Bobbin prolems...

My new shipment of labels came so I was excited to finish up products that I've been working on. I took a two week break from sewing since I didn't have any labels but worked on aspects of my products that didn't require the machine. Now that I've been back on my machine, I think I need a new bobbin because the bottom thread is loose and I've tried everything, other than getting a new bobbin, but nothing seems to work. My dearly beloved machine is about ten years old so might be on it's last thread of life. We'll see. Maybe it's time to invest in a new machine. A new decade... possibly a new machine and new adventures of Trizanh!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays and best wishes to you and your loved ones. Stay warm and safe!

Happy Holidays!

A fun, festive, and unique holiday themed Formal Collection bag. Lined with a red dress shirt, this bag is the only one of its kind that will be a great accessory to wear during the Christmas season.

Holiday shopping!

Now taking orders for holiday gifts. Customize the Checker Collection with a specific yarn or fabric! Make that Formal Collection a little more meaningful with personal ties! Check out the soon to come What the Pho Collection!

New photos of work

After taking a workshop on merchandise photograph with a point and shoot camera, I applied my knowledge to taking new images of my products. It's time consuming to take photos of all my products but it needs to be done. Check them on Etsy.com and Artfire.com.

This is Halloween!

Looking for the perfect accesory to finish off that sexy vampire costume? Going out for a nice of dancing and drinking on the town and want to be festive for the spooky holiday? I have the perfect item: The Mercury Collection.

Inspired by the darker side of Trizanh, these wristlets are to die for!

Making pho!

For a new collection in the works, I am fusing my love and pride of signature Vietnamese dish, pho, and a unique way of making a bag out of recycled materials. For a long time, I have been wanting to learn how to make 3D felted objects and after a small workshop with the amazing Moxie, I finally learned the basics. Here are some pictures of my attempts at making a 3D pho bowl and the final product that I am planning to sell as is and attached to my new collection. More pictures of the bags to come later.

First attempt in making a bowl of pho. It ended up looking like a coffee mug without the handle.

I was able to create a bowl shape and in the size I wanted.

I finally made a product that I was happy with. All three attempts in comparision with each other.

Adding the finishing touch of chopsticks!

End of the season with new beginnings

This summer was a hectic one with craft fairs as far as Everett, everywhere in between, and in my home neighborhood of Renton with long nights of sewing, knitting, and cutting to get products out. I met some amazing and fun people along the way and for about two months, Seattle Square was my home on Saturdays. We wrapped up the season this previous Saturday and Last Supper Club threw a happy hour in our honor. Fun times with the people that ran the market and the volunteers that helped vendors and fellow artists.

Upon leaving my full time job and picking up a part time one for a steady source of income, I now have time to create and unveil new collections that have been brewing in my imagination. Along with new collections, I also created different designs for my current collections:

Mini wallets from the Checker Collection

Clutches from the Formal Collection

Custom order Formal Collection for the Dr.

I received an email from a local chiropractor after one of his patients came in with a Formal Collection bag that she recently purchased from me. He fell in love with the design and found me on Artfire.com. He was interested in a messenger sized version of the collection made from his own ties and shirts. I've been asked to do this before but the good doctor was the first to actually follow through with the request. I had a great making this bag and considered making it more to add to the Formal Collection but I think I'm going to stick to custom orders for this size. However, during the process, I did come up with ideas on making smaller sizes of this collection to add more variety. I plan to unveil the new product soon. Back to the subject at hand, below are some pictures that follow the progression of the doctor's beautiful collection of ties to the final product.

11 of the doctor's personal ties

The shell of the final product

The inside of the bag. The shirt also belonged to the doctor and I made a divider, as most messenger bags have.

The doctor with his new messenger bag.

Capitol Hill Arts and Crafts Sale @ Cafe Metropolitain

Come out to view and buy great works from local artists. This month we have beautiful jewerly, paper lampshades, homemade soaps and much more! Don't forget that happy hour is all day with $1 food and drink specials. We'll see you at Cafe Metropolitain!

