Vlog: Pumpkin Patch Trip & Small Business Setbacks

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Hello!

Apologies for the lack of updates all around here and on IG. We have been busy with keeping our Roots plant stand in stock. We sold out of them briefly, but they are back in stock now! We are so thankful that the response to that design has been well received. (Thank YOU!)

A few have asked if any local retailers carry our Roots plant stand and in two weeks I will announce one that is in Renton! I am also updating our new stockist list today.

While we’ve been busy with keeping those in stock, I haven’t been able to release some new items that I had hoped to. I talk about it in the vlog video below.

With John working full time and I being the only half of our once full time maker team, we’ve had to streamline, adjust our methods and schedules. We’re doing well and can call in back up when needed from our daughters. It’s the design process that takes a bit more work for new items. I will have a small update of a couple of new items that we did very soon.

That’s all for now and thanks so much for your continued support!

Thea

2020 Shop Small Guide

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*This post will be shared on Thea Starr’s blog and 6 by 6 Arts blog.

In our 2020 Holiday Ornaments video, John and I mentioned that each purchase that is made in our shops supports a small business. (It’s us, we’re the small business.) A mom and pop shop. I noticed in the first few purchased that were made for our new ornaments were made by fellow makers/small business owners. Not only did this warm my Grinch heart but it inspired me to share a list of fellow small businesses who would appreciate your orders more than Mr. Bezos would.

Please support small businesses this holiday season. Spend your dollars at places you want to see exist and share the crap out of this list too. This is list will be US shop based with sellers who ship.

GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

We all have at least one. One dang person who has every thing or doesn’t know what they need. Here are a few of my usual suggestions.

  • Ugly Baby Shower Art. Our friends Doug & Rosalie Gale are hella funny and Tik Tok famous. Shower Art is weird and wonderful and exactly what you think it is.

  • Estrella Soap - A long time favorite of mine. So much so that my adult children even shop with them now. In the year of the pandemic cooties - soap is a solid choice.

  • The Handmade Showroom - Marlo and her team have curated the best handmade goods in the PNW. While the store is open and operating at a reduced capacity, they do offer online shopping and gift cards. Gift cards = the perfect gift for that person you don’t know what to get.

  • Seattle Candle Co. - Are you even giving gifts if you’re not gifting a candle? I love the long burn time on these candles. no. 1 is favorite in our house.

  • Attic Journals - This mom and pop shop (one of the truly nicest couples I have ever met) save hundreds of discarded books and give them a new life as journals and more. You all know I love that personally, but it’s truly a great thoughtful gift to give. Everyone needs some where to doodle!

GIFTS THAT ARE CUTE

These are not necessarily kid oriented, but they sure are dang cute and in 2020 who doesn’t need that?

  • Catshy Crafts - Handmade hoop art made by one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Her hoop art pieces are adorable. Perfect for someone who loves cute.

  • Kitschy Delish - A little saucy, a little pun-y and a whole lot of kitty cute. Kelly’s work is gorgeous and makes me smile when I look at it. Food with faces on them?!?!? Yes please. I highly recommend her enamel pins. Her swimming in the noods is * chef’s kiss *.

  • migration goods - Ugh. Everything Eling makes is so cute it hurts. She even has an “Ugh” Bunny illustration. Her paper and stationary goods are the good good. Perfect stocking stuffers of moody cuteness.

  • Devout Dolls - This shop makes all of my lists all of the time. The unusual cuteness makes me smile! Handmade two headed deer plushes, bat scarves and Blythe dolls clothes.

  • World of Whimm - Kayce is amazingly talented and creates the most whimsical pieces. While her Etsy shop is currently closed. There is a small offering of her work at Monster Gift Shop.

GIFTS FOR THE CLOTHES, HATS AND BAG LOVERS

  • Slow Loris Studio - Hailing from Guemes Island. Team Slow is one of my all time favorite t-shirt slingers. I treasure Jessica’s designs like collectible art. Intricate music themed designs along side nautical and alpine PNW themed designs. So good. Our whole family are fans of their work and the quality of their t-shirts and hoodies.

  • Crystalyn Kae - I own two of her bags and I love them so much. Mine were constructed from reclaimed fabric. She has a few styles and accessories to choose from.

