Hopeful Monsters

2010-10-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'd like to interrupt the total silence of this blog with an announcement.
Big changes are happening!

I'm up to my ears in my new project; a brand spanking new line called Amelia. The new line is all women's clothing designed by me. I'll be launching everything this spring, but you can get a sneak peek of the new website here.

This means that Hopeful Monsters is going to be winding down and eventually disappearing completely. I'll continue selling existing items but I won't be making anything new or restocking anything. So if you see something you like, snap it up!

I hope that you'll stick around to see how the new line turns out!

2010-05-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

First Friday in Montavilla - June 4, 6-8:30

at Union Rose:

10% off tees from Hopeful Monsters, Eclectikid, People's Republic of Portland and SheShe

That's right people! Next Friday I will be at Union Rose (7909 SE Stark in Montavilla, Portland, OR 97215) schlepping my goods and chatting with you!

Drop by and say hello, there will lots of fun things happening in the area (Portland Garment Factory is having a new art opening and landscape themed dress party!) and you'll hate to miss it!

2010-05-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hi there Blog-land!

Today, or tonight rather, I'd like to share with you some of my current favorite items. I'm not sure what you might call the theme here...

Spirit of the People Pendleton Wool Purse Clutch Wrist Bag

by TimberLine Ltd

Prep School Sweater

from Grandma Marie Vintage

Shoulders Dress

by Jen Fashion

Adama Bag

by Out of Afrika

Vinaigrette Perfume Necklace

by Erica Weiner Jewelry

An Idle Afternoon Tank

by Minx Shop

Python Hoops

by Alan Douvros

but it's definitely becoming a theme...

-A

2010-05-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Long time no see blog-land!

I know, I know, I constantly have excuses for why I am so often m.i.a. here. This time I have a good one!

We bought a house! And then we moved! Which I'm sure all of you know takes one million years longer than you expect it to. And then, when you're almost finished and think everything is unpacked - you will find 100 more things you still have to do.

But all griping aside, it has been great! We love it! Our dog loves it!

I've also been super busy taking classes three nights a week. Two for the improvement and advancement of the Hopeful Monsters empire, and one just for fun (ceramics!).
It keeps me pretty busy, but good things are in the works and it will all be worth it.

In other, non house related news, I had a blast this weekend at the Mercury's Open Season Fashion Show at the Bossanova Ballroom. I really loved it. I went with my good friend Leah (who is also one of the photographer's whose work you see on my site) and we had a grand ol' time watching, talking, and giggling right up front.
Naturally, I forgot to bring my camera, but The Examiner has some good photos up with their review of the event. I'm going to stick a couple in here, just for illustrative purposes, and to pique your interest to go and check out their review and the full slideshow. (And, obviously, the photos were not taken by me, you can see OH-SO-MANY photos by Roll 35 from the event HERE.)

My favorite - Adam Arnold's final piece. This photo hardly does justice to the greedy, defensive-of-his-big-gulp, shifty eyed look this guy was giving. I may have even squealed with glee when he came down the runway.

My other favorite was the Heather Treadway performance, because it really was more of a hot performance than simply beautiful people strutting down the runway. I keep hoping someone will post a video of it, because it was magic.

I actually have a version of the dress pictured here - though in different fabric and without the capelet pictured here. Mine fits more like a mini, but I love it so!

And now, tomorrow, I'm off to Arizona for my sister's college graduation! See you back in Portland (or here on the interwebs) on Sunday!

2010-03-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

Last night was the grand opening of Modern Domestic, the new sewing studio and machine store from Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique. Bolt is hands down my favorite fabric store for gorgeous fabrics, patterns, and special notions. Once not too long ago I even got some adorable lemur buttons. Buttons shaped like lemurs!

The new shop is chock full of shiny new machines, bright and spacious work spaces, and all kinds of sewing accessories that you've always wanted.

You can check out the class list here, my favorites so far: make a cover for your machine, kimono dress and obi belt, and even a camisole and undies! How lucky are we to have such a great resource right here in Portland!

2010-03-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Spring has finally made it to Portland! I'm thrilled!

Sun dresses! Patios! Hooray!

I've also just set up a quick survey here: Click here to take survey

and I'd love it if you could give up 5 minutes and take it!

When you're finished, just email me or let me know somehow that you've finished and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate for Hopeful Monsters!

It's seriously easy! 10 quick questions, and you can win!

(And since the sale is still going on in the Etsy store, you could get way more bang for your winning buck!)

2010-03-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

The sale continues! But just a note, I'll be out of town (and obviously, the studio) from March 11 - March 15.

You can expect orders to ship just as soon as I return!

2010-03-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

The new spring and summer collections are available online now!

Some of my favorites are finally for sale! I've been waiting and getting excited for so long now, I'm thrilled to have them in my hot little hands, to share them with you, and to wear them as often as I want!

I hope you love the new stuff as much as I do!!

You might also be interested to know that a lot of items have been moved to the SALE section of my Etsy store!

**Somehow, half of everything is underlined. Who knows why, just indulge me...

2010-02-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

As 2010 marches on, things here in the studio are getting busier and busier.

Inventory, taxes, fabric and boxes and boxes of beakers are arriving, and I'm already working away on new dresses for the fall.

In addition to the new projects I've got in the works, I've just added a new item for Valentines Day. The Manly Grooming Travel Kit is a simple, classic travel kit for your gentleman on the go.

A hand printed handkerchief (Gesundheit!) and an antique wooden comb. This compact set fits in a pocket and keeps you (or your gentleman) looking polished and prepared for anything.

As a special for Valentines Day this set is for sale in my Etsy shop for just $6 (and with reduced shipping to boot.)

2010-01-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

Things here at the world of Hopeful Monsters are bustling along in preparation for the Spring releases. I've been ordering, snipping, printing, and planning. Good things are coming!

I am very excited. I hope you are also very excited!

Snip snip snip!

2009-12-31T10:56:00.000-08:00

PSST!

I'm having a New Year's Sale! Get 30% any and everything in the shop from right now through the end of January.

Use code: CHEERS

If you had your eye on something during the holidays, but didn't find it in your stocking - now is the time to snatch it up.

And just because I love you, every order will get an extra special little something tucked in with your purchase! Yay!

*I'll even allow this code to be used through the Etsy store, just type the code in the message to seller box and I'll email you an updated invoice with a link to pay. *

Illustration by http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurageorge

2009-12-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

The holiday craziness is more or less over now, and I'm looking towards 2010 with hope, glee, and tons and tons of giddy ideas.

I hope 2009 was a blast for you, and that you ring in 2010 with a big grin on your face!

2009-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Crafty Wonderland, and it was a pretty darn good time!

Josh put on his game face and helped me out all day and lots of our lovely friends came out to visit. They even brought us homemade treats! Lemon sandwich cookies! Candied Nuts! Caramels!

