Trizanh

Shopping local versus made in China

2012-01-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this at the store, I thought it was a new trend of selling locally made goods. Upon further inspection, I thought maybe it was handmade in the USA, which would have been sad because there are so many talented artists that make these items locally. When I saw that it was hand made in CHINA, I was speechless.

I went home to see how many I could find on Etsy that were in the local area. A search for "knitted headbands" in Seattle, WA came up with 7,114 results. The prices ranged higher and lower than the $16 price tag listed in the photo but I estimated that an average locally made headband costs around $20. For about $4 more, a purchase of a locally made one supports a Seattle artist and it was made with care. Paying for the $16 handmade headband from China just fuels the market of outsourced goods and all the politics and issues surrounded that.

There are some headbands on the Etsy listing that I saw that were double the price of the one pictured above and for some, it might not be worth spending that much. However, consider what the materials were used for the item and the work. Maybe the yarn used is higher quality wool or an even softer fiber. Maybe the design of the headband is eccentric and time consuming or an original or unique design. Maybe the headband is adorned with beautiful embellishments.

With that said, don't be so quick to assume that anything handmaid is going to be expensive. One might find a beautiful locally made headband for $16 instead of a handmade one from China.

Inspired and motivated

2012-01-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

Washington CASH, the non-profit organization that I've been a client of for starting up Trizanh, had the first meeting of the year to kick off a new training program to help small business owners start up, build, and maintain their businesses.

It was a comforting way to start off the new year for Trizanh to see familiar faces that have helped me develop my business over the last year. It was refreshing to start off the new year with change and continuous support from an amazing program that gives so much to the small business owners of Seattle.

Fully inspired and motivated, 2012 will continue to be an adventurous ride for Trizanh-- with more exciting and creative fuel!

Checker bags look good on Komo 4 News!

2011-12-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Delusions was featured on Komo 4 News about shopping local and supporting small business owners. Out of all the wonderful stores that are small businesses, only three were featured and the amazing Mary, owner of Happy Delusions, had her shining moment to share her store to the great Pacific Northwest. A shot of Checker bags can be seen towards the end of the segment. Thanks to all that support small business!

http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/KOMO-viewers-share-their-buy-local-favorites-135716743.html?tab=video&m=y&smobile=y&c=y

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

So far, this is the only holiday themed Formal bag I made. It always brings a smile to my face.

Grand opening of Ventures at Pike Place

2011-11-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

Cuff links: a lost art of men's accesories

2011-10-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Formal Collection includes a clutch that I use a cuff link as a closure. When I first began this size, I was able to find really cheap cuff links and got a handful from donations. The clutches are a big hit and I've sold most of my inventory but now I cannot find cuff links at the same price I first found them at. After months and months of searching on eBay and looking for a wholesaler, I have decided to give in and purchase cuff links at a higher price then what I was looking for. Unfortunately the cost of a clutch will rise but they are a popular item so I guess it all works out in the end.

Website is now up and running!

2011-10-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

After a couple of consultations with a couple of webdevelopers I decided to make my own to save on the cost. I began with more fancy website concept but when I took it upon myself to make, I kept it simple and with what the template provided. All in all I think it came out nicely and when I can afford a professional to make a more creative site, this current shall suffice. Check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks for visiting!

http://www.trizanh.com/

New purse added to the Handcrafted Collection

2011-10-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

The first image is the purse I made with the flap inspired by the mosaic piece pictured below it. The purse is not an exact replica but I think it's a fair attempt at making a square mosaic piece of art into a flap for a medium sized bag.

I initially wanted to make it as a quilt but quickly learned that sewing together such small pieces was very hard to do. I fused the smaller pieces onto a larger piece of fabric and did section by section, trying my best to capture the color scheme and pattern of the original. Once that was completed I quilted over the finished piece with invisible thread to keep all the ironed-on pieces in place. The shell is made of 100% organic cotton and hemp fabric and the purse is lined with a sky blue micro suede fabric with pockets to hold a Kindle and iPhone. The purse was commissioned by a gentleman who wanted a birthday gift for his wife and she is the artist that created the beautiful mosaic piece and she is a farmer's daughter.

Mosaic Madness!

2011-09-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

I was approached by a customer to make custom order purse for his wife, Becky, as a surprise birthday gift. I assumed he wanted to custom order something from one of my current collections but he said he wanted something different that she would like and that he was trusting me to come up with a unique design. Hesitant to decline the request due to my lack of sewing skills and never meeting his wife, I told him that I wanted to create something that would represent her or something that Becky loves. He emailed me a website and told me that all I need to know about his wife would be on the site. I clicked on the link and to my surprise, he was right.

