Exciting News!

I have exciting news to share! We will be moving our store to 1708 A W 39th St. We will be located across from Chipotle Restaurant. Our big, bright new store will allow us to carry more work from more local artists. I love West 39th Street, and I am very excited to join the other shops already there. The store currently needs a fresh coat of paint, as the bright pink and purple that the previous tenant favored will simply not work for me. I'm thinking I will stay with the same colors we are currently using, adding a darker green for the trim.

So come check out our new location next week! We should have the painting finished by then. And if you know any great local artists or handcrafters please send them my way!

Art Flea Market!

Sage and Daisy will be at the Original Art Flea Market this weekend! Stop by if you get a chance. We will have new one of a kind hats and scarves, as well as our handmade soaps and bath and body line.

Here's the info:

THIS Friday Nov. 7th (First Friday in the Crossroads) from 5-9pm and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2p.m. from Nov. 8 to Dec. 20

FREE parking in our lot!
ArtsTech presents the Original Art Flea Market in the Crossroads ArtDistrict. The Art Flea is a new venue for buying local art priced from $1 to $50 just in time for the holidays.

Our artists have handmade hats, gloves, scarves, vintage clothing, fine art prints ($5 - $50) candles, soaps, lotions, ceramics, purses, jewelry, ornaments and more. www.originalartfleakc.com

Hope to see you there!

I've been a little MIA here in blogland lately. So here's a quick rundown of what's been going on:

HALLOWEEN:

Halloween was fun! This was our first Halloween at the new house, and we had lots of kids come by. Saw some really creative costumes. My favorite was the peace-loving hippie family. The dad should receive an award for Father of the Year. Full hippie costume, strumming his guitar the entire time, and two little girls singing "Give Peace a Chance" at every door. They even sang on the walk between houses! Loved them!

Autumn was a ghoul. She wore a long black robe, full face paint, and black angel wings. One of her girlfriends spent the evening with us, she was a whoopie cushion. They both received full pillowcases of candy. Autumn is such a little party pooper. Her body shuts down promptly at 9 pm. So we hung out with her friend after she went to bed. Her little friend is quite the night owl, and I finally left her downstairs at 11:30.

CROCHET CROCHET CROCHET

I love the cooler weather, because it keeps my crochet inspiration flowing!
Here are some of my latest creations:

I think the gray alpaca hat is my favorite hat ever. It is super soft and very classy. All of the above are available in the shop and over at Etsy.

Have a great week, everyone!

Nesting

My friend Sylvia came in the shop for a visit today. She was telling me about some Fall redecorating she completed on her home. It sounds lovely! Lots of pumpkins and warm, cozy colors.

I always nest this time of year. The cooler weather makes me want to create a cozy, warm feeling in my home. I dream of nights in front of the fire, eating big bowls of hearty soup with my family. David is a master bread baker, and I look forward to trying his delicious creations.

David requested some new slippers, so I made a black and white cotton pair to keep his feet warm and comfy. I enjoyed making them so much that I made several others, and they are now available in my Etsy store.

I am currently working on new hats and scarves, and will be listing daily. What are you working on lately?

Have a great weekend!

Face Scrub

We often have customers ask if we carry a face scrub. Well, not yet. Mostly because it is so easy to make your own at home. I use a recipe similar to this one, and substitute whatever oils I have on hand. You can adjust it to suit your skin.

My mother and grandmother both had gorgeous skin, and both swore by simple egg white facials. Simply brush egg whites on your face, let dry, and then rinse off. Your skin will feel firm and soft.

What simple skincare routines do you follow?

Cooler Weather Means Crochet Time!

The weather has been a bit cooler here in Missouri, and I have been crocheting like mad. The scarf in the picture above is sold, but there are still lots of fresh hats and scarves in the store. Stop by and see what's new!

Art Westport 2008

The annual Art Westport art show is next weekend, September 5-7. In honor of the event, Sage and Daisy will have sales throughout the weekend, and special drawing and contests! We will also have lots of new stuff to show off! Stop by and say hi.

You're invited!

Stacy, of Oh Wow balloons has started a craft meetup on Sundays, from 5 to 7 p.m. We will meet outside our store, and knit, crochet, or whatever else you feel like working on!

I adore Stacy. She is a talented balloon artist and an all around fun and creative person! Check out her site, and if you need balloons call her!

Sewing Sunday

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Sage and Daisy opens at 3:00 on Sundays, so I have the entire morning to work on "fun" stuff. Today I am making a fresh batch of eye pillows, with new scents added to the mix! I am also creating some fun tote bags. Pictures to come soon.

What are you doing on this beautiful Sunday?