How lucky are we!

We also managed to snag some great loot for ourselves and for holiday presents! Here's some of our favorites!

Oddvark! From Perfect Children!

Hedgehog Knuckler Keychain!

Slug Hoodie from Frock!

Brown Bag Bottle Cozy! (Here, Josh is doing homework even after our long long day.)

This morning I've got to face the studio mess. Honestly, it looks like someone shook it up. And then tipped it upside down. So....yeah. I'll get back to you after I've faced that.

2009-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend I'll be at the Super Collosal Crafty Wonderland Show!

You can come see me and get some new goodies not available anywhere else, and everything will be just a bit cheaper than you can get anywhere else - just a little gesture to make your holiday shopping a little bit easier on your pocket this year.

And seriously, if you're in the area and aren't already planning on coming, check out the vendor list. 200 amazing crafters and artists! I am personally super duper excited!

2009-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Dear lovelies!

It's finally time to unveil one of my newest and most exciting endeavors in the continued development of the Hopeful Monsters reign.

The Adelaide Cowl Dress:

The first Hopeful Monsters 100% designed from the ground up and made in Portland, Oregon garment.

I love it. It's flattering, comfortable, and makes you feel very polished and pretty and ready for anything.

You can tie the drawstring waist in front, or wrap it around and tie it with a tiny bow in the back. (That's my favorite way to wear to it.)

It's available in my 2 web shops, the home shop and the Etsy shop, as well as at The Portland Garment Factory. The Portland garment factory also has it in a couple of different lengths. You should go check it out, not only for my dress but to have a gander at all the amazing local designers that they stock. It'll be worth the trip!

2009-11-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

New stuff is in the store now!

A couple ladies tops, a couple gentlemen's tops, throw pillows, coasters, and some brand new printed wood jewelry.

I'm really excited about the new wood products - the coasters and jewelry are hand printed on natural wood so that the grain and color can really show through and they look great.

A little fancy, a little natural - and they make lovely gifts. I'm already plotting away on my gift list!

There is still one more item coming soon, trust me, it will be worth the wait! But until then, check out some of the new goods and the fun pictures from our photoshoot.

And thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of my work. I mean you - my customers, my family, my friends, and even you lurkers who visit from time to time just to take a peek.

I feel so darn lucky and full of warm fuzzies to be where I am and doing what I want to do.

Thank you!

2009-11-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Some special winter items will be in the shops soon! Here's a sneak peek!

2009-10-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday before last was the Content event in Portland, OR.

28 rooms in the Ace Hotel, each with a different designer or duo.
Music. Drinks. Live Models. Fashion. Jewelry. It was great!

Below are a photos from a few of my favorites from the evening! You can see much better, more representative photos here, on the Content site!

2009-10-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

This time of year in Portland we're all scrambling to make time in our schedules to get out to the orchards and the pumpkin patches. It's apple picking time and the pumpkins are ripe for the taking!

I was lucky enough to make it out recently for some apple picking and snagged some pumpkins along the way. So today, the theme is A Day in the Orchard.

(Clockwise)

1. Cast Iron Spice Grinder from Canoe

2. Frye Harness Boots

3. Jackee Muntz vs Thomas Samson from Andrews and Dunham Damn Fine Teas

4. Limited Edition Stanley Classic Thermos

5. Wooden Radio from The Curiosity Shoppe

6. Freya Dress from Gaia Conceptions

7. Hand picked apples from the Draper Girls Country Farm, Oregon.

8. Zebrawood Gem Necklace by Somethings Hiding in Here

9. Wide Chocolate Leather Belt by The Pila Shoppe

(As usual, all photos belong to the linked purveyors of these lovely goods. Well, except the apples. I took that photo.)

2009-10-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Between today (Oct 18) and the end of the month, 25% of all sales will be donated to the Wheels for Henry fundraiser.

The money will be used to buy a convertible wheelchair van for an awesome Portland family, Chloe Eudaly (of Reading Frenzy) and her son Henry.

Check out the website for a list of other particpants and stock up on holiday gifts now - what better way to shop for others when some of that money will also go to helping others!

2009-10-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today's theme is based on my very own name, Hopeful Monsters.

Hopeful Monsters: [hohp-fuhl mon-ster] noun -
Creatures displaying novel, possibly fortuitous mutations or behaviors that may allow them to be more successful and survive better. These "monsters" are different, but hope to thrive because of their differences and become successful, happy monsters. -Origin 1933, in reference to evolutionary changes and biology.

In honor of this, I give you an assortment of goods relating to the world of evolutionary biology. (And all from Etsy this time!)

1. Darwin's Finch Tee by Isotope

2. Anger Fish Tee by Siempre La Lucha

3. The Charles Darwin Organic Tote by Snoozer Loser

4. Copulating Earthworm Necklace by Heron Adornment

5. Axon Terminal Earrings by Nanopod

6. Survival of the Fittest Beer Drinker I.D. case by To Funky Town

7. Domestic Science Beaker Candles by yours truly (Hopeful Monsters)

8. Cytomorphic Ring by Disco Medusa

9. Charles Darwin Brooch by Rikki B

Enjoy!

*All photo credits belong to the artists linked above.*

2009-09-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

As an avid blog reader (design, fashion, humor, small animals - you name it) I've been thinking of instigating a weekly feature here on my very own blog.

A sort of habitat appropriate fashion and accessorie montage showcasing some of my favorite finds from my internet "window-shopping" of the past week.

Where: A day at the Natural History museum. (Something which Portland is sorely lacking.)

1. Snake Rib Ring by Macha Jewelry

2. The Warm Your Bones Jumper by Necessity is the Mother / Fancy Clothing

3. Original Seaweed Pressing by AlgaNet

4. Miner's Bottles from Anthropologie

5. Danburite Bullet Pendant by scarletbegonia11

6. Reading the Stars embroidered constellations by Miniature Rhino

7. Tramway Heels from Mod Cloth

8. Handcrank Automato by Cartoon Monster (see it in action here)

*all photos belong to the respective artists*

2009-09-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Skating with Scissors roller derby carft show!

Admission is free, there will be fantastic crafters, artists, and me! It's all day, so come down and hang out with me for a while. I'll have all the new clothes, most of the summer collection, as well as some brand new housewares you haven't seen before!

Mention the blog and get 10% off anything you buy!

2009-09-01T14:36:00.001-07:00

This Sunday was the photo shoot for the end-of-summer / pre-fall clothing (women's only, sorry gents!)

We had a great time and I love the photos! I'm working away to get everything up on the site and into the store, but in the mean time you can enjoy some behind the scene shots!

Hopefully everything will be ready by Thursday! I'll keep you posted!