Art from LM-Inspired

Rebecca Miller art sample

Turkey Sandwich with Chutney at Seattle Square

Six weeks left of the fabulous market, Seattle Square! Just in case you didn't hear the sonic boom that rattled parts of the south end of Seattle and neighboring cities, President Obama's visit was so exciting that it literally rocked our city. He checked out Pioneer Square and stood right in Occidental Park, where Seattle Square takes place!

While visiting, Obama (or ObOOOMA as some friends have began calling him) ate at Grand Central Bakery where he had the turkey sandwich with chutney. Come on down this Saturday to join the crowd in eating at the bakery and shopping at the market. Along with Trizanh, be sure to check out Carlotta Valdez, Funnel Cake Fashion, Wooltastic, Scatter Good, Remnant Array, and Urban Tea. These are just a few of my favorite artists in attendance. Be sure to come by and say "hello" to your favorite purse maker.

Like Seattle Square? It's not official until you've "liked" them on Facebook. ;)

www.facebook.com/SeattleSquare

Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs; Day 3

The final day was just as informative and inspirational as the first two days. I walked away with knowledge on marketing and a better system on how I should price my products. I was really hoping to be a winner of the Meylah drawing but alas I did not. However, I did meet new people and passed out my business card.

The conference is set for San Fran in 2011. I might go, depending on cost and schedule. We'll see. Regardless, I will be revamping photos, blogging more, and marketing Trizanh to the max!

Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs; Day 2

What a hot weekend! Day two was filled with inspirational and informative workshops. The ones I attended were small but we were able to get closer and know each other better.

Desserts were cupcakes from Trophy and afterwards there was a book signing at Elliott Bay Book Company.

More ideas brewing, creative juices flowing, and a web of networking!!!

Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs; Day 1

I signed up for a three day conference that I found out about in my adventures of crafting. The Confrerence of Creative Entrepreneurs is happening right on Captiol Hill so there was no way I could not attend!

So far I've met some really cool people, local and as far as Montana. I've sat in on a lecture from a DIY Network star. I'm going to redo my product photography with new knowledge and I finally learned how to needle felt! More to come!!!

Enjoy the beautiful sun!

Seattle Square and artfire.com

In addition to the two August shows that I am participating in, I will be a reoccurring artist at the Seattle Square market that runs until the end of September. This market is new to the Seattle scene and happens every Saturday in Pioneer Square. From what I've seen on their Facebook fan page, it looks like I'll have a great time there and hopefully will make some sales. Come check me out on these dates:

July 31
August 7
August 21
September 4
September 18
September 25

Artfire.com is also a new avenue of online selling that a fellow artist suggested. Very similar to etsy.com, this up and coming site is another great place to check out handmade treasures on the web. Since I've been so busy with participating in fairs, I haven't had much time to dedicate towards my two online shops. However, upon listing my first Formal Collection bag on artfire.com, I immediately got a an email from a fan who happens to be a local chiropractor on Capitol Hill. One of his patient came in with a Formal bag and he loved the idea. He contacted me through artfire.com to request a messenger bag made from his own ties. This request reminded me that not to long ago, I met a fellow artist who requested the same item so now I have two messenger bags to design and make.

As the summer winds down, I will be in full effect making custom orders, more bags, and created new collections.

Save the date for August 29th!

August show dates

Come check out Trizanh at these art shows:

August 28 in Renton.
August 29 on Capitol Hill.

The summer is winding down so craft fairs will be far and few in between. Maybe Trizanh will resurface for the Holiday season. If not, see you all in the spring!

Bull Moose Festival

Come check me out at the Bull Moose Festival from 10-3! Live music and food. Also, the Bite of Seattle and Bon Odori is happening the same weekend. Be sure to say "hello" if you see me around, even if I'm stuffing my face with food!

PRIDE Sunday Capitol Hill Arts and Crafts Sale @ Cafe Metropolitain

Come on by to check out amazing arts and crafts from local vendors. Special food and drink specials all day, starting at a $1! Let's celebrate PRIDE, the arts, and enjoy great food all at the same time!!!

Amazing and original works that include pottery, jewelry, sculptures and soap!

We'll see up at Cafe Metropolitain.

