Go go Scabby Robot

you sent Scabby to CR - and it was pretty GREAT!

2011-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to everyone who supported the sale back in July. A couple of pics from the trip :)

Welcome to the jungle

Pal Maggie was so excited to photo our backyard monkeys, she interrupted her shower.

An average evening at the beach

Send Scabby to Costa Rica - It's a SALE!

2011-07-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sale has come together! Mostly wedge totes - I've got two big containers I'm putting up at DEEP DISCOUNTS.

Go here to peruse the offerings:
http://scabbyrobot.etsy.com/

not so TOP SECRET

2011-04-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

So sorry, I've been neglecting the blog (and internet sharing in general) for many weeks now. I've been hatching big and small plans - some top secret, some not so top secret.

Apology accepted? Great, you're the best:)

Top of the pile, not so TOP SECRET plan:

Launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to produce small run of a wallet series of mine, the Rushmore series. These are wallets I used to hand cut and sew.

Within each piece resides the handsome profile of an American ex-president; Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln; as you may remember from Mt. Rushmore.

Here's one from the first round: Lincoln wallet. His face is carved not into stone, but into leather. Inspired by legal tender, historical crushes (that is, crushes on long dead famous folks), and glorious leather.

I just discovered this amazing place, Ponoko, which may come in handy for prototyping. SO excited!

I'll be offering pre-orders on the next round of Rushmore wallets via my Kickstarter page (laser cut leather - they're going to be gorgeous). More details soon!!!

Drunk baby

2011-02-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

I can't resist sharing this "drunk" baby with marionettes bit - enjoy!

Notes on a Child Prodigy

2011-01-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

I was just turned onto Lapham's Quarterly and am very much enjoying this article about a now, almost unknown child prodigy, a young novelist named Barbara Follett.

from Vanishing Act by, Paul Collins
from Lapham's Quarterly

“I pretend,” she once explained, “that Beethoven, the two Strausses, Wagner, and the rest of the composers are still living, and they go skating with me.”

[Collins comments] There’s a peculiar comfort in imagining the companionship of great composers, for it is among them that a child prodigy is at home.

And this line cracked me up:

“You don’t understand why I have my work to do—because, at this particular time, you have none at all”

-Barbara Follett, age 7 in 1922

Read the whole article here.

As adults, why are we so delighted/inspired by child prodigies?
For me, I feel like I see myself. Of course, I was no child prodigy, but I'm reminded of those "ah ha" moments that happened so much more frequently back then as a kid.

What do you think?

The Hallway

2010-09-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

As a new Miranda July fan, I feel I must share this video. Enjoy the ride!

The Hallway from The Hallway on Vimeo.

PEWTER leather tote

2010-09-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

New pewter gray wedge with dark brown leather strap.
Matte brass rivet finish.

Lookbook - oh la la!

2010-08-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well this is pretty neat-o. You can create your own online lookbook at issuu.com. Jan and Earl at Poppytalk Handmade have put one together for their Back to School feature. Check out page 8 for Scabby Robot!

Open publication - Free publishing - More vintage

Oh. It's Koala Man

2010-08-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

I regularly talk in my sleep... and laugh in my sleep too. Why do I have to be the one passed out, not enjoying the joke? Well, no longer!

"Is it a bird? Is it- Oh. It's Koala Man. Asleep in the branches again, and probably pissed. What an embarrassment to superhero-kind."

This website is really hilarious. Please check it out and listen to this silly englishman mutter in his sleep.
http://www.Sleeptalkinman.blogspot.com/

How to make a shoe

2010-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Somewhere on my life's to-do list is a bullet point: Learn how to make shoes

This is part one of six (it looks like it takes DAYS to make one shoe.. amazing) from a hungarian shoemaker Koronya Handmade Shoes and Boots. Kick back and watch this man work!

What did you buy today?

2010-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

I love this idea of Kate Bingaman-Burt’s.

Three years of ink drawings of sundry items. She has a book and a blog.

My favorite part is the tool on so many blogs right now, where it lists "other posts you may like". On Kate's blog, she’ll have an entry that is just a single line drawing image, of say, a bottle of pills. Underneath that post, at the prompt "other posts you may like" you see a nice little line up of pill bottles, each one unique, though all the same brand.

She’s managed to individualize and personalize the mass manufactured.

Brilliant.

Go look for yourself.

Feature & GIVEAWAY

2010-06-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I never do this, but this week I am collaborating with Illiana, of Zip & Ruth, to offer a an amazing GIVEAWAY.

