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Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts

Friday, July 27, 2012

A Closer Look...


Last month we took a trip to Centerville, Texas. Where Cody's family has land in the woods. I took the opportunity to take some photos of some of my shop items, that I have only taken little sneak peak shots of. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite pieces that will be available in the shop soon.








I think I am most excited about these. I have more on my shop shelf and I have tons more inside my noggin just waiting to be brought to life. Is there anything you would like to see coming to my shop? :)

                                                                        xomando

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Shameless Non Existent Shop Promotion


Well, if you read my first post of me introducing myself, you have actually learned quite a bit about me. Including that I am in the process of starting an Etsy Shop. I don't plan on constantly posting about my shop and products, but I will post about shop updates and the like. In the mean time I do want to share how things are going!

Firstly, this is my dream, it may not seem like a big dream, but it is huge to me. I'm so nervously excited about everything. I taught myself to sew, I try new and fun things and attempt to come up with original designs that people will love. I want to have all kinds of styles, so there is something for everyone. I want to make other things as well...I have a really long list, it's overwhelming to say the least. Luckily the progress I've made in the last month alone is keeping me inspired and motivated.

Logos, Shop name and making things official:
My boyfriend(fiancee)'s cousin, a graphic designer, artist and amazing person, created not one, but two logos for me. One of which came from my own head. (The needle/feather/spool logo in the top left corner) It just sort of sprang on me out of no where, and I made a note of it, later I practiced doodling it and trying to figure out how to make it official. Long story short, I showed him my doodles and he created exactly what I wanted as a graphic, to print on fabric from Spoonflower. He also created some other logos for fun and I loved one of them so much I had to have it.
My shop name is pretty self explanatory. My name is Mandy, I create, it is my purpose. My entire life people have had many nicknames for me, it's actually kind of weird to actually hear someone call me Mandy. I've been Manderz, Mands, Mando, Mandophoto, Mandage, Mandington Bear, SalaManderz, Murphy...just kidding about that last one. I don't remember who it was, but at least once someone called me Mandatory, and I liked it, a lot.

So what's in store for me and my future?
I'd love to quit my job some day and make things for a living, but that's my "not planning that far ahead dream". Right now I am focused on getting things running, learning about the business and what it takes. Hopefully attend some handmade festivals and such that I oh so enjoy going to as a customer. Have my OWN booth?? Squee!

So now that I have blabbed on and on about logos and dreams, here are some sneak peeks at what I've been working on and will be in my Etsy shop.

{all sneak peeks and future updates can be found on the Mandatory Creations Facebook page.}


1. wristlet with charming zipper pull / 2. three vintage inspired floral pouches / 3. adorable retro cross body with a scarf for the strap / 4. fun with ruffles wristlet / 5. preppy argyle bow hand bag / 6. pretty sewn in pleated wristlet / 7. wooden handled bag

I'm so excited for what I have waiting for the shop, and utterly inspired to make many more things!

Always feel free to comment, I'm very open to tips and advice, or if you just want to say hello :)
xo




Monday, May 21, 2012

Pleased to meet you!



~photo was taken at The Dallas Arboretum~

A brief introductory: 
My name is Mandy, I was born and raised and still living in the same house in Garland, Texas. 
26 years old. 
New to blogging and in the process of starting my own business- an Etsy shop called "Mandatory Creations". I make purses, totes, pouches and much more. My goal is to have something for everyone. 
I've been following blogs for a few years, and am greatly inspired every day. I understand blogging can be a huge part of running your own business, and I'd love to take part in that. Please join me on this great adventure!




More about me:
 I am a creative and very passionate type. I'm always looking for a new way to explore my creative side. I've dabbled in many mediums, drawing, painting, photography and of course sewing. 
Photography and sewing are the two main things that stuck with me and fuel my passion for art. I've been sewing on a machine for a little over a year and absolutely adore it.
 I am my own worst critic. 
My mom is my biggest fan. (she's the greatest, and my best friend)
 I have an amazing family and a handful of dear friends that mean the world to me. I'm sure you will get to know snippets about each individual in my life as I blog.
Don't take me too seriously, I am a goof, tend to be sarcastic and absolutely love laughing and making people laugh!
I am a lover of animals, especially cats (who isn't??)  I also adore birds, and ducks, I find them fascinating and majestic. I could go on about my love for animals but let's move on...

My mom and I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. The cats are "mine" and I raised and trained one of our dogs when she was a puppy. So these are my girls!

Top: Fiona (the queen) Left: Kit Kittredge An American Cat ~aka~ Redge(the bully) and Right: Miley(the goof)


I am also lucky enough to have found my soul mate, who I have been with for almost 10 years. Cody, the love my life. We collect stuffed animals and share a huge imagination. I intend to mention our silly quirks and adventures as well.




Stay tuned for more about me and the future of this blog!

xomando