Happy Spring Picks

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My top happy picks for this spring at the shop

spring-personify-shop1. I think this mermaid bottle opener lady is the perfect bar accessory.
2. Boost you lunchtime routine with the popsicle pop quiz lunch box.
3. This tote does anything but blend in.
4. I’m probably going to take one of these herschel supply x hudson’s bay little america backpacks home with me. I love them so much.
5. Love the minimalist take on the classic squash blossom design in wooden beads.
6. This confetti handmade catch all ceramic dish is my favorite
7. These felt birdhouses are fully functional and adorable. Invite your bird friends over this spring.
8. Say thank you with this colorful card.
9. Spruce up your outdoor space with these gorgeous ceramic lanterns. Nothing beats soft candlelight on your porch.

 

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Artist Series: Natalie Jacob of Etymology Jewelry

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Etymology Jewelry at Personify Shop

Introducing Etymology Jewelry to Personify Shop has been so fun. I found Natalie Jacob through Etsy’s open call and I just couldn’t live without her line. I’m currently wearing one of her bracelets right this second. I love the colorful pieces, mixed media, and bohemian vibe of the line… It’s jewelry that’s ready to party! You can find her pieces under our New Arrivals tab. Read my interview with Natalie below.

 

How did you get started with what you do?

Etymology Jewelry started on Etsy in 2008 back when I was a first year student at the art college MICA. Making jewelry grew out of my natural disposition to create, as I was always making and forming things in an artistic way, even from a young age. Jewelry seemed to be a natural fit as I had also always been devouring fashion magazines and loved the idea of being involved in the fashion (or jewelry!) world. Now, it’s my chosen medium, allowing me to be in both the fashion world and the artistic world.
natalie-jacob-etymology-personify

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I always say my aesthetic is Mixed Media, or Boho. I like to say Mixed Media because it alludes to the materials I use- which are a mix of natural gemstones, vintage chains and recycled vinyl record album beads.
Herkimer Diamond Bracelet at Personify Shop

What’s your favorite thing about making jewelry?

Well it’s definitely tricky to pick one favorite! I would say the thing I enjoy the most about making jewelry is the ability to be creative with design,  materials and color in a wearable way. I also truly love that I am able to be both an artist and a designer and have a variety of people – all over the world- wear my pieces!
natalie-jacob-etymology-personify-5

What’s your least favorite thing about making jewelry?

The occasional back ache from doing all that handmade jewelry fabrication!

Scout Bracelet from Etymology Jewelry at Personify Shop

Any business advice?

You will hear one hundred no’s with your line before you get one yes. But all it takes is one yes, so keep going and be persistent!

What is your favorite thing at Personify Shop?

I’m a sucker for a great Ikat print- it’s probably my favorite sort of patterning out there. As a result I am absolutely in love with this pillow- it doesn’t hurt that all the colors also happen to match my bedding, so I may have to add it to my home sometime soon!

Personify Shop Ikat Pillows

If you could hang out with any three people this Friday night, who would you pick?

This is definitely a little cheesy- but if I could hang out with anyone it would be my grandparents. They are no longer alive, but I was very close with them as I was growing up and miss having them around. A couple of the places they loved to go are still in business, so I’m sure we’d go to a favorite restaurant of theirs and just catch up. I’d tell them about all the accomplishments I’ve had with my business- including a recent feature in an Etsy partnership with Macy’s! It would be such a joy to see them and I know we’d have a great time.

Wanderlust layering bracelet from Etymology Jewelry at Personify Shop

Thanks so much Natalie! It’s been a joy to work with you. I love your line so much and look forward to working together more in the future.

maddie

 

 

Creative Friends: Holly Von Lanken Photography

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I’m starting a new blog series called Creative Friends! Now I can show you what my awesome creative friends are doing.

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop

First up is Holly Von Lanken. She’s a wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photographer based out of Atlanta. She’s a good friend and amazing photographer. We had her come shoot the shop last fall and the pictures were insanely beautiful. Check out her interview below.

photo by Kaitie Bryant

headshot by Kaitie Bryant

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop
1. How did you get started with what you do?

I got my first DSLR camera right after I graduated college in 2011.  Mostly, I just took pictures for fun.  Eventually, one of my friends got engaged and suggested that I take their engagement photos.  I absolutely loved taking photos for other people because I saw how much joy it brought them.  I slowly started honing my craft and learning from others and toying with the idea of photography as a business. I learned a lot from fellow creatives and took the opportunities that came.

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/mr--mrs-post

2. How would you describe your aesthetic?

 My style is very clean, organic and natural.  I want to photograph life the way it is, while also being beautiful and timeless with a nod to the days of film.