Back to the basics

During our recent move, I discovered lots of crafty supplies I forgot I owned. I also rediscovered my first crafting love - Paper! I have had a long love affair with paper crafting and all related crafts - scrapbooking, collage, decoupage, rubber stamping, card making..... the list and the possibilities seem endless! My first crafty endeavor was handmade greeting cards. I loved piecing different images and scraps of textured paper to create little tiny artworks.

With the move, the recent passing of David's father, and just general busy-ness, I have not spent as much time creating as I would like. So I am giving myself a challenge for August. But, you say, it is only July 18. Yes, I know. I love starting new projects on the first day of the month. Makes it fresh, new, and exciting for me. The set time frame also gives me a sense of accountability.

Anyway, here's my self-imposed challenge: Create 1 paper-related project per day, and post it here. It can be anything, a collage, a card. Whatever I choose that day. I think this challenge will also help me commit more to this blog, and get in the habit of posting daily. Plus, I am looking forward to re-aquainting myself with an old, and thought to be lost, love. Aaah, paper. How I have missed you!

Anyone want to join my August challenge?

Summer Soaps

It's definitely summer! Barbecue, gardening, baseball games, picnics, ouotdoor concerts, and theme parks are no doubt on your family's to do list. But along with these activities comes summertime biting bugs, poison ivy, and sweaty bodies. The Sage and Daisy team has been hard at work on great-for-your-skin products to make summer a little more comfortable, so you can enjoy the longer days and sunshine!

Did you know that Mother Nature provides one of the best poison ivy and poison oak solutions? The leaves and the juice from the stem of Jewelweed are used by herbalists to cure poison ivy and other plant induced rashes, as well as many other types of dermatitis. Jewelweed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. Don't be without our Jewelweed soap this summer! Keep a few extra in the medicine cabinet, just in case.


Also try our Bug Away Soaps and Spray. Lemon Eucalyptus, along with a blend of other essential oils, is the key ingredient in this super summer skin saver. (say that 10 times fast! :)

Stop in soon to check out the entire line of Sage and Daisy summer skin savers! We will have a pitcher of iced tea waiting for you!

Cultivating Creativity

Several years ago, David and I decided we would live a life centered around creativity. Although it was scary leaving our "secure" jobs, we have never regretted this choice.

Almost daily, we have lovely customers come in our shop and say things like "I wish I were creative like that." And we always follow up with "you can be! Just give it a try." It always amazes me when people do not realize their own creativity. I think the secret lies in finding something you love to do, and don't worry about making mistakes. Try lots of arts and crafts, get messy. If you are too shy at first to show people your work, then don't. Do it for you.

Here are some of the resources that helped us on our creative journey:

1. The Artists Way by Julia Cameron - This book has been an invaluable tool in opening up my creative side. Ms. Cameron recommends starting your day with "Morning Pages". I truly believe everyone should keep a journal, even if you do not have creative aspirations.

2. Violette's Folk Art Violette's brightly colored house makes me smile every time! Go to the "About Me" link to see photos of her Magic Cottage. While you are there, also explore her blog and her art tips. She also provides a message board, where you will meet lots of creativity seekers!

3. http://www.artellaland.com/10WaysToCultivate.PDF This is a fun little list of 10 ways to cultivate your creativity. You would be surprised at how these suggested activities can open doors to inspiration.

4. Take classes! They are offered at local community colleges, local parks and recreation departments, and craft stores. I love sitting in a room with other creative people and making stuff!

5. Planet Sark This website is amazing! SARK offers lots of resources and encouragement for creative souls. If you have never read a SARK book, pick one up at your local bookstore. You are in for a colorful treat!

What resources have helped you on your creative path?

Puzzles!

As if I do not already have enough ways to waste time! I just found a website that has hundreds of jigsaw puzzles you can do online. Here's one for you to try.

New Goods at Sage and Daisy!

We just received the cutest batch of wrist purses from the talented Lauren Kathleen. These are perfect for quick trips into the store, or a night out on the town with the girls. They are wonderful because you can put them in a larger purse and use them as a wallet, and then grab them out when you don't feel like carrying your large handbags. I love these so much that one came home with me immediately, and I don't know how I lived without it before! There are only 3 left in the store, so hurry in to choose yours!

We have loads of new Spring accessories arriving daily, so come in and take a peek! We are also working on new soap fragrances to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. How does Aloha Pineapple sound? It is truly fabulous.

Suryashakti Jewelry now at Sage and Daisy

Sage and Daisy is proud to announce that we now carry Suryashakti Jewelry by Melissa Cavallari. Her line includes exotic, ethnic pieces as well as covetable Italian glass rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Being the magpie I am, I had to choose a gorgeous shiny ring for myself. Don't worry, there is still a rainbow of amazing Italian glass rings available in our store! Come get yours soon, because at $20, they won't last long.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend, my sweet little daisies!

