NATURAL COLOURS AND DYEING

As you can see in my last blog post I have been experimenting with natural dyes. The dyes are all plant based and different parts of plants can be used as dyestuffs, like barks, roots, leaves and flowers.. To set the colours and make them more lightfast I treat the fabrics with mordants, which can be certain kinds of salts for example.

It's quite a labour intensive process. Especially considering that I don't have a water supply in my studio.
But I love doing it, it's quite meditative and I love seeing the results.

I will start offering a few items, such as dresses and women's and men's t-shirts in my Webshop, in the beginning in a few different colours. Right now I have yellow, sand, brown and grey available and I'm also experimenting with different shades of purple.

I'll post some experiments and results on my facebook page too, so, if you haven't already "liked" it, you can do that now.

The first item I listed in my webshop is this beautiful men's t-shirt I made from an organic sweatshirt fabric and dyed in this absolutely lovely yellow colour. There is also a slight tie dye optic to most hand dyed items. Colours and patterns vary in each item and make them truly unique.

Will be posting more soon, keep updated here on my blog or on facebook or my webshop.

DYE GARDENS AND WITCH KITCHENS

If you are following me on Facebook, you might know I've recently gotten quite interesting in natural dyeing. I went to a workshop a while ago and then dedicated a corner in my studio to playing around with natural dyes as well. With shelf, cookers and big pots and everything.

My dye shelf. It's cute, but it should be BIGGER!

It's a lot of fun and I feel like a witch, stirring these big pots with twigs that I've found outside. In German we would say it's like a "Hexenküche" - a "witch kitchen". It's also really meditative.

Omg, I couldn't get enough of those scarves.
Unfortunately they are silk and I don't don't use silk, coz not vegan.

I've tried a couple of things, but don't have the time right now to commit myself to it more. Eventually I want to sell a couple of things - clothes that I've found or made, dyed with natural plants.

At the weekend I vistited one of my friends in her dye garden. She started it together with a couple of other women at the Allmende Gardens at the Tempelhof Airport which closed down only a few years ago.

Luscious!

It was the most beautiful late summer day (you get a lot of sun at the airport field when it's sunny, coz no trees!) and the beautiful, natural coloured textiles looked so vibrant flowing in the wind. I don't even think the pictures do them justice. They looked amazing!!

I was very impressed what these ladies had done in half a year. Really great!

And I also got some tickseed seeds, which I'm trying to grow on my window sill now. 

Aren't those colours beautiful?

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMICS

Just wanted to give you an update of what I’m doing.

I have been in Germany exactly for one year and two days now. I LOVE IT!! I’m so glad I’m back!

I’ve met up with old friends, met lots of great new people, went to places in Berlin I hadn’t been before, some of them didn’t even exist when I left, went to workshops, moved a couple of times, got a studio, then got a new studio, made things, did a business course, wrote a business plan, changed it, then changed it again and am just enjoying life.

Impressions of my new studio: lantern

I started to think about my business in a more holistic, professional way. About, how I could integrate it into my life better and be more satisfied with it. Not exploiting myself, nature, other people or animals.

Wow, that’s quite a task! I got pretty high standards on how it should be and sometimes have some doubts if I can pull it off with the business skills I’ve got ...

There are so many things to think about..

I got this in my studio too now. So me!:)

I’m feeling bad, coz a few times I’ve said I’m getting there, but then it took much longer then I thought.

So I’ll give you a few things I’m working on,

 ♥ I wanna change production to exclusively organic and recycled fabrics

 ♥ I wanna produce everything locally

 ♥ everything needs to be vegan(except for a couple of wool dresses I sold in the beginning of Lyptis, all of my stuff was anyways)

 ♥ there will be stuff for kids and for men

Strangely, I just figured out the other day, that Lyptis was quite a sustainable brand already. You know, handmade in Australia, but also cuz, I almost exclusively used deadstock fabrics. I knew what deadstock was, I just didn’t know I was using it. Strange, right?!

