Still shopping for the holidays? Well, you're in luck... here at Lucky Kat central there are over 75 unique gals and guys clothing, accessories, and houseware items ready to ship with almost all sizes in stock! Deadline for holiday orders: Monday, December 15th!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Holiday Shopping?
Still shopping for the holidays? Well, you're in luck... here at Lucky Kat central there are over 75 unique gals and guys clothing, accessories, and houseware items ready to ship with almost all sizes in stock! Deadline for holiday orders: Monday, December 15th!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Ho ho ho!
Wow- can't believe it is already the second week of December! Time is flying.
Here are some updates:
The more I get familiar with Seattle, the more I really enjoy living here. Of course I miss friends and family back in Ohio, but Seattle does have a lot to offer.
I will be heading back to Ohio for the holidays- leaving on the 17th- and will be gone for 10 days. I will spend that first weekend in Columbus hanging with my girls- and spend the rest of the week in Sandusky hanging with family. The 18th is my birthday- and probably the first time in ten years that I have been able to spend it with family! Any orders placed through the site from the 16th and on will be put on hold until after the 28th.
I also completed my first quarter of graduate school- don't know if I have mentioned that so far in the blog. That was the main reason for coming out here to Seattle- to attend school at UW. I am studying Museology (a program on museum studies) and have had some pretty interesting courses so far! Keeping up with running Lucky Kat and going to grad school fulltime has been a little difficult at times- but things have remained pretty caught up most of the time. I have no plans to end Lucky Kat and do love what I do!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Website Updates- with more coming soon!
Well- things have been getting pretty busy over here- which could explain my lack of blogging recently. First off- the new items just added to the site: The two that I am most excited about are the Tattoo Cardigan and the Sacred Heart Hoody. They rock!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Get what you want!
Just finished updating the site:
Get yours now: Restocked the popular Cherries Boatneck Tees and Sugar Skull Tops and the Black Super Spy Dresses and Black Betty Boleros are available for order now and will ship out next week.
Get a great deal:
And finally, select items have been put on sale- check out the deals on the Sales page.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Finally a bit settled....
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
New Stuff Added!
I just finished adding some new handpainted functional art to the website- a few clocks, a cute pink case, and a couple belt buckles. These are all one-of-a-kind- so once they are gone... they are gone!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Craftin' Outlaws this weekend....
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Big update to the Craftin' Outlaws website- vendor list and sponsors posted!
Check it out here: http://www.craftinoutlaws.com
We receive A TON of applications (a lot at the last minute) and it is sooo hard to make cuts as pretty much everything was fantastic quality-wise. Mostly had to base the selections on the type of item and then the style, etc- to make sure to get a varied amount of item types, price ranges, etc. Jewelry, handbags, and paper goods are certainly the most popular application- so competition is crazy to get one of the booths we reserve for those types of items. But I think the final list turned out well and I am pretty pumped.
We also received a lot of sponsorship support this year- allowing us to double our advertising budget- which is never a bad thing ;)
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I am leaving in a few hours to make a road trip with Josh to the Outer Banks in North Carolina (12 hour drive?) to meet up with my family who is currently on vacation there and will be returning late Sunday. We are looking forward to a little relaxing vacation before leaving again a little over a week later to fly out to Seattle for a few days to find our new digs there. Followed by a few weeks later, Craftin' Outlaws, and then a week or so later our big move across the country!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Big Lucky Kat update-
Other good news- Jack, my cat that ran away, has been found! Just took him to the vet today for a checkup and despite being kinda skinny he seems fine.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Shows
Anyways- Back on May 18 I saw X play at the Newport. We got the total hook up at this show because a friend works there. The night included drinks at the 'Dube to get the evening started, free tix, beers in a cup as big as a bucket, and a great show by a great band. They sounded right on. Afterwards I got a screenprinted tour poster signed by the band and a pic with Billy Zoom. Uh... camera phone picture.... which means it will probably never make its way off the phone and into cyberland...
What a great way to spend a Sunday evening.
