new in the shop today

I try to load up on super cute fabrics whenever I am in Japan.  This one caught my eye right away in the fabric store however it was the only meter left!  So of course I begged them to give it to me.  =D  It also came in a white background, so I had to buy that one too.  I decided to make an extra large bag with it because the print is so large, so it would make a perfect travel companion or even a diaper bag.  I still have so many beautiful japanese fabrics that I just can't bear to cut, but my stash has become too big for me to store so I will have to make more bags with unique fabrics like this soon.

New "Badkitty" Fabric

A few months ago I came across a textile company that prints small quantities of custom fabric so I decided to try and create some of my own.  I took the design straight from my logo, trying to keep it as simple as possible since this was my first time.  I kinda like the way that it turned out, however I have never been a fan of "white" so I think that the next time I will make it "white on black" instead.  Anyway, here is a little sample of my new fabric.  Hope you like it.

Featured Artist Sara Norwood

Today's post is about Sara Norwood, a very talented artist from Brighton England.  Sara's artwork caught my eye because not only does she create such unique wall art, but she also incorporates those designs into textiles and lifestyle accessories.  I was fortunate enough to get Sara to answer a few questions for me. Here is my interview with her.

Badkitty:  Hi Sara, tell me a little bit about yourself.

Sara:  I graduated with a degree in surface and textile design a few years ago and since then have been working on getting my business up and running. I have always loved drawing and making things even as a child. I’m a big kid and love anything quirky and magical.

Badkitty:  Where do you live/work?

Sara:  I live in Brighton on the windy south coast of England. It’s a fun, lively bohemian town full of quirky individuals! I work from a studio in my house.

Badkitty:  Can you describe your work area?

Sara:  I am the messiest person alive! – I have a huge desk which has my sewing machine on one end and a carousel of drawing equipment on the other. I have pin boards on the walls in an attempt to collate ideas, scraps, notes and photos on. I have an entire wall of fabrics, papers and art equipment. I describe my studio as chaotic... but that’s just how I like it!

Badkitty:  Sounds like my workspace too.  I think it's hard to be neat when you're trying to be creative.  

Badkitty:  I really love your whimsical animal artwork.  Where do you get your inspiration from?

Sara: Obviously nature continually inspires me as do fairytales, stories and poetry. I have always held a deep affinity with animals and love to bring out their character through my illustrations.

Badkitty:  What is your favorite part in the design process?

Sara: I really love drawing but my favourite part has to be design development - it’s so exciting to see your initial drawings morphing into possible designs.

Badkitty:  What kinds of medium do you most like working with and why?

Sara: In the drawing process I love using all kinds of medium from pencils to paint and also love to make paper collages. I enjoy working with fabric and really love drawing with free machine embroidery – I see my sewing machine as an extension of my drawing tools really and will use this technique more in my future designs.

Badkitty:  I usually listen to music when I'm working.  Today in my workroom I'm listening to the Pixies.  Do you listen to music while you are creating? and if so, what do you most like to listen to?

Sara: I love to listen to music when I’m working. I would describe my music taste as ‘eclectic’ (to say the least) I listen to sooo many kinds of music – from opera to dance music from soul to heavy metal! I get caught up in the music and then suddenly realise how much work I’ve completed....brilliant!

Badkitty:  That's cool.  I love to mix it up too.  I agree that it make the day seem to go faster especially when I've got a lot of work to do.

Badkitty:  So where can we find your items?

Sara: I sell my items through galleries and shops as well as on Etsy and Folksy.

Badkitty:  Do you have a facebook page, website or blog that you are trying to promote?

Sara: Yes my website is www.saranorwood.co.uk and you can follow me on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/saranorwooddesigns

Badkitty:  Thanks so much Sara for doing this interview with me!  

I just love chatting with different artist because even though we each have a different craft, it's interesting to see how much we all have in common.  Here are some of my favorite items available in Sara's Etsy shop and Website.

Unique Finds

Every time I shop on Etsy I find something new.  Yesterday while on Etsy forums I found so many unique items from some very talented artists.  Here are just a few of my favorites. . .

Maple meat and cheese board in the shape of Italy by 50splinters

This would make a unique Wedding gift, house warming gift, or it would be a great conversational piece at your next dinner party with friends and your favorite red vino!

Ivory Bloom Ring by HomespunGossomerThis great ring would definitely add a touch of whimsy to your day!

Cat keyring keychain plush siamese burmese by saranorwood

A super cute plush keyring featuring Chloe the curious cat. 

