For a local art gallery:
01
Jul
What I’ve Been Up To
19
Jun
Etsy Favorites
So, like many Etsyians, I have given up any glimmers of hope I had for scoring a Treasury. BUT, you can play with the Poster Sketch tool and make mock up Treasuries. So, that’s what I’m doing here, and then links at the bottom.
Our first installment, awesome threads.
Vintage Tan Dress: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7394013
Pirate vs. Ninja t-shirt : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5354048
Victorian Gears tie: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11983552
Flirty Housewife Apron: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12105158
Stop Wars shirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11039170
Tan Skull tee: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=405366
Vintage Slipdress Wedding dress: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10359875
Jedi of the Month t-shirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11962228
Emmaline Apron pattern: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11477956
Fully Operational Star Wars Death Star t-shirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12002866
Beards Not Bombs t-shirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9007455
Vintage Square Dancing dress: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10216275
Antique Inspired Venetian Corset: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11490178
I got GREECE on my shirt! t-shirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10914727
Gina Skirt: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9245259
Hive tie: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12098651
I can vouch for several of these sellers - Muncheys, I bought the Stop Wars shirt for hubby, and it’s FANTASTIC quality, and the screening is flawless. I also had a question or two, and received prompt, courteous answers. I highly reccomend them 
Also, I was given a dress from The Vintage Zoo, and it was exactly as described, she shipped it quickly, great communication when I contacted her to thank her, AND it came beautifully gift wrapped, even though she wasn’t told it was to be a present. Again, highly reccomended.
Keep an eye out for more “Treasuries” from Meanbean on here!
Featured Seller Le Bar du Vent
What is your name?
Well, one of my names is Meherio.
The name of your shop, and link?
What do you make?
In my shop, you’ll find mostly jewellery, but I also knit and dabble with fabric… and stuff.
What drives your passion/inspires you?
Curiosity and Nature
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why?
I like organic fibers, most of all cotton and silk. In jewellery, I like pearls most of all, but also semi-precious stones. I like any material that is not entirely “computed” really, stuff that has a potential for surprise. Like human creatures. Hopefully.
What is your favorite color?
Red. But green is a close second. Actually, I like red on me and green around.
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo set on Flickr or Photobucket?
Too lazy to keep up with Flicker…
My DaWanda shop is the most exhaustive. But I also have a page on Indiepublic with some work that is not for sale (not anymore or not yet): http://indiepublic.ning.com/profile/Meherio68
My DaWanda shop is the most exhaustive. But I also have a page on Indiepublic with some work that is not for sale (not anymore or not yet): http://indiepublic.ning.com/profile/Meherio68
Anywhere else we can find your products?
No. I haven’t gotten round to having my own site yet and I didn’t like Etsy— crowded and not friendly, I found. I have checked out other sites, but I really like how friendly AND sensible DaWanda is.
What makes your items so great?
They make YOU stand out.
Cake or death?Cake, anytime.
What is your mission?
Ooooh. This is a very bad time to ask me that. I am in a bit of a rut these days— feeling like a dinosaure (that’s with the stress on “sore”, obviously! ;-).
I grew up thinking that truth and good where what mattered most (probably in that order, with beauty an elegance on their heels), made a number of choices according to this notion.
But I am now under the very unpleasant impression that I shall have to grow old in a society where money is all that matters. Pfff, if you see what I mean.
So: grumble, grumble. For now.
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc):
My sitting-room— a largish room not meant for this at all but stocked with all sorts of supplies, including bare seats to be re-upholstered… So, more forest than sewing-room.
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business?
A cat has me. Though she knows better than to come paw my beads, she does show a keen interest in everything I do, especially when it allows here to nap in my lap. She resents my computer and my phone though.
What is your favorite of your current products?
I have a pair of “Lacy La Plante earrings” that I was some time in thinking up and that is a positive head-turner.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Keeping an eye on my blog is a good way to know what I am up to but also to discover other DaWanda designers from all over the world:
http://lebarduvent.blogspot.com
06
Jun
multitudes of beans!
