www.SmashingMirrors.com

shop_smashing @ 2005-07-25T15:08:00

2005-07-25T19:40:23Z

This weekend I made a trip to Richmond, VA's Bizare Bazaar. I was able to meet a few vendors whom I had only know via the internet such as dearest inez who had the cutest felt pins!

While in Richmond I shopped in the CaryTown distric and at one boutique I noticed a handful of beautiful hand-screened purses that were by Paris designer Dominique Picquier. Each handbag was decorated with her custom organic patterns that she designs herself and then screens multiple times so the artwork will never fade. I had a difficult time finding out much information on her that wasn't in Frech, but she is well worth checking out!

shop_smashing @ 2004-11-25T09:26:00

2004-11-25T14:30:32Z

CB2

SmashingMirrors

I
LOOKED AT HER AND SHE AT ME

These Lola lamps from CB2 are made of capiz shells and lend a soft
glow when a candle is lit on the inside.

Lola
Hurricanes, $16.95 - 24.99

shop_smashing @ 2004-11-14T18:41:00

2004-11-14T23:42:39Z

Kiln
Enamel

SmashingMirrors

As
the Holidays approach, so too does the need to find the perfect
gift. Watch this space for inspiring products and designers we find
irresistible. Eye-candy worth so much more than a second glance.

SEEING RED

This beautiful necklace is hand painted and fired, so each one is
a little different and a little bit amazing. From Brooklyn based
Kiln Enamel.

Pear
Blossom Necklace, $48

shop_smashing @ 2004-11-09T14:30:00

2004-11-09T19:29:34Z

MarieBelle
Chocolates

SmashingMirrors

As the Holidays approach, so too does the need to find the perfect gift. Watch this space for inspiring products and designers we find irresistible. Eye-candy worth so much more than a second glance.

SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT CHOCOLATE MAKES ONE WEAK
Since chocolate has proven to be
so darn good for you there is no point resisting. MarieBelle chocolates are so
pretty we almost don't want to eat them!

The creative NYC-based Chocolatier combines confections with fashion illustrations
to create a unique gourmet treat!

4 piece box, $12

shop_smashing @ 2004-04-29T10:17:00

2004-04-29T14:13:41Z

Pamela Barsky

SmashingMirrors

Pamela Barsky first came to my attention one day as I was lazily browsing through Lucky Magazine. Her silhouette notebooks were featured and I found her imagery, which was surrounded by browns and pinks, striking and sellable. Reflecting on it now, my observation was surprising, given that everything "now" is in those same retro shades - a very hip brown and pink. You'd think her products would have faded into everything else feminine displayed on the glossy pages. Perhaps though, it is her ability to encapsulate these trends in such a way, as to be appealing and not saccharine that has made her so marketable. In addition to her way with color, she has a keen sense of "what is old is new again" that you can see in her usage of vintage fabrics and subject matter. Her lampshades are made from vintage scarves which I suspect lend a moody patterned elegance to each room they grace. Her journals reflect older times with embroiddery patterns and silouettes.

I am especially taken with Pamela because she has made it on her own, as a boutique owner, a factory owner, a lamp maker, an artist. I like to imagine myself on that same path, creating lights, fashions and artwork and selling them in my own boutique. I am fascinated by anyone who has accomplished this goal because I have attached myself to it. Her products, including lamps, journals, and pet accessories have been snatched up by celebrities and the press. I too, am singing her praises.

Check out
a recent interview here:

http://www.bussbuss.com/bussbuss_articles/articles/000266.shtml

And, browse
her blog, which smatters business how-to amidst her daily observations:
http://www.pamelabarsky.com/blog.php

shop_smashing @ 2004-04-13T22:32:00

2004-04-14T02:32:38Z

Spring has sprung here in North Carolina and though it is a little rainy, it is getting warmer. My thoughts keep wandering to my garden which, for the first time last month, I tried to perfectly plan. I received my Farmers Almanac update which informed me that I should select some seeds to harvest (I chose spinach, carrots and poppies), and I dutifully planted them after what I hope was the last frost.

Just like my garden, we at SmashingMirrors are in the beginning stages of the online boutique. We have been receiving some lovely Spring-inspired items for the shop: baby blue clutches, pillows adorned with woodland creatures, bird notecards, and more is arriving daily.

We've recently added a discussion list and hope it will help fuel a dialogue between creative d.i.y.'ers that is uplifting and resourceful. Here you can post about the business side of crafts, getting started with your new business, and the inspiration around you.

We will keep you posted on the spinach and the shop. Until then, enjoy the season!