So, that makes me feel better and now it’s just about taking it to another level.

Picture a friend gave me. Also in my studio.

About the economics, I haven’t studied business or something like that. I’m just making things up as I go, picking something up from other self-employees, from classes and the net. 

I would like to live off my own label, but sometimes it feels like there is so much to learn. And it feels quite overwhelming at times.

Spring Greetings from Berlin!

But then, I think about all the cool things I could make, and how making things in a more environmentally conscious way would be a great thing to do. And most importantly, I think of all the sweet customers I had, some of which are still writing to me, after I had my Etsy shop closed for over a year, asking when I’d open again, so they can buy more dresses. Wow, really, I gotta say that’s so nice! 

And the once that always left such sweet feedback on my page(I think I need to show it off), it always made my day, even after so many feedbacks. Thank you so much!

I hope I will be able to show everyone some new stuff soon. And I think it’s gonna be cool. 

And I’m very grateful that you’re still with me! Thanks!

IT'S EASY TO KEEP YOUR STUDIO TIDY, ISN'T IT?!

It’s been a while since I closed down my shop. I’d never thought it would take me that long to open it again!! On the one hand, I must have forgotten how intense German bureaucracy can get, on the other hand, underestimated how many business things there are still for me to learn.

At the moment I still haven’t got anything listed in my shop and I’m doing courses and training, which is nice, it makes me feel more secure plunging myself into my business full-time again for a second round.

So, before I get the bureaucratic .. uhm.. challenges moved out of the way, I was wondering what I could do in the meanwhile. And I decided, one of the things that would make work easier for myself once I start it, would be a very well organized workspace.

So, I decided to focus on that. I tend to be quite tidy, but also quite unorganized. When I posted pics of my studios in the past, people have told me it looks quite tidy and how they never get theirs to look that clean.

My Australian Studio

And here is a link where you can have a look at pics from my very FIRST studio.

Same studio as in the picture before

I don’t actually need to tidy up that much before taking pics, but of curz there are days where it doesn’t look quite like that either. And I remember a time when I JUST started my label.. holy shit, I don’t really wanna talk about that, there were a lot of tears, a lot of crawling around the floor and lots of swearing while looking for things.

I used to think I don’t have time to tidy, but then spent 10 times longer looking for things and it seemed, things took me 20 times longer to make.

I’ve noticed from hearing other people and knowing myself, that most people (would) like a tidy workspace, so here are some tips that I’ve figure out for myself on,

“How to keep a tidy workspace” 

•figure out the perfect layout for the space you have: make a list or draw a floor plan of your studio and think about things like storage options and how to save the most space, figure out where everything needs to go.

•once you’ve done that, it’s actually quite easy to keep your shit tidy, if you just tidy up by the end of the day. Allocate even just 15 or 30min and put everything back in it’s place and do what needs to be done, like bringing the rubbish down, taking cups to the kitchen, etc.

•I don’t know about you, but my studio is not a dining room or picnic table, nothing against snacks, but keep it contained.

•make your studio a cozy place, put up nice lighting, get a comfy chair, put up pictures, keep it nice and warm or cool, make it so you love coming in there and you can start working straight away, coz you got everything at your disposal and you are excited to be there.

•tidy up your computer desktop(one of my pet peeves), close down all tabs, bookmark what you need and drag shit you've put on your desktop into designated folders by the end of your work day/night.

And this is my space now

I had an open studio event 2 months back, which I used as a deadline to make my space more inviting and comfy. I gotta say, I like using it much more now. My studio is outside my home and it’s almost like a little home away from home!

What tips have you got to keep your studio tidy and comfy? Post links to pics of your workspace in the comments, I love checking out other peoples spaces!

Thanks for reading!x

MINI LYPTIS

I put some pictures of my kids clothing up on my facebook page just before I left. It was a really, really stressful time and I still haven’t gotten around to blog about it. Actually just thinking about the time before I left makes me feel like stomach ulcers and anxiety attacks all over again.