Fastforward to this past Tuesday evening- again at the Newport- with Gogol Bordello. This was a really fun show! The opening band was super boring- and Gogol didn't go on for a really long time. But they played a crazy long set. I have the newest album and it seems like most of the songs were from there. So much energy- and the crowd was really into it. They finished up their set and then came out for an encore that was almost as long as the regular set! I think this was their first show on the tour and I could tell they were pumped from the crowd reaction- so they just kept playing. Go see them if they are coming near you!
This Saturday is the Zombie Walk. Missed it last year. Not sure if I can get anything together to participate as one of the undead but I do want to atleast watch and try to take a ton of pictures.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Whiskey
Why do I love this song so much? Not sure, but today I listened to it on a loop for quite awhile while working on the computer.
In other news, Super Spy Dresses are back in stock! Get your order in before they sell out again...
Amongst sewing for orders, I am also working on a new dress design. Hoping to have the long awaited photo shoot by the end of the month to add to the site all of the new designs I have completed over the past few months.
I will have a booth at Comfest here in Columbus again the weekend of the 27th through the 29th. Slowly and surely building inventory and I will be making my popular journals and sketchbooks made from old record covers again which sold pretty well last year. It will probably be another long, hot, and sticky weekend sitting for three days straight behind a booth... but with friends hanging out with me in shifts... its not too bad at all ;)
Craftin' Outlaws planning is what I spent most of today on- putting together sponsorship information. I will be putting vendor applications up on Tuesday....it's always exciting to start looking over applications and see what kind of things that people make. Most of it is pretty cool and tough decisions always have to be made because again we can only fit 60 vendors in the new venue.
I had a fun Friday night- a party for Susan's birthday. Roasting weenies over a fire, drinking Dr. Feelgoods (vanilla vodka and Dr Pepper), and a lot of cookies. Meghan and I went together on a gift for Susan- a bottle of Jim Beam. But not just any bottle of whiskey... we spray painted it then decorated it- each taking a side.
My side:
Thursday, May 08, 2008
I lost my cat :(
So my big ole' beloved cat escaped out an open window earlier this week.... and I am super sad about it. If anyone who reads this is local to this part of town... help me find him!!
Lost : 5/5/2008
Cat- Male
Name: Jack
Breed: Maine Coon
Weight: 25 lbs?
Color: browns and tans- lighter tan on belly
Coat: long haired , Smooth
Age: 4
Collar: not wearing a collar
Features: neutered, long hair coming out of ears and in-between toes. Big cat... very affectionate.
Comments: He is in an indoor cat and has never been outside before. He is extremely friendly and affectionate. Please help me find him!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
New Dress Design and Riffe Gallery exhibit
Finished another dress design last night- Red Gingham Plaid Summer Dress. Lightweight, comfortable, and classic. Like the previously posted Leopard Dress- it is currently only available for sale through my etsy shop. Once I get a photoshoot for all the new items, they will be posted on the main website. Be one of the first to own it and go order it here: http://luckykat.etsy.com
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Gallery Opening- So I have been working the past 8 months with Charles Kleibacker from the Columbus Museum of Art to put together an exhibit that is opening on Thursday May 8 at the Riffe Gallery downtown. It is about his career as a New York couture fashion designer and about the exhibits on fashion he has curated in Ohio since 1986. It has been quite the experience working with him and pretty amazing to see it all finally come together. He will be giving a tour of the exhibition from 5-6p and it will then be followed by a reception from 6-8p. I will most certainly be there to brag about all of the headwraps I put together on the bald mannequins last week ;)
If you are local and interested in fashion- come check it out! More info
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Craftin' Outlaws and Seattle?
I just finished updating the Craftin' Outlaws website with some details for this year's event. It will take place on August 16, noon until 7, at a new location! BoMA, the big historic church turned nightclub on Broad St downtown. I think it will be a great big space for it and it will be fantastic to contain all of the vendors in one room... and inside! No more worrying about tents or the weather.
Vendor applications will be available on the website starting June 3 and will be due July 3. I am currently recruiting helpers to plan this years events- so if you are local and have any interest and/or experience in areas such as marketing, obtaining sponsorships, creative event ideas, etc. let me know (send email to craftinoutlaws@luckykat.net ) and I will forward info to you about meetings, etc.
Also, if interested, I will be at the Craft Cotillion meeting on Monday April 28th at 8p in the backroom of Surly Girl to talk about C.O. and you can talk to me there. Also, you can meet a lovely and friendly group of crafty local folks as well!