  • Flipside Hats - Hats and more made from abandoned fabrics from production and dye houses.

  • Period Corsets - This pic is highly influenced by recent obsession of historical clothing. I have about 15 YouTube channels I can recommend on the topic. While this might seem like an impractical and expensive gift, the way I see it is we’re locked up in our houses and we should be wearing whatever makes us happy. For me it’s all of my wild wardrobe pieces I’ve collected in my life and for some a corset is needed. Perhaps you have a very extra dresser in your life too? This is a small business that does a lot of work for theaters (which are closed of course) so they’ve been making masks along side their beautiful corsets.

  • Poshmark - I know this one is not handmade. However, I know we’re not living in the idyllic everyone wants handmade clothing. This is an affordable way to do that. Think online thrift store but sorted and clean. Whether it be a preloved item or a new item with tags that someone got and decided it wasn’t for them. Every seller on Poshmark is a small business too.

GIFTS FOR THE PET LOVER

If I didn’t have human children, I would be that person who talks non-stop about their dogs. It’s such a joy to spend time with these sweet little beings. They need gifts too!

  • handmade la Conner (Henrietta’s) - For the gift guide’s sake instead of raving about Robyn’s amazing lotions and soaps, (please check those out too). I am going to direct your attention to Henrietta’s line. I’m a repeat buyer of the calming spray and dog wash for my girls.

  • The Cat Ball (cat bed) - If I had a cat, my cat would have at least three of these suckers. I recommend

GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO PUT THINGS TOGETHER

Assembling, sewing and more. Perfect for lockdown activities.

  • JCR - When a fellow laser artist recommends another laser artist, I feel that says something. Julio is insanely talented. He creates kits to assemble in shapes of animals and insects. They are mind-blowingly beautiful.

  • Delish Beads - Jenny offers affordable kawaii brightly colored beads and cabochons for your DIY crafting.

  • Wren Birds Arts - Another idea I love. Mend what you have but make it pretty. Grab a mending/embroidery kit to extend the life of a damaged garment you love.

  • Marshmueller - Buy your DIY dumpster fire pillow right here!

  • Smile Mercantile - I love all of the little crafting supplies available in this shop! German glass glitter, trims, bottle brush trees and more!

GIFTS FOR YOUR FRIEND WHO WOULD’VE BEEN BURNED AT THE STAKE 400 YEARS AGO

My people. Don’t @ me with any negativity or the “reason for the season”. My birthday is on December 25, believe I KNOW.

  • Unusual Cards - * chef’s kiss * Some might get their panties in a bunch over the content featured in Francesca’s fine work. And that’s why we LOVE IT. Jesus riding dinosaurs. Need I say more?

  • Candy Relics - With the growth in acceptance of the benefits of cannabis finally happening here in the US, I smile every time I see something of Candy Relics shared online. David is genius with his designs. This is the home of the original ceramic can pipe.

  • Ravnvolk - Pagan and occult craftwork. This was a serendipitous find among shops I follow on Etsy. This is a former craft store co-worker of mine from years ago. I’m glad to see him doing creative work that I know a few of my pagan friends will like.

  • Vinyl Devotion - Excellent vinyl pics with categories of Doom, Stoner and Sludge or Death Metal, Gridcore and Metalcore alongside indie and pop categories too. This husband and wife duo are serious vinyl pickers (we’ve had the pleasure of seeing their picking skills in action).

GIFTS FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO BE ADORNED

In the maker space, there are many jewelers. Here a a few that I love to recommend.

  • Foamy Wader - Hailing from South Whidbey (my island!), Alexa creates minimalist nautical jewelry. Her pieces are my favorite for their dainty nature. Which is in high contrast to my actual maximalist ridiculous self. I receive many compliments on earrings I’ve purchased from her. My favorite piece from her is my wedding ring that she custom made for us. (I also believe I owe her a shop sign and everyone should publicly shame me for this and make purchases from her to help me make up for it.) I cannot recommend her work enough and I’m eyeballing a few things for myself.