I thought kids clothing would be kind of a cool thing to do. And I’ve made some men's stuff before too, which I haven’t blogged about yet, but there are some pics on my facebook page too. It’s cool to make some other clothing sometimes, something in a different shape, for different people. It gives you a more complete understanding of the human form and of what people need in their clothing. And it’s fun!!

Maybe I will start selling some. Why not, right?! I think they are cute. Of curz I had a really cute, little model too. 

Ok, tell me what you think and what sort of kids clothing would be cool. Or what other stuff you want to see in my “new shop”.

All the Best and have a great day!

Giveaway

I said in this post I might do a Giveaway once I hit 400 Etsy sales. I hit it a while ago, but never gotten around to setting it up.

So yeah, I will randomly draw 5, from this and next months customers, to receive some dresses of their choice(depending on availability). Might even throw in something extra for some of my repeat customers too. Coz I Love, Love, Love my customers, especially the repeat ones!:)

Deadline is the 28th of March and I'll announce the winners on my blog.

Other then that, Everything is 50%off in my shop at the moment. Have a look, I can still make certain custom orders, but not for much longer. All the Best. Love.x

A SALE AND NEW DESIGNS

Made a couple of leggings lately. What you reckon?

 Platinum Leggings

This is the first pair i ever made, pretty awesome right?! I wear leggings every day in winter. Every. Day. Strict No Pant Rule. So yeah, dunno why it took me so long..

 Cherry Blossom Night

One of my favourites, kind of subtle, but kind of not. Cute print too.

Bubblegum Scrunchy Leggings

And those ones, not so subtle, but still one of my favourites(you notice a theme here?)

They and everything else in my shop are on Sale at the moment, just put in coupon code: 'IWANTSUMMER' at checkout and receive 20%off(until Sunday).

Have a super awesome and lovely and sunny weekend.:)

LYPTIS UPDATE

Have you seen the feature on Lyptis on Maddablings blog? It was pretty fun to answer some questions and take some pictures of my studio.

That's me in my studio

I'm planning on doing a Giveaway once i hit 300 likers on my facebook page. At the moment i got 100, give or take a few, but i just wanted to give you a heads up. The Giveaway has to run trough my blog though, because of Facebook's policies, which is kind of annoying, but that's how they roll.

Thinking about giving away one of these.

I might even do one when i hit 400 Etsy Sales. Watch this space and i'll also keep you updated on my Facebook page of course.

Other then that here are some new items.

Hoodie Cowl Jumper in Cherry Red

High Waisted Circle Skirt

Making some shrugs tomorrow which i'll list throughout the week. And i'm thinking about listing some fleece jumper dresses in white. What you think?

1.ETSYVERSARY

Yay, my first Etsyversary! Reason to celebrate.

So, i had my Etsy shop/business for 1 year now, i think i learned a lot and i met a lot of great people.

Last year around this time i quit my day job and 1 year later i got a new one, part time, im working in a biscuit factory now.

Yeah, very fun, its stupid work, and the biscuits are dry and really hard crackers really.

Have to pay the bills some time.

I started giving my shop a bit of an overhaul, im adding more ready made sizes and colours to save shipping time for my customers, but there are still custom options available.



I also wanna add more and more items, i dont really have a deadline but i wanna have like 100-150 items in my shop soon, work up some inventory, improve patterns and pictures and organization.

I have added some new Eskimo Dresses to my shop, here is one, and here is the other.

More coming soon.

I also added some new colours and new styles.

What do you reckon?

What styles would you like to see more in my shop?

I will definitely add some jumpers(sweaters) soon, more hoody/pocket stuff.

And there is still 10-20% off my whole store til the 9th of October(Etsy time).

Im also planning on doing my FIRST GIVEAWAY on my blog soon, so stay tuned!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE -NOW ON!!

