Charlie and Sarah Blog

We were featured on Martha Stewart today!

2011-01-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

We're featured on Martha Stewart today: http://thefamilyroom.marthastewart.com/2011/01/28/i-heart-the-%E2%80%9Ci-heart-mum%E2%80%9D-t-shirt/

Cabin Fever in Boston This Weekend

2010-02-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Got Cabin Fever? Wanna catch it?

We love Boston. This show looks great. The vendors and food look fantastic. It's worth a trip out.

January Hoodiathon

2010-01-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

December was a blur for us. We planned to introduce a whole line of new hoodies, but ran out of time. So, it's January and we're sipping hot cocoa and having a hoodiathon.

Charlie in City Pages- Jay Leno Bloopers

2009-12-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

How could Jay Leno resist this City Pages blooper? Charlie from Charlie and Sarah is pictured holding Secret Keeper bird pillows he made while vending at last year's No Coast holiday craft fair. The image was supposed to be accompanied by an article for this weekend's No Coast craft fair. Instead, City Pages ran it in the A List stand up comedy section with captions promoting some comedians. I sure hope the audience members at the comedy club aren't expecting to see a guy in a floral apron holding bird pillows.

No Coast is Minnesota's hugest holiday show. It is known for having record numbers of shoppers even in a blizzard. Even though, this show is on Friday and Saturday, get there early for the best pickings. There are many one of a kind items and they go fast! Shoppers are known to arrive before the vendors to get first dibs on the handmade goodies.

If you are in New York City, stop by Gifted (www.BrooklynFlea.com) in the East Village all week or Bust Craftacular in Chelsea on Sunday. If you are in Chicago, check out the Renegade Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday. Happy Holidays!

Martha Stewart Taping at the Brooklyn Flea

2009-11-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

The Martha Stewart show on Brooklyn aired today. It was so exciting watching the crew film at the Brooklyn Flea. I was nine months pregnant during the filming. I turned down induction just to make it to the taping. I had the baby exactly one week later. Whew! Here are some of my pictures:Martha and niece, Sophie, sampling pickles.

Martha sampling prosciutto and ricatta biscuits.Martha's dog, Francesca, signs up for a Facebook mailing list.

Charlie and Sarah under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Martha is so hot in person. She has long skinny legs and looks absolutely stunning!

NEW Carpenter Pants Made by Charlie

2009-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

We are having a blast designing a new line of pants. I love it. Charlie whips up whatever I sketch for him. It is like Project Runway here at the Charlie and Sarah headquarters.

First up, we have a soft, grey, denim pair of carpenter pants with a functional pocket and loop.

All Points West- Coldplay, Jay Z

2009-08-01T16:00:00.001-07:00

We are at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend at All Points Wes t. I'll admit that the biggest reason I signed on was because the Beastie Boys were booked to perform on opening night. They were replaced by Jay Z at the last minute. Although a bit crushed, we are having a blast.

This festival has most breathtaking view ever. It is in New Jersey in Liberty State Park. It has a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline that give you an illusion you are standing beside them.

Did I mention Coldplay is booked for Sunday night? That should help heal the wounds of missing the Beastie Boys. This is Charlie's first concert ever. Coldplay is not a bad way to start. Let's hope all of the anglophiles come out to shop at our Charlie and Sarah shop before the concert.

Press from NBC Los Angeles

2009-07-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Check out this press from NBC Los Angeles. Love it!

Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles- This Weekend

2009-07-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

If you are in the LA area, don't miss this event. Renegade has become this biggest indie craft fair in the country. The Renegades are amazing, must attend fairs in Brooklyn and Chicago. After LA, we will be doing one in San Francisco and another at All Points West in New Jersey (featuring Coldplay and the Beastie Boys).

We hope to see you!

Dirty?

2009-07-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

Clean yourself up with our English inspired handmade soaps. We teamed up with our super fav soapmaker Michelle from Dirty Loves Clean. We LOVE her and her soaps. They are vegan and made with only the best oils and ingredients. They last so long and are super clever and cute. She always adds amazing natural ingredients to scrub and exfoliate, like coffee grinds (Nana's Kitchen Soap) and raw oats (Rhubarb Crumble) and dried tea leaves (Tea and Cucumber).