Shades of Sea Scarflette in Icy Blue by Kerasoftwear

Inspired by the various colors of the Estonian sea, this Elizabethan ruffled scarflette, in icy powder blue, is the the perfect accessory for fall and winter!

Don't you just love the creativity?  I do and I am so curious to know what inspires them to create such unique items.  So I think I'll ask some them and feature a few on my blog in the coming weeks.  

Badkitty Hawaii featured on Cherry Blossoms Designs

Happy Friday Everyone!
Just wanted to say thank you to "Cherry Blossoms Designs" for featuring Badkitty Hawaii in her blog today.  Check it out the interview here:

Organize Your Big Bag

Let's face it, I am a bag addict.  I especially love big bags!  Like most moms I never know what or when I might need to have something on hand.  So naturally I find it necessary to carry everything with me where ever I go.  Big bags are great for this purpose.  The only problem with a big bag is that it can be hard to find something at a moments notice and you could be standing there digging around in it forever.  Using small pouches and purse organizers to reduce clutter in your bag can often solve this dilemma.  Here are some of my favorite Etsy items to help you organize your big bag in style.

White Hand Stitched Leather Clutch/ Wallet by TheLeatherTH

In Touch Clutch (tm) in Wallflower Greens by downstairsDesigns

Small Ruffled Clutch In Blue and Cream Stripe with Lace and Silk by BadkittyHawaii

Leather Wristlet Wallet with detachable strap by studiocatb

Red and Brown Vine Wrist Key fob by GimCarry

PURSE ORGANIZER INSERT WITH ENCLOSED BOTTOM by DivideAndConquer

Mini zippered pouch (Vermillion) by katoo

Nerd Herder Odds and Ends Gadget Wallet by rockitbot

Jewelry Cosmetic Bloom Pink Love Poppy by plumprettysugar

Don't you just love um?  I want one of each!  

If you wanna find out more info on a certain item just click the link below each photo and it will take you straight  to the item listing on Etsy.  

Featured Shop Items

No new listings today so I thought that I'd feature some of my personal faves that are still available in my shop.  

Love Hearts Large Appliqued Tote Bag in Brown Corduroy

This bag is made with brown corduroy fabric and embellished with hearts in a variety of cotton linen blend and gauze fabric from Etsuko Furuya for Echino.  This tote is perfect for throwing in all your stuff when you're on the go.  This bag is also very large and would make a great diaper bag or shopping tote.  A one-of-a-kind bag that is totally practical for everyday use.

Brown and Black Lace Clutch with Black Sakura Flowers

Made from soft Brown and Black fabric and embellished with hand cut sakura flowers and leaves. This super cute, ultra-handy clutch is perfect for throwing in your keys, phone, some cash and little bit of make-up when you are on the go. 

Black and Pink Quiet Ground Bird to Hang XLarge Zippered Tote 

I absolutely love this bag!!  Made with 2 cotton linen blend fabrics from Japanese designer Etsuko Furuya for Echino, Quiet Ground and Bird to Hang. It is truly oversized so that you can use it as a carry on, over night bag or even to the beach. Trust me, you will definitely stand out from a crowd with this baby on your shoulders!

A Pretty Little Bow And A Treasury Too!

New in the shop is a "Black and White Pinstripe Large Sling Tote with Detachable Bow".   I made this bag using a sophisticated black and white pinstripe fabric and lined it with a fresh black and white bird and butterfly print cotton for some fun.  I added a nice big pocket on the outside and 2 slip pockets on the inside.  This sling is pretty big and would make an excellent everyday bag as it can hold your laptop, notebooks and lots of other goodies.  I also added a cute detachable bow pin in matching fabric.   I made the bow detachable because sometimes I'm just not in the mood to wear a bow, ya' know?

Also my "Orange Brown and Fuchsia Trees Bucket Style Market Tote" was featured in a treasury today!   I want to say mahalo to KahiliCreations for including my tote bag in her Etsy treasury entitled "Aloha from Hawaii."  It is a beautiful collection of handmade items from our local artist here in Hawaii.        

Beautiful London Blue Quartz and Sterling Silver Earrings from KahiliCreations

Just added 4 new "bucket style" large market totes to my Etsy shop. Having some fun with some new funky fabric. Had a lot of requests for more bags with zipper closures...so all of these new style bags come with a Full Zipper! Yay! 

Say "Hello" to Emma.  Our newest family member.