03
Jun
Why I’ve been quiet
Howdy folks! Things have been quiet here on the Meanbean front, as we buckled down to bust out some great bags! Mostly finished with a fun order, here’s what’s been cookin’ round these parts:
29
May
Off to Ireland!
This set is on its way to Ireland as I type this!
Idn’t she cuuuute? I LOVE the way these turned out, and can’t wait to hear from the buyer when they arrive in about a week. Hooray for Beans!
28
May
Where Is She?
So…we here at Meanbean have been hecka busy. By “we” I mean me, since I am a one woman operation. And by “hecka busy” I mean freaking out. In the course of two weeks, I have received a serious number of orders, and the last two were no small beans (pun intended!) !!! I’m going to be one busy chica starting….now.
Because I have a strong need to be organized, and crafting is often the antithesis to organization, today I wrestled the dragon. I won.
Remember this?Apparently the post I had way back when about how trashed my crafting area is, has disappeared into the great Internet Graveyard….a moment of silence *bows head*
Anywho…trust me, it was bad. And now it’s not! Check this action out:
Nice, eh??? In the interest of full disclosure…a Beast lurks ‘neath these calm waters…
Click on it to see the notes of what all resides in that mess.
But with the calm on top, I can create without clutter and stress. And it feels great. If only that hadn’t taken my whole evening, I could have created something tonight!
23
May
Spring Fling
Spring Fling Bitty Bean Silk is now available at my Etsy shop!
Also, new fabrics for the Beanlet Sets are now available - grab them while you can!
20
May
Update!
Finally, a Meanbean update! And pictures…lots of pictures. Over the weekend I sold TWO bag sets! WOO!!!! One will be going to northern Ireland which gets me even more excited. My bags in Ireland!
Here’s one bag - they’re both custom orders and so aren’t readily available just yet.
I finished this one today, and because I <3 it, there’s about 54867324786 pictures of it. Maybe.
Click any picture to embiggen, I figured this way I don’t kill anyone’s connection or bandwidth
After finishing that, I decided to REALLY, truly look at my stash. I was the fortunate recipient of several BAGS of various zippers, and so decided to see what I could match up to those, because the zippers honestly can make or break a bag. Too chunky/shiny = cheap. Too small/plasticy = amature. There’s a balance in everything, so I figured use what I can, and anything that doesn’t work is outta here!
So I have some Bitty Beans awaiting creation:
But wait, that doesn’t really show you how big this pile is:
At least an inch tall. Maybe slightly less where the zippers aren’t, but still. I haven’t even paired up linings yet, they’re just a pile of single fabrics!
I also have some Little Beans awaiting thier own fate:
Now it IS hard to tell, but this stack is at least 2 inches tall.
And finally, I have some Broads ready to hit the street:
Now this is the least tall stack, simply because the Broads are big, so I only have the red zippers that would work. Lest you think this paltry:
Probably 3/4 of an inch there.
All in all, if I have linings to go with every single bag I picked out today, there’s a good hundred here. Whew!
I also have up some fun Beanlet Sets, that haven’t been made up yet, so the lucky buyers get to choose thier lining fabrics! Get ‘em while you can folks!
Today we present an Etsy soapmistress and her lovely wares!
What is your name?
I’m Sher Maloney, owner of Savonara.
The name of your shop, and link?
Savonara Handmade Soap, at http://savonara.etsy.com
What do you make?
Handmade cold process soap from scratch, moisturizing body scrub bars, unique mosaic soaps
What drives your passion/inspires you?
I have to create something, it’s my stress reliever, my creative outlet, my way of making the world a little more pleasant.
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why?
I love unrefined shea butter, it’s such a simple and effective remedy for skin issues. I love to soap with ricebran oil, it creates a thick creamy lather and makes the soap so mild and rich.
What is your favorite color?
Deep red.
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo set on Flickr or Photobucket?
I have a Flickr set, as well as a catalog of photos from the past several years at my blog http://savonara.blogspot.com
Anywhere else we can find your products?
