Necklace design in the making

I have been trying to do some new and different ideas with my beloved bottlecaps...as I adore them so...I came up with this today...

One of a kind
20"
Silver plate & glass beads
$35

Thoughts?

In celebration of Manic Trout pink!

Thank you talented Etsyians...you have come through once again! Today I bring you beauty in the shade of Manic Trout pink...






1. Nyoko Rebel Girl Necklace by Manic Trout
2. Real Pink by prettypetalstudio
3. Pink Jelly by meglangford
4. the Bougainvillea by NestaUsa
5. Pink Smoke by AGebhardtPhotography
6. Amish Farmers Market Flora by ara133photography

Bloggy Carnival is in town all week!

The Bloggy Carnival is here! Starting on July 28th 2008 and ending at midnight Pacific time Saturday August 2nd 2008. You will have several ways to win the AMAZING prizes listed on our blog. Winners will be announced by Wednesday August 6th. Remember to visit all of the other participating blogs at the Bloggy Carnival. We are just one stop of hundreds! Many of our contributors ship internationally, so don’t be shy, everybody whether you are in the US or not, or whether you have your own blog is welcome to participate!!

CONTEST INFO

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do one or all of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win.

1. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. You MUST verify your subscription via the email the site will send you. Unverified subscribers will not be entered into the contest. This option is for new subscribers only.

2. Post this blog post in it’s entirety with a link to our contest here at your blog, group or website and you will be given additional entries to win. You MUST post the links where you have shared the info in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

3. Visit each of the sites who have contributed to our event below and pick ONE favorite item from each store and come post the LINK to that item or the page the items is on here in this post. You can do one or all of the sites, you get an entry for each business you visit and the ONE item link you post here. Try to combine all of your items into one big post. NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

4. Make a purchase today from ANY or all of the retailers participating on our page (see list below) and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for an additional entry. You get entries for every purchase you make. Be SURE to put WSIMD Contest Entry in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost in our spam filter.

5. Read through our Weird Stuff in my Desk blog and find your favorite post and come back here and post the LINK to it. One favorite post per contestant please.

6. Come back daily to see more options for winning and possibly more prizes to compete for. New companies or prizes may be added to the bottom of the list.

7. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks

Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/weirdstuff

8. Stumble or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says share.
Be sure you leave a valid email and your name when posting here so we can contact you if you are the winner. We will contact the winners and request your first/last name and a valid email which we will give to the retailer whose prize you have one. It is up to the individual retailers to award your prizes. If we do not hear back from winners within one week of contacting you, you prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate or inflammatory remarks or comments.

Be SURE to visit our sister site Bitten by Books will be offering a $50.00 Amazon.com Gift Card as well as HUNDREDS of dollars in different prizes, books and gift certificates for the Bloggy Carnival ! Go here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=733 and see what you could win! The directions for entry are set up there as well! Have fun and happy Carnival!

A BIG thank you to our fabulous contributors!!
Here is the list of AMAZING prizes you are trying to win!

KLEAN Bath & Body - $100.00 Gift Codehttp://www.kleanbathandbody.com/Klean Bath & Body provides luxurious, hand-mixed, bath and body products at an affordable price.

Flying Needle Gallery - $20.00 Gift Certificatehttp://flyingneedlegallery.com/Gifts for the body & home: Offering velvet scarves, silk pillows, eco-friendly napkins & handkerchiefs and more. Includes FREE shipping if the prize winner is in the US — but will ship worldwide.

Broken Teepee Designs - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.brokenteepeedesigns.com/Beautiful beaded jewelry. Made in Montana. Free shipping on your order, will ship internationally

Get Happy Goat Soap - $10.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.gethappygoatsoap.com/Handcrafted soap made with the milk from my Nigerian dwarf goats Pricilla and Abigail plus other rich ingredients. Get happy! Free shipping on your order, will ship internationally

Starring…! Fragrances - $26.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.starringfragrances.com/Organic & Natural Perfumes & Body Products that Star you in Sweet, Sensual Scents!

Little Black Boxes - 2 $20.00 Gift Certificates for Little Black Boxeshttp://www.thelittleblackboxes.com/The Little Black Box is the perfect place for consumers to learn about our wonderful online retailers before purchasing. It’s a handmade revolution!

Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash - Canadian Company - 2 $25.00 Gift Certificateshttp://www.bovinebubblesandhogwash.com/Udderly the best handcrafted body care in the world.

South Main Designs - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.mysouthmaindesigns.com/155Beautiful jewelry at affordable prices! Shipping to US and Canada.