Rare Bird Finds Deal of the Day!

Sage and Daisy is taking part in Rare Birds Finds Deal of the Day! So if you have been eyeing soemthing pretty and shiny, or luxurious and bubbly from our Etsy store, today is the day! Everything in the shop is 30% off! Just put "rare bird finds" in the notes to seller, and wait for a revised invoice from Paypal.

You know you've been wanting one of our Spring neckwarmers!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Sage and Daisy!

It is a stormy day here in Kansas City. The kind where you want to stay in bed all day, curled up with a good book and a big mug of tea. I have devoted part of my day to just that. Except the good book will be replaced with crochet hooks and lots of yarn! David is at the store today, so stop by and say hi if you get the chance. He will have a pot of tea on for you!

Featured Etsy Seller of the Week: Jennifer Ladd

Even though I have not had a baby around for many years now, I still feel a strange attraction to baby booties. Tiny shoes! Jennifer Ladd creates some beautiful ones, along with bibs, burp cloths, and cute little barettes. The cherry booties above are my favorites.

Jennifer is a former French teacher turned stay-at-home mom. She says she has been sewing for as long as she can remember (In Jennifer's words: "my mom says I started when I was 3 - I think she's exaggerating!!"). She learned to sew by watching her grandmother. She lives just outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and daughter.

But don't fret if you have no little ones around to buy Jennfer's beautiful handmade wares for. She also creates lovely handbags for us big girls. This is my favorite:

You can find Jennifer's beautiful goods at her Etsy store. Check her out soon!

Black Cats part 2

A few days ago I posted a picture of a couple of kittys I purchased from a local KC artist. She is now on Etsy! Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5348881.

I am rather partial to this one:

He's a charmer, isn't he?

Easter Bunnies!

Every year, Easter bunnies take over the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. They are currently out in full force! I get to drive past these cuties every day on my way to the store. Evidently, the Easter bunnies in the Plaza tradition started in the 1930s and is still going strong.

They even have names! Pictured are Peter and Sue. There's also Lee, Bess, Amy, Nicholas, Ellyn, and Kate. How cute!

I miss Easter as a child. My grandmother always made an egg hunt for us. She would use those pastel plastic eggs, and put change in them. A few lucky grandchildren even found dollar bills in their eggs.

She continued this tradition with my daughter. Usually, we would have the egg hunt indoors. Missouri is still sometimes cold in late March and early April. Grandma would hide eggs in the plants, above door frames, and even in the dog bowl! She would count the eggs every year before she hid them, and there would always be at least one egg left unfound. Grandma was such a good egg hider that even she could not find all of them!

We still continue this tradition in our house, even though Grandma is no longer with us. Autumn still looks forward to Easter. She always gets a huge chocolate bunny, which she starts asking for as soon as the Easter candy hits the grocery store shelves. She likes to receive cute stuffed animals in her basket.

What are your Easter traditions?

Black Cats, White Cats, and Piggys, OH MY!

Two wee little black kitties came to live with me today. I am completely in love. They were created by an amazing artist named Gail Johnson, also known as Dilly Dallyz. The one on the left is called One Big Sweetheart and on the right is Giving Thanks.

I snagged up these two, but I am so pleased to let you know that I have 2 Dilly Dallyz pieces available for purchase.

First let me introduce you to Wilma. Wilma is ready for easter, and even has a couple of chocolates to give as a hello gift to her new owner! While Wilma may sound like a mild mannered, generous pig, I can tell by the look on her face that she is mischevious and ready for fun. Wilma is available in our store for $30, and is one of a kind.

And last but not least we have sisters, Peach and Esther. They love living in their pretty rose filled room. They are always together, and that is the way they like it. They have been very quiet ladies so far, and are very polite. They can live with you for $55.

Both pieces are one of a kind, and will go quickly. If you can't make it to Sage and Daisy this weekend, you can purchase Wilma or The Sisters by phone at 816.531.7243 or email at sageanddaisy@sbcglobal.net.

Overwhelming Talent

I am in awe over some of the talented artists that make Sage and Daisy Handmade Gallery so wonderful.

We are super excited to announce that we now carry the work of Erin Lueth, otherwise known as sewsewsuckurtoe on Etsy. She has created some sweet plush for our store, including her fabulous Voodoo doll pincushions and matryoshka dolls.

We are also stocking totes and artwork by Silje Roe Hagland of ohxcrap . Can you believe how amazing her owl canvases are? If you want one, hurry up and get here. At $32 they are a steal!