2009-08-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

The new site is up! Complete with it's very own store front and shopping cart!

Josh, my husband/intern, spent all weekend making this a reality and I think he did a fantastic job!

In celebration, all orders placed through my store will receive 10% off with the code "lovethesite"

Hooray!

2009-07-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Now that my wedding is over and I'm slowly catching back up with life, I thought I might write a bit about some of the amazing crafters, artists, and makers that helped us to throw such a bang up shindig.

We planned a wedding in Colorado while living in Portland, so many things were sourced from either location or off the internet.

First, the dress.

I really lucked out in finding my dress while I was out doing some regular browsing and shopping around Portland. I stumbled across it at Seaplane and knew almost immediately that I loved it.

Reconstructed vintage gowns? Check.

Feathers and lace? Check.

Comfortable? Check.

Handmade and local? Double check. The dress was made by Frocky Jack Morgan, whose in-house studio is located in Flutter - one of my favorite Portland stores. If you're in Portland, drop by if only to fondle the gorgeous dresses and leer at some of the amazing artifacts hidden around the store.

Second, my hair piece.

As you can see above, the hair piece was a lovely combination of little feathers and two handmade flowers. The flowers were made by Cultivar to repair/improve the hair piece that I paid an inappropriate and unfitting amount of money to a local artisan for and then was wholly unsatisfied with. Cultivar turned something I couldn't stand into a beautiful and perfect hair piece!

I also had a brooch made by Cultivar to attach to my bustle. You can see it here:

Next, the rings.

Both our rings are titanium, made by craft people; mine by Jerry Spaulding through The Real Mother Goose in Portland, and Josh's by Titanium Knights.

The Cake

The cake was made by Tee and Cakes in Boulder, Colorado, and they were great about working my decorations. Specifically, the recycled book page flowers made by Kit and Caboodles (I think...her Etsy shop has disappeared.) and the personalized topper made by Vintage by Crystal.
The cupcake stands were made from thrifted glass ware and plates. I glued the glasses to the plates to make cupcake platters at a variety of heights. They matched, but because the bases were different, were more interesting to me than the garden variety dessert plates from caterers.

The invitations were designed by me, and while I hand printed the Save the Dates, I couldn't stand to do the invitations. We had them printed by Anders Printing in SE Portland and I assembled the layers with a tape gun in their lovely air conditioned office.

The flowers, which matched my bizarre vision (I must have marimos!) and truly exceeded my expectations, were done by John Gray Turner at Bouquets in Denver, Colorado.

The table number were photos we took in some of the places we've traveled together.

Guest book made from a recycled encyclopedia with an embossed image of Atlas holding the world. We had guests take photos of themselves in an on-site photobooth and glue the photos into our book.

Our ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract, was designed and made by Josh. It incorporates a mangrove tree which holds personal significance for us. We wrote our own text and vows as well.

For favors I made one inch buttons from raw silk, satin ribbon, and vintage lace collected by my mother as well as some buttons with a mosque silhoutte over a yellow sky with a heart. (We got engaged in Istanbul.)

We also had some pencils imprinted with phrases said by our English students and ourselves when we were teaching in Istanbul. And, lastly rock candy crystals with tiny metal scoops and hand stamped "loot" bags.

I've probably forgotten someone in this list, but I want to lastly mention Katie Jenkins Photography. She was our photographer and I just love the way she made everything look as perfect as I remember it. (And the dancing a lot more...shall we say, interesting?)

We had a really fantastic time and it all came off more wonderfully than I had expected!

2009-07-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

There's been blog silence here for a while, but good things are happening out in the real world!
A short list of the going-ons:

Candle making galore.
And, more candles will be available online very soon. Including some delicious new scents.

New summer tops, skirts, and dresses!

Annnnd one of my new favorites that I'm not going to give away, but I'll give you a hint: wood.

Snorkeled with whale sharks in Mexico! Amazing! (Check out photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hopefulmonstersapparel/3739793808/in/set-72157621622473777/

2009-07-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm back from a fantastic bicycle tour in Southern France (sometimes I just can't believe how lucky I am and how generous family can be!) and am working towards opening the shop again.

As you may have noticed, my website is down AGAIN. I'm in the process of finding a new host and it may be a few days before everything is back up and fully functioning.

I can promise that some new, summer exclusives are in the works and I'll be debuting them as soon as I can!

(Here I am at the Louvre! Having an audio tour and avoiding the crowds.)

2009-06-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

And....Success! We are married!

We're in Colorado right now waiting to leave for the airport.

We had to cancel our Mexican honeymoon due to thunderstorms of the unrelenting nature. But, we have new plans in the works and are dedicated to getting out to Holbox this summer for a tardy honeymoon.

The wedding came off like a dream and was soooooo much fun!

We'll be getting the photos from our fantastic photographer in a couple weeks, but until then I have a couple teasers from our family and friends!

2009-05-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog-world!

Summer seems to have finally gotten it's foot in the door here in Portland. Last week I was wearing my winter coat, boots, and scarves....yesterday I wore shorts, a tank, and sun glasses!

Crazy Portland!

I am so happy for the great weather though. So happy. Josh and I had 2 lovely BBQs this weekend, and I took an amazing kombucha making class from Lion Heart Kombucha and now I have my very own batch brewing away in the cupboard!

I am so excited about it that I am telling simply everyone and giving them details like "And did you know that chickens love to eat old SCOBYs? Isn't that neat? They go crazy for them!"

Yep, I'm that friend.

(p.s. a SCOBY is the symbiotic culture or bacteria and yeast that makes kombucha what it is.)

If you like kombucha, or even if you're not sure, buy some from Lion Heart, it's delicious, better than store bought, healthier, and local. (And even cheaper than the store brands if you can believe it!)

I regret only getting a half gallon when I was out there last....

I'll leave you with this photo. Our dog is gravity defying.

2009-05-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

This week is so busy! It will be wonderful by the weekend, but in the days counting down to Friday I am working working working!

So here's what's happening:

Friday - wedding shower! (If you need details, dear friends of mine, call me or Joan (she sent the invite). You know I'll be thrilled to see you!

Saturday - The Hip Happening at the Sellwood Masonic Lodge. Come see me! I'll be there all day hanging out and I've got some brand new (the ink is drying right this second!) vintage dyed slips and they are amazing. I could just geek out on the lacey details for hours.

Sunday - Crafty Wonderland at the Doug Fir. Come see me again! I'll be there all day so if you couldn't make it on Saturday you've got a second chance! I'll also have a couple mini-runs of some stripey printed ladies tops, just 3 of a kind each! (I admit I'm keeping on for myself out of the 6...)

I hope everyone is enjoying the brief bit of sunshine we're having!

2009-04-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I was here! Longer than I thought actually.

I have good reasons though!

