Tag Archives for handmade

You Are Oh So Pretty + Winning.

before we get into the giveaway, i just want to say WELCOME to the made in rye blog. here i will be documenting my journey in NYC, favorite recipes, street sightings, and so much more. lets get personal. 

today, Victoria at the Oh-So Pretty Blog is doing a giveaway of her favorite items from artists she has featured this past year. To help her celebrate her one year of blogging (Congrats Victoria!) we are joining the fun. click here to see what we are giving away and how you can enter to win. but hey, we are ALL winners (am i right, am i right?). Now that we have cleared that up, YOU can still take 15% off you Made In Rye order with the discount code: OHSOPRETTY. #winning – charlie sheen style. 

p.s. its spring, so naturally its going to snow here today in NY. the coldest winter ive ever experience. someone fly me to a beach where the sand is white, the waters warm, and the mountains are BLUE. 

 

 

Leave the Pieces

at last, the fall weather has arrived in houston. either the weather has re-sparked my creative juices or its the fact that I’m back in my old studio – my home base. a few weeks ago it was flooded due to construction going on above and i was forced to relocate for a few weeks. during those few weeks, aside from being placed in a different studio, i was also dealing with some very traumatic family issues. it felt as if my world was turned upside down – i wasn’t inspired and everytime i needed to make something to ship out i dreaded it – which is not the attitude i want to have. being able to work for myself and create from raw materials is something i am so blessed to be able to do everyday. it made me realize that environment is everything -and that its okay to take a little breather + give yourself time to regroup. we ALL need it. taking time to do so allows you to observe, analyze, and reflect. now im back and am looking forward to the new things that are in store for abbie drue designs. // in the meantime,while I am getting new things together, you can shop our leather + jewelry items at a discount on shout mob shoppe here!

imageimage really loving this mix of textures, color tones, and rough edges. what do you think?

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.. + aside from living in the studio and catching up on the blog i have really been diggin’ pinterest. how rad is this best made co. dart set + map? “Everything here is Wonderful”. i had the pleasure of checking out their storefront in TriBeCa NYC a few months ago and it was, as expected, to die for. i will definitely be frequenting often once i move to brooklyn in january.

Vintage Junkie + Book Lover

this past weekend was a busy blast. friday was spent prepping for Pop Shop Houston and in turn throwing out my back. yes, my back at the age of 22. such a pain but ive learned that being a maker involves getting hurt and pushing through – no matter what. Pop Shop Houston is a 2 day indie craft fair that features over 40+ houston makers from art, jewelry, leather goods, vintage treasures, food trucks + more. we were thankful + so excited to be apart of this great event with such a welcoming community. after the show, my twin and i headed over to El Rincon Social to view the collaborative works of 2 local artists known by Ack and Eyesore. we love and appreciate the fact that people appreciate our designs and support our growing local company by buying Abbie Drue Designs products, but i believe it is equally important to do the same for others. while at the Ack + Eyesore show, i purchased a rad tee and a limited edition print. mothers day was spent with a quiet dinner over sushi celebrating my mom and the lovely 3 sisters she has given me. everyone should be appreciated and loved no matter what day it is.

when i am not making things, i enjoy nature, reading, long walks on the beach, riding bikes, learning new trades, word search puzzles, getting lost in antique shops, wandering around town and observing the simple things in life. below are a few photos of some of the purchases i made from other vendors at PSP and also some new reads i splurged on following the successful 2 days of the event! treat yo self (yes, you read that right) and treat your brain. it needs fuel too.

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seems like forever since i’ve written a post. things have been quite busy around here with prepping + finishing up exams, gearing up for Pop Shop Houston, + sending out new merchandise to our 2 new retailers (wholesale style! yay!)! all good things. we recently were found on Instagram by a shop in Regina, Canada called Norwood + they have officially picked up ADD jewelry! the power of technology is great + we are so thankful to be officially international. as you know, mothers day is around the corner + to show our appreciation to the ladies who have made our hearts beat since day 1, we are giving 15% off all orders (including leather goods) from may 8th – 13th with the discount code LOVE. if you happen to be in the Houston area, swing by Spring Street Studios May 11th + 12th to see a range of handmade, local makers displaying their works. we will be there and would love to see you! hope your week has been swell.