Lucky Kat News-
Due to some price restructuring, all Lucky Kat brand clothing and purses have been lowered in price permanently. I will for the most part not be offering wholesale to retailers anymore, so the restructuring and resulting savings have been passed along to my lovely and loyal website customers.
The Columbus City Sampler that I had mentioned making drink coasters for in a previous post has been on sale on the Sampler Website and has gotten some local press as well. The Columbus Alive did an article that came out Thursday that had a photo of some of the samples including my coasters right on top!
Liz News-
I have been doing some really fun things recently, including an Occupational Costume themed Dance Party last weekend and a fun picnic in the park on Wednesday. Of course I have photos but haven't gotten around to posting them yet. I love my friends and will miss them terribly when....
I ... move ... to.... Seattle at the end of the summer!!
It's official- me (and the handsome Josh) will be moving out from the Midwest to the Northwest sometime in late August. Yeah, it's kinda a big deal.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Most people who know me- know that I have trouble sleeping most nights. No real problem falling asleep... but always waking up a couple hours later and I end up watching MadTV reruns on comedy central downstairs on the couch the rest of the morning. Too many days in a row started like this on a few hours sleep... it begins to take its toll.
After a rare Saturday night in watching a rented movie and chuggin a half of a bottle of NyQuil, I woke up this morning feeling so good and rested it is unbelievable. Granted, yes I did still wake up a few hours after laying down last night and moved downstairs as to not wake my man sleeping gently beside me thinking it would be another typical very early morning... but I ended up returning to sleep there for another 5 or 6 hours. I feel fantastic!
So... in honor of feeling awake and motivated- I present to you a 10% off coupon code- good for 10% off your order on the website. So go place your order and put me to work ;)
{ enter code: SPRING10 during checkout at http://www.luckykat.net }
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Also- have you checked out the etsy store lately? http://luckykat.etsy.com
If you don't have an account there to buy- it is super quick and simple to sign up!
Choice items on sale- possibly something you've had your eye on....Drawstring Tunic Dress, Dark Leopard Skirt, etc.
The new Leopard Print dress (currently exclusive to etsy) with tulle ruffle lining with a limited time low price.....
Hurry now to take advantage of these feel-good sales!!
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Remember the Lucky Kat Charms eBay store? Cool pewter charms in the shapes of skulls, cherries, pirates, guns, horseshoes, etc? Well- I have opened a storefront on etsy to start selling them again. I will be adding about 5 new charms everyday- so check it out and bookmark it to easily check back to see the latest additions.
http://luckykatcharms.etsy.com
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Update...
I have been working on new clothing designs recently and forgot how enjoyable that is. Sometimes it is hard to maintain the balance of keeping up with orders for the same items I need to make again and again to that of being creative and making new things. The business is a little more streamlined with the new website that I can afford to take the time to begin creating again. I will be waiting until all of my design samples are ready and do a photoshoot for everything all at once instead of here and there as items are created. That is hard for me because once I finish something I want it to be out and available instantly!
So to compromise with myself- I have taken photos of one of the new dress designs on a dress form (shown at left) and have added it available for sale in the etsy store. I am really happy with how it turned out and it is very customizable as well- from piping colors, straps, etc. Go here to order one for yourself now before it is available on the regular website!
http://luckykat.etsy.com
As I finish up other items I may add them to the etsy store as well before I get them all professionally photographed for the main site. So keep an eye open....
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Two weekends ago I went to the scooter rally in Cincinnati. Had a good time! Pictures are up in my flickr page. Me above with my eyes wide shut for the camera!
So I have this leather jacket that I bought off of eBay a couple months ago (I am wearing it in most of those pictures). I had to reconstruct it a bit (take out some ugly shoulder pads, shorten the shoulders, etc -- yes, it was probably from the 80s) and really like how it turned out.