I moved (down the hall, but still a move) and now have my own dedicated studio! Yes!

I turned 25! Yes! And had such a lovely birthday! The best in years perhaps.

I went to Seattle and then the Oregon coast for 2 consecutive weekends. Right after moving, so things were a little jumbled for a while there.

And there's been a barrage of meeting with businesses (Hopeful Monsters now available at Union Rose on NE MLK in Portland! And at Noun on SE Belmont in Portland! More coming soon!), a trunkshow (thanks Blue on NE Mississippi!), and working working working to replenish inventory.

Annnnd, just yesterday I finished addressing the wedding invitations. Whew! They look great and I can't wait to get them in the mail!

In upcoming news, I'll be doing 3 craft shows in Portland during the month of May - The Hip Happening, Crafty Wonderland, and the Capitol Bistro Art & Craft Show.

If you've been meaning to come see me, this will be a great time to do it!

It will be an especially good time to come out because I'll be on vacation from June 3 to July 8.

I know! How lucky am I! It's actually a series of trips with just a few days in between each, but I won't be able to run the shop during that time.

I will however have incredible photos for your perusal after I get back!

Psst! There's also a sweet giveaway coming up! I'll keep you posted!

2009-04-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Leigh Bunkin emailed me this morning with some sweet news that definitely made my day!

She has a blog, Finding My Wings, where she draws something everyday. And my card and button got to be the drawing for April 9!

I love it!

2009-04-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am so so SO ready for spring. Even chilly sun would be acceptable right now.
But no. Today it is raining with some kind of new vigor for making me want to be a hermit.

Boo.

This Friday is the Portland premeir of the Handmade Nation movie and I am really excited! Then the next day I'm off to Seattle on the train to meet Josh and have a long weekend in Seattle while he takes the police test. I'm hoping to go checkout I Heart Rummage while we're there too.

I'll leave you with this, Josh and I spent a really long time laughing at stupid internet things yesterday and this is possibly my favorite.

2009-03-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, my dad went on vacation to Mexico. And he sent Josh and me.....THESE!

(and for anyone concerned about animal safety - we did not actually bodyslam our small dog.)

2009-03-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

I love this!

Originally seen on Gala Darling's Icing

2009-03-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last few days obesessing and being upset about the postcard quality the printers has presented me with, and I am sick of it. (I can't wait for it to be resolved!)

Sooooo....instead, and as promised, new things I love!

Fatzilla and Fat Kong! (by Robin E. Kaplan)

I love it! I even got Fatzilla in a necklace!

And the girls from Robin's booth (one of whom was Robin I think...) were so sweet and excited about my slips. It made the day so nice to have such lovely people around!

Which also brings me to another very sweet girl whose name I've already forgotten...but not because she wasn't adorable and sweet as could be! I traded with her for an incredible feather fascinator:

Love it! It looks great and once it stops pouring rain every 10 minutes, I am going to get dolled up in it and go do something. I can't wait!

I also bought a fantastic present for my mom's birthday (Today! Happy Birthday!) but I don't want to give it away since she hasn't received the package yet. (Read: I haven't sent it yet. Yes, I am that person.)

Tonight Josh and I are heading over to a friend's house for corned beef, cabbage, and Irish car bombs.
Now, I had a conversation with some British friends not so long ago about the general inappropriateness of that name. Yes, we could also make a drink called 9-11, but for the life of me I can't figure out if there is a better name for the carbomb drink.
Any insight, send it my way! Maybe we could call them Irish Milkshake Booze Drink. Or, curdled cream, whiskey, and beer drink.

On the other hand...no one would be the least bit enticed by my names for drinks...so I guess we'll stick with it.

2009-03-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

New things:

1. I re-homed the guinea pigs. This means, they belong to someone else now who will love them like crazy and not have a predatory 15 lb. dog trying to eat them.

2. The Hip Happening was good. Due to a scheduling issue, Scout (the dog) got to/had to come with me to the show. He slept in his crate most of the time. The other part of the time he spent tied to the crate and jumping on my lap. He was a big hit. I got some aMAZing (imagine my voice getting high with the "MAZ" part) stuff that I will take pictures of and tell you all about, it's amazing and you will definitely need to check it out. I will do all this once I am not so tired and waiting for the pizza to be delivered.

3. I'm moving into a 2 bedroom apartment next month, so I can have a little room for my studio. This means no more clothing racks in the living room! I am not the only one who is really excited about it.

4. Went to a great clothing swap party the other night, got some fantastic things. Pleated plaid skirt! Lilac colored satin skirt with pockets! Floral button-up shirt! Teal corduroys!

Ok, maybe those things sound incredibly wierd. But they are great, assure you. And hot.

I'm off to space out, relax, and drink pizza and eat beer. Even Scout is asleep in the closet right now. It was a big day with lots and lots of loading and unloading of boxes, tables, and clothes racks. We are tired. But very happy!

2009-03-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

So far, today is not my favorite.

9:30 am

Dentist. 2 cavities. Thinks my neck problems/jaw grinding is very serious. Numerous appointments to come.

12:00

Home from dentist. Call the printers about the bad color on my new postcards. Only course of action is to drive over to the east side and discuss. How much do I not want to do this? A lot.

2:00 pm

Must be in lower SW for work at the toy store.

8:00 pm

Dodgeball game.

I am just not that excited about this whole schedule.

But, the giant inflatable crab is back on top of Jakes.

I do like that.

2009-03-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

This Saturday I'll be at the Hip Happening in Sellwood. Come see me!

2009-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

I did it - I am now going to experiment with this new fangled thing called Twitter.

Follow me!
I'll follow you!

Let's do it!

2009-03-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were featured on Modish! How exciting!! Thanks Modish!!!

2009-03-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Somehow I've found myself in the midst of a little shopping flurry this week.

Maybe it's the need to get out of the house, killing time waiting for the restaurant (where I went to work on taxes yesterday) to open, or just realizing I am in close vicinity to some store I haven't been to in ages.

But all excuses aside, this was a really successful shopping flurry!

I went to Target to find a folding table for craft shows - there is no telling how many folding tables I have bought that seem to disappear when I move! And....well, I got a cute strapless swim top for my honeymoon, a summer dress with pockets (dresses with pockets! must haves!), a pair of rather impractical but hot gray high heels (I've been dying for gray heels and for $20, well, I went for it), and Lip Smackers Vanilla Frosting lip gloss.

Now, Lip Smackers was the go-to lip gloss when I was age 8 through probably 14. My question is: Why did I stop using it? It's fantastic! Vanilla Frosting! A little sparkle! It doesn't leak in my purse! I am a re-convert.

It does seem like the selection is smaller than I remember. The local cosmetics corner store when I was a kid had nearly half an aisle devoted to Lip Smackers. Now, only a couple rows. Hmmph, maybe todays preteens are more sophisticated than I am even at 24!

