Spaces

If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have noticed that I've been on a major home renovation kick lately. I don't know why, since I'm not exactly renovating anything at the moment, but I suspect my addiction to Nicole Curtis might be the culprit (or a couple Heist Vintage projects in the works, hitting the shop soon!)

And speaking of gorgeous spaces, the always immaculate Ariele Alasko did a little interview over at Boots & Pine, including some amazing photos of her at home and in her studio. 

Visit my Pinterest for more inspirational spaces and for links to all sources.

Pirates

This video, made by Saddleback Leather CEO, Dave Munson, after his heirloom-quality leather bags were targeted for knock-offs, is pretty amazing. Watch this video to see him walk pirates through the process of making one of his bags step-by-step. It's a marketing video, for sure, but it's also a pretty great run down of how leather goods are made. And, of course, why it's always better to go with quality over low price!

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!

Art Basel Redux: 2013 Edition

Well another year of Art Basel has come and gone. I usually spend the time riding my bike around to as many fairs and events as I can, but this year I planned to sell Heist at a Market the entire weekend so my exploring time was limited. I still managed to make it to some pretty good fairs so I figured I'd do a little post on some items that caught my eye.

Of note:

1. Korean artist Chul Hyun Ahn's sculptures "utilizing light, color, and illusion as physical representations of his investigation of infinite space" at Art Miami (photo #6). I saw his work  at Basel last year and it is truly a remarkable thing to experience. That is, if you can get past the crowds trying to take selfies in the reflections.

2. Jennifer Trask's work using materials such as sewing needles, python and rattlesnake ribs (photos #8-9).

3. Burning Butterflies by Mat Collishaw (photo #12).

I tried to stay away from the Wynwood area as it has become just another ghetto Miami party, but one highlight worth battling the crowds for was this Boy George acoustic performance.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday!

We're gearing up for the Holidays here at the Heist Studio and we're happy to announce that we're going to be doing a special for the week of Black Friday/Cyber Monday!

For the week of Friday, November 29th through Friday, December 6th, when you spend $65.00 or more in the Etsy shop, you will receive one of our best selling Salvaged Leather Business Card Holders for free!

All you have to do is place your order for $65.00 or more and specify your choice of black or white leather in the Message to Seller section when checking out. That's it!

It's the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for your friends and family...or to gift yourself!

We're adding a new wrapping option to our Etsy shop this year. We will wrap your item, including a handwritten note, for just $4.50! For direct shipping, just enter your gift recipient's address in the Ship To field.

Shipping

As we all know, Holiday shipping can be a little unpredictable. We're recommending the following shipping deadlines*:

• Within the US: December 16th
• Canada: December 10th
• Australia/International: December 2nd

Keep in mind that custom and personalized items are all made to order. Please take this into consideration when planning your timing as it will take some extra time to make these items during the holiday rush. Contact me before placing your order to be sure.

*These deadlines are just a guide, and delivery by December 24th is not guaranteed. You can always request faster shipping, but shipping rates will be higher. Please allow some extra time for customs processing on international orders.

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

As Seen In: The Washingtonian

We're super thrilled to find our Silver Shark Tooth Pendant on White House Correspondent and The Hill writer, Amie Parnes (right), on The Washingtonian's What I Wear to Work feature today. Hot!

Introductions

I would like to introduce two new bag styles that are now available in the Etsy Shop:

I've been wearing this tote around town for a few months now, trying my hardest to wear it out and break it down (proud to report it's still unscathed!). But when we planned a trip to the Everglades to ride airboats and explore, I didn't want to carry a large bag with me. I had just finished making one of these little crossbody bags which, unfortunately, ended up riveted just crooked enough for me to claim it as my own. That's one advantage (disadvantage?) of being a handbag designer, you get stuck with all the rejects!

So as I ran out the door I grabbed my things, threw it into this bag and left for a day of adventure. Perfect! This bag is large enough to hold quite a bit of stuff, but is small enough to throw over your shoulder and forget it's there.

When it came time to make more of these bags, I started thinking that this bag is the perfect size to carry as a clutch...or a wristlet! 

So the idea for a three-in-one was born. Attach the long strap to wear it as a crossbody (or as a traditional purse), attach the wristlet strap or remove all the straps and carry it as a clutch! I've worn it all three ways and I'd say it's a win-win-win (that's a new thing).

Find it here - currently available in black or brown salvaged leather.

The new Jellies Tote has a bit of a different background. The idea for this fabric was born quite a while before it was made, when I imagined a tote bag featuring just the draping tentacles of jellyfish. When I was in Wrightsville Beach this summer, opportunity presented itself at an aquarium we visited. I designed the fabric based on some photos I took, some layering and adjusting was necessary and when the fabric was finished it was WAY better than I could have ever imagined. I am absolutely in love with the color of the blue background and the way the tentacles are so graceful and illuminated against it. 

I combined it with some heavy salvaged leather straps and I am so happy with the result. This bag is the perfect size to use as a daytime carry-all, or even to slip your laptop in for a day at work or school.

There are two totes currently available here!

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.