  • OTTI Goods - (Formerly Salty & Sweet Designs) Again when a fellow laser artist recommends another it says something. Her laser cut feather weight earrings are beautiful architectural inspired statement pieces. She also does awesome modern hanging mobiles.

  • Christine Stoll Studio - She makes mask chains you guys! She’s known for her beautiful reclaimed watch piece jewelry and her collage work. And for also being one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

  • Magpie Mouse Studios - Enamel jewelry inspired by the PNW. Vibrant colors on wearable pieces. With a couple tarot card pieces tossed in there too.

  • Fern Works - Nature’s specimens captured in resin, as well as hand painted jewelry pieces. So beautiful and incredibly unique.

GIFTS FOR THE TABLE TOP GAMER

  • Game After Game - Yes, I am tooting our own horn. This is the link to our Etsy shop that focusses on DnD and retro gaming themed goods. Ornaments, coasters with the DnD dice and our Critical Hit signs.

  • Doize Demos - DnD themed enamel pins, patches and more.

  • Mox Boarding House - (Order online and pick up at the stores.) Seattle & Bellevue, WA and also in Portland, OR.

Honestly, this a bit harder than I thought it would be. Many shops have closed or have temporarily closed.

Here’s a direct link to our stockists.

As well as links to our own shops:

  • Thea Starr - Fabric Flower accessories made from vintage kimono fabric.

  • My etsy shop has vintage clothing and vintage fabric available too.

  • 6 by 6 Arts - Wood home decor goods + some sass with a nature vibe. Coasters, ornaments, indoor plant stands, magnets, signs- you know the schpeel.

Please try your best to shop local too. The small businesses in your town adds to the uniqueness of your spot many have online or curbside pick up shopping options. The small family owned restaurants too. The national restaurants will be okay. If you have any added suggestions to this list, please add a link below!

Again to all of our friends who shared our video and have placed an order this week we are filled with gratitude for your support. We’re damn lucky in the friend department.

Thank you so much - Thea & John.

All is well again with 6 by 6 at Handmade at Amazon

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I just wanted to do a little follow up about our recent strange experience with our shop at Handmade at Amazon. For a quick refresher about what happened to us - visit this post.

I posted that post link on various social media outlets and even tagged Handmade at Amazon in a post or two directly, hoping to gain any attention. Being in the Seattle area, we have a handful of friends who work at Amazon and extended offers to connect me to someone who could help. Which ultimately got me in contact with someone at Amazon! 

I received an email a day or two after posting my blog post about our experience from an actual person at Amazon. He inquired about my issue and I directed him to my blog post for reference, since I laid it all out there. Soon after that contact our account was restored! He did offer a direct phone call with me after our account was restored just to make sure that we were good to go. I declined because we got what we wanted, just to have access to our account again.

Shortly after that, I received a direct email from the leads at Handmade at Amazon team. They just wanted to speak with me about my experience over the phone, which I appreciated. They were very apologetic and told me that what happened to us was a weird isolated event, which was reassuring. The two that I spoke with were very nice and gave me the platform to mention things that I felt were frustrating. For me it I was bent out of shape about not being transferred to the department that I needed to speak to by a customer service representative. C'mon I know Amazon has that ability! Secondly, my disappointment in the the on site representatives promoting makers to join Handmade at Amazon at a large local craft lack of information for contacts for sellers. Lastly, this one was more on my own personal expectations as a long time maker, I'm used to having one on one contact with selling sites (I've been with Etsy a long time and have met quite a few admins over the years and they were always very accessible) and direct contact with customers. It's apart of the charm of the handmade maker scene. You are buying from a person who put their hard work and hands on the products. It's a personal experience. I felt that element was missing from Amazon's support. 

In the end, we got the help that we needed after all. I hated having to get the attention that we wanted to resolve the issue the way we did though. Thankfully, we were told it was an isolated incident but they wanted to make sure something like this will not happen to other sellers, which was nice to hear. 

Thanks to everyone who shared this and got us the help we needed.