Unfortunately, because it is vintage and has been stored who-knows-where.... it smells. It's got that thrift store, moth balls, stale old smell to it that I hoped would go away after a few wearings. Well.... it didn't. It is almost to the point where it is unbearable to wear for long periods of time. Well, I brought it with me to the rally and wore it on the long ride on Saturday- hoping that being outside and in the wind would air it out. I guess it did slightly- and I was able to wear it just about all that day without gagging- but I can still smell it from about a foot away. I do realize that I could do something to it- spray it more with something, use some leather care on it, etc.... I just figured it should fade on its own. Still not sure if it is the leather, lining, or stuffing in between that is holding it. Any suggestions?!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
New!
Website is finally done and live! A few orders have been placed already so I am pretty sure all of the kinks have been worked out with the shopping cart. It is nice to have it finished so I can start focusing on other things that need some attention- current pending orders and some new clothing designs.
In celebration of the new site, I am offering a free gift to the first 10 orders placed through the new website.
I had a photoshoot with Gretchen again on Thursday for two new dress designs from nice face. that I just got in stock. Pictured in the photo above- they are very cute, comfortable, and perfect for spring!
This week will be very busy- and I'll be heading to Cincinnati again this weekend, this time for a scooter rally. I hope it will be good weather and I am looking forward to a good time.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Disco Duck
Also, it's official that I will not be doing Viva Las Vegas this year. I love Vegas- but for various reasons I am not going to go or vendor this year. I will be applying to have a vendor booth at Comfest here in Columbus again though at the end of June. Last year was a lot of work as I was doing the booth all 3 days by myself... and it is outside in the heat... etc... but I sold a ton so it was worth it!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Update...
So I realize I haven't written a post in a while. I was really going to be good with this blog... hoping to average a post about every other day. My excuse last week was that nothing really new happened... that I had nothing to say besides... still working on the new website.... etc.
But then I realized that some things did happen last week-
The photo above is what my cutting table looks like at the moment. I am working on some drink coasters made from the huge accumulation of cool scrap fabrics I have to be included in the Columbus' City Sampler. What is The Sampler you ask... "The Sampler is a super fun marketing & promotional tool for indie businesses. Each month, independent crafters, artists, shops, zines and record labels who run web-based businesses send samples and promotional materials to a contribution pool here in Sampler Town. All the samples are photographed, posted to the site and then portioned out, packed into boxes and sent off to Sampler recipients, Contributors and members of the Media all over the world!"
The new thing they offer is to localize it- so people can subscribe to receive samplers that focus on businesses from specific cities- so they can be distributed to people who are interested in supporting local businesses. I will be contributing to the Columbus Sampler that will be available through the shop on the Sampler website in April I think.
I decided not to put together swag bags for Craftin' Outlaws last year, but the year before I gave out bags with samples and promos to the first 100 attendees in the door from DIY crafty businesses all over the country. I know the people loved to get free stuff... but I am still not sure if it ever led to any further sales for the contributors.... Anyways- we'll see how this City Sampler turns out!
Liz-wise happenings:
Monday, February 25, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Snowday
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
New Website
So I am currently working on a new website. Well actually same website- but a redesign. Tweaking the colors, logo, layout, etc. Right now I use Zen Cart for my shopping cart but have found another cart solution that I think I am going to go with that will give me more freedom with the design. The functionality of Zen Cart is fantastic and I rely heavily on the backend to keep me organized- but I hate being so tied up in their template layout. I am not a php or css whiz- so there is only so much I can do. I have decided to create an html site with a php based cart built into it just on the shopping pages.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Soapbox Derby Racing
So Josh and I are in the midst of starting to plan the Soapbox Derby that we want to put together in Columbus- for probably in April. Here are some links to ones in other cities-
Friday, February 08, 2008
Week review...
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Wounded Heart Boxes
Monday, January 28, 2008
New Tops and more...
Lucky Kat is now the official sponsor of the Kitten Koffin Zombies monthly pinup contest. The winner each month will not only be featured in their next year's calendar but also receive a Lucky Kat gift certificate. The contest was down temporarily but should be back up and running soon!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Heartland Show
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
End of an era...
Anyways- the fabric was discontinued over a year ago and now is extremely rare to find. I think I saw one yard up on eBay for like $45. When I heard it was discontinued I quickly ordered as much as I could afford and continued producing these tops up until about a month ago when I ran out. I was left with one size 2XL left- and then just sold it over a week ago.