While we're on the topic of shopping - most of you have probably heard of Mohop shoes. If not, go check them out! Or check out their Etsy shop. And the big news is, they are now HALF the price they were last year.

You know, last year when I bought them for my upcoming wedding.

But this hasn't soured my love for their new wedge style. And I do love ribbons.

Besides, they were worth it when I bought them, so that must mean they are DOUBLEY worth it now!

(Ha! Now that I've finished printing and doing my taxes I've managed to write an entire post about shoes and lipgloss....I promise this does not mean I am not working hard!)

2009-03-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

The new collection can now be viewed in all it's glory on my website!

I'll be working like mad today to get everything listed for sale in the shop, so be patient and check back - I'm busting my ass to get it up there!

I'm so happy to have finally gotten to this point, I was so excited I kept waking up last night!

2009-02-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

The photo shoots are done. The website is so close to being done. I'm still working on some plans for some kind of launch event, but I will definitely be at Crafty Wonderland (in Portland at the Doug Fir) on March 8. Come see me!

In the mean time, and because we all want to see photos anyway - out takes / behind the scenes of the photo shoots!

Steaming slips with the (not so) trusty "Steam Buddy".

Mimosas for all!Katie (day 1 photographer) and Maeve.

Anna thugs out.

Leah (day 2 photographer and fantastic helper, supporter, and awesome.)
Colleen the stylist.
And then, me.

2009-02-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

The first photo shoot has taken place. It was amazing. I don't to give away the awesome-ness yet, so for now you just get this fantastic, blurry, colorful teaser.
I know, it looks like so much fun! It was!

2009-02-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

P.S. I'm having a buy one get one half off SALE! Now!

2009-02-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

March is nearly upon us! This means two things: the new collection will be launched really really soon, and I am freaking out just a little.

Naturally, I have left several rather large steps to the last and am now racing around in both life and my brain trying to will things into getting done.

I am soooo looking forward to a little breathing time after the launch. And it will definitely be little - I've got to start making wedding invitations pretty much, well, now. (This is the moment I curse myself for deciding to do it myself!)

In other news,

1. New typewriter! Love!

2. My epiphyte is blooming! Which means that I have not killed it, but in fact it is thriving! This is a major victory in Amelia vs. the black thumb.

3. Sneak Peek!

2009-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Portland has been lovely and sunny these last few days and its been hard to stay inside working. I've been talking about how much I've been making and working on without any proof for months now, so I've got a couple snaps just to show that I'm not alllll talk.

Check it out! A huge stack of clothes! All printed! All really neat if I do say so myself!

And look at these! Candles! They smell terrific and they make your home look super snazzy and loved.

I'm actually in the process of looking for a photographer who would like to shoot some photos for the new collection's lookbook and web site. Email me if you know someone! Or you are that someone! Or you take cool pictures and have recently decided to call yourself a photographer!

In other, wedding related, news...I visited the English Department this weekend on my hunt for a little shrug. This dress makes me wish I hadn't bought a dress yet! (Mine is great too, but this one - the buttons!! the net straps! le sigh. its also a size small, which I am not so much able to fit into.)

I'm on my short (albeit self imposed) lunch break and now I'm back to sewing tags.
I'm going to leave with a list of new things I am doing or like very much:
1. thermals all day long
2. hula hooping in the living room
3. epiphytes
4. melatonin
5. Mad Men

2009-01-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I'm a few weeks late, yes. But its about this time of January that it finally begins to seem like a new year. Holiday festivities are finished. New projects and ideas are in full swing. And finally, it seems new.

I don't generally make resolutions, but I do try to make a list of ideas and inspirations I can revisit through out the coming year to reflect on what I thought was coming and where I thought I wanted to go. I jot down notes and sketches, paste in pictures and draw on them too, and make list after list.
This year I am:
- going into business more or less full time for myself.
- getting married.
- going to (re)conquer my scuba diving anxieties and swim with whale sharks.
- going to cook more.
- diligently training my dog to be a better behaved little beast in public.
- and more.

I am excited.
I hope you are too.

2008-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

The website is back. Honestly, I think most of the posts on this blog are about the website having problems!!

We're in the middle of a cold snap (everywhere seems to be, so maybe its not just a snap...) and the snow is bringing out my most intense hermit nature.
It's not really even snowing that much. Mostly its icey slush patches and a wicked cold wind that crawls under your scarf and freezes your nose.
Yesterday I didn't even go to my day job because of the snow and my bus being out of service, only for the snow to become rain and the roads to be pretty much fine by mid afternoon.
Today I'll be stomping my way to a bus that's actually in service (come on 44, what's the deal!!) and schlepping myself to the toy store.

I'm slowly receiving all my supply orders and organizing, planning, reorganizing things in preparation for the printing bonanza taking place next week.
I can't wait to actually MAKE these things I've been plotting for months now!

2008-12-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Quick note: my website is down again but hopefully will be back up in a day or two. If you need to get a hold of me, just contact me via my Etsy shop, or email me directly: amelia (dot) hopefulmonsters (at) gmail.com

2008-12-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

I've already said it, but November just blew by. I can't believe its December!

After being out of town for a week (just a week!! seriously!) I have a barrage of phone calls to make and a whole list of stuff to get done before I can really get down to the business of making things.

But it was definitely worth the time off. The wedding in Berkeley was beautiful and I am so glad I was able to go!

After a few days in Berkeley full of tea times, Devonshire cream, and pie Josh and I spent an afternoon poking around San Francisco (mostly we went to the Moma and a Turkish restaurant that we were thrilled to find) and flew off to L.A. to have Thanksgiving with his family and family friends.
We ate to near explosion and then drove up to Portland.

Its nice to be back home with our dog and the pigs (one of which is trying to climb onto my lap as I type).

I'm still hard at work on the new collection and it's finally starting to look put together!! I am really looking forward to the launch!!

2008-11-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Whew!
These last couple weeks have felt so busy!

Halloween was fun. I was sick so it was a pretty early night for me, but we went to Nosferatu (the silent vampire movie from the 20s) accompanied by live music. The band was Mood Area 52, I guess they normally play sort of stylized tango music. It was really cool.
Here we are all in our costumes (ok, Scout didn't have one). You can't see it in this photo, but I have a little foam whale tail too. For a costume that was so easy to make, I think it turned out pretty well.

In other news, I'm getting ready to go to the San Francisco area for a good friend's wedding. Any tips on things to do around there? I'm sure we'll be sufficiently entertained, but I'd love to have some places to see if we get a chance.

2008-10-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Halloween and I'll be working the evening at Thinker Toys (in Multnomah Village). If you've got kids, you should come down to the village. From 3:30 to 5:30 you can get free coffee and a walking map at Starbucks, then walk from shop to shop in your fabulous costumes getting candy and treats. The walk ends at the dentist's with black bristled toothbrushes!

