Bargain Hunting

Artist Spotlight with W. Ink Print Studio

julznally January 25, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping, w.ink

w.ink print studio is a textile screen printing studio that works mainly with kitchen and bedroom linens although we do like doing a t-shirt or two. The studio is a cooperative venture with a commitment to design but an even stronger commitment to one another: friends crafting together. It came out of a now infamous meeting that involved a skills matrix meant to show us how to spend more time together doing interesting things. The group includes an MFA student, a former design assistant and interior designer, a philosopher, a geographer, a school teacher, a graphic artist, and some cats. Their studio is non-toxic and environmentally friendly – using only water-based inks and solvents. All ofdesigns are hand drawn and hand printed.

What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?

What’s the price?

We are _really_ focused on tea towels, some might say monomaniacally focused. Now, normally, these are one for $12 and two for $20, but, as we said at last year’s BH, on this special day, our motto is: low low go go. SO: $8 each or two for $14!!! For hand-printed, hand-designed?? Yes.

What inspired you and keeps you going creatively?

Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?

Our workaday motto, which is: “w.ink: making domestic life better, with ink and a nod.”

What fashion era do you love best and why?

Hmmm, fashion era. We’re pretty broad in our tastes, with an appreciation of high and low, but it is clear that our designs for domestic linens is informed by a midcentury sensibility.

Artist Spotlight with 2 Monkees

julznally January 20, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: 2 monkees, Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping

Teri Spouse, the creative behind 2 Monkees is a busy mom of two little boys. These guys are very much “boys” so making jewelry allows me to do something “girly”. When I started making jewelry, I was working with paper and recycled materials. I am now moving more into enamel work and metalsmithing. These new directions are exciting and I feel like my brain is overflowing with ideas.

1. What are you most excited about selling?

I am most excited about selling my bright, bold, outfit changing snap on belt buckles. I usually sell my buckles for $25 but for the Bargain Hunting shoppers they will only be $15. This is the lowest price I have ever sold them! All of my other jewelry will also be significantly discounted and of course, my scrabble tile pendants will only be $5.

2.What inspires you and keeps you going?

I feel like I find inspiration every where. I find that when I am in a creative mood, I can be looking at almost anything and be inspired. A tree branch, a flower or a fence post- it doesn’t seem to matter- they have all sparked ideas for my work. I do find that when I am in a slump my most reliable inspiration comes from nature. Most of my ideas come to me when I am outside (usually running or walking my dog). Strangely enough, I have lately found myself waking in the middle of the night with new ideas I want to try. The hardest part has been remembering them in the morning!

3. What fashion era do you love the most?

I love a good 1920′s flapper dress! The fringe, the colors and the whimsy of it really are appealling to me.

Artist Spotlight with Pierced Zebra

julznally January 19, 2012 Artist's Spotlight No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, pierced zebra, sale, Shopping

Pierced Zebra creates Quirky Jewelry pieces out of vintage hardware and broken earrings/necklaces/pins…Metal Stamped Necklaces and Bracelets…Oddball hair clips…Paper products with strange items attached to them…Wearable “Art” out of soda and beer cans…Just about anything you want!

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?
What’s the price?
I created these sassy and whimsical greeting cards made with 1937 advertisements! They range in price from 99 cents to 5 bucks.

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?

My spirited boys keep me going creatively. I want to be able to buy them grapes and yugioh cards…which means create, create, create and sell, sell, sell! I like to give creative blocks the middle finger and inform them that my 8 year old needs new flip flops so to buzz off! : )

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?

I’m geeked out about using hardware and ads from the 1930’s in my jewelry designs and greeting cards!

Artist Spotlight with Twist 46

julznally January 18, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping, twist 46

Twist 46 is the place to shop for a large selection of outlet clothes online. We regularly add new tops, skirts and dresses. At Twist46.com, we offer quality name brand European clothing at warehouse clothes prices online. Wear the mod clothes you love and pay less. Twist 46 brings you the best price on euro clothing. Never pay full retail. At Twist46.com, we offer shopping for retro style clothing including shirts, tops, camis, tanks, t-shirts, blouses, pants, tank tops, scarves, skirts, minis, maxis, dresses, tunics, accessories and more…

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?
What’s the price?
Most excited about our line of retro modern tops and rompers from the UK. Floral, plaids, lace and ruffles – they make me smile. For the event, they will be specially priced at $10-15.