Lasers and love -Thea

New Stockist - Timberline Lodge (Yes, THE Timberline Lodge)

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Recently, John and I travelled to OSU for a volleyball tournament for one of our daughters. Any parent with a kid in a demanding activity, knows how long days can get while traveling with a team/group. Every night we were more than excited to chill out in the hotel. Taking off our shoes, eating some snacks and zoning out on tv. We happened to catch one of those "Northwest History" shows that featured the Timberline Lodge one night in the hotel. John and I both commented how we both hadn't been out that way in years and guzzled up all the historic information that show shared about the lodge.  What an amazing place with incredible art.

Fast forward a month and a half, we had spontaneous interaction with a representative from the lodge and they asked about our products and the rest is history. You can find our goods at the lodge's gift shop. Now, you should just go because it's one of the most magical places on Earth with a rich history and it's not too far from Portland.

But for you PNW Stephen King fans, might we inspire a bit of wanderlust... as it is "The Overlook Hotel" in the movie The Shining. At least the exterior is. 

Add it to your travel bucket lists friends!

Lasers and love - Thea

New Stockist - World of Mirth (Richmond, VA)

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We're breaking into the east coast territory!!!! We're so excited to call the World of Mirth in Richmond, VA our newest stockist! 

If you are on Instagram head over to World of Mirth's account now. It looks like the most magical store in the world! A personal visit to this shop is very high on my bucket list! If you are in the Richmond, VA area, I am sooooo jealous of you! Please go visit WoM for me! 

Speaking of Instagram just a second ago, I know content here hasn't been super interesting lately. John and I are a duo company and we've been very busy processing orders, creating custom work and new products that we will introduce over the next few months. BUT, I do post photos on our Instagram account @6by6arts. Shots of work, photos of our home & office, just basically our life in general. 

Lasers and love - Thea

New stockist - Throwing Mud Gallery

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Part of the fun of opening up your business to wholesale accounts is discovering local places that are unknown to you. Our newest stockist is Throwing Mud Gallery in Tacoma, Washington.

Located at:

2212 North 30th Street
Tacoma, WA 98403
253-254-7961

Throwing Mud Gallery is a place to learn, shop and make! Owned by Mark and Eileen, who are long time Tacoma residents. They support fellow artists in the Pacific Northwest area by featuring regional makers in their gallery. We are honored to be a part of that group! Throwing Mud gallery now carries a selection of our keychains, magnets and wall art. If you're in the Tacoma area be sure to stop by!

Lasers and love - Thea

 

New Stockist - The Space Needle

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I'm not even sure how to begin this one because I have so many feels about it!

I'm a native Washingtonian that grew up on Whidbey Island during a time where there really wasn't much but trees and the Navy. My mom is Asian and we'd often make trips into the city for "Asian" food supplies long before there was any ethnic markets close by. I distinctly remember my dad driving, my mom singing off key to the current tunes of the early 80's and me peering out of my backseat window and seeing the Space Needle rise up on the horizon as we got closer to the International District. 

Every time I saw the Space Needle I'd imagine one of two things - that Seattle was the land of The Jetson's or that Wheedle was sitting atop the Needle. Seattle was a magical land to this small town island girl and the Space Needle was and still is THE landmark of the city.

A page from a vintage coloring book I've had for years. I referred to this for inspiration during the design process. 

When you think of city landmarks, you think tourists. When you think of tourists, you think of souvenirs. A lot of times they are cheap little magnets with a glossy photo enclosed in plastic, or something along those lines. When we were approached by the Space Needle people; A.) I don't think I've ever tried to act so cool and collected in my life. B.) They told me that they were interested in adding some new but different products for their gift shop. I think I actually looked around to see if I was the person who that question was being directed at. And C.) When they told me to "just see what I can come up with" and gave us permission to use their image and brand name, I went into full on panic. 

Why would the great and awesome Space Needle people ask me and my extremely tiny company to do anything for them? They could ask anyone to do this sort of thing for them, but they asked us. A local mom and pop shop. Whoa.

While we can get down with some elaborate design work, I really felt that we should keep the products we pitched at them simple and functional. 

Pages from my sketchbook: Although, the artwork is crude, we first spend a lot of time flushing out the concept before we laser cut the prototype. We decide if the layout works or in this case how usable would the writing area be. I often leave question marks on the pages about various things. 