I'll be at the toy store in my narwhal costume handing out candy!

Today I'm canning the pumpkin butter I made yesterday with pumpkins from the Rassmussen orchard in WA. I'm excited to see how it turned out. It smells a little over spiced, but I do tend to like bland foods, so maybe it's perfect.

And, in honor of Halloween and how much I love seeing people dressed up - free shipping worldwide if for purchases of 2 items of more. (Buttons don't count as a 2nd item, but I'll throw some in with your order anyway!)

Just mention "pumpkin" in the message to seller and I'll refund your shipping costs immediately.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

First, the gears are in full motion on one of my favorite upcoming projects.

The idea appeals to so many of my favorite tendencies and the way it is actually turning out makes me thrilled.
Sneak peek!

Also, I recently received two wonderful packages in the mail worth mentioning because they are awesome.

1. From Argyle Whale

I know! My love of diagrams (ven being one of my favorites) combined with narwhals and their close cousin, the unicorn! It's currently hanging above my desk looking over the everyday goings-ons of Hopeful Monsters.

And, the mole moleskin! I love it!

2. From Made by Hank

My new favorite purse! Lemony yellow! And those ruffles! It also arrived wrapped in the sweetest little packet with a lovely little coin purse to boot.

I had planned to have a really productive morning, but instead I slept badly and feel like I'm getting sick. I have to work at the toy store this afternoon so I might just hang out with the dog and drink tea.
Which isn't a bad way to spend my morning really!

2008-10-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Whenever I'm not working away at Hopeful Monsters or manning the toy store, I've been printing Save the Date cards. I can't wait to get them addressed and sent out - then start the invitations!
Hopefully I'll have some photos of the prototypes I've been working on ready soon, but for now I'm just slowly taking over the apartment with boxes and sketches and lists of things to do!

2008-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

The website is up! Hurrah!

2008-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

If you've have trouble with the Hopeful Monsters home page, you're not alone.

Over the last month the site has been more or less unpredictable. I know it still says I'm out of the country, which I'm not, but I haven't been able to get it changed because I can't connect with my host. It's making me nuts.

I promise I am trying to fix it, so just bypass it and look for updates here (rarely, I know...) or in the shop.

In other news, there's a new addition to my little family. He does great modeling with the nautilus throw pillow - so coy!

2008-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

And we're back!

Leaving Istanbul was bittersweet (goodbye to friends and good food and hello to different friends and cheddar) but we're settled back into Portland now and happy to be here.

I'm slowly working on restocking the store and getting the website updated. Everything is very much on sale right now to clear out some of the older stuff and make way for new ideas.

I'll be adding stuff everyday for the next week, getting things unpacked and photographed and whatnot.

See you soon!

2008-03-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

I've been in Istanbul for eight months now and I'm beginning to make plans to return to the U.S. this summer.

I'm totally infatuated with Istanbul - the food, the street cats, the shops, the eskici men, the whole city seeped in history, and little cafes tucked into every corner of obscure buildings.

Just yesterday Josh and I walked around Bakirkoy (the suburb where we live) for a couple hours and discovered a new cafe that plays really great rock music, has wooden chess boards, and the first (and maybe only) Agnostic Front poster I've seen in Turkey.

As thrilled as I am about life here, I'm pining for more of the handmade world I was a part of before. I'm already fantisizing about our next apartment in Portland, planning my studio, decorating the house, and revisiting my favorite old haunts throughout the city.

In preparation for nesting into my next home (a little early perhaps...) I bought this beautiful print from Small Stump. I am so excited about it!

In a couple months Josh and I will be setting off to travel around Turkey a bit, I know we're both really excited to see more of the country!

If you want to see more photos, my flickr is chok full of pictures from everyday life in Istanbul and our adventures in sightseeing.

2007-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Things have been winding down for Hopeful Monsters, while everything else has been speeding up. Making travel arrangements, visiting family, trying to get everything done so I can have a little free time before I fly off on the next adventure.

As you probably have read by know, I'm moving to Turkey to teach English for about a year. If you want to keep track of what I'm up to or see some lovely photos you can check out the blog that Josh and I have made for this adventure:
Teachers of Fortune.

I'll still be in email contact so don't hesitate to send me a little note or comment on the blog!

Love,
Amelia

amelia.hopefulmonsters@gmail.com

2007-06-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Only 3 more days before the shop closes!!

The sale is still going on, but on June 2 I'll be removing all the items and the shop will officially go into hibernation.

I've just finished the intense CELTA course I was taking, and am now working to get all packed and moved out of my house...its been a busy busy month!

2007-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Looking for the PDX Etsy Sale coupons? Just below!

2007-05-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

PDX Etsy Show!

June 9th at PSU Park Blocks

(between SW Jackson and Market, near the Farmer's Market)

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

40+ local vendors from Etsy.com

All handmade and awesome.

And, I'm having a sale! Come see me at the show,
and you can get a super deal!

* You don't have to bring the coupons, but you can if you want.*

2007-05-21T19:30:00.001-07:00

The tea party kits are here!! I am so thrilled with how they turned out, really sweet and lovely without compromising any of functionality required for a successful tea party.

And the include some of my favorite tea ever - I really couldn't be more pleased!

P.S. A sale on a lot of clothing is coming up - I'll be sending special coupons to the mailing list, so get on there! I send the fewest emails for a mailing list ever...this will be the first actually...

2007-05-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick note to say that I'm working away as fast as I can to get out:

The amazing and very special tea party kits: these are lovely and will absolutely be available so so soon.

The red drape neck dresses: a similar cut to the tea dresses and the new jellyfish dresses, but with a yet-to-announced print - the scarlet color of these soy cotton dresses is amazing.

More totes of course - hand dyed with a variety of our favorite prints.

And some new hand printed (screen and block) buttons. I can't wait to get these little babies going!

Basically, I'm excited about everything I'm doing, but there is just never enough time to get it all done as quickly as I'd like. I really can't wait for these new projects to be done and up for all to see - they've been a long time in planning and making and I just can't contain my excitement about them!!

I do have a rather major announcement:

I am moving to Turkey in August.
This means that Hopeful Monsters will be going on reduced production during June, and will most likely be finishing up our goings-on by mid-July.
Don't worry though, I'll be back to printing and designing and making things as soon as I can, but it may be up to a year depending on my circumstances in Turkey.

You can add yourself to my mailing list and I'll update you when I return and Hopeful Monsters is back up and running. (And I won't sell or lose your email addresses.) Just email them to me at amelia.hopefulmonsters@gmail.com

P.S. I will be in email contact throughout most of my time in Turkey, you can contact me via the same email at any time if you have questions.
---Love Amelia

2007-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

New dresses, hand dyed totes, and buttons are finally up in the shop!

