Meet the Blogger: Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School

Q: Which came first- blog or business?

A: My blog came first. But I always knew a business would follow. I started my blog about 6 months before I graduated from school so I already had clients ready once my business started after graduation. It was seriously great. My blog has been my biggest form of advertising and I've never had a shortage of great clients. 

Q: What has been the best aspect of blogging for you?

A: The best aspect of blogging is the feeling I get from great comments. It means so so so much to have someone say, "wow, great job!" or "we love your blog!". It's hard when you're starting out a blog to know if anyone is listening or if anyone cares. The fact that I've been able to grow my readership and write about things people actually care about is astonishing to me. I love it! 

Where do you turn for design inspiration?

Q: Where do you turn for design inspiration?

A: I always turn to blogs for design inspiration. My favorite blogs to read are fellow designers like me. I love reading about their sources or recent projects. There are so many talented people out there! 

Where would you like your business to be in 5 years?

In 5 years I'll probably have two kids total. Maybe 3??? So I'm really not sure how the business will run. Hopefully I figure out how to balance it all! I learn so much with each new client and project so hopefully in 5 years my business will run more efficiently and who knows I might even have an assistant. 

Just for fun- what are top must haves for designers?

- a supportive family
- great clients
- a good attitude and personality
- some great fabrics
- a space to work. Somewhere that inspires you. 

Thank you so much Kristen for being a guest here, and sharing a little more about you and the work you do! She is a fabulous chica so make sure and say hello! 

 6th Street Design  School

Blog | Twitter

*images via Kirsten on her lovely blog!!

Style Files - Neutrals

(via)

(via)

Two examples of neutrals worn well:) Layered with a pop of color or accessorized with just the right printed scarf. I love layering:)

A few fun things to share for your weekend:

The perfect illustrations for the Audrey fans.

Make all your favorite Girl Scout Cookies?! Yes please.

THE CUTEST T-shirt for Valentine's Day!

I love discovering new fun blogs. Here is my fave this week! And guess what?! Its her birthday today so go say hello!

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win the Ultimate Valentine Party Package Giveaway!

Happy Weekend:)

Tips 2 Take With You: Product Pricing with Ashley Pahl

Ashley has a fantastic blog- Indie Pretty Projects dedicated to Indie Businesses and has a very helpful series with many more topics you may find helpful! I am so grateful for her being here today to share her tips with us!

When I first started selling my work online, I was drastically under-pricing my work. I was trying to be competitive with my pricing, thinking that people would be more likely to spring for a good deal; however, it didn't take long for me to realize that handmade shoppers will pay more for a nice, unique handmade product. A crafter's time is valuable, and they should pay themselves what they are worth.

 For handmade business owners, there seems to be a little bit of a struggle with pricing. They want to make their craft affordable to shoppers, but they want to pay themselves for their time. First, let's look at the top reasons for buying handmade: Handmade is quality, Handmade is unique, Buying handmade is important for supporting independent businesses. People shopping handmade usually aren't doing so because they think they can score a deal. Some handmade businesses will offer bargains, but that is the exception, not the rule.

(via yorktownroad)

Handmade business owners are trying to turn a profit, and they must price their products accordingly. Indie businesses must consider the following factors when pricing a product:

• cost of materials
• website fees
• time it takes to make that item and an hourly wage
• packaging
• any other unique costs

Sometimes handmade business owners do not pay themselves for their time because they want to keep prices affordable for shoppers. Crafters fear that if they charge too much, no one will buy their creations. The truth is, handmade items will sell if:

• there is a market for it
• no one else is making it
• it is the best product among the competition
• if the products are effectively marketed to the target audience
• if people trust the artist or business
• if the indie business has a great reputation

Many of those examples go hand-in-hand and cannot exist without another.

(via flapperdoodle)

Indie businesses who have a product that people want, and who have found their niche market, should never need to sell their products at a discounted rate. A simple way to make sure all of your bases are covered is to create a pricing formula unique to your own business.

