Archive for the ‘design studio’ Category

something tells me this was a very good idea

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Wow, thank you to everyone who came to my 10 year anniversary sale at my studio last weekend. It was an overwhelming success – and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my awesome neighbors, family and loyal customers!

The night before the event I plastered the neighborhood with flyers. . . my poor staple gun died halfway through the barrage. My neighbors helped me clear out the courtyard, ditching our garbage cans into a garage and hefting my pop-up tent outside.  Early the next morning I  opened up the garage door and began setting up. I spotted a few early birds hovering for a deal, but thankfully they waited until 9:59 to walk down the driveway. The morning was a blur, selling bags and re-arranging my display with new merchandise – without a bathroom or lunch break in sight. Thankfully, my sister in law managed to pull herself away from customers to picked up some fruit & pasta salad for me to nibble on between sales. Then my fellow London study-abroad roommate Emily surprised me with a visit and stayed the rest of the day running credit cards and helping customers.

Not only was it my best day of sales in 10 years of business, but I also gained much-needed feedback. This is the first time I’ve invited customers into my studio to test out my rough-draft bags in progress and I am tremendously inspired to finish work on several new bag styles.

And if you missed this sale, I have a feeling I’ll be doing it again one of these days. In the meantime,  your next chance is at next month’s Urban Craft Uprising July 9 & 10. Or check out the new sale section on my site.

(p.s. Since it was so hectic, I was unable to take a single photo – thankfully Emily and the lovely Tina (of Glamspoon fame) took these photos. . thank you ladies!)

one of a kind bags galore!

celebrating 10 years in business – a decade of purses

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

It’s hard to believe it was 10 years ago that I quit my day job and embarked on this crazy ride. My business has grown exponentially over the years, and sometimes it’s a challenge to keep my sanity and still manage to be creative. I am fiercely independent: I draft the patterns, make the bags, answer the phone, and lovingly wrap each bag in tissue before taking it off to the post office.  I like keeping it small. And I couldn’t have done it without all of your loyal support. I have compiled a little photo montage of the highlights of the first 10 years. . .hope you enjoy it.

2001 - 2006: Crystalyn's first store: artist's collective Fotos and Frocks

photo by Justin Gollmer

2002: Crystalyn's first collection of bags made from wool plaid pants

2003: Fall collection of bags featuring vintage Mod prints

2003: Gibbous large hobo, crescent small hobo, and belt

2004: Applique beach bag, small orbit satchel and asymmetrical clutch

2004: The first Topstitched hobo, belt, wallet and Tweed Tree totes

2005: Convertible small hobo/clutch, storefront, large sash hobo

2005: Metier tote, storefront converted to studio, applique tote

 

2006: Introduced the Soiree, moved to Stone Way, married Aaron

2006: Monarch, Troubadour and sales trip to NYC

 

2007: leather clutches, business is booming, leather pleated satchel

2008: block-printed my own fabric, rooftop purse sale, california sales trip

2009: buying our first home, Urban Craft Uprising, Phinney studio


2010: back to my roots: tweed! trunk shows at local boutiques, and a new mini-soiree

 

 

drawing to see more clearly

Friday, March 18th, 2011

drawing haystack rock at Cannon Beach, OR

I haven’t been drawing for long. With exception of occasional doodles and simple sketches, I would have emphatically declared, “Hell no, I can’t draw!”  The truth is, I never really tried.  But a strange thing happened. During a bout of serious creative block I stumbled upon the book “Creative License” by Danny Gregory  It was filled with colorful illustrations and oodles of pep talks, and starter ideas to help you get into the habit. As I tried out the exercises, the ‘critic’ part of my brain quieted into a nearly meditative state. I let go of my worries and began to draw.  Sometimes it happens in crummy awkward spurts but every time I dedicate myself to a blank piece of paper, it feels so immensely therapeutic.

Drawing helps me see more clearly.  Now, I take note of little details, patterns and textures like never before. It somehow relaxes the mental road blocks when I’m drafting patterns for  new bags.  I am a happier and more creatively satisfied person when I take the time to draw.

So tell me, what are your favorite ways to calm down, unwind or open yourself to inspiration?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

new colors to accessorize your spring

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

It has been a busy week in my studio – I’ve begun sewing a batch of brightly colored bags for spring!  I strive to incorporate reclaimed  or recycled materials into my designs, and these clutches are no exception.  In this new collection, you’ll find recycled leather clutches in yellow, orange and red, with more colors like pewter, pearl and bronze to come!  These new clutches also feature some of my favorite vintage fabrics peeking from the pleats: like Maude Marigold, and Seuss in Wonderland.  (Thanks to my facebook fans for helping me come up with the fabric names!)

clutches being sewn in Crystalyn's workshop

why mess with a good thing?

