Temporary vacation

Lettered Olive Handmade is “on vacation” right now while we’re moving.  We’ll be in temporary housing for a few weeks, and I won’t have access to my supplies.  I hope to open up again as soon as possible (and in time for the holidays)!

And...a little sneak peek of what is coming soon...

 

The story behind the covered button necklaces...

I have always been slightly addicted to reading crafty blogs. I have lists and lists of project ideas inspired by the wonderful scrapbooking, sewing, and craft blogs out there. Every once in a while, though, I come across a project that is so exciting that I feel like I have to make it right now. Do you ever feel like that?

That's the way it was with the covered button necklaces. Last winter I saw one on a blog and thought, "Ooh, I want to try that!" I posted the end result on my personal blog, and I began to wear it everywhere. I love how funky and unique it is.

About a month or so ago, Husband and I were at a restaurant for dinner, and I was wearing my necklace. I was surprised and delighted when two waitresses and the manager (at separate times) came by our table and raved over the necklace. They all asked whether I sold them anywhere. Their compliments were so much more than just nice words! Because of their encouragement, I decided to create more necklaces for my shop...

The story behind the purses...

In 2008, my friend gave me a small pile of upholstery swatches. I loved the beautiful colors and textures, and I started thinking. Wouldn't they be perfect for a purse? A couple broken sewing machine needles later (I learned that I needed a heavy-duty leather needle for fabric this sturdy!), I had my first purse, a black-and-white striped tote of the same style as the ones currently listed in my shop. I used it all summer long, and I still get it out every once in a while!

I got more upholstery swatches and began making purses for my family and friends. As I made more and more, people started remarking that I could sell them. Around that time, my cousins opened Etsy shops, and I was intrigued. Maybe I could, too! But I was in my last year of finishing my PhD (that's a whole 'nother story...) and it just wasn't the right time to start a business.

Two years later, I have a PhD, completed a year as a postdoc, and have moved to a new time zone. My husband (and my family and friends, of course!) encouraged me to follow my dreams-- and Lettered Olive Handmade was born!