Personalized Ladybug Necklaces: Engraved, New & Revamped

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This time of year, you can frequently find a ladybug or two in our house. I thought, what better time to (re)lauch my ladybug necklace: old & new design.

Custom Engraved Lady Bug Necklace Gold: Personalized with Initial - bb3.ca
Custom Engraved Lady Bug Necklace Gold: Personalized with Initial – bb3.ca

This is the original ladybug necklace (one of my best sellers), but with a fresh new look. I changed the chain to a gold-plated ball, and a new fresh font called “curlz modern”. The unfortunate thing is, my supplier is no longer carrying these pendants and I have had no luck finding them elsewhere. I have a limited quantity left, and once they are gone, this design will be retired.

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Originally designed for kids, the necklace currently comes in 14 and 16 inch chain, but longer chain is on the way making this piece suitable not just for kids but for adults as well.

Personalized Lady Bug Necklace Silver - bb3.ca
Personalized Lady Bug Necklace Silver – bb3.ca

The new design features an enameled ladybug pendant. These are wonderfully colorful and already available in chain length from 14 inch to 20 inch. On silver plated ball chain, and the engraving on a 15mm silver plated brass disk.

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Which design do you like best, the gold or the silver? I’d love to hear from you in the comments… 🙂

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Artist Spotlight: Elina Singh of Purple Cat Designs

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Kites T-shirt, size 4T

I stumbled upon Purple Cat Designs while looking for a large case that could hold all my knitting needles & crochet hooks.  I was absolutely sold on the pattern (it was called, “knit or die”! ;)), and the case itself did not disappoint. Very well made & easily fit all my needles, even the extra large ones. Now Elina who hails from Vancouver, Canada has changed her focus entirely to designing the most delightful children’s clothing. Read on to find out more about the new products, how the clothes are sustainable and why the switch to making children’s clothing…

How long have you been sewing?
I learned to sew when I was probably 6 or 7. First came hand sewing and making doll clothes, then at 9 or so I learned to use the sewing machine. I made myself a summer dress when I was 11, and have been sewing regularly ever since.

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Floral Sleeveless Tunic, size 3T by Purple Cat Designs

What made you start creating children’s clothing?
I opened my Etsy shop in 2009. I started selling knitted gloves and scarves – I love knitting, and I was running out of people to knit for…
Then, in 2011, my son was born. Over the past year or so I’ve become increasingly frustrated with commercial children’s clothing. Most of the little boys’ clothes in the stores are dark blue, grey and brown! My boy loves colourful things, so I started to sew clothing for him using bright colours and fun designs, and little by little other parents started to comment on his clothing and place orders.

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Dino Raglan T-shirt, Size 2T by Purple Cat Designs

What inspires your designs?
The more I talk to other parents the more obvious it is that I’m not alone in this frustration on kids’ clothing. One source of irritation to many of us is the overly gender-specific clothing. Boys aren’t supposed to wear anything that’s pink or purple, or otherwise pretty. Girls aren’t supposed to wear anything cool. I want to give options to those kids who love pink as well as construction machines, whether they’re boys or girls.
Most designs on the clothing are inspired by my son and his interests. Spending time with him, I’ve learned to look at the world around me on a different way. He notices the colourful leaves in the fall and flowers in the summer, and the construction sites all year round.
I’m also inspired to make sustainable clothing, that’s why I use recycled materials. I hope that my son will still have a planet to live on when he’s 50.

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Vines T-shirt Size 3T by Purple Cat Designs

What are your favorite pieces to make/creations you have made?
 I’m especially happy with the cement mixer shirts and the dinosaurs. I have several more cut and waiting to be sewn. I also made a monster truck as a custom order, and I think I’ll need to make more of those!

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Mushrooms Long Sleeved Hooded T-shirt, size 2T by Purple Cat Designs

Where do you sell your work?
Only on Etsy for now. I’ll be at local craft fairs here in Vancouver in the fall.

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Flowers Long-sleeved Hooded T-shirt, size 2T by Purple Cat Designs

Do you accept custom work?
Absolutely! The monster truck was a great challenge, and I’m always open to requests and ideas.

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Puddle Jumping Raglan T-shirt, 3T by Purple Cat Designs

Do you love Elina’s philosophy and aesthetic as much as I do? Be sure to visit Elina’s etsy shop to see more available clothing. Be sure to like her Facebook page to keep up to date with new products & happenings.

Are you an artist inspired? I’m looking to share your story here and in my monthly newsletter. Inspire me; inspire others! E-mail me or leave a comment below to be considered. All you need is an online presence (blog, website, Etsy shop, etc.) so that the international audience the internet attracts can get to know you & your product better. This is my contribution to the handmade/artist community, & I am honored to do so! Look forward to hearing from you…

Knitting Bling: Stitch Markers

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I don’t know why it took me so long to merge the jewelry making with knitting accessories. It was about a year ago that I looked down at my knitting with the usual plastic craft store stitch markers and thought, “hmmmm….I bet I could make something prettier, and less hard to lose”.  Not long after that knitting bling was born & I cannot churn the ideas for these out fast enough. They are such a cute little accessory for your knitting/crochet. If you spend a ton of time at these activities like I do, why not have something sparkly, fun & useful at hand?

Here’s the designs I currently have available:

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Stitch Markers Knitting Bling: Set of 8

My personal fave, featuring the ball of yarn with needles charm, paired with faceted crystal rondelle. These beads are reconstituted glass and they sparkle like crystal.

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Stitch Markers: Engraved A-H Gold with Freshwater Pearls

I engraved this set of stitch markers from A – H: great for projects such as sock knitting. Slip on needles or clip on stitch. The gold is paired with freshwater pearls. Also available in silver, with silver faceted glass beads.

Stitch Markers Knitting Bling: Stars Size Small
Stitch Markers Knitting Bling: Stars Size Small

Twinkle twinkle little star: these cute stitch markers are paired with a small star charm & faceted glass rondelle in various colors.

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Stitch Markers: Slip on or Clip On – Bird

Another slip on needles or clip to stitch set of 8, this one with a sweet bird charm & freshwater pearls.

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Stitch Markers: Slip On or Clip On – Owl

I love these little owl charms. Slip on or clip to stitch, set of 8 with freshwater pearls.

More designs will be on their way in the future. I have a few in conceptual stage, as well as more engraved and personalized designs, which I would like to expand on more. How about your own monogrammed stitch markers?? Oh la la… 🙂

If there is any design or variation you’d like to see, leave a comment below…

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