One FREE wedge tote of your choosing for the best/most favorite/funniest comment left on her blog.

Go forth and WIN!

Behind The Scenes

2010-06-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've been spending lots of my work time lately, Behind The Scenes. Doing less making and more strategizing. Less touching and more thinking. Sometimes it feels like stodgy grown up stuff I don't want to do and other times it feels like Fabulous Grown up stuff I LOVE doing.

It helps to play.
And I can feel like a fabulous grown up all over again.

I've squeezed out a few one-of-a-kinds during my play time. I'll be posting these in the shop this week.

What do you do to blow off steam?

SUMMER colors 2010 - now available

2010-05-21T22:45:00.001-07:00

Beautiful oil-tanned leather. This leather is soft and durable, thick and lovely. Lots of markings give each piece a really unique and weathered look. I am in love. HELLO SUMMER!!

Available here.

Shell earrings on french earwires

2010-05-18T21:53:00.001-07:00

Shell earrings on french earwires, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

When my mom died a few years ago, I was bequeathed much of the contents of her jewelry studio. I haven't had the stomach to dig through those bins until recently.... and now I'm having THE BEST time playing with all of her old tools and materials. What a relief and oops, I forgot I know how to make jewelry!

Zippers are people too

2010-05-09T11:33:00.001-07:00

I have just been bursting with ideas lately, such a great feeling.

One theme I'm seeing in the new stuff is zippers. For a long time I've felt zippers were somehow a design "cheat". The drape and shape of a handbag "should" be clever enough to act as a secure closure. Maybe that kind of thinking is a bit too rigid.

Zippers are beautiful as a feature... especially these brass ones. More zippers to come!!

Will fashion miles, like food miles, come to be noted on hang-tags?

2010-04-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Love this idea that fashion (and most everything really) could be localized like food.

Large-scale manufacturing may “never be coming back,” to the garment district, as Ms. Marton of the Design Trust said. “But the idea that everything can be off-shored is an illusion,” she said, and not merely because lead times for foreign manufactured goods must be calculated in months and not the garment district’s weeks or days. “We, as a nation, are starting to recognize the cost of transportation.”

Is it just a matter of time before the ethos of localized food production hits fashion? Will fashion miles, like food miles, come to be noted on hang-tags, indicating the distance a garment travels from place of manufacture to point of sale? “We already have the capacity to produce in our backyard,” Ms. Marton said. “Treating it cavalierly is just bad for New York.”

From: Needle and Thread Still Have a Home
NY Times article
By, GUY TREBAY
Published: April 28, 2010

beagawk. poppytalk!

2010-04-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Scabby is participating in the poppytalk spring market. You can take a look here if you like.

These Canadians who run the show, have a really lovely design blog worth checking out.

Stuff grows.

2010-04-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

In my kitchen a few weeks ago, I noticed a random wildflower seed packet resting next to a small yellow pot filled with soil. That line must sound like a Martha Stewart intro, it’s not, let me explain. Really, the seed packet was some freebie craft schwag I picked up at a show years ago, and the pot of soil was a long dead 5 buck Trader Joe’s plant I had squandered. Anyway, I saw the seed packet and I saw the soil (and I probably scratched and tilted my head) and thought huh, I could put those two things together, add some water and leave them in the sunny spot on the counter.

Something might happen if I do this.

To me there was a good chance nothing would happen if I did this and I'd still be looking at plain old dirt come three weeks later. I can't say that this moment was particularly striking to me, I can't say I cared if the seeds sprouted and grew into something amazing like a cucumber plant or a rose bush or a beanstalk. I was just fine keeping my pot of dirt and my seed packet as two separate things. Two separate pieces of home detritus. But something sparked and I did follow through on that momentary idea. I did it and thought nothing more of it. I paid bills, I went on picnics, I worked in the studio, I went on with things as usual.

Well, just like we all learned in first grade, when you plant seeds and add water and sunlight, something does happen. Something very magical happens.

Stuff grows.

I walked into my kitchen last week and saw them, the teensiest little green curls rising out of the unknown ex-dead plant remains. I felt so HAPPY to see those little guys. I felt like it was my birthday and someone surprised me with that really special present I wanted and didn't even know I wanted. I was all yay and smiling and petting the little guys. Every day now I check on them and, wow, they're bigger and even more neato.

Here's a pic, I'm so proud.