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
I am inspired by street fashion and random connections. In a slump? Get out! Gotta get moving physically to inspire the mind. Workout, go for coffee, walk the streets – that’s where I can re-energized for the week. Portland has such an amazing fashion scene and environment. Walking down any street is filled with inspiration.

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
I love the 80′s! Shoulder pads, neon colors, everything big. Go big, Go 80′s! Such a time of excess in the culture and fashion.

Artist Spotlight with EcoVibe Apparel

julznally January 17, 2012 News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, ecovibe apparel, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping

Ecovibe is Fashion with Conscience

Grounded in a commitment to providing socially conscious and contemporary fashions for the everyday lifestyle, EcoVibe Apparel offers clothing and accessories for those seeking the perfect blend of style, functionality and sustainability. Located in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District, EcoVibe Apparel proudly represents independently and locally owned fashion designers with a conscience.

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?
What’s the price?
We are very excited to sell our selection of boots and shoes from OlsenHaus Pure Vegan and EMU Australia at the blowout price of $75 a pair! Here is a link to photos of the shes on our website: http://shop.ecovibeapparel.com/category/shoes-40-off

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
What keeps us inspired is our customers who support and appreciate our mission to bring eco-conscious fashions to Portland. We believe in fashion with a conscience and this is what keeps us going!

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
The best eras for fashion were the 1940s and 1960s…so classic and elegant with high quality fabrics and construction. These styles continue to inspire designers today for a reason!

Artist Spotlight with House of Six Cats

julznally January 16, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, house of six cats, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping

House of Six Cats is a family owned business that prides itself in delivering unique, home decor items, that feature an unconventional style.

By putting the fun back into functional fine art, House of Six Cats Photography will illuminate every corner of your world with their fanciful creations: stunning framed prints for your walls, beautiful coasters to protect your tables, extraordinary night lights, and miniature masterpieces to adorn your neckline.

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting? What’s the price?
House of Six Cats is excited to be back again this year. We will have more clearance coasters! Half price just like last year, $2.50 per tile.

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
As a company we are always trying to stay creative and offer new products. I am constantly thinking of ways to improve our existing product lines and to imagine new ones. I try to find ideas and inspiration from my fellow artisans and environment.

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
Don’t really have a fashion era I loved, being a guy might have something to do with that…lol

Artist Spotlight with Prefresh

julznally January 13, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, prefresh, sale, Shopping

Prefresh Philioshophy : We make cool things for cool kids.

Kids are rad. You will never be quite as awesome as they are, no matter how hard you try. The best you can do is give them the tools and get out of the way. We are so inspired by their ability to be just who they are, do what they want; and tap into that deep well of creativity that we all try so hard to get back to, that we created Prefresh to just be an awesome brand for kids. Nothing more. No deeper truths, no back story of triumph-over-adversity, just cool for the sake of being cool.

Remember, creative kids grow up to be…creative kids.

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting? What’s the price?
We are a kids label, and are most excited about offering great deals (up to 75% off!) on our current inventory of rad graphic tees, onesies, & hoodies to make room for our SS2012 line. All of our goods are made both here in Portland and in LA. from super soft fabrics and quality construction. We have a bunch of sizes for kids – 6 months to 10yrs. Prices will range from $5-$25!! get ‘em while they last!

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
That is a really great question. We love being an independent label, we dig old-school stuff, and we are of course inspired by the awesomeness of kids. They are uninhibited, honest and fresh. Super inspiring! When we say “Liberate Your Awesomeness”, that message is for parents as much as it is for kids. Our goal is to make things for them that they love and remember; that is as unique as they are.