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/st-augustine-2015

3.What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer?

My favorite thing about being a photographer is really getting to know people. When you’re with someone and their entire crazy family on their wedding day, you get to know them really well.  I like getting to share those moments with them and hopefully be a calming and joyful presence.

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/mr--mrs-post

4. What’s your least favorite?

taxes. yuck.

5. Business advice?

Make your business legit from the get go.  If you’re going to advertise yourself and you intend to make a profit, you need a business license.  You will look and feel more confident to potential clients, plus there’s some added liability protection.

6.What’s your favorite thing at Personify Shop?

Oh man.  So hard to choose!  I love all the Pendleton products and those P.F. Candles smell so good.

View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop
View More: http://hollyvonlanken.pass.us/personify-shop

7. My favorite party question: If you could hang out with any three people this Friday night, who would you pick?

Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe (Ok that was 6… but you can’t split them up!)

8. How do you know the ladies at Personify Shop?

I went to UGA with Maddie where we were both involved in Campus Outreach.

 

Style Inspiration: Justina Blakeney and the Jungalow

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Justina Blakeney

Justina Blakeney is my all-time favorite designer and one Tammy and I just can’t get enough of. Her style is eclectic, bohemian, and jungalicious (full of patterns & plants). We sell her design book The New Bohemians. This book is the perfect gift for the vibrant people in your life. Do yourself a favor and follow her Jungalow and Justina Blakeney Instagrams. Check out some of my favorite of her designs below as well as when she answered my Instagram question on Periscope! Yay!

justina blakeney the new bohemians book at personify shopHer book The New Bohemians. You need it. Trust me.

justina blakeney pink personify shop style inpirationHer design for Claypso Maison.

justina blakeney house personify shop style inspirationIn her home. That Charley Harper books is one of my favorites.

Justina Blakeney Junaglow kitchen redo personify shop style inspoHer kitchen redo aka the best thing ever. Watch out for these green tones this year. They’re coming…

justina blakeney junaglow style inpiration

  This Blush cabinet in her home/studio has inspired me to paint more furniture pieces this year. Also, it’s the perfect pink. I want.

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Her new wallpaper collection from Hygge & West is unreal beautiful. This one is my favorite.

At the Gather Weekend I attended last year (see my previous post), they encouraged us to make a “design tree” of our favorite designers aka find out who they are inspired by. So, I asked Justina, “What are you creative influences and inspiration?” AND she answered!!! Ahh! She answered my question live on Persicope. It was amazing.

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Justina Blakeney on Persicope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s what she said:

  1. Jonathan Adler
    Justina Blakeney Inspiration

2. The Women Painters of MithilaJustina Blakeney Inspiration

3. Midcentury Modern Art in Nigeria

4. Picasso LinocutsJustina Blakeney Inspiration

5. The Ultimate House Book by Terrence ConranJustina Blakeney Inspiration

6. Frida KahloJustina Blakeney Inspiration

So there you have it. That’s what inspires the amazing Justina Blakeney.

 

Before & After: Furniture Edition

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It’s time for another Before & After Furniture Edition. This time with a set of four vintage wooden chairs.

The Before:

set of four reupholstered chairs at personify shop before

Although we loved the bright blue fabric, the upholstery was a hack job. There were staples showing (read: GROSS) and it was all puffy in all the wrong places. They were very uncomfortable and the cushions needed replacing.

The Process:

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We had all the fabric removed, the cushions replaced, and we used this polka dot fabric.

The After:

set of four reupholstered chairs at personify shop

I love how the black and white fabric has a little bit of classic, a little bit of whimsy, a little bit of masculine and feminine, and neutrality. These chairs could fit into almost any space!

set of four reupholstered chairs at personify shop backWe reversed the fabric on the back panel and it ended up being my favorite detail of the project.

Now the chairs are comfortable & beautiful… The perfect combo.Save

Things I Learned at Gather Workshop

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I attended Gather Workshop in October 2015 and it was a fabulous time getting to know other creatives, hearing lots of entrepreneurial advice, and dreaming about Personify Shop. Gather Workshop was started by two creative women, Mattie Tiegreen and Kaitie Bryant. I met Kaitie at the Back to Cool Market by Indie South Fair while selling my Pepper and Orange jewelry. I basically stalked her because I knew who she was, she had photographed a few of my friends’ weddings, and we got to talking about Gather. I decided to attend last minute and am so glad I did!

Here are a few things I learned:

  1. I was able to narrow down our style aesthetic for Personify Shop. We were asked to come up with some images that spoke to what we wanted our brand to look like.