Our offer to get you addicted is 3 bars for only $15. God save the clean!

Handmade Frocks by Charlie

2009-06-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

We nearly sold out on our first day of the release of our new Summer frocks. As soon as we found out we were expecting a baby girl, Charlie whipped a pattern together and started making the cutest little A-Line dresses.

One of A Kind Vintage Applique Tshirts

2009-06-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

We are upcycling the old with the new. We took old tshirts and appliqued them onto brand new American Apparel shirts. If we can keep up, we will be releasing some new designs weekly. Cheers!

JUST RELEASED: Foxhound and Chopper

2009-06-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Save The Foxhound! Ride The Chopper!
Also available in adult sizes.

Kids Weekend in McCarren Park in Brooklyn

2009-05-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Check Out. Hang Out. Bring the Kids!

This Saturday, we kick off our first "Bring Out The Kids" Day at the Market in McCarren with some rockin' free entertainment (TheDeedleDeedleDees @ 10:30am; The Xylopholks @ 1pm), sweet kid-themed merch (care of nabe faves Charlie & Sarah, newcomers Silly Moose Industries, coolest-kids-on-the-block GnomeNYC, tres chic Baby Noir and many, many more), a slew of fun, interactive games & entertainers, and plenty of killer goods to satisfy the rest of us! The day's festivities are being organized in part with the help of the McCarren Park Moms so in the spirit of getting out and meeting your friends & neighbors, this is where it all starts! [Check some of the press bits & hits below and online here.]

Nabe fave Brooklyn Standard is back serving up a wicked array of the bestest tasting sandwiches, snacks & refreshments. Check out their set-up starting at 10am just in front of the McCarren Field House!

Guess Who Painted This Picture

2009-03-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

This video is so amazing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk

If you want to buy a painting, visit: http://www.exoticworldgifts.com/

Music- Hot in the UK

2009-03-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Check out this hot new song from Future on the Left. I swear I've been to that pub.

Keeping a Secret

2009-03-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

As a Scorpio, I sometimes get complaints from friends that I am too secretive. I was especially excited when I was tipped off about being included in a blog about secret keeping products. The blog included our Chestnut Farmer Polly Secret Keeping Pillow Doll. I'll give you the link, but please keep it between us. Promise?

Celeb Alert- DUMBO Pop Up Market

2009-02-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today, Charlie spotted Tyra Banks shopping at the DUMBO Pop Up Market. He said she was stunning and very tall in person. She was spotted with a beau who was even taller than her. I wonder who it was. You go girl.

Tyra's look: Charlie and Sarah Wellies Long Sleeve Shirt with preppy skirt.

Made by Hank- Featured Seller on Etsy

2009-02-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Made by Hank! She is currently a featured seller on Etsy. I spotted Made by Hank at the Philadelphia Indie Market back in the Summer of 2008. I just knew she had something special. Not only are her purses and pouches stunning, but she pays such great attention to the details. Every piece is embroidered with "Made by Hank". She even attaches a little sewn tag and toy to each purse. I didn't even remove mine. It was so cute. She even takes wrapping to the hill!

She has created a huge following thanks to her gorgeous blog. She has become so popular, you are lucky if you can catch new items in her shop.

Joaquin Phoenix on David Letterman

2009-02-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

I can't say anything bad about Joaquin Phoenix. He is one of my favorite actors. He was on David Letterman the other night wearing a gorgeous tux and a kind of fuzzy hairdo. He may have been aloof, nervous or something else, but I feel that David Letterman was a bit of a bully. What do you think?

Here's the clip:
http://www.wonderwall.com/#wallState=1__/movies/Im-Not-There-431.video%3F%26rnd%3D1234467571732

Missing the Brooklyn Flea?