1. determine the hourly rate you want to pay yourself
2. determine the cost of materials to make one item

A basic formula for pricing items is as follows:

• (hourly rate x time to make the item + cost of materials ) x 2 = wholesale price
• Retail price = wholesale price x 2

Multiplying by two to get the wholesale price is necessary to make sure all overhead, packaging, and website fees are covered. Wholesale is almost always half of retail price.
For example, let's say you want to pay yourself $18 an hour, you can make one necklace in 15 minutes and it costs $4 to make one necklace. Your pricing formula would look like:

($18 x .25 + $4) x 2 = $17 wholesale price

$17 x 2 = $34 retail price

*Remember: different crafters might require different formulas. This is a basic guideline, and it may need to be tweaked to your own specifications.


When a shopper is comparing two products, they look at the pictures, the description, the price, and the cost of shipping. They might look at feedback, too. An item that is priced much lower than the other might be perceived as being made with lower quality materials, or put together hastily. When someone is looking for a quality, unique gift, there's a good chance they could go with the higher priced item, based on the perceived value. If you take a look at some of the top sellers on Etsy, you will see that their items are not low-priced; they are charging what those items are really worth to make.


Here's the snag: if you know you are already paying yourself for your time and your items are priced fairly, this idea might not be for you. Shoppers can also recognize when an item is overpriced. If you are a crafter or artisan, do you use a formula to price your items? How do you balance paying yourself and making your items affordable to shoppers? What are your thoughts on raising prices when sales are stagnant?

Lets Have a Party, Shall We? Shocking Pink + Neon Green

Since we were young my sister and I were always thinking about the next party we would plan.  Themes, details, color schemes, and of course what to eat! ...all the fun aspects of throwing a party. Since we are currently in a smaller rental home, I cannot host parties and it just about kills me! So I am going to just start throwing some virtual parties here on IHOD!! Why not?!

Color Scheme: Shocking Pink + Neon Green + Natural

Details: Spray Painted Mason Jars, Giant Balloons, Personal Party Favor Boxes

What to Eat: Cupcakes and cream (with large quantities of sprinkles on top), and Champagne

Reasons to Celebrate:  a) I have a new niece and nephew!  b) About to launch my Spring Accessory Line. c) Prayers answered for one of my families intentions. :D

*Closed* Ultimate Valentine Party Package Giveaway

Because I love you readers so much (really you all are the best!), I wanted to hold the 2nd annual Valentine Party Package Giveaway! I gathered up some of my favorite items and shop owners to offer only some of the BEST party details to make someone's Valentine's Day one big happy party:D Can you tell I am excited about this??! So whether you are a fan of the day of love or not, this party package has to make you smile:)

TO ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD) - up to 6 Entries! :

1) IMPORTANT: Party hop! Visit at least two of the shops below and leave a comment for each of your favorite items from the shops you visit. The more shops you visit, the greater your chances! They are being super generous to host, so show them some love!

1) Just Bitten Set of Three Poms - PomTree

2) Choice of TWO spools of Divine Twine (your cholor choice) - Whisker Graphics

3) LOVE Valentine Banner - BekahJennings (Also, she is offering a 20% discount this week only to IHOD readers! Enter IHOD20 at checkout!)

4) Be Mine Cupcake Toppers - ThePrettyPaperie (Be sure and check her blog for a budget friendly Valentine Party this week!)

5) Set of 12 Stir Sticks - LemonandLavender

6) 10 Valentine Design Gift Tags - InspireLovely

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

2) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let me know you did so!

example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway for a Valentine Party Package from @inhonorofdesign!

*Giveaway will run from now through Sunday night the 30th. Open to international readers.

Okay and finally, the lucky lucky winner of the Sienna Bag Giveaway .... #63 - AZ!! Will be emailing you for details on your new handbag! Thank you all who entered!

Take 3: Apothecary Jars in the Home

(via1, 2, 3 )

My love for jars in the home continues:) I have several in the work room and in my kitchen, and just added these to my inspiration list. 

How was your weekend? Mine went a little too fast as always. Hubby and I had a fun date night Friday and saw the movie True Grit. Have you seen it? What did you think? I actually really enjoyed it. The characters were fantastic.

Oh, and I cannot forget-there are a few bloggers I want to thank! Thank you Charlotta for the fabulous award on her lovely blog, Space for Inspiration. Thank you to my new chum Glocal Girl for including me in her list of 7 blogs she <3. You ladies make me smile!