Lillian Skincare - $50.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.lillianskincare.com/At Lillian Skincare, we believe that caring for your whole body not only means being careful about what you eat, but also what you feed your skin from the outside.

Pampertini - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.pampertini.com/We offer a variety of pampering items for you to enjoy, whether you are a shower person or love to indulge in a tub of bubbles, come by for some ONE STOP SHOPPING fun!

Bauble Bath - $50.00 Gift Certificatehttp://baublebath.com/Thick Creamy scrubs as well as bath bombs in indulgent fragrances.

Crater Lake Company - $30.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.craterlakecompany.com/

Delightfully Wed - $15.00 Gift Certificate http://www.delightfullywed.com/Delightfully Wed supplier of wedding accessories, supplies, decorations, and favors, specializing in western-themes. Shipping is free within the US - we will ship internationally if the winner wishes to pay the shipping costs.

Candles and Woodcrafts - $15.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com/We provide a wide array of items from wooden soap molds and displays to wax tarts, finished woodcrafts, clocks, lighted holiday items….way to much to mention in one line so come on over and take a look!

Ginger’s Garden - 2 - $10.00 Gift Certificateshttp://www.gingersgarden.com/Come visit
Ginger’s Garden for handmade soaps, skin and body care, gift baskets, toiletries, Zodiac Perfume blends, sculpted soap flowers and more. US Shipping Only.

Snowberry Creek - A Gift Certificate for a sampler box valued at $22.95http://www.snowberrycreek.com/A box full of luxurious, fragrant samples and full-sized items, such as handmade soaps, lotions, massage oil, bath teas, bath salts, shea butter, votives, tarts, bath bombs, teas, coffees, decorative soaps, potpourri, jewelry, candles, bubble bath and much more. Shipping is free within the US - we will ship internationally if the winner wishes to pay the shipping costs.

FeltLikeStitchin - $20.00 Paypal Gift Certificate - UK Companyhttp://feltlikestitchin.etsy.com/DiDi Dolls are small, unique hand stitched felt dolls, each with a note in its pocket with the name and date of creation. Will ship worldwide from their store.

Things That Make Scents - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.thingsthatmakescents.com/Things That Make Scents is a Jersey Shore-based candle manufacturer offering superior customer service and a diverse menu of all-natural soy wax candles and scented wax bears. With many scents available, you are sure to find a favorite! Carrying candle accessories, gift baskets, jewelry and great gift items, its your one stop shop for your gift giving needs! Ships to the US and Canada.

Linda’s Gifts and Decor - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.lindasgiftsanddecor.com/Shipping to Canada and US ***Come by on Wednesday for a special offer from this retailer.

The Bath Project - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://thebathproject.com/Handcrafted body care, inspired by nature, crafted in small batches using certified organic ingredients. Will ship internationally.

Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Co. - $20.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.chunkybuttcandles.com/As a small business, Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Company, we are dedicated to making a unique candle and bath & body experience. World wide shipping

Bad Girlz Bath Co. - $50.00 Gift Codehttp://badgirlzbath.com/Do you have a Fragrance Fetish, a Lust for Lather, Massage oils make you Hot & Bothered? We’re NOT your mother’s Bath & Body shop, we’re SO much more fun!

Just Right Candles - $15.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.justrightcandles.com/Just Right Candles you a No Flame, No soot, SAFE alternative to traditional candles.

Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff - Canadian Company - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.lindsayscandles.com/Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff proudly handcrafts scented candles, soaps and bath & body products.

Lily Gulch Soaps - $30.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.lilygulchsoaps.com/Handmade 100% natural cold process soaps, unique bath & body products and natural bath accessories. International Shipping Worldwide using United States Postal Service (USPS).

Bin Hog Designs $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.binhog.com/Custom embroidered Luggage ID Handle Wraps - choose from one of our many designs or get them personalized!

Pacific Scents $20.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.pacificscents.com/Hand-poured Custom Candles, Bath and Body Products. Over 150 scents!

J.Lynne Cosmetics - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.jlynne.com/Handcrafted mineral makeup. Purely beautiful, naturally you! Shipping to US and Canada.

Manic Trout - $25.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.manictrout.com/Handmade jewelry that is both colorful and unique, using unusual and quite often vintage materials. Worldwide shipping.

Vintage Body Spa LLC - $15 Gift Certificatehttp://www.vintagebodyspa.com/Vintage Body Spa handcrafts natural, luxurious and paraben-free spa products designed to ‘Indulge Your Body’ ™.