Collage of Ania Designs' work

Art by Veronica Smith

First time organizing and putting on a show

With two weeks to plan, it was a big project to take on but I knew that it would be a good learning experience. With nine vendors, Cafe Metropolitain was open during the first sunny Sundays in a long time. Along with graduation season, not much traffic was happening around Capitol Hill. Some vendors were upset and some were understand and some acutally had fun. I felt like I fell hard on my face but, with support from friends and a great business partner, I know that future shows will be even bigger and better.

Thanks again to all the vendors that participated and all the people that helped put on the first Capitol Hill Arts and Crafts Sale @ Cafe Metropolitain.

See ya next time!

Yolanda and me at the sale.

Capitol Hill Arts and Crafts Sale @ Cafe Metropolitain

This is the first of many shows that Cafe Metropolitain is hosting. Come by to check out the different vendors selling their unique and one of a kind art. Current vendors include hand crafted jewelry, clothes and purses, photography, and children's books. Food and beverages will be served all day. For contact information or questions: anh.the.tran@gmail.com. We'll see you at Cafe Metropolitain.

Work from Lisa Baker Designs

Work from Kat Miller Photography

Now selling at Cake Spy!

Cake Spy, formally known as Blue Bottle, is now selling Trizanh purses! Jesse, the owner and artist, is a super sweet woman with a "sweet tooth" for art and crafts. Come on by to check out some yummy art and find some unique gifts!

A summer full of craft fairs!

UnDisCoVerEd was a lot of fun. I got to meet fellow artists that also sell at Happy Delusions. It was my first time using my own table and props to make my booth more decorative and interesting. Lots of good music and entertainment was had by all.

I'm currently in the works with Cafe Metropolitain on hosting bi-monthly arts and crafts sales on Sundays. The first one is set for June 13, just a couple of weeks away!

Beginning on June 1st, I will be at the Renton Farmers Market and I hope to be there every Tuesday afterwards until the duration of the Market.

More craft fairs to come!

UnDisCoVerEd

Downtown Renton is gonna be the happenin' spot this Satuday with UnDisCoVerEd. Local music, local artists selling their goods (including yours truly), and support the Jakob Ellis Foundation. Come on down for only $10, advanced ticket purchase, or $12, at the door. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or stop on by to Happy Delusions in Renton.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109296582437173&ref=ts

View Ridge Arts and Crafts Market

This event was the first official craft fair that I participted as an Etsy Rain member. It was very stressful since I didn't know what to expect and I was out of my comfort zone. The event was held in Everett and I didn't know anyone participating in the show. I was fortunate that Ryo was able to be by my side.

We arrived to check in and, not doing much research, I found out that I had no table or tent and it was raining! Julia, owner of Black Door Studio and hostess of this event, was kind enough to lend me a table but my purses wouldn't do so well in the rain. Our kind craft fair neighbors mentioned Big 5 having a sale on tents so Ryo ran off to get one. Good thing he did because I was ready to call it quits and go home. While waiting for Ryo's return, I was offered sheltered from the rain by my neighbor Kim, of Pepo Park. She became my first craft/Etsy Rain friend as well as my craft fair sifu/sensei/mentor... you get the idea.

Ryo arrived and every pitched in to help us set up our tent. After we were settled in, the rest of the day went pretty well. I sold a couple of purses and met other Etsy Rain members. All in all, it turned out good. Thanks again to Ryo and Kim for their help!

See you all at the next fair!!

Kim and me at the craft fair.

Kim with her products: soap, bath salts, and other great beauty products.

Official username on Facebook

Trizanh now has a username on Facebook. Now it's easy to look up Trizanh on Etsy or Facebook. See ya online!!

Mason's Annual Community Yard Sale and Art & Crafts Market

This will be the first craft event that I will be selling at this year. It is an all day event in Everett with car wash, waffle breakfast, and a BBQ!

Click here for more details.

Thanks in advance for coming out and I hope to see you all at more craft fairs this year.

Welcome back!

Trizanh Blogspot has been redone from a personal blog to blog about the productions, ideas, and adventures of Trizanh purses.

Welcome to Trizanh, where one woman's purse obsession and a quirky nickname became a collection of unique handbags.

Thanks for looking and become a fan on Facebook or view items for sale on Etsy.