I was amazed. I AM amazed that these little plants are making me so happy. That I could cross two pieces of house rubbish and end up with a treasure. My brain is now wrapped up in metaphors (what do these objects represent?) and questions about unseen potential (there’s probably some great opportunity in front of me right now that I’m just not ready to see) and decision making (how do you choose what to spend energy on?) and perception (are the best opportunities the ones we don’t define as opportunities?) and........ I pause. What it all comes down to is obvious.

Seeds + Soil = Happy Spring

So, I wish you a Happy Spring!

Cedar leather and the fog

2010-04-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

Working on the the Spring newsletter today, but took a break for some photos. The weather outside is a bit gray and I just love how this new leather highlights and shadows in the fog-diffused light.

Isabella Rossellini does shrimp sex ed

2010-03-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Enjoy craft + biology!!

Click here for video...

Delicately hating thin-skinned forest creatures

2010-03-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

**Weekend-er Update**

Besides delicately hating thin-skinned forest creatures (spent hours cursing the thread eating deerskin), I had a great time working on the new weekender bag. It's not quite ready for prime time, I still need to make some decisions about minor details, but I want to share these pics!

I think it's quite a lovely sample and I can't wait to see how the next version turns out.

...and check out all the features to boot!

Soft slouchy character
Large large capacity
Comfortable fit
Lightweight for it's size
Zip closure
Adjustable strap
Simple durable construction

AND, any ideas for a great bag name?

On naming colors

2010-03-14T11:57:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite parts of running the online portion of my biz, is naming colors for new products.
Mocha, roma, terracotta, plum, chestnut, black midnight, dijon, creamy tomato, slate, and on and on and on...

I want to capture the feel of the product, a little bit of the magic that makes "it" feel special. Maybe more importantly, I want to name each color something real, something tangible, something that is the color I'm describing. There are a lot of reds out there (ask revlon), but which red is my red? Which red best describes the thick rich leather, earthy feel, subtle sheen: ruby, poppy, roma, tomato, strawberry, blood?

I have a new one. A hard one to name.
A green that is thick and smooth and almost unearthly. It has a bit of a retro feel and also has warmth. Not quite fresh like spring herbs but a bit murkier... like it's underwater....

Sea anemone green

when you meet someone and just click

2010-02-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to design a clutch for a long long time now. After much toiling and thinking and overthinking (and anxiety) I finally got to it.

Now that I've made a few, I feel like the design has always been. Like that feeling you get when you meet someone and just click. Like you've known them your whole life - even though you haven't.

Raw caramel clutch

Buy my bikes!

2010-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I would see this homemade bike shop commercial on TV all the time. The owner of the bike shop (a guy in a bike helmet or silly costume) would yell deadpan "BUYMYBIKES!" Just like that, it was all one word. Sometimes he would jump when he yelled it. I still remember that catchy slogan so maybe it'll be a good one for my new scrap listings in my esty shop.

Buy my scraps!
I love to find new ways to transform my scrap material into new pieces for my collection. My scrap trunk is overflowing so it's time to share the wealth!! Heck, you can make your own scabby knockoff pieces (just don't tell me about it).

- scabby SALE -

2010-01-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

I'm in one of those great moods where it feels OK to let things go. I'm going nuts clearing out closets and delivering to goodwill.

2010 needs some space!!

I'll be selling samples/experiments/general inventory at DEEP discounts in my etsy shop. I'll be listing 20-30 items at 8am this Friday.

**3 days only** Sale starts this Friday morning 1/15 @ 8am PT.
Check it out!!

Hwy 1 - Skylines

2010-01-03T20:31:00.001-08:00

Took a few days after Christmas to drive home up Highway 1. Too bad I had to to do all the driving (solo) or I would have been able to gape out the window the whole ride.

It's amazing to me that the same sky and sea can have so many different looks.

Just south of Big Sur

Pacific Grove

A bit north of Monterey

Caramel - leather billfold

2009-12-18T09:20:00.001-08:00

Caramel - leather billfold, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

I've been holding onto this billfold to keep for personal collection... my personal collection is ridiculous though. Enjoy!

Buy now here.

Interview with HandBago.com

2009-12-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

New scabby interview with Nicole Leigh at HandBago.com.

Thanks Nicole! Interview was fun!!

Caramel - leather billfold

2009-11-30T18:51:00.001-08:00

Caramel - leather billfold, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Heavy weight caramel brown leather.