Flower Peddler - $30.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.flower-peddler.com/Naturally-sourced bath, body, and skincare - always fresh, never boring.

Wylde Ivy - $50.00 Gift Certificatehttp://www.wyldeivy.com/Wylde Ivy is all about unique and inspired scent blends, high quality handmade products, and exquisite little luxuries!

Weird Stuff In My Desk - $20.00 Sephora Gift Certificatehttp://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/

Soapier - $30.00 Gift Certificatehttp://soapier.com/

The Blue Raven Tea Co. - 2 $10.00 Gift Certificateshttp://blueraventea.com/Let us delight you with our irresistible and fragrant teas. Every cup is a journey. Shipping to US and Canada
NEW PRIZES ADDED!

Marr Williams - $25.00 Gift Card/Discount Code http://marrwilliams.etsy.com/Pamper yourself. Simply. Naturally. Shipping to the US And Canada.

The Muse - $30.00 Gift Certificate to White Iris Designshttp://www.i-am-the-muse.com/

Love + Happiness Necklace on cover of Justine!

The Sabine Love + Happiness Necklace is on the cover of the August /September Justine Magazine!

An education in movies and tv shows

I have had the pleasure recently of educating Brian (this is a staggering moment people, I have revealed his identity and admitted his existence)on the really good movies and tv series he has missed out on in the past few years while he presumably lived under a rock. We have been mostly playing on indie and comedy turfs with the movies, only a mere handful viewed so far...Juno, Little Miss Sunshine, Super Bad, Knocked Up, Chuck and Larry and Napoleon Dynamite and I am so enjoying myself. Summer is tough though as so much is going on and we both work alot...there is rarely time in an evening to watch a whole movies so gears have been switched and now I am showing him the greatest show he missed...Arrested Development. I never watched it on the air, as I do not have any sort of tv service, but I own the whole series and boy, do I wish there was more. If you have not yet seen this series, rent it, buy it...whatever...just watch the whole thing...we have been enjoying an episode or two a night and its heaven...

New Jewelry!!!!

Finally, new jewelry is available at Manic Trout! Check It Out!

Bloggy Carnival!

The Bloggy Carnival is here! Head on over to Weird Stuff in My Desk all this week to win over $975 in prizes...including a $25 Gift Certificate to Manic Trout! Why are you still here, Go!

My new favorite necklace

I apologize for not putting new items online as often as normal this summer, but online traffic slows down so much, that I have been saving up for August. One of the new releases is this necklace...


It's longer then what I usually go towards, but have been feeling the longer looks recently and really like that they can be layered with shorter pieces. I am also trying to shoot things in more interesting ways, and using my well loved mannequin will be one of those ways...

Thanks for the Love Fashion Tribes!

I just had to share for a second...the fabulous Lesley Scott from FashionTribes just called me one of the "most talented indie designers on the market". Oh swoon. Read the whole thing here. Thank you Lesley!

Why am I obsessed with long tree lined driveways?

I have never been to a plantation before, but I am obsessed with their driveways lined with spanish moss covered trees...I did however discover that one such driveway, of the Orton Plantation has been in like 5 movies I have seen, so that makes a little sense...



I also grew up with an insanely long tree lined driveway that I had to walk up everyday in elementary school and as much as I used to dream of having a short driveway, I loved it...there was a stream going under one part of it with a little bridge that I once fell over as my backpack weighed about 50 lbs. The trees eventually gave way to a lawn with apple trees and fields of horses sprawled out beyond that, ahhh childhood memories. Although the fact that I crave the Southern version is odd...but I'm rather odd, so there you go.

This...this driveway is perfection...



I really am going to have to check these out in person at some point...I kind of wonder what they lead too...

Translucence

I saw this on the Etsy front page yesterday and actually gasped...


Translucence by flandersfield

Stunning Ladies

I just saw this over at FotoDecadent by photog Sebastian Faena...

Ava Zsa Zsa Bling Ring is back in stock!

The Ava Zsa Zsa Bling Ring is no longer backorderd, yay!

New Jewelry

Coming this week to Manic Trout!

I dream of dresses

Fashion and dresses in particular are a huge source of inspiration for my jewelry...todays digisketch gathers the most recent additions to my inspiration...

Studio Photo Shoot

Ok, this feels kind of weird to be posting so many pics of myself...but my amazingly talented friend Tara Wing was over here today having a little photo shoot in my studio and I had to share these as she takes the most incredible photos ever!








Next week we are working on some jewelry shots...I am so excited!

Thank You Tara, you rock as usual!

Why do I never take pictures anymore?