I did get an email from the satisfied customer today- "I just got the monster shirt. It's absolutely amazing!!! thank you so much." So atleast the last one went to someone who really likes it and will obviously get some wear out of it!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Photoshoot
I had a photoshoot yesterday for some more gals clothing with my favorite photog: Gretchen King- who has done most of my girls clothing photography over the past year or so and I had local models: Factory Girl and Bunny- who looked great. I took a few shots of some behind the scenes- but unfortunately my battery died so I couldn't get that many. Besides the two up there- I have a few more in my Flickr account. Mostly we shot some new tops from other labels that will soon be added and reshot a few skirts and dresses to update current photos on the site. I should be getting them all back by the end of the weekend and will be updating the site Sunday night or Monday morning.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Fabric store
I normally purchase most of my fabrics in bulk from online sources. But occasionally while waiting for a shipment I need to run out to the local fabric store and pick up some twill or sateen solids (two of my favorite basic fabrics) to hold me over. During training to work at the apparel cutting counter, they must instruct to always ask- "So what are you going to be making?" everytime- because they always do. Sometimes I've even had that question also asked at the register as well.
When I first started getting asked, I was slightly annoyed as I was always in a hurry and it usually seems that they can't talk or even listen and cut fabric at the same time. But then I started to have fun with it over the years- and come up with kind of outlandish projects that usually don't seem very fitting with the fabric I was buying- just to see their reaction. I was just never in the self-promotion mood to explain that I have a clothing line, etc, etc.
Since I find I am usually buying whole bolts of black or white twill- I would say that I was making a futon cover, a dog bed, something of the like. I think once though while buying it- I said I was making a prom dress for my neighbor- and that I was estimating it would take all 20 yards of twill I was buying. Another time I was buying tulle netting for an underskirt on a dress and I said I needed it all to make into a new dress to wear for my shift dancing that night at Centerfolds. For that one I couldn't keep a straight face and I think she knew I was probably kidding.
I stopped in today to pick up something and was trying to come up with something funny to say. Instead, she said, "Your the girl that does Lucky Kat, right?" I said, "yup, sure am...". She never did ask me what I was making- I guess if she knew Lucky Kat, then she knew what I was probably doing with the fabric. It is always cool to be recognized... but I guess now it'll just be weird if I start making up stuff again....
Friday, January 11, 2008
Lucky Kat news....
Heartbreaker Super Spy Dresses are back in stock- I am also now carrying the red version as well.
I just redid the "makeup" section on the website to properly show off the Coffin Color eyeshadows.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Reading
Just started reading a new book today. I miss reading and am going to try to make time to do more of it (and other Liz-centric activities: drawing, going to the gym, cook good meals,etc). I am a big fan of Kerouac and have quite a collection of his books on my shelf. This one I got for christmas- I had asked for a couple different titles- but my brothers both got me this one. I guess it was a sign that I really should read it. Mike returned his copy to the store and gave me a gift card instead.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
OH-I... .... ....
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Guitar Hero
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Art Show
I am participating in a group show at the Rivet Gallery (lo-brow designer toy and art gallery) here in Columbus for the month of February. The opening will be on February 2. So I've got less than a month to create something new.... It is so extremely rare in the past few years to actually paint something without the feeling that I should stick to themes and imagery that my customers want to buy. I haven't made something just for myself since probably before art school. But I find that the tattoo and rockabilly themes and imagery are still what I am drawn to and feel a bit lost in trying to figure out what else I want to paint- even if just for one piece in an art show. I am thinking I want to paint a bowling pin- but I am also liking the idea of canvas since I rarely do flat pieces anymore. Need to start brainstorming on that.....
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Kittens....
Check out this calendar by Kitten Koffin Zombies. The website hosts a monthly pinup contest where girls send in photos and it is voted on by people visiting the site. The winners for each month were then compiled into a calendar for 2008. It's very cute!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Today's Agenda
I find I work best when I make lists- especially to-do lists. I also then try and schedule out when I will work on certain things through the week. I have found that in reality I don't get as much done in a day as I usually schedule- so it is best to be generous with myself- and that way I will feel more accomplished and won't get so stressed and discouraged. I couldn't live without my weekly planner calendar thingy. For my bday- Meghan got my this awesome one filled with cool pulp art images. Much better than my boring green Staples brand one last year.