Sure, if you come to my town and visit the farmers market! I hope by the summer’s end to have at least one retail location to offer my customers the chance to purchase my products.
What makes your items so great?
Visually delicious, unique designs, a rich sensory experience to use, and incredibly mild and gentle on the skin.
Cake or death?
Mmm, cake…
What is your mission?
To bring a few moments of simple pleasure into your hectic life. To get you to turn the task of self-care into a ritual of self-rejuvenation. To bring your busy thoughts to full stop and get you to just breathe in the fragrance, for a moment. You need those moments in your life, and my job is to help you create them.
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc):
I create at home in my kitchen… but most of the process takes place in my brain, which sees soap possibilities everywhere I go.
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business?
My wonderful supportive husband provides brawn when I need it, (soap is heavy!!) and contributes his carpentry skills as well to supply me with new molds or shelving.
What is your favorite of your current products?
I love using my Shea Butter Body Scrub bars, they are so good to my skin, and I’m rather proud of my Jasmine Nights bar – it came out exactly the way I planned. My mosaic soaps are special to me too, they are really unique and often, there’s only one of a kind.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
I made my first batch of soap in 1996 and before I started selling in 2004 I worked on perfecting the function of my formula to make a bar that performed the way I required it to. Then I began playing with the creative side of the art of soapmaking! So when you get a bar of my soap, you get a perfect blend of function and whimsy, practicality and design. You can match it to your décor or pick a favorite scent and know that no matter what, it’s going to be the mild, rich soap you expect
09
May
Whoa!
This brilliant gal has requested help with her summer reading….and you should help her!!
Go check out the blog contest!!!
05
May
Fulfillment!
As promised, the Unveiling!
Introducing, The Beanlet!
The strap is attached with a clip, and so is easily removable when you want to throw your Bean into another bag, or carry it as a clutch. 
A generous 12″ long, the wrist strap is comfortable and flexible, to allow maximum comfort and wearability for you! 
The Broad Beanlet features the same generous measurements as the Broad Bean, and comes with a pretty handmade zipper pull designed to coordinate with the bag.
Come and get them while you can!
What is your name? Christen Largent
The name of your shop, and link? bddesigns bddesigns.etsy.com
What do you make? metalsmith jewelry
What drives your passion/inspires you? nature, everything I see around me, my family
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why? sterling silver — it can be anything you want it to be, and it’s ‘neutral’ in color
What is your favorite color? green
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo set on Flickr or Photobucket? No, not at this time. Everything I currently have in inventory is on etsy because I’m always so busy, I don’t have as much time as I’d like to make ’show pieces’!!! That will come after my 3 1/2 year old goes to school! Ãœ
Anywhere else we can find your products? local art shows (around the Toledo, OH area), several international shops and one local shop
What makes your items so great? They’re easy to wear, mostly metal so they go with a lot, nearly INDESTRUCTABLE, very classic!!
Cake or death? Cake?
What is your mission? To have fun in everything I do, touch other peoples’ lives and be a good and honest business person
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc): My husband turned half of our basement into my studio. He built me 2 custom benches and we’re still planning to add a few more custom pieces to hold things such as my drill press, a polishing area for my flexshaft drill (to keep the mess contained), etc.
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business? My kids are always trying to “help” — my 3.5 year old son in particular has always loved tools, so I can imagine that he’ll be a HUGE help when he’s a bit older! I look forward to that!
What is your favorite of your current products? My Wildflower line — b/c I’m also a perennial gardener and flowers make me smile!
Anything else you’d like us to know? Do what makes you happy — even if you don’t have the time, find something that makes you happy and LET YOURSELF do it!
29
Apr
Sneak Peek!
There will be an unveiling of Something New this weekend…Here’s a sneak peek, just for you!
Hmmmm….what could be coming?
29
Apr
Something blue…
I have a good friend who’s running off to get married in the Bahamas next week…and so I threw together a little something blue for her… :) Turns out, the blue in this Bean is her favorite color!!
