Farewell 2013

This year, like every year, has been full of ups and downs but on the whole I'd say it was pretty great. This was the first year I spent doing Heist full time, and although I've probably spent more effort and time on it than I have with any other job, I can honestly say it has also been the most rewarding job - even though most days it hardly feels like work at all.

First things first, we launched our line of salvaged leather handbags! I think back on the process of making patterns, learning to sew leather, researching equipment, etc. and I'm blown away by how far I've come. Sure, there are always improvements to be made and my list of ideas and goals continues to grow but it's nice to look back and realize the progress that has been made. 

Travel! I didn't do as much in 2013 as I would have liked but I did get to visit some pretty great places. From Big Bear, CA to a trip up the road to St. Augustine, FL I definitely did a good deal of traveling this year. I'm really looking forward to a year of adventures in 2014 and my "to visit" list is already pretty long.

Professionally, this has been a great year for Heist. We welcomed some great new wholesale accounts, joined some new sites and tried our hand at some local markets. It's funny how things can seem so daunting until you just jump right in and try. Some things worked, some things didn't but it's all a big learning experience. I'm hoping to do some larger, national shows this year and I have an extensive list of retailers that I would love to work with, so I definitely have my work cut out for me. But again, looking back can give you so much perspective on where you've been and where you're headed!

Loving on this guy all day, every day. 'Nuff said.

Our new branding by Flying Pyramids. I think the fact that I've stamped this logo on everything from copper to cotton bags really shows how much I love this design, but in case there was any confusion...I LOVE IT!

 One of the biggest highlights of my year was...music! I was a music major in undergrad and music was my everything for pretty much my whole life. But since graduating with my B.M. I've gone back to school, been absorbed in other jobs and experiences and then started devoting all my time to Heist. Well 2013 brought me right back! I spent time singing and recording and now

I'm teaching piano part time (and loving it). And as of the last two weeks, I'm learning guitar! Looking forward to a lot more music in 2014.

Heist Vintage! Another far off idea that somehow became reality this year. Crazy!

Here's to a new year filled with good health, love, prosperity and happiness! 2014 has a nice ring to it!

Around Here

A trip to the local farmers' market is getting me ready to plant this year's veggie garden

Getting some wholesale orders in place for the Holidays

Making goodies for all our upcoming markets. The first pic is of our new Ipad cases (hitting the shop soon) and the second pic is of our copper bunny ear rings.

Before heading out to the Arcade Fire show in Miami the other night. Formal wear or costumes were mandatory.

My very happy lime tree is producing lots of fruit right now. Limeade all around!

Instagram

Voted Girl I Most Want To Be

I first heard about Alyssa Larson through a Q&A on Tomboy Style and decided she sounded like a pretty rad person to follow on Instagram. I was right. Alyssa lives in Bozeman, Montana and her IG feed is filled with bee keeping, horseback riding, fence mending and other things that I'm sure are all in a days work when you live in Montana. And it's all really beautiful. Check out some of my faves below.

Around Here

 

My new machine came with a rusty table, which after a little elbow grease and spray paint now looks brand new. By the way, she's humming along beautifully.

 Tassels! 

 

After four attempts at perfecting our leather foldover clutch, I think it will be ready to hit the shop soon.

I've spent the last week making extra inventory for the Wynwood Artwalk Style Market. This will be my first time selling there, but from the stories I've heard, it sounds like it can get pretty hectic. Be sure to stop by this Saturday if you're in the Miami area. We'll be there from 3:00 'til late.

Summertime

Summer is soon coming to an end (at least in theory, Miami won't see cooler temperatures until the end of October), so I figured I'd commemorate it with a little post. It was a rough start to this summer but it ended up being one of the best summers ever. Sometimes you just need a little perspective to realize how great you really have it, right?

That trip to Big Bear

Thrift adventures (and an addiction to stripes?)

Discoveries on my evening hikes with Zero. On this evening it was this giant airplant which had been knocked down in a rain storm.

Salty air and salty hair in Ft. Myers Beach

A trip to the aquarium in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Now it's back to business. I'm prepping for several local markets that we're participating in this Fall, and as crazy as it sounds, I'm already busy making inventory for the Holiday season (including new jewelry, so stay tuned!) Lots of fun stuff in the works!

Follow us on Instagram! @ILoveHeist

Flamingo, With Your Tropical Hue

The Heist Etsy Shop has been updated with a fun new selection of Small Clutches, including the Flamingo Clutch seen above. This particular clutch is made from fabric salvaged from a vintage men's shirt from Hawaii, which I documented on Instagram before I deconstructed it.

Around Here: Summer So Far

Sunset walks in the neighborhood

Using up the last of the garden veggies and moving on to Miami's bountiful summer fruit 

Performing with ANR at Bardot

Tie Dye Party!

Swimming and sun worship

Lots of love for my favorite guy

Instagram

I finally made the time to start a dedicated Heist Instagram account. Yes, I know it only takes about 2 minutes to create an account but I like to build it up in my mind for a while first. Follow us at @ILoveHeist.

Thanks to the survey taker who suggested the idea...and to everyone else who took the time to complete the survey. Have you taken it yet? Do me the favor and click here if you haven't had a chance yet.

It will only take you 2 minutes. Seriously. There, I've spared you the mental procrastination.

Around Here

1. The Garden That Could. Our garden is big and happy this growing season and we've been plucking veggies from the ground and eating them almost every meal. It doesn't get any fresher than that!

2. The Labels I Can't Stop Staring At. The new labels for Heist Handbags* are in! The logo design is from a collaboration with Flying Pyramids and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. Beautiful, high-quality, guilt-free, vegan leather. Perfect.

*Is the anticipation killing you yet? It sure is killing me! I promise a big reveal of the Heist Handbag line in the very near future. Promise!

3. The thrill of the Hunt. Am I right? I'm always hunting for records and when I dig one out from the depths of some dusty pit (What's with all the Johnny Mathis?!) you'd swear I found the rarest fossil man-kind has ever seen. Talking Heads for under $2? Yes, please.

4. The Experiment that Went Completely Right. I made a batch of these Jute Planters and planted oh-so-adorable succulents in them as a display for my parents' store. My parents were all "that's not really the store's vibe" and then they were all "people are asking about these, maybe we should sell them?" and then they were all "we're going to need more. We sold out." We're on batch 3 now. Needless to say, my stock as store display/interior designer is way up right now.

Photos via my Instagram. Are we friends yet?