2009-02-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Oh, how we miss the Brookyn Flea. After spending almost every Sunday there last year, we didn't know what to do with ourselves once Winter hit. The good news is Eric Demby took the Flea's magic to DUMBO, added a little water and voila you've got the DUMBO Pop Up Marke t. Even better, it's held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Here's a look back at one of our favorite Brooklyn Flea Sales... I noticed a super preppy couple shopping the Flea for some time. Believe it or not, it took them months to find our preppy heaven. Finally, Sean Crowley and Meredith Modzelewski popped into our tent, and I fell in love.

I scared them a little by asking why they wear the same clothes every weekend. It turns out Sean is a tie designer for Ralph Lauren. He isn't wearing the same outfit. He just has hundreds of shirts in the same style due to his employee perks. Meredith has oodles of madras dresses in her closet. Once that was cleared up, we moved on to the less scary part when I took pictures of them purchasing a lobster towel. Gosh, I miss them!

Shop DUMBO- Join us this weekend

2009-02-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

Join us this weekend at the Pop Up Market in DUMBO. It's run by the shopping made fun guru, Eric Demby. He can turn a track field or gym into a Disneyland for hipsters, posh Manhattanites, tourists and thrifty pirates. His markets aren't just for shopping. They are a destination.

DUMBO is such a romantic hot spot for a chilly weekend. The restaurants are yummy. The view of Manhattan is romantic and breathtaking.

Join us Feb. 7 and 8. The market will popping up in February and March. After that, we are back to the Brooklyn Flea!

Photos courtesy of Eric Demby at www.brooklynflea.com.

NEW Accessories in Filmmonsters Store

2009-02-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Filmmonsters is a photography and filmmaking company we have had in New York City for over 7 years. We brought some of the party favors and promotional tshirts and totes to the big indie fairs and the Brooklyn Flea and found out how much people love cameras.

To feed the hunger, we created more designs in more colors. We even add lap top cases and wallets to the store.

British American Couple on Wife Swap

2009-02-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

Charlie and I love Wife Swap. We were even more excited when we saw there was a British American couple on last week's episode. Our favorite Brimerican couples include Chris Martin/Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Ritchie/ Madonna (RIP) and Paul Bettany/ Jennifer Connelly.

Much to our surprise, this was one of the most upsetting episodes I have watched. Stephen Fowler, the brainy Brit from San Francisco represented English men as anti patriotic, Anti American, elitist, snobby and cruel. His words to his new wife, Gayla Long, were so harsh and undeserving. It was so painful to watch Stephen call her stupid and fat just because she was from Middle America. He made Hugh Grant's character from Bridget Jones diary look like a sweetheart.

I know I am giving this man more that his 15 minutes of fame, but if you missed a second of it, here is where you can indulge yourself:
ABC Wife Swap Message Boards

You Tube Clips:
Stephen Fowler tells Gayla that she speaks "redneck"

Stephen Fowler bashes the US military
Stephen Fowler calls Gayla a "dumb redneck"

Art Fire $7 a Month for Life

2009-01-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

Join now for only $7 a month for life. This is a new site where you can sell. They advertise like crazy. They have limited this offer to the first 5,000 shop owners. Please use this link so they know we sent you. Charlie and Sarah want you to join Art Fire

New Biggie Monogram Applique

2009-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

This is my new favorite. The Biggie Monograms were a huge hit. Who couldn't resist the giant letters that covered kids bellies and men showed off their super chest with these giant monograms.

Since, we were screenprinting them, we could only print onto light color shirts. We solved the problem! We now offer the Biggie Monogram Appliques in fantastic colors. We screenprint the letters and then sew them on like a patch. They're brilliant.

Choose from:
Kelly Green Letter on Navy Shirt(Navy is only available in 2,4,6):
Kelly Green Letter on Pink Shirt
Black Letter on Asphalt Shirt
Red Letter on Asphalt Shirt
Fuschia Letter on Pink Shirt
Navy Blue Letter on a Baby Blue Shirt

Artists and Fleas- January 24 and 25

2009-01-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

Artists and Fleas is our new favorite weekend haunt. We will be selling there January 24 and 25.

Who doesn't love hanging out in hipster heaven Williamsburg on a chilly weekend out? The food is yummy. The shopping is fantastic.