28
Apr
How ’bout them Broads?
A few new Broads are up for grabs - get ‘em while you can!
Get ‘em while they’re hot
What is your name? Agnes Lee
The name of your shop, and link? AgnesAtelier http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5030350
What drives your passion/inspires you? many pretty things
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why? crystal - because crystal makes me feel soooooo good
What is your favorite color? pink, skyblue, yellow, purple
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo set on Flickr or Photobucket?
http://blog.naver.com/lovehoi76 this is my blog this is korean blog but you can visit and see my items.
Anywhere else we can find your products? no / only etsy.
What makes your items so great? I give them my passion.
What is your mission? make people’s happy.
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc): just in my small cute room
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business? no
What is your favorite of your current products? Dance with me earring
Anything else you’d like us to know? no I just be your friend 
thanks
24
Apr
I was featured!
How great! Sarah, of Sarah’s Texture Crafts, featured me on her blog today! Check it out!
What is your name? Andreanna
The name of your shop, and link? Glamasaurus at http://glamasaurus.dawanda.com
What do you make? Fun and cute accesorries for you and your fridge.
What drives your passion/inspires you? I love cute things from cute foods to asian characters.
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why? I like polymer clay since it can be used by anyone from beginners to experts. Also it is so versatile you can make a simple item or a complex sculpture.
What is your favorite color? I change my favorite color so much but right now it is red since it is striking and fierce.
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo set on Flickr or Photobucket? I do have a Flicker as glamasaurus2008 which also has my personal photos. I do have a deviantart as queenanka.
Anywhere else we can find your products? I have my own site with a shop and blog at http://www.glamasaurus.com
What makes your items so great? Many of my items are one of a kind so you are sure to shock everyone with a unique piece of wearable art, and everyone needs their daily dose of cuteness.
Cake or death? Cake!
What is your mission? To wallpaper the world with cuteness.
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc): I have a craft room that at this moments looks like Dorothy’s house after she landed in Oz. I still haven’t totally unpacked from my recent move so hopefully I can upgrade it to just minor windstorm status.
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business? I run the business by myself but my husband is a big help with post office runs.
What is your favorite of your current products? I really like my hair combs and matryoshka necklaces. I make things that I like and if I wouldn’t wear it I wouldn’t make it.
Anything else you’d like us to know? The sun is a mass of incandescent gas. A gigantic nuclear furnace!
21
Apr
New beans!
I’ve got a couple of new beans sitting here, waiting for new homes! Check out the lovely shinyness!
And then one that’s on it’s way to lilcoley for a trade for some lovely, yummy handspun….
The yarn is just for reference, but doesn’t it look so nice, nestled down in there?
here’s what I’m getting in return!
I do believe, I am a lucky, lucky girl
Announcing a new feature!! At least once a week, we will be featuring crafty sellers here on Meanbean! The seller du jour? Anti-Social Butterfly!
What is your name? My name is Ester, I’m known online as Esterrific
The name of your shop, and link? Anti-Social Butterfly, www.antisocialbutterfly.etsy.com
What do you make? Currently I’m making a lot of stitch markers and various jewelry, both funky and traditional. Stitch markers, decoupage coaster sets and handmade screen-printed patches are my best sellers. 
What drives your passion/inspires you? I’ve always been crafty. Since I was a toddler I’ve had this knack for making things work, even if I don’t have exactly the right materials. I’d find other things that could be substituted and just go with it. That trait has followed me to adulthood. I make things because I truly enjoy the process of creating something with my own hands; it’s extremely therapeutic. I’m inspired by things around me – everyday items like board games and comic books. I spend hours scouring thrift shops and craigslist to find recycled materials to use in my crafts.
Do you have a favorite material to work with? Why? I’d say a toss-up between beads and paper products. I love decoupage and collages. I also love beads and couldn’t imagine my craft table without beads and supplies strewn all over it at all time. lol Don’t make me pick just one material!
