Lisa Stewart Introduces Steampunk to Piedmont Craftsmen

When Piedmont Craftsmen posted a creative call to their artists, we answered. It’s an opportunity for us as artists to generate a one of a kind piece only limited to imaginations. The theme of this call is “Things with Wings.”

I found myself responding to the call with an idea of doing some kind of DaVinci meets paper air planes mashup on the inside of a techbag. As soon as I thought I was finished with that description, my genius came out of no where and hit me in the back of the head with a frying pan. “Or….” I continued, “I could create a really cool little clutch. Think Mercury’s Wings meet Steampunk.” Nicole responded with intrigue.

Honestly, I had no idea where that came from but I knew exactly how it was to look.

My Piece: “Mercury’s Wings”

With all of the trapping of the subgenre steampunk, this leather clutch includes a tiny compass, magnifying glass, and vintage key. It also includes a small brochure with clues on how to reunite Mercury and his missing wings.

Do you like adventures? If you’d like to learn more about how to solve the riddle, please join us at the gallery -I’d love to meet you.

Things with Wings
Friday, May 4
Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery
Winston-Salem, NC
7-9p

PS. If you’d like to read a little behind the scenes and a few spoiler reveals, you can read them here on my personal blog.

Goggles On!
Lisa & Andrew

UPDATE: Mercury’s Wings – Found Objects

We’re not sure if these objects are related to Missing Mercury or his wings. If any of these objects belong to you or if you know the owner of any of them, please contact the authorities straight away.

Over the course of this weekend past, we received an unmarked package with the following objects enclosed:

• A small key with black cord (we believe it is silk)
• A tiny magnifying glass with same black cord
• A postcard postmarked 1936 from an airship called the Hindenberg
• Small Parchment with several strange rubbings
• Large parchment with orientation symbols, and strange large industrial watermarks

Please refer to the articles photographed in the image below

Again, we’re looking for the whereabouts of Mercury. If you know any information that can locate both he and his winged sandals, please alert the authorities. We will continue to bring you late breaking news as it arrives.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Lisa & Andrew

Special Project: In Search of Mercury’s Wings

Once, there was a god of trade, thieves, & travel name Mercury. Inventor of the lyre and seen with the caduceus, it was told that he wore winged sandals as a messenger to guide and protect merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.

However, one morning when Mercury happened upon a market, he found himself in the middle of a heated exchange. With an instant, Mercury disappeared and his wings torn from his feet.

We’re looking for the whereabouts of Mercury. If you know any information that can locate both he and his winged sandals, please alert the authorities. We will continue to bring you late breaking news as it arrives.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Lisa & Andrew

Lisa Stewart Introduces Suede Square Pouch for Square Reader and iPod Shuffle

Never lose a sale with our new SquareUp Reader Pouch.

Or perhaps this should read, “Never lose your tunes with our new iPod Shuffle Square Pouch?”

Either way, this nifty little Square Pouch will port your ability to take credit cards or music in style.

For Entrepreneurs

If you’re running a small business, chances are you’ve got to take credit cards. In this day-in-age, carrying only my debit card is the easiest thing in the world and I prefer that over cash every day -I bet you do, too.

The SquareUp application for mobile devices is taking credit cards by storm. Eliminating the middle man (your bank), this little gem is the easiest solution to your merchant account woes. If you have one, you know it and love it. If you don’t, feel free to read my article on INDIECreatives (link coming soon) outlining the benefits of this square beauty.

Meanwhile, I know all about the burden of managing the whereabouts of my SquareUp device and the issues that come with keeping it tethered as I do business at large.  I could keep it in my cash box but I rarely reach for it, not to mention, it’s inaccessible. I’d rather not run through a crowd of people leisurely shopping my wearable art to the back of the booth just to open the cash box just to get the device. While a great utility, it has the penchant of poking me as I try to hold it or shove it anywhere against my body -a thoroughly unpleasant event to be held in public- trust me.

If I don’t have pockets, where do I put my square?

The solution: The Suede Square Snap Pouch with Clasp. 

If you’re a dog walker, you can clip this to your phone tote. If you’re a piano teacher, an interior designer, an on-call vet, anyone who is typically mobile in their small business will love this attachment to keep their SquareUp device handy.

“After looking at several options on the Web, your Square pouch is very classy.” states James V. a recent purchaser. “I’m going to hang your postcard on our company’s bulletin board for other employees to buy.”