If you are a late starter on the weekends, Artists and Fleas will fit your schedule. They are open from Noon until 8PM. So sleep in, eat your brunch and try to catch the site of Charlie dancing to their DJ's funky beats.

For directions and a map, please visit:
http://www.artistsandfleas.com/

Easy Up, Easy Down

2009-01-22T15:14:00.001-08:00

This year has been the year of the hurricanes, rain pours, blizzards and heatwaves for the biggest craft fairs. The Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago was no exception.

We have been selling outdoors for a little over a year. In the beginning, we tried to find the perfect tent. We have been through two so far. We have seen the best most expensive tents fly away and self destruct.

This poor little tent takes the cake. It was left overnight with the entire display and stock in it. I guess it sort of imploded or something. Sorry tent. Please RIP.

Trashion Show

2009-01-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

I know what you are thinking. Is that girl making a music video commercial for Glad trash bags?

This girl is modeling a shirt from her favorite assignment from her days back in fashion school.

About this look: The sleeves are poofy. The waist is cinched and belted. This technique combined with the folds gives a slimming look. Notice the unhemmed finish along the bottom of the shirt. It's very Adam and Eve meets rock glam.

Good luck with your application to Project Runway. You've got what it takes!

How To: Card Hander Outer

2008-08-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Are you exhausted from handing out business cards all day? I'll bet you are. Charlie came up with this clever contraption that will do the work for you.

Step 1: Find something really cute to present your business cards. It can be a mannequin, stuffed animal or a name card holder.

Step 2: Try to include product placement on the Card Hander Outer.

Step 3: Keep the Card Hander Outer fully loaded. Please do not mess this up. Nothing looks lazier than someone who is too lazy to hand out their own business cards and is too lazy to reload the Card Hander Outer.

Brooklyn Flea: Buy It, Wear It

2008-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Buy It, Wear It shopper is Steven. He traveled all the way from Manhattan to check out the Brooklyn Flea.

He picked out the Lorry Track Jacket in Brown and Light Blue to compliment his purple pants. Steven's fashion is practical yet groundbreaking. He chose to tough out the breezy day by layering and is not afraid to mix colors.

Brookly Flea: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ooh, we can't resist seeing someone in our clothing. Nothing excites us more than seeing someone walking out of our shop wearing our designs.

Today's Buy It, Wear It shopper is Chelsea. She looks so preppy in our cherry preppy print scoop neck puffy sleeve shirt. Here's to you Chelsea!

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza: Buy It, Wear It

2008-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Child Labor Expose

2008-04-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

While we were vending at this year's St. Paul's Craftstravaganza, I noticed something. I saw a cute, little, short person behind a table. It turns out it was a kid. Shalom is a 9 year old who makes letterpress cards and notebooks, and sells them along side her mother, Krista from Papered Together.

This was no refrigerator art, folks. This was wedding invitation quality artwork. This kid had way better business cards than we did.

I blame Gossip Girl for all of the pressure we put on our kids to get into Ivy League schools. I was going to give the little girl a coloring book while she was waiting for sales, but she probably would have upcycled it into postcards or a calendar.

Customer Appreciation Pictures

2008-04-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

We absolutely LOVE it when people include a customer appreciation picture with our Etsy feedback. Usually, we get pictures of super cute kids wearing our clothing. We finally received one from an adult and we went nuts.

We would like to present Dennis wearing our Mini shirt sitting on his Mini looking super cool! Thank you jkalea. You made our day.

Charlie and Stitch N' Bitch Star on Fox 9

2008-04-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

You can see Charlie's legs and and favorite craft apron by GoMonkeyDesign behind the camera guy. He is waiting for the interview with the knitting world biggest star author of "Stitch N' Bitch" Debbie Stoller to wrap so he can get his turn.

You must watch this interview from the No Coast Craft-O-Rama!

Thank you CritterBee for providing the picture and the YouTube footage. We love you.

Find Us at The Pajama Squid

2008-04-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce the opening a super cute children's boutique in Maryland called The Pajama Squid. They carry our British Flashcard toddler collection and totes and our American Prep Whale line.

If you live in the area or are visiting, you must stop by.