What is your favorite color? Again, I could never choose just one – my fave colors are jewel tone teal and the combinations of black & pink and black & red.
Do you have a gallery of works, such as a photo s
et on Flickr or Photobucket? Only for my knitting for Ravelry – it can be found on flickr at username: eyeliner.overdose
- Anywhere else we can find your products? I’m thinking of expanding to DaWanda eventually. I’ve set up shop at Etsy and will continue to list my items there.
What makes your items so great? Besides the fact that I made them? =) They are 100% handmade – and most items are made with recycled material. Each and every item on ASB is 100% hand-made and therefore one-of-a-kind. As a result, each item will have it’s own ‘personality’ and characteristics of a hand-made craft. No two items are the same.
Cake or death? “Uhh, cake please.” “Well, we’re out of cake! We only had three bits and we didn’t expect such a rush!”
What is your mission? To create quirky and beautiful things because I love to. To challenge myself to learn new techniques and crafts and to utilize as many recyclable materials as possible.
Please describe the space where you create (ie, sewing room, the forest, etc): It’s a two-room attic with huge windows, one side dedicated to my sewing/crafting table, the other holds a spare bed for friends or family to crash on if needed.
Do you have any pets or family involved in your business? We have a beautiful black kitten named Wednesday whom sadly, is not allowed in my crafting room. I’m an avid knitter and she loves to eat my yarn and attack my supplies! She is absolutely the center of our world, but when I’m crafting, she has to entertain herself downstairs where my supplies and creations are safe from kitty paws and teeth! =)
What is your favorite of your current products? I’m most proud of my newborn cable beanie I made with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino yarn. It turned out absolutely beautiful. It’s incredibly soft (trust me, it’s dreamy!) and the perfect hat to defend against the chilly outdoors. It’s a featured item in my shop and can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10515354
Anything else you’d like us to know? I’m completely open to suggestion – have an idea, but unsure what it would entail? Message me, I’ll be happy to discuss details. Something you love or hate about my shop or items available? Please let me know! I would love feedback of all kinds and both positive and constructive criticism is encouraged.
What, if any, plans do you have to add to your current line? I’m currently working on more coasters of all kinds – digestive tracts, funky artwork, retro pin-up, graffiti art, crosswords, to name a few. I’ve purchased fabric for more rice heating pads and plan to start listing various polymer clay sculpture charms I’ve made into stitch markers, bracelets and necklace pendants, and maybe even Christmas ornaments. I’d like to continue listing photography prints and domino pendants, and eventually as I learn more about sewing, I’d like to add reusable shopping bags and unique Pullip/Blythe (or even small dog) clothing. I’ll definitely continue to use as many recyclable materials as possible in my new items as well.
08
Apr
Dum dum dum…..Inventory
It’s come to that point…where I actually need to create an inventory system and maintain it, because I’m getting more spread out. It’s exciting and scary at the same time!!!! Right now I’m going to use a combination of computer records and hard records in a binder system - but if anyone has ideas for a low cost, user friendly inventory system, I am all ears! I need to be able to keep records of listed and sold products, as well as those on consignment in various shops. I just approached a local coffee house last night, and so there’s a possibility of growth there as well! Any advice would be most welcome
06
Apr
Gotcha!
the last two Beans were enticed out to show themselves off for you
So now, I have a grocery bag full of my bags, to go to Menucha tomorrow! Hooray!!
05
Apr
Craft Gluttony
I decided to see about some bags getting out of hiding this weekend…so far five of them have come out of thier shells for a photo shoot. Hopefully I’ll be able to coax the other two shy Beans out tomorrow!
As always, click to enlarge, and I’ve listed what they’re lined with on Flickr.
These will all be going to Menucha Conference Center on Monday, to entice some out of towners
04
Apr
Custom Beans!
Have you been enjoying the new Beans coming up, but aren’t sure they’re just right for you? Your time has come!!! Custom Bitty Beans (other sizes coming soon!) are NOW available on Dawanda!
Come design your perfect Bitty Bean!