    It gave me a clearer picture of what types of products we wanted to have and the overall vibe for our store. We love color, we love bohemian, we love whimsy, we love western, we love folk, we love dreamy, we love playful, we love vintage, and we love modern. Now, if we are thinking about buying something or bringing a new vendor on board, I ask myself if it is a good combination of these things. Our style is modern whimsy.

  2. Kaitie Bryant gave me an idea for a Blog series and I’ve already started working on one!

    Kaitie Bryant's presentation on Living a Creative Life. Photo by Maz Wanger for Ban.do.

    Kaitie Bryant’s presentation on Living a Creative Life. Photo by Maz Wanger for Ban.do

    I just love this idea. Figure out who inspires the people you are inspired by. Stay tuned for posts about Katy Perry and Justina Blakeney of the Jungalow.

  3. Also in Kaitie’s talk on Living a Creative Life she said, “The easier it is to quantify your work, the less its worth. Create work that can’t be quantified, can’t be copied because it is a unique blend and has something in it that makes it MAGIC.” I love this because sometimes in retail it’s easy to just sell what someone else is selling, but I know people don’t buy from us to get the best deal. They love our unique blend of products, style, and the little things we offer customers that companies like Target don’t.

     

  4. Mattie Tiegreen’s talk on Branding. Mattie has a business building brand identities and design called Green Tie Studio.

    mattie-personality

    Mattie talked about how to best parts of your business are going to be the best parts of your personality. I love how my business partner (and mom) and I have two different skill sets so our business can be more well rounded. I know I’m not great at the customer service side of the business, but I know she is. I’m really good at researching new products and artists and creating a specific look for the store.

  5. Shanna Skidmore’s talk on Creating a Success Mindset. Shanna Skidmore is a business and finance coach for women in the creative field.

    This one really blew my mind. She talked about shifting the way you think about your business from having as much financial success as possible to really defining your financial need… both in your personal life and business. What do you really need to be making? What do you want your life to look like while running this business?

  6. This one is from Kaitie’s talk on Boundaries and Balance and ties into the last one.

    bryant-freedomShe talked about how you can build your business around what works for you, instead of being a slave to it. Entrepreneurship should bring freedom, not bondage.

    Here are some more pictures…

    Photo by Eliza Morrill. Kaitie Bryant wearing a Pepper and Orange Necklace!

    Photo by Eliza Morrill. Kaitie Bryant wearing a Pepper and Orange Necklace!

    Katie Bryant ended up purchasing one of my necklaces that she saw at the craft fair the first time we met! Then she featured me as a Gather 12 days of Christmas maker on Instagram.

    gather-pepperandorange
    Some pictures of a few pieces I brought to the weekend:

    Gather-392
    Don’t I look like I’m having fun? Because I was.

    Me painting at the Mini Studio Sesh with Britt Bass Turner

    The whole crew! It was a blast!

 

You should definitely attend! They have the conference multiple times a year.
maddie

 

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Holiday Gift Guide TREAT YO’SELF

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treat-yoself1. Baggu Cloud Duck Bag $26 2. Pehr Designs Slubby Tea Towel $16 3. Tarina Tarantino Green Royale Earrings 4. Capri Blue Printed Volcano Tin $15.95 5. KKB Designs Necklace $88 6. Rifle Paper Co Weekly Deskpad Planner $12 7. Flying Tomato Blush Top $35.95 8. Melting Sun Apparel Seventh House Necklace $22 9. A Boat, A Whale, and A Walrus Cookbook $40 10. S’well Sparkling Champagne Bottle $35 11. Honeycomb Studio Ceramics White Waxing Moon Bottle $65 12. In2Green Woodgrain Blanket $165

We all do a little shopping for ourselves over the holidays. Here’s a list to point out to husbands or moms for great gift ideas for yourself. Treat yo’self this holiday season! You deserve it!

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids & Baby

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holiday-gift-guide-kids

1. Basil the Dog Jewelry Cast Your Nets Wherever You Wish Star Bracelet $15 2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co $30 3. Home by Carson Ellis $16.99 4. Meri Meri Moon & Stars Tattoos $2.25 5. Meri Meri Dinosaur Tattoos $2.25 6. Pehr Designs Woodland Animals Mobile $70 7. Bla Bla Kids Mirabelle Bunny $48 8. Bla Bla Kids Pierre Bunny $48 9. Meri Meri Alphabet Stickers $5.95 10. Pehr Designs Painted Dots Swaddle Blanket $21 11. Rifle Paper Co Animal Chart Card $4.50

Our holiday gift guide for kids and babies has a selection of whimsical books, toys, and knick knacks for the little ones in your life. Some of these are also great for expectant mothers.