Caramel billfold with snap closure, raw leather edge detail.

Perfect size for the basics: folded cash, change, credit cards.

Overall measurements approximately 6.5" x 4.25"

Can be purchased online here.

L Wedge tote - mocha

2009-11-27T16:13:00.001-08:00

L Wedge tote - mocha, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Mocha leather - thick and buttery soft.

Sewed up a bunch of new items lately and had a photoshoot this morning. I'll be posting the below over the next couple of days:

Totes
10" wedge tote - Black plum pigskin (crisp, satin sheen)
13" wedge tote - Pumpkin cordura (medium weight woven, soft raw eges)

Billfolds
Zipper billfold - Chestnut goatskin leather with olive zip
Snap billfold - Caramel leather with raw edge

A herd of leather Loops
A bushel of Pocket Wallets

Blue pearl wedge tote

2009-11-21T09:26:00.001-08:00

Just enough leather for 3 of these pretties. For purchase here.

Blue pearl wedge tote, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Wall-e

2009-10-27T06:43:00.001-07:00

Wall-e, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Wall-e is complete! I had so much fun making this, I'm a little sad it's over.

Paprika & azure zipper billfold

2009-10-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Split compartment pouch.
Chunky azure zipper on thick paprika red suede.
Available in my shop.

Burnt caramel leather

2009-09-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful new burnt caramel leather. Dark brown base color with lighter caramel mottled finish. For sale here.

Slim backpack - NEW item!

2009-09-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

I've been having the design equivalent of writers' block for awhile now. Seems like reorganizing the studio is helping to clear all sorts of cobwebs. I had a blast constructing this new slim backpack - I may even make more:)

UPDATE 10/2: Strap adjust hardware is taking forever to arrive. I'm eager to get a few of these stitched up and sent out into the world! Any leather requests? I'm considering sienna, burnt caramel, pepper green....

Richard Barnes - Animal Logic

2009-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I love these Richard Barnes photos. How fascinating to solve the problem... how do I crate & ship these taxidermied antelopes?

A bit of his bio:

Throughout the 1990s Barnes worked as the photographer for the joint Yale/University of Pennsylvania excavations at Abydos, Egypt. This experience led him to consider the ways in which we think about and depict the past. Using architecture and the artifacts of excavation, he considers the interaction of past cultures and the way in which they are preserved and interpreted in the present.

You can't fool drool...

2009-09-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

she's got a knack for catch phrases - love her!

New Hubble photos- wow!

2009-09-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Wedge tote - palamino

2009-08-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

And here it is.. all stiched up.

Buy one here.

Wedge tote - palamino, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Just for fun!

2009-07-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

So guess what I did over the weekend?! I sewed something just for fun and it felt great. This gold leather needed some attention. (imagine a whole blingy cow like this...)

RCF 2009 - conquered

2009-07-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came by my booth this weekend!
Good times good times.

This is what I look like when I try to whistle at the Renegade Craft Fair.

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Arrested Development - omg!

2009-07-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

I was in love HARD with the show Arrested Development. It's one of those relationships I'll never really get over.

But but but.. there is one last hurra - an AR documentary! I just hope it will be great and that I won't walk out away from watching it, with my head hanging, internal dialog saying "wah waaah.. too bad little girl"

Nonono. It's going to be AWESOME. Chin up.

Granite leather tote

2009-06-24T16:33:00.001-07:00

IMG_2405, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Love love love this new leather. It was an odd lot I picked up ages ago... WISH I had more. Just enough for two 10" totes. I'm waffling about where to post them though; maybe on the new official scabby store? (launch coming soon, I promise!) Holler if you're interested in pre-ordering one (or both).

Indie-Mart 2009

2009-06-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

Indie Art Mart 2009 - 23, originally uploaded by The Enabler.

Thanks to everyone who came by my table at the Indie Mart yesterday!
It was a gorgeous day to be outside in SF!!

More pics (though I can't take credit for them:))

The Uniform Project - 1 dress 365 days

2009-06-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Check this out. I can't find the woman's name who is doing the dress-wearing, but no matter. The concept is Albert Einstein meets Brooklyn hipster. Cute angle on combining sustainability, social consciousness, and fashion.... and she seems to be getting a good amount of press - So far she's raised over $1500!!

The Uniform Project
1 dress 365 days

"I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion."

Nude zip pouch

2009-06-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Remember how I'm all into raw edges and stuff? How I love the softness that comes from those raveled cut threads?
Well, I want to see if I can get into a more finished edge as well.