“This is a-dorable!” exclaims Amy, a new devotee of the Square Pouch. “I’m going to hang this on my Tech bag!” Naturally, this systematic approach Amy takes to life is typical as she builds her Fobot army.

The Square Pouch comes in a variety of colors sure to please your preferred color palate (red, green, blue, brown, gold, to start) and are one-of-a-kind as they’re utilizing the scraps from our bigger projects. More importantly, this savvy snap pouch is great to clasp onto anything to keep it safe and stylish -and never lose that sale.

Buy Your SquareUp Pouch Here

Not an Entrepreneur? No worries music fans, we’ve got you covered, too.

Entrepreneurs aren’t the only ones looking for a Square Pouch, according to a recent discussion with my friend Amy, music fans of the iPod shuffle are too. According to Amy, “Husbands have the propensity to ask wives to carry their stuff just because she wears a handbag,” she explains, “and this is why I never carry one.”

I know how she feels. Sometimes, when my husband wears his man bag, I’ll start handing him my two DSLRs, girly supplies, and a half-eaten sandwich to carry -just to see his reaction.

“So, one evening while we were closing up our tent at a recent art show,” Amy begins “Phil asks if I’ll save his mp3 player in my handbag. I point to it sitting in a dark corner of the booth and he tosses it over in that general direction.” Hmm… this doesn’t sound good. “Later that evening, he dumps my handbag out in the middle of the hotel room bed eagerly looking for his tunes,” she continues. “We never found it and I’m thinking he tossed it under the bushes for a dog to find.”

Oh, good luck finding that one again.

Hold This!
Does this sound familiar? “Can you hold this?”

Husbands and kids alike are always going to the matriarch in the family to hold things. “Can you hold my hat? Can you hold my headphones? Can you hold my… (zip! goes the vinyl record needle)” This just in: Mom isn’t your beast of burden, y’all.

For the music buffs in your family, the Square Pouch comes in a variety of colors sure to please anyone. This savvy and adorable pouch is great to clasp onto anything you can find to keep it safe, stylish and off mom. Showing your loved ones how to be self-sufficent is a snap.

Buy Your Square iPod Shuffle Pouch Here

All handcrafted in our Raleigh, NC studio, it’s a seriously sleek solution to maintaining your individual style.

We know you’ll hanging this Square Pouch on your gear.
Lisa

Cultivating Your Sophisticated Style With Lisa Stewart Fine Art & Gifts.

New Product: Leather & Sterling Silver Loop Earrings

New in the shop this Fall are our colorful carved leather loop earrings.

Unique like you, this fabulous pair of leather loop earrings makes an edgy statement like no other.

Handpainted and carved leather highlights Lisa’s calligraphic line and hang from a sterling ear wire. Water resistant and feather weight, you’ll forget you’re wearing them!

(click each image to enlarge)

Unique Lisa Stewart Design
Hand Crafted Leather
Half inch long
Sterling Silver Earwire
Ships in ECStewart Gift Box

Many color choices. Some say “too many.”

Shop now for your Leather Loop Earrings.

Handmade in our studio. No two are alike.

Enjoy your new statement.
Lisa

New: Boston Convertible Crossbody Tote

New from the workshop: Stand and deliver with our new Boston Convertible Box Bottom Tote!

This convertible design will work the way you do, plus:

• fits a laptop or ipad
• space for flat files or magazines
• adjustable strap with detachable clips
• our trademark calligraphic imagery found inside or outside

What do you think? Would you buy this bag?

Please share your thoughts! We want to know what you think!

Come see their debut at Artsplosure!

Cultivating Your Sophisticated Style,
Lisa

New: TechStyle Bag

Look what we’ve been developing in the workshop! A TECHStyle bag for geeks!

While this is in prototype stage, we want to get your feedback. We’re geeks and we know what we like. We want to make sure we create what you like, too.

This all-in-one sleek design will:

• protect your gear in style
• the design is narrow, not wide
• graduated pockets for easy accessibility
• special pocket for your iPad, nook, or kindle
• pocket for laptop
• space for flat files
• pocket for journal
• the strap is adjustable with detachable clips
• our trademark calligraphic imagery is a surprise on the inside

Please comment, we want to know what you think.

Cultivating Your Sophisticated Style,
Lisa

Little Italy iPad Leather Sleeve -new!