I drew out a simple layout of a small chalkboard with the silhouette of the Space Needle cut out. Lots of usable space for love notes or reminders. I envisioned someone picking one up on New Year's Eve and someone writing a proposal on it. (Hey, I said I had the feels with this one!)

The second thing we pitched was a souvenir magnet. We really wanted it to be unique amongst the others. This was my opportunity to incorporate a small bit of my childhood imagination. The Jetson's shapes and sounds always made me think of the Space Needle. So I sketched out a mid century modern shape and John found an image of the Space Needle that included the architectural underground footings in their image archives that he liked. We selected a font similar to one on their website. Their website by the way, is AWESOME. 

Pages from my sketchbook: I drew out many versions of the wood magnet. I had a mid century modern "Jetson's like shape in mind. Like always with my raw drawings John took an actual picture of my drawing and used it as a guide in Corel to fine tune it. 

We did this as we do all of our original work, we both do crucial parts of the development. I depended on John to help me finalize the shapes I was hoping for. Sometimes I just can't draw the exact thing I had in mind. Also, I am far better at drawing freehand rather than in outlines. I initially spent a lot of time actually drawing the Space Needle in great detail. PAGES of drawings. The our final prototypes were approved on the first submission. 

We rounded the edges from my original drawing. 

Close up of the laser cut out Space Needle. We have a bunch of these cut outs now in the studio. 

We were able to engrave the product details and pricing on the back. Which is so awesome in a retail environment.

The final shape was the shape I had envisioned. I want to publicly compliment John for being so great at figuring out what I was trying to get out. The architectural design with the footings looks so great! It's hard to tell here because this is a picture from my phone, but I was so excited to share this news I took a quick photo to share.

It's an honor to have been asked to do this for the Space Needle. We're continuing to develop more too! Next time you're at the Space Needle look for our work. 

Lasers and love -Thea

New stockist - Powell's Books

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One of THE places to go in Portland, Oregon is Powell's Books. Their stores are a book lovers dream come true. I've always found treasures and had excellent customer service every time. Also, they host great events too! We are beyond excited to announce that Powell's is our newest stockist!

Look for our Oregon and Washington chalkboard magnets at Powell's.

6by6ArtsatPowells

We were asked to include a little sign so folks who walk by know who made them. We're so excited to take up even just a tiny spot in such an awesome store.

Happiest Friday to all!

Lasers and love -Thea

Artist Reception at The Handmade Showroom

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Do you recall a little bit ago we mentioned that we were one of the founding artists at The Handmade Showroom in Pacific Place?

A quick refresher, it's super great pop up shop that features many local artists' work in the heart of downtown Seattle. Every time we've been in there, we've been totally delighted to see the handmade displays and of course the amazing work available for sale. 

This Thursday evening The Handmade Showroom is hosting an Artist Reception at the store! 

From their site: 

We are excited to join the celebration of Fall fashion for ‪#‎StyleuPP‬ by Seattle Magazine happening at Pacific Place Seattle this week!

Visit us on Thursday evening for an exclusive reception to meet our artists, taste wares from our artisanal food vendors, view our collection of amazing handmade work, and get a head start on your holiday shopping lists!

Special on-site tastings with:
Delicately Sweet Confections - Salted Caramel Sauce
Sweet Caroline's Jams - limited edition artisan jams made with seasonal fruits
The Kitchen Imp - hand-blended organic spices and seasonings

In addition to all the fun we will have on hand, there will be a live fashion show happening at Pacific Place, so come early and join in on the fun of fashion!

The Showroom is located on the third floor next to the Nordstrom Skybridge.

All are welcome, so be sure to invite your friends to join in on the fun! We look forward to seeing you Thursday!

https://www.facebook.com/events/299268300243651/

John and I will be there! We've recently restocked The Showroom with some exclusive items. We hope to see many of our local friends there!

Lasers and love - Thea

New stockist - The Museum of Flight

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Although, we've been working many long hours for what feels like slow and steady building for our still infant business, we've managed to get a "dream" customer. When I lived in West Seattle, my son's class had a field trip to The Museum of Flight. He came home exhilarated from all the awesome things he saw and learned about. That went on for days and even now that he's a junior in high school he still mentions every once in a while. 

