Digital Bookworms

If you're a bookworm like me, chances are you've got an eReader. Digital readers such as Nook, Kindle, iPad and Sony Readers have become so popular due to their portability, book-on-demand and online reading features.

I made these cozies to fit a Nook, Kindle or Sony Readers. Next time you cuddle up with your favorite read, why not give your hardworking reading machines some cozy time too with these neat covers. Also fits most traditional pocketbooks.

Click here to see more images.

Rugby Stripes Are In

Rugby Stripes Laptop Sleeve.

Available at UrArtist Shop. $39.

My laptop sleeves are gaining popularity. So far, over two hundred of these cozies has been shipped around the world since I started making it over a year ago. What once started as a personal quest to find a unique laptop sleeve for my then new laptop, became a sensation to savvy web surfers across the globe.

I've sent couple of these fibrous handmade caddies to all continents except Africa. The top five countries are USA, Germany, Canada, Asutralia and France.

Last week, I got a request from a New Yorker who loves to watch rugby football to make a 'rugby stripes' laptop sleeve in her favorite colors - medium pink and red. I'm always excited whenever I get such requests since the finished work is not just a product but a result of two collaborating individuals. The creation process becomes more enjoyable for both.

Maybe next time you watch your favorite game, you'll be inspired to have a laptop sleeve to match your team's color. Don't forget to tell me about it, I'm always open to try new ideas.

Happy web surfing!

Tangled up in the Studio

'Grey Skies are Turning Blue' Art Cowl

Click here to see more of my 'Wearable Art' projects.

It's really getting cold here in Chicago. We already switched our summer clothes in our closets with fall and winter outfits. Ofcourse, these breezy weather calls for accessories to keep us warm.

At this time of the year, my studio morphs into a fibrous stead. Skeins and spools of yarns, threads and laces take over the canvases and paints. What once used to be a jar of brushes is now stuffed with knitting and crochet needles. 'It's that time of the year.', my husband would say. My sketchbook is getting filled with designs of scarves and other yarn projects.

So, pardon me if you haven't seen me writing much these days. It's because I've given in to that irrepressible calling to turn those yarns into something extraordinary, while wrapped up in my favorite cozy and sipping my favorite peach white tea.

We Card Hard

Card Cache.

Credit cards, business cards, driver's license, gift cards, membership cards, pledge cards, appointment cards and card-size bill folds.   Did I miss anything?  Oh, yes.  Photo cards, moo cards, coupons and memory cards.  I'm sure the list goes on.

Is sifting through the ever-growing number of cards getting tougher?  Why not put them in color-coded sleeves.  Business cards in black.  Credit cards in red (red, to signal 'stop' or 'pause' before using it).  Yellow for others.  

Plus, you won't end up losing everything, in case that precious wallet or purse gets lost.

Isn't that clever?

How Time Flies

If you don't know Etsy, you're missing a lot.  And I mean a LOT.  Its the ultimate place to buy anything handmade.  I've been on the site for over a year now.  It was one of my late night forays when my belly was growing big (with a baby) and sleep seems to come rare.  

This is one of my first creations that I sold there.  Not the gnome, I don't do sculpting, although I must say that gnome looks good in the garden.  The crocheted case is, a multi purpose little cozy I came up with while looking for something to hold the little trinkets in my purse that wouldn't seem to stay put in one place - credit cards, business cards, phone, etc.

Crocheted Cozy.  Photo by mybluemuse from San Francisco.

I realized I can do this, create things that will make life easier, at least to some, or even more.  UrArtist Shop in Etsy was born that day.  It's reputation for being a one-stop shop for handmade fine arts, crafts and accessories has grown since then.  So, if you haven't taken the plunge yet, hop on in.  

Save gas, shop online.  Buy Handmade. Shop Etsy.