After browsing her link I saw that Becky is a huge mosaic fanatic and even makes her own art pieces. She is also a farmer's daughter and that was apparent all over the website. I immediately wanted to make a pures with a quilted replica of a mosaic piece Becky created and use organic cotton for the purse. Upon my excitement of imagining such a unique purse, I realized that I have very little quilting experience. Even though a mosaic pattern is similar to quilting, in the sense that smaller pieces are pieced together to make a larger piece, one is more abstract than the other.

I am determined to make this purse come to life and I hope that I can do Becky's mosaic piece justice in the form of a quilt

Happy 4th Birthday to Happy Delusions!

2011-09-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

The first home of Trizanh is a little treasure of a store in the heart of Downtown Renton called Happy Delusions. Before I became serious about making Trizanh into an actual business, Ryo and I were having dinner at cute Italian restaurant in the area and our waitress was a fun and sweet woman named Mary. Her and I clicked immediately and she mentioned that she just opened a gift shop around the corner from where we were eating. Mary offered to look at my products and possibly sell them in her shop, which I made a mental note to follow up later.

Once I decided to turn my hobby into a business, I made a couple of Checker purses that I wanted to sell and made my way to the store. To my surprise, Mary remembered me and a beautiful friendship blossomed. Since then a lot of wonderful things have happened for our businesses and if it wasn't for my encounter with Mary, I really don't think Trizanh would be where it is today.

Here's to Happy Delusions and with many more wonderful years to come!

Time for online!

2011-08-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

This past year I've been focusing more on making products to sell at stores and craft fairs. Now that craft fair season is coming to an end, I will be working on making my online stores more active for customers nation.-- wait, I meant WORLDWIDE. I currently have an Etsy and Artfire store that I've been neglecting and they both need love right now. I'm also still in the works of bringing a website to life and do more advertising to bring traffic onto the online ramp.

As much as I am on the computer with emailing, surfing, and Facebook, it's not as easy as it sounds to actually post things to sell. My products are all one of a kind so that means I have to take individual photos and write each description. Another problem I've been having is how to take nice photos of my work to make them appealing online. Lots of work for this small time purse maker but it will be done!

I know Sudoku can be hard but this is ridiculous!

2011-08-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

After finding new fabric that might work well for the Sudoku collection, I've come to see that it doesn't cut on the machine as well as the original fabric. I'm beginning to think this collection may never come to life but I'm not giving up hope yet!

Another collection I need to get started is the Artist collection. I want to create a purse with the sides from actual canvas boards and real art work from real painters. I'm currently in the prototype stage right now to see how the purse will turn out so I hope to have products for sale by the holiday season.

In my re-branding and redesigning stages of my current collections, I am revamping (pun intended) for the Mercury collection as well as making more variety in sizes.

It's been a busy summer but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Tags, boards, and signs... oh my!

2011-07-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Tags: Been making side tags with my slogan and brand name on them to give each bag a little more special love. The tags are made of remnants from previous materìals used in making bags and and eyelet closure to finish it off.

Boards 'n' banners: I got my hands on a sandwich board sign that I need to clean up and repaint. I can't wait to fix it up and make it all my own. I also need to make a banner for the canopy tent... big signage, here I come!

Signs: On a smaller scale, I'm making signs to describe each collection along with pricing. I think people don't get my concept and need some literature, and prices-- just in case they are too afraid to ask.

Sudoku got me stumped again

2011-07-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just like playing the puzzle on a difficult level, I've hit a wall in creating my new collection. I ran into a product malfunction when the fabric I was experimenting with was discontinued. After reanalyzing and erasing some numbers, I think I can go at the puzzle again.

With a new fabric, possibly even better than the last one I found, I have also redesigned the pattern of the bag. I'm falling behind on my schedule for finishing a prototype but at the same time, the Formal collection is selling well so I've been focusing on making more. I'll probably push back the unveiling of the Sudoku collection until next year. Keep your eyes out for it!

Trizanh.com

2011-07-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in the works of getting a website set up for Trizanh. I've used computers for over a decade and a half now yet I have no idea how to create a website. After having a couple of consultations with web designers, my brain turned into mush from the technical terms and coding. Since the website I want is not very complex, I know that it will turn out the way I want it.