Happy Monday friends:)

P.S. Last day to enter the giveaway for the Sienna Bag! Tomorrow I will be announcing the new giveaway that I put together in time for Valentine's Day. Oh yes, very fun, because I <3 my readers:D

Color File: Honeysuckle

(find the products: iphone case, pinata, flats, scarf, lipstick, clutch, cupcake liners)

This color was Pantone's color choice of 2011:) I am not one to wear a lot of pink but I love elements of it worked into a wardrobe, or a good pink nail polish. This is such a fun color to see on the runway this year! What about you? Are you a pink girl?

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win the amazing Sienna Handbag from Mimi Boutique!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Small Business Guide: Product Photography Tips

Hi friends! Ready for the new series here on IHOD? I am working with some experienced entrepreneurs I admire to bring you some fantastic Tips 2 Take With You! I know starting out my business venture, I would have LOVED to have a guru tell me all the ins and outs and ups and downs. I had some help from the blogosphere, and some I had to figure out all on my own.  So, my thought is, if I can help some you starting entrepreneurs in a small way, this will be worth it for me! I have been asked many questions about starting a business, and hope to address some of those questions. If you think of anything you would like to learn more about, leave a comment or shoot me an email! 

To start, here is a topic I believe every etsy artist, retailer, and shop owner has researched at least a few times. HOW TO GET OUSTANDING PHOTOS for your products! I recently asked Megan of Lilac Saloon how she got her gorgeous wallflowers so picture perfect and she so kindly typed out the info step by step for me! She is a sweetheart! I knew I had to have her as the first guest to share her wisdom with us!

White Backgrounds Made Simple - Instructions for Photoshop

Layer, New Adjustment Layer, Brightness/Contrast

(check box: use previous layer to create clipping mask)

  -Crank the brightness up all the way to make your background completely white

  - If NEEDED: With the Adjustment Layer selected, paint with black over the product using the soft edged brush (preserve a bit of the shadow below the product).

  - Paint brush with white over areas that may have too much shadow, to erase it. Click on the "Background" layer and add another adjustment Layer for Brightness/ Contrast

  -Bring up the contrast a bit if necessary to give the product a bit more saturation (works great for making the black look more rich and the white look more white).

White Backgrounds Made Simple - Instructions for Lightroom 3

-In the Develop Module, change the background to white by right clicking in the blank space that surrounds the photo and select White.  With the background white, it will help us see that the white space we're correcting in the photo is in fact pure white.

- Choose the Adjustment Brush (paintbrush) and choose Brightness as the Effect.  Slide the brightness up all the way to the right and slide Saturation all the way to the left (this will give us grey shadows).  

- Increase the size of your brush so that it's very large because you're going to quickly paint over the entire image with the brush - so, the bigger the better.  Paint over the whole image which will whiten that background but also make your image completely greyscale.  

- Now, choose the "Erase" brush while you are still in the toolbar for the Brightness Adjustment Brush.  Slide the Feather up all the way to the right and reduce the size of your brush so that it's small enough to color over your product in pretty good detail and around your edges.  With Feather, it gives the brush a very soft edge and so you will not need to be perfect or worry about sharp contrast from the background to the product.  

- Zoom in on your product and begin 'erasing' over your product.  It will look like you are coloring in with color, over your product.  Erase over your entire product!  

- Lastly, you can bring the brightness down just a touch if you need to reveal the shadows a bit more but just watch the white of the background so it doesn't start to get grey.

This is only ONE way of creating this effect, but it works for me!  Experiment with it and fine tune it so that it works for your products and your photos.  I hope it helps give your photos a boost!  ~ Megan

If you would like to download these steps in a Word Document you can do so here:

Product Photography Tips Download

Brittany Fuson Illustrations

I came across Brittany Fuson's work through Michelle after being the lucky girl to win a notecard set. After visiting her site, I knew I had to feature her work. I admire her consistent style of illustration, and beautiful designs. She has an illustration for every occasion! These were some of my favorites:)

Visit Brittany Fuson Here:

Website | Blog

*CLOSED-Giveaway: Sienna Bag from Mimi Boutique

Dreamy right?! Well so is every bag from their site!...sigh. You lucky readers - someone will get to win one of my favorite bags in your color of choice from Mimi Boutique - The Sienna Bag.