As part of the Dust Team 'Christmas in July' Sale I am offering 20% off all items in my store, only for this weekend, 24th-26th of July.

Please see my shop for more details: lyptis.etsy.com


This is one of my newest additions!

This cute elefant is from Susan's shop 'Beadles and Pins', she has 20% off storwide AND Free Worldwide shipping!

Check out her shop for the cutest knitted animals and creatures and knitted scarves.

Check out Lexa's shop 'juntei' for lovely coptic bound notebooks, greeting cards and other stationary items. Lexa has 20%off storewide and free shipping on single cards within Australia.


This beautiful necklace is from a fairly new shop, dspdavey, Deb who also makes beautiful earrings and hair accessories is offering free shipping for Australian buyers for purchases over 30USD and for International buyers over 40USD.

Happy Shopping and a Merrry Christmas in July!:)

NEW LINE-NEW PLANS

Hey Guys,

I shud have posted this earlier, but i just now found the time to actually do it!

My SALE last week was quite a success, Thanks to my lovely customers and all the supportive people in my team and on my blog and twitter!

Thanks so much!

Now im going to stay in my sewing cave for the next 2 weeks

and my ass is gonna be on fire from all the sewing!

After that, so in like 2/3 weeks time, im gonna put out my new range.

I got some awesome vintage materials im very looking forward to using, im going do a little 'woodlands range' with, and i bought the CUTEST yellow heart fabric today, im going to make into jumpers and dresses. Also stay tuned for some metallic looking knits, im looking forward to them too.

Ok, girls(and boys), see u on twitter and on the blogs, so long for now!:)

LITTLE HELPERS

Today i want to introduce u to my little friends, my work colleagues, my companions.

First there is 'Sheep'. Sheep helps me by making my everyday meassuring tasks a pleasure, it is very hard working(but likes to take long leasure breaks) and very easy going. Its like 'Gadget Sheep', its right leg extending into a measurring tape, always has a cheery smile on its face too.

Then there is the iMice(speakers for my iBook), identical twins, my boyfriend bought them for me, they are right little entertainers, cud be singing away the whole day, if i wud let them.

I'd get a headache before they wud get a sore throat, thats for sure!!

Their favourite song is by Metallica. Why? No one knows.. Maybe coz they can feel really dark and mysterious while singing it. But really they just like THAT ONE song by them.

And thats their favourite band, it must be coz of their eyes, they have this slightly evil glint while singing these songs and when u stare at them for too long, u'll be hypnotized!

This is Brunhilde, my watch dog.

She takes good care of me since we met in the good old days in Berlin. I actually got her from a Free Shop. We were friends from the very first sight and since then she's been sitting on window sills and tables keeping watch for ghosts and crazy people.

At the moment she likes to sit guard on her watch tower made of stacked coasters.

The Free -Shop is NOT a charity shop, its a collective run by a bunch of funny people(theyre all commies) with a great concept. The rules are, u can bring stuff around which u dont need(useful stuff mind u, no rubbish) and leave it there and/or u can also pick things up u need or wud like to take. U dont pay money for them, u dont trade, there is a maximum of 3 items u can take and they got all sorts of stuff there, toys, kitchen stuff, clothes and shitloads of books.

Love the Free Shop, makes me all sentimental(i used to live above it).

Yep, thats where Brunhilde and I met and those are my friends and they and other people join me in my day, like every day!

Thanks for reading!:)

Who do u work with?

SALE!! SALE!! SALE!!

Hi guys,  got a SALE on this week in my shop!

Kirrily made me this awesome ad for craftcult, its nice huh? My first one!

Its a BUY 2 - GET 3 - SALE! (Buy 2 items, get a 3rd for free, of equal or lower value).

Basically how it works, u either wait for a revised invoice or make full payment and i will refund you the price of the cheapest item.

Sale ends Sunday the 14th of June.

Those dresses are some of my favourites. Im wearing my Toasty Dresses now EVERY Day, coz its so bloody cold here!:P