I also am in the works of getting logos made for the different collections under Trizanh and that will be very exciting to have. Come back to see the unveiling of Trizanh.com!

New adVentures in Pike Place Market!

2011-06-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

A store that I currently sell at, Ventures, which is location in Pioneer Square is relocating into Pike Place Market! Pioneer Square is already a huge tourist attraction but the store operators felt that they were located if a slighly off the radar for more foot traffic.

With this new move, the wonderful staff at Ventures advised me to make more inventory and be ready to produce purses since I've been doing steadily well at the current location. New and exciting sewing adventures await as the summer continues.

See you all at the Market this fall!

Handcrafted, just for you

2011-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

A new collection came to mind since working at Starbucks. So many gift cards are tossed daily and I began collecting them to make a collection out of them. As the wheels in my head turned for ideas, I decided to line the bags with the green aprons baristas wear. However, that turned into another dilemma because I don't have much access to the aprons to continue making the purses as with the gift cards. That idea quickly was shut down until recently, when my store manager requested an iPad bag for her new toy. Not really feeling her as a Formal collection kind of girl, I suggested the idea of the Starbucks gift card bag. Upon receiving confirmation that she loved the idea, I am moving forward with the limited collection titled the WaShu SB collections since that is the name of our Starbucks location.

Farewell, my sweet!

2011-06-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

After about a year of having my purses living along side the sweet creations of CakeSpy, we have decided to part ways. I do love the cute little pink cupcakes that owner, Jessie, makes and sells but customers didn't seem to have a sweet tooth for Trizanh.

It was a great opportunity to have the exposure with such an establish artist and business owner. I'll find my way back to Capitol Hill soon enough!

Reinventing, rebranding, rethinking

2011-05-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is blazing over the skies of Seattle but I'm inside, on my sewing machine, making new and different changes to my purse collections. I will be the first to admit that I HATE ironing, however, I need to add extra detail and attention to finishing off my products so I've invested in an iron and a board to go with it. While Seattle is basking in the 70+ degree weather, I'll be steaming over the ironing board to make sure all the tips, points, and folds are to a perfect crease. I've introduced eyelets to finish off some of my products and working on my hand sewing skills to ensure that all of my collections are clean and crisp looking.

In addition to my extra care to detail and quality, I'm adding a new tag to all my products to add that extra flare to my unique brand of purses. The tags will be one of a kind, just like each purse, and customers can leave it on as an extra embellishment. I might even throw extra tags in swag bags for craft shows to get my brand out there.

The wheels in my head are always turning, thinking of new and different ways to bring my eclectic pieces of art through purses to life.

Formal collection iPad covers

2011-05-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

I received a customer order for a Formal collection iPad cover and it was really fun to make! The cover consists of five ties and it's a tight fit but any more than five would make it too wide. Order yours today!

Esty and Art Fire

2011-04-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

From my experience, etsy.com is more well known than artfire.com yet the people that know of artfire.com seem to like it more. I sell on both, being on etsy.com longer though. I've had a couple of sales but that was over a span of a couple of years, nothing to brag about. I haven't had a sale on artfire.com but within the year I've joined, I've had more inquiries for custom orders from it.

I think because etsy.com is widely known, I know more artists that use it and some have done very well on it while others, such as myself, do not get many sales. I don't have many items listed on etsy.com or artfire.com due to the fact that I don't have good way of taking quality photos of my work but I'm hoping that will change when I get a light box going. Another site that I've posted on is craftgawker.com but I don't know how many hits I get on there. I also have this blog and a Facebook fan page but I don't seem to be gaining a strong fan base. Gotta keep working on getting exposure, I guess!

New adventures with Ventures!

2011-03-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Trizanh is now sold at Ventures, located in Pioneer Square on First between Jackson and Main. I'm working on getting more shops to take my stuff so check back for updates. Thanks again to all the fans and customers of Trizanh!

Coupon Commotion week at JoAnn!

2011-03-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm gearing up to go on a shopping spree at JoAnn next week. With TWO, count 'em t-w-o, books of coupons, I'm stocking up on supplies and materials to make my new collections. Included on the list will be materials to continue the Sudoku path and stuff to experiment on making other styles of unique handbags. Spring in just around the corner and Trizanh will be in full bloom!

Tis the season!