To Enter (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1) Visit Mimi Boutique and leave a comment with your current favorite item(s)!

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2) Follow Mimi Boutique on Facebook or Twitter  and let us know which!

3) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know!

Giveaway open until Monday night the 24th! (This giveaway is for U.S. Residents only)

Make sure you have a website or email linked to your user id! Good luck!!

Sponsor Faves: Lovely Littles

All over cuteness, right?!! Eleise is the mama/ business owner behind Lovely Littles. What I love about her work: Bright, Modern, and Handmade! These are a few of my favorites. Take a moment to check out her sites! I really do get to work with the best sponsors:)

Lovely Littles:

Website | Blog | Etsy

(If you are interested in advertising for the month of February please email me for blog stats and rates!)

Creative Spaces: Curtain Your Closets

(via Indie Pretty Projects)

This is a brilliant way to get creative in your living area if you are tight for space. Close off your work area with beautiful curtains, or if its perfectly placed and organized like the photos above, leave them open! ;) These colors are so fun and fresh as well!

Have some fantastic things lined up here on the blog this week for you including the first giveaway of 2011 (you are going to swoon),  and the start of the Tips for Small Business series!  

Hope each of you had a lovely weekend! We are blessed to have a new niece and nephew within days of eachother! And wow are they scrumptious! Getting me so excited for my own little one!

Color File: Coral Rose

(Fabric swatch, Dress, Necklace, Nail Color, Watch, Journal, Shoes)

I am always inspired by the Pantone Color Report. I absolutely love the spring palate, Coral Rose being one of them. I am incorporating some of the colors into my Spring line. Isn't this a fun shade?

I am really so honored to be featured over on Megan's blog, Lilac Saloon, as the featured blogger this month. She really is the sweetest. I am sharing my top 5 things I am loving, guilty pleasures, and more here! 

Have any fun plans for your weekend? After three weeks of travel, it took me all week to unpack and catch up on everything at home so I am welcoming a relaxing weekend! Dinner and Bowling with friends is on the schedule:) Happy Friday Friends!

Taking DIY to a whole new level: Ana-White

(1- Rolling Cubbies, 2- Studio Table, 3- Cubbie Shelves)

Another resolution I have this year is to build some organizational pieces for my home. I love fixing up old furniture, and did not set aside much time to it last year. I think we all would love to have a Pottery Barn home, but its not a reality for most people. However, who says we can't do the look for less? That's why I went crazy when my friend Katie introduced me to ana-white.com. I know where have I been? These are a few pieces I that are in my inspiration folder. Looking forward to sharing more fun DIY projects in 2011!

Take 3 : Vintage Cameras

(source: 1, 2, 3)

I would love to get a hold of a few vintage cameras someday. They are fascinating to me.

I felt each of these photos were frameable:) 

I could hardly sleep last night awaiting the arrival of my sister Tricia's first baby! I have a new nephew, and with each new life, the world seems to smile and joy overflow. I am so happy for them. I have loved being pregnant alongside TWO of my sisters! Cousins!!

My Current Pregnancy Must Have: BLANQI Bodystyler

You may remember how I told you about these two fabulous mamas who were determined to offer women a better pregnancy experience through maternity wear:) I had the priviledge of trying one out before they launched when I was pregnant with my son. I was 9 mo. along in the photo below, and wished they were already on the market! They didn't need to tell me how great the product was - I felt the difference wearing it! Now, the 2nd time around, I was anxious to get a hold of one! Lucky for me and for all you mamas to be, they are now in stores and locations across the country!

And I am serious when I say, I just about live in it!

(Top: H&M, Cardi: Target, BLANQI Bodystyler in Black, Jeans: LOFT, Boots: ALDO, Accessories: IHOD)

It has been inspiring to see Valerie and Sabina work so hard to make their dream a reality and improve the pregnancy experience for women everywhere.  They are a bunch of fun to keep up with! If you know any mamas to be...pass along the info on this new mama must have! 

You can follow the BLANQI girls here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Resolution #1 in 2011 - Be Spontaneous - L.A. Recap

My spontaneous trip of 2011 in L.A. was such a sweet time:) Ever play high-low?!

