAP10 and get 10% off any and all items in the shop! --------

  [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] PROMOTION: Free Shipping on all prints until December 20th. No coupon code necessary- all print shipping is already discounted. Free shipping available on U.S. print orders only with discounted shipping rates internationally. ------------

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook]

COUPON CODE: Enter "SWAGSHOP" at check out for FREE domestic shipping!

  [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAGWEEK for 20% off anything in the shop! (she also has items for big people too! Fun iPad sleeves and purses) --------

  [shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] ***IMPORTANT NOTICE*** Kristina had to put her shop in vacation mode during this week, please visit her "sold" section to see what items she has. She will be available for contact. She apologizes for any inconveniences!

[shop] [blog] [twitter] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAG15 for 15% off these ADORABLE purses! (I should know I own 4)

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter "SAVE10" at checkout for 10% off anything you want! --------

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter "SWAPIT" for 15% off these hand stamped lovelies --------

[shop] [blog] [twitter] COUPON CODE: Enter "SWAPWEEKLOVE" for 20% off ANYTHING in her shop! (aww yeah!) ------

[shop] [blog] [twitter] [facebook] COUPON CODE: Enter SWAGSWAP20 for 20% off these lovely rosies!

[blog] [twitter] [facebook] ----------

[blog] [twitter] [facebook] [shop] Swag Swap Week is going on from January 16th 2012 - January 21st 2012. Coupon codes will expire once the week is over.