And, I'm happy to announce my new venture, Craft Test.etsy.com, the home of all my crafty endeavors that don't fit in with Hopeful Monsters.

Fancy buttons, hand spun yarn, and handmade homegoods will be showing up for sale over the next few days. Take a look!

2007-04-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

We had a short reprieve from the chilly spring rain and got some lovely, warm, and even sunny days all in a row. The pigs and I spent some time in the front yard eating grass and sleeping (them) and reading and having good beer (me). It was a very pleasant afternoon off work!

I've also been busy practicing spinning with my little drop spindle. I've made three mini skeins that are pretty neat, if I do say so myself.

I love the super textured overspins + underspun slubs, so its pretty fortuitous that my spinning ability allows me to make those!

The new dresses will hopefully be up for sale early next week, if we get enough sun to get some photos done outside.

2007-04-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek!

I've been hard at work, and these little babies are almost ready!

2007-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

I spent this last weekend taking a little time away from making things to go stay with friends in Washington. They have new chicks with names like Skunkweed and Chainsaw.

I'll be getting back to work this week and hopefully finally getting the new clothes photographed and up in the shop.

I'm also looking for easy knitting patterns for bulky and super bulky yarn, so if anyone wants to pass something along it would be much appreciated!

2007-03-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Success! Two singles, one with swirling barberpoles of the rust and yellow and curly overspins, one with color blocks of white, rust, and yellow, and a third skein of super slubs plied with bright yellow thread and full of beehive coils.

And in other news, I quit my job! Hooray! I'm currently looking for something low stress around 30 hours a week. Suggestions are welcomed! (I'm in SW Portland OR.)

2007-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my vacation now. Josh and I went to Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico for just under a week. It was really lovely and ideal.
I'm working to get caught up now, printing and designing and sewing up orders in their traveling packages.

I'll be updating the Etsy shop with lots of great new things, lots of new tees too just as soon as I can wrangle in my photographer to help me.

In the mean time, check out Kraken. She made me this amazing shirt - Snail + Slug = Snug, the hybrid love mollusk! I adore it!

2007-02-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

After a weekend of eventful printing, hoards of new shirts, wallets, and kids clothes will be ready to go just as soon as I can photograph them.

Out of stock items will return and some new things will finally make it online!

My most recent side project has been an attempt at making handspun yarn. It turned out really lovely until I had to put it in the dryer (its wet in Oregon you know, and things don't air dry very well.) Now its a little felted and looks like dreads. The color was so much nicer before too.

Well, now I know. Maybe I'll have to use a fan next time instead.

2007-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

I've been working away with my new PMC3 hotpot kit. While my skills aren't quite what I wish they were, my enthusiasm almost makes up for it.

With a little more work the earrings have improved:

And just last night I finished a little Valentines Day gift:

I've also started knitting again, and have some soft and lovely cowls coming up soon. I'll post a photo or two once they're all ready to go.

Actually knitting again has brought to my attention all the amazing hand spun yarns on Etsy. As we speak (type/read) I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Theodore" by The Red Button Tree:

Here are some of my favorite yarns and the crafters that produced these fluffy beauties. All handspun, and many hand dyed as well!

Haptotrope's post-apocalyptic yarn Raspberries and Old Lace, made with tulle, wool, and lace:
Fey's Salmon Run with big spongy coils of bright blue!

In Hope's bright Pink Lemonade yarn with little sparkly sequins tucked in the twists: Third Floor Fiber's Worms in the Grass is one of my favorites- I'd love to knit it up and add a silk earthworm patch (like the one on the little hat I made a couple weeks ago)!
Felt Studio's Baboogie is not only hand spun and hand dyed - it also includes silk cocoons cut into little cups and spun right into the yarn:
I can't wait to finish the projects I've got waiting and get started on something new with some of these!

2007-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

New silk pocket mirrors are now for sale in the Etsy shop! Two of the four designs are shown below, but all four are really lovely. The dupioni silk has a really textured sheen to it is much more brilliant in real life than in the photos.

This weekend I finally broke out my new PMC3 hotpot kit and tried it out. I made these earrings, which having not been sanded or polished much, aren't too bad for a first try at a new material. I was hoping they'd look bubblier, and less globby but all in all I'm satisfied that I didn't burn down the kitchen trying it. I can't wait to give it another shot now that I have a little better idea how things will turn out.

2007-01-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Among the new screens making their first, triumphant debuts is the earthworm. This earthworm is ridgy, squirmy, and full of love. The first earthworm ever is available on an awesome hat - stretchy knit with a stiff, little bill and a lovely earthworm front and center!
You can buy him from our Etsy shop.

More new lovelies coming right up!

p.s. there's a sale going on at the Etsy shop. Check it out!

2007-01-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

I just got some photos of Handsome and Sasha wearing their little circus sideshow shirts!
Sasha has a silvery ballerina balancing on a pony, and Handsome has a muscleman with his barbell.

Thanks for sending these Ellen!

2007-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

The first of the new silk and linen scarves is on Etsy.

I'm hoping to get the website updated in the next few days, and then you can see some of the new goodies there too (but new, different goodies - I don't want much overlap!)

2007-01-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Hello from the little work room!

Today is a big work day, I'm keeping very busy!

P.S. Kids' prototypes for sale on Etsy, here too!

2007-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've been sick pretty much since my return to Portland, and have been less productive as a result. I'm happy to say that in the next few days the new scarves will debut, and work can begin on the next project - a whole shmorgasboard of new prints.
In the meantime, here are some photos to entertain us all.

My snowy home town:

Sozluk's curious little face:

Tweak's hungry grab-the-lettuce-and-run stance:

2007-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I'm flying back to Portland and regular management of the tiny empire will continue. I have a ton of ideas and exciting new creations stocked up in my head and in my notebooks that I can't wait to get started on!
In the mean time, here is a list of artists and specific goods that I think are super neat and have purchased/want to purchase/want everyone to oogle and purchase:
(in no specific order, all photos are from these fabulous artists and belong to them)

Kristen Ferrell's art work, specifically the cats and coffee image. I have these on a t-shirt, and they are adorable. In a grotesque bitey cat way.

Nicole George's Animal Friends Calender has many very cute animal drawings and a drawing of E.T. in a party hat.

Discomedusa Designs is one of my new favorite designers. She makes incredible industrial organic jewelry, including expanded earwear for the folks with big holes. The craftsmanship on these things is great, really solid and still remarkably light. Amazing work.

As-Is has a jumper available from Small Craft Advisory that I really really like. I saw it in real life at Crafty Wonderland, and it is great.