 Here are my highs and lows of the trip! Top moments:

1) Getting to experience the trip with one of my dear friends/co-workers from Radiant -Rose, and her two adorable boys! We have had so many fun adventures together and this one made the list!

2) The Soul Surfer movie screening. Incredible movie with an all star cast. It was at the Sony, which was surreal! We are excited to be able to interview some of them. Stay tuned!

3) Meeting Mara and having lunch at Louie Bottega. A pretty adorable cafe with a fantastic menu.

I could have talked to her for hours. We have a lot in common:) She will be modeling some of the new accessories from the IHOD Spring line! Looking forward to working with her and sharing!

4) Getting to experience the Fabric District downtown. Got some beautiful supplies! 

5) Driving down Rodeo Dr. Its real! ha ha! Absolutely beautiful too. Sparkly actually. I now understand why movie stars live in their own bubble and can be pretty absurd sometimes. Their world is its own!

(Louie Bottega)

( Mara is such a sweetheart! Wish we could have chatted longer!)

(Rose and I at Columbia Pictures -just got out of the movie)

 (Rodeo Drive)

Low Moments:
1) Sitting next to a snoring man on a 2.5 hour flight
2) Leaving my wallet on the plane and having to run back 6 months preggo through the airport to get it in time before my connecting flight took off!
3) Ruining my shirt 10 minutes before leaving for the movie screening! Always have a back up! :)
4) Only having 24 hours in L.A. :(
5) Circling around Grand Ave and never finding FIDM! Will have to wait till next time...
Ever have moments like these?!

Other than that, it was a smooth trip. I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to go! And it sure feels good to cross a resolution off the list! Happy Monday friends!

Style Files: Bigger is Better

(via The Satorialist)

 In this case, bigger is better. Large sunglasses, clutch, and hat, just work:) Her jeans? Where can I find them?! :) Iam looking forward to hitting up FIDM Scholarship Store (where Project Runway is filmed) this morning, followed by my run through the fabric district. I get to meet up with the lovely Mara for lunch. 

The movie screening was fantastic. Will make sure and share soon:)

Happy Friday!!

Color Block Party - Rue Blog

 So did you know that Rue Mag now has a blog? So in case, like me, you can't get enough of their creative genius, you can get your daily fix here.  I am also loving this post by Mackenzie of Design Darling. Obviously, I am a color addict.

When this posts I will be flying west to CA. I felt these runway shots were appropriate and the colors would brighten your day:D

Sponsor Faves: Days Gone Design

I LOVE getting to do sponsor feature posts because I get to pick out and post some of my favorite items to share with you:) Nikki is one talented mama! She runs a business called Days Gone Design, which offers design work for Business, Wedding, and Celebrations! These are just a few of her gorgeous designs from her etsy line, Curtsy Invitations. Enjoy!

Days Gone Design

Website | Blog | Etsy

New Year = New Hair

(source 1,2,3)

Resolution #2 - New Hair Style

I am jump starting on my new year's resolutions:) Maybe the being spontaneous thing is giving me courage! As with my last pregnancy, I get this itch somewhere along 4-5 months along where I need a new hair style. Last pregnancy, I stuck with the same old same old. This time around I am going to be a little more bold. I am going for a look along the lines of the ones above. Crossing my fingers I don't end up with a mushroom or mullet. Wish me luck!

New Year + New Chapter

(source)

This is how I feel at the start of a new year! :D

A fresh new page on a new chapter in my life. Each year is so completely from the next, and like 2010, it is full of both blessings and trials, both which can enrich your life.

Will be posting some resolutions for the new year one at a time so you all can hold me accountable for completing them;)

My first resolution is already being completed this week. I am being spontaneous, and starting off the New Year with a bang!  I booked a last minute trip to L.A. on Thursday to meet up with my friend/ editor of Radiant Magazine to attend a Private Movie Screening ....we have some exciting plans for the magazine underway! Also in the plans- hit up the L.A. Fabric district to get supplies for the IHOD Spring 2011 Line! Looking forward to this!

Stay tuned for the results!

Thanks for your friendship in 2010! Looking forward to keeping in touch in 2011!