Adding Art-o-Mat: Phoenix Collection

           I've been meaning to post this for a month, but here's a few behind the scenes look at our new Phoenix Collection for Fall 2013. These are custom orange fire bracelets inspired by the idea of turning death into life. Because we will all fall, the question is if we choose to stay down or get back up. Me? I think there's a wealth of possibility waiting to learn and improve from failure (our own or others). Each one is individually designed and sewn. A lovely piece of art. And hopefully a message worth being inspired by.
           You can find pieces at in local art vending machines across with country with Art-o-mat for $5.00 each. Taking my love of leather and sewing to the next level. May it inspire you to try something new or step outside your comfort zone.
            The past month with Techshop RD's closing on short notice (3 days) and just general fall-out, Nash and I have had a number of occasions to look at each other and be grateful to have each other in the fox hole with us. I'm not going to pretend it's all been easy, but hey a little sharpening of the soul and craft is never a bad thing. Happy July 4th weekend.

PS- Will try and post more of our store and designer collaborations this month. If you're interested in having us produce for your store or private label work, short us an e-mail at: DaraPage@lisashay.com.

The Produce Box: A Local Triangle Treasure!

               So this week, Nash and I finally got to sign-up for this year's Produce Box. We're both struggling with the battle of the bulge and it's been past time to change our lifestyle. What's the point of having great clothes if you're too fat to wear them? As someone who has grown up with this Triangle, NC staple, I thought I would share a local edible treasure with you, my readers that we are putting to use. Neither of us have any excuse for not doing it beforehand except sheer laziness. We know we should eat local, fresh fruits and veggies to keep us healthy, but not all of us have time to shop at the local farmer's market on Sat. Or to be frank will-power. May I suggest the lovely Produce Box if you're trapped for time and money on a budget like us?
                For those of you who aren't familar with the service, it is a local produce delivery service that drops off a weekly variety of fresh fruits, veggies, plus optional add-ons for $18-24 a week. $18 for a single person, $22-24 for a typical family from online orders. Many people I know who are single will order the family box and then can, freeze, or jam the extras for the cold winter months or parties. The Produce Box will come to your work or home provided you live in the area. You can change out foods or add others at will each week for picky eaters and special treats. This is less than HALF any other service I know of and fits even slim college budgets with a wealth of food. It's amazing! It's local! And it's making a difference here, locally in your neighborhood.

             In your home. We like to think that better eating and health begin somewhere far away, but really it starts with each and everyone of us. So make a difference in your waistline and life today, sign-up if you haven't already. Nash and I will try to post up pictures and recipes from stuff we get to hopefully help inspire you to improve your health too. 

Chuck Frank: Master Jeweler and Woodworker

Jack-of-All-Trades is what pops to mind when you think of Chuck. He is heavily involved in teaching woodworking classes at Techshop as his second career. His first having retired from being a master jeweler after 30 years of hard work.

I am so pleased to have him come talk to us twice at the DIY meeting in a few weeks. The first is about something...frankly...I just agreed to it because it was awesome. Chuck will be demonstrating wood turning on the lathe from Saturday September 17th from 1-2 pm and you may enter the raffle to win one of the bowls he will be giving away on site. Each bowl is made from reclaimed timber from local wrecks right here in North Carolina along the coast.

Because PIRATE WOOD is awesome. (The bowl on left is made of this cool wood.)

You can also drop in on his guest lecture from 4-5 pm on how to make high-end jewelry. This is a 30 min slide show presentation Chuck put together for his masters. If you are familiar with jewelry making or want to learn more, he will be taking questions. I hope you have a chance to learn from this wise elder.

Have a great day and we hope to see you next weekend.