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: )

houston is heating up and the time has come. the time to throw those black skinny jeans on the back burner (yikes) and bring out the shorts + tanks. a little terrifying to part ways since i have 4 pairs of the same black jeans that i pretty much wear daily but it is totally necessary to brave this weather. below are bits and pieces of things that i need, shoes that i love and wear daily (regardless of season), a natural gloss that care for my lips, and an easy throw on tee that will never do me wrong. ( Smiley Cut Off Shorts by LL, dirty sneaks, a simple lip by X. + a basic tee ) easy + breezy. what are your favorite spring/summer wears?

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There will be blood

this weekend has been packed with so many things. from pop-shops and painting the trees blue to learning a new trade. my friend Travis let me come over and showed me the ropes of making goods with leather. leatherwork that is completely hand cut , hand dyed, hand stitched. expect to see quality handmade leather goods making their way to Abbie Drue Designs in the near future. my hands are dyed and there was a little bloodshed in the process but it was completely worth it.

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More to come

here is one of the many new displays to come. i love to build and have been envisioning accessory displays and holders for a while now. taking bits of inspiration from here and there + a dash of contemporary hardware. below is the first ADD jewelry display for sale. this one was just made/painted — deer head found in the hill country on a hike I went on a week ago. I was inspired to bring life to something that was dead. there will be a collection of 8-10 pieces up for sale on our website soon
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chipped +

for me to say that i’m in need of a manicure is an understatement. however, chipped nail polish is a sign of hard working hands, not of weakness.

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see more bones + stones jewels here — more on the way.

the handmade, Abbie Drue Designs necklace seen in the photos is a buffalo tooth (sometimes i paint designs on them) on a delicate yet durable black silk cording with 14k gold filled metals.

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i heard from an old friend today who is pursuing her passion for photography while going to school in arizona. i remember the last time we were together, we were at her house probably in 6th or 7th grade, wearing rubber bracelets from Hot Topic, had mouths full of metal, getting high on redbull, pizza, and life,all while rocking out to Greenday’s American Idiot album and scribbling our names (and possibly our lovers) on her bedroom wall. did i mention we thought we were really cool? because we did – and we totally were. anyway, we have decided to do a little art swap. i’m sending her a custom ADD stone necklace in return for a MH photography print. it was really hard to only pick one but after browsing through pages of  photos i finally found one. if you check out Madeleine Hanlon Photography here or on Flickr you’ll be able to see why! here are some of my favorites.

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p.s. non-grammatical writing is welcome here.

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spent the morning shooting photos of a new spring collection with some talented individuals! cant wait to release the bones + stones pieces. they will be featured march 1-3 on FAB.com.

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photophotography: cassie skelly 

model: samantha evans

styling/jewelry: abbie drue designs 

stitch + dip

sewed a few clutches today using canvas fabric. first time sewing since i was little. i used to make pillows and such but nothing complex. im pleased with how these turned out! i have been working with other houston natives on putting together a gift box of different items that are all handmade and local. instead of a box, i thought this would be cute for packaging. inside each clutch will be an exclusive valentine card designed by Nicky Davis

, a lip gloss by X.compound, a delicious Everything Bar by Sinfull Bakery, and a silk + charm necklace by Abbie Drue Designs. b is for boring is for box. c is for cool is for clutch. boxes usually get thrown away and hobby lobby didn’t have the size i was looking for. these clutches can be used for many different things and i think people will enjoy them. each one is handpainted and unique in its own way. what do you think? send some Houston love to someone you love with one of these Valentine Clutches >>>see the collection here!

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something shiny, something neat, something glossy, and something sweet >>perfect combination.

