Huge Sale!

Huge sale, going on in my Etsy shop right now. Serriously huge. 40% off a dozen or so pieces - old favorites that need good homes. And most of them are purses, which will still arrive in time for Christmas.

The sale ends when they sell, so this is your one and only chance to get them at an insane price.

I don't usually do sales, as many of my fans know, so why now? Well, in my studio I have three shelves for work. One is entirely full of purses right now. Some are new, some are old, but the truth is that I want to make more, and just need the space for the new pieces. So, on sale they go, along with a few other pieces that have been sitting in the studio for a while. Fantastic deals, especially when you factor in the other promotions (see my older posts).

Happy holidays!
Caitlin

Earring Update

Here's what is left - and going fast!

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_315/Orbital-Sterling-Silver-Disc-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($52 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_307/Nestled-Pearl-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - ALL GONE !! http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_294/Trio-Black-Onyx-Earrings.htm 3 Pairs left! ($55 value)


For purchases of $250 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_306/Blue-Chalcedony-and-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 5

Publish Post

Pairs ($69 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_291/Trio-Peridot-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($65 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_297/Jade-and-Smoky-Quartz-Earrings.htm - 2 Pairs left!
($85 value)


For purchases of $350 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_304/Gaspeite-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 1 Pair left! ($92 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_301/Labradorite-Amethyst-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 2 Pairs left! ($125 value)

Get 25% off your order through December 31!

COUPON EXTENDED!!!

Here's how to get 25% off your next purchase from Moxie and Oliver:

As a one time only special I am offering coupons for 25% off your next Moxie and Oliver purchase when you make a purchase from Alere Modern between now and December 31. All you have to do is make any purchase from Alere Modern (it doesn't have to be Moxie & Oliver merchandise), then you can start shopping for Moxie & Oliver goods from my Etsy store at 25% off!

To receive the discount, just enter the word ALERE followed by your Alere Modern order number in the "coupon" field, and your discount will be applied



And the GIVEAWAY!!!

Veronica Willingham, maker of fine jewelry, has asked me to give away thirty pairs of her earrings with a Moxie and Oliver purchase. How could I say no? Veronica and I discovered one another way back when I started Moxie and Oliver, and the earrings that I got from her then are one of my very favorite pairs! Sparkly and feminine, just the thing that any urban cowgirl needs.

So, while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase, you will receive a pair of earrings of your choice! Be sure to shop soon, because there are only 30 pairs in total, and a limited number of each style.

For purchases of $150 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) choose from:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_315/Orbital-Sterling-Silver-Disc-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($52 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_307/Nestled-Pearl-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - ALL GONE !! http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_294/Trio-Black-Onyx-Earrings.htm 3 Pairs left! ($55 value)


For purchases of $250 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_306/Blue-Chalcedony-and-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 5

Publish Post

Pairs ($69 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_291/Trio-Peridot-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($65 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_297/Jade-and-Smoky-Quartz-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left!
($85 value)


For purchases of $350 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_304/Gaspeite-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 1 Pair left! ($92 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_301/Labradorite-Amethyst-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 2 Pairs left! ($125 value)



These earrings are a great way to check that one extra person off your holiday shopping list (by giving them an exquisite present, I might add) or to get yourself a little something special during this holiday season. To receive your earrings, just send an email to caitlin@moxieandoliver.com with your receipt and your choice of earring and we will send them out to you!

Happy shopping!
Caitlin

Want 25% or even 50% off your order?

Here's how to get 25% or 50% off your next purchase from Moxie and Oliver:

As a one time only special I am offering coupons for 25% or 50% off your next Moxie and Oliver purchase when you make a purchase from Alere Modern between now and December 15. All you have to do is make any purchase from Alere Modern (it doesn't have to be Moxie & Oliver merchandise), then on December 15 you can start shopping for Moxie & Oliver goods from my Etsy store and you will get at least 25% off your purchase. One lucky shopper's coupon will even be 50% off!

To receive the discount, just enter the word ALERE followed by your Alere Modern order number in the "coupon" field, and your discount will be applied



And the GIVEAWAY!!!

Veronica Willingham, maker of fine jewelry, has asked me to give away thirty pairs of her earrings with a Moxie and Oliver purchase. How could I say no? Veronica and I discovered one another way back when I started Moxie and Oliver, and the earrings that I got from her then are one of my very favorite pairs! Sparkly and feminine, just the thing that any urban cowgirl needs.

So, while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase, you will receive a pair of earrings of your choice! Be sure to shop soon, because there are only 30 pairs in total, and a limited number of each style.