Seams are serged so no raveling, and I even installed the zipper in the standard way. Whoa.

Let's call this lil guy the tiniest experiment.

Pepper leather tote

2009-06-09T12:41:00.001-07:00

Pepper leather tote, originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

This pepper green leather is something else.

Gorgeous right? All shiny and thick - lots of body.

Oooo aaahhhh... click here to buy.

Rusty suede clutch

2009-06-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

New clutch in thick rust suede.
Layered strips of crisp warm gray denim run 'round the body of this luxe clutch.
Lovely texture and awesome details.

Coming soon to an etsy shop near you.

Did you know dads like scabs?

2009-05-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

Did you know these slim leather wallets I make are an excellent apparatus for carrying simple stuff like a few cards and some cash?

Did you know they are a great gift for dads' day?

Did you know they're only 16 bucks each?

And did you know I offer free shipping within the US for this item?

Click here to check out the selection in my shop.

Academic Motorcycle Mechanic

2009-05-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

If I haven't already mentioned, I have an office job: pushing papers, pressing buttons, and answering phone calls. "Playing office" as I loved to do as a kid, is remarkably similar to getting paid to work in one as an adult. The adult version is somehow not as much fun, but then again, what game could possibly continue to be fun after playing it over and over again 5 days a week in 8 hour stints. Ok, maybe Risk (though I've never played)? or some variation on D&D if you're into that. Even then, after a year or so, it's played out and you're ready for a new game. To keep going with it, you've gotta rewrite some rules, or invite more players, or... turn it into a drinking game. Am I right?

I'm ready to play something else. I'm looking for a mentor or role-model... or what would be an appropriate equivalent to keep up with my game metaphor... a dungeon master? eesh. Let's say role model. Matthew B. Crawford, the author of the below NYT magazine article, is going on my list.

His article reminds me that it's actually wise to recognize your joy and your best skills and put them to work in the world. Enjoy!

line excerpts from:The Case for Working With Your Hands

"As I sat in my ... office, Fred’s life as an independent tradesman gave me an image that I kept coming back to: someone who really knows what he is doing, losing himself in work that is genuinely useful and has a certain integrity to it. He also seemed to be having a lot of fun."

"A good job requires a field of action where you can put your best capacities to work and see an effect in the world."

"The work is sometimes frustrating, but it is never irrational."

I'm quoting Conan O'Brien

2009-05-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

From a New York Times magazine article published today. Conan O'Brien is talking about his upcoming move to The Tonight Show. I felt a real camaraderie when he was quoted with this line about purity and hard work. He's captured 3 huge points that have been on my mind, in a second and a half of breath.

Be true, work hard, have fun.

"...you have to stake out what you think is right, you have to put out that signal, make sure it’s pure and then do it and do it and do it and know that they will come. And if they don’t, you have to pack up your bags and say: ‘I enjoyed my time here. Sorry it didn’t work out.’ But the biggest mistake would be to alter my signal to make sure that I reach all these different people. Because then you’re lost.”

(My inner nerd loves the unintened pun about "packing up your bags")

I have something to say & El Travel Pouch

2009-05-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

Browsing through my recent posts, I can see a pattern. I'm ready for new. I'm ready for change. I'm ready for fresh ideas to wash around me and through me and out my fingertips. I've been buying lots of new materials lately.. like I'm greedy for them. I also feel impatient for more time to make these new things happen.
This feeling comes over me from time to time... a work frenzy. I could stay in, away from human contact for weeks I think.. and work and sew and listen to great music and have a dance party by myself and sew some more. I compare it to the way you hear about writers holing up in a cabin in the woods for months at a time... to just focus on writing... and working... and releasing the jittery frenzied excitement of ideas.

I want that but don't have it yet. I had Saturday and Sunday rather.

Saturday was all about crispy whites. See below post for pics of those new summer bags. Sunday was all about El Travel Pouch.

Let me tell you about El Travel Pouch.

El Travel Pouch is that simple little bag you want when you're touring the locomotive museum in Georgia, or checking out art at the Guggenheim, or just hanging out drinking a bucket of beers in Mexico. It's that bag that is not too big, not too small, fits close to your body, and holds the basics: small camera, wallet, pen, notepad. It's got a firm little hidden snap closure (cause ya know vacation equals pickpockets.. gypsies and babies etc etc). That's it. You wake up at 9:30 some Wednesday morning (cause you're on vacation, remember), put on comfy shoes, weird vacation clothes (I don't know why we don't wear our regular clothes when we travel), and El Travel Pouch. Can you see it? I can see it. You are organized. You are free. Now get out there and see some sights.