*all items are made locally in houston, texas*

 

joe

morning joe, metric playing, stones rolling around, chains, the sound of keys punching… it’s going to be a good day. since my recent purchase of this vintage, Crest typewriter, i have decided to write a letter, or two, per day for the whole year. i have created a little binder to put each one in and will keep it forever. each letter contains quotes, inspirational passages from books, songs, or things i’ve seen and each letter expresses me for that day. i can’t wait to look back on these and maybe even pass this on to my children someday. here is also a sneak peek of some gems that will be up on the add jewelry site soon. a chilling collection filled with bones, turquoise (always  necessity), gold, brass, chains, and silk.

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cha cha change

lots of changes happen ’round this joint. one – new collection: southern stoned comes out of hiding tomorrow! taking photos of a lovely girl today wearing some western + weird things today. two – all of our silk classics will now be finished off with sterling silver or 14k gold filled clasps. before we were using plated because that is all we could afford (which tarnishes, some quicker than others – unfortunately) , but hey no more worries my friend. now that we can do better, we are. now the goods will last forever and there will be more smiles all around! so excited for this change. third – we are getting a web makeover by a very talented Houstonian, Gibson Hall. we met yesterday to go over some changes so expect some new surprises in a few weeks. hmm… what else. well i think thats about it for now. i know there are more things we are doing around abbie drue designs but ill have to come back with those. good morning + party hard tonight – but safely of course. 2013! leggo. <<< yes that just happened.

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feeling blue

spent the morning with family and the afternoon in the new ADD workshop with my old dog forrest. created new designs for the brass monkey collection while the winds whirled on by. chilly evening to follow. happy holidays. i am really looking forward to the new year and all the blessings to come.

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gratitude tree

we have a few events coming up and we always like to have giveaways to help us interact with each person who comes by our POP-UP shop. for our upcoming events, i put together a gratitude tree. MATERIALS USED: plain block of wood that was purchased at home depot and had cut, acrylic paint, canvas material, nails, hammer, and twine. come see us at Langford Market this thursday from 5-8pm or in montrose at the Lone Star Bazaar from 10am-5pm on Saturday. fill out a dipped piece of canvas with your email + something you are grateful for, and hang it on our tree. cant wait to read these! HOW IT WAS MADE:

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press me.

vintage discoveries. spent some time looking through a box of old metal/wood printing blocks and picked out these treasures. my favorite is the one that says “Copy Not Valid” & the one with the photo of Bambi. i’ve turned a few into necklaces! see them here >>  Steampunk Collection “7” & “Copy Not Valid” on brass chain.

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bend & snap press & print

take a stand

we have lots of events coming up. if you can make any of them, we would love to meet you! check out the abbie drue designs upcoming event calendar here –>>> ADD calendar

more to be added shortly.

this past weekend, we have been having so much fun creating jewelry stands out of raw, used, and worn materials! these handmade stands were made using old drift wood, cut and engraved lumber, gold hooks, wallpaper, and deer antlers. no i did not shoot the deer. i found them in my moms garage. dont ask.

 

Un Lapiz

its been a while – well a week. things have been super busy here! Abbie Drue Designs launches on FAB.com in 3 days + a new creation has been made. >>The Steampunk Bullet Pencil Necklace. A fully functional mechanical pencil constructed using vintage hollow bullet casings and industrial mechanical pencil components.

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be fully armed.” – Terry Goodwin

Check it out here — Steampunk Bullet Pencil 

Crystals, turquoise, & skulls – oh my!

yesterday i went to a gem + jewerly show in town and bought so many new things. dont worry, i only went over my budget by about $20. think crystals, rocks, shapes, turquoise, silk, + chains! ive locked myself up in my dining room since 2 pm yesterday to create.  once you get the creative hit, you cant quit it until you finish. well, i have successfully created an entire collection in less than 24 hours. i call this, STELLAR ROCK. why? simple, because it is stellar. i was inspired by the whole galaxy trend and the dark, romance theme we are seeing in this falls fashion trends. im obsessed with dark cranberries and violets. i found these awesome silk link chains that you will see a lot in this collection – mostly being paired with metal chains. here a few photos from the new collection! check out the NEW pieces here, Stellar Rock.