Are you looking for a way to streamline your style and become the envy of your friends? We’ve been having some fun enfolding our iPads in luxe comfort and wanted to share our designs with you!

Distinctive and polished, this Little Italy iPad cover will help protect your iPad tucked safely in your bag or by your bedside.

Sumptuous leather in butterscotch and bourbon -what could be more enticing?

Makes a great gift for him, her, and any geekophile on your list!

Little Italy iPad Sleeve

New: Black Ink Midtown Mobile iPhone Case

We’ve just created a sleek new single-sided Mobile iPhone tote for polished professionals. Soft, supple Italian Leather featuring Lisa’s kanji mark, this keeps your phone handy as you snap it in your gym bag, your tech bag, or tuck your phone & subway pass take Fido for that much needed walk.

Great for busy guys, dog walkers, entrepreneurs, gym rats, and golfers!

Under $30, this inventive accessory makes a great gift.

SneakPeek: Pure Breed Dog Woven Accessories

The second SneakPeek surprise is our Pure Breed Dogs -front and center!!

Pure Breed Dogs Woven Throws, Pillows, Bags, Totes, Table Runners, Placemats and more will be available to purchase very, very soon!

My sophisticated arts & crafts pure breed dog designs on beautifully woven home decor and personal accessories are finally here! These new pieces just thrill me and can’t wait to show them off! I know you’ve been waiting a very long time for them -so hold tight!!

Which one do you want?

SneakPeek: CalligraphyCats Woven Accessories

Last week we walked the NYIGF to spot trends and friends. Low and behold, our CalligraphyCats and Pure Breed Dogs were front and center!!

CalligraphyCats Woven Throws, Pillows, Bags, Totes and more will be available to purchase very very soon!

My elegant and sophisticated CalligraphyCat designs on beautifully woven home decor and personal accessories are finally here! I’m over the moon with these new pieces and I know you’ve been waiting a very long time for them!! The products will be up to purchase very soon, so hold tight!!

Which one do you want?

CalligraphyCats Woven Leather Tote

Have you seen these beauties?

We’ve finally done it! We’ve crafted a gorgeous leather tote featuring the CalligraphyCats!! I’m so excited to show you this roomy and smart looking West Village Tote. This is a brand new tote design we summoned back in February and decided we needed to include the CalligraphyCats in this adventure.

About this West Village: A sophisticated yet casual style allows every woman to pack her laptop, magazines, and lunch in this elegant woven fabric and leather handcrafted tote with metal fittings and large zipper internal pocket.

This bag is also showcased at the Rennie & Rose Booth #7448 at the NYIGF.

Shop CalligraphyPets Woven Leather Tote
Want to carry this in your shop? Contact Lisa.

Sneak Peak: Tiny Green Leaf Suede with Distressed Buckskin Leather

While you’re out sunning yourself silly, Andrew and I have been trying to stay cool in our workshop building hot new accessories for you!

We asked if you wanted a sneak peak and you answered with a resounding yes -so enjoy!

We found a hide of distressed buckskin leather and wanted to match it with a deep sumptuous suede. The buckskin is so incredibly soft and supple, we can’t stop fondling it. Capitalizing on the leaf pattern, we’ve created a tiny silhouette pattern that just sings with subtlety. You have to see this in person to appreciate the sheen of this new calligraphic image.

We’re taking these to NYC with us this weekend and introducing them to our favorite gallery -we know she’ll love them. We’ll let you know what she says and when you can begin purchasing them from her.

Have a great week!

ECStewart Designs Helps You Show Your Unique Fashion Chic with Innovative, Limited-Edition Leather and Suede Accessories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lisa Stewart (919) 271-0668 or Andrew Hayden (919) 782-1755

ECStewart Designs Helps You Show Your Unique Fashion Chic with Innovative, Limited-Edition Leather and Suede Accessories

The Core of This Wearable Art Collection are Hand-crafted, Limited-Edition Handbags, Unique Fashion Belts and Accessories

February 8, 2010 – Raleigh, North Carolina – It all starts with art and flourishes from there. ECStewart Designs today rolled out the core of its 2010 Paisley Collection of Leather and Suede fashion accessories. Based on timeless designs and built around a selection of unique, limited-edition handbags, the 2010 ECStewart line embodies the designers belief that you can take fine art with you where ever you go.

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