Falling Back in LOVE...

with handbags. seriously.
as promised, i've been working diligently on new handbags and
consequently have the calloused fingers and sore back to prove it.
pain aside, i'm happy with the work i've produced in the past few weeks.

i even patterned a new style...
AKS


my new favorite:
DRINI 1007





other highlights:
handle it 406





The Batsy Bag 711




For more new handbags available visit my etsy shop!

i HAD to include this new goliath wallet XIII...
i lined this pattern up like nobody's business!





almost sold out of all my chloe headbands and hair combs, so i worked with a yellow theme this time and produced 13 newbies...
perfect for spring!




i also experimented with putting the leaves in a circular/flower arrangement:



it's a green theme next, i'm almost done with this batch...


i've updated my website and etsy shop, so check 'em out to see new phea jean goodies and what's currently available for purchase...hint hint.

which leads me to the subject of buying phea jean...
why you should you???
because i'm awesome.
no, seriously, because i design, pattern, sew, etc. everything and it's all one of a kind. i'm totally dedicated to this craft and work at improving and learning every day. if you don't find something already made, i can colaborate with you to create something fabulous. phea jean makes for great gifts. did you know i have gift certificates available?! yup, i'm fancy like that. i know buying handmade can be a little more expensive than going to a retail store, especially in not so favorable economic times; however, if you want to have a discussion on why it's oh-so-good and important to support local, independent businesses and why it's cool to buy handmade and sustainable products, call me up. i make this stuff in my house in south philly for pete's sake!

i also have to not give away free merchandise.
i know no one ever expects for me to give them free things, but, hell, i want to do it. but apparently that's not good for business...who knew. ha.
i always talk to my other crafty/artsy/small business friends about what their "policies" are on selling things to friends and family. some friends have a set discount that they give to friends/family.
here's my dilema with that...
what's the criteria one must meet for me to give them a "friend" discount (i know who my family is, obviously, doesn't mean i like them though, does it?!)? should i start rating people on a scale of 1 to 10 to determine how much of a discount (you'd all be in trouble, haha)...
if i like you at a 10 you get a handbag for free,
if i like you at a 1 you get a free button...
or how long i've known you...1 year gets $1 off, 10 years gets $10 off.
and then you tell your friends (which i infinitely appreciate) and they think they are going to get things for the same price. WHAT?! no.
bottom line, it's weird. i feel awkward about it.
i don't think there is a fair way to do it, at least not that i feel comfortable with. i get stressed about it. and i don't want anyone to feel slighted that i gave "x" to someone else and not to them. it's happened. so i either give things to everyone or no one. obviously, this is a business and i need to make some money so it's gotta be the latter option. i sometimes need to be reminded that logistically speaking, it is my time and energy that produces everything phea jean, so yeah i should be compensated for it.
this is not to say that i will not make you something as a gift ever again, say for your birthday (if i remember, or you remind me). or as a "thank you" if you give me a bunch of supplies, or save my puppy from a burning building.
and one day when i marry rich, win the lottery, and find a duffle bag of unmarked bills everyone will get whatever they want. promise.

now don't feel bad if i gave you something already.
we all want discounted/free stuff, i know i definitely do!
here's a way to get something for free...have a phea jean party at your place (or possibly mine, if you live in philly)!
email or call me up and ask me to come over for a little get together in which i bring handbags, hats, wallets, headbands, etc.
you invite your crew and make some snacks (i'm a vegetarian, thanks) and drinks. it's a fun time, right. depending on how much i sell, i'll kick you back a little something for hosting. easy. its a win-win situation!

i'm also working on coming up with some kind of "frequent buyer" and "refer a friend" incentives.

wow, this blogging thing just clicked for me.
i feel better now.

oooooo, almost time to reveal super exciting phea jean news, but i think i'll wait til next month when the weather warms up a bit...
speaking of, anyone in philly want to model for me? please let me know!

xo
amber