For purchases of $150 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) choose from:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_315/Orbital-Sterling-Silver-Disc-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($52 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_307/Nestled-Pearl-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - ALL GONE !! http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_294/Trio-Black-Onyx-Earrings.htm 4 Pairs left! ($55 value)


For purchases of $250 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_306/Blue-Chalcedony-and-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 5 Pairs ($69 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_291/Trio-Peridot-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($65 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_297/Jade-and-Smoky-Quartz-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left!
($85 value)


For purchases of $350 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_304/Gaspeite-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 1 Pair left! ($92 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_301/Labradorite-Amethyst-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 2 Pairs left! ($125 value)



These earrings are a great way to check that one extra person off your holiday shopping list (by giving them an exquisite present, I might add) or to get yourself a little something special during this holiday season. To receive your earrings, just send an email to caitlin@moxieandoliver.com with your receipt and your choice of earring and we will send them out to you!

Happy shopping!
Caitlin







The fine print about the coupon:
All customers will receive a 25% off coupon with a purchase from Alere Modern, and the 50% off coupon will be awarded at random and revealed when entered in the shopping cart on check-out. Coupons are one-time use only, no limit on number of coupons per customer. Coupon is not valid for made to order or custom orders, good on in-stock items only. Not valid on sale items. Not valid on prior purchases.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway!!!

Veronica Willingham, maker of fine jewelry, has asked me to give away thirty pairs of her earrings with a Moxie and Oliver purchase. How could I say no? Veronica and I discovered one another way back when I started Moxie and Oliver, and the earrings that I got from her then are one of my very favorite pairs! Sparkly and feminine, just the thing that any urban cowgirl needs.

So, while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase, you will receive a pair of earrings of your choice! Be sure to shop soon, because there are only 30 pairs in total, and a limited number of each style.

For purchases of $150 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) choose from:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_315/Orbital-Sterling-Silver-Disc-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($52 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_307/Nestled-Pearl-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - ALL GONE !! http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_294/Trio-Black-Onyx-Earrings.htm 4 Pairs left! ($55 value)


For purchases of $250 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_306/Blue-Chalcedony-and-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 5 Pairs ($69 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_291/Trio-Peridot-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left! ($65 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_297/Jade-and-Smoky-Quartz-Earrings.htm - 3 Pairs left!
($85 value)


For purchases of $350 or more of Moxie and Oliver merchandise (from moxieandoliver.etsy.com or from www.aleremodern.com) you may additionally choose:

http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_304/Gaspeite-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 1 Pair left! ($92 value)
http://www.veronicawillingham.com/item_301/Labradorite-Amethyst-Sterling-Silver-Earrings.htm - 2 Pairs left! ($125 value)



These earrings are a great way to check that one extra person off your holiday shopping list (by giving them an exquisite present, I might add) or to get yourself a little something special during this holiday season. To receive your earrings, just send an email to caitlin@moxieandoliver.com with your receipt and your choice of earring and we will send them out to you!

Happy shopping!
Caitlin

Custom Orders are Back!

But more excitingly, you can now find all of your Moxie and Oliver favorites at Alere Modern! I have moved my most popular Woody Wallet there, and have added new items such as a Belle Lace Belt (there really is nothing more luxurious than a hand-cut floral leather lace belt). And it comes in a variety of colors - yellow, turquoise, purple and pink!

Oh, and about custom orders and my SMOKEY pattern (the ones with the handwriting on them) - they are available in very limited quantity between now and mid-December, so get them while you can! If you are thinking of either for a holiday gift, shop early to make sure you can get it in time! Holidays do tend to get busy here around the studio, and I think the baby is still too young to help out...

xo
Moxie

What I'd like to create...

My main problem these days is not enough free time. I feel on some level I can learn to do anything if I just have the time to do it - not the mastery of 10,000 hours (which I think I am getting close to in leather) but just enough to be passable.

One of the things high on my priority list when I do get the time to do it is to create a large gate. When we bought the house six years ago, my husband, stepfather and I put in a brick wall. It took ten times as long as we thought it would because none of had any masonry experience and really couldn't estimate it, but we got it done and it looks fantastic. And remarkably, is still standing. I can't help but think it would look all the more incredible with a unique gate in the front, keeping the neighborhood riffraff out!

I go back and forth about the design, but it would definitely be some sort of cut out steel (I don't think that leather would be very durable for this particular project). There is a place locally that does laser cutting, so I was thinking I would design the gate on whatever that Adobe program is, that I don't know how to use, and then have it made, then weld it into a frame, which I don't know how to build.

But this is why we artists have artist friends in other mediums, right? So, does anyone know how to use that Adobe program? I think it is called Illustrator? It hasn't had much of a place in leather work over the years, but as soon as it does, I will learn, and will have one less thing on my "things I wish I knew how to do, but don't" list.

Then I will just need to learn how to weld... which I'd love to know how to do anyway!