Etsy Front Page

2008-03-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

And the treasury made the front page. Thank you Frog and Thistle!

Double Whammy! Etsy Treasury

2008-03-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are mentioned in two Etsy treasuries at the same time. Thank you for thinking of us!

Nipplegate 2008

2008-03-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

We had a modeling session last weekend. I made the poor girl stand next to an open window on a frigidly cold day. The lighting was good, but not without consequence.

I went to the Etsy Forums to find out how to fix the problem and people got right to the point:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5511660&page=30

Whale Here It Is

2008-03-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Here are our first couple of attempts at applique. We're still working it out. Hopefully, whale be able to add them to our shop soon.

Who Wore It Better?

2008-03-07T13:05:00.001-08:00

Results:

Votes so far: 40 (Poll closed)
Charlie: 38 (95% )
Manny (the mannequin): 0 (0%)
It's too close to call: 2 (5%)

Our Men's clothes have been unfairly modeled by women mannequins, a hanger or just folded. I have been trying to get Charlie to model some new prints for months. He is either too tired after work or he can't be bothered to shave.

I ordered a Gap mannequin off eBay to model the men's clothes. We named him Manny. In the name of tabloid journalism, we have created a blog segment called "Who Wore It Better?". It is a faceoff between Charlie and Manny. Somehow, this has motivated Charlie to resume modeling.

Custom Made Easter Bunny Boy

2008-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

We are very careful about the number of plushies we bring into the house. They seem to multiply quickly. We started a tradition to buy one very sentimental bunny plushie each Easter. This year we will be welcoming Elliot into our family.

We found him at http://www.PillowMonsters.etsy.com. Well, we saw his sister and Nichol from Pillow Monsters not only made me her brother, but she let me have some input on his genetic makeup.

Then, she even told me his background:
Elliot loves peeps. He wants to be a sculptor when he grows up, and he would like for his medium to be peeps! He likes sculpting peeps because they are really squishy and you don't even need glue, and they are edible. He likes to make very interesting things and then give them to his very best friends as a present. Easter is his favorite holiday. He's not sure but he think the Easter Bunny may live in a hole in his backyard, he spotted him one time on a very sunny day and he was sure it smiled and winked at him.

Where else can you find a doll that special?

DIY Light Box

2008-03-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

If you land a partnership or wholesale account with an online shop, they may ask you to retake your photos using a white background.

Our time has come and we would like to introduce our newest creation:

The Light Box

Step One: Send your husband to buy foam board.
Step Two: Chat on forums until he comes back.
Step Three: Let your husband tape the corners together so the box will stand on its own.
Step Four: Clamp a light onto the foam board. You can use a gel to soften the light.
Step Five: Start snapping pictures.

Materials: Foam Board, Tape, Light with Clamp, Extension Cord, Light Bulb, Clothes Pins and a Gel.

New York City Skyline From Our Street

2008-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Usually, we don't stand in the middle of the street taking pictures. Today, a parade went past our block. The streets were blocked off. It gave us a clear shot of the New York City skyline at the bottom of the hill.

This is a very busy street which resembled 28 Days Later for a moment.

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Little Shop of Horrors

2008-02-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

We just received a huge shipment of mannequins the other day. Charlie is such a busybot. The other night I heard him rustling through boxes and he spent the night in the hallway creating something that looks like a cross between "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Dead Silence". Imagine what this looks like in the middle of the night with the lights out.

Plans for 2008

2008-02-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Our first products ever were our Preppy Print shirts. We only stumbled upon the British Flashcards after a couple of fairs.

With Spring and Summer just around the corner, we decided to bring back the Prep.

Here is what you can expect:

Preppy Prints
Polos
Biggie Monograms
Superhero Monograms
European Microcars
and more British Flashcards

We look forward to introducing our new designs.

Charlie and Sarah

European Microcar- The Peel Trident

2008-02-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Peel Trident Microcar is a car of the past with looks of the future. Its design allows its driver fuel efficiency. You could go for miles in this looker.

If you want to see this bubble car in action, watch these videos:

http://microcarmuseum.com/video/peel-trident.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ub5rBdrE4