Our tips on staying fresh? Stick ya neck out! Don’t listen to the critics and naysayers. Do what YOU want to do, create what YOU want to create, with wide open eyes and a sense of humor. Feel stuck? My favorite saying is, “You can’t do the same thing and expect different results.” It’s true! If you are stuck, you may have to try something new, turn something upside down and look at it from a new angle. TAKE RISKS! Lots of times you fall, but that builds character. We like character.

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
We dig any era that brews up nostalgia for us. We love to find buried treasures; cool old magazines, funky music or movies, rad film cameras, vintage signs, neat packaging, tripped out jackets, running shoes, toys…etc. etc. We love things with plenty of character. The 70′s and 80′s are so rad because people had to really be creative to stand out.

Artist Spotlight with Schmidt’s

julznally January 12, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, schmidt's, Shopping

Schmidt’s is a producer of natural and handcrafted body care products based in Portland, OR.
The Schmidt’s brand offers a range of natural body care products that are safe and effective for the whole family. Schmidt’s strives to produce the most effective formulations so that each product delivers the results you expect. Handcrafting products in small batches ensures freshness and quality control.Schmidt’s is particularly renowned for their deodorant which is free of synthetic perfumes, aluminum and harmful chemicals. It is applied smoothly by hand and provides moisturizing benefits. Schmidt’s Deodorant delivers effective odor prevention and is available in Cedarwood or Unscented.

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting? What’s the price?
Schmidt’s Deodorant! This handcrafted all natural deodorant allows for the body’s natural process of perspiring while effectively absorbing wetness and neutralizing odor. I have a lot of repeat customers who love this product and claim it to be the only natural deodorant that works for them! The deodorant is available in Cedarwood or Unscented and normally sells for around $6.00 retail for a 2.5 oz tin. I’ll be selling it for just $4.00 at Bargain Hunting PDX!

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively? Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
I use all of Schmidt’s body care products myself every day! This motivates me to create the highest quality products I not only feel confident using on my own body but that I’m also proud to share with others. Feedback from my customers is another continuous source of inspiration. I haven’t hit any creative slumps that I can speak to; my roadblocks come more from an overwhelming desire to take on a lot of projects at once! I find that ample forethought and sometimes a pause or even a step back are critical for moving forward.

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
I find an unmatched appeal in the 1920′s Flapper Era, particularly the feathered headpieces, long gloves, cigarette holders, bobbed hair, and excessive makeup. This Era brought a revolution of fashion at a time of significant social change for women.

Artist spotlight with Bevobirdie

julznally January 11, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, bevobirdie, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, Shopping

Beverly Cook, designer of BevoBirdie Originals likes to travel light.
She makes bags and purses that are lightweight, soft and easy.
BevoBirdie Originals are constructed of soft fibers that hug comfortably under your arm.
They are designed to give quick and easy access.
Bags are interlined and triple-seamed for shaping and strength.
Classy simple lines.
And always one-of-a-kind!

All BevoBirdie bags and purses are sewn on vintage Singer machines – Beverly loves vintage Singers (and sometimes even refurbishes them and offers them for sale in her etsy shop)! Beverly says, “Never underestimate the stitching power of these older Singers! They are elegantly designed, perfectly molded, reliable little beauties. And sooo user friendly – great for beginners.”

Specific items designed by BevoBirdie:
*BevoBirdie Pocket Purses – when all you need is a key, a card, and a twenty. Slides
nicely into your jeans pocket for a trip to the store or a morning jog.
*BevoBirdie Zipper Purses – accommodate i-gadgets while fitting easily into your
shoulder bag. Nicely consolidate your cosmetics. A catch-all for what-nots.
*BevoBirdie Errand Bags – across-the-chest strap, freedom for your mitts. Various sizes.
*BevoBirdie Classy Bags – you’ll want one just for the pretty sight of it. Matching little
zipper bag inside.

Travel Light!

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?
I am most excited to be selling little Pendleton wool zipper purses with beaded suede zipper pulls. So cute! They will be bargain priced at $12. I am also happy to have found a local supplier of beautiful leather straps for my larger bags – awesome with Pendleton wools. These bags will be on sale starting at $40.