I'll be posting these guys soon in my etsy shop for $38 each (I've made 5 total, pic 2 shows them all). If you'd like to reserve one, leave a note in the comments or send me an email.

Crispy nude canvas bookbag

2009-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

All this sunshine has me in WHITES mode. I'll be posting this guy and two matching canvas wedge totes this week in my shop.

Stone gray leather - NEW!!

2009-05-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

Stone gray leather wedge tote 14", originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

I just scored a nice hide in this pretty pretty new stone gray leather. I think this first tote is a beauty!

Drop me a note if you'd like a tote of your very own:)

Or check out the latest in my etsy shop:
scabbyrobot.etsy.com

Isabella Rossellini does whale sex ed

2009-04-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

Check out the rest of this series on the Sundance Channel site here.

Slant-o-matic has a brother

2009-04-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

This li'l guy really cooks.
I'm serge greedy already.

Wedge tote - Muscovado 14"

2009-04-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

Wedge tote - Muscovado 14", originally uploaded by scabbyrobot.

Coming soon to my etsy shop!!

My NPR name is Pennjy Yelapa

2009-04-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of Havi Brooks and her sidekick Selma. Today on their blog, they mention how to create your own NPR name.. Of course I'm a big nerd and quickly started scrawling all the options. Pennjy Yelapa (for those of you who don't know me, Jill is actually my middle name) is easily the BEST. I love it.

What's your NPR name?

To make your own NPR name, you stick your middle initial somewhere into your first name. Your new last name is the smallest foreign town you’ve ever been to.

This is Pennjy Yelapa for NPR news...

Robyn Glaser, will you be mine?

2009-04-15T15:13:00.001-07:00

>
I'm at the day job, killing time on el internet, when, through a series of clickity clacks, I come upon Robyn Glaser's web page. She describes herself as a PROP STYLIST, SET DESIGNer • CONCEPT AND CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT person.

Love:

http://robynglaser.com/

Interview with About.com

2009-03-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

This interview with Kori Ellis from About.com was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Thanks Kori!

NEW ITEM :: Small simple bookbag

2009-03-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Small simple bookbag.

Slouchy, super soft denim.

Smokey gray, brushed cotton-denim accented with tomato red stitch detail. Bottom is a durable dark brown leather. Seams are singular, straight and simple; edges will fringe and soften over time like your favorite pair of cutoffs.

Comfortable wide strap, two exterior pockets (perfect for sunglasses and cell) and three interior pockets (great for well-organized bits of debris, your collection of combs and unfilled brightly colored latex balloons).

Deep bag measuring about 10"w x 10"h x 5"d. Overall drop 24". Worn beautifully on the shoulder or across the body.

It’s not the economy.

2009-03-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wonderful insightful blog post fro The Fluent Self about the economy and perception. Here's a snippet:

Yes, the economy is crappy. You know what’s really crappy though?

That otherwise smart, goodhearted, well-meaning people start a business out of a labor of love, and no one tells them about the part where you have to learn how to run a business.

Which includes stuff like being visible. Telling me what’s special about you. Being as you as you can be — out loud — so that your Right People (hello, I’m one of them!) can tell people about you.

The fact that these wonderful people who start businesses don’t know how to do that is understandable. I mean, argh, it’s not as though someone sits down and explains it to you when you start your business.

Scabby has a new (virtual) home

2009-03-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

He's still moving in, but boy are we excited!

Soon to be scabbyrobot.com.... work in progress is at http://scabbyrobot.squarespace.com

Come by and sign the guest book why don't you..

Oiled and dirty

2009-03-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

I've been procrastinating to clean and oil old slant-o-matic for TOO long.
This weekend I spent some quality time with the old lady.

Dusting with a small paint brush all the crevices
Wiping down the body with a rag
Applying tiny drops of oil to her moving parts

...I'm reminded all over again why I love her:)

She's purring like a kitten.
And so am I.

BMAC local write up

2009-02-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/entertainment/20090215_Craft_Market_at_Convention_Center.html

Scabby Booth BMAC 2009

2009-02-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

Come see Scabby Robot in booth 1732 at the BMAC show 2/13-2/16

Philadelphia Buyers Market Show

2009-01-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

I'm taking the plunge into the land of serious wholesale. Next month you can see me showing east coast style:

Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft Show
@ the Pennsylvania Convention Center
February 13-16

*I have a handful of guest passes I can share. Drop me a note if you'd like to claim one or two.