A few months ago I bought a Polarwares snow drop necklace and I wear it constantly. Its light, pretty, super high quality, and really fun to touch and play with during the day. You can buy her lovely porcelain goods from the Polarwares site or from her Etsy shop.

Small Stump makes a multitude of cute, stump like and woodland type goodies. You can buy their soft stumps from their home site, or their Etsy shop.

Danielle Maveal's jewelry has been showing up everywhere recently, as well it should, because it is lovely. I like plain silver, I like cute pictures, and I love her work. Its dainty and light, but also clever and eye catching.

I'm a sucker for slugs. Real ones, embroidered ones, stuffed ones, and printed ones. Aviary Press has included a slug in their Party Animals card series. A slug in a little party hat! Perfect!

There's dozens more artists and shops that I could list, but its getting to be that time of day where I should go venture out into the world. You too.

2006-12-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

I'm taking some time off from both my day job and Hopeful Monsters for the holidays. Both our home site and our Etsy shop will remain open, you can browse around and even make purchases during this time. All orders will ship out just as soon as I return on Jan. 4. (Assuming there are no more crazy snow explosions and I can actually get on a plane!)

During the break I will be brainstorming and designing up hoards of great new things that I've been mulling over the last few weeks. Such little wonders may incorporate some of the following elements:

mongoose
earthworm
silk
knitted felty things
patches
stretch linen
more ocean animals
some little animals in interesting and adorable outfits
cowls
space (like the solar system that is)
printed stationary products

There has also been some talk of collaboration between Hopeful Monsters and a lovely seamstress that I adore. Nothing concrete, but I'm pretty excited.

I hope everyone is having/has a nice holiday!

p.s. look at some of the recent additions to the Etsy shop:

2006-12-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

The holiday shipping deadline has passed. You can still have things shipped out until the 21st, but I make no promises about the day they will arrive.

I will say I'm happy the crush of holiday shipping is over. (Those of you still waiting for your custom items, I haven't forgotten! I am watching the mail like a hawk for my wholesale order to arrive, they assured me it would be very very soon!)
I had a nice relaxing morning doing a small print run for the Lewis & Clark College debate team. Then I sewed some Christmas presents for my friends, and now I'm getting ready to drive up to a good friend's house in southern Washington for the night. Hopefully the rest of the weekend will be as relaxing. There will be copious amounts of snow up at her house, so hopefully the roads aren't too bad and we can play in the snow some.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend as well!

2006-12-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

New things and limited edition print-no-more shirts, tanktops (a little out of season, sure, but they're the last of a dying breed these tanktops!), wallets, and brand new gingko scarves are showing up all day on the Etsy shop. Go look at them! Awesome!

Also, go google the yeti crab. You'll be amazed. (Or you should be!)

2006-12-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hopefully the promised updates will happen tonight!
Things have been incredibly hectic, and I'm spending a ton of time tracking down wholesale orders and stressing out about the impending Christmas deadline and my day job.

On a more interesting note, go google the Yeti Crab. Its amazing. And probably will soon join the ranks of the Hopeful Monsters.

2006-12-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

A small printing flurry today will be followed by wallets being restocked, some kid's prototypes and men's tees appearing in our Etsy shop throughout the week, and a batch of onesies debuting at Thinker Toys in Portland, OR. *Due to a complete lack of time (free or otherwise) these brand new items won't be making their debut for a few days. Sorry! But it'll be soon, I'm just as excited as you to get them out there.

Remember, this Sunday is the Handmade Bazaar!

2006-12-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

Limited edition, made only for The Sampler brooches will be going out with the holiday Sampler. Gingko leaves, squids, and orchids all handprinted on double thick vegan felt. Pretty sweet...

Still shopping for the holidays? (Or haven't really started, like me?) Come to the Handmade Bazaar Sunday Dec. 10! I'll be there! If you mention having seen this blog, I'll knock $5 off any clothing purchase.

2006-11-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

Not much for news, mostly just very busy! But do enjoy these informative photos.

All Hopeful Monsters orders are sent out inside neatly stitched (yep, I sew every one) map packets. Perfect for giving to someone else right away, or sending to yourself as a little present!

I've been working on some new scarf ideas, these are silk on one side and stretch linen on the other, hand sewn and printed. They are clearly very classy.

In this photo we can see me blissfully feeding the guinea pigs. Nevermind how tired and sort of suprised I look.

P.S. to those customers who may be allergic to guinea pigs or suspect they may be - these lovely little rodents never come into contact with your clothing, the print studio, or the shipping materials. This means you should not sneeze when you receive your order.

2006-11-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was the much anticipated Portland Etsy Art & Craft Show. It was "squishalicious" as promised, but went really well. I got a really great parking spot (worth mentioning because of all my stuff to unload and the rain), got to meet Craft Couer's boyfriend who was wearing the narwhal shirt (the very first men's one at that!) and standing around talking to people about my stuff, saw a fellow who proclaimed himself to be "my biggest fan" which was much appreciated, and got to meet many fellow Etsy-iers from Portland (and the surrounding areas). All in all a good show.

In addition to Sunday being fun and all. I got guinea pigs on Friday! They're really adorable, though I'm still working on being able to pick them up without scaring both of us to death.

They are two years old, both little ladies, and need names. Just last night I moved them into the new cage I built for them, which is probably 4 times as large as the one they came in when we adopted them. I think its somewhere between 7 and 10 square feet. You can just see the black and white one in the cardboard box house in the middle.

*If you're sad you missed us this weekend, or just can't get enough and need to see us again, come to the Handmade Bazaar Dec. 10 at the Wonder Ballroom here in Portland. If you're going to shop for the holidays, why not buy handmade?

2006-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Crafty Wonderland went pretty well, there were tons of wonderful things! Here is a photo of me in our booth. (The clothes rack is sort of off to the side.)
Also, it is very blurry. Though to my knowledge the camera wasn't actually being shaken.

I've also begun making some protype pillows. This one has a blue linen front and a textured gold back.

Don't forget! Next Sunday is the PDX Etsy Art & Craft Show!

2006-11-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that you can come see us tomorrow at Crafty Wonderland!

And again next Sunday at the PDX Etsy Art & Craft Show!

Ooohhh live in person!

2006-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

The new website has been up for a few weeks now, so its about time to get this blog up and running as well.

I've been working away on lots of new ideas and variations on the old ideas, hopefully some awesome new stuff will make its debut at the craft shows this month. This month in Portland, Oregon Hopeful Monsters will be at two great shows, two weekends in a row! Come see me and fondle some of the super soft shirts and dresses live in person!

Crafty Wonderland
at the Doug Fir, Sunday Nov. 12
http://craftywonderland.com

PDXEtsy Art & Craft Show
at It's a Beautiful Pizza, Sunday Nov. 19
http://pdxetsy.com

Mmmm, new wallets!