When we were approached by the Museum of Flight to design a couple products for the museum's gift shop in addition to some of our original designs, it was a like scoring instant mom points with my son who is such a fan. 

I already had a rocket ship chalkboard magnet in development as well as some constellation "ornaments". 

Rocket ship mini chalkboard with magnets.

We designed it so a photo or drawing could appear in the rocket ship.

A photo the size of a standard small school issued photo. 

Constellation wood ornaments - 6 by 6 Arts

They asked us to develop some additional chalkboard magnet designs, a helicopter and a plane. 

These designs are currently only available at The Museum of Flight Store. 

The designs are simple and themed of course, but it was still a complete honor to do this project and be asked to carry our original works too. As a Navy "brat" who grew up around a Naval Air Base here in Washington I love everything that The Museum of Flight offers and shares. 

Lasers and love - Thea

Time Has Been Flying By

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Well, I've dozed off on blogging again. We've been blessed with busy and fun filled days as of late. Let's back up back to Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco. 

6 by 6 Arts takes on Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco Summer 2015

IT. WAS. AWESOME. 

6 by 6 Arts takes on Renegade Craft Fair San Francisco Summer 2015

Thanks so much to all who came out and visited us! We had such a great time and hope to return to San Francisco for future shows. 

After we made it home we immediately fulfilled some standing wholesale orders. One of which is with a super cute little shop in North Bend, WA called Selah Gifts. Just a block away from Twede's Cafe. Also known as the "Double R Diner".

We also squeezed in a few family days since the kids are still on summer break and we managed to coordinate schedules with John's family and our six kids for a little family trip. 

Today we are preparing for a trade show this weekend as well as working on some custom items that I can't wait to share! More soon!

Lasers and love, Thea

The Handmade Showroom at Pacific Place in Seattle

The Handmade Showroom
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One of my old 9-5 corporate job workday haunts is Pacific Place in Downtown Seattle. I often had lunches with clients and coworkers there. I might have ditched work early to see a movie once or twice too... It's an upscale shopping center that also has an assortment of restaurants and a cinema on the third floor. Starting this weekend Pacific Place will host the inaugural opening of The Handmade Showroom!

TheHandmadeShowroom

The fine folks from Pacific Place and Seattle Handmade have joined forces to create this awesome bi-monthly pop-up shop. The Handmade Showroom at Pacific Place Pop-up Shops will be held every 1st and 3rd weekend (Friday - Sunday) of the month June through October 2015. We are so fortunate to have been one of the first artists to vend at The Handmade Showroom. We will be offering, small versions of our laser cut wood signs, Washington State mini chalkboards and a selection of our wood magnets. 

It's so incredibly exciting to have a handmade shop among the ranks of upscale stores in downtown Seattle. We're absolutely thrilled to be apart of this great event! If you happen to be out and about in downtown Seattle this weekend please be sure to stop by The Handmade Showroom. Drag your dad along! (Our Beer Me signs will be available at the pop-up shop, grab him one and then go grab a beer with him!) If you can't make it this weekend be sure to mark your calendar for the future days the pop-up shop will be open. 

Lasers and love - Thea

 

Ugly Baby Shower Art and the great people behind it

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It's no secret that we manufacture items for Ugly Baby Shower Art. Unique floss holders, greeting cards, ornaments and wall art signs. However, the truly unique product that carries the shop's name is shower art. 

Ugly Baby Shower Art - Roller skating unicorn embroidery floss organizer. 

Ugly Baby Shower Art - Roller skating unicorn embroidery floss organizer. 

What is shower art. Read this. And this. You're going to want to put that on your resource list for gift giving ideas for the person that has everything. 

Recently, a big tutorial site posted a tutorial for a how to make shower art. When something so unique is invented, it's bound to be copied. The hope is it wouldn't be exactly like the original and a different take on it would be produced. In my opinion that tutorial failed doing that. However, the amazing couple behind Ugly Baby had a brilliant response to the tutorial. Many fellow makers have shared this and we'd like to do the same here. 

While She Naps - Abby Glassenberg : WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE MAKES A TUTORIAL FOR YOUR SIGNATURE PRODUCT: A CASE STUDY OF SHOWER ART 

Lasers and love - Thea