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively?
Best inspiration for me is great fabric – when in a slump I make a trip to quality fabric shops, and to the woolen mill. There will always be something that I can’t wait to get my hands on!

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
Favorite fashion period is the 1920′s, with those drapey little dresses and t-strap pumps. And don’t forget the cloche hats!

Artist Spotlight with Second Star Designs

julznally January 10, 2012 Artist's Spotlight, News No Comments

Tags: Art, art sale, bargain hunting, Clearance, collaborative, Craft, fashion, indie, local pdx, local portland, sale, second star designs, Shopping

Second Star Designs makes boutique clothing and treasures for the princess in all our lives.
Products are individually hand-crafted with strict attention given to both quality and detail. Second Star Designs wants customers to be happy with their treasures … enough to pass them along to future generations. Where ever possible, Second Star Designs takes steps to reduce their overall footprint by using innovative ways to turn discarded clothing items into wearable art. Their Philosophy is simple: when it’s time to leave, make sure that what you leave behind is better than what you originally found.

Second Star designs will be selling a little bit of everything for Princesses of all ages at the next Bargain Hunting…Romantic skirts, wings, arm warmers, onesies, tu tus, and more.

1. What are you most excited about selling at the next Bargain Hunting?
Everything. All of it. Just as we did last year, we utilized the event to move some of our older merchandise, things that didn’t sell over the course of the previous event season.

What’s the price?
We’ll once again be offering everything in our booth at a 50% discount from the marked, retail price. For those customers using cold, hard cash for their purchases, we’ll be rounding down to the nearest whole dollar amount of their purchase. It’s just our way of saying ”thanks for not letting us incur credit card transaction fees”.

2. What inspired you and keeps you going creatively?
Honestly … I don’t wish to return to a corporate place of employment. And, I love color and texture and putting it all together to make new things. Eventually, you either “suck it up” and pursue work in the corporate world because you’re an adult and responsible and it’s something that you’re supposed to do so that you can support your family OR you walk away from it all and follow your Dream. I returned to the clothing design field, choosing children’s clothing because I have a built-in sounding board for all that I create: my kiddos tell me if what I’ve made is either a good or bad idea. They are what keeps me going … as does chocolate, good coffee, and the idea that I haven’t yet begun to tap into my creativity … there’s still more out there to explore … more colors, designs, textures, everything.

Any tips for staying on track when you’re in a creative slump?
On the walls of my studio, I am surrounded by inspirational “stuff” – photos, quotes, drawings made for me by my kids, stickers, whatever strikes my fancy as being inspiration. I play music to keep the mood light. And when it all comes to a stop, when I’ve hit the wall on having the next

“amazing” idea … I step away from it all. I play Castleville on Facebook to help empty my mind of all the “stuff” that arises from running a business. I take an entire day [or two, or three], close the door to the studio, and walk away from it all as best as I can. We spent the day at the Chinese Gardens in Portland the other day … had tea … played tourist … it was the most refreshing thing to do to clear the cobwebs. What it all boils down to is this: don’t worry about staying on track; don’t worry about being in a slump … those thoughts, those ideas, will continue to keep you in that slump. In order to break free, you must first break free … whatever it is that you choose to do instead will bounce the creativity ball right back into your court.

3. What fashion era do you love best and why?
I’m fascinated with the 1800′s – the massive yards of scrumptious cloth, the leg-of-mutton sleeves, the exquisite trims used to finish the garments, and the incredible accessories to round out the image. Of course, there’s also the glittering simplicity of the Roaring 20′s and the timeless beauty of the 1940′s. In the world of fashion, every era provides inspiration and beauty. Okay … maybe not the 1970′s … that era appears to be a fashion failure at first sight. However, without the 70′s, we wouldn’t have had the launchpad we do now for mixing colors, patterns, and textures. The 1970′s can thus be viewed as a platform for even better fashion design … allowing people like me to bend and even break the rules in order to create something magnificent.