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

I’ve been making the Metier tote since 2005 – and it has become one of my absolute best-sellers.  It has recieved tons of press, including InStyle Magazine and even featured in a movie. But after 6 years making the same bag, I felt it was time to mix things up a little.  As you may have noticed, I have a big love of  florals and prints – and along the way I’ve collected fabrics with large motifs that would lend themselves to a large expanse of space, instead of being tucked inside a pleat.

So, today I’m introducing my newest collection of Metier totes – with all the amazing functionality of the original, plus more!  Featuring longer straps and additional inner pockets – these little beauties (if i do say so myself) are extremely limited-edition. . .many are only two or three of a kind.  So snag your favorite today. . .and if you’re still smitten by the original tote – don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere!

I thought you might enjoy some photos Metier totes in progress. . . .and a sneak peek at one of my newest 'helpers'.

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

2010 a recap in words and pictures

Friday, January 7th, 2011


Before I plunge in headfirst to this new year, I thought I would share my highs and lows of 2010 – it’s been a doozy!

On the bright side:

  1. I introduced the much-anticipated Mini-Soiree bag in a rainbow of colors.
  2. Traveled to New York City, Maui, and Vegas within a 2 month window. But none of those adventures could top our week-long ‘stay-cation’ here in the Pacific Northwest Coast. It proved to be the most relaxing and inspiring trip in recent memory.
  3. My parents helped us with some serious upgrades to my garage-turned-workshop
  4. We turned a truck-full of rocks into a english cobblestone yard, and got plants into the ground just before the fall rains came.

But not all was daisies and roses. . .I also had 3 significant setbacks that have proven to be learning experiences of sorts:

  1. I slipped off a rock at a difficult snorkeling entry in Maui, seriously dislocating my finger. Not having health insurance, it has been an expensive and slow healing process. I am grateful that I could have been worse.  As for sewing, I’m learning to work around it.
  2. I had to say goodbye to my furry friend Corgan, who passed away after 13 years together. I had no idea that losing a pet would be so hard.
  3. I over-ambitiously took on too many custom projects, and ran out of some of my best-sellers during the holiday season.  I’m going to be playing catch-up for a while, but I will not make this mistake again.

I certainly consider 2010 to be a success.  Perhaps I didn’t accomplish everything that I set out to do: I’ve always been guilty of having great expectations. But nevertheless, these lofty goals are the fuel that keeps me motivated,  looking ahead to 2011.

a rainbow of colorful tweed bags on their way

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

This fall, I am doing things a little differently. . and I am so excited to tell you about it!   Starting in September, I will introduce a small collection of new bags each month.  Here’s a sneak preview of a collection of tweed bags I created for Presents of Mind in Portland, OR.

So  start making your wish list for an array of new bags coming VERY soon to my website or a store near you!  tweed handbags in black, brown, tidepool, blue and red

multitasking: shipping bags and making new ones

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

multitasking: shipping bags and making new ones, originally uploaded by Crystalyn Kae.

why is it, if there’s a large open expanse of space, I will easily find objects to fill it? My new huge work table has quickly been filled with projects: a few bags shipping out, nestled amidst fabrics for bags to be made.

by popular demand. . .a new smaller Soiree pleated bag!

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Over the years, I’ve had requests for a smaller version of my  Soiree Messenger with peeking pleats, but  this is the first time I have offered an entire collection on my site.  It seems like everyone is asking, and since I’ve found beautiful new materials to work with. . . . .

I have given in to your demands!

This new smaller version of the Soiree is the perfect size for everyday. 12″ high by 10″ wide and 3″ deep (inner dimensions 8 x 10)

I have just added this new bag in limited quantities on my website. I’d love any feedback, suggestions, you can send my way. (Like, should I name it something a little more original than “Mini-Soiree”?) You can also offer your suggestions on my facebook page, if you prefer!

Update:  I think the winner so far is Anne-Marie, who suggested “Matinee”….has a good ring to it, right?

putting the finishing touches on a new bag

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Just thought I’d tease you with a peek at what I’ve been up to in my studio.  I am  *this close*  to completing a new collection of bags with lots of new materials.  Early next week I’ll post photos on my facebook page, so  you can post suggestions  to name the new designs AND enter to win a free bag! Be the first to be in the know – Are you a fan yet?

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