Anusara yoga

2008-12-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

This is beautiful!

Tanutara: Making of the Anusara Syllabus Poster from Ross Evans on Vimeo.

Been makin' stuff

2008-12-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

Player's choice

2008-12-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

I tend to be shy about custom requests, but these leather rings are so fun to make!

You give me three bits of info and I make you a ring to order:

1. ring size
2. leather color preference
3. thread color preference (or rivet if you'd rather)

Order one here

Ready Made Mag - Holiday Show Thursday!!

2008-12-02T10:33:00.001-08:00

I'll be here schlepping my scabby wares. Come say hello!

Live puppy cam!!

2008-11-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Even when they're sleeping they're captivating!

Check out the clips!

2008-11-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Totes totes and more totes. And check out these snappy new clips I found!

RIP elphie

2008-11-22T09:53:00.001-08:00

RIP my sweet li'l point 'n shoot. You gave me many great photos. I'm sorry that your telescoping lens will not retract. I'm sorry I had to put you down.

I will put a coin over your eye, though I know it will be no comfort.

More totes in Large!

2008-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Large and red and mighty

2008-11-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

I have been so productive this weekend getting ready for the next show-
12 bags sewn!!

Upcoming holiday show!

2008-11-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

Come on out to the east bay for some local-made holiday shopping.
I'll be toting totes- say hi!!

BG Craft Fest
11/15, 12-5pm

Bedford Gallery
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, CA
bedfordgallery.org

Bluestone is so pretty

2008-10-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

Large wedge tote - Finally!

2008-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've always meant to make the wedge tote in size Large. Now that I've got other things to procrastinate, this project somehow floated to the top of my todo list (my apartment has been deep cleaned, my fingernails are neatly trimmed, and my taxes are done too). Avoiding that big show application....eesh.

Standard size hangs left, large size hangs right.

Large wedge measures: 13"w x 11"h. 22" overall drop.

Woonderful wool (and suede)

2008-10-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

My computer is back from the dead! and I am back to work!!

Obama fundraiser

2008-09-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

One of my scabby totes will be participating in a silent auction to raise dough for the Obama campaign.

Come on by if you're in Oakland:

Unite America: Obama for President
10/4/08
7pm-midnight
2865 Broadway at 29th

Cappuccino bookbag

2008-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Granola is delicious

2008-08-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Besides sewing... I love to experiment in the kitchen and food blogs are my favorite resource.
Today was granola day... pretty tasty stuff and not too sweet! Recipe is here.

Toasty goodness.

Turns out it's super easy to make your own applesauce (anytime or for your granola making needs). All you do is boil the chopped up apples and press them through a colander.

Yummy with some vanilla yogurt!

A couple of totes for the week

2008-08-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

leather momma

2008-07-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Got a hot tip about some local leather... new leather goodies coming soon.....

RCF was great!

2008-07-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Some pics from the show this weekend. (No I don't know who that man in green is... rubbing his hands together in bwa-ha-ha fashion).

It was a great show and man am I exhausted.
Still though, I think I'll hide on the internet until holiday season.....

Where we do what we do

2008-07-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

I love love love seeing other folks' studios. Neato website for just such thing! Just uploaded mine tonight...

Where we do what we do.

More on laptops

2008-07-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

My second laptop bag sample.
Maybe it would be nice with a strap? I just ordered some webbing...

Ok ok already! I'll make some laptop bags. For pete's sake...

2008-06-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've begun experimenting with a laptop bag design!
My goal is to have the structure worked out in the next few days so I can have a bunch ready for the RCF in two weeks.

Here's the sample I'm working on today.. fits my iBook nicely.

Renegade Craft Fair

2008-06-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Another fair this summer!
Come on down!!

... we'll be at Fort Mason in SF July 12 & 13...

scabby robot has a mistress

2008-06-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

I Love etsy... I say it all the time.

It's not cheating to check out other online marketplaces though, right? We're going through an experimental phase....

This one supermarket seems like a nice place for me to post made-to-order items.

but shhhh... don't tell etsy

Other folks' blogs

2008-06-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

A lovely entry from fabulous fabulous (thank you!!)