Happy weekend all, I hope you are feeling better than I am!

xo,
C




This post is part of a blo(r)g(y) for the Handmade Division group of fantastic artists. Check out some of the other posts by clicking on the links below:

Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
NEDbeads: http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/
Purified http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/
nova of sweden http://nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Pink Crow Studio: http://www.pinkcrowstudio.typepad.com/
Sand Fibers: http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/

All good things must come to an end

In late June, we welcomed our baby daughter in the world. Now as she approaches two months old, and my entire life has changed, I feel the need to make a few more changes.

I used to say that doing custom orders was my favorite part of my business. I love working with customers to create a piece of their dreams, and over the years I have been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people, and create incredibly unique pieces for them. Where I love it no less now than I did before, my time has been severely limited. I barely have time to work on new piece, and spend much of my time either creating custom pieces or made to order items.

So, since the reason I became an artist in the first place was to exercise my own creativity, I feel that right now I need to return to that. I haven't decided when yet, but soon (before the end of the month) I will be removing all made-to-order items from all of my shops (1000markets, etsy and artfire) and I will be discontinuing custom ordering. I will offer my Smokey pattern wallets and guitar straps for the holidays, but that is it. Other than the few Smokey pieces, my shop will be entirely limited to stock on hand.

I have already begun to work on new pieces, including an entirely new line for AlereModern.com. I am sure you will all love the new pieces being added to my shop - just remember that they will all be one of a kind, so if you see something you like, don't pass it up.

Cheers,
Caitlin

Taking the weekend off

I have to say I'm feeling a little more relaxed this weekend than I normally do - not that I am refraining from working on orders and new work, but more that I'm not stressed about it.

See, this is the first weekend in several years that I don't have a "Monday morning" to look forward to. Friday was my last official day of work in the real world.

But I was out all last week with a broken foot.

That said, I'm feeling relaxed, and my mind is clearing a little, letting new work, sunshine, flowers, and thoughts of things to come in. Today while my husband has been reading comics (after so graciously mowing the lawn and picking up the dog poop - maybe the broken foot isn't so bad??) I've been working on some letters for the baby's room.

Everyone seems to do it these days, and I looked and looked at letters but couldn't bring myself to buy them, so I made a set. Hopefully when she's older, she'll appreciate that I made these just for her, and with any luck they'll grow with her, rather than being something she sees as a "baby" thing.

So here's a sneak-peak, in progress:



The colors are a little hard to see (the overhead lights in my studio are out at the moment... hard to work but I'm making do), but I'm really happy with the way these are turning out so far. When I can convince my husband to take me to the hardware store, I'll get some plywood to mount these on so they have nice little frames.

And yes, I'll be adding letters to the shop. How could I not?

Back to work, whatever it is I'm doing...

Moxie

Learning a New Skill

I have to admit that as I sit here and write this, I'm not entirely sure what day it is. I believe it is Tuesday, but these last few days have been somewhat of a fog. You know that feeling when you're sick, where you can't tell the difference between being awake and being asleep, and everything blends together? That's the feeling that I've had since Sunday. Except I'm not sick. Just broken.

In the last 20 years I haven't broken a bone. I've always thought how awful it would be when I see people with a broken foot - I would hate to have that be me. I love running, and even walking is pretty great if you properly appreciate it. Then on Sunday, walking with my husband in the park going to get pregnancy pictures taken (yep, that's right, 34 weeks tomorrow) I rolled my foot like I've done a thousand times before, but this time, it didn't just roll, it fractured. At first walking hurt, then standing, then any pressure whatsoever. Between poses I told my husband the first thing that we're going to do when we get into the car is type "HOSPITAL" into the navigation and we're going to the emergency room. I knew I'd broken or fractured something.

After a day (okay, maybe a little more) of feeling sorry for myself and thinking of all the things I would no longer be able to do, I'm starting to realize all the things that I can still do - and appreciate them. They may not be my normal activities. I can't run, I can't swim, I can't really garden (though that one has yet to be tested), and I certainly can't paint the nursery. But I can read, I can draw, I can sit and enjoy the garden, and springtime, and my friends and family. A bit of a rude awakening in a way, but one I'm learning to accept. Part of this acceptance is knowing that the condition of my foot is temporary - it will heal, I will get better, I will return to "normal", but for now, I'm taking the time to enjoy the quieter, more peacful side of life.

Don't worry - I'm still in the studio daily. I've learned if enough things have wheels on the bottom, you don't really need two feet to get around the studio.

I'll write more soon... and probably more than I have been, now that there are fewer distractions. And yes, items are still going up on and for sale daily in my Etsy shop. I would have included the sale item of the day in this post, but it sold before I was able to finish writing. Guess I'm moving a little slower than usual....