2011-02-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

Spring is right around the corner and that means the season of outdoor craft fairs will start up again! This will be my second year selling at craft fairs and I hope to be in some big ones this time around... and make some money. Besides adding new collections and different styles of my current collections, any other suggestion to make this new craft season a success? Should I take more pictures? Blog more? Trizanh wouldn't be where it is today without my family, friends, and fans so talk to me people!

My precious...

2011-01-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

Since I began diving into the concept of making purses to sell, I came up with an idea to make a bag that combined my love for bags, my love for "conversational pieces" type of bags, and my love for Sudoku. When I came up with the idea of a Sudoku bag, the few people that I shared it with thought it was a great idea. Off I went to create the bag but I didn't realize how long of a journey it would be.

I began experimenting with felt, since it was easy and cheap to work with and didn't have raw edges to clean up. The idea worked for a bit... up until I got to the numbers. For those of you that don't know, one Sudoku puzzle consists of 81 numbers. I could not find felted numbers in the size I needed so I attempted to hand cut them. Big mistake. After barely making enough to fill a box within the puzzle grid, I did some research to find a cutting device.

Enter the Cricut machine. I shelled out the most money that I have spent on one item in a long time and began testing it out with felt I purchased for the numbers. After browsing the fabric store for other purse related items, I came across a material better than felt. The fake leather material was even better than what I originally started with and with my new machine, I was able to cut out perfect size numbers.

The grid was easy to make but the task of adhering numbers to the grid and the loose numbers to Velcro was daunting. After trying out glue and glue gun, I found fusible webbing. Now, with my new found missing adhesive, I'm so close to completing an idea two years in the making. It will be my most labor intensive and precious collection to date.

Making new friends in WOC

2011-01-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

One of the best things I have enjoyed so far, besides making purses and selling them, is meeting new people in the world of crafting. A key factor in making any business successful is networking and its even more fun with people that have the same interest. I've made some great friends and business associates through various events and activities associated with Trizanh. People in the WOC range from making almost everything one can think of. Of course there are many other purse makers, even more jewelers, and of course photographers but everyone adds their own flare to their work and as the saying goes, "there's something for everyone."

I met Kim of Pepo Park during my first show of the year. It began horribly for me and Kim happen to be my neighbor. Being a WOC veteran for about five years, she was quick to see my newbie mistakes and hardships and she took me under her wing.

Kat of Kat Miller Photos was a participant in some crafts fairs that I tried to put together. Although the event didn't come through as a success, I was able to make a new friend. Kat and I recently collaborated on a new art project together and I'll be posting pictures soon.

At an etsyRain meet up I met Yolanda, the brilliant mind behind Carlotta Valdes jewelry. She is my soul mate in the World of Crafting, or WOC as I like to call it. Her jewelry is so unique and amazing; we both agreed to do a trade off of our products. I'm still in the process of making her a purse and I think she still working on my bracelet. We were best friends at Seattle Square over the summer and I look forward to the next season of the market!

At another session of the craft fair I put together, I befriended Alix and her Recycled Caps and Memories work. Her work is fun and unique; from hair clips to notebooks. We are planning to get together for art night and her enthusiasm motivates me to do more art.

Of course I can't blog about the amazing people I've met and have inspired me without mentioning Mary from Happy Delusions, the first home of Trizanh! Mary is so amazing that words can't describe it. Her boutique has inspired me in many ways and Mary, herself, is an inspiration.

I can't help but be excited for all the new things to come and all the new people I will meet this year in the World of Crafting.

Fusible webbing

2011-01-06T23:53:00.000-08:00

One day, while doing some Christmas shopping, a light bulb turned on for one of my on going projects. I've been in the works for creating a new collection for a couple of years now and I am slowly gather skills, equipment, and ideas to make this new collection come to life. It dawned on me that I needed a material, like a sheet with double sides of adhesive. I called the fabric store and described my request and low and behold, fusible webbing.

I just picked up a yard to play with so let's all hope that it works. Oh, the joys of experimenting!

2011... another year and a beginning of a new decade

2011-01-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

New goals for this year:

Make 50 products by May
Unveil "Artist" and "Sudoku" collections
Create a new style within the Checker Collection
Possibly attend CCE in San Francisco
Get accepted into the two EtsyRAIN shows

It's going to be another great year; thanks to all the fans that made 2010, launching year for Trizanh, such a success!

Bobbin prolems...

2010-12-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-25T01:13:00.000-08:00

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

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-05T22:12:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-11-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-09-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-28T22:06:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

August show dates

2010-07-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-17T18:34:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

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.