Indie clothing, indie lifestyle and indie fashion

I had just returned from a three weeks holiday to Japan and Hong Kong and opposed to what many of friends thought, I did not go for a big shopping spree in these two cities. Last year, I rewarded myself with a Cartier watch but due to the slow economic outlook in the last few months, I had decided to delay my dream to buy a Patek Philippe watch.

I went around looking at the Christmas lights in town this evening and the light up was beautiful. Perhaps you may want to add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year and create your own work. Whether it’s a handmade card, a hand knitted hat or a hand patched quilt, nothing means more than a handmade gift idea for your families and friends.

So get those creative juices flowing and start thinking of what you can do with your hands and get as personal as you like to be!

I was pointed to check out Beautifeel, a shoe label and it just occurred to me that there are more and more entrepreneurs in the online shopping industry today. Not sure if you notice but indie fashion and indie labels is growing in popularity towards the mainstream fashion movements too. What’s encouraging is that these indie labels have even made it to the catwalk and created a greater awareness among fashionistas and trendsetters.

Ceramic vase, ‘Ancestors of Cupara’ This vase, with its generous curves and graceful shape, comes from Shiroque. He takes his inspiration from the so-called “magic plates,” painted on ceramic and discovered in Cupara (Arequipa). No one knows the meaning of the figures, but they are believed to be a part of rituals and offerings for Pachamama, or mother earth.

Personally I do hope that online shopping for indie labels and label fashion will grow since the internet is the fastest way to reach the masses. For unique handcrafted jewelry, handmade, unique art vases, handcrafted jewelery, handcrafted beaded jewelry, unique handcrafted home products or handcrafted gifts, I like to shop at Novica, an online shop that represents artisans from all over the world. Shop Handmade Unique Art Vases by NOVICA Artist from Around the World here.

Indie fans and enthusiasts know about etsy and its big list of budding designers, artists, crafters…etc. I mean, if you adore handmade and original products, etsy is a great online shopping marketplace. Some etsy merchants price their stuff reasonably while I find others abit overpriced.

The other day, I was looking for a handmade pouch for my new headphones and I wasn’t sure if I was going to pay $50 for a little handmade pouch I do support indie works and creations but I do believe that indie designers should not overprice their creations. This way, they can encourage more people to appreciate indie works!

My first experience on the potter’s wheel was in my art school days where ceramics was one of the elective subjects. I couldn’t tell you how excited I was when I knew that I was going to mess with the clay on the wheel – that was a memorable and fun experience. But the process of throwing the clay, getting skillful on the potter’s wheel and learning the art of firing and glazing and making your first vase isn’t an easy one.

Though the art of ceramics making is more than just getting behind the wheel, I was impressed that anyone can learn how to create a piece of pottery with a centering device. Apparently, the QuickCenter centering on the potter’s wheel requires no experience for the teachers or students. This means that with this creative device, you can probably create your first handmade artistic pottery! Hopefully, more new products for the potter’s wheel can be added for the pottery enthusiasts.

If you can’t wait to craft your first vase, why don’t check out some Handmade Unique Art Vases by NOVICA Artist from Around the World?

While the sun is shining bright this summer, there are some things you can’t leave without on your summer vacation… Etsy has the answers again!

How about a handmade birdie Acqua tote by DrikaB?

A pair of 1960s vintage sunglasses by Diane Von Furstenberg.

Keep yourself cool in this robot attack white shirt!

Ten years ago, I was all set up to learn bear making so that I could surprise my boyfriend with a hand sewn bear. After three months, I crafted my first bear for his birthday. I was proud of myself that I actually made a bear though I never did completed my second bear – the motivation wasn’t strong anymore. I guess my passion wasn’t strong enough too!

When I saw this Bridger Bear a Montana Ted at Etsy (by EastBenchBears), I was reminded of how meaningful it was to give a handmade bear for a gift. Though they may not be ideal toys for younger kids, they are sure to charm girls and teens. I have to agree that bridger bear was birthed in a beautiful place as shown in the picture above. If you care to adopt her, head down to EastBenchBears store.

I haven’t been around in Mintd.com much lately. There is so much to do at work and online browsing and shopping is more than a luxury now for now. I’ve been thinking about getting a pocket watch for a good friend’s upcoming birthday but stumbled upon this sweet and unique turquoise pendant instead.

This is a handmade pendant using wire crochet and weaving techniques. Turquoise chip-beads are added to color and contrast the silver. Ladies with a spirited personality and a passion for an ‘unplugged’ look will find this bold piece endearing.

Well, it may sound cruel to suggest this but if you want to irritate someone who is trying hard to lose weight or is on Leptovox, send her this chocolaty yummy, sinful looking Strawberry Cupcake card. Well, she may not be that pleased with you but you may satisfy her cravings or at most, encourage her that at the end of her weight loss program, this is the treat she’s gonna to get!

This cute card was created with decoupaged, curled & overlapped card layers depicting a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting topped with a tiny strawberry. The designer cum chef baked, decorated and photographed this cupcake before photographing then eating it!