Recently, we were introduced to this cute little Etsy shop called What the Hart Likes. We instantly feel in love with the whimsical patterns and colors of the customized dish towels, baby onesies and stationery. The owner of this shop, Chane Hart, used to reside in Auburn, AL where the moxii retail store is located.
By day, Chane is teaching students how to write papers and use correct grammar. As a creative outlet, she customizes what her “hart” likes, and we like it, too!
6 Sew Note Cards with Envelopes
The Garden Dream Collection featuring the Dancing Dahlia Featherweight
We know you’ve heard the phrase “one-of-a-kind” when we describe our products, probably too many times! So instead of saying it once again, we thought we’d show you instead.
The process in which are unique featherweights are made is quite intriguing. Created in the cottage regions of India, the featherweights are hand-printed and made in the most ecologically friendly way possible.
Below is the process, which is called Kalamkari printing, the earliest and more complex techniques of block-printing on cloth using vegetable dyes.
All Natural Fibres, All Natural Dyes:
Vegetable and natural dyes are used in the printing process. Most natural dyes use mordants to fix color onto fabric. Only natural fibres are used for the hand-woven fabrics.
Preparing the Cloth:
Fabric is washed in a natural bleach and milk to help whiten the fabric and stop the dyes from spreading.
Hand-Blocking the Pattern:
Hand-carved wood blocks are used to print an outline of the pattern on the fabric with an iron acetate.
Setting the Dye:
Mordant is then applied with the help of a block to fill in the pattern. Mordant is a substance used to help set dyes on fabrics.
Before the Dyeing Process:
This is what the fabric looks like printed with mordant before it is boiled.
Dyeing the Fabric:
The fabric is boiled in coloring materials to bring out the desired color only in the area where mordant is applied. The use of a copper container brightens the color. This featherweight was dyed with red color.
Washing & Drying the Fabric:
The fabric is washed and dried. For each color this process must be repeated.
Making the Finishing Touches:
Gold paint is sometimes applied to the finished product. This is done using a wooden pen called a kalam.
See our entire collection of one-of-a-kind featherweights here. Oh, we couldn’t resist to say it again!
Wedding season is in full swing. And for your wedding, there’s no better way to put a smile on your face and your guests than with these photo booth prop ideas.
Below are our favorite ideas from Etsy that will add a little whimsy and vintage fun!
Sarah Q Happy Booths shop:
Hang this near your booth to let guests know it’s time for their close up.
Let your guests play dress up with these super cute glasses on a stick!
Little Retreats shop:
Show the world you’re the perfect match with this perfect Mr. and Mrs. pair.
Maro Designs shop:
Customize this thought bubble to say whatever is bobbling in your head!
Rainy Day Story shop:
Play up your attire with a colorful, faux tie bow!
Perfectionate shop:
And we couldn’t forget the popular mustaches!
These fun ideas will add personality to your photos and will have you smiling every time you see them. Try your hand at making a few or purchase them on Etsy where the most creative handmade items are found.
We are so excited about our new collection of bedding, home decor and accessories in the coming months that we had to give you a sneak peek! These bags will give you a hint of what our theme will be this year.
These tarp bags from The Real Deal Brazil are definitely one of a kind, which are handmade in rural Brazil. The recycled material was “once stretched across the beds of cross-country cargo trucks hauling open freight.”
Coming in many sizes, they can be used for every day or travel.
Iguape Messenger Bag
Recife Duffle Bag
Olinda Tote
Manaus Shoulder Bag
So can you guess what this year’s theme will be?
How many times have you spent tirelessly reading Valentines Day cards in the isle of the grocery store? You probably left with one in hand but not entirely happy with it. Sometimes finding the perfect card can be exhausting! Because of the lack of selection, the card is far less special than what it should be.
This year, give a card that is unique, thoughtful and fits the personality of your sweetheart.
Here are a few of our favorites that you’ll fall in love with!
Night Owl Paper Goods:
Etsy:
The Paper Menagerie
Delightfully Noted
Jessi Jewels
Oliver Blu Designs
Storey Shop
Kat Doodles
moxii recently just launched Rebekah Blocher’s jewelry line. The bohemian designs reminded of us the moxii style, and we knew we just had to share it with everyone. But who is behind this beautiful jewelry?
We thought we’d take a minute to ask Rebekah a few questions. Isn’t it nice to put a face behind the name?
Q: When did you first start making jewelry?
A: I have been making jewelry of all kinds for years…beading, metal smithing,etc. Six years ago, though, I took a pottery class from this amazing artist in Birmingham named Donna Steele. I wanted to learn how to make dishes but ended up using the scrap clay from the dishes to make jewelry.
Q: Is all your jewelry handmade?
A: It is. Every piece is hand stamped, cut out, painted, and fired twice in a kiln.
Q: What is your favorite piece that you’ve made?
A: There’s a round pendant with a bird on it that I really love. The design came from the pedulum of an antique clock that belonged to my great grandfather.
Q: What is your inspiration?
A: Everything. you name it. That’s why all the designs I use are so different. They don’t fit any specific genre. I’ll see some scroll work in the stone of an old building or a pattern on a manhole cover and think “that would make a pretty necklace design.”
Q: What do you do when you have a creative block?
A: First, Drink coffee. I live way too close to the coffee shop. I also spend alot of time at bookstores. It helps too to do something different for a little bit like crochet or collage.
Q: How would you describe your jewelry line?
A: Bohemian, eclectic, colorful
Q: What tips can you give someone who is an aspiring jewelry designer?
A: Do something different. Theres so much jewelry out there. You have to stand out. So if you’ve seen it before, don’t do it. Come up with your own technique and style.
The Mission
When I first started doing art shows I knew I wanted to use part of my sales to support a ministry. I love to read and at the time I was on a kick about Africa and several of the conflicts over there. I had just read Long Way Gone, Girl Soldier, They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, and several others, and I decided I wanted to help a ministry in Uganda. I did tons of research on all the different charities working over there till a friend told me about Heart of the Bride. I called and talked to Tony, the founder, and realized they were the real deal. Tony and his wife Faith sold their home and used the money they made to build an orphanage. They now have projects all over the world. One of their most life-changing projects is a jewelry project called Back to Africa where women there use recycled magazine paper to make these amazing beads. It helps the women provide for their families and the proceeds go back to the orphans. We recently collaborated to start a new line for Back to Africa. We are teaching the women to do the pottery beads and so far it is going great. You can see their work and learn more about the project at www.backtoafricastore.com. Another cool part of this project is the little fabric gift bags my jewelry comes in, each one is hand sewn by a woman in Kenya who is suffering from AIDS. The money they earn helps them provide for their families and receive much needed medical care. The women were so excited to get the work; they sewed around the clock and got the first 2,000 bags done in a week! We are trying to get other jewelry designers and stores to place orders with them too so more people can have jobs.
The Ministry
An important part of my business is the fact that each piece comes with a scripture inscribed on the back. I’v heard from so many people stories of how God used the verse on their necklace at a particular time in their life. I once got an email from a woman in Iraq who received one of my necklaces from a visiting missionary. She said her favorite part about it was the “secret message on the back”.
Going green is easy, but you can’t change your entire lifestyle overnight. However, you can take baby steps. For instance, you can recycle all those canned sodas that you drink from or car pool to work. Small steps eventually add up and make a huge difference.
Now, we haven’t gone completely green, but hey, we’re making small steps with you. Below are some of moxii’s glassware all coming from recycled glass.
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- Tilted Glass Pitcher
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- Cin Cin Aqua Glass Set
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- White Wine Decanter
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- Stemless Wine Glass