I have been enjoying playing around with the few pictures taken over the 4th recently that it has really been bumming me out that I no longer seem to carry a camera around with me anymore...so I have started to again. Although I have not yet remembered that it was with me, but whatever. I did try multiple times to take a picture of Thea by the guitar wall at the Hard Rock in Times Square the other day, as she made me eat there (uck) I thought I should at least get to humiliate her a little...but no...so I will go down with her now...



That's what we call family bonding in these parts...

The design process...

Its hard to create a space online that is similar to what a real studio space is, but I try to give little glimpses and tidbits that can give you a real feel of Manic Trout as much as I can. Today I thought I would show how I go through the design process...

Usually I start with either a doodle or sketch or a rough idea in my mind...then I start going through books of images that I collect as inspiration, I usually group photos with an idea in the back of my head of how they will fit together....although sometimes the way I group things will subconsciously affect the design, all the pink on these pages made the color choice hard to avoid when I started designing this necklace...



At this point I start pulling materials from the vast amount that I have in the studio...





Once I have all the materials I want to play around with I start to try different things until what is in my head is in my hands.

When the design is what I want, I draw a sketch of it with notes on measurements and materials and take a photo which I blow up and print for a binder of all designs so I can reference it when making each piece.



I lastly photo, price and name the piece and put it on Manic Trout!



Manic Trout Rebel Girl Necklace

A necklace is born!

Speaking of Carnivals...

The main reason I gave in and went to the carnival this week end was to get cotton candy...it was awesome...







1. Adrienne Button Ring by Manic Trout
2. At The Fair by luxedesign
3. State Fair by JenArthur
4. Vintage Undercarriage by ELBfoto
5. Zipper Carnival Ride by FriendlyMade
6. Merry Go Round- Carnival ride by lauri

a whirlwind week-end (and life)

I feel like its been ages since I have written anything other then, these are beautiful...check them out. Its been a long, dramatic and eventful summer thus far, and we'll throw spring into that too...These last few days were the perfect example of my life over the past few months...

Thea and I went into Manhattan on Friday, met up with Gilly and then trekked out to the Time Out offices where I was interviewed and photographed for an upcoming article...very exciting stuff! Friday night I had to make an appearance out for an impromptu girls night...Saturday I slept alot as I have been sick for the past week...and then bartended a party. After the party I met up with Holly, a bunch of friends and my latest beau (*gasp* I have admitted there is one!) at the local carnival...how hick is that, lol! Sunday was spent as usual at my moms doing laundry, family bonding and swimming and then I went to see Hancock last night, which rocked! So now you see a glimpse of what my schedule has been like for the past few moths...I have now spent the last couple of hours catching up online, I need to grab some groceries and then its time to sit my tush down and get some new designs off of the paper and into jewelry...and the summer rolls on...

it seems inspiration sticks around awhile...

I mentioned briefly last fall after returning from a trip to nyc about the rhino at the museum of natural history...well it seems that the image of this guy stayed with me, as I realized when I saw the photo I took today that my trout necklace pro type is really similar...would you look at that!

Octopus Love

Nothing says summer like a sassy Octopus...check out these eight legged beauties...






1. Solange Fantastic Voyage Necklace by Manic Trout
2. Octopus on White by lovelandmisc
3. Yes Eight by EmyLewis
4. Tokyo Fish Market 1 by nancyrose
5. Octopus by OrangeWillow

Sick Day

I finally got the bug that was going around and I allowed myself one day of lying on the couch and whining...this of coarse included watching You've Got Mail, which I watch every single time I feel ill. I have too much to do to spend another day like that however, so I am back in my studio today...moving slowly, but I'm here. I will be in Manhattan all day tomorrow being photographed, so I will most likely be absent again, but at least for a good cause this time..more details on that later...

On the easel

I have been trying to paint again, for some reason I have not been doing much of it and that is wrong on so many levels. Perhaps I have stopped as they never really leave the studio, or because I was uninspired, or I was stuck on this last one...although I have changed it it for the 4th time now...I am finally happy with the direction I am going with it. I have wanted to combine the tissue paper aspect with oils for awhile now, so I am happy with it on a few levels...



Now I just have to gesso those canvases and then I can proceed from there...

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty

I have been swooning recently over fashion illustrations, so beautiful and feminine...I even have doodled my own on my work table...







1. Makes Me Wonder Necklace by Manic Trout
2. Bead Beautiful by lottiefrank
3. He Loved Her by johnclark
4. couture dress design by redheather
5. Little Miss Sunshine by NudesAndShoes
6. Girl 1 by Laura Su