We had an exciting day here at Sage and Daisy involving news crews and cameras (in the most positive way)....... but that's all I can tell you for now!

More Buttons!

As you all know too well, I have an obsession with buttons. They are round, they are pretty, they are perfect additions to everything.

Today I indulged in my favorite activity in the world. I sat at my work table, put all of my jars of buttons in front of me, and played. I like to let the buttons tell me what they want to be. I know that sounds silly. I start out by dumping one of my jars, and choose a few buttons. Then I stack them and wait for inspiration to strike. Today the buttons wanted to be brooches, along with some really great vintage brass stampings I have been saving for just the right project.

A few of the brooches are now listed in the shop, and there are lots more to come.

I have a feeling this button obsession is not going to end any time soon.

Roses and Pixies

Fairies, pixies, sprites, and other magical forest dwellers have been on my mind lately. When I was a child I used to imagine that they lived on the hill behind my school. I thought if I looked really hard and kept really quiet I might be lucky enough to spot one, if only for a moment. I never did, of course.

I love artwork of little woodland fairies dressed in acorn hats. Larger fairies and pixies cannot wear acorns, of course. That is what inspired my newest hat, which I just listed in the shop.

I also added a pretty pink rose colored hat, complete with some of my favorite antique buttons from my collection.

I went yarn shopping yesterday, and came home with a huge haul. The new skeins whisper to me, telling me what they want to be. So I'm off to grab my new to me antique hooks and make some pretties!

Non Traditional Family

Morgan and Glory are stray cats we took in. Morgan gave birth to 2 babies on Christmas, and Glory gave birth to one on January 5. Poor little Glory (the siamese) had no clue how to take care of her baby at first, so Morgan took it as her own. After a few days, Glory decided she wanted to be a mom. So our two mama kitties decided to form a parenting co-op. They take turns nursing all 3 babies, and give each other breaks. They cuddle and coo at each other. They spend their time together. They are a family.

We're not just soap!

I am a complete crafting nut. The soap is my main job, but I also like to dabble in other crafts. This week I have been obsessed with jewelry. More specifically, jewelry made with antique buttons.





I love old buttons. I love the way they look, the way they feel, the way they smell.... In my mind each button carries a story. Who owned this button? What adventures did this button (and it's wearer) go on? Who did this button meet? If only I could peek into the life the button lived. I also love to think about the women who took the time to meticulously cut these well loved buttons from treasured pieces of clothing and save them in cigar boxes and bell jars for future generations.





Here are a couple of the results of my jewelry making binge this week:





These one of a kind pieces are currently available in my shop

I have more trinkets in front of me, and they are begging to be turned into pretty wearables.

Have a lovely evening!

No rest for the wicked!

Since opening the store, we decided to take one day off a week. On Mondays we have decided to stay home, no going to the shop, no working on the shop, etc. That has turned out to be much harder than it sounds. Sure, the house needs to be cleaned and there are books to be read, etc. But there are also new soap fragrances to test out, soaps to be made, new product research to do, ideas to follow through on....... and all of those things are much more fun. Besides, my daughter is in school until 3, and this would be the perfect time to (fill in the blank with something store related).
Do other new store owners have this same problem? Actually I would not call it a problem. I can stop any time. Just let me test one more fragrance first.......

New Skin in 2008!

The start of the new year is always a time of setting goals and resolutions, and we know many of you have resolved to feel and look healthier in 2008. Great skin should be part of that resolution!





Different skins need different care. Take a few moments to look at your skin in a mirror. Are your pores large and noticable? Do you have dry, flaky patches? A few, or a lot, of breakouts? What would you change about your skin?





Proper skin care is actually quite simple, if you have the right tools for the job.





Dry and aging skin needs moisture and nourishment. We think our Carrot line is wonderful for this purpose. Carrot seed oil contains vitamin A in large dosages in the form of beta carotene. This helps to keep your skin's elasticity, which prevents sagging. It keeps your skin firm and radiant. It also helps with sun damage and is anti-aging. The presence of carotenoids is said to help reduce skin damage due to ultra violet rays. Everything in our Carrot line contains a bit of shea butter, which we believe to be nature's best moisturizer. You can find our full carrot line here.





Tomorrow we will talk about blemish prone and oily skin. We have solutions for that too!

Here's to the best you in 2008!

Consignment Opportunity

I wanted to make mention that we are still accepting goods on consignment. I am desperately needing herbal wall hangings, such as wreaths and sprays. I would also love to find someone who does pressed flower pictures. Or any type of botanical art would be great. So if you have something that you think would go well in our store, please contact us! You can reach us at sageanddaisy (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.