Craft Magazine blogged my Abe Lincoln wallet (yay!)

Ayetch covets one of my rings (though some chick says my skin looks gross....)

A very cool idea.. Dottyral from Etsy interviewed me "post featured seller". Read it here on her July 3, 2008 entry.

And my ex-roomie Jen (ain't she the sweetest! and she just taught me how to make these links)

I highly recommend...

2008-06-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

being a featured seller on etsy.com. Really, if you get the chance, say YES.

It was AWESOME!!

(Here's where I continue to brag..) This picture here was taken the moment I realized just how awesome.

Last week I was out of the country on a Mexican beach vacation. My goals were to drink beer via buckets and eat lots of seafood. No doubt, mission accomplished. Said Friday, when my Etsy interview had just been published, I was stretched out on a chaise lounge, gabbing with my pals, and considering how many sips DOES it take to get to the center of a corona? I realized at that moment my interview was up and that I was actually earning money while on vacation. How great is that?!?!

Yet one more reason why I love Etsy.

Esty featured seller!

2008-05-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to say that Etsy.com has selected me to be their featured seller beginning Friday, May 30th.

Check out the interview
Check out the pics of my studio

Here it is!
http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?featured_user_id=63794

Note on sustainability and materials

2008-05-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

Several people approached me at the fair last weekend wondering about my materials, their sustainability, and my thoughts on the topic. I've spent a few years pondering this on my own and this blog seems like a great place to chatter away about my ideas.

Sustainability is about balanced energy consumption. A truly sustainable product provides/harnesses as much energy as is used to create it. Until our backpacks and cellphones can harness wind or solar energy, these consumer items can never truly be sustainable, but we can work towards that goal by designing a product life cycle that reduces energy consumption.

Every "made" item has a life cycle: a birth, a life, and a death. Every product that exists came from raw materials that naturally occur on earth. This is obvious, but I think we forget that there are not aluminum can producing trees nor are there waterfalls of woven silk. If we as makers can reduce the amount of energy used in the entire life cycle of our products, we are on the responsible track towards sustainability.

It's not as simple as only using recycled or reused materials. We also need to think about the original manufacture of our materials (local made? energy efficient mining/manufacturing processes?), the transport of our materials (long shipping routes require fuel), our efficiency in using our materials (reducing scrap), and the end of life for our product materials (reuse? donation? landfill?).

This thinking has led me to focus on creating unique, locally supplied, well-crafted, durable goods that will have long lives. I use biodegradable materials (from local sources) which amazingly can be composted (for those items broken or worn out), and I strongly suggest donation for those items that can no longer be stored.

I'm also a fan of making new items from waste. All of my small leather goods are created from upholstery scrap and my designs for woven materials are inspired by the notion of "no waste." I tend towards boxy shapes so as to avoid the creation of oddly shaped, hard-to-use scraps. And those oddly shaped scraps I do end up with find a place in patchworked pieces. Only fabric crumbs and thread trimmings find their way into the bin. Woo-hoo!

The reason I left my job in industrial design was that I felt bad every day about the negative environmental impact that I was supporting with my work. I feel like I've accomplished something meaningful that I've found my design niche. I can create and experiment and sell and every day feel good.

It was great!

2008-05-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Check it out. I won a prize.
That's right, I showed my wares at the Maker Faire this weekend and the editor of CRAFT magazine liked my stuff enough to give me an "editor's choice" award. I feel just like I felt in 6th grade when I won first prize at the science fair: stupidly smiley.

The fair was a blast... must have been 100,000 people there. I sold a good amount and learned a bunch.

I learned that some kids like to bury their little fingers in display containers full of dried peas... and other kids like to collect all the spilled peas and carefully put them back into the display. Perfect symbiosis.

Man, I'm exhausted

2008-04-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek!

I've been sewing in every off moment I've had for the past month to get prepared for the Maker Faire May 3-4. I hope I made enough stuff.

Maker Faire!

2008-04-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

I'm so very excited, I've been accepted as a vendor at this year's Maker Faire!

If you're not familiar with all the spledicity of this event, check out the link below. MAKE magazine / CRAFT magazine puts on this science meets art indoor outdoor extravaganza. It takes over the entire San Mateo fairgrounds and last for two days.

Come check me out in person if you like.

San Mateo Fairgrounds
2495 S Delaware St
San Mateo, CA 94403

Bizarre Bazaar area
May 3-4, 10am-5pm.

So much fun!

http://makerfaire.com/