Off to enjoy life in a new way.

Moxie

The Smell of Leather

I was working in my studio last night when my husband came down with a friend of his, who immediately, upon poking his head into the studio, asked if I did leather branding and tooling. With leather strewn about the studio floor and tables, even hanging from the ceiling, I just said "yep" to which he responded, "it smells like it."

That familiar smell of leather, which I loved so much as a child. I remember the first time I really, really, was engulfed by the smell of leather. I was 13, and we were on a family vacation in Guatemala. I think we were at the biggest market in the city - it was underneath a plaza, so all the smells (both good and bad) were trapped below ground. There was an entire section of leather workers, and the aroma of leather was overwhelming. It is something that, every time I'm overcome with the smell of leather, I think of. There is something comforting about it.

I often get the same comment from customers - that they love how my pieces smell. It's a combination of the leather itself, the dyes, and the finish coat, but they do have what I find to be a faint and pleasant smell. Though I can imagine to anyone who isn't around it 365 days a year, it's a little more noticeable. For me, though, the faint smells of my own work are relaxing - the studio is my peaceful time. The overwhelming smells of leather like those I experienced in Guatemala, are transporting. They bring me back to my first mass exposure to handmade leather goods. To being a child, and to being in one of the most interesting and incredible countries I've ever visited.

Oh yes, and I listed my sale item today, so go check it out :)

7 days of work in the real world left, then more stories about leather, inspiration, and things of the like.

Sale continues! So do the sleepy days

As you can see... it's 10:30 and I'm just now getting around to posting the sale item of the day on my blog! It would be a good day for a nap in the sun if I could convince it to stick around for more than a few minutes. Everything, even the computer, is moving slowly here today. A little more time for resting...

Spring Cleaning Sale Continues...

Amidst the wanderings of two very tired dogs, and one very tired me, I just posted the sale item of the day to my Etsy shop. Hubby took the dogs running last night, and guaranteed they'd be tired today. He's right, though our soon to be one year old puppy, Jax, still can't sit still, even though he's too tired to play.

Me, I'm spending the day in the studio working on some new pieces. The sale item today is one of my very, very favorites. I'm hoping it finds a good home!

More soon...
Moxie

Sale Starts today!

I put the first item up for sale today and here it is - http://www.etsy.com/listing/18055164/one-day-sale-aloysius-journal-leather-in - remember there is only one, and the sale ends either tomorrow at 9am to make room for the next piece, or when this one sells!

Spring Cleaning SALE & New Growth

Over the last few weeks I've been working on new pieces - in batches. Two weeks ago I made 16 new lace style cuffs. Of all of them, I tend to think the Nelly Lace is my favorite, with the flower centered on the wrist and the skulls off to either side, but it's a really tough choice. I posted all of them to my Flickr page, and will slowly be adding them to my Etsy shop as time permits.



This weekend I'm hoping to get some work done on a new line of wrap watches. I think I have some really good ideas for them, though it's always tough to say how good the ideas are until I'm able to test one or two out, and see how they fit and function. I'm really excited to see how they turn out, though. This is, of course, assuming I don't get too distracted by painting the nursery, or planting the garden... *sigh* it's supposed to be beautiful here tomorrow.

Of course, in order to make all these pieces, I'm going to have to do a little spring cleaning, so starting tomorrow, I'll be putting pieces on SALE. Each one will be on sale for 24 hours only - they're all one of a kind, and the sale on each will end either 24 hours after it started (9am PST the following day) or when it sells. I know it's a little unconventional, but check back daily starting April 25th for the sale item of the day. I know I have at least two weeks worth of pieces to put on sale, so if you see on you like don't hesitate. It's the only one, and the sale won't last!

Happy weekend!

Moxie

Moxie and Oliver Give-Away!

So, it's the rare giveaway time here at the Moxie and Oliver workshop. This one is a favor to someone near and dear to me - my husband. He needs people to participate in the following survey:


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SandSSurvey


It should only take about 10 minutes to complete, and as a thank-you, we'll enter your name in a drawing to win a Moxie and Oliver flask. If you want more chances to win - just refer friends, and you'll get an extra entry for each friend who completes the survey.


We'll leave the survey up until May 2, and then pick the winner! I guarantee, it's totally worth the few minutes of your time for a chance at a M&O flask.

Good luck! And thanks for participating.

Caitlin

Giveaway!!

Okay, it's not mine, but it's definitely worth a look - and this piece would go fabulously with that new Moxie & Oliver bag that you've been eying, should you happen to be the lucky winner...

http://rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-giveaway-time.html

The giveaway is a Rosy Revolver pendant. Beautiful, unique, and free to a lucky winner!

Good luck!